We examined market-leading models from brands such as Dyson, Shark, and Tineco and are revealing how these cordless vacuums performed after being thoroughly tested by the team at Homes & Gardens, considering factors such as ease of use, cleaning prowess, and standout features. With this guide in mind, you can assess which of these cordless models will be applicable to you, or explore our guide to the best vacuums for an overview of every type of model, including the best vacuums for pet hair.
Best cordless vacuum cleaners 2023, as tested by our team
Why you should buy it: The Dyson V15 Detect brings some never-before-seen technology to its floorcare lineup, offering scientific precision to your cleaning routine that reveals just how much dirt is on your floors. Design and technical feature The standout design feature of the Dyson V15 Detect is the introduction of Laser dust detection on the Fluffy cleaner head, a built-in green laser that illuminates dust particles invisible to the eye on hard floors. Particles are most visible in low-lit areas, and even the dark, as bright sunlight can wash out the laser. The laser detection compliments the addition of a Piezo sensor that measures microscopic dust particles as small as 10 microns in real-time, giving physical proof of a deep and effective clean. The sensor converts vibrations into electrical signals, displaying precisely the size and number of particles sucked up on the LCD display. Finally, the new Anti-tangle conical brush bar, which you’ll see going forward in many Dyson models, spirals hair off and into the bin. The Dyson V15 also features the same Dyson Hyperdymium motor which generates up to 230 air watts of suction and 5-stage filtration captures 99.99% of dust particles down to 0.3 microns for a powerful deep clean. The Dyson V15 Detect is very automatic, with very few features you have to decide between. Just press the trigger ( there’s no continuous mode) and if you want the vacuum to work harder (Eco and Auto were plenty sufficient in our day-to-day cleanings), you have the option to also go into Boost mode, but it shortens the battery time. Accessories The Dyson V15 Detect features plenty of attachments, including two full-size floor heads: the new Laser Slim Fluffy Cleaner Head, and the High Torque Cleaner Head with the anti-tangle comb (similar to the Outsize). It also comes with a hair screw tool for pets, a mini-soft dusting brush, a crevice tool, a combination tool, and a stubborn dirt brush to tackle any cleaning job. Final Thoughts Scary, wild, and unbelievable, but in all the right ways. The ability to see what the naked eye can’t detect is game-changing. Plus, the scientific Piezo sensor gives a physical number to what’s being collected, also a little unsettling. But, if you’re a person who loves data or looking to accept the cold, hard truth about what’s on your floors, you will seriously be blown away. The Green Laser dust detector ensures you’ll never miss a spot again. The Green Laser dust detector only applies to hard floors, as dust collected from carpets is normally ground into carpets. Our full Dyson V15 Detect review goes into more detail. Why you should buy it: If you’re not looking to spend upwards of $700 on a vacuum, the Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Vacuum comes to compete, as a great choice for those looking for something that has great suction power, is easy to store, and at a more competitive price point. Design and technical features Beyond its cordless and lightweight design, this particular vacuum is loaded with the latest DuoClean Powerfins setup, which is kind of like two vacuums in one and sucks up twice as much in one pass-through. The soft roller picks up small debris and dust while the silicone PowerFins dig deep into carpets and directly engage floors for better pet hair pickup. Meanwhile, the Multi-Flex technology flexes up to a 90-degree angle so you can access low areas without bending over, and it’s what allows the vacuum to fold in half for compact storage. Other key Shark features include its signature anti-hair wrap tech, self-cleaning brush roll, and the Anti-Allergen Seal (washable HEPA filter). It offers up to 60 minutes of charge, though the run time decreases as you work over the carpet, or activate Boost mode, at just 12 minutes. Charging is as simple as plugging into the removable battery on the vacuum or fully separating the battery to charge on a countertop. Accessories The Vertex includes a crevice tool, a pet multi-tool that multi-tasks to clean stuck-on debris and remove pet hair from upholstery, and a multi-angle dust brush for delicate objects, getting in narrow spaces, and dusting blinds. Final Thoughts No complaints performance-wise, it’s really a delight to use. The compact size makes it an apt choice for storing in closets or out of the way and it doesn’t require a docking station. While the aforementioned Multi-Flex technology enables the vacuum to keep stable and compact without having to remove the handheld, we overall found that feature underwhelming, offering less control over the movements to get low under furniture. For $50 more, you can also upgrade to the Vertex Pro version which features a more sophisticated LCD display and a slightly larger dust bin. Our full Shark Vertex lightweight cordless vacuum review goes into more detail. Why you should buy it: The Tineco Pure ONE S15 Pet Smart Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner brings smart to a new level with smart suction control, battery management, and a feature that lets you know which areas you need to pay more attention to. It’s also Tineco’s first design dedicated to pets with a brush roll expertly designed to reduce tangled hair that could block suction. Design and Features The Tineco Pure ONE S15 is designed as a stick vacuum that easily lifts off into a handheld mode. The floor head works on carpets and hard flooring uses LED lights and is easily maneuverable from any angle. The vacuum roars to life with a trigger switch that runs continuously, so fingers will not get tired pressing the power button like with the Dyson design. The iLoop Dust Detection feature can detect hidden dirt and automatically adjust suction power in real-time as well as uses a red-to-blue indicator ring on the LCD screen to show remaining dust levels. Attachments The Tineco Smart S15 comes with attachments that are stored on the included floor dock, a winning feature for those who don’t want to affix a cleaning station to walls. The Tineco nicely balances upright too, but it does take a little careful maneuvering to insert it into the crevice. The main floor head is the direct-drive LED multi-tasker power brush, but to compliment the handheld, you’ll also receive a crevice tool, a 2-in-1 dusting brush, and a mini power brush. Final Thoughts The Tineco Pure One S15 has some really advanced design features that will please any techy, and a number of attachments for any kind of cleaning that requires a vacuum. It’s very easy to control the suction level on your own, but working on Auto makes for better battery life and switches suction automatically depending on the surface you’re on. We also enjoyed its powerful suction, though it struggled with large pieces of debris, like scattered pet food kibble or the leaves that infiltrate the foyer in the fall, requiring additional pass-throughs. It’s so lightweight and easy to use and offers detailed insights into cleaning performance that others don’t. It’s a serious contender when it comes to standout cordless vacuums and a purchase we are sure you won’t regret making. Our full Tineco Pure One S15 Pet review goes into more detail. Why you should buy it: The Outsize + continues to be the most powerful cordless in terms of power, capacity, and run time, and fully compensates for what a traditional corded model could accomplish. The most up-to-date iteration, the Outsize + incorporates the Laser Slim Fluffy Cleaner Head and Piezo sensor of the Dyson V15 Detect above for an even more robust clean. Design and technical features On a quick review, the Dyson Outsize + features an unprecedented (for a cordless) half-gallon dust bin, two removable batteries that both provide up to 60 minutes of power and twice the suction of any other cordless vacuum, according to Dyson. The Dyson DLS technology automatically senses and adapts to changes in floor type. The Outsize + has some pretty intense technology that makes it so powerful. The Dyson Hyperdymium motor rotates at over 125,000 rpm combined with Radial Root Cyclone tech that generates forces of 79,000g to fling dust into the bin without clogging the filter for uncompromising power. It’s also engineered to absorb vibrations and dampen noise, to keep sound levels down. The digital display shows the exact remaining run time for whichever mode you choose: Eco, Auto, or Boost, so you’ll always know just how much time you’ll have left on a single battery. Accessories The Dyson Outsize + includes a number of accessories. The High Torque XL floorhead cleaner is noticeably larger than other designs and covers more surface area in one pass. If you don’t want to use the accompanying wall dock for storage, Dyson also sells a freestanding docking station, for an extra cost. Final Thoughts We could go on for hours about why we’re big fans of the Outsize +, but its half-gallon dust bin and two hours’ worth of fade-free suction means you can deep clean your entire home without pausing to recharge or empty the dust bin. And for a cordless, that’s a pretty big deal. Might we consider the Outsize + has too much power? Proceed with caution on lightweight area rugs, because the suction can be intense. It’s enough to say good riddance to your traditional upright, though note, the Outsize + is top-heavy, so your arm may get tired during extended above-floor cleaning sessions. We have not yet had formal experience with the Outsize +, but we have tried and reviewed its predecessor the Dyson Outsize, which is now discontinued according to Dyson. It features the exact same specs, except it does not have the Laser Slim Fluffy Cleaner Head and Piezo sensor technology. Why you should buy it: While engineered for households with pets, don’t let the name fool you, anyone looking for a beautifully engineered vacuum will enjoy the Bissell Icon Pet, combining the best in design, performance, and price. And it showed little mercy when it came to suctioning up pet hair. Design and technical features With thoughtful features such as the LED lights on the floorhead and crevice tool and a charging stand (which needs to be screwed to the wall), this vac should make it a definite for your shortlist. And the addition of rose-gold accents feels very chic. And we haven’t even gotten started talking about the power, a 22V Lithium-Ion Battery for fade-free suction. Other user-friendly elements include the Clean Slide technology for easy dust bin removal for as little contact with dirt as possible and the patented Tangle-Free Brush Roll, a must for any vacuum marketed for pet parents. ‘[It’s] amazing and prevents hair from wrapping around the brush,’ our reviewer Courtney says of the feature. When hanging on the charging stand, the floor head hangs down and lays fairly flat on the wall when charging. It also easily swivels for ultimate maneuverability, and we’re pleased to report that the tangle-free brush roll, is the real deal when it comes to having to deal with accumulated strands of hair. Attachments This cordless vacuum comes with a variety of tools designed to tackle pet hair including a Motorized TurboBrush, LED Lighted Crevice Tool, Pet Dusting Brush, and Flexible Crevice Tool. The LED-lighted crevice tool feels especially luxe for getting a good look at tight corners. Additionally, a soft-roller brush head can easily be swapped into the vacuum for cleaning hard floors, or you can use Final Thoughts It’s a sleek, easy-to-use cordless vacuum cleaner. “While it didn’t live up to my expectations on the carpet, this cordless vacuum is perfect for hardwood and area rugs,’ our reviewer Courtney said. ’ It’s simple, practical, and it does what the box says,’ she summarizes. The 50-minute run time is ample time to get through a cleaning job, and we enjoyed the small design details like the LED crevice tool, the progress indicator on the inside of the charging dock, and simply how easy it is to mount the dock level. Our Bissell ICONpet review has more details. Why you should buy it: At under $200, the Levoit VortexIQ 40 Cordless Stick Vacuum deserves a close look with decent suction performance, fair battery life, and HEPA filtration. Design and technical features Some say the Levoit VortexIQ is lacking some bells and whistles, while we think ‘It’s a robust and well-designed cordless vacuum with added extra features such as the flexible wand, that I wouldn’t usually expect to see at this price,’ said our reviewer Helen. It even has LED floodlights to illuminate the path in front of you. Levoit is perhaps best known for offering some of the best air purifiers, so its introduction of vacuums feels like a natural extension of its brand, especially since they include a 4-stage HEPA filtration system, featuring dual HEPA-type filters that trap at least 99.9% of particles 0.3 microns in size., that is washable and easy to care for. The Levoit employs 130 AW of suction, which is significantly less than some of our top choices, but it still powered through across all surface types. Its AUTO system referred to as Dynamic Power Control Technology uses infrared sensors to adjust suction power based on the amount of debris though we found our user experience was better when we could manually adjust between the five suction levels. AUTO just missing the mark where we would expect the power to ramp up, such as going from hard floor to carpet. Attachments The Levoit comes with a flexible wand, a telescopic crevice tool, and a 2-in-1 dusting brush. The US model does not come standard with a mini-motorized tool, but the Pet edition does include this useful upgrade. Final Thoughts The handheld part felt on the heavier side, especially when cleaning above the floor, but its overall performance rivals some that are double the price, so we can overlook the tired arm. Our Levoit VortexIQ 40 Cordless Stick Vacuum review has more detail. Why you should buy it: Miele’s cordless vacuum cleaner claims to be powerful enough to be your one and only vacuum cleaner. It has a 3-in-1 design that allows you to move the main power unit to the most comfortable position for your needs. Design and Technical Features With a 3-in-1 design, the power unit of the Miele Triflex HX1 can be attached to the top or bottom of the vacuum for flexibility of where you want the weight of the unit distributed, as well as for use as a handheld device. Placed at the top, you’ll find more reach to vacuum under low surfaces, or at the bottom for a comfortable and lightweight hold. The Extra-wide electrobrush Multi Floor XXL is wider than most floorheads we’ve seen (11-inches) and offers BrilliantLight LED lighting to guide the way and automatic floor detection. It can also be charged from either position via the wall bracket or can be charged directly into the battery if you’re not looking to install the wall bracket. For those sensitive to allergies, The Triflex HX1 offers a lifetime HEPA filter system, and an easy Twist2open system to empty the dust bin easily and with minimal contact. Attachments It comes with three tools as standard: a crevice nozzle, dusting brush, and flat upholstery tool. It also includes an additional external battery and charger that can allow your vacuum to reach up to 120-minutes of cleaning time. Final Thoughts The Miele Triflex HX1 Pro is easy to use, well-designed, and impressively powerful on floors and more. It really offers the cleaning power you’d expect from a corded cleaner. It’s worth mentioning that the 60-minute battery life Miele claims is in low power without the electric floorhead but with the extra battery pack, you could find that this vac lasts you up to 120 minutes if you have a large house to vacuum every day. Its 0.5-liter capacity is on the small side, however, especially if you are going for 120 minutes, but who wants to clean for that long at once, anyway? The dirt canister needs to be emptied regularly, but this is easy and isn’t messy. We’ve tried the Pro model but there’s also a regular model that’s a bit cheaper (no HEPA filter, no headlights on the floorhead, no turbo brush for lifting pet hair from furniture) and a Cat&Dog model which offers the same specs plus the addition of a pet turbo brush. This vacuum has been tested by one of our editors. Why we love it: Aesthetics matter, but we’re not just referring to the sleek, statuesque shape of the Samsung Bespoke JetCordless Stick Vacuum. It also has a unique component, typically only found in some of the best robot vacuums: a clean Station that limits how often you have to interact with dust, making it particularly ideal for those with allergies. Design and technical features The Samsung Bespoke continues to blow us away with its performance. The vacuum uses Jet Cyclone technology to keep debris from building up on the filter and a 5-layer HEPA filtration system to ensure that air around you stays clean. But when the .5 liter dust bin is full, is where the magic happens. ‘The clean station is probably the best innovation I’ve seen, ever, because it keeps all the dust and debris contained – and it is just really, really smart-looking,’ our tester Jenny said. Without having to interact with the collected dust and risking particles back into the air, the All in One Clean Station automatically disposes it into its sealed and bagged system. It also charges and stores the vacuum, and makes your vacuum look like an intentional design statement while doing so. The bin station is pretty heavy, Jenny noted, so once it’s in place, you’re not going to want to move it around very often. Samsung also sets itself apart with a telescoping wand that not only improves reach but increases convenience for both short and tall users to work at a length that is comfortable for them. Another noteworthy feature is the sleek digital display that makes it easy to track how your vacuum is doing with notifications on your vacuum for power level and brush type, and it sends alerts such as airflow issues, clogs, missing filters, and more. Accessories The Jet Complete includes a variety of attachments which all can sit adjacent to the unit on the accessory cradle. Extra components include a mini-motorized tool for collecting fine dust particles and hair, a long-reach crevice tool, a combination tool that’s perfect to use on upholstery, and a flexible tool that can bend up to 90 degrees. The cradle even has space to charge the extra battery so you’re never without power. For the clean base, it comes with a dust bag already installed, as well as two extras. Each dust bag can hold up to 2L of dirt, so depending on how frequently you vacuum, and the types of floors, you could fill up your Clean Station pretty quickly. Final Thoughts The 210-watt powerhouse takes no mercy on both floors and carpets thanks to its Jet Cyclone which keeps the vacuum from getting clogged and 180° swivel flexibility for ultimate maneuverability. While the Clean Station acts as sort of an anchor, the cordless vacuum itself is an extremely lightweight design with a slim build making it easy to vacuum under low-lying furniture. Chores have never been this easy. If you’re curious about Samsung’s floorcare products, we’ve also tried and enjoyed the Samsung Jet 90 Complete (opens in new tab), which also has the unique telescoping wand that extends reach, excellent suction performance, and a 5-layer HEPA filtration system that traps the most microscopic irritants and particles from escaping. It’s also relatively cheaper but does not include the clean base station as the Bespoke design. This vacuum has been tested by one of our editors.
Black Friday cordless vacuum cleaner deals
We have after- Christmas sales on our minds, and we’re sharing the best savings for those who want to snag a bargain ahead before the new year.
How we test cordless vacuum cleaners
At Homes & Gardens, and all the other Homes titles at Future, we like to get hands-on experience with each of the products we test before including them in our buyers’ guides, which you can discover more about in our guide to how we test. This means that we can share our experiences and answer any questions which may be holding you back before committing to making a purchase. This is a big deal, and Dyson’s lowest price ever on our top-rated vacuum. The Dyson V15 Detect comes with two cleaner heads and eight accessories. Plus, when you buy from Dyson, you’ll also receive a free accessory set, worth another $85. The Miele Triflex HX1 has a unique adjustable design that enables you to attach the power unit and dust bin at the top or bottom of the vacuum for flexibility in where you want the weight of the unit distributed, as well as for use as a handheld device. When placed at the top, you’ll find more reach to vacuum under low surfaces, or when placed at the bottom enables a comfortable and lightweight grip. We test all types of vacuum cleaners including vacuum cleaners for pet hair, stick vacuums, and even robot vacuums to help you find the most suitable option for your home. Each model we have the opportunity to review undergoes rigorous testing on a range of flooring from hardwood to deep pile and laminate which is what you would find in most homes. All of the vacs featured here have all been tested in the same way in our own homes for a number of weeks (sometimes months) so they are faced with real-life hurdles – such as the stairs – and messes. In some instances, we are even fortunate enough to hand on to the vacuum cleaners so we can keep our guides current with our learnings as we continue to use them. Factors such as maneuverability, run-time, emptying of the dust bin (or bag), and general controls have all been considered against the price tag for what it is exactly you get for your money. We also look out for feedback from other customers which you’ve probably seen already on your favorite brand websites. Below you can read more about the members of our team who have reviewed our best cordless vacuums.
Best places to buy a cordless vacuum
Why buy a cordless vacuum cleaner
Think of a cordless vacuum as a hi-tech replacement for a dustpan and brush. Something you’ll use often. So power and convenience are good (we like charging stations, so they’re always ready to use.) The best cordless vacuums are lightweight and make quick tasks easier, and you won’t have to be searching for a plug or tripping over wires. Also, no more spending ten minutes gathering up all the cords. Battery life and dust bin size are probably less important if your home is small. You could even consider using a cordless as your main vacuum cleaner – in which case you’ll want it to last more than a few minutes. Those with larger homes or cleaning loads will likely be willing to sacrifice a slightly heavier cordless in exchange for a boost in dust bin and battery (those really are quite weighty).
How to choose a cordless vacuum cleaner
Our comprehensive video guide will take you through all the elements of a cordless vacuum cleaner so that you can buy the best one for you.
Find out how long the battery will last, and how long it takes to charge?How heavy will your model be?What is the dust bin capacity?How will you store it?
How much should I spend on a cordless vacuum?
Budget upwards of $400 for a good-quality cordless with decent cleaning power. But you can spend more than three times as much on premium models. More money can buy you powerful suction, longer battery life, or better tools, and are, in our opinion, worthwhile.
Are cordless vacuums worth it?
Absolutely. In a smaller home, they can replace a corded vacuum cleaner, especially if you choose a model with good suction. In larger homes, they are perfect for quick clean-ups – having one on the upper floor can make cleaning bedrooms quickly a real boost. Some cordless vacuums are even as powerful, if not more, than standard uprights, and also built to tackle pet hair too. Plus, they’re typically half the weight of your traditional corded model, for easier use and mobility.
What are key features I should look for in a cordless vacuum?
Filtration If you have allergies it is worth getting a cordless vacuum with a HEPA filter. This removes tiny particles from the air, putting a stop to coughs, sneezes, and breathing issues. For instance, all Dyson cordless machines make use of HEPA filtration, while Miele and Samsung offer great air filtering options too. Battery life Whether you’re choosing a cordless as your primary or an extra, you’ll want something with at least 30-45 minutes of battery life, so you’re not worrying about whether you’ll be able to finish the job or not. It’s no problem really to constantly go back and forth to empty the dust bin, but a poor battery, and you’ll never want to pick up your vacuum. Plus, be mindful that those ranges often apply to using your cordless as a handheld, as opposed to floors. Battery life also seems to directly correlate to price, with models costing more as models extend. Luckily, all of our chosen models at this time exceed that suggested amount. Dust bin capacity To keep them lightweight and compact, dust bins are usually on the smaller end, as typical in stick designs. Not the worst problem, but inconvenient for some as the most powerful designs do exactly as hoped, and rid your carpets of dust you never could have imagined existed. Of course, we’ve seen some bins as small as .05 gallons and as large as half a gallon. Power Operation How you operate your vacuum could be a make or break model for you. For instance, Dyson is renowned for using a “trigger” style handle that works to conserve battery power but also requires you to hold it down. The Shark meanwhile, has a power button, and the Tineco offers you both! Brush rolls that won’t tangle or clog with hair Anti-hair wrap, tangle-free brushroll… makers come up with a lot of ways to detail that brushrolls and vacuums can continue to operate without hair, human or pet, getting tangled around brushrolls or clogging airchannels. Some do this better than others, but most vacuums have worked on some technology to stop hair.
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