Comparison of our favorite vacuum cleaners
Honorable mentions
Black and Decker Dustbuster Flex for $89: This is another cool handheld vacuum, ideal for cars or even indoor spaces like stairs. It has a 4-foot hose, longer than most compact vacuums, and a handy little charging stand that the accessories clip into. And thank goodness for the charging stand, since the battery only lasts 15 minutes.
Dyson Car+Boat Handheld Vacuum for $280: Dyson’s latest handheld vacuum cleaner has been designed specifically for cars (and boats!), so if you have a vehicle to clean, this one is made for that. Its battery life is fantastic compared to other handheld vacuums.
Dyson Gen5 Detect Cordless Vacuum for $935: This is Dyson’s current top-of-the-line stick vacuum, and it’s fantastic, especially for homes with a lot of pet hair. But it’s expensive and rarely on sale, making it a difficult upgrade while you’ll still get a great experience with the Dyson V15 Detect. But this vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter, unlike the V15 Detect.
Roborock Qrevo S for $800 (used): This is technically our top robot vacuum pick, but Roborock recently updated the Qrevo line with new models that don’t ship to the US, and the model we like best is only available used.
Tineco Pure One Station 5 for $459: If you want a cordless stick vacuum but don’t want to have to empty it all the time, this Tineco vacuum comes with an auto-empty dock. You’ll eventually need to empty the dock, but it’s a nice bonus feature that prevents the vacuum from falling into your home since it’s safely stored in the dock.
FAQs
Which style of vacuum cleaner is best for you?
Here’s what makes each style of vacuum ideal to help you decide which one you should buy.
- Cordless vacuum cleaners or stick vacuum cleaners: These vacuums resemble the latter name, with a long, stick-like arm that connects the vacuum head to the tank and controls. You’ll need to hold it in a way that you wouldn’t need to do with an upright vacuum, but these are powerful and super mobile. They make a great main vacuum and are especially useful if you have multiple floors to vacuum, as they are easy to carry up and down stairs.
- Robot vacuum cleaners: Robot vacuums are great for cleaning and are controlled by an app. There are several models that also serve as a mop. You’ll need to spend time moving furniture around to get the best cleaning possible, and you generally still want a regular vacuum cleaner in your home. But they’re great for frequent cleaning with kids and pets.
- Handheld vacuum cleaners: Handheld vacuums are great for targeted cleaning or cleaning specific areas like stairs and cars. Most stick vacuums can convert into handheld vacuums, but true handhelds are much lighter and have a more compact design (but also sacrifice battery power and dustbin capacity).
What about upright vacuum cleaners?
An upright vacuum cleaner is the classic, original style of vacuum cleaner that stands upright on its own and is much heavier than cordless stick vacuums and requires a plug connection to operate. We don’t currently have an upright vacuum that we recommend, as cordless stick vacuums have become the top priority for most buyers (and as frequent vacuums ourselves, we generally look for cordless and robot vacuums anyway). We do, however, plan to test upright vacuums in the future, and feel free to comment on this guide with which models we should consider.
Do you need a stick vacuum and a hand vacuum?
Do you need a handheld vacuum if you already own a cordless vacuum? Probably no, because most stick vacuums can already convert into a handheld vacuum. Stick or cordless vacuums usually allow you to remove the stick part between the vacuum head and the base of the tank and connect these two parts directly, making it a handheld vacuum. It will be much heavier than a vacuum designed to always be portable and can be irritating if you have a specific use case you want it for, but you don’t need both unless there is a specific reason. A handheld is a good addition if you already have an upright vacuum that you love and doesn’t need to be replaced.
How often should you replace your vacuum cleaner?
Vacuum cleaners last about five years, depending on frequency of use and build quality. However, some cheaper stick vacuums only last about a year or two, so it’s worth investing in a better vacuum than finding a cheap dupe. If you’re curious about what signs your vacuum might need to be replaced, check out our guide to how long vacuum cleaners last.
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