10 Best Apartment Vacuums 2025 in the United States

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away (model NV356E) is a solid choice for apartment dwellers, especially those with pets. One of its standout features is the LIFT-AWAY functionality, allowing you to detach the pod for cleaning above-floor areas like stairs and furniture with ease. This is particularly useful in smaller living spaces where maneuverability is crucial. The vacuum’s HEPA filtration system effectively traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it an excellent option for allergy sufferers.

In terms of suction power, the Shark is designed to pick up pet hair and debris on both carpets and hard floors. The brushroll shutoff feature lets you switch from deep cleaning carpets to gentle floor cleaning, which provides versatility for various surfaces. With swivel steering, navigating around furniture and tight corners becomes easier, enhancing user experience.

One of the highlights is the extra-large dust cup, which holds 0.87 liters of debris, reducing the frequency of emptying during cleaning sessions. This vacuum also includes useful attachments like a pet power brush, dusting brush, and crevice tool for detailed cleaning in hard-to-reach areas. The vacuum weighs 13.7 pounds, which might be a bit cumbersome for some users, especially when carrying it up stairs. The noise level at 80 dB may also be a concern for those in close quarters or for households with small children or pets that might be sensitive to loud sounds. Being corded means you’re limited by the length of the cord, which may require you to move to different outlets in larger apartments. The Shark NV356E is a robust vacuum that excels in cleaning pet hair and allergens, making it a great fit for pet owners and allergy sufferers in apartments, but its weight and noise level should be considered.

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is a versatile and efficient vacuum cleaner designed to meet the needs of apartment living. Its standout feature is the lift-away functionality, allowing you to detach the pod to easily clean stairs, furniture, and other hard-to-reach areas. This vacuum is equipped with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter, making it an excellent choice for those with allergies, as it traps dust and allergens inside the unit effectively.

The powerful suction ensures deep cleaning on carpets and is equally effective on bare floors, with a brushroll shutoff feature that transitions smoothly between surfaces. Weighing only 12.5 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver, thanks to its swivel steering, making it ideal for navigating tight spaces and corners. Additionally, it includes useful attachments like a wide upholstery tool and a 12-inch crevice tool for more detailed cleaning tasks.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The vacuum is corded, which may limit mobility, and it operates at a noise level of 80 dB, which might be a bit loud for some users. Also, assembly is required, and the included capacity of 1.1 quarts may require frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions. With a 5-year limited warranty, the Shark NV352 is a reliable and effective option for apartment dwellers looking for a comprehensive cleaning solution.

The Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner is designed to be versatile for apartment living, suitable for both carpets and hard floors. One of its main strengths is its upgraded cyclone system, which is effective in picking up larger debris, small dirt, and microscopic dust. The vacuum offers powerful suction, which can penetrate deep into carpets to extract embedded dirt and pet hair, making it a good choice if you have pets or thick carpets.

Additionally, it has a lightweight design at only 11.5 pounds, enhancing its maneuverability and ease of use on various surfaces without causing fatigue. The vacuum features 5 height settings to seamlessly transition from carpets to hard floors, with wheels that prevent scratches on delicate surfaces. It also comes with multiple attachments like a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool, which are handy for cleaning hard-to-reach areas and above-floor surfaces like curtains and door frames. These accessories are conveniently stored onboard the vacuum, ensuring they are always within reach during cleaning sessions.

A notable drawback is the maintenance required for the roller brush and belt, which need cleaning every two weeks to prevent clogging and potential malfunctions. The vacuum's noise level is fairly high at 88 dB, which might be disruptive in a small apartment. While it boasts effective cyclone filtration, it uses foam filters which might require regular replacement or cleaning. It's a corded model, which may limit mobility compared to cordless options, but this ensures consistent power without the need for battery replacements. With a 2-year limited warranty, the Eureka PowerSpeed provides reasonable assurance of durability.