Struggling to keep your small apartment clean without wasting time?
The right vacuum makes all the difference. Lightweight, compact, and powerful, these top picks tackle dust, pet hair, and debris effortlessly.
Find the best vacuums designed for tight spaces and enjoy a spotless home with less effort.
7 Best Vacuums for Small Apartments – Clean in Less Time
1. Amazon Basics Vacuum Cleaner (Editor’s Pick)
Lightweight and powerful, this 8.4-lb vacuum glides effortlessly with an 18-ft cord for hassle-free cleaning.
A 1.7L dust cup minimizes emptying, while a washable filter ensures lasting performance.
Designed for versatility, it includes upholstery and crevice tools plus a detachable handle, making it easy to tackle carpets, floors, and tight spaces.
Product Features
- Lightweight Design: Weighs only 8.4 lbs, making it easy to carry and maneuver.
- Extended Reach: Equipped with an 18-ft power cord for wider coverage.
- Versatile Cleaning Tools: Includes upholstery and crevice tools for various surfaces.
- Detachable Handle: Allows for flexible cleaning in tight spaces.
- Large Dust Cup: 1.7L capacity reduces frequent emptying.
- Quick-Release Button: Ensures mess-free disposal of debris.
- Washable Filter: Provides long-lasting performance and easy maintenance.
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- Large dust cup minimizes interruptions.
- Versatile attachments enhance cleaning efficiency.
Downside
- Lacks advanced filtration for allergens.
2. Kenmore Floor Care Elite (Best Bagged)
The Triple HEPA Filter traps 99.97% of allergens, while the 3D Inducer Motor delivers consistent suction.
With a 10-ft extended reach and specialized pet tool, it’s built for homes with pets and hard floors.
Product Features
- Bagged Upright Design: Effectively traps dust, pet hair, and debris for a cleaner home.
- Triple HEPA Filter System: Captures 99.97% of allergens, reducing airborne pollutants.
- Powerful 3D Inducer Motor: Delivers 20% more air power without losing suction.
- Pet HandiMate Tool: Spins at high RPM to remove stubborn pet hair from furniture and stairs.
- Beltless Agitator: Reduces maintenance and extends durability.
- Extended Reach: A 10-ft flexible hose and lightweight aluminum wand clean high and low.
- Versatile Attachments: Includes a dusting brush, crevice tool, and bare floor tool for multi-surface cleaning.
Upsides & Downside
Upsides
- Strong suction with consistent performance.
- HEPA filtration reduces allergens and improves air quality.
- Extended reach makes cleaning stairs and ceilings easier.
Downside
- Requires bag replacements, adding to maintenance costs.
3. Miele Compact C1 Vacuum (Best Compact)
Effortlessly maneuver around furniture and reach tight spaces with included tools.
The advanced AirClean System captures dust and allergens, leaving air fresher.
Designed for hard floors and low-pile carpets, it ensures a deep, efficient clean.
Product Features
- Lightweight Canister Design: Compact and easy to store.
- Adjustable Suction Power: Six settings for customized cleaning.
- Maximum Maneuverability: Glides smoothly around and under furniture.
- AirClean Filtration System: Captures dust and allergens for cleaner air.
- Multi-Surface Cleaning: Ideal for hard floors and low-pile carpets.
- Versatile Attachments: Includes a floorhead, dusting brush, crevice tool, and upholstery tool.
- Bagged System: Ensures hygienic dust disposal.
- Motor Protection Filter: Extends vacuum lifespan.
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- Strong suction with adjustable power.
- Compact and easy to store.
- Advanced filtration for cleaner air.
Downside
- Requires replacement bags for continued use.
4. Eureka NEC490BL (Best for Pets)
Powerful and efficient, the Eureka Stylus Elite features a 350W BLDC motor for deep cleaning on all floors.
The anti-tangle brushroll tackles hair and debris, while the self-emptying station adds convenience.
A removable battery delivers up to 60 minutes of runtime, and a 5-layer filtration system ensures cleaner air.
Product Features
- 350W BLDC Motor: Delivers powerful suction for deep cleaning on all floor types.
- Anti-Tangle Brushroll: Effectively picks up hair and prevents tangling, ideal for pet owners.
- Self-Emptying Station: Hands-free dust disposal for a hassle-free cleaning experience.
- Multiple Cleaning Modes: Offers 15, 40, and 60-minute runtimes to fit different cleaning needs.
- Removable Battery: Enables flexible charging and extended use.
- 5-Layer Filtration: Captures 99.9% of microdust for improved air quality.
- Lightweight Design: Enhances maneuverability for effortless cleaning.
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- Strong suction power for effective cleaning.
- Self-emptying feature minimizes manual dustbin maintenance.
- Anti-tangle brushroll prevents hair buildup.
Downside
- Limited battery life in high-power mode.
5. Bissell, 3061 (Best Lightweight)
This cordless, lightweight vacuum runs up to 20 minutes on a 10.8V lithium-ion battery and fully charges in 4.5 hours.
A two-way folding handle extends reach and folds for easy storage.
The built-in hand vacuum, washable filter, and included crevice tool make tackling floors, furniture, and tight spaces effortless.
Product Features
- Cordless Convenience: Powered by a 10.8V lithium-ion battery for up to 20 minutes of runtime.
- Quick Charging: Fully recharges in just 4.5 hours.
- Lightweight Design: Easy to carry and maneuver for effortless cleaning.
- Two-Way Folding Handle: Extends reach under furniture and folds for compact storage.
- Removable Hand Vacuum: Detachable for quick spot cleaning.
- Easy Empty Dirt Bin: Hassle-free debris disposal.
- Washable Filter: Ensures long-term use and simple maintenance.
- Included Tools: Comes with a crevice tool and upholstery brush for versatile cleaning.
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- Cordless design offers hassle-free movement.
- Foldable handle enhances reach and storage.
- Hand vacuum adds extra convenience.
Downside
- Limited runtime may not be ideal for large areas.
6. Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro (Best Versatility)
Designed for pet owners, this ultra-lightweight corded stick vacuum delivers powerful suction for deep carpet cleaning and pet hair pickup.
It converts into a handheld for versatile cleaning, while LED headlights reveal hidden debris.
With specialized pet tools and an XL dust cup, it tackles messes effortlessly on any surface.
Product Features
- Powerful Suction: Deep cleans carpets and efficiently lifts pet hair from all surfaces.
- Lightweight & Convertible: Easily transforms into a handheld vacuum for floor-to-ceiling cleaning.
- Specialized Pet Tools: Captures embedded pet hair in hard-to-reach areas.
- XL Dust Cup: 0.68-quart capacity minimizes emptying interruptions.
- LED Headlights: Bright lights on the nozzle and handheld unit reveal hidden dirt and pet hair.
- Versatile Cleaning: Works on stairs, furniture, and hard floors with ease.
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- Strong suction power for deep cleaning.
- Lightweight design enhances maneuverability.
- LED headlights improve visibility in dark areas.
Downside
- Corded design limits mobility.
Final Verdict
Effortless cleaning starts with this lightweight 8.4-lb vacuum, designed for smooth movement and powerful suction.
An 18-ft cord extends your reach, while a 1.7L dust cup reduces emptying breaks.
The washable filter ensures lasting performance, and versatile attachments help tackle carpets, floors, upholstery, and tight spaces with ease.
Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
FAQs
1. How do you store a vacuum in a small apartment?
Finding space for a vacuum in a small apartment can be tricky, but there are plenty of smart storage options.
Tuck it into a pantry, broom closet, or under the bed.
Hang it on a sturdy hook, place it in a crate, or keep it in a hallway or laundry room for easy access.
2. What are the benefits of vacuums for small apartments?
A small apartment vacuum saves money with lower electricity use and fewer attachments.
Cleaning takes less time and effort due to the compact space.
Lightweight designs make them easy to handle, while cordless models reduce waste with reusable filters.
Less frequent use means longer-lasting performance with fewer repairs and replacements.