The best vacuum cleaners for home come in all shapes and sizes these days with types to suit varying needs – but which is the best vacuum for you? This guide lays out the best of each type so you can decide what it is you need to get the cleanest home with the greatest of ease.
First up, do you want a battery-powered or wired appliance? While wired means no charging it does mean cable effort, plugging in and out, and moving as you work. Battery powered vacuums are now better than ever with most offering close to an hour on a charge, which should suit the average home just fine.
A yearly service can keep your vacuum cleaner in top condition and extend the life of the motor, or at the very least, help prevent early failure.
Karen Barrigan, cleaning expert
Second, what type do you need? There are upright vacuums, stick models, cylinder and that's not even taking robots into consideration. Essentially, you'll want to think about how portable you need your unit to be. Do you zip about quickly regularly meaning you won't need a huge amount of dust storage space? Or perhaps you prefer to do one big clean more rarely and don't want to be emptying too often as you go, making an upright model more for you.
Then there are robot vacuums, which are worth looking at specifically in our best robot vacuum guide. These automatically zip about your home cleaning where you specify before going back to base to charge, and just require you to empty occasionally – but these are pricier.
So you might want the best deep clean vacuum cleaners for big jobs or the best handheld vacuums for lighter tasks. Whatever your need, there should be one for you to choose from below.
The best vacuum cleaners we recommend in 2023
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The best vacuum cleaner overall
The Dyson Gen5detect Absolute is a remarkable cordless vacuum cleaner with advanced suction power, HEPA filtration, and dust detection. With these features, it wins our vote for the best vacuum cleaner overall.
Assembly: The vacuum cleaner is a great choice for those concerned about sustainability, as its packaging is 100% recyclable, with no plastic or polystyrene. Instead of a manual, the vacuum comes with a QR code that links to the My Dyson app, which provides all the information you need, including a user guide, care and maintenance tips, and troubleshooting advice. The app also includes useful videos to illustrate instructions and a digital assistant to help you find the necessary information. Assembling the vacuum is easy and intuitive, with the filters and the battery unit already installed.
Design: The Gen5detect Absolute is a powerful vacuum cleaner with a new colorway featuring a deep Prussian Blue and Rich Copper finish, giving it a luxurious and high-end look and feel. One of the significant changes in this model is the removal of the trigger button, which has been replaced with a simple power button located above the LCD screen. This makes it much easier to operate and eliminates finger fatigue, and the vacuum is also quieter than previous models, making it more pleasant to use.
Performance: We tested the unit to see how it handled various types of debris and were impressed with how much dust and pet hair it picked up on its first pass in a large carpeted room. The Hair screw tool, crevice tool, and duster brush were all effective in cleaning different areas of our home, and the Fluffy Optic™ cleaner head did an excellent job of picking up even the smallest specks of dust on hard floors. The Dyson vacuum also succeeded in sucking up fine and larger particles on carpets and hard floors, leaving no dusty corners behind.
Maintenance: Clearing a blockage or cleaning the filter is made easy with the flag system, and the dust cup can also be easily emptied by pushing the lever at the side, and it can be pumped several times to eliminate any packed-in dirt. However, the battery life may vary depending on the power mode used. While Dyson claims up to 70 minutes of running time, vacuuming on Auto mode took more power, lasting just over 30 minutes before needing recharging. The battery takes around four and a half hours to fully recharge, so an extra battery may be necessary for large homes.
Value: The Dyson Gen5detect Absolute is a high-end vacuum with a price tag of $949.99. Despite the cost, the vacuum comes with top-notch features and functionality. Dyson is known for its excellent customer support, service, and quality, and the vacuum also comes with a 2-year warranty for added peace of mind.
The best vacuum cleaner for attachments
The Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex is a well-designed, cordless vacuum cleaner that is affordable and great at cleaning dirt, dust, and debris. It competes well against big-name brands like Dyson and is one of the best vacuums you can purchase currently, regardless of your needs.
Assembly: The vacuum offers an auto feature to adjust the power according to the level of dust in your home. It also has five customizable power settings, marked by two blue bars on the display, which can be adjusted using the + and - buttons. The unit has a standard vacuum head that can be used on hard floors or carpets, and the setup is easy, with clearly marked buttons and helpful instructions. The unit comes securely packed in a cardboard box with recyclable packaging and includes a quick start guide and a detailed user manual.
Design: The VortexIQ 40 Flex's matte black, silver, and gray plastic casing, chrome detailing, and colorful LED display give it a sleek appearance. The unit's grip is beveled rubber, which feels comfortable and provides a firm grasp. The buttons and locks are clearly marked, and the rubber edging on the crevice tool prevents scratches on the furnishings. The vacuum's LED headlights, flexible stick feature, and 90-degree folding shaft also make it easy to use, and it operates at a reasonable noise level. The vacuum's maneuverability is impressive, and it is pet-friendly too.
Performance: The unit was tested in a family home with pets and tested in a living room and kitchen. It performed well in a general cleaning test, effortlessly picking up pet hair, dust, and debris from the hard floor and the carpet. The vacuum's ability to adjust its power automatically based on its cleaning surface was impressive, and it easily handled various crumbs, flour, and oats. The mini motorized brush and rubber-tipped crevice tools effectively cleaned carpeted stairs and dusty skirting boards, respectively, and the dusting brush was gentle enough to dust family photos and protect woodwork.
Maintenance: The vacuum lasts around 40 minutes on a single charge and takes around four hours to charge up completely. The only downside is that emptying the dust cup can be messy, but regular emptying can help avoid this issue.
Value: The Levoit VortexIQ 40 stick vacuum cleaner is priced at $199.99, cheaper than some of its leading competitors. It may not run as long as some of its rivals, but 40 minutes is usually enough to clean the entire house. The sturdiness of the accessories and the additional flexible stick feature makes it a good option for those looking for a reliable stick vacuum.
The best vacuum for carpets
The Shark Vertex Bagless Corded Canister Vacuum with DuoClean Powerfins is a great option for busy homes with carpets that require regular deep cleaning. The 25ft power cord ensures an uninterrupted power supply, though it may be overkill for those with mostly hard floors.
Assembly: The vacuum comes in fully recyclable paper and cardboard packaging. It's easy to assemble and use with an instruction manual that's little more than a pictorial guide and comes with only two accessories - a pet crevice tool and an upholstery tool. The vacuum also has standout features such as a flexible wand that bends during vacuuming, two brushrolls for a deeper clean, and a self-cleaning design.
Design: The black vacuum with gold accents makes this feel like a premium product from Shark. It feels sturdy and well-made, with a high-quality floorhead designed to clean deep into carpets without damaging hard floors. The handle features a rubber grip and a control panel, allowing you to switch the vacuum on or off, adjust the power level, and switch between floor types, all from the handle. The lightweight canister has four wheels for easy maneuverability, and its handle doubles as the handle for the dust bin, which is easy to remove.
Performance: The vacuum's ability to remove ground-in dirt from deep within carpets and long pile area rugs was impressive. While it struggled with edge cleaning on carpets, the onboard crevice tool made it easy to collect anything left behind. The Vertex's impeccable pick-up on hard floors and the controls on the handle made it easy to transition between different floor types and adjust power. The upholstery tool effectively cleaned dust and crumbs from furniture, and the canister was lightweight for pulling along and compact enough to sit on a step while vacuuming stairs.
Maintenance: The Shark vacuum cleaner comes with a bagless dust bin that when emptied frequently, is easy to use and maintain. The washable filters are a great feature that saves money on replacements, and they only need to be washed every three to 12 months. With a five-year warranty, the vacuum is covered for non-wearable parts, and plenty of replacement parts are available to purchase directly from Shark. The vacuum is also easy to store, with numerous configuration options and a freestanding wand and floorhead that can be stored separately or clipped to the canister.
Value: The Shark Vertex Bagless Corded Canister Vacuum is the pricier of the two canister vacuums offered by Shark. However, it is packed with all the best design features of Shark and delivers excellent performance, making it the top-of-the-range option.
Read our full Shark Vertex Bagless Corded Canister Vacuum review
The best vacuum cleaner for large homes
The Tineco Pure One S12 Pro EX is a pricey but versatile cordless vacuum loaded with smart technology and two batteries for non-stop cleaning. However, it might not be ideal for those with limited storage space or those who only need a vacuum for hard floors.
Assembly: The Tineco cordless vacuum has easily recyclable cardboard packaging with minimal plastic bags and foam pieces. The setup process is simple and requires no assembly except for attaching the accessories to the main body, and the vacuum includes a wall-mounted charging dock that charges both the vacuum's and spare batteries. The setup is intuitive, and the vacuum has a large LED screen that alerts you to any issues. The instruction manual contains all the necessary information, but the Tineco app offers additional functionality and information.
Design: The S12 Pro EX has numerous attachments, making it a multi-tasking vacuum suitable for all floor types. The power level can be adjusted via a touch-sensitive slider on the top of the vacuum, and it's equipped with an auto mode that increases the power when it detects heavily soiled areas. The large, round LED display screen shows the battery level, the current suction power, and the iLoop graphic, informing you of particularly dirty areas. The app connectivity and filter usage feature are also helpful. It's not the loudest nor the quietest vacuum, with a noise level of 77dB on max suction.
Performance: The vacuum impressed us with its powerful suction and top-notch performance on various surfaces. The soft roller brush is ideal for collecting finer dust but less effective for larger debris like oats. The mini power brush is perfect for stairs, sofas, and even car carpets, and all of the extra tools are useful for cleaning tricky areas. However, when used as a handheld, it can feel heavy and cumbersome, especially in tight spaces. The vacuum is well-balanced and lightweight overall, however, with good maneuverability and transitions between different floor types, and the iLoop feature is useful in detecting high levels of dust and dirt.
Maintenance: The S12 Pro EX has two batteries, allowing you to alternate between them. One battery lasts up to nine minutes on max suction, but using the auto mode can increase battery life. The dustbin has a capacity of 0.13 gallons and needs to be emptied frequently, especially if there is a lot of tangled hair inside, and the filters can be washed periodically with replacements available on the Tineco website. The vacuum has a wall-mounted storage dock, but it can only hold three small tools, and the unit is bulky when not wall-mounted.
Value: The Tineco Pure One S12 Pro EX is a premium smart vacuum with the latest features and accessories. The price is slightly lower than the Dyson V15 Detect (below), but it offers great value for money with two batteries and a host of useful accessories.
The best vacuum for pet owners
The Dyson V15 Detect is a powerful cordless vacuum cleaner with deep cleaning, dust-sensing technology, and anti-tangle brush heads. However, it's quite heavy to use as a handheld vacuum and comes with a high price tag. It's best suited for pet owners and those who prioritize thorough cleaning.
Design: Laser technology and the Piezo sensor allow for precise dirt detection and particle counting, while the LCD screen on the handle displays essential information, including remaining battery life and particle size. The V15 Detect comes with three modes, and its swivel floor-head steering makes it easy to maneuver around your home. However, when used as a handheld vacuum, its weight can be a drawback, and its price tag may deter some buyers.
Performance: The V15 Detect impressed us when we tested it on carpets and hard floors with small and large debris, finding that it picked up everything without scattering crumbs further away. The Piezo sensor also detected an enormous amount of dust and dirt collected in the dust cup. Even tools like the hair screw tool worked well on stairs, and, all in all, the V15 Detect is an excellent vacuum cleaner that offers a deeper clean than anything else we've tried. It's maneuverable, easy to use, and delivers outstanding performance.
Maintenance: The vacuum can be emptied by pressing a button to release the dust cup. The vacuum has a 60-minute runtime after a full charge, but this can vary depending on the surfaces it's used on, with carpeted floors reducing the battery life to around 30-35 minutes. The vacuum automatically increases suction power when it detects more dust, also impacting battery life. The device comes with a removable battery, and users can also purchase spare batteries to avoid waiting for one to charge.
Read our full Dyson V15 Detect review
The best budget cordless vacuum
The Aspiron Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is an affordable, lightweight, and powerful device perfect as a secondary vacuum cleaner to clean pet hair and dust. Its nicely designed body allows it to get into tight spots, making it effective for cleaning.
Assembly: The vacuum comes in an environmentally friendly, slim, lightweight cardboard box, but the manual is brief and lacks information about using and maintaining the product. It doesn't specify the use of the extra vacuum head accessories or guide how to care for the vacuum cleaner, except for replacing the sponge every three months. Despite this, the vacuum unit is easy to assemble, and the orange and black color scheme helps determine where to place the vacuum extension tube and head.
Design: The orange and black colorway is attractive, with the pops of orange cleverly used to signify functions and features. The unit is made of plastic and features a transparent plastic dust cup so you can see how much debris you’re collecting. It can be used everywhere in the home, from floors to dusty drapes, stairs, and ceiling cobwebs. The main vacuum head can be attached to the unit or a metal extension tube, around 26 inches long, and features a motorized brush with 0.5-inch bristles. The vacuum head also features LED lights to help identify debris and dust in dark corners.
Performance: The Aspiron Cordless Vacuum was put through its paces in a home with a long-haired cat, a golden retriever, a 9-year-old boy, and two parents who work from home. Tests were carried out on a 210-square-foot living room with a thick carpet and rugs and a 73-square-foot kitchen with a hardwood floor. The vacuum made it look easy to pick up pet hair, kibble, crumbs, and general detritus from the floors. The vacuum head did a great job vacuuming fine particles and larger crumbs from the carpet but struggled a bit on the hardwood floor.
Maintenance: The model offers two speed settings, low and high, but lacks information on the speed of these settings and their impact on battery life. The manufacturer claims the vacuum runs for 35 minutes on a full charge, and recharge takes 4-5 hours. The unit took 35 minutes to run down during testing and 4 hours and 20 minutes to recharge. The vacuum has a wall hanger and two nozzles, with screws and wall plugs for installation. The user manual provides basic cleaning instructions, recommending the replacement of the sponge every three months and rinsing the filter when necessary.
Value: The Aspiron Cordless Vacuum is a relatively affordable option at around $150. However, it lacks features you might find with other brands at the same price point, such as a flexible tube, more accessories, and spare filters.
Read our full Aspiron Cordless Vacuum Cleaner review
Best compact canister vacuum
The Miele Boost CX1 is a powerful, lightweight, bagless canister vacuum designed for cleaning carpets and hard floors. Its long hose is ideal for stair cleaning, and it operates quietly. However, it's bulky to store and does not come with many attachments, making it a pricey investment.
Assembly: The canister vacuum comes in easily recyclable packaging consisting mostly of cardboard with minimal plastic bags and no styrofoam chunks. It has a modular design, making it easy to clip the suction hose and accessories onto the main unit, and it is a mains-powered vacuum that does not require batteries and can be used immediately. The vacuum has an integrated park system, enabling the wand and floor head to be attached to the main unit, though this makes it tall and difficult to store. The instruction manual contains all the necessary information for assembly, use, cleaning, and maintenance.
Design: The Boost CX1 boasts a premium look with its glossy white finish and red accent. The wheels are positioned at the side of the canister, making it easy to maneuver without crashing into furniture, and it comes with a 6ft suction hose and telescopic wand for comfortable cleaning at any height. The suction level can be adjusted using the dial on top of the canister, and the power switch is conveniently located on the side. It has a single floor head that can protrude or retract two horizontal brushes. The accessories are suitable for most homes, and the vacuum operates quietly.
Performance: The vacuum worked well on carpets, hard floors, and upholstery. Thanks to its powerful suction and floor cleaning head, it collects fine dust in just one pass from carpets and hard floors. However, when it came to larger debris, such as oats, the vacuum was not as efficient and required multiple passes to remove all of the debris. Despite this, the vacuum is very maneuverable and easily transitions between floor types. Its suction hose is also long enough to clean stairs without picking it up off the floor, and its compact size makes it easy to store.
Maintenance: The Boost CX1 features a 0.2-gallon dust canister that is easy to empty. It comes with three filters: a pre-filter, a fine dust filter, and a Hygiene Airclean filter. While the pre-filter and fine dust filter can be cleaned monthly using cold water and a cleaning tool, the Hygiene Airclean filter must be replaced yearly. Replacement filters and parts can be obtained from Miele, and the vacuum comes with a two-year warranty that covers defects.
Value: Miele's Boost CX1 canister vacuum range has three models, with the Parquet being the cheapest at $449 / £269. It uses a HEPA filter and comes with a hard floor head. The Boost CX1 Cat & Dog is the most expensive model at $649 / £369, with an additional floor head for collecting pet hair.
Read our full Miele Boost CX1 review
The best mid-range cordless vacuums
The Shark Vertex Pro Cordless Vacuum is a versatile and affordable option for those who struggle with heavy vacuums when cleaning overhead. Its powered-lift away function and removable battery make it user-friendly, with a decent dust collection and a lengthy warranty. However, its design isn't the sleekest, and emptying the dustbin can be messy.
Assembly: This is an eco-friendly choice, as it comes in cardboard and paper packaging that is fully recyclable. Assembling the vacuum is straightforward, and the included instruction manual clearly indicates how to do it. The battery takes around 3.5 hours to charge, and it can be charged in a cradle or by plugging the cable directly into it. The vacuum is also easy to use and configure, thanks to its intuitive design and clear instructions that come with helpful diagrams.
Design: Although it's not the most attractive vacuum, the Vertex Pro is packed with features that make cleaning easier. The controls are conveniently placed on the handle, but users with small hands may find it uncomfortable to hold for extended periods. The floorhead has two brushrolls and LED lights, and the vacuum comes with useful accessories for cleaning different surfaces. It also offers different suction levels and can be used in various configurations. The noise level is acceptable, and the battery level is displayed on the handle.
Performance: The vacuum has a bottom-heavy design that makes it lightweight and maneuverable around tight corners, but it's bulky at the base, limiting its reach under low furniture. However, lifting the pod from the wand gives it excellent reach under low furniture. The controls on the handle make adjusting the suction level quick and easy, and the self-cleaning brush roll prevents hairs from getting tangled around it. The ability to use it in multiple configurations is convenient, and it's comfortable to use for overhead cleaning.
Maintenance: The removable battery makes it easy to charge and store, while the option to purchase a backup battery ensures uninterrupted use. However, the battery life in boost mode is limited, requiring a more balanced use of suction levels. The dustbin is also compact and requires frequent emptying, especially when hair gets tangled inside, which can be messy. However, the vacuum cleaner's washable filters are easy to access for cleaning and replacement, and Shark offers replacement parts and a lengthy warranty.
Value: Shark's cordless vacuum sits in the middle of their range at $399.99 / £429.99 - $100 cheaper than the most expensive. It's the only cordless model configured with the vacuum pod at the base, offering unique configuration options with the powered lift-away function.
The best vacuum cleaner for small homes
The VacTidy Blitz V8 is a lightweight, affordable, easy-to-store cordless vacuum that performs well on hard floors and lightly soiled carpets. It's perfect for small apartments and daily speed cleans but has trouble with hair wrapping, requiring manual intervention.
Assembly: The vacuum comes in a decently sized box. The parts are housed in a plastic bag that prevents them from getting damaged, which is great. However, there is still room for improvement in making the packaging 100% recyclable. It took just 5 minutes to assemble the device, thanks to the push buttons on the extendable arm, making it easy to connect and disconnect. The top canister was separate from all the other parts, so attaching the extendable arm and roller base was a breeze.
Design: The Blitz V8 boasts a sleek design with a collapsible stick and two nozzle attachments. It is lightweight, which makes it easy to use and store. It has a 1.2L dust capacity, enough to clean a medium-sized flat. The push-to-start feature is convenient, and the vacuum is relatively quiet, making it perfect for use at any time of the day or night. The only downside is that the design of the canister makes it difficult to empty, and it comes in black and green, which may not be everyone's first choice.
Performance: We tested the cleaner thoroughly and found it could not handle hair on carpets. After a minute or two of vacuuming, the base of the roller was completely wrapped in hair and wound tightly, and the user had to cut it off with scissors. This was disappointing, as though the vacuum cleaner did not claim to have any anti-hair wrap technology, but we were expecting it to last longer than a few minutes. However, when the vacuum cleaner was tested on hard flooring with piles of oats and flour, it easily picked them up rather than pushing them across the floor.
Maintenance: The canister of the device is easy to clean and empty. When pressed, a push button on the bin swings open the lid, allowing the debris to fall into the garbage can. One should stand over the garbage can while emptying the canister. However, after around a week's use, dust might get stuck in the hard-to-reach back section of the bin, which can be a bit challenging to clean. However, cleaning and emptying the canister is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
Value: The Vactidy Blitz V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a great value at under $150 and is perfect for small homes or quick clean-ups. Other cordless vacuums are available at similar prices, but with big-name brands, you'll have to spend a couple of hundred dollars more.
How to choose the best vacuum cleaner for home use
Aside from selecting the brand of vacuum cleaner you want to buy, which would depend on your budget, there are a few factors to consider when you purchase a vacuum cleaner for your home.
Type: Depending on your house size, the space you have to store your vacuum, and the accessibility you require, you’ll need to think about what type of vacuum is best for you. Would you prefer an upright, cylinder, or cordless cleaner? Upright options will do the job best for a bigger home, and a stick or cylinder design is better if you have hard floors and a smaller space. Plus, they’re more lightweight and easier to store. Cordless options are effortless to maneuver as they don’t come with cables that trail behind you.
Bag or bagless: Once you’ve decided on a type, choose between a bagged or bagless vacuum. We suggest a bag for allergy sufferers to keep the dust and dander enclosed and reduce exposure to allergens. Remember, replacing the bags is an added cost you’ll need to factor in. Not forgetting the faff it is to change them. Either way, consider the capacity to gauge how long it will take to fill up.
Suction: The stronger the suction, the more spotless the finish. If you've recently replaced your carpets or are prone to making a mess, you’ll want to invest in a good vacuum with great suction power. But a more powerful vacuum can often mean a weightier model. If mobility is a problem, ensure you can carry your vac to where you need to clean. Lightweight models are better if you go upstairs or span large surface areas.
Noise levels: Equally, a vacuum cleaner with strong suction may be louder, so don’t overlook the noise level to avoid waking up family members.
