5 Best Cordless Vacuum Cleaners of 2024
Updated: Feb. 01, 2024
Take your cleaning to new levels with the best cordless vacuum cleaner. We searched high and low to find the top options on the market.
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Say goodbye to fighting with tangled vacuum cords! The best cordless vacuum is convenient and easy-to-use, but buy the wrong one and it may compromise on suction power and battery life. We gathered the best options to suit your needs, no matter how often you vacuum. You’ll find tried and true names—like Shark and Dyson—plus some more surprising picks.
What to Look for When Buying a Cordless Vacuum
There’s nothing more important than suction power (that goes for smaller handheld vacuums, too). And while some cordless vacuums are lightweight and easy to maneuver around furniture; they’re not strong enough to pull as much dust and debris as their heavier counterparts. In addition to power and weight, you’ll also want to consider price, hard and soft flooring cleaning capabilities and extra features like detachable components.
Cleaning expert Matthew Baratta of Daimer Industries says to focus on battery power and the dustbin. “Cordless vacuums run on batteries, therefore it is essential to find one with a good run time for the job you are doing. Many use rechargeable batteries that come with backup batteries so that you can always have a replacement fully charged, which will be crucial for completing larger jobs,” says Matthew. “Another factor that can impend on the efficiency is the size of the dustbin. If you are using it for longer tasks, you won’t want to have to stop constantly to empty it.”
For our best cordless vacuum picks, we focused on three major criteria that influence performance:
- Suction Power: The most important factor for a cordless vacuum is the ability to pick up dust, pet hair and debris with just one pass. We also wanted vacuums powerful enough to work on a variety of floor materials.
- Battery Life: The best cordless vacuums should have a long battery life to avoid the headache of running out of power while in the middle of a cleaning session, with an understanding that more affordable models will have a shorter battery life.
- Maneuverability: A good cordless vacuum should be lightweight, easy to steer and capable of fitting into tight or awkward corners.
Best Overall Cordless Vacuum
Dyson V8 Absolute
If you’ve shopped for vacuums, you know Dyson is one of the most recognizable and reliable names in the industry. You can’t go wrong with any of their models, but our pick for the best cordless vacuum is the Dyson V8 Absolute. The V8 is lightweight yet powerful and comes with all the bells and whistles you’ll want, including six extra attachments like a mattress tool and stubborn-dirt brush.
It also features the brand’s latest hair detangling technology, which automatically clears wrapped hair from the brush bar. If you’re trying to decide where to purchase a Dyson cordless vacuum, major retailers like Amazon and Walmart sell the brand. And you can also buy directly from the company’s website.
Pros
- Two powerful suction modes and six extra attachments included
- Transforms to handheld
- No-touch bin emptying capabilities
- Neatly stores with a wall-charging dock
Cons
- Battery charge takes five hours
- More expensive than other options
Best Value Cordless Vacuum
RoomieTEC Vincent Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
The RoomieTEC Vincent cleaner is the best cordless vacuum for anyone on a budget. The low price tag (around $100) means you’ll compromise a little on battery run-time, but the other features make this one an excellent choice. It easily switches from an upright stick to a handheld vacuum with one click. A crevice tool is ideal for reaching annoying crumbs and dust spots in the places you should vacuum (but aren’t), like between the couch cushions or along the baseboards.
We also love that it can stand up by itself when not in use and folds in half for easy storage. Even more to love: Bright LED lights help you see under couches or beds.
For more floor care on a budget, check out the O-Cedar spin mop. This viral gadget makes quick, easy work of tidying messy floors.
Pros
- Affordable
- Works on hard floors and carpet
- Transforms to handheld
Cons
- Short 23 minute run-time
- Only one extra attachment included
Best Upright Cordless Vacuum
Shark Navigator Freestyle Vacuum
Most cordless vacuums are stick-style vacuums, which are lightweight and easy to maneuver. An upright version like this Shark cordless vacuum is a little heavier and takes up more space, but it’s also more powerful. The Shark Navigator weighs 7.5-pounds (most stick vacuums are about 4 to 5-pounds.) and powers through dust with 125 watts.
The canister is larger than most stick models, so you don’t have to empty it as often. And although it might not be as easy to move around as other stick models, the Shark Navigator features advanced swivel steering for better control. Want more? These are the best Shark vacuums for all your cleaning needs.
Pros
- Powerful suction
- Large dust canister
- Two power modes for hard and soft flooring
Cons
- Only 23 minutes of run-time
- Too bulky to fit under some furniture
Best Cordless Vacuum for Pet Hair
Bissel PowerGlide Pet Slim Cordless Vacuum
We love our furry friends, but the constant shedding is a pain. The Bissell PowerGlide is one of the best vacuums for dog and cat hair. It has a tangle-free brush roll to prevent hair and fur clogs. Plus, a large-capacity dirt tank easily handles homes with multiple pets. The crevice tool helps suck up fur in tight spaces, and the 3-in-1 pet hair upholstery tool leaves sofa cushions looking brand-new. The well-loved model has 13,000+ five-star reviews.
Psst! Have you seen a stationary vacuum? It’s one of the best cleaning products on Amazon.
Pros
- Tangle-free brush roll
- Efficient pet hair upholstery attachment
- Easy swivel steering
Cons
- Brush roll does not turn off
- Weighs more than similar models
Best Cordless Vacuum for Tight Spaces
Eureka RapidClean Pro Cordless Vacuum
The Eureka RapidClean Pro cordless vacuum is super lightweight (only 5-pounds) and is equipped with smooth swivel steering so it’s easy to move around furniture and access hard-to-reach places. It has a slim nozzle profile allowing it to lay completely flat, so it easily fits under chairs, couches and beds. Helpful bright LED lights allows you to see all the dust and debris you might otherwise miss. Switch to the handheld version and use the crevice tool and 2-in-1 dusting brush to clean dusty curtains, ceiling fans or shelves.
Pros
- Lays flat to store under furniture
- 40 minute run-time
- Efficient cyclone filtration system
Cons
- Might be too small for larger houses
- Long six hour charge time
FAQs
Are cordless vacuums worth it?
Some shoppers wonder if higher-priced cordless vacuums are worth the cost; but the answer depends on which features you prioritize. For lightweight, convenient cleaning; a quality cordless vacuum is the way to go. “Cordless vacuums are typically used for cleaning areas like stairs or hard-to-reach spots behind furniture. A lighter-weight vacuum will ensure cleaning doesn’t become a workout,” says Matthew.
Are cordless vacuums as powerful as corded?
The suction power of a cordless vacuum will depend on the type of vacuum and level of quality you buy. Most experts agree that corded vacuums tend to be more powerful, but high-quality (and often more expensive) cordless vacuums can be equally efficient.
How do you clean a cordless vacuum?
Check the manual for the best way to clean a specific vacuum. Generally, you’ll want to clean the filter, the brush bar and check for blockages. At least once a month, rinse the filter under running water until the water runs clear. Use scissors or a seam ripper to cut any long hair tangles out of the brush rolls. Check and remove any blockages in the floor head, wand and hose. Finally, wipe down the entire vacuum with a damp cloth.
Evaluation Criteria
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
Originally Published: November 08, 2022
