As of this writing, there are more or less 100 corded stick vacuums that areon market sale. Aside from their compact size, another selling point includes these vacuums' overall suction power.
However, just like you, we don't want to get ripped off.
So I've called upon my team to review dozens of these units, rounded up 10, and finally got the best corded stick vacuum. Here's the list.
10 Best Corded Stick Vacuums in 2020
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Stick Vacuum
The Shark Rocket is a highly-rated corded stick vacuum cleaner by consumers for the best reasons.
First of all, this one weighs in at only 8 pounds making it more convenient and better to carry around the house than other stick vacuums that weigh 9 pounds.
This corded stick vacuum also has swivel steering, which makes maneuvering through floors far easier.
All powerful controls are well within reach of your fingertips, meaning you can switch from high-pile carpet to hard floors instantly. This makes cleaning hair, dirt, and debris easy and quick.
This one even converts into a handheld vacuum cleaner for those moments when you need the best 2-in-1 cleaning functionality for higher-up areas after your hard floors are already clean. There’s no such thing as a perfect corded stick vacuum cleaner, but this powerful model comes very close.
PROS
- Lightweight construction
- Swivel steering for easy movement
- Best fingertip controls
- Handheld conversion
CONS
- Not the cheapest on the market
Bissell PowerEdge Pet Hardwood
The PowerEdge vacuum has an innovative V-shaped design that stands out well from the rest of the stick vacuums pile.
More considerable dirt, pet hair, and debris goes towards the center of the lightweight corded stick vacuum cleaner, while small dust particles get caught by the tips of the V.
The dirt cup is also easier to empty than most, making cleaning up easy and less stressful. The unique shape also makes it easier to clean the edges of your home furniture.
The rubber squeegees at the bottom of the lightweight stick vacuum cleaner take care of any loose pet hair that may be clinging to your high-pile carpet — and the pet multi-tool also helps with that one.
Note: Be sure to check that your package has the pet multi-tool since some market buyers said theirs didn’t come with one. No such issues are reported for the dirt cup.
PROS
- Innovative shape
- Convenient dirt cup
- Ideal for easy cleaning around furniture
- Rubber bottom sweeps up pet hair pile
CONS
- The shape may be counterproductive for straight edges
- Difficult to unclog
Eureka NES210
The NES210 stick vacuum can function as three different vacuums in one. You can use it as a lightweight stick vacuum cleaner and stair vacuum cleaner. It works best as a hand vacuum cleaner, as well.
This one-ups other stick vacuums in the market that only feature 2-in-1 functionality. It also comes with a crevice tool to make it easy to clean hard to reach spots and high-pile carpet.
Aside from the crevice tool, it has an 18-foot power cord, as well. This ensures that you don’t have to switch between power sockets when cleaning large areas to remove stubborn pile dirt and pet hair.
Lastly, it’s very light at just over three pounds, well, not counting the crevice tool — which reduces arm strain.
PROS
- 3-in-1 functionality
- Crevice tool included
- Long power cord
- Lightweight construction
CONS
- No extra filters
Shark Rocket DeluxePro Ultra-Light Corded Stick Vacuum
The Rocket DeluxePro stick vacuum is another strong contender from the aptly named Shark pile. Its well-constructed design minimizes any loss of suction capacity when cleaning up dust and pet hair.
Much like the original, it’s lightweight at 8 pounds — while other stick vacuums of similar suction capacity weigh 9 pounds — and has swivel steering making it easy to maneuver.
Its dust cup has twice the original rocket's capacity, making it one of the best for cleaning large areas.
We’d recommend this for those who live in a small apartment and are looking to replace their main vacuum cleaner that likely weighs over 9 pounds.
PROS
- Lossless suction power
- Large dust cup
- Lightweight construction
- Swivel steering
CONS
- Suction issues when using attachments
Hoover Linx
The cyclonic technology features in the Linx stick vacuum ensures that minimal suction power is lost during use. The handle can also recline low, which makes reaching pet hair, dirt, and debris under furniture and around them far easier.
The Linx low-profile floor head further increases its sub-furniture home cleaning capabilities and its brush efficacy on hardwood floors.
Its filter feature is also fully washable, which could save you money on the best replacements.
You’ll find that the 20-foot long vacuum power cord gives you more quick range type than most people would need. Overall, the household name doesn’t disappoint anyone with this vacuum type. The price is budget-friendly, too.
PROS
- Lossless suction
- Extreme reclining handle
- Low-profile floor head
- Long power cord
CONS
- Lifespan problems
- Poor customer service
Shark APEX
The APEX stick vacuum truly lives up to its name with its extra-large dust cup and appealing aesthetic. It also has LED lights that make it easy to spot dirt, pet hair, and debris hiding in low spots around the floors.
Its compact size and easy to maneuver design will help you clean under furniture easily.
Much like the previous 1 Shark stick vacuums on this list, it can convert to a handheld vacuum cleaner providing 2-in-1 use functionality.
It also has a self-cleaning brush roll head to prevent pet hair wrap. It’s a bit heavier than the Rocket at 10 pounds, but the performance and XL dust cup make up for the added weight. Not to mention the impressive price.
PROS
- XL dust and dirt cup
- LED headlights
- Compact head design
- Self-cleaning brush roll
CONS
- Heavier
- Difficult to store
Bissell 81L2W
Bissell’s second entry on the list features the same V-shaped design. It weighs about the same as Shark’s Rocket stick vacuum models, coming in at under 8 pounds. It can clean up hair, dirt, and small debris just as easily. It's also easy to use since you can just glide it around the floors.
It’s worth noting that some buyers do prefer the PowerEdge due to its gray color scheme.
Animal lovers gravitate towards Bissell corded stick vacuums since a portion of the profits goes toward the company’s pet foundation.
Altruism aside, you’ll get home cleaning performance comparable to the PowerEdge vacuum with this model, and at a reasonable price.
PROS
- Innovative clean shape
- Lightweight use construction
- Pet foundation support
- Swivel-type maneuvering
CONS
- Width of canister makes sub-furniture home cleaning difficult
- Requires heavy force to push along
MOOSOO D601
One of the handy features of the D601 stick vacuum is its one-click release that lets you empty 1.2 liters of home dust, dirt, small debris, and hair in under a second without getting your hands dirty.
You can clean and store it easily since you can mount the entire unit to your wall and not have to worry about it until your next use.
The swivel mount on this lightweight stick vacuum can rotate both sideways and upward making cleaning across floors and around furniture very versatile.
Like the 1 Shark APEX, we already covered — but at a fraction of the price — the D601 has LED lights that help you spot pet hair and debris lying in dark spots and low areas across floors.
PROS
- One-click dust and dirt release
- Wall-mounted storage
- Multi-directional swivel
- LED headlights
CONS
- Lifespan problems
- Difficult to release filter
Dirt Devil Vibe
What makes this lightweight stick vacuum cleaner a good option is its lightweight design. You can easily get rid of hair, dirt, and small debris while gliding across the floors, high or low.
The 10-inch brush nozzle makes it easy to clean large areas quickly, while the quick-release cord provides the type of versatility we like to see in a stick vacuum of lesser pounds.
Its handle is just as easy to detach, making brush cleaning and storage that much easier.
Lastly, the brush roll is easily toggleable so that you can go from hardwood to carpet while maintaining top performance and achieving the best results. This makes it easy for both bare floors, low areas, and rugs.
PROS
- 10-inch nozzle
- Quick-release power cord
- Detachable handle
- Toggleable brush roll
CONS
- Lifespan problems
- Brush roll durability issues
Shark FLEX DuoClean
Our last and final vacuum from Shark on this list is the FLEX stick vacuum. The first thing that we noticed about this model is that it was very easy to store since it could stand freely.
Its seal has been certified from the manufacturers to trap 99.9% of small dust and allergens, which is a huge plus. An additional tool made to get rid of pet hair also comes with this vacuum.
It also comes with a sub-furniture wand that helps you easily clean under your sofa, oven, across low floors, or even under the bed, so you don’t have to spend your day moving everything out of the way.
PROS
- Freestanding storage
- Anti-allergen seal
- Sub-furniture wand
- Pet tool
CONS
- Vulnerable to hair clogs
- Overheating issues
Key Features to Consider
The debate between a corded stick vacuum and a cordless vacuum is one as old as vacuums itself. Ever since corded stick vacuums were introduced to the market, people started wondering which approach was more efficient. Here are a few factors that can help you decide what’s right for you.
Cleaning Vacuum Weight
One of the most frequently touted benefits of going cordless is the fact that vacuum models without a cord tend to be lighter than their corded counterparts — with many being under 6 pounds. This can make it easier to clean your entire house without falling victim to arm strain.
After all, you’re highly likely to experience some level of strain — even if you’re in good shape — if you try to lug around a heavier model for extended periods of time. However, there are some caveats to this supposed advantage that cordless vacuums have.
Most consumers agree that it’s more strenuous to clean high areas when using cordless vacuums since you have to shoulder the unit's full weight and thus may wear your rotator cuff out faster.
Furthermore, a higher percentage of the best corded stick vacuum cleaners can stand freely on their own. This means that, even though it carries more weight, you’ll be able to stave off fatigue by letting go of the vacuum for a few minutes to give your arms a break.
Vacuum Power
Power is the next factor you should consider when making a choice between a corded bagless vacuum and a cordless vacuum. Of course, without a power cord, you’ll be at the mercy of your unit’s battery life. This used to be a larger issue in the early days of cordless vacuums.
Back then, most models would only be able to function for 20 minutes on a full charge. Thankfully, advancements in technology have been able to improve on this issue with longer battery lives. Nowadays, you can get up to 45 minutes on a single charge.
There are even some models that can last for over an hour or have swappable battery packs. That being said, these stick vacuums tend to be pretty costly, and the increased price should be factored into your vacuum cleaner buying decision.
The runtime for your vacuum will also depend on what settings you have it on. If you need to use high settings or clean a vast area, you might be better off with a corded bagless vacuum since it has an infinite power supply while plugged in.
Vacuum Range
You should also consider the range aspect of the corded bagless vacuum vs cordless stick vacuum argument. Cordless stick models are better for quick cleanups since you can just grab and go, rather than having to unwind a power cord, then find a socket.
This saves you from going through all that trouble because you spilled some crumbs on the kitchen countertop. Still, some corded vacuum models don’t struggle with the range issue.
As you’ve learned from reviewing the various models above, some vacuums can have cords as long as 20 feet, which is more than enough for most users. Those who live in smaller apartments also won’t have to worry about range as much as someone who lives in a mansion.
There are even some corded vacuums with a quick-release feature, so you can reap the benefits of extended range without sacrificing all the benefits that corded vacuums bring you.
Vacuum Model Capacity
Capacity is also a major determiner in the corded vs. cordless debate since it can have a significant impact on your cleaning experience. As you can imagine, the bulkier corded models will have a higher capacity than their cordless counterparts.
On average, the best corded stick vacuums have over two liters of capacity, while most cordless models can’t even handle a full liter of dust before you need to empty them out. You might save some time when cleaning with cordless vacuum units since they have superior ranges.
However, this benefit will be canceled if you have to spend a lot of time emptying dust throughout the process. This can also be a major drawback for those with allergies since they’ll increase their exposure time.
There are some cordless models that have specialized ejectors that minimize your exposure to the dust, but these units tend to be expensive and thus cost-prohibitive to some buyers. If capacity is a concern for you, then go for the best corded stick vacuum, hands down.
Reliability of Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuums, like any other appliance, are an investment. You’re putting your hard-earned money towards something that’s supposed to make your life easier. Like any other investment, you should look at the risk to reward ratio.
For vacuums, that comes down to reliability. This is especially true for pricier units. If you’re buying top-shelf models that cost a pretty penny, then that’s all the more reason to look for the most reliable option.
In general, corded vacuums tend to be more reliable and long-lasting than their cordless vacuum counterparts. This is subject to variables such as the manufacturer's quality assurance standards, as well as the price point of the unit, but the rule of thumb holds true most of the time.
Superior construction is a big part of it, but there are other things that influence cordless vacuum cleaners' shorter lifespan. For one, they get dropped more often than corded models. Furthermore, their battery could wear out and leave them out of commission.
Vacuum Versatility
You should take note of the versatility of corded vacuum models. Many newer models let you release the cord and essentially convert it into a handheld vacuum when needed. This gives you the best of both worlds since you get superior performance and can still unplug when needed.
The versatility of corded units is clearly visible with the 10 models we listed above. Multiple options on that list could function as three different vacuum types depending on what would best suit the situation.
This saves you money since you won’t have to spend additional cash to get the different types of vacuums. Not to mention the fact that corded vacuums tend to be cheaper anyway. When it comes to versatility, there’s no doubt that corded vacuums are the victor.
Cleaning Efficiency
Finally, the best corded stick vacuum models tend to be better at cleaning than cordless models. Cleaning is the base function of a vacuum, so it’s only fair that you factor it into your buying decision. Reliability is key, but efficacy is just as important.
How can you call something the best corded stick vacuum if it’ll last a lifetime but suffers from poor suction? Most tests show that a corded vacuum will remove 70% of the dust in a carpet. This is far more impressive than the mere 40% that cordless vacuums are capable of sucking up.
In order to stay light enough, cordless stick vacuums usually have weaker motors that are detrimental to their cleaning performance. Those that do have acceptable performance are noisier than corded variants that match or exceed their cleaning capabilities.
FAQs
When figuring out how long corded stick vacuums last it’s important to note that the build quality can change drastically from one brand to the next so your mileage may vary. Budget brands may release vacuums that last you three years or less.
In contrast, top manufacturers can break the 10-15 year mark with their vac cleaners. You get what you pay for, so find the Goldilocks Zone between breaking the bank and cheaping out. These figures are mere averages and assume no factory defects are present.
While more expensive models generally last longer, there are some exceptions to the rule, so don’t automatically assume that a higher price means longer life. You should always look for credible reviews on what's the best corded stick before shelling out a big chunk of change.
How you use your corded stick vacuums will also play a role in how long they last you. Those who maintain proper use and clean out hepa filters on the regular will be able to keep their units in top shape for longer than those who fail to do any form of maintenance.
Stick vacuums are definitely just as good as uprights but there are a few key differences. First, you’ll notice that most stick vacuums are bagless which makes maintenance easier. All you have to do is empty out the dust into a bin in a few seconds and you’re good to go.
This is far more convenient than clearing out the large vacuum bags that upright-model vacuums come with. The removable dust reservoirs are also easier to maintain since you can wash or even replace them whereas bags that you see in uprights can get worn out over time.
Those with hard floors will benefit from having a stick vacuum in contrast to an upright variant since they excel best at cleaning these surfaces. Conversely, those with fully carpeted floors may prefer upright variants since they’re better suited to plush surfaces than hard floors.
It’s worth noting that there are many stick vacuums that can handle carpeted surfaces such as some of the models above with a toggleable brush roller. It all comes down to your needs and the specific vacuum that you end up buying.
We have to say that the Shark Rocket Ultra-Light is the best corded stick vacuum when it comes to suction power based on our testing experience testing, especially if you have a hard floor. Anyone who has bought the product can attest to its powerful suction capacity.
It’s nothing short of incredible and will leave your home spotless. It may not be the cheapest stick vacuum out there but the price to suction ratio is off the charts which is why it’s one of our top models of all time.
We tested it on a variety of surfaces to get a clear idea of how this stick vacuum performed in various situations. It nailed everything we threw at it. We even got some genuine pet hair to see if the pet hair would clog up but it cleaned up our hardwood floors perfectly.
If anyone figures out how to make this model sweat and challenge its suction then please let us know since we threw everything we could at it to no avail. It truly transcends other stick vacuums, sucking dust out from any surface — including carpets and hardwood floors, based on our experience.
When you ask someone what the most powerful corded stick vacuum is, they might mention household names like Dyson. However, Shark has done an excellent job of surpassing Dyson while staying well below its premium price point.
It’s important to note that suction and power are two different things. You could have a vacuum with a monster motor but it wouldn’t mean much if there’s a ton of suction loss due to poor design.
Fortunately, we found that the Shark Rocket excels at both. It sports a 500-watt motor which provides the suction power needed to get your cleaning sessions done quickly and efficiently. What’s even more amazing is the fact that the vacuum manages to stay lightweight even though it’s a powerful model.
If you’re looking for the best corded stick vacuum cleaners at an affordable price then the Shark Rocket is definitely the top pick for any informed buyer. That said, those on a tight budget may opt to go for options with a bit less suction power.
And the Top Corded Stick Vacuum Is ...
Shark Rocket's lightweight construction, swivel steering, and fingertip control features make it the best corded stick vacuum cleaner.
After testing and conducting objective reviews, we find Shark Rocket to be a good choice for consumers who want the most bang for their buck. It may not be the cheapest, but it's more affordable than ultra-premium models.
After all, you don't need to break the bank to find the best vacuum cleaners.
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Stick Vacuum
Our #1 Recommendation
- Lightweight construction
- Swivel steering for easy movement
- Best fingertip controls
- Handheld conversion
