At TechRadar, we've been testing the best vacuum cleaners for nine years — and as Homes Editor for floorcare, I've personally tested dozens of vacuums of all shapes and sizes. In this guide, I've rounded up the models that came out top in our tests, with options for a range of different customers.
For most people, I'd recommend the Shark PowerDetect Cordless (#1). This cordless stick vacuum delivers outstanding cleaning, and comes with a range of useful special features including the option of an auto-empty dock. However, it's on the heavier and bulkier side for a stick vacuum, so if your cleaning needs aren't so great, then the lightweight Dreame R20 (#2) will be a better fit. You'll find both of these models, plus three more carefully chosen options in my list below.
I'm a Homes Editor at TechRadar, and have been leading the brand's vacuum cleaner coverage two years, during which time I've tested dozens of vacuums of all shapes and sizes.
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The best vacuum cleaner for most people
The Shark PowerDetect Cordless is my top recommendation for most people. It delivers outstanding cleaning power with the convenience of a cordless, is powerful enough to tackle pet hair with ease, and comes with an optional auto-empty base that means you don't need to deal with the mess and effort of manually emptying it.
Generally this vacuum sits at the pricier end of affordable (and you'll need to pay extra if you want the dock). However, deals do crop up fairly regularly.
In my mega group test of cordless vacuums, the PowerDetect came top or joint top in every single cleaning test — it's hands-down the best cordless cleaner I've tested. It's excellent at handling pet hair (this model tops my ranking of the best vacuums for pet hair), and powerful enough to pull fine particles from thick- and medium-pile carpet. Because of a clever flap on the floorhead, it'll clear chunky particles when pulled backwards over them, rather than causing them to snow-plough up. This is especially useful on hard flooring.
Like the Gen5detect (#4), the PowerDetect is heavy for a stick vacuum, and rather chunky too, although Shark has helped matters by shaping the handle and adding a rubberized grip. It's still less nimble than other options here, so perhaps not one for homes with lots of nooks and crannies. There's a one-press button to switch it on and off, which is good for long cleaning sessions but you will need to have a hand free at all times.
The Shark PowerDetect has an Auto mode that responds to dirt levels on the floor. It can also detect room edges and boost power on the relevant side of the floorhead to clear any dust or hair that might have built up there, and the wand can be released to bend forward for cleaning under furniture. Perhaps the most useful feature for pet owners is the optional auto-empty dock, which pulls all the dirt from the onboard bin, so you won't need to deal with emptying very often.
Read TechRadar's full Shark PowerDetect Cordless review
The best lightweight vacuum cleaner
The best lightweight vacuum I've tested is the Dreame R20. It's nimble and easy to drive, and punches well above its affordable price tag when it comes to features and accessories. In fact, in my group test to find the best cordless vacuums, this model earned the highest score overall. The cleaning is very decent, but it's nowhere near as powerful as the PowerDetect Cordless (#1).
While not the most outright powerful vacuum I've used, the R20 earned solid scores across the board in my suction tests, offering good cleaning on both hard floors and carpet, and performing surprisingly well in my pet hair tests. It'll be more than up to the task when it comes to general everyday cleaning, but high-traffic households or homes with lots of pets might benefit sacrificing some maneuverability and opting for something more powerful, like the Shark PowerDetect Cordless (#1) or even an upright like the Stratos Upright (#3).
The R20 is one of the lightest vacuums in this guide, and a lightweight option on the market in general. It maneuvers extremely well, and the squat shape of the motor section makes it comfortable to use in handheld mode, too. I also appreciated the combination of a trigger and a lock for continual running; a setup that's convenient for both quick cleanups and longer sessions.
The Dreame R20 has a useful Auto mode where it'll automatically adjust suction based on how much dirt it detects on the floor, plus a Boost mode. Information is delivered via a screen that looks whizzy but is a little unintuitive, and there are some not-that-bright headlamps on the general floorhead. The accessories are more impressive, though — there's a good selection, including a useful soft floorhead for delicate hard floors, and an excellent mini motorized head for upholstery.
Read more: Dreame R20 cordless vacuum review
The best upright vacuum cleaner
If you want the most power, opt for a corded upright. My top pick in this category is the Shark Stratos Upright. You'll sacrifice the maneuverability and freedom you'd get with a cordless stick vac, but the pay-off is more suction, a larger dust cup, and never having to pause to recharge. Shark has made buying confusing by releasing several similar vacuums with the same name, but the good news is that we've been impressed with all the Shark upright vacuums we've tested, so you can't really go wrong.
Pricing for this vacuum can vary as Shark loves a deal, but in general it's pretty affordable. Corded uprights are often cheaper than cordless vacuums, and tend to have a longer lifespan too, so it might be a better investment in the long run.
If you're looking for a slightly more fully-featured alternative, check out the Shark PowerDetect Upright, or head to my general best upright vacuum guide.
On test, the Shark Stratos Upright delivered incredible cleaning, handling pet hair with ease, and pulling an "embarrassing amount" of dust from a deep-pile rug that my reviewer had cleaned with a different vacuum three days prior. It also comes with detail tools that work very effectively, including an excellent mini motorized tool. I'd recommend this model to households with heavy foot traffic, lots of carpet, and/or multiple shedding pets.
When compared to a cordless stick vacuum, the Shark Stratos Upright is far harder to maneuver. It's bulkier and heavier, and it has a cord that you'll need to work around when cleaning. However, in the context of uprights, it's impressively usable. The bin/motor section can be lifted out and held in your hand, while you use the floorhead or a detail tool on the end of a wand attached to a flexible hose. With this setup, I found it easy to vacuum stairs, furniture, and underneath low-slung cabinets.
This is one of the most basic options in my ranking. A slider switch lets you move between three modes: Hard floor, Carpet/low pile, and Thick carpet/area rug. There's no Auto mode, and while the floorhead has lights, they're not especially bright. Shark has added an anti-odor puck to keep your floors smelling fresh, which might be useful in homes with pets.
Read our full Shark Stratos Pet Pro Upright Vacuum review
The best premium vacuum cleaner
If you have more cash to splash, I love the Dyson Gen5detect. This cordless vacuum is meticulously engineered and boasts a range of innovative features, executed in a user-friendly way. It also delivers excellent, low-effort cleaning.
As you might expect, the Dyson Gen5detect is firmly in 'investment pricing' territory, although deals do crop up semi-regularly. If it's still out of your budget, could also consider the V15 Detect – this is the model down, and has most of the same features but is slightly more affordable (my Gen5detect vs V15 Detect article runs down the differences).
The Gen5detect is extremely powerful for a cordless stick vacuum, and soared through all my cleaning tests (in fact, the only vacuum that out-performed it in my cordless group test was the Shark PowerDetect at #1). It had no trouble picking up chunky debris, fine particles or pet hair from a range of surfaces. It suffered from being a little too sucky on deep-pile carpet – you might need to shift down to Eco mode so you can actually push it.
It's much more maneuverable than an upright, but in the context of stick vacuums the Gen5detect is rather heavy. Plus, the top section is awkward to maneuver in handheld mode, although the addition of a padded section above the handle does help with comfort. The button operation is good for long cleaning sessions but it's frustrating to have to have a free hand every time you want to switch it on or off.
The Dyson Gen5detect has an Auto mode that responds to how much dirt is on the floor, but more than that, it'll report back on the size and number of particles it's sucking up as it does so. This information is conveyed on a colorful, moving bar chart. If you want to get meticulous about cleaning then it's easy to use this to see when the bar for each particle size has shifted to acceptable levels. You'll also get an extra, soft floorhead for delicate hard flooring, and it's equipped with a very bright laser that effectively lights up hidden dust. The interface is very well-designed, too – it'll spell out exactly how much cleaning time you have left in your current mode.
Read my full Dyson Gen5detect review
The best robot vacuum cleaner
Robot vacuums are perfect for regular, hands-off, light cleaning — the idea being that you run them regularly, while you're out, so the dust doesn't have a chance to build up. My favorite model in this category is the Roborock Qrevo Curv. It's intuitive to use (although requires more tech know-how than a manual vac), reliable, and very effective at both vacuuming and mopping. Plus, it requires next-to-no effort from you.
Roborock releases new robot vacuums at quite a pace, and the benefit of that is that even though the Qrevo Curv is still really quite new, it's already attracting major discounts in the US. However, UK shoppers might struggle to find one — in which case, I'd recommend checking out the Roborock Saros 10. This is an equally (or perhaps even more) excellent robot vacuum that's seeing some strong price-drops in the UK. Both are some of the very best robot vacuums I've seen.
A robot vacuum generally can't deliver the same level of cleaning as a manual vacuum, but the Qrevo Curv packs a serious punch for a bot. Plus, it can mop your floors, too, which is more than can be said for any other model in this list... although on the down-side, it's no good for stairs or furniture. The Qrevo Curv sailed through our robovac suction tests, and – even more impressively – had no trouble pulling large volumes of hair from carpeted floors in my tester's pet-filled home. The mopping is excellent for a robovac, but again not quite as thorough as you'd achieve with a manual mop and some elbow grease.
In terms of 'comfort', you can't get more low-effort than a robot doing the work for you. The Qrevo Curv won't just clean, but it'll also take care of a variety of maintenance tasks, including auto-emptying its onboard bin into a larger on in its dock, refilling the onboard water tanks, dispensing detergent, and cleaning and drying its mop pads. You can set it to run while you're asleep or out, for minimal disruption.
The Roborock Qrevo Curv is especially feature-packed, even in the context of robot vacuums. There are tons of fine-tuning options within the app, but equally you can just leave the bot to work it all out for itself and it'll do a great job. It can sense what kind of floor its on so it knows where to mop and where to lift its mop pads (or drop them off completely in the dock), and can read room thresholds and figure out the best way to get over them.
Read TechRadar's full Roborock Qrevo Curv review
Specs comparison
Model | Type | Bagless | Weight | Bin size | Max runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty | Cordless stick vav with auto-empty base | Yes | 8lbs / 3.7kg | 0.7L + 2L in dock | 70 mins |
2. Dreame R20 | Cordless stick vac | Yes | 6 lbs / 2.7kg | 0.6 L | 90 mins |
3. Shark Stratos Pet Pro | Corded upright vac | Yes | 14.8 lbs / 6.7 kg | 1.3 L | Unlimited |
4. Dyson Gen5detect | Cordless stick vac | Yes | 7.5 lbs / 3.4kg | 0.8 L | 1 hr 10 mins |
5. Roborock Qrevo Curv | Self-empty robot vacuum and mop | No | N/A | 2.7 L (dock) | N/A |
What kind of vacuum do I need?
I need something for... | Buy a... | Because... | More recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
Carpeted floors | Corded upright or good cordless stick vacuum | You need a decent amount of power to effectively clean carpet | TechRadar's best vacuum for carpet guide |
Hard floors | Cordless stick vacuum, hybrid robovac or wet-and dry vacuum | You don't need that much outright power to clean hard floor, and if could be helpful to be able to mop as well as vacuuming | TechRadar's best robot vacuum guide or best wet-and-dry vacuum guide |
Pet hair | Corded upright or good cordless stick vacuum | Pet hair requires a good amount of suction, but consider also dustbin size if you don't want to be constantly emptying | TechRadar's best vacuums for pet hair or best robot vacuums for pet hair |
Awkward spaces | Cordless stick vacuum or handheld vacuum | You want maximum maneuverability | TechRadar's best handheld vacuum guide, best car vacuum guide, or best cordless vacuum guide |
⭣ Read more
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.
More vacuums we've tested (A-Z)
If none of the vacuums look quite right for you, here are some other models worth considering.
Vacuum | Why it missed out | Score | Header Cell - Column 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Great cleaning and a useful quick-charge feature, with minor niggles including a small, opaque dust cup. | 4.5 / 5 | Row 0 - Cell 3 | |
Nimble and powerful, with superb edge cleaning. Not yet available in the US. | 4.5 / 5 | Row 1 - Cell 3 | |
This upright is super sucky, but also really very heavy and awkward to move about. | 3.5 / 5 | Row 2 - Cell 3 | |
An incredibly streamlined vacuum that has all of its insides shrunk down and squeezed into its handle. Ultra nimble to use. Not yet available in the US. | 4.5 / 5 | Row 3 - Cell 3 | |
A strong all-rounder but lacking in special features. | 4 / 5 | Row 4 - Cell 3 | |
Superb cleaning, but lacks the advanced features of newer models. | 4 / 5 | Row 5 - Cell 3 | |
Some useful, innovative features, but delivers poor cleaning and the new floorhead is awkward. | 3.5 / 5 | Row 6 - Cell 3 | |
A bagged cordless vacuum that delivers outstanding cleaning but is very difficult to get hold of these days. | 5 / 5 | Row 7 - Cell 3 | |
Sturdy and very cheap, but a bit too tall, and the cleaning could be better. | 3.5 / 5 | Row 8 - Cell 3 | |
An affordable, no-frills cordless that's good for everyday cleans but struggles with tougher dirt. | 3.5 / 5 | Row 9 - Cell 3 | |
A sturdy vacuum with good suction, but the dustbin is small and battery life relatively short. | 4 / 5 | Row 10 - Cell 3 | |
Looks slick and performs well, but lacks an Auto mode, and battery a bit limited. | 4 / 5 | Row 11 - Cell 3 | |
Strong cleaning and a slick-looking auto-empty base, but AI features are hit-and-miss and the price tag high. | 4 / 5 | Row 12 - Cell 3 | |
A good ultra-lightweight option, but Shark seems to be phasing it out. | 4.5 / 5 | Row 13 - Cell 3 | |
An unusual cordless upright that's very powerful but with ridiculously short battery life. | 3.5 / 5 | Row 14 - Cell 3 | |
An older Shark that lacks the flashiest new features but still delivers very solid cleaning. | 4 / 5 | Row 15 - Cell 3 |
Frequently asked questions
What's the best vacuum right now?
The best vacuum for most people right now is the Dreame R20 cordless stick vacuum. It's a really strong all-rounder, and comes in at an affordable price, too. It performed well in all my cleaning tests, and it's lightweight and comfortable to maneuver. The battery life is strong, and a dirt-detecting Auto mode means you don't need to fiddle around with switching settings as you clean.
Is Shark better than Dyson?
Shark and Dyson are two of the biggest names in the floorcare market, and if you're on the hunt for the best vacuum for you, these brands will almost certainly crop up in your research. But which is best?
Dyson vacuums are high quality and meticulously engineered, and the newer models feature some seriously flashy special features (real-time dust reports, anyone?). They're also typically very expensive, although Dyson has started offering more affordable options recently.
Shark’s vacuum cleaners tend to be more affordable than Dyson’s offerings. This brand's special features tend to be a little less hi-tech, although that doesn't mean they're not useful. A wand that can be released to bend forwards for cleaning under furniture is a favorite.
Shark releases new vacuums far more frequently than Dyson, and it can be tricky to figure out how the different models compare (I've even seen multiple models with the same name before). Head to my Shark vs Dyson article for a more in-depth look at these two floor-cleaning titans.
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.