Dreame has quickly made a name for itself in home cleaning technology, and the Dreame L40 Ultra proves why it’s a brand to watch. This high-performance robot vacuum and mop is packed with features designed to take the hassle out of floor cleaning, from powerful suction to an intelligent self-cleaning system.

With 11,000 Pa of Vormax™ suction, the L40 Ultra lifts dirt, dust, and debris from carpets and hard floors alike. Its extendable side brush and heated mop washing system ensure a thorough clean, and odourless operation while AI-powered navigation scans and maps your home in 2D or 3D for efficient coverage.

The L40 Ultra promises to vacuum and mop for up to 75 days without emptying or refilling. You can also easily control it from your phone, adjusting settings, scheduling cleans, and setting no-go zones.

We put the L40 Ultra to the test in a busy family home with pets to see how it performs on everyday messes. If you're looking for a top-tier cleaning companion, this could be your robot vacuum. But if it’s not quite what you're looking for, check out our guide to the best robot vacuums for pet hair or best wet/dry vacuums for more great options.

Overall rating: 98%

Dreame L40 Ultra Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop review: Key specs

Dreame L40 Ultra Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop: Setup

Setting up the Dreame L40 Ultra robot vacuum and mop was simple and seamless. The vacuum arrived in a well-protected box with custom packaging that kept everything organized.

I found all the necessary components inside, including the robot, base station, side brush, mop attachments, cleaning tool and detergent sample. You also get two dust bags and an extra roller brush, which cuts loose hair and prevents it from getting bunged up in the main suction tube. This is ideal if you have pets like I do.

The self-cleaning and auto-empty features are easy to set up, and attaching the side brush and mops was super quick—they just clicked straight in.

The clean and dirty water tanks fit smoothly into the base station. The entire setup, from unboxing to the first clean, took about 20 minutes.

First, connect the robot to Wi-Fi and download the app using the QR code provided. Then, fill the clean water tank and add the detergent to the separate reservoir.

A full user manual and a quick start guide are provided, so you can be up and running in around 20 minutes to half an hour.

Once you've downloaded the app, it's worth taking time to figure out all the options available. The countless customizable features will take some getting used to. However, you can also start off with the CleanGenius mode, which, according to Dreame, uses 'intelligently recommended cleaning parameters' that identify areas with more debris and dirt.

During tests with sticky sauces and flour and oat debris, it did tend to hone in on those areas and tackle them first.

I tend to start the vacuum and then play with the app while it is cleaning, testing the different cleaning modes and other options. You'll need to set some customizable options, such as the wetness levels of the mops, before a clean.

It's important to allocate enough clear space around the base station so the L40 can find its way home. I'd say it needs a little more than most robot vacuums.

My usual setup in my narrow galley kitchen caused a lot of confusion for the L40, which roamed around instead of docking.

Things were much improved when I relocated the base station to my living room, which offered more space around the base station - around a yard or so.

• Score: 10/10

Dreame L40 Ultra Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop: Design & Features

The Dreame L40 Ultra blends seamlessly into a modern home with a sleek, minimalist design that looks and feels like a premium robot vacuum.

Available in a clean, crisp white finish, it won’t look out of place in a stylish living space. Its smooth, rounded shape, matte finish and glossy grey panelling at the front give it a polished feel, and the unusually slim base station (13.5 inches) has a compact, modern look.

However, you may need to measure the space available before buying, as it's generally taller than other robot vacuum base stations - at just under 23.5 inches high. While not everyone will like the size and design of the base station I found it elegant.

The L40 Ultra is solidly constructed from durable hard plastic, and the white matte finish of the base station helps to disguise fingerprints, although you may need to wipe it down more often if it's in a busy kitchen, like my sample product. The robot itself is lightweight enough to move if needed but sturdy enough to handle bumps and obstacles without issue.

The underside of the Dreame L40 Ultra features a central brush roll to lift dirt from hard floors and carpets.

An extendable side brush positioned near the edge helps sweep debris from corners and along baseboards into the main suction path.

The large wheels provide good clearance, allowing the vacuum to transition smoothly between different floor types. The two mop pads are positioned toward the back.

The advanced sensors are pretty impressive to watch in action as the L40 Ultra carefully navigates around furniture, obstacles and pets, avoiding collisions and getting into tricky spots without getting stuck. It also has cliff sensors to prevent it from taking an unfortunate tumble down the stairs, so it's a good choice if you have different levels in your home.

The low profile allows it to glide under furniture easily, even with the camera on top and while it’s mostly hands-free, it’s light enough to pick up and move if needed.

Navigating the controls is a breeze, whether you prefer to use the buttons on the device or control everything from your phone. The Dreamehome app is well-designed and fairly easy to use, allowing you to set up cleaning schedules, choose different modes, and mark off areas you want the vacuum to avoid. In fact, there's a setting for almost anything you can think of, including taking pictures of your pets when the robot comes across them, a special curtain-lifting arm and more.

• Score: 10/10

Dreame L40 Ultra Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop: Performance

Over a few weeks, I tested the Dreame L40 Ultra Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop in my busy family home. With long-haired cats, a Golden Retriever and an almost-teenage boy obsessed with soccer in a muddy season, it had plenty to contend with on an everyday basis. However, I also assessed its performance by testing how well it coped with sticky, dried-on messes, sauces and large amounts of debris, such as oats and flour.

On its first run around my home, the L40 was impressive at positioning itself and mapping out the area quickly and accurately. Once underway, the excellent edge cleaning kicks into gear with an extending side brush that pops out when the robot hugs the room's edges. This increases the cleaning area and means you don't have to sweep the baseboards after it's finished (unlike many other robot vacs).

If you set the L40 only to vacuum, the robot handily unclips the mops and leaves them in the base. If you want it to vacuum and mop, it will prettily lift its skirts and raise the mops clear of the carpet, so you won't have wet rugs or carpet fibers to contend with (although I found a little dampness on deep-pile carpets).

The vacuum suction is impressive, and you have multiple modes to choose from, including Quiet, Standard, Turbo, Max, and Max+ Mode. I tended to run things on Turbo or Max because of my long-haired fur babies, which did a great job at removing pet hair and litter from carpets and hard floors. I did find that the robot sometimes scattered dry debris around, which it didn't always pick up, such as a pile of dry oats. But for everyday cleaning, I can't fault it.

Mopping is a dream. The L40 Ultra utilizes two large water tanks (4.5 liters and 4 liters for clean and dirty water respectively) and a specialized cleaning solution to sanitize the mop and washboard with 149°F hot water. The mops performed brilliantly at removing stains and sticky liquids, such as honey and dried-on sauces, as well as mopping up puddles of milk and water.

Once the mopping is done, the L40 uses hot air drying on the cleaned mop heads to reduce odors, too. The massive water tanks mean there's no need for the unpleasant job of emptying the dirty water tank after every clean.

The app offers a wide range of cleaning modes, wetness levels, and routes you want the robot to take. For example, you can choose from one of 32 moisture levels for the mops or one of four routes from the quickest to a deep clean route.

You can set it to vacuum, mop, vacuum and mop simultaneously or after vacuuming. You can also create a completely customized cleaning for different parts of your home.

I found dividing rooms impossible, though - it continually told me I hadn't positioned the dividing line correctly, which was a source of much frustration! I imagine I'll get to grips with this option with a little more time, though many of us don't need this level of granularity when cleaning our homes.

However, I can't fault the navigation and mapping. When you lift the robot and place it in a new area, such as a different level, it rapidly maps out the area and adds it to the app for you.

I also loved that I could turn on the camera anytime and see my home from ground level with pets nervously watching on in the background. This is a fantastic additional security measure if you're away from home and just want to check-in.

You can also add a setting in the app where your robot takes pictures of your pet - so pet lovers will have a lot of fun with this feature.

Mapping also identifies up to 100 objects, from pets to smaller obstacles such as shoes and electrical cables, popping little icons here and there where these items have been located.

I found the battery life to be excellent compared to other robot vacuums. The L40 successfully mopped and cleaned the entire 226 square feet lower level of my home twice (which took around an hour) without returning to the base station for a recharge. The robot will return to charge when the battery level drops below 15%, but I haven't yet reached that level without turning the vacuum's charging off.

If you have a larger family home or use the more powerful suction and deep clean options, you may expect more interruptions during a clean for recharging. Still, with up to 194 minutes of cleaning time in Quiet Mode, you may never experience a recharge mid-clean with the L40 Ultra.

Self-cleaning and drying is a hands-free experience. While the robot gives a great big whoosh when it sucks the debris from the onboard dustbin and into the base station, this lasts for mere seconds. The mop cleaning and drying is replaced by a lower volume mop cleaning.

• Score: 9/10

Dreame L40 Ultra Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop: Care & maintenance

Keeping the Dreame L40 Ultra in good shape doesn’t take much effort, but a little regular maintenance can go a long way in keeping it running smoothly. While the vacuum’s auto-empty feature handles most of the dust disposal, it’s still worth checking the dust bin from time to time, especially if you have pets or a lot of fine debris in your home. Giving it a quick clean helps prevent buildup and ensures the system empties efficiently.

The filter is another important part of the vacuum’s performance. Over time, dust and dirt can clog it, which can reduce suction. Cleaning it every couple of weeks helps maintain strong airflow, and if it starts looking worse for wear, replacing it every three to six months keeps everything working at its best. Letting a washed filter dry completely before putting it back in is crucial—otherwise, you risk damaging the vacuum.

Like any battery-powered device, the L40 Ultra benefits from a little battery care. Keeping it on the charging dock when not in use is the easiest way to ensure it’s always ready to clean, but if you’re storing it for a longer period, it’s best to fully charge it first and top it up every few months to avoid battery degradation. Keeping the charging contacts clean also helps prevent any issues with the vacuum not docking properly.

If you do run into problems, most of them have simple fixes, and the manual has a good troubleshooting section to refer back to. If the vacuum won’t charge, checking that the dock is plugged in and cleaning the charging contacts usually does the trick. Connection issues can often be solved by restarting your router or updating the app, while navigation problems may mean the sensors need a wipe or the mapping data needs a reset.

For long-term storage, keeping the vacuum in a cool, dry place and covering it to prevent dust buildup will help maintain its condition.

• Score: 10/10

Dreame L40 Ultra Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop: Price & Value

The Dreame L40 Ultra robot vacuum is priced at $1,499.99, though it's currently available at a discounted rate of $1,199.99. You can purchase it directly from Dreame's official website, dreametech.com, and other retailers like Amazon.

The upfront cost positions the L40 Ultra in the higher end of the robot vacuum market, and Dreame offers a standard one-year warranty on the L40 Ultra, with options to extend the warranty by one or two years for an additional $69 or $139.

You'll get a small sample of the detergent with the L40, but be mindful that you'll need to replace this - a 1L bottle on Dreame's site is $17.99. If you've had robot vacuum mops before, you'll know they usually have a bespoke cleaning detergent, which is often pricier. Whether you use a cheaper cleaning detergent is up to you, but it could affect your warranty if you do.

While the L40 Ultra is priced above models like the Eufy X10 Pro Omni ($799.99) or similarly priced to other premium brands such as the Samsung Jet Bot AI ($1,299.99), the multiple settings, high-quality camera capabilities, and mopping functions justify the extra investment in my opinion. Plus, there are often seasonal discounts and shopping events, such as Black Friday, where you can get a better deal.

• Score: 10/10

Would I buy the Dreame L40 Ultra Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop?

If you have a large home or pets or need a reliable, near-hands-free cleaning solution, the Dreame L40 Ultra is an excellent choice. Its superior suction, smart navigation, and advanced mopping make it ideal for busy households that want the convenience of automated cleaning without lots of emptying and maintenance. However, if you're on a tighter budget or have limited space for the base station, you might find better value in other models.

How does the Dreame L40 Ultra Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop compare?

The Dreame L40 Ultra is a high-performing robot vacuum that delivers strong suction, efficient cleaning, and a sleek design. However, it may be a bit pricey for budget-conscious shoppers.

The Eufy X10 Pro Omni is cheaper than the L40 Ultra and combines effortless vacuuming capability with mop cleaning. The 8,000Pa suction power may not be as strong as the L40s, but I found it to be just as effective in sucking up pet hair and mopping floors, plus it self-empties and self-cleans just like the L40.

If you're after an even slimmer base station and similar premium obstacle avoidance and don't mind losing the mopping function, the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ Robot Vacuum offers the latest automated technology to clean your home. It empties itself at a sleek charging station that doubles up as a dustbin. All of this can be automated or manually controlled from your phone, either via the app or voice assistants such as Google or Alexa.

The Eureka J15 Pro Ultra offers exceptional suction power, precise mapping, and smart functionality. Its self-cleaning base, hot water mop washing, and anti-tangle technology stand out for busy homes with pets or kids. It's similarly priced to the L40 Ultra but comes in black if that's a color option you'd prefer.

How I tested the Dreame L40 Ultra Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop

I tested the L40 Ultra for three weeks in my busy family home, complete with a Golden Retriever, two long-haired cats and multiple litter trays. I used it every day to vacuum and mop hard floors and vacuum carpets in the living room, kitchen and hallway.

I also assessed its performance on liquids and debris types on hard floors, including thick sauces, sticky honey, milk, spilt cereal, oats, and flour, to see how well it coped with everyday spills and sticky messes.

Discover more about how we test.

Eureka has been a trusted name in home cleaning for over 100 years. Its latest release, the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra, shows how far the brand has come in measuring up to the best wet/dry vacuum cleaners on the market today.

Founded in Detroit in 1909, Eureka built its reputation on innovative vacuum designs - and the J15 Pro Ultra is no exception. This high-tech robot vacuum has features to simplify cleaning, from simultaneous mopping and vacuuming to intelligent sensors that map out your home.

The self-cleaning J15 Pro Ultra promises to navigate your home precisely, avoiding obstacles while delivering a thorough clean with an impressive suction power of 16,200 Pa. Plus, you can control everything from your smartphone, from setting cleaning schedules to blocking off no-go zones and keeping track of its performance.

We tested the J15 Pro Ultra in a busy family home with pets and kids to see how it compares in design, usability, and cleaning power. If the J15 Pro Ultra isn’t quite what you’re after, check out our guide to the best robot vacuums for other great options.

Eureka J15 Pro Ultra : Key specs

Eureka J15 Pro Ultra: Price & availability

The Eureka J15 Pro Ultra retails for $999.99; however, it's often discounted and can be picked up even cheaper when on sale. It's available directly from Eureka and other retailers, such as Amazon.

Its price places it in the higher price bracket for robot vacuums, reflecting its advanced features and premium design. However, Eureka also provides a 2-year warranty on parts and labor, reassuring you of the expensive outlay.

At this price, the J15 Pro Ultra is more expensive than models like the Dyson WashG1 Wet Floor Cleaner ($699.99) and the Eufy X10 Pro Omni ($799.99), both of which include features such as self-emptying bases. However, the J15 Pro Ultra justifies its cost with precise mapping technology, super-strong suction, and excellent app-based controls, which allow custom cleaning schedules and real-time video 'patrol' monitoring.

While it may not suit every budget, the J15 Pro Ultra is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and highly capable robot vacuum, mainly if smart functionality and performance are priorities.

Score: 7/10

Eureka J15 Pro Ultra: Setup

Setting up the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra was straightforward and hassle-free. The vacuum arrived securely packaged in a sturdy box neatly organized in custom-molded cardboard. Inside, I found all the essential components, including the side brush, base station, robot, and versatile multi-voltage power adapter.

The power adapter was incredibly convenient, with sliders to switch between US, UK, and EU plug types. This made it easy to get started without worrying about compatibility.

Attaching the side brushes and mops was also simple; all components snapped into place quickly without any tools. The clean and dirty water tanks are also easily handled and slot smoothly into the base station.

The instructions are clear and helpful, but most of the assembly feels self-explanatory. From unboxing and setting up the app to running its first exploratory cleaning cycle, it took me about 15 minutes to get the J15 Pro Ultra set up and ready to go, although I had to wait around an hour for it to charge up fully. The process was quick and effortless, making a great first impression.

Score: 9/10

Eureka J15 Pro Ultra : Design

The Eureka J15 Pro Ultra is thoughtfully designed, featuring a sleek, modern aesthetic that blends seamlessly into any home. Available in black or white, its matte finish looks great and helps resist fingerprints and smudges.

Unlike traditional round robot vacuums, the J15 Pro Ultra has a rounded-square design, which allows for tighter cleaning along edges and corners. At 4.61 inches, it has a slightly taller profile than most robots. This is because it also uses a LiDAR navigation tower and RGB camera, which enhance its mapping capability and object detection.

The base station complements the vacuum well, although it may be a little bulky for smaller homes, measuring 15.6 × 18.0 × 18.4 inches. However, this is because it houses two 0.8-gallon water tanks—one for clean water and one for dirty water, providing an all-in-one solution for self-cleaning. The station also supports key features like automatic mop washing with hot water, hot air drying for the mop pads, and powerful suction for debris collection. While it lacks an automatic cleaning agent refill, the setup more than makes up for it with its efficiency and reliability.

Pairing the J15 Pro Ultra with the Eureka app via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is pretty simple, guided by a QR code under the vacuum’s hinged cover. The process takes around five minutes. The app is well-designed, making it easy to customize cleaning schedules, zones, and modes. You can even set AI cleaning functions, such as adjusting mopping temperature based on humidity and temperature or strategically cleaning key areas when it identifies liquid or particle spills - more on how that fared in our testing.

I liked the little ‘Flex-arm’ that pops out when the J15 Pro Ultra approaches the the edges. Not only is it super cute, but it also means it’s getting as close as 0.05 to the walls. The main roller brush also features innovative ‘FlexiRazor’ blades that prevent hair tangles by cutting any hair—a great feature if you live in a home with pets or long-haired family members!

Score: 8/10

Eureka J15 Pro Ultra: Performance

Over two weeks of testing the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra at home, I assessed its performance on liquids and debris types on hard floors, including thick sauces, sticky honey, milk, spilled cereal, oats, and flour.

The Eureka J15 Pro Ultra handled particles like flour and oats exceptionally well. Its rotating front brush swept debris under the robot for vacuuming. While it took a few passes to clear everything (as is familiar with robot vacuums), not a single particle was left behind.

Edge cleaning was particularly impressive, thanks to the retractable mops at the back of the unit and the 'Flex-arm,' which allowed it to get remarkably close to edges—closer than any other high-end robot vacuum I’ve tested.

In spot-cleaning mode, the J15 Pro Ultra efficiently tackled a puddle of spilled milk and a streak of tomato sauce, repeatedly turning in the area to mop up the liquid. Although thorough, it had to return to the base station three times for mop cleaning, which felt excessive and extended the overall cleaning time. However, it’s reassuring to know the J15 Pro Ultra uses hot water to clean its mops and avoids cleaning your floor with dirty tools—an especially handy feature for homes with pets or children. After cleaning, the vacuum marked the spillages on the map with a green tick, indicating completion.

The mapping technology is remarkably detailed. It even identifies items like the bin, the pet bowl, and my feet in the kitchen—something I’ve never seen in other robot vacuums.

The app offers multiple cleaning modes, such as deep clean, quick clean, and fully clean, and includes customizable options like "after-dinner cleaning" or "sweeping before mopping."

The J15 Pro Ultra performed impressively on carpets, efficiently removing pet hair and debris. It even informed me that it was cutting any tangled hair during self-cleaning.

The vacuum integrates seamlessly with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa via the Eureka app. It uses automatic LED headlights to illuminate its environments in low light levels, underneath a sofa, for example, or in the evening.

It maintains an impressively low noise level of around 45 dB during operation, ensuring it won’t disrupt your household routines. However, noise levels rise during self-cleaning - up to 65 dB when self-emptying and 55 dB while washing the mops.

Its navigation is smooth and precise, effortlessly maneuvering around furniture and obstacles without getting stuck. Unlike every other robot vacuum I’ve tested, which often needed rescuing from rugs or chair bases, the J15 Pro Ultra handled these challenges flawlessly.

While you can go for days without manually emptying the dust bin cartridge or the dirty water tank, emptying both is easy. Simply lift out the dirty water tank and pour away, while you can access the dust bin cartridge by lifting the flap on the robot unit itself.

If you’re looking for a powerful, stylish, and user-friendly robot vacuum that excels at vacuuming and mopping, the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra is an excellent choice.

Score: 9/10

Eureka J15 Pro Ultra: Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your Eureka J15 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop running smoothly.

Clean the base station, dust collector, and other key parts as the manual recommends. This helps prevent build-up and maintain strong suction power.

For items like the roller brush and side brush, weekly cleaning is recommended, while deeper cleans every few months - like rinsing the water tanks and wiping down the debris tray - help ensure long-term performance. Keeping up with these simple maintenance tips will ensure your robot vac stays efficient and your home stays clean.

Score: 8/10

Eureka J15 Pro Ultra: User reviews

The Eureka J15 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop has a mix of feedback on Amazon but manages to hold on to an impressive 4.5 stars out of 5.

Many users appreciate its self-cleaning base, strong suction, and efficient vacuuming and mopping, particularly in households with pets. Features like the self-emptying base, hot water wash, and anti-tangle technology are often praised. One user said, 'The hot water washing and anti-tangle technology have been game-changers, saving me so much time,' while another noted, 'The suction power is impressive, effortlessly removing pet hair and debris.'

On the other hand, some reviewers have reported minor performance issues. A few users found the suction on carpets and hardwoods inconsistent, with one saying, 'It struggles to pick up larger debris from carpets, leaving some dirt behind.' Some users have also encountered difficulties with the LiDAR navigation system, with one user stating, 'After just 15 minutes, the robot stopped due to a LiDAR error. I’ve read similar complaints online about LiDAR units getting stuck.'

Would I buy the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra?

The Eureka J15 Pro Ultra is a strong choice if you want a high-performance cleaner that vacuums and mops simultaneously, with powerful suction and precise navigation. Its self-cleaning system adds convenience, but the high price might be a drawback. It's an excellent option for those seeking premium, hands-off cleaning, provided your budget allows, but you can find similarly impressive robot vacuums for a few hundred dollars less.

How does the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra compare?

While the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra does a great job cleaning carpets and hard floors, it comes with a hefty price tag. Other wet/dry vacs may be a smarter bet if you're on a budget, such as the Ultenic AC1 Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum. It vacuums and mops hard floors simultaneously, saving you precious time on cleaning. With 45 minutes of runtime per charge, it’s a handy choice for quick clean-ups, though it won't handle carpets like the J15.

If you want something similar to the J15 Pro Ultra but want a better user experience on the app, the Eufy X10 Pro Omni could be correct for you. You can set no-go zones, cleaning intensity, cleaning mode (mop or vacuum or Smart clean, which uses both intelligently), cleaning schedules, and much more. You can also connect it to your Amazon Alexa, a doddle. However, the Eufy doesn't boast the same powerful suction as the J15 Pro Ultra.

If you're after something a little more stylish than the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra, the Yeedi Mop Station Pro features a glossy white design and many of the same features. However, it can't store multiple maps, and the mops don't reach the edges.

How I tested the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra

At Top Ten Reviews, we are committed to providing our readers with honest and reliable reviews of products, including the best wet and dry vacuums. Our expert reviewers conduct extensive research and thorough testing to ensure we recommend only the best products to our readers.

Our reviewers possess experience and industry knowledge, allowing them to identify and analyze the most critical features of every wet/dry vacuum. They then test these products, evaluating setup, performance, ease of use, maintenance, and more, to deliver comprehensive and consistent reviews.

We test each wet/dry vacuum to ensure our reviews are accurate and reliable. We aim to provide readers with authentic and trustworthy reviews to help them make well-informed purchase decisions.

For more information about our testing protocols, please visit our comprehensive guide on how we test.

The best handheld vacuums are portable, reliable, and offer powerful suction to clean up lighter messes just about anywhere. I got a chance to test out one of these vacuums, the Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL, seeing how it compares to some of TopTenReviews’ favorites.

Shark is one of the most prominent names in the vacuum space thanks to an excellent reputation for creating quality, long-lasting midrange options from robot vacuums, corded to stick, and handheld vacuums. The Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL is “Shark's most powerful cordless hand vacuum,” so I was excited to try it out.

It’s hard to argue against the design of the Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL. It’s ultra-sleek, lightweight, and compact. What more could you want? I rarely felt fatigued using the handheld vacuum, and it was easy to maneuver just about anywhere, including tight spaces. A handy little charging dock comes with the vacuum and also includes slots for the two attachments: a crevice tool and a pet tool. I love how organized it kept everything, but it was a little top-heavy.

When it came time to test the Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL, it picked up smaller messes like dog hair, food crumbs, kibble, leaves, and rice with ease. However, the vacuum didn’t fare as well with debris ingrained in carpeting and rugs, and when the dust cup was full, performance dropped. Unfortunately, that dust cup was tiny, so I had to empty it sometimes multiple times during cleaning.

The crevice tool and pet tool worked as expected. Both were easy to install and felt secure in place. My preferred tool of the two was the crevice tool, as it made reaching tighter, smaller spaces even easier. The pet tool has a nonremovable brush that attracted more dog hair on the bristles than the actual dust cup, which was a slight annoyance.

During my trial period, I always had to limit what I planned on cleaning since the 15 minutes of battery life in standard mode wasn’t even enough time to vacuum my car. Boost mode dropped the runtime to 9 minutes. I barely used that mode anyway, as I didn’t notice a major difference in performance.

Although the Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL has some flaws, most are common issues that plague handheld vacuums. Its sleek design and solid suction power more than make up for those slight problems. So, if you’re considering purchasing this vacuum, be sure to read my full review below.

Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL: Key specs

Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL: Price & Value

The Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL retails for $149.99 but can often be found on sale. At the time of writing, it is available directly from the Shark website for $119.99. The Wandvac Power Pet can also be found on Amazon.

Given the powerful suction for such a compact, sleek vacuum, the Shark Wandvac Power Pet is a sound investment for households with pets and kids. However, it’s one of the priciest handheld vacuums available from Shark. So, if you’re looking for something similar at a lower price, Shark has the standard Wandvac. Just be prepared to sacrifice some performance prowess.

Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL: Setup

The Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL came in a lightweight, compact box. Inside the shipping box was another one of similar dimensions highlighting the handheld vacuum's features. After opening the second box, I found all the components were packed neatly inside.

Everything I expected to be in the box was included: a user manual, the handheld vacuum, two attachments – a crevice and a pet tool – and a charging dock that arrived in two separate pieces. Slightly more environmentally friendly packaging would’ve been appreciated, as plastic was used to protect parts. At least, most of the packaging was recyclable.

Almost all the components were ready to go out of the box, so it was a simple, straightforward assembly. Most should be able to do it without even looking at the instructions. All I had to do was slot the two charging dock pieces into each other, plug in the dock, and then add the attachments and handheld into their designated locations. All in all, my vacuum was docked and charging in under five minutes. I let it fully charge before starting its first clean.

It was impressive how quickly Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL came together, and I loved how well-built and lightweight the handheld vacuum feels. The dock seems a little flimsy, but I still love the convenience of having all the components stored in one place.

Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL: Design & Features

The sleekness of the Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL took me aback. Its lovely dark blue colorway blended perfectly with my home, while the dark gray charging dock featured three slots—one to hold the vacuum and two for the crevice tool and pet tool attachments.

Even with the attachments installed, the dock kept compact dimensions, making it easy to tuck the entire setup in a corner out of the way when not in use.

Although I love how conveniently the charging dock stored all the components, the design was a little top-heavy and prone to falling if it got accidentally hit. I never ran into this problem, but I’d recommend keeping the setup away from children and pets.

At least dealing with a power cable causing even more instability wasn’t a problem, as under the dock are two cable channels: one on the side and one at the back.

The real star of the show is the actual handheld vacuum. With dimensions of 2.7 x 2.4 x 15.4 inches, it’s quite slim. Many handheld vacuums I’ve tested have wider bodies, but I could squeeze this one into tighter spots behind cabinets and under car seats. The crevice tool made it even easier to get deeper into those tight spots. Just know that since the vacuum has smaller dimensions, the dust cup’s size was sacrificed; its 0.1 qt capacity is tiny.

That compact build is coupled with a lightweight design. At just under 1.5 pounds, I rarely experienced arm fatigue using the vacuum. The only time I ever felt any strain was lifting the vacuum above my head to clean dust off the blinds, which would occur no matter how heavy the vacuum was. The feathery weight means this vacuum doesn’t have the biggest battery. I only got about 15 minutes of cleaning out of the vacuum on each charge.

The Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL has an easy-to-hold handle with a small notch for extra grip. I wasn’t too worried about it falling out of my hands whether I was lifting it or had it angled, but I would’ve loved some additional texture or rubber on the handle for a slightly more secure grip.

Controls were kept simple on this handheld, with only a larger power button to turn on the standard deep clean mode and a similar size boost button for tougher messes. Both were easy to reach and activate with your thumb, even while wearing gloves and worked exactly as expected. I had no issues with the buttons during my entire testing period.

It was easy to tell the Wandvac’s buttons were on, as each would light up. Of course, the loud noise, which became even noisier in boost mode, was also a dead giveaway. The standard mode measured at about 70 dB during testing and the boost mode averaged about 75 dB. That sound level is similar to freeway traffic or a phone ringing, so it’s loud and distracting, especially to those in the same room as the vacuum. My dog was afraid of it and would run away.

Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410B: Performance

I put the Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410B through a series of tests using large concentrations of dust, dog fur, rice, and oats on various surfaces throughout my home to observe its suction power.

Starting on a carpet, I spread the debris across a small area and left the vacuum on its standard deep clean setting to observe how much debris was picked up after one minute. The dog fur and dust were suctioned up almost immediately while the rice was nearly gone after only 30 seconds of vacuuming.

Unfortunately, a few oats were ingrained in the carpet and weren’t removed. That issue could be partially due to the 0.1 qt dust cup filling up after only a minute. Performance noticeably dropped after that occurred. Still, even after emptying the dust cup and heading back to the carpet, all the oats were not picked up. Doing the same test in the vacuum’s boost mode delivered similar results.

I moved onto the bathroom tile with the same debris, observing how the cleaning went. It was even quicker this time around, as it only took about 30 seconds to fill up the dust cup. I emptied it and went back to pick up a few grains of rice that got thrown around and some oats required a second pass to get out of the tile cracks. Again, just like on the carpeting, the boost mode didn’t make a huge difference on the tile.

Finally, I tested the Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL on upholstery by spreading the same debris across a few couch cushions. The pick-up wasn’t as quick as the tile. Instead, the performance was similar to that of the carpet, which took about one minute for the dust cup to fill up with debris. However, I didn’t face the same ingrained oats issue as the carpeting, as the vacuum eventually removed everything from the couch.

Beyond those more rigorous tests, I used the vacuum for everyday cleaning tasks. Without any attachments, I vacuumed pine needles and a bunch of twigs from under the Christmas tree. Some twigs didn’t fit fully into the dust cup and stuck out the nozzle of the vacuum. I was impressed the vacuum managed to pick up these larger items, but it did cause some debris to fall out due to the flap of the dust cup being left slightly open.

Still, whether it was flour, leaves, or kibble, the Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL managed to pick up all smaller-sized debris without issue. However, it just didn’t have enough suction power to get the ingrained dog hair and pine needles out of the rugs.

Next, I opted to use the pet tool on my fluffy dog’s bed, the living room couch where she often lays, and a comforter – another one of her favorite spots. Slotted into the vacuum, the pet tool felt ultra secure, even without the option to lock it into place.

Starting with her dog bed, I noticed a good amount of hair getting picked up, but when I looked at the dust cup, barely any fluff was inside. Instead, it all ended up stuck in the brush, which I had to remove myself.

The couch and comforter had similar results. Other “pet tools” I’ve tested in the past had the same problem. It could be due to my dog's thick and clumpy fur rather than finer hair on breeds like labs and goldens.

Unlike many pet tool attachments I’ve used, the brush on this one isn’t removable. I usually prefer a brushless option, making it more of an upholstery tool. Still, it removed pet hair well, just not in the way I would’ve liked. It also still managed to pick up a few crumbs, glitter from holiday decor, dried leaves, and dirt from various couches and chairs.

My preferred tool attachment of the two was the crevice tool. It’s basic but works exactly as expected. Birdseed had spilled all around my sliding glass door, getting into all its nooks and crannies. With the crevice tool attached, the vacuum had no issues picking up the birdseed in all the different slots of the door frame. However, there wasn’t enough suction power to get out some dirt and debris that had been caked in the door frame longer.

With it nearing the end of the fall season, tons of leaves, grass, and debris littered the floors of my car. So, I brought out the Wandvac with the crevice tool attached to get cleaning. The vacuum picked up almost everything in just a few passes. I could easily get under and beside the car seats thanks to the compact body. However, some debris ingrained in the rugs was left after I finished.

I also used the crevice tool to grab some dust and webs from behind furniture and other hard-to-reach areas. Even without being right on top of the debris, the vacuum managed to suction it up.

All of these test results are better than average for a handheld vacuum. Sure, the suction power is far behind a corded upright vacuum or a cordless stick option. But given the compact size, it’s pretty impressive.

The Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL had no problem easily tackling smaller, everyday messes. The biggest issues I faced with this vacuum were ingrained debris and the tiny dust cup filling up fast, causing performance to dip. I also found the boost mode didn’t make a major difference in cleaning performance.

A major pitfall of any cordless handheld vacuum is battery life, and the Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL isn’t any different. After a full charge in the standard power mode, the vacuum lasted 15 minutes. The power light began to blink around a minute before it died as a warning; there wasn’t any other battery indicator light.

That runtime is pretty average if not better than average for handheld vacuums. Still, there was barely enough time to do a full car cleaning, but to quickly pick up a spill, it’s plenty. Boost mode dropped the battery life to just 9 minutes, so only expect to get a couple of spots in your home vacuumed before needing to recharge.

For recharging, the vacuum easily slotted right into the dock and automatically started charging. The power button light pulsed on and off to indicate charging. When finished, a dim white light glowed in the same spot before shutting off a few minutes later. The total recharge time was about 3 hours, which wasn’t a crazy amount of time but still long to wait if you were unable to finish a cleaning task.

Maintenance on the Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL was standard. Again, the dust cup is tiny, so I had to empty it often – usually after every cleaning if not multiple times during a cleaning. The dust cup easily pops open for “one-touch” emptying.

However, I still usually had to dig my hand in there to get debris stuck behind the filter. Other than emptying the dust cup, the filter needs to be removed and rinsed every few months to keep up vacuum efficiency. Luckily, it comes out easily.

Would I buy the Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410B compare?

The Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL is an excellent handheld vacuum, but if you’re after something slightly more budget-friendly, grabbing the original Shark Wandvac may be the way to go. It offers a nearly identical vacuum, charging dock, and attachment options while costing about $30 less. However, you’ll lose out on some suction power and battery life going for the cheaper option.

If you’re okay sacrificing the compact, lightweight design of the Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL, the DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum is a powerful option. This handheld vacuum is heavy, weighing over three pounds, but it can take on just about all debris in its path thanks to strong suction power. Plus, the loads of attachments and accessories make cleaning even easier. Given it’s the DeWalt brand, the vacuum is especially well-suited for workshops.

Want an ultra-cheap vacuum that picks up smaller messes just fine? Check out the Black+Decker Dustbuster Cordless Wet & Dry. I got a chance to try out this vacuum, and it did a decent job cleaning up lighter messes in my car and house. The wet functionality came in handy for muddy spots left by my dog. However, cleaning the dustbin is more of a task due to the wet contents. It also has a shorter battery life and a clunkier design than the Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL.

How I tested the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System

I tested the Shark Wandvac Power Pet WV410BL at my parents’ house and in their cars for several weeks over the holidays. Beyond general cleaning of things like crumbs under cabinets, dog hair on furniture, dust from blinds, and pine needles from under the Christmas tree, I did more rigorous testing of the vacuum using heavy concentrations of dog fur, oats, and rice on different surfaces. I also tried out both attachments in various cleaning situations. Using a decibel meter and timer on my phone, I observed noise levels and battery life.

Find out more about how we test.

Move over, Henry Hoover; your electronic replacement has arrived. Robot vacuums were once a high-tech thing of the future, but now, more and more households own one. It’s possible to purchase one without breaking the bank now, but are they worth it?

Vanessa Terra Bossart, a cleaning industry expert at GreenTerra Cleaning, says, "These little gadgets promise to handle your vacuuming while you go about your day, but are they worth the investment? As someone who’s spent years helping people keep their homes clean, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the dusty when it comes to these devices,” she jokes.

Let's take a look at whether robot vacuums live up to the hype.

Do robot vacuums clean as well as regular vacuums?

Robot vacuums clean surfaces and pick up dirt, dust, and pet hair. They often have sensors and mapping technology to avoid obstacles and cover the cleaning area systematically, but cleaning efficiency can vary depending on the model and the environment.

On the other hand, traditional vacuums typically do a more thorough job. They usually have stronger suction and larger dust bags to clean deeper into carpets and handle heavier debris. By controlling your cleaning path more precisely, you can also ensure you don't miss any spots with a traditional vacuum.

So, even though robot vacuums are great for cleaning the house and keeping floors tidy, they can't do everything. Due to their smaller dust bins, some robot vacuum models may require more frequent emptying and maintenance than traditional vacuums. For instance, they may not reach corners as effectively as conventional vacuums and can be less effective on high-pile carpets.

Robot vacuums can vary in size and efficiency with different capacities and abilities, so it depends on how big your house and your family are. It also depends on how often you have a deep clean in the house, says Vanessa: “Robot vacuums shine when it comes to daily cleaning. They’re perfect for keeping floors tidy between your bigger cleaning sessions, and for homes with kids or high-traffic areas, a robot vacuum can save you from constantly pulling out a traditional vacuum just to handle the day-to-day messes.”

They probably aren’t the best investment if you have many furry pets or, like many of us, the chores just get away from you, advises Vanessa: “They’re not miracle workers! Robot vacuums aren’t built for deep cleaning. They struggle with thicker carpets and don’t have the suction power to dig into fibers or handle heavy-duty messes.”

Vanessa has found from personal experience that robot vacuums are best when used in collaboration with a sturdy upright vacuum: “From a practical standpoint, I’d say a robot vacuum is a great tool for maintenance but not a full replacement for an upright or canister vacuum. You’ll still need something more powerful for those deeper cleans—think rugs, upholstery, or when you’re getting ready for guests,” she says.

“But as a partner in your cleaning routine, they’re incredibly convenient, especially if you’re busy and want to keep your home looking presentable without much effort,” advises the expert.

What are the disadvantages of robot vacuums?

While robot vacuums are good for light cleaning, they may struggle with heavier debris and deep cleaning, especially on carpets. This is one of the biggest drawbacks. Traditional vacuums often outperform their robot counterparts in these areas, so you may have to supplement your cleaning routines.

Robot vacuums use sensors and mapping software to navigate spaces. However, they can get stuck if the floor plan is complex or the environment is cluttered. Some models can't handle stairs or thresholds, so they can't work in multi-level homes.

While robot vacuums automate cleaning, they still need regular upkeep. You have to empty the dustbin, clean the brushes, and occasionally replace filters. This can be time-consuming and reduce the vacuum's convenience.

A robot vacuum's battery life is another issue. Most vacuums clean for about 60 to 120 minutes on a single charge, which may not be enough for bigger homes. It may take a while to recharge the vacuum, resulting in incomplete cleaning sessions.

When compared to upright vacuums, they are often more expensive, have a smaller dustbin capacity, and can require frequent emptying, especially if you have pets. It can also depend on your décor taste and how busy your furniture is. “While they’ve come a long way with smart navigation, they can still get stuck under furniture or tangled in cords, which can be frustrating if you’re looking for a completely hands-off solution,” says Vanessa.

"Nobody wants an ornate rug to get tangled up while you’re out of the house and unable to supervise. It can also be a problem if you have pets as it can smear messes around if Fluffy isn’t fully housetrained."

Are cheap robot vacuums worth it?

Budget-friendly robot vacuums are appealing precisely because they're affordable. They're a great way to automate your cleaning without spending a fortune.

Budget robot vacuums usually have features like scheduled cleaning, obstacle detection, and sometimes even Wi-Fi connections. While they may lack advanced features like mapping technology or strong suction power, they can still handle light cleaning tasks effectively, so they're suitable for hard floors and low-pile carpets.

However, significant limitations must be taken into account. Regarding cleaning performance, budget vacuums might not last as long or require frequent emptying, especially on carpets or with more debris. Their navigation capabilities can also be less effective, so you might get stuck on obstacles or miss spots.

However, more recent models have become more efficient as time passes and technology improves. Suppose you haven’t checked out a robot vacuum in a few years. In that case, it might be worth revisiting as they are much less clunky and much more accurate: “The added tech features are also a big plus. Many models let you schedule cleanings through an app or even give voice commands with Alexa,” says Vanessa.

“Imagine coming home to freshly vacuumed floors without lifting a finger!.”

So, are robot vacuums worth it?

It all depends on how often you are hoovering and cleaning and whether you want to keep it as your primary vacuuming device or just to keep on top of things in addition to daily cleans.

Vanessa thinks that yes, they are: “I’d say yes—if you know what to expect. Think of a robot vacuum as your “everyday helper” rather than your go-to for deep cleaning. If you’ve got pets or a busy household, it can make your life much easier. Just don’t toss your upright vacuum out yet—you’ll still need it for the heavy lifting.”

Are you after a reliable and powerful cordless vacuum to clean up all your everyday messes? From pet fur and crumbs to dust and dirt, I put the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 through it to see if it keeps up with the best cordless vacuums.

Shark has been around for decades, creating quality midrange home products with many vacuums. Whether you’re after a robot, handheld, upright, or cordless, Shark has you covered, and the Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 is one of the brand’s latest releases.

I used this vacuum over several weeks at my parent’s home while visiting for the holidays, observing how well it cleaned the space. Given their home consists of a wide variety of flooring and gets dirty quickly thanks to a furry dog, the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 had its work cut out.

This cordless vacuum is more unique than most, thanks to an auto-emptying dock that consistently empties the vacuum’s dust cup. Even with that handy extra feature, the entire system was still quick to set up. However, it’s bulky and not great for smaller spaces.

As for cleaning performance, I was impressed by the suction power of this vacuum. It’s the best I’ve experienced in a cordless vacuum. The Shark Cordless PowerDetect cleaned up almost everything on hard floors and carpeting, even during more rigorous testing. I loved its Detect modes, which sensed higher concentrations of debris, edges, and more, making cleaning even more straightforward. Be prepared occasionally for tricky maneuvering on carpeting and rugs, as the Floor Detect mode was inconsistent. But if you have furniture to reach under, the MultiFlex Wand is convenient and prevents back strain.

Overall, the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 performed excellently and is perfect for messier homes with pets and kids. Larger homes may need to be cleaned in sessions, as the average battery life is about 25 minutes in Detect mode. Still, chances are you won’t be disappointed in this cordless vacuum. Read on to find out more about my experience with it.

Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System: Key specs

Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System: Setup

The Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 arrived in a large, bulky box. Ideally, it’s a two-person job to get inside, as I struggled to do it solo. After opening the box, I was greeted with another more colorful box of similar dimensions displaying the vacuum’s features. Inside, all the components were neatly arranged with limited wasted space. Most of the materials used for packaging were recyclable, but I would’ve loved to see less plastic for protecting parts.

All the components were accounted for upon review. The sheer amount of parts is a little overwhelming, especially since I couldn’t find an instruction manual. I’m unsure if Shark didn’t include the manual or if I misplaced it.

Instead, a single sheet of paper with an overview of the setup process and use basics was included. Luckily, many parts featured removable stickers on assembly and how-tos to make life easier. Even without the instruction manual, I still set up the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 in less than 10 minutes, and the whole process was fairly straightforward.

After assembly, I placed the dock and charging post close to an outlet and out of the way. The system is bulky, making it an eyesore in smaller spaces. The dock also features storage for the two handheld vacuum attachments to prevent them from getting lost. I placed the cordless vacuum onto the charging port, and the dock immediately (and loudly) emptied the vacuum’s dust cup and began charging. Shark recommends fully charging the battery before its first use.

I was impressed by how easily everything came together, and I was happy to see how securely the cordless vacuum docks into the charging port. Even if my dog knocks into it, I’m confident the vacuum will still stay in place. Based on first impressions, the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System looked ready to deliver.

• Score: 9/10

Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System: Design & Features

The Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System isn’t compact. Its dock is big and bulky, making it better for larger homes. As someone prone to losing accessories, I’m glad Shark included storage for the 8" Duster Crevice Tool and Pet Multi-Tool, while the 2-liter dust bin on the dock meant I never had to empty it during my testing – a huge boon. The dust bin also features an odor-neutralizer cartridge to prevent odors. Many of Shark’s latest vacuums feature this nice smelling technology, but I find it gimmicky and wouldn’t be something I replace after it runs out.

The cordless vacuum easily and securely slots into the dock and charging port to empty and charge. It’s on the taller side of stick vacuums, measuring 45.64 inches, and isn’t the lightest option, weighing 7.96 pounds. So, I experienced some fatigue during longer cleaning sessions. Much of the weight can be attributed to the handheld vacuum component, so it’s incredibly top-heavy and won’t stand independently.

However, when I didn’t want to put the cordless vacuum in the charger, the handy MultiFlex wand fully bends for safe storage. It was as simple as clicking a button, and the wand snapped back in place just as quickly. Of course, that wand also ensured the floor nozzle could reach under lower furniture like beds, chairs, and tables without me straining my back. It removed a shocking amount of dust and debris under my couch that I couldn’t with my regular corded vacuum.

That floor nozzle features two brush rolls that have done a surprisingly great job at preventing hair warp. They still look brand new after several weeks of use, and I only needed to clean them once, which is impressive considering the large chunks of dog fur, hair, and debris that cover my floors daily.

This is one of the first Shark vacuums to feature DuoDetect technology. The floor nozzle has forward and reverse debris pick-up. Yes, most vacuums tend to pick up debris in reverse, but this one has unique teeth to pull in more debris when reversing. It seemed to work fine in my testing, but it’s nothing revolutionary.

My favorite feature of the floor nozzle is the lights. They’re in the front and the back of the vacuum and helped illuminate dust and debris I would’ve otherwise missed. Those lights are part of Sharks’ Detect technology that can be found in a range of its vacuums. Other modes include Dirt Detect to increase suction in dirtier areas of your home, Edge Detect for dynamic detection of edges to increase suction when in the nooks and crannies of your space, and Floor Detect for optimizing the brushes based on the floor.

The vacuum must be in Detect mode to use all of the Detect features. It’s easy to activate, as Detect mode is the standard setting when you turn on the vacuum. The power control is a big purple button on the top of the handheld portion of the vacuum. During testing, the button was temperamental, sometimes taking several presses to activate. But once it did, everything was smooth sailing.

There are two other power modes on the cordless vacuum: Eco mode and Boost mode. An easy-to-reach trigger-like button was inside the vacuum handle for swapping between the three modes. Each mode worked exactly as expected. At the top of the vacuum was an easy-to-read panel that displayed what mode I’d activated for convenience: a leaf indicated Eco, a white circle for Detect, and a red circle for Boost mode. The panel also featured a handy battery indicator with a white bar to show how much charge was left. It would start to blink when power was running low. I didn’t find it that noticeable during testing. So, several times, it stopped right in the middle of cleaning.

If you’re looking for a quiet vacuum, you’ve come to the wrong place and should probably invest in a robot vacuum instead. Using a decibel meter, I measured the vacuum, averaging about 70dB in Eco Mode, which is about conversation level. Still, it was enough noise for my dog to want to go outside. In the highest operating mode, the vacuum hit 80dB, bordering on the level of a blender. However, the worst noise offender is the dock. When emptying the dust cup, it struck about 85dB and managed to scare me multiple times. Plus, be prepared for it to empty the dust cup twice. Luckily, if you don’t want the dust cup emptied, the dock features an easy-to-turn-on control at the side of the charging port to prevent emptying.

Navigating the Shark Cordless PowerDetect around my home had its ups and downs. It took on hard floors like a champion, easily maneuvering with an excellent turn radius exactly where I wanted it to go, like directly against walls and furniture. But carpets and rugs were a hit or miss. Sometimes, the brush rolls activated, causing the floor nozzle to breezily move around with minimal effort on the low-pile and medium-pile carpet. Other times, those brush rolls wouldn’t activate, and it was an intense arm workout just getting it to move a few feet on a rug. Unfortunately, the Floor Detect feature of this Shark vacuum was flawed.

• Score: 8/10

Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System: Performance

I’ve tested a range of vacuums during visits to my parent's home. Everything from robots and handhelds to cordless and uprights have roamed their floors, and the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 had one of the best performances. Cleaning the range of hard floors with tons of low pile rugs and the fully carpeted upper floor was no easy task. Add in a furry dog constantly covered in dirt and leaves, holiday decor leaving behind glitter and pine needles, and lots of baking, and this vacuum had its work cut out.

Before any rigorous testing, I wanted to see how the vacuum performed during average, everyday cleaning tasks. Leaving it in the default Detect mode, I pushed the vacuum around the lower level of my parent's home.

It picked up everything in its path on hard floors, including large chunks of dog fur and dirt. Moving it along the edges of the cabinets, I never heard the advertised Edge Detect mode increase suction. But even without it, almost every crumb was removed from those harder-to-reach areas. Luckily, I listened to the suction increase when more significant concentrations of debris were detected, indicating the Dirt Detect feature was working. It consistently activated throughout testing, picking up extra debris I may have missed.

When I maneuvered onto low pile rugs, it was a hit or miss as to whether the brush rolls would activate using the Floor Detect feature. But when they did, almost everything was removed except for pesky, super-ingrained dog fur and pine needles. Even the powerful Dyson upright vacuum I have couldn’t remove that debris, so I can’t even fault the Shark Cordless PowerDetect for that. However, due to that powerful performance, I’d occasionally vacuum up rug edges, which would cause the brush rolls to stop. I’d need to restart the vacuum to get them working again.

As I made my way to the upper level of my home, I used the vacuum on a few carpeted stairs; it worked marvelously and was far easier to manage than an upright vacuum. On the carpeted second floor, the Floor Detect feature worked much better, and I was shocked by how well it cleaned. After just one minute, the dust cup was full of dust, fur, and hair. I hadn’t even noticed that debris was there. Plus, the vacuum even left those lovely carpet lines, letting you know it was freshly cleaned.

One extra handy feature of the Shark Cordless PowerDetect is its MultiFlex wand. With the press of a button, the floor nozzle went under my couches, chairs, and tables without needing to bend over or strain my back. The debris left in the dust cup afterward was astounding, so I know it worked exceptionally well. However, the floor nozzle was a little too tall to fit under a few furniture pieces.

Using the two other suction power modes available on the Shark Cordless PowerDetect, Eco and Boost, I did similar testing. It’s important to note that some Detect technology won’t work in these modes. Eco mode performed surprisingly well, removing almost all visible debris on hard floors and carpets. However, I noticed less dirt and dust in the dust cup at the end. I would also occasionally need to run over spots a few times to pick up all the dust. Boost mode had a similar performance to Detect.

Like most cordless vacuums, Shark Cordless PowerDetect can also be used in handheld mode. It comes with two attachments, a Duster Crevice Tool and a Pet Multi-Tool. I used the Duster Crevice Tool to get crumbs under couch cushions and clean dust from the baseboards. The Pet Tool was used to get some hair off chairs and couches. The tools felt secure, slotted into the handheld vacuum and MultiFlex wand, and worked as expected. However, I would never let these attachments be a reason to purchase this vacuum. It also felt cumbersome after only a couple of minutes of cleaning.

Beyond everyday cleaning tasks, I put the vacuum through more rigorous testing using heaving concentrations of debris, including dog fur, dust, rice, and oats. I observed how quickly and easily the vacuum picked up the debris on each power level.

Starting on hard floors in Eco mode, I spread the debris around. The vacuum picked up everything except dust and a few rice granules in the first pass. A second pass removed everything. Detect and Boost mode yielded slightly better results. I did the same testing with the same concentrations of debris on carpeting. In Eco mode, only a bit of rice was left after one pass, but a couple more cleaned everything up. Boost and Detect saw almost everything vacuumed after just one pass.

The results of these tests prove just how powerful the suction is on the Shark Cordless PowerDetect. It blows robots and other cordless vacuums I’ve reviewed out of the water. That suction power is bordering on a corded upright vacuum. Thanks to the powerful pickup, it’s an excellent option for those with pets and kids, and the tetherless design is insanely convenient for larger, multi-story homes.

That said, any cordless vacuum's biggest downfall is battery life. Shark claims Cordless PowerDetect gets about 70 minutes of runtime on the Eco setting in handheld mode. Based on my testing, I’d say this is pretty accurate. Using a combo of the floor nozzle and attachments, the battery lasted just over an hour in Eco. In Detect and Boost mode, that time dropped significantly. I only got about 25 minutes of cleaning time in Detect mode and 11 minutes in Boost with the floor nozzle attached.

Those results were average to slightly better than average regarding battery life in cordless vacuums. If you have a larger home, that won’t be enough time for a complete cleaning, mainly if you stick to the default Detect setting. Unfortunately, charging on the dock isn’t quick either. I had to wait almost 5 hours for the vacuum to be fully juiced. Again, this is average but a pain if you want to finish a cleaning session.

• Score: 9/10

Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System: Care & maintenance

Maintenance on the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 is far easier than any other cordless vacuum I’ve tested. That’s all thanks to the auto-emptying dock. Most cordless vacuums come with smaller dust cups that must be emptied manually every few cleanings. That’s not a worry on this Shark vacuum, as the dock removes the debris from the dust cup of the vacuum and deposits it right into the dock’s 2-liter dustbin. The dustbin only needs to be emptied every couple of months, so I haven’t even needed to empty it during testing.

When that dock’s dust bin eventually needs to be removed, a button is pressed to remove the entire bin for tossing the contents into the garbage. It's a bagless option, so you’ll never need to worry about buying bag replacements like other auto-emptying systems.

The dust cup on the vacuum isn’t the largest capacity, and it was stuffed with debris past the max line after the first cleaning. Even though it was full, the vacuum still managed to pick up perfectly fine without getting clogged.

After cleaning, I placed the vacuum on the dock. The dust cup emptied almost immediately. You’ll know it’s happening, as the dock is extremely loud during the process. After the initial suction of debris from the dust cup, a second suction occurs to ensure all the debris is out of that dust cup. In my few weeks of testing, it consistently emptied almost everything from the dust cup.

Only once did I need to empty the dust cup manually, as some hair was stuck. It was an absolute struggle to figure out how to open up this dust cup. I ended up turning to the instruction manual online. After I finally got it open, everything went smoothly. However, I wasted five minutes of my life attempting to open it.

Other maintenance on the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP325 is standard. Filters and brushes will occasionally need cleaning or replacing. Luckily, the brush rolls are pretty great at keeping hair at bay. The base station also has an Odor Neutralizer Cartridge that must be replaced every six months. But as mentioned, I think it’s pointless and would be something I skip.

• Score: 8/10

Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System: Price & Value

The Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251’s retail price is $499.99 but is often on sale for at least $100 less. It can be bought directly from the Shark website or retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

Given the cordless vacuum’s excellent suction power, handy Detect modes for easier cleaning, and great all-around performance, it’s a solid value, especially if you manage to grab it on sale. The price does fall at the upper end of the midrange tier, but this vacuum differentiates itself from others in a similar price bracket thanks to the auto-emptying dock. Very few cordless vacuums come with this handy feature that makes maintenance more hands-off.

However, if you don’t think you’ll need the auto-emptying dock or don’t have the space for it, the Shark Cordless PowerDetect is available without a dock for $50-70 less, depending on the sale. It’s the same vacuum that comes with the system so that you won’t be sacrificing any of the vacuum’s features.

• Score: 8/10

Would I buy the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System?

The Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System has four automatic detect modes that pick up debris efficiently, the MultiFlex Wand allows users to reach under furniture, and simple controls make suction adjustments easy.

It's pretty loud during operation, especially when the dock empties. It doesn't do well on rugs, but it works well on corners and edges. The suction power is really strong and rivals some corded vacuums.

The battery lasts 25 minutes in default mode and over an hour in Eco, but may not be enough for larger homes since it takes five hours to charge.

How does the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System compare?

The Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 is a pricier midrange cordless option, but if you’re willing to sacrifice the dock and a few features, there are plenty of budget-friendly options. I had the opportunity to test the Shark Cordless Pro Vacuum IZ562H. It has a similar Dirt Detect mode that increases suction in dirtier areas of your home for over $100 less than the Shark PowerDetect. Just be prepared for less suction strength, no flexible wand, and a slightly shorter run time.

I reviewed the Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Stick Vacuum for an ultra-cheap alternative and was impressed. Sure, the vacuum is pretty barebones, so it won’t have the suction power, Detect modes, or auto-emptying dock of the Shark Cordless PowerDetect. But it works perfectly fine for lighter messes on hard floors. It’s even rocking handy lights on the floor nozzle to highlight dust and debris. However, the biggest perk is it’s often on sale for less than half the cost of the Shark Cordless PowerDetect.

Want the absolute best vacuum around? A TopTenReviews expert reviewed the Dyson Gen5detect Absolute, giving it high marks thanks to its wealth of features and top-notch performance. It offers dust detection similar to Shark, powerful suction, a sleek design, and a wealth of cleaning tools to clean every nook and cranny of your home. One feature you won’t find is an auto-emptying dock, Shark has the upper hand on that along with price, as Dyson’s vacuum has an eye-watering retail price of just under $1,000.

How I tested the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System

I reviewed the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 in my parent's home for several weeks while visiting over the holiday season. Their floors include laminate, hardwood, tile, low-pile rugs, and medium-pile carpet. Our extremely furry dog (Keeshond) also lives here, leaving clumps of fur, dirt, leaves, and crumbs everywhere.

During my testing, the vacuum performed average, everyday tasks. I did more rigorous testing of the power modes on the hard floors and carpeting with concentrated debris, including oats, rice, dust, and big fur clumps. Using a decibel meter on my phone, I also observed noise levels and monitored battery life with a timer. Beyond the floor nozzle, I tried the two attachments in various situations.

Find out more about how we test.

The Shark name has been synonymous with quality, affordable vacuums and home products for decades, and the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with NeverTouch Base continues the tradition. This midrange combo vacuums and mops your home. At the same time, the base station empties the vacuum’s dust box and fills a water reservoir, making for an almost completely hands-off cleaning experience. It’s perfect for those who are short on time and looking to keep their space tidy between deep cleans.

I tried this robot vacuum combo in my home for several weeks, seeing how it navigated and cleaned my space.

The setup was straightforward, and after connecting to the SharkClean app, a map of my home was successfully created. However, the app has some limitations compared to others I’ve tested. So, if you have a multi-story home, you may want to look elsewhere. Even with a lacking app, the robot traversed my space with ease. It rarely got stuck, even when I left tassel rugs and cords in its path. It’s some of the best navigation I’ve seen in a robot vacuum.

As for cleaning, the Shark PowerDetect performed admirably, even during more rigorous testing. It picked up large concentrations of debris like oats, rice, and sugar in just a couple of passes. The only time its performance dipped was when removing sugar granules out of a medium pile of rug and crumbs from under my kitchen cabinets. When mopping, the back-and-forth motion of the mop removed lighter spills like coffee or mud. However, more caked-on debris was left behind. Its performance was on par with other midrange vacuums I’ve tested with similar feature sets. The only major downfalls are mediocre battery life, and the vacuum suction and mopping water levels can’t be adjusted.

Luckily, the NeverTouch Base is true to its name, as I rarely had to touch it during my testing. I especially loved that Shark managed to keep compact dimensions while still packing tons of functionality into it. The station successfully emptied the robot's dust box every time and never had any issues filling the water tank. The mopping pad also lived at the base station when only vacuuming was performed with fans to dry the mop pad, successfully preventing odor.

The Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with NeverTouch Base is one of the best robot vacuums for those with smaller homes and light cleaning needs. It cleans up most messes and traverses spaces easily, all with just the touch of a button. Interested in grabbing this robot vacuum/base station combo? Be sure to read my full review below, where I deep-dive into the good and the bad.

Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with NeverTouch Base: Key specs

Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1: Price & value

The Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with NeverTouch Base retails for $899.99 but is often on sale for significantly less. At the time of this writing, it was available directly from Shark for $549.99 and can be found at retailers including Amazon and Target.

If you can grab this robot vacuum and base station combo on sale, it’s a solid option. It performs double duty with vacuuming and mopping, while the base makes everything more hands-off. The midrange price is comparable or lower than other robots with similar feature sets. Plus, the base station differentiates itself from many other robot vacuums with its bagless, self-emptying base, making maintenance even easier (and cheaper).

You also have the option to upgrade to the NeverTouch Pro Base to get mop pad washing in addition to the auto-emptying and self-refilling available with the Never Touch Base. However, I think it’s not worth the significantly higher cost.

Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1: Setup

The Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with NeverTouch Base came in a smaller-than-expected box that was easily manageable all by myself. After opening the shipping box, I was greeted with another colorful box full of information regarding all the features. Inside that box, I found a large card with instructions for a quick setup. Under the card were the robot vacuum and base station’s components; the box perfectly fit the contents. Although some plastic bags were used in the packaging, I was pleasantly surprised that cardboard kept the components safe rather than styrofoam, making it slightly more environmentally friendly.

The box included the robot vacuum, NeverTouch base, ramp, two side brushes, an extra mopping pad, Odor Neutralizer Cartridge, and mop cleaning solution. Luckily, it’s not an overwhelming amount of products. However, I did seem to be missing a side brush; it’s not a huge deal and could’ve just gotten accidentally tossed. Still, everything looked pristine, and I was excited to try out this vacuum.

Set-up is fairly straightforward, and the instruction card walked me through the process with handy visuals. I placed the NeverTouch base on a flat, hard surface with plenty of open space and access to a power outlet. Putting everything together was on par with many other robot vacuums I’ve tested. The Odor Neutralizer Cartridge and bagless dust bin on the base station were the only real unique features. It took around five minutes for the robot vacuum to be in the base station charging, preparing for its first clean.

After preparing the components, I connected the robot to Wi-Fi using the SharkClean app. I already had an account, but creating one only takes a few minutes. From there, the app walked me through connecting the robot to Wi-Fi. In my first attempt, the robot wouldn’t connect. Luckily, the app gives you scenarios to fix the problem, and on the second attempt, the robot is connected.

When the vacuum charged up to 100%, I sent it out on its maiden voyage. Although it vacuums and mops, it only vacuums when doing the initial mapping of your home. Unfortunately, after the first map is created, the robot needs to go back out again to note carpeting and rugs, which I found annoying. But when that’s finished, the Shark PowerDetect is ready to vacuum and mop your home.

Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1: Design & features

The Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum has a design similar to most robot vacuums, with a sleek grayish-black color scheme that should go well in most spaces. However, after the first cleaning, it was already full of scuffs and scratches, and dust became visible on it after only a few days as well.

Its circular shape has a diameter of about 14 inches and a height of 3.9 inches, which makes it a little too tall to fit under furniture like couches. Still, it had no trouble reaching under a bookshelf and lounge chair. But its height became a major problem under the lip of my kitchen cabinets, making the EdgeDetect cleaning feature that’s advertised pretty useless in the most needed area of my home. After every cleaning, the crevices were still littered with crumbs.

On top of the robot are three buttons for control and a lovely LED strip that glows colors with different effects to indicate battery levels, problems, cleaning modes, and more functions. The three buttons include one for dry vacuuming your home, another for mopping and vacuuming, and a final one that sends the vacuum home. In testing, each of these buttons worked exactly as expected. It was all fairly straightforward, given the limited button options. However, the app is needed to select certain rooms, schedule cleanings, and make other customizations.

Speaking of the app, the Shark Clean app is severely lacking compared to apps from other robot vacuum manufacturers. Sure, it does the basics fine, but forget about creating multiple maps, adjusting the vacuum suction level, changing the mop water levels, and checking on the life span of components.

On the underside of the vacuum is a 5.69-inch cleaning path with a main roller that tends to wrap hair, so regular cleaning is necessary. A side brush helps to move stray debris into the cleaning path. Large back wheels also lift the backside of the vacuum pretty high, aiding in the NeverStuck technology.

The most unique feature is the mopping pad component, which automatically detaches from the robot and lives in the base station while the robot is performing vacuuming tasks. The base station even features a quiet fan to dry the mopping pad, preventing odors during my testing. Unfortunately, the station doesn’t wash the mopping pad like some more advanced offerings.

In addition to housing and drying the mopping component, the NeverTouch Base automatically empties the robot’s 0.33 qt dust box into its bagless dust bin, ready to hold up to 60 days of dirt. It’s rare to find a robot vacuum base station with no bag, so avoiding the extra expense of replacing the bags down the road is nice.

Like most of Shark’s vacuum lineup, the base also features an Odor Neutralizer Cartridge. It’s a pointless gimmick that smells nice for about one minute after the robot is emptied into the base but serves no real purpose. It’s an item I’d never replace after it runs out.

The base station’s compact size is my favorite feature, measuring 19 x 13.4 x 14.3 inches. It’s great for those with limited space. I was shocked by how much capability Shark managed to pack into it.

Of course, the vacuum also charges at the NeverTouch Base. During my testing, the vacuum would take around three hours to charge back to full from 15% battery, which is average. Without fail, when the robot vacuum hit 15% battery, it would return to the base. When completing vacuuming and mopping tasks, I found the robot would last about an hour and a half before reaching 15%. Unfortunately, this was never enough time to fully clean my two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment. The robot does pick up where it left off after it finishes charging. Its battery life is acceptable, but I’ve seen better. Still, those cleaning smaller spaces should find the battery life sufficient.

Perhaps most importantly, how noisy is the robot vacuum? I’m happy to report it measured at only about 65dB. I’d compare it to the noise of a window air conditioner. I noticed it initially, but it’s just a quiet hum that quickly becomes background noise. I could work and watch TV as it went around my space. When the mopping pad was attached, there was a slight clicking of the pad going back and forth, which was a little more distracting, and the wheels occasionally squeaked on the wet floor. As someone who is extremely noise-sensitive, I could ignore it. The only time I was startled by the robot was when the vacuum emptied into the base station, hitting closer to 75dB–about the same level as your average corded vacuum cleaner.

Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1: Performance

The Shark PowerDetect’s first vacuuming of my home created a map of my space. The initial map was accurate, but most rooms needed to be adjusted by adding walls and no-go zones. Still, almost every spot of my space was accounted for on the map. It was slightly annoying that I had to send it out again to make notes of carpet and rugs before it would mop. I feel this should’ve been done during the initial mapping. After the second mapping, my rugs and a few pieces of larger furniture were accurately noted.

Whenever I selected specific rooms or spots to be cleaned in the app, the robot managed to get to the space and clean it without fail. I was impressed, especially considering a robot vacuum I tested a few months ago, which cost almost three times as much, would constantly get lost and go to the wrong rooms. However, communicating with the robot through the app during a cleaning was a hit-or-miss. I tried to pause it and send it home several times, but nothing happened.

Watching the Shark PowerDetect traverse my home, I noticed it did a great job covering almost every inch of space as best it could. As I mentioned, it’s EdgeDetect technology wasn’t the best. So, some debris didn’t get picked up closer to walls and obstacles.

When it came to larger obstacles like chair legs, dressers, and other furniture, the vacuum got relatively close and usually avoided running fully into them. On occasion, it did ram into a few things. As for smaller obstacles, like a hand weight or sock that I placed directly in its path, sometimes the Shark PowerDetect would back away and completely avoid it, while other times it’d tap and attempt to push the object out of the way.

Though it’s generally best practice to remove cables, looser rugs, and random items like clothes and shoes out of the way of any robot vacuum, I wanted to see how the vacuum faired when dealing with these everyday obstacles. It got tangled in a few cables and rolled up some rugs, but the robot freed itself each time without my intervention. I noticed the backside lifted quite high, which helped. Nothing even got stuck in the main brush (other than hair wrapping around). Shark’s NeverStuck technology was quite impressive.

In my three weeks of testing, I needed to assist with the robot vacuum only twice. Once, it lifted itself onto the leg of my standing desk, and another time, it couldn’t dock into the base station. Even out of the dozen or so robot vacuums I’ve tested, the Shark PowerDetect proved to be one of the best at navigating a cluttered space.

The Shark PowerDetect’s navigation is solid, and luckily, so is its cleaning performance. During average vacuuming tasks, it managed to pick up almost all debris in its path. Mopping was equally great. The mopping pad will swing back and forth for a good scrubbing action. Although, I think oscillating mopping pads work best for the deepest clean. Still, the mop cleaned mud stains and coffee spills like a champ. More caked-in food and messes remained, but it's perfect for lighter messes and dust.

It’s important to note that when you want to mop and vacuum your entire home, the robot will first vacuum all the carpets and then come back to add the mopping component. Cleaning takes more time than with other robot vacuums I’ve tested, as most just lift the mopping pad when going over rugs and carpets. At least the vacuum was excellent at recognizing a rug versus a hard floor.

Beyond everyday cleaning, I did more rigorous vacuum testing on hard floors and rugs using a heavy concentration of oats, rice, and sugar. First, I spread the oats around my laminate floor and sent the vacuum for a spot cleaning. During the initial pass, some oats were picked up while some were thrown about – mostly due to the side brush. Luckily, the vacuum automatically returned and did a second pass-through, which picked up almost everything. The vacuum performed similarly with both rice and sugar on the hard floor.

As for testing on a medium pile rug, the oats and rice were almost fully picked up after a second pass-through. However, a good chunk of the sugar granules got ingrained in the rug and left behind even after multiple cleanings. These results aren’t dissimilar to other robot vacuums. So, if your space is mostly carpeted, a regular corded vacuum with more suction power is usually your best option.

After each cleaning or when the dust box got full during cleaning, the robot emptied into the NeverTouch Base. I checked the robot's dust box after emptying, and it successfully removed all the debris. The water reservoir on the base station also automatically filled the vacuum tank. After three weeks of use, that water tank is still half full. Therefore, the “NeverTouch” technology is very true to its name.

The maintenance is minimal. When I emptied the dust bin on the base and filled the water reservoir, it took all of one minute. Down the road, some filters, brushes, and the mopping map will need to be replaced–something that happens with every robot vacuum. But for the most part, cleaning your home is hands-off other than pressing a button on the robot or your app.

Would I buy the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 compare?

The Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with NeverTouch Base is similar to the Shark Detect Pro Self-Empty Robot Vacuum I reviewed in 2023. The latter is an excellent option for someone who doesn’t want the mopping functionality offered on the PowerDetect 2-in-1. Plus, it’s significantly less expensive. At the time of writing, it’ll set you back about $200 less. Even without the mopping functionality, the Detect Pro still has a bagless, self-emptying base station similar to the DirtDetect Technology of the PowerDetect. However, I found the navigation and object detection slightly less impressive on the older model.

If you’re after a feature set and price similar to the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 from a different brand, I tested the Yeedi Cube, and it may be for you. It comes with vacuuming and mopping features, but the base station cleans the mopping pad. You don’t need to worry about washing the mopping pads yourself. The Cube’s battery life also outdoes the Shark’s for extended cleaning time.

For those with an unlimited budget looking to take the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with NeverTouch Base’s features to the extreme, I reviewed the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo. Its base station towers over Shark’s and costs almost three times as much but has everything you can think of, including an attached handheld vacuum that empties into the base station and mop cleaning station. The robot vacuum itself comes with oscillating mops and even a camera. Plus, the Ecovacs app is far superior to the SharkClean app.

How I tested the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1

I reviewed the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with NeverTouch Pro Base in my two-bedroom, two-bathroom home over several weeks, sending it out often for full home vacuuming and mopping along with smaller tasks like certain rooms or spot cleaning. My floors consist of hard laminate with various low pile and tassel rugs scattered throughout. Beyond vacuuming everyday debris like dust, food crumbs, and hair, I also put it through more rigorous tests with larger concentrations of oats, rice, and sugar. A dB meter app on my phone allowed me to measure noise levels during usage.

Learn more about how we test.

Having tested some of the best wet/dry vacuum cleaners around my home for Top Ten Reviews, I was excited to try Dyson's latest offering.

The Dyson WashG1 Wet Floor Cleaner is the brand's first dedicated wet floor cleaner. It uses powerful motorized rollers instead of vacuum suction to offer hygienic cleaning for hard floors, effectively removing wet and dry debris in a single pass. It uses clean water throughout the washing process without a cleaning solution and can cover up to 3,121 square feet with just one tank. Its lightweight and ergonomic design allows for effortless gliding and easy maneuverability, even in tight spaces under furniture.

I used the Dyson WashG1 on various floor-cleaning tasks around my home, including everyday cleaning, sticky and dry spills, and ground-in dirt. Find out how it got on and see if it's the best wet/dry vacuum for your household needs.

Dyson WashG1 Wet Floor Cleaner: Key specs

Dyson WashG1: Price & availability

The Dyson WashG1 Wet Floor Cleaner is available directly from Dyson and retails for $699.99, placing it firmly at the upper end of the market for wet floor cleaners. If you buy through Dyson, though, you can select a complimentary tool worth $59.99 at checkout; in the case of the WashG1, that's an extra set of Dual microfiber rollers free of charge.

The closest comparison to another Dyson product is the V15s Detect Submarine Absolute, which is currently retailing for $749.99 with a $200 discount. Dyson stresses that the WashG1 is a dedicated wet floor cleaner engineered specifically to wash hard floors instead of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.

At $699.99, the WashG1 is more than twice the price of the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum, which retails for around $299.99. However, you are paying for a brand with a global reputation for excellence in engineering and stunning design. For households with deeper pockets, these factors, plus a generous 2-year warranty on parts and labor, may make the price more palatable.

Dyson WashG1: Setup

The Dyson WashG1 Wet Floor Cleaner arrives securely packaged in a double box with plenty of cardboard inserts to keep individual components secure during shipping. Everything is recyclable, with no annoying plastic bags or polystyrene packing, so you can comfortably get rid of all the packaging without contributing to landfill.

Inside the box, you'll find the main body of the Wash G1 already assembled, complete with the rollers and debris tray already in place. You do not need to put these elements together; you only have to slot the handle into place with a click.

A charger and charging dock are also included, along with a QR code to scan to download the My Dyson app and add your floor cleaner. If you already have the app, you can search for the Wash G1 and add it to your devices.

Unlike other Dyson appliances, the Wash G1 does not offer smart functionality, such as cleaning data or remote operation. Still, the My Dyson app offers advice and information videos on setting up your new appliance, user guides on operation, care, and maintenance, troubleshooting support, and access to the Dyson community and customer care experts, so it's worth downloading.

Regarding set-up, you're about a minute away from using your brand-new floor cleaner! All I had to do was slot in the handle and fill up the water tank, and I was good to go. My Wash G1 arrived with around 50% charge in the battery, so I could start cleaning immediately. On the side of the box is a simple illustrative guide to inserting the handle and filling the tank, but you can find more info on the My Dyson app or work it out yourself, as it's super easy.

You can detach the water tanks from the shaft of the Dyson Wash G1 by pressing down on the red catch button at the top of the tanks. This removes both cylinders in one go. You can then remove each tank by pushing down on the blue catch at the back (clean water tank) or the red button (dirty water tank). Both have a capacity of 0.21 gallons, which is great, as many similar floor cleaners have a smaller dirty water tank capacity, which requires more frequent stops to empty during cleaning.

Switching on and changing the modes is similarly straightforward. All the controls are at the handle. A circular display panel shows you which mode you are in, whether there are any problems with the device and some basic instructions for using it. You can also switch modes here and turn on the self-clean function.

The battery at the cleaner's base is removable, so you can charge this separately from the Dyson Wash G1 if you wish. This is a handy feature if you need to keep your cleaner in a closet without access to an electrical socket when it's not in use.

Overall, a swift and painless set-up, which is something I've come to expect from Dyson over the years.

Dyson WashG1: Design

As you'd expect, the Dyson Wash G1 is beautifully designed and emphasizes ease of use. It has a stylish colorway and a reassuringly expensive finish.

The shaft of the handle is a shimmering ultra-blue that screams luxury, while the handle and display screen are gray and black. As always with Dyson, important clipping mechanisms are highlighted in contrast colors, in this case, red.

The 65-inch cord attaching the charger base to a socket is long enough to give you some leeway on where you place your appliance for charging, but Dyson should have included a cable tidy to wrap up excess cordage and keep it out of sight.

The controls are super-easy to change during operation, and you can easily change them with the same hand you use for pushing your Wash G1.

I found the Wash G1's maneuverability to be superb. It's very smooth and effortless to control, and the appliance's lightweight nature allows you to move direction quickly, turn corners, and lift. However, it does get heavier with a full tank of clean water.

The Wash G1 never feels off balance or like it might fall over, which I've found with other vacuums and floor cleaners.

During operation, the Dyson Wash G1 is remarkably quiet, purring away at a constant 60 dB, no matter which mode you choose. It gets slightly louder during self-cleaning, rising to around 65 dB.

Compared to other vacuums and wet floor cleaners, which can reach 80 to 90 dB highs, the Wash G1 is wonderfully quiet and perfect if you have neighbors nearby or people in your household who are sensitive to noise.

The rollers at the machine's base are easy to remove and clean if necessary, while the debris tray filters out dirt and debris away from the dirty water tank. It is designed to be lifted cleanly away from the base and emptied over a garbage bin.

While I enjoy the simplicity of the Wash G1's design, I think for the price, Dyson could have employed some of their other features, such as LED lights that illuminate pet hair and other debris or a steam cleaning feature, both of which the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum includes at a cheaper price point.

Dyson WashG1: Performance

For my first test of the Dyson Wash G1, I did a general pass over the vinyl laminate flooring in my hallway and kitchen without focusing on specific spills or types of debris. I was immediately impressed with how well it picked up debris like crumbs, leaves, dust, and dirt. I used the boost mode for tougher, ground-in dirt, which handled it well.

The edge-to-edge cleaning is fantastic, and the vacuum glides effortlessly around corners, making it very easy to maneuver. I'd venture to say this is the best edge-to-edge cleaning I've experienced with a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.

One thing to note: there’s no alert when the clean water tank is empty, so you must watch it. However, emptying the dirty water tank is simple, as the debris gets filtered out and stored in a separate tray. Switching modes is also very easy—just press a button on the handle. Plus, the vacuum stops automatically when you set the wand upright, which is a nice touch.

The Dyson Wash G1 also cleaned the floor under the family shoe rack, always covered in pet hair, mud, dirt, and dust. With just a couple of swipes, it was sparkling clean again. It’s impressive that this vacuum doesn’t rely on suction—instead, it uses the hydration levels of the rollers to lift debris effectively.

Over two weeks of testing the Dyson Wash G1 at home, I assessed its performance on various liquids and debris types on hard floors, including thick sauces, sticky honey, milk, spilled cereal, oats, and flour. I was delighted by how easy it was to remove liquids, including sticky liquids, with just one pass and no need for the 'boost' mode.

You can see from the images below how it cleanly cuts through any spill, including milk and honey.

It did a similarly great job picking up thick sauces, spilled oats, and flour—there was no need for a second pass.

I did experience a couple of niggly issues with my model, though, which I discovered during testing. The debris tray at the base of the appliance is supposed to be securely fastened with a sturdy 'lip'. Unlocking the debris tray should be a clean and simple function. However, I found that my debris tray was loose, allowing water and other debris to leak while emptying, which was super annoying and messy to clean up.

I also found that the power cord seemed a little wobbly when plugged into the unit - not the usual quality and standard I would expect from a Dyson product.

A quick search online found several other Dyson Wash G1 users have experienced the same issues, suggesting a design fault on some models. I contacted a Dyson representative to report the issue but have not heard back.

Unfortunately, these two niggles mean a point off the final performance score, which otherwise would get full marks.

Dyson WashG1 Wet Floor Cleaner: Maintenance

To keep your Dyson Wash G1 in top shape, Dyson suggests a few easy steps:

1. Quick clean after each use: Empty the dirty water tank and debris tray when done. The no-touch system makes it easy—just pour out the water, rinse the tank, and it’s ready to go. Be sure to refill the clean water tank before each use.
2. Self-cleaning cycle: The Wash G1 has a self-clean mode! Just fill up the clean tank, set it on the dock, and press the self-clean option. Your machine will be freshened up in under three minutes and ready for the next job.
3. Refresh the rollers: Remove the microfiber rollers and rinse them with warm water and mild detergent every so often. Dyson suggests replacing them after about 25 hours of use, and the MyDyson app can remind you.
4. Seasonal deep clean: Every few months, rinse both water tanks, wipe down the debris tray, and give the filter mesh a little TLC to avoid limescale. This prevents buildup and keeps your machine working at its best.

Dyson WashG1 Wet Floor Cleaner: User reviews

User reviews for the Dyson Wash G1 on the Dyson site are largely positive, with 4.4 stars out of 5 across hundreds of reviews. Users highlight its efficiency in tackling dry and wet messes on hard floors, while many are impressed with how well it handles everyday spills, leaving floors spotless after one or two passes.

The G1’s counter-rotating rollers, which avoid suction and rely on hydration, are also praised for their effective and quiet cleaning. This makes the machine a standout for households with pets or children who regularly create tough messes.

However, some users note challenges with maneuverability, especially in tight spaces. It struggles in confined or highly obstructed spaces and cannot clean small, tricky areas, such as between tight furniture gaps or around narrow tiles.

Another feature often mentioned is the G1’s self-cleaning function, which many find convenient after each cleaning session. It’s simple to maintain between uses, and the machine only requires more thorough manual cleaning every few uses. On the downside, a few users point out that it lacks a notification for an empty, clean water tank, so users have to keep an eye on the water level during longer cleaning sessions, something I found, too.

Would I buy the Dyson WashG1 Wet Floor Cleaner?

For those looking for a reliable and efficient wet/dry vacuum, the Dyson WashG1 Wet/Dry Vacuum scores high on setup, ease of use, and maneuverability. Aside from some design issues with the debris tray and power cord, its suction power and tank capacity are great. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Dyson WashG1 provides a good cleaning experience.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the Dyson WashG1 Wet Floor Cleaner compare?

Considering the Dyson WashG1 Wet Floor Cleaner, you'll find it’s a well-designed and effective tool for keeping your floors spotless. However, it comes with a higher price tag than alternatives like the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam, which often retails around $349.99. The Bissell model is known for its steam cleaning capabilities and is frequently available at a discount, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious shoppers. Still, the Dyson might be worth the investment if you value performance and a sleek aesthetic.

The Ultenic AC1 Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum might catch your eye for those who want a two-in-one solution. It efficiently vacuums and mops hard floors simultaneously, saving you precious time on cleaning. With a solid 45 minutes of runtime per charge, it’s a handy choice for quick clean-ups, though it won't handle carpets. This could be the perfect fit for your home if you’re after something lightweight and easy to store.

If you’re looking for something compact and budget-friendly, the Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean could be just what you need. This little powerhouse is great for tackling dry and wet messes around the house and even in the car. it’s easy to tuck away when you’re done. Remember that its 10-minute battery life might not be enough for bigger jobs. And if you're all about convenience, the Eufy X10 Pro Omni offers a hands-free experience, but be ready to spend a bit more for that luxury!

How I tested the Dyson WashG1 Wet Floor Cleaner

At Top Ten Reviews, we are committed to providing our readers with honest and reliable reviews of products, including the best wet and dry vacuums. Our expert reviewers conduct extensive research and thorough testing to ensure we recommend only the best products to our readers.

Our reviewers possess experience and industry knowledge, allowing them to identify and analyze the most critical features of every wet/dry vacuum. They put these products through a series of tests, evaluating setup, performance, ease of use, maintenance, and more, to deliver comprehensive and consistent reviews.

We test each wet/dry vacuum to ensure our reviews are accurate and reliable. We aim to provide readers with authentic and trustworthy reviews to help them make well-informed purchase decisions.

For more information about our testing protocols, please visit our comprehensive guide on how we test.

Are you a pet owner? Do you live in a home with long-haired residents? Then this Shark Stratos DuoClean PowerFins HairPro Upright Vacuum review is for you.

Shark is one of the most recognizable brands in the home and beauty space. They design, make, and sell everything from vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, and air purifiers to hair dryers and hair stylers. It's also worth remembering that the brand is part of the SharkNinja "umbrella," which extends its product category portfolio into air fryers, coffee makers, cookware, and outdoor equipment.

While I don't have pets, I have long hair and a messy kid, so there's always plenty of debris to vacuum. From the set-up to vacuuming dust, crumbs, and dried bits of food (etc.!) through to general maintenance, I tested this Shark vacuum in my home for a few months. Our house has stairs with a split-level landing and various floor surfaces, including carpet, hardwood, and tiles. I used it just as you would, so I hope this review will help you decide if it is the best vacuum cleaner for you. Read on to find out.

Shark AZ3002 Stratos: Key specs

Shark AZ3002 Stratos: Price & availability

The Shark Stratos DuoClean PowerFins HairPro Upright Vacuum has a list price of $449 and can be bought directly from Shark or resellers such as Amazon and Walmart. At the time of writing, it was discounted by $100, and it's regularly on sale during the holidays, so I'd advise bookmarking our Shark Vacuum deals page to keep up-to-date with all the sales activity.

When it is on sale, it becomes a very attractive option. It's half the price of some of Dyson's higher-end vacuum cleaners, such as the Dyson Gen5detect Absolute, and I wouldn't say that you're going without any specs by going with this Shark Stratos. It's also the same price as the Shark Stratos cordless, so if you want to ditch the cord but retain the specifications, then it's another option to weigh up.

Shark AZ3002 Stratos: Setup

The Shark Stratos DuoClean PowerFins HairPro Upright Vacuum arrived in one upright box that fit the branded box inside like a glove. Both containers and all the packaging were recycled.

In the box, you'll receive a crevice tool, upholstery tool, HairPro self-cleaning pet power brush, and odor neutralizer technology cartridge alongside all the main parts of the vacuum cleaner.

The set-up process was then really straightforward. It was just a matter of slotting the pod onto the wand, attaching the floorhead to the pod, and joining the hose to the pod. While removing the odor-neutralizer capsule from a little tin and securing it into the floorhead was a bit of detail, the overall set-up time took less than one minute.

With no battery to charge, the Shark Stratos DuoClean PowerFins HairPro Upright Vacuum was good to set out on its maiden voyage once all parts were assembled. So, first impressions? Very good.

Shark AZ3002 Stratos: Design

The overall design of the Shark Stratos DuoClean PowerFins HairPro Upright Vacuum is impressive. It comes with several features I now love about Shark vacuum cleaners, along with a couple of new features unique to the Stratos range.

For starters, it features Shark's signature DuoClean floorhead, which consists of two motorized brush rolls. The unit glides well across carpet and hard floors, often picking up dirt and debris in one pass. Both brush rolls are also self-cleaning, meaning they'll pick up pet hair without wrapping it around the bristles.

While we're talking about the floorhead, I'd like to point out that it features powerful LED lights on the front. These reveal hidden debris and pet hair around the home and light up the pathway under furniture so you can see what you're vacuuming (try to avoid any small kids' toys).

One of the new features found in the floorhead is the anti-odor technology. Since reviewing the Shark Stratos Cordless, this has become a feature that I love LOVE. An anti-odor dial can be inserted into the floorhead of this cleaner, with the dial rotated to select an odor intensity. The purpose of this is to stop any dust cup odors from filling the air, rather than spreading an aroma around the home; although I definitely detected the latter, which, I must say, was refreshing.

There don't appear to be any alternative odors besides the sea-breeze type cartridge provided. Shark advises that these be replaced every six months. Replacement Odor Neutralizer Technology Cartridges (pack of two) can be bought for $26.99 directly from Shark.

When vacuuming around the home, you can use the Shark Stratos DuoClean PowerFins HairPro Upright Vacuum as an upright or make it more portable with a powered lift-away. This means you can lift away the pod for motorized cleaning under furniture or up the stairs or detach the nozzle and clean above the floor. While I found this useful, the 30ft power cable meant that I couldn't stray too far away from an electrical outlet which, at times, was limiting.

The power cable can be wrapped around the side of the vacuum on two hooks; one is next to the handle, while the other sits next to the base of the dust cup. The removable dust cup offers a decent 1.48 qt capacity and can be quickly ejected without releasing any mess.

In upright or portable mode, the suction control slider on the handle allows you to choose between three-floor settings: hard floors, low-pile carpets, and thick-pile carpets or area rugs. The power button is also on the handle.

Shark AZ3002 Stratos: Performance

The Shark Stratos DuoClean PowerFins HairPro Upright Vacuum performs very well. It can be used on hard floors, low-pile carpets, and thick carpets/area rugs to remove all dry debris from the surface.

I used it several times per week as my primary vacuum cleaner. Most of the time I was vacuuming crumbs and dust from hard floors while we waited for carpet to be laid. For this, I had the suction control slider set on "hard floors." As far as I could tell, all debris was removed.

We also have a deep-pile area rug by our front door. I was dubious at first about the performance of the Shark Stratos DuoClean PowerFins HairPro Upright Vacuum on this because it doesn't look that heavy, nor do I feel it. Yet the suction was just right to lift and remove any trapped debris between the piles; just try to avoid rug edges since these become wrapped around the brushbar and stop any rotation. With this success, I did not even attempt to try vacuuming a rag rug because if experience has taught me anything, these can not be cleaned (it's best to shake them off and put them in the washing machine).

Thanks to powered lift-away technology, this vacuum cleaner can also transform into a more portable vacuum. I found this especially helpful when vacuuming the stairs. I just needed to make sure that I was using the closest electrical socket so that I had plenty of cord length to get from the bottom to the top of the stairs in one vacuuming job.

I also carried out a more specific test that would be unlikely (not impossible) to get a good visual of the suction performance; a generous amount of caster sugar was scattered across our parquet flooring. I chose this because it shows up well on the floor, and the granules are similar in size to the typical debris you will have on your floors. In one sweep through the sugar, the Shark Stratos DuoClean PowerFins HairPro Upright Vacuum picked up all sugar granules. The 10.63in cleaning width of the floorhead consumed the majority of the sugar scatter, and then I went over any granules either side of the clearing created.

Regardless of what I was vacuuming and the floor type, I measured a noise level between 70dB and 73dB, depending on whether the Shark Stratos DuoClean PowerFins HairPro Upright Vacuum was used as a portable or upright vacuum. This noise is equivalent to that of a dishwasher or washing machine.

With all this vacuuming, the 1.48-qt dust cup soon filled up. It can be emptied by releasing it from the pod and then pressing on the trigger found at the back of the dust cup. If any debris is trapped at the top of the dust cup, then the top can be removed, but you will need to be prepared to get your hand in there to free up any compacted fluff.

I didn't see any hair wrapped around the brushbars after a few months of use, which helps with maintenance. Alongside emptying the dust cup, you must replace the odor-neutralizer capsules every six months. Replacement Odor Neutralizer Technology Cartridges (pack of two) can be bought for $26.99 directly from Shark.

Shark AZ3002 Stratos: user reviews

Customers have awarded the Shark Stratos DuoClean PowerFins HairPro Upright Vacuum 4.4-out-of-5 stars on the Shark website. There's a mixed bag of reviews, but it looks as though those who scored this vacuum cleaner lower have been isolated issues. A lot of them concur with what I have found throughout the process of my review. For example, one reviewer says: " ... the new Stratos is a bit heavier, but generally operates the same as my earlier version [a previous Shark lift-away]. The suction is fantastic, and the hair does not clog up the roller. " Another adds: " Good suction, picked up all small details. But heavy to push while running and noisy."

Turning our attention to the user reviews on Amazon's reseller site, users have also awarded this upright vacuum cleaner 4.4 out of five stars. It doesn't look like they are the same reviews as those on the Shark website, so it's just a coincidence. Overall, customers say that they like the vacuum cleaner's suction power, cleaning power, and ease of use. They mention it's fantastic, works well on hard floors, and picks up pet hair. However, some have reported that it's weighty.

Would I buy the Shark AZ3002 Stratos?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the Shark AZ3002 Stratos compare?

One of the first comparisons I should make is with the Shark Stratos Cordless. It has the same technology and price: odor neutralizer and DuoClean PowerFins HairPro brush roll system, yet it's cordless. The floorhead will also detect dirt and automatically adjust the suction power. I've also reviewed it and can recommend it based on its impressive performance and versatility.

If you really want an upright vacuum cleaner, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Complete often gets voted as the "best upright for suction." While I have not tested this one, there are claims that it can untangle the hair, deep-clean the home, and have powerful suction. Then, if you need a shop vacuum (often a canister vacuum) for tougher cleaning jobs inside or outside the home, a shop vacuum (often a canister vacuum) would be worth considering.

How I tested the Shark AZ3002 Stratos

I tested the Shark Stratos DuoClean PowerFins HairPro Upright Vacuum around my home for a few months. We have various floor types, including wooden floors, carpets, and tiles, plus a staircase with a split-level landing. I used the vacuum cleaner to pick up daily debris such as dried foods, dust, and fluff, as well as more specific tests on things that you would find in the store cupboard. The noise level was also recorded.

Learn more about how we test.

Next to coffee makers, cordless stick vacuums are perhaps my favorite household items. While I’ve always understood and embraced the importance of a clean home, lugging around a heavy upright vacuum and tripping over the cord made vacuuming such a tedious chore. Years ago, when I first started testing cordless stick vacuums, I was in heaven. By now, I’ve tested several dozen different models, and very rarely turn down the opportunity to test a new one.

I’m usually called upon to test mid-and high-end vacuum cleaners. However, I’ve learned that budget-priced options can also provide decent performance and offer many desirable features. These are my thoughts on the Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum. Keep reading to see how it compares to the best vacuum cleaners, and how it stacks up against other vacuums under $200. 

Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum review: price & availability

The list price of the Ultenic U16 Flex is $159 which is available to buy direct from the Ultenic website. It can also be bought from resellers such as Amazon for the same price of $159. 

Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum review: first impressions

The Ultenic U16 Flex arrived in a Ultenic-branded cardboard box. The contents were neatly and securely packaged with Styrofoam, with a layer of Styrofoam on top as well. Each part was individually-wrapped in plastic as well. I appreciate the attention to detail to ensure that nothing was exposed and subject to scratches during the shipping process.

The contents included the main body, battery pack, telescopic wand, long crevice tool, floor brush, power adapter, storage rack and screws for mounting on the wall, extra filter, cleaning brush, warranty card, and instruction manual.

It was easy to assemble the Ultenic U16 Flex – the battery, telescopic tube, and floor brush snap into place. I charged the battery for four hours. One feature that I like about the vacuum cleaner is the there are two charging options. I chose to put the battery in the main unit and then put the charging adapter plug in the wall outlet (to keep everything together). However, there’s an option to remove the battery pack from the main unit and then charge the battery separately. This is a convenient option if you decide to buy an extra battery, as you can swap them out and let one battery charge while you’re using the other one in the vacuum.

Score: 8.5/10

Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum review: design

The bold color scheme immediately reminded me of the Dyson Outsize, as both have a red telescopic wand and the top of the main body is red on both. In fact, the shape of the Ultenic U16’s main body, and the positioning of the battery is also similar – although this is not the only cordless stick vacuum to place their battery in this position. And, since red is my favorite color, I’m certainly not complaining that the company chose this color for the U16.

It's a lightweight, attractive cordless stick vacuum that’s easy to maneuver. My favorite feature is the green LED on the front of the brushroll. This makes it easy to discover dust and other debris that may not be visible to the naked eye. My second favorite feature is the flexible telescopic wand, which bends, making it easy to vacuum under furniture.

Also, sometimes, my finger tends to get tired when I have to hold the trigger button for a vacuum cleaner to stay on. However, once I press the trigger on the Ultenic U16, the vacuum stays on until I depress the trigger to turn it off.

There are three mode settings: Eco, Normal, and Turbo. The battery life is 60 minutes on Eco mode, but keep in mind that using the Normal or Turbo modes will decrease battery life. Since my floors aren’t usually that dirty, when working quickly, I can always vacuum all of the rooms – and the stairs – on Normal before the battery runs out. The only reason it takes almost 40 minutes is that sometimes I’m a lazy vacuum-er and I’m making real-time decisions like should I move those barstools or just vacuum around them. Same for air purifiers and other items in the way. If I decide to move them, I just lie the vacuum cleaner on the floor – but it’s still running (remember the trigger stays on, and I never think I’m wasting enough time to affect the battery life, so I don’t even try to turn it off).

Score: 8.5/10

Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum review: key specifications

Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum review: performance

The Ultenic U16 Flex performs quite well for a cordless stick vacuum under $200. I tested it on hard floors, carpet, and even area rugs. In the past, I’ve had problems when testing an economical vacuum on the shag area rugs, and if felt like they were pulling strands out of the rug, so I would bypass this test. However, the Ultenic U16 Flex was able to smoothly vacuum them without pulling strands.

In another test, I poured ground coffee, seasoning, and coffee beans on the kitchen floor, and the vacuum made light work of removing all three.

In a separate test, I crunched some Pringles Potato Crisps on the floor to see how well the Ultenic U16 Flex would pick them up. Again, it easily removed the chips from the floor.

Since it’s a lightweight vacuum, I also tested the vacuum on my carpeted stairs, and it easily and thoroughly removed debris, and I didn’t have any problems getting into corners.

The flexible telescopic wand (which works by bending the wand 180 degrees to create an L-shape) made it easy to vacuum underneath all of my furniture. However, for some reason, there’s not the same level of control when the wand is in flex mode. It’s almost like the vacuum cleaner has a mind of its own, and it takes a little effort to control the vacuum’s direction.

This was not a particular problem for me because aside from testing, I kept the telescopic pole in its original position, since this allows it to reach further underneath. I don’t have a problem bending over, but if you’re considering the Ultenic U16 specifically for the flex feature, keep in mind that it requires a little effort to keep it moving in the right direction.

I never cease to be amazed when testing a vacuum cleaner with an LED on the front of the brushroll, and the Ultenic U16 was no exception. It picks up dust on hard floors that I can’t normally see – and serves as a gentle reminder why I always wear house shoes instead of walking around in my bare feet.

The vacuum cleaner also has an anti-tangle brush roll that resists hair, so I never had to spend any time trying to pull strands out of the brush roll.

The onboard display was easy to read and understand. It shows which mode is selected (Eco, Normal, Turbo), as well as the remaining battery life. And in case I was not paying attention, when the battery got below 20%, the charging indicator light would flash green. Also, although I never experienced this, if the floor brush gets blocked or the duct gets clogged, these icons will flash red.

When attaching the crevice tool to the telescopic wand, I was able to clean up high (for example, ceiling corners), and I could also take the telescopic wand off and use the crevice tool and brush to clean other items like my air purifier filters and HVAC vents. This level of variety adds to the functionality of the Ultenic U16 Flex.

The noise level is around 87.6, which could be as loud as the sound of a lawn mower, according to Soundproof Expert.

Score: 8.5/10

Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum review: maintenance

Maintenance is a breeze. For starters, the Ultenic U16 has a 6-layer filtration system that is designed to capture 99.9% of dust, which keeps both the air and the vacuum much cleaner. I emptied the dustbin after each use, and occasionally removed the HEPA filter and lightly tapped it to remove dust. Ultenic recommends washing the filter with clean water when necessary. The roller brush can also be washed with water.

Score: 9/10

Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum review: user reviews

On Amazon, the Ultenic U16 Flex has 156 ratings and an average score of 4.6. Buyers like the suction power, ease of use, and battery life. They also like the light on the front, and how easy it is to clean the vacuum. Negative comments included the diminished battery life when in Turbo mode. One person found the vacuum difficult to use.

The Ultenic website has 25 reviews – and 24 of them are 5 stars, while 1 is 4 stars. Buyers appreciated that the vacuum was lightweight, powerful, and the battery lasted for a long time. Someone said the suction did not rival Dyson (which is what they were replacing), but found it sufficient. 

Should you buy the Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum compare?

If you have pets, the Bissell Icon Pet Turbo is $396, but it has a sturdier build, along with a more impressive tangle-free brush roll. The LED headlight and smartseal allergen system are comparable. The Bissell Icon Pet Turbo performs better on hard floors than carpet, but it’s performance on carpet is about the same as the Ultenic U16 Flex. Run time is 50 minutes on low, and the parking brake means you don’t have to prop it up against furniture or lay it on the floor.

And if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly choice, the Kenmore CVS Go ($129) also has a bendable telescopic wand – and it’s easier to maneuver when in this mode. It’s less expensive, but only has 2 speed settings, and the run time is only 40 minutes. Performance is similar to the Ultenic U16 Flex. 

How I tested the Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum

I tested the Ultenic U16 in my home for over a month, using it on hard floors, carpet, and area rugs. I used it in Eco mode, Normal, and Turbo modes and also used it as a handheld model. Using it on a regular basis gave me the opportunity to assess quality of build, ease of use, consistency, performance, and ease of cleaning. 

Read more about how we test.

When you're on the hunt for the best cordless vacuum for your home, the Dyson Outsize and V15 are two top contenders. Each has its strengths, so picking the right one depends on your cleaning style.

In this guide, I’ll break down the standout features of both models so you can see which one’s a better match for your home. I’ve also gathered some helpful tips from a cleaning expert to make your decision even simpler. Whether you're tackling pet hair or just maintaining a clean space, I've got the info you need to choose the right vacuum.

Dyson Outsize vs Dyson V15: Price

The Dyson Outsize is generally the more budget-friendly option. It's typically priced at $599.99 but right now you can find it for $399.99 at Home Depot, with a huge discount of $200 (33%). 

In contrast, the Dyson V15 is a premium model, retailing for $749.99 on the Dyson site. This higher price reflects its advanced features, including real-time particle detection and powerful suction capabilities. However, you might find better deals at other retailers, especially during sales events such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. If you’re open to it, you can also snag refurbished Dyson V15s on places like eBay for a fraction of the price.

• Verdict: The Outsize offers excellent value if you want powerful cleaning without breaking the bank. However, if you want intelligent and cool features like dust-reveal technology, you can upgrade to the V15. 

Dyson Outsize vs Dyson V15: Design and features

When comparing the Dyson Outsize to the Dyson V15, the first thing to note is the design. The Outsize is a larger, more robust vacuum, weighing 7.85 lbs, making it slightly heavier than the V15, which weighs 6.83 lbs. While the Outsize’s larger format and wider cleaner head (12.6 inches compared to the V15’s 9.8 inches) allow for more efficient cleaning of larger spaces, the V15's lighter weight makes it easier to handle for quick clean-ups or maneuvering around furniture. 

As Ken Doty, cleaning expert from The Maids points out, “The major differences between the two models are size, cleaning capacity and battery life. The Outsize model comes with a larger dust bin and cleaning head, alongside the extra battery life that can double the cleaning time compared to the V15.

“...the Outsize’s wider cleaning head allows the model to cover more ground with less repetitive passes,” which may suit you better if you find vacuuming dull!

Both vacuums are unmistakably Dyson in design, with pops of the brand’s distinctive purple and red alongside the sophisticated matte gray.

In terms of features, the Outsize boasts a 0.5-gallon bin, which is 150% larger than the V15's 0.2-gallon bin, meaning less frequent emptying during cleaning sessions. It’s equipped with the Digital Motorbar™ XL cleaner head, which features automatic detangling technology for handling long hair and pet fur. 

On the other hand, the Dyson V15 brings a high-tech edge to cleaning with its LCD screen, which displays real-time performance data, including the size and count of dust particles picked up during cleaning.  The Outsize also has an LCD screen that allows you to check your cleaning mode (Auto, Eco and Boost) but lacks the V15’s innovative technology.

Another great feature of the V15 is its piezo sensor, which automatically adjusts suction power based on the amount of dust detected, ensuring an intelligent cleaning experience. It also features a Fluffy Optic cleaner head that reveals hidden dust on hard floors, enhancing its cleaning efficiency.

While both vacuums offer up to 60 minutes of run time, the Outsize’s larger bin and wider cleaner head are particularly well-suited for extensive cleaning in larger homes, while the V15 excels in innovative technology and personalized feedback about your regular cleaning.

• Verdict:  The Dyson Outsize is ideal for large spaces with its wider cleaning head and larger bin, reducing the need for frequent passes and emptying. Meanwhile, the V15's advanced technology and real-time feedback make it better for precision cleaning and dust detection.

Dyson Outsize vs Dyson V15: Attachments and Performance

The Dyson V15 and Dyson Outsize are both powerful vacuums, but they differ in performance. You’ll get more with your V15 than you will with your Dyson Outsize.

Attachments

Both models feature advanced cleaner heads but with different technologies. The Outsize is equipped with a Digital Motorbar™ XL cleaner head that deep cleans all floor types and includes detangling technology to handle pet hair while you clean. 

The V15 uses a Digital Motorbar™ cleaner head that monitors brush bar resistance 360 times per second, automatically adjusting power to different floor types. However, it also offers a Fluffy Optic™ cleaner head, which reveals twice the amount of invisible dust on hard floors, ensuring you won’t miss any hidden dirt. Having reviewed this feature in the Dyson Gen5Detect, I can confirm it’s a game-changer for thoroughly cleaning hard floors, picking up dirt and pet hair in the tightest corners. 

The V15 also includes a wand clip handy for storing extra tools, although you can also pick these up relatively cheaply on the Dyson site. Both models include a crevice tool, combination tool and hair screw tool (for longer pet hair).

Power

In terms of motor power, the V15 is powered by the Dyson Hyperdymium™ motor, which spins at up to 125,000 RPM, generating robust suction for deep cleaning. While also powerful, the Outsize focuses on energy efficiency with its power trigger, maximizing battery life by using power only when needed. 

With 240 AW of suction power, the V15 outperforms the Outsize’s 220 AW in raw suction strength, making it highly effective for carpets and tackling embedded dirt, as Doty was quick to point out. 

Battery life

Both models offer up to 60 minutes of run time, which is excellent for whole-home cleaning. 

Ease of use

The Outsize weighs a hefty 7.85 lbs, making it heavier and more challenging to maneuver, especially during long cleaning sessions or when handling in tight spaces. The larger bin and wider cleaner head add to its overall bulk, which is ideal for large, open areas but could be a drawback for more compact homes or when cleaning overhead.

The Dyson V15 weighs almost a pound less (6.83 lbs), making it lighter and easier to maneuver compared to the Outsize. Its more compact design suits quick clean-ups and navigating tighter areas or furniture. The lighter weight also means less strain when carrying the vacuum upstairs or using it for extended periods. 

Cleaning modes

Both the Dyson Outsize and V15 offer the same three cleaning modes:

• Eco: Longest combination of run time and suction power. 
• Auto: The most balanced suction mix of run time and power. 
• Boost: Strongest suction with the shortest run time.

• Verdict: The Dyson V15 offers more powerful suction and better features for detecting hidden dust, making it ideal for thorough cleaning. It's also the better choice if weight and ease of movement are priorities. The Outsize excels in efficiency and larger coverage but falls slightly behind in raw performance.

Dyson Outsize vs Dyson V15: which is best?

The Dyson Outsize and Dyson V15 both offer powerful performance but cater to different needs. With its larger bin and wider cleaner head, the Outsize is ideal for larger homes, allowing for more efficient cleaning with fewer interruptions. However, the Outsize is heavier at 7.85 lbs, making it less portable for multi-level homes. 

On the other hand, the Dyson V15 excels in advanced technology, offering real-time dust detection and more substantial suction power. It’s also lighter and easier to handle, perfect for detailed cleaning in smaller spaces or tech-savvy users. 

“It will always depend on individual cleaning needs,” says Doty. ”For most households, you'll find the V15 might be the better choice due to slightly higher suction power and price point, but the Outsize would be my pick for larger households.” 

• Verdict: If you're looking for a cordless Dyson vac that offers great value for money, the Outsize is your best pick. However, the V15 goes much further with innovative tech and smart sensors. Plus, it's lightweight and easy to maneuver.  While you’ll need to fork out a few hundred dollars more, the V15 offers extra features and technology you’ll enjoy using every day.

When finding the best cordless vacuum for your home, the Dyson V8 and V11 are often top the list. Each has unique features and strengths, making it popular for different cleaning needs. In this article, I'll compare these two powerful vacuums to help you determine which one might best fit your lifestyle and cleaning tasks.

I also spoke with a cleaning expert who shared his thoughts on both models. So, whether you're dealing with pet hair, tackling stubborn dirt, or simply keeping your home tidy, I've got all the info you need to help you choose the right vacuum for your home. 

Dyson V8 vs Dyson V11: What are the key differences?

The Dyson V8 and Dyson V11 are great vacuums, but they have some key differences that can help you decide which best suits your needs. The V8 is a bit lighter, coming in at 5.58 lbs, while the V11 weighs 6.61 lbs. While this difference isn’t huge, the V8 is easier to handle for longer cleaning sessions, especially if you're doing a lot of lifting.

When it comes to run time, the V8 gives you up to 40 minutes on a full charge, which is decent for regular cleaning. But the V11 extends that to 60 minutes, making it better for larger homes or more demanding tasks. Plus, it charges faster, taking 4.5 hours than the V8's 5 hours.

In terms of power, the V8 delivers 115W of suction in powerful mode, but the V11 steps it up with 185W, making a noticeable difference in cleaning performance.

The bin capacity is another point where the V11 offers more, with 0.2 gallons compared to the V8’s 0.14 gallons, meaning fewer stops to empty it.

I spoke to Ross Pascale, director at Neeet House Cleaning in Melbourne, Australia, who has tried both Dysons at home. "If you want a powerful option, the V11 is the better choice, says Ross. "However, the V8 remains a great option for those not looking to spend as much or prioritize a lighter weight."

• Verdict: Overall, while the V8 is lighter and perfectly capable, the V11 offers more power, longer run time, and greater capacity for those needing more from their vacuum.

Dyson V8 vs Dyson V11: Price

The Dyson V8 is generally the more affordable, usually priced between $300–$400. Right now, it’s listed for $349.99 on the Dyson website, but you might find better deals at other retailers, especially during sales events such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. If you’re open to it, you can also snag refurbished Dyson V8s on places like eBay for a fraction of the price.

On the other hand, the Dyson V11 is a higher-end model that typically costs between $600 and $700, depending on the version. The standard V11 is priced at $569.99 on Dyson’s site.

• Verdict: The V8 is the more budget-friendly choice, while the V11 is more expensive due to its extra features and advanced technology.

Dyson V8 vs Dyson V11: Design and features

Starting with the design, the Dyson V8 is lightweight and compact, weighing 5.58 lbs, making it easier to maneuver, especially for quick, everyday cleaning. Its smaller size and lighter weight make it a great choice for those who want a versatile vacuum without bulk. The V11, the other hand, is slightly heavier at 6.61 lbs but still maintains Dyson's ergonomic design. The extra weight is due to the more powerful motor and larger battery, which supports its extended run time and added features.

In terms of features, the V8 is equipped with a Motorbar™ cleaner head, a crevice tool, a combination tool, and a hair screw tool, providing solid cleaning options across different surfaces. It offers 40 minutes of run time in powerful mode, sufficient for small to medium spaces. It also has 15 cyclones that work together to capture fine dust, and its 0.14-gallon bin is easy to empty with a simple ‘point and shoot’ mechanism.

"The V8 is a solid vacuum," says Pascale. "It's got good suction, lighter and more maneuverable. If you're on a budget or don't need all the bells and whistles, the V8 is a great option."

However, the Dyson V11 ups the ante with several advanced features. It also includes the Motorbar™ cleaner head, but this time, it features detangling technology to make light work of pet hair. It also includes a couple of extra attachments not available with the V8, such as a handy mini motorized tool for cleaning upholstery and stairs and a hair screw tool specifically for tackling pet hair without the fuss of tangles.

However, the V11's unique feature is an LCD screen that provides real-time performance data, including battery life and power mode updates. 

The V11 also features Radial Root Cyclone™ technology with 14 cyclones, ensuring powerful, fade-free suction. It offers up to 60 minutes of run time, making it better suited for larger homes or deep cleaning sessions. The click-in battery system allows you to swap batteries easily. The V11's 0.2-gallon bin is also larger, reducing the need for frequent emptying.

"The V11 is a beast", says Pascale. "It's got more power, a bigger dustbin, and many cool features. But it's also pricier. If you're looking for the ultimate cleaning machine and can afford it, the V11 is a great choice."

• Verdict: The Dyson V11 offers more powerful suction, extended run time, and intelligent features, while the V8 remains a solid, more affordable option for lighter cleaning tasks. 

Dyson V8 vs Dyson V11: Performance

The Dyson V8 and Dyson V11 perform well on hard floors and carpets, but they have some important differences in how they tackle various cleaning challenges.

The Dyson V8 handles hard floors and low- to medium-pile carpets well. It has decent suction for picking up dust, debris, and light pet hair, thanks to its Motorbar™ cleaner head. However, if you're dealing with thicker carpets or embedded pet hair, the V8 might struggle a bit. Its 115 W suction power can fall short for deep cleaning, especially in those challenging spots.

On the flip side, the Dyson V11 shines in this area. The powerful Dyson Hyperdymium™ motor boasts 185 W of suction power, making it a powerhouse for hard floors and high-pile carpets. One of its standout features is its ability to adjust suction levels based on the surface when cleaning automatically. So, when you switch from hard floors to carpets, the V11 ramps up its power for optimized cleaning. This makes it perfect for deep cleaning, effortlessly lifting ground-in dirt, dust, and pet hair that might give the V8 a run for its money. Plus, the anti-static carbon fiber filaments on the V11 are excellent for hard floors, ensuring fine dust doesn’t stand a chance.

If you have pets, the V11 has another major perk: its De-tangling Motorbar™ cleaner head. With built-in polycarbonate vanes that automatically lift hair from the brush bar, you won’t have to worry about tangles, making your cleaning routine smoother and easier.

"I own pets, and both vacuums are excellent for pet hair removal, thanks to their powerful suction and specialized attachments," says Pascale. "However, the V11 boasts a more powerful motor for deeper cleaning, and this, plus the automatic suction adjustment, offers an advantage on carpets."

• Verdict: While the Dyson V8 is great for general cleaning tasks, the Dyson V11 takes things up a notch, especially regarding deep cleaning and dealing with pet hair. Its smart suction adjustment and superior de-tangling tech make it the better choice for homes with pets or thicker carpets.

Dyson V8 vs Dyson V11: Cleaning modes

While the V8 has two solid cleaning modes, the Dyson V11 is more versatile. It allows you to switch easily between three power modes.

Eco mode provides up to 60 minutes of run time on hard floors or when using a non-motorized tool in handheld mode, making it ideal for longer cleaning sessions on all floor types. Medium mode strikes the perfect balance of power and run time for various cleaning needs. Finally, Boost mode delivers powerful suction for more intensive spot cleaning, ensuring you have the right power for every task.

• Verdict: If versatility and adaptability are important, the V11's increased range of modes makes it the better choice over the V8.

Dyson V8 vs Dyson V11: which is best?

The Dyson V8 and V11 vacuums are great choices but cater to different needs. The V8, weighing 5.58 lbs, is a lighter, more budget-friendly option, ideal for those who prioritize ease of handling during everyday cleaning tasks. It offers up to 40 minutes of run time and adequate suction power, making it suitable for small to medium spaces. However, it may struggle with deep cleaning on thicker carpets or tackling large amounts of pet hair.

On the other hand, the Dyson V11 is a powerhouse, weighing 6.61 lbs and boasting an impressive 60 minutes of run time. Its 185W suction power, combined with intelligent features like automatic suction adjustment, makes it exceptional for hard floors and carpets, especially in homes with pets. The larger bin capacity of 0.2 gallons means fewer interruptions when emptying it.

• Verdict: Ultimately, if you want a lightweight vacuum that gets the job done without breaking the bank, the V8 is a great option. However, if you're looking for a more powerful, feature-rich vacuum for thorough cleaning, the V11 is worth the investment.

When I tested the Eureka Omniverse Multi-Function Upright Vacuum, what impressed me most was its powerful performance. What impressed almost as much though, is the price. We all deserve clean floors after all, but a lot of options out there, notably some of the best cordless vacuums, are just too pricey for most people.

Luckily, price and performance are not mutually exclusive with all of the best vacuum cleaners as the Eureka Omniverse proves. Of course, there are some compromises as it does feel a little more cheaply made, particularly when removing or replacing the dustbin or trying to do the same with the motor portion of the vacuum to use as a handheld. And since it has the floorhead on a swivel, which is great for changing directions, it seems to not always want to go in a straight line when pushed. That’s not to mention the fact that you’re not going to get the edges of your room without using one of the attachment tools.

But all those cons are vastly outweighed by its powerful suction with both large debris and find dust as well as its ability to flexibility for vacuuming applications thanks to the included attachments. And of course, the low price tag makes it worth it as well.

The Eureka Omniverse is an easy vacuum to recommend, especially if you’re on a budget, and need something powerful. Sure, you won’t get app support or the ability to cut the cord. But, it’s powerful and cheap. What more do you need?

Eureka Omniverse Multi-Function Vacuum: Price & availability

While the Eureka Omniverse is fairly affordable no matter where you get it, its price fluctuates just a little. For instance, you would pay the slightly lower price of $206.99 if you go directly through the company’s online shop. If you’re going through other retailers, you’ll be looking at a slightly higher price of $229.99. 

That said, both Amazon and Walmart are pretty trigger happy with their discounts, so you can certainly score a discount through one or the other. At the time of writing, for instance, Walmart had this vacuum down to $199.99.

Eureka Omniverse Multi-Function Vacuum: Setup

When first unboxing the Eureka Omniverse, I was expecting it to almost be one unit that you pull out of the box. While that isn’t the case, it comes in four parts that snap together fairly easily, except for the handle that needs to be secured via two screws. So, going from boxed to ready-to-use is a rather quick experience. Of course, I didn’t have a screwdriver handy as I wasn’t expecting to need one, so that created some minor inconvenience.

The rest of the extras that come in the box are all attachment tools, whether it be a crevice tool, upholstery tool, pet & stair tool, and hose. Like all vacuums, for some reason, there’s only two places to store attachment tools on the vacuum itself, specifically the crevice and upholstery tools, so you need to have a good place to store the other two attachments so you don’t lose them.

As far as my first impression of the Eureka Omniverse once it was all put together is that of a fairly durable if slightly cheaper looking version of something like the Shark Powerdetect Upright Vacuum, which also costs $499. Being able to get close to that quality for a much lower price is pretty impressive.

Eureka Omniverse Multi-Function Vacuum: Design

The Eureka Omniverse looks as you would expect an upright vacuum to look, from the general form factor to the black and purple colorway. Where it differs a little from most vacuums (and is why “Multi-Function” is in its official title) is that it is somewhat modular.

One of the things that cordless vacuums can do that most upright models can’t is transform into a handheld for use on upholstery, windowsills, etc. Well, the Eureka Omniverse can do that as you can pull out the section with the motor and dustbin – what Eureka calls the vacuum canister assembly – and put one of the attachment tools on the bottom.

While that’s pretty cool and fairly useful, it can be a pain to pull out that vacuum canister assembly as the cord can get in the way, especially if you have it slotted in the cord hook near the handle. And it’s a pain to put back in as it might not clasp right away.

The dustbin, which is located in this part of the vacuum, also takes a little finagling to get in and out though opening to empty is easy. Because of those two issues, I feel like the build quality is not as good as it could be. I also think that it might be the compromise one makes when spending $200 on a powerful vacuum.

The controls on the Eureka Omniverse are simple enough as there are just two – a power button and mode button. The power button does what you think it would while the mode button switches between carpet and hard flooring modes. While I didn’t miss it, some people might wish for a button to stop the brushroll to use on more sensitive surfaces.

If you’re worried about being tethered, since this is a more traditional upright vacuum (not taking the whole transform-into-handheld thing into account), Eureka included a very long 30-foot power cord so there’s plenty of lead available.

As far as the floorhead goes, it has a wide enough brushroll to pick up a decent amount of debris per pass, has lighting peeking out the front to highlight any dirt and dust you might not be seeing, and uses an anti-tangle brush roll that truly doesn’t seem to have issues with tangling. My only real issue is the sides protecting the brushroll are a little thick so you can’t get the edges of a room (it’s about half an inch or so) and requires a pass with one of the attachment tools.

All the attachment tools that are included – there’s a 2-in-1 dusting brush and upholstery tool, crevice tool, motorized pet and stair tool, and hose – are fairly useful, though I gravitated towards the 2-in-1 dusting brush and upholstery tool. I chose it over the included crevice tool because I felt its bristles allowed for a closer suction when getting to edges, corners, and windowsills. I found the motorized pet and stair tool, which resembles a smaller version of the floorhead to be perfect for getting to stairs as it wouldn’t hang over the edge while still getting most of each step. And the hose is useful in turning the Eureka Omniverse basically into a canister vacuum so you don’t have to hold it while using one of the above tools. That said, the hose is a bit on the shorter side.

Eureka Omniverse Multi-Function Vacuum: Key specs

Eureka Omniverse Multi-Function Vacuum: Performance

What stands out to me with the Eureka Omniverse is its pure power. Yes, it has a few tricks up its sleeve, but it also suffers from some build issues. That’s all forgiven however just on how much this thing can suck up debris of all sorts.

To test the Eureka Omniverse (and take care of something I had to do anyway), I vacuumed a whole house that had just gone through renovation. That meant that there was a layer of dust basically covering the entirety of this house’s flooring. There were also piles of debris as well as large, industrial size staples left over from where there used to be carpet.

I was actually initially concerned that I might be pushing the Eureka Omniverse a bit too hard (again, I was vacuuming up large staples), yet it picked everything up with ease. The staples came in with ease. I could see with just a pass all the fine dust that came up. And any piles of dust and small debris were taken care of in short order. I even did the usual sugar and cereal test later just to see how well the Eureka Omniverse performed in more normal situations, and all I can say is that it took one pass for everything to get sucked right up.

I also tested with some carpeting as well as an area rug. Again, any dust and debris that was there ended up in the vacuum.

While switching modes helps with cleaning on the correct surface, all I noticed when pressing the button is a little extra power being used when on hard flooring mode – it also got a tiny bit louder compared to the carpet mode at 77 dB. I will mention that the Eureka Omniverse always turns on with carpet mode in default. Not necessarily a negative, but a little annoying.

As I mentioned before, though, the floorhead’s width and the brushroll’s width are not quite the same. That means that edges and corners end up unattended if you don’t take advantage of the attachments. That’s a bit frustrating as I’ve tested vacuums such as the aforementioned Shark that get much closer to the edges.

Luckily, the attachment tools fill in the gap. I was able to get all the edges and corners using either the dusting brush and upholstery tool or the crevice tool. I even used them to remove dust (and dead insects) from more than a few window sills.

Since this vacuum is a bit more robust than most cordless vacuums, using the Eureka Omniverse as a handheld is a little more cumbersome since it’s larger and heavier (you’ll probably want to use the hose and hold the vacuum in one hand and the attachment tool in the other). I still appreciate the ability to do so, especially since if you were to do all the same work with a cordless vacuum, it might not be able to keep up with the more heavy duty part of the performance like sucking up staples and piles of debris. 

Lastly, I want to discuss the maneuverability of this vacuum. The way the floorhead can swivel is a nice feature that allows easy direction switching during vacuuming, but lacks enough stability that it requires a little effort to keep it moving in a straight line. I often found it to veer off to the side if I tried to push it too hard. On the bright side, there’s a lot of tilt available here so that it can lay nearly flat to get under furniture.

Eureka Omniverse Multi-Function Vacuum: user reviews

Looking at user reviews on the Eureka site might not be too illuminating, if only because there are just seven of them, but there’s a common refrain – it’s easy to use, powerful (particularly for use with pet hair), can get under furniture, and can swivel. And it currently sits at a 4.9 out of 5 on the site.

Since it’s a relatively new product, the 23 reviews on Amazon at the time of writing doesn’t really expand our sample size all that much. The reviews are at least consistent with ones on the site regarding its power and ease of use. Some users did find the Eureka Omniverse tough to maneuver.

Would I buy the Eureka Omniverse Multi-Function Vacuum?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the Eureka Omniverse Multi-Function Vacuum compare?

The Shark Powerdetect Upright Vacuum retails for $499 (if you get the version with the attachment tools) which offers better maneuverability and the ability to get to edges without reaching for the attachment tools. Plus, it comes with its odor neutralizer tech to leave floors smelling clean. Whether that’s worth an extra $300 is up to you, considering that in terms of pure power, both vacuums are on even footing.

There are other options at the Eureka Omniverse’s price point. Take the Levoit VortexIQ 40, for instance, with its $199.99 price tag. It’s well designed and has multiple cleaning modes. It’s not going to bring the power quite like the Eureka Omniverse being cordless, but it does have the distinct advantage of allowing you to be untethered.

How I tested the Eureka Omniverse Multi-Function Vacuum

To test the Eureka Omniverse Multi-Function Vacuum, I used it on hard flooring including hardwood, tile, and vinyl as well as on carpet and an area rug. I tested the various features, including the various cleaning modes and attachment tools. Though I used it for just a few days, I put this vacuum through the ringer including almost six hours of straight use.

Read more about how we test.

You might be torn between traditional mopping and modern wet vacuuming when keeping your hard floors clean. Both methods have their merits, but which is right for your home?

Over the last couple of years, I've tested over a dozen wet/dry vacuums from top brands in my home. I’ve found that the best wet/dry vacuums have come a long way. From self-emptying and self-cleaning robot vacuums that mop and vacuum your floor without you lifting a finger to vacuums that can even tackle your upholstery and valet your car, it’s clear to me that if you want a new appliance that has multiple uses around the home, a wet/dry vacuum is a no-brainer.

Having said all that, not all of us want an all-singing, all-dancing appliance. We just want to clean our floors as quickly and as efficiently as possible. And not everyone has the budget for premium features like self-cleaning and self-drying. With that in mind, I’ll take you through the key differences between wet/dry vacuums and mops in terms of their uses, design, features, and capabilities so you’ll have a better idea of whether you need a mop or a wet/dry vacuum to meet your household’s needs. I’ve also spoken to some cleaning industry pros for their expert insight.

Mopping vs wet vacuuming: price & value

• Steam mops are cheaper than wet/dry vacuums, which can be expensive but offer long-term value.
• Increased productivity makes wet/dry vacuums worthwhile, despite their higher initial price.

When comparing costs, even the best steam mops are much cheaper than wet/dry vacuums. Basic models can be found for just a few dollars. Wet/dry vacuums, however, can be expensive, ranging from moderately priced models to advanced ones costing thousands.

Although the initial investment in a wet/dry vacuum is higher, the long-term value it provides is essential to consider. Using a wet/dry vacuum can save you money over time by replacing several other cleaning tools. For more insight, I spoke with Delah Gomasi, the CEO and managing director of MaidForYou.

Gomasi says even the cheapest wet/dry vacuum will outperform the cheapest mop in terms of cost per use. A mop head needs to be replaced after about ten uses, whereas a wet/dry vacuum can last up to five years with regular use.

Riley also says, "While a vacuum mop can be ten times more expensive than a traditional mop and bucket, the increased productivity justifies it."

Mopping vs wet vacuuming: Features & functions

• Mops are versatile for various surfaces, ideal for occasional spills.
• Wet/dry vacuums offer more features for diverse messes but require more storage space.

Mopping involves manually wiping floors with a wet mop, while wet vacuuming uses suction power to remove wet and dry debris.

As a cleaning expert and co-owner of Impact Cleaning Professionals, Taylor Riley says, "My first tip for any household is to have a mop and bucket." Riley explains that a mop and bucket can provide a thorough cleaning if you don't have a wet/dry vacuum. However, a vacuum mop can improve efficiency and provide a better clean. For spot cleaning, grab a vacuum mop instead of a mop bucket.

Wet/dry vacuums are great for general household spills and cleaning because they combine wet and dry cleaning into one job, leaving the floor super clean. Riley says, however, that they're hard to use for cleaning corners and scrubber stubborn, set-in debris, so a mop is better.

Those messes, like pet accidents or foul-smelling spills, can be easily cleaned with mop heads. They're easy to clean, usually just a handle and an absorbent head. Mops are versatile and can be used on a lot of surfaces, including floors, walls, and even ceilings. Some mops come with interchangeable heads.

Some wet/dry vacuums have self-emptying and self-cleaning capabilities, while others come with attachments for cleaning upholstery, washing carpets, and even unblocking drains.

A mop and bucket are compact and can be stored almost anywhere, but a wet/dry vacuum is usually much larger.

If you have little storage space and need to clean floors occasionally due to spills or messes, you could use a mop. However, if you have enough storage space and need more versatility for handling different messes and surfaces, you might get a wet/dry vacuum.

Mopping vs wet vacuuming: Performance

• Mopping is labor-intensive, requiring pre-cleaning and ongoing maintenance.
• Wet/dry vacuums combine vacuuming and mopping, saving time and effort.

The differences in the effort required for mopping versus using a wet/dry vacuum are quite noticeable. Mopping is generally light and easy to maneuver but it still requires some physical effort. You'll need to vacuum or sweep the floor before mopping, particularly if you have really dirty floors. The mopping process is labor-intensive. Rinsing the mop head and dumping the dirty water after mopping add extra steps to the cleaning process.

Cleaning can be much easier with a wet/dry vacuum. These vacuums combine the functions of vacuuming and mopping into one step, so there's no need for separate dry cleaning before cleaning wet messes. This saves a lot of time and energy, especially when cleaning large areas.

“I use a wet/dry vacuum every day to quickly clean heavily trafficked areas,” Riley says. “Especially around the dinner table where our toddlers spill food and liquids often. To make sure all the edges, corners, and stubborn parts are spotless, we clean with a traditional mop every two weeks or so."

Advanced wet/dry vacuums offer even more convenience. Robot vacuums like the Eufy X10 Pro Omni can clean your floors, return to their docking stations, empty themselves of dirt and water, and even wash and dry their mop itself. For those with busy lifestyles or limited mobility, this hands-off approach can be a game-changer. Set up cleaning schedules, designate no-go zones, and designate areas for deep cleaning.

Petya Holevich, a cleaning expert and supervisor for Fantastic Services, explained the benefits of wet/dry vacuums in terms of physical effort and ease of use.

Holevich says the mop works slower and takes more effort to use. "You have to exert a lot of force to wipe a surface, often using both hands. It's even harder because you have to dip and wring out the mop constantly."

A wet/dry vacuum is much faster and easier to clean. A wet/dry vacuum model can cover a large area three to four times faster. It also makes sense to own a vacuum cleaner that can handle various floors, from hardwood to laminate to carpet.

Some canister models with large water tanks can be heavy and difficult to maneuver, which may pose difficulties for some users.

Mopping and buckets are compact and easy to store, but wet/dry vacuums with multiple attachments require more space.

While mops are usually easy to handle, they can't pick up dirt and debris, so you'll need to vacuum before using one. Mopping is a lot of work, especially on dirty floors. Additionally, you have to wash the mop head and throw away the dirty water.

With a good wet/dry vacuum, you don't have to worry about that much. The Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum can clean up any mess and then empty the dirty water and debris into its self-emptying station while cleaning and drying its mops, too. Some wet/dry vacuums, especially canister models with large water tanks, may require some upper body strength to move around.

In Sydney, Australia, MaidForYou's Managing Director & CEO Delah Gomasi says wet/dry vacuums are more versatile, while traditional mops are simpler. Wet mops, however, require less maintenance and tend to be easier for consumers to use. You have to empty the dust bag, change the HEPA filter if it gets overused, and do regular maintenance if you want it to work properly."

If you're busy and want to minimize cleaning time, consider a robot wet/dry vacuum. You can set cleaning schedules, define no-go zones, select areas for deep cleaning, and schedule evening cleaning sessions.

Mopping vs wet vacuuming: Maintenance

• Mopping is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than wet vacuuming since it relies on manual labor and no electricity.
• While wet/dry vacuums can conserve water, they typically use more energy.

Mopping is more energy efficient and has a lower environmental impact than wet vacuuming. A standard mop is more energy efficient than a shop vacuum or wet/dry vacuum because it doesn't need electricity. Wet/dry vacuums may be cordless and battery-operated, but they are not as energy-efficient as traditional wet mopping.

Mopping is more energy-efficient because it relies solely on manual labor. While you'll need electricity to use a wet/dry vacuum, many models are designed to save energy. When you're picking a vacuum, look for models with energy-saving features or an Energy Star label. Robot wet/dry vacuums can also be programmed to clean during off-peak hours, potentially reducing energy costs.

In the U.S., mops usually use a lot of water, with bucket sizes ranging from 2 to 5 gallons. However, many wet/dry vacuums can achieve similar results with much less water, often just a quarter of a gallon. This is crucial if you're trying to conserve water.

In the UK, Factory Direct Flooring's managing director Paul Hambidge says, "The environmental impact of using a wet/dry vacuum varies from model to model." He recommends reading the product descriptions for eco-friendly technology and green credentials. In general, wet/dry vacuums use more energy than mop and bucket because they need power and water.

The good news is that wet/dry vacuums use much less water than traditional mops and buckets. They need only a quarter of a gallon to achieve the same level of cleanliness as buckets, so if water conservation is important to you, a wet/dry vacuum might be a better choice.

Mopping vs wet vacuuming: which is better?

Both mopping and wet vacuuming are helpful in home cleaning. Mops offer simplicity, affordability, and versatility for various cleaning tasks around the home. They're great for quick clean-ups and don't require much storage space.

Wet/dry vacuums, on the other hand, have evolved into powerful, multi-functional tools capable of efficiently tackling tough spills and stains. They offer convenience and efficiency, especially for homes with pets, children, or frequent spills.

Your choice ultimately depends on your needs, budget, and available storage space. A mop is sufficient if you're looking for a simple, cost-effective solution for occasional cleaning. However, if you want a versatile cleaning tool that can handle various surfaces and messes, a wet/dry vacuum could be a worthwhile investment that significantly reduces the physical labor of keeping your floors clean.

Mopping vs wet vacuuming: FAQs

Is a mop or wet dry vacuum better for edge-to-edge cleaning? 

While many wet/dry vacuums can get super close to the edges of floors, with some leaving only a few millimeters of uncleaned floor, mops can generally do a better job on edge-to-edge cleaning. But there’s no reason why you can’t quickly run a mop around the edges of your floors before or after your wet/dry vac to get 100% surface cleanliness and peace of mind.

Which is more hygienic - mopping or wet/dry vacuuming? 

A wet/dry vacuum is generally more hygienic than a mop and bucket. It uses only clean water to wash your floors, while dirty water is siphoned into a separate tank. On the other hand, a mop requires you to use the same water repeatedly, running the risk of spreading dirt and germs across your floor.

"Mops don’t remove dirt from the surfaces you’re cleaning but rather distribute it around," says Holevich. "There has even been research that showed that regular mops can leave between 30 to 60% of dirt behind after you’ve finished cleaning. Also, the mop and bucket you have to dip the cleaning tool in become dirty as soon as you start cleaning and continue to grow increasingly dirtier. This usually happens regardless of how many buckets you use. On the other hand, a wet-dry vacuum can eliminate almost 99% of dirt and leave the surfaces you’re cleaning uncontaminated."

I recently had the opportunity to test the Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum Cleaner. It’s one of the company’s newest upright models. I was curious about the POWERDETECT technology, which adjusts modes when it detects embedded dirt, senses edge and corners, detects a change in floor type, and senses the vacuum’s direction has changed.

Shark is a global product design and technology company with headquarters in Needham, Massachusetts. It produces upright, cordless, corded stick, robot, handheld, and wet/dry vacuums. It also makes floor and carpet cleaners, air purifiers, and fans.

I tested the Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum for one month at home. I used it to vacuum daily debris such as dust and hair, and I challenged it with crushed potato crisps to see how well (or not) this vacuum removed them from my floors. I worked through the four settings and recorded the noise levels to measure against the specifications.

Keep reading to see how it compares with our round-up of the best vacuum cleaners.

Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum: Key specs

Shark DETECTPRO Upright Vacuum: Price & availability

The Shark POWERDETECT retails for $499 at Amazon, and it’s $399 on the Shark website – which also includes an under-appliance wand as a gift.

Shark makes several upright vacuum cleaners with lift-away pods. The POWERDETECT is one of the higher-end models. Shark also offers a POWERDETECT Model that’s $100 more. It includes a free steam mop, an appliance wand, and three odor-replacement cartridges.

Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum: Setup

The Shark POWERDETECT arrived in a Shark-branded box. It was well-packed, and the molded cardboard inside cushioned all the parts and kept them securely in place.

The box’s contents include the motorized floor nozzle, wand, pod and hose, odor neutralizer dial, crevice tool, pet multi-tool, and manual.

Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum: Design

Shark is known for its smart vacuum designs, and this one continues the tradition. It cleverly packs a lot of features into not a lot of space. I’m a big fan of cordless stick vacuums because they are convenient and easier to manipulate. Admittedly, they don’t perform as well as corded models, but that’s usually a trade-off I’m willing to make.

However, the Shark POWERDETECT is impressive enough that I continued reaching for it after the testing phase.

Assembly was quick and easy: I inserted the wand into the nozzle until it clicked, placed the pod onto the wand, slid it down, inserted the hand into the wand, and connected the hose to the back of the pod.

There’s an odor-neutralizer chamber on the top of the nozzle. After removing the odor-neutralizer cartridge from its bag, I inserted it into the nozzle. There’s a dial that allows it to be set for a low or high-intensity level. I chose low because I thought the higher setting would be too strong. A cartridge can last for 6 months and costs roughly $7, so it’s not expensive to replace.

In addition to the odor neutralizer, the vacuum has an anti-allergen complete seal and HEPA filter. Together, they trap dust and allergens and keep them out of the air.

Shark refers to a two-brush roll system as their "DuoClean." This system consists of a soft brush roll in the front and a regular brush roll in the back.

The colorful display on the front of the handle includes three settings: hard floor, carpet/low pile, and thick carpet/area rug. There’s also a Detect Mode setting, which, when activated, automatically adjusts depending on the floor type, when it senses edges and corners, and when the vacuum changes direction.

Also, the two attachments can be housed on the back of the vacuum cleaner, so I don’t have to worry about losing them.

Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum: Performance

The Shark POWERDETECT shines in performance. The strong suction and the dual brush rolls made it easy to dig into and pick up dust and debris on carpets and rugs. And the vacuum works even better on hard floors since the dual brush system includes a regular brush roller and a soft brush roller that not only attracts particles but also polishes hard floors. One of my tests was to crush some Pringles potato crisps and put them on the floor. The Shark POWERDETECT easily picked up the chips.

Another feature that I liked is the self-cleaning brush roll system's anti-tangle system, which keeps hair (or, in my case, strands from my rugs) from getting wrapped around the brush rolls.

However, my favorite function is the 4-part detection system.

Floor Detect recognizes the floor type and adjusts both suction and brush roll speeds. This is quite a valuable feature for someone like me who is not always paying attention to when I need to switch modes.

Edge Detects boosts suction power when I get close to the baseboard – based on the theory that the edges and corners tend to have more hidden dirt. Dirt Detect boosts suction power whenever dirt is detected anywhere.

Direction Detection senses when I’m pushing the vacuum forward or pulling it backward, automatically choosing the front brush roll when I’m going forward or the back brush roll when the vacuum is in reverse.

In Detect Mode, remember that if you’re vacuuming multiple surfaces, pushing the vacuum forward and backward, and up against the edge, you’ll constantly hear the vacuum cleaner shifting modes, so the noise level will increase and decrease. The noise level is 66.6dDs (comparable to a dishwasher), and on high, it’s 74.3 (comparable to traffic or a typical vacuum).

The LED headlights on the front allow me to see hidden dust. The importance of this feature is glaringly obvious when I’m vacuuming in the corners on hard floors. The swivel steering is also impressive and makes it easy to maneuver around objects. The vacuum cleaner weighs 17 pounds, and it’s not lost on me that this level of maneuverability is quite impressive for such a heavy item. It doesn’t feel like the vacuum is heavy when using it. However, I might have a different opinion if I had to lug it up and down the stairs.

The Powered Lift-Away feature lets me detach the pod and use it like a cordless stick vacuum to slide under furniture for a more thorough clean. Also, by disconnecting the hose at the bottom, I was able to use the pet multi-tool to vacuum a shag throw pillow and the crevice tool to clean around my beverage fridge. The only drawback I found during the testing process was the short pod hose, which does not provide much flexibility when trying to reach far-away items.

Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum: Maintenance

Cleaning the Shark POWERDETECT is relatively easy. I pressed the release button on the top to empty the dust cup. The dust cup itself has a release button on the bottom. While this wasn’t a difficult process, it doesn’t compare to other vacuums that let you release the dust and debris by pressing a button on the top. I always wear plastic gloves when emptying vacuum cleaners, but I would have preferred a top-releasing button (like the Dyson Ball Vacuums) to keep my hands out of that area.

The vacuum also has a pre-motor filter, which should be removed monthly, rinsed under cold water, and allowed to dry for 24 hours. The HEPA filter should be cleaned annually. The brush roll is self-cleaning, but you may want to occasionally rinse it under water and let it dry for 24 hours.

The Detection sensors will turn red if they’re clogged with debris. Wipe the DirtDetect sensors, the EdgeDetect sensors, and the FloorDetect sensors with a microfiber cloth and a cotton swab.

Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum: User reviews

The Shark POWERDETECT is a new release. At the time of publication, it had only 19 ratings on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.8. Buyers called the vacuum cleaner awesome and fantastic and were impressed with the suction and touch control panel. There are no negative reviews.

The Shark website has four reviews and a 4.9 average review. Buyers called it the best vacuum ever and were impressed with the suction power, attachments, and odor control cartridge.

Would I buy the Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum compare?

The Dyson Animal Ball 3 ($399) is a comparable upright vacuum with very strong suction, detangling cleaner head, and four cleaning modes (although the vacuum doesn’t automatically select them. However, it has a high-reach wand that can be used to attach to the hose to reach up high (top of cabinets, ceiling vents, etc.), and you can place the vacuum at the bottom of the stairs and cover several steps. The Dyson Animal Ball 3 also has a dust release handle at the top, so your hands don’t come in contact.

If you’re open to a cordless stick vacuum, the Bissell IconPet Turbo Cordless Stick Vacuum has a tangle-free brush roll and variable suction mode. It also has an LED headlight and is slim enough to fit under furniture. Since it’s cordless, you don’t have to worry about tripping over cords or trying to find a wall outlet. However, while performance is excellent on hard floors, it’s not as impressive on carpet.

How I tested the Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum

I tested the Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum in my home for for over a month, using it on both hard floors and carpet, and also testing the attachments. Using it on a regular basis gave me the opportunity to assess the quality of the build, ease of use, performance, and ease of cleaning.

Read more about how we test.

I recently had the opportunity to test the Kenmore CVS Go Cordless Stick Vacuum. I was excited to test the vacuum because it has a flexible EasyReach Wand, which curves at the joint, eliminating the need to bend over to vacuum under furniture. It also has other features, including an LED battery indicator, combination tool, and two speed settings. The best bit? It retails for under $130.

Kenmore is an American company that’s over 100 years old. In 1913, Kenmore introduced a sewing machine, followed by a washing machine in 1927, and a line of vacuum cleaners in 1932. Today, Kenmore also sells a variety of small and large kitchen appliances, grills, and also air and water treatment products. 

I tried out the Kenmore CVS Go in my home for over a month to see how it compares to those listed in our best vacuum cleaner guide, and how it stacks up against other vacuums for under $200. Keep reading to hear how I got on. 

Kenmore CVS Go: Price & availability

The Kenmore CVS Go retails for $129 at Amazon, and is currently on sale for $119. Kenmore’s brands are not available in the Kenmore website.

In addition to the burnt orange and white model that I test, Kenmore has an identical gold and grey model that retails for $149, and a blue and white model for $129 that does not have the Easy Reach wand.

Kenmore CVS Go: First impressions

The Kenmore CVS Go arrived in good shape in a Kenmore branded box. Inside, the molded cardboard provided custom slots to hold the various vacuum parts and accessories.

The contents of the box include the main body/hand vacuum, EasyReach wand, motorized nozzle, combination tool, charging adapter, wall mountable bracket and screws, and manual.

Kenmore CVS Go: Design

First of all, I was pleasantly surprised that the orange-colored vacuum that I received was really closer to a burnt orange color. On the website, it definitely looks orangey, but you can tell from my testing photos that the color is deeper. The vacuum cleaner weighs 6lbs, which makes it quite easy to operate and maneuver. 

It was easy to put the vacuum together, and I was able to do so without looking at the manual, the then start the charging process. Kenmore recommends charging the vacuum for four hours before the first use.

The Kenmore CVS Go is not self-standing, so I let it lay on the floor to charge. My preference is self-standing vacuums because I find them easier to store. I don’t like the idea of having to drill holes into a wall to attach a bracket to hold a vacuum. However, if you’re limited on space, you may prefer that it’s a wall-mounted vacuum.

I do like the colorful LED battery status meter. The ring is blue when the battery capacity is at 75% to 100%, green at 50% to 74%, yellow at 25% to 49%, red at 10% to 24%, and flashing red at 0% to 9%. Kenmore recommends recharging when the ring is yellow. However, you’ll have to recharge it when the light is flashing red.   

The noise level is 73.5 dB, which is comparable to a gas lawn mower.

Kenmore CVS Go: Key specs

Eureka RapidWash: Performance

The Kenmore CVS Go has a trigger button on the inside of the handle. This turns the vacuum cleaner on and off. There are two cleaning modes, ECO and HIGH, and I can change the speed by pressing the desired button on the LED display.

The vacuum cleans both hard floors and carpets. Normally, I used the ECO speed selection, but I occasionally used the HIGH mode. (Note: Kenmore recommends using ECO on plush carpet). The company doesn’t provide information on the suction; I thought the suction was pretty good on both hard floors and carpets (I don’t have thick carpeting), but it doesn’t compare to the suction on more expensive cordless stick vacuums that I’ve tested, like the Samsung Bespoke Jet, and the LG Cord Zero with Kompressor (which are, admittedly, more expensive).

On my shag rugs, the Kenmore CVS Go appeared to get caught on the strands, and since I didn’t want to ruin the rugs, I did not use it on them again.

With the vacuum in its regular position, I was able to slide the EasyReach wand on the motorized nozzle far underneath my sofas, chaise, bed, and sideboard – sometimes touching the wall. However, for people who may struggle bending over, the Kenmore CVS Go’s EasyReach Wand has a wand button at the halfway point on the wand. After pressing this button, the wand transforms into a L-shape, making it easy to reach further underneath furniture. (Keep in mind that in the L-shape, the wand doesn’t reach as far. I demonstrated the L-shape in photos for users, but did not use it in my regular vacuuming since my preference is to reach as far underneath as possible.)

Aside from my unwillingness to use the vacuum cleaner on shag rugs, I was quite pleased with the vacuum’s performance. It did a good job of removing dust and debris from both carpeted and hard floor surfaces.

By detaching the wand and then attaching the combination tool, I was able to transform the stick vacuum to a handheld vacuum cleaner and clean ceiling and wall vents, increasing the vacuum’s functionality.

Kenmore CVS Go: Maintenance

The Kenmore CVS Go has a generous dust cup, so I never had to stop and empty it before I finished vacuuming. It’s also easy to empty the dust cup. I just placed it over the trash can and pressed the release latch on the dust cup lid.

The dust cup also includes a pre-filter basket, and inside of that, a HEPA media filter. After brushing debris out of these two items, they were rinsed with warm water and set aside for a day to air dry.

When debris get trapped around the brush roll (which didn’t happen during my testing), the nozzle should be turned over and then the brush can be removed and cleaned. Although I didn’t have a problem, if you have long hair or a pet, keep in mind that the Kenmore CVS Go doesn’t have a tangle-free brush roller. So, you may need to use scissors to cut debris that may get wrapped around the brush.  

Kenmore CVS Go: User reviews

On Amazon, the Kenmore CVS Go has 1,794 ratings and an average score of 3.9 out of 4 (at the time of publication). Buyers like that it is lightweight, and makes cleaning easy. Some people complained that the suction wasn’t as strong as they’d liked. Also, while some buyers like the 40-minute battery life, others complained that it wasn’t enough time. However, keep in mind that all of the comments were only left by a few people. For example, out of over 1,700 ratings, only 125 people mentioned battery life: 36 positive, and 89 negative.

Should you buy the Kenmore CVS Go?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the Eureka RapidWash compare?

The Samsung Bespoke Jet is one of my favorite cordless stick vacuums because it makes quick work of vacuuming dust and debris. It also weighs only 6 pounds, includes a 5-step filtration system, and has a 60-minute run time. The battery can be swapped out so you can keep cleaning while one of the batteries is charging. The telescopic pipe can be adjusted in length for comfort, and the vacuum sits on a self-emptying cleaning station. The Samsung Bespoke Jet is $699.

The LG CordZero, which retails for $599, and is on sale for $379, is another one of my favorite vacuums because the bin has a lever that can be pressed to compress the dirt and dust - which  increases the dust bin’s capacity. This is an important feature because the vacuum comes with 2 swappable batteries (for a total of 120 minutes of cleaning). The LG Cord Zero also has a 5-step filtration system, telescopic wand, and detachable handheld vacuum.

How I tested the Eureka RapidWash

I tested the Eureka RapidWash in my home for for over a month, using it on both hard floors and carpet, and also using it in handheld mode.several weeks. Using it on a regular basis gave me the opportunity to assess the quality of the build, ease of use, performance, and ease of cleaning.

Read more about how we test.

I’m reluctant to use a full-size vacuum for smaller cleanup jobs. However, smaller hand vacuums often lack the suction and overall power needed, especially when removing pet hair. 

The Shark MessMaster Wet/Dry Vacuum has a compact design and very strong suction, similar to what you’d get when using a traditional vacuum. It is easy to use, with a 20-foot power cord and accessories, including an extension wand. Plus, it features a dust cup that can be quickly emptied, or you can pair it with vacuum bags for even easier cleanup.

And the best part? It operates at a surprisingly low noise level, making it one of the best wet/dry vacuum cleaners for use in a home with pets or a quiet environment. 

The Shark MessMaster Wet/Dry Vacuum proved its effectiveness on pet-related cleanup tasks. It handled challenging jobs like removing cat hair from a cat tree and easily cleaning up cat litter.

Shark MessMaster Wet/Dry Vacuum: Key specs

Shark MessMaster Wet/Dry Vacuum: Price & availability

The Shark MessMaster, available directly from Shark and retails for $129.99, offers great value for money. It is also available from Best Buy, Home Depot, Kohl’s, and Ace Hardware. The vacuum’s price is in the mid-range for a wet/dry vac.

For reference, Bissel wet-dry vacuums range from $103 to more than $300, while shop vacuums cost anywhere from about $40 to more than $200.

Price & availability score: 4.5 out of 5

Shark MessMaster Wet/Dry Vacuum: First impressions & setup

The Shark MessMaster shipped double-boxed and arrived in excellent condition. The packaging features cardboard inserts, an eco-friendly alternative to styrofoam, and all components securely in place. Each piece was packaged in a protective plastic bag. 

While the vacuum body is lightweight and easy to lift, it also has a solid, quality feel. The attachments are thicker plastic, so they don’t feel cheap or like they would break easily. I had assumed that this vacuum would be a lightweight machine suitable for quick and easy cleanups around the house, and I was surprised to find just how solid it feels. 

I was able to assemble the vacuum in less than five minutes. The instruction manual includes detailed written instructions accompanied by clear diagrams. There are also printed stickers on the attachments and the vacuum itself, and they also helped to guide me through the assembly process. 

The assembly process starts with the simple connection of the hose to the vacuum. The hose connector effortlessly locks in place with a single upward push of a lock button, a task easily manageable with one hand. The accessory holder seamlessly fits into a notch on the side of the machine, and the accessories can be pressed into place, making the entire process a breeze. 

The vacuum offers versatility, allowing you to use it with or without bags and any suitably sized bag. I used the sample bags included, and the process was a cinch. Installing a bag takes mere seconds: lift the dust bin, place the bag in the bin, attach any excess to the bag holder, and close and lock the lid. Attaching accessories to the hose is a straightforward process. There's no need to fumble with a locking mechanism - the attachments can be easily pressed and pulled off.

Shark MessMaster Wet/Dry Vacuum: Design

The vacuum’s design is not only impressive but also incredibly convenient. Its compact size and lightweight nature make it easy to lift, while the lid latch, operable with just one hand, ensures a secure closure. This is particularly useful as the vacuum is lifted using a handle built into the lid. I was pleasantly surprised that the entire vacuum could fit into my cupboard for storage, adding to its convenience. 

The vacuum can store two attachments on one end, and the hose wrap keeps the hose contained. The 20-foot-long cord can be neatly wrapped around the top of the machine. While there isn’t storage for the extension wand, it’s important to note that storing them on the vacuum would add bulk and make it awkward to use.

The vacuum's internal components are not just well-designed; they are also incredibly user-friendly. The dust bin easily fits into the holder, and components like the filter are easily accessible.

Design score: 5 out of 5

Shark MessMaster Wet/Dry Vacuum: Performance

With a single power button and no other settings to worry about, this vacuum is user-friendly and simple to operate. It also includes a detailed quick-start guide that not only helps you choose the right attachment for the type of cleaning you’ll be doing but also provides tips on how to effectively use each attachment. 

It’s highly versatile. According to the guide, you can use the vacuum on fine debris, soil, cat litter, sawdust, crumbs, eggs, mud, broken glass and liquid, and clogged sinks and drains.

I was immediately impressed by the vacuum’s powerful suction. It rivals a full-size vacuum, providing you with the assurance that it can handle even the toughest cleaning tasks. When I tested it on the large crevices between my wide plank wood floors, which is the ultimate test of any vacuum in my house, it easily removed the dirt. The only other vacuum that I’ve found with the suction capable of cleaning those crevices is my Bissell upright vacuum. 

The MessMaster also easily cleans up heavy debris, like cat litter. A single pass using the carpet tool cleaned up every bit of litter in its patch. I also liked that the tool is highly agile, so I could get litter out of the corners of the room, where it so often collects.

The carpet tool also did a fantastic job pulling cat hair out of the carpeted cat tree. The tool is designed to be drawn back and forth, and after about a dozen passes, the hair was nearly completely gone. That hair is stubborn and stuck in, so the fact that the vacuum accomplished this is impressive.

I also found that pairing the vacuum with the carpet tool did an excellent job cleaning my carpeted stairs. The tool is small enough to get into the corners and sides of the stairs, which is a challenge with an upright vacuum.

When I used the carpet tool on a low-pile rug, I found that it didn’t fully close down on the rug, reducing the suction. Using the squeegee tool instead worked very well, pulling cat hair and dirt out of the rug.

I also tested the squeegee tool on my vinyl tile kitchen floors and paired it with several substances. It easily cleaned up milk and ketchup. It also suctioned up two eggs and left nothing behind on the floor.

Using the extension wand with the crevice tool allowed me to clean corners, door frames, windowsills, and furniture. Since the hose is just three feet long, I had to hold the vacuum while vacuuming corners near the ceiling, but the machine is lightweight enough, so this wasn’t an issue.

While its powerful suction made cleaning quick and easy, the suction created a brief problem when the nozzle sucked up a cat toy that I didn’t think was within its reach. I had to disconnect the hose and push the toy out with a curtain rod.

The vacuum reached 78.4 decibels, which I would describe as average for a vacuum cleaner. For comparison, my Rigid Shop Vac reaches 85 decibels.

All in all, the vacuum performed impressively well. I would choose it to replace a traditional upright vacuum for chores like cleaning my carpeted stairs or cleaning between the wooden floorboards. However, it’s compact and convenient, so it would be just as practical for smaller cleaning chores and messes here and there.

Performance score: 5 out of 5

Shark MessMaster Wet/Dry Vacuum: Care & maintenance

The MessMaster dust cup simply lifts out of the unit for quick and hassle-free emptying. For even less messy, you can pair it with a plastic bag. The cup is also dishwasher safe, offering a more thorough cleaning option, although a quick rinse in the sink is usually sufficient. 

The maintenance process is straightforward after using the machine on any wet or organic mess. Simply empty the dust cup and vacuum up 10 ounces of clean water from a container. If dust and debris remain inside the vacuum, rinse the lid and debris screen. The lid can be detached from the hinges, and the debris screen easily twists, making it easy to rinse in the sink. Once the debris screen is dry, it can be fitted back into the lid and the hinge reattached. 

You’ll also need to rinse the squeegee or crevice tool after cleaning wet messes. The tools are also dishwasher safe. 

Shark recommends regularly rinsing and replacing the foam and felt filters to maintain the vacuum’s suction power. You must also clean the pre- and post-motor filters once a month and replace them yearly. All filters are easily accessible and reinserted, lifting out of the vacuum. Shark sells replacement filters on its website, ensuring you can easily maintain your vacuum's performance. The pre-and post-motor filters are available for $6.95 each.

Shark MessMaster Wet/Dry Vacuum: User reviews

The MessMaster, with its 4.5-star rating on Shark’s website, is a versatile cleaning tool that 92% of reviewers recommend. Many users are excited about the vacuum’s powerful suction and the range of tasks it can handle with its various attachments. The vacuum's lightweight, convenient design and easy-to-empty feature have also been frequently commended. The fact that the vacuum can maintain its suction power with any bag is a feature that has impressed many users. 

Negative reviews often mention that the hose is so short that you must carry the vacuum while cleaning. Other complaints included the fact that the vacuum is loud, and one reviewer felt the vacuum felt flimsy, but these complaints were rare and weren’t reflected across multiple reviews. 

Home Depot buyers have left the MessMaster a 4.7-star rating. Many reviewers praise the vacuum’s suction power and compact design. Several negative reviews criticized the short hose, making the vacuum difficult to use. 

The Shark MessMaster has a 4.7-star rating at Ace Hardware. Again, reviewers frequently commented on the vacuum’s powerful suction, compact design, portability, and ease of use.  

Should you buy the Shark MessMaster Wet/Dry Vacuum?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the Shark MessMaster Wet/Dry Vacuum compare?

The Shark MessMaster is competitively priced compared to other wet/dry vacuums. Shop vacuums start at around $40 and can cost more than $200, but many are large, difficult to move, and lack the versatility of the Shark MessMaster.

Upright wet/dry vacuums designed for home use cost around $200 and as much as $500. I found the DeWalt Portable Wet/Dry Vacuum, which retails for $145, to be the most similar to the Shark MessMaster. 

How I tested the Shark MessMaster Wet/Dry Vacuum

At Top Ten Reviews, we are committed to providing our readers with honest and reliable reviews of products, including the best wet and dry vacuums. Our expert reviewers conduct extensive research and thorough testing to ensure we recommend only the best products to our readers. 

Our reviewers possess experience and industry knowledge, allowing them to identify and analyze the most critical features of every wet/dry vacuum. They put these products through a series of tests, evaluating setup, performance, ease of use, maintenance, and more, to deliver comprehensive and consistent reviews. 

We test each wet/dry vacuum to ensure our reviews are accurate and reliable. We aim to provide readers with authentic and trustworthy reviews to help them make well-informed purchase decisions when buying a wet/dry vacuum. For more information about our testing protocols, please visit our comprehensive guide on how we test.

The Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Company was founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1909, by Fred Wardell. For well over a century, Eureka has made various types of vacuum cleaners, ranging from upright and canister models to stick vacuums to robot vacuum cleaners.   

I recently had the opportunity to test the newly-released Eureka RapidWash Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum, which has a tangle-free brush head, as well as several other noteworthy features, including self-cleaning and self-drying functions, and an LED display. The Eureka RapidWash is also self-propelling, which makes it easy to maneuver.

I tried it out in my home for over a month to see how it compares to our list of the best wet/dry vacuum cleaners.

Eureka RapidWash: Price & availability

The Eureka RapidWash is priced at $279 at Amazon, and it’s the same price on the Eureka website. This is relatively affordable for a wet/dry vacuum with other models I've tested (Dyson V15 Detect Submarine) being more than double this price.

Eureka RapidWash: First impressions

The Eureka RapidWash arrived well-packed in a Eureka branded box, with several stickers and a packing slip on the top of the box. The molded cardboard inside did a good job of keeping everything cushioned and in its place.

Inside of the box: the body of the vacuum cleaner (which includes the dirty water tank and roller brush), docking station, clean water tank, 2-part handle, adapter, cleaning brush, filter, cleaning solution, and manual).

Eureka RapidWash: Design

Some cordless stick wet/dry vacuum cleaners can be quite bulky, and this is understandable, since they have to hold a motor and both a clean water tank and a dirty water tank. However, Eureka has managed to design a model that looks sleek and modern.  

The vacuum was easy to put together. Without looking at the directions I was able to assemble it and start the charging process. It takes four hours for the vacuum to charge – and Eureka recommends fully charging it before the first use.

It’s a smart vacuum as well, and the voice function is the default option, but it can be turned off.

I tend to keep it on, because I enjoy voice commands (which are a soothing backup if I’m not paying attention).

The large display shows the three modes (Turbo, Eco, and Dry), as well as the battery status, self-cleaning/drying function, charging mode, and when the dirty water tank is full.

Eureka RapidWash: Key specs

Eureka RapidWash: Performance

For such a lightweight wet/dry vacuum, honestly, I was expecting performance to be rather light as well. However, I was pleasantly surprised. After the Eureka RapidWash was fully charged, I filled the clean water tank with water and added two capfuls of the included Eureka Refresh Clean solution. Note: according to the instructions, the cleaning solution can be added, “if desired,” which implies that it doesn’t have to be used.

After putting the clean water tank back on the vacuum cleaner, I press the on/off button. There are three modes to choose from. It defaults to Eco mode, which helps to save battery life. Eco mode is great for regular cleaning. However, there’s also a Turbo mode when I need stronger suction to remove dirt. The third mode is Dry mode, which is designed for dry waste and residual water.

In the photos, you can see how the Eureka RapidWash dispenses water (and solution) on the floor, which is quickly used to clean the floor. In the kitchen, I use the Eco mode, since my kitchen floors don’t get that dirty. However, in the bathroom, I use Turbo mode since I certainly want a cleaner result in a bathroom—especially since my guests use it).

Since it's self-propelled, there's no strenuous activity required on my part. It actually feels like the vacuum cleaning is leading me around. 

The tangle-free brush roll keep hair from getting tangled around it—and I was glad I didn’t have to stop for tedious hair-removal  chores.

The Eureka RapidWash also provides edge-cleaning, so I was able to vacuum/mop right up to the sides of my baseboards and underneath cabinets for a more thorough clean. I’ll admit that I did miss the LED lights on the front, which are found on some other wet/dry vacuums—but they also include a hefty price tag.  The 25-minute run time is average. 

The voice assistant also alerts me when the dirt water tank is filled, so I can stop and empty it. 

Eureka RapidWash: Maintenance

One of the best features of the Eureka RapidWash is the self-cleaning feature. I removed the dirty water tank and poured out the water, then cleaned the tank and filter. Then, I put the vacuum cleaner on the charging base, pressed the Mode button, and the vacuum enters self-cleaning mode, and then drying modes, and then it dries the brush roll.   

However, keep in mind, as with all self-cleaning wet-dry vacuum, there’s still some labor on your part. I needed to remove the roll brush and clean it – and the roll brush cover under running water (not the floor brush—just the roll brush and roll brush cover), and then wipe away any type of stains on the suction nozzle.   

The roll brush and filter should be removed and cleaned each time the wet/dry vacuum is used, and they should be removed every 3 to 6 months.

Eureka RapidWash: User reviews

This is a new release, and at the time of publication, the Eureka Rapid Wash only has 17 reviews on Amazon, with an average 4.8 rating. Buyers refer to the wet/dry vacuum as being amazing, very good, and state that they’re quite satisfied with their purchase. Currently, there are no reviews on the Eureka website.

Should you buy the Eureka RapidWash?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the Eureka RapidWash compare?

 I still maintain that the Eufy Mach V1 Ultra is the most impressive wet/dry cordless stick vacuum I’ve tested. I love the steam function that reaches 230 degrees F, so it can eliminated various types of germs. In addition, the Mach 1 has an auto-cleaning and auto-drying system. However, It’s expensive at $774.99.

The Dyson V15 Detect Submarine is another option, but at $879.99, it’s even more expensive than the Eufy Mach V1 Ultra – and it isn’t even self-cleaning. However, the V15 Detect Submarine has three different roller heads and two attachments, so it can be used in various scenarios. In fact, you can swap out the wet roller head and drip tray and use it as a regular vacuum cleaning on hard floors, carpet, and then use the combination and crevice tools to clean vehicles, HVAC vents, furniture, and more.

How I tested the Eureka RapidWash

I tested the Eureka RapidWash in my home for several weeks. Using it on a regular basis gave me the opportunity to assess the quality of the build, ease of use, performance, and ease of cleaning.

I routinely tried the three various modes to see how they performed in day-to-day scenarios.

Read more about how we test.

While the Tineco Switch S7 is a fairly solid product, it’s a difficult one to review. That’s because this is more of a system than a single unit, and so doesn’t really have much of an analog out there. You would have to grab one of the best cordless vacuums and add a floor washer or wet dry vac together and see if this system is better than getting each one separately.

For the most part, I will say that it is if you don’t already have a great stick vacuum in your closet as both units do their job well. And, if there’s anything that keeps the Tineco Switch S7 from making the ranks of the best vacuum cleaners, it’s not due to performance as both the stick vacuum and floor washer do an excellent job with their intended use.

My main issues with the Tineco Switch S7 comes down to a few design issues. For instance, the stick vacuum base has charging contacts, but you still have to move the battery from the stick vacuum to the floor washer for it to charge (note that there’s one battery for both units). Also, the dirty water reservoir takes a little finagling to get back in place, when it should easily snap back into its cavity. And, while there’s a self-cleaning function for the brushroll, it didn’t take long for it to smell a bit mildewy to the point that the self-cleaning function didn’t fix it. And, if you use the brushroll when it smells, your entire floor is going to have that same (foul) scent. 

Luckily, it’s easily removable to wash in a sink, not to mention that there’s an extra brushroll on hand. Still, these are flaws I wouldn’t expect for a system that’s almost a thousand dollars, and hope gets addressed with future generations. With that said, these aren’t dealbreakers, especially once you see how clean your floors are after use.

Tineco Switch S7: Price & availability

If you want to purchase the Tineco Switch S7, you’re going to have to drop $899.99 through the company’s online store. It’s also available through Amazon for the same price. While its availability seems to be limited to these two digital storefronts, it does look like it gets discounted from time to time in both places.

If you just want the floor washer (maybe you already have a good stick vacuum), then you can get the Tineco Floor One S7 for $769.00 direct or through Amazon.

Score: (4 out of 5)

Tineco Switch S7: First impressions

Unboxing the Tineco Switch S7 can be a bit overwhelming when you realize that it’s actually two different units. While it’s all neatly packed in one large box, there are a lot of different parts. Granted, once I started actually assembling the stick vacuum and floor washer, I realized that it’s actually very easy to put together, and that there’s no reason to feel overwhelmed by it.

For the floor washer, all I had to do was install the handle, put it on the storage dock and then plug said storage dock in. The stick vacuum is a tiny bit more complicated as its base connects under the right side of the floor washer’s storage dock and has three pieces (actual vacuum, extension tube, and floor head). There are also a couple attachments for the stick vacuum that sit on the stick vacuum’s base. 

There are also a couple extras that come with the Tineco Switch S7 that you’ll have to find some closet space to store, such as the extra brush roll, extra filter, transparent floorhead cover, cleaning tool, and cleaning solution.

Tineco Switch S7: Design

While I need to discuss the Tineco Switch S7 as two different products here – as a stick vacuum and floor washer – I want to start by discussing the storage docks. Both units have a base with the one for the stick vacuum slotting into the side of the floor washer’s. However, while it does seem to have charging contacts, only the floor washer’s storage dock seems to provide a charge. That means you need to put the battery pack, of which there is one, on the floor washer to charge.

At least, the storage dock for the stick vacuum holds the additional attachment tools – a crevice tool and a mini power brush – though you’ll have to throw the extras in the closet, which include an extra brush roll, extra filter, transparent floorhead cover, cleaning tool, and cleaning solution.

As far as the stick vacuum goes, it’s like most in that it’s of the modular type. There’s the main vacuum portion with the motor, battery port and dustbin, along with a tube and floorhead. There’s also an empty canister that you can place on it or the floor washer when the battery pack is on the other unit.

As far as controls go, there’s a trigger on the handle that’s essentially the power button as well as a toggle button to switch between eco and max vacuum mode. When on, the LED panel on the top of the battery pack will read which mode you’re on and the amount of battery left.

Also worth noting with the stick vacuum is the fact that the floor head just hangs instead of snaps into place like most, so it can be a little more cumbersome when picking it up and moving it around. Also, while the floorhead is pretty good at dealing with hair and avoiding tangles, the mini power brush isn’t so you’ll have to clean that out from time to time.

Moving on to the floor washer, one of the first things I noticed is its weight. It’s a much bigger unit, eschewing the stick vacuum format for something much more robust, presumably to hold both the clean and dirty water reservoirs. Speaking of, the clean water reservoir, which sits on the back, is thin, long, and relatively easy to fill up. The dirty water reservoir is a bit bigger, probably because the floor washer can suck up large spills, and also fairly easy to take out and empty, though I did find that it took a little effort for it to latch back into place after the fact.

There are a few more controls on offer compared to the stick vacuum. All situated on the handle, there’s an independent power button and a mode button that will let you switch between auto, max, ultra, and suction modes. There’s also a button on the top of the handle to turn on self-cleaning when at rest on the storage dock. This will wash and clean the brushroll.

Score: (4 out of 5)

Tineco Switch S7: Key specs

Tineco Switch S7: Performance

Again, we’re going to separate how we discuss the Tineco Switch S7 into how the stick vacuum does and how the floor washer performs. With that in mind, let’s start with the stick vacuum. While there are only two modes on hand as discussed before, that’s all that there really needs to be. I was able to use just the eco mode most of the time to vacuum up whatever debris I needed to, which included hair, dander, kitty litter, and kibble. And, the stick vacuum had no issues.

The max mode was useful when vacuuming carpets, but not quite enough for a deep clean. So, if you need something for really getting those carpets spic and span, you’ll still need something more powerful (unfortunately, Tineco doesn’t advertise the suction power so I can’t share that with you). At least, it’s not too loud during use, around 69 dB.

It’s just as useful and easy to use with the attachments, just like most modular-style cordless stick vacuums. The crevice tool made it easy to suction up dirt on the edges of my stairs, for instance, while the mini power brush tool is great for upholstery. I also used it to vacuum my carpeted stairs. The only worth mentioning, which was earlier, is the fact that the mini power brush, unlike the brushroll in the floorhead, does not employ any kind of tangle-free design so it can accumulate hair around its little brush roll.

Also, the dustbin on the stick vacuum cannot be removed from the rest of the vacuum so you have to hold the whole unit over the trash can, pop the bottom open, and pull out everything it vacuumed up (as it will not just fall out).

The floor washer is the real star of the show here, whether it’s just buffing up the floor or cleaning up spills. Though the clean water reservoir seems a bit small, it offers plenty of capacity to wash a whole floor of a house. Also, since it self-propels, cleaning is easy and covers a lot of ground quickly. Washing a room can take as little time as five to ten minutes. Not to mention, it does an excellent job getting edges. During use, it looked to me to get almost right up against the molding, leaving no area untouched.

The brushroll, being covered in soft microfibers, leaves a thin layer of water and solution behind while the suction of the floor washer makes sure that that floor is scrubbed cleanly with all debris removed. Those microfibers also mean that the brushroll isn’t too harsh on your flooring, though I was only able to test on regular hardwood floors and marble.

It’s worth noting, however, that though the floor washer does suck up debris, you’ll still want to vacuum beforehand. I used the floor washer on a bathroom that had a lot of hair that needed picking up, and a lot of it would clump up, requiring a few more passes to suction up than would have been necessary if I had vacuumed beforehand.

At least, the floor washer can suck up entire puddles of liquid off the floor. I literally took a bowl of dirty water and dumped it on the floor and this unit just sucked it all up, leaving just that nice film of solution and clean water behind.

One other issue, however, is that the brush roll sometimes needs deep cleaning. Sure, there’s a self-cleaning mode that also dries the brush roll when placed back on the storage dock, but if you don’t take it out to clean properly from time to time, it can still get a bit mildewy (especially in a humid environment). If you don’t, you’ll end up like me and make the floor of an entire room smell like mold. Even after multiple passes, the smell lingered for a good half a day. Thankfully, removing the brush roll is easy. And, if you’re lazy, you can just put in the extra one, and leave the mildewy one for later.

The battery life is pretty good, though you just have the one battery pack to switch between the two units. It will last 65 minutes in the stick vacuum and 40 in the floor washer.

Score: (4 out of 5)

Tineco Switch S7: user reviews

When it comes to user reviews, the best place to look is on Amazon as there are just a few on Tineco’s own site. The users there have left this product with a generally favorable 4.4 out of 5 rating, citing its ease of use, efficiency, and quiet operation as big pluses.

Some people had issues with how wide the floorhead is for the floor washer. As mentioned earlier, it’s not modular like the stick vacuum so getting behind a toilet can be tricky with it, if impossible. Also, the price is a bit high for many, especially for a brand that hasn’t really established itself the way Shark, Dyson, or Bissell have.

Should you buy the Tineco Switch S7?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the Tineco Switch S7 compare?

The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus might be a mouthful to say, but you shouldn’t discount it, especially if you already have a solid stick vacuum. This floor washer does an excellent job mopping floors and doesn’t need too much time to charge up. Of course, you can only use it for hard flooring, and it’s about as stripped down as it comes – no attachments here. However, it’s also less than half the price.

Also around half price, the Ultenic AC1 Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum is a solid alternative – again, if you don’t need the stick vacuum included. It has an interesting design, does a good job at its intended purpose, and, since it’s a bit older (we reviewed it at the beginning of 2023), you’re more likely to find it on sale.

How I tested the Tineco Switch S7

To test the Tineco Switch S7, I used it on hard flooring including hardwood and marble as well as carpet. I tested the various features, including the various cleaning modes and attachment tools. And I used it consistently over the course of two weeks to get a good feel of whether it would make cleaning up a little easier.

Read more about how we test.

If you own a Dyson vacuum cleaner, you’ll love it for its powerful suction and performance. But did you know that allowing the roller head to get clogged with dirt, dust, pet hair, and other debris can reduce suction power and even put your vacuum cleaner's lifespan at risk?

Don’t worry - even if you’ve left your Dyson roller head for months without cleaning (like we have), I’ll show you how to get it back to looking and performing its best in no time. 

The best vacuum cleaners feature roller heads that can be taken apart easily and washed, ensuring that they work perfectly to remove dust, dirt and allergens in your home. And a clean roller brush works much better at doing the job. 

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to remove the head, clear away hair and debris, and clean out all the components in seven easy steps.

In this demonstration I used the roller brush motor head on the Dyson Gen5detect Absolute which I reviewed several months ago, but you can follow these steps for most Dyson roller brush attachments.

Quick steps: How to clean a Dyson vacuum head

1. Remove the floor attachment from the main wand of the vacuum cleaner
2. Use a coin to release the end cap 
3. Pull the roller brush out for cleaning
4. Remove any wrapped-on hair and clumps of dust or debris from the brush bar 
5. Clean the inside of the brush bar 
6. Dislodge dirt and dust from the inside of the motorized head 
7. Reinsert the brush bar and give everything a final wipe 

Step by step guide: How to clean a Dyson vacuum head

How to clean a Dyson vacuum head: FAQs

How often should you clean the roller head of your Dyson?

The answer to this can depend on what you're vacuuming up. If you live in a pet-free home with relatively few occupants, you may only need to clean your roller head once every few months or so. 

However, people who live in homes with pets should be more vigilant. Pet dander and hair can easily clog the roller brush bar, especially at the sides of the bar, and restrict movement. Dust and debris from pets and general household vacuuming can also build up quite quickly, so it's worth checking your roller brush every month or so just to ensure there's no impacted dirt to clear away. 

Final thoughts

Cleaning out your Dyson roller brush and the compartment it sits in only takes a few minutes if you do it regularly. Regular cleaning helps maintain your vacuum's components, extending its lifespan and improving suction power and performance. A clean roller will also pick up debris more effectively, saving you time and effort while vacuuming.

Independence Day is tomorrow (7/4) and, to mark the occasion, Amazon has launched its version of the 4th of July Sales. As expected, the online retailer has marked down thousands of products and devices, including air fryers, coffee makers, vacuum cleaners, home security, and yard tools. To help wade through all of these tempting offers and more, I've picked out the best 15 deals that I'd buy.

• Shop the 4th of July sale at Amazon

Thanks to their speedy shipping and super low prices, Amazon is always a popular reseller with which to shop. I've noticed that they are offering discounts on refurbished smart devices, such as the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro, which was $214.99 and now costs $149.99. However, this is only available for Prime Members at this price, so you'll need to sign up for Amazon Prime Membership if you want. Also worth noting is that the Keurig K-Classic is now $79.99 at Amazon, which is its lowest-ever price, and you won't find it for this sum anywhere else.

Below, I've listed some quick links to browse and pulled out my top 15 deals I have seen so far. Just remember: these are limited-time deals, and the 4th of July sales will end over the weekend for many, so you won't have too much time to deliberate.

4th of July sales at Amazon: 15 deals I'd buy

• Appliances: replacement parts and accessories from $3.49
• Amazon devices: 64% off Blink Outdoor 4 (4th gen)
• Home and kitchen: shop for savings up to 69% off
• Patio, lawn and garden: up to 56% off
• Tools and home improvement: $365.59 for the DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw 

We're expecting similar discounts for July's version of the Amazon Prime Day deals, and you won't have long to wait. The date announced is July 16-17, when you can expect "hundreds of thousands" of offers across your favorite categories.

If you own a vacuum cleaner, you are likely all too familiar with the woes of an unpleasant odor radiating from the dust canister. This tends to be a common occurrence when the vacuum cleaner has been frequently used over several months, and you'll only notice it when the vacuum is in use.

There is often a simple reason why your vacuum smells. It could be because the filter is clogged and needs unblocking, or you've vacuumed a wet surface and not dried the vacuum parts. Either way, you'll want to freshen up and deodorize your vacuum cleaner unless you want to spread a less-than-fresh pong around the home.

Here are some cheap and cheerful hacks to help you keep your vacuum cleaner smelling fresh. We've enlisted the help of some experts and called upon our own experience for good measure.

How to keep your vacuum cleaner smelling fresh

1. Empty the dust canisiter

This may seem like an obvious hack, but as soon as you notice a smell, you should stop vacuuming to see where the smell is coming from. You may have just vacuumed up some stale food (think moldy cheese), or you may have just started a vacuum cleaning and had forgotten to empty the canister, which was previously full of pet hair.

Starting with a clean and empty dust canister will not only banish debris to the trash but also make it ready for a complete refill, allowing you to vacuum uninterrupted.

2. Deodorise with baking soda

"Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and is often used to clean and create a fresh scent around the home as part of people’s cleaning routines," says David Chapman, flooring expert and founder of Ultimate Mats.

"Just a small amount of baking soda can help neutralize any bad smells coming from your vacuum cleaner. Simply sprinkle a few tablespoons of baking soda onto your floor and then vacuum it up. Alternatively, sprinkle some baking soda directly into your dust bag/bin." Shop ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda, 2.7lb bag, at Amazon.

3. Freshen up with essential oils

David also shares another hack: "Place a few drops of essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon onto some cotton balls and place them inside your vacuum cleaner [canister]. This will create a fresh, natural scent around the home as you clean.

"Check your vacuum cleaner’s compatibility in the instruction manual to ensure the oils will not cause damage. It’s also recommended to patch test an area of your flooring in your home, ensuring that the oils [like this set of essential oils for $9.95 on Amazon] will not cause damage to the material on your floor."

4. Charcoal the canister

This may seem odd, but Justin White, a contractor, garage remodel/installation expert, and VP of Marketing at Overhead Doors, swears by it. 

"Activated charcoal is renowned for eliminating foul scents. Before, I've tossed a few charcoal briquettes or bags of charcoal pellets into the vacuum casing for some highly effective odor absorption."

You will just need to be prepared for the inside of the canister to blacken and ensure plenty of air is circulating around it to avoid any blockages.

5. Soak the brushbar in vinegar

Having a bunch of hair tried around a brush bar will not only prevent suction, but it can also trap sticky, smelly debris. Jade Piper, Operations Manager for BetterCleans (https://bettercleans.com/), says:

"Mix equal parts of warm water and white vinegar in a bowl. The warm water helps loosen dirt, and the vinegar is like a natural cleaner. Pop your brush roll into the water and vinegar mix. Leave it there for about 15-30 minutes. 

"After the soak, grab an old toothbrush and give your brush roll a gentle scrub, especially on any stubborn gunk. Rinse, air dry, and once the filter and dustbin are ready, reassemble the vacuum and give it a test run to ensure everything's in working order."

Alternatively, grab a pair of scissors and snip away any strands in a tangle to ensure that the brushbar rolls freely and that enough air is getting to the canister to suction up (and retain) debris.

6. Use a tumble dryer sheet

If you have one of the best dryers, then it's likely that you'll already have our next hack solution available. David Chapman highlights: "Scented fabric conditioner sheets for tumble dryers are a great way to add a fresh scent to your vacuum cleaner. Simply place a sheet [like these Lenor Tumble Dryer Sheets, $9.44 on Amazon] in the dust collection compartment of your vacuum cleaner as you would with a tumble dryer. 

"Whenever the vacuum cleaner is used, this will activate the sheet’s fresh scent. Alternatively, some scent boosters will also do a great job of making your vacuum cleaner smell fresh."

7. Rinse the hose with bubbles

If your canister or upright vacuum cleaner has a removable hose, it would be worth taking it apart and rinsing it with some washing-up liquid. This will firstly check that there are no blockages but will also help release any sticky, smelly, or old odors that may have been lingering around. Just ensure the hose is completely dry before reattaching it to the vacuum cleaner.

If you've been looking for a cheap vacuum then you're hunt could be over. I've just had a sneaky browse through what's on offer at Walmart Week and have seen three vacuum deals that would be worthy of your attention.

• Browse all deals for Walmart Week, June 17 - 23 

What I've spotted is this: one handheld vacuum cleaner and two robot vacuum cleaners. While they'll all help to keep the floors and surfaces clean, the robot vacuums can be fully automated meaning that you can set and (almost) forget about them. These smart little guys will automatically empty and clean themselves so the hard work (not really) will be in the unboxing and downloading the app.

Not to forget about the handheld vacuum, I find they are particularly useful for taking out to the car for a quick clean-up. They're also good to have close by frequent mess stations, like in the kitchen or living room, for banishing spilt cereals and dust balls to the canister.

To take advantage of these savings up to 52% off you will need to be signed up as a Walmart+ member. You'll get a 30-days FREE trial, and then it'll cost $12.95 per month thereafter. Throughout the week you'll get access to loads of deals, and as part of the membership you'll also get free shipping with no minimal order, savings on fuel, auto care, returns from home and more.

Keep reading to find out exactly what these vacuums are (although our featured image is a bit of a giveaway) then, head to our best vacuum cleaners guide for our top rated and reviewed options.

Want to get more deals? Amazon Prime Day is next month. You'll need to be a Prime member to access these deals too, but this one is only a two-day event so you won't have as long to ponder about what to buy. Often when you find even vacuums under $200 you'll need to be quick because this is a popular price point for many.

Although Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over, now is still a great time to buy a Shark vacuum. While major sales are over, retailers are often still offering notable discounts and promotions.

I've reviewed several Shark vacuums and can confidently say they're user-friendly, reliable, and budget-friendly.

It's worth checking your favorite online stores for any ongoing deals or promotions on Shark vacuums. You might just find one that's right for you.

Shark vacuum deals and sales

Where to find the best Shark vacuum deals

• Amazon: shop Amazon Black Friday deals
• Best Buy: get a Shark handheld vacuum for less
• Home Depot: Shark vacuums discounted
• Lowe's: robot, handheld, upright and stick vacuums
• Shark: get $$$s off

When is the best time to shop for a Shark vacuum deal?

When you need to upgrade your vacuum cleaner, you need an upgraded vacuum cleaner. Whether you have just moved into a smaller or larger house or your old vacuum has just packed up, the time to get an upgraded vacuum is now.

Fortunately, a Shark vacuum deal always needs to be snagged. Shopping directly at Shark will give you access to exclusive offers. In contrast, you can browse some older yet perfectly adequate models on reseller sites such as Amazon.

If you can hold out until Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, though, these are the most convenient times of the year to buy a Shark vacuum cleaner. We've seen discounts as deep as 70% off Shark vacuums during these sales, which we wouldn't expect elsewhere than this time of year.

Is after-Christmas a good time to find a Shark vacuum deal?

Shark vacuum after-Christmas sales will likely be as big as Black Friday. Last year, we saw continued discounts across small and major appliances as resellers and brands prioritized clearing stock ready for the new year.

This time of year also bodes well for any New Year's resolutions to replace appliances or finally complete a reno that'll require a clean-up operation. The choice of Shark vacuums on offer may be pretty slim, though, since the Black Friday sales often prove to be very popular, clearing out the stockroom.

Is 4th of July a good time to find a Shark vacuum deal?

You can likely expect to see 4th of July Shark vacuum deals because there are always some discounts to be had. However, this particular holiday is more about the opportunity to save money on grills, lawn mowers, and power tools.

This time of the year, it would be worth checking out the Shark store for any exclusives.

Is Amazon Prime Day a good time to find a Shark vacuum deal?

Amazon has one of the most varied choices of Shark vacuums. When Prime Day deals are in full motion, most discounts on this top-rated vacuum brand see a discount. While we are unsure of the exact date for Prime Day to land in the fall, we're pretty confident that it'll be in the weeks leading up to Black Friday.

Prime Day occurs twice in the year—in July and at the end of the year—with discounts of up to 70% during both Prime Day events. To take advantage, make sure you have signed up for Prime Membership. If you'd rather not sign up at this time, fear not: Anti-Prime Day deals were in fierce competition with the resellers last year, which is (perhaps) something we can expect again this year.

Is Black Friday and good time to find a Shark vacuum deal?

Shopping for a Shark deal during the Black Friday appliance sales is a guaranteed way to get a deep discount on one of these top-rated vacuum cleaners. Black Friday is one of the most convenient times of the year to save the most dollars. You aren't limited to just one retailer—all online stores that stock Shark products will have a sale.

It's worth noting that resellers are likely to inflate their prices during the lull between Prime Day and Black Friday, so hold off buying anything during this time (unless you have to pay full whack).

What about Cyber Monday Shark vacuum deals?

Black Friday usually kicks off the holiday shopping season, featuring a mix of in-store and online sales. Retailers often offer doorbuster deals to attract shoppers, which can save a lot of money on popular models. By contrast, Cyber Monday is all about online sales, so consumers can shop from home. Because retailers try to clear out inventory after Black Friday, they often have a broader selection of online products.

Black Friday discounts can offer substantial savings on Shark vacuums but are limited in quantity, so popular models may sell out quickly. Black Friday offers deals on certain Shark vacuums, but Cyber Monday usually has even deeper discounts. Cyber Monday can be an option for those who missed out on Black Friday deals.

During both events, Shark vacuums, including robot vacuums, upright vacuums, and stick vacuums, will be showcased. However, Cyber Monday may highlight newer models or ones that didn't get as much attention during Black Friday. It's a great way for consumers to see what's new in vacuum cleaning.

How to find the best Shark vacuum deals

As seasoned professionals who find the best Shark vacuum deals, we have a few helpful hints and tips to help you get to your new vacuum cleaner sooner. We'll also share how we validate the deals we find during sales.

1. Do your research. Setting a budget and narrowing down the type of vacuum cleaner you're after (canister, stick, handled, or robot) will help you narrow the search. Looking around the brand and reseller sites will also help. It will also help you gauge whether you want a Shark vacuum cleaner.

2. Sit tight (unless you need one now). Waiting for major sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday can help you save the most. If you need a vacuum cleaner now, don't sit tight because stock may be limited—just make sure that you are comfortable with the price you're paying and that it doesn't stretch the budget too much.

3. Check the pricing history. If you've found your new Shark vacuum on Amazon, use tools such as CamelCamelCamel to check the pricing history to ensure the price isn't inflated. If you're looking on other sites, install the Chrome extension "Honey," which compares the pricing history with multiple resellers across a 120-day time frame.

We use both sites when covering deals and calling upon our experience. We tend to find that even though a deal may have expired, it'll soon come back around within a few weeks, which is why it is worth sitting tight before adding anything to the cart if the deal is no longer valid (if you can).

4. Keep track of your deal finds. This can help you to remember a pattern of discounts. Failing this, find a site like Top Ten Reviews to bookmark and come back to when you're ready to buy or the sales have started. This will show you all the best deals from one place, helping you save money and the time and effort to find the deals in the first place.

Is a Shark vacuum worth it?

Shark vacuum cleaners have proven to be good at cleaning and filtration. They offer a lot for the money, but we always recommend checking out the sales at Shark for exclusives and resellers such as Amazon and Walmart to save the most.

Shark vs Dyson: which is better?

When choosing a vacuum cleaner, Dyson is often the first name that comes to mind. However, Shark is an impressive brand that should not be overlooked, especially for those looking for a high-quality option on a budget. The Shark range offers excellent performance and value for money, making it a great alternative to Dyson.

For a detailed comparison of the two brands and their products, check out our page on Dyson vs. Shark vacuums. If you're interested in snagging some great deals on Dyson products, be sure to visit our Dyson Black Friday deals hub.

The Roborock Q Revo MaxV robot vacuum is a conundrum in that it has a lot going for it, while having some drawbacks that could be deal breakers for some. That means that, as good as the performance is here – and it is quite good – it can be a hard recommendation as one of the best robot vacuums or best vacuum cleaners on the market.

The reason for that is somewhat dependent on your personal situation. The Roborock Q Revo MaxV robot vacuum was tested in a house where the ground floor has an open floor plan with a few rooms separated with a drop-down step. This setup allowed for some unique insight. First, that the mapping is excellent as it mapped out rooms it couldn’t even access. However, it also showed a flaw with its mapping capabilities as partitioning the rooms (if you wanted to, say, only mop the kitchen) was nearly impossible in this house. If you have a more traditional house, however, you won’t run into this issue.

It’s also very expensive. You can find robot vacuums with mopping capabilities for much cheaper. However, those models probably don’t come with nearly the same feature set as the Roborock Q Revo MaxV robot vacuum, particularly the hot water mop pad washing or the unfortunately overly sensitive voice assistant. They probably don’t have the same ability to clean edges and corners like this robot vacuum. That’s pretty huge as most robot vacuums falter where the Roborock Q Revo MaxV robot vacuum excels. So, it’s a mixed, but mostly positive, bag that happens to run about $1,400.

Roborock Q Revo MaxV robot vacuum: Price & availability

When it comes to the Roborock Q Revo MaxV robot vacuum’s price and availability, you need to know two things. First, it seems to be available only in the US at the moment. The second is that it’s expensive. Specifically, it goes for a whopping $1,399.99. Of course, it does a lot of things and has more under the hood (and in the base station) than many robot vacuums with mopping capabilities at a lower price point. Nevertheless, that’s not an easy price point for a lot of people.

Since it’s available for that price at multiple outlets, whether you get it direct, from The Home Depot, or Amazon, you might be tempted to comparison shop and hope that one of the outlets will give something of a discount. And, if you’re not in a hurry, I would suggest you do so. While there are similar models that also reach for similar premium skies, it’s a lot to drop on a robot vacuum with or without mopping capabilities.

Score: (4 out of 5)

Roborock Q Revo MaxV robot vacuum: First impressions

Having set up a few robot vacuums with large base stations, I can say that meeting the Roborock Q Revo MaxV was not that overwhelming. However, if you’ve never dealt with a robot vacuum with such a large base station, not to mention mop pads that need to be installed, you might feel like it’s a lot. If that’s the case, though, you should persevere.

Putting everything together is as simple as removing everything from the box, taking it out of the plastic, installing the base plate on base station and the mop pads on the actual robot vacuum, filling up the clean water reservoir, and plugging the base station in. Scan a QR code on the robot vacuum and you’ll be able to download the app. If that sounds like a lot, it doesn’t take long and Roborock thoughtfully includes easy-to-follow instructions.

In essence, it’s big but much easier than it looks to go from start to start cleaning.

Roborock Q Revo MaxV robot vacuum: Design

Though the Roborock Q Revo MaxV is pretty big with the base station – it measures 20 x 13 x 22 inches – it’s not the biggest I’ve encountered. Still, you’re going to need a decent sized space for it. Luckily, it comes in an attractive (and neutral) almost all-white colorway.

The robot vacuum itself has the standard round design and is fairly flat, though it does have a raised center where some of its navigation sensors presumably sit. The LiDar navigation also has a window peeking out the front of the vacuum.

As far as all the attachments for cleaning up, there’s a single sidebrush out front to push debris toward the all-rubber brush roll, which pulls all the debris into the vacuum itself. There are also two mop pads on the back. It’s all basically standard fare, except that the mop pads lift up when going over carpets or rugs and can extend (at least the right one) to get those edges.

The base station holds two water reservoirs of the same size – one for clean water and one for dirty water. There’s also a dust bag that is big enough accessible through a front panel that I have yet needed a reason to replace it (Roborock states that you’ll only need to replace every seven weeks or so).

There’s a base plate that’s easily removable for cleaning as well. And, you’ll want to clean it because not only do mop pads get dirty after mopping, but the Roborock Q Revo MaxV actually does a hot water wash to clean them so that you’re never unintentionally mopping your floors with dirty mop pads.

As far as the app goes, it’s fairly straightforward to use. Just about all the controls are on the product page with a few sub menus for fine tuning. You can also adjust some of the other features on offer here such as adjusting its voice assistant or use the live streaming function, which is particularly useful for checking what pet toys have been lost under your furniture.

Score: (5 out of 5)

Roborock Q Revo MaxV robot vacuum: Key specs

Roborock Q Revo MaxV robot vacuum: Performance

As I always say with robot vacuums, it doesn't clean quite deep enough for you to skip a more standard vacuum, but it is good enough to push back your next deep clean quite a bit.

But, when it comes to vacuuming and mopping in robot vacuums, the Roborock Q Revo MaxV delivers as well as any I’ve seen. 

It’s able to suck up small debris like pet hair and dander to larger items like a packet of silicon beads (which it promptly tore up). I also threw some broken up rice cakes on the ground to see if it would suck them up or bounce them around as some robot vacuums are wont to do. Thankfully, it did a good job picking them up. I was also impressed by the fact that it can also retract the mop pads to vacuum rugs and carpets.

When mopping, it leaves a thin, even layer of water that dries quickly, not to mention leaving it looking spotless, whether it’s mopping up tracked mud from two adorable but messy French Bulldogs or cleaning up certain biohazardous waste (pee), which I also had to do a few times. It also swiftly picked up a coffee spill with one pass.

It moves in an orderly fashion, leaving no spot uncovered including the edges thanks to the fact that the right mop pad extends out reaching farther out than what most (at least much cheaper) robot vacuums are capable of. Of course, it hasn’t mastered corners and won’t get those any better than any other robot vacuum.

The mop pad cleaning works well and is used quite often during a clean. It’s also relatively quiet at around 52dB (same as the robot vacuum during use). The downside of that is that I had to empty the dirty water bucket fairly regularly. But, it’s worth it for cleaner floors. At least the dust bag has yet needed replacing (Roborock says it can last up to seven weeks).

The battery life is 180 minutes and it has fast charging. I never saw it return to the base station for anything other than washing its mop pads, which it did regularly.

Where I'm least enamored with the Roborock Q Revo MaxV is its features. To start, it comes with its own voice assistant. While I appreciate having it, I would be just as happy with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit support. More importantly, the voice assistant is sensitive to anything resembling spoken words in its vicinity while only understanding a few key commands, resulting in a chorus of “I’m sorry, I don’t understand that command.” Of course, that may be my fault for placing it next to the kitchen table. However, for some, that's the best or most likely place to put it. I ended up turning the voice assistant off in the app.

The app itself is fine and is easy to navigate. However, if you’re using this robot vacuum on a floor with an open floor plan, it will do a great job of mapping the physical space yet be unable to separate it into different rooms. And since the app requires you to separate rooms by using a line tool, it’s very hard to carve up the space the way you might want. It does offer an alternative by drawing zones using a box tool. However, the app doesn’t remember zones. When I want to clean a room, I just run it for the entire floor.

Score: (4 out of 5)

Roborock Q Revo MaxV: user reviews

While the Roborock site is not very helpful when it comes to user reviews - there are four 5-star reviews without any elaboration on the site at the time of writing, Amazon’s loquacious customers come somewhat to the rescue. I say “somewhat” since this is a new product and has a very small amount of reviews there as well. But, at least we know what people are thinking.

Currently, it sits at a 4.8 rating on the retail site with users praising its cleaning ability, particularly the mopping, as well as its various features. One user likes how accessible everything in the base station (water reservoirs and dust bag, specifically) is for maintenance purposes. The one big issue that popped up was its inability to avoid cables. In my personal experience however, that’s almost every robot vacuum.

Should you buy the Roborock Q Revo MaxV robot vacuum?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the Roborock Q Revo MaxV robot vacuum compare?

Having reviewed quite a few robot vacuums, including the Ecovacs DEEBOT T20 Omni for our sister site TechRadar, I can tell you that the competition is fierce because of the price. Take the Ecovacs I just mentioned. It might be pricey, but it’s still cheaper at $1,099.99. It also employs the hot water mop washing tech so that the robot vacuum is wiping down your floors with clean mop pads. And, it’s a bit better on the mapping side of things (mainly in separating out rooms). Where the Roborock Q Revo MaxV still wins is in pure performance as it's much better getting to the edges of a room.

If you look at our top premium pick from our robot vacuum guide, the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ Robot Vacuum, you’ll see that it’s actually slightly cheaper than the Roborock, going for $1,299.99. It even offers a live video stream. However, it seems to have issues getting under furniture due to its height.

How I tested the Roborock Q Revo MaxV robot vacuum

To test the Roborock Q Revo MaxV robot vacuum, I cleaned up hard flooring and a carpet. I tested the various features, including the voice assistant, app, and live stream mode. And I used it consistently over the course of three weeks to get a good feel of whether it would make cleaning up a little easier.

Read more about how we test.

Part of the Numatic International family of vacuum cleaners, the CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum promises a professional, commercial-grade performance in a wet/dry vacuum that can also be used around the home. 

With a powerful 1.6 Hp vacuum motor, 100" water lift and 95 CFM of airflow, Numatic, and distributor NaceCare, says Charles is built for the toughest jobs, from unblocking sinks and drains and dealing with plumbing disasters and floods to car valets, DIY debris and pet accidents. The two-step filtration system locks away airborne allergens and dust for a cleaner, healthier emptying experience. Switching between carpets and hard floors is super convenient with the combination floor tool, too.

In the box, you'll get two floor nozzles, one for dry and one for wet use, lightweight aluminium tubes that won't rust, and a selection of smaller tools ideal for stairs, upholstery, cars, and tight crevices and corners. You also get a triple-layer HepaFlo filter bag for dry pickup. 

We tested the CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum over a couple of weeks on a range of wet and dry tasks around the home to see if Charles really can do the jobs his little brother Henry can't. 

If the CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum isn’t the perfect new wet/dry vacuum for you, check out our best vacuum cleaners or our best wet/dry vacuum cleaners for every budget, tried and tested.

Numatic International CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum: Price & availability

The Numatic International CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum (known by the same name in the UK) is available via a range of websites, including Amazon,  and Sears. At the time of writing the cheapest price was found at The Vacuum Factory, at just $499.95. Located in the UK? You can pick up a Charles at myhenry.com for £179.99.

It's pretty expensive for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, and much more expensive than, say the Kärcher Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner, available at just $299.99 on Amazon. 

However, Numatic International has an exceptionally strong reputation for making some of the most reliable vacuum cleaners in the world. That's why so many tradespeople use them on building sites and as tools for their job and why they do a great job as shop vacuums and domestic vacuums. 

While the 2-year warranty is already generous, it's likely you'll get a lifetime of use out of a Numatic appliance, which is why I think it's worth the retail price. 

Score: 5 out of 5

Numatic International CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum: First impressions

The Numatic International CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum is well packaged in a large cardboard box measuring 24.61 x 14.96 x 14.96 inches (H x L x W). Everything inside is secure and well protected, and you should be able to recycle almost all the packaging, although some plastic coverings may or may not be recyclable, depending on where you live. 

In the box, you'll find the Charles unit, two-floor nozzles (one for dry and one for wet use), a suction hose, a manual, and a selection of smaller tools ideal for stairs, upholstery, cars, and tight crevices and corners. There is also a triple-layer HepaFlo filter bag for dry pickup.  

The box also contains a float valve, which you'll need to insert before wet pickup, removing the dustbag in advance. This stops water from getting into the motor.  

It's easy to get going straight away as the Numatic International Charles is corded, so no hanging around to charge a battery in advance. If you know your way around a Henry vacuum you'll find it super easy to set up. It took me around 5 minutes from start to finish.

The controls on Charles are as easy as switching it on and off! With just one button to power it on, all you need to do to change modes from wet to dry is ensure you insert either the dustbag or float valve and choose the wet or dry floor nozzle. 

Numatic International CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum: Design

The Numatic International CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum is larger and heavier than a standard Henry vacuum. Similar to Henry, big brother Charles sports the iconic eyes and smile associated with the brand, and it comes in a blue and black colorway.

The capacity of the tub itself varies depending on the usage of Charles. It can hold up to 4 US gallons for wet materials. It comes with a super long-reach 32.8-foot cable and a versatile toolkit. The vacuum is equipped with two large wheels at the back and two sturdy swivel castors at the front, enhancing maneuverability, especially when it becomes heavier with water during use.

Removing the top unit housing the motor allows for easy installation of either a dust bag and dry vacuum filter or a float valve to prevent water from entering the motor. All components are simple to attach securely.

The construction of the polypropylene tanks feels robust and well-engineered, and it also comes with a convenient carrying handle for easy dumping. The suction hose securely screws onto Charles' 'nose', while each accessory smoothly inserts into the hose for use. The accessories themselves are durable and well-crafted. The dust brush features soft bristles, ensuring gentle cleaning of surfaces without the risk of damage or scratches.

The wet pick-up floor nozzle includes a front squeegee to guide liquids into  suction of liquids. 

The dry pick-up floor nozzle, also known as the floor combi tool, can easily transition between carpets and hard floors by pressing a switch located on the top side of the nozzle. Adjusting the brushes is straightforward: set them up for carpets and down for hard floors.

I also liked the handy accessory storage section at the back of the Charles. This is super helpful for storing the smaller accessories when they’re not in use and you can easily switch between dusting and vacuuming when you need to without rummaging in a drawer for the dusting brush.

You will need some storage to house the Charles . The suction hose is long and the unit itself is pretty hefty, at 21 inches high and with a footprint of 1.6 square feet. You'll also need room to store the float valve or filter when you're not using them. And it's a real shame there's no retracting cord storage.

Overall it's a practical design that works well for any job, and we all love those cute little Numatic faces, right?

Score: 4 out of 5

Numatic International CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum: Key specs

Numatic International CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum: Performance

I tested the Numatic International CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum over a couple of weeks in my home, checking how well it tackled wet and dry spills inside and out. I also checked how it tackled different types of liquid and debris on a hard floor, using thick sauces, sticky honey, milk, spilt cereal, oats, and flour, as well as using it as a general everyday vacuum.

There's no doubt that the suction power on the Charles is magnificent. You can almost see the carpet lifting as it's vacuumed. While it left my carpets feeling really clean and free from dirt and debris, I did, however, find it really hard to push the floor attachment forward across a carpet. It takes so much upper body strength! In the end I tended to vacuum by sliding the floor tool back towards myself as this was much easier. But I'd much prefer to slide it both forwards and back to ensure a really deep clean. 

The small attachments for cleaning upholstery and stairs  and dusting all worked well. They're standard pieces of kit you'll find with any Numatic vacuum so if you already have one you'll be well used to each of them. I was particualrly impressed with how well the stairs looked after a vacuum - muich better than my usual vacuum cleaner. The upholstery tool also worked well to remove pet hair from the sofas and chairs. 

During my vacuum tests I used flour and oats on carpets and hard floors. While Charles worked well to remove these on both surfaces, it did tend to shift them around a little during vacuuming, so I needed to lift the floor tool up slightly to gather all the debris. 

Next, I evaluated how well it dealt with wet spills and sludgy messes. I used Charles to clean away a series of sticky sauces such as honey and ketchup as well as dropped cereal and milk, Charles' excelled at both of these with the wet floor attachment lifting everything clean away. While it won't wash your floors, it;s great at pulling away liquids from hard surfaces, so you could use it as part of your regular mopping routine, lifting soapy residue clean away.

It also comes in handy outside the home! I used Charles to vacuum up grass clippings and leaves on my patio.

It's not too loud either; clocking in at around 71 decibels. That's pretty standard for a vacuum cleaner and won't disturb the neighbors.

Emptying and cleaning the Charles is also easy for wet or dry debris. Dry debris can either be collected via the fleece liner bag or simply sucked into the container, while wet spills go straight into the container. Charles comes with a handle so you can take the lid off and tip liquids straight down the drain or dry debris into the trash.  

Score: 4 out of 5

Numatic International CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum: Care & maintenance

Proper maintenance, including cleaning the tank, replacing dustbags, and maintaining filters, will help extend your vacuum cleaner's lifespan and maintain its performance. Thankfully, it's pretty easy to maintain Charles. Regularly wash and clean the tank after vacuuming up wet spills and replace the dustbag as needed to ensure your vacuum operates efficiently. While the initial purchase includes one dustbag, compatible spares from brands like Numatic and others are readily available online.

Numatic recommends brushing the dry filter monthly with the dust attachment to remove accumulated dirt and debris. Additionally, you can remove and wash the membrane covering the float valve. Rinse it under running water and allow it to dry completely for at least 24 hours before reinstalling.

Numatic International CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum: User reviews

On Amazon , users have awarded the Numatic International CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum a whopping 4.6 out of 5 stars. More than three-quarters of reviewers gave it the full 5 stars. 

Users appear to be very happy with their purchase, with many remarking on its powerful suction and ease of use. "Excellent for small debris and soot. Powerful suction and easy-to-change bags," says one happy customer, while another remarks, "This sure does have strong suction."

Charles' wet suction also garners strong praise. Many owners say they just slosh water around their floor and suck up the residue, which is 'much quicker than a mop' in one user's opinion. One happy reviewer was able to retrieve a toothbrush from the sink drain with Charles, while another drained a radiator

Customers do comment, however, on how bulky and big Charles is, which can make for difficult storage, and that it doesn't have a self-retracting cord. 

Should you buy the Numatic International CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the Numatic International CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum compare?

If you want a wet/dry vac that can also give your carpets and sofas a wash, the NaceCare GVE 370 George Wet/Dry Vacuum gets a thumbs-up from us as an all-in-one solution for vacuuming, upholstery, and carpet cleaning — it can even unblock sinks and valet your car! 

If you just want a compact and affordable option, the Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum could be ideal.  It's fantastic at powering through dry and wet messes in the home and car. Plus, it's small enough to store away when not in use. However, the 10-minute battery runtime could disappoint some users.

The Roborock Dyad Pro Combo is perfect if you're looking for a wet/dry vacuum for hard floors only. With its incredible 17000Pa suction power and 20N consistent force, it removes wet and dry messes from your floors and cleans itself up afterwards.

How I tested the Numatic International CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum

Over two weeks, I evaluated the Numatic International CVC370 Charles Wet Dry Vacuum, using it in my kitchen and garden to vacuum debris and spills inside and outside. I tested how well it coped with sludgy messes and sauces, thin liquids, and dry debris, such as dried leaves, oats and flour. I also used a decibel meter to record volume output.

Read more about how we test.

• First reviewed: May 2024

Shark is one of the most popular vacuum brands in America. It makes everything from robot vacuums and upright vacuums to cordless and handheld vacuums to carpet cleaners (and also makes hair dryers, fans, and air purifiers).

The Shark StainStriker Portable Spot and Stain Eliminator Carpet Cleaner is one of the company’s latest offerings, and is a portable and lightweight version of Shark’s full-size models.

It’s a convenient way to remove stains and odors from carpets, area rugs, and upholstered furniture. If you have people and pets tracking dirt into your home, it’s easy to get this cleaner out and quickly remove stains. And if your pets make the occasional mess on carpets or sofas (or even in your upholstered vehicles), the Shark StainStriker can handle that as well.

For over a month, I tested the Shark StainStriker to see how it compares to our list of the best carpet cleaners. I tested it on my 17 carpeted steps, as well as rugs, and other carpeted areas. Keep reading to see how the Shark StainStriker performed.

Shark StainStriker: Price & availability

The Shark StainStriker is priced at $119.99 on the Shark website. On Amazon, the list price is $139.99.

It’s priced competitively, as most brands that offer these types of compact and portable carpet and upholstery cleaners sell at a range of $120 to $150. 

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Shark StainStriker: First impressions

The Shark StainStriker arrived in a brown, cardboard branded box, and inside of that, a more colorful branded box. Everything was packed securely to keep the carpet cleaner safe during the shipping process.

The machine includes various parts, including the CarpetXpert tank, dirty water tank, StainStriker tank, and hose. Attachments include a crevice tool, 3.5in hand tool, 7in hand tool, hose cleaning tool, and pet mess tool. Bissell also included 6 ounces of Deep Clean Pro Formula, and 12 ounces of OXY multiplier. There’s also an instruction manual.

Shark StainStriker: Set up & assembly

The Shark Stain Striker includes an instruction manual, and I actually needed to read it before getting started. That’s because there are several parts with different functions. I removed the CarpetXpert Tank and filled it with water—to the fill line. (I can use hot water, but it shouldn’t be hotter than 140°F). Then, I topped it off with Shark Deep Clean Pro Formula to the concentrate fill line and then put the tank back into the machine.

Next, I removed the StainStriker Tank, filled it with Shark OXY Multiplier, and replaced the tank.

After that, it was a matter of choosing the desired tool. The crevice tool is used to clean in tight spaces. The 3.5in hand tool is designed to clean small stains on both carpet and upholstery. There’s also a 7in hand tool, which makes it easier to clean larger stains.

The Pet Mess Tool is an interesting attachment. It’s designed to clean up pet messes (like bile), and keep it in the container (inside of the Pet Mess Tool) instead of being sucked up into the unit’s interior and dirty water tank. This can provide a more hygienic way to clean up after your favorite four-legged family members.

Shark StainStriker: Design

The Shark StainStriker’s design is quite impressive. The compact appliance is equipped with everything needed for spot cleaning and to clean in small areas. The various attachments make it easy to clean efficiently and effectively. I also like the smart storage solutions. The hose wraps neatly around the cleaner. It’s also easy to store the cord on the side of the carpet cleaner, so everything is nicely contained.

There aren’t a lot of buttons to fumble around with. After choosing my preferred tool and pressing the On button, the carpet cleaner is ready to go.

Perhaps the only thing I don’t like about the Shark StainStriker—and this may be a problem specific to me—is that I had to use an extension cord. I have 17 steps separating my foyer from my living space. There’s not a wall outlet in the foyer, so I have to use an extension cord and plug it in the wall outlet in the garage. This only lets me clean roughly half of the steps. At the top of the steps, fortunately, there are several close wall outlets to choose from. However, I still have to use an extension cord to reach the midway point on the steps.

Score: 5 out of 5

Shark StainStriker: Key specs

Shark StainStriker: Performance

 The Shark Stain Striker cleaned my carpeted steps very well. In the photo above, I cleaned the left half of the stairs, and you can see the difference between the two sides.

 However, I should note that the area should be vacuumed first to remove any loose debris, since this is a carpet cleaner, not a vacuum cleaner.

There’s a lever on the hand tool to press and this sprays water on the carpet. If the area needs to be scrubbed, I merely allow the bristles to scrub the area. And then, I tilt the hand tool forward and move it across the wet area to extract the water.

A bottle of Shark Deep Clean Pro Formula is included, and I poured some into the CarpetXpert Tank. The formula is designed to provide a deep carpet cleaning experience, removing dirt and grime. Also included is a bottle of Shark OXY Multiplier, which is poured into the StainStriker Tank. According to Shark, when the multiplier is combined with the Deep Clean Pro Formula, it provides 20 times more stain-fighting results.  

I can’t verify those claims, but I was impressed with the difference it made while cleaning the carpet.

The Shark StainStriker cleans without making a mess, and the water comes out of the machine sufficiently enough to wet the carpet, but not enough to make the carpet soggy. The suction is also strong enough that I can tell it's removing dirt and water.

As a general rule, I would clean the left side of the staircase one day, and then clean the right side on the following day. Since I’m typically running up and down the stairs several times a day, I want to ensure that one side is always dry and I’m not tracking wet steps around my home.

Since I have leather furniture, I can’t use the Shark StainStriker on my sofas and chairs. However, I have used it to clean my chenille bath mats in between the times I toss them in the washing machine. Note: Regarding upholstery, Shark recommends doing a patch test on a hidden area. 

I’ve also used the Shark StainStriker to remove mud and dirt tracked into my house. It works well for small areas, and when I just need to do spot cleaning. However, when I decide to clean all of my carpeting, I tend to reach for something larger. I just started testing the Shark CarpetXPert with Stainstriker, which is a full-size upright carpet cleaner that is more suitable for this type of large scale cleaning.

The listed noise level is 82dB. However, when testing, it was more like 85 to 87 dB. Granted, I have birds chirping outdoors 24/7, and my HVAC turns on and off, so any of these factors could have boosted the noise level. However, don’t expect the carpet cleaner to be quiet.

Care is relatively easy. I simply remove and empty the dirty water tank, rinse the other water tanks, and clean the hand tools. It’s advisable to clean the unit after each use—and I do—since this helps to avoid any odors, mold, or bacteria. (Sharp does not recommend putting any of the parts into the dishwasher.)

Score: 4 out of 5

Shark StainStriker: User reviews

The Shark StainStriker has an Amazon average rating of 4.5/5. The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, and consumers like the ease of cleaning, quality build, size, appearance, and value. Regarding consumers who talked about suction, the comments are positive by a ratio of 2 to 1.

The Shark website has significantly fewer reviews (which is not surprising, considering the popularity of Amazon). Those reviews are also overwhelmingly positive, and 96% of buyers would recommend the product to others.

Should I buy the Shark StainStriker?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the Stain Striker compare?

The Bissell Little Green ProHeat is a comparable portable carpet cleaner. It’s also affordable and provides a thorough clean. In addition, the machine is compact. In fact, it’s quite similar to the Shark Stain Striker—but the cord is much longer. The Bissell Little Green ProHeat retails for $123.59, and is currently on sale for $98.59.

If you need a larger carpet cleaner for wall-to-wall carpeting, the Shark CarpetXPert with Stainstriker, is a full-size upright carpet cleaner—that also includes the same attachmets in the Stark Stain Striker. It’s $299, but as a 2-in-1 carpet clean that also has a spot and stain cleaner, it’s worth the month..

How I tested the Shark Stain Striker

I tested the Shark Stain Striker in my home for a month. I used it several times on my steps for spot cleaning and also general cleaning. I used the various tools, depending on the cleaning task. I also used the machine on my chenille bath mat, and to do spot cleaning on general carpet areas. During the testing process, I observed quality, ease of use, and ease of cleaning.

Read more about how we test.

• First reviewed: May 2024

Bissell is known for its various vacuum cleaners and other floor care products. The American company makes cordless sticks, upright robotic canisters, handheld vacuums, carpet cleaners, steam and hard floor cleaners, and carpet and floor cleaning formulas.

The Bissell IconPet Turbo Cordless Stick Vacuum is one of the company’s most advanced and expensive cordless stick models. Compared to previous models, this one has a tangle-free brush system, shorter charge time, longer run time, more advanced allergen system, larger dirty tank capacity, and more accessories.

I tried it out in my home for over three months to see how it compares to our list of the best cordless vacuum cleaners. I tested the vacuum on hard floors, carpets, rugs, and other soft surfaces. Keep reading to see how the Bissell IconPet Turbo performed.

Bissell IconPet Turbo: Key Specs

Bissell IconPet Turbo: Price & Availability

The Bissell IconPet Turbo Cordless Stick Vacuum is priced at $365.64 on the Bissell website. On Amazon, the list price is $365.64, but it’s on sale for $329.98

This is among the most expensive Bissell cordless stick vacuum models, but overall, it’s in the mid-range of cordless stick vacuums on the market. Some respectable cordless stick vacuums cost between $200 and $300. However, it’s not uncommon for cordless stick vacs to cost $500, $700, and even $1,000.

Bissell IconPet Turbo: First Impressions

The Bissell IconPet Turbo arrived securely packed in a brown cardboard box. The contents included the main vacuum body, extension wand, motorized tangle-free foot, lighted crevice tool/dusting brush, LED motorized turbo brush tool, battery charger, and wall storage and charging station. There’s also an instruction manual. 

Bissell IconPet Turbo: Set Up & Assembly

The Bissell IconPet Turbo was easy to set up. There’s an instruction manual included, but having tested dozens of cordless stick vacuums, it was easy to connect the pieces. And even if you’ve never used a cordless stick vacuum before, it’s still easy to figure out how the various parts fit together.

The battery takes about 4 hours to fully charge, and Bissell recommends charging it fully before the first use.

One thing I don’t like about the Bissell IconPet Turbo is that it’s not self-standing. It has a parking brake, so when you lean it up against a wall, it keeps it from falling. However, it doesn’t stand up independently, like some vacuum cleaners. You may or may not consider this a negative feature. It’s a minus because I’d prefer to stand it up in the laundry room or the garage when not in use.

I already have a cordless stick vacuum mounted on the foyer wall and another one on the garage wall. I don’t want to mount another one, but some people may prefer to mount the vacuum since it can save floor space.

Bissell IconPet Turbo: Design

I love the versatility of the Bissell IconPet Turbo. It’s lightweight (7 pounds) and easy to maneuver. The various parts fit securely, and they are also easy to release and swap out.

The cordless stick vacuum has a simple interface on the main body. There are three cleaning modes. Low is for hard floors, High is for area rugs and carpets, and turbo is designed for maximum suction.

Although the vacuum cleaning isn’t self-standing, the parking brake on the front, when pressed, keeps the wheels from sliding as the vacuum is leaned up against a wall.

The display also reveals error messages. For example, the two lights at the top will flash if there’s a suction motor problem. This can occur if the filters are dirty or a machine clogs.

The lights in the middle will flash if there’s a brush roll stall. This can occur if the brush roll is clogged because it hasn’t been cleaned.

The LED light on the brush head is one of my favorite features. It reveals dirt and debris that may escape the naked eye. I tend to turn off the lights to make seeing debris on the floor even easier.

Bissell IconPet Turbo: Performance

After the four-hour charging cycle, I was ready to start testing the Bissell IconPet Turbo. It glides easily on any surface and can maneuver around furniture. I also love that the low-profile brush roll can go under furniture. I am able to vacuum more than halfway under my bed on one side, then go around to the other side and finish vacuuming.

The Bissell IconPet Turbo also fits completely under my sofas, ottomans, armchairs, and sideboards. Honestly, I only use my robot vacuum to access these areas, so I used it much less when testing the IconPet Turbo.

I was able to use the Low mode when vacuuming hard floors. The battery lasts almost 50 minutes in this mode, and the noise level is 67.6 dB. When cleaning area rugs and carpets, High mode is recommended. However, the battery run time is decreased to less than 20 minutes, and the noise level is 77.4 dB. The Turbo mode is the best option when I need maximum suction (which doesn’t happen often) and a noise level of 83.0 dB. This vacuum will only stay in this mode for 5 minutes, and then it will go back to High mode. As you can imagine, Turbo mode drains the battery very quickly.

The suction is excellent on hard floors. I used the vacuum cleaner daily to pick up debris and also performed tests to pick up coffee grounds and corn chips that I’d ground into small pieces.

I found the Bissell IconPet Turbo acceptable on the carpet. It did appear to remove dust, debris, and hair. However, I have tested cordless stick vacuums with stronger suction on the carpet.

The attachments provide additional functionality. For example, I can use the turbo brush tool (which also has an LED light) to vacuum the carpet on my stairs. I also test air purifiers regularly and use the turbo brush to clean the air purifier filters. It also does an excellent job of cleaning models with fabric exteriors.

Since all of my sofas and chairs are leather (as opposed to fabric upholstery), I can’t use the tools on them. However, I use the extension wand and crevice tool/dusting brush (also lighted) to clean the air conditioning vents on the ceiling.

The SmartSeal Allergy System does a good job of keeping dirt and debris inside the vacuum, which I appreciate. Vacuuming is meant to remove stuff, not recirculate it.

Emptying the dustbin is a semi-touchless process. After removing the dirt tank, there’s a latch to slide, and then I pulled the top of the tank up, removed the separator, and then tapped the side of the separator inside the trash can to remove any debris. Then, I poured the debris from the tank into the trash. Although my hands never touched the dirty parts, some cordless stick vacuums have a lever to touch, and it releases everything into the trash. And I prefer that to dismantle parts.

Otherwise, care and maintenance proved quick and painless due in part to the tangle-free brush roll, which means there’s no hair to remove. The vacuum has pre- and post-motor filters that can be rinsed under warm water and left to dry (at least 24 hours). The dustbin can also be rinsed under running water.

Bissell IconPet Turbo: User Reviews

The Bissell IconPet Turbo Cordless Stick Vacuum has positive reviews on both the Amazon and Bissell websites. Users appreciate that the vacuum cleaner is lightweight and easy to use, and they like the LED lighting. Negative comments tend to mention battery life – which is dismal in high mode (although high mode will always drain a cordless stick vac faster). Regarding suction, the comments are almost evenly split, with negative comments slightly outweighing the positive comments. 

Should you buy the Bissell IconPet Turbo Cordless Stick Vacuum?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

How does the Bissell IconPet Turbo Cordless Stick Vacuum compare?

The Samsung Jet 75 has excellent suction on all surfaces and is lightweight and easy to use. At $399, currently on sale for $368.81, it’s more expensive than the Bissell Icon Pet Turbo, but not by much. The vacuum has several power levels and a variety of accessories for use on different surfaces. The battery lasts for 60 minutes, and the vacuum is self-standing or can be mounted on the wall.  

The LG Cord Zero has been one of my favorite cordless vacuum cleaners for several years. It performs well on hard floors and carpet, has a Kompressor feature that compacts the trash so the bin can hold more, and uses a 5-step filtration process. It also has two swappable batteries for up to 120 minutes of vacuuming. In addition, the vacuum automatically empties the dust bin and sits on a tower that holds the accessories. It’s expensive at $799 – currently on sale for $545, but does everything. 

How I tested the Bissell IconPet Turbo Cordless Stick Vacuum

I tested the Bissell IconPet Turbo Cordless Stick Vacuum in my home for three months. It was used as a stick vacuum on hard floors, carpets, and area rugs and also as a handheld vacuum, cleaning air vents and air purifiers with fabric covers. I also conducted specific tests, such as cleaning up coffee grounds and crushed crunchy corn snacks. I observed battery runtime, charge time, and noise levels during the testing process.

Read more about how we test. 

You'll need a fully functioning, non-smelling vacuum cleaner to keep the house clean. But what happens when the vacuum does start to smell? The (bad) odors could be anything from smelling like damp dogs or rotting foods to a distinguished burning aroma. 

It's an issue that can affect even the best vacuum cleaners, from stick vacuums to canister and upright vacuums to robot vacuums. A lot of the stink comes down to what you're actually vacuuming, but then there's the aftermath: how you remove the debris and what preventive measures you take to prevent it from happening again.

I've owned and tested many vacuum cleaners during my time as a product tester, and no two have been the same. Some have gotten in a tangle with hair, whereas others have had mechanical meltdowns that have affected suction performance.

I'm just as curious as you are about how to fix this problem, so I asked the experts for advice on the causes of a smelly vacuum and the solutions. Here's what I found out.

Why does my vacuum cleaner smell?

1. Bag / canister is full

Whether it's intentional or not, we vacuum spilled foods such as rice puffs, grated cheese, and dried foods so they're off the carpets and couches. The bag or canister on the vacuum can then act as a food waste bin as the food decays, which often won't get emptied as frequently as the food waste bin in the kitchen. The odor caused by this, mixed with dirt, dust, and fluff, can be revolting.

This means that you don't always have to wait until the canister or vacuum bag is full to empty it into the trash, especially if you know what you've vacuumed will cause a whiff not before too long. 

Jade Piper, Operations Manager at Better Cleans, advises: "Empty your vacuum bag or canister when it's about half full. If you wait too long, your vacuum might not work as well anymore."

Alternatively, a robot vacuum that self-empties, such as our #1 rated Eufy X10 Pro Omni, will help to keep on top of any roaming odors. Just don't get complacent with these; they still need emptying, which is on average every 60 days—or until you notice a smell.

2. You've vacuumed wet surfaces

Unless you have one of the best wet/dry vacuum cleaners, repeating this isn't a good idea because it could damage the vacuum, and the moisture can turn into dampness and, later, mold. David Chapman, flooring expert and founder of custom logo mat company Ultimate Mats, shares: "When cleaning up spills, blot the wet surface with a cloth or mop, and ensure that the area is dry before vacuum cleaning. "

If you vacuum over a wet surface, be sure to clean and dry the canister or replace the bag. Check the brushbar, too, to ensure you're not spreading dampness across other surfaces.

3. Filters are clogged

Vacuum cleaner filters are often the source of many woes. When clogged, they can affect the suction and prevent the capture of airborne allergens, all while causing a stink.

Chapman says: "...people will often overlook the cleaning and maintaining vacuum filters, brushes and attachments. Remove the filters and brushes to remove any attached hair, fibers, or debris. If washable, rinse them under lukewarm water, ensuring the water isn’t too hot."

4. Hair is tangled

The above point brings us to the hair wrapping around the brushbar and accessories. Long, short, and pet hair can be a nuisance when wanting to quickly vacuum around the home, as it traps dust and prevents it from being banished to the bag or canister.

Pet hair is often found in clumps around the home and has a distinctive smell. Piper advises: "Mix equal parts of warm water and white vinegar in a bowl. The warm water helps loosen dirt, and the vinegar is like a natural cleaner. Pop your brush roll into the water and vinegar mix. Leave it there for about 15-30 minutes. After the soak, grab an old toothbrush and give your brush roll a gentle scrub, especially on any stubborn gunk. Rinse, air dry, and once the filter and dustbin are ready, reassemble the vacuum and give it a test run to ensure everything's in working order."

Alternatively, owning a vacuum cleaner for pet hair would be a good idea to prevent hair from getting in a wrap and to keep bad odors at bay. One of our highly recommended pet vacuum cleaners is the Shark Stratos, which has an odor-neutralizer built-in to the floorhead and has an anti-hair wrap.

5. It's stored in the wrong place

"It is common to store vacuum cleaners in a cupboard under the stairs or another dark place in the home lacking ventilation. 

"These conditions can contribute to the build-up of mold and bacteria, which causes your vacuum cleaner to smell bad. Be sure to keep your vacuum in a well-ventilated area of the home, such as by a doorway or in a garage. This should help to improve both the smell and the lifespan of your vacuum cleaner." says Chapman.

Upright vacuum cleaners can often stand up on their own, whereas cordless vacuum cleaners arrive with a wall-mounted doc, so you'll have the freedom with both to position them where is suitable.

6. Motor is overheating

When the motor is overheating, it could be for all of the above reasons or because it is deteriorating. What will give away the motor's status is the noise and, yep, the smell.

This smell will be a burning smell. As soon as you detect this, stop using the vacuum cleaner. By elimination, it would be worth cleaning the canister or replacing the bag and the accessories. If that fails, an option would be to get it serviced, or you will look at replacing it. You needn't fret about spending a small fortune on a vacuum cleaner. We've tried vacuum cleaners for under $200, which did a perfectly good job - although you may need to stay equipped with scissors to occasionally free the brushbar from hair.

7. Mechanical issue

A mechanical issue with a vacuum cleaner can be anything from a seized rotating brush bar to a fraying power cable or loose plug. Either of these issues could cause a vacuum cleaner to smell as it'll blow out air from the canister or create a burning smell.

Rocky Vuong from Calibre Cleaning notes that maintenance should be done regularly and adds, "Check for any blockages in the machine, as they can lead to decreased efficiency. They can also result in overheating, thus releasing a burning smell.

"Ensure that all parts of the machine are working properly, and call for a professional in case of bigger issues." It would also be a good idea to stop using the vacuum cleaner to prevent any further damage.

If it's time to replace your vacuum cleaner, check out our vacuum deals round-up. With Memorial Day sales looming, you could find a top-rated brand for less throughout the sales period.

Dyson has done it again. Another fine example of engineering for our homes' has been designed and recently launched in a bid to make our floors (squeaky) clean.

It's specifically for use on hard floors across large spaces, which, unlike the best wet/dry vacuum cleaners, is dedicated to a single floor type. However, it does work in a similar way. The Dyson WashG1 claims to pick up wet and dry debris, but it uses a combination of hydration, absorption, and extraction tech to remove the debris in one go—automatically separating it out, making maintenance and cleaning easier.

How it works is like this.

Two individually powered rollers counter-rotate, while a pulse-modulated pump (a pump with a pulsating action) distributes water evenly across 26 hydration points dotted along each microfiber roller. These dense rollers, combined with a consistent application, will absorb your cereal and coffee spills, while crumbs and hair will be wrapped up by 64,800 filaments per cm2.

With one roller at the front and the other at the back of the floorhead, the stains and spills will effectively get a double-whammy of removal attempts for that desired "barefoot clean" feel the brand is aiming for. Each roller is the full width of the floorhead to allow cleaning into the corners. They'll be spinning in opposite directions with separate motors, so they'll be cleaning in both directions. Much like the Dyson Omni-glide ($349.99 $244.95 on Amazon), the Dyson WashG1 has balance and weight support casters, while the low floorhead will reach underneath the couch or dining set.

After spinning around the floors, dirty water is squeezed out of the rollers by built-in extraction plates, while a secondary nylon-bristled inner brush bar removes dirt and debris from the rollers and flickers it into a debris tray. 

The separated dirty water will be kept in a tank, whereas the dirt and debris will be held in the floorhead for easier disposal. There are also no sharp internal surfaces or crevices to prevent grime build-up.

One of the Dyson WashG1's best features (in our opinion) is the self-cleaning mode. This saturates both rollers with clean water on a "boost" setting, flushing out the system so it's ready to go for the next clean. It looks like it can stand upright for a clean in a dock, thus avoiding the need to mount it to a wall, but this is just an observation from what we can see, so we'll know more when we get hands-on with it.

Like the sound of it? The Dyson WashG1 will be available in Fall 2024 for $699.99. Sign up on the Dyson website to be amongst the first to hear when it's available.

Kärcher says its Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner WD 6 PS is its most powerful vacuum cleaner yet, and is perfect for cleaning all around the car, garage and garden. Designed to take on jobs that are too tough for a regular vacuum cleaner, it's one of the best shop vacuums that can handle anything, from dust to rubble. It can also suck up wet spills, work as a pump to empty out liquid and blow dead leaves and other debris from your decking, patio or garage floor.

The Kärcher WD 6 PS also features a power point for plugging in your power tools. And if you’re using a tool that creates debris, simply connect the smaller suction hose available to its outlet to vacuum up the dust. The 1300w motor and stainless steel impact-resistant 7.9-gallon container make the WD 6 PS a tough vacuuming buddy that can move quickly and easily between wet and dry suction. 

With plenty of spring cleaning jobs around the home and garden, we tested the Kärcher WD 6 PS over two weeks on a variety of wet and dry tasks and evaluated all its other features, from leaf blowing to powering up tools. 

If the Kärcher Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner WD 6 PS isn’t the perfect new vacuum for you, check out our best vacuum cleaners or our best wet/dry vacuum cleaners  for every budget, tried and tested.

Kärcher Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner WD 6 PS: Price & availability

The Kärcher Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner WD 6 PS has an RRP of $349.99 and is available to buy direct from Kärcher or from resellers such as Amazon and Home Depot. At the time of writing it is available for just $299.99 on Amazon.

It's generally priced higher than many similar wet/dry vacuums but you do get a leaf blower and a power outlet thrown in, which makes it better value than some more reasonably priced models from Craftsman and Stanley.

For the price though, I would have liked to have seen an additional brush head or two, such as an upholstery brush, an extra fleece filter bag or a spare cartridge. These can be purchased separately from both Kärcher and Amazon. 

Score: 3 out of 5

Kärcher Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner WD 6 PS: First impressions

The Kärcher Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner WD 6 PS comes pretty much ready to go straight out of the box. There is some plastic packaging that may or may not be recyclable depending on where you live. However, most of it is cardboard.  

Inside the familiar black and yellow box you’ll find the base unit and container with a 26-ft power cord, the 11-ft suction hose, two stainless steel tubes for extending the suction hose, a switchable floor nozzle, a flat pleated filter and a fleece filter bag.   

There is also a practical cable and accessory storage unit which can be secured to the lid of the base unit. This is super helpful for storing the stainless steel tube and floor nozzle when they’re not in use. A smaller hose for attaching power tools and a couple of extra attachments to help with narrow spaces are also included. 

The filter is already installed, so all you have to do is attach the five caster wheels on the base of the unit, just by clicking them in. Then,  insert the fleece bag (if you’re dry vacuuming) and attach it to the suction hose outlet on the inside of the container, pop the lid of the unit on and secure it by bringing down the handle on the side. 

Next, choose your vacuuming food nozzle setting. Because it’s corded, there is no waiting for the battery to charge, which makes a nice change from many other wet/dry vacuums. 

The Kärcher doesn’t mess around with fancy cleaning modes either. You get a straight-up yellow and black dial which you can adjust depending on how much power you want. Go left for blowing out air, and right for sucking up liquids and debris. 

If you want to use the leaf-blowing function you will have to move the hose from the lower outlet to one higher up, positioned near the power outlet. If you want to suck up liquid, just make sure you remove the fleece bag inside and set the floor nozzle to ‘wet’, which is handily marked with water drops.  

Kärcher Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner WD 6 PS: Design

The Kärcher Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner WD 6 PS uses the well-known black and yellow colorway that will be familiar to Kärcher users worldwide. However, it also features a rather fancy and robust 8-gallon stainless steel container, complete with a drain screw for easy emptying of liquids. 

A protective yellow plastic base protects the steel container from unsightly scratches, while also providing support for the accessory storage unit. The lid of the unit, where the motor is, is also yellow with black detailing, such as the handle and power outlet. 

All the features are easy to identify and use, including the filter case, which pops out like a cassette. The switches and dials feel robust and well-designed, and the storage accessory is great for tidying away attachments and tubes. The cable tidy could be a bit better designed—you have to wrap the hose up first and hang it off a hook in the lid—but it does the job.  

It’s a pretty big vacuum, though - 16.5 x 15 x 27.3 inches to be exact. So the Kärcher WD 6 PS feels like it’s designed for someone with outside storage, such as a garage or a shed. The industrial design doesn’t feel suited to a domestic setting either. It’s clear Kärcher is targeting people who want to use this vacuum more outdoors than indoors.  

Score: 3 out of 5

Kärcher Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner WD 6 PS: Key specs

Kärcher Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner WD 6 PS: Performance

I tested the Kärcher Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner WD 6 PS over a couple of weeks in my home and garden, checking how well it tackled wet and dry spills inside and out and using its extra outdoor features. I looked at how well it tackled different types of liquid and debris on a hard floor, using thick sauces, sticky honey, milk, spilt cereal, oats, and flour. Outside, I used it to clean my patio of soil and other debris, such as dry leaves, and I used it to clean my garden shed for spring. 

It’s important to note that the Kärcher WD 6 PS is not an indoor vacuum cleaner. While you can use it inside your home to tackle spills, you won’t want to get it out daily. It’s more of a shop vacuum than any other wet/dry vacuum cleaner I’ve tested.

First, let's see how well it gets on with dry spills. Using flour and oats, I noted that the Kärcher WD 6 PS wasted no time in sucking up fine and larger particles, leaving not a trace behind. 

It didn’t fare so well with sticky sauces, mearing ketchup and honey all over the floor. However, it’s a great wet vacuum cleaner on spilt cereal with milk and water. While it won’t mop your floors, it’ll quickly eliminate any runny liquids.

Next, I tried it outside the home, which is where the Kärcher WD 6 PS really belongs. It was fantastic at sucking up soapy water after a patio scrub, vacuuming spilt soil from a flower pot and removing small debris from the ground, such as grass clippings and even screws from the floor of the garden shed!

The small nozzle attachments help you reach tight spaces and crevices—I was able to remove a year's worth of cobwebs and leaves from a wooden bed. I also used the suction hose without any attachment to nudge free and then suck up moss that had been growing between my patio slabs.

The leaf blower function does an excellent job of blowing up dead leaves from gutters and flower beds. You’ll probably find you use this function a lot. Leaves tend to block the Kärcher's hose, which is a shame, as I was hoping I could just vacuum them away. A wider hose and nozzle attachment would make all the difference here.

I also managed to tip it over a couple of times by pulling on the suction hose too hard. This may be because it's tall and skinny, putting the center of gravity at a disadvantage.

What I also really liked about the WD 6 PS is the ability to attach a power tool, not only using the electricity from the Kärcher to power it but instantaneously vacuuming up fine debris. Sanding down an old planter before painting it was a breeze as all the flakes of paint were sucked away—nothing to sweep up or worry about inhaling.

The other point to mention about the Kärcher is the noise level. It’s pretty loud at around 75 decibels. That’s around the same as listening to music, so you’ll need to raise your voice quite a lot if you’re having a conversation, and your neighbors may not appreciate it!

Emptying and cleaning the WD 6 PS is easy, whether it’s wet or dry debris. If you’re vacuuming liquids, you can empty the container by tipping it up or loosening the drain valve at the front. For dry debris, you can use the extra-tough fleece liner bag or just let the debris flow into the container, then dispose of it into your trash or compost heap.

Score: 4 out of 5

Kärcher Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner WD 6 PS: Care & maintenance

In addition to emptying the cleaning container after vacuuming up dry and wet debris, Kärcher recommends vacuuming the filter regularly. They've made it super easy with their integrated filter cleaning system. All you have to do is place the handle of the suction hose in the parking position on the device head. Then, press the filter cleaning button three times with the device switched on, waiting four seconds between each press.

You can also remove the filter and clean it under running water, but you'll need to let it dry completely before re-inserting it. 

Kärcher Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner WD 6 PS: User reviews

On the Kärcher website, users have awarded the Kärcher Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner WD 6 PS 4.9 out of 5 stars, while users of this same wet/dry vacuum cleaner on Amazon have scored it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Most users are very happy with their purchase, with many remarking on its powerful performance and sturdiness. "This is by far the best shop vac I have ever owned," says one happy customer, while another remarks, "I thought my regular vacuum was good enough and didn’t realize how much I needed this wet/dry vac until I started using it all around the house and even outside."

However, as we noted in our testing, some users say it has the potential to fall over if you tug it too hard, while others say it's a little big, which can cause problems with storage.

Should you buy the Kärcher Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner WD 6 PS?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the Kärcher Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner WD 6 PS compare?

If you want a sturdy wet/dry vac that can be stored more easily in your home, and cope with outdoor tasks, the NaceCare GVE 370 George Wet/Dry Vacuum gets a thumbs-up from us as an all-in-one solution for vacuuming, upholstery, and carpet cleaning — it can even unblock sinks and valet your car! 

If you just want a compact and affordable option, the Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum could be ideal.  It's fantastic at powering through dry and wet messes in the home and car. Plus, it's small enough to store away when not in use. However, the 10-minute battery runtime could disappoint some users.

The Roborock Dyad Pro Combo is perfect if you're looking for a wet/dry vacuum for indoor use only. With its incredible 17000Pa suction power and 20N consistent force, it removes wet and dry messes from your floors and cleans itself up afterwards.

How I tested the Kärcher Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner WD 6 PS

Over two weeks, I evaluated the Kärcher Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner WD 6 PS, using it in my kitchen and garden to vacuum debris and spills inside and outside. I tested how well it coped with sludgy messes and sauces, thin liquids, and dry debris, such as dried leaves, oats and flour. I also tested the extra features, including the power outlet, additional power tool hose, and the leaf blowing feature and used a decibel meter to record volume output.

Read more about how we test.

• First reviewed: May 2024

The Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum is the brand's first cordless stick vacuum. While we are far more accustomed to the bulkier, corded Henry, I was keen to try this slimmed-down version around my home.

Nacecare is a distributor for Numatic, a UK brand that has been manufacturing products for over 50 years. While they do manufacture their own products, such as canister vacuums, wet/dry vacuums, and fine dust vacuums, the Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum is, in fact, a Numatic-own brand (the smiling little Henry face on the control unit is a bit of a giveaway).

The Henry Quick was launched in the fall of 2022, with other variations of the stick vacuum to follow. The Henry Quick Pet was launched in the fall of 2023, with the Hetty close behind.

I've been trying it out in my home for a couple of months to see if it is worthy of a slot in our best cordless vacuum cleaners guide. I tested it on hard floors, rugs, and carpet, up the stairs, and on the floors. Here's how I got on...

Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum: Price & availability

The Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum has a list price of $599 / £299.99 and can be bought directly from Nacecare / MyHenry.com or resellers such as Amazon.

If you own the Henry Quick, you'll need to be aware of a few ongoing costs. Additional scented discs will set you back $7.99 for a pack of two from CJ Miller, and pods will cost up to $34.99 for a pack of 10 at CJ Miller.

For a stick vacuum, it is still in the mid-price range. It's a fair price from a well-known brand that has all the right specs (we can vouch for it) and comes with everything you need to vacuum clean.

Score: 5 out of 5

Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum: First impressions

The Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum arrived in a branded cardboard box within another cardboard delivery box. I like cardboard; it can be recycled. I could carry these boxes into a room by myself, though the shape was a little awkward—it was longer than it was wide.

I slid the branded box out from the delivery box and opened it. The components were all neatly wrapped and presented. There is a little booklet to show you what goes where, but to me, it was all self-explanatory. The setup took less than one minute, with the majority of the time spent unwrapping the components.

It comes with six pods, 1 scented disc, a crevice tool, a motorized brush head, a 2-in-1 combi tool, an extended-use handle, a wall dock, a charger, and a battery.

Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum: Set up & assembly

The Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum arrived in a cardboard box containing a further Nacecare / Numatic branded cardboard box. Inside the branded box were all the components that made up the stick vacuum: charger, battery, handy kit (combi tool and crevice tool), brush head, stick wand, control unit, handle, six pods, one scented disc, and wall doc.

While some instructions were in the box (also available to download from the website), you don't need them to assemble the Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum. Once you've fully charged the battery (which takes approx. three hours) and popped a pod inside the canister, the brush head, stick wand, control unit, and handle are all seamlessly slotted together. The battery resides underneath the control unit. Lift the scented disc cover to place one inside. You're then ready to start vacuuming.

Note: I'd say mount the wall doc as soon as you can. The Henry Quick does not stand up on its own, so if you do not want to walk over your new vacuum on the floor, place it out of harm's way somewhere on the wall or inside a cupboard.

Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum: Design

The design of the Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum is all about that friendly face we've seen on its larger cousins, who are bagged canister vacuums. This is the brand's first bagged stick vacuum and the only cordless bagged stick vacuum cleaner that I've had the pleasure of testing.

It looks like any other stick vacuum: the floorhead is on the ground, followed by a wand up to the control unit and bin. The Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum has a couple of exceptions, though. There's a pod (bag) in the canister, and it has been designed for use with a scent pod. 

These scented discs gradually release an odor when vacuuming. The scents available are vanilla or passionfruit—I tried out the vanilla. The scented disc cover is at the far end of the vacuum. The only other vacuum cleaner that can release an odor while vacuuming is the Shark Stratos range, but these scented discs have been designed to sit on the floorhead.

The pod (bags) must be ejected and put in the trash when full. They easily slot into the canister and are made from 65% recycled materials.

The Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum measures 240x270x1220mm and weighs 3.2kg, making it lightweight and nimble. It can easily transform into a handheld vacuum, making it easy to vacuum the couch or other upholstered items.

Score: 5 out of 5

Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum: Key specs

Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum: Performance

The Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum was easy to set up, but did it perform? After a full recharging, which took approximately three hours, we were already off to a good start.

The first test I gave the Henry Quick was to see how well it vacuumed the daily debris from around my home. To be transparent, we are still renovating our house, so there is also a lot of plaster dust and wood sanding dust thrown into the mix of household dust, biscuit crumbs, and fragments of dried mud from shoes.

It would be a challenge for any vacuum, and the Henry Quick handled and picked it all up like a pro, apart from the larger chunks of debris. Small stones were spat back out. These were too heavy for the vacuum cleaner suction to banish to the pod. Also, when the pod (a filter) became full, debris was spat out too. While there is an indicator light to let you know when the pod is getting full to the right-hand side of the canister, it isn't near the buttons so you'll just need to keep checking when you think that it may be getting full and watch for dirt being spat out.

In addition to the general debris pick-up, I also carried out a selection of tests to see how well the Henry Quick picked up sugar and rice puffs.

It passed through the sugar effortlessly and picked up all the granules in its path. However, it crushed some rice puffs on its way through the light scattering, which meant that I had to go back over the deliberate debris drop several times until I could see it clearly on our hard flooring.

I also used the Henry Quick in handheld mode to remove crumbs from the couch. It was easy enough to remove the wand and replace it with the 2-in-1 combi tool, which is a brush and crevice tool in one. While the suction didn't feel very powerful, it certainly picked up the lighter crumbs well.

During operation, I measured a noise level of 82dB, equivalent to loud singing and not far off the noise level of a car. When using the vacuum on hard floors, it could be heard from the floor above or below, depending on where it was used, so it's not a quiet option.

I've had to do very little cleaning and maintenance throughout my time using the Henry Quick because the pod is also the filter. All the debris and odors get caught in the pod, which can be ejected when full and thrown in the trash. When the pod is full, a large slider on the side of the canister will release the pod when pushed downwards.

The brush bar on the floorhead gets hair wrapped around it, so you'll need to reach for the scissors to release it from the tangles now and then. If the scent disc doesn't smell as fresh as it once did, then it's time to swap it out for a new one.

Score: 4 out of 5

Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum: User reviews

Looking at the reseller sites Amazon and CJ Miller, there are not many user reviews to compare. Customers can not directly buy or review products on the NaceCare site. That said, those existing reviews speak highly of the bagged stick vac.

For example, on Amazon, a customer says, "It cleans very well. I love the pods. Anyone who has been waiting for a cordless bagged vacuum cleaner, this is great." They go on to rave about having a full battery for up to 60 minutes, with a charge time of about two and a half hours. This is echoed by another customer on CJ Miller, who adds, "Henry is good on all surfaces, floor or carpets. I love that it has a bag."

Should I buy the Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum compare?

The closest competitor of the Henry Quick Cordless Stick vacuum is, in my opinion, the Shark Stratos Cordless. This is because it is cordless and has odor-neutralizing scent pods, which work similarly to those in the Henry Quick. They are, however, situated in the floorhead of the stick vacuum. It feels more sturdy when replacing the scented disc (odor-neutralizer...) on the Shark Stratos Cordless, too, with a twist-and-pull handle to access the disc rather than a plastic lip on the control unit as featured on the Henry Quick.

A bagged vacuum cleaner to also consider is the classic NaceCare HVR 200 Henry. This is a bagged canister vacuum. It has a 2.5-gallon debris capacity, whereas the Henry Quick has just 0.26 gallons. It is also corded rather than cordless. I'm a particular fan of it because it is super handy to have around during a reno project; it will not only vacuum day-to-day debris, but it'll also tackle rubble, large amounts of sanded wood, and stone chips.

How I tested the Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum

I used the Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum around my home for a few months as my main vacuum cleaner. I used it as a stick vacuum and as a handheld vacuum to banish daily debris from the bagged canister. I also used it on more targeted tests, such as spilled sugar and rice puffs, to see how well it performed. The noise level, battery runtime, and charge time were also noted.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed: April 2024

Having the best wet/dry vacuum cleaner on hand will prove invaluable for tackling all sorts of messes around your home. While a standard vacuum handles only dry debris, wet/dry vacuums are designed to suck up large volumes of liquid or wet materials, as well as dry dust and debris. They're versatile tools that even the best vacuum cleaners can't match. With their powerful suction and large tank capacities, these multi-purpose vacuums are a must-have for busy households.

Of course, with such a variety of cordless, corded, robot, self-emptying and self-cleaning options, it can be bewildering when it comes to making a choice. Wet/dry vacs vary widely in size, power, filtration systems and included accessories, too.

That's where our expert buyer's guide comes in. Myself and one other review have hands-on tested all the top wet/dry vacuums featured here. We spent weeks running each model through a rigorous battery of tests on all types of wet and dry messes. Evaluations covered suction strength, ease of use, maneuverability, noise levels and more. From hands-free vacuums that do all the work for you, to handheld cordless vacuum cleaners that can be whipped out for small messes, plus everything in between, we've got the best wet/dry vacuum cleaner for you.

The quick list

Here’s your at-a-glance intro to our top-rated wet/dry vacuum cleaners of 2024. Scroll further down to read our findings from testing each product hands-on. You can also use the links on the left to jump to the wet/dry vacuums that interest you the most.

• Back to the top ⤴

The best wet/dry vacuums we recommend

The best wet/dry vacuum overall

While I personally haven't had hands-on experience with the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine, one of our US-based freelancers, Terri Williams, took it for a spin around her home in Alabama instead.

What you need to know: The Submarine is the company's newest cordless vacuum cleaner and the first to offer both vacuum and mopping capabilities in one machine. Building on the success of the previous V15 Detect model, the V15s Detect Submarine adds a wet mopping roller head and drip tray to its impressive array of vacuum accessories and tools. As is typical for Dyson, the V15s Detect Submarine arrives with a full suite of tools and accessories packaged neatly and protected to prevent scratches. The main vacuum body appears larger than expected but attaches to the various heads to create a surprisingly lightweight 7-9 lb unit. Accessories include the illuminated cleaner head, digital motorbar for carpets, crevice tool, combination tool and more

Design: The Dyson cordless vacuums have a consistent design with a main unit featuring a battery, trigger handle, and dust bin. Interchangeable cleaner heads include an illuminated soft brush bar for hard floors, a digital motorbar for hard floors and carpets, and a wet roller head for mopping (V15 Detect Submarine model). The vacuum can be used as a handheld with tools for upholstery, dusting, and crevice cleaning. Accessories include a wand clip for tool storage and a docking station for wall mounting.

Performance: Terri found operation pretty straightforward with an auto mode to optimize suction power, battery that lasts up to 60 minutes, and an LED screen displaying remaining runtime, power mode and particle sizes detected. She praised the vacuum for excelling at edge cleaning, navigating furniture, and lying nearly flat to clean under low surfaces. The laser illuminator on the cleaner head reveals hidden dust and debris. In her testing, Terri found the V15s transitioned seamlessly from carpets to hard floors, with useful attachments for vents, appliances and tight spaces. The mopping performance, while imperfect, worked reasonably well using just water rather than proprietary cleaning solutions. Overall, she reckons the Submarine makes a compelling option for those wanting a high-powered stick vac that can also handle light mopping duty.

Versatility: While Terri found that the mopping function doesn't quite reach the level of a dedicated mop, she thinks Dyson deserves credit for making it a self-contained, easily swappable component. Unlike some wet/dry vacs that require the entire vacuum to be cleaned after mopping, the Submarine's wet roller head can simply be removed, allowing you to continue dry vacuuming with the other tool heads. Terri reckons this versatility helps offset the roller's somewhat streaky and occasionally leaky mopping performance in our at-home tests.

Price: The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine is priced at $947.00 on Amazon and $949.99 on the Dyson website.

Read our full Dyson V15s Detect Submarine review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best robot vacuum and mop

What you need to know: This self-emptying, self-cleaning vacuum offers hands-free cleaning. The Eufy X10 Pro Omni is an advanced wet-dry vacuum pairing powerful 8000Pa suction with a rotating mop system for thorough floor cleaning. It features intelligent navigation technology like AI obstacle detection and LiDAR mapping to avoid getting stuck, while pentagonal mop heads scrub floors and reach edges while automatically lifting over carpets.

Design: The Eufy's large base station holds tanks for dirty water and clean water, and the large dustbin captures up to two months of debris. Encased in matte black/charcoal plastic, both the robot and the base station are robust and well-designed. A detachable ramp allows the robot to slide into the base station. While the base unit is bulky and has quite a large footprint, the robot’s rounded shape and angled mops mean it reaches edges and corners better than circular-shaped models. The low profile helps it get under furniture too.

Performance: During my testing, I focused on pickup of debris like pet hair and the unit’s mopping capabilities across different spill types and flooring. It earned strong scores for completely removing all traces of flour, crumbs, and oats from hard and carpeted surfaces. The dual mops made easy work of liquids like water and milk but struggled with stickier liquids such as honey and ketchup.

Versatility: The app is also super easy to use, with an intuitive interface. We liked the Eufy Lab, where you can try out the latest features in testing, such as the Smart Track Cleaning, which has the robot follow and clean the floor after you, perfect if you’ve just walked in from a muddy afternoon in the garden! You can also look back at your cleaning history, boost your carpet cleaning suction power, set voice control and manually control the wet/dry vac from your phone, among other things.

Price: The Eufy X10 Pro Omni retails at $799.99 (£599.99) on the Eufy website and Amazon. While it’s not as expensive as a Dyson Viz Nav or a Samsung JetBot, it's still an expensive piece of kit for many. However, with advanced smart features like customizable voice control and powerful pickup packed in, the Eufy X10 Pro OmniVac is excellent value, especially compared to premium brands .

Read our full Eufy X10 Pro Omni review

• Back to the top ⤴

The best wet/dry vacuum for battery life

What you need to know: The Roborock Dyad Pro Combo is a versatile 5-in-1 wet/dry vacuum cleaner that promises to tackle any household mess. It combines an upright wet/dry vacuum, a handheld vacuum, and attachments for crevices, beds, and upholstery cleaning. The app provides extensive control and customization options for the Roborock Dyad Pro vacuum. With it, you can adjust cleaning settings like suction power, water flow, brush speed, and detergent levels. You can configure the self-cleaning and drying cycles, scheduling them for specific times or having them run after each cleaning. Additional features include do-not-disturb mode, voice options, maintenance alerts for filters and brushes, troubleshooting tips, firmware updates, and more - allowing you to fully utilize the capabilities of this robotic vacuum cleaner.

Design: While I loved the retro-futuristic design aesthetic, I found some aspects of how the vacuum components connected could be improved through better user testing. The handheld unit's handle placement was also uncomfortable for prolonged use.

Performance: I found the Dyad Pro Combo to be impressive. It effortlessly picked up spills, sauces, dry debris like cereal and flour, and pet hair from carpets and hard floors. The powerful 17000Pa suction and the mopping function with auto-adjusting cleaning solution dispenser left floors sparklingly clean. The edge-to-edge cleaning capability and the self-cleaning and self-drying features were also highlights during testing.

Overall, I recommend the Roborock Dyad Pro Combo for those seeking a total cleaning solution with impressive performance. However, it might not be right for you if you prioritize a premium feel, have limited space, or vacuum carpets extensively due to the handheld unit's design.

Versatility: While it might seem like a large outlay at first, the reality is you're getting a wet/dry vacuum and a handheld cordless vacuum in one. That, combined with the accessories such as the multi-surface brush, motorized mini brush, 2-in-1 cleaning tool, and wand/baton, makes the price much more reasonable.

If you'd rather have a totally hands-free experience, the Eufy X10 Pro Omni will do everything for you, including vacuuming, mopping and self-emptying. But you'd better have a much bigger budget as it retails for hundreds of dollars more!

Price: The Roborock Dyad Pro Combo retails for around $659.00/ £575 with resellers such as Amazon and Lowe's, and will soon be available to buy direct from the Roborock store.

Read our full Roborock Dyad Pro Combo review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best for big cleans

What you need to know: The NaceCare GVE 370 George Wet/Dry Vacuum is a versatile and powerful cleaning machine that can handle dry vacuuming, wet vacuuming, carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, hard floor washing, and even unclogging drains. Henry's big brother packs a punch in suction power with its 1.6 HP motor, 110" water lift, and 95 cfm airflow.

Henry's sturdy big brother George is all set to tackle any cleaning job you throw its way. Whether dealing with carpets, upholstery, or hard floors, George's special turboflo vacuum turbine and power flo pump system promise professional-level cleaning. It comes with detergent, a wide selection of accessories for every household job, and two nozzle/extractors - one for carpet cleaning and one for your car, stairs, or upholstery. Setup is quite involved though and you’ll need to switch several components when switching from wet to dry vacuuming. While heavy and bulky to maneuver, George is very sturdy and well-built with quality components. Suction power is strong but also quite loud at 61 decibels. You’ll also need to empty the dirty water tank frequently during bigger jobs.

Design: Everything feels super sturdy and well-designed. Valve and connection points are made of brass for a professional finish, and all connections click easily into place. Each accessory pushes smoothly into the hose for use. The accessories are also sturdy and well-made, and the dust brush is super soft, so you can feel comfortable dusting all the surfaces in your home without worrying about damage or scratches.

Performance: In my at-home testing, George excelled at dry vacuuming debris, pet hair, and spills on carpets and hard floors. It did well with water-based messes for wet cleaning but struggled with stickier spills like sauces. The hard floor washing tool was impressive, scrubbing and extracting dirty water to leave floors nearly bone dry. The upholstery and carpet cleaning tools also worked well to revive soiled furniture and carpets.

Versatility: Over the course of testing, my sofa was given a new lease of life with old food stains removed and no more doggy smells; the hallway runner was spot-cleaned and came up brighter; a desk chair was finally rid of an old coffee ring, and the car's carpets and seats were given a mini valet. George can even unblock a drain! This new household buddy seems to be able to turn himself to any task.

If you'd prefer an upright wet/dry vacuum, the Ultenic AC1 Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum promises to vacuum and mop your hard floors or sealed wooden floors simultaneously, taking care of two chores in half the time. While it won't vacuum carpets, it was impressive at picking up dirt and debris on hard floors in our testing

Price: George may be an investment price-wise, but I reckon it’s one that could pay off by combining the functionality of several cleaning appliances into one heavy-duty machine. With a 2-year warranty and Nace Care's reputation for reliability, it's a compelling option for deep cleaning floors, carpets, upholstery and more around the home.

Read our full NaceCare GVE 370 George Wet/Dry Vacuum review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best wet/dry vacuum for pet owners

What you need to know: The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum is an innovative 3-in-1 appliance that vacuums, mops, and steams hard floors all at once. Designed specifically for homes with pets, it uses steam to powerfully clean up stuck-on messes and pet stains. Special features include LED lights to illuminate pet hair, a tangle-free brush roll, and an odor-eliminating self-cleaning function. In addition to using the Clean Out Cycle and the cleaning solution after every use, Bissell recommends regularly removing and cleaning the roller brush in warm water and detergent, then leaving it to air dry for 24 hours. This may frustrate users who want to use it every day, though, so it's a shame Bissell doesn't include an extra brush roller in the box.

Design: The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum is quite traditional in design, and has a similar look and feel to many of Bissell's other upright vacuum cleaners. Mine came in a grey and black colorway. Key features, such as the trigger on the handle for wetting the rollerbrush and operating the steam function and the release switch for the dirty water tank, are picked out in a bright lime green.

Performance: In my testing of the Crosswave Hydrosteam it excelled at tackling a variety of spills and dried messes on hard floors. It easily powered through sticky substances like honey and thick sauces, as well as dry debris such as cereal and flour. The steam function provides an impressive deep clean. However, the dirty water tank requires frequent emptying, around every 6 minutes during use. The vacuum is also quite loud at 75 decibels during operation, around the same as a noisy restaurant. If you have people in your home who are sensitive to noise, you may want to give it a miss.

Versatility: While it's not designed for carpets, you can use this wet/dry vacuum to refresh your area rugs. This includes picking up dry debris, which I tested using flour and oats. It coped very well on my carpet but it does leave behind a slightly damp finish, which is something to be aware of. One standout use was around litter boxes - the vacuum thoroughly cleaned and sanitized the surrounding areas.

Price: The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum provides good value by combining a vacuum, mop and steam cleaner into one unit. But the lack of extra accessories feels like a missed opportunity given the premium price point. Overall, it's an effective hard floor cleaner that pet owners will appreciate.

Read our full Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best for quick and small cleans

What you need to know: The Black+Decker Dustbuster Cordless Wet & Dry vacuum is a handy, affordable portable vacuum cleaner designed for quick cleanups around the home. Retailing for $39.99, it offers 14,000Pa of suction power and includes a squeegee, crevice tool, and brush in a compact, easy-to-store 2.4 lb design. While conveniently sized for storage in tight spaces, battery life is just 10 minutes per charge, so it's best for quick cleanups, not prolonged use. The loud 75 dB operating volume is another downside for sensitive users.

Design: Overall, the design of the Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum is no-nonsense and very practical. It's made of plastic so it's light and easy to handle, and it comes in a black and blue colorway, with the power button and the dustbin release button picked out in gray.

Performance: My testing focused on the vacuum's ability to effectively clean up wet and dry spills on floors, furniture, and in the car. It performed well on liquids like water and milk, but struggled with thicker sauces that it tended to smear around, such as ketchup and honey. It was impressive scooping up dry crumbs and debris like flour and oats from hard and carpeted surfaces. However, lacking a roller brush, it wasn't well suited for pet hair clean up beyond surface clumps.

Versatility: Whereas most handheld units like this are designed with cars in mind, the Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum can be used practically anywhere, from the kitchen to the bathroom. It makes quick work of dry, liquid and combination spillages. While it won't replace your regular vacuum, it's a handy tool to have around the home.

Price: For its reasonable $40 price tag, the Black+Decker Dustbuster delivers good value as an on-hand cleaner for minor liquid spills and dry debris. It can't replace a full-size vacuum but makes an excellent supplementary tool for quick daily home messes, especially in the kitchen. More pet-friendly vacuums may suit homes with heavy shedding.

Read our full Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum review

• Back to the top ⤴

How to choose the best wet/dry vacuum for your home

Choosing the right wet/dry vacuum cleaner can make a big difference in tackling cleaning tasks around your home. Here are some essential tips to factor in when considering how to choose a wet dry vacuum:

• Capacity: Determine the tank size that suits your cleaning needs. Larger tanks mean fewer interruptions for emptying during big jobs but also make the vacuum heavier and more cumbersome to move around.
• Power and suction: Look for wet/dry vacuums with powerful motors and high suction capabilities. This ensures efficient pickup of both dry debris and liquids. Higher airflow and greater suction power translate to better performance.
• Accessories: Consider the range of attachments and accessories included with the vacuum. Extension wands, crevice tools, floor nozzles, and specialized attachments like car cleaning nozzles or upholstery tools can make your vacuum much more versatile.
• Mobility: Have a think about the vacuum's weight and portability. Wheeled bases or casters can significantly improve maneuverability, especially when dealing with heavy loads. Top-mounted handles and cord storage options are also a good idea.
• Brand: Reputable brands like Dyson and Bissell are known for their durability and reliability. While they may be more expensive, these models are usually built to last longer.
• Warranty: Look for wet/dry vacuums with decent warranty coverage, typically ranging from 1 to 3 years, to ensure protection against any manufacturing defects or premature failures.

How we tested these wet/dry vacuum cleaners

How we test the best wet/dry vacuum cleaners

Our expert reviewers are experienced and knowledgeable about the product categories they operate in. They know exactly how to put a product through its phases to ensure it’s built to the highest quality standards and will last you as long as possible.

All of our products are tested using in-depth and repeatable testing methods. As much as possible, we try to have the same person reviewing every product in a category in the same environment. We favor the home environment over a lab as we believe it brings authenticity to the testing. We use the products we test just as you would at home, ensuring our testing is reflective of real-life usage.

Our testing protocols are comprehensive and include everything from unboxing and assembly to care, maintenance and durability. For example, when reviewing these wet/dry vacuum cleaners we would ask our reviewer to examine the following:

• Unboxing: Make a note of the packaging (recyclable, quantity, etc). Look at the instructions - are they detailed enough, clear enough?
• Assembly: How long does assembly take from start to finish? Does it require more than one person? Does it require heavy lifting?
• Sound test: With a decibel counter, measure how loud the wet/dry vacuum cleaner is on its different settings. Compare with other objects/scenarios for clarity (eg “the same as a quiet office” “the same as a carn horn”, etc).
• Performance: Use the wet/dry vacuum cleaner on a different floorsings such as carpets, wood floors, laminate floors, etc. Run through the cleaning modes (if applicable). How easy is the wet/dry vacuum cleaner to operate? Make a note of the performance using a series of tests, for example, how easy is it to mop up spilt cereal, thick and sticky liquids like honey and sauces, and how good is it at vacuuming dry debris?
• Cleaning, storage and maintenance: Where should the vacuum be stored? Can it fold up into smaller dimensions? How should it be cleaned, and how often? Is it easy to do? What is the recommended maintenance?

Read more about how we test.

Best wet/dry vacuum cleaners: FAQs

Can you use a wet/dry vacuum on carpet?

Yes; you can use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner on carpet. These household appliances essential double up as being a carpet cleaner, as well as a vacuum cleaner. Most will do a great job at deep-cleaning the carpet, removing dust, pet hair and debris for a fresher cleaning (and odor-free) living environment.

The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum is one of the best wet/dry vacuum cleaners that promises to vacuum and hygienically clean any hard floor, including tiles and wooden flooring, in your home. It vacuums, mops and dries at the same time, and can even be used to refresh your rugs.

Designed specifically for homes with pets, the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum (also known as the Bissell Crosswave Hydrosteam Pet in the UK) uses steam to clean sticky, hard-to-remove messes from all hard floors. LED lights illuminate pet hair and other debris. The brush roll also features detangling technology to reduce hair wrap. If you're an animal lover, you might also be pleased to know that when you buy a Bissell product, you're helping the Bissell Foundation save pets from homelessness across the world.

With a long-haired cat, a Golden Retriever and a litter tray in our home, we were excited to see what messes this Bissell Wet/Dry vacuum could contend with, in addition to our usual tests. Find out how we got on and discover whether it’s the right wet/dry vacuum for your home.  

If the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum isn’t the perfect new appliance for you, check out our best vacuum cleaners for every budget, tried and tested, and our guide to the best carpet cleaners.

Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum: Price & availability

The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum has an RRP of $349.99 and is available to buy direct from Bissell or from resellers such as Amazon in the States. Elsewhere in the UK, where it's known as the Bissell Crosswave Hydrosteam Pet, it retails for £349 and can also be bought direct from Bissell or resellers such as Amazon. It's worth noting that it is regularly discounted; at the time of writing it had 17% off at all outlets.

Given that you're getting a vacuum, mop and steam cleaner in one handy appliance the Bissell generally offers good value for money. It sits comfortably in the mid-range for wet/dry vacuums and the generous two-year warranty provides extra peace of mind should anything go wrong. 

You also get two sample-sized 8 fl. oz. bottles of FreshStart Crosswave Clean Out Cycle Solution and Natural Multi-Surface Floor Cleaning Solution. However, at this price, I would have liked to have seen an extra brush roll and perhaps even an extra accessory, such as a stair cleaning or upholstery tool, included. 

You can purchase extra brush rolls ($19.99 at Bissell), strainers ($4.99 at Bissell) and other accessories direct from Bissell if you need. 

Score: 3 out of 5

Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum: First impressions

Unboxing the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum is super-easy as it comes pretty ready to go. Inside the box, you'll find the body of the wet/dry vacuum, the handle, the two sample cleaning solutions and the clean-out and storage tray. 

Everything is well packed and secured with sturdy cardboard, which can be recycled. Some clear plastic bags protect the components, which may or may not be recyclable, depending on where you live. 

All you need to do is insert the handle into the machine until you hear a 'click' and then fill and insert the clean water tank into the back of the machine. There are specific instructions on the clean water tank about how much water and solution you need so there's no need to measure out cups of this and that - it's all very straightforward. 

Once you're set up, it's time to plug in and start using your new vacuum. After testing so many cordless versions that need to be connected to the Wi-Fi and charged up, I have to say it was a nice change to simply plug in and go! The 24.6-ft cord gives plenty of leeway. 

There are three cleaning modes to choose from:

• SteamWash Mode: For hygienically cleaning tough and sticky messes, pet messes, wine spills and heavily soiled areas.
• Hard Floor Mode: This mode is for everyday messes on sealed hard floors and high-traffic areas, including coffee and tea spills, hair debris and food grease.
• Area Rug Mode: For refreshing area rugs and cleaning dry messes such as crumbs, pet hair and dirt.

The vacuum powers on in SteamWash Mode by default and you should wait around 30 seconds for it to warm up. However, you can select your mode or switch between them by pressing the mode switch at the top of the handle. The mode you're in also conveniently appears lit up on the foot display, so you can always see what mode you're using at a glance.

The power switch is beneath the mode switch on the handle. At the top of the machine's body is the Clean Out Cycle Switch, which you use to operate the self-cleaning cycle. 

Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum: Design

The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum is quite traditional in design, and has a similar look and feel to many of Bissell's other upright vacuum cleaners. Mine came in a grey and black colorway. Key features, such as the trigger on the handle for wetting the rollerbrush and operating the steam function, and the release switch for the dirty water tank, are picked out in a bright, lime green.  

The handle is roomy enough for the biggest hand and is fairly comfortable to use, while the unit itself, while heavy to lift, is easy to maneuver around. There's a handy hook at the back of the handle for securing the power cord when it's not in use. A brushed steel shaft secures the handle to the main base unit.

The base unit feels very sturdy and reliable. The clean water and dirty water tanks click nicely into place, and there's a handle on the top to aid lifting up and down stairs, or from room to room. 

At the floorhead is where all the action is. A see-through plastic screen shields the roller brush, while LED lights help you pick out debris, dust and pet hair. When the vacuum is powered on, one of the three modes icons will light up on the foot unit, which is a really thoughtful and useful touch from the designers, as it's easy to forget what mode you're in. 

Overall, the design feels safe, sturdy, and reliable. It's not exciting, and unlike, for example, the Roborock Dyad Pro Combo, it won't start any conversations. But that's okay. Personally, I value usability over design any day of the week.

What I liked most about the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum is that I can store it under my stairs when I'm not using it. As it's a corded model, there's no need to keep it charged, so if you prefer your vacuums to be out of sight instead of on show, it could suit you very well.

Score: 3.5 out of 5

Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum: Key specs

Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum: Performance

During two weeks of testing the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum in my home, I looked at how well it tackled different types of liquid and debris on a hard floor, using thick sauces, sticky honey, milk, spilt cereal, oats, and flour. I also checked how well it picked up dry debris on a carpeted surface and how effective the steam function was. And of course, I used it like an everyday vacuum, seeing how well it coped with pet hair, dust and everyday debris in a busy household.

It takes a few uses to really understand how the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum works. While the manual gives a good overview of the modes and the functions, it doesn't go into a lot of detail. It can be confusing working out how to use the trigger in the different modes as it has different uses. In SteamWash Mode, it releases steam and cleaning solution, so it needs to be pressed continuously until you're ready to dry your floor. In other modes, it simply releases the cleaning formula, so that's something to be aware of and get used to. 

The dirty water tank is a bit of a mystery, too. It's pretty large but the max capacity point is extremely low. I found I generally had to empty the dirty water tank every 6 minutes or so during cleaning. There's no signal to do this but the sound of the vacuum changes to a higher tone, prompting you to check the capacity. There's no mention of this in the manual though. 

I was impressed at how much dirt and debris the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum pulled up on its first pass around the kitchen and hallway, which have laminate floors. There was loads of pet hair secured in the strainer within the dirty water tank and the water was a deep, muddy brown. 

In terms of our at-home tests, this wet/dry did extremely well. It powered through honey, ketchup, water, and flour on a hard surface.  Spills with debris, such as oats and cereal, took a few more passes to pick up everything, but it left behind a gleaming, clean floor with not a hint of mess. I particularly enjoyed the steam function; it feels as if you're giving your floors the VIP treatment and it's reassuring to know that they're hygienically clean as well, especially with pets in the house.

While it's not designed for carpets, you can use this wet/dry vacuum to refresh your area rugs. This includes picking up dry debris, which I tested using flour and oats. It coped very well on my carpet but it does leave behind a slightly damp finish, which is something to be aware of.

The big win for me was using the wet/dry vacuum around the cat's litter tray. Some debris is always kicked out around the tray, and it's generally unpleasant to clean up. Using the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vac, I was able to remove all debris and be reassured that the area around the tray had been thoroughly cleaned, which is a huge bonus.

It's easy to remove and refill the clean water tank, and the dirty water tank, while less pleasant to empty, is pretty simple, too. Open the lid of the dirty water tank, which also houses the filter, lift up the strainer from the bottom of the tank and empty the detritus into the trash. Then, you can pour the dirty water into your basin or drain. Make sure you rinse it out to remove any stuck debris or dirt too. 

Using the self-cleaning function is recommended after every use. Whether you do or not is up to you! You'll need to fill the clean water tank and add a little of the cleaning solution provided to the clean-out tray, then place the machine in the tray. Press the Clean Out Cycle button to start the brush rolling while it cleans itself. The whole process lasts around 30 seconds and helps to remove unwanted odors from the brush. 

This brings me to sound levels. The cleaning process is a deafening 92 decibels. Thankfully, it doesn't last long, but I imagine my neighbours heard all of it. Over 90 decibels is about the same as a power tool, so that's something to be aware of. 

During operation, the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum also reaches pretty noisy heights of around 75 dB, which is similar to a noisy restaurant. So if you have people in your home or neighbors that are sensitive to noise, you may want to think twice before introducing this wet/dry vacuum cleaner.

For me, it did a great job cleaning hard floors, plus it was easy to use and clean. However, the lack of attachments and accessories, such as an extra roller brush, is an opportunity missed to add extra value. A stair/upholstery cleaning attachment would be ideal for pet owners, too.

Score: 3.5 out of 5

Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum: Care & maintenance

In addition to using the Clean Out Cycle and the cleaning solution after every use, Bissell recommends regularly removing and cleaning the roller brush in warm water and detergent, then leaving it to air dry for 24 hours. 

They also recommend washing the filter in warm water and mild detergent before allowing it to air dry. You'll need to replace the filter every three months, while the brush will need to be replaced every six months. 

Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum: User reviews

Over on the Bissell website, users have awarded the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum 4.7-out-of-5 stars yet users of this same wet/dry vacuum cleaner on Amazon have scored it a slightly less score of 43.3-out-of-5 stars.

The general consensus of those who love it say that "it has exceeded my expectations" and it is "totally worth it". The main plus points rave about how easy it is to use and, while the cord may seem to a hinder, is actually a positive thing here because it means that you don't need to recharge a battery.

On the other hand, it's more recommended for the smaller spills and messes on area rugs. It didn't have a positive outcome on tiled flooring, with more dirt seemingly been created and streak marks appearing.

Should you buy the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum compare?

If you like the idea of an upright wet/dry vacuum cleaner but you'd prefer a cordless version, the Ultenic AC1 Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum promises to vacuum and mop your hard floors or sealed wooden floors simultaneously, taking care of two chores in half the time. While it won't vacuum carpets, it was impressive at picking up dirt and debris on hard floors in our testing, and despite being cordless, it has a more than adequate runtime of 45 minutes per charge. 

If you'd rather have a hands-free experience, the Eufy X10 Pro Omni will do everything for you, including vacuuming, mopping, and self-emptying. But you'd better have a much bigger budget as it retails for hundreds of dollars more!

If you just want a compact and affordable option, the Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum could be ideal.  It's fantastic at powering through dry and wet messes in the home and car. Plus, it's small enough to store away when not in use. However, the 10-minute battery runtime could disappoint some users.

How I tested the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum

Over two weeks, I evaluated the Bissell Crosswave Hydrosteam Pet Wet/Dry Vacuum, using it around my home for vacuuming, rug refreshing cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and floor washing. I tested how well it coped with sludgy messes and sauces, thin liquids, and dry debris, such as oats and flour. I cleaned laminate and hard wood floors and rugs with the Bissell Crosswave Hydrosteam Pet and used a decibel meter to record volume output.

Read more about how we test.

• First reviewed: April 2024

Cleaning is one of life's chores, but the best Shark vacuum cleaner can make it a far more pleasant experience. Whether you are in the market for one of the best handheld vacuums or like the sound of the best robot vacuums, we've tested and reviewed all the bestselling Shark models, so you don't have to.

Shark may still be a relative newcomer to the cleaning world, launching in 2007, but it's incredibly popular thanks to its affordability. Regarding performance, it still gives close rivals Dyson and Miele a run for their money.

Our team has handpicked and tried all the bestselling Shark vacuums to help you find your perfect match. So whether you need a vacuum for pet hair, a fuss-free handheld for the car, or the sound of a robovac doing the hard work, we've got you covered. 

We've looked at price, value for money, design, performance, pros and cons, and who each appliance is best suited to. Read on to find out what our testers thought of the best Shark vacuum cleaners, and make sure you check out our guide to the best vacuum cleaners, too. Don't miss out on the Prime Day deals for Shark vacuums, as you might find some great discounts on the bestselling models.

The quick list

Short on time? Use this quick list to skim through the best Shark vacuum cleaners. When you see a machine you like, simply jump down to read a more detailed review of the model, including pros and cons, standout features, and who it is best suited to.

• Back to the top ⤴

The best Shark vacuum cleaners we recommend in 2024

The best Shark vacuum cleaner overall

The Shark Cordless Vacuum is a powerful and versatile cleaning tool that offers a pleasant aroma while you vacuum. Unfortunately, the scent isn't for everyone, and there aren't many alternatives. Using it upright can be challenging for some people due to its heavy floorhead.

The Shark Stratos Cordless came in minimal recyclable packaging, which our reviewer, Jennifer, appreciated. Inside, she found a DuoClean floorhead, a flexible wand, and a bunch of accessories. After setting it up, she tried it on the carpet and found it was easy to maneuver. CleanSense IQ technology adjusts suction power automatically, and a scented odor cartridge makes it even better.

In spite of resembling a standard stick vacuum, Shark has a lot to offer. The floorhead has Clean Sense IQ, which alerts you when it's time to clean. The vacuum also comes with an odor-neutralizer with an adjustable intensity dial. Thanks to its MultiFlex technology, the wand bends so you can clean under furniture and folds so you can store it compactly. An ergonomic handle lets you switch between three power modes: Auto, Eco, and Boost. Duster Crevice Tool and Anti-Allergen Brush are included.

For two months, Jennifer used the Shark Stratos Cordless in her home, and it was great with her toddler's daily mess. Its self-cleaning brush roll cleaned cereal, cake crumbs, and long hair. The handheld mode made it easy to handle stairs. Recharging took just three hours and 60 minutes.

Read more: Shark Stratos Cordless review

• Back to the top ⤴

The best value Shark vacuum cleaner

The Shark Cordless Detect Pro Auto-Empty System with QuadClean Multi-Surface Brushroll Vacuum is an excellent choice if you want a lightweight cordless vacuum that makes cleaning easier. This innovative vacuum features auto-sensing technology that optimizes cleaning performance across various surfaces. The auto-empty station keeps your vacuum charged and ready for 30 days.

Our reviewer, Alex, assembled the vacuum in only five minutes. The instructions were on the box, and she connected the handheld unit and vacuum head easily and then plugged in the dust-bag-less station.

Stylish and compact, the Shark vacuum fits well in modern homes. It's lightweight, so its removable head allows you to reach floors and high ceilings. There are a couple of drawbacks, though: the shaft doesn't bend, so you have to bend down for lower areas, and the headlock can sometimes kick in unexpectedly. Besides having a circular screen that shows power, suction levels, and battery life, the vacuum has a HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of dust and allergens.

The Shark vacuum did great on hardwood, laminate, and thick carpet. It works in three suction modes: eco, auto, and boost. The vacuum optimizes suction with DirtDetect and FloorDetect sensors, and the DirtDetect Sensor alerts you when you need to clean more. The head swivels smoothly, so you can maneuver it easily.

Read more: Shark Cordless Detect Pro

• Back to the top ⤴

The best Shark vacuum cleaner for pet hair

If you don't mind using a power cord, the Shark Vertex Bagless Corded Canister Vacuum with DuoClean Powerfins is a great option. The unit comes in a big, recyclable box, and assembly is easy—just connect the hose, floorhead, and handle. The instructions are mostly visual, so you can figure out how to use them.

Black with gold accents, this vacuum stands out from Shark's more affordable models in terms of aesthetics. With its dual brushroll, it's great for carpet cleaning while being gentle on hard floors. It's got an intuitive control panel for quick adjustments and a holder for accessories. With its light frame and four wheels, it's easy to maneuver. With its self-cleaning brush roll, it tackles hair tangles, and its HEPA filter captures over 99.9% of allergens, complemented by LED lights for visibility in dim spaces.

Our reviewer, Helen, said the vacuum effectively lifted her carpet, revealing more debris than she expected, even from recently cleaned areas. While it excelled in cleaning hard floors, and the transition between surfaces was seamless, edge cleaning on carpets wasn't as effective, particularly with oats near baseboards. It was easy to use the crevice tool, although overhead vacuuming was a bit heavy. The canister was easy to maneuver, especially on stairs.

This vacuum is lightweight because it has a bagless dust bin that's easy to empty. It also has washable filters and a five-year warranty for non-wearable parts, so maintenance costs are low. It's compact, so it fits in any space.

Read more: Shark Vertex Bagless Corded Vacuum review

• Back to the top ⤴

The best Shark vacuum cleaner for overhead cleaning

Shark's Vertex Pro Cordless Vacuum is easy to clean and user-friendly. Our reviewer, Helen, liked that Shark vacuums come in recyclable cardboard and paper packaging. Getting started is easy, and the instructions are easy to follow. The battery takes about 3.5 hours to charge, and it's removable for convenient charging. Overall, it's easy to understand how the vacuum works.

While the design is bulkier than many other cordless models, its functionality compensates for this drawback. Its handle has a display panel and easy-to-use controls, but users with smaller hands might find it uncomfortable. With two brush rolls and the DuoClean PowerFins floorhead, this vacuum effectively gets rid of dirt and dust. It's got LED lights and self-cleaning so hair doesn't tangle. This vacuum cleaner has two main modes and adjustable suction levels for versatility, including a "powered lift-away mode" for overhead cleaning.

Its bottom-heavy design makes it light and easy to maneuver around corners, but its bulkiness makes it hard to get under low furniture. Lift the pod off the wand to reach tight spaces. While it produces 78dB on boost mode, similar to a busy restaurant, it transitions smoothly between surfaces, efficiently picking up fine dust, larger debris, and pet hair. In lift-away mode, disassembly is easy, but Helen would have prefered onboard tool storage.

Read more: Shark Vertex Pro Cordless review

• Back to the top ⤴

The best Shark robot vacuum cleaner

Shark's Detect Pro vacuums well, but its features and app performance aren't the best.

Shark Detect Pro arrived in a compact package, so the setup was easy. After connecting the self-emptying base and downloading the app, our reviewer, Danielle, named the robot “Tony Shark.” The mapping feature worked fine, so it could navigate different surfaces. In spite of the vacuum's impressive performance, the app doesn't differentiate rooms, which makes it hard to use.

Despite being 14 x 13 x 8 inches, the self-emptying base fits well in smaller spaces. The sleek design combines shiny and matte black finishes, so it blends in anywhere, but the black color tends to attract dust. Danielle didn't experience any unpleasant smells from the bagless dust bin, which claims to hold dirt for 60 days. While it comes with an odor-neutralizer, she didn't find it necessary.

In tests on both hard and carpeted floors, Tony Shark initially handled a mess of sprinkles on laminate well in "DirtDetect" mode, but its erratic cleaning pattern left some crumbs behind, raising questions about its "EdgeDetect" technology. Danielle wasn't happy with the side brush's slow movement.

When she spread flour and oats, the vacuum struggled more, failing to pick up all debris even after activating "DirtDetect." Some junk fell out during the return to base, producing 75 dB of noise.

It was disappointing that the Shark app didn't support multiple maps, so Danille had to delete previous ones. It worked better on carpets but missed finer hairs.

Read more: Shark Detect Pro Self Empty Robot Vacuum review

• Back to the top ⤴

The best handheld Shark vacuum cleaner

Shark Dual Cyclone Pet Pro is a powerful, stylish vacuum for pet owners. It weighs just 2.8 pounds, so it's easy to handle. It's good at removing pet hair and other debris, but the battery only lasts about ten minutes, and it's pretty loud at 70 dB, just like a washing machine.

Despite the noise, its suction power efficiently lifted pet hair off couch cushions. The vacuum's assembly is super easy—just take it out of the box, attach the accessory, charge it if needed, and you're ready to go.

This sleek black design has a removable, transparent dustbin 20.82 x 3.82 x 4.35 inches. The dual airstreams enhance suction, but the 0.45 QT dustbin needs to be emptied regularly, especially with the short battery life. You can easily access the washable filter, too, and the vacuum has a "CleanTouch dirt ejector" for easy emptying.

Despite having only one power mode, Shark Dual Cyclone Pet Pro comes with three attachments: a self-cleaning pet brush, a crevice tool, and a scrubbing brush, so it's versatile. The crevice tool allows you to reach tight spots where dust tends to accumulate. It's good at picking up fine dust and larger debris, like Cheerios.

Read more: Shark Dual Cyclone Pet Pro review

• Back to the top ⤴

Shark vacuum cleaner FAQs

Are Shark vacuums better than Dyson?

If budget is an issue, Shark ($100-$500) is significantly cheaper than Dyson ($300-$1,050) while still providing excellent cleaning power and performance. 

Both machines are well-made, efficient, and flexible, although Dyson has a higher price tag due to its technological innovation and advanced features.

Can you wash the Shark vacuum canister?

Yes, you can wash the Shark vacuum canister. When you’ve removed it, all you need to do is rinse it in warm water and then place it on its side with the lid open to air dry (ideally for 24 hours before use).

Do Shark vacuums have HEPA filters?

Some HEPA vacuums don’t effectively seal their filter, so dust, allergens, and irritants can be blown into your home. That’s why Shark invented the anti-Allergen Complete Seal version of the HEPA filter. 

The high-efficiency particle air filter is contained within a completely sealed vacuum cleaner, so the only route out for the air is through the filter. This means almost all the dust and allergens (Shark claims 99.9%) are captured and trapped inside the machine.

When is the best time to buy a Shark vacuum?

Timing can impact your decision and savings when getting a Shark vacuum deal. The best time to buy a Shark vacuum usually aligns with significant sales events throughout the year. Many Shark vacuums are on sale on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which happen in late November. You can buy a high-quality vacuum cleaner at a great price when retailers offer deep price cuts.

As consumers prepare to freshen up their homes, many retailers promote sales of home cleaning products around spring cleaning season, typically in March and April. You might find great deals on Shark vacuums during this time, along with bundles with cleaning accessories.

In addition, check out holiday sales like Labor Day or Memorial Day, which feature discounts on home appliances, like Shark vacuums, as retailers try to clear out stock.

How we test the best Shark vacuum cleaners

We at Top Ten Reviews take testing Shark vacuum cleaners very seriously. The vacuums are tested in our reviewers' homes for two weeks to two months. During this time, they are intensely used, cleaning various floors and different types of dirt and dust.

We'll try the various programs and record the noise level to see if they suit those living in shared accommodation or for households of different sizes.

Cleaning and maintaining the Shark vacuum cleaners is an important consideration, too. Once done cleaning, we'll determine how easy it is to maintain and keep clean. 

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners and other appliances.

• Back to top

Halo is essentially the new kid on the block when it comes to the vacuum market, popping up in 2020 right in time for the pandemic. The idea behind the Halo Capsule and now the Halo Capsule X, reviewed here, is to take all the experience of the founders and design a new vacuum from the ground up.

While the Halo Capsule X doesn’t actually reinvent the wheel, it is certainly a very well-designed vacuum and one that I think belongs among the best cordless vacuums on the market. Like the best vacuum cleaners, this model executes on just about every one of its promises and helps keep those floors in pristine condition.

It has pretty great suction on both carpet and hard flooring, can engage and disengage the floorhead brushroll with the press of a button, and has the kind of modular design that you expect from a quality stick vacuum. It even takes it one step further with a removable, rechargeable battery – you could order an extra battery and just switch them out when one is getting low. Just as notable are its large capacity dust pouches that removes any mess from emptying the dustbin.

Of course, it comes with a few flaws. That removable battery, for instance, sits at the top of the unit, so if you decide to pick it up to clean cobwebs off the wall or ceiling, it’s a bit more unbalanced than other stick vacuums I’ve tested. The best word to describe it in this situation is cumbersome. You also have to switch out floorheads when switching from carpeting to hard floors (and the floorhead for hard floors isn’t included in the most basic bundle).

If Halo can solve those two issues, the company may have come up with the perfect stick vacuum. As it is, they’ve come pretty close.

Halo Capsule X: Price and availability

Though the company is based in the UK, you don’t have to be part of the Commonwealth to buy the Halo Capsule X. Of course, if you do want to buy direct, you will have to be in Great Britain. At least shipping is free on any of the Halo Capsule X bundles, of which there are three.

The cheapest “value bundle” is available for £399.99 on their website and includes three accessories, the wall dock, battery, and five dust pouches. The next step up is the “extra accessories bundle,” which adds the hard floor brush, mini power brush, and stretch hose for a price of £499.99 direct. And, for £599.99, the “ultimate 2-battery bundle” keeps all those additional accessories and tacks on a second battery.

The model reviewed here, aka the “extra accessories bundle,” is available stateside at Amazon and Walmart for $499.99. And, it will be available in Australia in July 2024.

As far as how those price tags fit into the market, the Halo Capsule X is certainly not cheap, but is far from the lavish prices attached to some vacuum cleaners out there (ahem… Dyson). This model is decidedly an upper mid-range product in terms of pricing. And, while you can save a bit on the most basic bundle, I would suggest going for the one reviewed here to get the additional accessories – most importantly, that hard floor brush.

Score: 4 out of 5

Halo Capsule X: First impressions

When first opening the box for the Halo Capsule X, I must admit that it felt a bit overwhelming. Having received the mid-tier bundle, I was daunted by the number of pieces included. However, once everything was out of the box, it’s clear that it’s really not that bad. You just end up with an extra accessory compared to other stick vacuums thanks to the additional floorhead, known as the hard floor brush, for use on hard flooring, as well as a collection of the dust pouches used for collecting everything that gets sucked up.

Once I went through the actual setup, which took about five minutes, I found it to be on par with other stick vacuums. Other than charging the removable battery (which did have some charge when it arrived), collecting the necessary pieces into a working stick vacuum takes a very short amount of time – less than five minutes.

It does come with a wall dock, which can add some time for setup if you need to use the included wood anchors. Other than that and waiting for the battery to charge, the Halo Capsule X is quick and easy to assemble.

Halo Capsule X: Design

The Halo Capsule X stays true to its name. Just like most stick vacuums, everything outside of the core body is an attachment that can be removed and replaced without affecting the vacuum’s ability to function. And, in this case, that core portion, which holds the motor as well as the sizable dustbin, indeed looks like a capsule.

Probably the most striking thing about the Halo Capsule X before using it is its unique look with that cylindrical or capsule-like body and black / baby blue colorway. Since that capsule houses a larger dustbin than most, it almost looks oversized compared to the rest of the vacuum. While I wouldn’t call the Halo Capsule X elegant in its styling, it is a good looking and unusual model.

More interestingly from a design perspective, this is about as modular as I’ve seen with a stick vacuum. And, while they’re all fairly modular to the point where you can insert an attachment directly into the body of the vacuum for what is essentially a handheld vacuum, the Halo Capsule X takes it a few steps further in a couple particular ways.

First, the lithium battery is completely removable so that you can easily replace it with another one to keep vacuuming instead of waiting for it to recharge. And, the dustbin is made to house dust pouches that you can easily toss for easier cleanup when full. On a similar note, Halo separated carpet and hard floor vacuuming into two different floorheads, though I would have preferred it to be just one. 

On a similar note, you can engage and disengage the brushroll in those floorheads during use with the press of a button. Though this doesn’t necessarily fit into the modularity I’ve been talking about, it’s a great feature to have and is relevant insofar that you have independent control over it. And, if you have sensitive flooring that can easily get scuffed, you’ll truly appreciate this ability.

As far as controls go, there are really just three near the handle: a power button, the brushroll on/off button, and a button to select between three power modes. There’s also a lever on the far end of the core unit to open up the dustbin for access to the dust pouch, which is advertised as having a 2 litre capacity.

This particular bundle comes with the basic floor head, hard floor head, the mini power brush, a stretch hose, a crevice tool, a combo tool for use on upholstery, a wall dock which can hold two of the accessories, battery, and five dust pouches. Of course, you’ll have to get more down the road from Halo, though they’re not that pricey.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Halo Capsule X: Key specs

Halo Capsule X: Performance

The Halo Capsule X is a powerful vacuum. Even though it has three modes, it does a wonderful job suctioning up whatever needs to be cleaned up even on the lower modes. I was able to use it in a number of different ways including general carpet and hard flooring cleaning, vacuuming out a car – specifically the mat where a handful of pretzels had been pulverized, and cleaning up large amounts of debris and dirt from where someone in the household had just built ten terrariums.

While I do prefer using the Halo Capsule X on its highest setting – it can get loud, however, as it’s about 77 dB – it still sucked everything up in its path on the lowest. When it comes to performance, this vacuum really can do it all. The only area where I’m not a fan of using this vacuum is when reaching for higher areas like vacuuming cobwebs. That’s because of the fact that despite its relative lightweight, a lot of that weight is on the back where the battery sits, so holding this vacuum up feels heavier and more cumbersome than it should.

Outside of that, I also noticed that the floorheads don’t employ anti-tangling technology (whatever that means) that other vacuums do so I’ve found strands wrapped around the brushroll that will need to be cut off with scissors. While this isn’t a huge point against it, it is something missing that I find in other similarly priced vacuums.

On a more positive note, the battery life is pretty great. I was able to get just over 49 minutes of use on low with the brushroll on, so you can certainly reach the advertised 60 minutes of use if you turn off the brushroll. And, since it will still do a decent job sucking up debris on the lowest setting, you can make the battery life last if you have a lot of floor space to cover.

As far as all the accessories go, they all have their uses though I gravitate towards the main floorheads for most of my needs. If you get the basic bundle, you can still use that floorhead on hard flooring. While that sounds like I’m contradicting myself a little, it’s not as wide as the hard floor head and utilizes a different style brushroll with a diagonal line of bristles compared to the soft brush roll of the hard floor head that keeps complete contact with the floor across its entire width.

Lastly, the dustbin capacity is pretty surprisingly large. In fact, when taking on this review, I was a bit skeptical about its 2 liter capacity. But, it really can hold two liters of dust, debris, and whatever else you can suck up. More specifically, the dust pouch, easily accessible via the lever button, can hold that amount. But, that’s also what gives the Halo Capsule X its capsule-like look and, therefore, its name.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Halo Capsule X?

Buy it if...

 Don’t buy it if…  

How does the Halo Capsule X compare?

As Dyson has proven with more than a few models, you can spend much more than the cost of the Halo Capsule X on a stick vacuum. The Dyson Gen5detect Absolute, for instance, earns top marks from us for its large capacity filter and 70 minute run time. However, it also costs an arm and leg – well, $949.99 / £849.99.

Of course, there are some wonderful options that go for a similar price as the Halo Capsule X. The Shark Stratos Cordless with Clean Sense IQ is easy to use and set up (and doesn’t require you to switch out floorheads) while offering up the ability to leave your floors smelling fresh. That said, there’s only one scent available and not everyone will like it. However, its list price of $499.99/£429.99 is competitive.

How I tested the Halo Capsule X

To test the Halo Capsule X, I cleaned up carpets, hard flooring, a car, a couch, and even the wall. I used the various accessories as well as settings to put the Halo Capsule X through its paces. I ran the vacuum until it ran out of juice and even measured the dust pouch to confirm its size.

See more about how we test.

If I were to say that the DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum is one of the best handheld vacuums, it’s definitely a true statement, but one that comes with a caveat. That caveat comes down to who is using it and why. Though it is a handheld vacuum, its purpose is a bit different than many of the handhelds we review. This is not the kind of unit you necessarily use to spot clean a mess on the carpet, though you can certainly do that. Instead, this vacuum is more ideal for workshop cleanup where you need heavy duty cleanup and finesse is not so much a consideration.

This might seem like a weird statement to make when looking at hand vacuums. After all, when looking at the best vacuum cleaners, when does one take into account something like finesse? While I may be speaking a bit metaphorically, the DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum is powerful with the kind of suction that puts a lot of other handhelds to shame. And, though it comes with a lot of accessories for different cleaning purposes, none of them offer the easy back-and-forth motion on carpeted materials that you get with other models. That’s because the accessories are tailored for situations where you’re more likely dealing with hard surfaces like unfinished flooring or a garage.

This might seem like a lot of talk about something that’s not even the intended purpose of this handheld, but it’s an important distinction to keep in mind. And, if you weren’t sure if its intended use, note the always-on flashlight and belt hook that make this more suited for a job on a construction site than a spill in the TV room.

DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum: Price and availability

Whether you’re getting the DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum on The Home Depot, Lowes, or Acme Tools, you’re looking at a surprisingly affordable price of $149.00 for this whole package. Of course, this doesn’t include the battery and charger.

The 5AH battery tested here will run you an additional $179 without the charger. Of course, you can get a smaller battery and charger bundle for $119 on Acme Tools. Or, you can get this two 5AH battery and charger bundle at The Home Depot for $199 (for some reason, it’s more expensive at $229 to get the one battery and charger bundle here). It’s all a bit confusing, but the moral of the story is that you should be prepared to pay as much or more for the battery as you do the tool. So, while the DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum is pretty reasonable, the battery is pricey, though you can use it with other DeWalt 20V tools.

Score: 4 out of 5

DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum: First impressions

When first unboxing the DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum, it’s pretty obvious it’s not your typical handheld vacuum. Even if you’re not familiar with the name DeWalt and what the company typically produces, it’s obvious that this is a workshop tool more than one to do a spot clean at home.

I was also impressed by the amount of accessories included here as you get six as opposed to the usual two or three. However, none of them have a brushroll that would make vacuuming carpeting easy.

Also, the battery comes separate as this is part of DeWalt’s 20V series of tools where you have one removable battery with a charger that you can use with any of the tools in the series. While this is a great way to minimize the amount of charging you need to do, be sure to also order a battery or get a bundle with a battery if you choose to grab this hand vacuum (or any of DeWalt’s other 20V tools).

DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum: key specifications

DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum: Design

As with of DeWalt’s products, the DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum comes in a black and yellow colorway (along with the frosted transparent dustbin) that lets you know that, first, this is definitely a DeWalt tool, and, second, that this is a serious one as well.

It’s a bit bulkier than most hand vacuums and actually feels a bit overbuilt. It can be heavy when you attach the battery, which slides on the butt of the handle. Yet, it’s still manageable enough.

The controls consist of just a power button. You don’t have different levels of suction. There’s just on and off here. There’s also a light to illuminate any working space you’re vacuuming at the top of the handle that comes on automatically when you turn the unit on. It doesn’t have a separate control, which would have been nice as I might have been able to squeeze just a little more juice out of the battery. At the back of the handle is a nifty belt hook that those on-the-job will appreciate. 

There’s also a release button to remove the dustbin. Doing so is easy and stress-free. The HEPA filter inside also pops right out and is easy to clean once you’ve emptied the dustbin.

To go with its in-the-workshop orientation, the DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum comes with six accessories to attach to the front nozzle for different use cases. As far as those accessories go, there are two to extend the vacuum’s reach, namely a flexible hose and extension tube (which almost turns this into a stick vacuum), and four for actual pick, specifically a crevice nozzle, round brush, gulper brush, and floor nozzle.

While some are a little awkward – I’m not really sure how one would want to use a hose attachment – most are very useful. The only thing I wish was included is one with a brush roll so cleaning up messes on carpeting or rugs takes less pushing pressure.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum: Performance

The DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum is quite the powerhouse for a handheld. Since it has a wide mouth for its nozzle, not to mention the fact that all the accessories are similarly wide mouthed, it will easily suck up all sorts of debris.

I used it to clean couch cushions where it quickly pulled off pet hair. I used it to suction up turf grass (a dog had ripped a square turf apart), coffee grounds, and I even went into the garage to suction up accumulated leaves that had been tracked in. I also vacuumed up cobwebs off the wall.

Basically, the DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum didn’t meet a piece of debris or dirt it couldn’t handle. The only real drawback is the lack of an accessory with a brushroll to use on carpeted surfaces. So, if you have a mess that’s accumulated on a carpet, you have to put in a little extra elbow grease than with other handhelds. Otherwise, the 46 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of suction it provides is unlike anything else I’ve seen in a handheld vacuum.

When using the extension tube, you can use this handheld almost as you would a stick vacuum. I’ve already mentioned the lack of an accessory with a brushroll for that smooth vacuuming motion, but you can use the extension tube and one of the other accessories, such as the crevice tool, to clean the ceiling or wall. It does feel a little heavier to use than a stick vacuum in this way as it took more effort to keep it held up, it’s still very useful in this form factor. Just be prepared to use two hands to hold it up.

Also of note is that the 5AH battery that DeWalt provided for the review is supposed to offer 21 minutes of use. I was able to get about 18 and a half, which is better than most handhelds, which range between 10 and 15, but isn’t quite as advertised.

And, if it’s of concern, this thing gets pretty loud, registering around 77 dB during use. That’s about as loud as a passing car. So, no you shouldn’t be using this while the baby is sleeping.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum compare?

Having tried a few different handheld vacuums, I can say that the DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum is somewhat unique. If you’re looking for something that’s more for the home instead of the workshop, you might be more inclined to get the Shark Dual Cyclone Pet Pro.

It’s not as powerful, but still has more than enough to do most jobs. And, its main accessory comes with a brush roll, so vacuuming up spills and messes on carpeting is much easier. Also being of the wireless variety, its battery life is a little lower at around 10 minutes, but you don’t also have to pay for a removable battery. Even without that consideration, it is cheaper at $89.99 / £ 79.99 / AU$199.99.

If you want to spend even less, you could consider the Dirt Devil QuickFlip BD30025B, which comes in around $50. However, it doesn’t have quite the cleaning prowess as it struggles with things like pet hair.

How I tested the DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum

To test the DeWalt 20V Cordless Dry Hand Vacuum, I cleaned up a couch, the walls of my room, the garage, stairs, some debris on carpets as well as on hard flooring. I used the six accessories, picked up different size debris, ran it until it lost charge, and removed the dustbin to inspect (as well as empty it).

Read more about how we test. 

The Deebot X2 Combo is an innovative robot vacuum, handheld vacuum, and base station by a veteran in the industry, Ecovacs. This combination of devices should make all your home vacuuming and mopping needs a breeze. The auto-emptying of both vacuums, the self-cleaning mops, powerful suction on the robot vacuum, and AI technology for navigation are all appealing features. First announced at CES 2024, the real question now is about how they perform when put to the test. And spoiler alert: for the most part, everything is great, putting the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo on the same level as the best robot vacuums.  

There’s no denying the large size of the base station, but it manages to squeeze in two vacuums, water reservoirs, a dust bag, and even some storage for the handheld vacuum’s components while still looking sleek. Its performance is equally great, as its suction power has no problem emptying the dust box of both vacuums almost every time, and the two oscillating mops on the robot vacuum still look clean after three weeks of use. I had one snafu with an incorrectly installed water reservoir, leading to a puddle on my floor. So, some type of warning would’ve been nice. Otherwise, it’s hard to deny the base station’s greatness. 

As for the robot vacuum, it handled cleanup decently, though everything wasn’t perfect. I did more intensive testing using oats, rice, and sugar, and it managed to pick up the majority of the oats and rice on hard floors and less sugar. On rugs, it performed worse, not unlike most robot vacuums. Luckily, the handheld vacuum and its various tools, including my favorite, the mini power brush, had no problem picking everything up in a few passes. It is truly one of the best handheld vacuums you can grab. I even used it to clean my car, suctioning up everything from stones to sand like it was nothing. I have to fault Ecovacs for charging an extra $100 to get the stick vacuum functionality on the handheld vacuum, given the Deebot X2 Combo is already an astronomically priced device. 

During average cleaning tasks, the robot vacuum suctioned up most small debris, and the mops took on spills with ease. It effortlessly navigated around objects, only getting hung up on a looser tassel rug. However, how the device decided to clean and navigate to different rooms was odd, and it would occasionally lose the base station. Still, overall it is hard to complain too much about its performance. 

The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo comes with an intuitive companion app, which is the only way to really control the vacuum other than using the handy voice control. With it, you can set schedules, adjust settings, edit your home’s map, and more. A lot is happening in the app, so it may take some time to figure everything out, especially for those who haven’t used this type of app before. There’s even a camera on the robot vacuum that you can control remotely via the app. It works great, but I found it slightly intrusive.  

With its wealth of features, ease of use, and powerful performance, the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo is in a class of its own, which should be expected given the price tag. Still, if you’re willing to drop a good chunk of change, this device will help keep your home sparkling with minimal effort. So, you can spend your time doing things you love. But if you’re after a more traditional vacuum experience, check out our guide to the best vacuum cleaners.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo: Price & availability

The list price for the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo is $1,599.99, and it is available on the manufacturer’s website and Amazon starting April 2nd. This package includes the base station, robot vacuum, and handheld vacuum. If you’re looking to add stick vacuum functionality to the Deboot X2 Combo, you’ll want to grab the X2 Combo Complete available exclusively at BestBuy.com for $1,699.99. 

Retailing for $1,599.99, the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo is an extremely pricey robot vacuum. However, you are receiving two vacuums and an excellent base station with this setup. Ecovacs even threw in three extra dust bags, so you won’t need to worry about purchasing those for a while. I only wish that Ecovacs included the stick vacuum functionality with this setup, asking $100 extra on an already excessively expensive vacuum is disappointing. If you don’t need the handheld vacuum addition, the Deebot X2 Omni is essentially the same robot vacuum and base station that retails for slightly less.  

Score: 3 out of 5

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo: First impressions

The Deebot X2 Combo arrived in an absolutely behemoth box, which would be a struggle for any average person to carry. It’s a two-person job. Somehow, a delivery person managed to carry it up to my second-floor walk-up, so most of the heavy lifting was done for me. I just needed to drag it into my apartment. Upon doing that, the handles on the box promptly broke. 

The outside of the box displayed highlights of this robot and handheld vacuum combo. After opening the box, you're greeted with instructions printed directly on it about how to remove the base station and set up the robot vacuum. Every component was easy to get out. Unfortunately, the packaging wasn’t very sustainable, as most parts were wrapped in plastic, and an excess of recyclable styrofoam material kept the components safe during shipping. 

Setting up the Deebot X2 Combo was straightforward. You just needed to remove tape and plastic for protection. There are more parts for this robot vacuum than others I’ve tested, given the handheld vacuum addition, but it's still easy enough. I just snapped a side brush onto the robot vacuum, placed the ramp on the base station, added clean water to the base station’s water reservoir, popped the handheld vacuum into the base station, put the handheld vacuum tools in a handy little provided drawer, and plugged it in. The entire process took less than 10 minutes. 

However, I failed to realize, thanks to the online advertising and even the inclusion of these parts in the instruction manual, that you do not receive the extension tubes and power brush with this combo to use the handheld vacuum like a stick vacuum, so I spent five minutes searching for something I’d never find. Given the high price, it’s absurd that these weren’t included. 

After I put everything together, I was surprised the setup wasn’t bigger. Don’t get me wrong, the base station is huge but still smaller than expected. All the parts feel and look top-notch, leading me to believe this vacuum combo will deliver on many of its promises.

The Deebot X2 Combo also comes with a companion app. It's quick to download and create a profile. There are step-by-step directions on how to connect the robot vacuum to your Wi-Fi. I had the app connected and ready to use in under five minutes.

I let everything charge fully, and then I sent the robot vacuum to map my two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment using its app. It got stuck on a few rugs, but after about 20 minutes, I had a fairly accurate map of my space, which even noted some furniture and rugs. You can make further adjustments in the app.

From there, the vacuum was ready to get out and get cleaning. I was excited to test out the features of the Deebot X2 Combo.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo: Key specs

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo: Design

The Deebot X2 Combo is, without a doubt, a large setup, measuring 21.5 x 20.7 x 15.6 inches. You get both a robot vacuum, handheld vacuum, and feature-rich base station, so this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Given the size, this option is best for those with larger homes with the space to store the device. Luckily, it’s very sleek looking with an almost all-black finish that both the vacuums match. I placed the vacuum in a central location between my living and dining areas, and it didn’t look too out of place there. 

The robot vacuum has a unique D-shape to help it get into corners and edges better, while the size is on par with others I’ve tested, at 12.2 x 3.5 x 13.9 inches. There isn’t a sensor protruding out the top of the vacuum, making its size more conducive to going under some furniture. Unfortunately, it doesn’t fit under my couch or the lip of my kitchen cabinets. Still, it reached under places I have a harder time getting to with an upright vacuum, while the 8,700pa suction power is one of the most powerful I’ve seen in a robot vacuum. 

Even though this vacuum doesn’t have a sensor up top, it’s packing plenty throughout the body to help with navigation and cleaning, including a True Detect 3D sensor, solid-state LiDAR, carpet detection sensor, anti-drop sensors, and anti-collision sensors and bumpers. There’s even an AIVI camera to do a bit of home surveillance; it’s cool to check in on your home from anywhere, like the best wireless security cameras, but I found it unnecessary and slightly intrusive. 

The top of the robot vacuum attaches magnetically as opposed to the typical hinge feature. The lid feels secure, but it attracts scratches. Mine was full of scuffs after the first cleaning. The only control available when the lid is attached is a multiuse button that starts, pauses, or sends the vacuum home—it's mirrored and attracts fingerprints like crazy. Under the lid is a power switch, Wi-Fi indicator, and 0.42L dust box. The dust box empties automatically at the base station, but it's easy to remove for cleaning or getting rid of stuck debris. Unfortunately, you’re almost completely reliant on the app to control the vacuum. However, it does have voice control. 

The underside of the robot vacuum has a large rubber brush; being bristle-free prevents hair or strings from getting stuck. A side brush helps to get debris in edges, corners, and hard-to-reach places. Two large oscillating mopping pads have held up great after several weeks and look as good as new. The brushes and mops are easy to remove for cleaning and replacement should you need to.

In addition to the robot vacuum, this model comes with a handheld vacuum, and it’s not some cheap, basic device. It’s sleek, powerful, and durable, measuring 3.9 x 7.9 x 12 inches. The vacuum’s weight got burdensome during longer cleaning sessions, but I was fine during shorter cleaning stints. When you’re done using the handheld, it slots right into the base station for charging and emptying, such a convenience. 

A four-layer filtration system on the handheld vacuum helps capture fine dust particles, while the dustbin holds a good amount of debris, and it’s easy to pop open for emptying—though, like the robot, it automatically empties at the base. The  60AW suction in the max power mode makes for a quick pick-up, while the 15AW silent mode is great for dust and light debris. A simple mode button lets you swap between the two, and a control on the handle turns the vacuum off/on. A bright blue battery indicator glows at the top of the machine, letting you know how much power is left in the machine. Most should get the hang of using the vacuum quickly. 

The biggest disappointment of the handheld vacuum is that it is, in fact, only a handheld vacuum. You have to pay extra for the extension hose and power brush to give it standing vacuum functionality. I would’ve preferred to have the extension tools to the camera on the robot vacuum or even the auto-emptying feature. Still, you get a mini power brush, flat brush, and crevice tool that are all easy to attach and well-built. The base station even comes with a handy little drawer to store all the tools. 

Speaking of the base station, it is capable of a whole lot. Of course, the robot and handheld vacuums slot into it for charging and emptying, as I mentioned. When emptying, the debris even goes into the same 3L dust bag, which should last several months with average usage. 

That’s just the start, as you also get warm water auto mop washing thanks to a cleaning sink and 3.5L dirty and 4L clean water reservoirs that easily slot right into place—most of the time; I did have one instance where the dirty water tank wasn’t installed properly, so water got everywhere. I had to empty and refill the tanks every three or four whole home cleanings, which is pretty standard with robot vacuums. Under the top cover, where the water tanks are held, are printed instructions for how to use certain aspects of the machine: a nice inclusion. There’s also auto drying to help prevent the mops from smelling. Beyond that, indicator lights on the base station glow red if something is wrong or blue when in standby mode or running. 

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo: Performance

When it came time to test the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo, I observed the robot vacuum, handheld vacuum, and base station during everyday tasks, as well as putting the vacuums through more rigorous testing using oats, rice, and sugar. There’s also a companion app that I tested the features of. 

To start, I wanted to see how great the suction and overall cleaning performance of the robot vacuum was using more concentrated debris. I started by spreading a large amount of oats on the floor and sent the vacuum out on the Standard power setting to test how it handled the mess. Surprisingly, it managed to pick up almost all the oats, leaving only a small sprinkling behind. It only hit about a 65dB noise level during the process, making it slightly louder than your average air conditioner. Not too distracting. 

I performed the same test with the oats using the Strong, Max+, and Quiet settings. The Strong and Max+ power settings performed similarly to the Standard, leaving just a small trail of oats behind. When in Max+, the vacuum was a bit noisier at 70dB, so you wouldn’t want to leave the vacuum at that suction level all the time when you’re home. Unfortunately, the Quiet mode left a bunch of oats strewn about, so I’d only ever use that power setting for super light clean-up needs. 

The robot vacuum performed decently on the hard floor with oats, so I wanted to test out its performance on rugs, as well. But similar to the Quiet mode on the hard floor, a good chunk of oats were left behind no matter the power mode. The robot vacuum headed to the base station to empty after it finished cleaning, losing some oats while docking. However, the base station did a great job emptying the oats from the dust box of the robot vacuum, leaving nothing behind. Just be prepared for emptying noise to shock you. At 80 dB, it’s loud. 

After the oats, I performed the same test using rice and sugar on a hard floor and rug. The Standard setting on a hard floor saw a good amount of rice suctioned up, though a line was left behind. Some sugar was gone, but most was left in the floor’s crevice. The Strong and Max+ modes flung more rice around, though a larger amount of sugar was cleaned. Quiet mode faired the worst of the bunch, spreading most of the sugar and rice around rather than picking it up. Moving to the rug, the different power modes performed similarly, leaving almost all the sugar behind and picking up only a small bit of rice. When returning to the base station, some rice did fall out when hitting bumps or rugs. Luckily, the base station at least managed to empty most of the rice in the dust box. 

The handy part of this Deebot X2 Combo is that it has a handheld vacuum, which was perfect for picking up the mess of oats, rice, and sugar left behind by the robot vacuum. In the higher power mode and with the mini power brush attached, the handheld vacuum effortlessly picked up the oats, rice, and sugar in one to two passes on the hard floors and rug. It’s a noisy, hitting 80dB, similar to other vacuums of that type. You could really feel the suction of the vacuum as it was working. On the lower power mode, it took a few more passes, but everything was cleaned except for a bit of sugar left in the floor crack. I was impressed by just how great this vacuum cleaned up the mess.

When using the handheld for more than 30 seconds, it will automatically empty at the base station, going into the same dust bag as the robot vacuum. This feature worked flawlessly, leaving nothing behind when emptying the mess of oats, rice, and sugar from the dust box on the vacuum. 

Beyond testing the vacuuming function of the robot vacuum, I wanted to see how the mops performed when completing more intensive tasks. I spread honey, coffee, and yogurt on the floor, sending the vacuum out to clean up the mess. Before beginning a task, the mops take about two minutes to wash at the base station. Then, the robot vacuum heads out. Using the standard medium water flow mop setting, with one pass-through, it easily cleaned up the coffee but spread some yogurt around while the honey didn’t budge. I swapped the settings to a high water flow level and deep scrubbing. That did the trick, as both the honey and yogurt were gone after it finished the task. 

While more extensive testing of the robot vacuum's abilities was necessary, seeing how it holds up to everyday use is key to its success. It had a relatively easy time navigating my space, though it got hung up on a loose tassel rug in my living room. Most other times, the vacuum was able to free itself from situations, even avoiding sucking up cords I failed to pick up. For the most part, the vacuum would either skirt around furniture or gently tap it. Other random obstacles were pushed or moved by the vacuum, including a tripod, which was stuck on the robot vacuum for a long while. Still, it performed on par with other high-end robot vacuums I’ve tested. When hitting rugs, without fail, it also lifted the mops and increased suction every time.

However, I have a few gripes with the navigation and the order in which the robot vacuum cleans rooms. When doing whole home cleanings, the robot vacuum jumps between rooms, going to opposite ends of my home for no reason. I never set the cleaning order, and the vacuum may just clean based on how I labeled my rooms in the app initially. Still, it makes absolutely no sense. Also, when going between different rooms for cleaning, it stops vacuuming. Why not make the most of it by vacuuming at all times? Sometimes, the vacuum will return to spaces it already cleaned as well. 

Also, in general, the paths the robot vacuum takes are odd. For instance, I sent the robot vacuum to clean the master bedroom: a straight shot from the base station. Instead, it navigated into my living room, attempted to go under a side table, failed, came back out, and finally went into the master. Other times, when doing specific room cleanings, the vacuum would enter the wrong rooms or lose the base station afterward, and I’d have bring it back to the base station myself. There’s an AI Smart Hosting cleaning mode, which automatically sets specific cleaning parameters for certain rooms, but it failed to clean my entire living room when I used this feature. I’m hoping these are faults are within the software, which can be addressed in future updates. 

Navigation aside, my floors were left sparkling after cleanings, with light debris, coffee, and muddy drops gone. Every 15 minutes, the robot vacuum goes back to clean the mops at the base station—you can change the time between cleanings in the app. When emptying the water in the dirty water reservoir, you could see how much nasty dirt the robot vacuum cleaned from my floors. 

Speaking of the base station, in my three weeks of use, it has worked great. I love that it cleans and dries the mops, so they still look as good as new. The convenience of not needing to empty the dust box is also a boon. I did have one issue with the water reservoirs. At one point, I didn’t install the dirty water reservoir correctly, and water ended up all over my floor. I’m surprised there wasn’t any type of warning before this happened. 

As for the battery life of the robot vacuum, during average home cleanings with the vacuum at the standard power level and mops at the medium water level, it lasted 120 minutes before hitting 15% battery and heading to the base station to charge. It completed one whole home cleaning in this amount of time. That battery life is on par with other robot vacuums I’ve tested. The manufacturer states the battery life is up to 145 minutes, and I’d say that’s accurate if you could use the robot vacuum past 15%. From 15% back to 100% took about 4 hours, and the vacuum will automatically head out and finish a task it didn’t finish if it needs to. The charging time was much less than the 5.5 hours quoted by the manufacturer. 

When putting the handheld vacuum through average cleaning tasks, it took on everything like a champ. I decided to clean my car with the vacuum, which had years' worth of dirt, leaves, pebbles, and sand. It easily cleaned everything up when in the higher power mode. I used all the tools and was especially impressed by the mini power brush’s performance. However, the 4,000mAh battery lasted less than 30 minutes, far under the hour quoted by the manufacturer. Still, that’s not a terrible run time for a battery-operated vacuum. Maybe, if you use low-power mode the entire time, it might last longer. You’ll know the battery is running low when the vacuum automatically goes into a lower suction mode, and the battery indicator light flashes. Recharging took right around 4.5 hours, the exact time stated. 

I also used the vacuum to clean some furniture in my house. However, I noticed when cleaning my couch that the crevice tool isn’t even long enough to reach the bottom of the couch cushion. A painful reminder that you must spend another $100 to receive the extension hose.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo: App control

As for the Ecovacs app, it’s similar to other robot vacuum apps. If you haven’t used one of these apps before, it can be a bit overwhelming at first, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly. With the app, you can select the cleaning modes, the power levels of the vacuum, the water levels for the mops, set schedules, and more. This robot vacuum also has a camera on it, so when you’re away from home, you can use it to check in on your space, either by using a remote control similar to a remote control car or by sending it out to patrol. It's even possible to communicate through the device. This feature would be extra fun for those with pets, but I don’t think it's entirely necessary and slightly invasive. 

As mentioned previously, the robot vacuum goes around your home and maps your space for the app. The initial map is fairly accurate, but it's simple to edit the map in the app by naming rooms, dividing spaces, creating boundaries that the vacuum won’t cross, and even placing furniture. If you have a multilevel home, you can save multiple maps in the app. There’s also the option to create a 3D map of your space. However, I prefer the 2D map, as it separates the rooms by color and notes the names of each room. 

If you thought this robot vacuum couldn’t have any more features, think again, as it also comes with its own voice control. By saying, “Ok, Yiko,” you can send out the vacuum out to perform various tasks without lifting a finger. Want the robot vacuum to clean under your beds? Say, “OK Yiko, clean under the beds.” Just be sure you’ve got beds on your map. From there, the device heads under your beds to complete the task. I don’t use voice control often, but it's hard to beat this added hands-free convenience

As for maintenance of the entire setup, there isn’t much you’ll need to worry about doing too often. You’ll need to wipe down the sensors and empty/fill the water reservoirs more regularly. That takes about two minutes. Occasionally, you’ll need to clean the filters and brushes on the vacuums. Beyond that, replacing the dust bag every few months is necessary, depending on usage. Down the road, you’ll need to replace brushes and filters. Luckily, the app keeps track of when that needs to happen, and most last over 100 hours. However, my side brush did lose one of its three bristle sets within the first week of use, a good 140 hours before it needed replacing. I’m hoping this was just a fluke. 

Score: 4 out of 5

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo: How does it compare?

The Deebot X2 Combo is a top-notch robot vacuum that effectively vacuums and mops your space, but the exorbitant price tag makes it unattainable for your average consumer. A great budget alternative is the Yeedi Cube. For about $500, you get a wealth of features similar to the Deebot X2 Combo, including auto-emptying and self-cleaning mops. Admittedly, its cleaning won’t be as great, given the lower vacuum suction power and less impressive mopping pad. The app is also lackluster. But it still gets the job done, especially with lighter messes. 

If you’re after a vacuum that delivers a performance similar to the Deebot X2 Combo but skips the handheld vacuum feature, the Narwal Freo is a great place to start. This vacuum comes with multiple cleaning modes, an easy-to-use app, and a base station that cleans the mops—though it doesn’t automatically empty the dust box. A handy little addition on the Narwal Freo is a tiny little LCD touchscreen on the base station that gives you easy control over the vacuum without using an app. Plus, it helps that this vacuum is several hundred dollars cheaper than the Deebot X2 Combo. 

Robot vacuums nowadays attempt to fit as many features as possible into the device and base stations, making for mediocre performance and big setups. The Deebot X2 Combo only falls victim to the latter, but the Neato Robotics D10 takes things back to basics, scraping auto-emptying, self-cleaning, and mops. Instead, you just get a great robot vacuum that delivers a thorough clean. It offers multiple suction levels, a D-shape to easily reach edges and corners, and a long 300-minute battery life. Best of all, you can find the Neato Robotics D10 for around $600. 

Should you buy the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo?