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Honorable Mentions
We’ve never tried a vacuum that we absolutely hated. These below are solid vacuums, and in some cases cheaper than our top picks, but we don’t like them that much.
Bissell IconPet Turbo Edge for $366: Bissell’s OG stick vacuum has been a popular model for a long time. It does a great job of picking up hair and cat litter, and easily turns into a handheld vac as well. The battery lasts a little longer, but former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano wasn’t impressed with its Cheerio-gathering skills, and it can’t stand on its own.
Bissell’s PowerClean FurFinder for $210: This is a great stick vacuum, and it was our previous top pick. It does a great job on all types of floors, has a nice variety of accessories, and has a FurFinder tool that helps with pet hair. This is still a great vacuum, especially if you have pets, but unless you use the FurFinder tool regularly, you can get the slightly cheaper regular Bissell PowerClean for the same experience.
Bosch Unlimited 10 Cordless Stick Vacuum for $699: This vacuum has six cleaning modes and can turn in the middle, but it doesn’t always keep the debris inside the vacuum after I’m done cleaning. It has a 10-year motor warranty, which is more than what other brands offer.
Black & Decker Powerseries Extreme Max for $209: The Black & Decker Powerseries Extreme Max is a great stick vacuum that’s cheaper than most. It stands on its own and has three power levels that you can easily control with the handle, and it handles well on different surfaces in my house. I really like this vacuum, but it’s not as sturdy as the Bissell above, and the handle feels a little plasticky compared to other vacuums I’ve tried. It has a larger capacity bin, though.
Dirt Devil Power Swerve Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum for $72: We’ve recommended it before as a budget choice. It’s a great vacuum for the money, but there are mixed results on how long the battery lasts and the build quality.
Dyson V12 Detect for $550: the V12 Detect worth considering if you want something cheaper and lighter than the V15 (although it’s less powerful and has a smaller bin).
Eufy Robot Vacuum 3-In-1 E20 for $350: WIRED reviewer Adrienne So was inspired to try Eufy’s E20which is a stick vacuum, handheld vacuum, and robot vacuum all in one. It’s a handy, well-designed device, but it’s only good for light cleaning.
Eureka Innova Cordless Stick Multi-Surface Vacuum for $246: This is a great stick vacuum at a reasonable price. It cleans a mat better, and has specific settings on carpet and hardwood. However, to vacuum larger pieces like Cheerios, I have to raise the vacuum and place it directly on top of them.
Ryobi 18V One+ HP Advanced Stick Vacuum Kit for $399: This is our runner-up cordless vacuum pick for the best pet hair vacuums. It has strong suction, cyclonic filtration, a brushless motor, an easily removable roller bar, and lights on the vacuum head to better see pet hair and dander.
Worx 20V Cordless Stick Vacuum for $250: It’s a good vacuum, but the dustbin is harder to clean than other models I’ve tried.
FAQs
What is a Cordless Vacuum?
Cordless vacuums, also known as stick vacuums, are just what the name suggests: They don’t need a cord to operate. Instead, they have a battery that you need to charge, and are designed with a battery and motor on top with a long, thin, stick-like body that connects that to the vacuum head. They are lighter than an upright vacuum, and have become popular because they are easier to store and move around the house. I like to use one as someone who lives in a three story house. Stick vacuums can also remove the stick part to become a handheld vacuum, although it is heavier than a real one. handheld vacuum (but battery life is better).
How Long Do Cordless Vacuums Last?
In general, vacuums tend to last about five years, but that depends on how often you vacuum, and the quality of the vacuum’s construction. Some cheaper stick vacuums may only last a year or two though, according to Eufy, so it’s worth investing in a good quality stick vacuum. If you want to know what signs indicate that you need to replace your vacuum, check out our guide how long vacuums can last. If you are interested in whether you are vacuuming enough, check out our guide on how often should you vacuum.
How Does WIRED Test Cordless Vacuums?
The best way to test a vacuum is to use it as you normally would. So, for a few months, we lived with these cordless vacuums, rotating them to handle daily messes and weekly cleaning of hardwood floors, area rugs, and carpets. We billed them, asked our colleagues to use them, and even took some to a shop to clean after antique furniture and heavy foot traffic.
We also did a head-to-head test, comparing how each picked up piles of Cheerios and cat litter, seeing if they blew debris or required multiple passes. We also removed piles of dust and dirt from inside the vacuum bins to see how easily the vacuums could pick them up in their thick state.
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