We know how much cordless vacuums are necessary in our daily cleaning routines. They are preferred over other vacuum cleaners because of their lightweight and easy manoeuvrability. They are extremely portable, helping you in cleaning tight spots better; you can even clean your cars, stairs, etc. without any hassle. Although these cordless vacuums are portable and lightweight, they also come with some drawbacks. For instance, they have limited battery life, usually in between 50 and 70 minutes. small dustbins, and less power compared to bagged and corded vacuums.
After testing over 100 vacuums and years of experience, I’ve made a list of the best cordless stick vacuums to help you pick the best vacuum according to your needs. Some of the top vacuum cleaner brands are Dyson, Miele, and Shark. They all make powerful and lightweight vacuums. I ranked them based on their performance, features, price, and their ability to perform under different circumstances.
Our Top Picks
- Dyson V15 Detect
- Shark Stratos Cordless DuoClean
- Dyson V12 Detect Slim
- Shark PowerDetect Clean Auto-Empty System
- Shark PowerDetect
- Dyson Gen5detect
- Shark Vertex Pro
Comparison of the Best Carpet Cleaners
| Model | Best for | Weight | Battery Life | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyson V15 Detect | Overall Performance | 6.8 lb | Up to 60 min | Laser dust detection, HEPA filtration, high suction power | $749.99 |
| Shark Stratos | Alternative Choice | 8.9 lb | Up to 60 min | Odor neutralizer, DuoClean PowerFins, anti-hair wrap | $499.99 |
| Dyson V12 Detect Slim | Lightweight Design | 5.2 lb | Up to 60 min | Laser dust detection, compact and powerful | $649.99 |
| Shark PowerDetect Clean Auto-Empty System | Hands-Free Emptying | 9.1 lb | Up to 50 min | Self-emptying base, deep cleaning power | $599.99 |
| Shark PowerDetect | Mid-Range Performance | 7.9 lb | Up to 50 min | Adjustable suction, PowerFins brushroll | $399.99 |
| Dyson Gen5detect | Most Advanced | 7.7 lb | Up to 70 min | HEPA filtration, advanced LCD, powerful suction | $949.99 |
| Shark Vertex Pro | Budget-Friendly High Performance | 9.0 lb | Up to 60 min | DuoClean PowerFins, anti-hair wrap, strong suction | $429.99 |
Dyson V15 Detect
The Dyson V15 is the most powerful cordless vacuum out there; this vacuum excels in cleaning carpets and hardwood floor. The Dyson V15 outperforms the V11, V12, and V11 Animal in some tests we did. In V15 Dyson brought back the soft roller attachment, which comes in handy when cleaning hardwood floors. Now this roller comes with a laser that helps you spot hidden dust and debris on the floor, making it perfect for hardwood floors.
The V15 excels in sucking debris and dust particles; it can suck particles as small as 0.3 microns. The V15 also comes with auto suction adjustment and a dirt sensor. The auto suction adapts the mode according to cleaning needs, which helps it last longer. I really loved it’s new motorised tool. It keeps self-detangling so that hairs don’t wrap. The Dyson V15 has a built-in piezo sensor that measures the amount of debris and dust being sucked into the vacuum. With its help, you can monitor the level of allergen in your home. By keeping these things in mind, you can also change the cleaning mode based on the level of debris and dust you are dealing with. This vacuum weighs around 6.5 pounds, which is heavier than other cordless vacuums on the market but still worth it.
Reasons to buy:
- Amazing performance on all types of floors.
- Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre.
Reasons to avoid:
- Not Sturdy Enough.
- Batter is okay.
Shark Stratos Cordless DuoClean
The Shark Stratos is the best mid-range pick, full of features that deliver high-performance vacuuming. Its way less portable than the Dyson V15 because of its bulkier twin floor head and relatively heavy body. It’s suction power is not as powerful as the Dyson V15 but still pretty good for its price range. It also has an auto power adjustment system, which comes in handy when cleaning because it can adapt depending on the type of cleaning and type of floor you are cleaning on. Its odour-neutralisation system emits a laundry detergent-like scent as you clean.
This vacuum has a battery life of 1 hour, which is great compared to Dyson’s model. but it’s downside is that it takes around 4 hours to fully charge itself. which can be a hassle when doing long cleaning sessions. The vacuum’s hinged wand design makes cleaning easier on stairs and under tables.
Reasons to buy:
- Great build quality.
- Effective auto power adjustments.
- Flexible wand.
Reasons to avoid:
- Heavier than
Dyson V12 Detect Slim
The Dyson V12 Detect Slim comes with the latest technology and many great features for its size. This vacuum cleaner is a perfect balance between power, longevity, and portability. The V12 is smaller than the V15, but it’s suction power and battery life give tough competition to the V15.
The V12 new soft roller head has a laser technology that highlights dust and debris on hard floors, making it efficient in cleaning. It comes with a combo head for carpets and rugs. If we talk about V12’s suction power, it’s ranked among the most powerful suction vacuums we’ve come across. Its hair-resistant heads are a huge plus, making it great for pet hairs. This vacuum is very lightweight and portable, weighing only 5.2 pounds. Its lightweight makes it a great handheld option. You can also use this vacuum for cleaning your car, stairs, etc.
The Dyson V12 is a great cordless stick vacuum, but it also has some drawbacks. In our tests, we’ve seen the V12 struggling with larger debris on hard floors. It has a small dustbin, which can be a hassle when doing longer cleaning sessions. The head attachments that come with the V12 are not compatible with other Dyson models. Although the Dyson V12 has a higher price point, we still think it’s a great option because it offers everything V15 does but in a smaller size and lighter weight.
Reasons to buy:
- Easier to use than other Dyson models like V15
- Laser technology helps eliminate dust and debris on hardwood floors.
- Great suction power for its size.
- Auto power adjustment is a huge plus, which can increase battery life in longer cleaning sessions.
- LCD displays helpful information like maintenance alerts, performance, and remaining battery life.
- Has click in battery, which allows easy swapping to extend the cleaning time.
Reasons to avoid:
- Higher price point
- Smaller dustbin
- Attachments not compatible with other Dyson models.
Shark PowerDetect Clean Auto-Empty System
This is Shark’s most powerful cordless vacuum out there. It performs as well as Dyon’s V12 with one huge plus, which is a station that automatically empties the dustbin when the vacuum is docked. The only drawback is that it struggles when dealing with lots of fur.
This vacuum has some of the latest technology features, like a self-emptying dock, which has become an increasingly popular feature. An LED screen that shows multiple charge levels and a hinged wand with an adjustable angle to make cleaning easier in tough spots, stairs, and under the table. In our tests, the Shark PowerDetect performed exceptionally well at cleaning birdseed, sand, and dust. The Shark PowerDetect’s dual-brush cleaner head handles debris on hardwood floors and carpets effortlessly.
Just like the Dyson V12, this vacuum has 3 modes, with an auto-detect feature as well that can adjust its power suction depending on the type of cleaning you are doing. The LED screen shows how much battery is left, allowing you to plan your cleaning session accordingly.
This vacuum cleaner has a few drawbacks. Firstly, this vacuum has a small dustbin but the self-emptying dock can deal with that by automatically sucking debris into a larger canister. This vacuum struggles when dealing with furs. not suitable for owners with shedding pets. Finding the replacement parts, like batteries, can be a hassle.
Despite a few drawbacks, this vacuum cleaner offers a five-year warranty, which is pretty long compared to its competitors.
Reasons to buy:
- The auto-empty system provides hassle-free cleaning.
- Powerful suction picks up dust and debris effortlessly.
- PowerDetect technology automatically adjusts suction power based on the type of cleaning you are dealing with.
- HEPA filtration captures allergens and improves air quality.
Reasons to avoid:
- Struggles with fur, making it unsuitable for owners with pets.
- Louder than other vacuums, especially in high suction modes.
- Bulky design.
Shark PowerDetect IP1251
The Shark PowerDetect IP1251 is a powerful cordless vacuum designed for effective debris cleaning. This is Shark’s most advanced cordless vacuum. This vacuum has a DuoClean Detect Nozzle, featuring two brush rolls, designed for the best performance on all types of floors and excelling at picking up pet hair. Its PowerDetect technology automatically adjusts suction power based on the floor types and debris level. making cleaning more efficient. Additionally, the vacuum’s wand is MultiFlex, meaning it can get under tables and tight spots for easy cleaning and manoeuvrability. You don’t have to bend anymore to clean under furniture.
The Shark PowerDetect IP1251’s power, suction, and convenience are always praised by users and by us. The self-cleaning brush rolls deal with pet hairs effortlessly, reducing the maintenance efforts. This vacuum is extremely lightweight, which makes it easier to carry and great for quick clean-ups. However, the dustbin is slightly small.
Comparing this vacuum with other premium brands, the IP1251 gives good competition in terms of performance at a good price point. Although it may lack some high-end features, like detailed digital displays, it makes up for it with some other useful features, like a self-emptying base. Overall, the IP1251 is a great option for your daily cleaning with a good price point, providing you with all the necessary features and great suction power.
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful suction performs exceptionally well for various types of floors.
- Automatic power suction adjustment.
- The MultiFlex wand makes cleaning easier in tight spots.
- Self-cleaning brushroll for pet hair.
Reasons to avoid:
- Smaller dustbin capacity may require regular emptying during cleaning sessions.
- Slightly heavier than its competitors.
- Battery life can decrease when cleaning at maximum power mode.
Dyson Gen5detect
The Dyson Gen5detect is an impressive cordless vacuum with a higher price point offering some premium features. It features the fifth-generation Hyperdymium motor and enhanced HEPA filtration for impressive cleaning, making its sealed system top-notch. This vacuum was launched in 2023 and quickly gained so much attention due to its powerful suction, advanced filtration system, and user-friendly design. The Gen5Detect is equipped with 262 air watts motors that provide exceptional cleaning on different types of floors, removing dust and larger debris effectively. Dyson Gen5detect has a built-in HEPA filtration that makes sure that even the smallest particles get trapped in it so you can have better air quality in your household. The vacuum’s LCD screen has all the necessary information, like real-time updates on particle counts being sucked by it and remaining battery life, making your experience better.
One of the features we loved about Gen5detect is its Fluffy Optic cleaner head, which has a green laser light that helps eliminate hidden dust on hardwood floors. This vacuum has a battery life of up to 70 minutes in a single run. The Gen5detect comes with some drawbacks. It weighs around 7.72 pounds, which is heavier than other models, which makes it difficult to manoeuvre for extended cleaning sessions. The integrated crevice tool, which is made for handheld purposes, won’t attach to the end of the wand, making it less portable for certain cases. Despite these drawbacks, the Gen5detect is perfect balance between power and user-centric design.
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful suction of 262 AW.
- Suitable for all types of floors.
- Long battery life of 70 minutes.
- User-friendly design.
- Advanced HEPA filtration system for better air quality.
Reasons to avoid:
- Bulkier than it’s competitors.
- Less portable because of the limited handheld movement of the crevic tool.
- Higher price point than other vacuums.
Shark Vertex Pro
This mid-range vacuum is a perfect balance between power and user-friendly design. Thanks to its DuoClean PowerFins technology, it can handle various types of debris across multiple floors effortlessly. The vacuum has a MultiFlex wand design, which makes it portable and easy to manoeuvre to tight spots and clean under furniture. Another great feature is that the self-cleaning brush rolls prevent it from tangling hairs, reducing the maintenance to a minimum.
Talking about its performance, the Shark Vertex Pro showed great results in picking up dust and debris with powerful suction on both hardwood and carpet floors. The Vertex Pro has a battery life of 60 minutes in Eco mode, which is fairly good but not good enough. When used in power mode, the battery timing can decrease up to 10 minutes. Weighing around 8.82 pounds, it’s not as lightweight as other models. This vacuum has a removable battery, which adds convenience for charging and battery replacement.
Let’s talk about some drawbacks of Vertex Pro. On hardwood floors, the vacuum pushes larger debris, which requires multiple passes to clean. There might be some resistance when cleaning on carpets due to it’s weight.
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful suction, performs well on all types of floors.
- The MultiFlex wand makes cleaning under furniture and in tight spots easier.
- The self-cleaning brush helps prevent hair tangling.
- Removable battery for conveinance.
Reasons to avoid:
- Resistance on carpet floors.
- The dustbin requires regular emptying.
Final Thoughts
When choosing the best cordless vacuum, make sure it’s powerful and user-friendly. If you are looking for the vacuum with the best suction power and dust detection, the Dyson V15 and Gen5detect are the perfect choices for you because of their laser technology and advanced features. The Dyson V12 offers almost similar options with lightweight, more portability, and a compact design, which makes it great for daily quick cleanups, tight spots, or easier manoeuvrability. You can check Dyson V12’s detailed review.
Shark delivers strong suction power with a budget-friendly price. The Stratos and Vertex Pro provide good suction power. The PowerDetect Clean Auto-Empty System gives you extra features like automatic dustbin disposal and a docking station. If you prefer a cordless vacuum with good suction and a budget-friendly option, then the Shark PowerDetect provides all the necessary features and reliability.
At the end, it’s all about what you want and what your cleaning needs are. If you have pets and need something to deal with pet hair, Dyson is the best option. If you prefer something within budget and solid cleaning power, Shark is worth considering.