We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

How do I Choose the Best Small Vacuum Cleaner?

By Tess C. Taylor
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

For occasional cleaning jobs or for cleaning an apartment where space is limited, a small vacuum cleaner can be the most practical way to deal with dust bunnies. Small vacuum cleaners offer many of the same benefits of regular full- size vacuum cleaners, but with the convenience of a more compact machine. When choosing the best small vacuum cleaner, there are several factors to consider such as price, power, capacity, weight, and performance.

Many compact or portable vacuum cleaners can be purchased for substantially less than their full-size counterparts. This makes buying a small vacuum cleaner appealing for first-time vacuum owners who are on a tight budget or just starting out. In addition, small vacuum parts are cheaper to replace and repairs are usually less expensive. Be aware, however, that not all small vacuum cleaners are made of parts that are meant to withstand vigorous household or commercial use. Over time they can break easier than more expensive vacuums.

Consumers often choose small portable vacuum cleaners because they are meant for small jobs such as cleaning car upholstery, cleaning furniture, or maintaining a small area of a home or office. Compact vacuum cleaners can keep floors and rugs clean in smaller spaces such as dorm rooms, apartments, and cubicles, which makes them practical for infrequent use. A small vacuum is also easier to store in a closet, hang on a hook in a laundry room, or hide under a bed.

Another major factor when deciding on the best small vacuum cleaner is the weight of the machine. While a heavier machine may seem to be a better deal, a lightweight vacuum may be a better choice for consumers who need something easy to handle, carry, or empty. A compact vacuum that is awkward or too heavy can be difficult to drag upstairs or to use for cleaning tight areas under or behind household furniture.

When choosing the best small vacuum cleaner, consider the power of the machine to determine if it can do the job. A compact vacuum may not have enough power to clean heavily trafficked areas such as hallways, dining rooms, or play areas where food crumbs and dirt can get embedded in carpets and rugs. In addition, the vacuum may require the use of a cord or rechargeable battery, which can hinder its use if it doesn’t perform well.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Discussion Comments

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.