The list in brief ↴
1. Best overall: Dyson Gen5detect Absolute
2. Best budget: Levoit VortexIQ 40
3. Best for laser technology: Dyson V12 Detect Slim
4. Best dustbin capacity: Halo Capsule X
5. Best robot: Eufy X10 Pro Omni
6. Best wet/dry: Roborock Dyad Pro Combo
7. Best for pet owners: Shark Stratos MultiFLEX
8. Best auto-emptying: Shark Cordless Detect Pro
9. Best canister: Shark Vertex Canister Vacuum
10. Best quiet: Miele Boost CX1
How we test
Buying advice
As summer approaches, the best vacuum cleaners are an essential tool in your cleaning arsenal. It can help you clean your carpets, rugs, upholstery, and floors effectively. With the right vacuum cleaner, you can quickly and easily tackle dust, dirt, and allergens, making your home a healthier place to live.
This guide has you covered if you're struggling to find the best option among the endless models available. We have only included the best vacuum cleaners with their unique features listed, making choosing the perfect cleaning partner for your needs easier.
Vacuum cleaners come in two main types: classic mains-powered and battery-powered. The former provides maximum suction power without worrying about charging, but you'll have to move the cable and plug it in throughout. On the other hand, the best cordless vacuums provide more freedom of movement and offer comparable suction power to most wired models. Charging is the only issue, but even that is less of a problem now with battery runtimes of up to an hour and spare battery options available.
Within those two types, you can choose from upright vacuums, stick models, cylinders, and robots. The best robot vacuums can take the bulk of the work out of cleaning, leaving you with the task of occasionally emptying the waste bag. These come at a premium, and you will likely need another vacuum for touch-ups, but they are ideal if you have hairy, shedding pets.
We have reviewed ten vacuums for this guide to help you find the best vacuum cleaner for your home. We test each one for at least two weeks, noting the assembly and performance, cleaning ability, and maintenance. We challenge each vacuum with debris you typically find on carpets and upholstery, from cereal to pet hair. Keep reading to see if our top ten vacuum cleaners fit the bill.
The quick list
The best vacuum cleaner overall
The Dyson Gen5detect Absolute is the best vacuum cleaner overall, with HEPA filtration, powerful suction, and dust detection. It's expensive, but worth it for the quality and features.
The best vacuum cleaner on a budget
The Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex is an affordable, well-designed, pet-friendly cordless vacuum cleaner. Its automatic power adjustment feature and flexible stick make it a great choice for general cleaning.
The best vacuum cleaner with laser technology
The Dyson V12 Detect Slim is a stylish and powerful cordless vacuum cleaner with a laser-illuminated cleaner head and an LCD screen.
The best vacuum cleaner for dustbin capacity
The Halo Capsule X is a unique stick vacuum with impressive performance and modular design. It has a mid-range price point and multiple accessories.
The best robot vacuum
The Eufy X10 Pro Omni combines vacuuming and mopping with obstacle avoidance LiDAR navigation sensors and self-cleaning mop pads.
The best wet/dry vacuum
This 5-in-1 combination wet/dry vacuum combines an upright wet/dry vacuum and a handheld vacuum cleaner, plus attachments for crevice cleaning, beds, and upholstery. It can take care of pretty much any household cleaning task, making it perfect for busy households with pets.
Load the next 4 products ↴
The best vacuum cleaner for pet owners
The Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum has Clean Sense IQ tech, odor-neutralizer, and MultiFlex, making it powerful, easy to use, and great for pet owners.
The best auto-emptying vacuum cleaner
The Shark Cordless Detect Pro is a powerful and efficient vacuum with auto-sensing technology, an auto-empty system, easy assembly, lightweight design, and minimal maintenance.
The best canister vacuum cleaner
Shark Vertex Bagless Corded Canister Vacuum with DuoClean Powerfins is an impressive vacuum for deep cleaning carpets. It has a self-cleaning design, washable filters, and a five-year warranty.
The best quiet vacuum cleaner
Miele Boost CX1 is a powerful, lightweight canister vacuum with a premium look. It works well on carpets and hard floors but is bulky and more expensive than other models.
The best vacuum cleaners we recommend in 2024
Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
We've reviewed all of vacuum cleaners you see featured in this guide. For a minimum of two weeks we've challenged each vacuum with debris, and tested them all against the spec. Only the 'best' have made it into our shortlist of the top 10.
The best vacuum cleaner overall
✅ You need power: it is equipped with advanced suction power, HEPA filtration, and dust detection.
✅ You want easy assembly: Assembling the vacuum is easy and intuitive, and the flag system makes clearing a blockage or cleaning the filter easy.
✅ High-end design: Removing the trigger button has made operating easier and eliminates finger fatigue.
❌ You're on a budget: it is expensive compared to other vacuum cleaners.
❌ Limited battery life: vacuuming on Auto mode took more power, lasting just over 30 minutes before needing recharging.
❌ You have pets or children: it is best suited for households with minimal debris and dust.
🔎 Dyson Gen5detect Absolute is a remarkable cordless vacuum cleaner with advanced suction power, HEPA filtration, and dust detection. It has a luxurious, high-end design with a deep Prussian Blue and Rich Copper finish. The vacuum also delivers excellent performance, is easy to maintain, and has top-notch features and functionality. However, it is expensive and may not be suitable for households with pets or children who frequently make a mess. ★★★★★
The Dyson Gen5detect Absolute is a remarkable cordless vacuum cleaner with advanced suction power, HEPA filtration, and dust detection. With these features, it wins our vote for the best vacuum cleaner overall.
Assembly: The vacuum cleaner is a great choice for those concerned about sustainability, as its packaging is 100% recyclable, with no plastic or polystyrene. Instead of a manual, the vacuum comes with a QR code that links to the My Dyson app, which provides all the information you need, including a user guide, care and maintenance tips, and troubleshooting advice. The app also includes useful videos to illustrate instructions and a digital assistant to help you find the necessary information. Assembling the vacuum is easy and intuitive, with the filters and the battery unit installed.
Design: The Gen5detect Absolute is a powerful vacuum cleaner with a new colorway featuring a deep Prussian Blue and Rich Copper finish, giving it a luxurious and high-end look and feel. One of the significant changes in this model is removing the trigger button, which has been replaced with a simple power button above the LCD screen. This makes it much easier to operate and eliminates finger fatigue. The vacuum is also quieter than previous models, making it more pleasant.
Performance: We tested the unit to see how it handled various types of debris and were impressed with how much dust and pet hair it picked up on its first pass in a large carpeted room. The Hair screw tool, crevice tool, and duster brush were all effective in cleaning different areas of our home, and the Fluffy Optic™ cleaner head did an excellent job of picking up even the smallest specks of dust on hard floors. The Dyson vacuum also succeeded in sucking up fine and larger particles on carpets and hard floors, leaving no dusty corners behind.
Maintenance: Clearing a blockage or cleaning the filter is made easy with the flag system, and the dust cup can also be easily emptied by pushing the lever at the side, and it can be pumped several times to eliminate any packed-in dirt. However, the battery life may vary depending on the power mode used. While Dyson claims up to 70 minutes of running time, vacuuming on Auto mode took more power, lasting just over 30 minutes before needing recharging. The battery takes around four and a half hours to fully recharge, so an extra battery may be necessary for large homes.
Value: The Dyson Gen5detect Absolute is a high-end vacuum with a price tag of $949.99. Despite the cost, the vacuum comes with top-notch features and functionality. Dyson is known for its excellent customer support, service, and quality, and the vacuum also comes with a 2-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Read more: Dyson Gen5Detect Absolute review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly | 100% recyclable packaging; My Dyson app; Easy and intuitive assembly | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Luxurious design; Easy to operate; Quieter operation | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Impressive suction power; Effective cleaning tools | ★★★★★ |
| Maintenance | Easy maintenance; Battery life may vary; Long recharge time | ★★★★ |
The best vacuum cleaner on a budget
✅ You want auto adjustment: it can automatically adjust the power according to the level of dust in your home.
✅ You're on a budget: it is an excellent option for an affordable yet reliable stick vacuum.
✅ Sleek design: the matte black, silver, and gray plastic casing, chrome detailing, and colorful LED display give it a stylish appearance.
❌ You need advanced features: it lacks advanced features such as Wi-Fi connectivity or voice control.
❌ Limited battery life: the vacuum lasts 40 minutes on a single charge.
❌ You hate mess: emptying the dust cup can be mucky.
🔎 Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex is an affordable, well-designed cordless vacuum that competes well against big-name brands. It offers customizable power settings, has a sleek appearance, and is pet-friendly. The vacuum's impressive performance, maneuverability, and sturdiness make it a reliable option for a stick vacuum. ★★★★★
The Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex is a well-designed, cordless vacuum cleaner that is affordable and great at cleaning dirt, dust, and debris. It competes well against big-name brands like Dyson and is one of the best vacuums you can purchase currently, regardless of your needs.
Assembly: The vacuum offers an auto feature to adjust the power according to the level of dust in your home. It also has five customizable power settings, marked by two blue bars on the display, which can be adjusted using the + and - buttons. The unit has a standard vacuum head that can be used on hard floors or carpets, and the setup is easy, with clearly marked buttons and helpful instructions. The unit comes securely packed in a cardboard box with recyclable packaging and includes a quick start guide and a detailed user manual.
Design: The VortexIQ 40 Flex's matte black, silver, and gray plastic casing, chrome detailing, and colorful LED display give it a sleek appearance. The unit's grip is beveled rubber, which feels comfortable and provides a firm grasp. The buttons and locks are marked, and the rubber edging on the crevice tool prevents scratches on the furnishings. The vacuum's LED headlights, flexible stick feature, and 90-degree folding shaft make it easy to use and operate at a reasonable noise level. The vacuum's maneuverability is impressive, and it is pet-friendly too.
Performance: The unit was tested in a family home with pets and tested in a living room and kitchen. It performed well in a general cleaning test, effortlessly picking up pet hair, dust, and debris from the hard floor and the carpet. The vacuum's ability to adjust its power automatically based on its cleaning surface was impressive, and it easily handled various crumbs, flour, and oats. The mini motorized brush and rubber-tipped crevice tools effectively cleaned carpeted stairs and dusty skirting boards, respectively, and the dusting brush was gentle enough to dust family photos and protect woodwork.
Maintenance: The vacuum lasts around 40 minutes on a single charge and takes around four hours to charge up completely. The only downside is that emptying the dust cup can be messy, but regular emptying can help avoid this issue.
Value: The Levoit VortexIQ 40 stick vacuum cleaner is priced at $199.99, cheaper than some of its leading competitors. It may not run as long as some of its rivals, but 40 minutes is usually enough to clean the entire house. The sturdiness of the accessories and the additional flexible stick feature make it a good option for those looking for a reliable stick vacuum.
Read more: Levoit VortexIQ 40 review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly | Customizable Power Settings; Easy setup | ★★★★½ |
| Design | Sleek Appearance; Comfortable Grip; Easy to Use | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Strong Performance; Automatic Power Adjustment; Effective Cleaning Tools | ★★★★★ |
| Maintenance | Messy Dust Cup; Shorter Battery Life; Lengthy Charging | ★★★ |
The best vacuum cleaner with laser technology
✅ You want powerful suction: it offers great suction power, making it an excellent choice for tackling dirt and debris.
✅ You like having innovative features: the laser-illuminated cleaner head is a standout feature that detects particles invisible to the naked eye.
✅ Design is important: The Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute is a colorful, stylish, and well-designed cordless vacuum cleaner.
❌ You're on a budget: Dyson vacuums are costly, and the V12 Detect Slim Absolute is no exception.
❌ Limited battery life: The battery lasts around 30 minutes in Auto/Med mode and takes four hours to charge.
❌ You want something quiet: While the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute is not the noisiest vacuum cleaner, it may still be too loud for some users.
🔎 The Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute is an outstanding cordless vacuum cleaner with great suction power, useful accessories, and many useful features. It's the most efficient and easy-to-use vacuum cleaner, and we highly recommend it. ★★★★★
The Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute is a well-designed and powerful cordless vacuum cleaner with useful accessories and features. It's perfect for precise cleaning and offers great suction power.
Assembly: The Dyson V12 Detect Slim uses 100% recyclable packaging and a paper-free manual. The base unit comes partially charged, and filters are already in place, making cleaning easy. Other companies should follow Dyson's lead and adopt plastic-free packaging.
Design: The Dyson V12 Detect Slim is a colorful, stylish, and well-designed cordless vacuum cleaner. It boasts a distinctive orange, purple, and gray colorway with flashes of red and an LCD screen that displays information such as run-time, power modes, and filter updates. It is easy to hold and comes with a suite of accessories that are sturdy and clip-on easily. Its standout feature is the laser-illuminated cleaner head, which detects particles invisible to the naked eye. This makes it a game-changer for vacuuming hard floors.
Performance: With a child, two adults, and two long-haired pets in my household, this vacuum cleaner proved to be a great help in tackling all the dirt and debris. The maneuverable brush heads made it easy to clean tight corners, and the LCD screen indicated the time left for cleaning.
Emptying the dust cup was hassle-free, and the Fluffy cleaning head effectively cleaned all kinds of particles on hardwood floors. The Motorbar cleaner head also worked wonders on carpets. While the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute was not the quietest machine, it functioned well in Auto/Med mode, which is recommended for general cleaning. The battery lasted around 30 minutes in this mode and took four hours to charge.
Maintenance: Dyson recommends regularly cleaning the V12 Detect Slim's dust cup and filter. Spare parts and repair services are available on their website or at service centers in the US and UK. Regular servicing is advised to extend the motor's life, and the warranty lasts two years.
Value: Dyson vacuums are costly but offer unparalleled features, customer support, and a 2-year warranty. The Levoit VortexIQ 40 is cheaper but lacks some Dyson features. The Aspiron is affordable and light, with LED lights, but lacks maneuverability. Alternatively, the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro is a robot vacuum that maps rooms, vacuums, and mops and is controlled by a smartphone app.
Read more: Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute review
The best vacuum cleaner for dustbin capacity
✅ You want a versatile cleaner: It has a large dustbin and multiple accessories.
✅ You like a unique design: It has a unique design with a cylindrical or capsule-like body that makes it stand out from other vacuums.
✅ You're after value: The Halo Capsule X is a mid-range product in terms of pricing compared to other vacuums on the market.
❌ You need something lightweight: The Halo Capsule X is a bit heavy to hold up, which may be uncomfortable for some users during long cleaning sessions.
❌ You have long hair or pets: The floorheads of the Halo Capsule X do not have anti-tangling technology.
❌ You don't want to spend much: While the Halo Capsule X is a mid-range product in terms of pricing, it is still relatively expensive compared to other stick vacuums.
🔎 The Halo Capsule X is a modular stick vacuum with a large dustbin and manual brush roll disengagement. It's great for those who need to switch accessories and batteries but not for those who clean high-up places or dislike switching floorheads. ★★★★½
The Halo Capsule X is a modular stick vacuum with impressive performance, a unique design, and a mid-range price point. It comes with multiple accessories and a large dustbin, making it a great option for those who need to switch between different cleaning needs.
Assembly: Setting up the Halo Capsule X stick vacuum may first appear daunting due to the number of pieces, but it takes less than five minutes to assemble. The vacuum comes with a wall dock and an additional hard floor brush. Charging the removable battery is required before use.
Design: The Halo Capsule X is a unique stick vacuum with a cylindrical or capsule-like body and a black/baby blue colorway that houses a larger dustbin than most vacuums. It is highly modular with a removable lithium battery, and the dustbin is made to house dust pouches that can easily be tossed for easier cleanup when full.
The vacuum comes with a basic floor head, hard floor head, mini power brush, stretch hose, crevice tool, combo tool for use on upholstery, wall dock, battery, and five dust pouches. With just three controls near the handle, it's a great option for sensitive flooring.
Performance: The Halo Capsule X is a versatile and powerful vacuum that cleans carpets, hard floors, and even car mats. It has three modes, but it can easily suction up debris even on the lowest setting. The battery life is impressive, offering just over 49 minutes of use on low with the brush roll on, and the dustbin capacity is surprisingly large at 2 liters.
However, the vacuum is a bit heavy to hold up, and the floorheads don't have anti-tangling technology, so you may need to cut off strands wrapped around the brush roll. The accessories are useful, but the main floorheads are the most practical for most needs.
Value: The Halo Capsule X vacuum is available in three bundles. The extra accessories bundle is priced at $499.99 in the US. While it is not cheap, it is still a mid-range product in terms of pricing compared to other vacuums on the market. Other options are available, such as the Shark Stratos Cordless, priced at $499.99.
Read more: Halo Capsule X review
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | It has a mid-tier price tag and somewhat limited availability, but its design and performance are more than worth the cost. | ★★★★ |
| Design | A modular design, unique look, and ability to independently control the brushroll are just some of what makes this vacuum’s design special. | ★★★★½ |
| Performance | It does a great job vacuuming up whatever you need with a good battery life and large capacity dustbin, though it’s not great for reaching higher areas. | ★★★★½ |
The best robot vacuum
✅ You value function and performance above style: The Eufy X10 Pro Omni has obstacle avoidance technology, LiDAR sensors, and 8,000 Pa suction.
✅ You want easy, hands-free cleaning and mopping: The Eufy X10 Pro Omni is easy to use with its self-emptying dust bin and self-cleaning mops.
✅ You want a robot vacuum that can handle multiple rooms and surfaces: The Eufy X10 Pro Omni app allows multiple room maps, custom cleaning scenarios, and no-go zones.
❌ You have a small home: The Eufy X10 Pro Omni requires plenty of space for the base unit and the clearance space you'll need on either side and in front of the robot.
❌ You want something more stylish or a different color: It won't win any style awards and is only available in black.
🔎 The Eufy X10 Pro Omni is equipped with advanced technology, such as obstacle avoidance and LiDAR navigation sensors. It also features a self-emptying dust bin, self-cleaning mops, and the ability to map multiple rooms. However, it is a large unit designed specifically for bigger homes and is only available in black. ★★★★½
The Eufy X10 Pro Omni is a smart and advanced robot vacuum and mop combo with impressive features such as obstacle avoidance and LiDAR navigation sensors. It offers hands-free cleaning, multiple room mapping, and self-cleaning mops, making it a reliable and time-saving device.
Design: The Eufy X10 Pro Omni is encased in matte black plastic. It is heavier, requiring 1.6 feet of clearance space on either side and 4.9 feet to the front. The robot features three manual buttons at the front and a camera on top. The base station includes a clean water tank, a dirty water tank, and a disposable dust bag. You can easily remove the pentagonal mops from the underside.
Performance: The vacuum's AI camera has an algorithm for real-time obstacle avoidance. It can identify and avoid over 100 obstacles and uses LiDAR navigation sensors to create maps and routes around your home. The Eufy is highly effective at detecting obstacles and preventing collisions and works well on different types of flooring, including thick pile rugs. It features a rotating brush that helps sweep crumbs and dust under the unit, while the pentagonal dual mop pads can reach into corners and edges.
The mops operate at 180 rotations per minute and apply 2.2 lbs of downward pressure, making them effective at freshening up surfaces and mopping away spillages. The accompanying app is user-friendly and allows remote control of the robot vacuum and mop. Also, the Omni station provides hands-free cleaning by emptying the onboard dustbin and washing and drying the mops, leaving no mess for you.
Value: The X10 Pro Omni is a smart, reliable robot vacuum and mop combo with an amazing 8,000Pa suction. It retails at $799.99, is user-friendly, and incorporates artificial intelligence and automation. However, it would be better if the price included some replacement mop heads and dust bags.
Read more: Eufy X10 Pro Omni review
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | Very resonably priced for the technology and functionality, especially compared to premium robot vacuum and mop combos. | ★★★★½ |
| Design | The base unit is quite bulky and plain but the robot unit features attractive curved edge and a sleek, low profile. | ★★★½ |
| Performance | Packed with features that work, this is the best robot vacuum and mop combo we've ever tested. | ★★★★★ |
The best wet/dry vacuum
✅ You want a total cleaning solution for your home: During testing, we were impressed by the powerful suction and impressive mopping functions, and the app is great for customizing cleaning.
✅ You'd like a wet/dry vacuum that's a talking point: With its cool retro style, futuristic voice alerts, and multi-functional uses and attachments, you'll be the envy of your friends.
✅ You value edge-to-edge cleaning: With just 1mm of space between the rollers and your baseboards, you'd be hard-pressed to find a wet/dry vacuum that can reach that distance.
❌ You want a premium feel to your vacuum: While it looks gorgeous, I found some of the connections and mechanisms on the Roborock just didn't feel like enough was invested in user testing.
❌ You spend a lot of time vacuuming carpets: I found the handheld unit uncomfortable for long periods because of the handle's placement at the top.
❌ You haven't got a lot of room: With a footprint of 15 inches x 22 inches, you'll need to ensure you have enough space for the Roborock Dyad Pro Combo. It could be too large for small apartments or homes, and it's not simple to store it away when it's not in use.
🔎 We were really impressed with the performance of the Roborock Dyad Pro Combo during at-home testing. It leaves the floor sparkling clean and has great suction. However, we weren't as happy with the ergonomics of the handheld unit and I think the connections across the unit could be better designed. ★★★★½
The Roborock Dyad Pro Combo is a versatile 5-in-1 wet/dry vacuum cleaner, with an upright and handheld vacuum and various attachments. Its app allows extensive control over cleaning settings, scheduling, maintenance alerts, troubleshooting tips, and more, enhancing its capabilities and ease of use.
Design: While our tester appreciated the retro-futuristic design, some aspects of the vacuum's component connections could be improved through better user testing. Also, the placement of the handle on the handheld unit was uncomfortable for prolonged use.
Performance: The Dyad Pro Combo impressed our reviewer with its ability to effortlessly clean up spills, dry debris, and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors. Its powerful suction of 17000Pa and mopping function with an auto-adjusting cleaning solution dispenser left the floors sparklingly clean. The edge-to-edge cleaning capability and self-cleaning and self-drying features were also highlighted.
The reviewer recommends the Roborock Dyad Pro Combo for those seeking a comprehensive cleaning solution with impressive performance. However, the handheld unit's design may not be suitable for those prioritizing a premium feel with limited space or extensive carpet vacuuming needs. Despite the seeming significant investment, the combination of wet/dry vacuum and handheld cordless vacuum, along with accessories like the multi-surface brush, motorized mini brush, 2-in-1 cleaning tool, and wand/baton, makes the price more reasonable.
Value: The Roborock Dyad Pro Combo is priced at approximately $659.00 and can be purchased from resellers such as Amazon and Lowe's. It will soon be available on the Roborock store.
Read more: Roborock Dyad Pro Combo review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | Sensibly priced for a self-cleaning, self-drying vacuum. | ★★★★ |
| Design | Love the design, but could do with more user testing. | ★★★ |
| Performance | A great performer in my at-home tests, both in mopping and vacuuming. | ★★★★★ |
The best vacuum cleaner for pet owners
✅ You want something powerful: With its MultiFlex technology, CleanSense IQ technology, and odor-neutralizing feature, cleaning is efficient and convenient.
✅ You have pets: It can easily pick up pet hair and other dander, making it a must-have for those with furry friends.
✅ You're short on space: Its compact and freestanding design makes it easy to store in small apartments or homes.
❌ You're on a budget: The Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum has a hefty price tag.
❌ You have a large home: On Boost mode, it only runs for 12 minutes, which may not be enough for larger cleaning tasks.
🔎 The Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum with odor-neutralizer tech is great for pet owners and those with limited storage space. It easily picks up long and short hair, but its small dust cup and 60-minute runtime may not suit larger homes. ★★★★½
The Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum is a powerful, innovative cleaning tool with exceptional performance and convenience. Featuring Clean Sense IQ technology, an odor-neutralizer, and MultiFlex technology, this vacuum is a great option for pet owners and those with limited storage space.
Assembly: The Shark Stratos Cordless vacuum came with minimal, recyclable packaging. It includes DuoClean, PowerFins, HairPro floorhead, wand, control unit, odor neutralizer cartridge, battery, and accessories. It was easy to maneuver and had an odor cartridge that emitted a pleasant smell, but some may prefer alternatives.
Design: The Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum is not your average stick vacuum. It features Clean Sense IQ technology, an odor neutralizer, and MultiFlex technology, allowing the wand to bend and fold for compact freestanding. It also has a comfortable handle, easy-to-use controls, and three power modes.
The dust cup is well-balanced and positioned on the other side and underside of the controls. The vacuum comes with a duster crevice tool and an anti-allergen brush when converted into a handheld device. It's a powerful cleaner that solves space and convenience problems.
Performance: Our reviewer vacuums their home daily because their messy toddler tends to drop food on the floor. The Shark Stratos Cordless easily handled this daily challenge, effortlessly picking up cereal, biscuit crumbs, cake, and chunks of toast. The vacuum's self-cleaning abilities also prevented my hair from tangling around the brush roll.
The vacuum's performance on specific tasks was equally impressive. Rice puffs and sugar were picked up superbly. The Clean Sense IQ increased suction when lifting sugar granules, showing its effectiveness in adjusting to different cleaning challenges.
The vacuum's duster crevice tool and anti-allergen brush attachments made it easy to clean upholstery and reach cobwebs in corners. The vacuum takes only three hours to fully recharge and can run for up to 60 minutes, depending on the suction setting. The noise level was also reasonable, measuring 72dB on Eco and CleanSense IQ and 84dB on Boost.
Value: The Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum, priced at $499.99, can be purchased from various retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target. It features odor-neutralizing technology and could be a better option than the Shark Vertex due to its advanced sensor-based cleaning, superior pet hair handling, and extra battery warranty.
Read more: Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum review
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | For all the tech and functionality, you're getting a fabulous vacuum cleaner for the money. | ★★★★★ |
| Design | It's pretty perfect but I feel that some may struggle with the weight of the floorhead and / or prefer a different odor | ★★★★½ |
| Performance | I can't fault it. All debris on-test was lifted, and no hair became wrapped around the brushbars. | ★★★★★ |
The best auto-emptying vacuum cleaner
✅ You like smart features: auto-sensing technology and auto-empty system make cleaning easy.
✅ You have hard-to-clean areas: DirtDetect, FloorDetect, LightDetect, and EdgeDetect sensors provide thorough cleaning.
✅ You want something easy to store: lightweight and compact design allows for easy storage in small spaces.
❌ You need to clean under things: the vacuum's shaft doesn't bend for easy cleaning under furniture.
❌ Your mobility is limited: you might need to stoop down to reach under beds, dressers, etc.
❌ You're on a budget: the vacuum's price point may be too high for some.
🔎 The Shark Cordless Detect Pro boasts auto-sensing technology, an auto-empty system, and DirtDetect, FloorDetect, LightDetect, and EdgeDetect sensors. The assembly is straightforward, and the vacuum is lightweight and easy to store. The vacuum's performance is powerful and efficient, with minimal maintenance required. ★★★★½
The Shark Cordless Detect Pro has auto-sensing technology and an auto-empty system, which our reviewer loved during testing. She appreciated the vacuum's performance and features, including its DirtDetect, FloorDetect, LightDetect, and EdgeDetect technologies, as well as its suction modes.
Assembly: The Shark vacuum is designed to reduce waste, and assembly instructions are conveniently printed on the box. However, the vacuum is so easy to put together that the instructions are unnecessary. Connecting the shaft, handheld vacuum, and vacuum head takes just five minutes. The auto-empty station comes in two easily connected pieces, including a crevice tool and a Pet Multi-Tool brush. An Odor Neutralizer Technology piece is the final addition to the station.
Design: The Shark Cordless Detect Pro is a lightweight and modern-looking vacuum with a compact design that allows storage in small spaces like the corner of a kitchen or slim closet. The auto-empty station is impressive and works flawlessly, even when the filter is covered in dust or hair. However, the vacuum has two design flaws: the shaft doesn’t bend for easy under-furniture cleaning, and the vacuum head lock mechanism tends to lock if vacuumed too close to the body.
Performance: The vacuum is powerful and efficient, offering three levels of suction power. The DirtDetect Sensor is a great feature that automatically boosts the suction power when it recognizes hidden dirt, and the LightDetect sensor, EdgeDetect Sensor, FloorDetect sensor, and DirtDetect sensor can conveniently be used in auto mode. With a runtime of up to 60 minutes, the eco mode is perfect for a thorough cleaning session, and the vacuum head swivels easily, allowing you to easily vacuum in corners and around furniture legs.
Maintenance: The auto-empty vacuum cleaner station conveniently collects all the dirt and dust, freeing you from the hassle of frequently emptying the bin. The station can hold up to 30 days' worth of dirt and charges the vacuum every time it's placed on the station. The vacuum requires minimal maintenance, with only occasional rinsing and filter replacement needed. Pre-motor and auto-empty filters require monthly cleaning, while the HEPA filter should be replaced annually. The DirtDetect, LightDetect, and EdgeDetect sensors must be cleaned monthly to remove debris and hair that may obstruct the sensors.
Read more: Shark Cordless Detect Pro review
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly | Easy to put together | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Sleek, modern, and lightweight with attachments; would be perfect if the shaft could bend to reach underneath beds, dressers, etc. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Powerful and versatile vacuum with self-emptying technology. | ★★★★½ |
| Maintenance | Only needs emptying every 30 days; washable filters | ★★★★½ |
The best canister vacuum cleaner
✅ You have carpets: excellent deep cleaning performance on carpets and long pile area rugs.
✅ You like extra attachments: the flexible wand bends during vacuuming, and two brush rolls give a deeper clean.
✅ You want washable filters: washable filters and a five-year warranty on non-wearable parts make it easy to maintain and keep in good condition.
❌ You have hard floors: it may be overkill.
❌ You have messy edges and corners: it struggles with edge cleaning on carpets, although the onboard crevice tool can help.
❌ You're on a budget: it is the pricier of the two canister vacuums Shark offers.
🔎 Shark Vertex Bagless Corded Canister Vacuum is a top-of-the-range option for busy homes with carpets that require regular deep cleaning. It has a sturdy and well-made design, with standout features such as a flexible wand and two brushrolls for a deeper clean. Its excellent pick-up performance and washable filters make it easy to maintain. Although it is the pricier option, it is packed with all the best features and delivers excellent value for its price. ★★★★½
The Shark Vertex Bagless Corded Canister Vacuum with DuoClean Powerfins is a great option for busy homes with carpets that require regular deep cleaning. The 25ft power cord ensures an uninterrupted power supply, though it may be overkill for those with mostly hard floors.
Assembly: The vacuum comes in fully recyclable paper and cardboard packaging. It's easy to assemble and use with an instruction manual that's little more than a pictorial guide and comes with only two accessories - a pet crevice tool and an upholstery tool. The vacuum also has standout features such as a flexible wand that bends during vacuuming, two brushrolls for a deeper clean, and a self-cleaning design.
Design: The black vacuum with gold accents makes this feel like a premium product from Shark. It feels sturdy and well-made, with a high-quality floorhead designed to clean deep into carpets without damaging hard floors. The handle features a rubber grip and a control panel, allowing you to switch the vacuum on or off, adjust the power level, and switch between floor types, all from the handle. The lightweight canister has four wheels for easy maneuverability, and its handle doubles as the handle for the dust bin, which is easy to remove.
Performance: The vacuum's ability to remove ground-in dirt from deep within carpets and long pile area rugs was impressive. While it struggled with edge cleaning on carpets, the onboard crevice tool made it easy to collect anything left behind. The Vertex's impeccable pick-up on hard floors and the controls on the handle made it easy to transition between different floor types and adjust power. The upholstery tool effectively cleaned dust and crumbs from furniture, and the canister was lightweight for pulling along and compact enough to sit on a step while vacuuming stairs.
Maintenance: The Shark vacuum cleaner comes with a bagless dust bin that when emptied frequently, is easy to use and maintain. The washable filters are a great feature that saves money on replacements, and they only need to be washed every three to 12 months. With a five-year warranty, the vacuum is covered for non-wearable parts, and plenty of replacement parts are available to purchase directly from Shark. The vacuum is also easy to store, with numerous configuration options and a freestanding wand and floorhead that can be stored separately or clipped to the canister.
Value: The Shark Vertex Bagless Corded Canister Vacuum is the pricier of the two canister vacuums offered by Shark. However, it is packed with all the best design features of Shark and delivers excellent performance, making it the top-of-the-range option.
Read our full Shark Vertex Bagless Corded Canister Vacuum review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly | Fully Recyclable Packaging; Easy to Assemble | ★★★★ |
| Design | Premium design; Rubber Grip Handle; Lightweight Canister | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Impressive Deep Cleaning; Struggles with Edge Cleaning; Upholstery Tool | ★★★★ |
| Maintenance | Bagless Dust Bin; Washable Filters; Easy to Store | ★★★★★ |
The best quiet vacuum cleaner
✅ You need a quiet vacuum: This vacuum cleaner is remarkably quiet, producing only 63dB on its highest suction power and just 60dB on the lowest level of suction.
✅ You want powerful suction: The Boost CX1 offers impressive suction power, making it easy to clean carpets, hard floors, and upholstery.
✅ Maneuverability is important: The vacuum's unique wheel position at the side of the canister allows easy maneuvering without crashing into furniture.
❌ You're on a budget: The Miele Boost CX1 is a premium vacuum cleaner with a high price tag.
❌ You want a choice of tools: It may not be suitable for those who require a more extensive set of tools for cleaning.
❌ You lack storage: The vacuum's taller design may require more storage space than other vacuum cleaners.
🔎 The Miele Boost CX1 is a lightweight canister vacuum ideal for cleaning carpets and hard floors. It offers powerful suction and is relatively quiet when used. However, it is bulky to store and comes with limited tools. It is also expensive but worth the investment. ★★★★
The Miele Boost CX1 is a premium vacuum cleaner with a sleek design and impressive performance. It offers powerful suction, quiet operation, and ease of maneuverability. However, it comes with limited tools and is expensive.
Assembly: The vacuum's packaging is mostly recyclable cardboard without any styrofoam. It has a modular design and requires minimal assembly. It's mains-powered and has an automatic cable rewind function. The instruction manual contains all the necessary information for assembly, use, cleaning, and maintenance. However, it's taller and requires more storage space.
Design: The Miele Boost CX1 vacuum cleaner has a sleek, premium design with a glossy white finish and red accent. It has a unique wheel position at the side of the canister, allowing easy maneuvering without crashing into furniture. It comes with a 6ft suction hose and a telescopic wand, which can be easily adjusted for comfortable cleaning, regardless of height. The suction level can be adjusted using the dial on top of the canister, and the power switch is conveniently located on the side. The cleaner comes with a range of accessories suitable for most homes.
Performance: The Miele Boost CX1 is an impressive vacuum cleaner that cleans carpets, hard floors, and upholstery. It collected finely crushed biscuits and flour in just one pass from carpeted and hard floor surfaces, providing the proper suction power, and floor cleaning head settings were chosen. However, when collecting larger debris, such as oats, the vacuum was not as efficient and required multiple passes to remove all the debris.
Despite this, the vacuum's maneuverability is noteworthy, as it glides effortlessly on all floors and transitions seamlessly between hard floors and carpets. With a 6ft suction hose, it can easily clean eight stairs without lifting the vacuum, and its compact footprint allows it to remain stable when positioned on one of the stairs. Moreover, the Miele Boost CX1 is remarkably quiet, producing only 63dB on its highest suction power and just 60dB on the lowest level of suction, making it one of the quietest vacuums available.
Maintenance: The Miele Boost CX1 has a 0.2-gallon dust canister that is easy to empty. It comes with three filters, which should be cleaned or replaced regularly. Miele offers replacement parts and tools, and a two-year warranty covers the vacuum for defects.
Value: The Miele Boost CX1 range offers three variants, with the Parquet and Cat & Dog models costing $549 and $649, respectively. The Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal provides true HEPA filtration but is bulkier and noisier than the Boost CX1. The Shark DuoClean is cheaper but heavier.
Read more: Miele Boost CX1 review
How we test the best vacuum cleaners
Top Ten Reviews aims to provide customers with honest and unbiased product reviews. Our team of experts conducts thorough research and testing to find the best products in each category. We test a wide range of products - not just the most popular or well-known brands - to ensure we can recommend the best products to our readers.
Our comprehensive testing protocols allow us to assess each product against specific criteria, including design, features, performance, care and maintenance, price and availability, and user reviews. We never accept compensation from brands, ensuring our reviews remain objective and neutral. For more information, head over to our page on how we test.
How to choose the best vacuum cleaner for you
Aside from selecting the brand of vacuum cleaner you want to buy, which would depend on your budget, there are a few factors to consider when you purchase a vacuum cleaner for your home.
Type: Depending on your house size, the space you have to store your vacuum, and the accessibility you require, you’ll need to think about what type of vacuum is best for you. Would you prefer an upright, cylinder, or cordless cleaner? Upright options will do the job best for a bigger home, and a stick or cylinder design is better if you have hard floors and a smaller space. Plus, they’re more lightweight and easier to store. Cordless options are effortless to maneuver as they don’t come with cables that trail behind you.
Bag or bagless: Once you’ve decided on a type, choose between a bagged or bagless vacuum. We suggest a bag for allergy sufferers to keep the dust and dander enclosed and reduce exposure to allergens. Remember, replacing the bags is an added cost you’ll need to factor in. Not forgetting the faff it is to change them. Either way, consider the capacity to gauge how long it will take to fill up.
Suction: The stronger the suction, the more spotless the finish. If you've recently replaced your carpets or are prone to making a mess, you’ll want to invest in a good vacuum with great suction power. But a more powerful vacuum can often mean a weightier model. If mobility is a problem, ensure you can carry your vac to where you need to clean. Lightweight models are better if you go upstairs or span large surface areas.
Noise levels: Equally, a vacuum cleaner with strong suction may be louder, so don’t overlook the noise level to avoid waking up family members.
