The 8 Best Cordless Vacuums of 2023, According to Cleaning Pros
Updated: Feb. 08, 2024
We found the best cordless vacuum options for every budget, flooring and space.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Choosing one of the most dependable vacuum cleaners is one of the most important household tasks. After all, a good vacuum makes its way through every room of the house, cleaning up spills, messes and dust along the way. For busy households and multi-room use, opting for one of the best cordless vacuum models on the market can be an especially smart choice.
From the best vacuums for pet hair to handheld vacuums, we found the best cleaning professional- and editor-approved cordless vacuums for every type of flooring and budget. They range from stick vacuums to car-approved vacuums, and have different features that might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
To top it all here are some vacuum deals to find the best option for yourself according to your needs and budget!
What to look for when buying a cordless vacuum
“Vacuums with onboard tools and attachments make it easy to clean baseboards and vacuum furniture,” shares Pam Clyde, a professional cleaning expert and owner of BritLin Cleaning. “The best cordless vacuums are those with brush roll switches to turn on for carpets and off for hard surface flooring. Another important feature to look for is the ability to lay flat enough to fit under beds.”
It’s important to look at the types of flooring you want a cordless vacuum to cover, as well. Stick vacuums are an excellent option for versatile multi-room use while all-hardwood homes may benefit from one of the best vacuum-mop combos. Those with furry animals at home should opt for carpet cleaners for pets. Dog and cat urine are some of the things that should never be vacuumed unless you have a specialized vac. For the most cordless and hands-free option of all, extremely busy households can opt for one of the best robot vacuums.
The best cordless vacuums
- Best overall: Tineco Pure One S15 Smart Vacuum
- Best value: Black+Decker Powerseries+ 16V Max Cordless Stick Vacuum
- Best splurge: Dyson V11 Animal Cord-Free Stick Vacuum
- Best for pets: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser
- Best robot vacuum: iRobot Roomba 7+
- Best wet/dry: Shark VM252 VacMop Pro
- Best handheld: IonVac Handheld Vacuum
- Best lightweight: Bissell PowerGlide Slim Cordless Vacuum
Best overall cordless vacuum
Tineco Pure One S15 Pet
Whether you have pets or family members with long locks, the Tineco Pure One S15 Smart Vacuum is the anti-tangle cleaning tool you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. Forward-thinking bristles and a dual-comb design get hair, fur and dust lifted quickly. The V-shaped design promises a tangle-free experience, reducing frustration and battery exertion. Another Tineco we love: the Tineco iFloor 3.
Plus, this particular model has been tested and approved by our team. “Our puggle sheds like crazy, and this is the first vacuum to successfully remove fur from rugs—and in a single pass,” says our executive editor, Aviva Patz. “And unlike our old vacuum, the rotating parts never get clogged with fur—or hair from the four humans in the house.” You can shop it on the brand’s website or on Amazon, along with the other best vacuum cleaners on Amazon.
Pros
- Tangle-free brush design with dual combs and V-shaped bristles
- Has built-in lights
- Has a 40-minute run time
- Simple dust bin emptying and cleaning
Cons
- Expensive
Best value cordless vacuum
Black+Decker Powerseries+ Max Cordless Stick Vacuum
Working with a tight budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing power or quality. The fun-to-use Black+Decker Powerseries+ Max Cordless Stick Vacuum offers 16 volts of supercharged power. It cleans up the toughest messes and keeps air clean with cyclonic filtration. Built-in LED lights make dark corners and the weird spaces you’re not vacuuming easier to clean than ever before. The best part? Reviewers note that this model works better than even far pricier models on any type of flooring, including low- and medium-pile carpets. This best cordless vacuum even works marvelously on outdoor rugs—and you didn’t even need for it to be on sale to get a vacuum deal.
“I love this cordless stick vacuum. I didn’t realize how much I needed one in my life! The price is great. I live in a condo with wooden and tile floors, and now I can whip around it in minutes with this vacuum. There is plenty of dirt in the cup when I’m finished, so it’s doing its job very well,” shares Julie C., a verified purchaser.
Pros
- Affordable
- Features strong suction like pricier models
- Cyclonic filtration keeps air clean
- Suitable on carpets, hardwood and tile
Cons
- High suction mode, designed for carpets, drains the battery quickly
Best splurge cordless vacuum
Dyson V11 Animal Cord-Free Stick Vacuum
When it comes to luxury vacuums, it’s hard to beat a Dyson. The Dyson V11 Animal features an integrated LED screen that displays the cleaning modes. You can seamlessly switch between three modes: eco, auto and boost. The impressive seven-cell lithium-ion batteries and digital motor run quietly for extended periods of time. Plus, Dyson is really only competing against itself. The V11 has 20% more suction power than previous cordless Dyson vacuum models—and those were also bestsellers. Although a pricey investment, you might be able to snag a Dyson deal.
“Coming from an upright that was 15 years old, this is so much easier to use!” shares Jeff Valdez, a five-star reviewer. “Lugging the old one out of the utility closet to clean was a chore. This hangs conveniently on a wall and, I rarely say this about cleaning, but this Dyson product makes cleaning fun.”
Pros
- Luxurious, smooth handling
- Modern design and eye-catching color
- Has an LED screen display and several cleaning modes
- Ideal for all indoor flooring types
Cons
- Wall mount not included
Best cordless vacuum for pet hair
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser
Anyone with a shedding pet knows what an uphill battle pet hair removal can be. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is a handheld, bagless vacuum that sucks up fur from every hidden corner of the house. It holds a 17-minute charge, and the included attachments also help in reaching crevices in couches, baseboards and more. Thanks to its suction capabilities, it’s one of the best cordless vacuums for pet hair and pet messes.
Our deputy shopping editor, Reina Galhea, writes in her Bissell Pet Hair Eraser review, “Though it can’t compare to the suction power of an upright vacuum and doesn’t have the stain-fighting abilities of other Bissell handhelds, like the Pet Stain Eraser, it is a mighty little tool for fur, dirt, pet food and any other dry debris that might be lurking in your home.”
Pros
- Cleans up fur, dirt and other dry debris
- Modest price point
- Includes three attachment tools
- Can also be used as a car vacuum
Cons
- Not ideal for large areas
- Takes eight hours to fully charge
Best robot vacuum
iRobot Roomba i7+
There’s a reason thousands of professional house cleaners love the iRobot Roomba i7+. It’s not just cordless, it’s totally hands-free. An automatic dirt disposal system lets you forget about cleaning for awhile. It can also be connected to Google Home or Amazon Alexa for even more convenience. Just make sure you’re storing your Roomba properly.
“I no longer have dust bunnies wandering around my home,” writes five-star reviewer, Ann, who’s “in love” with her Roomba. “I can open my door without embarrassment. I don’t even see much dog hair on my black clothes any longer. And, my kitchen floor has not been this clean since we moved in 25 years ago.”
Pros
- House mapping creates paths for the Roomba to follow
- Has an automatic self-cleaning dust bin
- Less noisy than other robot vacuums
- Google Home or Amazon Alexa voice-controlled
- Cleaning schedule can be done via phone app
Cons
- Expensive
Best wet/dry cordless vacuum
Shark VM252 VacMop Pro
When it comes to cleaning the house quickly and efficiently, the Shark VacMop Pro is a solid choice. This best wet/dry cordless vacuum sweeps and mops with the touch of a button, and the cordless design lets you conveniently shift between rooms. Anything that cuts time between sweeping, vacuuming and mopping is a win in our book.
Our executive editor, Megan Wood, tested this Shark cordless vacuum in two separate homes, writing, “I love how easy it is to go from vacuuming to mopping with one machine, and not having to unplug anything to move between rooms. Tossing the disposable pad in the garbage without having to empty a filthy canister is convenient, too.”
Pros
- Vacuums and mops for double the cleaning power
- Only weighs 3.34 pounds
- Doesn’t leave streaks as it dries
- Has motion-activated headlights
Cons
- Only holds a 15-minute charge for quick messes
- Requires disposable pads and cleaning solution
Best handheld cordless vacuum
IonVac Handheld Vacuum
The smallest and most affordable option on our list is the IonVac handheld vacuum. It holds up to 20 minutes of run time, and includes three cleaning attachments for tricky areas. Double it as a car vacuum or take it on the go, thanks to its tiny, 1-pound size. The USB charging port is also very convenient for charging anywhere, anytime. We think it’s earned its spot as one of the best cordless handheld vacuums for its multi-surface use and two power levels. You might consider dedicating it as your car vacuum.
“I like the IonVac because it really picks up the dirt in my car and on the couches. I have tried other handheld vacuums and they did not do the job like this one. It is also lightweight and compact,” writes verified purchaser, Bev.
Pros
- Only weighs 1 pound
- Compact size
- Comes with a USB charging port
- Includes three cleaning attachments
Cons
- Not ideal for deep cleaning
Best lightweight cordless vacuum
Bissell PowerGlide Slim Cordless Vacuum
The Bissell PowerGlide is on our list of best cordless vacuum models, thanks to strong suction, easy maneuvering, lightweight design and affordability. It weighs less than 10 pounds, has three-in-one suction power capabilities and works on most flooring types. Suck up debris in a jiffy, clumps of troublesome pet hair without tangling and food crumbs without worry. This pick also comes with a variety of specialized brush, crevice and corner tools to offer the deepest clean possible.
“I upgraded to this vacuum from an off-brand, cheaper one that finally gave up on me—and I’m so glad I did!” shares Amy, a five-star reviewer. “For the price, this vacuum is light, powerful and has great battery life. It gets up all the dirt, cat hair and litter with no problem. It cuts my vacuum time in half compared to the last vacuum I had!”
Pros
- Only weighs 9.25 pounds
- Has an ergonomic design
- Modest price point
- Comes with a wall mount and additional accessories
Cons
- Requires frequent battery recharges
FAQ
How do you clean a cordless vacuum?
Cleaning a cordless vacuum depends on the model. Unless it’s a robot vacuum, you’ll have to empty the dust bin and replace the filter as necessary.
How long do cordless vacuums last?
Cordless vacuums can last multiple years, as long as they’re properly maintained. However, because they need to be recharged, you may need to buy a replacement battery every so often.
Are cordless vacuums less powerful than corded?
Cordless vacuums are often just as powerful as standard vacuums and corded vacuums. Depending on the model and its maintenance, you may be a total cordless convert by the time you’re done!
Why you should trust us
Keeping a tidy home is just as important to our editors as it is to you, which is why we’re sticklers when it comes to finding the best vacuums money can buy. Whether you live alone or in a crowded house with children and pets, if you rent an apartment or own a house, we’ve vetted and tested every type of machine to keep your home clean. We’ve tested the best vacuums and vac-mops for hardwood, tile, carpet, stairs and for cleaning up after pets. We also consult with professional cleaners and experts that have plenty of industry insight. With more than 20 rounds of testing under our belts, we’re deeply familiar with the best vacuum brands.
Sources:
- Pam Clyde, cleaning expert and owner of BritLinCleaning
Originally Published: September 19, 2022
