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Tired of hauling out your heavy corded vacuum for every little mess life throws at you? A cordless stick vacuum is the answer for quick clean-ups, car tidying, and traversing stairs.
We thoroughly tested 21 of the most popular cordless vacuums, tackling real-world messes from pet hair to Cheerios. The result: clear recommendations for different needs and budgets—no sponsored picks, just the models that truly stood out.
Our top pick for most people is the Shark PowerDetect. It's simple to use, great at picking up debris on most surfaces, and has handy features like a self-emptying dock. For a little more, you can get the powerful Dyson V15 Detect, which offers many features and seamlessly converts to a handheld vacuum.
For budget-conscious shoppers, the Smoture VAC01 impressed us with solid cleaning for the price.
Looking to keep the daily upkeep at bay? We highly recommend adding a robot vacuum to help keep up with a busy household.
Editor's Note: On December 24, 2025, we updated this review to reflect a new award-winning vacuum and to include three new products from Dyson, Eureka, and Shark.
With excellent carpet cleaning performance and convenient features, the Shark PowerDetect is one of our favorites. For quick cleanups on any surface, you can't go wrong with the PowerDetect. With two built-in brush rollers (one for carpet, one for hard floors) and a smart detect mode that adjusts suction based on debris and surface type. There's no need to swap vacuum heads or tweak settings, so you can move from room to room without breaking your flow. This Shark shined when removing pet fur from our shag rugs, a feat that most other vacuums can't accomplish. Perhaps the feature we appreciate most is the docking station, which provides storage and prolongs stints between messy bin-emptying, a weakness of the slim stick vacuum design. We love that we don't have to get dirty and release dust into the air every time we pull out the vacuum.
The PowerDetect's bumper at the front of the head keeps it from reaching edges during head-on passes, making it less effective for cleaning stairs and under cabinets. Additionally, hair and fur can become tangled easily, so pet owners may need to clean the vacuum head more frequently. While many cordless vacuums include a motorized upholstery tool, this model leaves that part out. That means it's not the best option for tighter spaces like car interiors or couch corners. It's also a bit of an investment compared to a traditional upright vacuum. If you're looking for something similar without the added cost of the station, consider the Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight—especially if your home has thicker rugs, where it actually performed better in our testing. Still, the convenience of the Shark PowerDetect model pays off every time you use it, making chores quicker and easier so you can spend more time doing what you love.
Simply put, we love vacuuming with the Dyson V15 Detect. It is effective on carpet and hardwood, and even tackles thick pet hair. The standard “Auto” mode adjusts the power based on the mess it's tackling. Minor day-to-day crumbs? Less power. A bowl of rice dumped off the counter? More power. This effectively saves battery so you can keep moving without needing to recharge. We were particularly impressed on hardwood. The Fluffy Optic brush is excellent at picking up all types of debris on hard surfaces and features a laser that illuminates dust. Our lead tester noted, “At first, I thought the Fluffy Optic head would be a little gimmicky, but I ended up loving this feature as it allowed me to see tiny debris that would have otherwise been left behind.” However, our favorite attachment of the bunch was the mini motorized hair screw tool. This allows the V15 Detect to work as a handheld vacuum and clean pet hair from furniture. It's also handy for cleaning out the car with the variety of attachments included.
Though it has a great run time on “Eco” (64 min), it only lasts 9 minutes on “Boost,” the highest setting. Still, the “Auto” function was enough for most of our home, and we liked how it kicked in more power when needed. Additionally, we found “Boost” mode to be overpowering at times and hard to push on carpet. The vacuum also only runs while the trigger is being held, which is our biggest complaint. You must hold this down for the entirety of your clean. If you let go, the vacuum turns off. Our testers' hands got tired during large cleans and wished it were just a button to turn the vacuum on and off. Still, we found this to be a fair tradeoff for the excellent level of cleaning and convenience offered by the V15 Detect. The Dyson Gen5detect has many of the same great features as the Detect, but doesn't have the trigger-on function. If you like the sound of the V15 Detect but prefer a button, this is the way to go, but the upgrade will cost you.
Priced at $210, but often available for much less, the Smoture VAC01 delivers impressive cleaning performance at a tantalizing price point. This vacuum performed admirably on hardwood floors and low pile carpet, cleaning a majority of the sand, rice, and Cheerios during our stress testing. This is a great choice for a small house, apartment, or someone seeking a supplemental vacuum for quick, hassle-free cleanups, helping prolong the need to use your bigger, bulky vacuum. Able to stand alone, this cordless vacuum is easy to store wherever you prefer, and its lightweight design makes it easy to push from one room to another or carry up the stairs.
During testing, the Smoture occasionally became clogged when clusters of Cheerios stuck at the dustbin's intake valve, so you'll need to be careful with larger cracker crumbs or cereal when cleaning. It also struggled to pick up pet hair and left fur wrapped around its brush roller. The suction power was below average, especially on shag carpet, where it could only pick up debris from the surface level, a typical pattern we see with budget models. Lasting up to 43 minutes on low, but only 14 minutes on high, your practical usage time will likely fall somewhere in between. If you seek to replace your traditional vacuum for cordless convenience, we would suggest looking at the next price tier, such as the Shark PowerDetect or Dyson V15. However, usually on sale, we still consider this vacuum a great option for those on a budget, especially if you don't have pets or thick, shag carpets.
The Dyson Gen5detect beat out the competitors in almost every test, proving itself to be one of the most effective cordless vacuums available. It's the bigger and badder sibling of the Dyson V15 Detect, delivering even more powerful suction, and adding our favorite improvement, an on/off button so you don't have to hold down a trigger while you clean. The intense suction meant that during our carpet testing, hardly a speck of sand remained buried in the carpet weave. The laser-enabled head truly sparked joy when cleaning hardwood floors, illuminating even the smallest motes of dust, and helping us achieve a pristine clean inside our homes.
This vacuum was “designed for the clean freaks,” noted one of our team members. Even on its lowest setting, it had enough power to clean our tester's entire 4-bedroom home, and with 67 minutes of battery life, it lasted through the whole job. The certified HEPA filter didn't disappoint during our clean air filtration testing, making this vacuum suitable for those with allergies. We also appreciated the added attachments, like the crevice tool built into the vacuum wand and the motorized brush attachment that made cleaning stairs and pet beds much more streamlined.
The heightened design and attention to detail don't come for free, as the Gen5Detect is the most expensive cordless vacuum we've ever tested. The elevated performance persuaded us that there is value here, for those with deep pockets who desire that extra deep clean. There is a tradeoff between the intense suction and the overall maneuverability of this model. Both the heaviness of the motor and the difficulty pushing this high-powered vacuum across carpet meant that you can work up a bit of a sweat when cleaning, and occasionally with a fatigued forearm.
If you struggle with allergies or respiratory conditions, the Samsung Bespoke Jet is worth a look. While many stick vacuums do a good job at preventing small particles from escaping into the air, the dock stands out by addressing the entire cleaning process, not just when in use. With the push of a button, the vacuum empties the dustbin into a sealed bag within the station, containing dust and allergens. We really appreciate how the bag can be easily removed and discarded, avoiding the typical plume of dust that often occurs when emptying a bagless canister.
On the flip side, since the Bespoke Jet's utilizes a bagged docking station, you're signing up to purchase bags for the duration of its lifespan. The dock itself takes up a decent amount of room, something to be mindful of if you're short on space. We were underwhelmed by its performance on thicker rugs, as it struggled to fully clean the denser weave. It was prone to clogging on pet hair and would shut itself off when it detected a blockage. While we appreciate that the vacuum keeps itself in working order, pet owners may need to interrupt their cleaning process to remove clumps of pet hair.
The Dyson V15s Submarine technically released the fewest pollutants back into the air—31 particles total, compared to 41 from the Bespoke. If you or a family member has severe allergies or sensitivities, every particle might count, making the Dyson stick vacuum a better pick when in use. For most people, though, we're willing to accept that small difference (for context, over 1,050 particles puts air into the poor quality zone) in exchange for the added benefits of the Bespoke's auto-empty station. It's not just about convenience; the station also avoids that messy dust cloud that often happens when emptying a stick vacuum's small bin.
The Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight vacuum was once our go-to recommendation for most households, but it's since been dethroned by the newer Shark PowerDetect. That said, the Vertex Pro Lightweight remains one of the best options we've tested for shag rugs and thicker carpets. The high-clearance head easily gobbles up larger debris that likes to float above the thick weave of high pile carpets or rugs. The PowerDetect brings a few upgrades, like better low pile carpet cleaning and smarter automatic adjustments, and it's available with a self-emptying dock—something you won't get here. So while this version is still a capable cleaner, if you can find it on sale, it's worth considering. Just know you're passing on a bit of convenience in favor of tried-and-true performance, especially on plush carpet.
The Vertex is a dream to use, with its sweet, smooth swivel and rollers that almost propel itself, we saw this as a great go-to vacuum when we wanted to complete jobs quickly and easily. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Product Comparison Table
We test all vacuums at our in-house testing facility, mimicking real-world messes and situations. Credit: Natalie Kafader
How We Tested
We've tested over 250 vacuums in the past decade, and everything we've learned has gone into helping you find the right one. You can learn more about our current vacuum test protocol here. We put each vacuum through more than 25 individual tests that reflect real-world use.
To reflect real-life conditions, we test the vacuums on a 27 square foot area and give them only 24 seconds to clean up the mess. We pile the carpets high with debris by dumping a ½ cup of each sand, rice, and Cheerios in the lane, and we measure exactly how many grams the vacuum successfully sucked up to deliver accurate results.
Each vacuum undergoes two trials, with repeats for any inconsistencies, ensuring we gather reliable data across different kinds of carpet.
Our hardwood test starts the same as carpeted tests. We dump a ½ cup of each rice, sand, and Cheerios on our hardwood floring. After vacuuming for 24 seconds (an average time spent on this size of flooring), we measure how much the vacuum was able to collect.
In addition to the standard cleaning test, we check edge performance to assess how well it cleans tougher spots. We sprinkle coffee grounds along a basebord and approach it head-on and while moving parallel with the wall. The best vacuums clean the mess no matter what direction you approch it with.
Our team brings in real pet fur from their cats and dogs. We then press the hair into carpets to see how well each vacuum picks it up. After weighing the before and after, we are able to calculate a percentage of pet hair cleaned. We also sprinkle long hair from extensions to see how well the vacuums can pick up the occasional longer human hair.
The brush roller gets a lot of focus during this test too. Some vacuums get clogged or the brush roller gets wrapped in hair. We keep an eye on this during our vacuuming runs. We also note how tricky it is to get the hair free from the brush head.
To test how well a vacuum captures particles, we use fine flour, a great stand-in since its particles can reach microscopic sizes. We vacuum a third of a cup out of the carpet and record the peak small particle count in the testing room across three trials using two Dylos meters. In general, the lower the count, the better the vacuum is at containing and filtering fine debris.
Our ease of use test focuses on how easy it is to get going with the vacuum. Ideally, a stick vacuum clicks on and goes with no fuss. We evaluate how user-friendly each vacuum is, from handling and maneuverability to how helpful the included attachments are for reaching every corner and surface of your home.
We test each vacuum's battery life to see how long it lasts on a single charge, on both the lowest and highest settings. This gives you the range that you have to work.
These vacuums have been tested in the lab and in our homes for the most reliable information. We test how effective they are at cleaning up debris, how easy they are to use, among many other tests.
Why Trust GearLab
Rachael Lamore, Senior Review Analyst and Editor, designed our vacuum testing protocol, bringing scientific rigor and hands-on expertise from testing dozens of vacuums. She is our lead tester, not just in this vacuum category, but has also spent hundreds of hours testing canister, upright, and handheld vacuums. She has a background in biological sciences and ecological research, bringing analytical precision to the development of vacuum testing protocols that measure suction, debris pickup, and filtration.
Becca Glades, Senior Review Editor, joins the team as a parent and dog owner. She frequently cleans her house, picking up after a toddler and two heavily shedding labradors. A cordless stick vacuum is a non-negotiable item in her home, as the convenience for quick clean-ups is hard to find elsewhere. Becca's BS in Biology gives her the scientific mindset needed for product testing, ensuring the recommended products are both practical and functional.
Jessica Riconscente has been testing and writing about vacuums of all types with GearLab for years. She has learned the ins and outs of cordless stick vacuums and knows exactly what to look for, including how well they perform in households with families and pets. Together, our team delivers data-driven recommendations based on our team's evaluations, ensuring that each vacuum is tested under real-world, repeatable conditions.
Our pets were happy to lend some fur for our pet hair tests. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Analysis and Test Results
In the following sections, we dive into our test results, comparing products that stood out in our testing, for better or worse. Depending on your cleaning crises, you may favor one metric over another, so we suggest focusing on the sections that matter to you most.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
For most people, the Smoture offers the best balance of price and performance at around $200. It cleans like a champ on hard flooring and low-pile carpet, and has top-tier filtration. However, its lower suction struggles with shag carpet and pet hair—common with budget models. While it's not ideal for pet owners, it's a solid choice for many homes.
The Levoit LVAC-200 ranked just behind the Smoture overall. While it didn't perform as well on hardwood, its carpet cleaning scores were similar. It actually did slightly better in our separate pet hair test on low-pile carpet, so pet owners, you may want to check this product out. Still, like many budget models, it doesn't handle rugs very well.
The Dyson stick vacuums performed well in our testing, but it is no secret that they are some of the priciest. However, you can find them on sale from time to time. Our recommendation is to run a quick price comparison and buy whichever model you can find for the least expensive price. The Dyson V15 Detect and the Dyson V15s Submarine stick vacuums performed nearly identically as the Gen5Detect in our cleaning tests, despite slightly lower suction power (and were a bit easier to maneuver as well). Unfortunately, they both feature the trigger-on/off mechanism that we would like to see phased out. At the end of the day, if a trigger mechanism isn't a deal breaker, these can offer great long-term value if you find them on sale.
If you need a reliable vacuum for prolonged use at a low price, you may want to consider a compact upright or canister vacuum. Plugging into the wall gives you cheaper access to more power.
Not quite the fancy particle counter LCD screens of the Dysons, but the Smoture still provides enough adjustability to help with different cleaning needs. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Carpet Performance
Anyone with carpet knows how easily fine dust, dirt, and bits of food or outdoor debris get ground in by feet and paws. In order to make our tests comprehensive, we run trials on both low pile (¼" thick) and high pile/shag carpet (1¼" thick) to determine performance scores.
Conventional Low Pile Carpet vs. Shag High Pile
The taller and fluffier your carpet or rug, the more dirt settles deeper into the carpet weave, only to be released by intense suction and agitation from your vacuum cleaner. There's a noticeable jump in how much harder it is to thoroughly clean high-pile rugs and carpets.
Shorter carpets often have superficial messes where larger items can be challenging for the vacuum head to crawl over and suck up. Higher pile carpets are like hoarders. They like to trap everything and make it difficult to effectively agitate deep into the carpet, often leaving finer material behind.
Carpet Cleaning Performance (%)
Product
Low Pile
High Pile
Shark PowerDetect Cordless
94
54
Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight
90
56
Tineco Pure ONE S11
90
56
Dyson Gen5detect
96
50
Dyson V15 Detect
94
49
Samsung Bespoke Jet
94
47
Shark Pet Plus
92
49
Dyson V15s Submarine
95
45
Shark Stratos Cordless
83
53
Dyson V8
92
44
Dyson Gen5outsize
90
42
Smoture VAC01
87
42
Levoit LVAC-200
86
42
Dyson V12 Slim
78
44
Shark Rocket Pro DLX Corded
86
36
Shark Detect Pro Cordless
75
40
Eureka Cordless ReactiClean 410
78
37
Kenmore Elite CSV Max DS4095
77
20
Black+Decker Powerseries+ 20V
73
24
Ryobi 18 V ONE+
58
20
Bissell Cleanview XR
24
35
Low Pile Carpet
To clean carpets effectively, a vacuum needs both:
A stiff-bristled brush to dislodge dirt from deep in the fibers
Strong suction to lift the mess away without scattering
Together, this is a combination for success!
To ensure we get results that we can compare apples-to-apples, we take exact measurements of the amount of material we use. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Dyson Gen5detect had the highest debris pickup rate, 96% on average, of any vacuum we tested. The Dyson V15s Submarine and V15 Detect performed similarly, thanks to their identical head design. On carpet, their strong suction sometimes pushes larger debris like Cheerios forward before eventually picking them up. That said, we were especially impressed by how well they pulled deeply embedded sand out of the carpet, something many vacuums struggle with. They also worked fast, which made cleaning the house noticeably quicker compared to other products.
Dyson Gen5detectBlack+Decker Powerseries+ 20V
You can view the difference between one of the best performers, Dyson Gen5detect, versus one of the worst, Black+Decker. Notice the haze of the carpet on the right?. That's all the sand the Bissell couldn't lift up. Select the “Compare Other Products” button below to view more results from the lineup.
The Shark PowerDetect uses a combination brush roller, designed to be functional on both hard flooring and carpet alike. This design is built to handle larger debris like Cheerios and offers the convenience of not needing to swap vacuum heads, though it does trade off some raw suction power. The powerful brushroller agitation of the Shark PowerDetect was so effective that this vacuum still captured 94% of debris.
The Samsung Bespoke has a similar user-friendly design to the Shark, with a smaller-diameter soft roller up front that hits the sweet spot for debris size, handling both large and small messes evenly. As a result, it picked up 94% of all debris in our tests. There was a slight clog during our second trial, but we were reassured by the vacuum's technology, which instantly shut off at first signs of distress. Our subsequent trials were almost flawless, with the vacuum head's ability to roll over Cheerios and get sand deep within the carpet.
It was a delight to see the Samsung work. Look at how smooth its performance is here. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Smoture VAC01 stands out as our top choice for a budget-friendly vacuum, capturing an impressive 86% of debris on low pile carpet. While it effectively picked up nearly all of the rice and Cheerios, we noticed it struggled with sand, leaving some behind on the carpet. Although it may lack the suction power to handle heavier dirt particles, it excels at addressing lighter messes. This performance is a key reason why we've awarded it the Best Buy on a Tight Budget.
The budget-friendly Smoture VAC01 is impressive at picking up most debris on a single pass, only struggling with deeper embedded sand. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Next, we want to illustrate what we call the clogging chronicles by the Bissell Cleanview. It plugs up often due to a major design flaw: a small, half-moon-shaped inlet to the dustbin. Coupled with a narrow hose, this restricts material flow and causes frequent blockages.
A waterfall of rice and other debris isn't what we expected to find at the end of our short pile testing with the Bissell. Credit: Natalie Kafader
We were similarly disappointed by the Ryobi 18V, which seemed to snow plow Cheerios and larger debris around the carpet rather than suck them up. The disappointment thickened when the vacuum was turned off after cleaning and watched debris fall back out of the bottom, leaving a whole new mess. To add salt to the wound, even the places it had passed over and attempted to clean were still littered with a mixture of sand, rice, and Cheerios.
The Ryobi pushes larger debris, like Cheerios, around rather than sucking it up. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Shag Rugs and High Pile Carpet
Higher pile shag carpets pose the biggest hurdle for cordless vacuums in our testing. It's difficult for brush rollers to reach down and agitate dust and dander buried beneath thick carpet fibers, and for suction to form a strong seal and lift debris as effectively as it does on low-pile carpet or hardwood.
We conduct our testing in the same way as low pile testing: measuring, weighing, and timing, all standardized to present findings we can compare.
Here, we show the full process with our tied leader, the Tineco Pure One. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Tineco was our best performer on shag carpets but tended to push the Cheerios down into the fibers of the high-pile carpet. On the other hand, this is where the Shark Vertex thrived, picking up the larger Cheerios. Unfortunately, it left rice and sand behind in our timed testing. This makes sense, as the double rollers work well for larger debris but do not provide the powerful suction needed to grab deep into the base of the carpet.
Shark Vertex Pro LightweightLevoit LVAC-200
The Vertex did well on our high pile test, where the Levoit LVAC 200, like many budget models, struggled on this difficult test.
The biggest surprise was the drop in performance by the elite Dyson models. The Gen5 and Dyson V15 sucked up about half of the mess in the test. The Submarine wasn't much off, with 45% captured.
Why Did We See Dramatic Drops For The Dysons?
The powerful suction of these models makes it so you move a bit slower across the deep shag carpet; therefore, their performance takes a hit. While some competitors were better at sucking up larger materials and snagging them from the carpet quickly, the Dysons' deep cleaning needs additional time to collect the sand that likes to burrow into rugs.
We did additional runs with the Submarine and found that it could collect up to 71% more with just a few extra passes.
At the top of the photo, the plowing (or pushing of debris) that occurs with the Dysons is evident. Still, from the visual here, the V15 didn't do that badly. However, what lurks deep in the rug takes more time to clean, in our experience. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Kenmore, along with other cheaper models like the Ryobi and Black+Decker, didn't fare as well on the high pile as it did on the short. These three had the worst performance in our tests, only picking up about 20% of the mess. The brush tines of both the Ryobi and the Black+Decker tangled in the tall carpet, preventing the vacuums from cleaning well. Whereas the Kenmore's movement felt so light, it was almost too easy to push the vacuum around on the shag, with a noticeable lack of suction that barely captured any debris.
Before TestingAfter Testing
This is what we saw during our carpet performance testing. Move the toggle to the left or right to see the initial test material and how effective the two products, Shark Stratos (left) and Black+Decker (right), were in our most stringent tests. You can see the difference between what a mid-range model and a budget model can clean up.
We used the same procedure to test hardwood pickup as we did for carpet, allowing us to compare performance across different flooring types and see how each vacuum handles a whole-house clean. We also tested how well each model captures crumbs along edges to ensure it can clean thoroughly into every corner and close to walls.
Once again, the Dyson family takes the lead. These come equipped with a separate hard surface cleaning head that's gentle on hardwood but powerful enough to handle larger debris.
Dyson V15 DetectBissell Cleanview XR
The Dyson V15's soft fluffy brush polished the floors as it suck up all the material we put down in our test. The Bissell continued to have clogging issues.
Dyson's Fluffy Optic Head for Hard Surfaces
While the Dyson's laser head sounds gimmicky and certainly isn't required to get a good clean, it did make achieving that clean much easier, perhaps even fun, and helps guarantee that you have banished every dust mote from the flooring.
As self-proclaimed neat freaks, the laser really scratched the itch for tidy perfection. All of the cordless vacuums feature LED lights that help you see the dirt on your floor. However, the low angle of the laser was a much more effective visualizer than the standard lights.
Here you can see for yourself how effective the laser illumination is. Credit: Natalie Kafader
While you're limited by the smaller dustbin of the Dyson V12, this model still comes with the Fluffy Optic head and a motorized attachment, making it great for upholstery cleaning. This makes it a great “mid-range Dyson” pick for someone with a small space and lots of hard flooring. On the other side of the spectrum is the Dyson Gen5outsize, which has a massive canister that can last you multiple cleans before needing to be dumped. Plus, it picks up 99% of debris on hardwood.
The Dyson Gen5outsize has a large 1.9L dustbin that prevents frequent trips to the trashcan. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Nearly as effective at cleaning hard surfaces, and more affordable than the Dyson offerings the Shark PowerDetect, Vertex, and Samsung Bespoke. They make quick work moving forward through our vacuuming tests, as they all tend to plow material to some degree when pulling back, so you'll want to push away from yourself when cleaning.
Before TestingAfter Testing
Use the toggle to check out our before and after shots. Notice our star stud, Dyson V15 (center), squeaky clean finish versus the messes that still reside after testing for the Bissell Cleanview (left) and Homeika (right).
While most of the cordless vacuums are at least effective, if not impressive, on hard surfaces, there are a few models we wouldn't recommend. The Kenmore and Black+Decker were noticeably weak in comparison to the crowd, and could feel their lackluster power when working through thick messes on hardwood. They both left patches of sand throughout the lane, perhaps due to a lack of suction or limited agitation, but were still able to clean up about 70% of the mess.
The Bissell, as mentioned before, is easily overwhelmed by larger pieces of debris and clogged constantly throughout our testing. The Ryobi also struggled with clogging and seemed to just shave debris off the top of the mess, like a lawnmower over grass, failing to suck up a majority of the rice and sand.
The Tineco almost latched onto the Cheerios during testing, but would eventually let its grip go and gather Cheerios and rice. It picked up 83% of the debris, with most being left when it had difficulty attacking a larger clutter of mess. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Is The Hybrid Dyson V15s Submarine Worth It?
Specifically designed for hardwood floors, this Dyson has a separate mop head, differentiating it from the standard V15 model. While the idea is appealing, we weren't impressed with how it performed. The mop head often left water droplets behind, and it was tough to vacuum and mop on a single charge. We don't think the extra $200 is worth it for the specialty head.
The Submarine can help pick up morning coffee spill messes, but it takes a lot of passes to clean hardwood floors effectively. Credit: Natalie Kafader
If you're looking for a better solution for spills, check out our steam mop review. Dedicated tools usually do a better job than all-in-one designs.
Cleaning Edges and Corners
Dust and debris tend to accumulate along walls and edges, and cleaning out these dust bunnies can improve air quality and leave your room feeling cleaner and more polished. We test each edge cleaning ability when moving both head-on and parallel to the wall, so that your cleaning job is as easy as possible.
It's reassuring to see the Shark Detect Pro pick up debris along baseboards, delivering a thorough clean right up to the edges of the walls. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Some of the vacuums, like the Dyson Gen5, Submarine, V8, and Shark Detect Pro, aced the edge cleaning tests, able to clean along the baseboard no matter what direction you're headed from. Annoyingly, some vacuums can only clean the edges when moving in one direction, and some were unable to clean the baseboards at all.
Dyson V12 SlimLevoit LVAC-200
Choose which products you would like to compare to see how well these vacuums performed along baseboards.
The Black + Decker and the Shark Pet Plus were unable to successfully capture all the coffee grounds from deep within the seam, due to the thick plastic bumpers they both feature on the brushroll heads. The Tineco and Kenmore both left a ¼ inch streak when moving parallel to the wall, making it difficult to effectively clean the baseboards in your kitchen or along a long hallway.
Pet Hair
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 45.5% of US households own a dog, and 32.1% have a cat - adding up to 163.5 million fur-shedding pets. We created a dedicated pet hair test by massaging real pet fur and hair extensions into carpet to help fellow animal lovers find the best vacuums for the job.
Pet Hair Cleaning Performance (%)
Product
Low
High
Shark PowerDetect Cordless
84
74
Dyson Gen5detect
90
62
Dyson V15 Detect
88
60
Dyson V15s Submarine
84
60
Dyson Gen5outsize
80
63
Shark Stratos Cordless
74
64
Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight
72
62
Dyson V12 Slim
75
57
Dyson V8
78
52
Tineco Pure ONE S11
76
48
Shark Rocket Pro DLX Corded
67
54
Black+Decker Powerseries+ 20V
78
40
Kenmore Elite CSV Max DS4095
73
40
Shark Pet Plus
72
40
Samsung Bespoke Jet
74
34
Smoture VAC01
68
40
Bissell Cleanview XR
62
46
Levoit LVAC-200
73
32
Shark Detect Pro Cordless
56
39
Eureka Cordless ReactiClean 410
48
30
Ryobi 18 V ONE+
48
20
This is the full process, step by step, of our pet hair tests. We do this for every product on both low pile and high pile carpets. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Dyson family, once again, led the pack. The Gen5detect's intense power gave it the edge on the low-pile carpet when cleaning up after our furry friends, but slowed it down and hindered its pickup on the high-pile.
The more affordable and maneuverable Shark PowerDetect, although less efficient on low-pile carpet, was able to pick up hair faster through high-pile carpet, outperforming the Dyson Gen5. For most pet owners, spending a little extra time cleaning with the Shark PowerDetect is a fair tradeoff for the savings it offers over pricier competitors.
Impressive results from the PowerDetect on one of the toughest tests we run on cordless vacuums. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Dyson V15 Detect was able to pick up most of the pet hair on the carpet, though some longer hair was wrapped around the brush roll. However, the roller is easy to get free and clean. The Dyson Gen5outsize also had a win with its large dustbin. The carpet was left fairly hair free, and we didn't need to empty the dustbin right away.
Hard pile can be tricky, but the Dyson V15 Detect was able to pick up most of the pet hair, only getting longer hair wrapped around the brush roller. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Alternatively, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ failed to clean pet hair from either low or high-pile carpets. After passing over the abundantly furry carpet, the Ryobi left several clumps behind, with much more wrapped around its brushroll (which is truly a pain to clean). Its performance on the high pile was even worse, as the vacuum constantly clogged and failed to roll over the shag. The Shark Detect Pro also had a tendency to trap clumps of pet hair in the brush roller and left a layer of embedded pet hair on both low-pile and high-pile carpets.
The Shark Detect Pro only sucked up 56% of the hair during our low pile testing. As shown, we know where the majority of the other hair ended up. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Eureka Cordless ReactiClean 410 also offered startling results here. It left more than half of the pet hair behind on our carpets, and we had a big brushroll clog to clean. Pet owners, consider some of our other recommendations for cleaning up after your fur babies.
There's No Such Thing as an Anti-Tangling Roller, Not Yet
Manufacturers really love hyping up their anti-tangle rollers, giving them fancy names and boasting that we'll never need to clean them of hair. Those claims are all fluff. Every single product and its “antitangle” roller wrapped up our extensions. Some did better than others at mitigating the entanglement, but inevitably, every roller will likely need a cleaning at some point.
The Eureka Cordless ReactiClean 410 quickly got wrapped by pet hair, needing us to cut it free. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Filtration
A good filtration system protects your air quality—essential for anyone sensitive to pollutants, especially kids and the elderly. It also keeps pet dander and pollen from recirculating, which is especially helpful for people with allergies. To get accurate readings on air quality, we utilize two laser particle counters. These loggers record the number of small particles (2.4-0.5 microns in size) that pollute the air. These tiny particles are the most concerning because they can travel deep into your lungs and even enter your bloodstream.
According to the Dylos meters, a recording of 75 and under is regarded as excellent air quality conditions.
Filtration Particle Count
Small Particle Count
HEPA Filter
Dylos Air Quality Designation
Eureka Cordless ReactiClean 410
28
Excellent
Dyson V15s Submarine
31
✖
Excellent
Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight
33
Excellent
Levoit LVAC-200
34
✖
Excellent
Dyson V8
36
✖
Excellent
Dyson Gen5detect
37
Excellent
Samsung Bespoke Jet
41
Excellent
Shark Rocket Pro DLX Corded
45
✖
Excellent
Shark PowerDetect Cordless
49
Excellent
Shark Stratos Cordless
55
Excellent
Dyson V15 Detect
55
✖
Excellent
Dyson Gen5outsize
56
Excellent
Tineco Pure ONE S11
58
Excellent
Shark Detect Pro Cordless
63
Excellent
Dyson V12 Slim
67
Excellent
Smoture VAC01
129
Very Good
Shark Pet Plus
260
Good
Bissell Cleanview XR
267
Good
Kenmore Elite CSV Max DS4095
976
✖
Fair
Black+Decker Powerseries+ 20V
1542
✖
Poor
Ryobi 18 V ONE+
1827
✖
Poor
Thankfully, a majority of the vacuums proved to be effective at filtration and fell within the good to excellent range of the Dylos air quality chart, making these vacuums suitable for most households. However, if any of your family members are very sensitive and you need the absolute best, as every particle counts, the Dyson V15s Submarine releases a minimal amount of harmful particles into the air at just 31 particles. The Shark Vertex, Levoit LVAC, Dyson V8, Samsung Bespoke, and Dyson Gen5detect all recorded average readings around 40 particles or under, also proving to be beneficial vacuums for these concerns.
Uniquely, the Samsung Bespoke empties its contents directly into its dock, so you don't have to worry about releasing small particles into your air. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Impressively, the Eureka Cordless ReactiClean only released 28 particles back into the air, which is the lowest of the bunch. While you'll compramise elsewhere, this vacuum is very effective at sealing in tiny particles.
HEPA Isn't the Only Gold Standard
HEPA filters are a trusted benchmark for trapping fine particles, but some vacuums use proprietary multi-stage filtration systems that can be just as effective, sometimes even outperforming HEPA in real-world tests. We care more about how well a vacuum actually contains dust than what label it carries.
Filters come in all shapes, sizes, and stages. No matter what fancy name a manufacturer gives their system, we test each one to give you the numbers that matter, so you can make informed decisions. Here, we are holding the HEPA filter within the Dyson Gen5outsize. Credit: Matt Lighthart
To be cautious, we suggest those sensitive to air quality avoid the Black+Decker and the Ryobi due to their average peak count recorded at 1,542 and 1,827, respectively. From 1,050-3,000 particles, Dylos meters categorize the air quality as poor. Although our testing is demanding, it indicates that this model does not provide enough filtration to prevent a large jump in particulate matter. Kenmore also recorded a significant jump at 976 small particle count. This is considered fair according to the Dylos meter.
Here are real-time readings of the poor-performing Black+Decker. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Ease of Use
Already designed with cordless versatility in mind, stick vacuums are inherently easy to use. However, not all cordless vacuums are equally user-friendly, so we evaluate which models glide smoothly around furniture, feel light in hand, and handle extra tasks—like upholstery and car cleaning—with ease, helping you find the best fit for your home.
The Shark PowerDetect's thoughtful design streamlines cleaning with a versatile brushroller for all surfaces, a convenient docking station, and a hinged wand for reaching under furniture—no heavy lifting required. While we wish the motorized upholstery tool came standard, it's sold separately, making this model less effective for cleaning upholstery and stairs.
The PowerDetect's hinge mechanism is a back-saver when cleaning under large furniture. The Stratos and Vertex both have these hinges as well, but you won't find this back-saving feature on the other Sharks, the Pet Plus and Detect Pro. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Shark Vertex and Stratos models wowed us with their easy movement around table legs and other obstacles in the house, and bending wand, although you'll sacrifice the self-emptying docking station when going with either of these models.
The Dyson models transform into handheld vacuums, which we loved for cleaning upholstery and in the car.
The Dyson Gen5 has a hidden brush tool when removing the main hose. Pretty darn convenient for easy transitions from the floor to the couch or windowsill and back to the floor. Credit: Natalie Kafader
On stairs, we were happiest with the Shark PowerDetect and Smoture VAC01. Both are lightweight and easy to pick up from step to step. The PowerDetect's head is narrow enough that it can maneuver on the stairs with little fuss.
The Smoture VAC01 is lightweight and easy to vacuum stairs with. Credit: Rachael Lamore
Unfortunately, a lightweight vacuum won't automatically be destined for greatness. Our lightest model, the Kenmore (2 lbs), had difficulty gliding onto uneven surfaces, even when transitioning from hardwood to our super low-pile carpet. Its head tilts more than swivels, making it frustrating to work in tight spaces, and the attachments provided will only help you with minor cleaning tasks.
The Ryobi was both difficult to push around furniture and was incredibly bulky, making it challenging to angle the attachment while cleaning upholstery. On the bright side, dusting with the heavy vacuum and its oddly angled attachment proved to be an excellent upper-body workout. Your arm muscles will be burning within minutes!
The awkward angle of the Ryobi's attachment, paired with its relatively heavy weight, meant we got a good shoulder workout in while testing. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The hefty and powerful Dysons proved to be more difficult to push around the house. The Gen5outsizewas especially heavy and bulky to yield, and the powerful suction required a bit of muscle to move it across carpets or up stairs. This is the tradeoff for a huge dustbin.
The Dyson Gen5outsize is so large that it can be tricky to move up stairs, though doable with a little extra effort. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Versatility is one of the reasons why we love cordless vacuums so much. A package deal that adds a slew of additional attachments significantly enhances the vacuum's ability to clean a variety of surfaces and reach tricky areas.
Attachments Included
Crevice
(Thin Head)
Duster
(Bristle Head)
Powered
(Mini Motorized Head)
Dyson V8
Tineco Pure ONE S11
Shark Detect Pro Cordless
Shark Stratos Cordless
✖
Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight
✖
Black+Decker Powerseries+ 20V
✖
✖
Common attachments like crevice tools, brushes, and motorized heads allow the vacuum to transition from floors to furniture, corners, and even tight spaces. A motorized brush head is particularly useful for lifting embedded dirt and pet hair from couches and other upholstery. The more versatile the vacuum, the more efficiently it can tackle different cleaning challenges around the home, making attachments an essential feature for maximizing your vacuum's value.
Dysons tend to come with a quiver of attachments, increasing their value at checkout. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Battery
Battery life is the Achilles' heel of stick vacuums. Once we cut the cord, time is limited before the inevitable recharge occurs. None of the options offered a super impressive run time, and the time drastically dropped when we used special features like turbo.
Measured Battery Runtime
Product
Low
High
Dyson Gen5outsize
130
15
Dyson V15s Submarine
68
9
Dyson Gen5detect
67
7
Dyson V15 Detect
64
9
Shark Stratos Cordless
55
11
Samsung Bespoke Jet
54
10
Ryobi 18 V ONE+
41
21
Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight
48
12
Shark PowerDetect Cordless
47
12
Smoture VAC01
43
14
Shark Pet Plus
43
14
Levoit LVAC-200
35
17
Shark Detect Pro Cordless
40
10
Kenmore Elite CSV Max DS4095
34
14
Dyson V12 Slim
36
8
Black+Decker Powerseries+ 20V
26
18
Bissell Cleanview XR
31
11
Dyson V8
33
7
Tineco Pure ONE S11
29
11
Eureka Cordless ReactiClean 410
24
16
By far, the best battery life we saw was on the Dyson Gen5outsize. This vacuum comes with two batteries, extending its life to a whopping 130 minutes on low, which is the setting most commonly used. On high, it lasted 15 minutes. While that doesn't sound very long, you likely won't need your vacuum to be on high for 15 minutes.
The Dyson Gen5outsize lets you know how long you have been vacuuming and particle sizes. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Dyson V15 Detect adjusts its power based on the floor and mess. When moving over heavier messes, the vacuum ramps up the power. For standard vacuuming, it is closer to the “Eco” mode. This allows the vacuum to last longer. In our experience, the 64 minutes offered was plenty to get our home cleaned. That said, you can purchase additional batteries for the Dyson models, should you find yourself needing more time.
For most household clean ups, the Dyson V15 Detect had enough battery life. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Most of the other vacuums last for about 30-40 minutes on low. For day-to-day quick cleanups, this is fine, but you might need more time on deeper cleans. Plus, most vacuums take over 20 minutes to recharge. The Black+Decker Powerseries+ is compatible with other Black+Decker tool batteries. If you already have a few cordless tools, this quick battery swap can be convienient. Ryobi also offers the same experience between tools.
The battery on the Ryobi 18 V ONE+ can be swapped with batteries from their other tools. Credit: Matt Lighthart
If you're concerned about battery, the Shark Rocket Pro DLX Corded has a power cord to keep you moving without recharge. However, you'll always need to do the extra step of finding an outlet.
You won't run out of battery with the Shark Rocket Pro DLX, but you'll need to hunt for a power outlet. Credit: Matt Lighthart
A Solution To Low Battery Life?
All of the vacuums come with detachable batteries. Additional battery packs can be purchased to help clean the whole house without stopping to recharge. Some batteries are easier to find than others, so we recommend double-checking before purchasing. Unfortunately, lithium-ion batteries are not cheap and can cost more than a hundred dollars, depending on the brand.
A final hopeful note: Freedom from heavy corded models means that many people on our team find themselves cleaning more frequently and in shorter stints, integrating lightweight stick vacuums seamlessly into their daily lives. With much lighter weights and nimble maneuverability, ditching the cord is such a freeing experience that we suspect you'll never want to be tethered again.
How To Choose The Right Cordless Stick Vacuum
Choosing the right cordless stick vacuum depends on your home's layout and needs—whether it's a lightweight model for hardwood in a small space or one with strong suction and filtration for busy, pet-filled homes. Matching features to your daily cleaning demands ensures the vacuum fits your lifestyle.
While stick vacuums have a distinct look to them, they performed significantly differently throughout our testing. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Why Suction Power Isn't Everything
Suction power gets a lot of attention, but it's only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to vacuum performance. Without an effective brushroll to agitate debris or a well-sealed design to direct airflow, even strong suction can fall short.
Through our testing, we found that some vacuums with lower suction scores actually outperformed those with higher ones. Additionally, as suction increases, maneuverability often decreases, so it's helpful to look for a model with variable suction control to strike the right balance between power and ease of use.
Sometimes strong suction can grip onto the carpet and be hard to push. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Allergen Control
A good filtration system is crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy home, especially for households with allergy sufferers or asthma concerns. The filtration system captures fine dust particles, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens, preventing them from being released back into the air while you vacuum. A high-quality filter can trap particles as small as a few tenths of a micron, significantly improving indoor air quality by reducing allergens and irritants. This is particularly beneficial for those with sensitivities, as it helps alleviate symptoms like sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes.
We utilize two Dylos particle counters to measure the containment of small particles seeping into the air as we vacuum. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Achilles' Heel: Battery Life
While cordless vacuums offer convenience and portability, one obvious downside is their finite battery life. This factor alone is one of the biggest downfalls to our cleaning chores, particularly for bigger homes or extended cleaning sessions. Most cordless models have a runtime of 20 to 60 minutes per charge, which may not be sufficient for deep cleaning a larger area or homes with multiple rooms. In such cases, you may need to pause and recharge the vacuum before finishing the job, interrupting your cleaning flow.
If you have Black + Decker tools, you may already have backup batteries for this vacuum lurking in your workshop. Credit: Natalie Kafader
How Noisy Are Cordless Stick Vacuums?
Honestly, they all sound fairly loud. We measured noise levels from a consistent distance, and while the readings showed some variation, none of these vacuums are quiet enough for nap time. Each one has a slightly different tone, but the differences aren't significant enough for most people to notice. We'll keep testing and measuring just in case this changes, but for now, we don't score on this.
The Kenmore recorded the lowest decibel reading at 75 decibels, but that didn't sound far off from the highest readings from the Dyson Gen5 at 84 decibels. The Dyson V12 Detect Slim was notably loud to multiple people in our office, though it comes in at 84 decibels, just like the Gen 5, something potentially explained by a difference in pitch. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Conclusion
Finding a great stick vacuum shouldn't suck. The nuanced differences between the options can be subtle but greatly impact performance, which is where we come in. With multiple scientific tests and metrics to choose from, our details provide the information you need to focus on the metrics that best align with your cleaning goals. We believe there is something for everyone in our lineup of potential contenders, but if you need more of a powerhouse or the prices give you hesitation, it might be worth seeing what the upright vacuums we've tested have to offer.
—Rachael Lamore, Becca Glades, and Jessica Riconscente
