Just a few years ago, vacuuming was a chore not just because of the cleaning but also the weight. They were heavy and clunky, but things have changed for the better.
Now, they are lighter than ever before, thanks to cordless stick models and newly designed uprights. It’s brands like Dyson that have created lightweight and powerful cordless machines.
At the same time, Shark has incorporated their Powered Lift-Away technology into their cordless models – providing lightweight vacuuming with the power of a traditional upright.
It’s revolutionised the way we clean, and this guide contains some of the best models we’ve found for you to choose from.
So read on and see which get our seal of approval as the best lightweight vacuum cleaner.
Best Lightweight Vacuum ( In Order)
1. Dyson V7 Motorhead Cordless Stick
Editors Pick
Key Features
- Power: Not Stated
- Run Time: 30 mins
- Charge Time: 3.5 hours
- Weight: 2.47kg
- Dust Capacity: 0.4L
- Battery Voltage: 21.6v
- Noise: 74db
The V7 is a budget-friendly cordless vacuum that was designed to sit comfortably between the V6 and V8 in terms of power.
Excellent addition to any home, it’s packed with brilliant features that make it one of the best vacuum cleaners out there.
The Good
This cordless vacuum cleaner has a slim and lightweight design that makes it easy to store away as well as excellent to handle.
The fact that it can be turned into a handheld vacuum is one of my favourite features because it makes cleaning the stairs and upholstery so much easier.
Plus, it comes with an incredible selection of tools that will allow you to reach into every nook and cranny – all without compromising the suction and power that you experience.
As I mention in many of my Dyson V Range reviews, my favourite tool is the mattress cleaner because it is so underrated.
It’s perfect for sucking up debris and dust that’s lurking on your mattress, keeping it fresh and clean.
The battery life is great, and I found it was perfect for getting around a regular-sized home, and the battery is removable if you want a little extra time.
Additionally, it has a relatively short charge time so that you can get back to cleaning quickly.
The Not So Good
There is no HEPA filtration for this model, which means it is not suitable for those who have asthma or allergies. ( The Dyson V7 Animal covers this only slight negative).
Our View
The Dyson V7 Motorhead might not be the fanciest vacuum in the range, but it is certainly one of the most reliable. With efficient cleaning and an excellent price tag.
While the Motorhead doesn’t come with a HEPA filter, this doesn’t impact its ability to pick up hair and fine dust.
It’s brilliant across all floor types, offering balanced results that look simply incredible.
Pros
- Fantastic with pet hair and on carpet
- Very good with fine dust and hard floors
- Great selection of tools
- Good battery life
Cons
- No HEPA filtration (V7 Animal only)
2. Shark HV390UKT True Pet with Flexology
Our Runner-Up
Key Features
- Power: 450 watts
- Run Time: N/A
- Charge Time: N/A
- Weight: 4.7kg
- Dust Capacity: 0.9L
- Battery Voltage: N/A
- Noise: 80db
Shark is superb at creating vacuum cleaners that can tackle a range of household cleaning issues.
From dirt to pet hair, there isn’t much that can stop this model from getting the job done.
This could be the perfect vacuum for your home.
The Good
The slim and compact design of this vacuum cleaner is part of what makes it so appealing.
The Flexology wand can even be folded so that it can become smaller as well as be left freestanding – something that I really appreciated.
It also uses the classic DuoClean technology, meaning that there is a brush bar at the back to deep clean carpets, while the soft roller at the front is there to deal with fine dust and hard floors.
It’s really effective on hard floors, with great crevice cleaning and large debris collection.
On carpets, it did a wonderful job with pet hair and was really able to reach down and pull it all back up.
The accompanying accessories are also great, allowing for more versatile cleaning.
When combined with the Flexology tech, it’s also easy to reach under low furniture to ensure all those pesky dust bunnies are collected.
Plus, it’s lovely and light for effortless handling.
The Not So Good
There are no major flaws for this vacuum cleaner, other than with the pet tool attached it’s not the quietest vac out there.
Our View
This model from Shark has a lot to offer in a compact package.
It’s ready for action from the start, and there are no major flaws to put a damper on your cleaning experience.
Made to deal with every home situation, its powerful suction and handy array of tools are certainly going to be more than enough to get you through any task.
It’s a great all-rounder that we highly recommend.
Pros
- Great for pet hair and large debris
- Works wonders with hard floors and fine dust
- Large cleaning radius
- Brilliant Shark technology
Cons
- No major flaws
3. Shark NV681UK Lift-Away Upright Vac
Best Lightweight Vacuum for Carpets
Key Features
- Power: 750 watts
- Run Time: N/A
- Charge Time: N/A
- Weight: 6.5kg
- Dust Capacity: 0.83L
- Battery Voltage: N/A
- Noise: 78db
Shark is always one to make life easier, and this model combines the perfect balance between upright and portable models.
It’s one of their best vacuum cleaners, and the review below will show you why.
The Good
For an upright vacuum cleaner, this is certainly one of the lighter ones.
The smooth handling means that pushing it over carpet is a breeze, and the suction is powerful but not so much so that it becomes difficult to use.
The wand slides out of the main body easily, providing you with effortless above-floor cleaning as well as giving you excellent reach.
When used with the crevice and duster tool, there’s nowhere safe for cobwebs and dust to hide.
The DuoClean tech is one of my favourite Shark features because the soft roller at the front collects all the fine dust from hard floors.
While the brush bar at the back works quickly to deep clean your carpets.
Its powerful suction means that it works wonders on all floor types, as well as collects pet hair effortlessly.
The powered lit-away means that you can transform it into a handheld model.
While also using the main floorhead for easy cleaning of the stairs and other tricky areas.
The Not So Good
There are no major flaws to report with this model.
Our View
The Shark NV681UKT is fantastic for households that want a high-quality upright vacuum cleaner that is powerful and lightweight.
Smooth handling and effortless functionality combine to create a vacuum cleaner that is practically flawless.
Plus, the Shark technology means that it is sure to serve you well no matter what you need to clean.
It’s certainly one that we would recommend.
Pros
- Superb filtration system
- Uses DuoClean and Powered Lift-Away
- Uses anti-hair wrap technology
- Fantastic with fine dust and pet hair
Cons
- No major flaws
4. Gtech Air Ram MK2
Ideal Lightweight Vacuum for the Elderly
Key Features
- Power: 44 watts
- Run Time: 40 mins
- Charge Time: 4 hours
- Weight: 3.2kg
- Dust Capacity: 0.8L
- Battery Voltage: 22v
- Noise: 79db
Gtech is one of the leading brands when it comes to vacuum cleaners, and their small range has done an amazing job in homes across the country.
The MK2 could be the perfect one for you, so check out the reviews below and see.
The Good
This cordless vacuum cleaner has an excellent run time of around 30-minutes, so you know your home is going to get clean no matter the size.
Plus, it has a quick charge time and LED display that will let you know when the battery is starting to run low.
The LED headlights also help you to see those hard to reach areas of the home.
Comfortable to use, it has a retractable handle that is gentle on your hands.
Plus, it features a washable filter that is easy to change and does an excellent job of keeping the air as clean and breathable as possible.
Lightweight and with powerful suction, no area of your home will be missed with this vacuum.
I tested the AirRam and instantly loved the led light on the front which made it easy to see where I was hoovering.
It was easy to move around the house, and I was impressed with how quickly this vac picks up large debris, which could be good news if you spill your cereal in the morning.
The fur was no issue for the AirRam, sucked up in one glide, was really impressive, just perfect for your four-legged friend.
Our View
This vacuum cleaner from Gtech comes at a very reasonable price, something which the brand prides itself on.
While there have been a couple of issues with its suction on certain floor types, it still remains one of the best and most popular models.
With the additional features that this vacuum comes with, it’s easy to see why. A great model at an excellent price.
Read a detailed review of the Gtech Air Ram MK2 cordless vacuum here
Pros
- Cordless with a good run time
- Four-hour charge time
- Excellent filter
- Good sized canister that is easy to empty
- Great on hard floors
- Excellent filter means very few allergens escape into the room
Cons
- Very poor at removing pet hair
- No detachable handheld cleaner makes it unsuitable for anything other than floors
FAQ’s
Q: Is the trigger switch lockable?
A: Yes this trigger is so simple, one-touch with the foot and it runs … one touch with the foot and it stops.
Q: What is the charging time?
A: 4 hours
5. Dyson V8 Absolute
Best Lightweight Cordless Vac
Key Features
- Power: 100 watts
- Run Time: 40 mins
- Charge Time: 3.5 hours
- Weight: 2.5kg
- Dust Capacity: 0.6L
- Battery Voltage: 21.6v
- Noise: 72db
If you want to take some of the strain out of your vacuuming routine, you may want to look into a Dyson V8 Absolute.
They are light, easy to use, and ready to go from the moment you unpack them.
Take some time to read the reviews below and see what I think about this vacuum cleaner.
The Good
Cordless, slim, and compact, the Dyson V8 Absolute is easy to pack away and can be mounted on the wall to make things even easier for you.
As someone who doesn’t get on with heavy vacuum cleaners, I was impressed by how light this model was, but also how easy it is to handle.
It really glides across the floor with minimal effort.
Plus, the low profile means that it can slide right under the furniture with no issues.
What makes this model even better is the fact that it can be converted into a handheld model, making it an even lighter and more compact choice of the vacuum cleaner.
Additionally, there is no change to the amount of suction you get when it is in handheld mode, so you are still left with a very powerful vacuum cleaner.
The one thing that I have been most surprised with while testing this Dyson vacuum is how versatile it is and how it works just as well on every floor type I tested.
It works well on a range of floor types – carpets, floorboards and laminate flooring.
It’s easy to remove the turbo brush to disentangle hair and other debris.
The Not So Good
When it is on the maximum power mode the running time is only eight minutes, which can be a little inconvenient.
Our View
The Dyson V8 Absolute makes for one of the best lightweight vacuum cleaners around.
You really will feel the difference compared to other vacuum cleaners on the market.
While there is the issue of the running time on turbo mode, this doesn’t mean you cannot clean your home.
The general running time is 40 minutes, and you only need the extra power for areas with tough concentrations of dirt and debris.
All in all, a fantastic model for any homeowner.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Cleans effectively Dust ejector helps with bin emptying
- Long run time – 40 mins on normal setting
- Bagless
- Great value for the money
Cons
- Short battery life on the most powerful setting
FAQ’s
Q: What’s the difference between the v8 animal and absolute?
A: The absolute comes with 3x powered heads including the fluffy hard floor head, large brush head and small brush head where the animal omits the fluffy head. Both units have the same motor and battery.
Q: What is the difference between Dyson v8 absolute and v8 absolute pro?
A: The only real difference between the V8 Absolute and Animal is the Absolute includes the “Soft Roller” cleaning head. This is Dyson’s unique tool for cleaning hard floors. For this reason, if you have lots of hard floors then get the Absolute, as it’s fantastic for cleaning both large debris and small particles.
6. Morphy Richards 732005
Best Budget Lightweight Vacuum
Key Features
- Power: 100 watts
- Run Time: 35 mins
- Charge Time: 5 hours
- Weight: 3.94kg
- Dust Capacity: 0.3L
- Battery Voltage: 18v
- Noise: 72db
Morphy Richards is another top brand when it comes to the production of vacuum cleaners and other home appliances.
For a reliable and stylish upright vacuum cleaner, you might want to take a look at the reviews below, because this could be perfect for you.
The Good
This cordless vacuum cleaner has an excellent running time of 35-minutes after being fully charged for five hours.
The suction is powerful, so you won’t need to worry about your carpets being left dirty after this machine has run over them.
Suitable for all floor types, there is nothing it can’t handle when it comes to your home.
It folds away neatly, and is very small, for easy storage, and the filter is very easy to wash and change.
This is so you can keep on top of the maintenance your machine needs.
It has two power modes to guarantee an efficient clean and also converts into a handheld model that can get every difficult area of your home with no hassle.
Plus, the canister is really easy to detach and empty.
As soon as I got my hands on this vacuum, I was intrigued to find out what I liked about the Morphy Richards.
I am of average height and found the height of the handle exceptional to work with, so unless you are incredibly tall, this won’t be an issue.
I found it was an overall winner on all the floor types you would find in the home; it is all nice and quiet, which is a bonus.
The Not So Good
Some feel that the suction for this model could be a little stronger for the pick-up of things like fine dust and other such particles.
Our View
This budget vacuum cleaner can fit into just about any price bracket, and it is an excellent bargain too.
Despite a couple of issues from some customers, the vast majority agree that this vacuum cleaner is superb on every level.
It comes with a great range of accessories to keep your home in top shape, but also has a number of other brilliant features that leave this model standing out from the crowd.
Pros
- Excellent filter
- Very quiet
- Long running time – up to 35 mins
- Affordable
- Brilliant at trapping dust and allergens
- collapsible handle
Cons
- Handle may be too short for some people
- The dust capacity is smaller than most, and at just 0.3 litres you’ll have to stop and empty it more frequently
Read our detailed review guide for the Morphy Richards Supervac 732005 here
7. Vax OnePWR Blade 4 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Great Lightweight Vacuum for Stairs
Key Features
- Power: All Vax OnePWR Batteries
- Run Time: 45 mins
- Charge Time: 3 hours
- Weight: 3.1kg
- Dust Capacity: 0.83L
- Battery Voltage: 4.0ah
- Noise: 78db
Another one of the top brands, Vax have often taken the market by storm with their superb models and innovative designs.
For a lightweight upright, this might just be where your search ends. Take a peek below and see for yourself.
The Good
This cordless vacuum cleaner has a slim stick design that is lightweight and easy to handle, so you can glide around your home with ease.
It also has a detachable handheld that converts the machine into something you can use for small areas as well as the stairs and curtains.
It has powerful suction that rivals that of a corded stick vacuum, and so you won’t be left wondering what the difference in your flooring is once you have used this vacuum for the first time.
With three cleaning modes, no floor can withstand this model, and you will be hard-pressed to find one that can.
The Not So Good
It does not come with any accessories, and some find the canister can be a little complex to open.
Our View
Reasonably priced, this vacuum cleaner is just what you need for a quick zoom around the house, especially as it is able to reach every inch of it.
While there are a couple of niggles as noted by customers, this does not take away from the powerful suction and superb efficiency of this machine.
An absolute must for anyone looking for a reliable and lightweight upright vacuum cleaner.
Pros
- As powerful as a corded vacuum
- 45 minute runtime
- Boost mode will instantly increase power
- Brushless Motor
- handheld is perfect for stairs, pet hair removal, cars and upholstery cleaning
- hygienic, effortless, maintenance system
Cons
- Higher price bracket
FAQ’s
Q: Is the battery integral? Or can it be removed for charging?
A: Battery is internally charged by the adaptor to mains
8. Bosch BCH625KTGB Athlet
Perfect Lightweight Vacuum for Allergy Sufferers
Key Features
- Power: 1800 watts
- Run Time: 60 mins
- Charge Time: 3 – 6 hours
- Weight: 3kg
- Dust Capacity: 0.9L
- Battery Voltage: 25.2v
- Noise: 72db
Bosch is a big name, especially when it comes to the production and manufacture of household appliances and power tools.
They have a diverse market, but everything they produce is of excellent quality and top of the line in terms of practicality.
Take a look at this small by might model to see if it’s right for you.
The Good
This compact vacuum cleaner is powerful and provides a thorough cleaning experience unlike any other.
With powerful suction and a state of the art power brush on the main head, nothing will be able to escape it when it comes to cleaning your carpets.
Lightweight and easy to use, you won’t find yourself hitting trouble with this model.
Plus, it comes with some brilliant attachments. It has three main cleaning settings, so you can get the right amount of power for the task at hand, leaving you with fantastically clean floors.
It is also able to tackle any floor type, so you aren’t restricted in terms of use.
It has sensor technology that lets you know when the filter needs to be cleaned, as well as a system that allows you to clean the power brush efficiently and without hassle.
The Not So Good
There have been a number of issues where the charger for the vacuum needed to be replaced as it stopped charging correctly.
However, this appears to have been a batch issue as opposed to something that affects every model.
Our View
This vacuum cleaner may be at the higher end of the price scale, but it does have some fantastic features that are sure to serve you well when it comes to cleaning your home.
With an excellent range of accessories, a powerful motor, and runtime that allows homes of any size to be cleaned thoroughly, it’s a great model to choose.
While there have been a couple of issues, these do not seem to be ongoing, and it’s still a brilliant model available at a reasonable price.
Read our detailed review guide for the Bosch Athlet BCH625KTGB here
Pros
- Exceptional cleaning
- Long battery life
- Maintains suction power when battery low
- Suitable for allergy sufferers
- very manoveurable
- easy to vacuum the stairs
Cons
- Not as versatile as some
- Some issues reported with ease of use
Previously Featured Models –
9. Dyson V6 Absolute
Key Features
- Power: 100 watts
- Run Time: 20 mins
- Charge Time: 3 hours
- Weight: 4kg
- Dust Capacity: 0.4L
- Battery Voltage: 21.6v
- Noise: 87db
Lightweight vacuums are what we all want and need, especially since vacuuming can often be a chore we really don’t want to complete.
With the Dyson V6 Absolute, everything becomes easier, and we are here to show you how.
Take some time, and read through my thoughts on this handy vacuum.
The Good
With its slim and stylish design, the first thing I noticed about the Dyson V6 Absolute is how incredibly light it is.
I have practically no upper body strength, and it was a relief to use a vacuum that was so lightweight.
Plus, it’s really easy to handle so that you can glide across your home without any form of resistance.
There are even great tools and attachments to make cleaning easier.
It also converts into a handheld vacuum cleaner, which I really like, and this makes it even lighter and more compact to use.
The suction is just as powerful as it is when you have the hose attached, and it is able to remove a shocking amount of dirt and debris from your floors.
Even though it is really light, it still does an amazing job of cleaning floors.
The Not So Good
When it is on the maximum power mode the running time is only six minutes, which is a little disappointing.
Our View
This model from Dyson does make the perfect lightweight vacuum cleaner for your home, and we know that it is one that will leave you feeling impressed.
Yes, the six-minute runtime on the most powerful setting is a disappointment, but the charging period is quick, and it is perfect for speedy jobs or small homes.
It’s one of the best lightweight vacuum cleaners I have tried out, and I am sure that you would agree too. Certainly, one to take a chance on.
Pros
- Cordless & rechargable
- 2-year seller warranty
- Bagless design
- Power Boost mode
- Up to 20 minutes operating time per charge
- lightweight and powerful
Cons
- Can take around 3 – 4 hours to charge
10. Dyson DC40 Animal Lightweight Dyson Ball Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features
- Type: Cylinder Vacuum
- Power : 500w
- Dust Capacity: 4.5l
- Weight: 7kg
- Corded/Cordless: Corded
This Dyson lightweight vacuum is perfect for homes with pets, and remains one of the most popular models, despite a rather hefty price tag.
Lightweight and easy to handle, the cyclonic technology powers the incredible suction that will leave you wondering why you didn’t try this model earlier on.
Capturing allergens and releasing clean air, the HEPA filter is perfect for allergy and asthma sufferers too.
It even uses the classic Dyson ball technology to keep things moving smoothly around your home.
Read our detailed review guide for the Dyson DC40
How to Choose the Best Lightweight Vacuum
Things to Consider
There are so many different models of vacuum cleaner on the market that it can be really tricky to know which one is going to work best for you.
To give you a little assistance, this section will take you through the features that you should consider before you make a choice with regards to your next vacuum cleaner.
Weight
The first thing you need to consider is the weight of the vacuum cleaner.
Do you want something that is slim and lightweight, or are you not bothered by a machine that could be a little heavy and stiff to handle?
Much of the time, the weight of a vacuum cleaner contributes to how easy it is to guide around the home, and if you end up struggling it can leave you with an inefficient result when it comes to the cleanliness of your floors.
Bagged or Bagless
You also need to decide if you want to go bagged or bagless.
There are pros and cons to both choices, with bagged often costing more in the long-run, but with bagless often being messier to empty out and clean.
There is a strong and even divide when it comes to choosing which is best, and it is often down to personal preference.
The two main factors you need to consider are the price of the bags over time, but also how easy it is to empty and dispose of the contents.
Hepa Filter
Do you need a HEPA filter? Most people would answer that they do, and for those who suffer from asthma and allergies, it is a definite yes.
The HEPA filter is hospital grade and is able to capture even the smallest allergen particles, leaving the air you breathe cleaner than it was before you started to vacuum.
Many brands use filters of some description, but HEPA filters are the best ones out there.
For cleaner and more breathable air, this is an extra to carefully consider.
Pet Friendly
You should also be asking yourself if you need a pet friendly machine.
Some say there is no difference between a pet vacuum and a normal one, but they are very wrong.
Pet vacuum cleaners tend to have more suction and a greater amount of power so that all of the embedded dirt and grime can be reached effectively.
They also don’t tend to get blocked very easily, whereas a standard vacuum often chokes on balls of animal fluff that get sucked up.
Plus, many pet vacuums are able to withstand the dreaded cat litter.
Corded or Cordless
If your vacuum cleaner is cordless, take the runtime into consideration.
If you have a small home, this is not necessarily an important aspect, as it doesn’t tend to take more than 20-minutes to clean a small home.
However, larger homes might want to be aware of the different runtimes that are held by varying models and brands.
If you have a lot of ground to cover, then a longer running time is ideal.
Charge Time
Leading on from the previous point, the charge time is important as well if the vacuum cleaner is cordless.
After all, no one wants to be waiting for a full 12-hours in order to use their vacuum cleaner again.
Most have a charge time of around three hours, but some models will give you an extra boost of power for a quick charge that lasts less than a third of the total charge time.
This is great for when you realise you missed a spot before your vacuum cleaner ran out of battery.
Dust Canister Capacity
The size of the dust canister is also important.
After all, a small dust canister means that you will need to empty your vacuum cleaner on a much more regular basis, which could prove quite inconvenient and irritating for you.
Check to make sure that your vacuum cleaner has a decent size canister for the disposal of dirt and grime that has been picked up throughout the home.
A bigger canister means more time between trips to the bin, but also means you get more efficient suction for longer.
Tools/Accessories
Finally, you have the accessories. These are the tools and attachments that come with the vacuum cleaner.
This can include things like the crevice tool, the dust tool, turbo brushes, and a range of upholstery attachments that promise to leave your furniture looking brand new.
A good vacuum cleaner comes with a few accessories, and they make your job so much easier when you are cleaning.
Without them, there are a number of areas (like stairs and blinds) that are near impossible to get perfectly clean.
Now that we have gone through the basics, it is time to find the perfect model for you.
Take a look at the lightweight vacuum cleaner reviews below and see if one of these is an ideal match.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you have found this guide useful when it comes to selecting the perfect model of vacuum cleaner for your home.
Whether you need something that can deal with pets or everyday life, we have an option here that suits you.
The same goes for budget, as there is sure to be a vacuum that can slot nicely into your spending bracket.
Of course, choosing the best model is often expected, but with so many different features and at a varying range of prices, selecting the best lightweight vacuum cleaner is never an easy task.
However, you can definitely never go wrong with a Vax or a Gtech.
What did you think of our best lightweight upright vacuum cleaner guide? Are there any models that you would have added to the list?
Do you have experience with one of the vacuum’s we talked about?
We love hearing from you, so make sure you leave us a message in the comments below.
Last Updated on February 3, 2022 by Gemma Tyler
