Best Cordless Stick Vacuums for Your Home
If you frequently encounter small messes or find heavy plug-in vacuum cleaners cumbersome, a cordless stick vacuum might be your ideal cleaning solution. Cordless stick vacuums, like good partnerships, demand certain compromises. Although we’ve tested numerous models, discovering the perfect one has been elusive. Based on what you prioritize, we recommend the Dyson V12 Detect Slim for its lightness and agility, the Shark PowerDetect Cordless Vacuum with a self-emptying dock for convenience, or the Ryobi 18V One+ HP Advanced Stick Vacuum Kit for its durability. For budget-conscious buyers, the Tineco GO Pet Cordless Vacuum is a reliable option.
Top Pick: Dyson V12 Detect Slim
This model is nimble, powerful, and a joy to maneuver. However, it doesn’t stand on its own, and the dustbin is notably small. The Dyson V12 Detect Slim excels in suction power, rivaling more expensive alternatives like the Dyson V15. It includes various attachments such as a motorized brush for pet hair, providing 45 minutes of runtime on a single charge. Nonetheless, its minuscule 12-ounce dustbin requires frequent emptying, particularly in homes with pets. It also has an auto-adjusting sensor that alters suction power and a laser headlight that exposes dust in dim areas.
Top Pick: Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum
This cleaner matches the Dyson V12 in performance and comes with an optional self-emptying dock that automates dustbin emptying. It struggles slightly with pet fur. In tests, it succeeded with heavier debris like Cheerios and birdseed on various surfaces, aided by its dual-brush cleaner head. However, the availability of replacement parts, including batteries, is challenging, and it is louder than other recommendations.
Budget Pick: Tineco GO Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum
The Tineco GO Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum isn’t as agile as the top picks but is a strong cleaner with a large dustbin and practical tools. It is efficient with debris like sand and provides an ample 34-ounce dustbin. Although it handles fur on upholstery proficiently, it’s noisier with a dustbin that’s tricky to reattach.
Best for Heavy-Duty Use: Ryobi 18V One+ HP Advanced Stick Vacuum Kit
With excellent suction and innovative attachments, the Ryobi vacuum is suitable for tough cleaning tasks. Despite being heavier and less agile, it performs admirably on various debris and has a significant dustbin capacity of 33 ounces. It charitably stands on its own and has a quick recharge time. Its battery is compatible with numerous Ryobi tools, making it a worthy investment for existing Ryobi users.
How We Picked and Tested
We evaluated cordless stick vacuums using hands-on testing of over 100 models from 2023 to 2024, analyzing factors like cleaning ability, convenience, warranty, and repairs. Noteworthy considerations included suction power, ease of use, bin size, and additional features such as HEPA filters and noise levels.
The Flaws
Even premium cordless stick vacuums cannot fully rival the suction and deep-cleaning capabilities of quality upright or canister vacuums. They last typically 30 to 40 minutes per full charge, suitable for small cleaning tasks but insufficient for larger areas.
Maintenance and Care
Regular maintenance is essential. This includes washing filters, emptying and cleaning dustbins, checking for clogs, and not exposing the battery to prolonged charging. Adhering to these practices ensures optimal performance and longevity of your vacuum.