One of the best cordless vacuum cleaners can make your cleaning routine more convenient in an instant. Rather than wrapping and rewrapping a cord, you can simply grab your vacuum from the holder and get started, and reach difficult areas with less effort. There have been improvements in battery power as cordless vacuums have progressed too, meaning there should be enough time to cover the surface area you need to.
It’s possible to increase your cleaning capabilities with a cordless vacuum thanks to the fact that many transform into handheld models too, giving you a chance to clean your car or outbuildings without switching appliances. This guide gives an in-depth look at all of the market leading models from brands such as Dyson, Shark and Tineco, as well as vacuums with specialist features, like robot vacuums.
This round-up focuses on how these cordless vacuums performed after being thoroughly tested by the team at Homes & Gardens, based on factors such as affordability, maneuverability 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 2022
The Dyson V15 Detect brings some never-before-seen technology to its floorcare lineup, offering a 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 actually very automatic, with very few features that 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, 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, 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 to what's on your floors, you will seriously be blown away. The Green Laser dust detector ensures you'll never miss a spot again.
Now, the Green Laser dust detector only applies to hard floors, as dust collected from carpets is normally ground into carpets.
Homes & Gardens Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
- Read our full Dyson V15 Detect review for more information.
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.
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 25V Lithium-Ion Battery for fade-free suction. Other user-friendly elements include the tangle-free brush roll, a must-have for any vacuum marketed for pet owners that is effective in leaving no-hair wrap behind, and the Clean Slide technology for easy dust bin removal for as little contact with dirt as possible.
When hanging on the charging stand, the floor head hangs down and lays fairly flat to 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 that offers good results on hard flooring and carpet, and cleans up after your pets. 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, progress indicator on the inside of the charging dock, and simply how easy it is to mount the dock level.
Homes & Gardens Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
- Read our Bissell IconPet review for more information.
While we've rated it as an excellent, mid-range vacuum, the Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Vacuum is part of Shark's most premium cordless range, making it powerful enough to compete, and at a relatively affordable price point.
Design and technical features
Beyond its cordless and lightweight design, this particular vacuum is loaded with the latest DuoClean Powerfins set up, 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 engaging 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 and 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 doesn't require a docking station. While the aforementioned Multi-Flex technology enables the vacuum to store 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.
Homes & Gardens Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Read our full Shark Vertex Cordless review for more information.
The Tineco Pure ONE S12 Smart Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner goes beyond app integration and brings smart to a new level with smart suction control, battery management, noise management, and a self-cleaning filter.
Design and Features
The Tineco Pure ONE S12 is designed as a stick vacuum that easily lifts off into a handheld. The floor head works on both carpets and hard floors, uses LED lights to illuminate the path and is easily maneuverable from any angle.
The vacuum roars to life with a trigger nozzle or a switch that can be switched, but it's still easy to accidentally power it on when you're not intending to.
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 S12 comes with a ton of attachments that all store on the wall hanging dock that includes a compartment to charge the included extra battery. The main floor head is the direct-drive LED multi-tasker power brush, but to compliment the handheld, you'll also receive a mini power brush, crevice tool, 2-in-1 dusting brush, soft dusting brush, hair cleaning tool, and a flexible long crevice tool. Rather than washing the pre-filters, it also includes an automatic pre-filter cleaning tool to swap between.
Final Thoughts
The Tineco 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 and cleaning performance as well as the detailed insights into cleaning performance.
The areas where it faltered was that hair wraps around the brush roll and had to be manually removed, and that dust seemed to sometimes fly up onto the outer edge of the floor head, rather than get suctioned up.
We also didn't love that the only option to store and charge was on a permanent wall dock that adhered to the wall. That was more inconvenient for testing purposes, rather than ownership, and is a feature many other vacuums on this list have, too.
Homes & Gardens rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Read our full Tineco Pure One S12 review for more information.
Formerly the V11 Outsize, Dyson dropped the V11, but 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.
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 High Torque XL floorhead cleaner is noticeably larger than the other V11s and covers more surface area in one pass. The Dyson DLS technology automatically senses and adapts to changes in floor type.
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.
The Outsize has some pretty intense technology that makes it so powerful, namely the Dyson Hyperdymium motor that 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.
Accessories
The Dyson Outsize includes a number of accessories 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.
Homes & Gardens Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Read our full Dyson Outsize review for more information.
Miele's first cordless vacuum cleaner claims to be powerful enough to be your one and only vacuum cleaner. 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.
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: crevice nozzle, dusting brush, 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, anyways. You’ll need to empty the dirt canister regularly, but this is easy and isn’t messy.
Homes & Gardens Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
While cordless stick vacuums are assumed by default to be more lightweight than their traditional upright counterparts, Roborock brings a new meaning to lightweight with its newest H7 cordless vacuum. The body weighs just over 3 pounds for a cleaning experience that feels almost weightless.
Design and Features
Its noteworthiness goes beyond its handling weight of 3.1lb, though it's useful and easy to convert into a handheld. It also incorporates both options to use a trigger or continuous power option, and the option to use its dust bin with or without a bin! For those who stick to the bagless design, the H7 has 5-layers of air filtration, including a HEPA-rated layer to capture 99.99% of particles as small as .3 microns.
The H7's polymer lithium battery offers up to 90 minutes of cleaning time, with a remarkably short recharge time of about 2.5 hours. The vacuum also offers great suction with 160AW, but won't cause you a headache. That's right, Roborock utilizes noise dampening tech with a noise suppressor, noise reduction layer, sound capture cavity, and resonance isolating silicone to keep harsh noises to a minimum. Amazing!
Attachments
In the box, you'll find a crevice tool, during brush, dust bag holder, motorized mini-brush, multi-surface brush, and our favorite differentiator... a flex tube for added versatility. Roborock designed each attachment with MagSafe to magnetically stick to the charging dock, refrigerator, or any other nearby magnetic surfaces. That also makes the dock a little less inconspicuous, but it is incredibly useful to have a guaranteed place to store extra materials.
Final Thoughts
We're truly taken back at how unbelievably lightweight and powerful the H7 is to use and the convenient and fast charge. The MagSafe accessories are a nice but not necessary feature, but we do see their value for keeping everything within reach.
We're unlikely to constantly use the dust bag feature because of constantly having to refill, but it's one of the few, if only, cordless vacuums on the market with a sealed dust bag option, so for some allergy-prone users that's enough to add to cart right now. As for the dust bin, the emptying experience could be a neater experience, but it's important to monitor the (rather small) MAX fill line to avoid having to pull out large clumps of vacuum debris with your hands.
Homes & Gardens rating: 4 out of 5 stars
- Read our full Roborock H7 review for more information.
Aesthetics matter, but we're not just referring to the sleek chrome and modern shape of the Samsung Jet 90 Stick Cordless Stick Vacuum. It also has some noteworthy features that contributed to its design like a 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.
Design and technical features
Samsung Jet 90 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 convenient 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.
And of course, you want to know about performance, which is where the Samsung Jet 90 Complete continues to blow us away. 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.
Accessories
The Jet Complete includes a variety of attachments including 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, or even in your car, and an anti-static soft brush for hard floors. Additional accessories are available to purchase like a Spinning Sweeper Brush for mopping, or the Samsung Clean Station, which automatically empties the Jet Stick vacuum’s dustbin.
It also includes a separate, self-standing dual charging station that can charge two batteries at once in just 3.5 hours, though the separate battery is sold separately and a separate wall dock for storing the vacuum off the ground.
Final Thoughts
In addition to its telescopic pipe to adjust the length for users short and tall, and extremely lightweight design, its incredibly slim build makes it extremely easy to vacuum under low-lying furniture.
The 200-watt powerhouse takes no mercy on both floors and carpets thanks to its Jet Cyclone that keeps the vacuum from getting clogged, has a generous battery that lasts for up to 60 minutes, and 180° swivel flexibility for ultimate maneuverability. Chores have never been this easy.
Homes & Gardens rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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.
We test all types of vacuum cleaners including vacuum cleaners for pet hair, stick vacuums and even seek out the best 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.
The majority of the vacs we feature 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.
Watch the shoppable video below for more top picks and to see how we compare the latest cordless vacuums, or head to read more on how we come to a verdict in our buying guides.
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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