8 Best Ultralight Vacuum Cleaners to Buy in 2025

Game-changing intelligence meets ultralight agility in the Shark POWERDETECT HZ4002, a vacuum that doesn’t just clean—it thinks. With Intelli-Sense sensors monitoring floor type, direction, and surface resistance in real time, this stick vacuum dynamically adjusts brushroll speed and suction for flawless transitions from plush carpet to glossy hardwood. The DuoClean dual brushrolls—one soft roller, one bristle—work in tandem to pull up large debris and fine dust simultaneously, while the self-cleaning brushroll ensures zero hair wrap, a godsend for pet owners. It solves the universal pain point of manual detangling and inconsistent cleaning with surgical precision.

In real-world testing, the HZ4002 shines across multi-surface homes, delivering consistent, powerful pickup without requiring user adjustments. The ultrasonic Floor Detect system accurately identifies surface changes, ramping suction on carpets and reducing it on hard floors to preserve energy and extend motor life. At under 10 pounds, it floats through rooms with effortless maneuverability, and the swivel steering allows tight navigation around furniture legs and baseboards. However, the 25-foot cord, while generous, can snag on door jambs during room-to-room transitions, and the dust cup capacity (0.45L) demands frequent emptying in larger homes.

Positioned as the premium all-rounder, the HZ4002 outclasses budget models like the Eureka NES312 with its adaptive intelligence and superior filtration, but it’s overkill for studio apartments or light-duty users. It’s ideal for pet owners, allergy sufferers, and multi-surface households who want a “set it and forget it” cleaning experience. Compared to the Shark HZ702 PetPro, it trades some pet-specific tools for broader automation and better whole-home performance, making it a smarter long-term investment despite a higher entry cost.

Pet hair annihilator doesn’t begin to describe the Shark HZ702 PetPro—it’s a targeted strike force built for homes overrun by shedding. The PowerFins brushroll is the star here, using flexible silicone fins instead of bristles to aggressively grab and pull in long hair, short fur, and dander without wrapping. Combined with LED headlights, it exposes hidden pet hair under sofas and along baseboards like a forensic investigator. The detachable hand vac, weighing under 3 pounds, is perfect for quick cleanups on car seats, stairs, and upholstery—no more lugging a full-sized vacuum for spot jobs.

During testing on medium-pile rugs and tile, the HZ702 delivered strong, uninterrupted suction and handled clumps of dog hair with ease, thanks to the self-cleaning brushroll and optimized airflow. The low-profile nozzle slips under beds and couches effortlessly, while Advanced Swivel Steering makes directional changes feel fluid. However, the cord is only 20 feet—shorter than competitors—so you’ll need to switch outlets more often in larger spaces. Also, while the odor-neutralizing tech helps reduce mustiness, it doesn’t match the full HEPA-grade sealing of the HZ4002, making it less ideal for severe allergy sufferers.

When stacked against the Shark HV301 Rocket, the HZ702 is clearly the specialist, trading raw affordability for pet-centric engineering. It’s not the lightest or cheapest, but for homes with multiple pets or long-haired breeds, it’s the most effective. The removable hand vac and onboard tool storage add convenience that the CNIEQOP or Eureka models can’t match. It delivers more focused power and smarter ergonomics than budget picks, justifying its place as the top pet-hair solution.

Simplicity perfected—the Shark HV301 Rocket is the everyman’s ultralight champion, offering reliable performance without bells and whistles. Weighing under 9 pounds, it’s one of the most agile corded vacuums in its class, effortlessly converting from stick to handheld with a single twist. The swivel steering makes it a joy to weave around furniture, while the fingertip surface control lets you toggle between carpet and hard floor without bending down. For users tired of complex setups and charging waits, this corded powerhouse delivers instant, continuous suction—no downtime, no batteries, no compromises.

In daily use, the HV301 handles low to medium-pile carpets and sealed hardwood with confidence, lifting tracked-in dirt and cereal crumbs alike. The motor maintains consistent suction thanks to its direct power draw, and the easy-empty dust cup minimizes mess during disposal. However, the brushroll lacks self-cleaning tech, so pet owners will need to manually remove hair wraps weekly. The 1.5L dust bin is modest, requiring emptying every two rooms in larger homes, and the lack of LED lights means you might miss debris in dim corners.

Compared to the Eureka NES312, the HV301 offers better build quality and smoother conversion, though both are in the same lightweight league. It’s the ideal pick for apartment dwellers, older adults, and minimalist cleaners who value reliability over automation. While it doesn’t have the smart sensors of the HZ4002 or pet-specific tools of the HZ702, it outperforms them in value and ease of use for basic cleaning needs.

Budget meets brawn in the Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE4, a no-nonsense upright that punches above its weight. At just 7.7 pounds, it’s among the lightest uprights available, making it a dream for quick cleanups or users with mobility concerns. The 10.5-inch cleaning path covers ground fast, and the 700W motor delivers surprising suction for embedded dirt and pet hair on both carpet and tile. What really stands out is the quick-release handle, transforming it into an above-floor cleaner in seconds—attach the included crevice tool or dusting brush and go after blinds, shelves, or car seats without switching devices.

In real-world tests, the Airspeed handled daily debris and light pet hair with competence, though it struggled with thick, deep-pile rugs where higher-end models excel. The washable filter is a cost-saver, eliminating replacement fees, and the compact footprint allows storage in closets or under sinks. However, the lack of swivel steering makes tight turns cumbersome, and the rigid body limits reach under low furniture. While it’s powerful for its price, the suction isn’t as refined as Shark’s offerings, and the bin (1.5L) fills quickly on larger jobs.

For those upgrading from a decades-old upright, the Airspeed is a breath of fresh air—light, efficient, and effective. It’s best suited for small homes, dorms, or secondary vacuums where portability and low cost matter most. Against the Amazon Basics upright, it offers better suction and lighter weight, though both share similar cord lengths and filter types. It’s the most capable budget upright without pretending to be something it’s not.

Featherweight fury—the CNIEQOP stick vacuum redefines ultralight cleaning at just 2.9 pounds, making it the lightest in the lineup and perfect for quick daily sweeps. Don’t let the weight fool you: its 12,000Pa suction outmuscles many cordless models, effortlessly lifting cat litter, flour spills, and pet hair from hardwood and low-pile rugs. The corded design means zero runtime limits, letting you clean for 30+ minutes straight without power anxiety. The 1-touch debris release is clean and fast, and the ability to disassemble into compact parts makes it ideal for storing in drawers or taking to a second home.

In testing, the CNIEQOP excelled at spot cleaning and small-space maintenance, handling kitchen messes and entryway dirt with speed. The anti-tangle brushroll held up well against moderate pet hair, though it’s not as robust as Shark’s self-cleaning systems. The 2-in-1 handheld mode is genuinely useful for car interiors and stairs, and the included crevice tool adds versatility. However, the build feels more utilitarian—plastic-heavy and less durable than premium models—and it lacks swivel steering, making furniture navigation awkward.

Compared to the Eureka NES312, it’s lighter and more compact, but sacrifices some suction stability and ergonomic finesse. It’s best for college students, RV owners, or city apartment dwellers who prioritize portability and speed over deep-cleaning power. While it doesn’t match the filtration or durability of the Shark HZ4002, it delivers unmatched convenience for its price and weight class.

Triple-threat versatility defines the Eureka NES312, a 3-in-1 dynamo that transforms from stick to handheld to stair vacuum in seconds. At only 4 pounds, it’s one of the lightest full-size stick vacuums, making it ideal for users with limited strength or storage space. The 180° rotating floor head hugs corners and edges with precision, eliminating dust traps behind furniture. With 350W continuous suction, it pulls up pet hair, pollen, and fine dust from low-pile carpets and hard floors, and the motorized brush helps dislodge stubborn debris—no spinning out on smooth surfaces.

In real use, the NES312 proved exceptionally agile, especially on stairs and under furniture, thanks to its flexible neck and compact design. The washable filter and quick-release dust cup make maintenance simple, and the tool-free storage allows upright standing without a wall mount. However, the suction, while adequate, can’t match the deep-cleaning power of the Shark HZ4002 on high-pile rugs. The cord is long (25 ft), but the lack of onboard tool storage means you’ll need to keep accessories elsewhere.

For those needing maximum flexibility in a mini frame, the NES312 beats the CNIEQOP in ergonomics and motorized cleaning, though it’s slightly heavier. It’s perfect for pet owners in small homes, renters, or multi-level dwellings where portability is key. While it lacks smart sensors or odor control, it offers better all-around adaptability than most budget sticks.

Value engineered to impress—the Amazon Basics upright delivers reliable performance at a rock-bottom price, making it the smart pick for cost-conscious buyers. At 8.4 pounds, it’s easy to carry room to room, and the 25-foot cord ensures broad coverage without constant outlet hopping. The 1.7L dust cup is one of the largest in this category, allowing extended cleaning sessions before emptying. With 720W of suction, it tackles everyday messes on carpet and hard floors with confidence, and the detachable handle enables above-floor cleaning with included crevice and upholstery tools.

In testing, it handled crumbs, dust, and light pet hair well, though it bogged down slightly on deep carpet stains. The washable filter reduces long-term costs, and the simple one-button release makes debris disposal quick. However, the lack of swivel steering makes maneuvering around furniture clunky, and the body is bulkier than stick alternatives, limiting under-furniture reach. Build quality is functional but not luxurious—this is a vacuum that works hard but won’t win design awards.

Compared to the Eureka Airspeed, it offers larger capacity and longer cord, though both are similarly lightweight. It’s best for first-time buyers, rental properties, or backup vacuums where performance and price must balance. While it doesn’t offer the agility of stick models or pet-specific features, it provides the most bang for the buck in upright form.

Canister cool returns with the Eureka WhirlWind NEN110A, a nimble, low-profile cleaner that glides under furniture like a pro. At 8.15 pounds, it’s one of the lightest canisters available, and the telescoping metal wand offers height adjustability for both floor and above-floor cleaning. The 2.5L bagless dust container is cavernous—perfect for whole-home cleans without mid-job emptying. The integrated crevice tool and dusting brush store right in the hose handle, so they’re never lost, and the one-button dust cup release keeps cleanup tidy.

In real use, the WhirlWind excelled on hard floors and area rugs, with strong suction and smooth transitions between surfaces. The swivel steering and low nozzle profile made it ideal for cleaning under beds and sofas, and the automatic cord rewind is a small luxury that saves time. However, the 960W motor, while powerful, produces more noise than stick vacuums, and the hose can kink if not fully extended. It’s not optimized for deep carpet cleaning like uprights, but it’s peerless for hard-surface homes.

For users who hate bending or need superior under-furniture access, the WhirlWind beats uprights and sticks alike. Compared to the Amazon Basics upright, it offers better reach and storage, though it lacks motorized brushroll power. It’s the best canister option for apartment dwellers and hardwood lovers who want quiet, efficient, and tangle-free cleaning.