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We tested the top 15 cordless vacuums on the market today, pitting popular brands like Dyson, Shark, Levoit, and Tineco against each other to learn which products clean your house the easiest.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
By Rachael Lamore ⋅ Senior Review Analyst ⋅ Updated April 15, 2025
When life gets busy, the last thing you need is a vacuum that slows you down. A cordless stick vacuum keeps up with your day—lightweight, easy to grab, and ready to handle messes wherever they pop up.
Our rigorous tests reflect real-life messes, putting 15 of the most popular vacuums through common surfaces and debris that range from sand to cereal and even real pet fur. We also measure battery life, suction strength, and filtration to show how well it cleans—and how safe it is for your home's air.
The Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight is the model best suited for most people and households. It has exceptional carpet and hardwood performance, is one of the easiest vacuums to use, and is hundreds of dollars less than any vacuum with marginally higher performance. If you want the absolute best performance at a premium price, we recommend the Dyson Gen5detect. It won nearly every cleaning test and is incredibly efficient, making it one of our favorites for deep cleaning.
Cordless vacuums have come a long way in recent years, improving suction performance and cleaning prowess. However, if you have a big space to clean, you might want to reach for a corded upright vacuum. For maintenance cleaning and convenience, a robot vacuum might also be a part of your daily cleaning routine.
Editor's Note: In this most recent update, published April 15, 2025, we include additional recommendations for specific uses in our new Close Contenders section and created a new award for those looking to help reduce allergy concerns.
The Shark Vertex Pro strong cleaning performance across every surface and clever, user-friendly design mean you can get the whole house clean without it eating up your day. More done, less hassle. These results can be attributed to the unique double rollers in the vacuum head- “a design I love,” mentioned one vacuum specialist. Each roller is specifically designed to tackle different floor types, carpets versus hard surfaces, but combines them together in one package that makes it ready to go no matter where the mess is in your house.
Watching the Vertex roll over big messes is like seeing a monster truck in action. “I also love the hinge along the wand,” noted our lead tester, Rachael, “it allows the vacuum to reach under the couch so I don't have to strain my back.” Despite being an average handheld weight, it handles the chore so smoothly that it feels easier than most others. The Shark Stratos almost looks identical, with the same dual brush at the head, and would be a good alternative if you can find this at a better sales price.
So what's the catch? The extra roller on the Vertex weakens its seal against carpets, making it less effective at pulling up deeply embedded dirt. So, while your carpet may look clean, you may be surprised to find it's not sparkling. It does a good job of picking up pet hair overall, but long strands tend to tangle in the roller—an issue made worse by the fact that the brush can't be removed for easy cleaning. That said, for homes without pets or those willing to do occasional upkeep, the Vertex remains a strong choice thanks to its smooth handling and impressive everyday cleaning.
If you need the absolute best stick vacuum out on the market today, it will be the Dyson Gen5detect. Building off the Dyson V-Series like the V15, the Gen5 brings even more power - triple the group's average - which helped it top our low pile carpet tests. It also recorded a near-perfect score on hardwood, making it beneficial for multiple surface types. “I was able to work quickly, too,” mentioned our reviewer, Rachael Lamore. We especially loved the laser-equipped hardwood head, which revealed dust we didn't even know was there—it's genuinely game-changing. And unlike the V15, the Gen5 ditches the tiring trigger, making longer cleans more comfortable.
“I call the Dyson Gen5, V15, and Submarine the Triplets,” mentioned one reviewer—nearly identical, incredibly powerful, and packed with top-tier filtration. The Gen5 has a slight edge in performance, thanks to its larger motor, but it's heavier and pricier. That power can be tiring, even on hard floors, and Dysons aren't exactly budget-friendly. Luckily, there are strong alternatives like the mid-range Sharks or the affordable Tineco Pure ONE S11. Still, cordless stick vacuums remain our favorite for their versatility—easily switching to handheld mode for tight spaces or car interiors. If price isn't a concern, the Gen5detect is our top pick for the best of the best.
Stick vacuums can get pricey, but the Tineco Pure ONE S11 delivers impressive carpet cleaning, simple upkeep, and useful attachments—all at a wallet-friendly price. It holds its own against higher-end models, especially on carpet, where the suction really shines. “The suction is intense! It really latched onto the carpet,” one tester noted during cleaning. What truly surprised us were the four included attachments—especially rare for a budget model. They're great for cleaning cars, couches, and tight spaces, with a standout feature: a pre-filter cleaning tool that helps restore suction when things get clogged. It's a smart, thoughtful touch that makes this vacuum feel built to last.
The Tineco S11 performed well on carpet, thanks to strong suction and a low-clearance head that creates a tight seal. But that same design struggled on hardwood, often pushing debris rather than picking it up—requiring extra passes for a thorough clean. It handled pet fur better than average, but long hair tangled in the brush and short fur clumped in the tines. “I was hoping for better from a vacuum that's heavily marketed toward pet owners,” Rachael noted in her testing. If you don't have pets or other demanding cleaning needs, the Levoit LVAC 200 could be a smart way to save $100 without sacrificing the essentials.
Starting around $200, the Levoit LVAC 200 ranked among the top performers in its price range. On low pile carpet, it outperformed options that cost two to three times as much, picking up messes of all sizes and providing an even clean with minimal plowing of debris - a common occurrence for budget models. We also loved how easy it was to use and maintain. “The head articulates super smoothly,” noted our lead tester, Rachael. “I was able to attack tight areas around furniture and in corners with ease.” Maintenance is simple and intuitive, with no tools required to remove filters or brush rollers. The LVAC has top-tier filtration capabilities, scoring near the top of the pack on its ability to maintain air quality in a room while it's running.
The Levoit LVAC makes some compromises in cleaning power. Its low suction often requires switching to high mode for decent results—especially on thicker rugs or pet hair—which drains the battery fast. “I recorded a measly 17 minutes of runtime on high,” Rachael noted in her lab tests. It also falls short of the previous Levoit Vortex IQ 40 on key surfaces like low-pile carpet and hardwood. Unless you pick up a spare battery, expect to pause for a recharge if you're cleaning the whole house.
The LVAC-200 was a favorite of our testers on the obstacle course, but its suction and battery power capacity lag behind some of the pricier options on our list.
For homes with a lot of carpet, the Dyson V15 Detect is one of the best-performing vacuums we've tested. It excels at pulling out stubborn debris like sand from both low-pile and shag rugs—something many models struggle with. While the Gen5 edges it out slightly in raw power and pick up, the V15 is lighter and far easier to maneuver, making it the more practical choice for daily use. “At some point, the sheer power becomes too much,” one tester said. “The Dyson Gen5 is definitely one of the heaviest stick vacuums I've ever tested.” It also picks up pet hair well on carpet and includes a handy mini motorized tool for cleaning couches or stairs, extending its versatility to cleaning any upholstery in the house.
Because it's all about getting a good seal to the carpet, the head doesn't leave much of a clearance for big messes to get through, so this vacuum tends to plow larger material like the Cheerios. For vacuums that can tackle the largest debris, look to the Shark Stratos and Vertex. Although all Dysons have these limitations, we never felt it was detrimental to our experience. “I favor a vacuum that can grab dirt deep below than superficial spills that can suck up with an additional pass easily,” noted our vacuum specialist, Rachael Lamore. Dyson has been an innovative company from the beginning, designing the first bagless vacuums in the world. However, we think they missed a key factor when designing the V15: we had to continuously hold down a trigger while vacuuming. “It doesn't sound like much effort, but I was surprised at how quickly my finger fatigues,” noted a tester. I think Dyson heard our concerns as their most recent series Gen5 ditched this requirement.
The Samsung Bespoke Jet is a compelling option, especially for allergy and asthma sufferers, thanks to its excellent filtration capabilities and the helpful self-emptying dock. While many stick vacuums excel at preventing small particles from escaping into the air, the dock of the Samsung Bespoke Jet 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, offering a significant advantage over traditional bagless vacuums by containing dust and allergens. When full, one tester notes, “the bag can be easily removed and discarded, avoiding typical plume of dust that explodes when I empty a bagless canister.”
The Bespoke Jet's biggest compromises are its ongoing bag costs, bulky dock, and underwhelming performance on thicker rugs. The self-emptying station, while sleek, takes up space, and the vacuum struggled to pick up pet hair without repeated passes—an extra chore for pet owners. If you don't need the full station, the Dyson V15 is a great alternative. It performs well on thicker carpets and excels at picking up pet fur.
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 140 vacuums within the last decade, and during that time, we've learned a ton. Having never been the one to settle in our work, in this revised test version, we've completely cleaned the slate and put every product through our new Vacuum Performance 2.0 test protocol. After this whole process, we counted more than 25 individual tests conducted on each and every product at our lab. We've pulled out all the stops to provide the most comprehensive review you can use to make a smart and informed purchase decision.
We measured effective suction power with a differential pressure meter (manometer).
We also invested in new logging devices and recorded important data to provide a clear comparison of how each product performs relative to others.
Carpet Performance (35% of weighting): To give you the most accurate picture of each vacuum's cleaning power, we put them through a rigorous process—weighing, measuring, and timing every test. Alongside the numbers, we also track key details like how well each model handles different materials. With multiple trials on two carpet types, we provide a thorough, data-driven look at each vacuum's cleaning performance on the most stubborn surfaces.
Hardwood Performance (25% of weighting): The same process is repeated on bare floors to evaluate how each vacuum transitions between surfaces and handles messes without scattering debris.
Pet Hair (20% of weighting): We press real fur into carpets to mimic real-world conditions and evaluate how well each vacuum lifts hair in a timed session.
Here's Rachael, our lead tester, with some of our other support testers.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Filtration and Suction (10% of weighting): We evaluate how well each vacuum traps dust and allergens, ensuring that the air stays clean as you clean. We also measure suction power to understand how effectively each model picks up debris across various surfaces.
Ease of Use (5% of weighting): We assess how user-friendly each vacuum is, from handling and maneuverability to ease of maintenance. This includes evaluating features like weight, controls, attachments, and how simple it is to empty the dustbin or swap out filters.
Battery (5% of weighting): We test each vacuum's battery life to see how long it lasts on a single charge, considering both low and high settings. This helps us understand how well each model can handle larger cleaning sessions without needing frequent recharges.
We've highlighted some of our testing, but not all of it. Here are a few photo shots that dive into the nuances of working with these vacuums.
Why Trust GearLab
Lead tester, Rachael Lamore designed our updated Vacuum 2.0 testing protocol, bringing scientific rigor and hands-on expertise from testing dozens of vacuums. With a background in biological sciences and years of lab work studying reef ecology, she applies the same analytical precision to evaluating suction, debris pickup, and filtration performance—ensuring reliable, data-driven results.
Her commitment to refining our test methods has led to more consistent and meaningful results that clearly differentiate between models. Whether measuring suction strength or tracking air quality during use, Rachael's approach ensures every vacuum is evaluated under real-world, repeatable conditions.
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?
Yes, sometimes you get what you pay for when it comes to performance and price, but not always. Our tests are designed to help make sure you get just what you need and at the best price. For most people, the Levoit LVAC-200 offers the best balance of price and performance at around $200. It excels on low-pile carpet, offers easy maintenance, 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 most homes.
For those with a bit more to spend, the Tineco Pure ONE S11 is a great option, often priced at $300 or less. It delivers excellent carpet performance, surpassing many premium vacuums. While it requires extra effort on hardwood and pet hair, it still offers a better clean for the price compared to higher-end models like some Dysons and Sharks, making it a great value for carpet-heavy households.
If you need a reliable deep-cleaning vacuum at a low price, you may want to consider a lightweight upright or canister vacuum. Plugging into the wall gives you cheaper access to more power.
We selected three different floor types to give you a comprehensive set of results. Low-pile carpets and hardwood floors will be the most prevalent in homes today, but we included shag carpet for houses that have rugs or higher-pile carpets to include all different situations.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Carpet Performance
Carpets come in different heights, from a quarter of an inch upwards to over an inch and a half. Believe it or not, height plays a big role in a vacuum's ability to work as intended. Every household is different, so we tested low and high pile (shag) carpets to determine performance scores.
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.
Our testing has evolved to offer more accurate, real-life results. We expanded the test area to 27 square feet, added a 24-second time limit, and tested with 1/2 cup of sand, rice, and Cheerios to cover a variety of debris sizes. Each vacuum undergoes two trials, with repeats for any inconsistencies, ensuring we gather reliable data across different pile heights.
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
Low Pile
Strong contenders usually have a combination of great design considerations to clean conventional carpets throughout the rooms in your home. A strong brush roller with stiff bristles agitates and lifts dirt from carpet fibers, making it easier to remove debris. Even more helpful, a powerful suction ensures the loosened dirt is actually pulled into the vacuum without scattering. Below are the results from our first set of carpet tests.
The three elite Dyson models topped the charts in our low pile testing. The Gen5detect is a speed machine when sucking up fine material. The combination of powerful suction and short, stiff bristles helps to agitate the carpet and suck up the sand lying below. The Dyson V15s Submarine and V15 Detect exhibited similar functionality because they all have the same exact head. The only drawback to these products is the vacuum head limitations where they tend to plow bigger spills and larger debris.
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 Stratos and Vertex use a dual-roller system (Powerfins and a soft roller) instead of a dedicated carpet head, which allows them to handle large spills like Cheerios effectively. However, the vacuum head doesn't seal as tightly as competitors, reducing suction and performance on fine dust. The Vertex averaged 90% material pickup, while the Stratos scored 83% due to a clog during testing, though it performed similarly in two other trials.
See how the first roller easily grabs the larger debris? Both the Shark vacuums do a stellar job at sucking up material.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Bespoke follows a similar design to the Sharks with a smaller diameter soft roller in the front. We're not sure if it's the decrease in the front roller size or the potential increased suction from the motor, but the Bespoke was able to grab slightly more than the Sharks, sucking up 94% of all debris. 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
While the Levoit LVAC-200 didn't quite live up to the low pile performance of its predecessor, the Levoit VortexIQ 40, it still achieved a very respectable 86% average debris capture, one of the main reasons we chose to award it with a Best Buy on a Tight Budget designation.
Last, we want to illustrate what we call the clogging chronicles by the Bissell Cleanview. “Clogged again on this round, and then clogged again, and then again,” noted our tester. We even tried to give this product a fighting chance by pausing the timed test, removing debris, and then returning to the timed test, only to find it ran into the same problem.
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
The Bissell clogs 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. While the top-of-the-line Dysons exhibited stellar low-pile performance, the more affordable Dyson V12 Slim fell flat, with its tiny dustbin filling quickly and causing it to shut off. While the V12 filled up fast, we still saw impressive cleaning results along the way and believe this vacuum would be better for smaller, spot cleaning in high traffic areas like the family room or kitchen.
The V12 (right) compared to the budget option, Levoit LVAC 200 (left). You can see where the V12 started to get clogged during our testing.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
High Pile
Higher pile shag carpets pose the biggest hurdle for cordless vacuums in our testing. It's difficult for bristles to dig deep to agitate messes lurking beneath the carpet's fibers, having stick vacuums rely more on their pure suction power to get the job done.
Here, we show the full process with our tied leader, the Tineco Pure One.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
We conduct our testing in the same fashion as low pile testing: measuring, weighing, and timing, all being standardized to present findings that we can compare. Models took a drastic hit regarding the effectiveness of collecting sand, rice, and Cheerios in these tests.
The Tineco captured an average of 56% across three trials. This was tied for first with the Shark Vertex. The Tineco did a good job sucking up material but tended to push the Cheerios down into the fibers of the high-pile carpet. On the other hand, this is where the Vertex thrived, picking up the larger Cheerios. Unfortunately, it left rice and sand behind in our timed testing. This makes sense, as the Duo Clean double rollers work well for larger debris but do not provide the powerful suction needed to grab deep into the backing 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 recorded 50% and 49%, respectively. The Submarine wasn't much off, with 45% captured. So, why did we see these dramatic drops? We believe the Dysons needed a bit more time to work on larger clumps of debris. 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 15% 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 Bissell Cleanview and Black+Decker, didn't fare as well on the high pile as it did on the short. It had the worst performance in our tests, picking up only 20% of the mess. It was a breeze to push past the heavy pile, as our expert noted, “Gliding the vacuum across the carpet, we can feel there isn't enough suction to pick up anything deeper than the surface level by the fact that it's moving so easily.”
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 Back+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.
After combining, averaging, and weighing each vacuum performance over each carpet type, we obtained the following final scores in our Carpet Performance metric.
Unsurprisingly, the lead Dyson models, V15, Gen5, and Submarine, all came out on top. These are going to be the cordless vacuums that you can rely on to deep clean your house. Due to their relatively strong showing in our high pile tests, the Shark Vertex and Tineco came in close on their heels. Although they might not lift debris deep within carpets as well, they proved that they could handle difficult cleaning duties required by higher pile lengths like shag carpet. These two products will best suit a mixed household with conventional carpets and thick rugs.
In testing, we saw the Samsung Bespoke do a valiant job of sucking up a wide amount of debris types, from dense sand to larger materials like Cheerios. Although you may need to clean with additional passes and time, Dyson's and Shark's budget options, Dyson V8 and Shark Pet Pro, proved they could be a good option for lighter messes on low pile carpets. Lastly, while the Dyson V12 Slim shows poor scores, we want to note that this, along with the Shark Detect Pro, was designed to be light and streamlined only to pick up small maintenance routines. Our cup and a half of material we put down in our testing was too much for it to handle.
Hardwood Performance
For our Hardwood Performance test metric, we continued with our multiple trial runs, utilizing the same procedure that we had conducted in the carpet testing. Measured and weighed half a cup of sand, rice, and Cheerios. We stuck with 24 seconds and the same 27 square feet of test area.
At our core, we pride ourselves on delivering comparative results to provide clear and reliable facts. We continue our cleaning tests with the same vigor as our carpet testing.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
For hardwood testing, we included additional important factors to assess any lingering questions about cleaning performance on any hard surface, not just hardwood floors. We developed a new crevice test to simulate any profound cracks or gutted grout lines. Additionally, we ran these vacuums along long hallways and into corners to provide robust results on how they clean typical spaces found in homes.
Hardwood Cleaning
Many houses and apartments are ditching carpets for vinyl and hardwood floors. These flooring types are durable, have lower maintenance, and offer some hypoallergenic benefits (for reason number two). So, we value the hardwood performance tests as much as the carpet. Many of the vacuums got near-perfect results from our strenuous tests.
Once again, we see the Dyson triplets at the top. All three options include the hard surface floor-specific cleaning head. It is super soft and delicate on hardwood floors while easily tackling big messes. The Dyson Gen5 and Submarine secured an almost perfect score of 99% of debris captured, while the V15 was one percent behind. When test trials were over, we noticed a grain or two left behind due to the slight plowing that occurs with larger messes, but we think these machines can gather anything on hard surfaces given time. Another pass after our timed trial and everything was gone.
Dyson V15 DetectBissell Cleanview XR
The Dyson V15's soft fluffy brush polished the floors as it suck up all the matrial we put down in our test. The Bissell continued to have clogging issues.
As our vacuum expert revealed, “For people who are absolutely obsessed with getting a floor super clean, one of the Dysons with the laser brush head is the best.” This head is our favorite for the cleaning performance and the laser. While other products use a light, there's something about the sharp, low-angle green laser that emits from the Dyson head that makes it stand apart from the rest. It's more effective at showing the tiny dust particles that lurk on the floor. It's really neat and, dare we say, fun to go house hunting down dust demons like it's a game.
Look at all those small bits of dirt in this video. Wild the things we were able to see with the use of this laser!
Credit: Natalie Kafader
If you love the Fluffy Optic head, but balk at spending nearly a thousand dollars on a cordless vacuum, we understand. Luckily, Dyson does too. At $650 retail, the Dyson V12 Slim is a somewhat more budget-conscious offering from the elite brand, and it comes with not just the Fluffy Optic head, but also the motorized hair screw, another of our favorite Dyson attachments. Though we felt its performance didn't quite match its price on carpet and pet hair, its hardwood capabilities were as stellar as we've come to expect from Dyson. All in all, we felt it would be a great option for someone with a small space and lots of hard flooring.
Following close behind the Dyons are products with a soft roller, including the Shark Vertex, Stratos, 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.
Compared to deep pile carpets, hardwood is more straightforward to clean, posing less of a threat to chore time. However, some vacuums in our lineup just couldn't cut it, with a wide range of results.
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).
Continuing our clogging chronicles with the Bissell, our tester mentioned, “I reserved some hope that this vacuum might surprise me on the hardwood and maybe clean up a mess, but NOPE got quickly clogged, AGAIN.” This vacuum recorded the lowest capture percentage of our whole lineup, at a measly 20%. Seeing as this is our last set of cleaning trials, it's safe to say we don't recommend this product; it's too sensitive and prone to clogging.
The soft bristle roller heads flourished in our hardwood tests, while the conventional head designs tended to plow. This left us pushing around Cheerios and rice rather than grabbing and pulling them up. This includes the Shark Pet Plus, Levoit, Tineco, Kenmore, and Dyson V8. The extent of the plowing varied, however. The Pet Plus had a minor accumulation that we could get on our second pass, resulting in a great percentage cleaned at 93%.
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
The Kenmore and Black+Decker were noticeably weak in comparison to the crowd. They both left patches of sand throughout the lane; it either didn't agitate the sand enough or didn't have enough suction power to lift the material. Not all was lost, as it still cleaned 70% of all debris; in our experience, we could sometimes feel the lackluster power.
We can't finish this section without mentioning a special someone. The Dyson V15s Submarine comes with a mop attachment, which is the sole feature differentiating it from the regular V15 Detect. The Submarine Wet Roller Head is pretty cool. The head is completely separate from the handheld, holding the water in a compartment on the backside. We were excited to test out this convenient additional feature. We dropped fresh coffee on the ground and ran over dried paw prints. We weren't impressed.
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
We don't think the additional $200 price tag is worth the investment for the unique cleaning head. A better mess cleaner that costs less can be found in our steam mop review, as a dedicated product is often better for the job than a jack of all trades. Still, it is a neat addition for those that live in the Dyson ecosystem.
Our furry family members track in more dirt than anything, so we had plenty of dirty paw prints to test when we brought them in to test our Pet Hair metric.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Crevice
Cracks and crevices can pose problems when cleaning hard surface floors. Tile grout, mats, and transition areas can all benefit from the crevice cleanup. Not being able to tackle these critical areas can leave a cleaning job looking unfinished and cause frustration. To find out which competitors excel at the small stuff, we developed a new procedure to test the capabilities of these vacuums to go the extra distance or go in deep.
We utilized a bamboo mat to simulate deep cracks.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
We used a bamboo mat to simulate deep cracks. First, we taped the underside of the mat to ensure the test debris didn't escape while vacuuming. Then, we placed 20 grams of sand in one of the cracks. This was the perfect amount to fully fill the breach between slats. We made four passes over the mat, giving each vacuum a chance to roll over the stubborn area enough times to make a difference.
It is easy to see why we fell in love with the Dyson Fluffy Optic roller. Here it is in the top left, lifting sand in the deep slits of the bamboo while all other products struggle.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
There are similarities between this performance and the suction power recordings. However, the Shark Pet Plus deserves a respectful head nod for performing adequately and defying the odds of its low suction power. The Dyson V12 Detect Slim, meanwhile, was flawless on the crevice test, removing 100% of debris in two short passes. Along with its great hardwood performance, this makes the V12 a contender for any household with a mix of hard surfaces, such as hardwood, vinyl, and tile.
Edge Cleaning
For our final assessment, we considered how well these machines handle hallways and tight spaces where baseboards abound. Some of the products can tackle their problems head-on (pushing into the wall), while others excel running parallel to the wall along the edge, but only a few can truly master 100% pick-up in both tests. The Dyson Gen5, Submarine, V8, and Shark Detect Pro are the double threats we want to take home to Mom.
Tineco Pure ONE S11Shark Detect Pro Cordless
Choose which products you would like to compare in our edge testing.
The Kenmore also exhibited the same quarter-inch buffer that Tineco showed during its test, leaving us very unsatisfied since we know debris tends to settle far from foot traffic, pushing it close to walls on hard surfaces. Due to the bumper on the Shark Pet Plus, Vertex, and the Samsung Bespoke couldn't quite grab all the coffee off the floor when pushing it head-on, leaving a noticeable amount near the edges. The Bespoke's front roller isn't actually motorized, so it doesn't help grab material unless it's pushed through the debris. This is most likely why it could suck up coffee grounds head-on.
Overall Hardwood Performance
We see a consistent pattern with the Dyson triplets at the top. The Shark twins follow closer behind compared to carpet performance, thanks to the fluffy rollers (and potentially less stringent power cleaning requirements). And the Dyson V12 offers good hardwood, edge, and crevice performance, but is limited by its small capacity. Still, it's worth noting that the amount of material we use while testing is pretty substantial, and the V12 could definitely do a great job tackling lighter messes on hard floor surfaces.
The last fluffy roller on this list finishes out the top competitors, the Bespoke, but we do note that the competition is much tighter in this race! Our chronicles of clogging continued with the Bissell deeming it unfit for any surface. Lastly, while the Tineco does have enough power to easily lift material off hard surfaces, its bumper at the head acted like a plow and pushed Cheerios away, not allowing the suction to take hold.
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. With so much hair in our homes, we created a dedicated pet hair metric to help fellow animal lovers find the best vacuums for the job.
You have no idea how many treats it took to get this shot of GearLab's furry friends.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
We first enlisted our furry friends to help get us the goods. We collected 4 grams of real pet fur per vacuum—an overflowing handful—plus 1 gram of long hair extensions to test the impact of hair length. This mix was massaged into a 13-square-foot carpet grid, then pressed in with a heavy roller to simulate real-life conditions like foot traffic, before testing each vacuum's ability to remove it.
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
A well-designed roller head is the key to picking up pet hair. One that can dislodge the static force of the hair from the carpet will help the most. While all of our stick vacuums have a roller, a small percentage on the market deviates from this mechanical mechanism, opting for a lower sale price tag instead. Stay clear from these cheap toys, as that is all they'll be since they lack the ability to truly capture hair from carpets.
Low Pile
The Gen5 led the pack with 90% cleaned up on the low pile test. The V15 and Submarine were not far behind with 88% and 84% respectively. These are going to be your heavy hitters to ensure you get all those strands of carpeted rooms. Only when we got up close and personal with the flooring did we notice subtle strands here and there, but from afar, we thought these vacuums performed flawlessly.
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 Shark Detect Pro was the worst offender for trapping clumps of pet hair. Other Shark models didn't fare well either, often getting clumps lodged in the tines of the vacuum head. The Shark Stratos, Vertex, and Pet Plus did okay overall, sucking up 74%, 72%, and 72% in their respective tests.
The Bespoke had cause for concern when the long hair clogged the roller and sent it into a panic. Luckily, the technological advancement of this vacuum shut it down before it got worse.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
High Pile
Again, the high pile posed a big hurdle for our vacuums. For those homes with lots of thick rugs, take notes. While the elite Dysons did well once again, the mid-range Sharks, Vertex, and Stratos closed the gap and actually performed similar to, or even slightly better than, their powerful competitors.
The V15 making quick work of our pet hair test.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
A letdown: the Shark model that has “pet” in its name, the Shark Pet Plus, wasn't much of a plus at all in ridding the rug of fur, with only 40% gathered. The Tineco cleaned up 48% of the pet and long hair, while the Levoit got just 32%. Visible clumps of hair were left sprinkled about, with some whisps of longer hair left behind.
Overall Pet Hair Performance
Factoring that most households have low pile carpets, we shifted the priority of our scores to favor those scores. If you're shaking your head and don't feel that is reflective of your household, utilize our stack bar chart at the start of the Pet Hair section to prioritize your needs.
Our usual standouts, Dyson V15, Submarine, and Gen5 are at the top. The Dyson V8 snuck into the next tier of performers, most likely due to its similar head design and decent power.
An interesting note to leave off on: manufacturers really love hyping up their antitangle rollers, giving them fancy names and boasting how we'll never need to clean them from 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.
Tineco Pure ONE S11Shark Stratos Cordless
While all vacuum brush rollers held onto the extensions, we favor the Tineco over a product like the Strato since it held onto less hair and you can remove the roller easily for cleaning.
We treat filtration and suction as distinct metrics because they address two critical needs. A good filtration system protects your air quality—essential for anyone sensitive to pollutants, especially kids and the elderly. We test for what's actually coming out of the vacuum, not just what's going in. On the flip side, suction is core to a vacuum's job. Strong suction lifts deeply embedded dirt from carpet fibers, often revealing just how much previous vacuums left behind.
Regardless of certification or multi-layer system, we test every vacuum's filtration the same.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Filtration
We went to great lengths to get these results. No other review company has dedicated the time to developing a method that addresses key questions about this important aspect of vacuum performance. The process spans multiple days. First, we create a clean room by running air purifiers overnight to remove any unwanted factors from our test site. The next day, we begin our setup, starting with establishing a baseline with two laser particle counters. These loggers record the number of particles in the air, both small (2.4-0.5 µm) and large (>2.5 µm). Generally speaking, the lower the count, the better.
Once we gather the ambient conditions, we start testing. We measure out 1/3 cup of flour, place it on the floor, and proceed to vacuum the fine material until it's all gone. During that time, our particle counters are at work, logging the influx of particles in the air. We record the peak average from three trials.
Filtration Particle Count (Average Peak)
Small (2.4-0.5)
Large (>2.5)
Shark Stratos Cordless
55
22
Dyson V15 Detect
55
28
Black+Decker Powerseries+ 20V
1542
617
Bissell Cleanview XR
267
8
Dyson Gen5detect
37
20
Dyson V15s Submarine
31
13
Dyson V8
36
12
Kenmore Elite CSV Max DS4095
976
15
Samsung Bespoke Jet
41
21
Shark Pet Plus
260
25
Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight
33
10
Tineco Pure ONE S11
58
26
Shark Detect Pro Cordless
63
39
Dyson V12 Slim
67
28
Levoit LVAC-200
34
12
Ryobi 18 V ONE+
1827
156
Smoture VAC01
129
17
Shark PowerDetect Cordless
49
22
According to the Dylos meters, a recording 75 and under is regarded as excellent air quality conditions. This count designation is specifically for small particles because those are the most concerning. Small or fine particles that range from 0.5-2.5 µm (micrometers) have the ability to enter into your bloodstream.
Here are real-time readings of the poor-performing Black+Decker.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
To be cautious, we suggest those sensitive to air quality, to avoid the Black+Decker due to its average peak count recorded at 1,542. From 1,050-3000 count, 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 the Dylos meter.
There can be a rapid spike in particle count if a filtration system is not effective at containing debris.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Suction
The most accurate way to measure the power of vacuums is at the interface of the floor and vacuum head. So, we built a new mechanism to measure the unsealed suction power of each product to mimic what would be experienced in the typical home.
We drilled a small hole in the top of the platform and guided a hose from the cutout to our differential pressure meter. After measuring each device and comparing the numbers, we weren't entirely shocked by our findings.
Suction power readings can vary greatly. In order, here are results from the Dyson Submarine, Kenmore Elite, and Shark Stratos.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Dyson triplets stacked the top again! The Gen5 was the winner of the Dyson battle. The Gen5 is the newest in the Dyson product series, and each succeeding line From Dyson seems to get bigger and more powerful.
The Gen5 is sandwiched between the two V15 Dyson products with the V8 on the right. While it doesn't look like a huge difference in bin capacity size, look to the base of the photo to see that the Gen5 has a slightly wider diameter, presumably for a larger, more powerful motor.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
What did surprise us were the Samsung Bespoke and Tineco Pure ONE. We expected the Bespoke to register more competitive results that might give Dyson a run for its money, but we were pleasantly surprised by the high register of the Tineco.
Kenmore EliteDyson V15 Submarine
A comparison of one of the weakest, Kenmore (left), versus one of the strongest, Dyson V15 Submarine (right). We converted the units for our meter results to provide information that is easier to understand and compare.
It was no shock that the budget models Kenmore and Black+Decker didn't have strong readings. However, it was a surprise that the Shark Detect Pro, which costs three times as much, scored in the same range. That being said, we don't think this was Shark's aim with this new super-light product line.
We thought our mid-range performers would exhibit a mid-range result. Not the case, as the Vertex only mustered up 323 pascals.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Overall Filtration and Suction
Although independent factors, filtration and suction have important impacts on performance and health concerns. Below are the results of our testing.
You can see the significant jump down from the three top Dysons to the next competitors, Tineco and Samsung. Tineco is a budget model that doesn't compromise in this metric and tells the story of why it did so well in our carpet cleaning tests. The Dyson V12 Slim shows that although it is a sleek machine, it has enough power to make an impact in deep cleaning but is still limited to its bin size.
If air quality concerns you and your family, we believe you should steer clear of the Kenmore Elite and Black+Decker. Additionally, their low suction power readings reinforce that these budget options may not be worth the investment.
Ease of Use
While stick vacuums are reputable for being quick and easy to use, some factors should be considered before making a purchase. Depending on your goals, some factors may be more important than others.
Finding the right attachments for your household can help avoid extra purchases and provide more efficient cleaning.
We go through a series of tests, including cleaning the vacuum, running it through our obstacle course, and using the available attachments all to get a better idea of how these products make it easier to use.
Maneuverability
To test maneuverability, we created an obstacle course that tested all flooring types, tight turns, corners, and transition areas. We rounded out our track with the back-breaking chore of getting under furniture.
The Detect Pro was an immediate standout for its light weight handheld (2.8 pounds). The single, small brush head also helped when pushing it. It's almost too light, though, as it is prone to the roller lifting when making quick, tight turns. It also struggles to lift onto a bamboo mat. However, we enjoyed the minimal effort required with the Detect and would recommend it to anyone looking for a user-friendly vacuum.
Our testers loved how light and agile the handheld felt while vacuuming.
We recorded the Dyson Gen5detect's handheld weight at 5.0 lbs, which is nearly a full pound heavier than the next-closest non-Dyson vac we weighed.
Only a few pounds difference can make a big deal when holding the vacuum for longer cleaning sessions. The Shark Detect Pro was one of the lightest while the Dyson Gen5detect was one of the heaviest.
The Shark Stratos and Vertex have a hinge at the middle of the shaft, allowing the head to easily glide outward and under furniture without bending over. This is a definite plus when there's a lot of furniture, as it removes back-breaking work from house cleaning. The combination roller means no need for head transfers, so no matter where the messes occur, it's ready.
The Vertex's rollers create a self-propelling effect that makes it glide forward effortlessly, while its smooth swivel design allows for easy, fluid turns.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The LVAC-200 was another model that wowed us in the obstacle course. It pivots effortlessly, rolls right over lips and uneven surfaces, and can lie completely flat, which we loved when it came to reaching under furniture like couches or beds.
Ease of use is where Dyson performed its weakest. All this power comes with great responsibility, which lands squarely on the person using the vacuum. These vacuums are heavy, measuring between 4.5 to 5 lbs for just the handheld. It's a noticeable weight the longer we hold it. When vacuuming for a long period of time, we certainly felt like we were going through a workout drill. Compared to the beefier Dysons, the V12 Detect Slim felt light and maneuverable, and we loved that it had a simple on/off button, rather than a trigger, a feature we found surprisingly tiresome on many other Dysons.
To help push these powerful beasts, the gates of the Dysons can open to reduce the suction force. It's a little help, but it will hinder cleaning performance. On thick shag, it still might be a tough battle.
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 swivel tilts more than turns, making it frustrating to work in tight spaces.
Remember that back-saving mechanism from the Sharks? The Kenmore is the only other vacuum in our selection with this feature, but we weren't as happy with it. The joint is further towards the head of the vacuum, so it doesn't reach as far underneath furniture as we would have hoped.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Maintenance
Overall, there isn't a big difference between vacuums when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. They are all pretty straightforward. With a one-press button or latch to release the dirt from the dustbin, easy access to filters, and simplistic cleaning of the whole system, these types of vacuums are all relatively easy. However, we discovered a couple of annoyances during testing.
A minor offense includes rollers that are not detachable. Because tangled hair is inevitable, it should be easy to detangle the mess. It is a tale as old as time, and we think more attention should be given to this issue. With the Shark sisters, Stratos, and Vertex, the Powerfins roller cannot be removed. Because this is the roller that usually gets tangled with hair versus the soft roller that is easily removable, it is a bit of a head-scratcher.
As for the Black+Decker, we have a bone to pick. This design lacks the simplistic release button we saw on most of the competition. Instead, removing the bin includes lifting the filter system to dump the waste. Usually, static hair clings to the filter, so we had to grab the dust-coated hair off the filter to clean everything. Yuck. Also, it isn't very efficient, and because these vacuums don't hold a ton, this emptying can be frequent.
Here's the full Black+Decker cleaning process. It is an elegant sight thanks to previously vacuumed test glitter.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
We had similar qualms with the Dyson V12 Detect Slim. Its dustbin is genuinely tiny; it filled up to the point that the vacuum registered a clog and shut itself off during all three rounds of our carpet testing.
One of the V12's biggest drawbacks was its tiny dustbin, and how difficult it was to clean.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
And if this wasn't enough of an inconvenience, that same tiny dustbin was extremely difficult to detach and empty. Multiple people from our team found it shockingly tough to take off. It was so odd that we think it's possible it was just a manufacturing defect with the single V12 we purchased, not a feature of the model as a whole. But still, not exactly confidence-inspiring.
Here you can see our struggles with the Dyson V12.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Self-emptying stations are becoming the next big thing in vacuum convenience—and Samsung's Bespoke is leading the charge for stick models. While its sleek design begs for display, the 2-liter dust bag fills up fast and requires ongoing replacements, which undercuts the hands-free appeal. Still, it spares you the mess of manual bin emptying, and that alone might be worth it for some.
For those who don't like dirty hands, the Samsung Bespoke cleaning station is a winner.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Upholstery and Attachments
Attachments are the unsung heroes of cordless stick vacuums. With an arsenal of options comes increased versatility, creating a more valuable cleaning companion. Since cordless stick vacuums are relatively new to the vacuum world, some might not consider their additional applications. However, when removing the stem of the vacuum and snapping on an attachment, BOOM, we have a handheld vacuum. Spot cleans, deep crevice distresses, and crumbs lurking in cars from toddler temper tantrums can all be cleaned with a versatile stick vacuum.
The Tineco comes with a pre-filter cleaning tool (on the right) that helps better maintain the vacuum, which could potentially increase longevity.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
When it comes to attachments, we have a favorite. While the crevice tool lets us dig deep into tight spaces and the dusting bristle brush is good for settling dust, the real winner is a motorized head. Just like on carpets, upholstery needs some agitation from moving bristles to get the job done.
The Dyson V8 is making quick work in our upholstery test. The small motorized brush is excellent on couches. Animal owner will appreciate this tool for catching the fur that collects everywhere.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
You can compare the performance difference between the two different attachment designs from the Dyson V8 and Shark Pet Plus.
Although the Shark Pet Plus is marketed with pet owners in mind, it doesn't come with a motorized brush head. We used the upholstery tool, but it's less effective than the V8 attachment.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Attachments Included
Crevice
(Thin Head)
Duster
(Bristle Head)
Powered
(Mini Motorized Head)
Dyson Gen5detect
Nestled within the main hose
Dyson V8
Tineco Pure ONE S11
Black+Decker Powerseries+ 20V
✖
✖
Shark Detect Pro Cordless
So who's got the goods? All of the Dysons come with a motorized tool attachment. However, the V8 doesn't come with the coveted Fluffy Optic roller, so there will be no disco laser light shows to illuminate debris.
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
We were disappointed to find that the Shark Detect Pro only had a crevice tool.
Noise
Noise isn't something we score on. Why? Well, they all sound relatively loud. None of these vacuums are nap-time cleaners, and while each has its own tone, the differences aren't enough to discern for the average human.
The Kenmore recorded the lowest decibel reading at 75 decibels, but that didn't sound far off than 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
Overall Ease of Use
The vacuum's characteristics really stand out in this metric. Each has benefits and drawbacks, as no one product is perfect. Here's how our scoring turned out.
The mid-range Sharks take the lead in this metric due to their smooth handling and beneficial features. The Levoit LVAC 200 is very easy to clean and maintain, giving it a boost overall. The Homeika also performs excellently due to its light and simple design. While the Bespoke is easy to maintain, we had difficulty pushing it around due to its small wheel and placement. The Dysons rear its design drawback to a powerful suction, heavy weight that is difficult to push around.
Battery
Battery life is the Achilles heel of cordless 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 V15s Submarine
68
9
Dyson Gen5detect
67
7
Dyson V15 Detect
64
9
Shark Stratos Cordless
55
11
Samsung Bespoke Jet
54
10
Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight
48
12
Shark Pet Plus
43
14
Levoit LVAC-200
35
17
Shark Detect Pro Cordless
40
10
Kenmore Elite CSV Max DS4095
34
14
Black+Decker Powerseries+ 20V
26
18
Dyson V12 Slim
36
8
Bissell Cleanview XR
31
11
Dyson V8
33
7
Tineco Pure ONE S11
29
11
We originally worried that the more powerful products would have lower operating times, but our tests showed this wasn't necessarily the case. While the average product didn't reach the hour mark, some of the more subtle factors may persuade a buying decision. The biggest consideration is that we don't always need to run the Dysons on high. They can easily tackle most messes on low, and frankly, high is too darn hard to push anyway.
Also, don't be duped by the Homeika battery life while using on max. Like the Levoit, It outshined the competition because there isn't a lot of extra power boost between the two settings. After stepping away from the popular Shark and Dyson brands, the competition starts to near the 30-minute mark, which isn't enough time to get much done.
The battery runtime of the Vertex is virtually the same, standing still as it is actively vacuuming, which is about 48 minutes on average in low-power mode.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
A solution? 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. If you have other Black+Decker tools, the vacuum uses the same battery, which could make it one for your shortlist. Outside of the B+D batteries being useful for multiple tools, we didn't see this kind of multi-purpose battery in the competition.
A final hopeful note: Cordless stick vacuums completely change the game when it comes to chores. 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.
Close Contenders
The Dyson V12 Slim is a notable stick vacuum from Dyson that is specifically designed with ease of use in mind. While the other Dyson's in this lineup carry a more powerful motor and hefty battery to sustain, the V12 hits a sweet spot with efficiency, not putting the heavy weight of the handheld on the owner and allowing the stick vacuum to work quickly, only focusing on small quick clean ups around the house versus extensive cleaning.
Detect Pro, Shark's answer to the slim cordless trend, this model shines in quick pickups on hard surfaces. Its streamlined design makes it easy to stash near high-traffic spots like the kitchen, where messes tend to appear fast and often. It can handle light touch-ups on carpet in a pinch, but don't count on it for deep cleaning—especially when it comes to pet hair. Still, it's handy for quick tidying.
Looking for a stick vacuum that handles both wet and dry messes? The premium Dyson V15s Submarine supplies a dedicated wet mop head with a built-in water tank, all while maintaining the slim, compact design typical of Dyson's stick vacuums. It may take a few extra passes over stubborn spots compared to a steam mop, but if budget isn't a concern and you want added versatility, this could be a smart upgrade.
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 is Important
Suction power is one of the most critical factors in a cordless stick vacuum because it directly affects how efficiently and thoroughly the vacuum can clean various surfaces, especially when it comes to carpets. Strong suction is needed to remove deeply embedded dirt, dust, and hair trapped in carpet fibers. Low suction may leave remnants behind, leading to less effective cleaning and more frustration. While hard floors typically require less suction, the vacuum must provide enough power to lift dense small particles like sand and dirt, helping provide that polished look that we all strive to see when cleaning hard surfaces.
Strong suction translates to great cleaning performance.
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
Attachments We Love
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. 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
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.
