17 Best Lightweight Vacuums For Seniors
The best lightweight vacuums for seniors are a must for spring cleaning season. Although full-sized vacs only weigh 25 pounds, that can feel like a lot if you have mobility issues. The good news is that even vacuums of a lighter variety still do a stellar job tackling heavy messes.
If you've always wanted to know what to look for when selecting this household staple, you've come to the right place. We've scoured the web to find models that banish dirt, while being easy on to lift and maneuver.
Best Lightweight Vacuums For Seniors Holiday Sales:
What is the best lightweight vacuum for seniors?
Best overall lightweight vacuum for seniors : eureka Stylus Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Best lightweight vacuum for seniors for pet hair : Bissell PowerGlide Pet Slim Cordless Stick Vacuum
Best Dyson lightweight vacuum for seniors : Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum
Best lightweight vacuums for seniors with HEPA filter : Shark Navigator Lift Away ADV Upright Vacuum
Best corded lightweight vacuum for seniors : Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Bagless Upright Vacuum
Best cordless lightweight vacuum for seniors : Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Best stick lightweight vacuum for seniors : Dyson Cyclone v10 Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum
Best upright lightweight vacuum for seniors : Kenmore Bagless Upright Vacuum
Best self-propelled lightweight vacuum for seniors : Tineco iFLOOR3
Best Shark lightweight vacuum for seniors : Shark Rocket Pet Corded Stick Vacuum
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What is the easiest vacuum to push?
When searching for lighter vacuums you'll mostly encounter uprights and sticks. Both are great for elderly, because neither include heavy canister-based bodies. This makes them slimmer and easier to move around.
Most of the best lightweight vacuums for seniors on our list are less than 10 pounds. However, it's not just their weight that makes them good for older folks. Some lightweight vacs actually self-propel, so you don't have to exert much energy moving pushing them forward.
One of my favorite self-propelling lightweight vacuums is the Tineco iFloor 3. It only weighs 6.5 pounds, and is also one of the best water filtration vacuums — that means it uses water instead of a traditional filter, and can suck up liquid, as well as dirt.
Most of the best lightweight vacuums for seniors include detachable handheld devices, like the Dyson Ball Animal 2. This is not only great for upholstery cleaning, but offers better control for those with arthritic hands. Although it's 17.5 pounds, it's still much lighter than traditional machines, and can pull in particles .5 microns small!
Things to consider before choosing a lightweight vacuum:
Home layout: If your home has multiple floors or limited outlets, something under 10 pounds or cordless, like the Bissell PowerGlide, will work best. If you have a lot of furniture to navigate through, look for something with a swivel head, like Eureka's Stylus Lightweight Cordless Vacuum. They make turning around corners easier.
Suction power: Understandably, a vacuum capable of sucking micro-specs is better than one that barely grabs a crumb. The best indicator of a vac's strength is how many air watts (AW) it uses. A vacuum should at least have 100 AWs, and a canister based vacuum should 220 AWs. Anything below, stay clear.
Filtration system: When suffer a bad back, bending to switch out a vacuum bag isn't ideal. Many of the best lightweight vacuums for seniors use a canister, that can be dumped when full. This saves you the trouble of stooping down, plus saves you money on bag replacements. Some vacs, like the Shark Navigator Lift-Away, include a HEPA filter, which is always a nice feature. According the EPA, those can capture microscopic specs of dust, as well as smells. Using a vacuum that has one can not only leave your carpet cleaner but leave it smelling fresh.
Surface type: If you have multi-surfaces to clean, a vacuum with an adjusting head is the way to go. This helps it get at the right level to remove dust, regardless is its on a high pile rug or linoleum. For reference, check out Eureka's PowerSpeed Bagless Upright. It features four adjustable heights, and seamlessly transitions from carpet to floor. It also includes wheels to prevent scuffing.
What is the lightest weight vacuum?
The lightest weight vacuum comes from Bissell. Appropriately, named the Featherweight Lightweight Stick Vacuum, this vac weighs a mere 2.6 pounds, but has 240 watts of power. It's soft on aching hands, but hard on dirt. It doesn't feature a multi-filtration system like the Orfeld Cordless, or offer a swivel head. However, its handle is detachable, and it converts into a handheld. It's also under $50, and has a 4.6 star rating at Walmart.
What is the best cordless vacuum for the elderly?
Cordless vacuums are great for seniors, because they let you avoid becoming tangled in a pesky extension. They also allow you to move without remaining close to an outlet. One thing that should be considered when selecting yours is runtime.
One of the best cordless vacuum for the elderly is the Dyson Cyclone V10 Motorhead. It can go for 60 minutes before needing a recharge, and includes a swivel head. It also can lay flat for under bed cleaning. Lightweight vacuums with this feature are wonderful, because they don't require any bending.
Another option comes from Black and Decker. The PowerSeries Cordless Stick Vacuum cleans for 40 minutes, and has an automatic sensor to switch cleaning styles depending the type of surface its on. This makes it awesome for homes with multiple types of flooring. It's definitely one of my favorites from our best lightweight vacuums for seniors list.
Are there accessible vacuums for those with disabilities?
The most accessible vacuums are cordless ones. They don't require the coordination an extension cord demands, and won't catch under wheelchairs. According to the International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems, robotic devices are great for those with disabilities, and can one maintain independence.
If you're looking for a robot vac that can also wash floors, I recommend checking out the best robot vacuums and mops. However, if you're more focused at pulling imbedded dirt from Persian, check out the Roomba i3 Evo. Despite its round shape, it does a wonderful job at sweeping against walls where dust is always lurking. It can be programmed to work through your phone, but if you're not tech-savvy, just pressing the power button will send it zooming to the closest dust bunny.
The machine is self emptying, and can avoid furniture through its internal navigation system. It's also powerful enough to capture particles .7 microns small. It's a great option for those with limited mobility or who simply don't have energy to vacuum their house every week.
Best Lightweight Vacuums For Seniors
eureka Stylus Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Best overall lightweight vacuum for seniors
15% off!
Buy from Amazon, $175.09 (the was $205.99)
Why we like it:
Only weighs 6.4 pounds
Multipurpose surface cleaner
Touchscreen
Light in your hand, but heavy on cleaning, you'll love the functionality of eureka's Stylus Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner. It's effortless to push, making it good for seniors with arthritis, and since it's under seven pounds, carrying it to different floors is a breeze. The power motor offers 350 watts of suction power, perfect for pulling dirt, and crumbs. When it comes to your furniture, simply convert it to a handheld. It cleans shelves, and couch crevices like nobody's business. The vacuum also features an LED for hard to see areas, and the see-through canister lets you know when to empty.
Promising review: "This is light, easy to maneuver, and the suction is crazy strong. I like that I can hit turbo for a deeper cleaning, as well as change suction for different jobs...The swivel head is petite and allows me to get into all nooks and crannies that my other vacuum could not. The canister was easy to empty and the contents showed that this machine can pick up some major dog hair. I [must] admit this product made vacuuming fun and simple."
Bissell PowerGlide Pet Slim Cordless Stick Vacuum
Best lightweight vacuum for seniors for pet hair
19% off!
Buy from Amazon, $199.99 (was $247.19)
Why we like it:
Tangle-resistant brush
Multifiltration system
Three-in-One cleaning attachment
Bissel's PowerGlide Pet Slim Cordless is a must for those with furry friends. Its tangle free brush keeps pet hair from snagging and preventing a deep clean. The swivel head — great for maneuvering — can be detached for reaching cobwebs above blinds, and the cordless design runs 30 minutes on its lithium battery. Use as a handheld when removing hair from your best double recliner loveseats, or use the LED to make sure no dander's been left behind. The filter is reusable, making the model cost saving, and three-in-one upholstery tools are included. Plus, this includes a wall mount for easy storage!
Promising review: "We have long haired pets — and hairy humans — and I vacuum almost every day. This Bissell picks up almost anything and everything off our floors, and other surfaces...It's extremely lightweight and easy to [move]. It's so much more convenient for quick, small jobs than dragging out the corded vacuum."
Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum
Best Dyson lightweight vacuum for seniors
Buy Bed Bath & Beyond, $499.99
Why we like it:
Great for carpets
Self adjusting cleaning head
Handheld upholstery tool
The Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum is one of the best lightweight vacuums for seniors with serious cleaning jobs. It's also great if you have allergies. It has Radial Root Cyclone Technology to pull debris as small as 0.5 microns into its filter, so it definitely can handle dust mites and allergens. The upright has short stiff bristles designed for deep cleaning, and the ball at the base makes for smooth moving around doorways. There's a tangle-free turbine tool for couches, an extended brush tool for stairs — yah, no bending! — and a combo hose for hard to reach places. The extra large canister means you have time before having to ditch your mess, and the cord is just over 15 feet long. At 17.4 pounds it's not as light as some vacs on, but it's what to grab to revitalize dingy carpets.
Promising review: "A week after shampooing all the carpets in our apartment we used this vacuum for the first time — and wow! We were shocked by how much dirt it picked up, [especially since we just had everything cleaned]. Needless to say, it’s worth every penny!"
Shark Navigator Lift Away ADV Upright Vacuum
Best lightweight vacuums for seniors with HEPA filter
11% off!
Buy from Wayfair, $214.27 (was $239.99)
Why we like it:
Height adjusting
HEPA filter
Extra long cord, and swivel head
Of the three Shark Navigator vacuums, this one has some of the best reviews. Happy customers love how efficiently it pulls up hair and dust. Plus, it's suction was revamped to be more powerful than other models. The vacuum has swivel steering to work around chairs and table legs, and its HEPA filter can trap microscopic particles. The canister detaches for portability, which is what you want when tackling stairs, and other narrow spaces. The cord is also extra long (25 feet!), and the extended hose works perfectly for ceiling fans. Standing just under 13 pounds, this is a true champion at cleaning floors and carpets. Dirt, you've been warned!
Promising review: "This has high pressure suction, impeccable navigation, and an extremely helpful front light. It's easy to locate the buttons and clips. Overall, a great vacuum."
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Bagless Upright Vacuum
Best corded lightweight vacuum for seniors
Why we like it:
On board storage
Less than 8 pounds
Reusable fileter
If you can barely remember to charge your phone let alone your vacuum, this corded number is for you. The Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Bagless Upright has an 18 foot extension, taking you from the living room to the den without replugging. It's extremely powerful, boasting 6 amps (750 watts), and your carpets will look brand new once they meet the vac's mighty suction. This works on floors too, and the dusting brush or crevice tool work for spot cleaning. Both attach to the hose, which has a grippable handle, and the vacuum's filter can be rewashed to save moula. The cord isn't retractable, but more than 14,000 happy customers on Amazon still love it!
Promising review: "I took a chance on this, and am glad I did. It has all the features of [expensive models], but is one fifth the price. The lightness is a big plus for me. I used it today for vacuuming up kitty litter and pet hair. The suction was great. Cleaning the dust collector is a breeze, and the cord is long."
Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Best cordless lightweight vacuum for seniors
22% off!
Buy from Amazon, $164.24 (was $209.99)
Why we like it:
9 pounds
Anti-microbial brush
Holds three times the dirt of average stick vacuum
Carpets make a home feel warmer, but they also trap the stench of last night's fish-fry. What makes the ONEPWR Evolve neat is that its brush kills germs. One pass through your living room, and your shag will not only look better, but smell good too. This Hoover cordless lets you move unencumbered, and features a vortex suction. If your home is feeling particularly grimy, there's a deep clean function to assist. The slim canister can hold up to three times the dirt of regular stick vacuums, which means you'll be able to go longer without having to empty it out.
Promising review: "I love this vacuum! It's the best I've bought in many years. I didn't realize how bad others were until I saw how much [junk] this was picking up."
Dyson Cyclone v10 Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum
Best stick lightweight vacuum for seniors
Why we like it:
60 minute run time
Fully sealed filtration system
V10 Motorhead
One of the best lightweight vacuums for seniors is Dyson's Cyclone. The stick vacuum easily moves beneath furniture, and has a power filtration system that keeps dirt trapped inside. If you detach from the stick, the machine morphs into a handheld for bookshelves and seats. Although it doesn't look like it could do a thorough job, the V10 motorhead will eradicate dirt, so you fell like it was never there. When using one of the accessory tools the vacuum can run for an hour, and the wall-based docking station saves space. Without a cord dragging behind you, cleaning will go faster — obviously, an added bonus.
Promising review: "Well, the V10 Absolute doesn't disappoint. While it's weird to get used to holding this tiny piece of machinery, it really does an amazing job. I vacuumed with my Dyson floor vacuum first and then with the V10, it was incredible how much dog fur it still picked up! I was pretty grossed out to be honest."
Kenmore Bagless Upright Vacuum
Best upright lightweight vacuum for seniors
13% off!
Buy from Amazon, $139.99 (was $159.99)
Why we like it:
HEPA filter
14 pounds
Self propelling
The Kenmore Bagless Upright Vacuum probably looks a lot like the the vac stuffed in your closet, but is a whole lot lighter. Featuring two motor systems to suck up debris, this thing practically moves without your help. Its clear canister lets you see the dirt you catch, and there's a HEPA filter inside to keep germs from escaping. What we like best, however, is the accessories included. For couches use the 3-in-1 combination tool, before concentrating on corners with the dirt brush. Along with being self-propelling, this Kenmore also has a swivel head for easy steering, and includes a handy headlight at the front of its head.
Promising review: "This is a great vacuum! It's self-propelled, so it pretty much drives itself. It has a bright light, and is super lightweight. I'm disabled, and it's is easy for me to use. I'm in love with [it]!".
Tineco iFLOOR3
Best self-propelled lightweight vacuum for seniors
17% off!
Buy Here, $248.99 (was $299.99) - Deal ends in 30 days!
Why we like it:
Uses water filtration
More than 16,000 reviews on Amazon!
Self cleaning
The Tineco iFLOOR3 can handle big messes, wet and dry. It uses water to filter all the good its slim head sucks up. Why is this important, you ask? Because you don't want germs being released back into the air when you empty the vac bag, which often happens. If you have a compromised immune system, allergies, or simply require a deeper cleaning, this is the vacuum to get. Like other water filtration vacuums it can suck up liquid spills. It also has a simple touchscreen interface, and can be used cordless for 25 minutes. It's also self cleaning, so all you have to do is fill the tank, and washes floors.
Promising Review: "Every time I’ve used this vacuum I immediately start smiling and laughing, because [it's so fun to use!]. Once you turn it on, it propels itself forward, and mops and vacuum depending on what your floor requires. Now I actually enjoy mopping. It arrived with a bottle of solution you mix with water and put in the top container for it to clean with."
Shark Rocket Pet Corded Stick Vacuum
Best Shark lightweight vacuum for seniors
Great deal!
Why we like it:
Free standing
Great for pet hair
Swivel steering
Whether your house has a lot of foot traffic or you simply like things pristine, you'll enjoy how this stick vac moves. The Shark Rocket is only nine pounds, and has swivel steering to effortlessly glide around tables. It's corded, but you won't care once you see how it collects debris. A popular pick at Walmart, happy customers praise it for effectively snatching bits of food and pet hair. The top detaches into a handheld, and an additional attachment can connect to the hose for ceiling corners. It's small enough to fit in most closets, but it can also clip at the base to become freestanding.
Promising review: "I have some previous injuries that make it difficult to use certain types of vacuums. This corded stick vac enables me to be able to clean all the rooms in the house with ease. It has powerful suction, and is a great price for what you get in return. It's easy to store, and space saving too."
Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum
Best lightweight vacuums for seniors for hardwood floors
Why we like it:
Adjustable height settings
4.1 liter canister
Wide nozzle attachment, plus other accessories
If you're lucky enough to hardwood floors, you'll like Eureka's Powerspeed. It includes wheels to keep your surfaces nick-free, and is height adjusting. A seven-inch crevice tool can be used for doorway corners, and the extra large container easily holds pet hair, dirt, and bits of crumb cake that fell on your sofa. The machine is only 9 pounds, making it one of the best lightweight vacuums for seniors disinterested in lugging a full-size around. Three accessories are included. Our favorite is 12.6 inch nozzle that removes spilled kitty litter in a few seconds. More than 20,000 happy customers on Amazon give it five-stars!
Promising review: "This is an awesome lightweight vacuum at a great price. It's good for cleaning up dog hair on carpet, bare hardwood floors and ceramic tile. The suction on the hose attachments is also good."
Shark Vertex Corded Stick Vacuum
Best lightweight vacuum for seniors for carpets
27% off!
Buy from Bed Bath & Beyond, $219.99 (was $299.99)
Why we like it:
DueClean power fins
Self cleaning brush
Precision cleaning
For dirty worn down carpets you'll want Shark's Vertex Corded Stick Vacuum. It has two tangle-resistant brushes that remove hair, mud tracks, and more. They're both bristle free to be gently on hard surfaces, but its the power fins that make this machine shine. They propel the brushes continuous movement, dislodging dirt specks trapped in the carpet's fiber. The vacuum is under three pounds, and can detach into a handheld for more controlled cleaning. The head can be replaced with a precision tool (shown above) for hard to reach spots, and there's also with a dusting brush, plus a pet hair brush. The lightweight vac also has a swivel head to move around your coffee table without scratching its edges.
Promising review: "My husband and I wanted a lightweight corded stick vacuum, since we have three floors in our small home. We needed something easy to carry, and love this vacuum! It’s simple to assemble and dissemble, lightweight, powerful, easy to clean, and gets in tight spots with the swivel head."
ORFELD Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Stick Vacuum
Best lightweight vacuum for senior with swivel head
29% off!
Buy from Walmart, $84.99 (was $119.95)
Why we like it:
Less than 4 pounds!
HEPA filter
Lots of cleaning accessories
We love all the tools this Cordless Stick Vacuum Stick comes with. Its hard brush roller does a bang up job grabbing hair, and its soft brush is gentle on wood and tile. A multitiered filtration system (including a HEPA filter) collects dust and germs, taking the vac's cleaning capabilities to a new level. The neck is adjustable to reach high locations, and with 160 watts of power a single pass through should be more than enough. Less than five pounds, you shouldn't strain a thing while making your home sparkle. Hundreds of Walmart customers agree it's one of the best lightweight vacuums for seniors.
Promising review: "I really love this vacuum! I found my old style vacuum difficult to lug around as I have gotten a bit older. This is light, moves so easily, and gets right up into the corners and under things. It hangs up to recharge, and is so much easier for me to use."
BIissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum
Best featherweight lightweight vacuum for seniors
Buy from Walmart, $33.98
Why we like it:
2.6 pounds
Hand vacuum
Great reviews!
One of the best lightweight vacuums for seniors is the Featherweight Stick. Light in your hand and wallet, the affordable machine is a must consider. Although it doesn't include accessories, the corded vac detaches into a handheld for chairs and shelves. It has 240 watts of power, and will keep your low pile looking decent. It can be used on other surfaces as well, and is slim enough to store in a pantry corner or closet. The canister is .67 liters, so this may not be your fav if you have a huge home. However, if you're living in a condo or apartment, this is all you need to keep things spic and span.
Promising review: "Although this super lightweight vacuum is recommended for quick clean-ups, I recently cleaned my entire 650 square foot apartment — including hardwood floors, linoleum, low-pile rugs and upholstery — and it did a wonderful job of getting into all the corners, nooks and crannies. I'm older, have lower-back, hip, and hand pain on occasion, and this stick vacuum is perfect for me. It has a nice 15-feet-long cord, and is much lighter than a regular vacuum."
Black and Decker Powerseries 16V Max Cordless Stick Vacuum
Best multi-surface lightweight vacuum for seniors
15% off!
Why we like it:
Auto-senses dirt
40 minute run time
Anti-tangle brush
This Cordless Stick Vacuum has a mind of its own. It has special sensors that can read surfaces, auto-adjusting suction according to whether it's on flooring or carpet. The cyclonic filtration system generates enough power to get hard to spot grime, and there's a LED on the front for beneath beds and other dark spots. If you have pets, we're happy to report that the brush is tangle resistant. I don't know about you, but I like nothing less than unclogging balls of fur from my devices. This neat little feature erase worry of clogging, helping you finish your chores faster. The vacuum is self standing, and can also be docked on the wall. A full charge gives you 40 minutes of uninterrupted tidying, but this thing is so easy to use, we bet you'll be done in half that time.
Promising review: "This is so much more convenient than my [other] stick vacuum! First, I love that it can stand on it's own and doesn't require a wall mount. Second, the suction power is amazing! I use it to clean up the floor in the kitchen/dining room area daily. It gets everything on the first pass through!"
iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO
Best robot lightweight vaccum for seniors
37% off!
Buy from Amazon, $349 (was $549.99)
Why we like it:
Cleans multi-surfaces
Dual suction power
Edge sweeping
If you don't have the energy to vacuum on a regular basis, a robot vacuum may be the answer. Along with being lightweight, they don't need to be guided, so they're great for those with limited mobility. The iRobot Roombi i3 features tangle free brushes, a side sweeper to get against walls, and is low enough to go under couches. Customize the cleaning experienced through you phone by downloading the iRobot Home app. However, if tech isn't your thing, the vacuum can be operated without it. Simply hit the start button, and kick back. Of course, if you do figure the tech side out (or have a savvy grandkid who will do it for you), you can schedule cleanings, and program it to smart map your home.
Promising review: "The Roomba i3+ cleans the most thoroughly. It picks up all the little dust particles and hairs that other robots just tangle around their brushes. The rubber scrubber brushes hug the floor and actively lift the dirt...The navigation is excellent for getting good coverage of large rooms. "
Tineco A11 Hero Cordless Lightweight Stick Vacuum
Best lightweight vacuum for seniors on Amazon
Why we like it:
Good for larger spaces
450 watt motor
More than 13,000 Amazon reviews!
The Tineco A11 Hero may be small but has a lot to brag about. It features a four-stage HEPA filtration system, plus a multitasking full-sized brush for removing dust. As you know, HEPA filters are wonderful for capturing dust, dander, and other nasties that make us sniff. One pass through with this guy, and you might be able to skip your allergy medicine. The handle detaches into a handheld, which can be used on days you're not up to dusting your dresser — I'm not the only one who does that, right? It can also be used on window swills, the insides of banisters, and other often neglected spots. This lightweight vac can run for 40 minutes straight, and has three cleaning modes to choose from. Once you try it, you'll won't believe you spent so many years lugging your old full-size vac around.
Promising review: "After researching cordless vacuums I chose the Tineco. I'm extremely pleased with it. It's powerful, and sucked up sand on hard floors, and cleans carpeting. The cleaning of the machine is simple, and the LED lights make seeing the floor very easy."
