10 Best Stick Vacuums For Carpets 2026 in the United States

The Shark PowerPro Plus Cordless Stick Vacuum is a strong choice for carpet cleaning, especially if you have pets. Its Hypervelocity suction offers powerful cleaning that handles everyday dirt and stubborn pet hair well. The FloorDetect technology automatically adjusts brush roll speed depending on whether you're on carpet or hard floors, eliminating the need to manually change settings. The brush roll is self-cleaning, which helps avoid hair tangles—a common hassle with pet hair. It also features a HEPA filter that traps over 99.97% of dust and allergens, making it suitable for allergy sufferers. Battery life is solid, with up to 50 minutes of runtime, enough to clean most homes in one go. At about 7 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight, aiding ease of movement around furniture and stairs. The 0.79-quart dustbin is decent for a stick vacuum, although larger messes might require emptying during cleaning sessions.

The vacuum's cordless design and included accessories, like a crevice tool, let you easily convert it to a handheld for tight spots or furniture. Some users might find it a bit bulky compared to ultra-light models, and while suction is strong, very deep or high-pile carpets could challenge its performance somewhat. This vacuum is well suited for pet owners and those needing versatile, allergen-reducing cleaning on both carpets and hard floors.

The Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum, model IX141, is a versatile cleaning tool designed for both carpets and hard floors, particularly accommodating households with pets. Its standout feature is the Hypervelocity Suction, which offers strong suction power, making it effective for everyday messes and high-traffic areas. The brush roll is designed to work well on both carpets and hard floors, enhancing its cleaning versatility. Additionally, the vacuum boasts a 40-minute runtime, which should be sufficient for most cleaning sessions without needing a recharge. However, it’s worth noting that this runtime is measured at the hand vac in standard mode without accessories, so using additional tools may reduce battery life.

The vacuum’s XL dustbin is another plus, allowing for longer cleaning sessions without frequent emptying, and it features a CleanTouch Dirt Ejector for easy disposal of debris. Despite its robust features, the vacuum is lightweight at 6.89 pounds, making it easy to maneuver, especially with its low-profile design for cleaning under furniture. The inclusion of LED headlights is a thoughtful touch for spotting hidden debris, and the removable handheld component adds to its versatility for above-floor cleaning.

On the downside, the dustbin capacity is relatively small at 0.34 quarts, which might require more frequent emptying for larger homes. Additionally, the charging time of 240 minutes could be a long wait if you need to recharge in the middle of cleaning. The noise level is 80 dB, which is somewhat on the louder side. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is a solid choice for pet owners and those needing a versatile, powerful vacuum for both carpet and hard floor cleaning.

The LEVOIT Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a solid option for those seeking a stick vacuum suitable for carpets and quick daily cleaning tasks. Its lightweight design, weighing just over 6 pounds, makes it easy to maneuver around the house, allowing users to effortlessly clean under furniture and in tight spots. One of its highlights is the impressive suction power, which effectively handles pet hair and dirt on low pile carpets. The tangle-resistant brush roll is a significant advantage, reducing the time spent untangling hair, making it particularly appealing for pet owners.

Battery life is noteworthy, offering up to 50 minutes of runtime in Eco mode, allowing for extended cleaning sessions without frequent recharging. The 5-stage filtration system captures 99.9% of tiny particles, ensuring cleaner air is released back into your home. Additionally, the dustbin is easy to empty with a one-click mechanism, enhancing the user experience.

There are some limitations to consider. While it's effective on carpets, the vacuum is designed for dry messes only, so it won’t handle wet spills. The dustbin capacity of 0.58 liters may require frequent emptying, especially in larger homes. Moreover, the runtime can drop significantly to just 12 minutes in Turbo mode, which may not be sufficient for more extensive cleaning tasks. A replacement filter is necessary every three months for optimal performance, which adds to maintenance.