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 AZ2001AMZ Vertex DuoClean PowerFins is a strong choice if you want powerful suction and versatile cleaning on carpets and hard floors. It features Shark’s DuoClean PowerFins rollers that work together to pick up more dirt and pet hair, and the self-cleaning brushroll helps prevent hair from tangling, which is handy for pet owners. The HEPA filter is a big plus for trapping allergens and dust, making it suitable if you have allergies. However, this vacuum weighs about 16.4 pounds, which is on the heavier side for a lightweight upright, so it might feel a bit bulky to carry around or move up and down stairs.

It is corded, with a typical cord length for upright models, meaning you’ll need nearby outlets and might have to switch plugs in larger rooms. The dustbin holds nearly 1 liter, which is decent and easy to empty since it’s bagless. Attachments like a duster crevice tool and pet multi-tool add versatility for cleaning tight spots and pet hair on furniture. The powered Lift-Away feature makes it easier to clean under furniture and above floors, adding convenience.

Noise levels are moderate at 80 decibels, and the vacuum includes useful LED headlights for better visibility. If your priority is ultra-lightweight and cordless convenience, this model might feel a bit heavy and tied down by its cord. For those seeking strong suction, good filtration, and smart features for pet hair, this vacuum balances power with thoughtful design.

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.