When it comes to vacuuming the floors in your home, there’s always one area in particular that takes a little more effort and careful maneuvering than the rest. We are talking about the stairs. Thanks to the tight space and ever-changing height, vacuuming stairs can be a total nightmare. That is, unless you have the right tools for the job. Specifically, one of the best vacuums for stairs.
Not all vacuums are designed with vacuuming stairs in mind. For some reason, in early stairs development, only large flat surfaces were considered in early vacuum models rather than all the nooks and crannies which we are now so accustomed to being able to vacuum clean.
Stairs come in all shapes and sizes, as do vacuums. So pairing the best vacuum to your stairs is key to ensuring the best results. Here are some features to consider when selecting the best vacuum for your needs:
- Weight – Portability is extremely important in a vacuum that you’ll be taking up the stairs with you. While upright vacuums usually have long, extendable hoses which can reach a certain height up the stairs, while remaining grounded, the standout best vacuum for stairs is a handheld vacuum.
- Nozzle Attachments – The size and shape of your vacuum nozzle are vital to ensuring you can comfortably reach every part of your stairs. Handheld devices have smaller nozzles and often come with a range of attachments specifically designed for stairs, making them well suited to the job.
- Cordless/Corded – Cordless vacuums provide greater freedom when it comes to reaching remote areas on your stairs. If you choose a corded vacuum, make sure it is long enough to reach the top of your stairs.
If cleaning the stairs is a chore you try to avoid, then it’s time to invest in one of the best vacuums for stairs. We’ve rounded up the 10 best options for online ordering. Each device has features dedicated to making the job of cleaning your stairs easier.
1. BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum
BEST OVERALL
With over 52,000 customer reviews and a 4.5-star Amazon rating, the BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum is a tried-and-tested answer to vacuuming your stairs. The cordless, handheld design enables you to reach steps at multiple heights without any difficulty. Plus, there are numerous integrated features to deliver a better user experience, including the extendable crevice tool, the flip-up brush and the 180-degree rotating nozzle.

2. Bissell Featherweight Stick Vacuum
BEST VALUE
Considering the Bissell Featherweight Stick Vacuum has a price tag under $30, it is a budget-friendly investment for a top-quality vacuum. It includes a range of integrated features and can transform from a stick device to either a handheld vacuum or a dedicated stair vacuum. With each transformation only requiring a few quick and easy steps. The stair-cleaning device is similar to the handheld vacuum, but has the option to attach a wider nozzle, making it more suitable for cleaning steps with a single pass.

3. Holife Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
BEST HANDHELD
The Holife Handheld Vacuum Cleaner can be fully charged in as little as two hours, delivering up to 30 minutes of cleaning time. It delivers strong suction power which is capable of capturing even the tiniest pieces of dirt and debris. It comes complete with three attachments, each of which is designed for specific cleaning purposes. The brush attachment is best for carpets and upholstery, the long nozzle is great for the hard-to-reach corners and the liquid nozzle is your go-to option if you experience a liquid spillage.

4. BISSEL Pet Hair Eraser Hand Vacuum
BEST FOR PET HAIR
The BISSEL Pet Hair Eraser Hand Vacuum is a must-have device for homes with pets. The handheld design is lightweight and ideal for tackling stairs, while the purpose-built nozzle makes dealing with pet dander no problem. Inside the small rectangular nozzle attachment, there’s a motorized brush that captures dirt, even when it’s embedded in carpet. To top it off, a monetary donation is made to the BISSEL Pet Foundation with every vacuum purchase.

5. Eureka WhirlWind Canister Vacuum
BEST CANISTER VACUUM
Even though this vacuum for stairs isn’t cordless, it is still designed to offer users a hassle-free experience. The canister design includes a clip that you can use to stand the handle on when it’s not in use. Plus, the handle also features integrated airflow controls, allowing you to choose the settings which are best suited to the job at hand.

6. Shark CH951 Cordless Handheld Vacuum
BEST DESIGN
The Shark CH951 Cordless Handheld Vacuum will look the part in any modern home. Its handheld design contains two powerful, cyclonic air streams which have been designed to produce an elite level of suction. Unlike many competing handheld models, this vacuum for stiars has an extra-large dust cup, making it able to tackle a full flight of stairs, and more, without needing to be emptied. Additionally, when the time does come around, the simple, one-touch ejection mechanism makes dumping the contents especially easy.

7. Eureka RapidClean Pro Vacuum Cleaner
MOST USER-FRIENDLY
The Eureka RapidClean Pro Vacuum Cleaner is fantastic for reaching into every corner of your home, including on and around the stairs. It features swivel steering for greater maneuverability around the space, while the ability to lay down flat makes reaching under furniture no problem. The handheld design also features an easy-rest groove that allows you to securely lean it against the edge of your sofa or countertop.

8. NEQUARE Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
BEST STICK VACUUM
The smart design of the NEQUARE Cordless Vacuum Cleaner enables it to stand upright without needing support. This means you can tuck it out of the way in the corner of a room for easier storage or leave it in the exact spot from where you need to continue vacuuming after a short break. Inside the vacuum, there is a five-stage filtration system that is able to capture 99.99% of fine particles, purifying the air released back into your home. Furthermore, the length of the stick can be adjusted, removed or used with the included attachments to create one of the best vacuums for stairs.

9. Dyson Slim Ball Upright Vacuum
BEST UPRIGHT
If you have a larger-than-average home, it’s a good idea to have a vacuum for stairs like the Dyson Slim Ball Upright Vacuum. This versatile device is capable of cleaning large, open spaces, as well as smaller areas, like your stairs. The main head is self-adjusting, which allows it to accommodate a number of different floor types. Plus, for different job-specific cleaning, the device comes with a number of attachments, including a stair tool and a pet hair tool.

10. Shark DuoClean Upright Vacuum
BEST SPLURGE
For a premium pick of a vacuum for stairs, consider the Shark DuoClean Upright Vacuum. The device’s smart design allows it to transform from an upright vacuum into a handheld version. This compact option is more lightweight and better suited to cleaning stairs. The vacuum also features a self-cleaning brush roll which helps to avoid hair from permanently wrapping around the head and a HEPA filter that traps unwanted bacteria and allergens. Additionally, you can easily switch between cleaning modes using the buttons located right by your fingertips.

Save Time and Energy With a Smart Vacuum That Cleans for You