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Let’s be honest: lugging a 20-pound vacuum cleaner up and down a flight of stairs is nobody’s idea of a good time. For decades, we have been conditioned to believe that “heavy” equals “powerful.” If it doesn’t break your back, surely it can’t clean your carpets, right?
The Eureka AirSpeed NEU10AE5 is here to challenge that assumption. Weighing in at a featherlight 7.7 pounds, this compact upright promises to deliver the continuous power of a corded unit without the bulk. It positions itself as the ultimate solution for apartment dwellers, college students, or anyone tired of wrestling with heavy machinery.
But does this budget-friendly, ultra-light vacuum actually have the suction to handle pet hair and daily grit? Or is it just a glorified electric broom? In this review, we put the Eureka AirSpeed to the test to see if it delivers real value for your money.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Ultra-Lightweight Design (7.7 lbs)
The headline feature of the NEU10AE5 is its weight. At just 7.7 pounds, it is lighter than many cordless stick vacuums and significantly lighter than standard uprights (which usually average 14-17 lbs). This makes it exceptionally easy to lift, carry up stairs, or maneuver around a cluttered studio apartment. For elderly users or those with mobility issues, this weight difference is a game-changer.
2. Compact “AirSpeed” Suction
Despite its small stature, Eureka has designed a direct air path from the floor to the cup, minimizing suction loss. The 10.5-inch wide cleaning path is narrower than standard vacuums, which allows it to fit into tight spaces between furniture that larger units simply can’t reach.
3. Quick Release Handle & Tools
This isn’t just for floors. The handle detaches to become a cleaning wand. It comes with a crevice tool and a dusting brush that snap directly onto the unit for onboard storage. This allows you to transition seamlessly from vacuuming the rug to dusting baseboards or cleaning crumbs out of sofa cushions.
4. Zero Maintenance Costs
The AirSpeed is bagless and utilizes a washable filter. There are no bags to buy and no expensive filters to replace every month. Simply rinse the filter, let it dry completely, and pop it back in. This makes the long-term cost of ownership practically zero.
Hands-On Experience: Performance in the Real World
Maneuverability and Storage
Living with the Eureka AirSpeed is incredibly easy. Because the footprint is so small (roughly the size of a standard sheet of paper), it tucks away into closet corners or behind doors effortlessly. During use, the lightweight nature means you aren’t exerting force to push it; it glides over low-pile carpet and hard floors.
However, note that because it is light, it can sometimes feel “jumpy” on very thick shag rugs. It performs best on hardwood, tile, and standard apartment carpeting.
Suction Power and Pet Hair
For a budget vacuum, the suction is surprisingly snappy. It easily picks up dry messes like cereal, cat litter, and dust bunnies. The floor nozzle does a decent job of agitating carpet fibers to release pet hair, though it lacks the motorized “tangle-free” technology found in premium models.
The 10.5″ cleaning head means you will make more passes to clean a room than you would with a full-size vacuum, but the speed at which you can move the unit makes up for it.
Above-Floor Cleaning
The detachable hose is short but functional. It’s perfect for spot cleaning nearby surfaces. Don’t expect to clean high ceilings with it, but for vacuuming the couch or the stairs while carrying the base unit in one hand, it works perfectly.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ The Good | ❌ The Bad |
|---|---|
| Featherlight: At 7.7 lbs, it is one of the easiest uprights to carry. | Cord Length: The cord is shorter than premium models (approx. 18ft). |
| Price: incredible value for a functional motor-driven vacuum. | Small Bin: The dust cup fills up fast and requires frequent emptying. |
| Eco-Friendly: Washable filters save money and reduce waste. | Build Quality: Feels a bit “plasticky” compared to $200+ units. |
| Compact: Fits in tiny closets or dorm rooms easily. |
How Does It Compare?
Is this the best budget option? We compared the Eureka AirSpeed against a popular stick vacuum and a larger upright.
| Feature | 🏆 Eureka AirSpeed (Main) | 🧹 Bissell Featherweight | 🏢 Bissell CleanView (Full Size) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | 🔌 Upright (Compact) | 🔌 Stick Vacuum | 🔌 Upright (Standard) |
| Weight | ⚖️ 7.7 lbs | ⚖️ 3.0 lbs | ⚖️ 15.0 lbs |
| Suction Power | 💪 Medium-High | 💨 Low (Suction only) | 💪 High |
| Brush Roll | 🔄 Motorized | ❌ None (Suction only) | 🔄 Motorized |
| Best For | 🏠 Apartments/Dorms | 🧹 Hard Floors Only | 🏡 Whole House |
Final Verdict
The Eureka AirSpeed NEU10AE5 is the champion of “good enough.” It isn’t trying to replace a $600 Dyson, and it doesn’t pretend to be an industrial cleaner. Instead, it offers a reliable, powerful, and incredibly lightweight cleaning solution for people who just want clean floors without the hassle.
Who is this for?
- College Students: It fits in a dorm closet and is cheap enough for a student budget.
- Apartment Renters: Perfect for spaces under 1,000 sq ft.
- Seniors: The 7.7lb weight prevents back strain.
If you have a small space and need a vacuum that effectively cleans carpets (unlike suction-only stick vacs) but doesn’t cost a fortune, the Eureka AirSpeed is an absolute steal.
