Eufy Vacuuming is one of those necessary evils of domestic life. But cordless vacuum cleaners have made the chore much more convenient and hassle-free compared to old-school corded models. Cordless vacs provide greater flexibility, easier maneuverability around furniture, and no cords to constantly unplug and re-plug as you move about your home.
However, with so many cordless vacuum options on the market in 2022, how do you determine which models deliver the best overall value and cleaning performance? In this comprehensive guide, I’ll compare today’s top cordless vacuum brands and models on critical factors like suction power, runtime, included tools and overall usability.
Whether you need an affordable cordless for quick cleanups or a high-end flagship model for whole-home deep cleaning, you’ll find tailored recommendations here. Let’s dive in to find your perfect cordless vac!
Key Benefits of Cordless Vacuums
Cordless vacuum cleaners have surged in popularity in recent years. Here are some of the biggest advantages they offer compared to traditional corded vacuums:
- Increased maneuverability– Cordless models glide easily around furniture, under beds, onto carpets, and anywhere you need to clean without stopping to unplug, wheel out more cord length, and re-plug in a new location. You can clean seamlessly in any direction.
- Constant full power– Cordless vacuums operate at peak charging capacity until the battery runs down. Corded models lose suction power the farther you move from the outlet.
- Quick cleaning– Cordless sticks make tidying up small messes fast and easy. Just grab it, clean up, and put it away. No plugging in required.
- Lightweight design– Without heavy motors and cords, cordless models weigh much less – often under 5 lbs. This prevents fatigue when vacuuming ceilings, stairs, drapes and more.
- Portability– Cordless vacs can be carried anywhere in the home with ease. Some have detachable handheld vacuums for ultra-portability when cleaning furniture or vehicles.
Next, let’s explore the key features to evaluate when shopping for a cordless vacuum.
Important Features to Consider in Cordless Vacuums
Here are the most crucial specifications and factors to assess when researching different cordless vacuum models:
- Battery Life– Runtimes between charges range widely from 15 minutes to over an hour. Prioritize longer run times to avoid constant recharging.
- Suction Power– Measure in air watts (AW) or pascals (Pa). More suction equals better cleaning performance, especially on carpets and rugs.
- Dust Bin Size– Bigger dust bins allow longer uninterrupted vacuuming before having to empty. Look for at least 0.5 liters volume.
- Filtration System– Look for advanced multi-layer systems, ideally with HEPA filtration to trap 99.97% of fine particles. This improves air quality.
- Weight– The lighter the vacuum, the easier maneuvering and less fatigue when cleaning. Look for models under 5 lbs.
- Attachments– Look for useful attachments like crevice tools, pet brushes, upholstery nozzles etc. More tools add versatility.
- Maneuverability– Ability to easily swivel and direct the vacuum head is important. LED headlights also help navigation.
- Noise Level– Quieter operation is less disruptive when others are home. Look for models rated under 80 decibels.
- Cordless Design– Stick vacuums, handhelds, and robotic cordless vacs all have different use cases.
- Warranty– Longer warranties provide peace of mind against defects. Look for at least 2 years.
Next, let’s look at detailed recommendations of the best cordless vacuum models available today.
Reviews of the Top Cordless Vacuum Models
Based on expert tests and reviews, here are my picks for the leading cordless vacuum options across budget levels from top brands:
Dyson V15 Detect
Details:
- 150 AW max suction power
- Up to 60 minutes runtime
- Advanced filtration captures 99.99% of particles
- 77 liter bin capacity
- Green laser reveals microscopic dust
- Intelligent suction auto-adjustment
Tools Included: Motorized pet brush, crevice tool, upholstery nozzle
Noise Level: Not disclosed
Warranty: 2 years
Cost: $$$ (MSRP $699)
Overview: Dyson’s most technologically advanced stick vac with exceptional deep-cleaning performance but very pricey.
Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins
Details:
- 500 AW max suction
- 120 minutes fade-free runtime
- HEPA filtration
- 56 liter bin capacity
- Self-cleaning brushroll
- Powerfin brushroll for carpets
Tools Included: Pet multi-tool, crevice tool, upholstery tool
Noise Level: Not disclosed
Warranty: Limited lifetime coverage
Cost: $$ (MSRP $399)
Overview: Superb cleaning and extra-long battery in a versatile DuoClean stick vacuum. Great for whole-home use.
Bissell IconPet
Details:
- 100 AW suction power
- Up to 45 minutes runtime
- Washable filtration system
- 7 liter bin capacity
- LED headlights
Tools Included: Crevice tool, upholstery nozzle
Noise Level: Not disclosed
Warranty: 2 years
Cost: $ (MSRP $250)
Overview: Excellent mid-range cordless stick vac for pet owners with capable suction and runtime.
Moosoo 4-in-1 Handheld Vacuum
Details:
- 15kPa suction power
- 30 minute runtime
- HEPA filtration
- 6 liter bin
- 4-in-1 design: hand vac, stick vac, desktop vac, stair vac
Tools Included: Crevice nozzle, brush nozzle
Noise Level: 75-78 dB
Warranty: 1 year
Cost: $ (MSRP $69)
Overview: Versatile lightweight 4-in-1 cordless perfect for cars, furniture and quick cleanups. Very affordable price.
Shark WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum
Details:
- 120W suction power
- Up to 17 minutes runtime
- Washable foam filter
- 2 liter bin
- Just 3.74 lbs!
Tools Included: None, but works with full vac attachments
Noise Level: Not disclosed
Warranty: Limited lifetime coverage
Cost: $ (MSRP $100)
Overview: Super portable handheld cordless perfect as a compact backup vac. Excellent for cars.
This covers top cordless options across stick vacuums, handhelds, budget models and more. Evaluate which features are most important for your needs.
Tips for Using Your Cordless Vacuum
Here are some top tips for using and maintaining your cordless vacuum to keep it functioning flawlessly:
- Always recharge fully between cleaning sessions to preserve battery capacity. Partial charges can damage batteries over time.
- Empty the dust bin frequently to maintain strong consistent suction power. Full bins lead to clogs and performance issues.
- Wash or change filters regularly as recommended by manufacturer. Dirty clogged filters reduce airflow.
- Utilize any max suction or “boost” modes when tackling stubborn debris like pet hair or crumbs. Just know battery life will decrease.
- Adjust suction power when moving between bare floors and carpets to prevent scattering debris. Use high power on rugs.
- Detach the handheld unit on stick vacuums to easily clean furniture, drapes, ceilings fans and automobiles.
- Use the vacuum’s built-in LED headlights to reveal dust and dirt hidden in dark corners and crevices.
- Take advantage of included specialty tools like crevice nozzles to clean tight spaces other vacuums can’t reach.
- Move slowly and methodically when vacuuming to ensure the vacuum head ingests all dust in its path. Rushing reduces effectiveness.
- Keep spare backup batteries fully charged if your model supports battery swapping. This prevents waiting for the vacuum to recharge.
Using best practices for cordless vacuum operation and maintenance will keep your floors spotless! Next let’s go over some frequently asked buyer questions.
Frequently Asked Cordless Vacuum Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common cordless vacuum questions consumers have during buying research:
How long does the battery last on a cordless vac?
- Runtimes range widely by model from 15 minutes to over an hour of cleaning time per charge. Budget for at least 30 minutes of continuous vacuuming.
What is the best cordless vacuum for pet hair?
- Look for models with included motorized pet brushes like the Shark Vertex and Dyson V15. Adjustable suction boosts also help tackle pet hair.
Can cordless vacuums work well on carpets?
- Yes, cordless vacuums excel on carpets in high suction mode. Deep carpet pile warrants more power. Adjust suction lower for rugs and bare floors.
How often should I replace the vacuum filters?
- For optimal airflow and performance, replace foam, felt and HEPA filters every 6-12 months or as needed based on condition. Check manufacturer guidelines.
Do cordless vacuums have as much suction as plug-in models?
- Better cordless vacuums like Dyson’s V15 or Shark Vertex match or even exceed the suction power of many full-size corded vacuums. Suction abilities keep improving.
What are the downsides of cordless vacuums?
- Limited runtime per charge session and gradually declining battery capacity over time are the main drawbacks. Higher costs are also a factor.
Are stick vacuums or upright vacuums better?
- Stick vacuums excel at convenient everyday quick cleanups, while uprights are preferable for whole-home deep cleaning thanks to larger dust bins and longer runtime when plugged in.
What are the best affordable cordless vacuum models?
- Moosoo, ONSON, and Hoover make very inexpensive cordless stick vacuums under $150 that provide surprising value for budget-conscious buyers.
I hope these cordless vacuum tips and answers help provide clarity to choose the perfect model! Let me know any other vacuum-related questions that come up.
Conclusion
Cordless vacuum technology has improved tremendously in recent years. Lightweight stick models now provide powerful suction for quick daily cleaning. And high-end cordless can rival traditional plug-in vacuums for whole-home cleaning thanks to extended battery life and larger dust bins.
This guide provides a thorough overview of the most important factors to weigh as you compare cordless models from leading brands. Take into account your cleaning needs, home layout, flooring types and maintenance habits.
And carefully compare runtimes, suction capabilities, included tools and overall maneuverability. I hope these cordless vacuum recommendations have helped identify options tailored exactly for your needs and within your budget. Let me know if you have any other questions!
