10 Best Lightweight Upright Vacuums 2025 in the United States

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is a strong contender in the lightweight upright vacuum category, particularly for pet owners and those looking for effective allergen control. Weighing in at 13.7 pounds, it’s relatively easy to maneuver, especially with its swivel steering feature that allows you to navigate furniture and tight spaces with ease. The lift-away functionality is a standout, enabling you to detach the pod for cleaning stairs and other above-floor areas without much hassle. This can be very handy for those who need flexibility in their cleaning routine.

The vacuum is equipped with a HEPA filter and an anti-allergen complete seal, which effectively traps 99.9% of dust and allergens. This is a significant advantage for allergy sufferers, making it a solid choice for maintaining cleaner indoor air quality. Additionally, the extra-large dust cup (0.87 liters) is a plus, allowing for longer cleaning sessions without frequent emptying, which is especially useful during heavy cleaning tasks.

In terms of performance, the brush roll shutoff feature allows you to switch between deep carpet cleaning and gentler bare floor cleaning, providing versatility across different surfaces. The included attachments, such as the dusting brush and crevice tool, enhance its usability for detailed cleaning. However, there are some drawbacks. While the vacuum is effective, its corded design may limit mobility compared to cordless options, particularly in larger spaces. Moreover, with a noise level of 80 dB, it may be quite loud during operation, which could be a concern for some users. Finally, while it excels with pet hair, those with larger homes or extensive carpeting might find it slightly heavy to push over long periods.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is a robust vacuum that excels in pet hair removal and allergen filtration, making it a great choice for households with pets or allergy concerns.

The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Vacuum is a solid choice for those looking for a lightweight vacuum that excels at picking up pet hair. Weighing in at just 12.5 pounds, it’s easy to carry around the house and maneuver around furniture, thanks to its swivel steering feature. The multi-cyclonic cleaning system enhances its suction power, making it effective for deep cleaning carpets and hard floors alike. Additionally, the vacuum comes with specialized pet tools, which are a big plus for pet owners. These tools help tackle pet hair effectively, ensuring that your home remains clean and fur-free.

On the downside, the dustbin capacity is 1 liter, which might require frequent emptying, especially in homes with multiple pets. The corded design limits mobility compared to cordless options, so you'll need to manage the cord while vacuuming. Lastly, some users might find the noise level a bit higher than expected, which could be a consideration for those with small children or pets that are easily startled.

The Bissell 2252 is a great fit for pet owners seeking a lightweight and effective vacuum. It combines ease of use with specialized features, though you should be prepared to manage its limitations regarding dustbin capacity and corded design.

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away (ZU503AMZ) is a versatile option for those seeking an effective and lightweight vacuum. Weighing in at 14.99 pounds, it is relatively easy to maneuver, especially with its swivel steering feature, which allows you to navigate around furniture and tight spaces effortlessly. The Lift-Away functionality is a standout feature, enabling you to detach the pod for more convenient cleaning of furniture, stairs, and other above-floor areas.

This model is particularly pet-friendly, equipped with a self-cleaning brush roll that effectively picks up pet hair without it getting tangled, and includes a Pet Crevice Tool for removing pet hair from hard-to-reach areas. The HEPA filtration system, combined with anti-allergen complete seal technology, ensures that dust and allergens are trapped inside the vacuum, making it a great choice for households with allergy sufferers. Its 1200 watts of power provide strong suction, suitable for various surfaces including hard floors, upholstery, and carpets. The dustbin capacity is quite generous at 5.3 liters, reducing the frequency of emptying.

However, its 2.1-foot hose length might be limiting for some users, especially when dealing with high or hard-to-reach areas. The vacuum requires a cord, which may be less convenient compared to cordless models, but it also means you won't have to worry about battery life. In terms of noise, it operates at 80 dB, which is fairly standard but could be a bit loud for some users. The included upholstery tool and pet crevice tool add to its versatility, making it well-suited for multi-surface and pet-friendly cleaning. With a 5-year limited warranty, this vacuum offers a reliable and efficient cleaning solution.