8 Best Handheld Stick Vacuums to Buy in 2025

This cordless powerhouse redefines what a handheld stick vacuum can do. With a 600W brushless motor delivering 50KPA of suction, it obliterates embedded dirt and pet hair like few others in its class. The self-standing design isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a game-changer for quick pauses between rooms, eliminating the awkward propping-up dance most vacuums demand. Add a smart touch screen that auto-adjusts suction on carpets, and you’ve got a vacuum that doesn’t just clean—it thinks. It’s built for users who want deep cleaning without the cord hassle, especially in multi-surface homes.

In real-world use, the 65-minute runtime (in eco mode) is impressive, easily covering 1,500+ sq ft homes on a single charge. We tested it on high-pile rugs, hardwood, and tile—transitioning seamlessly thanks to its AUTO suction mode. The LED headlights on the motorized brush revealed dust bunnies hiding under the couch that lesser models would miss. However, the boost mode drains power quickly (20 mins), so it’s best reserved for deep carpet sessions. While the wall-mounted dock keeps accessories organized, the unit feels slightly top-heavy when upright, occasionally tipping if nudged.

Compared to the LEVOIT LVAC-200, this model offers significantly stronger suction and longer runtime, making it better for larger homes or deep cleans. But it’s heavier and pricier than simpler models like the Amazon Basics. It’s ideal for busy households with pets and mixed flooring who value long runtime and high power over ultra-lightweight maneuverability. It outperforms most in suction and stamina, trading a bit of agility for raw cleaning muscle.

If pet hair is your nemesis, the LEVOIT LVAC-200 is your new best friend. Its anti-tangle brush roll slices through fur like a hot knife through butter—no more pulling clumps off the roller every other room. The 50-minute runtime in eco mode is more than enough for daily touch-ups, and the lightweight design (under 6 lbs) makes it effortless to carry up stairs or maneuver under furniture. With 3 LED lights on the nozzle, it illuminates dust in dark corners, turning blind cleaning into precision work—perfect for quick, targeted sweeps.

During testing, the custom 2-in-1 pet tool proved invaluable for sofas and car seats, lifting embedded hair in one pass. On hardwood and low-pile rugs, it performed flawlessly, but on thick carpets, suction dipped slightly in turbo mode, suggesting it’s optimized for light to medium cleaning rather than deep carpet revival. The 5-stage HEPA filtration captured nearly all fine dust, making it a solid pick for allergy sufferers. However, battery removal requires a screwdriver, which hampers quick swaps—unlike competitors with tool-free access.

Against the Tikom V500, the LEVOIT trades raw power for superior tangle resistance and user-friendliness, making it better for pet owners who prioritize convenience. It’s not the strongest vacuum here, but it’s the smartest for daily pet messes. For those who hate maintenance and need a low-hassle, reliable cleaner for fur and quick spills, this is the gold standard. It delivers pet-focused efficiency with minimal fuss, outshining bulkier models in usability.

The Tikom V500 is a feature-packed performer that punches above its weight. With 40KPA suction and a 450W motor, it handles pet hair, crumbs, and fine dust across hardwood and carpet with ease. The color LED touch screen is a standout—showing battery life, suction level, and error alerts in real time—giving users total control at a glance. But what truly sets it apart is its 6-in-1 versatility: convert from stick to handheld, stair vac, or crevice tool in seconds, making it ideal for dorms, cars, and multi-room homes.

In testing, the 1.3L dust cup allowed for extended cleaning without constant emptying—great for larger spaces. The 6 LED headlights lit up every shadow under furniture, while the 180° swivel head navigated tight corners with precision. However, runtime caps at 50 minutes (eco mode), and turbo mode lasts just 12 minutes—shorter than top rivals. The 7-stage HEPA filtration is excellent for air quality, but the filters are harder to access than on LEVOIT or MBYULO models. Still, for a budget-friendly price, it delivers pro-level features without the pro-level cost.

Versus the MBYULO B0D4Z7TFXV, it offers similar suction and filtration, but Tikom wins on display clarity and conversion flexibility. It’s perfect for renters, pet owners, and small families who want maximum utility in one compact unit. It doesn’t have the longest battery, but it offers the best balance of features, power, and price for those who clean a variety of surfaces regularly.

For hardwood floor enthusiasts, the MBYULO B0D4Z7TFXV is a precision cleaning instrument. Its V-shaped roller brush glides smoothly without scratching, while the fine and smooth bristles prevent hair wrap—making it a dream for pet owners with wood or tile floors. The 40KPA suction is robust enough to lift fine dust and larger debris alike, and the 50-minute runtime ensures full-home coverage. The ultra-clear LED color screen provides real-time updates on battery, mode, and maintenance—no guesswork, just clarity.

In real-world use, it excelled on hardwood and low-pile rugs, lifting pet hair and cereal crumbs with ease. The 11-level filtration system with H13 HEPA captured microscopic particles, making the air noticeably cleaner—ideal for allergy sufferers. However, on high-pile carpets, it struggled to extract deeply embedded dirt, revealing its hardwood-first design philosophy. The battery is removable, but the charging port is recessed, requiring careful alignment.

Compared to the LEVOIT LVAC-200, MBYULO offers better filtration and a superior screen, but LEVOIT wins on ergonomic comfort and tangle resistance. This vacuum is best for homeowners with mostly hard flooring who want hospital-grade air filtration and scratch-free cleaning. It trades carpet deep-cleaning power for floor-safe precision and elite filtration, making it the top pick for wood floor purists.

The Shark HV371 is a corded beast built for those who hate battery anxiety. With 500W of constant power, it delivers uninterrupted suction—ideal for deep carpet cleaning and pet hair extraction. The removable hand vacuum detaches in seconds, letting you clean ceilings, cars, and furniture without lugging the whole unit. Its Advanced Swivel Steering makes it feel almost alive, gliding around furniture legs with surgical precision. For users who want maximum power without recharging, this is the ultimate plug-in solution.

Testing revealed excellent performance on thick carpets, where it pulled out weeks-old pet hair and dust. The XL 0.68-quart dust cup reduced emptying frequency, and the LED headlights on both wand and nozzle made hidden debris impossible to miss. However, the cord limits mobility, and at under 10 lbs, it’s heavier than cordless rivals—tiring during extended use. The easy-release foot pedal is genius, but the dust cup release requires two hands, slightly slowing cleanup.

Against the Intercleaner B0B499BXWC, it’s more powerful and durable, but less portable. It’s the best choice for homes with deep carpets and persistent pet messes who prioritize power over portability. It outperforms budget corded models in suction and build quality, delivering professional-grade cleaning with household convenience.

The Intercleaner B0B499BXWC is a budget marvel that punches far above its price. With 15KPA suction and a 400W motor, it tackles pet hair, dust, and crumbs on hardwood and low-pile carpets with surprising gusto. The 12-in-1 design—loaded with attachments—transforms it into a cleaning Swiss Army knife, handling stairs, windowsills, sofas, and even keyboards. Its 16.4ft extra-long cord eliminates plug-jumping, letting you clean an entire room without moving the outlet—rare in this price range.

In practice, it’s lightweight (just 3 lbs) and easy for kids or seniors to use. The 0.8L dust cup is generous, allowing multiple room cleans before emptying. The one-button dump keeps hands clean, and the transparent bin lets you monitor fill levels. However, suction drops on thick carpets, and the plastic build feels flimsy compared to pricier models. The quiet operation is a win for pet-friendly homes, but it lacks LED lights or smart features.

Versus the Amazon Basics B0D6QS74FM, it offers more power, longer cord, and bigger dust cup—making it the best budget multi-tasker. It’s perfect for apartments, dorms, or secondary homes where cost matters most. It doesn’t match premium models in power or durability, but for under $30, it delivers unmatched versatility and value.

The Vacmaster B08CF34DJV is the featherweight champion of corded vacuums, weighing just 3.7 lbs—easier to lift than a laptop. Its 14KPA suction is solid for quick cleanups, and the telescopic wand extends to reach ceilings or under beds with ease. The 2-in-1 design switches to handheld mode in seconds, making it ideal for cars, stairs, and spot cleaning. With a washable HEPA filter, it keeps air clean without ongoing filter costs—great for budget-conscious users.

In testing, it handled pet hair on upholstery and hard floors well, but struggled with deep carpet debris. The 3.7L dust cup is adequate for small jobs, but requires frequent emptying during whole-home cleaning. The continuous corded power is reliable, but the cord is shorter than average, limiting range. Still, for quick messes and light daily use, it’s incredibly convenient.

Compared to the Amazon Basics model, it’s lighter and has better suction, but lacks a crevice tool and self-standing design. It’s best for apartment dwellers, car detailers, or elderly users who need lightweight, no-fuss cleaning. It sacrifices storage features and deep-clean power for ultra-portability and ease of use, making it the top pick for light-duty, corded simplicity.

The Amazon Basics B0D6QS74FM is the entry-level essential—simple, reliable, and ridiculously affordable. At just 3.9 lbs, it’s easy to carry up stairs or use overhead, and the 19.7-ft cord offers unmatched reach for its class. The 300W motor delivers consistent suction on hard floors and low-pile rugs, perfect for daily dust and crumbs. Its self-standing design and built-in cord wrap make storage a breeze—no more tangled wires in the closet.

In real use, it excels at quick cleanups and light maintenance, but struggles on thick carpets and fills up fast with the 0.5L dust cup. The washable HEPA filter traps 99.97% of particles, making it good for allergy sufferers on a budget. However, it lacks LED lights, swivel steering, or advanced tools—this is no-frills cleaning at its core.

Against the Vacmaster, it offers longer cord and better storage, but slightly less suction. It’s ideal for first-time buyers, students, or secondary homes who want dependable, low-cost cleaning. It doesn’t dazzle, but it delivers exactly what it promises—basic, effective cleaning without extras. For the price, it’s the smartest starting point.