Cordless Vacuums 2025: The Best Models for a Tidy Home Without the Cord The age of the cordless vacuum is here, freeing us from power outlets and tangled wires. These lightweight, maneuverable machines have become powerful enough to rival their corded ancestors, with some even boasting smart features like app connectivity and self-emptying bases. With so many options beyond just Dyson, finding the right one requires a bit of research. After extensive testing, we have identified the top cordless vacuums to simplify your decision. Top Picks for 2025 Our testing revealed several standouts. The Dyson V15 Detect remains a top choice for its exceptional all-around performance, featuring a laser dust sensor and strong suction. For those who value convenience, the Shark Detect Pro with Auto Empty Base is a fantastic value, automatically emptying its dustbin for you. If you are on a budget, the Levoit Vortex IQ 40 offers reliable cleaning power without the high price tag. The Levoit Nexus Cordless Vacuum is another great budget-friendly option that is particularly lightweight and easy to handle. For homes that require wet and dry cleaning, the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine is a unique 2-in-1 machine that vacuums and washes hard floors simultaneously. Finally, the Tineco Pure One Station 5 and the more affordable Tineco ONE S5 Station are excellent choices with strong suction and user-friendly features, both including self-emptying stations. What to Consider Before You Buy Before purchasing a cordless vacuum, think about your specific needs. Design is important; most are stick-style with various attachments for floors, furniture, and cars. Look for practical features like a thumb-operated power button or a headlight for dark corners. Bin capacity typically ranges from 0.1 to 0.8 gallons. All models we tested could clean an average one-pet home without needing a mid-clean empty. Suction power, often measured in air watts (AW), is crucial. More power usually means a higher price but better performance, especially for pet owners. Most vacuums offer multiple power modes: a standard mode for balanced cleaning and a max mode for intense suction. Some models automatically adjust power based on floor type. Battery life is key. Aim for at least 40 minutes of runtime in standard mode, which should be enough for cleaning multiple rooms. Also, consider the base. Most come with a wall mount, but some have free-standing docks or even auto-empty bases that reduce how often you handle dust. While some high-end models offer smart features like particle sensors and companion apps, these are nice-to-haves, not necessities, for a manual vacuum. How We Test We test cordless vacuums in a real home environment over several weeks. We use them on hardwood, tile, and carpet, performing full-home cleanings on a single charge as well as tackling spot messes like crumbs and pet hair. We evaluate noise levels, maneuverability, effectiveness on debris, and whether the device overheats. Frequently Asked Questions Battery life on most cordless vacuums lasts between 30 to 70 minutes on a standard mode, but using max power will drain it faster. While cordless vacuums may sacrifice a bit of raw power compared to corded models, the best ones are more than capable of handling everyday messes. Their lightweight and cord-free convenience often outweighs this minor drawback. Yes, cordless vacuums can be very effective on pet hair. For the best results, choose a model with strong suction and a larger dustbin to prevent frequent emptying. To maintain your vacuum, empty the dustbin regularly and wash the filters as instructed. Check the brush roll for tangled hair and clean it periodically. For models with a removable battery, avoid letting it fully drain too often to prolong its life. Absolutely. Most cordless vacuums come with special attachments for soft surfaces like curtains and upholstery. Using a soft brush tool on a lower suction setting is ideal for safely cleaning these fabrics.
