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 Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is a versatile and efficient cleaning tool that balances power and portability. At 12.5 pounds, it's lightweight enough for easy maneuverability and carrying around the house, including up and down stairs. The vacuum's powerful suction makes it effective on both carpets and bare floors, and it includes a brushroll shutoff feature for seamless transitions between different surfaces.

The HEPA filtration system combined with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology ensures that dust and allergens are trapped inside, making it a good choice for allergy sufferers. The vacuum is also pet-friendly, coming with useful attachments like a wide upholstery tool for pet hair and a crevice tool for tight spaces. The 8-foot hose and 25-foot power cord provide ample reach, though the cord might feel short for those with larger spaces. The dustbin capacity of 1.1 quarts is reasonable, but it may require frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions.

Assembly is required, but the vacuum comes with a 5-year limited warranty for added peace of mind. Some users may find the noise level of 80 dB a bit high. The Lavender color adds a touch of style to its functional design. With strong customer reviews and being a bestseller in its category, the Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is well-suited for homes with carpets, bare floors, pets, and those needing a lightweight, effective vacuum cleaner.

The Oreck Commercial XL Vacuum Cleaner is a robust choice for those needing a lightweight and powerful vacuum. Weighing only 9 pounds, it is easy to carry around, making it convenient for cleaning multiple rooms or navigating stairs. The high-speed brush roll provides strong agitation, which helps in lifting embedded dirt from carpets. Additionally, the automatic height adjustment and non-marring bumpers offer ease of use and protection for furniture and walls during cleaning sessions. This vacuum cleaner is particularly well-suited for commercial or heavy-duty use due to its powerful suction capabilities.

However, it is a corded model, so mobility may be limited by the length of the cord, which could be a drawback for larger spaces. The vacuum uses a bagged system with a 9-quart capacity, which is substantial but does require regular replacement of bags. The inclusion of a clear non-marring bumper and ergonomic handle adds to its user-friendly design.

Despite its strengths, it lacks some modern conveniences like a cordless feature or advanced filtration systems, which might be a consideration for those with specific needs such as allergy sufferers. For those needing a powerful, lightweight vacuum for commercial-grade cleaning, this Oreck model is a solid option.