10 Best Cordless Vacuum Cleaners

Buying guide

Not sure which cordless vacuum cleaner to buy? In this buying guide, you can learn more about what to look for before picking a cordless vacuum cleaner.

Design

Cordless vacuum cleaners are typically designed as stick, handheld, or a combination of both (2-in-1).

2-in-1 cordless vacuum cleaner

Suitable for

Can be used as both a stick vacuum cleaner for floors and carpets and a handheld vacuum for small cleaning tasks.

Price

£169-749 (Avg.: £429)

Cordless stick vacuum cleaner

Suitable for

Suitable for regular cleaning of floors and carpets.

Price

£79-800 (Avg.: £397)

Handheld vacuum cleaner

Suitable for

Suitable for smaller, more precise cleaning tasks such as cleaning upholstery, car interiors, stairs, and hard-to-reach areas.

Price

£30-197 (Avg.: £100)

Battery

Most cordless vacuums use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, known for their long lifespan and high energy density. Other cordless vacuum cleaners use a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery, which has a shorter lifespan but is also cheaper. Typically, NiMH batteries are found in budget cordless vacuum cleaners.

Runtime

When choosing a cordless vacuum, it’s important to consider the battery life. The battery life will determine how long the vacuum can run on a single charge, so you’ll want to look for a model with a battery life that meets your cleaning needs.

The runtimes vary from 9 to 70 minutes across the cordless vacuum cleaners we have compared. It’s worth noting that the battery life of cordless vacuums can be affected by factors such as the suction power and the attachments used.

These are the five cordless vacuum cleaners with the longest runtime:

The distribution in runtime across the vacuum cleaners is shown in the following chart:

Interchangeable battery

With a cordless vacuum cleaner with interchangeable batteries, you can easily remove and replace the battery. This means multiple batteries can be charged and kept on hand so that when one battery runs out of power, another can quickly swap in to continue cleaning. This allows for uninterrupted cleaning and is handy for more extensive cleaning tasks or larger living spaces.
74% of cordless vacuum cleaners are built with interchangeable batteries.

You can find the best cordless vacuum cleaners with interchangeable batteries here.

Number of batteries

Some cordless vacuum cleaners come with two batteries, which doubles the runtime because you can replace the battery when it has depleted.

The best cordless vacuum cleaner with two batteries is the Shark IZ251UK, which costs £419.92. You can read more about cordless vacuum cleaners with two batteries here.

Price

When buying a cordless vacuum cleaner, the price is one of the most important factors to consider. The price varies widely depending on the brand, attachments, and other features.

A budget cordless vacuum cleaner typically has lower power suction and battery life and may have fewer attachments or accessories. While they are a budget-friendly option, they may not be as effective at cleaning larger spaces or tackling tough messes.

High-end models often have strong suction power, long battery life, a wide range of attachments, and advanced features like HEPA filtration, LED lights, and LCD screens. They are an excellent option for larger living spaces or pets.

The price of the cordless vacuum cleaners varies from £30 to £800. The distribution in price is shown in the following chart:

The cheapest cordless vacuum cleaner is the Tristar KR-2156, priced at £29.91. These are the five cheapest cordless vacuum cleaners:

Attachments

The most common attachments for cordless vacuum cleaners include:

• Crevice nozzle: This is a narrow, pointed attachment that is used to clean tight spaces and corners, such as between couch cushions or along baseboards. Most models include this nozzle.
• Dusting brush: This is a brush attachment that is used to gently clean surfaces, such as furniture, window sills, and blinds. Most models include this brush.
• Furniture nozzle: This is a tool that is designed for cleaning upholstery, such as sofas, chairs, and car interiors. It typically has a soft brush or a suction-only option to clean fabrics effectively.
• Extension wand: This is a long, narrow attachment that allows the user to reach high or hard-to-reach areas, such as ceilings, fans, and crown molding.
• Motorized brush: This is an attachment that has a powered brush roll that agitates dirt and debris, making it more effective for cleaning carpets and upholstery. Most models include this brush.



• Mini turbo-brush: This is an attachment with a rotating brush roll that agitates dirt and debris, making it more effective for cleaning carpets, upholstery, stairs, and other surfaces. This brush is also effective at pet hair removal.

Filter

Filters are an essential component of cordless vacuum cleaners, as they help to remove dust, dirt, and other particles from the air.

If you have a household with people with allergies, consider a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA 13, HEPA 14, or allergy filter. They are designed to remove tiny particles from the air, such as dust, pollen, and pet hair.

Other things to consider

• Sensor Technology: It is a feature that facilitates optimal cleaning. Models with sensors recognize the floor type and adjust the suction power automatically. As a result, the battery life is used conservatively and, thus, prolongs the maximum runtime. Some models have filter sensors, and you are notified when the filter needs to be cleaned.
• Smart Technology: It is a high-end feature that gives the cordless vacuum the capability to connect to a smartphone, from which you can directly monitor and control certain parameters using an app. It makes the overall cleaning experience more convenient.
• Floorhead LED Lights: The LED light function on the brush head illuminates the floor to help you clearly see and accurately pick up dirt in dark areas.
• Battery Level Indicator: A few ultra-modern cordless vacuums possess this feature, which comes in handy to avoid cleaning interruption due to sudden stoppage of the device. It lets you know how much battery charge remains.
• Storage capability: Models that are designed with wall mounts provide for neat storage. Some come with a docking station to keep the vacuum charged while it is stored. Furthermore, foldable cordless stick vacuums enhance their compact size, making them easier to store.
• Noise level: All vacuums emit a certain amount of sound due to the activity that happens in the vacuum chamber, but the loudness varies depending on factors, such as the size and strength of the motor, kind of insulation, and the like. The noise level varies from 70 dB to 87 dB. Note that the sound level is not specified on all models.
• Display: An LCD or LED touchscreen display clearly shows the necessary information regarding the cleaning process. More sophisticated models let you know the kinds and sizes of the particles or debris that are being suctioned.
• Adjustable suction power levels: It gives the user more flexibility.
• Mop-function: Some cordless vacuum cleaners are built with a mop-function, so they can both wash and vacuum your floor.