Consumer journalist Andy Shaw tested 16 cordless vacuum cleaners from various manufacturers at different price points, using the same cleaning tests on carpet and hard floors. Each model faced spillages of flour, cat litter pellets and pet hair, with a single push-forward and pull-backward motion to measure how much debris was collected. Battery life was also tested at full suction and in the most economical setting, and suction pressure was measured with a gauge.
Best cordless vacuum cleaner overall: Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty IP3251
This Shark model stands out because it empties itself into a base station that also charges the vacuum. The base holds a two-litre bin, taking several empties from the stick's 0.7-litre bin. The floor head has a fluffy roller for hard floors and a brush bar for carpet, performing well on both surfaces in tests. It picked up flour, cat litter and pet hair effectively with a single sweep. However, it worked better when held lower on some carpets, which may suit shorter users more. Weight is 3.71kg, suction is 28kPa, battery life measured 43 minutes, and dust capacity is 0.7 litres. Price starts from £388.
Best budget cordless vacuum cleaner: Vax HomePro Pet-Design
This model is affordable at around £202 and includes a good selection of tools. It performed well on all test surfaces. It is comfortable to hold, with two large buttons for power and boost. Battery life lasted 34 minutes in testing. Emptying is straightforward with a pump action that lifts dirt off the filter. The vacuum can stand unsupported. The floor head is a basic single-brush bar, which is less sophisticated than rivals but forgivable given the price. Weight is 3.5kg, suction is 19kPa, battery life 34 minutes, dust capacity 0.7 litres.
Best cordless vacuum for deep cleaning: Dyson V15 Detect Absolute
This model comes with two interchangeable floor heads: a brush bar for carpet and a fluffy roller for hard floors. It cleaned nearly all flour and cat litter from carpet in one pass, and picked up every last morsel from hard floors. The dust-detecting green glow helps show small particles. It converts to a handheld device. A downside is that emptying creates a dust cloud. Price from £559.99. Weight is 2.96kg, suction 31kPa, battery life 50 minutes, dust capacity 0.77 litres.
Best cordless vacuum for clean emptying: Henry Quick Pro
This vacuum uses disposable bags, so there is no dust cloud when emptying. A lever opens the base and drops the bag out. The bags cost £1.30 per one-litre bag and have a plastic top that holds them in place. The vacuum performed decently except on hard floors with cat litter, which it pushed ahead. It has a comprehensive set of accessories. Weight is 3.2kg, suction 10.75kPa, battery life 1 hour 11 minutes, dust capacity 1 litre.
Best handheld cordless vacuum cleaner: Dyson Car+Boat
This device is a repackaged Dyson V8 without the extension wand. It is powerful, with three attachments: a mini motorised tool, crevice tool and combination dusting brush. It handled test messes well, though cat litter required the funnel attachment. It is similar in price to the full V8 with wand. Weight is 1.9kg, suction 21kPa, battery life 38 minutes, dust capacity 0.54 litres.
What to look for in a cordless vacuum cleaner
Suction power
Suction measured in kilopascals (kPa) is a key factor; 25kPa or above is good. However, floor head design also matters. Well-designed heads can help less powerful vacuums clean effectively.
Weight
Vacuums under 3kg are light; those near 4kg feel heavy. Weight is partly supported by the floor head during use.
Battery life
Tested battery life is often shorter than manufacturer claims. A runtime under 20 minutes may not clean a whole house. Some models have replaceable batteries.
Bagged vs bagless
Bagless models create a dust cloud when emptied. Bagged models are cleaner but require ongoing costs and have plastic waste.
Carpet vs hard floor
Most vacuums work on both. Some have separate fluffy rollers for hard floors. If you have little hard flooring, a standard brush bar may suffice.
Attachments
Common attachments include crevice tools, dusting brushes, and motorised upholstery tools. Check that the model includes the tools you need.
Filtration
Most cordless vacuums claim high filtration. Regular filter cleaning is necessary, and bagless models may release dust during emptying.
How to clean your cordless vacuum cleaner
Clean the filter monthly by rinsing in cold water and air-drying for 24 hours. Some filters cannot get wet, so check the manual. Remove hair and fluff from the brush bar with scissors or a comb. For a deep clean, dismantle non-electrical parts and wipe with a damp cloth.
What to do with your old vacuum cleaner
Working models can be donated or sold. Retailers must accept old appliances for recycling under WEEE regulations. You can also take it to a local recycling centre.
