Today’s best cordless vacuums are powerful, freeing you from the shackles of a cable. They’re good enough that many use them as their sole vacuum cleaner. Consider models with strong suction power, lightweight design, and extended battery life.
We analyzed 99 vacuums and assessed 151,329 reviews to identify the top 4 cordless vacuums for our guide. Our rigorous process involves certifying products as tested and filtering out fake and low-quality reviews using our scientific True Score. The winning models performed exceptionally well in cleaning, showcasing reliability, and high user satisfaction, ensuring you get a high-quality vacuum for your cleaning needs.
How Did We Rank the Best Cordless Vacuums?
To determine the best cordless vacuums, we analyzed data from more than 200 sites, reviewing testing methods, customer feedback, and expert opinions. By synthesizing these insights with our proprietary True Score system, we created a detailed buying guide. We identified 2 essential test results and 1 critical specification that matters most to consumers. Our guide is designed to help you make an informed decision based on rigorous analysis and real-world performance.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low-quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Must be cordless.
? Test Criteria
- Bare Floor Performance: The vacuum sucks up 95% of debris when cleaning bare surfaces such as tile, vinyl planks, and hardwood floors.
- Carpet Performance: The vacuum sucks up 70% of debris when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile.
Latest Updates
- 06/25/2024: Republished the list to include the best cordless vacuum cleaners based on our True Score system.
Top Cordless Vacuums For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dyson V15 Detect
Best Handheld For Pet Hair
The Dyson V15 Detect excels in pet hair removal and bare floor cleaning. Despite its moderate noise level and frequent emptying requirements, it’s a fantastic choice for pet owners.
True Score
919219Experts
942kCustomers
Cosmic Wonder
$629.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Laser illumination technology
- Incredible performance on both carpets and hard floors
- Lightweight design
- Decent battery life
- Anti-allergenic HEPA filter
Reasons to Avoid
- Complicated maneuvrability on deep carpets
- Relatively low-capacity 0.45L dust cup
- Plastic construction
Specifications
Bagless Yes 
Bin Capacity 0.2 gal 
Brush Roll Shut-Off No 
Carpet Height Adjustments Yes 
Cleaning Path Width 10″ 
Compatible Floor Type All floors 
Cord Length Cordless 
Corded/Cordless Cordless 
Filter Type Other 
Hypoallergenic Yes 
Pet Yes 
Product Weight 6.7 lbs 
Vacuum Type Handheld vacuums 
Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 92 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 73 All Retailers
$629.00
$629.00$750Save $121
$649.99$800Save $150
Our Verdict
The Dyson V15 Detect is a fantastic cordless vacuum that excels in pet hair and bare floor cleaning. It boasts an impressive pet hair performance of 100% and a bare floor performance of 98.59%, making it a standout choice for pet owners. This vacuum cleaner also performs well on carpets, with a performance score of 91.77%, rounding out the all-around performance of the Detect.
However, it’s worth noting that the Dyson V15 Detect has a noise level of 72.54 dB. While this is moderate, it is louder than some other models, like the Samsung Bespoke Jet. If you prefer quieter cleaning sessions, the Jet is indeed quieter but also performs slightly worse across the board.
The Detect features a hypoallergenic and bagless design but does not use a HEPA filter for advanced filtration. It also has a bin capacity of 0.2 gal, which may require regular emptying during heavy cleaning, especially if you pick up lots of pet hair.
While the Dyson V15 Detect is the most expensive option in our lineup, its performance and quality justify the price. If you’re looking for a vacuum cleaner that delivers excellent performance in pet hair and bare floor cleaning, the Dyson V15 Detect is a fantastic choice.
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Category Snapshot
Vacuum Cleaners
- Total Brands/Products Tested
31 Brands, 99 Products
- Top 2 Brands
Dyson, Miele
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$50-$400+
- Average True Score
75.70
- Important Test Criteria
Bare Floor Performance (%)
Carpet Performance (%)
- Most Trusted Testers
- Typical Warranty
1 year
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – Amazon, Best Buy
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Samsung Bespoke Jet
Best Cordless For Pet Hair
The Samsung Bespoke Jet is a lightweight, quiet, cordless vacuum. It’s excellent for pet hair removal and bare floor performance, but it has a small bin and a higher price tag.
True Score
87867Experts
91554Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $200$899.00$699.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- The cleaning station simplifies emptying the dust cup
- Two battery packs
- Lightweight design
- Turbo brush accessory
- Excellent performance on carpets and hard floors
Reasons to Avoid
- Doesn’t support wet cleaning
- Bulk two-in-one floor head
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.2 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 9.8″ Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type 5-stage, Cyclonic, HEPA Hypoallergenic Unknown Pet Yes Product Weight 6 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 98 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 92 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 71 All Retailers
- $699.00$899Save $200
- $699.99
Our Verdict
The Samsung Bespoke Jet is a cordless vacuum cleaner that stands out for its lightweight and quiet operation. With a noise level of 70.525 dB, it is quieter than most of the options on our list, and it’s also very light – at just 6 lbs, it’s extremely easy to maneuver around your home. This vacuum cleaner excels in pet hair performance, cleaning up 99.5% of debris, and does an impressive job with bare floors and carpet, at 97.71% and 91.7%, respectively.
The Jet also features a HEPA filter, which is great for allergy sufferers. However, its bin capacity isn’t great—at 0.2 gal, it’ll need relatively frequent emptying when you’re using it.
If you’re looking for a less expensive option, Shark’s Vertex Pro will save you a little over a hundred dollars and comes with a slightly larger bin and better performance on bare floors and with sucking up pet hair – but it’s also heavier and noticeably worse with carpets than the Jet.
The Jet is all about balancing performance, quality, and price. It’s an upper mid-range vacuum with excellent pet hair performance, a lower noise level, and a lighter overall weight than many of its competitors. It may have a small bin and a higher price tag than some of the other options on our list, but its performance and features make it a strong pick regardless.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Stratos Cordless
Best Cordless Stick
The Shark Stratos Cordless is a high-performing mid-range vacuum that is excellent at cleaning bare floors and pet hair. It’s a bit loud and has a smaller bin capacity, but it offers great value.
True Score
83866Experts
85759Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $71$399.99$329.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Impressive suction power
- Great bare floor performance
- Great Carpet cleaning performance
- Excellent pet hair cleaning performance
Reasons to Avoid
- Attachments are very limited
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.18 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown Carpet Height Adjustments Yes Cleaning Path Width 10″ Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 8.9 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 89 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $329.00$400Save $71
- $344.94$500Save $155
Our Verdict
If you’re after a mid-range vacuum that maintains the lighter profile of a stick vacuum but doesn’t sacrifice suction, the Shark Stratos Cordless vacuum cleaner is an excellent choice. On bare floors, it cleans up to 98.825% of debris, making it perfect for vinyl, tile, and hardwood. This vacuum also excels in pet hair removal, matching more expensive models with a perfect score of 100%.
The only surface it has any kind of “struggle” with is carpets, and it still manages an excellent 89.26% of debris cleaned, putting it barely behind other vacuums like the Samsung Bespoke Jet. The Stratos is actually better when it comes to bare floors and pet hair while being cheaper – but the Jet is also noticeably lighter (6 lbs vs the 8.9 lbs of the Stratos.)
However, it’s worth noting that the Shark Stratos Cordless is not the quietest option available. With a noise level of 76.65 dB, it’s on the louder end of the vacuums on our list and will disrupt conversations, as well as bother skittish pets and young children. The Stratos also makes a noticeable tradeoff with its smaller bin capacity of 0.18 gal, requiring more frequent emptying as you vacuum, especially if it’s large debris or pet hair.
Despite these considerations, the Shark Stratos Cordless offers excellent value. Its high performance in bare floor cleaning and pet hair removal makes it a great choice for pet owners and those with bare floors, even with its slightly higher noise level and smaller bin capacity.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away
Best Carpets
The Lift-Away is a versatile vacuum with excellent performance on all surfaces, particularly for pet hair removal. It’s heavier and louder, but the large bin capacity and versatility are significant advantages.
True Score
83842Experts
87340Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $1$399.99$399.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent performance on all floor types
- Good battery life
- Outstanding pet hair pick-up rate
- Low on-going costs
- LED headlights
Reasons to Avoid
- The brush roll is not removable
- Poor stain-removal performance
- Lacks a turbo brush
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.34 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 10″ Compatible Floor Type Carpet, Hardwoods Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 12.4 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 89 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $399.00$400Save $1
- $399.99
- $602.87
Our Verdict
If you need a cordless vacuum with high capacity and don’t mind a bulkier design, the Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away offers impressive performance across every surface. This vacuum cleaner is particularly impressive with pet hair, scoring a perfect 100%. This, along with a HEPA filter, makes it an excellent choice for pet owners or if you suffer from allergies. Plus, the 0.34 gal bin means you won’t need to empty the vacuum out constantly as you clean.
It also performs well on both bare floors and carpets, with scores of 98.565% and 89.36%, respectively, meaning you can take it from vinyl to area rugs to hardwood to carpets without a worry. The trade-off comes in the form of weight. At 12.4 lbs, it’s one of the heaviest options on our list, but the vacuum’s lift-away nature means maneuvering it remains easy since the wand itself has a thin stick profile.
The vacuum also has a slightly higher noise level at 77 dB, which will be disruptive and occasionally bothersome but still moderate enough not to be a huge issue. If you want a quieter vacuum, the Dyson V15 Detect offers less noise and better performance (particularly on carpets) but is over double the price.
If you’re on a budget, Shark’s Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away is a fantastic mid-range pick that easily handles any surface in your home. Its excellent pet hair performance, versatility, and large bin capacity make it an easy pick if you want to get more done with less.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Cordless Vacuums?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required), anyone can quickly and easily compare these vacuum cleaners and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a vacuum cleaner that will meet your needs.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare Floor Performance | > 95% | Yes | How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning bare surfaces like tile, vinyl planks, and hardwood floors. |
| Carpet Performance | > 70% | Yes | How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 120+ vacuum cleaner reviewers and found that 27 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for vacuum cleaner.
- Dagobiet Morales Alfaro – RTings, LinkedIn
- Derek Hales – Modern Castle, LinkedIn
- Sabine Heinlein – Wirecutter, LinkedIn
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every vacuum cleaner review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Vacuum Cleaner Test Data & Results
1. Bare Floor Performance Test Results
As the name suggests, bare floor performance references how well a vacuum does when it’s cleaning up tiles, vinyl planks, or hardwood flooring. Debris comes in a variety of sizes of course, and much of the testing revolves around picking up debris that ranges in size from cereal to bits of dirt to sand to a mix of everything above and more.
We recommend that a vacuum be able to pick up at least 95% of debris from a bare floor to ensure you end up with clean floors. Hitting a perfect score is obviously ideal, but the worse a vacuum performs here, the more work you need to do sweeping up or re-vacuuming. Missing debris is frustrating, and can invite pests if you miss bits of food, or annoyance if you step on something barefoot and hurt yourself.
Bare Floor Performance
> 95%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning bare surfaces like tile, vinyl planks, and hardwood floors.
Units of Measurement: % (percentage)
Tools to Measure: Scale
Why It’s Important:
A vacuum is supposed to clean, so if it can’t pick up most of the debris on a floor, it’s not doing its job.
Bare Floor Performance in % (higher is better; 0 = No Data)
2. Carpet Performance Test Results
Carpet Performance
> 70%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile.
Units of Measurement: % (percentage)
Tools to Measure: Scale
Why It’s Important:
If you have carpet, how well a vacuum cleans directly impacts how your carpet feels to walk on, and prevents pests from moving in.
Carpet cleaning ability is another important part of how your vacuum performs. Whether you have low-pile, high-pile, or rugs, how effectively a vacuum cleans up the dirt and debris left behind on the carpet is enormously important to keeping your carpet comfortable.
Generally speaking, we recommend a carpet cleaning performance of at least 70%. You might notice this is much lower than bare floors, and that’s because carpet is harder to clean. Short of devoting the time to actually shampoo and dry out a carpet, thoroughly cleaning out a carpet is very difficult, and good vacuums will reach deep between fibers and pull out long-forgotten crumbs.
Carpet Performance in % (higher is better; 0 = No Data)
Best Cordless Vacuums: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring Battery Life: Focusing on other features while overlooking battery life can leave you with a vacuum that doesn’t last through your cleaning sessions. Choose a model with at least 30 minutes of runtime on a single charge, and consider those with removable batteries for extended cleaning.
- Overlooking Suction Power: Selecting a vacuum without considering suction power can result in poor cleaning performance. Ensure the vacuum has strong suction to effectively clean various surfaces. Check specifications and read reviews to understand the vacuum’s real-world performance.
- Not Considering Your Flooring Type: Buying a vacuum without considering your specific flooring type can lead to subpar cleaning. Ensure the vacuum is suitable for your flooring, whether it’s carpet, laminate, tile, or a combination. Some models offer adjustable settings for different surfaces.
- Forgetting About Dustbin Capacity: Choosing a vacuum without considering dustbin capacity can lead to frequent interruptions to empty it. Opt for a vacuum with a dustbin capacity that matches your cleaning needs. Larger bins are advantageous for larger homes or extensive cleaning tasks. Alternatively, consider a great bagged vacuum, which often has larger capacities and can hold more debris before needing to be emptied. Bagged vacuums are also beneficial for reducing allergens, as they seal the dust and dirt inside a disposable bag, making them ideal for allergy sufferers.
The Best Cordless Vacuums Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Bare Floor Performance
|
Carpet Performance
|
Pet Hair Performance
|
Noise Level
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 |
|
|
|
|  $629.00 |
| 87 |
|
|
|
|  $699.00 $899 $200 |
| 83 |
|
|
|
| $329.00 $400 $71 |
Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away
| 83 |
|
|
|
| $399.00 $400 $1 |
