With one of the best cordless vacuums you can clean all around your home without tripping over a power cord or having to constantly swap between outlets. While going cordless used to mean low power, short cleaning times and long waits for the battery to recharge, cordless vacuum technologies have improved massively over the past few years. Today's top models offering excellent suction and impressive battery life. Most of today's best vacuum cleaners on the market are cordless models.
The TechRadar Homes team, and a select group of experienced reviewers, have been reviewing vacuums for years – we've tested over 180 in total. For each review, we assess each model's cleaning power on hard floor and carpet, how well it copes with different kinds of cleaning tasks (including pet hair), as well as things like battery life, comfort of use and maneuverability, effectiveness of any extra tools, and value for money.
Our guide to the best cordless vacuums is made up of the models that performed the best on test, and are worth your money. And because everyone has different priorities when it comes to choosing a vacuum, you'll find picks suitable for various needs, homes and budgets. Let's get started.
Quick list
Best overall
Impressively powerful for a cordless vacuum and packed with excellent value-adding features, the Shark Detect Pro Cordless is an excellent all-rounder that will suit most people's needs.
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Best for pet hair
This cordless vac offers powerful suction to pull hair out of carpets, and boasts an excellent hair-detangling floorhead. An anti-odor puck help keep things smelling fresh, too.
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Best cordless Dyson
Most Dysons are cordless now, but the V11 is our favorite, delivering excellent performance, great maneuverability and innovative features at a price that won't make you wince.
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Best for hard floors
This Samsung cordless feels light and is comfortable to maneuver, and delivers excellent cleaning on hard floors. The mini pet brush is great for getting hair out of furniture, too.
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Best budget (US)
The S2 is widely discounted and incredibly affordable. Although it won't rival pricier cordless vacs when on suction power, we were still impressed with its dust pickup on hard floors. You'll struggle to find it in the UK, though.
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Best budget (UK)
The Henry Quick delivers excellent performance for a very affordable price. This is the best value cordless vacuum we've tested in the UK (it's available in the US but not so wallet-friendly there).
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Best for carpet
It's not the fanciest model here, but in terms of suction, this cordless vacuum shines. It packs enough power to get even ingrained dirt and dust out of carpet.
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Best lightweight
The Shark WandVac System is a handheld vacuum that converts into a lightweight floor vacuum. It's perfect for a variety of small clean-up tasks and reaching places a full size vac can't, but not a full home clean.
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Best for suction
A meticulously honed engine means that the Gen5 packs some incredible suction, and a HEPA filter. It also has sensors so it can tell you exactly what it's sucking up and when you're done cleaning. All that will cost you though.
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Best handheld
If you're after a handheld cordless, perhaps for cleaning the car, our top-rated option is this Shark model. It delivers good suction and comes with a range of versatile tools for tackling different cleaning tasks.
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Best wet and dry
This cordless vacuum that offers wet and dry cleaning, and it performs well at both. It's also easy to use and full of useful features. Ideal if you have a range of cleaning needs.
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The best cordless vacuum cleaner
✅ You have a mix of floor types: The Detect Pro will automatically adjust suction when it senses it's on carpet, for a fuss-free clean.
✅ You have allergies: There's an optional auto-empty base that can be added to the Detect Pro, meaning there are fewer chances for particles to escape back into the air.
❌ You have a lot of carpet or pets: If super suction is your priority, the Stratos Cordless (#2) or Halo (#7) are both better picks.
❌ You want maximum maneuverability: The Detect Pro's floorhead pivots well, but for maximum maneuverability, you can't beat a Dyson.
If you're looking for next-generation smarts at a not-too-painful price tag, the Shark Detect Pro is the best cordless vacuum cleaner right now (although the new, US-only Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum does more at a slightly higher price). It packs an impressive amount of power, with three suction modes including one that'll detect how dirty your floor is and adjust itself automatically. In our tests we found it worked well on hard floors as well as carpet, and was great at pulling built-up dirt from edges and corners of rooms, too. Features like the flexible stick that enables you to get right under furniture, and LED headlights for illuminating dingy corners, are genuinely useful additions.
A number of these features also appear in the newest Dyson cordless models. The Gen5detect (#9) delivers more advanced dirt detection and its laser illumination for hard floors is far superior to Shark's LED headlights, but it's also significantly more expensive.
In terms of extra attachments, there's only a Crevice tool included as standard (unless you're in Australia, in which case you also get a Pet Tool). However, the main machine converts easily into a handheld (albeit a slightly heavy one) and on test our reviewer found it could tackle almost any household task very effectively.
At time of updating this guide, it was on sale almost everywhere, and at that discounted price it sits on the boundary between our budget and mid-range price brackets, and delivers incredible value for money. See how it compares to other models from this brand's range in our guide to the best Shark vacuums, or and before you buy it's worth checking our Shark promo codes page, to make sure you're not missing a bargain.
Read our full Shark Detect Pro Cordless review
The best cordless vacuum for pet hair
✅ You have pets: The suction here is excellent for a cordless model, and great for pulling fur out of carpets and furniture.
✅ You need to vacuum under furniture: Like most Shark vacuums, the Stratos has a wand that can bend forwards, so you can vacuum right under furniture without bending down.
❌ You have mostly hard floors: The Stratos is heavier and less smart than the Detect Pro (#1), so if you don't need the extra suction, you might prefer that model.
❌ You want something light and flexible: There are lighter and more maneuverable cordless vacuums in this roundup.
The Shark Stratos is the best cordless vacuum for people with pets. It's a little heavier and less feature-packed than our #1 Shark pick, but the payoff is more power, which is key if you're trying to pull stubborn pet hair from your carpets. The floorhead has been designed in such a way that it'll funnel hair straight into the dust cup rather than letting it tangle and clog up the rollers – more useful for long human hair than short pet hair, but still worth noting.
Speaking of the dust cup, it's generously sized, to allow you to do plenty of cleaning without having to make a trip to the bin. You'll get up to a full hour's cleaning on one charge.
Unique to Shark, as far as we can tell, is the built-in odor neutralizer puck, which keeps the machine smelling fresh. And while you won't get the dragonfly-like movement possibilities of a Dyson model like #3, it can pivot on the horizontal plane and on test we found it delivered good maneuverability. Our tester was especially impressed with the forward-bending wand, which is great for getting right under furniture.
While making your purchasing decision, it's worth bearing in mind that a corded vacuum (and often even a bulky upright vacuum) will almost always pack more power than a lightweight cordless model. So you'll want to weigh up if your priority is power or usability. Head to our guide to the best vacuums for pet hair for a range of alternatives.
Read our full Shark Stratos Cordless with Clean Sense IQ IZ862H review
The best cordless Dyson vacuum
✅ You want maximum maneuverability: Dyson vacuums are the most maneuverable vacuums we've tested – the floorheads easily pivot any way you need them to.
✅ You want Dyson engineering: There are plenty of copycats about now, but Dyson has its reputation for a reason – these are excellent vacuums.
❌ You want the latest and greatest Dyson: The V11 offers the best cost-to-performance balance, but if you want the very latest smarts and maximum suction, you need the Gen5 (#9).
❌ You're on a tighter budget: Even with older models like this, you're paying a little bit more for the Dyson name – it's worth checking out Shark's range if you want maximum value for money.
Based on a balance of price to performance, the best Dyson cordless is the V11. (Actually, Dyson did away with cords a while ago, so the full range – with the exception of the Dyson Ball Animal – is cordless.) It's not without good reason that this brand is lauded so highly in the vacuum cleaner world – its cleaners have been meticulously engineered for maximum performance, and it continues to lead the way in terms of innovation too.
That said, Dysons are often expensive, so you'll need to balance how much you want to spend with which features you actually need. The V11 hits that sweet spot for us. On test, we found this cordless vac sailed through all the cleaning tasks we put to it, delivering impressive suction even on the lowest-powered Eco mode. Like the rest of the Dyson range, it's incredibly easy to maneuver, with a floorhead that can pivot any which way you want it. There's no other cordless vacuum that can come close on this front. However, it's worth noting that the design is a little top-heavy, so it can feel unwieldy in handheld mode.
In Auto mode, the V11 will automatically adjust power depending on if it's on hard floor or carpet, to make the most efficient use of the battery. It won't, however, adjust based on how dirty the floor is, like the Shark Detect Pro (#1) and Dyson Gen5detect (#9, the best Dyson vacuum based on specs) can. An LCD screen provides useful information, including a countdown for exactly how much cleaning time you have left in the current power mode.
There are few different iterations of the V11, but the difference is mostly in the tools included. We've been impressed by all the Dyson attachments we've tested out, but do check you're getting the ones you want with the version you're buying.
Read our full Dyson V11 review
The best cordless vacuum for hard floors
✅ You have hard floors: On test, we were impressed with the pickup on hard floors, as well as finding it comfortable to use and easy to move around.
✅ You have furry friends: The Pet version of this vacuum comes with a mini motorized pet hair brush that's one of the best we've tested.
❌ You have carpet: This cordless vacuum didn't offer such good performance on carpet – consider the Halo (#7) or Stratos (#2) instead.
❌ You often have to suck up chunky spillages: There's a roller in the front of the floorhead that sits flush to the floor, making it tricky to pick up larger debris.
The Samsung Jet 85 Pet is the best vacuum cleaner for hard floors. It feels light in the hand and is comfortable to use, with good maneuverability and excellent pickup power on hard floors. There are four suction modes, and you'll get a decent 44 minutes of cleaning time on the lowest of these. If you really need to break out the big guns, you can unleash the 'Jet' mode this vacuum gets its name from, but our tester found that perhaps a little too powerful.
There's a mini motorized pet tool designed for use on upholstery, and we were extremely impressed with how well it worked to get hair out of furniture – it's easily as good as the equivalent tool from Dyson. However, we weren't so impressed with the performance of the main vacuum cleaner on carpet, so if you have a mix of floor types in your home then you'd be better off with something like the Shark Detect Pro (#1). Unfortunately, it's also currently not available in the US.
Read our full Samsung Jet 85 Pet vacuum cleaner review
The best budget cordless vacuum in the US
✅ You're on a budget: The Roidmi is very affordable and the performance is above what we'd expect for the price. An excellent budget pick.
✅ You don't need fancy features: As you'd expect, it's just the basics here, but three power modes give you decent control over your clean.
❌ You live in the UK: The S2 isn't available here – the Henry (#6) is our favorite budget UK pick.
❌ You need to deal with lots of dust or hair: The dustbin is small and messy to empty, so those hoping to tackle larger volumes of dirt should look elsewhere.
The Roidmi S2 is our pick for the best budget vacuum around, and it's also a great choice if you're short on space. This stylish, matte white cordless vacuum comes with a thoughtful range of sturdy, well-made accessories. It offers three suction levels, selected via a button on the handle; and even the wall-mounted charging dock is compact and discreet. That makes it a good option for places where space is at a premium.
The Roidmi S2 has good suction and maneuverability, but it can be a little noisy and heavy when used as a handheld vacuum. And inevitably there's a trade-off because of its small size: it has a small dust container, so you'll need to empty that fairly frequently. It's simple enough but it does mean this probably isn't the vacuum for you if you have a large home, shedding pets, or both.
Don't pay the full asking price: this vacuum is almost constantly discounted, often by very large amounts. If you can bag this vacuum at a reduced price – in the region of $175 – then it's the best cheap vacuum around. If you live in the UK, where the S2 is very hard to find now, check out the Henry Quick (#6) instead.
Read our full Roidmi S2 cordless vacuum cleaner review
The best budget cordless vacuum in the UK
✅ You're on a budget: This Henry is affordable, and punches above its price tag when it comes to performance.
✅ You have allergies: The fact this uses bags might be a benefit to those who struggle with allergies, and don't want particles escaping back into the air when emptying.
❌ You live in the US: You can find this model in the US, but it's generally pretty expensive. Stateside shoppers should look at the Roidmi at #5, instead.
❌ You want something bagless: If you're wary of ongoing costs, or want to see what you've sucked up, the Henry isn't the vacuum for you.
Brits looking for a bargain cordless vacuum should definitely check out the Henry Quick – a stick sibling to the iconic (if unwieldy) cylinder vacuum, with the same friendly face (although here it's a bit more awkwardly placed). It delivers outstanding performance for a very affordable price. You can get it in the US, but it's less good value for money there.
On test, our reviewer found that the full power setting was on a par with their favorite corded vacuum, and the lowest setting worked brilliantly on hard floors. If you have pets around the home then the Henry Quick will gamely tease the stray hairs with ease from the hard floors, plus upholstery and deep-pile carpets. Since it's bagged, you can just release the bag from the Henry Quick and get on with your day, making it a solid option for allergy-sufferers.
Our only real complaints are that this vacuum can be a little heavy when in use for long periods, and the fact you'll need to shell out for new bags.
Read our full Numatic Henry Quick review
The best cordless vacuum for carpet
✅ You want excellent suction: Our experienced tester was extremely impressed with the suction on this vacuum; good news for pet owners, those with lots of carpet, or anyone who just wants to deep clean.
✅ You need decent maneuverability: While not on a part with a Dyson, the floorhead here pivots well, and getting it in and around furniture is straightforward.
❌ You want cutting-edge tech: This is one of the more basic options here – you won't get information screens or automatic suction adjustment.
❌ You don't want a bagged machine: Bags represent an ongoing cost, and a little extra fuss. If you want to avoid, there are plenty of excellent bagless options in this list.
The Halo Capsule X is our favorite cordless vacuum for carpet, although if you have a mix of floor types, you'll be pleased to hear it's equally effective on hard floors. The slightly quirky design delivers excellent suction and very impressive pickup. It also feels nice and light in the hand, and is comfortable to use and maneuver (although for maximum pivotability, you can't beat a Dyson like #3 or #9).
It's one of very few bagged vacuums in this list, which might be a deal-breaker for some, although it does have its benefits – you can use it to suck up fine particles like fireplace ash without ruining the motor, for example. The bags represent an ongoing cost, but they are made from compostable cardboard and brown paper, so at least you don't need to worry too much about environmental impact.
Halo promises 60 minutes of cleaning in the lowest power mode, and the battery is swappable so you could get two full hours of power before having to plug in again. As with all cordless vacs, runtimes drop when using more powerful settings, and in our tests, our reviewer managed 25 minutes of cleaning in the medium mode.
If you want features like automatic power adjustment look elsewhere in this list, but for pure power that's great for carpet, the Halo Capsule X is a top choice.
Read our full Halo Capsule X Pet Max review
The best lightweight cordless vacuum
✅ You need something for light cleaning: If you just need a lightweight, flexible vacuum for small tasks, this is perfect.
✅ You have mobility problems: This is very lightweight for a floor vacuum, so it could be a good fit for those who can't manage a full-weight vacuum, or struggle with bending down to clean.
❌ You need a main home vacuum: The weaker suction, small dust cup and short battery mean this isn't really suitable for whole-home cleaning.
❌ You can manage to use a handheld: If you don't need the floorhead part, check out the UltraCyclone at #9.
The Shark WandVac system is essentially a handheld vacuum that can be converted into a floor vacuum. It's compact, lightweight, simple to use, and ideal for having close to hand to tackle a variety of small spills and cleaning tasks, including ones in tight corners that traditional chunky cordless vacuums would struggle to reach.
On test it collected fine dust from hard floors and carpets with ease, although for larger debris, we found it required several sweeps to scoop up all of the mess. It's also pretty loud. Because of that limited suction, alongside a short battery life and very small dust canister, this isn't a good choice for use a main vacuum.
However, the fact that it's so lightweight for a floor vacuum means the WandVac System could be a good choice for those with mobility issues. If you can't manage a full-weight vacuum, or struggle with bending down to clean, but still want to be able to tackle small cleanup tasks, then this could be ideal.
If you just want the handheld bit, you can also purchase the WandVac without the floorhead (the 'System' bit just gets dropped from the name). Alternatively, there are plenty of other handhelds deliver better suction (including the UltraCyclone at #9), and most of the heavier cordless vacs in this ranking convert to handheld too.
Read our full Shark WandVac System review
The most powerful cordless vacuum
✅ You want a long runtime: The Gen5 is the only vacuum here to be able to manage over an hour of cleaning on a single charge – great if you have a large space to cover.
✅ You struggle to see dust on your hard floors: The laser on the Fluffy floorhead lights up dust and dirt in dingy corners, so you don't miss any.
❌ You're on a budget: This is the priciest vacuum here, and for many it'll be overkill. The V11 (#3) arguably delivers better value for money.
❌ You need something lightweight: This model is very powerful, but the payoff is that it feels noticeably heavy for a cordless stick vac. It's okay in floor mode, but as a handheld, you'll need some muscle.
If you're looking for the most powerful, and efficient, cordless vacuum, it's the Dyson Gen5detect. The engineers have honed the design to maximize performance, and this vacuum delivers extreme suction at a relatively quiet noise level. For max suckiness, it's the Boost mode you'll use, but perhaps more useful is the Auto mode, which adjusts intelligently based on the floor type and how dirty it is, which means a battery-efficient clean. The Shark Detect Pro (#1) also has this feature, although where the Dyson outdoes it is that it'll provide you with real-time dirt reports as you clean, so you'll know for sure when all the dust has been busted from your floor.
The main floorhead is designed to siphon away hair rather than allowing it to clog the brushrolls. All versions of this vacuum also come with a second floorhead with a fluffy roller, specifically for hard floors. This floorhead has an in-built laser to illuminate dirt. LED headlights are increasingly common on competitor vacuums, but Dyson's laser is far superior. The other tools included will depend on which option you go for, but all the ones we've tested are very effective. It is worth noting that the Gen5detect is noticeably heavy for a cordless vacuum, with a top-heavy design that feels unwieldy when used in handheld mode. The battery is the longest-lasting out of any vacuum we've tested, maxing out at 70 minutes (and occasionally even a little longer, in our tests) on one charge.
It comes with a price tag that could politely be described as 'an investment', and you'll need to decide if all the smart features are worth it for your needs. The Dyson V11 at #3 arguably represents better value for money, and while the power levels are technically outstanding, in practical terms, there are also plenty of cheaper options that will do as effective a cleaning job for most people's needs (the Henry at #6 is a super-sucky budget-friendly option, for example).
Before buying, it's also worth checking out the the Dyson V16 Detect. As the predecessor to the Gen5, the V15 has many of the same smart features and is cheaper (see exactly how the two compare in our Gen5detect vs Dyson V15 faceoff).
Read our full Dyson Gen5detect review
The best cordless handheld vacuum
✅ You want a powerful handheld: The suction here is great for a handheld vacuum.
✅ You want something versatile: This vacuum comes with a range of tools for different tasks, meaning it can tackle different kinds of cleanup tasks.
❌ You want to be able to clean the floor, too: If you need something for floors, the WandVac (#8) is worth checking out, and most of the stick vacs here can be used as handhelds too, albeit bulkier ones than this.
❌ You want to clean for a long time: The battery life here is okay, but the battery isn't swappable, so you'll need to wait for it to recharge if you want longer.
The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ (or the Shark Classic Handheld Pet Vacuum CH950UKT in the UK) is a different kind of thing than. While many of today's best cordless vacuums can be transformed into a handheld model by removing the wand, this vac is designed specifically to be a portable vacuum. If you need something to clean your home, look literally anywhere else in this list.
However, if you want something for small and awkward cleaning tasks, like the footwells of your car, your stairs, or the crevices of your furniture, the UltraCyclone is for you. There's only one power setting, but it delivers good suction, and the battery life is decent for a vacuum of this type. There's a range of useful tools for different tasks – in our review, we were especially impressed by the motorized pet hair tool and the crevice tool. It's also nice and affordable, and great value for what you're getting.
On the downside, the main body of the vacuum is a little on the bulky side, so it can be difficult to get it into particularly tight corners. Our guide to the best car vacuum has plenty of alternatives, if you want more options, and if you want to be able to use your handheld cordless vacuum on floors too, then the Shark WandVac System at #8 is perfect.
Read our full Shark Ultracyclone Pet Plus Pro review
The best cordless vacuum and mop combo
✅ You need an efficient hard floor cleaner: This can vacuum, mop, deodorize, and even disinfect your floors, making it a straightforward, all-in-one solution.
✅ You need something that cleans properly: Many robot vacuums can mop as well as vacuuming, but they don't do it as well as the Floor One does.
❌ You need something for carpet: This is for hard floors only; if you need a carpet vacuum, take your pick from any of the other options in this guide.
❌ You want something super easy to maneuver: Even with the self-propelling, this is a rather hefty option – something like the Dyson WashG1 will be much easier to wield.
The Tineco Floor One S7 Pro is the best cordless wet-dry vacuum we've tested. That means it doesn't just vacuum, it also mops. And this one will also deodorize and disinfect your floors, for a truly all-round cleaning solution. Our reviewer was impressed with both the vacuuming and the mopping, and found the Floor One S7 saved lots of time and effort. Although it's pretty heavy, it propels itself forwards in use, so you won't feel the weight too much.
It's easy to set up and comes with a bright, useful LED display. One especially handy feature is the voice prompts, which let you know exactly what’s going on, whether you need to charge, refill the water tank, or empty the dirty water tank.
It's not perfect – the battery life is fine but not amazing at 40 minutes max, it only works on hardwood flooring, and its small water tank means frequent refilling. But if you're looking for an all-in-one solution for all your floor cleaning needs, this is a great choice.
Read our full Tineco Floor One S7 Pro review
Tested by
All the cordless vacuums in this ranking have been rigorously tested, either by one of the TechRadar Homes team or an experienced reviewer. Meet some of the expert reviewers who tested the cordless vacuums that feature in this guide.
Sharmishta is TechRadar's APAC Managing Editor. She has spent the past seven years testing vacuum cleaners of all shapes and sizes – Dyson, Shark, Ecovacs and other brands in-between. She's fascinated by how far robot vacuums have come in the last few years, but also appreciates a lightweight cordless vacuum that can get into the tight spaces of her flat.
Helen is a freelance writer who specializes in kitchen and home appliances, and has been testing vacuums since 2008. She has reviewed well over 100 different models, from the likes of Shark, Dyson and more, and is always on the lookout for a lightweight, maneuverable vacuum that's powerful and comes with the perfect selection of tools.
How to choose the best cordless vacuum for you
With such a wide array of option on the market, figuring out the best cordless vacuum for your needs can feel like an overwhelming task. To help simplify things, it's worth focusing on a few key specifications.
Battery life
Start by checking how long the battery will last on one charge. It's also worth looking at whether the battery is swappable, so if you run out of power mid-clean you don’t have to wait for it the battery to recharge before you can carry on.
Dust canister size
The size of the dust canister will also affect how many interruptions there are to your cleaning session. If you have a bigger house, look for models with larger dust cups – small capacity cleaners will soon get on your nerves.
Tools
Most of the cordless vacuums in our list come with at least a few swappable tools to help with specific tasks. If you have hard floors, look for a model that comes with a dedicated cleaner head – this has a softer brush roll to ensure the flooring isn’t damaged when vacuuming.
Also, check the vacuum cleaner will be able to reach under furniture and in any tight spaces you have in your home to ensure you’re thoroughly cleaning your floors every time you push a vacuum around. And if you want to get into hard-to-reach areas, a crevice tool is an absolute must.
If you have furry friends, look for a model that has factored this into its design – some of the models here, such as the Shark Stratos Cordless (#2) and the Halo Capsule X Pet Max (#7) can clean without getting clogged by furballs; the Shark will even neutralize unwanted smells.
Budget
There's no right or wrong make or model to choose here, but it is important to get the best cordless vacuum for your particular circumstances: a do-it-all Dyson may be state of the art, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best buy for you right now. If you live in a small flat, something like the reasonably-priced Shark Stratos Cordless should cover nearly all your needs.
If you’re still unsure, read our advice on which type of vacuum should you buy and read our comparison of canister vs upright vacuums and bagged vs bagless vacuums.
FAQs
What is the best cordless vacuum?
We've tested all 12 of the featured cordless vacuum cleaners in this guide to challenge them for dirt pick-up, battery runtime and versatility across various surfaces throughout the home.
The cordless vacuum that came out on top is the Shark Detect Pro Cordless. Our reviewer was impressed by its ability to sense how much dirt is on a floor and increase the suction power, its effectiveness on edges and corners, and its flexible stick that makes it easy to clean under furniture. Basically if you want a cordless vacuum that can do the lot, this is an excellent choice.
Is Shark better than Dyson?
Shark and Dyson are among the very biggest brands in the cordless vacuum market right now. They seem evenly matched when it comes to suction power, but Shark's designs are slightly more affordable than Dyson's models, which may leave you wondering: is Shark better than Dyson?
The answer is a bit more complicated than a straight yes or no. While they're typically more affordable, Shark's vacuums are not as sleek and stylish as Dyson’s, and they're often heavier too. While they come with useful technology such as the ability to stop hair getting tangled around the brush head and flexible wands to ensure you can clean in hard-to-reach places, they're not as technically advanced as Dyson's offerings. Dyson's vacuums tend to have longer-lasting batteries than Shark's models too.
So are Shark vacuums better than Dyson? It very much depends on the layout of your home, your budget and the types of surfaces you want to clean. Read our Shark vs Dyson article for a more in-depth look at the two floor-cleaning brands.
How do I choose a cordless vacuum cleaner?
We think the cordless vacuums we've listed above are the best of the best, but it's essential to consider your personal needs.
The most important considerations when choosing a cordless vacuum cleaner are:
1. Specifications
2. Features
3. Design
Starting with the specs is typically the way to go - think about how long of a runtime you need from your cordless vacuum, what floor types you have in your home, and how powerful you'll need the cleaner to be.
Next up, think about what features you might need from your new cordless vacuum. If you have pets, that means looking for a vacuum that can handle hairs and even odors. You might need a range of attachments to handle various surfaces in your home or a vacuum that can easily transform into one of the best car vacuums.
Lastly, think about the design of the vacuum. Is it light enough to use overhead if you have shelves and high surfaces that need cleaning? Can it easily reach under furniture? How easy would it be to store in your home? You might even want to consider how easy it is on the eye, especially if you're planning to keep it out in the open.
Are stick vacuums worth it?
Cordless stick vacuums bring some great benefits, especially if you have a smaller home, or just need a more accessible device for cleaning up small spills and messes in the kitchen.
As they are more compact and lightweight, stick vacuums are great for quick cleanups, and the most advanced models are just as capable as standard cordless cleaners. However, the most affordable models aren't as powerful and may struggle with really deep cleaning.
What is the difference between an upright vacuum and a cordless stick vacuum?
The short answer is that cordless vacuums run on batteries while most uprights need to be plugged in. Ever-improving tech means many models are now just as powerful as uprights, but there are still some crucial differences.
Many of the cordless vacuums on the market are comparable to, and in some cases better than corded, upright vacuums when it comes to collecting dust and dander from carpets and hard floors. They’re more versatile than corded vacuums too, as they can be converted into lightweight, handheld cleaners that are suitable for use on upholstery, up high, and even in vehicles.
However, there is one area where they struggle to match corded vacuums, and that’s the capacity of the dust canister. On average, cordless vacuums have dust canisters with a capacity of anywhere between 0.2 and 0.75 liters, whereas traditional corded vacuums, whether it's upright or a canister, have a capacity of anywhere between 1 and 2 liters. There are very few exceptions, such as the Dyson V11 Outsize that has a 1.9-liter capacity. However, it’s also extremely expensive compared to other cordless vacuums and it's much bulkier.
Which cordless vacuum has the longest battery life?
A typical cordless cleaner can run for between 40 to 60 minutes on a fully charged battery. Of the best cordless vacuums in this guide, the Numatic Henry Quick at #6 and Dyson Gen5detect at #9 jointly lead the field with maximum runtimes of 70 minutes – but like all cordless cleaners, that's based on using them in their default power modes, not their maximum power modes. You'll typically find that if you run your cordless at max power you'll get around a quarter of the battery life. Many more advanced models will show you how much cleaning time you have left based on your current settings.
If you think you'll be running your cleaner on max power all the time, it might be wise to look for a model with swappable batteries. That way when you run out of power you can pop in a second battery and pick up picking up from where you left off.
How we tested these cordless vacuums
To find the best cordless vacuum cleaner, we evaluate how successfully each model collects everything from fine dust and dirt to larger debris such as cookie crumbs and cereal. As well as assessing how well floors are cleaned, we’ve also compared how easy the vacuum cleaners are to maneuver on carpet and hard floors, as well as whether dust pick up is evenly distributed across the cleaning head, or concentrated in one area.
We rated each design on how durable it is, as well as simplicity of emptying, how loud it is during use and how long the battery lasts. For each model we wanted to know whether it was easy to convert into other modes; such as a handheld vac, the useful tools and accessories it came with to clean edges or remove pet hair, and that it didn’t require reading a thick instruction manual before use.
Read more on how we test cordless vacuum cleaners.
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