In 2024 the best vacuum cleaners and best cordless vacuum cleaners are almost synonymous. With a few exceptions, traditional barrel vacuums are all but a thing of the past, leaving a significant option pool when looking for cordless stick vacuums.
Unhampered by the trappings of a barrel and the cords that go along with it, the best stick vacuum cleaners are a more manoeuvrable, functional and versatile option. The best stick vacuum cleaners can offer both mopping and vacuuming capabilities and some even take care of their own mess afterwards with a self-emptying function. This is done by emptying their canisters into a replaceable dust bag that can hold upwards of 30 days of dirt, while others reduce the number of bags in the world (yay!) by emptying into a larger, washable bin.
The most important feature to look at when buying cordless vacuums is its size – whether it's an all-powerful beast that will require significant storage space, or you live in a smaller home and need a stick vacuum that is light and easy to charge anywhere. Another feature to be watchful of is how it charges. Does it require a docking station? Or can you simply plug a charging cord into it? It's crucial to ensure your new stick vacuum aligns with your space and how you like to clean it, so you're never caught unarmed in a serious cleaning situation.
Except for our highly-regarded budget option that we couldn't ignore, we have tried and tested every product that appears in our list of the best stick vacuums. Whether you’re looking to invest in a brand like Dyson or Samsung, or desire a more wallet-friendly option from Miele, we’ve sucked up all the chaff to leave you with just Australia’s best cordless vacuum cleaners.
Recent updates
April 12, 2024: A complete refresh, we have updated the introduction above, re-ordered the list and changed product categories. We also added new products to better suit the new and improved categories seen in the quick list below.
The quick list
Below you can find a roundup of our choices for the best stick vacuums in Australia (also called cordless vacuum cleaners or handsticks). You can jump to a more in-depth review of each pick, along with a price comparison tool to ensure you find the best deals.
The best stick vacuum for most homes
Don't let its small canister throw you off. The LG A9 Kompressor actually fits more dirt than the larger canisters of other vacuums by compressing the debris inside. While the base model will be more than fine for completely carpeted homes, the A9K_Aqua's wet and dry ability, free-standing base and supreme performance make it the perfect vacuum for most homes with a mix of hard and soft flooring.
The best Dyson stick vacuum
Dyson’s first vacuum mop has really made a splash – combining powerful suction with the ability to clean hard floors. While it might not be quite perfect, the new Submarine mopping attachment is better than a lot of alternatives. The other motorised cleaning heads have bigger footprints too, so cleaning up is quick and easy. If you're willing to pay for quality, the V15s Detect Submarine is it.
The best self-emptying stick vacuum
Samsung offers a powerful motor that can rival any machine, particularly while in Boost mode. Capable of thoroughly cleaning everything from a hard floor to a shaggy carpet, this machine can even clean itself. a reliable mop and a vacuum. A truly powerful handstick, the only drawback is the decent amount of space needed to store it. If dust makes you sneeze, this is the vacuum for you.
The best cordless all-rounder
With a 1.9L bin canister and a motorised cleaning head with a broader footprint than any other Dyson machine, this is the one to pick if you live in a large home. And if you can spare the change for an extra battery, you'll double the 60-minute runtime too. If you're looking for a cordless vacuum that can do everything exceptionally, while not shining too much in one area, this Tineco handstick is it.
The best budget stick vacuum
This may not be the most feature-filled cordless vacuum, but what it does at this price point is quite impressive. Applauded for its power, light weight and ease of use, you don't need to sacrifice reliable performance to stay within your budget. While it might not be the best stick vacuum on this list (or even the best cordless vacuum available from Shark), at this price, and regularly discounted, you can't beat it.
The best Dyson alternative
With a surprisingly powerful suction level for a cordless vacuum and an array of superb features that include edge cleaning, the Shark Cordless Detect Pro with Auto-Empty System is everything you would hope to get from a Dyson, without the big-name price tag. While this stick vaccum is far from cheap, its performance is well worth it.
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The best stick vacuum for hard floors
Homes with hard floors need to be mopped regularly, so why buy a vacuum and a mop when a single machine can do both? While you can't separate the mopping and vacuum functions, you won't need to with this one. It will suck up hair, dirt and dust while also washing your hard floors.
The best for large homes
With a 1.9L bin canister and a motorised cleaning head with a broader footprint than some other Dyson machines, this is the one to pick if you live in a large home. And if you splurge for an extra battery, you'll double its 60-minute runtime, allowing it to speed through even larger areas.
The best mid-tier stick vacuum
Not the cheapest cordless stick vacuum in the country, but this Miele is our pick if you're looking to save some coin, as it's got some decent power and gets discounted often on Amazon. At 3.7kg, it's not the lightest of machines, but it's still quite manoeuvrable.
The best stick vacuums in Australia
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Below you'll find more in-depth explorations of each of the best cordless vacuums in Australia, along with links to the full reviews written by TechRadar's team of home appliance experts.
The best stick vacuum for most homes
The A9 Kompressor (specifically the A9K Aqua model) is not only a powerful vacuum, it's a pretty effective mop as well.
The convenience of having a handstick that can both vacuum and mop is immense, and the best part about LG's stick vacuum is its ability to both mop and vacuum at the same time. While some hard, caked-in dirt might require some elbow grease to get them off your hard floors, we found the LG A9 Kompressor capable of handling most tasks except for the most stubborn of grime.
With two batteries in the box – each with 60 minutes of fade-free power – you can clean a large family home in one go. Better yet, while you're using the machine with one battery, you can charge the other. There's also no need to wall mount the handstick as its charging dock is free-standing, making it great for renters. Note that the charging dock isn't an auto-empty station on this particular model.
The only downside to the LG is its uneven weight distribution which makes it feel heavier than it is.
Read our full LG CordZero A9 Kompressor review
The best Dyson stick vacuum
Building on the vacuuming power provided by the 2021 Dyson V15 Detect model, the V15s Detect Submarine debuts a wet-dry vacuum in Dyson’s catalogue. Not only will the Submarine vacuum, but it will also mop your hard floors, albeit not at the same time.
While mopping is a welcome addition to a fine Dyson vacuum, it’s not without fault. Dyson’s V15s Detect Submarine’s dirty water isn’t sealed well within the attachment, and our reviewer found that often dirty water would leak out when moving between rooms. The mopping roller also can leave dirty streaks if you pause while moving it along a floor, but start mopping again and they disappear.
But beyond that, its mopping capabilities are impressive, with the ability to easily pick up muddy tracks and dried stains from the floors. This is aided by a selection of attachments including the improved Fluffy Optic which is only available with the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Complete option that’s a Dyson exclusive.
Read our full Dyson V15s Detect Submarine review
The best self-emptying vacuum
The aqua model of the A9 Kompressor from LG is not only a powerful vacuum, it's a pretty effective mop as well.
The convenience of having a handstick that can both vacuum and mop is immense, and the best part about LG's stick vacuum is its ability to both mop and vacuum at the same time. While some hard, caked-in dirt might require some elbow grease to get them off your hard floors, we found the LG A9 Kompressor capable of handling most tasks except for the most stubborn of grime.
With two batteries in the box – each with 60 minutes of fade-free power – you can clean a large family home in one go. Better yet, while you're using the machine with one battery, you can charge the other. There's also no need to wall mount the handstick as its charging dock is free-standing, making it great for renters. Note that the charging dock isn't an auto-empty station on this particular model.
The only downside to the LG is its uneven weight distribution which makes it feel heavier than it is.
Read our full LG CordZero A9 Kompressor review
The best all-round stick vacuum
You'd be forgiven if you haven't heard of Tineco before, but the brand is slowly making its way Down Under, with some models available from Amazon and Godfreys. Our pick of the bunch – although an expensive proposition – is the Pure One S12 Platinum.
Our colleagues in the UK tested the Tineco Pure One S12 Pro EX – the same product just with a different name – and it earned high praise. Like other more expensive cordless handsticks out there, the S12 Platinum can dynamically increase suction if it senses more dirt on the floor. It's pretty powerful too.
The staggering number of accessories that you get in the box with this model... Well, it honestly adds to the value proposition here. With 10 total in the box, you'll get an attachment that will likely clean every single surface in your home. It also comes with two batteries, giving you a maximum runtime of 100 minutes, making it great for larger family homes.
There's a display to keep an eye on things (and an app if you're so inclined), plus a touch-sensitive slider to change suction power – a design element you won't find elsewhere. It's also quite light, making it easy to manoeuvre and use as a handheld unit.
The main downside to this is the extra storage space you're going to need to stow away the accessories, and the necessity to wall mount it to charge. We also wish the bin capacity was a little more than just 0.6L.
Read our in-depth Tineco Pure One S12 Platinum review (albeit the UK model)
The best budget stick vacuum
‘Budget’ shouldn't mean shopping used or buying a substandard product. While it may mean not shelling out for the crème de la crème of stick vacuums, there is still money-saving quality out there. While it may not possess the suction strength, accessories or features of other models in this list, the Shark Cordless Vacuum with Self-Cleaning Brushroll will leave most owners delighted.
We haven't been hands-on with this model ourselves, but users love that its suction power is a match for the majority of messes, even handling pet hair. Where the cost-saving drawbacks come in are the vacuum's small bin size and relatively short runtime.
Its feature list might not be as long a read as other vacuums, but what it does provide is seriously useful. Easy to use and lasting long enough to clean most spaces, the fact is, there’s bang for buck here. While this might not be the best cordless vacuum on the market, for less than AU$550, it's great value, especially since it’s possible to find it discounted down to around the AU$300 mark.
If you're looking to keep a small space clean, need a more manoeuvrable everyday vacuum or are simply looking for a stick vacuum that doesn't require taking out a loan, Shark has it for you.
The best cordless Dyson alternative
If you're looking for the premium performance of a Dyson vacuum with a price tag that doesn't quite reach peak Dyson heights, the Shark Cordless Detect Pro with Auto-Empty System is the best Shark vacuum on the current Aussie market, and among the best vacuums available.
In our Shark Detect Pro Cordless Auto-Empty System review we called its performance "stellar", but that doesn't mean it's without its drawbacks. While not incomparable to competitors, especially with its performance, it is undoubtedly expensive. It's also pretty heavy for its rather diminutive size.
Still, the Detect Pro’s power is very good for a cordless vacuum and is extensively better adapted to different situations, thanks to its easy transformation into a handheld and several attachments. Importantly, it’s one of the few vacuums that can detect the edge of a room and increase suction automatically, making sure every inch gets cleaned. Making charging and storing easy is its self-emptying base station and accompanying large dust box – there’s no need to replace dust bags here. If all that doesn't make your eyes light up, it even neutralises odours and leaves your floor smelling fresh provided you’re willing to invest in the scented pucks.
For Dyson-like performance without the extra AU$500+, this is a great choice.
Read our in-depth Shark Detect Pro Cordless with Auto-Empty System review
The best stick vacuum for hard floors
Most cordless vacuum cleaners on this page can handle hard floors just fine, but why would you want something more expensive that requires different attachments for different jobs? If you have mostly hard floors at home, then something like the Roborock Dyad Pro is ideal.
This cordless stick vacuum doesn't separate its two functions, instead using the same cleaning head for both, and the same canister for the dry dirt that gets sucked up as well as for the dirty mop water. Of course, that means you will need to wash out the dirty-water tank after each use, but that's a small price to pay when you can save time by hitting two chores at once.
While Roborock claims the Dyad Pro has a 4,000mAh battery that offers up to 43 minutes of runtime, the Pro model actually manages the battery life better and can offer a cleaning range of up to 3,230 square feet (300 square metres), which means it can handle a large space in one charge.
Our reviewer was rather impressed by the Roborock Dyad Pro's cleaning prowess but was a little stumped by the fact that the floor-drying mode didn't seem to do very much. That niggle aside, we found it easy to use and clean – you can use specific detergents to wash your hard floors too.
Read our full Roborock Dyad Pro review
The best cordless vacuum for large homes
The most important feature of a cordless vacuum if you have a big home is a large dust canister, and the Dyson Outsize certainly fits the bill.
The 1.9-litre dust canister is the largest in this guide and holds 150% more debris than the Dyson V15 Detect, meaning that you don't have to empty it often. The cleaning head is also wider than usual, which means you’ll be able to cover more ground, faster – another feature that makes it well-suited to larger homes.
In our tests, its powerful suction meant it collected discarded biscuit crumbs, ground-in dirt, and even cereal and cat biscuits with ease. The floorhead also automatically detects the change in floor types, and the three power settings are useful if you either want to deep clean a large pile rug or lightly skim across a hard floor.
However, we found that the larger size made the vacuum cumbersome and heavy to use in handheld mode, so it's best suited for use on the floors throughout the home rather than reaching for the corners of the room.
Read our full Dyson V11 Outsize review
The best mid-tier cordless stick vacuum
While there are newer Triflex HX series vacuums from Miele, the first ever can now be had for less. While we haven't tested the base Miele Triflex HX1, we did try the Cat and Dog version and loved it. There's not a lot of difference between the two except the attachments that ship in the box.
The Triflex HX1 series handsticks convert easily from a cordless stick cleaner to a handheld to an upright vacuum, with the HX1 base model easily handling most floor types. There are three power settings to choose from and you'll get up to 60 minutes of runtime between charges.
That said, there are plenty of tools in the box so you'll be able to get into any nook or cranny at home and handle any surface – floors, upholstery, carpet – no problem. Its versatile design will also allow you to get to all those hard-to-reach areas, like under furniture.
It does all this without being too noisy, too. Compared to several other cordless vacuums, the Miele Triflex HX1 is relatively quiet, even at its highest setting.
Read our full Miele Triflex HX1 Cat & Dog review
What is the best cordless vacuum?
We've tested all 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 stick vacuum that came out on top is the Samsung Bespoke Jet for a few reasons. Firstly, its overall value for money – despite its high price – is a lot better than the more recent Dyson alternatives as you get a cordless vacuum cleaner that can empty itself, mop and can come with an extra battery if you opt for a suitable Bespoke model.
Our reviewer was also impressed at just how powerful its Jet suction mode is – she thought it can outdo the Dyson's Boost mode any day. It's also designed very well, seamlessly merging into any home's decor if you don't have a corner to hide it away in. Plus the Accessories Cradle can be handy, if you have the extra space for it.
That said, there's a best cordless vacuum for all homes and budgets:
How to choose the best cordless vacuum for you
With such a wide array of cordless vacuums on the market, choosing the right one might feel like an overwhelming task. However, if you focus on these considerations you’ll quickly be able to identify the model that’s best suited to you.
Start by checking how long the battery will last between charges and whether it’s swappable so that if the battery runs out of power mid-clean, you don’t have to wait for the vacuum to recharge before you can carry on. Similarly, 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-than-usual dust cups.
If you have hard floors, look for a cordless vacuum that comes with a dedicated cleaner head, which has a softer brush roll to ensure the flooring isn’t damaged when vacuuming.
Also, check the vacuum cleaner is 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.
If you’ve got furry friends, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of models designed to suck up pet hair from your floors as well as your soft furnishings. Cordless vacuums are designed to be on hand whenever you need them, but how often you should vacuum will depend on how many people and pets are in your house as well as how much you’re at home.
As you've read, there are a lot of the best cordless vacuums to choose from. There's no right or wrong make or model to choose, but it is important to get the right one for you and your household by choosing wisely. Our "5 things to consider when buying a Dyson vacuum cleaner" would (also) be worth a read because what we've specified can be applied to any cordless vacuum you're looking at buying.
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.
How we test cordless vacuum cleaners
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 manoeuvre 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 the 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 whether it required reading a thick instruction manual before use.
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. Specs
2. Design
3. Features
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 odours. You might need a range of attachments to handle various surfaces in your home or a vacuum that can easily transform into a handheld unit.
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? How easy would it be to store in your home? You might even want to consider if it will be aesthetically pleasing, 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, however, they might not be worth it if you need any kind of deeper clean. Of course, there are stick vacuums made for those with larger spaces that require more storage space to account for that.
Are cordless vacuums as good as upright vacuums?
Cordless vacuums have been available for more than two decades, and while the early models were not as good when it came to dust pickup, that’s no longer the case.
Many of the cordless vacuums on the market are comparable, and in some cases better, to 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 litres, whereas traditional corded vacuums, whether upright or a canister, have a capacity of anywhere between 1 and 2 litres. The only exception is the Dyson V11 Outsize, which has a 1.9-litre capacity. However, it’s also extremely expensive compared to other cordless vacuums and much bulkier.
So, one might be better for one use, but not as good for another. It depends what you need from your vacuum.
Which cordless vacuum has the longest battery life?
Cordless vacuums can last anywhere between 10 and 60 minutes depending upon which suction level they are used on. The more powerful the suction, the shorter the battery life.
In our tests, we found the Miele Triflex HX1 Cat & Dog to have the longest battery life. While it offered 60 minutes on the lowest suction power, just like the Dyson V15 Detect, the Dyson V11 Outsize, Samsung's Bespoke Jet and the LG CordZero A9 Kompressor, it lasted for just over 16 minutes on the most powerful suction power as compared to an average of 8 minutes for the other models (up to 15 minutes in some cases).
It’s also worth noting that all the vacuums mentioned here have swappable batteries. This means, providing you purchase additional batteries from the manufacturer, you can remove a battery that’s run out of power and replace it with a fully charged battery. So you don't have to stop vacuuming and put the entire appliance on charge, only to resume hours later when the battery has full power again.
Are Dyson stick vacuums worth it?
Dyson is the most popular brand of cordless vacuum cleaner worldwide and, if you're after a high-end option, then it's definitely worth considering opting for a Dyson. They have very powerful suction, provide some advanced features and look good too.
However, Dyson isn't the only brand worth considering, particularly if you don't want to spend top dollar. Samsung and LG can provide more bang for your buck by offering similarly priced cordless vacuum cleaners that also come with an auto-empty station and a mopping head.
There's also Shark, Bissell, Roborock and Tineco, all of whom offer full-featured stick vacuums in Australia that can come in lower price points with equally, if not better, suction. You just need to figure out what you're willing to spend on the best cordless vacuum there is and how large your space is. Your choice of brand will also be determined by what floor type you predominantly have at home.
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