Let’s face it, lugging a heavy upright vacuum up and down the stairs is SO exhausting.
But don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be that way anymore. Read on as I share our top picks for the best handheld vacuums for stairs.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick overview:
- Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum – Editor’s Pick
- BISSELL Automate – Best Overall Pick
- Dyson Cyclone V10 – Best Premium Pick
- BLACK+DECKER Furbuster – Best Budget Pick
1. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum or BISSELL AutoMate
| Key Aspect | Score |
| Suction Power | 8/10 |
| Battery Life | 7/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9/10 |
| Noise Level | 9/10 |
| Durability | 8/10 |
| Maintenance | 8/10 |
| Cleaning | 9/10 |
| Portability | 9/10 |
| Value for Money | 8.5/10 |
When tackling pet hair on the stairs, I often reach for the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser. This convenient cordless vacuum makes quick work of removing fur from steps.
Weighing close to 3 pounds, the lightweight handheld design won’t wear out your hand as you clean for shorter cleaning sessions. It’s easy to carry up and down stairs as needed. The ergonomic soft grip offers comfortable control.
Though compact, the Pet Hair Eraser provides powerful cleaning. The motorized brush tool spins to actively remove embedded pet hair from carpets and fabrics. The specialized nozzle targets fur while the upholstery tool cleans bare steps.
The 17 minute battery runtime gives you ample cleaning time for most staircases. And lithium-ion technology means long-lasting battery life over time. The large 700 ml dirt cup only needs occasional emptying too.
With triple filtration, the vacuum traps dust and allergens as you clean. The low 82 decibel operation allows you to vacuum without excessive noise.
For tackling pet messes on stairs, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser delivers convenient cordless cleaning power. The handheld design paired with specialized tools makes quick work of removing fur and debris from steps.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser stands out with its powerful suction capabilities, making it a great choice for picking up dirt and debris. However, the tradeoff for that strong suction is a slightly heavier vacuum due to the larger battery required.
While the extra weight may be noticeable during longer cleaning sessions, it is worth it for the increase in suction power. And the ergonomic handle helps offset the additional weight, making it easy to maneuver.
One thing to note is that it does not come with a wall mount for storage. However, the vacuum itself is quite slim and can be tucked into tight spaces.
When it comes to the battery, the primary drawback is the longer charge time, which can take several hours (close to 8 hours) to fully recharge from empty.
That said, for quick and convenient stair cleaning, it remains a top choice for handheld vacuums for stairs.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Lightweight and portable design | Battery takes 8 hours to fully recharge |
| Powerful suction removes embedded pet hair | Heavier than some cordless models due to large battery |
| Specialized motorized brush tool targets pet hair | Lacks wall mount for storage |
| 17 minute battery runtime | |
| Ergonomic soft grip handle |
Check The Latest Price Here (on Amazon)
By the way, Multi-surface cleaners from the same brand–Bissell Crosswave also provide a convenient 2-in-1 vacuuming and mopping solution. If you’re wondering whether or not Bissell Crosswave is effective to use as a vacuum, check out the guide to learn more.
2. BISSELL Automate
| Key Aspect | Score |
| Suction Power | 8/10 |
| Battery Life | 6/10 |
| Ease of Use | 7/10 |
| Noise Level | 8/10 |
| Maintenance | 7/10 |
| Cleaning Performance | 8/10 |
| Portability | 9/10 |
| Value for Money | 7/10 |
While designed for auto detailing, the versatile BISSELL AutoMate can pull double-duty for cleaning your home’s stairs. Its lightweight handheld design makes maneuvering up and down steps a breeze.
Weighing under 4 pounds, you won’t tire out your arms lugging it around. The ergonomic handle with soft grip provides comfortable control as you vacuum.
You’ll appreciate the powerful 14V lithium-ion battery when tackling debris embedded in carpeted stairs. The motorized brush tool spins to actively remove dirt and hair. Even stubborn pet hair doesn’t stand a chance.
Hard-to-reach corners and crevices are no match for the flexible detail tools. The crevice tool and extension hose get into tight spaces between stair rails and balusters. The LED illumination tool lights up shadowy areas under steps.
With a 0.7 liter dirt tank, you can clean several flights before needing to empty. The bagless design makes disposal quick and simple too.
While made for cars, the versatile BISSELL AutoMate has the convenient cordless design and cleaning tools to refresh fabric or carpeted stairs in your home. Tackling high traffic areas is easy with this small but powerful vacuum.
Now, let’s face it, no vacuum is perfect. So, coming to the cons, one drawback of the AutoMate is that the battery is not swappable, meaning you need to wait for it to fully recharge rather than just popping in a spare.
However, the lithium-ion battery does provide a decent 17 minutes of runtime, which should be enough to tackle most staircases in one go.
The vacuum does require an adapter for using some of the other specialized tools, rather than them fitting directly into the handheld unit. This can add a small extra step when switching between tools.
Also, the charge time is longer than some comparable cordless models. But you can simply charge it overnight or when not in use to avoid any downtime. And the powerful suction provided makes the wait worthwhile.
The power button location near the handle can lead to it being accidentally pressed during use, shutting the vacuum off. However, you quickly learn ways to grip it to avoid this issue.
Overall, while it has a few drawbacks like any vacuum, the BISSELL AutoMate remains a top choice for convenient and portable stair cleaning thanks to its specialized design and cleaning effectiveness for pet hair removal.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Lightweight handheld design | Battery not swappable |
| Powerful suction | Requires adapters for some tools |
| Motorized brush for embedded dirt/hair | Long 8 hour charge time |
| Flexible detail tools for crevices | Power button prone to accidental pressing |
| Large 0.7L dirt tank | |
| Bagless for easy disposal |
Check The Latest Price Here (on Amazon)
3. Dyson Cyclone V10
| Key Aspect | Score |
| Suction Power | 9/10 |
| Battery Life | 7/10 |
| Ease of Use | 8/10 |
| Noise Level | 7/10 |
| Maintenance | 9/10 |
| Cleaning Performance | 8/10 |
| Portability | 9/10 |
| Value for Money | 7/10 |
When it comes to keeping your stairs free of dirt, debris, and pet hair, having the right vacuum cleaner makes all the difference. As a home cleaning specialist, I often recommend the Dyson V10 as an excellent handheld vacuum option for tackling stairs.
One of the best features of the V10 is its lightweight and portable design. Weighing under 6 pounds, it’s easy to carry up and down stairs as you clean.
The handheld format allows you to maneuver the vacuum into corners and crevices with ease. I’ve found the V10 to be one of the most convenient models for cleaning stairs without having to lug around heavy equipment.
Despite its small size, this little vacuum packs serious suction power. There are three modes you can switch between to optimize battery life and match the cleaning task. Max mode provides robust suction for pulling out ground-in dirt from carpeting on stairs.
The lower settings work well for quick jobs on hard flooring. The direct-drive cleaner head digs deep to remove pet hair and allergens trapped in carpet fibers on steps.
The fade-free battery holds its power nicely, giving you up to 60 minutes of runtime per charge. Since you likely won’t need to clean stairs for that long in one session, you can count on solid, consistent suction start to finish.
The removable battery also makes the V10 easy to charge back up once depleted.
Maintenance and usability are two other strong suits of this handheld. The bin empties with just the press of a button, avoiding mess and dust clouds. The filter rinses clean under the faucet. The trigger power button and attachments are simple to operate and swap out.
For anyone seeking a lightweight yet powerful cordless stick vacuum to make short work of stair cleaning, the Dyson V10 handheld is a top choice worth investing in.
Remember that, no vacuum is 100% perfect, so you may find you need an occasional deep clean even after regular maintenance. If you notice your floors still looking dirty after vacuuming our guide on what to do if floors are still dirty after mopping can help troubleshoot the issue.
When evaluating a vacuum cleaner, noise level is an important consideration, especially for cleaning in high-traffic areas like stairs. The Dyson V10 operates at reasonable noise levels, though the max suction mode can get quite loud. At max setting, it reaches up to 91 decibels, which is in the range of a noisy blender.
This high power mode works great for deep cleaning carpets but may be annoying for quick cleanups. The good news is you can kick it down to the lower suction settings to reduce the volume.
On low, it operates around 79 decibels, similar to a running shower. On medium, it hits about 82 decibels, comparable to a vacuum robot.
So while the V10 isn’t silent, it offers some variability in sound levels to suit light or heavy-duty stair cleaning needs. The lower noise output also makes it easier to hold a conversation or take a phone call while vacuuming!
The V10 offers powerful suction, but that comes at the cost of shorter maximum runtimes per charge compared to some competitors.
On the highest setting, you get about 5-10 minutes of cleaning time before needing to recharge. However, the lower power settings can stretch up to 15-20 minutes, which should be sufficient to tackle most standard staircases in one session.
This handheld performs best for quick pickups and light tasks, rather than extended heavy duty cleaning. But its lightweight maneuverability and wide range of attachments still make it a great portable option for getting into corners and crevices on stairs.
The price is higher than some competing models, but you’re paying for Dyson’s reputation for innovation, as well as the V10’s powerful suction and high-quality construction.
It is worth it investment if it fits your budget, especially considering the convenience, portability, and cleaning effectiveness in mind. Check out this guide to learn more about why some vacuums are so costly.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Lightweight and portable design | Noisier on max suction setting |
| Strong suction power | Shorter runtime on max setting |
| Easy to empty dirt bin | More expensive than some competitors |
| Removable battery for charging | |
| Multiple suction settings for variability | |
| Works well for stairs and tight spaces |
Check The Latest Price Here (on Amazon)
4. BLACK+DECKER Furbuster
| Key Aspect | Score |
| Suction Power | 8/10 |
| Battery Life | 7/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9/10 |
| Noise Level | 7/10 |
| Maintenance | 6/10 |
| Cleaning Performance | 8/10 |
| Portability | 9/10 |
| Value for Money | 8/10 |
Weighing under 3 pounds, the Furbuster won’t weigh you down as you move up and down staircases. The compact size also lets you easily maneuver it into corners and crevices to remove lurking fur and dust. Though small, this little vac packs some useful features.
The powered brushroll is the star of the show. It spins at high speeds to actively pull up embedded pet hair from carpets on stairs. The bristles help grab those stubborn hairs that evade less powerful vacuums.
While not the longest, the 12.5 minute max run time is sufficient for most staircases. I just start at the top and work my way down methodically. The bagless dirt bowl means I can empty out hair and debris mid-clean if needed without interrupting flow.
The flexible 4-foot hose also comes in handy for accessing tight spots under railings and in crevices. And the rubber nozzle protects wood trim from scuffs and scratches during cleaning sessions.
However, like every other vacuum, it also has its own set of cons.
First off, this model does not come with a brush attachment or allow you to add one. Secondly, there is no wall mount included to conveniently store the Furbuster.
The fur nozzle does require occasional cleaning to keep it working its best. But it’s a quick process to access the bristles and remove built-up debris.
Overall, for pet owners tired of lugging full-size vacuums up and down stairs, the Furbuster is an affordable and convenient cleaning tool worth having on hand. Its compact yet powerful design makes quick work of fur removal on steps.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight (under 3 lbs) | No brush attachment included |
| Compact size for maneuverability | No wall mount included |
| Powered brush roll removes embedded pet hair | Furbuster nozzle requires occasional cleaning |
| 12.5 minute runtime | |
| Bagless dirt bowl | |
| 4-foot flexible hose | |
| Rubber nozzle protects wood trim |
Check The Latest Price Here (on Amazon)
While convenient handhelds work well for quick stair cleanups, you may want an automated helper for keeping floors clean between deeper and longer–yet–automated cleaning sessions. Check out this guide to explore the most powerful robot vacuums to find one that can handle debris on floors easily, so you only need to spot clean the stairs by hand.
Conclusion: One Last Thing Before You Go!
So, what is the best handheld vacuum for cleaning stairs?
The ideal model should have sufficient suction power to pull up embedded dirt and pet hair from carpeting. Maneuverability and lightweight design are also important for easily carrying the vacuum up and down steps.
For pet owners, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is our top recommendation, thanks to the specialized motorized brush tool that actively removes fur. This convenient cordless vacuum won’t weigh you down during cleaning sessions. For deep cleaning the stairs, we recommend the Bissell Automate.
Those seeking robust suction power in a portable package can rely on the Dyson Cyclone V10. Despite the size, this handheld vacuum packs a punch when it comes to cleaning performance. The direct-drive cleaner head digs out ground-in debris.
If your budget is more limited, the affordable BLACK+DECKER Furbuster provides strong pet hair pickup with a convenient bagless design. The compact body and flexible hose make accessing stairs and tight spots effortless.
If your budget is more limited, the affordable BLACK+DECKER Furbuster provides strong pet hair pickup with a convenient bagless design. The compact body and flexible hose make accessing stairs and tight spots effortless.
No matter which model you choose, say goodbye to dragging a heavy upright vacuum up the steps. With one of these lightweight yet powerful handhelds, you can refresh your stairs quite easily.
Pro-Tip: Be sure to check back our site regularly as we continue sharing the latest vacuum cleaner reviews and cleaning tips. Your sparkling clean home is just a few posts away!
