The 7 Best Cordless Vacuums for 2025

The 7 best cordless vacuums for 2025

A cordless stick vacuum cleaner isn’t just a cleaning tool; it’s a game-changer for your home. Imagine gliding from room to room, effortlessly tackling messes without the hassle of a power cord or searching for an available outlet. These modern marvels are significantly lighter than traditional corded vacuums and often boast sleek, easy-to-store designs, making them perfect for both quick tidy-ups and more extensive cleaning sessions. Most of today’s leading models are bagless, featuring impressive suction power and smart functionalities that simplify cleaning – whether it’s crumbs on the kitchen floor or stubborn dust on high shelves.

Beyond basic convenience, many cordless vacuums offer advanced features that truly elevate your cleaning experience. Think auto-empty docks that seamlessly transfer collected debris into a larger bin, drastically reducing how often you need to empty it. They also come with a suite of versatile attachments, transforming your vacuum into a multi-tasking hero capable of cleaning stairs, furniture, and even the interior of your car without switching machines. While premium brands like Dyson are renowned for their powerful suction and advanced filtration, many other brands deliver stellar performance at a more accessible price point.

Whether your priority is a lightweight vacuum for daily spruce-ups or a high-performance model to replace your main cleaner, there’s a cordless option designed to fit every home and cleaning style. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the choices, finding the perfect balance of power, innovative features, and exceptional value for your needs in 2025.

Table of contents
* Best cordless vacuums for 2025
* Factors to consider before buying a cordless vacuum
* How we test cordless vacuums
* Other cordless stick vacuums we tested
* Cordless stick vacuums FAQs

Best cordless vacuums for 2025
*(Here you would typically find detailed reviews and links for each of the 7 best cordless vacuums, such as the Dyson V15 Detect, Shark Stratos, Levoit VortexIQ series, Dyson V15s Detect Submarine, and Tineco Pure One Station. These product details are placeholders in the original article and would be added here in a real blog post.)*

Factors to consider before buying a cordless vacuum

Design and bin capacity
Today’s cordless vacuums predominantly feature a “stick” design, characterized by a handle, a debris bin, and a connection point for various attachments. This design offers far more versatility than the bulky upright vacuums of the past. While the long stick attachment is ideal for floor cleaning, many models come with additional tools to reach tight spaces like your car’s interior, effectively clean furniture, or get into awkward crevices.

Modern cordless vacuums often incorporate thoughtful design elements like conveniently placed on/off buttons near your thumb for quick access, or integrated LED lights that illuminate hidden dust and debris under furniture or in dimly lit corners.

Bin volume is a crucial consideration. A larger bin means you can collect more debris before needing to empty it, though this might add a little extra weight to the machine. Our tested models had bin capacities ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 gallons, all proving capable of cleaning an entire 2,000 square-foot home (with pets!) in one go without requiring an empty. Opting for a bin on the smaller side might mean more frequent emptying interruptions during your cleaning routine.

For those who prefer a bagless system, you’ll be pleased to know that all the cordless vacuums in this guide are bagless, offering easier and more cost-effective maintenance than their bagged counterparts. Another handy feature to look for is a removable, replaceable battery pack. This allows you to easily purchase and install a new battery when needed, avoiding expensive professional repairs or the need to buy a whole new vacuum. While these extra batteries can cost around $150-$200, it’s a significantly more economical choice than replacing the entire unit.

Suction and power modes
The suction power of cordless vacuums is typically measured in air watts (AW), though some manufacturers may list the motor power in watts (W). Generally, a higher air or motor wattage indicates stronger suction and, consequently, superior cleaning performance. This strength often correlates with price; more expensive cordless vacuums tend to deliver more robust suction. If you have pets or active children who are prone to making messes, a cordless stick vacuum with above-average suction power will likely be a worthwhile investment.

Most cordless stick vacuums come with at least two power modes: a “normal” or default mode that strikes a balance between suction power and battery life, and a “max” or stronger mode that significantly boosts suction. Some vacuums, particularly Dyson models, also offer an “eco” mode, which prioritizes extended runtime over maximum power.

Beyond manual selections, some advanced cordless vacuums feature automatic adjustments, where the motor strength adapts based on the detected floor type or the amount of debris present. This not only enhances user convenience but also ensures the vacuum operates at peak efficiency.

If household allergens are a concern, prioritize models equipped with HEPA filters. These specialized filters are designed to capture fine dust, pollen, and other microscopic particles that can trigger allergies and respiratory sensitivities.

Floor type
The best cordless vacuums are adept at cleaning all common floor types – from hardwood and tile to various carpets. As mentioned, some even intelligently detect the floor type and adjust suction accordingly. However, it’s still smart to consider your home’s dominant flooring. If you have mostly carpet, especially deep pile, investing in a cordless vacuum with the most powerful suction you can afford is advisable, as carpet fibers can trap debris more effectively.

Battery life
Battery life is, understandably, a critical factor for any cordless appliance. You’ll want enough juice to clean multiple rooms in one go. All the cordless vacuums we tested offered at least 40 minutes of battery life in their standard cleaning mode. In our trials, we successfully cleaned three floors of a home on a single charge using the standard (“auto”) mode without running out of power. Keep in mind that activating “max” or high-power modes will consume battery life much faster, so extra battery runtime can be a huge benefit for larger homes or extensive deep cleaning.

Base style
Most cordless stick vacuums come with a dedicated base or mount for storage and charging. Wall mounts are the most common, but some models feature free-standing docking stations. When choosing, consider the ideal location in your home for the vacuum, ensuring there’s a nearby electrical outlet or power source.

For ultimate convenience, some high-end cordless vacuums incorporate auto-empty bases, similar to those found with advanced robot vacuums. After each cleaning session, these bases automatically transfer the contents of the vacuum’s dustbin into a larger, self-contained bin. This means you only need to empty the larger base container every month or two, significantly reducing your direct contact with dust and allergens – a huge plus for those with sensitivities.

“Smart” features
Yes, “smart” features like Wi-Fi and app connectivity are making their way into cordless vacuums. But before diving into those, let’s look at other innovative perks. Some models, like recent offerings from Dyson, boast particle sensors that display the quantity and size of debris being collected in real-time. For instance, Dyson’s piezo acoustic sensor detects particle size and frequency, showing this information on an LCD screen. Tineco’s iLoop sensor offers a similar function, automatically adjusting suction power and visually indicating cleaning progress by changing a display circle from red to blue as an area becomes spotless.

Higher-end cordless vacuums may also come with companion apps that provide useful data such as battery level, filter status, and cleaning logs. While these add an extra layer of convenience, they’re not strictly essential. Unlike robot vacuums, which heavily rely on apps for scheduling and manual control, cordless vacuums that you operate yourself typically don’t *require* Wi-Fi or app connectivity for their core functions.

Price
Cordless stick vacuums span a wide price range, from as little as $150 to over $1,000. For most users, the sweet spot lies between $400 and $700. You’ll notice many of our top recommendations fall towards the higher end of this range, and for good reason: more expensive models often provide superior suction power, translating to less time spent re-cleaning the same spots. However, this doesn’t mean everyone needs the priciest option. We’ve ensured our top picks cover various price points, offering excellent performance and value for different budgets, lifestyles, and home sizes.

How we test cordless vacuums
At our blog, we believe in real-world testing. Rather than a dedicated lab, I personally put each cordless vacuum through its paces in my own home over several weeks. I tested them on a variety of surfaces, including hardwood, tile flooring, and low-pile carpet. My initial test involved cleaning all three floors of my home on a single battery charge. I repeated this extensive cleaning job multiple times, but also used them for intermittent tasks, like spot-cleaning a single floor or vacuuming up specific messes such as crumbs, cat litter spills, and pet fur clumps. Throughout these many cleaning sessions, I meticulously noted the machine’s noise level, its maneuverability around furniture and obstacles, how effectively it picked up large debris (or if it simply pushed it around), and whether it generated excessive heat during operation. This hands-on approach ensures our recommendations are based on practical, everyday use.

Other cordless stick vacuums we tested

LG CordZero Q3
Priced at $329, the LG CordZero Q3 is a perfectly competent vacuum. It features a simple single-button start, two manual power modes, intelligent suction that adjusts for carpets and hard flooring, and an LED-equipped cleaner head to highlight dirt. However, while it’s certainly capable for many households, it ultimately felt “just fine” compared to our top picks. It isn’t the most unique or the most powerful cordless vacuum on the market. My main reservations were its charging system, which requires a base that works best wall-mounted (otherwise it feels awkward), and its handling, which wasn’t as smooth as other models.

Dyson Gen 5 Detect
The Dyson Gen 5 Detect, at $950 (though often discounted directly from Dyson), boasts a single-button start and even stronger suction power than our top Dyson pick. In most other aspects, it’s quite similar to its sibling. However, considering its higher price point, the V15 Detect generally offers better value for money. The Gen 5 Detect is arguably best suited for those who prioritize having Dyson’s absolute latest technology or desire a truly future-proof machine, having been released just last year.

Shark Detect Pro
The Shark Detect Pro provides significant value, especially with its $450 price tag. It nearly secured our runner-up spot but was ultimately surpassed by the Tineco Pure One Station 5 due to the Tineco’s superior suction power. A major selling point for the Detect Pro is its included self-emptying base, a highly convenient feature. After each cleaning, it automatically empties the vacuum’s dustbin into a larger bin within the base, meaning you only need to empty the main base container roughly once a month. The Detect Pro performed well on various floor types, and its auto-adjusting suction (based on debris amount and floor type) is a definite plus. However, its operation isn’t as smooth as our top choices, and its main cleaner head is a bit tall, making it challenging to clean under low-profile furniture.

Cordless stick vacuums FAQs

How long does the battery last on a cordless vacuum?
Most cordless vacuums offer a battery life of at least 30-40 minutes on a single charge, with some high-end models extending up to 60 or even 70 minutes. Manufacturers’ estimated runtimes are typically based on using the vacuum’s standard power mode. If you frequently switch to “max” or higher-powered modes for increased suction, expect the battery to drain significantly faster.

Can cordless vacuums be as powerful as corded ones?
While cordless vacuums do make a slight trade-off in raw power compared to traditional corded models, this doesn’t mean they can’t handle everyday messes with equal effectiveness. If suction power is your primary concern, we recommend investing in a high-powered, high-end cordless vacuum, as greater cost often correlates with stronger suction. Importantly, cordless vacuums hold a distinct advantage over corded models in terms of weight and convenience: they are much lighter and free you from the constant struggle of finding outlets or wrestling with tangled cords in your living space.

Are cordless vacuums effective on pet hair?
Yes, cordless vacuums are generally very effective at picking up pet hair. For optimal results, however, we strongly recommend choosing a model with robust suction power. It’s also a good idea to opt for a larger dustbin, as pet hair can quickly accumulate and fill smaller bins, necessitating frequent interruptions to empty the vacuum.

What are the best methods for maintaining a cordless vacuum cleaner?
Maintaining your cordless vacuum is simple and essential for keeping it performing at its best. First, always empty the dustbin regularly – never let it overfill, as this can severely impact suction efficiency. Many models feature washable filters; consult your manual for specific instructions, but generally, rinsing them every few weeks and allowing them to dry completely before reinserting them is good practice.

Next, inspect the brush roll. Hair and debris commonly get tangled here. Most vacuums allow for easy brush roll removal, so you can snip away any tangles with scissors. If your vacuum has a replaceable battery, try to avoid letting it fully discharge too frequently, as this can shorten its lifespan. A quick wipe-down of the vacuum’s exterior and attachments will also keep everything looking clean and new.

Finally, pay attention to the sensors and charging contacts. Dust can build up on these crucial points, so a gentle wipe with a dry cloth periodically will ensure optimal performance.

Can cordless vacuums also be used to clean curtains and upholstery?
Absolutely! Cordless vacuums are surprisingly versatile, and many come with specialized attachments perfect for cleaning surfaces like curtains, upholstery, and even mattresses. The handheld mode, a common feature in most cordless designs, makes tackling these areas a breeze. Look for a soft brush or upholstery tool among the vacuum’s accessories, as these will effectively remove dust and pet hair without damaging fabrics. When cleaning curtains, it’s often best to use a lower suction setting (if your vacuum offers adjustable modes) to prevent the fabric from getting pulled into the nozzle.