A cordless vacuum can make cleaning easier: from daily upkeep in the kitchen to crumbs in the crevice of your car seat. Some can even make cleaning fun, a lot more so than with an upright or canister vacuum, in our experience. But cordless vacuums range in size and style, with prices between $100 and $1000.
That’s why we spoke with cleaning experts to get their recommendations for top-quality cordless vacuums. We also share some NBC Select staff-favorite options to shop for.
SKIP AHEAD The best cordless vacuums in 2024 | Why use a cordless vacuum? | Where cordless vacuums fall short
Selected.Our top picks
We spoke to cleaning experts about what to look for in a cordless vacuum and got their recommendations. Plus, we gathered a few options from NBC Select staff. If you are shopping for a new vacuum, our experts recommend keeping the following tips in mind.
- Battery life: Kadi Dulude, owner of the cleaning and domestic referral agency Wizard of Homes, says the battery is the most important part of any cordless vacuum. She recommends cordless vacuums that come with a backup rechargeable battery, so you can keep working while the other battery is charging.
- Size and weight: You want your vacuum to be as light and small as possible without giving up functionality, says Dulude. This is especially true if you are cleaning a large, multi-story space.
- Dustbin: The size of the dustbin determines how often you need to stop and empty it. Check to see if the dustbin is easy to empty into a garbage can when it’s full, says Dulude.
- Vacuum type: We included different kinds of cordless vacuums across different budgets, as the best one for your space depends on your needs.
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All of our top picks are expert or staff-recommendations from large cleaning brands like Dyson, Shark,Black+Decker and more.
Best overall: Tineco Pure One S11
What we like
- Great suction and filtration
- Informative LED panel
- Detachable battery pack
Something to note
- Some trouble on thick carpets
This is one of the best vacuums on the market, according to Dulude and NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin. Malin has used it for over a year to clean every spot of her New York City apartment — hardwood flooring, bathroom tile, carpets, furniture, you name it.
It has strong suction and automatically adjusts its speed depending on the dust it senses on the floor. It also has headlights that reveal hidden dirt, making it easier to get a deep clean, says Malin. The 40-minute runtime is enough to clean Malin’s entire apartment or spot clean throughout the week.
Like most competitors, it converts into a handheld vacuum or a simple canister for storage — essential for small spaces.
Type: Multi | Run time: Up to 40 minutes | Dustbin capacity: 0.6 L | Weight: 5.73 lbs
Best budget: Shark Navigator Freestyle (SV1106)
What we like
- Low price
- Strong suction
Something to note
- Does not convert
- Short runtime for its size
This upright cordless vacuum is versatile and affordable. It comes recommended by Kathy Turley, the director of marketing at the cleaning service company Home Clean Heroes, who loves it as a quick cleaning option with strong suction power and a good runtime. Plus, it has a large bin capacity, especially at this price point.
It does not come with extra attachments, and cannot be converted into a smaller size or handheld shape like some of our other top picks.
Type: Upright | Run time: Up to 15 minutes | Dustbin capacity: 0.6 L | Weight: 7.5 lbs
Best premium: Dyson Outsize
What we like
- Huge dustbin capacity
- Self-cleaning brush bar
- Good runtime
Something to note
- Pricey
Dyson makes some of the best vacuums and is a favorite brand among NBC Select staffers. NBC Select editor Mili Godio uses this model to clean all the dirt, dog hair and dust bunnies in her apartment within minutes. While it is larger and heavier than other Dyson vacuums, it is still light compared to other options on our list, and it’s easy to maneuver, says Godio.
It comes with multiple cleaning tools, including the main XL motorbar brush, a smaller hair screw tool, a crevice tool and a combination brush. Like most cordless Dyson vacuums, it can be converted into a handheld vacuum easily.
There is an LED screen on the back of the vacuum that shows battery life, suction power and more.
Type: Multi | Run time: Up to 60 minutes | Dustbin capacity: 1.9 L | Weight: 7.85 lbs
Flexible design: Shark Rocket Pet Plus (IZ163H)
What we like
- Flexible wand
- Folds for compact storing
Something to note
- Smaller bin size
If you are looking for a vacuum with a flexible design that makes everyday cleaning easier, Turley recommends this model from Shark. “It allows you to bend the wand to make vacuuming under furniture and in corners a breeze,” she says. It’s great at cleaning hair, both from pets and people.
It has a battery life of 40 minutes and can be converted into a smaller hand vacuum for more portability.
Type: Multi | Run time: Up to 40 minutes | Dustbin capacity: 0.5 L | Weight: 7.2 lbs
Staff-favorite: Shark Detect Pro
What we like
- Automatic motor speed
- Charging and emptying dock
Something to note
- Dock is large to store
NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez is allergic to dust and cats. However, she has two cats, and lives in New York City so naturally, cleaning is very important to her, and this model from Shark redefined her relationship with vacuuming for the better. It can automatically detect debris, and increases or decreases its motor speed depending on what its sensor detects. It also has a light on the front of the vacuum to better illuminate dirt in front of you.
It comes with attachments that let you convert it into a handheld or crevice vacuum. It also comes with a dock that automatically clears the dust bin and charges the vacuum when not in use. It is a bit large, so make sure you have enough spacer to store it in your home.
You can read more in our Shark Detect Pro review.
Type: Multi | Run time: Up to 60 minutes | Dustbin capacity: 0.4 L vacuum, 2.4 L dock | Weight: 6 lbs
Best cordless vacuum under $100: Dirt Devil Versa 3-in-1
What we like
- Low price
- Lightweight and portable
Something to note
- Small bin size
- Short run time
If you need a vacuum under $100, Turley recommends this Dirt Devil — it’s affordable, lightweight, powerful and versatile. Part of that versatility is in the design: it can be adjusted between upright, handheld and stick setups. It has a short battery life and small bin size compared to other options on our list — so it’s best for cleaning smaller spaces.
Type: Multi | Run time: Up to 12 minutes | Dustbin capacity: 0.4 L | Weight: 5 lbs
Best handheld: Black+Decker Dustbuster Advanced Clean
What we like
- Small and portable
- Extending crevice tool
- Washable filter
Something to note
- So-so suction power
- Short run time
Turley describes this vacuum as “the little engine that could” — it’s the smallest and most portable vacuum on our list and one of our favorite handheld vacuums. It comes with a crevice tool and a slim nozzle that can rotate 180 degrees. Both attachments are great for cleaning behind appliances or under hard-to-reach places, says Turley. Its portability also makes it good for cleaning places outside your home, like a car or shed.
Type: Handheld | Run time: Up to 10 minutes | Dustbin capacity: 0.6 L | Weight: 2.6 lbs
Best handheld for pets: Black+Decker Furbuster AdvancedClean+
What we like
- Easily picks up pet hair
- Small and portable
- Decent capacity for its size
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
This handheld cordless vacuum has anti-tangle rubber bristles that easily pick up pet hairs, says Turley, who has two dogs. It has two speeds plus a boost button that increases suction to help clean tough messes. Its extra-long crevice tool attachment comes in handy for nabbing hair under the sofa or in crevices in your car, says Turley.
Type: Handheld | Run time: Up to 25 minutes | Dustbin capacity: 0.70 L | Weight: 4.2 lbs
Best wet and dry: Bissell CrossWave OmniForce Multi-Surface
What we like
- Vacuum and mop with one tool
- Good runtime for the features
Something to note
- A little heavy
Our experts recommend the Bissell Crosswave for anyone looking to vacuum and mop with one tool. It has two water tanks, one for fresh water with a cleaning solution and one that stores dirty water and debris. This adds to its weight, making it a bit heavy at 10 pounds.
The main roller has LED lights on the front to better illuminate your path as you clean. When you are finished cleaning, it automatically self-cleans the brush roll and the inside of the canister so it’s fresh for the next use, according to the brand.
Type: Stick, vacuum & mop | Run time: Up to 30 minutes | Dustbin capacity: 0.82 L | Weight: 10.6 lbs
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There are many different kinds of vacuums, but most are sorted into six types: upright, canister, stick, cordless, handheld and robot. Our experts love cordless vacuums because they are:
- Portable: Cordless vacuums don’t need to be plugged in while you clean, making them much better for a quick cleanup in, around or outside your home. Many can be converted into a small, handheld-sized vacuum with the included attachments.
- Lightweight: They are typically smaller and weigh less than upright and canister vacuums. This makes them easier to handle, carry and store.
- Quiet: Many cordless vacuums are quieter than their corded counterparts, says Turley. If you are looking for a particularly quiet vacuum, she recommends checking reviews and manufacturer details for more decibel information.
Our experts admit there are some downsides to cordless vacuums. If you are considering a new model for your household, be aware of the following limitations:
- Not ideal for heavy-duty cleaning: Battery-operated vacuums tend to be less powerful than corded vacuums. “Cordless vacuums need battery power to function, and once the battery starts dying, the suction gets weaker,” says Dulude. If you want consistent power for long cleaning sessions in a large space, you may be better off with a corded upright or canister vacuum.
- Low suction power: Cordless vacuums typically have slightly lesser suction power than corded options, according to our experts. How much suction power you need depends largely on the types of floors you have. If you are mostly vacuuming hardwood, you likely don’t need as much power as someone vacuuming a lot of carpet, says Turley.
- Must be recharged often: Most of our recommended cordless vacuums have a battery life between 15 and 60 minutes. Charge times vary between brands, but can take up to four hours on some models, meaning a lot of waiting around if you haven’t finished cleaning with one charge.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Kadi Dulude is the owner of the cleaning and domestic referral agency Wizard of Homes in New York City.
- Kathy Turley is the director of marketing at Home Clean Heroes, a customizable home cleaning service company with locations in six states.
Lauren Levy is a former contributor to NBC Select.
Harry Rabinowitz is a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology including guides to smartwatches, portable air conditioners, and over-ear headphones. For this piece, he spoke with cleaning experts to learn more about the complexities of cordless vacuums. He combined their recommendations with that of NBC Select staff to select the best cordless vacuums on the market.
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