Wouldn’t it be nice if vacuuming our home wasn’t such a big hassle? Right now, you’re probably using a large and clunky upright vacuum. While those machines certainly have their perks, they’re not exactly the easiest things to use. They take up tons of space and are notorious for being difficult to maneuver! What if I told you that the best corded stick vacuums could help you complete your daily cleaning chores swiftly and efficiently?
Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?
Well, we’re happy to tell you that the market is filled with some great corded stick vacuums. These innovative cleaning machines are a compact and lightweight alternative to traditional uprights of yesteryear. Not only are they easier to carry around your home, but they also offer comparable performance to their bulkier counterparts. What’s not to like?
With this guide, we aim to help you find the vacuum you never knew you wanted. We’ve done the research and sifted through this saturated market to find the very best vacuums that money can buy. To learn more about what makes these vacuums so unique, check out our buying guide below. Before we get into the details, here’s our top picks for the best corded stick vacuums.
Comparison Chart: Top Corded Stick Vacuums 2020
Product | Motor Power | Cord Length | Weight | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Shark Flex HV391 (Editor’s Choice) | 5 amps | 30 ft. | 9.8 lbs | Check Price |
2. Hoover SH20030 | 2 amps | 20 ft. | 9.55 lbs | Check Price |
3. Shark Rocket HV382 | 5 amps | 30 ft. | 9.9 lbs | Check Price |
4. Bissell 81L2A | 6 amps | 20 ft. | 7.5 lbs | Check Price |
5. Shark Rocket DeluxePro | 4.2 amps | 30 ft. | 8.6 lbs | Check Price |
6. VonHaus 2 in 1 EPT2 | 5.5 amps | 19.5 ft. | 5.55 lbs | Check Price |
7. Eureka NES210 | 2 amps | 18 ft. | 3.2 lbs | Check Price |
8. Shark Rocket HV302 | 4.2 amps | 25 ft. | 7.6 lbs | Check Price |
9. Dibea SC4588 | 5 amps | 19.7 ft. | 4.6 lbs | Check Price |
10. Dirt Devil 3-in-1 | 1.25 amps | 16 ft. | 3.8 lbs | Check Price |
1. Shark Flex HV391 – The Overall Winner
- MultiFLEX Technology provides flexible reach for under furniture and freestanding, compact storage.
Shark is no stranger to the vacuum game. It’s one of the most popular brands in the world and is known for producing some great upright machines. The Flex DuoClean is the brand’s foray into the stick market. We’re happy to report that it doesn’t disappoint.
Technology:
This isn’t your average corded stick vacuum with one stationary tube. The main collection tube features a flexible pivot point. This allows you to get into all kinds of hard-to-reach spots. You can vacuum under furniture without having to bend over too much. Plus, the included attachments add loads of versatility to your cleaning chores.
Performance:
From a performance standpoint, this stick vacuum is top-notch. It works well on both carpeted and smooth floors. The dense brushes are soft enough to prevent scratches. Yet, they’ll polish smooth floors and kick up debris in your carpet.
Specs:
- Multiflex design
- Multi-surface clean
- Safe for carpeted and smooth floors
- Weighs 9.8 pounds
- 42-quart canister
- Built-in lights
- 30-foot cord
- Comes with 7-year limited warranty
- Picks up pet hair
- Multiple pivot points
- Comes with several attachments
- Folds into freestanding design
- Complete allergen seal
- Dust bin fills up quickly
- Tends to pull forward on carpets
Conclusion:
This stick vacuum has a lot to offer. It’s a flexible little machine that packs a powerful cleaning punch.
Alternative Product:
The original product is out of stock, check out this closest alternative:
- DEEP CLEAN: DuoClean Technology utilizes a bristle brush to deep clean carpets and soft brushroll to pull larger particles
2. Hoover SH20030 – A Good Budget Pick
- CYCLONIC TECHNOLOGY: Ensures a consistent cleaning Experience with no loss of suction
From one of the most recognizable vacuum brands, Hoover, is the Linx stick vacuum cleaner. This compact corded stick machine offers up some great technology to help you clean up in no time.
Technology:
Powering this machine is a cyclonic motor. The motor whips air throughout the body of the vacuum at very high speeds. This results in powerful suction that does fade over time. Thanks to the integrated filter, dust doesn’t affect the suction power or cause clogs like traditional vacuums.
Performance:
This vacuum is a jack of all trades. It can easily transition from carpeted floors to smooth floors with a push of a button. The beater brush in the head is independently powered, so you can clean without having to worry about damaging your floors.
Specs:
- Bagless
- 20-foot cord
- Safe for all floors
- Washable filter
- Low-profile design
- Weighs less than 8 pounds
- Comes with 2-year limited warranty
- Extreme recline
- Wide cleaning head
- Powered brush
- Very small canister
- Cord shorter than competitors
- Doesn’t come with attachments
Conclusion:
Don’t let the small size of the vacuum fool you. It has plenty of power to get the job done.
3. Shark Rocket HV382 – Best Corded Stick Vacuum for Pet Hair
- Duoclean technology: Dual brushroll system deep cleans carpets and directly engages floors for a polished look.
Here’s another great option from Shark. The Rocket DuoClean offers a versatile cleaning experience in a very small and portable package.
Technology:
Like the other Shark vacuum on this list, this corded stick model is sporting a dual brush head. Two soft-bristle brushes work to kick up dirt for vacuuming. The brushes are tough enough to get rid of stubborn debris, yet they’re soft enough to not damage delicate floors.
Performance:
From a performance standpoint, this unit is quite flexible. The wide vacuum head can pick up large piles of debris without missing a beat. Plus, you can easily detach the head and turn the vacuum into a lightweight handheld. Doing so cuts the weight in half, allowing you to use this vacuum in the car, on furniture, and more.
Specs:
- Dual brush head
- Bagless
- Weighs less than 10 pounds
- Integrated LED lights
- 30-foot cord
- Safe for all floors
- 91-quart dust capacity
- Comes with pet multi-tool
- Can clean large debris
- Does scratch smooth floors
- Transforms into 4.5-pound handheld
- Can overheat with prolonged use
- Prone to clogging
Conclusion:
Overall, the Shark Rocket DuoClean is a worthy contender for your money. It performs well and is significantly lighter than clunky uprights.
4. Bissell 81L2A – Best Corded Stick Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
- Every BISSELL purchase helps save pets. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
Looking for a corded stick vacuum for your smooth floors? Check out the PowerEdge stick vacuum from Bissell. This is a unique little vacuum that’s specifically designed for hardwood floors.
Technology:
Rather than using traditional roller brushes, this unit uses rubber squeegees and a distinct V-shaped head. As you roll the machine over your floors, the rubber moves dirt and debris toward the central vacuum intake.
Performance:
The only downside of this model is that it doesn’t work that great on carpets. However, if that’s not a deal-breaker for you, the performance on smooth floors is very impressive. The swivel system allows you to navigate effortlessly around your home. Pair that with the V-shaped head and getting around furniture couldn’t be easier.
Specs:
- V-shaped suction head
- Bagless
- 20-foot cord
- Weighs 7.5 pounds
- 30-foot cord
- Safe for smooth floors
- Comes with limited 2-year warranty
- Very easy to maneuver
- Directs dirt to suction head
- Integrated rubber squeegee
- No hose or attachments
- Not great for carpets
Conclusion:
It may not look like a traditional stick vacuum, but the Bissell PowerEdge is more than capable of helping you clean. The machine has some great technology that can improve efficiency on smooth floors.
5. Shark Rocket DeluxePro – Best Corded Bagless Stick Vac
- POWERFUL SUCTION: Thorough deep carpet cleaning, and powerful pet hair pickup on all surfaces.
The Rocket DeluxePro from Shark is an ultra-light vacuum that’s more powerful than it seems. Weighing less than 10 pounds, this machine is comfortable to use up high, down low, and everywhere in between.
Technology:
Shark includes several great accessories with this bagless vacuum. Not only are you getting a large and feature-rich vacuum head, but it also comes with some unique attachments. These include a tool for tackling pet hair and one for getting into tight crevices. You can take off the primary suction tube and turn the vacuum into a handheld model in seconds.
Performance:
The performance of this vacuum doesn’t disappoint. It uses about 500 watts of power, which is quite powerful considering the size of the unit.
Specs:
- Bagless
- Works on carpets and smooth floors
- 69-quart dust bin
- 25-foot cord
- Weighs 9.1 pounds
- Comes with 5-year limited warranty
- Comes with a pet multi-tool
- Includes several accessories
- Easily converts to handheld
- Comes with integrated lights
- Filters get dirty quickly
- Smaller dust bin than other options
Conclusion:
Shark has hit it out of the park yet again with the Rocket DeluxePro. Thanks to its flexible design, it can serve you well in every room in your home.
6. VonHaus EPT2 – Best 2-in-1 Handheld and Stick Vacuum
- 2-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY – 600W stick vacuum cleaner can be used at full length or without the extension tube for handheld cleaning.
From VonHaus is this simple and affordable corded stick vacuum. This is made for smooth or carpeted floors. It does best on tile or hardwood and can even be used as a handheld for portable cleaning.
Technology:
Don’t expect this unit to win any groundbreaking innovation awards. It’s a relatively simple corded vacuum that uses basic technology to suck up dirt. When you turn the machine on, the motor will suck air in through the filter to prevent debris from causing any damage. This is a nice touch that can prolong the life of your investment.
Performance:
One thing we like about this model is that it can be used pretty much anywhere you have access to an outlet. It can be turned into a handheld vacuum by simply removing the main housing from the handle and vacuum head.
Specs:
- Bagless
- 3-liter dust canister
- HEPA sponge filter
- 5-foot cord
- Extendable handle
- Only weighs 5.5 pounds
- Affordable
- Includes crevice tool and hose
- Transitions to handheld vacuum
- Large dust bin
- Doesn’t have the strongest suction
- Doesn’t work well on high-pile carpets
Conclusion:
VonHaus has done a great job of creating a simple corded stick cleaner. It’s not going to perform all of the tasks that a higher-priced unit will. But, it can be used on many types of floor surfaces to keep things clean.
7. Eureka NES210 – Most Affordable Corded Stick Vacuum
- 3-in-1 design with onboard crevice tool allows you to customize your vacuum for your needs. At only 4 pounds, you can take the Eureka blaze anywhere
Here’s another budgeted vacuum that comes with cord. This one is from Eureka. It’s a multi-functional device that you can easily use on your floors, furniture, stairs, or in your vehicle.
Technology:
Powering this vacuum is a basic motor. It doesn’t utilize advanced cyclonic technology to pick up dirt. However, it does provide decent suction power. The primary vacuum inlet is quite large, making it easy to pick up large debris in a single pass.
Performance:
This is a very flexible vacuum cleaner. You can use it as a standard stick vacuum or remove the motor to take care of smaller messes. You can even reattach the wide suction head onto the unit while it’s in handheld mode to clean stairs.
Specs:
- Bagless
- Can be used on carpets or smooth floors
- Washable filter
- 18-foot power cords
- Weighs less than 4 pounds
- Comes with 3-year limited warranty
- Affordable
- 3-in-1 design
- Easy to maintain
- Smooth swivel base
- Can be used as a handheld
- Comes with basic attachments
- Not the most powerful
- No brush
Conclusion:
It may not have all the bells and whistles of some other models on the market, but this vacuum certainly gets the job done. It’s one of the most affordable options on this list and makes a great introduction to corded stick vacuums.
8. Shark Rocket HV302 – Perfect Choice for Apartments
- SHARK ROCKET PET CORDED STICK VACUUM: Ultra-powerful, corded cleaning on carpets and hard floors.
The Rocket Ultra-Light vacuum is Shark’s affordable alternative to some of its more feature-rich models. Like other Shark vacuums, this unit has a nice lightweight design for perfect apartment vacuuming. It covers many different types of surfaces and can be used in handheld mode.
Technology:
This is a bagless vacuum with a surprisingly powerful motor. The motor is located on the handle, which tends to make it a bit top-heavy. If you can overlook that, this design does make the dust bin easier to empty.
Performance:
Suction power is decent across the board. The compact motor utilizes enough power to get rid of dirt without any issues. Thanks to the collection of attachments, you can easily use this on drapery, ceiling fans, and other strange places.
Specs:
- Bagless
- Weighs less than 8 pounds
- 25-foot cord
- 42-quart dust bin
- Comes with 5-year limited warranty
- Simple fingertip controls
- Smooth swivel steering
- Converts to handheld
- Can be stored on wall mount
- Top-heavy design
- Poor cord management
Conclusion:
The Shark Rocket vacuum is a great machine that can tackle multiple surfaces around your home.
9. Dibea SC4588 – Simple, Compact & Powerful
- 【600W 18Kpa Powerful Suction, Lightweight, Stand Up Alone】 2-in-1 corded upright stick vacuum cleaner with 18kpa powerful suction, provides efficient vacuuming on marble, tile and hardwood floors....
This corded stick vacuum from Dibea has a modern look and some great performance capabilities. It’s a multi-functional machine that works well on most flooring surfaces.
Technology:
You’re not going to find a roller brush on this model. This does limit its performance a bit on carpets. However, the lack of a brush also ensures that your smooth floors will not be damaged.
Performance:
To make up for the absence of a roller, Dibea made the vacuum quite powerful. As you’re cleaning, the dirt and air are put through a multi-stage HEPA filter. Thus, it cleans the air as you clean.
Specs:
- Bagless
- Weighs 4.6 pounds
- 1-liter dust bin
- HEPA filter
- 7-foot cord
- Safe for smooth floors
- Adjustable vacuum head height
- Sleek and low-profile design
- Multi-stage filtration
- Can be used as handheld
- No roller brush
- Doesn’t perform that well on carpets
Conclusion:
Despite its low cost and basic technology, this corded vacuum does a decent job across the board. It can clean your smooth floors without causing damage, which is a huge plus.
Alternative Product:
The original product is out of stock, check out this closest alternative:
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Easy clean from room-to-room and up-and-down stairs with the lightweight and compact design
10. Dirt Devil 3-in-1 – Best All-Purpose Corded Stick Vacuum
- 3-IN-1: Tidy up your hard floors and rugs with powerful straight suction, or tackle tight, hard to reach places with the hand vac on-board crevice tool combo
Looking for a stick vacuum that doesn’t break the bank? Consider this model from Dirt Devil. It’s a three-in-one vacuum that can switch between a stick upright to a handheld in only a few steps.
Technology:
From a design and technology standpoint, this vacuum is pretty simple. It doesn’t have a ton of features like more expensive options. However, it gets the job done well. The main vacuuming components are located in one compact housing. Thus, you can take the entire motor and bin off to vacuum furniture and small areas.
Performance:
This isn’t the most powerful vacuum out there. The motor is quite modest and it doesn’t use a ton of power. However, there is an integrated HEPA filter and some great attachments to help you get the best cleaning experience possible.
Specs:
- Bagless
- Switches to handheld in seconds
- 35-liter dust bin
- Adjustable handle
- Washable filter
- 16-foot cord
- Very affordable price tag
- Comes with many attachments
- Smooth swivel base
- Can be used on smooth floors
- Extension handle
- Not the most powerful suction
- Doesn’t work well on carpets
- Hard-to-find filter size
Conclusion:
Dirt Devil is known for making decent no-frills vacuum cleaners. This model is a perfect example of that. It’s not an innovative machine by any means. However, it’s great for everyday cleaning.
A Complete Buying Guide for Corded Stick Vacuums
With so many industry buzzwords and confusing specs to comb over, it’s not always easy to distinguish the good from the bad. Fortunately, we have you covered.
To help you make a decision you’re comfortable with, we’re created this in-depth buying guide filled with all the important details you need to know.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Corded vs. Cordless Stick Vacuums
Take a quick look through your local home improvement store and you’re bound to see a sizeable collection of cordless machines.
Cordless vacuum cleaners, especially those of the stick variety, have become incredibly popular in the last decade.
Big-name brands like Dyson, Shark, and Hoover have all produced machines that are flexible and lightweight. It’s not hard to see why cordless options have captured the attention of homeowners.
With that said, are they better than corded stick vacuums? Let’s examine the pros and cons to find out.
-
Suction Power
When it comes to suction power, corded stick vacuums tend to have the upper hand. While cordless varieties may have an advantage in the portability department, you can’t beat the consistent power that comes from a wall outlet.
You see, cordless stick vacuums use a rechargeable battery. These batteries, while tough, are not immune to issues. The current they provide can wane as the charge level decreases. Furthermore, heat is one of the biggest enemies of a rechargeable battery.
As the motor runs, heat starts to build up. This can damage the individual cells in the battery, which affects performance even more.
-
Flexibility
There’s no denying that cordless stick vacs offer more flexibility. Because you’re not tied down by a power cord, you can take it anywhere. They work great out in the car, high up near ceilings, and anywhere else a standard outlet isn’t available.
With all that said, corded stick vacuums aren’t too bad when it comes to flexibility. The average cord length is approximately 30 feet, which should be more than enough. The only downside is that you will need to change outlets every once in a while.
The good news is that both corded and cordless units can be used with a wide range of accessories to help you get the job done faster.
-
Durability
Looking to invest in a machine that will last for years to come? Stick with a corded vacuum. Cordless machines are at the whims of their batteries. Unfortunately, they don’t last as long as you’d think. The more charge cycles a battery goes through, the weaker it gets.
Eventually, you’ll need to replace it. This comes with some significant added costs in the future. When you’ll need to replace your battery based on several factors. However, most companies only offer a two-year warranty. So, you can expect the battery to die out after only a few years with regular use.
-
Battery Life
Speaking of batteries, how long do you think a cordless stick vacuum can run before you need to charge it? A couple of hours? One hour? Try 20 to 40 minutes.
Vacuums are very powerful machines that need a lot of electricity to run efficiently. Sure, you could find a cordless vacuum with a long run time. But, don’t expect to have good performance. This is one of the biggest disadvantages of a cordless machine. If you have a large home, you’re going to need to charge your device constantly.
Some big-name brands have started to include multiple batteries with their stick vacuums. However, this only increases the overall cost of the package. Plus, you’re still getting a limited run time. If the vacuum has a high-powered mode, you may only still get 20-30 minutes of run time with two batteries!
With a corded stick vacuum, none of that is an issue.
-
Dust Bin Capacity
Generally speaking, cordless and corded stick vacuums are pretty even when it comes to dust bin capacity. Both types of machines are geared toward portability and ease of use. Thus, a lightweight corded vacuum is going to have a smaller dust capacity than a large upright. Most units can hold less than a liter of debris.
You may have to empty out the dust repository system a bit more than clunky uprights. But, that’s the price you have to pay for getting a system that’s light and easy to maneuver.
What Are Other Important Factors to Consider When Buying a Corded Stick Vacuum?
-
Cord Length
As we mentioned earlier, most corded stick vacuums have a cord that’s about 30 feet in length. Though, that’s not always the case. It’s important to choose a model with enough wiggle room to help you clean comfortably. Changing outlets as you move between rooms is unavoidable.
However, having a longer cord will provide you with that flexibility you need to clean more than just your carpets. Keep the size of your home in mind when you’re shopping.
-
Multi-Functionality
One of the best things about a stick vacuum is that it can be used in a plethora of ways. The main functionality is focused on picking up debris from different kinds of floors. We’ll get into that in a bit.
However, you’re not just limited to cleaning carpets, tiles, and rugs. Thanks to their lightweight design, most can be used on vertical surfaces and furniture.
When you look at a stick vacuum with cord, you’ll quickly notice that the motor and dust bin are designed very differently than those on an upright. While designs can vary from brand to brand, most have these components located near the upper portion of the vacuum.
Thus, they work similarly to a handheld. You can pop off the floor attachment and seamlessly transition to another part of your home without missing a beat!
A lot of the flexibility you’ll experience comes from the included attachments. Beyond the standard floor cleaning head, many vacuums come with upholstery brushes, crevice tools to get into those hard-to-reach spots, and fuzzy dusters for fans and shelves. The possibilities are endless, so choose a best corded stick vacuum with attachments that meet your needs.
-
Bagged or Bagless
There’s a lot to be said about the “bagged vs bagless” debate. Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal preference and needs.
Bagged stick vacuum cleaners take on a more traditional design. You must purchase replaceable bags any time you empty out the repository system. Considering the smaller capacities of stick vacuums, this could be a considerable investment.
On the plus side, bagged vacuums do offer a bit more protection from dust. If you have allergies, bagged systems can keep things contained and prevent the debris from becoming airborne again. Beyond the bag itself, you might also have to replace the filters periodically. Many bagged systems are available with HEPA filters, which can help allergy sufferers even more.
Bagless vacuums are quickly replacing bagged varieties. Typically, they don’t have any recurring costs to worry about. Some have replaceable filters. Though, washable alternatives are becoming increasingly popular among manufacturers.
The great thing about bagless stick vacuums is that most canisters are designed to have a “no-touch” emptying system. Just hold the canister over the bin, press the button, and watch the dust fall out. It’s that quick and easy. However, you do run the risk of inhaling some dust in the process.
When you’re done, read our best vacuums for allergies round up.
-
Type of Floor
Next, it’s important to consider the types of floors you have. These days, vacuums aren’t just for carpets. With that said, you do need to be careful about your machine’s capabilities. Some vacuuming methods are harmful to specific types of floors.
Let me explain…
If you have thick carpets, a traditional beater bar is a must-have. These rotating brushes help to dislodge debris that’s deep within the fibers. They kick up dust and make it easy for the vacuums suction power to take over.
While they’re great for carpets, you may experience some issues with hardwood or tile floors. You see, the thick bristles on the brush can damage the finish of smooth floors.
Luckily, many manufacturers have multi-floor corded stick vacuums available. These units let you switch off the beater bar to keep your smooth floors the same. Some even have separate smooth floor cleaning heads, which feature polishing pads instead of a traditional brush. These machines are a win-win all around.
-
Pets
Have a little furry friend running around your home? If so, you’re bound to have some stray hairs you need to vacuum up. While you might think that a standard vacuum will do the job just fine, you’d be surprised at what kinds of issues you can encounter.
Pet hair is notorious for tangling around brushes, snaping belts, and killing motors. To keep your investment safe, it’s always a good idea to get a pet-specific vacuum cleaner.
Many manufacturers include features to help you take care of pet hair safely and efficiently. They may have specialty tangle-free brushes, stronger suction power, and dander filters. Whatever the case may be, you can’t go wrong going with pet hair cleaning features.
-
Weight
It wouldn’t be a stick vacuum if it wasn’t lightweight! The biggest difference between an upright and the stick vacuum is its weight. Uprights can weigh 25 pounds or more. Most stick models are less than 10 pounds!
This makes a huge difference when it comes time to clean drapes or carry the machine up a flight of stairs. The lightweight design makes the vacuum easier to maneuver, allowing you clean for much longer before getting tired.
-
Warranty
Finally, let’s talk about the warranty. With a sizeable investment like a corded stick vacuum, you’re going to want a generous warranty. Many manufacturers offer at least one year for the main components. Some offer even more for peace of mind.
Depending on the terms, a warranty is basically a promise that the company will cover repair or replacement costs within a set period. It’s a great way to protect your investment. Some brands cover all repair costs while others will only take care of certain components. Make sure to read the fine print so that you know what to expect in the event of repair issues.
Generally, a longer warranty period is a good sign of quality. It shows that the brand believes in their product. If they didn’t think that the product would last, they wouldn’t be offering a lengthy warranty!
Wrap Up
As you can see, there is no shortage of portable vacuums on the market. The best corded stick vacuums combine the power of an upright with the portability of a handheld. They’re easy to use and can keep your entire home spotless.