Keep Clean With the Best Cordless Vacuum on the Market in 2023
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Dyson V15 Detect -
Dyson V8 Absolute -
Shark Vertex Cordless -
Tineco A11 Hero -
Samsung Jet 75 -
Buyer's Guide
The technology of cordless vacuums has come a long way in recent years. Once relegated to quick spot cleans only, portable vacuums are now boasting more powerful suction, longer battery life, and more convenient designs than ever, to the point where they can be considered heavy hitters in their own right and earn a spot of honor in your cleaning closet.
With so many choices on the market, however, it can be difficult to sift through all of the lower-quality models and determine which portable vacuum is the best choice for your home. Today, we're diving into our top five choices for the best cordless vacuums you can buy in 2023. Whether you're looking for a lightweight option for quick cleanups, or a more heavy duty-machine, we've got you covered.
Our Top 5 Picks for Cordless Vacuums
Dyson V15 Detect - Best Overall
The Dyson V15 Detect is a high-end cordless stick vacuum that excels in cleaning various surfaces and environments, including carpets, hardwood, delicate surfaces like keyboards, crevices, upholstery, and pet hair. Its 230AW suction power and laser dust detection technology are helpful features that make cleaning more efficient and intuitive. The vacuum is lightweight, has multiple brush heads and attachments, and has a large dustbin capacity and HEPA filtration system. While the higher price point may deter some buyers, the Dyson V15 Detect is a great choice overall for customers looking for a high-performance cordless vacuum, earning it a top spot on our list.
- Laser dust detection technology
- Multiple brush heads and attachments included
- Large dustbin capacity
- Higher-end price point compared to other cordless stick vacuums
- Some users complain about a high-pitched noise
Cleaning Ability: Dry, Hardwood, Carpets, Crevices, Upholstery, Out-of-reach areas, Delicate surfaces, and Pet hair
Suction Power: 230AW
Comfort:
- Lightweight
- Fluffy™ brush bar can be washed
- Reveals unseen dust to make the cleaning process more intuitive
Battery Life and Runtime: 60 minutes
Weight and Size: 6.8 lb, 49.6 in tall, 0.76 L (0.2 gal) dust bin capacity
Warranties: 2-year warranty
Extras:
- Laser Slim Fluffy™ cleaner head
- Laser on brush head reveals otherwise invisible dust
- Digital motorbar
- Hair screw tool
- Crevice tool
- Combination tool
- Mini soft dusting brush
- Stubborn dirt brush
- Wand clip
- Docking station
Price: $$$$
Dyson V8 Absolute - Runner Up
Like other vacuums in its family, the Dyson V8 Absolute may price out some consumers, though it is relatively inexpensive by Dyson’s standards. Even if comparatively stripped down in features next to the V15 Detect model, the Absolute is still a powerful and versatile cordless vacuum that can handle a variety of cleaning tasks, handling most floor surfaces in addition to crevices, upholstery, delicate surfaces, and still has the ability to clean pet hair. The 40-minute battery life is a little shorter than some selections on this list but should still be satisfactory for small to medium-sized cleaning jobs.
- Strong suction power
- Multiple attachments and brush heads
- HEPA filtration system
- Higher-end price point compared to other cordless stick vacuums
- Shorter battery life
Cleaning Ability: Dry, Hardwood, Carpets, Crevices, Upholstery, Out-of-reach areas, Delicate surfaces, Pet hair
Suction Power: 115 AW
Comfort:
- Lightweight
- Lots of attachments for more versatility
Battery Life and Runtime: 40 minutes
Weight and Size: 5.51 lb, 49.45 in tall, 0.54L (0.14 gal) dust bin capacity
Warranties: Free 30-day return policy
Extras:
- Direct-drive cleaner head
- Soft roller cleaner head
- Combination tool
- Crevice tool
- Mini motorized tool
- Charging dock
- Reach extender wand
- HEPA filtration system
Price: $$$
Shark Vertex Cordless - Best Performance
With a lower price point than Dyson but nevertheless powerful suction and versatility, the Shark Vertex is an attractive option for shoppers who are looking for a tough cordless vacuum that won’t break the bank. With an impressive 281 AW of suction power and a 60-minute battery life, not to mention a wide assortment of included attachments, the Shark Vertex is a strong contender. Some drawbacks of the Vertex include its small dust bin capacity, which may need to be emptied often for larger cleaning jobs, as well a relatively high noise level. However, a 5-year limited warranty can certainly sweeten the deal.
- Highest suction power on this list
- Longest warranty on this list
- Plenty of attachments included
- Smallest dust bin capacity on this list
- Relatively high noise level
Cleaning Ability: Dry, Hardwood, Carpets, Crevices, Upholstery, Dusty areas, Pet hair
Suction Power: 281 AW
Comfort:
- Lightweight
- Convenient wall-mounted charger
- Battery Life and Runtime: 60 minutes
Weight and Size: 9.04 lb, 46.46 in tall, 0.32L (0.08 gal) dust bin capacity
Warranties: 5-year limited warranty
Extras:
- Power brush roll
- Anti-allergen dust brush
- Crevice tool
- Pet multi-tool
- Wall-mounted charger and attachment storage
- HEPA filtration system
Price: $$$
Tineco A11 Hero - Best Value
Tineco’s A11 Hero is a good option for the budget conscious, being one of the most affordable options on this list. It has multiple attachments, is versatile enough to clean a variety of areas and surfaces, and boasts a relatively large dust bin capacity. That said, the A11 Hero might struggle with pet hair, which could turn away pet owners. Some users have also reported a shorter lifespan compared to other cordless vacuums. Though still lightweight, it’s somewhat heavier than other products on this list, so that should be considered if nimbleness is a key feature for your needs. The A11 Hero is an overall good option for those looking for cordless vacuums on a budget, but make sure that it meets your needs before committing.
- Strong suction
- Multiple attachments and brush heads
- Affordable price point
- Might struggle with pet hair
- Relatively heavy and cumbersome compared to other cordless models
- Some users report a shorter lifespan
Cleaning Ability: Dry, Hardwood, Carpets, Crevices, Upholstery, Dusty Areas
Suction Power: 120AW
Comfort:
- Lightweight
- Convenient charging dock
- Battery Life and Runtime: 40 minutes
Weight and Size: 11.46 lb, 43.7 in tall, 0.6L (0.16 gal) dust bin capacity
Warranties: 24-month limited warranty
Extras:
- Main motorized floor head
- Mini power brush
- Soft dusting brush
- 2-in-1 dusting brush and crevice tool
- Charging dock
- HEPA filtration system
Price: $$
Samsung Jet 75 - Also Consider
With impressive suction power and both the longest battery life and highest-capacity dust bin on our list, the Samsung Jet 75 is an attractive choice for those who need to clean larger areas. If you have a large house and want the ability to clean the whole thing in one shot, this is your go-to option. Be aware, however, that its power and longevity come at the cost of nimbleness, as this is one of the heavier choices on our list, weighing in at over 6 pounds. Additionally, the availability of this model and customer support can be limited. Overall, the Samsung Jet 75 is a smart choice of cordless vacuum for heavy cleaning, provided that the weight isn’t a deal breaker for your needs.
- Powerful suction
- Highest capacity dust bin on this list
- Longest battery life on this list
- Availability and customer support can be limited compared to more established brands
Cleaning Ability: Dry, Hardwood, Carpets, Crevices, Upholstery, Dusty areas, Pet hair
Suction Power: 200 AW
Comfort:
- Light considering its power
- Simple controls
Battery Life and Runtime: 60 minutes
Weight and Size: 6.2 lb, 44.5 in tall, 0.8L (0.21 gal) dust bin capacity
Warranties: 12-month manufacturer's warranty with optional 5-year extended home appliance warranty
Extras:
- Direct-drive cleaner head
- Soft roller cleaner head
- Crevice tool
- Dusting Brush
- Wall-mounted charger and attachment storage
- HEPA filtration system
Price: $$$
Buyer's Guide
Some helpful tips for buyers, along with some context for our recommendations.
Factors We Considered in Our Cordless Vacuum Reviews
In this review, we took a look at our top five cordless vacuums, which we have evaluated taking the following factors into account:
Cleaning Ability
It's essential to think about the surfaces you'll be cleaning and the use cases you have in mind. Are you looking for a vacuum that's best for hard floors, carpets, or a mixture of both? Does it clean upholstery? Does it handle smaller, more delicate surfaces? Do you need a vacuum for pet hair, or are you looking for something that can handle heavy debris?
Comfort and Ease
Is this vacuum convenient and easy to use? How lightweight and nimble is the vacuum? A vacuum that's too heavy or cumbersome to maneuver around your home won't be of much use, no matter how well it cleans. We also consider the vacuum's ergonomics and the quality of the handle and controls to ensure that you can use it comfortably for extended periods.
Battery Life and Runtime
We pay close attention to the battery life of each vacuum we review. We consider whether the vacuum has any battery-saving features, such as a "power save" mode or a "low battery" indicator.
Weight, Size, and Bin Capacity
A vacuum that's too large or heavy to carry around your home will quickly become a hassle, while a vacuum with a small bin capacity may need to be emptied frequently. When evaluating the best handheld vacuums, we look for vacuums that are the right size, weight, and capacity for the typical person's needs.
Warranties
The warranties offered by each vacuum manufacturer also play a part in our recommendations. The better the warranty, the more peace of mind you get for the quality of your purchase.
Suction Power
The maneuverability of wireless vacuums can sometimes come at the cost of suction power. That makes it important to look for one with higher suction power, ensuring you have the power you need to clear dust and dirt effectively.
Extras
We also look at the extras and special features or attachments that each vacuum comes with, such as crevice attachments, motorized brush rolls, HEPA filtration, and more.
Price
Finally, we evaluate each vacuum based on price, as this allows you to take a closer look at what the product offers and determine for yourself if it's still a good value for you at that price point.
Benefits of Going Cordless
Convenience: Since cordless vacuums don't need to be plugged in while you clean and tend to be lightweight and nimble, they tend to be much more convenient for regular use. That means quick clean-ups are simpler, not requiring you to lug a heavy machine out of the closet and painstakingly unravel a long, tangling electrical cord. Cordless vacuums are incredibly convenient to use. They are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and don't require you to plug them in. This makes them perfect for quick clean-ups and spot cleaning.
Versatility: Portable vacuums tend to also be "stick" vacuums. Their long and slender designs make cleaning tight or out-of-reach areas easier. These vacuums also tend to come with an assortment of tools and attachments, allowing users to clean more surfaces than just hardwood and carpeting.
Portability: The lightweight and battery power of a cordless vacuum makes it incredibly portable. Cordless models remove the need to shuffle from power outlet to power outlet for larger cleaning jobs, and if you need to clean on multiple floors of your home, they are easily carried up and down stairs. Their compact designs also make it easier to transport handheld vacuums in your car or even to clean the car itself.
Quiet: The best cordless vacuums also have a considerably lower volume than traditional vacuums, making them a more attractive option if you need to clean in the other room while someone in your home is sleeping or studying.
How to Choose Which One Is Best for You
The most important consideration when deciding on a cordless vacuum is your personal use case. What kind of messes do you routinely need to clean up? Which surfaces do your messes tend to occur on, and how often do you need to pull out your vacuum cleaner to spot clean?
Once you understand your home's cleaning needs, you can start researching the features, tools, and specs of different models. Based on your most common tasks and cleaning needs, which model meets most of your needs and includes the attachments that make those jobs easier? Use those features to narrow your search down to a handful of models.
With a few promising options in front of you, it's time to consider the price. Looking at the models that meet your needs should give you a good idea of the price range for the quality of vacuum cleaner you need. While understanding that you sometimes get what you pay for, do your best to find the selections with the best value, and don't be afraid to hunt for deals.
Narrowing your selections a little further by price, it's time to look at customer reviews. Finding legitimate, unbiased reviews of how the vacuum performs in the real world is a great way to gauge the performance of each model, allowing you to see how customers like yourself fared after buying the vacuum you're considering.
FAQ
These are some of the most common questions that consumers ask about cordless vacuums.
Are expensive vacuums worth it?
Though some can certainly be overpriced, the fact of the matter is that vacuum cleaners are one of those areas where you truly get what you pay for. It's tempting to buy a cheaper vacuum and be done with it, but bargain models don't tend to be built to last. So, in the long run, you'll end up spending more by replacing your cheaper vacuum cleaner every year or two.
How long should my vacuum last?
The lifespan of a cordless vacuum can vary significantly depending on the type and quality of the machine. For all of their advantages, one potential drawback for cordless vacuums is that they tend to have shorter lifespans than corded models. Generally, cordless vacuums can last anywhere from two to five years, with higher-quality models typically outlasting bargain vacuums.
What features should I look for in a cordless vacuum?
When choosing a rechargeable vacuum, consider the following factors:
Battery life: A longer battery life is ideal, so you don't have to worry about recharging while cleaning.
Suction power: Look for a vacuum with strong suction power, often measured in air watts (AW), to pick up dirt, dust, and debris effectively.
Weight: A lightweight and easy-to-maneuver vacuum will make cleaning easier.
Versatility: Choose a vacuum that can easily transition from hard floors to carpets and upholstery.
Accessories: Consider a vacuum that comes with a range of accessories, such as a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery brush.
Filtration: Look for a vacuum with a high-efficiency filtration system to capture small particles and improve air quality