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A cordless vacuum can be easier to use than an upright, corded model because you don’t have to worry about how far from an outlet it is or how long its cord is. The small size and maneuverability of a cordless vacuum also make it ideal for vacuuming underneath furniture or around other tight spaces.
While most cordless vacuums look similar, they vary slightly in terms of how long their battery lasts, how their dust container is emptied, how they’re stored, what types of floors they can clean, and how much they weigh. Read our review below to learn about these differences and see our best cordless vacuum recommendations on Amazon.
Top 4 Cordless Vacuums
- Most Trusted Vacuum: Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
- Best Multipurpose Vacuum: Shark Navigator Freestyle Upright Stick Cordless Bagless Vacuum
- Best Handheld Vacuum: BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum
- Best Runtime: Eureka Stylus Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Most Trusted Vacuum: Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
This cordless vacuum comes from Dyson, a well-known vacuum manufacturer. It provides up to 40 minutes of runtime and transforms into both a handheld and ceiling cleaner to give you more ways to clean your home. Additionally, it has whole-machine filtration to capture fine allergens and expel cleaner air.
Key Features
- Has a 40-minute runtime
- Cleans hard floors, ceilings, carpets, cars, and stairs
- Comes with four cleaning accessories
- Weighs 5.6 pounds
- Has a 0.14-gallon dust collection bin
- Comes with a two-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Many satisfied customers highlighted the product’s powerful suction, which allowed it to pick up pet hair and other allergens. Other positive reviews noted that the model was ergonomically designed for easy handling. Less satisfied customers noted that the charger stopped working within a year and that Dyson’s customer service center was difficult to work with.
Best Multipurpose Vacuum: Shark Navigator Freestyle Upright Stick Cordless Bagless Vacuum
This cordless vacuum from Shark has a carpet speed option and a hard floor speed option to clean every surface in your home. The vacuum also has a large 0.64-quart dust cup, allowing you to vacuum your entire home before needing to empty it.
Key Features
- Cleans hard floors and carpets
- Weighs 7.5 pounds
- Has a 0.64-quart dust collection bin
- Comes with a one-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praised this cordless vacuum cleaner for its long battery life and versatility. Many satisfied customers pointed out that it was a game-changer when it came to picking up pet hair. However, some customers said that this vacuum wasn’t good for deep cleans because it couldn’t pick up smaller pieces of debris, such as scraps of paper or Cheerios.
Best Handheld Vacuum: BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum
This handheld vacuum has a lightweight and compact design for cleaning hard-to-reach areas. It also has a washable dirt bowl and filter for easy, quick cleaning. Additionally, the included mount allows you to hang the vacuum on your wall for storage.
Key Features
- Cleans hard floors and carpets
- Comes with two cleaning accessories
- Weighs 2.4 pounds
- Has a 20.6-ounce dust collection bin
- Comes with a two-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Positive reviews praised this handheld vacuum for its powerful suction, noting that it was strong enough to pick up cat litter. Many reviewers pointed out that this handheld vacuum was easier to use for small messes than a corded or stick vacuum cleaner. Negative reviews centered around the vacuum’s tendency to break and crack after continuous use.
Best Runtime: Eureka Stylus Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
This cordless vacuum runs for up to 45 minutes off of one charge, allowing you to clean your entire house before needing to plug it back in. Additionally, the vacuum weighs less than 6.5 pounds, making it a lightweight, easy-to-move option. Its lay-flat design also allows you to use it under beds and other pieces of furniture.
Key Features
- Has a 45-minute runtime
- Cleans hard floors and low-pile carpets
- Comes with two cleaning accessories
- Weighs 6.4 pounds
- Comes with a 1.5-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers highlighted this cordless vacuum’s lay-flat design, which made reaching flooring underneath furniture more accessible. Other positive reviews raved about this cordless vacuum’s long battery life and powerful suction. However, some customers said that their model’s battery life or suction decreased after a few months of ownership.
Buyer’s Guide
While most cordless vacuums look the same, they have subtle differences in their features. Read our buyer’s guide below to learn about these differences.
Battery Type
There are three types of rechargeable batteries that could come with your cordless vacuum cleaner.
- Nickel-cadmium: This is the most affordable battery, but it has a limited shelf life and low charge capacity, so you’ll have to replace it more often.
- Lithium-ion: Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight, have a long shelf life, and charge quickly. However, they’re more expensive than nickel-cadmium batteries, and they can lose their effectiveness if you recharge them too often.
- Nickel-metal hydride: These are the most expensive rechargeable batteries you’ll find. While they have a limited shelf life, they have more power than both nickel-cadmium and lithium-ion batteries.
Battery Runtime
Depending on the battery that comes with your purchase, your vacuum should be able to last anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes off of one charge. To avoid having to pause in the middle of vacuuming to recharge your battery, look for a model that comes with a long-lasting battery or multiple batteries.
Versatility
When you’re looking for a cordless vacuum, make sure it can clean all of the surfaces in your home, including carpet, tile, vinyl, and hardwood.
Weight
Cordless vacuums require constant lifting, so you’ll want to find a lightweight model that you feel comfortable carrying around your home while you clean.
Dust Container Size
The size of a vacuum cleaner dust container can be measured in gallons, liters, quarts, or ounces. While they vary greatly in size from model to model, stick and upright options tend to have larger dust containers than handheld options.
Dust Container Emptying Method
You’ll have to empty your vacuum’s dust container after using it. Two of the most common ways to empty it are through a trapdoor or with a one-button release. Both of these methods have their disadvantages. Trapdoors get jammed easily when you’re vacuuming hair, requiring you to stick your hand inside the dust cup to pull the hair out. With one-button release vacuums, the debris inside the dust cup could end up on the floor if you aren’t lined up with the trash can when you press the button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cordless vacuum with attachments?
Yes. Most cordless vacuums come with attachments that allow you to modify the vacuum to clean more areas of your home. One common attachment is a nozzle that helps you to reach tight spaces.
What are some of the most trusted manufacturers of cordless vacuums?
Some of the most well-known manufacturers are Dyson, Hoover, and BISSELL, as they have years of experience in the vacuum industry.
Why would I want a cordless vacuum over a corded vacuum?
If you have a small house that doesn’t have a lot of surface area to vacuum or a lot of space to store the vacuum, a cordless model may be a better option than an upright, corded one. Cordless vacuums also come in handy if you spill something on the floor and want to quickly clean up the mess.
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