The 6 Best Cordless Vacuums - Fall 2023 Reviews

The Dyson V15 Detect is the best cordless vacuum we've tested. This vacuum has a 230AW suction motor, which is remarkably potent for a vacuum of this type and allows it to clear away a wide range of debris on different surfaces. Its built-in piezo sensor measures and counts debris being sucked into the vacuum so that you can keep an eye on allergen levels inside your home. Also, its surface detection system lets it automatically adjust its suction power to match the floor type you're on. At about six and a half pounds, it's reasonably lightweight and fairly easy to pick up, carry, or maneuver around obstacles. Unfortunately, its strong suction force can cause it to get bogged down on thicker rugs.

If you're looking for a cordless vacuum that's even better suited for those with allergies, the Samsung Bespoke Jet is a solid option, as it comes with a charging rack that doubles as a self-emptying station; with the press of a button, debris is sucked from the vacuum's dustbin through an airtight seal into a dirtbag. However, the Samsung vacuum lacks Dyson's automatic power adjustment feature, and its twin roller floorhead is bulkier and makes it less maneuverable.

The Samsung Jet 90 Complete is a great option if you want something cheaper than the Dyson V15 Detect. It feels less sturdy overall but does offer quite a bit of bang for the buck. Its 200AW suction motor is very powerful for a cordless vacuum in this price range, enabling it to easily clear away small and heavy debris on different surface types. The Complete variant of this vacuum comes with a second battery for longer cleaning sessions as well as a miniature turbo brush tool, which is effective in collecting pet hair on upholstered surfaces. Still, it's rather bulky and can be unwieldy to use on furniture.

Unfortunately, you can't completely detach this vacuum's dustbin from its main body, which can make it a hassle to clean or empty manually. It also lacks an automatic power adjustment feature like the Clean Sense IQ system on the V15. If that's a feature you want on a comparably-priced alternative, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim is a great option that's also easier to maneuver. However, it has a tiny dustbin that'll need frequent emptying.

If you're shopping at a mid-range price point, the Shark Stratos Cordless is a great choice. Its bulkier twin-roller floorhead and relatively heavy body make it less portable than the Samsung Jet 90 Complete, and its suction motor isn't quite as potent. Nevertheless, besides its lower price tag, it has its fair share of advantages. Its Clean Sense IQ function allows the vacuum to automatically increase its suction power when passing over an area with a significant concentration of debris. It also has an odor-neutralization system, which works through a replaceable cartridge that emits a laundry-detergent-like scent as you clean. Its max battery life of about an hour is lengthy, but note that this vacuum takes a very long time to recharge, which is inconvenient during longer cleaning sessions.

This vacuum's hinged wand makes it simple to clean under most tables and chairs without bending too much. Unfortunately, its floorhead can easily get bogged down in thick-pile rugs. If that's a problem, the Miele Triflex HX1 is a good alternative that's easier to maneuver on plush carpeting, though it has a shorter battery life and a much smaller dustbin that'll need frequent emptying.

Check out the Shark Cordless Pro if you're looking to save a bit of money. It's a simplified version of the Shark Stratos Cordless, with a less powerful suction motor and a lower-capacity battery that yields a max runtime of about 40 minutes. That said, it does have the same Clean Sense IQ automatic power adjustment system, which allows it to adjust suction power depending on how much debris you've sucked up. It also has the Stratos' odor-neutralization system, which helps to tamp down on any unpleasant scents you might encounter while cleaning.

Unlike most other Shark vacuums, the Cordless Pro's brushroll is fully removable, making it a cinch to remove any stuck-on debris. The roller also has a fluffy texture to help capture fine debris on hard floors and built-in fins to reduce the chances of hair getting tangled within the floorhead.

The best cordless vacuum we've tested in the budget category is the Shark Pet Cordless (IX141). Unlike the pricier Shark Cordless Pro, this budget-friendly cordless stick vacuum has no automatic power adjustment feature or odor-neutralizing system. If you're okay with missing out on those features, it's worth a look. The Pet Cordless is less powerful than pricier alternatives but still delivers good debris-pickup performance on bare floors and carpeting. It also does a good job of clearing away pet hair, though, unlike the pricier Cordless Pro, its brushroll isn't removable and uses stiff bristles, so it's a little more tangle-prone.

Battery life tops out at about 40 minutes, which is on the shorter end of the scale nowadays, though the pricier Cordless Pro has a similar runtime. Unfortunately, the Pet Cordless also feels rather cheaply built and does a terrible job of sealing in allergens like pet dander, which can escape from the exhaust.

If you want a cordless vacuum with a higher capacity dustbin than most stick models, the Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away is a good option. Compared to the similarly-priced Shark Stratos Cordless, it exchanges maneuverability for a larger internal dustbin that won't need emptying as often. Besides, it's still more maneuverable and easier to store than the average corded upright, like the Shark Rotator Lift-Away ADV. Its 'Lift-Away' design lets you pick up and carry its canister body separately from its floorhead while cleaning awkward spots with its wand. It has a solid range of attachments, including an upholstery tool that cleans pet hair on fabric surfaces and a fine-bristle dusting brush for delicate surfaces.

Performance is strong, with good debris pickup on bare floors and high-pile carpet. Unfortunately, while it offers two different levels of surface adjustment, these settings only affect the speed of its primary brushroll, not its height, so the vacuum can sometimes get stuck on dense shag-pile carpeting. Need a more portable cordless upright? The Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet is worth considering. However, it feels considerably less robust and offers terrible air filtration performance.