It's the one thing every household needs – and it might not be the most exciting thing you ever buy but it's something you're going to be using on a weekly, maybe daily basis. However you look at it, you're going to need a vacuum cleaner if you want to keep your house clean and tidy. If you're in the market for a new model, you should consider getting a cordless vacuum – aka a stick vacuum.
But what exactly do you need to know? We consulted cleaning expert Izabela Janiec to get the lowdown.
Personal recommendations: This roundup contains vacuums personally tried and tested by the HELLO! Online team. We only included the models our staffers rate highly.
Expert opinion: We consulted cleaning expert Izabela (scroll down for more info about her and why you should trust her) and asked her to recommend the vacuums she knows and loves.
Price: We tried to cater for all budgets, so whether you're looking for an inexpensive vacuum that still does the job, or a luxury buy, you'll find it in this roundup.
Reviews: In the unlikely case where we haven't personally tested the vacuum ourselves, we only included models that have a high volume of positive reviews from verified shoppers.
Are cordless vacuums worth it?
Cordless vacuums have several advantages over their dirt-banishing corded cousins. "Having the luxury of a cordless vacuum cleaner means you no longer have to constantly hop over the clunky body of the vacuum and the tangled mess that a cord can produce," says Izabela, who is a branch Manager at professional cleaning business Daily Poppins. "With a cordless cleaner, you are free to effortlessly glide around furniture, stairs, and tight spaces."
They’re also lightweight and manoeuvrable, meaning you’ll have no problems getting into tight corners and hard-to-reach places. "Unlike a few years ago, when vacuum cleaners were heavy and awkward to carry, cordless machines are easy to carry and store, especially for apartments or those with limited storage," says Izabela.
For convenience and quick cleanups, they're unbeatable. Izabela says: "While getting a vacuum cleaner out of the cupboard or utility room can seem like an effort if it has a cord, its cordless competitor is perfect for spills or small messes without dragging out a heavy machine. They are also ideal for pet owners, given the mess our four-legged friends can so often create.
Reduced maintenance is another perk. Izabela explains: "As modern cordless vacuum cleaners are also often bagless, they eliminate the need for constant bag replacements, minimising the maintenance that is required."
In addition, Izabela has the following insight:
Are there any homes/people that a cordless vacuum wouldn't be suitable for?
Large Homes: "If you are lucky enough to own a large home, the battery life of many cordless vacuum cleaners may prove to be an issue. Battery life limitations might not suffice for thorough cleaning in bigger spaces and could soon become a common annoyance."
Thick Carpets: "Alongside the worse battery life, a large proportion of cordless vacuums lack the suction power needed for deep carpet cleaning."
Heavy Cleaning Needs: "If you require frequent deep cleaning for heavily soiled carpets or rugs, a corded vacuum might be more efficient."
What features should shoppers look for, or is there anything important they should consider when buying a cordless vacuum?
Battery Life: "One key factor that everyone should take into consideration when purchasing a cordless vacuum cleaner is the battery life. Look for at least 30 minutes for basic cleaning, ideally longer for larger spaces. Suction Power: Suction power is perhaps the second most important element of a vacuum cleaner, and it’s especially crucial for carpets and rugs. Check reviews and compare specs to ensure it meets your needs.
Features: "Consider adjustable settings for different floor types, HEPA filters for allergies, attachments for versatility, and capacity."
Budget: "Cordless vacuums range in price. Set a realistic budget and prioritise the features that are most important to you."
Best cordless vacuums to shop now
1/9
Hoover Cordless Pet Vacuum Cleaner with Anti Hair Wrap
Bagless? Yes
Capacity: 0.7 litre
Weight: 2.35 kg
Size: 110cm x 25cm x 20cm Run time: 40 mins
Charging time: 3.5 hours
Warranty: 3 years (2 Years For Battery)
Editor's Note: "This nifty Hoover vacuum makes short work of pet hair - has special anti-twist technology to stop hair getting tangled. It's ultra lightweight, has three modes and it comes with an impressive array of tools so you can clean every surface in your home with no problems.
Editor's Note: "For the price, the Gtech HyLite 2 is an excellent little vacuum. It's compact, lightweight and has good suction power for all-round cleaning of hard floors, carpets, sofas and stairs. It transforms from a handheld to an upright using its removable, telescopic handle, and it can be folded down for easy storage in seconds. Also, the detachable dusting brush fits onto the telescopic tube for high up cleaning and in narrow spots."
3/9
VAX Blade 4 Pet & Car Vacuum Cleaner
Bagless? Yes
Capacity: 0.6 litre
Weight: 3.1kg
Size: 114cm x 24cm x 18.5cm
Run time: 45 mins
Charging time: 1.5 hours
Warranty: 2 years
Hannah Hargrave, HELLO!Deputy US News Editor says: "This lightweight, cordless hoover is perfect for short pile carpet and especially hardwood floor. With a fairly economical price tag, it means we can afford to have one fixed on the wall upstairs and one downstairs. It's easy to empty and easy to manoeuvre under beds, desks, tables etc. The pet attachment makes cleaning up animal hair in the car or in the home simple and effective too."
Sophie Bates, HELLO!Commerce Writer says: "I absolutely love my cordless Vax Blade. I live in a flat, so the battery can go for over a week before it needs charging – and I love that it's removable so you don't have to plug the whole vacuum in. I find that it works perfectly on hard floors, but I often need to go over the space a couple of times when I'm vacuuming carpet, so I'd definitely recommend this more to those with laminate and wooden surfaces. It's lightweight enough to carry around effortlessly, and the flexible head makes getting into tight areas so much easier."
4/9
Kitsky Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Bagless? Yes
Capacity: Not specified
Weight: 0.65 kg
Size: 37 x 13 x 12 cm
Run time: 30 mins
Charging time: 2.5 hours
Warranty: 2 years
This lightweight, battery-powered vacuum deserves a place in this roundup especially for car owners searching for a cordless vacuum for their car. It has powerful 12000PA suction to get your car cleaned in a jiffy, plus a respectable 30-minute run time and a selection of accessories are included so you can clean every nook and cranny of your car.
5/9
Shark Detect Pro Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Bagless? Yes
Capacity: 0.4 litre
Weight: 2.76kg
Size: 109.2cm x 35.3cm x 26.4cm
Run time: 60 mins
Charging time: 3 hours
Warranty: 5 years
Andrea Caamano, HELLO!Website Editor says: “I am a mum-of-two and my boys keep me on my toes in terms of cleaning. I recently opted for a heavy-duty corded vacuum but soon realised that it’s not very convenient if you have a house with three floors and the dirt piles up every minute of the day. I needed a change and opted for the Shark Cordless Detect pro and cleaning floors suddenly feels less like a chore and more like a treat. The cordless vacuum is very ultra-lightweight, and it is true that it detects different surfaces quickly.
"My kitchen and dining room are connected and it’s incredible that I can vacuum my floorboard and rug without having to change settings. The floorhead also conveniently moves every way, making it easy to access those hard corners, and let’s not forget that it barely takes up any space under my stair cupboard."
6/9
Henry Quick Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Bagless? No
Capacity: 1 litre
Weight: 3.2kg
Size: 122cm x 24cm x 27cm
Run time: 60 mins
Charging time: 2.5 hours
Warranty: 2 years
Katherine Robinson, HELLO!Senior Lifestyle Editor says: "I am so impressed with Henry's suction power, run time and charging time - it's ready to go again in less than two hours! The capacity is fantastic for a cordless vacuum, and despite the bigger size it's incredibly agile and easy to manoeuvre on every surface in my home, and the roomy handle is great.
"It does tend to go for slightly less than the official one-hour run time, but that's usually making good use of the fab speed boost setting."
7/9
Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Cordless Vacuum
Bagless? Yes
Capacity: 0.77 litre
Weight: 2.96 kg
Size: 126cm x 25cm x 26.6cm
Run time: 60 mins
Charging time: 4.5 hours
Warranty: 5 years
Izabella Janiec, cleaning expert, says: "Dyson is undoubtedly one of the top brands when it comes to vacuum cleaners, and the V15 Absolute is one of the best cordless options on the market. It has powerful suction, a long battery life, versatile attachments, but its price tag means it is on the expensive side."
8/9
Bosch Unlimited 7 Aqua Vacuum & Mop
Bagless? Yes
Capacity: 0.3 litre
Weight: 2.9kg
Size: 131cm x 25.2cm x 134.5cm
Run time: 40 mins
Charging time: 5 hours
Warranty: 2 years
Hollie Brotherton, HELLO!Lifestyle & Commerce Writer says: "The Bosch Unlimited 7 Aqua is a dream for anyone who wants to save space and cut their cleaning time in half, as it's both a vacuum and a mop. Living in a flat with no utility room, it keeps my home feeling less cluttered, and my hardwood floors are sparkling clean in minimal time as it does both simultaneously.
"It also comes with a super powerful motorised brush head which you can use if you just want to vacuum and easily rivals my previous model from another brand.
"I use it to clean almost anything, as it comes with multiple attachments to use on everything from your mattress to under the sofa and other awkward and hard-to-reach areas.
My flat smells amazing and it gets rid of even the most stubborn marks I previously thought I was stuck with."
9/9
Miele Triflex HX2 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Bagless? No
Capacity: 0.5 litre
Weight: 8.5 kg
Size: 129.7cm x 28cm x 26cm
Run time: 120 mins (two batteries included)
Charging time: 4 hours
Warranty: 2 years
Izabella Janiec, cleaning expert says: "Miele have been involved in the vacuum cleaning industry for many years, and the Triflex HX2 is a modular design for flexibility and has excellent dust filtration. It does have a high price point, though."
With a run time of 120 minutes when you use both included batteries, the Miele Triflex goes for twice as long as almost every other cordless vacuum on the market, though you're going to have to pay triple the price of most of the other models. This is an investment vacuum for sure. If you have your heart set on a Miele vacuum, it's definitely worth keeping an eye on the AO.com Miele cordless vacuum deals page.
Meet the expert
With years of experience working in customer service and the food industry, Izabela Janiec was able to see and fully understand the importance of a clean environment for physical and mental well-being. Her journey with Daily Poppins began in 2019, and she was recently handed the opportunity to take control of the Crawley franchise.
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