When looking for the best cordless vacuum, you should prioritize a few key features to ensure you get the most efficient and convenient cleaning tool. First, consider suction power, as a powerful motor will perform better on a variety of surfaces, including carpets and hard floors. Another important consideration is battery life; look for models that can run for at least 30 minutes on a single charge, allowing you to clean larger areas without interruption. Furthermore, the vacuum’s design and weight are important, as a lightweight and ergonomically designed model will be easier to maneuver, particularly during long cleaning sessions or when carrying it up and down stairs.
Beyond basic functionality, consider the vacuum’s versatility and attachments. A good cordless vacuum should include a variety of cleaning accessories, such as crevice tools, dusting brushes, and motorized heads, so you can effectively clean everything from upholstery to tight corners. Filtration systems are also important, particularly for allergy sufferers; a high-quality HEPA filter can capture fine dust and allergens, thereby improving indoor air quality. Additionally, ease of maintenance, such as how simple it is to empty the dustbin and clean the filters, can have a significant impact on your overall experience. By focusing on these features, you can choose a cordless vacuum that not only meets your cleaning needs, but also provides a convenient and efficient way to keep your home clean.
Best Cordless Vacuums:
- Dyson V12 Detect Slim (best overall)
- Tineco Pure One S11 (runner up)
- Kenmore Elite CSV Max DS4095 (best budget)
Dyson V12 Detect Slim
The Dyson V12 Detect Slim is closer to an ideal stick vacuum than any other model we’ve tested. It’s lightweight and agile around furniture and stairs, and it also works on shelves, walls, and ceilings.
The V12 Detect Slim competes with more expensive vacuums (such as the Dyson V15) in suction, airflow, and cleaning power, and it includes a variety of brushes and attachments, including a motorized brush for pet hair. It can run for 45 minutes on a single charge, which is longer than most other vacuums we’ve tested.
It has high-tech features that make it almost enjoyable to use, such as a sensor that automatically adjusts suction, a laser headlight that illuminates dust in dark corners, and an LCD screen that displays battery life and other information. It’s also among the quietest models we’ve tested.
The V12 Detect Slim’s main drawback is its small, 12-ounce dustbin, which needs to be emptied frequently. You must also switch between two different brushes depending on whether you are cleaning carpet or bare floors.
It takes four hours to charge, which is longer than most other models, and it cannot stand on its own. Dyson offers a two-year warranty.
Tineco Pure One S11
The Pure One S11 tied for second place among all of our lab’s cordless vacuums on hardwood floors, sucking up 99% of the sand we used to simulate dust and other fine particles, as well as 100% of the black rice we used to simulate crumbs and other larger debris. It was our top finisher on low-pile carpet, with a sand score of 93% and a perfect 100% with the black rice. It also performs well on plushier, midpile carpets, which are our most difficult test. The Pure One S11 finished third here, collecting 78% of the sand and 100% of the black rice. Crumbs don’t have a chance against this.
The Pure One S11’s black-and-white design is perhaps a little bland, and we wish it could provide more than 40 minutes of runtime under ideal conditions. Still, at this price, those are reasonable trade-offs, particularly given how well it cleans. At $400 or less, it’s the first cordless vacuum we’d recommend to anyone looking for a new one.
Kenmore Elite CSV Max DS4095
Most cordless stick vacuums under $200 are terrible. The Kenmore Elite CSV Max Cordless Stick Vacuum DS4095 is an exception, but it still makes significant trade-offs.
We discovered that it is an excellent cleaner for both rugs and bare floors, picking up fur and debris nearly as effectively as our top choices.
This lightweight model folds in half for easy cleaning under furniture and includes an extra-large 33-ounce dustbin. It has a solid 38-minute run time and recharges in four hours, similar to the Dyson V12 Detect Slim.
It lacks the useful, versatile attachments that our top picks have for cleaning fur from upholstery, dusting shelves, and reaching into nooks.
However, its main drawbacks are a one-year warranty and a non-replaceable battery.