10 Best Apartment Vacuums 2025 in the United States

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away (model NV356E) is a solid choice for apartment dwellers, especially those with pets. One of its standout features is the LIFT-AWAY functionality, allowing you to detach the pod for cleaning above-floor areas like stairs and furniture with ease. This is particularly useful in smaller living spaces where maneuverability is crucial. The vacuum’s HEPA filtration system effectively traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it an excellent option for allergy sufferers.

In terms of suction power, the Shark is designed to pick up pet hair and debris on both carpets and hard floors. The brushroll shutoff feature lets you switch from deep cleaning carpets to gentle floor cleaning, which provides versatility for various surfaces. With swivel steering, navigating around furniture and tight corners becomes easier, enhancing user experience.

One of the highlights is the extra-large dust cup, which holds 0.87 liters of debris, reducing the frequency of emptying during cleaning sessions. This vacuum also includes useful attachments like a pet power brush, dusting brush, and crevice tool for detailed cleaning in hard-to-reach areas. The vacuum weighs 13.7 pounds, which might be a bit cumbersome for some users, especially when carrying it up stairs. The noise level at 80 dB may also be a concern for those in close quarters or for households with small children or pets that might be sensitive to loud sounds. Being corded means you’re limited by the length of the cord, which may require you to move to different outlets in larger apartments. The Shark NV356E is a robust vacuum that excels in cleaning pet hair and allergens, making it a great fit for pet owners and allergy sufferers in apartments, but its weight and noise level should be considered.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe is a solid choice for apartment dwellers needing a versatile and effective vacuum. It offers strong suction that works well on both carpets and hard floors, which is helpful for cleaning different surfaces in a small living space. The Lift-Away feature is a real plus, allowing you to detach the canister to reach under furniture or clean stairs and upholstery easily. This makes it handy for tight spots common in apartments.

Its HEPA filter combined with anti-allergen technology traps dust and allergens, making it suitable for allergy sufferers or pet owners. Speaking of pets, the included upholstery tool is designed to pick up pet hair efficiently, adding to its appeal if you have furry friends. Maneuverability is enhanced by swivel steering, so moving around furniture or corners feels smooth, though the vacuum weighs about 16 pounds, which is on the heavier side for regular carrying.

This model has a large 0.9-quart dust cup, meaning fewer interruptions to empty it during cleaning sessions. Being corded ensures consistent power without worrying about battery life. It comes with basic but useful attachments like a crevice tool for tight spaces. One downside is the weight, as it might be a bit heavy if you need to carry it up and down stairs often. Also, while filters are washable, they require air drying for 24 hours, so maintenance takes some planning. The vacuum balances power, filtration, and versatility well, making it a practical option for apartment cleaning, especially if you have pets and need to manage allergens.

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is a versatile and efficient vacuum cleaner designed to meet the needs of apartment living. Its standout feature is the lift-away functionality, allowing you to detach the pod to easily clean stairs, furniture, and other hard-to-reach areas. This vacuum is equipped with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter, making it an excellent choice for those with allergies, as it traps dust and allergens inside the unit effectively.

The powerful suction ensures deep cleaning on carpets and is equally effective on bare floors, with a brushroll shutoff feature that transitions smoothly between surfaces. Weighing only 12.5 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver, thanks to its swivel steering, making it ideal for navigating tight spaces and corners. Additionally, it includes useful attachments like a wide upholstery tool and a 12-inch crevice tool for more detailed cleaning tasks.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The vacuum is corded, which may limit mobility, and it operates at a noise level of 80 dB, which might be a bit loud for some users. Also, assembly is required, and the included capacity of 1.1 quarts may require frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions. With a 5-year limited warranty, the Shark NV352 is a reliable and effective option for apartment dwellers looking for a comprehensive cleaning solution.