The 8 Best Cordless Vacuums of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Learn more about our recommendations for the best cordless stick vacuums below, and keep scrolling for tips on how to shop for a vacuum .

The Tineco Pure One S11 Tango earned the top spot on our list because it has all the features you need in a cordless vacuum, including powerful suction, LED lights, interchangeable brush heads, and high-tech sensors that detect dirt and dust.

Stapf agrees that a vacuum’s compatibility with attachments is one of the most important things to consider. “Some accessories or attachments may [include] different types of brushes or suctions,” she says. “Some may even have a mop-like feature, which you can utilize on non-carpet flooring. These options can help clean different types of dirt and other waste, as well as help you clean hard-to-reach places throughout your house or apartment.”

“The most important factors to look at when choosing a cordless vacuum are weight, battery life, disposal system, attachments, and whether the vacuum is best for pet hair or [specific] floor types,” says Samson.

To find the best cordless vacuums, we thoroughly tested dozens of models in our Lab and evaluated them based on their effectiveness on multiple surface types, noise level, battery life, overall value, and more. We even put their maneuverability to the test by setting up a “living room” obstacle course, complete with furniture, rugs, and floor lamps. For expert tips on choosing a cordless vacuum, we spoke to Len Morse , president of Vacuum World; Jessica Samson, cleaning expert of The Maids ; and Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority .

If you’re in the market for a lightweight vacuum cleaner, then a cordless vacuum is the way to go. They’re much more compact than traditional upright vacuums, so they’re easier to maneuver—and you don’t have to worry about finding an outlet before you start cleaning.

Just note that this pick is on the noisier end of those we tested. On high power, the Innova had a noise level of 92.2 decibels, which is a bit louder than the median reading of all the vacuums we tested. You’ll need to speak louder than normal to hold a conversation, but you probably won’t need to shout. The high setting would likely disturb anyone watching TV in the same room.

This cordless vacuum performed extremely well on all surface types. It sucked up most (if not all) of the debris from the grout floor, the high-pile carpet, and everything in between. “Cleaning the upholstery took 11 seconds using the vacuum as a handheld device with the crevice [tool] attached,” our tester says. We were also surprised to find that this vacuum made quick work of cleaning up long hair and pet hair—and upon inspection, not a single strand was found tangled in the brushroll. As for suction modes, this vacuum has three. It also has an LED screen with buttons that allow you to choose the surface type (either hard floors or carpet).

If poor battery life is one of your top concerns when it comes to cordless vacuums, then we recommend the Eureka Innova Cordless Stick Vacuum, a model that thoroughly impressed us with its runtime. It lasted the entire duration of our tests without needing to recharge, and it didn’t even show any signs of fading suction power. In fact, it still had 75 percent of its battery life left by the end of our tests. (The brand says the battery should last up to 60 minutes depending on the settings used.)

This vacuum also has the shortest battery life of the models on our list—just 15 minutes—so it’s best for quick touch-ups and cleaning small spaces.

Even though this vacuum ended up earning a pretty good rating from our tests, it’s worth noting that it didn’t work as expected the first time we tried to use it. “I’m not sure what happened between the first try and second try, but when I used the vacuum on the stairs, it started picking up debris and performing well,” says our tester. “It picked up both food and hair debris with just a few passes and didn’t constantly stop like it did during the first try.”

The Shark Wandvac is much smaller than many of the other cordless vacuums we tested, which makes it great for maneuvering around and underneath furniture. But it also means its dustbin is on the smaller side, so it requires more frequent emptying. That’s where this vacuum’s star feature comes into play. Unlike other models on our list, this vacuum has a self-emptying base—a feature that’s typically only seen in robot vacuums. This means that the dustbin will automatically empty itself when docked to the base, so you don’t have to stand over a garbage can or use your hands. Plus, the base has HEPA filtration to prevent dust from recirculating in the air.

Who it isn’t for: People who want to clean their entire home without emptying the dustbin.

One unique feature of this vacuum is its customizable configuration. While many cordless vacuums can transform into a handheld model, this one takes it a step further by allowing you to choose where you want the base of the unit: either on top for better reach under low-lying furniture or at the bottom so the vacuum is less top-heavy. Just keep in mind that at 8 pounds, this Miele cordless vacuum is heavier than most of the other models on our list—but we still found it fairly lightweight. And while the advertised battery life for this vacuum is 60 minutes, our tests found that it only lasted 33 minutes on the lowest setting before running out of power.

This cordless vacuum also worked well on medium-pile carpets, although it was difficult to get into the crevices of stairs without an attachment. During testing, we found that it was a little awkward for this vacuum to transition between floor types (it seemed to stop suctioning for a second), and it didn’t perform quite as well on hardwood and grout. “It works slightly better on the carpet, because on the hard surface, it tends to push things around,” says our tester.

Vacuuming carpeted floors can be difficult with cordless vacuums, especially models that lack variable suction power. But the Miele Triflex HX2 Cat & Dog Vacuum stood out in our testing for its ability to clean carpets with ease. On the high-pile carpet, this cordless vacuum sucked up all the coffee grounds, popcorn kernels, cereal, and hair (even deeply embedded strands) in a minute or less. We recommend sticking to low and medium suction powers when vacuuming carpets to make it easier to maneuver the vacuum.

The regular Dyson Omni-Glide used to be our top pick for hard floors, but we’ve replaced it with the Omni-Glide+ because it comes with additional tools that you’ll probably find useful, such as a mini motorized tool (great for stairs and mattresses) and a crevice tool with LED lights (for cleaning tight, dark areas). But if you aren’t big on vacuum attachments anyway, then you can save some money by opting for the regular Omni-Glide (it still comes with one combination/crevice tool for getting in narrow spaces).

Dyson claims this vacuum has a runtime of 20 minutes, which we found to be surprisingly accurate: In our tests, it ran for 21 minutes on low power (8.5 minutes on high) before the battery died.

Since it’s only meant to be used on hard floors, this Dyson vacuum was only tested on grouted tile and hardwood (not carpets)—and we found that it effectively picked up almost all of the debris and hair within a minute. But its compact design also means that the dustbin fills up quickly. So if you frequently have big messes to clean up, this vacuum likely won’t be able to replace your full-size model.

If the floors in your home are primarily hardwood, laminate, or tile, then we recommend the Dyson Omni-Glide+. This slim vacuum is specially designed with two soft rollers that are gentle on hard surfaces. It’s extremely easy to maneuver, too: It goes wherever you want it to go (even side to side!) without you having to pick it up and reposition it, and it can also lie flat on the ground for cleaning under furniture like couches. This vacuum is also very lightweight, taking “zero effort” to lift to the highest shelf on a bookcase or the top of stairs.

Who it isn’t for: People who want to be able to vacuum their entire home or rugs and carpets, too.

It’s also worth noting that this vacuum’s battery life didn’t last as long as the manufacturer advertises. It claims to run for up to 60 minutes, but we found that it only lasted 27 minutes on low power (and 10.5 minutes on high power). For the price, we think this vacuum should come with accessories like an additional battery or more attachments. Still, its impressive performance makes it a great option for anyone who needs a cordless vacuum that’s powerful enough to pick up pet hair and more with ease.

This cordless vacuum’s head is slightly bulkier than some others we tested, which made it a little harder to clean in tight spaces without using the crevice tool. Still, it was pretty easy to use: “The vacuum maneuvers well around objects, making sharp corners,” our tester says. “However, it may miss smaller objects, like popcorn kernels, in the recessed spaces transitioning from one surface to another. The brush head is 2.5 [inches] high, so won’t fit under anything more narrow than that, like furniture with short legs.”

Anyone with a pet knows the struggle of finding fur on nearly every surface in the home, which is why it’s important to have a powerful vacuum to combat all the hair. We think the Samsung Jet 75 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is the best option for pet owners because it was able to pick up 100 percent of the pet hair, long hair, and coffee grounds on every surface we tested it on—including high-pile carpet.

Who it’s for: Pet owners and anyone who wants a cordless vacuum that’s almost as powerful as a standard upright model.

Still, we think the Eufy cordless vacuum would be a good option to keep plugged in for quick cleanups, as well as in areas like the garage, where it could be used to vacuum the car.

During our tests, we did find that we frequently had to lift the vacuum and place it directly on the mess to prevent it from just pushing the debris around. Our tester also had to empty the dustbin several times during the testing process, and they found it quite difficult to do so. It’s also worth noting that hair got tangled in the brushroll quite easily, and since it’s not removable, you’d have to use your fingers or scissors to cut the hair out. For this reason, pet owners should probably look elsewhere.

Weighing less than 2 pounds, the Eufy HomeVac H30 Infinity is the lightest cordless vacuum on our list. For comparison, the median weight of the models we tested is 5.82 pounds. And while many cordless vacuums are top-heavy, causing them to easily fall, this one has a “good center of balance,” according to our tester. It’s easy to assume that a vacuum this lightweight would be less effective than its competitors, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. When we tested it on grout floors, hardwood floors, and medium-pile carpets, this cordless vacuum was able to clean up the debris in about 10 seconds per surface—no easy feat considering that most of the vacuums we tested struggled to pick up popcorn kernels at all.

Who it isn’t for: Pet owners who are worried about hair getting tangled around the brushroll.

Who it’s for: People who want an extremely lightweight vacuum that’s easy to carry around the house.

It’s also worth noting that it has a generous dust capacity—we emptied it once during testing, but we probably could’ve gotten through all of the tests without doing so. Keep in mind that that filter falls out of the dustbin quite easily, so you’ll need to take it out before emptying it to prevent it from falling into the garbage. Overall, we think this pick is a great choice for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a fortune on a cordless stick vacuum.

As for noise level, we found that this vacuum was about as loud as a hair dryer. The advertised maximum battery life is 35 minutes, but we were only able to run this vacuum for 16 minutes during our testing without the battery draining. For this reason, we think this pick is better for small spaces or quick touch-ups in larger homes, as opposed to cleaning an entire house.

Despite its low price, this vacuum still had great suction power—and there are three different settings to choose from depending on how messy your floors are. It only took us a few passes to suck up the messes, although the hair and debris did tangle a bit in the brushroll. This Moosoo cordless vacuum was effective at cleaning upholstery, too. We used the crevice tool to get between the cracks of the cushions and didn’t notice any loss of suction.

The Moosoo K23 Pro Cordless Stick Vacuum is a fraction of the price of our top pick, yet it still boasts a lightweight, easy-to-maneuver design. During our tests, we found that its design made this vacuum “extremely easy to navigate different areas.” We didn’t even need to use attachments to get into edges and tight corners—though it does come with quite a few.

Editor’s Note: The Moosoo K23 Pro is currently sold out. Instead, we recommend the Moosoo K23 , which has most of the same features but a slightly shorter runtime.

A previous version of this article had the Tineco Pure One S11 as our best overall pick, which is essentially the same vacuum as this one. The only difference is that the Pure One S11 Tango comes with an additional soft-roller brush that’s designed to be gentler on hard surfaces—but both brushes have LED lights to make it easier to see any debris in your path. Other attachments included with this vacuum are the mini power brush, two-in-one dusting brush, and crevice tool. It comes with a wall-mounted dock that holds a few attachments and charges the battery when not in use—though this may be frustrating for people who live in apartments and can’t drill holes in the wall.

The manufacturer claims that this cordless vacuum has a battery life of up to 40 minutes, but since it automatically adjusts suction power based on the floor type and mess, we found that it lasted 31 minutes in our tests. The battery is removable, so people with large spaces to clean should consider purchasing an additional battery to keep on hand.

Plus, this cordless vacuum is high-tech in useful ways. There’s a smart sensor that detects dust, dander, hair, and more, and adjusts the suction power as needed. We also like that there’s a ring that changes color so you know when the surface is actually clean: “I liked how there is a light on the front of the handheld that shows you how much debris you are picking up,” says our tester. The vacuum can even connect to WiFi and sync with the brand’s app for things like maintenance reminders and battery levels (but it still works without WiFi).

We especially appreciate this vacuum’s strong suction power, which didn’t decrease throughout the testing period. It’s also pretty lightweight and easy to maneuver, according to our tester, who says it “was easy to push around and under the furniture.” It transitioned from hardwood to carpet easily, too.

The Tineco Pure One S11 Tango earned a near-perfect average rating based on our testing, which is why we think it’s the best cordless vacuum for most people. We were impressed with its performance in every part of our evaluations, from setup (which our tester described as “so simple”) to emptying the dustbin. It was extremely effective at picking up all kinds of debris, including high-pile carpets and grouted tile floors. In most tests, this vacuum was able to clean up at least 90 percent of the debris from the ground, if not all of it. (It only struggled with Cheerios.)

Who it isn’t for: People who want a dock or base that doesn’t need to be mounted to the wall.

Who it’s for: People who want a powerful smart vacuum that works well on various floor types.

Final Verdict

Based on our in-depth testing, the Tineco Pure One S11 Tango is the best cordless vacuum for most people. We love that it has strong suction power and that it’s effective on all surface types, including high-pile carpets and grouted tile floors. It even has smart features that we think are worth the cost. For a more affordable alternative, we recommend the Moosoo K23 Pro Cordless Stick Vacuum, which tackled debris from various surface types in only a few passes each.

Our Testing Process

To find the best cordless vacuums, we regularly evaluate the latest models in our Lab. Our latest test spanned four days and involved testing 15 cordless vacuums—but we’ve evaluated dozens more over the past year using a similar rigorous testing process. 

First, we timed the setup process from start to finish (from opening the box until the vacuum was ready to use, not including charging time). We followed the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly and, if applicable, attached any bags, filters, or nozzles. Once finished, testers noted how difficult or easy it was to set up the vacuum. 

Once the vacuums were fully charged, testers evaluated the runtime of each model by vacuuming a medium-pile rug on the lowest power setting until the battery died, recording the time with a stopwatch. We then swapped the dead battery with a fully charged spare battery and repeated this test using the highest power setting. 

To measure noise level, we used a decibel reader with the cordless vacuum on both high and low settings and noted their findings. We also weighed each vacuum with a luggage scale attached to the handle. (By far, the lightest cordless vacuum we recommend is the Eufy HomeVac H30 Infinity, which miraculously weighs less than two pounds.)

Then, we tested what might be one of the most important factors in a cordless vacuum: its effectiveness. To see how well each vacuum could clean, we poured a mixture of debris (containing Cheerios, coffee grounds, and popcorn) on a grouted tile surface. Testers set a timer for one minute and used the cordless vacuum to suck up the mess, taking note of how easy or difficult it was to get the surface clean and how much debris remained on the floor after the minute was up. We then repeated this test on hardwood floors and stairs, medium-pile carpet and carpeted stairs, and high-pile carpet. (The Miele Triflex HX2 Cat & Dog impressed us with its performance on high-pile carpet, where it sucked up all the debris in less than a minute.)

And since hair is notoriously difficult to clean even with some of the top vacuums, we also sprinkled wig hair—including short strands to resemble pet hair and long strands to resemble human hair—on those same surfaces. For carpeted surfaces, we made sure to press down so that the hair became embedded in the carpet. Testers then evaluated how much hair each cordless vacuum could remove from the various surfaces in a minute. Once completed, they inspected the brushroll for tangled hair—and if there was, they removed the hair and took note of how easy it was to clear with their hands, scissors, or an included tool (if applicable).

To evaluate the maneuverability of the cordless vacuums, we set up a living room space (complete with a couch, coffee table, floor lamp, and more) and sprinkled Cheerios, popcorn kernels, coffee grounds, and wig hair along a path. We followed the path with each vacuum to clean up the debris, considering how easy it was to turn, control, and get under furniture, and how well the vacuum picks up debris in corners and tight spaces. 

Then, we used the vacuum on its handheld mode with a crevice attachment to see how well it could clean torn-up cotton balls (to mimic dust bunnies) from the top of a shelf. We also tested each vacuum’s effectiveness and portability on upholstery by pouring a mixture of Cheerios, popcorn kernels, and wig hair on an upholstered chair, making sure to get the debris between cushions and in crevices. Testers took note of how easy it was to remove debris from the chair and kept track of which attachments were the most helpful. 

Once finished, testers received the price of each cordless vacuum and scored its overall value, considering its performance in our tests and available features. These vacuums will be sent home with testers, who will use them in their own homes and provide feedback after months of testing so we can update our list if needed.

How to Shop for Cordless Vacuums Like a Pro 

Battery Life

When shopping for cordless vacuums, one of the most important factors to consider is battery life. “For an apartment or a small house, you want to choose a vacuum with a battery life of at least 30 [minutes],” says Samson. “Some vacuums go up to over an hour in run time and these are great for larger homes, but for most of us, 30 minutes of run time should be plenty to clean the floors in our home.”

Keep in mind that battery life can vary depending on the settings and attachments that you use, so it might not always be exactly what the manufacturers list. Of the vacuums we tested, the median runtime on low was 33 minutes and 15 seconds, while the median runtime on high was just 9 minutes and 43 seconds. (Generally, most models did not last as long as their advertised runtime.)

If you have a large home and like to clean it all at once, then we suggest choosing a cordless vacuum with a removable battery so that you can buy an extra, keep it charged, and swap it as needed.

Weight

Cordless stick vacuums are generally much more lightweight than upright and canister models, but some are still heavier than others. A lighter vacuum is much more portable because it’s easier to carry up and down stairs or hold above your shoulder (when used as a handheld model). The median weight of the vacuums we tested was 5.82 pounds, and we felt like most of the vacuums were light enough to carry easily. Just make sure to consider your physical abilities and preferences before choosing a vacuum to buy.

Dustbin Size

Another important factor to consider when shopping for a cordless vacuum is the size of the dustbin. This determines how much debris it can pick up at a time, which also affects how often you can vacuum before the dustbin needs to be emptied out into the garbage. “You want to make sure your vacuum can handle cleaning up common dirt, crumbs, debris, etc., regardless of the size of your home or apartment,” says Stapf.

The vacuums on our list have dustbins ranging from 0.1 to 1.2 liters, with our best budget recommendation (the Moosoo K23 Pro Cordless Stick Vacuum) having the largest capacity. If you choose a cordless vacuum with a small dustbin, expect to empty it out after every use.

Accessories

Most cordless vacuums come with a variety of attachments—like crevice tools and dusting brushes—that make them even more versatile. During our testing, we frequently had to reach for crevice tools to get in the tight corners of staircases and between the cushions on upholstered furniture. You can also use these special attachments to clean curtains, vents, and more.

Also keep an eye out for other accessories that your vacuum might come with, like charging docks or wall mounts that keep your vacuum and its attachments in one place. (One of the vacuums we tested and recommend, the Shark Wandvac Self-Empty System, comes with a base that automatically empties the dustbin.) 

More Cordless Vacuums to Consider

Belife V12 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner: The Belife V12 wasn’t as effective or as easy to maneuver as we hoped, but we still think it’s a budget-friendly option to consider if the Moosoo vacuum we recommend above is out of stock. 

LG CordZero Kompressor Universal Power ThinQ Stick Vacuum: Even though this LG stick vacuum performed fine in quite a few of our tests, we were disappointed by how difficult it was to empty the dustbin. Even though it comes with a brush for cleaning, we had to use a pencil to try to remove debris that got stuck between the hose and the canister. For the price, we expected better results.

Questions You Might Ask

What are the benefits of using a cordless vacuum instead of a corded model?

One of the best parts about using a cordless vacuum is that you don’t have to worry about cord length or outlet placement while cleaning. “Nothing is worse than vacuuming and getting caught up in your cord,” says Samson. “Having a cordless vacuum will give you the freedom to clean anywhere, anytime.” Plus, they’re significantly more lightweight than upright models, which makes them more convenient to grab for quick cleanups.

Just take note that when you first make the switch to a cordless vacuum, you might notice a difference in performance. “A battery unit cannot give you the same amount of suction as an electric vacuum,” says Morse.

How long is the battery life on cordless vacuums? 

The biggest disadvantage of cordless vacuums is that they can only run for so long before they need to be charged. Of course, the battery life varies depending on the settings. Higher settings (like max modes) give you some “extra power for carpeting,” according to Morse. But they’ll drain the battery much faster than lower settings (which are sufficient on bare floors). 

Some vacuums have minimum or eco modes that use even less suction power, but help make the battery last longer. We tested the battery life of these models on both high and low power settings and found that many have a shorter runtime than the manufacturer claims. Our best overall pick, the Tineco Pure One S11 Tango, ran for 31 minutes straight before dying. But one of the only vacuums that had a spot-on runtime was the Dyson Omni-Glide+, which lasted 21 minutes on low power—extremely close to the brand’s advertised 20-minute battery life. 

Luckily, you probably don’t have to get a brand-new vacuum if you notice the battery life of your cordless vacuum diminishing. “If the run time has decreased significantly, it may be time to replace the battery,” Morse says.

Do you need a cordless vacuum with a HEPA filter?

Many—but not all—of the vacuums on our list have high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which trap small particles and allergens and prevent them from recirculating in the air.

“For most of us, it isn’t that necessary to have a HEPA filter on your vacuum,” says Samson. “These are really expensive and can often not be worth the cost; however, if you [have allergies] this would be a great idea for you to put in your cordless vacuum. HEPA filters are the best filters you can buy on the market and can really help filter out all the yucky stuff from your home.”

What’s the best way to clean and maintain a cordless stick vacuum?

It’s important to regularly clean your vacuum so that it maintains its performance level. Morse’s number one tip is to regularly empty the dustbin. “It will help maintain the suction and also prevent backup and clogging.”

Besides emptying the dustbin when it’s full, you can also wash removable parts when they’re dirty to prevent smells and blockages. “Also make sure that you keep the filter clean,” Morse says. “A dirty filter will reduce the efficiency of the vacuum.”

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Amina Lake Abdelrahman, a commerce editor for Real Simple with five years of experience writing product reviews. To come up with this list of the best cordless vacuums, we thoroughly tested each model in our Lab and rated them based on their effectiveness, maneuverability, runtime, and overall value. For expert tips on choosing and using a cordless vacuum,  we spoke to Len Morse, president of Vacuum World; Jessica Samson, cleaning expert of The Maids; and Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority. 

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.