At TechRadar, we've been testing the best vacuum cleaners for nine years. During that time, we've reviewed nearly 200 different models. As the Homes Editor for floorcare appliances, a big part of my job is focused on vacuum cleaners of all kinds. I know what makes a great dust-buster, what specs and design features to look for, what type of cleaner will suit what customer, and which brands that can be relied upon to deliver.
Based on all that expertise, and many, many hours of testing, I've come to the conclusion that the Dreame R20 is the best vacuum cleaner for the majority of people. On test, it delivered impressive suction, paired with a nimble, lightweight build and useful automation features. It's also excellent value for money. That said, it won't be ideal for everyone, so my ranking includes alternative options for a range of needs and budgets.
For example, if you have a lot of carpet and need something for heavy-duty cleaning, you might be better off with an upright, corded model. Those with mainly hard floors and not a lot of foot traffic can get away with more lightweight, lower-powered vacuums. I'll talk you through the pros and cons of each model listed here, so you can choose with confidence. This article includes all different types of vacuums. We have a separate guide dedicated to the best cordless vacuums, if you know that's what you want. All clear? Read on for the best vacuum cleaners on the market...
Today's best vacuum cleaners – recommended by experts
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The quick list
Best overall
This lightweight and versatile vacuum delivers strong suction, excellent battery life and useful dirt detection for a very affordable price.
Read more below
Best premium
This premium vacuum packs incredible power, plus advanced dirt detection features and a laser to illuminate hidden dirt. It's pricey but meticulously designed.
Read more below
Best upright
If you're willing to sacrifice the versatility of a cordless stick vac, this corded upright delivers powerful suction and allows for uninterrupted cleaning.
Read more below
Best for carpet
It lacks the bells and whistles of other models, but for outright suction, this vacuum is outstanding. It aced all of our tests, and is especially impressive on carpet.
Read more below
Best for pet hair
An excellent hair-detangling floorhead, strong suction and an anti-odor puck make this cordless vacuum a top choice for pet owners.
Read more below
Best auto-empty
If you're dealing with lots of dust and debris, this vacuum's auto-empty dock takes all the hassle out of emptying. A good choice for allergy sufferers, too.
Read more below
Load the next 3 products...
Best robot vacuum
For effortless cleaning, the X10 Pro Omni is our favorite robovac. It can mop and vacuum, will self-empty, and its room mapping is excellent. Set it to run while you're out for minimal disruption.
Read more below
Best vacuum and mop
This cordless option is able to vacuum and mop at the same time. And, it does a wonderful job at it. Plus, it can self-propel, so getting those floors clean is effortless.
Read more below
Best car vacuum
Designed for pets but great for cars too, this handheld Shark features tools that'll make car cleaning easy, combined with strong suction and enough battery life to get the job done.
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 in particular.
The best vacuum cleaner for most people
✅ You want a lightweight vacuum: Mainly thanks to its carbon-fiber wand, this is one the lightest stick vacs you can buy.
✅ You need versatility: This vacuum comes with lots of detail tools and two floorheads, so can tackle a range of cleaning tasks.
❌ You'd like an auto-empty base: The PowerDetect at #6 has a compatible auto-empty base; that's not an option here.
❌ You want a very robust vacuum: This is a nimble vacuum; for something sturdier check out the Shark Stratos, either in upright (#3) or cordless (#5) form.
It's not yet such a well known name as Dyson or Shark, but our reviewer was blown away when they tested this Dreame R20 vacuum. In fact, we think it'll be the best vacuum cleaner for most people. This lightweight cordless vacuum delivers exceptional cleaning at a very competitive price – it's generally discounted to the bottom of the mid-range bracket, and punches well above its price tag.
The suction performance is superb, on carpet as well as hard floor, and there's also automatic dust detection – meaning it'll ramp up power when it senses the floor is especially dirty. The only thing missing is a low-powered mode for when you want to preserve battery, although the battery life is long enough that this might not matter.
The R20 is one of the lightest stick vacuums on the market, thanks mainly to its carbon fibre wand. On test, we found it easy to maneuver – plus, there's an attachment that enables the wand to bend forwards to a right angle for easy cleaning under furniture. The design in general is very user-friendly, save for an over-sensitive power trigger and a slightly awkwardly placed finger guard (in general, we'd prefer an on-off switch instead, as features on the Detect Pro at #1 – although Dreame does at least include a separate button for continual running).
There's also a multitude of attachments, including two floorheads (one geared towards hard floor and the other for carpet) and a smaller motorized cleaner head for upholstery. All that makes it nice and versatile, for tackling a range of cleaning tasks.
Alternatives
Another excellent all-rounder is the Shark Detect Pro cordless. It originally held the top spot in this list, but it's increasingly hard to get hold of, and a lack of deals means the R20 is generally much better value these days.
Read more: Dreame R20 cordless vacuum review
The best premium vacuum cleaner
✅ You want a top quality vacuum: Dyson vacuums are a cut above the competition in terms of quality and innovation.
✅ You love a hi-tech gadget: There are features here you won't find anywhere else – including real time dirt reports as you clean.
❌ You like to keep things simple: If you're not interested in the bells and whistles, something like the Halo at #4 is a simple vacuum with superb cleaning powers.
❌ You're on a budget: There are plenty of much cheaper options that'll be perfectly good enough for most people's needs – including the R20 at #1.
If you have cash to splash and want a top-quality, meticulously engineered machine, the best vacuum for you is the Dyson V15 Detect. The suction is serious powerful, the design is efficient and user-friendly, and it feels top quality too. On top of that, you're getting advanced features you won't find elsewhere.
There are sensors in the floorhead that adjust suction levels depending on the kind of floor its on (hard floor or carpet) and how dirty it is, for a low-effort, battery-efficient clean. Some other vacuums here also offer similar automation (namely the Dreame R20 at #1 and Shark PowerDetect at #6) but here it's accompanied by real-time reports, delivered colorfully on a small screen, of exactly what the vacuum it sucking up as it does so.
Alongside the main floorhead is a second, soft head designed specifically for use on hard floors. The clever addition here is a precisely-angled laser light, which creates big shadows on the tiniest flecks of dust, so you can be sure you haven't missed anything. It works far more effectively than the LED headlamps found on competitor machines, which are really just to brighten the way. You're also getting a range of thoughtfully designed detail tools, including a mini motorized floorhead that has a conical roller to direct hair long straight into the bin rather that letting it get tangled up. It's excellent for cleaning furniture.
Our only real complaint with the design is that it's trigger-operated, with no option to lock in for continual running. That means if you're cleaning a large area, your finger is going to get tired.
Overall, the V15 is an outstanding machine, but all this innovation comes at a serious price. For many people, a cheaper model will do an almost-as-good cleaning job, but if you decide to invest, you shouldn't be disappointed.
Alternatives
If you're a fan of the brand, our guide to the best Dyson vacuums runs down your options in the lineup, so you can pick the one that suits your needs. If you want the latest and greatest (based on specs), it's the Dyson Gen5detect. The motor has been redesigned to be more powerful and efficient, and there are further design tweaks – including button rather than trigger operation – but otherwise it's very similar to the same as the V15. For more on how the two match up, head to our V15 Detect vs Gen5detect comparison.
Read our full Dyson V15 Detect review
The best upright vacuum cleaner
✅ You want maximum power: Corded uprights tend to deliver the most suction, and because it's corded, you'll never run out of juice.
✅ You want your vacuum to last: Corded uprights have a longer lifespan than cordless vacuums.
❌ You don't want a corded vacuum: Although the cord is fairly long, you're still going to be tethered to a wall.
❌ You have a small home: This vac is relatively large and bulky; a cordless stick is a better choice for small homes.
If you want outright power, a corded upright is typically the best option, and our top pick in this category is the Shark Stratos Upright. If you need something for deep cleans, it's an excellent choice, and on test we found it was great for tackling pet hair, too. The cord means there's no time limit on your cleaning session, and while it can be annoying to have to navigate a cord, the fact that it's 8m long means you shouldn't feel too tethered to the wall. A large dust cup means you won't be traipsing back and forth from the trash can, and our tester was a big fan of the anti-odor puck, which keeps things smelling fresh.
While it's clearly bulkier and heavier than the cordless vacuums in this list (including the stick option from the same range, at #5), it has been designed for maximum flexibility within that upright form factor. So the dust cup / motor part can be lifted off and held in your hand, and the cleaner head added to the end of a stretch hose – super useful for tackling things like stairs. If you're not sure it's right for you, our guide to the best upright vacuums has plenty of alternative options.
It's worth noting before you buy that Shark makes a few Stratos Upright vacuums with very similar names and designs – this exact model isn't available in the US, but there are various options with mostly the same features.
Read our full Shark Stratos Pet Pro Upright Vacuum review
The best vacuum cleaner for carpet
✅ You have a lot of carpet: This model aced all our suction tests, including lifting ingrained dirt from carpet.
✅ You want something simple but powerful: While it lacks fancy features, we can't fault this vacuum's cleaning power.
❌ You want a bagless vacuum: While the bags here are generous, you'll still need to remember to replace them when full.
❌ You want automatic suction adjustment: This vacuum can't detect dirt or floor type, so you'll need to be prepared to adjust suction manually.
The Halo Capsule X is a slightly quirkily designed vacuum, but when it comes to suction it's seriously impressive. It aced all of our suction tests, and is our pick for the best vacuum for carpet, but it's equally impressive on hard floors. It looks a little weird, but it's comfortable to hold, feels light in the hand and is easy to maneuver too (although a little tricky for getting right under furniture).
Unusually in this list, the Capsule X is a bagged vacuum. That will be a negative for some, but it does have its benefits, including the ability to suck up fine particles like fireplace ash without ruining the motor. The bags are made from compostable cardboard and brown paper, to minimize environmental impact, but they do represent an ongoing cost.
The battery life is fine but not the longest here, and the fact it comes with two batteries bundled in means you can extend runtimes by hot-swapping them. Neither does the Halo Capsule X offer much in the way of special features – there's no automatic suction adjustment based on dirt levels or floor type, as offered by vacuums like the Dreame R20 (#1), and there are no headlamps on the floorhead, either.
So if you're seeking smart features, look elsewhere in this list, but for pure suction power in a cordless form factor, the Halo Capsule X is an excellent choice.
Read our full Halo Capsule X Pet Max review
The best vacuum for pet hair
✅ You have pets: Powerful suction, a detangling floorhead and an odor-neutralizing puck make this perfect for pet owners.
✅ You want plenty of cleaning time: Up to a full hour's cleaning on one charge is up there with the longest cordless runtimes here.
❌ You want something lightweight: There are lighter and more maneuverable cordless vacuums here.
❌ You really need something heavy duty: As a rule, a corded upright will always deliver the most powerful suction, if you can deal with the relative inconvenience.
The Shark Stratos Cordless is the best vacuum if need to tackle pet hair. It packs an impressive amount of power for a cordless model and boasts a few features that make it especially well suited to households with hairy pets (or indeed, hairy humans). The main floorhead – which is suitable for hard floors as well as carpet – is designed in such a way that it'll siphon hair off the brushroll as you clean, and direct it straight into the dust cup. This stops things getting clogged, while the built-in odor neutralizer keeps it all smelling fresh.
There's up to a full hour's cleaning on one charge, and the dust cup is generous for a cordless too, which means you can clean for longer without having to empty it. A wand that can bend forwards to 90-degrees means getting right under furniture is a cinch, and on test we were also impressed with this vacuum’s ability to remove hair from furniture when used in handheld and Boost mode. All those factors mean it sits at the top of our best vacuum for pet hair guide.
Alternatives
If you don't have such demanding cleaning needs, you could opt for a less robust option like the the Dreame R20 (#1). Alternatively, if you need maximum power and are happy to sacrifice maneuverability to get it, you can beat a corded upright like #3. If you have a bigger budget and want the extra convenience, you should also check out the PowerDetect at #6, which has a compatible auto-empty dock that takes the hassle out of dealing with pet hair-packed dust cups.
Read our full Shark Stratos Cordless review
The best auto-empty vacuum cleaner
✅ You have pets: The dock comes into its own for homes with lots of dust or pet hair.
✅ You suffer from allergies: The auto-empty system means far fewer chances for allergens to escape back into the air.
❌ You have a small home: The dock is bulky and won't be worth it if you're only vacuuming a smaller space.
❌ You have lots of nooks and crannies: This is a heavier option – if you want a nimble vacuum, check out the Dreame at #1.
The Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty is the only vacuum in this ranking to have a compatible auto-empty base. Dock the vacuum and all the dust will whoosh out of the small onboard dust cup and into a far larger dust cup in the base, via a closed system. The dock will also charge the vacuum. It takes all the effort and mess out of emptying, meaning it's a once-every-couple-of-months job rather than something you have to do each time you clean.
The system comes into its own in larger homes with lots of dirt or pet hair. It might also be helpful for those who suffer from allergies, because there will be far fewer chances for allergens to escape back into the air during emptying. It is a fairly bulky dock, so perhaps best suited to those who have a separate utility room where this can be tucked away. Shark has added an odor-neutralizing puck to the dock to stop it smelling musty.
On the vacuum itself, you're getting Shark's most advanced detection features. The PowerDetect knows if what kind of floor it's on and how dirty that floor is, and will adjust suction and brushroll speed accordingly. It can also sense when it's near the edge of a room, and will increase suction on the relevant side of the floorhead only, to clear dust that may have collected there. Shark has also redesigned the floorhead so it won't cause debris to pool behind it when the vacuum is pulled backwards – this was an issue on previous models.
While the PowerDetect Cordless is heavier and longer than other cordless models in this ranking, on test we found it packed a very impressive amount of suction power. Our reviewer was also a big fan of the fact the wand can bend forwards to 90 degrees to enable easier cleaning under furniture.
Alternatives to consider
Auto-empty vacuums are still quite rare, but there are a few alternatives to consider. The Shark Detect Pro also has an optional auto-empty dock. This vacuum is smaller, lighter and less powerful than the PowerDetect, and a little tricky to get hold of these days. If you have a bigger budget, there's also the Samsung Bespoke Jet range – the newest model being the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra cordless vacuum. The dock is much slicker looking and the vacuum is high-end, but it's generally a fair bit pricier than the PowerDetect.
Read our full Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty review
The best robot vacuum cleaner
✅ You're struggling to stay on top of cleaning: Schedule this bot to clean regularly, while you're out, so the dirt never builds up.
✅ You have hard floors as well as carpet: This bot mops as well as vacuuming, so it'll take care of all your cleaning needs.
❌ You want maximum suction: It's not nearly as sucky as a manual vacuum, so you'll need one of those for deep cleans.
❌ You have a home with lots of storeys: Robot vacuums can't get up and down stairs.
If you're after effort-free cleaning, perhaps it's time to consider a robovac. Our top pick in this area is the Eufy X10 Pro Omni. It's quite different from the other entries in this ranking, so if you know this is the type you want, head to our separate, dedicated guide to the best robot vacuums.
Eufy X10 Pro Omni offers excellent suction power for a robovac; on test it pulled all kinds of debris, fluff and hair and fluff out of our reviewer's carpet. Robot vacuums aren't generally as powerful as manual models, and are designed for regular, light cleaning to prevent dust and dirt from building up. Most – including the X10 – can be scheduled to run while you're out, for minimal disruption. This model comes with reliable mapping and navigation, and an intuitive and useful app, making remote control super-easy.
While the onboard bin is necessarily small, it'll self-empty when it docks itself to charge, so you'll only need to deal with the generously sized dock dustbin. That one does have bags though.
Like many robot vacuums today, the X10 can mop as well as vacuuming. Some robovac mops are a little ineffectual, but our tester was impressed here – the rotating mop pads managed to clear sticky stains from hard floor. (If hard floor cleaning is a priority, you will get better scrubbing power from a dedicated wet-and-dry vacuum like the Tineco at #10.)
While a robot vacuum can transform your cleaning regime, be aware that you probably will need to keep a dedicated manual vacuum. As well as being a better choice for occasional deep cleans, robovacs don't do enormously well with edges, and can't clean anything that's not a flat floor. They also can't climb stairs.
Read our full Eufy X10 Pro Omni review
The best vacuum cleaner for hard floors
✅ You have mostly hard floors: This vacuum delivers great suction on hard floors .
✅ You have pets: The mini pet brush is great at pulling hair from upholstery.
❌ You have a lot of carpet: On test, this vacuum didn't perform that well on carpet.
❌ You live in the US: This model is UK-only.
If you're constantly vacuuming around after hairy pets, then the Samsung Jet 85 Pet could be your savior (provided you don't live in the US, where it's not currently available). This vacuum's mini motorized pet hair brush tool is the best our reviewer – a Labrador owner – had tested, making light work of dog hair on pet beds, car seats and more.
The main Jet 85 Pet vacuum cleaner head also delivers great suction on hard floors, and fine (although not amazing) dirt pickup on carpet. It'll deliver up to 44 minutes of vacuuming, depending which of the four power modes you use. (It's considerably less in the maximum 'Jet' mode, but this is so powerful you're unlikely to ever really need it.)
Elsewhere, this vacuum is ergonomic and comfortable to use, and overall a competent performer. For pet owners, and especially those with mostly hard floors in their home, it's as very strong recommendation.
Read more: Samsung Jet 85 Pet vacuum cleaner review
The best vacuum and mop combo
✅ You want a complete cleaner for hard floors: This 2-in-1 vacuums as well as mopping, so it'll take care of all your hard floor cleaning needs.
✅ Your floors get very dirty: The S7 is perfect for bigger messes, and disinfects and deodorizes as well as just cleaning up.
❌ You have mostly carpet: This cleaner isn't suitable for carpet, so it's only really worth the investment (and space) if you have mostly hard floors.
❌ Your floors don't get that dirty: There are simpler, cheaper mop options if you just need something for light cleans.
If you want a more complete cleaning solution for hard floors, we rate the Tineco Floor One S7 Pro the best wet-dry vacuum on the market. This model offers top-notch vacuuming and mopping, and deodorizes and disinfects as it goes, leaving floors spotless. It's heavy at nearly 10kg, but its self-propelling capabilities make it super-easy to push about.
All that cleaning power takes a toll on the battery life, which is relatively short at 40 minutes on one charge. Our tester also found the water tank a little small – the clean water tank is 0.85L, while the dirty one is 0.72L (to account for the fact that some water is staying on the floor). During our review, we found it needed to be emptied quite frequently. And as you might expect, it's not for carpeted floors.
There are lots of useful features, including voice prompts and a bright LED display that lets you know what mode you’re using as well as water and battery levels. Being able to vacuum and mop in one go is in itself a revelation for how much time and effort it saves.
It's a bit of an investment, but we think the performance justifies the higher price. If you want something more affordable, the Roborock Dyad Pro is our favorite budget wet-dry option.
Read our full Tineco Floor One S7 Pro review
The best car vacuum
✅ You need something to clean your car: This handheld offers strong suction and will get your car looking spick and span in an instant.
✅ You have pets: The motorized pet tool is great at tackling pet hair.
❌ You want to also clean your home: A small dust cup and short battery life mean this is for small cleaning tasks only.
❌ You have a very small car: This model is relatively large for a handheld, so it might not be able to get into every tiny nook and cranny.
As the name suggests, the Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro Plus (sold as the Shark Classic Handheld Pet Vacuum in the UK) is designed with pet owners in mind, but its compact size and impressive cleaning capabilities make it an absolute winner if you're looking for the best car vacuum.
Its motorized pet tool does an excellent job of picking up pet hair, but it's also ideal for cleaning upholstery and getting dirt and debris off carpets; there's also a crevice tool that's just the thing for getting into tight spots such as between sofa cushions, or behind foot pedals and inside door bins in your car.
On test, we found the Ultracyclone Pet Pro Plus offered good suction and had no issues with clearing surface-level debris, although it struggled when it came to shifting ground-in dirt on carpets. That's not a massive surprise given the small size – handhelds tend not to be able to match full-size vacuums in terms of suction. The battery life is also decent for a handheld (Shark promises 10 minutes but we found we could eke 15 minutes out of a full charge), and long enough to give your car a thorough once-over.
While this is a handheld vacuum it's just a little on the large and heavy side, and you'll need to find somewhere to store it when it's not in use. However if you value having a spotless car interior (particularly if you have pets), this one's a fine choice.
Read our full Shark Ultracyclone Pet Plus Pro review
Specs comparison
Model | Type | Bagless | Weight | Bin size | Max runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Shark Detect Pro | Cordless stick vac | Yes | 6 lbs / 2.8 kg | 0.4 L | 40 mins (US), 60 mins (UK) |
2. Dreame R20 | Cordless stick vac | Yes | 6 lbs / 2.7kg | 0.6 L | 90 mins |
3. Halo Capsule X Pet Max | Cordless stick vac | No | 5.7 lbs / 2.6 kg | 2L | 60 mins |
4. Dyson V11 | Cordless stick vac | Yes | 6.6 lbs / 3 kg | 0.8 L | 60 mins |
5. Shark Stratos Corded Stick | Corded stick vac | Yes | 8.7 lbs (US) / 4.6 kg (UK) | 0.8 L (US), 0.3 L (UK) | Unlimited |
6. Shark Stratos Cordless | Cordless stick vac | Yes | 8.9 lbs / 4.1 kg | 0.8 L | 60 mins |
7. Shark Stratos Pet Pro | Corded upright vac | Yes | 14.8 lbs / 6.7 kg | 1.3 L | Unlimited |
8. Dyson Gen5detect | Cordless stick vac | Yes | 7.7 lbs / 3.5 kg | 0.8 L | 70 mins |
9. Eufy X10 Pro Omni | Self-empty robot vacuum and mop | No | N/A | 0.3 L (robot) / 2.5 L (dock) | N/A |
10. Samsung Jet 85 Pet | Cordless stick vac | Yes | 9 lbs / 4.1 kg | 0.8 L | 44 mins |
11. Tineco Floor One S7 Pro | Cordless wet-dry vacuum | Yes | 21.5 lbs / 9.8 kg | 0.7L (dirty water tank) | 40 min |
12. Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro Plus | Cordless handheld | Yes | 2.8 lbs / 1.4 kg | 0.5L | 15 mins |
Alternatives to consider
If none of the vacuums look quite right for you, here are some other models worth considering. These models all scored highly in our tests, but just didn't quite make our main guide.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of vacuum should I buy?
There are a number of different types of vacuums on the market, to suit different needs. Here's a super-quick rundown of the main benefits and drawbacks of each type:
Pros...
Lightweight, easy to maneuver; ideal for homes with multiple floors.
Cons...
Tend to have less outright power than anything corded, and a shorter overall lifespan too.
Pros...
Upright vacuums tend to have a lot of suction power, and last a long time overall, too.
Cons...
Bulkier, heavier and less easy to maneuver than a cordless stick vacuum.
Pros...
Hands-free, and clean while you're out for minimal disruption. Many can mop, too.
Cons...
Less suction than a manual vac, not great at edges and corners, can't do stairs.
Pros...
Good suction and robustly built. The flexible tube great for getting into nooks and crannies.
Cons...
Dragging the canister can be annoying – and especially if your home has a lot of stairs.
Pros...
Compact, lightweight and perfect for small and awkward cleaning tasks, such as the inside of your car.
Cons...
Very short battery life, relatively low powered, and not suitable for large areas.
Pros...
Perfect for deep cleaning floors, and tackling wet spillages. Generally best for lino or tiled floors.
Cons...
While some can also vacuum your carpet, they tend not to be specialized for this.
What's the best vacuum right now?
The best vacuum for most people right now is the Shark Detect Pro cordless. This vacuum is lightweight and easy to maneuver, has enough power for most people's needs, boasts useful automation features, and shouldn't break the bank either. However, the Dreame R20 cordless stick vacuum is a very close runner-up, and also worth considering.
If you'd prefer a more traditional, upright model, our top pick is the Shark Stratos Upright, while those seeking a hands-off option should check out the the Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum.
Is Shark better than Dyson?
Shark and Dyson are two of the biggest names dominating the floor care market right now, so if you’re considering kitting your home out with a powerful new vacuum, it makes sense to opt for one of these brands. But which is best?
In a nutshell, Dyson vacuums are more expensive but this ensures you get a vacuum cleaner that’s extremely powerful but still lightweight and easy to maneuver around your home. Dyson vacuums are stuffed with cutting edge technology too, from lasers that highlight hidden dust to innovative floor heads that can be moved in any direction. If you prefer a cordless model, they also come with long-lasting batteries too.
Shark’s vacuum cleaners are more affordable than Dyson’s offerings, but they can still match the stalwart when it comes to suction power. Shark models are not usually as sleek and stylish as Dyson’s, and they’re often heavier too, but they do come with useful technology such as the ability to stop hair getting tangled around the brush and flexible wands to ensure you can clean in hard to reach places.
Shark vacuums tend to have larger dust canisters than most of Dyson’s models, but the battery doesn’t last as long. So are they better? It very much depends on the layout of your home and your budget. Read our Shark vs Dyson article for a more in-depth look at the two floor-cleaning brands.
How we tested these vacuum cleaners
✅ We've tested over 185 vacuums and robot vacuums
✅ We reviewed 41 new vacuums in total over 2024
✅ 9 years of vacuum testing experience
At TechRadar, we test dozens of vacuum cleaners each year. We cover a range of cleaner types – from cordless stick vacuums, to upright vacuums, to handheld vacs and robot vacuums – at a range of price points and from different brands. Each model included here has been put through its paces either by a member of the TechRadar Homes team or by one of our trusted freelance reviewers.
Our reviews are underpinned by a set of specific, standardized tests. Here's a quick rundown of our vacuum cleaner review process.
Suction tests
These are designed to test how well the vacuum can suck up different kinds of debris on different floors. For fine debris, we sprinkle a teabag's worth of loose, dry tea on a carpet or carpet-like rug, and see how many passes are needed to clear it. We'll start on the vacuum's lowest setting, then increase until there's no mess left.
To see how the vacuum handles chunkier debris, we run the same test using a handful of oats. We'll then repeat both tests on hard floor.
The final suction test is to see how well the vacuum handles hair – both human and pet. We'll see how effectively the main floorhead can pull hair from both carpet and hard flooring, and test any hair-specific detail tools on furniture too. We'll also check to see if it ends up tangled around the roller or is effectively diverted into the dust cup.
Battery tests
If the vacuum is cordless, we'll record how long it lasts on a single charge, on each available suction setting, plus how long it takes to recharge. For corded vacuums, we note how long the cable is and if it's generous enough not to be too much of a hindrance while cleaning.
General tests
To get a feel for how the vacuum performs in general use, we'll use it regularly over the course of a couple of weeks. We'll report back on how easy it is to maneuver, how usable it is, if there were any unexpected pain points in the design.
Read more on how we test vacuum cleaners.