The 6 Best Cordless Vacuums of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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Our favorite model is the Tineco Pure One S11 Tango Smart Stick/Handheld Vacuum.
Food & Wine / Marcus Millan
Cordless vacuums are an excellent choice for many homeowners, as they are lightweight, easy to use, and don’t require an outlet. The new generation of cordless vacuums often surpasses traditional models in many categories. “Cordless vacuum technology has gotten so good that they rival, and, in some cases, outperform corded vacuums,” says Terry Tian, head of product design at Dreame Technology.
We evaluated the best cordless vacuums on the market by putting each model through a series of tests and factoring in setup, noise level, effectiveness, maneuverability, portability, ease of emptying, and overall value. Based on our findings, we deemed the Tineco Pure One S11 Tango Smart Stick/Handheld Vacuum the best overall pick. Our full list of the best cordless vacuums features our top choices for pet parents and multiple surfaces, plus the best models if you’re looking to splurge or save.
Tineco Pure One S11 Cordless Vacuum
Best Overall
Pros: We loved this vacuum for its versatility, ease of use, long runtime, and fast setup.
Cons: Two hands are needed to release the dirt canister.
Tineco might be trending on TikTok, but the brand has actually been around since 1998. Since then, it has added so many nice touches to traditionally designed vacuum cleaners to make them suitable for modern-day needs.
We were impressed with how easy this was to set up, how smoothly it maneuvered between various surfaces, and that it has an easy-to-read LED screen and color system that identifies hidden debris. Our testers said there was no reduction in suction power while using the vacuum, and it operated quietly. It can be easily converted into a handheld model and comes with multiple components, including a power brush, LED soft-roller brush, mini power brush, 2-in-1 dusting brush, and crevice tool, to tackle any mess. If you have allergy sufferers in your house, you’ll appreciate its four-stage HEPA filtration system.
Price at time of publish: $400
Weight: 5.96 pounds
Battery Life: Up to 40 minutes
Bin Size: 0.6 liters
HEPA Filter: Yes
Floor Type: All types
eufy by Anker HomeVac H30 Infinity Cordless Vacuum
Best Value
Pros: This is a lightweight yet powerful vacuum for an affordable price.
Cons: The smaller bin was difficult to empty and filled quickly.
Weighing in at less than two pounds, this lightweight and budget-friendly model offers the flexibility of a higher-end option without breaking the bank. Our testers loved the sleek design and ease of use, starting with the setup and included attachments: a crevice tool and a motorized pet brush. But despite the lightweight body, it was on the noisy side, meaning it would be disruptive if others were in the room while in use.
However, its top marks in the effectiveness category outweighed the loudness. It quickly removed all debris from every surface type in tests and felt well-balanced when using this as a handheld vacuum. Another drawback we found was that the 0.25-liter bin can be difficult to empty, especially when removing hair, but overall, it’s a solid choice for those wanting a quality model for less.
Price at time of publish: $200
Weight: 1.78 pounds
Battery Life: Up to 20 minutes
Bin Size: 0.25 liters
HEPA Filter: No
Floor Type: All types
Samsung Jet 75 Cordless Stick Vacuum
Best for Pet Owners
Pros: Featuring a larger bin size, this model is ideal for pet parents with shedding animals.
Cons: The higher brush head won’t fit under narrow furniture and may not get into hard-to-reach spaces.
You love your pet but probably not their shedding. Designed to pick up every strand of fur, the Samsung Jet 75 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner offers powerful suction on hardwood floors and high- and low-pile carpets and includes a motorized pet hair tool for furniture and rugs. Our testers noted that this maneuvered around objects and sharp corners but wasn’t as effective at clearing larger pieces, like kibble, as smaller particles.
The debris came out of the large canister easily with a shake and no mess, so you don’t have to worry about the hair getting back into your space. The five-layer filtration system traps large particles down to microdust pieces.
Price at time of publish: $399
Weight: 6 pounds
Battery Life: Up to 60 minutes
Bin Size: 0.8 liters
HEPA Filter: No
Floor Type: All types
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Innova Cordless Stick Multi-Surface Vacuum
Best Multi-Surface
Pros: It has a larger bin for longer cleaning sessions without emptying and is more budget-friendly than others.
Cons: There are no low and high power settings on this model.
If you have various surfaces in your home (carpets, rugs, hardwood, tiles, etc.), having a versatile vacuum is crucial. Luckily, this model is suitable for all floor types and effective on all of them, according to our tests. On both hard and carpeted floors, 95% of the debris was removed in a short amount of time.
The vacuum was simple to set up and successfully maneuvered around cabinets, chair legs, and lamp bases. The attachments, including a crevice tool, a 2-in-1 upholstery brush, and a pet tool, help further clean hard-to-reach areas and furniture. Plus, the LED headlights allow you to spot dirt and debris you otherwise might have not seen.
At the end of the test, the battery life was still strongly performing at 75% with no impact on the effectiveness and the large bin was easy to empty.
Price at time of publish: $229
Weight: 7.8 pounds
Battery Life: Up to 60 minutes
Bin Size: 1 liter
HEPA Filter: No
Floor Type: All types
Dyson Omni-Glide+
Best for Hardwood Floors
Pros: We loved this model for its beautiful design, effectiveness, and portability.
Cons: This has a smaller bin size and is only suitable for hardwood floors.
Dyson tools are best known for their design and high price tags. The Dyson Omni-Glide + may not be fit for cleaning carpets, but it can seamlessly transition between hard surfaces like hardwood and tile. It scored high marks in maneuverability and portability, and our testers loved that it was on the quiet side and simple to assemble.
Despite having the highest price tag, this also has the smallest bin size. Our testers suggested that this might be best suited for a studio or small apartment over a larger space, as the dirt canister filled up quickly despite working well.
Price at time of publish: $500
Weight: 4.19 pounds
Battery Life: Up to 20 minutes
Bin Size: 0.2 liters
HEPA Filter: Yes
Floor Type: Hardwood only
Bissell 1984 Air Ram Cordless Vacuum
Best for Carpet
Pros: It transitions well from carpet to hardwood and was the most effective on medium- and high-pile carpets during our tests.
Cons: This model didn’t always pick up larger pieces of debris when moving backward.
During our tests, our experts found this model from Bissell to be “impressively effective” and “a pleasure to use.” It earned high scores for its maneuverability, effortlessly transitioning from hardwood to high-pile carpet, and performed the best on the rugs, carpets, and carpeted stairs, removing nearly every particle in less than a minute. We also appreciated that cleaning the roller and filter was simple, as was emptying the canister.
We noticed that it cleared its path when being pushed forward but didn’t always remove larger pieces of debris when pulling it backward, so keep that in mind when cleaning up larger messes. The handle twists easily to turn corners and angles as needed and can lay flat to fit under chairs and small spaces.
Price at time of publish: $268
Weight: 7.75 pounds
Battery Life: Up to 40 minutes
Bin Size: 0.6 liters
HEPA Filter: No
Floor Type: All types
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Our Favorite
We chose the Tineco Pure One S11 Tango Smart Stick/Handheld Vacuum as our best overall pick because of its simple setup and operation and effective cleaning job on every type of surface. For pet owners, we recommend the Samsung Jet 75 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner for its outstanding performance in removing pet hair and ease of emptying.
The Tests
We tested 16 different cordless vacuums, first evaluating how easy and quick the setup of the machine was and then assessing the effectiveness. We scattered bits of debris, including coffee grounds, wig hair, and cereal, on grout floors, hardwood floors, stairs, and medium- and high-pile carpets and then evaluated how thoroughly the vacuum cleaned. Throughout these tests, we also noted the noise level of the cordless vacuum.
For additional insights, we checked the usefulness and effectiveness of any additional smart features, including voice commands. To assess maneuverability, we determined how well the cordless vacuum navigated around different obstacles, like a coffee table or a lamp, and across different surfaces, from carpet to non-carpet. We also used each vacuum to clean tough-to-reach areas, like the top of a shelf or under the couch, testing different attachments as needed. Lastly, we noted the ease of emptying the cordless vacuum by rating how long it took to empty the bin and prepare it for fresh use.
Factors to Consider
Floor Type
Before you buy a cordless vacuum cleaner, you should determine your needs. Will you need to vacuum dry cereal messes on your kitchen tiles or remove pet hair on your furniture and floor? Some models intuitively switch between floor and carpet, while others work best on specific surfaces. Look for one that is suitable for the types of floor in your home as well as the additional areas you may need it for, such as rugs and furniture.
Battery Life
When you start vacuuming, do you tackle a quick mess and move on, or do you settle in for a long cleaning session? It can be incredibly frustrating to keep recharging the battery on a cordless vacuum cleaner, so pay attention to battery life in advance. Some models have batteries that you must remove before charging, while others can be charged in place.
Weight
Another factor to consider is the weight of the vacuum and how it’s distributed throughout the device. Luckily, most cordless models weigh about six pounds, which is much less than other types of vacuum cleaners. The only thing to keep in mind is that some are more top-heavy than others. Look for a model you can easily carry from place to place.
Accessories
Most cordless vacuum cleaners come with a few standard accessories, including a charging station and attachments to help you reach tricky spots. If you have a pet, look for a model that comes with an attachment specifically designed for pet hair removal on furniture. For stairs and dusty ceiling areas, a crevice tool is a must.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do cordless vacuums last?
<p>“The vacuums will last for about five years if they are well maintained,” says the president of <a href="https://www.britlincleaning.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow nocaes">BritLin Cleaning LLC</a> Pam Clyde. If you think about it, the actual vacuum isn’t necessarily working that hard. “With most cordless vacuums, the batteries, floor brushes, and filters are the only wear items,” Tian says.</p>
How do you clean a cordless vacuum?
<p>“With daily use, you should empty your vacuum after every use and clean your cordless vacuum monthly to maintain optimum cleaning performance,” Tian says.</p><p><br/></p><p>Most manufacturers recommend replacing the filter (if it’s not machine washable) every three months, but it’s always best to read the manual for your specific product. To give your vacuum a deep cleaning, remove it from the charger, empty the dustbin, and take off the brush roll. Get rid of any hair, dust, and other debris that might be caught on the bristles. Then wipe down the dust bin and exterior of the vacuum cleaner, and let it dry before you put it back together.</p><p><br/></p><p>Clyde also shared a tip on how to keep your cordless vacuum running well consistently. “One of the key ways to keeping suction strong on any vacuum is to empty the dirt cup when it gets to the fill line. You'll be surprised how low the fill line actually is. That's because a vacuum needs the air in the dirt cup to help generate suction.”</p>
Are cordless vacuums as good as corded ones?
<p>Both have their pros and cons, so it depends on your needs. “Cordless vacuums certainly have their place, but the size of the dirt cup is usually much smaller than a regular vacuum and, therefore, can fill faster, causing the vacuum to lose suction quicker,” Clyde says.</p><p><br/></p><p>Overall, cordless vacuums are great for those who want a lightweight yet powerful device to transport around the house. Corded vacuums require an outlet and are much heavier, but they have a large bin capacity to tackle big messes.</p>
What Didn’t Make the List
Strong Contenders
Miele Triflex HX2 Cat & Dog at Miele ($929 at Miele)
Belife V12 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner ($170 at Amazon)
Bissell 3061 Featherweight ($125 at Amazon)
Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Cordless Vacuum ($210 at Hoover)
BLACK+DECKER Powerseries Extreme Cordless Vacuum Cleaner ($174 at Amazon)
Results Still Simmering
LG CordZero™ Kompressor® Universal Power ThinQ Stick Vacuum ($599 at LG)
Hoover ONEPWR Blade+ Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner ($449 at Amazon)
Low Performers
Belife BVC-V11Cordless Vacuum Cleaner ($150 at Amazon)
INSE Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, 6-in-1 Rechargeable Stick Vacuum, N5S Azure ($500 at Amazon)
Our Expertise
Contributor Jacqueline Weiss is a professional food writer with over five years of experience and a lifelong lover of working in the kitchen. Her writing has appeared in Eat This Not That, EatingWell, AllRecipes, Simply Recipes, and more. For this article, she used testing data and insights from Food & Wine staff to determine the best cordless vacuums on the market. Former bakery owner Rachel Weingarten also contributed to this piece by consulting with cleaning experts for their insights.
