Cordless vacuums used to be crap a few years ago.
With the notable exception of Dyson cordless vacuums – which were overpriced back then – all others were just wannabes. Sure, you could use them to clean your shelves, vacuum your upholstery and clear up small spills, but when it came to floors their meager suction power would badly let them down.
And then came the Dyson V8.
Everything changed.
With it giving corded vacuums a run for their money, other vacuum brands were forced to raise their game. That race gave way to the best cordless vacuums on the market that we have today, ones which don’t just compete with their corded colleagues but beat them at every count as well.
Best Cordless Vacuum Reviews On the Market of 2022
1. Best Overall : Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum
The Dyson V8 Absolute provides huge suction power on all types of surfaces and has an impressive battery timing to its credit. Add to the equation the large number of attachments which it offers in its package, and this model might be your first choice for whole-house cleaning from the market.
Features
With the Dyson V8 Absolute running on Li-ion batteries, it gets two benefits in return – an above-average battery timing of 40 minutes and a recharging time of a mere 4 hours. You also get an Instant Release Trigger which ensures that no battery is being consumed once you stop vacuuming.
Though its dirt capacity of 0.14 gallons differentiates the V8 Absolute from the competition, what impressed us more was the ease with which you can dump its debris. All you have to do to empty it is to release the red label on the panel, and the dirt would automatically go sideways.
Depending on the type of surface you might want to clean, two cleaning modes are on offer: Standard and Max. While the former is recommended for thin rugs and bare floors, you can activate the latter when cleaning thick carpets.
To aid you in cleaning carpets, this unit’s direct-drive motorized brush comes pretty handy. Its agitating action helps break large debris chunks into smaller ones – making it easier for the cleaner to vacuum them. A dusting brush lets you clean furniture with a crevice tool proving useful for vacuuming nooks and crannies.
You also get a whole-machine HEPA filtration system that prevents allergic flare-ups by not letting captured allergens and pollutants escape. Then comes its Mini Motorized Tool whose compact shape and 40-degree angle makes it a great device for cleaning stairs.
That this model has so many brilliant features doesn’t mean that it’s perfect. Its otherwise impressive battery timing nosedives to 20 minutes – half of the original – once you activate the Max Mode. That means you might have to be quick while cleaning those thick rugs and multi-pile carpets.
What We Like
- Impressive battery timing
- Above-average dirt capacity
- Effective on all types of floor
- Whole-machine HEPA filtration
What We Don’t Like
- Underwhelming battery timing in Max Mode
2. Best Battery Life: Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum
image: Dyson
Of all the vacuums Dyson has manufactured to date, none comes close to offering the power and battery timing of the V11 Torque Drive. Therefore, if you want a cordless vacuum from the market, that’s simply the best – and have the money to pay for it – you might want to go for it.
Features
To emphasize how high-end this vacuum is, it’s important to compare the V11 with its immediate predecessor, the Dyson V10. Although the V11 was released only six months after the V10, it still provides 20% more power, lasts 8 minutes longer and generates 4dB less noise.
Other than that, the V11 Torque Drive can hold a dirt capacity of 0.76 liters of dirt – more than any other cordless model on the market. It also has an LCD screen that displays useful matrices in real-time including runtime indicator, selected power mode, filter maintenance reminder, and blockage alerts.
What’s more, once it has given you a maintenance alert, the V11 won’t ask you to address it yourself. Instead, once you expand that alert, it would include tips of how you can clear any blockages inside the vacuum. That means you’d get a virtual trainer to guide you.
Of the three cleaning modes that the V11 provides – Eco, Boost, and Auto – the last one is our favorite. That’s because it doesn’t force you to make a decision. Instead, based on the type of floor you might be vacuuming, the Auto Mode would automatically change motor speed to complement it.
On top of everything else, it provides five additional cleaning attachments in its package: three tools (crevice, combination and mini motorized) and two brushes (stubborn dirt and mini soft brushing). You can store these attachments both onboard as well as on the recharging station of the V11.
Lastly, if there’s one thing which might act as a deal-breaker in your pursuit of the V11, it might turn out to be its asking price. For, since Dyson has left no stone unturned to create a powerful machine, it expects you to pay heftily for it.
What We Like
- 1-hour battery timing
- Useful LCD screen
- Considerable dirt capacity
- Huge suction power
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey
3. Best for Pet Hair: Shark SV1106 Cordless Vacuum
image: Shark
The Shark SV1106 is an excellent stick cleaner that comes at a pocket-friendly price on the market. It does well at cleaning multiple types of floor and reserves its best performance for cleaning pet hair. So if you want a solid cordless model but can’t afford to break the bank, go for the Shark SV1106.
Features
In case you were wondering, it is its 2-speed brush which makes the Shark SV1106 best for pet hair. Activating the lower speed will be enough when using this model on bare floors. The high-speed setting, meanwhile, will force thick carpets to let go of embedded pet hair via its agitating action.
Furthermore, maneuvering this unit shouldn’t be a problem considering the fact that it has an upright design. Still, to remove any potential doubts, it provides a swivel steering in its package. You can count on it to easily maneuver this vacuum around tight spaces and corners.
Additionally, while it doesn’t have an LED indicator to make you aware of the status of its dirt cup, the Shark SV1106 has the next best thing – a bagless design. That makes the whole unit transparent and allows you to easily keep an eye on the dirt bin.
That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t afford to move your gaze away from the bin. With its capacity of 0.29gallons, the cup would take a considerable amount of time (and debris) to fill up. The cup is equally easy to empty, as pressing a button would release it for you to tip the debris into the bin.
As for its filtration, it shouldn’t be surprising to note that given its meager price, the Shark SV1106 doesn’t have a HEPA filter. Instead, you get a foam filter and a mesh filter. Both of them are washable and require periodic cleaning to perform at their best level.
Lastly, while its meager price tag means you can’t complain whatever might come your way, we still think that the Shark SV1106 might have done a bit better in two areas. First, its battery timing of 17 minutes is simply below par. Second, with no attachments, you can’t use this vacuum in many settings.
What We Like
- Effortlessly sucks pet hair
- Swivel steering
- Extra-large dirt cup
- 2-speed motorized brushroll
What We Don’t Like
- Below par battery timing
4. Best for Hardwood Floors: Hoover BH50010 Cordless Vacuum
image: Hoover
The Hoover BH50010 is essentially a smaller, cordless version of an upright cleaner on the market. It features a user-intuitive design, above-average battery life, and whole-house cleaning capability. Additionally, since it’s a stick vacuum, it’s an appealing alternative for anyone tired of using heavy vacuums.
Features
At first glance, the Hoover BH50010 looks similar to a standing upright vacuum – just without a power cord and smaller. It provides two cleaning modes – low without beater bar and high with the beater bar – and you can easily switch between both using the controls present on its handle.
When it comes to suction, the low cleaning mode performs better at hardwood and bare floors. The high cleaning mode, meanwhile, would do a sufficient job at vacuuming pet hair, dirt and other debris from both low as well as high-pile carpets.
Other than that, the dustbin on this cordless vacuum allows you to clean several rooms in one go. It doesn’t have any dustbin indicator to let you know of the status of the bin. Though what you do get is a bagless design which lets you see everything in the dirt cup.
Surprisingly, while most models in this review specify their battery timing, we weren’t able to find this information about the BH50010. That said, even after we had vacuumed a full home, its battery status bar indicated about 50% remaining battery life. As such, there’s nothing for you to worry here.
Furthermore, the Hoover BH50010 comes with a removable battery that you can charge on its own. That means that provided you can afford to purchase a 2nd battery – only one comes in its package – you’d be able to use this model at all times by recharging the spare battery.
Finally, considering the fact that it isn’t a budget model, we found certain features of the Hoover BH50010 a bit cheap. In particular, the plastic construction of its brush head seems light and somewhat flimsy, Granted, this isn’t a deal-breaker but we expected better given the considerable asking price of this model.
What We Like
- Large dustbin
- Two cleaning modes
- Removable, recharging battery
What We Don’t Like
- The plastic construction of the brush head feels cheap
5. Best Budget: BLACK+DECKER CHV1410L Handheld Cordless Vacuum
image: BLACK+DECKER
If all you want a vacuum is for cleaning small messes left with an occasional heavy-duty task, the Black + Decker CHB1410L would perform just fine. Though, as a mere glance at this model would make it clear, it isn’t built for whole-house cleaning.
Features
Considering its compact shape, it should be obvious that the CH1410L is a lightweight vacuum to carry around. It runs on a 16V Smart Charge technology which empowers the Li-ion batteries of this unit to hold a charge for up to 18 months.
Then there is the cyclonic action technology whose whirlwind action keeps spinning dust away from the filter. That, in turn, not only protects the filter from any clogging but also maintains greater suction power for longer periods.
For a handheld vacuum, the 20.6oz capacity of this model’s dirt cup is more than what you’d expect. It lasts somewhere between 15 to 30 minutes on a single charge and has a 4 hour recharging time. Also provided are two filters both of whom can be washed to increase their shelf life.
That said, while these filters would undoubtedly last longer, they are a mess to clean. To remove them from inside this vacuum’s body, you’d have to apply physical force even though there are buttons which should (theoretically) do the job. That’s the one area where this model could have done better.
Additionally, this vacuum has a rotating nozzle which lets it pick up dirt and debris from tight spots. The presence of a long tube in front of its mouth, meanwhile, increases the reach of this model by up to 50% when compared to its predecessor.
Other than that, you get a crevice tool to clean hard-to-reach areas and a dusting brush to vacuum upholstery items. This model also affords onboard storage to all its attachments – thereby reducing any likelihood of items getting misplaced.
What We Like
- Compact and lightweight
- Holds charge for long
- Decent battery timing
What We Don’t Like
- The filter isn’t easy to clean
6. Best Car Vacuum: Dyson V6 Car + Boat Cordless Car Vacuum
If you’re one of those persons who are passionate about keeping the interiors of your car clean – and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t as dirt and debris can damage your vehicle’s components in the long run – the Dyson V6 Car + Boat seems to be a worthy option.
Features
The first thing you should note about the Dyson V6 Car + Boat is that it has the same engine and body as the V6 standard – with the only difference that it doesn’t come with a floor tool. That means that this model rivals a standard vacuum when it comes to suction power.
Apart from its red and silver color scheme, everything about this model’s design mimics that of the V6 vacuum. It provides a bagless design so that you can easily see through when the dirt cup needs to be emptied and tools attach to this model with a satisfying click.
That said, while this model provides two filters – pre and post-motor – you don’t get HEPA filtration system. Its absence is puzzling considering the fact that the standard V6 – of which this model is all but a clone – offers this feature.
Though you do get a trigger release button on this model. It needs to be held down when you’re cleaning – a compulsion which helps save battery life. Two cleaning modes are on offer, of which the regular mode is useful only for cleaning small spills.
As for the Max mode – which you can activate by clicking the switch located at the back of this machine – it provides extra suction power by consuming more battery. So while the rated runtime of this model is 20 minutes, the Max Mode brings it down to 6 minutes.
Dyson is most generous in the market when it comes to loading its vacuums with extra attachments. Fortunately, the V6 Car + Boat is nothing different. It provides three tools (crevice, mini-motorized and combination), two brushes (soft bristle and mini soft dusting) and a cordless extension hose.
What We Like
- 20-minute runtime
- Provides six attachments
- Huge suction power for a handheld
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t have HEPA filtration
Best Cordless Vacuum cleaner Buying Guide On the Market 2020
How to Choose a Cordless Vacuum cleaner?
There are two ways you could go about choosing a cordless vacuum cleaner from the market. One, you could visit the market right now and select the model which appeals to your eye. Second, you could go through this buying guide, know the features you should look for and then make an informed decision.
The choice is yours (though we recommend that you adopt the 2nd course).
Must-have Features
These are the features which should serve as a deal-maker (or breaker). Provided you want your model to perform brilliantly, you should insist on having these.
1. Consistent Suction Power
In contrast to what most users might believe, powerful suction on its own isn’t enough. What you need instead is a model which provides more power consistently.
Therefore, when looking at the features of a cordless vacuum, make sure it offers “fade-free suction”. Such units provide a suction power which remains the same regardless of the remaining battery life.
2. Respectable Battery Life
When looking at battery life, you should look for two features in particular. First, check out the runtime and remember that the best cordless vacuums on the market offer as much as an hour of runtime.
Second, make sure the vacuum doesn’t have a huge charging time – since the vacuums we recommend in this model take, at the very most, 5 hours which is pretty above-average for cordless models.
3. Considerable Dirt Capacity
As far as cordless models are concerned, you should make sure that they offer a sizable dirt capacity. Otherwise, you’d have no choice but to empty them frequently.
Which is why we recommend the Dyson V8 Absolute as it boasts an above-average dirt capacity of 0.54 liters. Or, if you want more, you can check out the Dyson V11 which can hold 0.75 liters of dirt.
4. HEPA filtration
High-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filters are known for their ability to capture and hold dirt 99.7% of all dirt particles. That means that they can effectively filter allergens and other pollutants.
So if you or someone in your household suffer from asthma or allergies, make sure your cordless model offers HEPA filtration. Lest you want your model to let captured pollutants back into your home.
5. Attachments
Apart from the standard crevice and upholstery tools – which you should expect to have in your model, some machines provide extension hose, soft dusting brush, motorized brushroll and what not.
That said, while these attachments undoubtedly increase the utility of your model by increasing the areas where you can use it, they also end up increasing its asking price. So you might have to pay more.
Add-ons
While these features also have a positive effect on the performance of a vacuum, they aren’t indispensable to it. Their presence, however, might increase the model’s price.
a). Lift-away mode
Most cordless vacuums on the market come in a handheld type, a design which evenly distributes the weight across the length of the vacuum. That allows you to easily clean floors and other large spaces with the cleaner.
In contrast, vacuums which offer the Lift-Away mode – which is where you can remove their cleaning tube – allow easy cleaning of tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas as well.
b). Battery indicator
Hate the idea of being forced to stop midway through the cleaning due to the battery dying down? Then you must invest in a model which offers a remaining battery power indicator of some kind.
While most models offer an LED light for the same, some offer an LCD screen showing the remaining battery life. Regardless of how it tells you, a battery indicator is a useful feature to have.
c). Standalone recharging batteries
Such batteries do not require you to plug-in the whole vacuum once its power has died down. Instead, you could just take out the battery and plug it in.
That said, such batteries come handy only if you can afford to purchase a spare. That way, while you’re recharging one set of batteries, you could use the other for vacuuming.
Conclusion
With the prices of cordless models going down due to increasing competition and their suction power competing with that of corded vacuums, it shouldn’t be surprising that Dyson has placed its bet on a cordless future. If you feel like that as well, the best cordless vacuums on the market mentioned above would go a long way in justifying your decision.
