Stick vacuum vs upright vacuum

Stick and upright compared

These are typical differences. Some uprights are now cordless and some sticks are very powerful, so check each model's specification.

Storage and weight

A stick vacuum takes up very little space. Most hang on a wall dock that also charges them, and some brands, such as Shark with its Flexology wand, let the vacuum fold over and stand on its own. That makes a stick easy to keep in a hallway or small kitchen, ready for a quick clean.

An upright needs a cupboard or corner and is heavy to lift. Many cordless sticks list weights of around 2 to 3 kg, which is much easier to carry between floors. If you live in a flat or have limited storage, a stick is usually the more practical choice. See the best lightweight cordless vacuums for options.

Carpets and deep cleaning

Uprights have traditionally been the carpet specialists. Their wide motorised brush and steady mains power suit large areas of thick carpet. A good cordless stick with a motorised head can clean carpet well too, especially on its top setting, but that setting drains the battery quickly.

If most of your home is carpeted and you clean it all at once, check the stick's boost runtime rather than its headline eco figure. Read are stick vacuums good for carpet and compare models in our best cordless vacuums for carpet guide.

Stairs and above-floor cleaning

This is the stick vacuum's clearest win. Most sticks convert into a handheld in a second, often with a mini motorised tool for stair treads, sofas and car seats. You can carry the whole machine up the stairs in one hand.

With an upright, stairs mean using the hose and tools while the body sits at the bottom or balances on a step, which is awkward and can be unsafe. If you have a lot of stairs, a stick is more comfortable. Our guide on how to vacuum stairs with a cordless shows a simple routine.

See stick picks for stairs →

Bin size, runtime and upkeep

Stick bins are small, usually well under a litre, so you will empty them more often, particularly with pets. Some cordless sticks come with a self-emptying dock that empties the bin into a bag. Uprights hold far more, which suits big homes and heavy shedding.

A stick's battery limits runtime and will slowly lose capacity over the years. Choosing a model with a removable or click-in battery lets you replace it or add a second pack. Uprights avoid this but can need new belts or brushes. Both need regular filter cleaning; see how to clean Dyson filters as an example routine.

Note:Unplug an upright or remove a stick's battery before clearing blockages, cleaning the brush or washing filters. Do not use a damaged or swollen battery, and recycle old packs at a battery recycling point, never in household waste.

Which type to choose

Our best cordless vacuum cleaners guide lists sticks that suit most homes, including models with longer runtimes.

1. 1

   Measure your floor area and note how much is carpet.

2. 2

   Count your flights of stairs and how often you clean them.

3. 3

   Check your storage: a wall for a dock, or a cupboard for an upright.

4. 4

   Decide whether you clean little and often or in one long weekly session.

5. 5

   If you clean little and often, have stairs or limited storage, choose a stick. If you clean large carpeted areas in one go, consider an upright or a stick with a swappable battery.

Frequently asked questions

Can a stick vacuum replace a regular vacuum? For most flats and small to medium homes, yes. A good cordless stick with a motorised head handles carpets and hard floors well. Large carpeted homes may still benefit from an upright or a stick with a spare battery.

Are uprights better on carpet than stick vacuums? Uprights have wide heads and steady mains power, which helps on large areas of thick carpet. Strong sticks clean carpet well on their top setting but run for less time on it.

Is a stick vacuum easier to handle than an upright? A stick is lighter to carry and easier on stairs. Many have long wands, and some have bendable wands for reaching under furniture without crouching. Comfort still depends on your height and the machine's balance.

Do stick vacuums last as long as uprights? The battery is the main wear item on a stick, and its capacity falls over the years. Models with replaceable batteries can be kept going for longer. See how long do cordless vacuums last.