Which Vacuum Cleaners Excel at Cleaning Stairs?

Top Performer

For those seeking top-tier performance, the Dyson Gen5detect could be your ideal vacuum. It’s efficient, lightweight, built to last, and boasts an extended battery life. With multiple useful attachments and hassle-free emptying, this high-performance cleaning tool delivers exceptional value for your investment.

Dyson vacuums are celebrated for their ease of movement, and this model lives up to that reputation. The vacuum heads pivot effortlessly with a twist of the wrist, and it comes with a variety of attachments tailored to different cleaning needs. Weighing less than 8 pounds, it’s easy to carry up and down stairs. However, the wall docking station and screen added bulk to the top, making it feel a bit unsteady during certain tasks and when standing upright.

That said, its cleaning performance is exceptional. The strong suction handles everything from large debris to tiny dust particles. The built-in screen displays what’s being picked up, and the HEPA filter ensures cleaner air in your home. We continued using it beyond the testing phase, and it consistently impressed. It’s our top choice for both carpets and hard floors, and the pet hair attachment excels at removing hair from stairs, corners, pet carriers, and pet beds.

One drawback is the noise level in boost mode—the high-pitched sound might be overwhelming for some users. While it’s certainly a premium purchase, the numerous advantages and minimal downsides make it worth the investment.

Type: Cordless | Weight: 7.72 pounds | Dustbin Capacity: 0.2 gallons | Runtime: 70 minutes | Attachments: Hair screw tool, combination tool, built-in dusting, and crevice tool

Top Affordable Option

The Dirt Devil Versa Cordless 3-in-1 Stick Vacuum offers exceptional value without breaking the bank. This affordable, cordless model features a straightforward setup, a light frame, and a compact hose head that effortlessly navigates tight corners and spaces. We were particularly impressed by the brush roll's ability to effectively clean stair edges and corners. With four adjustable height settings, it efficiently collects dirt and debris from both carpets and hardwood floors in just a couple of passes.

This vacuum operates without a bag, utilizing a washable filter for eco-friendly functionality. Its dustbin is surprisingly spacious for the vacuum's compact size, allowing for extended cleaning sessions without frequent interruptions to empty it. Emptying is a breeze—simply press a button, detach, dispose of the contents, and click it back into place. It features a 16-volt lithium battery that charges up to three times quicker than standard batteries, ensuring a long runtime.

While it is slightly noisy, particularly given its small stature, the most notable drawback is the absence of attachments. The included nozzle performs admirably, especially in confined spaces, but additional tools for different cleaning tasks would be a welcome addition. That said, considering its price point, it’s hard to fault. This vacuum is not only excellent for stairs but also serves as a practical secondary cleaner or an ideal solution for maintaining tidiness in dorm rooms, apartments, campers, or other compact areas.

Type: Cordless | Weight: 5 pounds | Dustbin Capacity: 0.4 liters | Runtime: Not listed | Attachments: None

Ideal for Carpeted Stairs

For those seeking a top-tier vacuum for carpeted stairs, the Samsung Jet™ 90 Complete Cordless Stick Vacuum with Clean Station is a standout choice. It’s robust yet lightweight, features a swiveling head for enhanced maneuverability, and is ergonomically designed for easy handling on stairs. The digital display and one-touch suction control were particularly impressive. Additionally, the long-lasting battery can be supplemented with a spare for uninterrupted cleaning sessions.

While it excelled on carpeted stairs, the turbo brush encountered issues with high-pile carpets, often jamming and requiring a different attachment. Nonetheless, its adjustable power settings made it versatile for various surfaces, and it performed exceptionally well on hardwood, low-pile, and medium-pile carpets.

The assortment of attachments is highly adaptable, and switching between them was seamless. Although it’s pricier than other models we tested, the added features and superior performance justify the investment.

Type: Cordless stick | Weight: 6 pounds | Dustbin Capacity: 0.2 gallons | Runtime: 120 minutes | Attachments: Mini-motorized tool, long-reach crevice tool, combination tool, soft brush, turbo brush

Top Upright Choice

Upright vacuums are typically not ideal for stairs because of their bulk and weight, but the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum breaks the mold. Although it weighs nearly 16 pounds, it’s lighter than most upright models, and its weight contributes to its impressive suction power, whether using the roller bar or the hose.

The standout feature is its detachable pod with a handled hose, making it easier to clean stairs, edges, corners, and other hard-to-reach spots. The sizable dustbin allows for extended cleaning sessions without frequent emptying, and the 25-foot cord reduces the need for constant plugging and unplugging.

With its robust suction, detachable pod that doubles as a handheld vacuum, built-in HEPA filter, and versatile attachments, this model is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a single vacuum that handles all cleaning tasks.

Type: Upright | Weight: 15.9 pounds | Dustbin Capacity: 0.22 gallons | Attachments: Crevice tool, upholstery tool

Top Self-Emptying Choice

For those seeking a vacuum that takes cleaning convenience to the next level, the Shark Wandvac Cordless Self-Empty System is a game-changer. This cutting-edge vacuum includes a charging base that automatically empties and recharges the unit, ensuring it’s always prepared for action. A simple lever allows for manual emptying during or after cleaning, adding to its user-friendly design.

We were impressed by its lightweight and compact design, along with the swivel head and slim profile that make navigating tight stair corners effortless. While it effectively collects debris and hair, the small dustbin’s limited capacity can be frustrating, requiring frequent stops to empty. However, for quick cleanups or maintaining stair cleanliness between deeper cleaning sessions, this is a minor inconvenience.

Type: Cordless | Weight: 13.9 pounds | Dustbin Capacity: 0.03 gallons | Runtime: Not listed | Attachments: Duster crevice tool, pet multi-tool

Top Canister Choice

Canister vacuums are lightweight and highly maneuverable, featuring long hoses and adaptable wands and attachments. Unlike traditional models, you clean with the wand while the main unit trails behind, making them ideal for stairs where bulkier vacuums struggle.

The Kenmore Elite UltraPlush bagged canister vacuum stands out with its retractable cord, adjustable telescoping wand, convenient attachment storage, and user-friendly setup. It excelled on various floor types and tackled even the messiest stairs with ease.

The motorized Pet PowerMate attachment impressed us by effortlessly collecting pet hair and fine debris from carpets and upholstery. However, the hardwood floor attachment felt flimsy and awkward to use. Adjusting the carpet pile lever and cleaning the brushroll proved challenging, but these minor issues didn’t overshadow our overall satisfaction with the vacuum.

Type: Canister | Weight: 22 pounds | Dustbin Capacity: Not listed | Attachments: Motorized Pet PowerMate®, dusting brush, floor brush, crevice tool

Final Verdict

Our top pick for the best vacuum for stairs is the Dyson Gen5detect, thanks to its efficiency, lightweight design, and durability. It also boasts a long-lasting battery, comes with useful attachments, and is simple to empty. For budget-conscious buyers, the DirtDevil Versa Cordless 3-in-1 Stick Vac is an excellent alternative. It’s lightweight, offers extended runtime, charges quickly, and features a spacious dirt cup for fewer interruptions during cleaning.

Our Testing Process

We evaluated a range of vacuums for stairs based on factors such as weight, noise levels, cleaning effectiveness, maneuverability, portability, ease of emptying, and battery life. We started by confirming each vacuum’s advertised weight and measuring noise output with a decibel reader. We then assessed their performance on both wooden and carpeted stairs. For maneuverability and portability, we tested how easily each vacuum handled stairs, high shelves, tight crevices, and upholstery.

After vacuuming debris, we emptied each unit, noting the simplicity or complexity of the process. For models with filters, we also removed and cleaned the filters. Finally, we tested the runtime of battery-operated vacuums on both high and low settings.

How to Shop for Vacuums for Stairs Like a Pro

Type

Stick, handheld, canister, corded, cordless—there’s a wide variety of vacuum types to choose from. To select the best one for your needs, consider your specific cleaning requirements.

“If your focus is primarily on stairs, a cordless vacuum is the ideal choice,” says Bossart. “They’re lightweight and make the task much easier. You need a vacuum that’s easy to handle while on the stairs. However, if you need a vacuum for multiple areas in your home, a canister vacuum would be more suitable.”

If you opt for a corded model, think about the location of your power outlets and how to reduce inconvenience. Leipheimer warns that the cord length can be a significant drawback. “With a 12-foot cord, you’ll constantly be unplugging and repositioning it as you move.” Instead, he recommends choosing a model with a cord that’s at least 20 feet long to avoid frustration and make the most of your cleaning time. All our corded vacuums meet this criterion.

Weight

Since you’ll be navigating stairs, weight is a more critical factor than when vacuuming flat surfaces. Bossart notes that there’s often a trade-off between weight and functionality. “Cordless vacuums are lighter, but their batteries typically don’t last long. Corded uprights offer more power but are much heavier—often too heavy for stairs. You need to decide what your primary goal is and select the vacuum that best meets that need.”

Attachments

Regardless of your vacuum’s power, the right attachments are essential for cleaning various surfaces in your home. In addition to stairs, attachments allow you to dust fan blades, woodwork, and trim, remove cobwebs from corners and ceilings, and tackle tight spaces and room corners effectively.

Common types of attachments include:

• Crevice tools: Ideal for corners and edges
• Pet hair tools: Perfect for removing pet hair from carpeted stairs
• Motorized brushes: Designed for deep cleaning carpeted stairs
• Extension wands: Help reach high areas like stair tops without moving the vacuum body
• Soft brushes: Safely clean hardwood or tiled stairs without causing scratches
• Hardwood floor attachments: Specifically for cleaning hardwood stairs and landings
• Dusting brushes: Great for railings, fan blades, woodwork, and other dust-prone areas

If you have specific cleaning challenges in your home, prioritize a vacuum that includes the most relevant attachments.

Power

Suction power determines a vacuum’s cleaning strength. Higher suction means better cleaning, especially on carpets. Power is measured in watts (typically 250 W to 450 W) and CFM (cubic feet per minute of airflow). Higher wattage and CFM indicate a more powerful vacuum.

Power is often tied to the vacuum’s power source. For instance, cordless battery-operated models are generally less powerful than corded ones, as lighter cordless models are preferred, and larger batteries add weight.

If opting for a cordless vacuum, ensure you know the battery life and how different speed settings affect runtime. Consider models with longer runtimes or removable rechargeable batteries, allowing you to swap batteries while one charges.

More Vacuums for Stairs to Consider

Bissell AirRam® Cordless Vacuum 1984: This vacuum impressed us with its strong suction, smooth maneuverability, and seamless transitions across surfaces. However, it struggled with larger debris on the backward stroke and missed debris near the back riser of stairs, which affected our final rating.

BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES™ Extreme™ Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner BSV2020G: This stylish stick vacuum includes three cleaning heads, making it versatile for various floor types and cleaning tasks. It performed better on the push stroke for larger debris but easily picked up pet hair in both directions.

Questions You Might Ask

Do you need a specific type of vacuum to clean stairs?

While any vacuum can clean stairs, opting for a lightweight model is the most practical choice. For even greater convenience, consider a vacuum that converts to a handheld, such as the DirtDevil Versa Cordless 3-in-1 Stick Vac or Dyson Gen5detect, or one with a detachable hose and brush attachment. These designs are easier to handle, maneuver, and use, making them ideal for reaching tight spaces and corners on stairs.

“No one enjoys cleaning stairs,” says Leipheimer. “But using a lightweight vacuum or one with detachable tools can make the task less tedious. Since you need to lift and hover the vacuum while cleaning stairs, reducing its weight makes the process much easier.”

Are there robot vacuums that go up and down stairs?

Robot vacuums excel on flat surfaces and single-story homes, but none can navigate stairs. For multi-level homes, you’ll need to move the vacuum between floors manually or purchase separate units for each level.

What is the best way to vacuum stairs?

Leipheimer explains that he and his cleaning teams start by using a hose and nozzle to remove visible dirt and debris from the corners and edges of stairs before addressing the treads.

The cleaning direction is also important: “Begin at the top and work your way down if possible,” he advises. “For corded vacuums, plug in at the bottom and start cleaning from the top. Working downward ensures cleaner stairs, as you avoid dropping dirt onto already-cleaned steps. This method also lets you spot dirt from the lowest point, ensuring perfectly clean stairs every time.”

Take Our Word for It

This article was authored by Lauren Bongard, a contributing writer for Mytour. To compile this list, we rigorously tested a variety of vacuums designed for stairs, assessing them on criteria such as noise levels, cleaning efficiency, maneuverability, portability, ease of emptying, battery life, and more. For expert perspectives, Lauren consulted Vanessa Terra Bossart, CEO of GreenTerra Cleaning Service, and Zach Leipheimer, founder of Clean Bozeman Inc.