As any college student knows, a clean living space is essential for productivity and peace of mind. And when it comes to maintaining a pristine dorm, having the best dorm vacuum can be a game-changer. Yet there are so many different models to choose from; from compact yet powerful models, to those with nifty attachments and digital flair. It can almost feel like you need to do a whole course of study to find the right one!
That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate list of the best dorm vacuums available on the market today. We’ve evaluated and tested each cleaner against the criteria that matter most to you: size, weight, suction, simplicity, and value for money. Whether you need a high-performance vacuum for cleaning up after crazy parties, a precise model for nooks and crannies, or a reliable portable one for short terms, we’ve got the perfect new vacuum for you. Let’s get cleaning!
Product Comparison Table: Best Dorm Vacuum
Title | Price | Rating (Amazon) | Best in class | Buy | |
BISSELL Featherweight Stick Vacuum | $ | 4 stars | Best Lightweight | Amazon | |
Shark AZ2002 Vertex Powered Lift-Away Vacuum | $$$ | 4.5 stars | Best for Thick Carpets | Amazon | |
Electrolux WellQ7 Cordless Stick Vacuum | $$$$ | 4.5 stars | Best Stick | Amazon | |
Eureka NEW200 All in One Vacuum | $$$$ | 4 stars | Best Wet and Dry | Amazon | |
BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Advanced Clean Handheld Vacuum | $$ | 4.5 stars | Best Handheld | Amazon |
BISSELL Featherweight Stick Vacuum
The BISSELL Featherweight Stick Vacuum is powerful, convenient and easy to use. It weighs only 2.6 pounds, but still has a decent dirt cup capacity of almost 0.7 liters. The powerful suction makes it great for quick pick ups with multipurpose versatility. What makes it so versatile is its triple action: it works as a stick vacuum, handle vacuum, and stair vacuum in one. There’s even an extra crevice tool for furniture, and a floor nozzle for stairs.
It’s suitable for both carpets and hard floors. On hard floors, it can handle almost any type of mess with no issues, and because it’s so light, you can even lift it up and use it to clean countertops. It does struggle more on heavy pile carpets, however. Lastly, it comes in a range of funky colors: sleek black, bright purple, aqua blue, and zesty lime.
Pros:
- Great value low price
- Comes in a range of colours
- Lightweight and portable
- Converts into handheld
Cons:
- Weak suction power
Verdict
The BISSELL Featherweight Stick Vacuum is the cheapest dorm vacuum on this list, and the lightest too. It has more than enough power for hard surface cleaning, and the lightweight construction means that you can lift it to clean almost anywhere. Plus, it’s the only option on this list that converts into a hand vacuum. The suction might not be enough for big messes or heavy pile carpets though.
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Shark AZ2002 Vertex Powered Lift-Away Vacuum
The Shark AZ2002 Vertex Powered Lift-Away Vacuum is an ultra-powerful vacuum, with incredible suction and innovative cleaning technologies. The self-cleaning brushroll is engineered for more pet hair pickup with no hair wrap – a common pitfall for Shark machines. Like the stick Vertex, it has duoclean PowerFins which offer continuous cleaning contact. They dig deep into carpets, directly engage floors, and pick up more in every pass.
It also has a powered lift-away, with a detachable pod for motorized cleaning under furniture. Plus, you can detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more. Finally, there’s the classic Shark anti-allergen HEPA filter and seal to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens.
Pros
- Anti-allergen HEPA seal technology
- Multi-surface powerful suction
- Lift-away functionality
- Comes with extra tools
Cons
- Quite heavy (16.39 pounds)
Verdict
Got thick carpets or cool rugs in your dorm? The Shark AZ2002 Vertex Powered Lift-Away Vacuum is our best dorm vacuum for thick carpet. It has powerful suction too, and comes with a plethora of extra tools. Of course, there is the weight issue – imagine lugging that upstairs! But things might be a little easier with the liftway functionality.
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Electrolux WellQ7 Cordless Stick Vacuum
The Electrolux WellQ7 Cordless Stick Vacuum comes in a range of stylish colors: soft sand, denim blue, indigo blue, granite grey, and shale grey. However, it doesn’t just look good. The internal axial cyclone accelerates the air’s rotation inside dust bin, to efficiently separate and collect dirt and dust. Therefore, it never loses suction – even at the end of a long cleaning session. Plus, the 5-step filtration system – featuring a 2-layer foam filter and a sealed E10 emission filter – keeps dust locked in for clean, breathable air.
As for the brush roll, clean technology automatically releases stubborn hair and fibers at the touch of a button. Best of all, the Electrolux has an integrated hand vacuum. Simply pop it out to clean surfaces, carpets, sofas, and more!
Pros
- Axial cyclone technology
- Advanced anti hair wrap brush roll
- Converts into a handheld
- 5-step filtration system
- Long lasting battery for cordless cleaning
Cons
- More expensive than others
Verdict
The Electrolux WellQ7 Cordless Stick Vacuum is our best dorm vacuum in the stick category. It has the most advanced technology out of any stick vacuum we’ve reviewed and it produces the best results – especially for a class fo vacuum that often gets written off. The only negative you could possibly find is the price. However, for quality this high, you’d expect to pay a premium.
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Eureka NEW200 All in One Vacuum
The Eureka NEW200 All in One Vacuum is a one-step machine that vacuums up debris and washes at the same time, leaving no residue on your dorm’s floors. This powerhouse combines the deep cleaning benefits of a traditional upright vacuum, sucking up debris and embedded dirt, with the refreshing clean of a mop to remove sticky and stuck debris. Plus, the two-tank system means you are always cleaning with fresh water, while dirty water and debris are collected in a separate tank.
The Eureka can easily maneuver around furniture, along cabinets and into corners that are often missed. Thanks to swivel steering and optimized design, you can deliver a complete clean in every nook and cranny. Lastly, the fingertip controls allow you to easily switch between cleaning hard floors and carpets, and control your cleaning with an on-demand solution trigger.
Pros
- Dual wet and dry cleaner
- Swivel steering for extra maneuverability
- Fingertip controls for different modes
- Two-tank system keeps water clean
Cons
- No self-propelled head
Verdict
If you like to party, you’re going to see some spills. That’s where the Eureka NEW200 All in One Vacuum comes in; it’s our best wet and dry vacuum for dorms. The attachments and two-tank system make it super simple to transition from wet to dry, and it doesn’t leave any gross streaks or marks on the floor after a cleaning session. The one issue is the lack of self-propelled head, which means that the floor needs to be wet for the mop to glide properly. However, if you’re cleaning up a wet surface anyway, this shouldn’t be a problem.
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BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Advanced Clean Handheld Vacuum
With the BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Advanced Clean Handheld Vacuum, you can easily tackle even the toughest messes. This lightweight hand vacuum packs a lot of power for such a compact design, all thanks to the cyclonic action and lithium ion battery. This supports strong suction and superior cleaning power. Its slim nozzle rotates 180° too, giving you incredible control over how and where you vacuum.
The pull-out crevice tool provides an extra-long reach for accessing cramped areas and high spaces, while the flip-up brush is the perfect choice for dusting and cleaning surfaces like upholstery. Plus, the translucent dirt bowl actually lets you see the dirt level, making it easy to know when to empty it out. Both the dirt bowl and filter are washable in the sink, and the fast-charging base ensures you’ll be ready for the next cleanup within 4 hours.
Pros
- Cyclonic action and strong suction power
- Handheld with 180 degree rotation
- Bagless design with clear dust cup
- Fast-charging base and long-lasting battery
Cons
- Doesn’t clean floors
Verdict
The BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Advanced Clean Handheld Vacuum is our best dorm vacuum in the handheld category. It’s small enough to store easily in your dorm, and it comes with a variety of attachments that make it perfect for cleaning all sorts of messes, from pencil sharpenings to crumbs. Plus, it’s cordless, so you can use it anywhere in your dorm without having to worry about finding an outlet. Of course, it can’t clean floors – but who would really want that from a handheld?