With one of the best cordless vacuums you can clean all around your home without getting tangled in a power cord or having to constantly swap between outlets. While going cordless used to mean poor suction, 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 offer strong suction and impressive battery life, and most of today's best vacuum cleaners on the market are cordless models.
At TechRadar, we've tested over 185 vacuum cleaners over the course of nine years, including 41 new models last year. 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.
Based on our expertise and testing, the Shark Detect Pro Cordless is the best cordless vacuum for most people. It combines great pickup power with a maneuverable design and some useful smart features, all for a reasonable price tag. However, it won't be perfect for everyone, so this guide also includes a range of alternatives for different needs and budgets.
Quick list
Best overall
With good suction, a lightweight build and useful smart features, the Shark Detect Pro is an excellent all-rounder that will suit most people's needs, plus it comes with an affordable price tag.
Read more below
Best lightweight
Thanks to a carbon-fiber wand, the R20 is super-lightweight. It's also ultra-sucky and comes with a wide range of tools, including a second head for hard floors. Plus, it's great value for money.
Read more below
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 helps keep things smelling fresh, too.
Read more below
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.
Read more below
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.
Read more below
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).
Read more below
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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.
Read more below
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.
Read more below
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.
Read more below
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.
Read more below
Ruth is a Homes Editor at TechRadar, and has been reviewing consumer tech for over three years. She's spent the past year focusing on home appliances, and vacuum cleaners of all kinds in particular.
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 want a lightweight vacuum: This vacuum is nimble, lightweight and easy to maneuver.
❌ You have a lot of carpet or pets: If super suction is your priority, the Stratos Cordless (#3) or Halo (#8) are both better picks. The dust cup is also small.
❌ You want lots of detail tools: Included tools are in short supply, and a little basic compared to what you'd get with a Dyson, for example.
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. It packs a good amount of power, with three suction modes including one that'll adjust automatically based on the kind of floor its on, how dirty it is, and whether it's near the edge of a room. In our tests we found it worked very well on hard floors and was good on carpet too. It's one of the lightest options here and easy to maneuver. You don't get the forward-bending wand found on some Shark vacuums, but the floorhead will lie essentially flat to the ground, plus headlights help with cleaning in dingy areas.
Like most cordless stick vacuums, the main machine converts easily into a handheld for cleaning furniture and overhead. In terms of extra attachments, they're a little limited, though – you might get just a Crevice tool, or possibly also a Pet Tool.
It's not the most powerful cordless vacuum around (both the Statos at #3 and the V11 at #4 have more outright suction), although it will be sucky enough for most people's needs, and especially if you have mostly hard floors. Do note, however, that the dust cup is pretty small. That's likely because this cordless vac has an optional self-empty charge base; dock your vac, and all the dust will whoosh out into a far larger dustbag in the base. If you don't opt for the version with that base, though, you'll be emptying it regularly.
At time of updating this guide, the Detect Pro was on sale almost everywhere. 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.
Alternatives
If you want an even smarter vacuum, consider a Dyson. 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. Another alternative to consider is the newer Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum, which offers a slightly wider featureset and more powerful suction, although it does come in at a higher price.
Read our full Shark Detect Pro Cordless review
Section | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
Design | Lightweight, and modern, with useful optional auto-empty base. Small dust cup. | 4.5 / 5 |
Performance | Good power, easy to drive, and automation features work well. Solid runtimes. | 4 / 5 |
Value | Officially mid-range; can be excellent value if you snag on of the regular deals. | 4 / 5 |
The best lightweight cordless vacuum cleaner
✅ You want a maneuverable vacuum: A lightweight carbon-fiber wand mean this vac is nice and nimble, plus the wand bends forwards to 90-degrees for cleaning under furniture.
✅ You have delicate hard floor: This vacuum comes with a dedicated soft floorhead for hard floors you're worried about scratching up.
❌ You'd prefer button operation: The R20 is trigger-operated – although there is a button to activate continuous running if you need it.
❌ You'd like an auto-empty base: The Detect Pro at #1 has an optional auto-empty base; that's not an option here.
The Dreame R20 is the best lightweight vacuum we've tested, and our runner-up for best cordless vac overall. You might not immediately recognize the brand name, but we've consistently been impressed when testing Dreame's appliances – it's definitely one to watch.
On test, we found the suction performance was superb, and while it doesn't have quite such a long list of automation features as the Detect Pro (#1) it can sense dirt ramp up power when it senses the floor is especially dusty. There's also a wide selection of attachments – including a dedicated fluffy floorhead for delicate hard floors – to amp up the versatility.
An innovative carbon fiber wand helps keep the weight right down, and it's easy to maneuver, with a wand that can bend forward to 90-degrees for cleaning under furniture. It's not quite the lightest here – the US-only Roidmi at #5 and Halo at #8 are marginally lighter, but performed slightly worse overall. While the Shark Detect Pro (#1) is only a tad heavier, the Dreame has a larger dust cup, so you won't be traipsing to and from the trash quite so often with this one.
It's trigger-operated, and said trigger is a little too easy to activate accidentally, although that's not a major issue. At least Dreame has thought to provide a switch to activate continual running, so you don't end up with a tired finger if you're cleaning the whole house. The battery capacity is excellent, although we were surprised to note there's not really a low-powered mode for when you want to preserve battery.
Price-wise, it's roughly in line with the Detect Pro, sitting near the bottom of the mid-range bracket. Like that model, it punches well above its price tag. Both regularly attract deals, so it's worth doing a quick scan about before committing to buying either.
Read more: Dreame R20 cordless vacuum review
Section | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
Design | Ultra-light wand, ergonomic to hold, looks modern. Trigger-operated, but can be switched to continuous. | 4.5 / 5 |
Performance | Superb suction, easy to maneuver, and battery life is superb. | 4.5 / 5 |
Value | Lower-mid range, and exceptional value for what you're getting. | 5 / 5 |
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: This is one of the heaviest options in our roundup.
The Shark Stratos is the best cordless vacuum for people with pets. It's 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.
One bonus feature 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 #4, 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.
The dust cup is more generously sized than the one on the Detect Pro, so you won't need to be heading to the trash nearly so often. However, unlike that model, there's no compatible self-empty base, so you will need to empty it manually. (If you're on the fence between the two models, our Shark Stratos vs Detect Pro article runs through the differences in detail.)
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
Section | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
Design | Rather heavy, but packed with useful features like a forward-folding wand and odor-neutralizing puck. | 4 / 5 |
Performance | Powerful suction and easy to maneuver despite being heavier. Good battery life. | 4.5 / 5 |
Value | Mid-range at full price but deals are now easy to find and offer strong value for money. | 4 / 5 |
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 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 to use. 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. The bags have a higher capacity than your standard cordless vacuum, although not as generous as the other bagged model on our list – the Halo at #8.
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 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 (#8) or Stratos (#3) 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. Although it's actually one of the heaviest models here, the balance of the design means 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 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 #4 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 have a massive 2L capacity – at least double the size of all other models on this list. Although they still represent an ongoing cost, 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 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 (#4) 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 #4 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: Most vacuums here convert into handheld models – of them all, the Roidmi (#5) and Halo (#8) are the lightest in weight.
❌ 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.
Read our full Shark Ultracyclone Pet Plus Pro review
Specs comparison
Model | Bagless | Weight | Bin size | Max runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Shark Detect Pro Cordless | Yes | 6 lbs / 2.8kg | 0.4L | 40 mins (US) / 60 mins (UK/AU) |
2. Dreame R20 | Yes | 6 lbs / 2.7kg | 0.6L | 90 mins |
3. Shark Stratos Cordless | Yes | 8.8lbs / 4kg | 0.8L | 60 mins |
4. Dyson V11 | Yes | 6.61lbs / 3kg | 0.8L | 60 mins |
5. Roidmi S2 | Yes | 5.7lbs / 2.6kg | 0.6L | 60 mins |
6. Henry Quick | No | 7.1lbs / 3.2kg | 1L | 70 mins |
7. Samsung Jet 85 Pet | Yes | 9lbs / 4.1kg | 0.8L | 44 mins |
8. Halo Capsule X Pet Max | No | 5.7lbs / 2.6kg | 2L | 60 mins |
9. Dyson Gen5detect | Yes | 7.7lbs / 3.5kg | 0.8L | 70 mins |
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.
The best cordless vacuum: alternatives to consider
FAQs
What is the best cordless vacuum?
Right now, we think the best cordless vacuum is the Shark Detect Pro Cordless (#1). It offers a balance of suction performance, usability and tech smarts that will suit a wide range of customers and home types, and comes in at an affordable price, too. A close runner-up is the Dreame R20 (#2), which comes with a second cleaner head specifically for hard floors. However, if you have more specific needs, we have also included plenty of alternative options in our guide. So if you need to tackle pet hair, you'll want the extra power of the Shark Stratos (#3), for example.
What are the best cordless vacuum brands?
We think the two best cordless vacuum brands right now are Dyson and Shark. Both consistently test very well, but which one will suit you best will depend on your priorities.
Dyson tends to have the edge when it comes to cutting-edge tech and meticulous engineering. It has a more limited range of vacuums, but they have been carefully honed to offer the very best suction, battery life, maneuverability and cleaning efficiency. However, as a general rule they're pricier than Shark models, perhaps less good value for money, and less robust.
Shark is a newer name in the vacuum world, and its offerings are often less tech-focused. However, there are still clever practical innovations – a great example is that many of its stick vacuums are able to bend forward, allowing you to easily clean beneath furniture. Shark's vacuums tend to be cheaper and perhaps better value than Dyson's. It also has a wider, more confusing range, with models appearing and disappearing regularly.
Read our Shark vs Dyson article for a more in-depth look at the two leading cordless vacuum brands.
How much suction should my cordless vacuum have?
This is a tricky one. It's rare that a vacuum brand will publish any suction specs, and even if it does, there are multiple different units by which suction power can be measured, making it difficult to figure out how much suction a vacuum has, let alone compare between different models.
It's far simpler in the robot vacuum world: there, brands use Pascals (Pa) as standard, and specs range from around 3,000 for a budget model, right up to over 10,000Pa for a premium model (there's a new wave of robot vacuums that go right up to 22,000Pa, which is extremely high).
As a rule of thumb, you can expect robot vacuums to have less outright suction, corded upright vacuums to have the most, and cordless stick vacuums to sit somewhere in the middle. Vacuum brand Eufy suggests that 'carpet vacuums' typically offer between 7,000 and 15,000Pa of suction, and that you should look on the upper end of that range if you want a deep clean.
Are stick vacuums worth it?
In many cases, yes. The main benefit of a cordless stick vacuum is that you have the freedom to clean anywhere, without having to wrangle a cord, or being tethered to a power outlet. They also tend to be lighter and easier to maneuver than corded alternatives, and today's best models are available at a wide range of price points to suit different budgets. However, you will have to remember to charge the battery, the dust cup might be on the smaller side, and in general you should expect suction to be a little less than on a corded model.
How long should a cordless stick vacuum last?
Roughly, you should expect a cordless stick vacuum to last between 3 and 5 years. However, this figure will vary by vacuum, and also be affected by how often you use it and how well you care for it. For more information, head to our guide to how long your vacuum should last. Also check out our tips for making your vacuum last longer, to maximize your investment.
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 Dreame R20 actually offers the longest runtime, with up to an hour and a half on one charge. That's followed by the Numatic Henry Quick at #7 and Dyson Gen5detect at #10 jointly with maximum runtimes of 70 minutes. But that's based on using them in their lowest power mode, which won't be the same for all models. Plus, you'll typically find that if you run your cordless at max power you'll get far shorter runtimes.
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. Most of the best cordless vacuums now offer up to an hour's cleaning on one charge, while the most advanced models go right up to 70 minutes. Do bear in mind that'll be for the lowest power mode, though. 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. Roughly 0.8L is about standard and will work for most people. Less than that and expect to be emptying it fairly regularly. If you have a bigger house or lots of dust and dirt, look for 'outsized' models with larger dust cups, or consider a bagged model (these tend to have larger dust capacity).
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. Dyson vacuums have a compatible soft roller (read more about the Dyson vacuum tools).
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 (#3) and the Halo Capsule X Pet Max (#8) 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.
How we tested these cordless vacuums
✅ Over 185 vacuums and robot vacuums tested in total
✅ ... including 41 new vacuums reviewed in 2024
✅ 9 years of vacuum testing experience
Not all cordless vacuums were created equal, but figuring out which is the best model for your needs can be tricky. To help you make the right choice for you, we test dozens of different models each year. Each cordless vacuum featured here has been put through its paces either by a TechRadar Homes team member or by one of our regular, experienced reviewers.
Our reviews are underpinned by a set of specific, standardized tests. Here's a rundown of our review process.
Suction tests
Our suction tests assess how well the vacuum can pick up different kinds of debris on different types of flooring. For fine debris, we use a teabag's worth of dry tea, and for larger debris we use oats. We sprinkle 20g of each mixture (separately) on hard floor and on carpet / a rug, and see how many passes are required to clear the spillage. We start on the vacuum's lowest suction setting, and increase if there is debris remaining.
The final suction test is to see how well the cordless vacuum can pick up hair from both carpet and hard flooring – both the main floorhead and any hair-specific attachments. We also check to see if the hair becomes tangled in the brushroll, and if so, how easy it is to remove.
Battery tests
Battery life is a major element of cordless vacuums. We time how long the vacuum lasts on a single charge, on each available suction setting. We also record how long it takes to completely recharge, from a flat battery.
General tests
Alongside specific suction and battery tests, we also assess how usable the vacuum is in general. The reviewer will use the vacuum regularly for at least a couple of weeks, testing out any provided attachments and special features. We'll also consider things like how easy the vacuum is to maneuver, how functional the design is in terms of swapping attachments, emptying the bin and so on, and how comfortable it is to use in general.
Read more on how we test cordless vacuum cleaners.
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