Honorable Mentions
We haven't tried a vacuum cleaner yet, which we absolutely hate. The vacuums below are solid type, and in some cases they're much cheaper than our top picks, but we weren't very happy with them.
Bissell IconPet Turbo Edge for $200: The Bissell OG vacuum cleaner is a popular model that has been around for a while. It does a good job of picking up hair and cat litter, and also easily converts into a handheld vacuum cleaner. The battery lasts a little longer, but former WIRED columnist Medea Giordano was unimpressed with his Cheerio collection skills and can't operate on his own.
Black & Decker Powerseries Extreme Max for $140: The Black & Decker Powerseries Extreme Max is a great vacuum cleaner that's cheaper than most others. It stands on its own, has three power levels that you can easily control with a knob, and it handles a variety of surfaces in my home well. I really liked this vacuum, but it didn't feel as stable as the Bissell above, and the handle design felt a little plasticky compared to it and other vacuums I've tested. However, it had a larger capacity trash can.
Dirt Devil Power Swerve Pet Cordless Vacuum for $110: We previously recommended this as a budget option. This is a good vacuum cleaner for the money, but results are mixed on battery life and build quality.
Dyson V12 Detect for $650: V12 detection Worth considering if you want something even slightly cheaper and lighter than the V15 (although it's not as powerful and has a smaller hopper).
Eufy 3-in-1 Robot Vacuum Cleaner E20 for $450: WIRED columnist Adrienne So was excited to give it a try. Eufy's E20which is a handheld vacuum cleaner, handheld vacuum cleaner and robot vacuum cleaner all in one. It's a convenient, well-designed device, but it's only good for light cleaning.
Eureka Innova Cordless Stick Multifunctional Vacuum Cleaner for $246: This is a good vacuum cleaner at a reasonable price. It cleans area rugs especially well, and there are special settings for carpets and hardwoods. However, to suck up larger pieces like Cheerios, I had to lift the vacuum cleaner and place it directly on top of them.
Greenworks Powerall 24V Cordless Vacuum Cleaner for $360: I loved the LED screen on this vacuum that told me what power level I was on and how much battery power I had left depending on the power level I was using. It comes with a good set of attachments and has a battery similar to a power tool, making it very heavy.
Hoover OnePwr Emerge Pet for $319: Our tester said it's a decent vacuum in normal use, but the attachments feel flimsy due to the weak suction power. Otherwise, he has done his job.
Mova S1 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner for $299: This is a good vacuum cleaner with a good set of attachments that has worked well in my home. However, our top pick can do a similar job for less money, and it will take a lot of effort to get the canister back in place when you empty it.
Narwhal S10 Pro: Former WIRED columnist Medea Giordiano was impressed with the Narwal S10 Pro, a wet-dry vacuum cleaner. It was replaced by S20 Pro ($500)which we are currently testing.
Worx 20V Cordless Vacuum for $250: It's a good vacuum cleaner, but the dust bin was more difficult to empty than other models I've tested.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cordless vacuum cleaner?
Cordless vacuum cleaners, also known as stick vacuums, are true to their name: they don't require a cord to operate. Instead, they have a battery that needs to be charged, and they have a battery and motor on top with a long, thin, stick-like body connecting it to the head of the vacuum cleaner. They are much lighter than an upright vacuum and have become popular because they are much easier to store and move around the house. I especially like using it as a person living in a three-story house. Handheld vacuum cleaners can also usually have part of the handle removed to turn them into a handheld vacuum cleaner, although they are much heavier than the real thing. hand vacuum cleaner (but battery life is much better).
How long do cordless vacuum cleaners last?
In general, vacuum cleaners last about five years, but this depends on the frequency of the vacuum cleaner and the quality of the build. However, according to Euphy, some cheaper stick vacuums may only last a year or two, so it's worth investing in a better vacuum than looking for a cheap stick vacuum. If you're wondering what signs might indicate you need to replace your vacuum cleaner, check out our guide on how long a vacuum cleaner can last. If you're wondering if you're vacuuming enough, check out our guide to how often should you vacuum.
How does WIRED test cordless vacuum cleaners?
The best way to test the vacuum is to use it as usual. So, we lived with these cordless vacuum cleaners for several months, spinning them to tackle everyday messes and give our hardwood floors, rugs, and carpets a deep clean each week. We've charged them, asked our partners to use them, and even taken a few to a retail store to clean up after antique furniture and heavy foot traffic.
We also did head-to-head testing, comparing how each one picks up a bunch of Cheerios and kitty litter, checking whether they scatter debris or require multiple passes. We also took a bunch of already matted dust and dirt from the vacuum containers to see how easily the vacuum cleaner could suck it back into a thickened state.
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