Best vacuum cleaners 2024: find your perfect cleaning partner with our tried and tested picks

The best vacuum cleaners are an essential tool in your spring cleaning arsenal. It can help you clean your carpets, rugs, upholstery, and floors effectively. With the right vacuum cleaner, you can quickly and easily tackle dust, dirt, and allergens, making your home a healthier place to live. 

This guide has you covered if you're struggling to find the best option among the endless models available. We have only included the best vacuum cleaners with their unique features listed, making it easier to choose the perfect cleaning partner for your needs. 

Vacuum cleaners come in two main types: classic mains-powered and battery-powered. The former provides maximum suction power without worrying about charging, but you'll have to move the cable and plug it in throughout. On the other hand, the best cordless vacuums provide more freedom of movement and offer comparable suction power to most wired models. Charging is the only issue, but even that is less of a problem now with battery runtimes of up to an hour and spare battery options available.

Within those two types, you can choose from upright vacuums, stick models, cylinders, and robots. The best robot vacuums can take the bulk of the work out of cleaning, leaving you with the task of occasionally emptying the waste bag. These come at a premium, and you will likely need another vacuum for touch-ups, but they are ideal if you have hairy, shedding pets.

We have reviewed ten vacuums for this guide to help you find the best vacuum cleaner for your home. We test each one for at least two weeks, noting the assembly and performance, cleaning ability, and maintenance. We challenge each vacuum with debris you typically find on carpets and upholstery, from cereal to pet hair. Keep reading to see if our top ten vacuum cleaners fit the bill.

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The best vacuum cleaners we recommend in 2024

We've reviewed all of vacuum cleaners you see featured in this guide. For a minimum of two weeks we've challenged each vacuum with debris, and tested them all against the spec. Only the 'best' have made it into our shortlist of the top 10.

The best vacuum cleaner overall

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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 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 removing the trigger button, which has been replaced with a simple power button 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.

Read our full Dyson Gen5Detect Absolute review

The best vacuum cleaner on a budget

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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 make it easy to use and operate 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.

Read our full Levoit VortexIQ 40 review

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The Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute is a well-designed and powerful cordless vacuum cleaner with useful accessories and features. It's perfect for precise cleaning and offers great suction power.

Assembly: The Dyson V12 Detect Slim uses 100% recyclable packaging and a paper-free manual. The base unit comes partially charged, and filters are already in place, making cleaning easy. Other companies should follow Dyson's lead and adopt plastic-free packaging.

Design: The Dyson V12 Detect Slim is a colorful, stylish, and well-designed cordless vacuum cleaner. It boasts a distinctive orange, purple, and gray colorway with flashes of red and an LCD screen that displays information such as run-time, power modes, and filter updates. It is easy to hold and comes with a suite of accessories that are sturdy and clip-on easily.

Its standout feature is the laser-illuminated cleaner head, which detects particles invisible to the naked eye. This makes it a game-changer for vacuuming hard floors. Overall, the V12 Detect Slim is lightweight, powerful, and perfect for precise cleaning.

Performance: With a child, two adults, and two long-haired pets in my household, this vacuum cleaner proved to be a great help in tackling all the dirt and debris. The maneuverable brush heads made it easy to clean tight corners, and the LCD screen indicated the time left for cleaning.

Emptying the dust cup was hassle-free, and the Fluffy cleaning head effectively cleaned all kinds of particles on hardwood floors. The Motorbar cleaner head also worked wonders on carpets. While the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute was not the quietest machine, it functioned well in Auto/Med mode, which is recommended for general cleaning. The battery lasted around 30 minutes in this mode and took four hours to charge.

Maintenance: Dyson recommends regularly cleaning the dust cup and filter of the V12 Detect Slim. Spare parts and repair services are available on their website or at service centers in the US and UK. Regular servicing is advised to extend the life of the motor, and the warranty lasts for two years.

Value: Dyson vacuums are costly but offer unparalleled features, customer support, and a 2-year warranty. The Levoit VortexIQ 40 is cheaper but lacks some Dyson features. The Aspiron is affordable and light, and it has LED lights, but it lacks maneuverability. Alternatively, the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro is a robot vacuum that maps rooms, vacuums, and mops and is controlled by a smartphone app.

The best lightweight vacuum cleaner

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The Halo Capsule X is a modular stick vacuum with impressive performance, a unique design, and a mid-range price point. It comes with multiple accessories and a large dustbin, making it a great option for those who need to switch between different cleaning needs.

Assembly: Setting up the Halo Capsule X stick vacuum may first appear daunting due to the number of pieces, but it takes less than five minutes to assemble. The vacuum comes with a wall dock and an additional hard floor brush. Charging the removable battery is required before use.

Design: The Halo Capsule X is a unique stick vacuum with a cylindrical or capsule-like body and a black/baby blue colorway that houses a larger dustbin than most vacuums. It is highly modular with a removable lithium battery, and the dustbin is made to house dust pouches that can easily be tossed for easier cleanup when full.

The vacuum comes with a basic floor head, hard floor head, mini power brush, stretch hose, crevice tool, combo tool for use on upholstery, wall dock, battery, and five dust pouches. With just three controls near the handle, it's a great option for sensitive flooring.

Performance: The Halo Capsule X is a versatile and powerful vacuum that cleans carpets, hard floors, and even car mats. It has three modes, but even on the lowest setting, it can easily suction up debris. The battery life is impressive, offering just over 49 minutes of use on low with the brush roll on, and the dustbin capacity is surprisingly large at 2 liters.

However, the vacuum is a bit heavy to hold up, and the floorheads don't have anti-tangling technology, so you may need to cut off strands wrapped around the brush roll. The accessories are useful, but the main floorheads are the most practical for most needs.

Value: The Halo Capsule X vacuum is available in three bundles, priced between £399.99 and £599.99. The extra accessories bundle is priced at $499.99 in the US. While it is not cheap, it is still a mid-range product in terms of pricing compared to other vacuums on the market. Other similar options are available, such as the Shark Stratos Cordless, which is priced at $499.99/£429.99.

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Assembly

When the Shark Stratos Cordless arrived on my doorstep, I was able to lift it from my porch through to the front room, down a narrow hallway, with ease. When I opened the box, I noted that minimal packaging had been used, and of the packaging that was there it was all recyclable.

In the box are the DuoClean, PowerFins, HairPro floorhead, flexible wand, control unit, odor neutralizer technology cartridge, battery, plus two accessories: Duster Crevice Tool and Anti-Allergen Brush. For the majority, it did all seamlessly clip and slot together, although I struggled to secure the intensity dial over the odor neutralizer technology cartridge into the floorhead. It took a few goes at turning the dial until that, too, felt secure.

Out of curiosity, I fired up the vacuum cleaner to get a better sense of the weight, movement, and sound before its first use. It was easy to maneuver back and forth across the carpet, and I could hear the change in gear as the CleanSense IQ kicked in as it picked up areas of heavier dirt. Within a few seconds, I could also smell the aroma released from the odor cartridges, which, although I wasn't put off by it (it's almost pleasant), I appreciate that some may prefer an alternative smell in their home, such as vanilla or fir tree.

Design

At a glance, the Shark Cordless Vacuum looks like your average stick vacuum cleaner; the floorhead is positioned at one end of a wand, with a dust cup and controls at the other. Look closer, though, and you'll see that all those 'average' components have been souped up in one way or the other.

The floorhead has been bolstered with Clean Sense IQ, which has an indicator to visually show when power has been increased and when the floor is clean again. The floorhead also has odor-neutralizer technology that is made up of an intensity dial (this is what you see) and a cartridge. A twin pack of replacement cartridges can be bought for $14.99 from the Shark website.

Moving on up the wand is 'MultiFlex technology.' This is a fancy way of saying that the wand can bend to clean under furniture (nothing new), but then it can be folded over for compact freestanding. This is a major pain point of mine; past cordless vacuums forever kept falling over or lying on the floor because I hadn't gotten around to mounting a doc to the wall, yet this was all solved by Shark with a super flexible bend. It also meant that I could charge the Stratos without having to remove the battery - a major plus point where space is more limited or if time never seems to be on your side (like me) and you want to do something quickly.

Tracking up the wand to the handle, controls, and dust cup, the layout is relatively the same as on other cordless vacuums. It feels really comfortable to hold, and you can easily switch between the three power modes - CleanSense IQ (Auto), Eco, and Boost - when holding the handle. The dust cup is on the other side and underside of the controls, so it's all very nicely balanced.

The Shark Stratos Cordless comes with a Duster Crevice Tool and Anti-Allergen Brush that can be used when the vacuum cleaner is transformed into a smaller handheld.

Performance

I used the Shark Stratos Cordless in my home for two months, lifting day-to-day debris off the ground and first floor, plus stairs that join the levels. I also converted it into the handheld mode to lift crumbs from the upholstery.

Along with the daily chore of vacuuming, I also set the stick vacuum some specific tasks: to vacuum a scattering of rice puffs and a mound of sugar.

I vacuum the ground floor of my home every day and the 1st floor a few times per week. The reason why I vacuum every day is because I have a messy toddler who, somewhere, not only drops food down themselves but also on the floor. It's also 'fun' to throw food, apparently.

The Shark Stratos Cordless takes this daily challenge in its stride. Cereal, biscuit crumbs, cake, and chunks of toast are no match for it.

To add to the mix, I also have a lot of thick, long hair that I unintentionally molt around the home. Across the hard floors and carpets, the brushroll did a fabulous job of listing hair off the surface of the flooring and, with the self-cleaning abilities, did not get caught up around either of the two brushrolls.

The specific tasks I set for the Shark Stratos Cordless had equally impressive performance results.

The rice puffs were picked up in one pass-through, and none were blown away from the path of the vacuum cleaner. The sugar was picked up superbly, too, yet, unlike with the rice puffs, the Clean Sense IQ increased the suction to lift the granules. At a guess, this is because the sugar weighs more than rice puffs, so the brush roll had to work a little harder to lift the latter and banish to the dust cup.

I found vacuuming the stairs easy enough when using the Stratos, although I was fully aware that the floorhead may be too heavy for some to lift up and over the steps when using as an upright vacuum cleaner. Convert to a more compact handheld by doing away with the wand, and the weight is a lot more balanced on a more nibble vac.

The duster crevice tool and anti-allergen brush attachments can be clipped onto the end of the wand when the floorhead is not in use. This makes reaching for the cobwebs in the corner of the room more achievable. The attachments can also be clipped onto the handle for a more targeted clean on upholstery. 

To fully recharge from zero to maxed-out it takes just three hours, and you can expect to achieve a runtime of up to 60 minutes (depending on the suction setting) with consistence performance all throughout.

In terms of the noise level, I measured 72dB on Eco and CleanSense IQ (when no dirt was detected) and 84dB when on 'Boost.' This is the equivalent noise range to the inside of a car or loud singing.

Value

The Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum has a list price of $499.99/£429.99 and can be bought either directly from Shark Clean or through retailer sites such as Amazon, Best Buy,  Walmart, and Target. Since its launch last year (2022), I've seen it regularly discounted on all listed sites, so it would be prudent to check back on those and also bookmark our Shark Black Friday deals page for a fast track to the stick vacuum should it be discounted later on in the year.

The closest competitor to the Shark Stratos Cordless is, in my opinion, the Dyson V15 Detect. It was released a few months prior to the Stratos and boasts the same dust cup capacity ( 0.18 gallon / 0.7L) and the same runtime (60 minutes). It will adjust the suction power in heavier areas of dirt on the floor. Granted - it doesn't have the Odor Neutralizer Technology.

The only other cordless vacuum that I am aware of and/or have tried out that has scented filtration is the Numatic Henry Quick. It's the first stick vacuum from the brand, renowned for its heavy-duty bagged canister vacuum cleaners. It's also the first in Numatic's range, like Shark's, to have a removable scent capsule for freshening up the appliance - and you're home. Note: this vacuum cleaner is only available in the UK.

Shark's latest vacuum, the Shark Cordless Detect Pro, doesn't have this Odor Neutralizing Technology (it feels like a step back to me), but it does have a self-emptying base. This, too, solves the storage woe because it means that you don't need to mount any docking station; just slot the stick into the station. It then goes on to limit the number of times that you need to empty the dust cup since this vacuum from the docking station will do it for you.

We have equally compared the Shark Stratos vs Shark Vertex, two popular vacuum ranges. The Shark Vertex stands out with its IQ Display, which provides real-time information, whereas the Stratos takes a unique approach by incorporating odor-neutralizer technology. There's a $50 difference in the price (the Vertex being the cheaper option), but it was felt that the advanced sensor-based cleaning, odor control, superior pet hair handling, and extra battery warranty of the Stratos pipped it to the post.

Verdict

The Shark Cordless Vacuum is powerful, versatile, and flexible which finishes the clean with a wonderful aroma. This scent may not suit everyone, though, and you don't have the option for another odor, either. The floorhead is also on the heavy side so some may struggle to vacuum the stairs in upright mode.

Buy it if...

You have pets

The Shark Stratos Cordless has odor neutralizer tech onboard, which guards against the pet hair and dander picked up. 

You live in a hairy home

Short and long hair was easily picked up and sent straight to the dust cup without hair wrapped around the brushbar.

You have limited storage space

The Shark Stratos Cordless has a flexible design that can be folded for compact, freestanding storage.

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 Don’t Buy It if…  

You want a larger dust cup

The Shark Stratos Cordless has a dust cup capacity of 0.72 qt, which may not be big enough to clean the larger home - unless you're prepared to empty it frequently.

You have a large home

Along with the dust cup, which is on the small side, the 60-minute runtime may not provide enough power to finish the job.

The best auto-emptying vacuum cleaner

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The Shark Cordless Detect Pro has auto-sensing technology and an auto-empty system, both of which our reviewer loved during testing. She appreciated the vacuum's performance and features, including its DirtDetect, FloorDetect, LightDetect, and EdgeDetect technologies, as well as its suction modes.

Assembly: The Shark vacuum is designed to reduce waste, with assembly instructions conveniently printed on the box, but the vacuum is so easy to put together that the instructions are unnecessary. Connecting the shaft, handheld vacuum, and vacuum head takes just five minutes. The auto-empty station comes in two pieces that are easily connected, and it even includes a crevice tool and a Pet Multi-Tool brush. An Odor Neutralizer Technology piece is the final addition to the station.

Design: The Shark Cordless Detect Pro is a lightweight and modern-looking vacuum with a compact design that allows it to be stored in small spaces like the corner of a kitchen or slim closet. The auto-empty station is impressive and works flawlessly, even when the filter is covered in dust or hair. However, the vacuum has two design flaws: the shaft doesn’t bend for easy under-furniture cleaning and the vacuum head lock mechanism has a tendency to lock if vacuumed too close to the body. 

Performance: The vacuum is powerful and efficient, offering three levels of suction power. The DirtDetect Sensor is a great feature that automatically boosts the suction power when it recognizes hidden dirt, and the LightDetect sensor, EdgeDetect Sensor, FloorDetect sensor, and DirtDetect sensor can conveniently be used in auto mode. With a runtime of up to 60 minutes, the eco mode is perfect for a thorough cleaning session, and the vacuum head swivels easily, allowing you to easily vacuum in corners and around furniture legs.

Maintenance: The auto-empty station of the vacuum cleaner conveniently collects all the dirt and dust, freeing you from the hassle of frequently emptying the bin. The station can hold up to 30 days' worth of dirt, and it charges the vacuum every time it's placed on the station. The vacuum requires minimal maintenance, with only occasional rinsing and filter replacement needed. Pre-motor and auto-empty filters require cleaning once a month, while the HEPA filter should be replaced annually. The DirtDetect, LightDetect, and EdgeDetect sensors must be cleaned monthly to remove debris and hair that may obstruct the sensors.

Read our full Shark Cordless Detect Pro review

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The best canister vacuum cleaner

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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

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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. 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, 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.

Read our full Tineco Pure One S12 Pro EX review

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How we test the best vacuum cleaners

Top Ten Reviews aims to provide customers with honest and unbiased product reviews. Our team of experts conducts thorough research and testing to find the best products in each category. We test a wide range of products - not just the most popular or well-known brands - to ensure we can recommend the best products to our readers.

Our comprehensive testing protocols allow us to assess each product against specific criteria, including design, features, performance, care and maintenance, price and availability, and user reviews. We never accept compensation from brands, ensuring our reviews remain objective and neutral. For more information, head over to our page on how we test.

How to choose the best vacuum cleaner for you

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.