What are the features that make the best vacuum for apartments? These are the best vacuum cleaners for keeping small spaces tidy because of their powerful suction in such a compact package. Their lightweight design makes for an incredibly portable cleaning solution that can easily clean up dry food messes, pet hair, human hair, dirt, and dust in your apartment.
If you live in a small space like an apartment or dorm room, you should consider purchasing one of these vacuum cleaners. During your research, consider suction power, canister capacity, power head, and what kind of attachments you need. You’ll also want to decide whether you need a cordless vacuum or a corded vacuum.
Keep reading to learn more about the best vacuums for apartments, what features you should look for, and how to choose the right one for your cleaning needs.
Top Vacuums for Apartments
#1 Hoover FloorMate Deluxe FH40160PC Vacuum Cleaner
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: You’ll be able to use this vacuum cleaner on any messes that you make, regardless of whether they’re liquid or solid. It has dual-tank technology that separates the clean and dirty water for a more thorough clean.
- Can handle liquid spills
- Dual tank technology
- Fingertip control design
- Might wear out pretty quickly
Those who need an efficient, convenient system will find a perfect match with this model. You’ll be able to wash, dry, and vacuum all in one handy device. You can use this vacuum on vinyl, tile, laminate, hardwood, and more. Unfortunately, consumers have reported that they regret investing in this model because it wore out pretty quickly. If you need high longevity, this might not be an excellent fit for your needs.
The dual-tank technology ensures that you aren’t using dirty water when engaging in the wash mode. This is because there are two tanks, one for clean water while the other holds dirty water. This model also has fingertip control, allowing you to access extra detergent to tackle heavy stains and debris easily. This lightweight model is under fourteen pounds, so you won’t have to worry about your arm getting tired halfway through a deep cleaning session.
#2 Wistopht Vacuum Cleaner
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: You’ll appreciate the inclusion of a high-performance motor that provides this vacuum with enough power to get the job done. It’s straightforward to store away in a cupboard or closet, and the design is super portable.
- Highly portable design
- Extremely easy to store
- High-performance motor
- Dust compartment is smaller
You’ll love how easy this model is to empty and clean. Using just one click, the dust bin will detach from the main body of the vacuum. From there, you just have to dump it out. This keeps your hands clean even when it’s filled to the brim. The only complaint that most consumers have about this vacuum cleaner is its relatively small compartment to hold debris. This means you’ll likely have to empty it multiple times.
This model has a washable filter, so you can skip expensive replacements and keep extra debris out of landfills. You have to gently wash it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, wait for it to dry, and reinstall it into your vacuum cleaner. This 3-in-1 model works off 600 watts of power, making it an excellent option for those who need extra “oomph” from their vacuum. It can break down into three different styles of vacuum for ultimate convenience.
#3 Aleema 4-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR MULTIFUNCTIONALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re looking to have multiple models built into one package, this is a terrific option. It uses advanced filtration, which means you’ll be able to get your space even cleaner. This model’s cord is extra long.
- Multiple models in one
- Uses advanced filtration
- Long cord length
- Must be plugged in
This corded option boasts a super long 16.4 feet of cord length. This means you won’t have to constantly stop to unplug it and plug it back into different outlets to reach different corners of the room. It has a 450-watt motor, making it a powerful option that will be able to handle any messes you throw at it. However, that does mean that this is not a cordless model. The lack of convenience can be a massive problem for some consumers when vacuuming.
The 15 KPA suction will pick up debris with ease. This means you can handle high-traffic areas, even if ground-in debris needs to be suctioned up. Whether it’s dust, pet hair, crumbs, or anything else, this vacuum is equipped with what you need to get the job done. There is a 4-stage advanced filtration system with a high-density HEPA filter. This means you won’t have to worry about dust particles escaping while vacuuming.
#4 Auto Joe AJV1000 Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR SMALL SPACES
WHY WE LIKE IT: This highly compact model is perfect for those with small spaces that don’t want to take up too much room with product storage. It’s also highly portable so that you can bring it to the office or even in your car.
- Extremely compact design
- Highly portable model
- Comes with a brush attachment
- Might be too small
If you need a tiny but mighty package to handle life’s daily messes, this vacuum will perfectly perform those tasks. It’s small enough to fit into even the tightest of spaces, making it perfect for apartment life. You’ll be able to tuck it away into a cupboard, closet, cabinet, or even a drawer. Unfortunately, being such a compact model is a bit of a double-edged sword. This means it might not be big enough to service larger apartments, especially for deep cleaning.
The HEPA filtration technology means you’ll have cleaner air to breathe since this vacuum will suck up even the smallest dust particles. It’ll also keep dust in the tank, preventing it from escaping back into your air supply while you vacuum. This vacuum cleaner comes with a universal USB charger and a brush attachment. You can charge it quickly through USB, making it a far more convenient option than corded models.
#5 Bissell Featherweight Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR HARD FLOORS
WHY WE LIKE IT: You’ll appreciate the 3-in-1 design of this model. It can transform easily to fit into any space and cover any cleaning needs you have. Beyond this, it includes a handy accessory to help you get into tight spaces.
- Has a 3-in-1 design
- Includes accessories
- High-capacity dirt canister
- Not meant for use on carpets
This powerful model is great for those who need to clean quickly and efficiently while staying true to their budget. It’s a popular vacuum cleaner for smaller spaces that have hard floorings, such as tile, wood, or laminate. Unfortunately, this is not a model that is meant to be used on even low-pile carpets. Because of this, it is only recommended for those that have hard floors, like laminate or wood. If you live in a space like an apartment that has mostly hard surfaces like kitchen floors or hardwood floors, this could be a nice option.
The suction will ensure that dust, dirt, and other debris are quickly removed from your living spaces, even in high-traffic areas. It’s a stick vacuum, so it’s easy to store away when not in use, and it won’t wear you out during longer cleaning sessions. You’ll be able to break it down into two other models: a handle vacuum and a stair vacuum. This versatility means you don’t have to worry about purchasing any other models.
#6 EUREKA NEC101 Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR UNDER-FURNITURE REACH
WHY WE LIKE IT: This vacuum model can be used across all surfaces in your home, whether hard or soft. You’ll appreciate the inclusion of light-emitting diodes that help you see underneath furniture and in dark crevices while cleaning.
- Highly maneuverable model
- Features light emitting diodes
- Works on all surfaces
- Brush roll might have problems
You’ll appreciate the wide cleaning path that this model has to offer. It’ll be able to cover 11.35-inches with a v-shape formation. This v-shape provides a strong suction in the center for larger debris, while finer debris is sucked into either end to ensure all particles are captured. Unfortunately, consumers have reported that the brush roller wore out rather quickly. After a few months, it stopped turning the way it was supposed to.
The power cord is also incredibly long, coming in at 20-feet in total. This will allow you to have incredible range during your cleaning sessions. This model uses an easy-to-empty dirt cup. All you have to do is detach it from the central vacuum and empty it into your nearest trash bin. Since it’s a stick model, it’ll easily maneuver around furniture and slide underneath tight spaces to ensure a more thorough cleaning job.
Beginner’s Guide to Vacuums for Apartments
What Are Vacuums for Apartments?
Vacuums for apartments are compact cleaning tools that can help you keep your small living space clean and tidy from crumbs, dust, and dirt. These small vacuum cleaners create suction power to collect debris from floors, rugs, and furniture. Depending on the model you purchase, you may also get a battery-operated vacuum cleaner, which is easier to store and easier to move around your apartment without needing a power outlet.
Vacuums for Apartments vs Traditional Vacuums
The best vacuum cleaner for apartments operates in the same exact way as a traditional vacuum cleaner. The two options also offer the same general design and form factor. If you were to hold a vacuum for apartments next to a traditional vacuum cleaner, you’d easily be able to identify both as vacuum cleaners.
Where vacuums for apartments differ from traditional alternatives lies mostly in their size, dust cup capacity, and overall suction power. Since these models tend to offer a more compact design, you’ll get a somewhat weaker performance overall when compared to larger options. You’ll also get a smaller dust bin, meaning you’ll likely need to empty the vacuum more often.
Fortunately, these tradeoffs are minimal when compared to the enhanced versatility and portability you get with a small vacuum cleaner, especially in tight spaces. You’ll be able to clean hard-to-reach spaces more easily with these models. Plus, if you opt for a cordless vacuum, you’ll be able to maneuver around your apartment much more easily without worrying about finding a free power outlet.
How Vacuums for Apartments Work
Most vacuums for cleaning apartments function in the same way as traditional alternatives. To create suction power, a lightweight vacuum uses an electric motor to power a spinning fan.
Once the vacuum is powered on, the motor spins the fan. After the fan is spinning at full power, it creates airflow throughout the vacuum, which results in a partial vacuum effect near the intake port that picks up the debris and dust particles. The airflow carries the debris through the vacuum and deposits it in the vacuum’s dust cup or canister.
While suction power alone is enough to pick up debris on bare surfaces, it doesn’t work as well on carpet. As such, many vacuums also feature brush rolls inside of the intake port to agitate the carpet fibers while you vacuum. This frees the trapped dust, pet hair, and debris from the carpet so it is more easily sucked up.
| Feature | Vacuums for Apartments | Traditional Vacuums |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Compact, ideal for smaller spaces | Larger, suited for spacious areas |
| Suction Power | Weaker due to compact design | Powerful, handles heavy cleaning |
| Portability | Often cordless for maneuvering | Less portable, usually corded |
| Suitability & Cost | Perfect for small spaces, more affordable | Large spaces, more expensive |
| Capacity & Attachments | Smaller dust cup capacity, essential attachments | Larger capacity, extensive attachment options |
Do You Really Need a Vacuum for Apartments?
A top-rated small vacuum cleaner is well-equipped to clean hard-to-reach places, making it particularly useful for deep-cleaning days when you want to hit all the nooks and crannies. If you’ve found that your larger upright vacuum doesn’t work everywhere, then a small vacuum may be a necessary addition.
You will also benefit from the best compact vacuum if you need to clean something outside of the house. Their added portability increases their overall usefulness, especially when you are away from a wall outlet.
Is a Vacuum for Apartments Worth Buying?
- You Live In a Small Space Like an Apartment: The top reason to purchase the best vacuum for small apartments is if you live in one of those small apartments. Purchasing a large vacuum will end up being more burdensome and awkward to use in a small space, so the added power or dust bin capacity isn’t worth it. A compact vacuum allows you to clean your small space with ease. Plus, their compact design allows for easier storage.
- You’re Looking for Powerful, Portable Cleaning: Despite their smaller size, vacuum cleaners for apartments are powerful enough to clean most dry messes. This, combined with the added portability, makes for an efficient cleaning tool. Plus, if you opt for a cordless option, like cordless stick vacuums, you won’t need to stay connected to a wall outlet, and you can take the vacuum with you outside of your apartment to clean your car, as well.
- You Need to Save Money: If you don’t want to or can’t spend a lot of money on a large vacuum cleaner with all of the latest features, then a vacuum cleaner for apartments can also help you save money. These small vacuums offer all the powerful suction at a much more manageable price point.
Why a Vacuum for Apartments May Not Be For You
- You Need to Clean a Space with More Square Footage: If you don’t live in a small space, a vacuum for cleaning apartments might be too small for you. Larger floor plans typically mean more foot traffic, which results in more debris and more frequent cleaning sessions. If you have a small vacuum, you’ll constantly be emptying the canister or long hours cleaning.
- You Need to Clean Up Large, Heavy-Duty Messes: Vacuum cleaners for apartments are excellent for cleaning up smaller messes, but if you’re regularly cleaning up large messes, you may want to consider an alternative option.
- You Need a Specific Type of Vacuum Cleaner: Compact vacuums for apartments are great all-around cleaning tools, but they may not be suitable for cleaning a specific type of flooring or mess.
How Long Will a Vacuum for Apartments Last?
Most cleaning experts, like those employed at Classic Cleaners, have many years of experience working with vacuum cleaners daily. These experts state that you should expect five to seven years out of your vacuum cleaner. At this point, your vacuum will likely need repairs. However, since vacuum repairs tend to be very expensive, it typically is more cost-effective to replace them at that point.
How to Choose a Vacuum for Apartments
When it comes to choosing the best vacuum for cleaning your apartment, you’ll need to consider a few key factors and features. Before researching, consider the types of messes you need to clean up and the floor types in your living space. Plus, consider the size of messes you typically clean so you can determine how much capacity your vacuum needs. Finally, consider whether you need a corded or cordless vacuum cleaner.
Best Vacuum for Apartments Key Factors to Consider
1. What type of vacuum cleaner is best for small spaces and apartments?
With different types of vacuums available on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices. Let’s take a look at the most common vacuum types so you can understand which one might be better for smaller spaces:
- Upright Vacuum: These vacuums are the most common types available today. Upright vacuum cleaners stand upright, balancing on top of the intake nozzle and roller. These are best for cleaning up messes on a variety of different flooring types, including low pile carpet, high pile carpet, hardwood, vinyl, and tile. Upright vacuum cleaners offer an all-in-one cleaning package with all components being part of the same unit.
- Stick Vacuum: These machines are a type of upright vacuum cleaner, but they are more compact and portable. They offer small canisters and cordless designs for greater versatility in spot cleaning and reaching tight spaces. Stick vacuums are typically also bagless vacuums for easier overall maintenance.
- Handheld Vacuum: Handheld vacuums are the most compact and portable vacuums available today. They are lightweight enough that you can use them with a single hand and are ideal for cars and minor household chores. The best handheld vacuum offers the cordless operation, too, so you don’t have to worry about cord length.
- Canister Vacuum: These vacuums feature a wheeled body with a carrying handle and a long vacuum hose. They are more portable than an upright vacuum and can reach tight spaces, but they can be awkward to maneuver at times.
- Robot Vacuum: If you’re looking for a vacuum that incorporates advanced technology, then you might want to consider a robotic vacuum cleaner. These entirely autonomous cleaners map your home and follow a set cleaning schedule. A robot vacuum isn’t as powerful as a full-size vacuum, but it’s much more convenient.
2. How much canister capacity should your vacuum for apartments offer?
While these models typically offer lower overall capacity than other types of vacuums due to their small size, you should still have some variety in choices. The amount of capacity your vacuum cleaner offers determines how much mess you’re able to clean at one time. Small canisters will need to be emptied more often than larger alternatives.
Large vacuum cleaners typically offer one to two gallons of capacity, while compact vacuums typically offer capacity under a gallon.
3. How powerful do you need your vacuum to be?
The amount of suction power you need out of your vacuum cleaner ultimately depends on the types of messes you plan on cleaning up, as well as the size of the space you’re trying to clean. If you’re constantly cleaning up heavy-duty messes like pet hair across large areas, then you’ll want a vacuum with more powerful suction capabilities. For smaller messes and smaller spaces, you won’t need as much power.
Manufacturers advertise vacuum power in amps, with a standard power level of 12 amps. However, this measurement alone isn’t the clearest indicator of your vacuum cleaner’s overall power. Specific features can increase suction power, like variable power settings, intake rollers, and multiple fans.
4. Should you buy a cordless vacuum cleaner for apartments?
The best vacuum cleaners for small apartments come in compact and portable packages. If you’re constantly worrying about the vacuum’s power cord, then your maneuverability and versatility are limited.
In general, a cordless vacuum is best for cleaning small spaces like dorm rooms and apartments. These models feature built-in batteries and lightweight designs for better portability. However, you’ll need to worry about lower dust cup capacity and limited battery life.
Small corded vacuums are available, which offer more suction power and larger capacity than cordless models. These are called stick vacuums, a type of upright vacuum with a more compact design.
5. What kind of vacuum attachments and extra features should you consider?
Most vacuums work with various attachments and accessories, offering different functionality for different cleaning scenarios. The best vacuum accessories and extra features can make your compact vacuum much more user-friendly and better for small spaces:
- Crevice tool
- Retractable cord
- LED light
- Pet brush
- Upholstery tool
- Removable battery
