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Buying a cordless vacuum often means sacrificing runtime for the sake of convenience. That said, few of us have a solid hour to devote to one task before realizing a million other things need attention, so perhaps the tradeoff is worth it. Here’s another bonus: Cordless vacuums don’t weigh a ton, and if you haven’t been to the gym lately (because who has?), hauling a 20-pound canister up the stairs likely isn’t the best thing for your back. If you’re sold on the idea of tossing the cord aside for good, read on for our recommendations on top-rated models.
Best Cordless Vacuums
- Our Value Pick: Hoover Onepwr Cordless Vacuum
- The Splurge: Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum
- The Lightweight: Tineco A10 Hero Cordless Vacuum
- Best Mop-Vacuum Combo: Shark Pro Cordless Vacuum Mop
- The Smart Cordless: Tineco Pure ONE S12 Smart Cordless Vacuum
- The Pet Hair Cordless: Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal Cordless Vacuum
- The Bagged Cordless: Hoover ONEPWR HEPA+ Cordless Vacuum
- The Handheld: Black+Decker Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum
What to Consider
Since you’ve already decided to go cordless, next up is bag versus no bag. Typically, most cordless vacuums fall into the latter category, though there are bagged models out there for anyone who hates the idea of emptying a dustbin. As for weight, you’re looking at 10 pounds or less—we feature one that's under 5.5 pounds—and many cordless vacuums convert to a handheld. Battery life is another factor, and, as a general rule, runtime increases with price. Beyond that, it’s all about special features. If you’re an allergy sufferer or have a pet, consider going for a model with a HEPA filter or a whole-machine filtration system that will remove dander and fine dust particles from surfaces. There are also smart vacuums on the market so you can geek out on tracking performance and getting cleaning reports via app.
How We Chose
We dug into our own extensive research on vacuums, as we've tested the best handheld vacuums and the best robot vacuums, and several are cordless models. Our lineup includes everything from wet-dry vacs to lightweight models to uprights, all with ratings of at least four stars. We focused on popular, well-respected brands—think Dyson, Hoover, and Black+Decker—and offered a selection across price points, from budget to high-end. We also highlighted notable features, including attachments, battery life, filtration systems, and LED lights on vacuum heads.
Looking for more vacuum guides? Check out our reviews of stick vacuums, vacuums for pet hair, and canister vacuums.
Pros
- Dustbin with one-touch release
- Ejectable battery for charging
Cons
- Doesn't come with accessories
Key Specs
•Dimensions: 9.5 x 11 x 44 inches
• Weight: 6.6 pounds
•Runtime: ~35 minutes
• Small particle filtration: No
• Attachments/accessories: None
If you’re looking for an affordable vacuum, Hoover is a go-to brand that reliably delivers. This cordless upright weighs less than 9pounds and swivels smoothlyaround obstacles like furniture legs. Itfeatures a dust bin that releases with the touch of a button along with a brush roll that adjusts for using onhardwood floors and carpet, and isremovable for easy cleaning. The battery also ejects for charging.
More: The Best Vacuum Cleaners for Sprucing Up Your Home
Pros
- Powerful suction and three cleaning modes
- Well-designed LCD display on top handle
- Whole-system filtration system
- Fairly lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
Key Specs
• Dimensions: 50.6 x 9.8 x 10.2 inches
•Weight: 6.6 pounds
•Runtime: Up to 60 minutes
• Small particle filtration: Yes
• Attachments/accessories: Six, plus wall-mounted dock
If you’re in the market for a smart and powerful high-end cordless with all the bells and whistles, it’s tough to beat the Dyson V11 Torque Drive. There are three cleaning modes—Auto, Eco, and Boost—tailored to specific tasks so you can get the job done efficiently without wasting battery life.
An LCD display on the top of the handle keeps you posted on everything from battery life to maintenance. Other highlights among top features include a whole-machine filtration system and a charging dock that holds attachments.
Pros
- Weighs only 5 pounds
- Runs quietly
- Versatile attachments
- Captures pet hair well
Cons
- Some customers say it doesn't work well on carpet
Key Specs
• Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.3 x 43.3 inches
• Weight: 5 pounds
•Runtime: Up to 25 minutes
• Small particle filtration: No
• Attachments/accessories: Four, plus wall-mounted dock
For a vacuum that’s only 5 pounds, this cordless from Tineco cleans like a heavyweight — plus it has a solid lineup of attractive features. It runs quietly, with a 350-watt motor for capturing dust, dander, and other small particles, plus it converts to a handheld vacuum to clean tough-to-reach corder and comes with a wall-mounted dock. The vacuum has a full-size multitask head with LED lights, and there’s also brush attachments as part of the package, including a mini power brush, and a two-in-one dusting brush. Expect up to roughly 25 minute of runtime on a single charge.
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Pros
- Well-priced and versatile
- Magnetic charger customers love
- Lightweight
Cons
- Cleaning pads aren't reusable
Key Specs
• Dimensions: 5.3 x 9.5 x 47.8 inches
• Weight: 3.4 pounds
•Runtime: Up to 30 minutes
• Small particle filtration: No
• Attachments/accessories: 12-ounce floor cleaner; two disposable pads
Adding a dependable wet-dry vacuum to your arsenal is a must if you have kids and pets that constantly track mud across the house. They’re also incredibly handy for mopping up spilled orange juice and other sticky liquids.
This cordless wonder can tackle those tough tasks and more, with a disposable cleaning pad that has a pocket inside for capturing dirt so it doesn’t get pushed around on the floor. There are LED lights on the vacuum head, with a button on the side to release the pad into the garbage, plus a tiny magnetic charger that customers rave about.
Pros
- Powerful 500-watt motor
- Lots of extra attachments
- Converts to a handheld vacuum
- Bright display and touchscreen panel for operation
Cons
- Some customers say price tag doesn't warrant overall performance
Key Specs
•Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.8 x 44 inches
•Weight: 6.4 pounds
•Runtime: Up to 50 minutes
•Small particle filtration: No
• Attachments/accessories: Eight, plus wall-mounted dock
This cordless from Tineco is built to impress, with a 500-watt motor, a bright display that gives you updates and info on performance, plus a touchscreen to switch modes and adjust power. In addition to its smart features, controlled via app through Wi-Fi, another major highlight is that the vacuum has a sensor to clean hidden dirt and debris and automatically adjusts its power.
The cordless comes loaded with seven attachments, including a multitask brush with LED lights, a flexible wand to dig into crevices, and a two-in-one dusting brush, plus it also converts to a handheld vacuum.
Pros
- Special power tool just for pet hair
- Works well on carpet and upholstery
- Whole-system filtration system
- Long runtime
Cons
- Skimps on attachments
Key Specs
•Dimensions: 49.8 x 10 x 9.8 inches
• Weight: 5.9 pounds
• Runtime: Up to 60 minutes
• Small particle filtration: Yes
• Attachments/accessories: One, plus wall-mounted dock
This Dyson is brilliant forpicking up pet hair, with a mini power tool specifically designed for removing it from carpet and upholstery, plus whole-system filtrations so dander and particles don’t escape after they’ve been vacuumed up. There are three power modes, and the cordless converts to a handheld for cleaning fur off the backseat of the car after a trip to the vet.
Other accessories include a crevice tool, dusting brush, and combo tool, which can be stored in the wall-mounted charging dock.The vacuum will run for up to roughly 60 minutes on a charge, but expect less time if you’re using a motorized attachment.
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Pros
- HEPA filtration
- Large capacity bag
- Smooth transition from high-pile carpet to hardwood
Cons
- Heavy
- Doesn't include multiple accessories
Key Specs
• Dimensions: 11 x 13 x 47 inches
•Weight: 10.2 pounds
•Runtime: Up to 40 minutes
• Small particle filtration: Yes
• Attachments/accessories: Two HEPA bags; two batteries
Here’s a smart pick for those who would rather skip emptying a dustbin and prefer the convenience of a bagged vacuum. This Hoover cordless upright has large-capacity bags with five-layer HEPA filtration, which makes it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.
It’s easy to toggle between brush speeds to go from cleaning high-pile carpet to hardwood floors, and to vacuum under furniture, thanks to four bright LED lights on the front. Two HEPA bags are included plus two lithium-ion batteries, so you’ll always have one with a full charge ready to go. It may look heavy to push around, but it weighs only 10 pounds.
Pros
- Extendable nozzle is a big plus
- Two speeds plus a boost mode
- Lightweight
Cons
- Doesn't come with accessories
Key Specs
•Dimensions: 15.9 x 7.9 x 6.5 inches
•Weight: 2.4 pounds
•Runtime: ~15 minutes
•Small particle filtration: No
• Attachments/accessories: None
This Black+Decker Dustbuster was our Editors’ Choice when we tested handheld vacuums. It’s great for all-purpose cleaning around the house and yard, with a motor that’s powerful enough to handle most jobs. It weighs less than three pounds and runs on a 20-volt battery, with two speeds, including a boost mode for when you need extra juice.
One of its best features is the extendable nozzle, which adds 7.5 inches to clean corners and hard-to-reach spots. There’s also a battery indicator to give you a heads-up for when it needs to be charged and in between cleanings you can wash the filter.
Rachel Klein
Senior Commerce Editor
Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.