After researching and testing several cordless vacuums, we’ve identified BLACK+DECKER Powerseries Extreme Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner as the one that offers the best combination of size, battery life, and suction power for apartment living.
We all know that keeping a clean home is important, but it can be especially challenging in small apartments. That’s where small cordless vacuums come in – they’re lightweight, compact, and easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Our Best Cordless Vacuum for Apartments
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BEST OVERALL
BLACK+DECKER Powerseries Extreme Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
PRODUCT BRAND
Whether you’re dealing with pet hair, crumbs, or dust bunnies in your apartment, a cordless vacuum can quickly and efficiently get the job done.
Check out our list in the following section to find the best small cordless vacuum for your apartment needs.
Our Review Methodology
We personally test every product featured in our reviews. This is to provide accurate and tested recommendations. Read our Review Guidelines for a full understanding of how we test vacuum cleaners.
Since starting Vacuum Empire, we’ve personally tested over 40 models of vacuums which ensures reliable, unbiased recommendations. We measure cleaning ability across various surfaces and evaluate manoeuvrability in tight spaces, like navigating around a cluttered living room.
Our focus on providing honest reviews with a clear review criteria sets us apart from typical reviewers who never test any of their recommendations. We go one step further and also analyze other owner’s reviews to capture the ‘wisdom of the people’ to provide a more comprehensive review. For instance, we discovered that a popular model had battery issues after only a few months of use which would have otherwise been missed.
3 Best Cordless Vacuums for Apartments Reviewed
We’ve tested these top three cordless vacuums for apartments to help you decide, with BLACK+DECKER Powerseries Extreme Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner landing on our best overall. Whether you have hardwood floors, carpets, or both, these cordless vacuums will make cleaning a breeze. Let’s dive right in!
Highlight:
Shark Cordless Pro Vacuum offers Clean Sense IQ, LED display, and powerful suction.
Our Experience – Why we liked it:
The Shark Cordless Pro Vacuum’s Clean Sense IQ feature was a game-changer, as it detected dirt that’s invisible to the naked eye and automatically increased the suction power while cleaning. This ensures that your floors are as clean as possible, which is especially important if you have pets or allergies.
We also liked the PowerFins Plus brushroll, which combines two technologies to ensure all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned. The soft microfibers handle stuck-on dust and piles of large debris, while the PowerFins directly engage floors and dig deep into carpets.
The Odor Neutralizer Technology is another great feature, as it eliminates bad odors from the debris you pick up, leaving your home smelling fresh. We appreciated this feature, as it can be difficult to get rid of pet odors, especially if you have carpets.
However, there are a few downsides to this vacuum. The battery life could be better, as you only get up to 40 minutes of runtime. This may not be enough to clean your entire apartment in one go, especially if you have a larger space. The vacuum is also quite heavy, making it difficult to maneuver around tight spaces. This may not be an issue if you have a larger apartment, but it could be a problem if you live in a smaller space.
Who should use it:
The Shark Cordless Pro Vacuum is ideal for households with pets or allergy concerns, thanks to its Clean Sense IQ, PowerFins Plus brushroll, and Odor Neutralizer Technology.
Pros
The Clean Sense IQ feature detects dirt that is invisible to the naked eye and automatically increases the suction power.
The PowerFins Plus brushroll combines two technologies, soft microfibers and PowerFins, to ensure all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned.
The Odor Neutralizer Technology eliminates bad odors from the debris you pick up, leaving your home smelling fresh.
Cons
The battery life could be better. You only get up to 40 minutes of runtime, which may not be enough to clean your entire apartment in one go.
The vacuum is quite heavy, making it difficult to maneuver around tight spaces.
The dust cup is not very big, so you may need to empty it frequently.
“Very efficient CORDLESS vacuum with great suction and accessories. Battery life is great (has not run out during thorough whole-house vacuum session), really sucks up the debris and keeps my floors looking/feeling great. Easy to empty dust cup. The attachments also work great for dusting 2″ blinds and keeping window sills, corner area & doorways cleaner in my dusty, desert climate.”
Highlight:
This cordless vacuum has 3x cleaning system and 3-speed control.
Our Experience – Why we liked it:
When we tried out the BLACK+DECKER Powerseries Extreme Cordless Stick Vacuum in our apartment, its ability to pick up pet hair and other debris was excellent. The angled floorhead made it easy to transition between different surfaces, and we appreciated the three-speed control for cleaning hard surfaces, area rugs, and carpets.
The patented anti-tangle brush bar was also a standout feature, as it helped minimize hair wrap and keep suction power at its maximum. We also found the vacuum’s LED lights on the floorhead helpful for zeroing in on hidden dirt.
While the vacuum’s dustbin capacity is only .75 liters, we found that the front-facing dustbin allowed the vacuum to lay flat for cleaning hard-to-reach areas and provided easy emptying. We also appreciated the vacuum’s ability to convert to a handheld vacuum with an extra-long crevice tool for stairs, furniture, and other hard-to-reach spaces.
Who should use it:
The BLACK+DECKER Powerseries Extreme Cordless Stick Vacuum is ideal for apartment dwellers, especially those with pets, seeking a versatile cleaning tool that transitions seamlessly between surfaces and tackles hidden dirt.
Pros
The angled floorhead is designed for multiple surfaces, from hardwood to area rugs to carpets.
The patented anti-tangle brush bar minimizes hair wrap to maximize suction power.
The vacuum converts to a handheld vacuum with an extra-long crevice tool for those hard-to-reach spaces.
Cons
The vacuum may struggle with larger debris.
The filter may need to be cleaned frequently for optimal suction.
The battery life may not be sufficient for larger cleaning tasks.
“I’m quite shocked how much this thing sucks. You actually can clean your house with this, it deserves the name vacuum cleaner. It’s particularly respectable on carpet (even fluffs it up – a bit) but also works well on tile.”
Highlight:
WOWGO Cordless Vacuum Cleaner has powerful suction and 4-stage filtration system.
Our Experience – Why we liked it:
WOWGO Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, weighing just 2.1Kg, was so effortless to maneuver, and the 2 in 1 Triple Turbine Motorized Brush seamlessly transitioned across hardwood, carpet, and tiles.
The integrated LED lights were impressive, revealing hidden dust in dim corners. Its 160W motor, while powerful, operated with a surprising quietness. The 2600mAh lithium-ion battery indeed delivered up to 40 minutes of cleaning from a short 4-5 hour charge, and the detachable design made charging a breeze.
WOWGO’s commitment to hygiene was evident in its 4-stage sealed filtration system, efficiently separating air and dust, with the detachable HEPA filter simplifying maintenance. The one-click emptying system, paired with a spacious 1L dust cup, made disposal clean and quick. And for storage? The wall-mountable feature was a space-saving gem.
Who should use it:
The WOWGO Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is perfect for those valuing lightweight design and efficient cleaning across varied surfaces, with its LED lights and quiet operation being standout features.
Pros
Powerful 160W motor offers strong suction, ensuring efficient cleaning on various surfaces.
Detachable 2600mAh battery provides up to 40 minutes of use, allowing flexible charging options.
4-stage sealed filtration system with detachable HEPA ensures clean air and easy maintenance.
Cons
4-5 hour charge time might be lengthy for those needing quick, consecutive cleaning sessions.
At 2.1Kg, might be slightly heavy for prolonged handheld use or for those with physical limitations.
The wall-mountable feature may not suit homes with limited wall space or renters with restrictions.
“I have been using this stick vacuum for about a month now and wowgo makes a great vacuum. It’s light, easy to use, has a cute light on the front, does well with pet hair and is great for a small space. Thank you, wowgo, for this product.”
Buying Guide – How To Pick the Best Cordless Vacuum for Apartments
When choosing a cordless vacuum for apartment living, it’s essential to consider factors such as compact design, multi-surface cleaning capability, quick charging features, low noise levels, efficient filtration, convertibility for varied tasks, and an appropriate price point. This guide aims to help you make an informed decision tailored to the unique challenges of apartment living.
Compact Design for Limited Storage
In apartments, every inch counts. Opt for a vacuum with a slim, vertical design that can easily fit into closets or stand unobtrusively in a corner. Some models even come with wall-mount features, ensuring they don’t occupy floor space.
Multi-Surface Cleaning for Mixed Flooring
Many apartments have a combination of hardwood, tiles, and carpeting. Ensure your vacuum is versatile enough to transition between these surfaces without losing suction or causing damage.
Quick-Charge Features for On-the-Go Lifestyles
Apartment living often goes hand-in-hand with a bustling urban life. Look for vacuums that offer fast charging times, ensuring you can quickly clean up before heading out or after coming home.
Low Noise Levels for Close Quarters
When you share walls with neighbors, a noisy vacuum can be a source of contention. Models designed for quieter operation can help maintain harmony in apartment complexes.
Efficient Filtration in Smaller Spaces
With limited ventilation in some apartments, it’s crucial to have a vacuum that can trap allergens and pollutants effectively. A model with a HEPA filter can be particularly beneficial for maintaining clean air in your living space.
Convertibility for Varied Tasks
Apartments often have tight nooks, crannies, and sometimes stairs. A cordless vacuum that can convert into a handheld or has attachments specifically designed for tight spaces can be a lifesaver.
Price Point for Renters and First-Time Buyers
Many apartment dwellers are either renting or are first-time homebuyers. While quality is essential, it’s also crucial to find a vacuum that offers great value for its price, balancing both budget and performance.
Choosing a cordless vacuum for an apartment means considering the unique challenges of smaller, multifunctional spaces. By focusing on features that cater specifically to apartment living, you’ll ensure a cleaner, more efficient home.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve gathered the most popular questions and answered them below.
Yes, a stick vacuum can be a great option for an apartment. These vacuums are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them perfect for small spaces. They also often come with a variety of attachments that can help you clean everything from carpets to hardwood floors.
Choosing a vacuum for your apartment depends on your needs. For small spaces, consider a stick or handheld vacuum. If you have carpets, an upright vacuum is effective. For allergies, choose one with a HEPA filter. Always check reviews and consider your budget.
