A vacuum cleaner that moves with you can make chores effortless and quick. Cordless vacuums, also known as stick vacuums, are lightweight, versatile and easy to maneuver, which makes your cleaning routine less hazardous — especially when cords aren’t in the way. With their added suction technology — some even featuring self-cleaning modes — cordless vacuums can maximize daily tasks.
Whether you have hardwood floors, thick carpet or tiles, cordless vacuum cleaners can remove dust, pick up hair and clear debris in a breeze. From popular tech brands like Dyson to affordable picks like Eureka, we break down the must-have appliances you need in your home. I also asked experts for guidance on choosing the right one based on your needs and tips for keeping them in great condition.
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Features to look for in cordless vacuum cleaners
“As far as cordless vacuums, you can always look at features like battery life, how easy it is to stow away, larger canister sizes and so on,” shares Jen Boyle, owner of MaidThis Cleaning.
Orion Wang, product manager for Dreame, previously said on an interview with Shop TODAY that suction power and ease of use are also two important features to look for in vacuums. “A vacuum’s suction performance is a direct indicator of its cleaning ability. It won’t pick up much if it’s too weak — especially things like pet hair or fine dust,” says Wang.
He also mentioned that a vacuum cleaner should be “lightweight, easy to maneuver and have enough runtime to get through a full cleaning session.”
Additionally, Cory Hankins, CEO of Clean for The House of Vacuums, previously shared that, “A unit that provides good airflow, good air filtration and one that can be repaired,” is essential for proper cleaning. “Also, if this is a battery[-powered] unit, making sure that replacement batteries are available in the future.”
Expert-recommended cordless vacuum cleaners
Boyle recommends Black+Decker as a standard brand for cordless vacuum cleaners as they offer similar function as a corded vacuum. “Their use is still the same — their canister collects small messes as a more convenient way to clean than a broom and dustpan,” she adds.
This version can be used as a handheld vacuum when attaching the crevice tool for stairs and can located hidden dirt with its LEF floor head lights. Whether you need to clean hardwood floors or carpet, this one can fit under couches, confined spaces and even behind your counter.
Boyle says she has tried every vacuum in different price ranges on the market, but continue coming back to Shark vacuums.
“It doesn’t seem to matter which Shark vacuum you buy, obviously the cordless version offers different features but, they all hold up very well to daily use and do well on both hard flooring and carpeting. On top of that, their parts are very easily replaced and readily available when needed,” she shares.
Best cordless vacuum cleaners, approved by editors
I’ve owned this vacuum cleaner for the past three years, and I love how lightweight it is. The battery is removable and easy to recharge. It does take a while to charge, but that doesn’t deter it from working great.
It comes with HEPA filtration, which is anti-allergen and captures a lot of the dust and debris I collect, as well as my long hair — something I really appreciate. This newer design can run for up to 60 minutes on a single charge and comes with an anti-tangle brush that prevents long hair from wrapping around the roller, which is a great new feature.
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“I’ve had this vacuum for nearly a year, and I’m still in love with it. It doubles as both a handheld and cordless vacuum, so I get a 2-in-1 without needing an additional cord to charge another device. I also love that it comes with a stand, so it can stand on its own and I don’t have to drill into the wall,” shares editor Vivien Moon.
This one features a filtration system that collects allergens — ideal for those with pets. “It’s really easy to clean and detaches easily. I do think it’s a little heavy, and the suction is very strong, which can be annoying because it sometimes gets stuck on the carpet — although that’s also a good thing. That’s something worth noting.”
Writer Danielle Murphy says this stick vacuum is easy to maneuver and features HyperVelocity suction, which quickly picks up debris, pet hair and dirt.
“This was a Prime Day purchase over the summer; I needed a replacement for my vacuum/mop combo, which was much too difficult to manage. I like how straightforward this machine is. It has a decently powerful suction and has a battery life that works well for my small apartment. I can easily go from rug to bare floor mode with a push of a button, but the best part is how simple and mess-free emptying the dust-debris cup is. You just hold it over your garbage can and push an eject button,” she shares.
Dyson is a tested brand among the TODAY team and continues to be a reliable choice. We like its slim, lightweight design and powerful suction, which make it easy to maneuver around the home. It features fully sealed filtration that captures dust and debris for a cleaner floor, while its built-in light reveals hidden dust on hard floors. The carbon-fiber brush is also designed to capture fine dust, making it particularly useful for everyday messes.
Associate editor Erica Marrison says, “I couldn’t be more impressed with this vacuum. I live with three other girls, so there’s a lot of hair to be vacuumed, as well as a lot of kitchen traffic. This impressively picks everything up and doesn’t get caught. Plus, it’s so easy to store and charge, even in my small apartment.”
Editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson has been using this new launch from Shark and has plenty of positive things to say about it. The 2-in-1 wet-and-dry vacuum and mop is designed for hard floors and can tackle everything from stuck-on grime to everyday spills, including cereal and sauces. Its slim design makes it easy to reach ceilings, tight spaces and underneath furniture.
Stewart-Jackson says, “The Shark AquaReach launched a couple weeks ago and we’ve really been loving it! It’s designed for hard floors only, but it’s a 2-in-1 wet and dry vac and mop. It’s been great for cleaning up after [my pet dog] Cleo as we’re still attempting to potty train her. My husband also absolutely loves this thing and is always looking for a reason to use it. We have the version that comes with the self-cleaning base, which is a huge plus.”
More floor cleaning products to shop
After testing several fabric refreshers, writer Emma Stessman named this Zep formula the overall winner for its efficiency, scent and easy application. She said it smells exactly like a “fresh breeze” without being overpowering.
“When I sprayed this one on the pillow, the tuna aroma [we used for testing] was immediately replaced with a fresh scent. After five hours, that pleasant smell remained and there were no tuna odors to be found,” she says.
Murphy gave this carpet cleaner a near five-star rating for its ability to tackle tough stains. She found it particularly effective at removing blue ink, saying it visibly erased the stain. A significant amount of ink lifted from the carpet and transferred onto the microfiber cloth.
“I had to wait a few hours for my carpet squares to be 80% dry, so this cleaner is not for the impatient. All that being said, the second round was a major success and removed...wine, coffee and urine stains completely,” she adds.
I tested several mops myself for a Ranked story, and the Libman stood out for its ability to clean four different types of flooring. From soil residue to sticky soda, this mop effectively removed every type of mess I tested. Its bucket system also makes it easy to wring out excess water, while the mop head’s fibers effectively trap dirt and debris.
Stewart-Jackson confirms that this vacuum cleaner is a great portable option for quickly picking up crushed chips, dirt and other everyday messes.
“It left the couch looking like new. It performed consistently well with messes across hardwood, tile and the couch, but struggled when it came to carpet,” she adds.
Frequently asked questions
According to Boyle, "Cordless vacuums typically have either a filter in front of the motor (pre-motor) or behind the motor housing (post-motor). Read your manufacturer’s user manual to find out where your filter is since this will determine what type of filter is used, if it is washable or not or if it needs to be brushed off instead."
"Cordless vacuums tend to work best for cleaning items about the size and weight of a single Cheerios cereal and do not tend to work well to pick up heavier objects, fine particulates or hair," says Boyle.
“Handheld vacuums are great for everyday messes, but they do have limits,” admits Wang. “Highly clumping materials like cat litter or flour — a small amount is fine, but too much can clog the system or cause buildup in the tank. If you do vacuum these, make sure to empty the sewage tank frequently. Things like broken glass or metal shavings could also damage the internal components or the brush roller.”
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there, interview expert sources and comb through customer reviews to make shopping easier for our readers.
We selected vacuum cleaners that work on both hard and soft surfaces, prioritizing expert-recommended picks. Features like wattage, running time and ease of use were taken into consideration while building this list. We also relied on editor-approved picks that have been tested and rated positively.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Jen Boyle is the owner of MaidThis Cleaning and a member of the Thumbtack Pro Advisory Board.
- Cory Hankins is the CEO of clean for The House of Vacuums, a service repair center and sales dealer for major floor care brands in North Carolina and Florida.
- Orion Wang is the North America wet and dry vacuum product manager for Dreame, a company that produces smart home cleaning tools.
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