SUMMER’S over, the school run is back, and your floors are telling the tale – sand in the hallway, biscuit crumbs in the car, and a trail of glitter from last-minute craft projects.

Time for a reset. The best cordless vacuums make the post-holiday clean-up quick and faff-free.

Cut the cord and you cut the hassle: they’re light, easy to grab for spills, stairs and sofa crumbs, and there’s no wrestling with plugs or cables.

The top models bring proper smarts, too. The Dyson V12, for example, automatically adjusts suction based on what it’s cleaning, so it breezes through beach sand, cereal explosions and pet owner troubles alike.

Most switch from stick to handheld in seconds – ideal for crumb-strewn car seats after the school run and muddy boots after practice – and they come with handy extras, such as crevice tools and stair brushes.

Modern cordless cleaners also add genuinely useful touches: LED headlights to spot hidden dirt, boost modes for stubborn patches, clear battery readouts and anti-hair wrap tech to keep the brush roll tangle-free.

If you’re getting the house back to school-ready, we’ve tested the best cordless vacuum cleaners to find the ones that actually deliver.

For more options, including corded picks, check out our best vacuum cleaners guide.

Prefer to let something else do the hoovering while you sort packed lunches? Our best robot vacuums round-up will point you in the right direction.

How we tested

Our shopping team put these cordless vacuums through their paces in real homes with real messes – because that’s the only way to find out what actually works.

We’ve tested a comprehensive range of cordless vacuums over the years, from budget-friendly options to premium models like the V8 Animal and the impressive Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute.

Each vacuum faced our tough testing regime across different surfaces – thick carpets, hard floors, rugs, and those tricky bits like stairs and skirting boards.

We threw everything at them: muddy footprints, pet hair, cereal spills, dust bunnies, and the kind of everyday debris that builds up in busy family homes.

Battery performance got particular scrutiny. We timed how long each model lasted during typical cleaning sessions, noting which ones powered through whole-house cleans and which ones needed strategic charging breaks.

We also tested how easy they were to manoeuvre around furniture, up stairs, and into tight corners – because what’s the point of a cordless vacuum if it’s still a pain to use?

The dust containers came under the microscope, too. We measured capacity and noted how often each needed emptying during heavy cleaning sessions, plus how messy (or clean) the emptying process actually was.

Every vacuum earned its place in our roundup based on three key factors: how well it cleaned, how practical it was for daily use, and whether it offered genuine value for money.

Best cordless vacuums at a glance:

• Best overall: Halo Capsule X
• Best budget: Beldray Airgility Titanium Edition Cordless Vacuum
• Best value: Vax HomePro Plus
• Best premium: Dyson V15 Detect Absolute
• Best lightweight: Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute
• Best for DIY enthusiasts: Ryobi One+
• Best for pet hair: Dyson V8 Animal
• Best for smaller homes: VAX ONEPWR Blade 4

1. Halo Capsule X

Halo Capsule X, £269.99

Pros: Long battery life, range of accessories, suitable for carpets and hard floors, lightweight

Cons: None

Rating: 9.5/10

Since bursting onto the cleaning scene in 2020, Halo has been giving household names like Dyson and Shark a proper run for their money, and the Capsule X shows exactly why.

This little powerhouse weighs just 2.6kg, making it ridiculously easy to carry up stairs or around the house.

But don’t let that lightweight frame fool you – it packs a serious cleaning punch with three power settings that tackle everything from daily dust to stubborn pet hair.

What really sets this apart is that generous 2L bag capacity. Unlike other cordless vacuums that require constant emptying of tiny canisters, the Capsule X keeps going and going.

Plus, swapping out the sealed bag is infinitely cleaner than wrestling with messy cartridges.

The accessory game is strong too – separate heads for hard floors and carpets, plus all the usual suspects like crevice and upholstery tools.

The rotating head is brilliant for getting into awkward corners without straining your back.

Battery life hits the sweet spot: up to an hour on eco mode, around 15-20 minutes on full blast.

The genius move? Two batteries are included, allowing you to charge one while using the other. No more stopping mid-clean because you forgot to plug it in.

Throw in LED headlights for spotting hidden dirt and HEPA filtration, and you’ve got a cordless vacuum that genuinely delivers on its promises.

Type: Stick; Dust capacity: 2L; Charging time: 2 hours; Weight: 2.6kg

2. Vax HomePro Plus Cordless Vacuum

Vax HomePro Plus Cordless Vacuum, £289.99

Pros: Great price for all features included, easy bin emptying, good suction, flexible wand, LED headlights, anti-hair wrap technology, free accessory kit

Cons: None

Rating: 9.5/10

This absolute gem proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get premium cleaning performance. At this price point, the HomePro Plus is practically stealing.

The suction power is genuinely impressive – I can feel it gripping our kitchen tiles, yet it glides effortlessly over thick carpets without getting stuck.

The LED headlights are brilliant for spotting hidden pet hair, while boost mode tackles anything stubborn.

What sets this apart is Vax’s HairWrap Resist technology. No more fishing tangled hair off the brush roll – it all goes straight into the bin where it belongs.

Speaking of the bin, this is where Vax has been properly clever. That push-pull slider system drags out every bit of debris without you having to dig around with your fingers.

The flexible wand is another standout feature – just pull up the cover to reveal a bendy section that gets right under sofas and low furniture.

Battery hits 45 minutes on standard mode, dropping to around 15-20 on boost.

It stands upright while you pause mid-clean, and the wall mount keeps it tidy.

Type: Stick Dust capacity: 0.7L Weight: 3.5kg Charging time: 3 hours

3. Dyson V15 Detect Absolute

Dyson V15 Detect Absolute, £649.99

Pros: Quality build, large bin volume, laser dust detection, intelligent features

Cons: Battery life disappoints, heavy for extended use

Rating: 9/10

This is Dyson showing off – and frankly, they’ve earned the right to.

The V15 Detect Absolute is truly impressive, from its sleek design to the mind-blowing laser technology that reveals dust you never knew existed.

The bin capacity is generous enough to tackle your entire home without constant emptying, and there’s something genuinely satisfying about using it, even down to that sci-fi spaceship sound when it powers down.

But let’s be honest about the elephant in the room: battery life. That powerful boost mode? Six minutes. Six.

Pet owners will find it brilliant for blitzing sofas or car footwells, but you’ll be reaching for the charger faster than you’d like.

Medium mode gives you around 40 minutes, while eco stretches to an hour but lacks the oomph for proper deep cleaning.

The real party trick is that fluffy roller head with green laser combo. Prepare to feel slightly sick about how much invisible dirt lurks in your ‘clean’ home.

The particle display graph adds a touch of tech appeal, making you feel like you’re operating some sort of futuristic cleaning spaceship.

Yes, it’s expensive, but the combination of serious suction power and genuinely useful smart features justifies the premium price tag.

Read our full Dyson V15 Detect Absolute review.

Type: Stick Dust capacity: 0.77L Weight: 2.96kg Charging time: 4.5 hours

4. Shark IZ202UKT

Shark IZ202UKT, £279.99

Pros: Quiet on hard floors; strong on carpet and Max, Big, easy-empty 0.7L bin, Flexology wand for under furniture and compact storage

Cons: 5.16kg feels heavy on long sessions, Bulky floorhead struggles in tight corners

Rating: 8/10

Quiet, capable and built for busy homes.

The IZ202UKT Shark cordless glides smoothly over laminate, vinyl, and wood without kicking up debris, then ramps up on carpet – and again when you squeeze the Max trigger – to pull out stubborn fluff and pet hair.

Battery life impressed me: I managed a full-house clean mixing hard floor and carpet modes with charge to spare.

The big bin cuts down on trips to the bin, while Shark’s Flexology wand folds to reach under beds and tucks away neatly in a cupboard.

LED headlights? Genuinely useful for catching the crumbs you can’t see, and the handheld vacuum cleaner mode is super-helpful for a whole-house clean.

Read our full Shark IZ202UKT review

Type: Stick Dust capacity: 0.7L Weight: 5.16kg Runtime: Up to 40 mins

5. Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute, £499.99

Pros: Featherlight at 2.2kg, laser dust detection, great for allergies

Cons: Small bin, disappointing battery on boost mode

Rating: 8/10

This is the Dyson for anyone who’s ever given up halfway through hoovering because their arms were killing them.

At just 2.2kg, the V12 feels practically weightless – a proper game-changer for people with mobility issues or anyone who just can’t be bothered wrestling with heavy kit.

Our full testing showed that laser detection technology works beautifully on hard floors, illuminating dust you never knew existed.

Fair warning: prepare to feel slightly sick about how much invisible dirt lurks everywhere.

The HEPA filtration captures 99.99% of particles, making it brilliant for allergy sufferers during hay fever season.

My black lab’s constant shedding didn’t stand a chance – pet owners should know this thing tackles hair like a pro, even on upholstery.

But here’s the reality check: that 60-minute eco mode drops to a pathetic 6-8 minutes on boost.

The tiny bin needs emptying multiple times during a full house clean, which gets tedious fast.

Perfect for smaller homes or quick daily touch-ups, but larger spaces might find the limitations frustrating.

Still, if lightweight is your priority, nothing else comes close to this level of effortless cleaning.

Read our full Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute review

Type: Stick Dust capacity: 0.77L Weight: 2.2kg Charging time: 3.5 hours

6. Ryobi One+ Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit

Ryobi One+ Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit, £199.99

Pros: Easy assembly, good suction, decent runtime, stands upright, battery compatibility

Cons: Heavy for extended use, narrow brush head slows cleaning

Rating: 8/10

If you’re already in the Ryobi One+ family with their power tools, this vacuum is a no-brainer.

Same battery system means less charging clutter and more convenience – genius move by Ryobi.

Assembly is refreshingly straightforward, and once charged, this thing tackles everyday mess with proper gusto.

Eco mode handles regular dust and debris brilliantly, while Max mode powers through tougher bits, such as dried mud and pet owner worries.

That 40-minute runtime claim? Actually legit – I managed three rooms, stairs, hall and landing without the battery giving up.

The swivel brush head makes furniture navigation easy, and I love that it stands upright on its own. No more awkward wall-leaning or floor-dumping mid-clean.

Converting to handheld is seamless, though it does feel hefty during extended use.

The mini brush tackles stairs well, but don’t expect miracles with stubborn sofa pet hair – that’s still a universal vacuum struggle.

You get decent extras, including a micro crevice tool that’s actually useful for tight spots.

The build quality feels solid and dependable, typical Ryobi engineering.

Bottom line: if you’re already Team Ryobi, this slots perfectly into your tool ecosystem.

Read our full Ryobi One+ Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit review

Type: Stick Dust capacity: 600ml Weight: 3.8kg Charging time: 2+ hours

7. Dyson V8 Animal

Dyson V8 Animal, £294.99

Pros: Powerful suction, lightweight design, trigger control saves battery

Cons: Long 5-hour charging time

This is the pet owner’s assassin you’ve been waiting for. Our full testing proved the V8 Animal has serious pulling power that’ll make you think it’s trying to lift your carpet clean off the floor.

After months comparing it to rivals like the Shark IZ201UK, the difference in suction is genuinely noticeable.

The Dyson just feels more determined to grab every bit of pet hair lurking in your carpets and upholstery.

What sets this apart is that clever trigger system – you only use battery when actually cleaning, not while you’re deciding which room to tackle next.

The claimed 40-minute runtime feels accurate for normal use, though boost mode will drain things faster.

At roughly 1.5kg lighter than comparable models, your arms won’t be screaming after a full house clean.

It switches effortlessly between stick and handheld mode, making it brilliant for car interiors and furniture where pet hair loves to hide.

The 5-hour charging time is painful, but the performance makes up for it.

If you’re a pet owner constantly battling hair and want something that actually works, rather than just pushing fur around, the V8 Animal delivers effective results.

Read our full Dyson V8 Animal review

Type: Stick Battery life: Up to 40 minutes Weight: 2.6kg Charging time: 5 hours

8. VAX ONEPWR Blade 4 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

VAX ONEPWR Blade 4 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, £150

Pros: Powerful suction, LED headlights, easy bin emptying, detachable battery

Cons: Struggles on thick carpets, battery life slightly disappointing

Rating: 7.5/10

Here’s the thing about the Blade 4 – it’s marketed for large homes, but the 45-minute battery life tells a different story. Bit of a contradiction there, Vax.

That said, this vacuum has genuinely won me over after a year of daily use.

The suction power is properly impressive on hard floors, picking up everything from dust bunnies to pet hair with ease.

Those LED headlights are brilliant for spotting dirt you’d otherwise miss – prepare to feel slightly grossed out by what’s lurking in your supposedly clean corners.

Where it falls is on carpets. You’ll need to put in proper effort to get a thorough clean, especially on thick pile. It’s not effortless like some of the pricier models.

The detachable battery is genius – just pop it out for charging rather than dragging the whole vacuum to a socket.

The bin empties cleanly without the usual wrestling match, and the included attachments are actually useful for stairs and awkward spots.

For smaller homes or flats, this is brilliant. But despite the name, larger homes will find themselves managing battery life or investing in a spare battery.

Still, at this price point, it’s converted me to cordless cleaning.

Type: Stick Dust capacity: 0.6L Weight: 3kg Charging time: 3 hours

9. Beldray Airgility Cordless Titanium Edition

Beldray Airgility Cordless Titanium Edition, £79.99

Pros: Extremely lightweight, simple controls, easy emptying, great for mobility issues

Cons: Suction is not the strongest, better suited as a second vacuum

Rating: 7.5/10

This little lightweight champion weighs practically nothing, making it ridiculously easy to whip around the house. Perfect for anyone who finds traditional vacuums a proper workout.

The controls couldn’t be simpler – one button cycles through off, standard, and boost modes.

Assembly takes minutes without instructions (handy since they barely include any), and you’re good to go.

Let’s be realistic about performance: it handles hard floors brilliantly but struggles on thick carpets.

The suction picks up everyday dust and debris just fine, though don’t expect miracles on deeply embedded dirt.

Think of this as your handy top-up vacuum rather than your main cleaning weapon.

Where it really shines is accessibility. My elderly father with arthritis can’t usually manage traditional vacuums, but this lightweight gem has given him his independence back.

He’s been “running the hoover over” between weekend deep cleans, which means everything to him.

The 40-minute battery charges while attached (no separate dock needed), LED headlights spot hidden dirt, and the bin empties cleanly. You get a spare HEPA filter and crevice tool thrown in.

For the price, it’s brilliant for quick clean-ups, mobility-friendly cleaning, or as a backup to a more powerful main vacuum.

Type: Stick Dust capacity: 1.2L Weight: 3.1kg Charging time: 5 hours initially

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What is the best cordless vacuum?

The best cordless vacuum depends on your storage space, floor type, and how often you clean. This guide will help you find the best option for your home, based on every cordless vacuum we’ve tested.

There’s a full range of designs, including upright vacuum cleaners, cylinder models, robot vacuums, handheld cordless models, and stick vacuums.

A cordless stick vacuum cleaner is usually the most nimble thanks to its slim build and smaller canister — ideal if you want a lightweight cordless vacuum that’s easy to steer.

You’ll empty it more often, but the convenience is worth it.

Many also ship with handy tools — like the Dyson V8 Animal’s upholstery and crevice attachments.

What is the best cordless vacuum for pet owners?

Attachments matter. Look for a handheld cordless tool and motorised brush heads to dig out embedded fur from sofas, stairs and corners.

Attachments for tackling upholstery or getting into those tricky little crevices will likely work a treat when it comes to sorting out those stubborn, embedded pet hairs lurking around your home.

Whether it’s the sofa, the stairs, or those hard-to-reach corners, the right tools make it so much easier to banish the fluff and keep things looking spick and span!

How do you clean cordless vacuums?

Empty the canister after each use, check the brush roll and clean filters regularly. A clean filter keeps suction strong.

Generally speaking, it pays to make sure you regularly empty the canister and keep it as clean as possible to prevent any blockages or build-up. Aim to do so after every use – it helps prevent dirt from corroding the vacuum from the inside.

It’s also worth checking the brush and the filters regularly; a clogged filter can seriously impact the performance of your vacuum cleaner. When the filters are clear, the suction capacity is at its best.

Check the guide that comes with your cordless vacuum for any specific instructions on cleaning your purchased make and model.

It may also be worth getting your machine professionally cleaned or serviced occasionally.

Which cordless vacuum has the best suction?

See our picks above for the strongest performers.

Surfaces and debris type affect results, but clean filters help.

We were particularly impressed by Halo Capsule X in our testing of the best cordless vacuums.

How do you charge cordless vacuum cleaners?

Most include a plug-in adaptor and charging port with indicator lights to show progress.

Some change colour when full. Check your manual for specifics.

Once it’s plugged in, you’ll see a little battery light pop on—this is your handy indicator to show how the charge is coming along.

It’s a great way to keep an eye on things so you’ll know exactly when your vacuum’s ready to go again.

Some models even have different light colours or flashing patterns to let you know when it’s fully charged, so no need to guess!

Just plug it in, keep an eye on the lights, and you’ll be back to cleaning in no time.

How long do cordless vacuum batteries last?

It varies widely — some run for around seven minutes at maximum, while others top an hour.

Expect a capacity drop over time; many brands sell replacement batteries to extend the life of your new cordless device.

Are cordless vacuums worth it?

Yes, for convenience: no cables, quick clean-ups, compact storage, and many can handle whole-home jobs on one charge.

If you’ve got a big place or prefer longer runs and bigger bins, a corded upright vacuum cleaner may suit heavy-duty sessions better.

If you’re tired of wrestling with plugs and wires or trying to manoeuvre a bulky vacuum into those awkward, hard-to-reach spots, a cordless model is an absolute game-changer.

They’re lightweight, easy to handle, and perfect for zipping around the house without constantly having to stop and switch plug sockets.

Plus, many modern cordless vacuums now come with impressive battery life, which means you can often clean your entire home on a single charge.

In fact, for lots of families, cordless options have become the go-to choice, especially since they’re usually more compact and easier to store than their corded counterparts—ideal if you’re short on storage space.

That said, cordless vacuums do have their limits.

If you have a large home to clean or don’t want to constantly empty a smaller canister, a larger, corded vacuum might be a better fit.

They tend to have bigger dust capacities and can power through big jobs without worrying about running out of battery.

So, it really comes down to what works best for your space and cleaning style—cordless for convenience and quick jobs, or corded for heavy-duty, all-out cleaning sessions.

A good idea is to regularly read product reviews so you know if it’s worth the investment.

How to choose a cordless vacuum cleaner?

Compare models by price, bin size, battery life and the areas you’ll clean most.

Pet owners should prioritise the right tools.

Short on space? A lightweight cordless vacuum or compact cordless stick vacuum cleaner is a smart buy.

Do your research rather than jumping on a deal — that’s how guides like this help you find the best cordless vacuum for your needs.

If you want something small and nimble for quick spills, consider a handheld cordless alongside your main stick.