7 Best Corded Stick Vacuums for Carpet & Bare Floor 2025

This is not just another stick vacuum—the Shark POWERDETECT HZ4002 redefines what corded cleaning can achieve. With its Intelli-Sense floor detection, the vacuum automatically adjusts brushroll speed between carpet and bare floor, delivering precision cleaning without manual input. The DuoClean dual-brushroll system—featuring a soft front roll for fine dust and a stiff rear roll for deep agitation—excels at pulling embedded debris from low-pile carpets while leaving hardwood spotless, solving the age-old dilemma of one-size-fits-all cleaning. For allergy sufferers and pet owners, the HEPA-sealed system traps 99.99% of dust and allergens, and the Odor Neutralizer cartridge actively combats household smells, making it a powerhouse for healthy-home advocates.

In real-world testing, the POWERDETECT shines across transitions—gliding from thick rugs to tile without losing suction or requiring mode changes. The ultrasonic floor sensor reacts in milliseconds, ensuring optimal performance whether you’re tackling tracked-in mud or kitchen spills. Its ultra-lightweight build (under 10 lbs) makes upstairs cleaning effortless, and the long 25-foot power cord eliminates outlet-hopping in large rooms. However, the dust cup is modest at 0.6 quarts, meaning frequent emptying during whole-home cleans. While the self-standing design is convenient, it can tip on uneven flooring—a minor flaw in an otherwise seamless experience.

When stacked against the Eureka NES520BL or Shark HV322, the HZ4002 stands out with intelligent automation and elite surface adaptability, making it ideal for homes with mixed flooring and pets. It sacrifices some storage compactness for brains and brawn, offering a smarter, more responsive clean than mid-range models—and while it lacks the HV322’s XL dust cup, its real-time floor detection and odor control deliver a more refined, hands-off experience.

Don’t let the sub-$30 price tag fool you—this orange powerhouse punches far above its weight with 20,000Pa of raw suction, rivaling vacuums three times its cost. Designed for no-nonsense cleaning, it launches into full power with one press, making it perfect for quick cleanups on hardwood and tile. The cyclone HEPA filtration captures 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns, turning it into a budget-friendly ally for allergy sufferers. At just 3.3 pounds, it’s effortless to wield one-handed, and the 16-foot cord offers surprising reach—ideal for studio apartments or targeted messes like breakfast crumbs or post-shedding fur storms.

During testing, it handled cereal spills, tracked-in dirt, and pet hair with commendable efficiency on hard floors, though performance on low-pile carpet was functional but not deep-cleaning. The motorized brushroll lacks speed adjustment, so it treats all surfaces the same—fine for light duty, but not for homes with thick rugs. The compact storage base keeps it tidy in tight spaces, and the included crevice and square tools add versatility for car seats or baseboards. However, the plastic build feels budget-grade, and the hose connection near the handle can loosen with repeated use, hinting at longevity concerns under heavy use.

Compared to the Eureka NES312 or Shark HV343AMZ, this model wins on affordability and simplicity, but it’s not built for whole-home, daily use. It’s the perfect secondary vacuum for renters or small-space dwellers who need a no-fuss tool for spills and pet messes. While it doesn’t match the Shark’s deep clean or smart features, it delivers impressive suction and filtration at a fraction of the cost, making it the ultimate value play for basic bare-floor maintenance.

The Eureka NES312 is the featherweight champion of corded vacuums, weighing in at a mere 4 pounds—making it effortless to carry up stairs or maneuver under furniture. Despite its tiny frame, it packs a 350W motor that delivers consistent suction across both hard floors and low-pile carpets, efficiently lifting dust, crumbs, and pet hair. The 180° swiveling head is a game-changer, allowing it to glide into tight corners and along baseboards where debris hides. For pet owners in compact homes, its 3-in-1 versatility—stick, handheld, or stair vacuum—means no area gets missed, from car interiors to ceiling corners.

In real-world use, the NES312 excels at quick daily touch-ups and spot cleaning, thanks to its instant tool-free setup and 18-foot power cord. The motorized brushroll does a decent job on embedded pet hair, though it struggles slightly on thicker rugs. The washable filter and 5-second dust cup release make maintenance a breeze, and the upright storage design saves space in closets or under sinks. However, the suction, while adequate, doesn’t match higher-wattage models, and the lack of LED headlights means you might miss dust under dark furniture.

When compared to the Shark HV343AMZ or Eureka NES520BL, the NES312 wins on weight and simplicity, but sacrifices power and accessories. It’s not built for deep cleans or large homes, but for apartment dwellers, elderly users, or anyone who values ease over intensity, it’s unmatched. While the NES520BL offers stronger suction and lights, the NES312 delivers 80% of the performance at half the effort, making it the top pick for lightweight, low-fatigue cleaning.

If pet hair is your arch-nemesis, the Shark HV343AMZ is built to win the war. Its self-cleaning brushroll actively prevents hair wrap, a rare and valuable feature that saves hours of tedious maintenance. The lightweight design (under 9 lbs) and advanced swivel steering make it agile around furniture and stairs, while the LED headlights illuminate hidden fur and dust under sofas—a small feature that makes a big difference. With direct conversion to a handheld vacuum, it transitions seamlessly from floor to upholstery, tackling pet beds, car seats, and drapes with ease.

In performance tests, the HV343AMZ extracted deeply embedded dog hair from area rugs and picked up scattered kibble without clogging. The 0.68-quart dust cup is easy to empty, and the included crevice and upholstery tools enhance its reach. However, the suction, while strong, isn’t class-leading, and the cord length (20 ft) limits range in larger homes. It’s best suited for medium-sized homes with pets, where maneuverability and hair resistance matter more than raw power.

Stacked against the Shark HV322 or Eureka NES520BL, the HV343AMZ offers a balanced mix of pet-focused tools and portability, though it lacks the HV322’s XL dust cup and pet-specific attachments. It’s ideal for pet owners who clean daily and hate maintenance, delivering reliable performance with minimal fuss. While the HV322 has more capacity and pet tools, the HV343AMZ is slightly more agile and easier to store, making it a smart middle ground between function and convenience.

The Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro is engineered for pet owners who clean everything from stairs to sofas, and it shows in every detail. With dedicated pet tools, including a pet crevice and multi-tool, it excels at removing embedded fur from upholstery and tight spaces. The XL 0.68-quart dust cup allows for longer cleaning sessions without emptying, a real advantage when tackling multi-level homes. Its lightweight build and handheld conversion make it perfect for vertical cleaning, while the LED headlights reveal hidden messes under furniture and along baseboards.

In real-world use, the HV322 handled fur-covered stairs and dusty baseboards with authority, and the motorized brushroll maintained consistent pickup on both hardwood and thin carpets. The 20-foot cord provides solid coverage, though not the longest in class. It’s less intelligent than the POWERDETECT model, lacking floor sensing, but makes up for it with superior tool specialization and ease of use. The filter is washable, and the dust cup releases cleanly, though the body doesn’t self-stand and must be leaned or stored upright.

Compared to the HV343AMZ, the HV322 offers more pet-specific tools and slightly better utility, though the two share similar suction and weight. Against the Intercleaner 23Ft model, it trades cord length and dust capacity for smarter ergonomics and pet focus. It’s the best choice for homes where pets dominate the cleaning agenda, offering a balance of reach, tools, and reliability. While the Intercleaner has more power and storage options, the HV322 delivers a more tailored, pet-first experience with better maneuverability.

The Intercleaner 23Ft vacuum is a beast built for large homes and serious cleaning marathons. With a massive 23-foot power cord, it eliminates outlet-hopping across spacious rooms, while the 20KPa suction and two cleaning modes let you toggle between daily dusting and heavy-duty messes like spilled coffee beans or post-renovation debris. The 1.2L dust cup is the largest in class, meaning fewer trips to the trash—ideal for whole-house cleans. Its 8-in-1 versatility, including a flexible LED brush head with 180° swivel, makes it exceptionally capable on stairs, under furniture, and in cars.

In testing, the high-torque brushroll powered through medium-pile carpets, lifting embedded dirt better than most budget models. The adjustable stainless steel tube (19”–30”) accommodates users of all heights, reducing back strain. The Pro-Max 3-stage HEPA filtration captured fine dust effectively, and the wall-mount storage keeps it organized in garages or mudrooms. However, the unit feels top-heavy when extended, and the handheld mode is less balanced than Shark models, making prolonged use tiring.

Against the Shark POWERDETECT or Eureka NES520BL, the Intercleaner wins on capacity and reach but loses on agility and refinement. It’s not as smart or sleek, but for large homes, pet owners, or anyone tired of emptying small dust cups, it’s a workhorse. While the POWERDETECT offers better floor sensing and ergonomics, the Intercleaner delivers unmatched runtime and storage, making it the ultimate corded vacuum for endurance and coverage.

The Eureka NES520BL strikes a rare balance between power, portability, and price, making it the best mid-range corded stick vacuum for mixed flooring and pet homes. Its 500W motor delivers noticeably stronger suction than entry-level models, digging deep into carpets to extract pet hair and ground-in dust. The tangle-free brushroll resists hair wrap, reducing maintenance, and the LED headlights help spot hidden debris under furniture. At 6.3 lbs, it’s light enough for daily use yet sturdy enough to handle intense cleaning sessions.

In real-world testing, it transitioned smoothly between hardwood and area rugs, maintaining consistent pickup without clogging. The 2.2-foot extension pole enables overhead cleaning of vents and curtains, and the crevice and 2-in-1 dusting tools add real utility. The compact storage base keeps it tidy in small spaces, though it lacks wall-mount options. While the dust cup is mid-sized (0.6L), it empties easily with one press—no messy spills.

Compared to the Shark HV343AMZ, the NES520BL offers better suction and lights at a lower price, though it lacks handheld conversion. Against the Eureka NES312, it’s more powerful and feature-rich, justifying its higher cost. It’s ideal for homeowners who want premium features without premium pricing, delivering Shark-like performance with Eureka’s lightweight DNA. While the HV322 has more pet tools, the NES520BL offers a more complete all-around package for the price, blending power, comfort, and versatility in one sleek unit.