The Best Cordless Vacuums for Dealing With Pet Hair, Allergens, and Everyday Dirt 

Cordless vacuums offer the ultimate in convenience, with lightweight designs and compact profiles that make cleaning easier and storage simpler. For quick, efficient carpet and floor cleaning, these appliances can be a major time-saver. But depending on the size of your home and the types of surfaces you need to clean, one model may be better than another. 

After researching dozens of cordless vacuums and testing several, we chose the Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Stick Vacuum as our favorite for its long runtime, lightweight design, and user-friendly features. Ahead, learn why we consider these the best cordless vacuums on the market and which features to prioritize when choosing one. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Stick Vacuum
   ↓ Jump to Review
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Shark Navigator Freestyle Upright Cordless Vacuum
   ↓ Jump to Review 
3. UPGRADE PICK: Dyson Cyclone V10 Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
   ↓ Jump to Review 
4. BEST FOR ALLERGIES: Tineco Pure One S11 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
   ↓ Jump to Review 
5. BEST WET/DRY: Bissell Crosswave Cordless Max Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner
   ↓ Jump to Review 
6. BEST FOR HARDWOOD FLOORS: Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum
   ↓ Jump to Review
7. BEST FOR PET HAIR: Dyson V11 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
   ↓ Jump to Review 
8. BEST FOR STAIRS: Black+Decker Furbuster Handheld Vacuum
   ↓ Jump to Review 

Cordless Vacuums Comparison

Our Top Picks

These cordless vacuums earned a spot among our top picks for their strong suction, useful attachments, and long runtimes that last through typical cleaning sessions. Whether you’re looking at cordless vacuums for hardwood floors or handheld models for your car or stairs, one of these options will be a valuable addition to your cleaning routine.

The Levoit LVAC-200 stick cordless vacuum earned our top award for its lightweight design, impressive power, and affordable price. With a runtime of up to 30 minutes with the vacuum head or 50 minutes with attachments, it’s ideal for small- to medium-sized homes and quick cleanups. It has three speed settings—Eco, Medium, and Turbo—and comes with a crevice tool and pet tool. 

During testing, this lightweight vacuum was easy to maneuver, though it felt slightly clunkier than the higher-end models we tested. In terms of performance, it had no problem picking up everyday dirt and debris, and the battery lasted long enough to tidy about 1,000 square feet on the medium power setting. The things that put it over the top, however, were its headlight that helps illuminate dirt and its ability to stand on its own without tipping over.

Charging takes between 4 and 5 hours, so those with larger homes may need two separate cleaning sessions. Still, for smaller spaces or periodic use, this model delivers strong performance at a great price.

What our tester says: “This Levoit vacuum is light and powerful. I love that it stands up on its own and lasts long enough to clean our entire downstairs on one charge.”—Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Levoit cordless vacuum at Amazon, Best Buy, or Levoit.

The Shark Navigator Freestyle upright cordless vacuum delivers cordless convenience in a familiar upright design—without a high price tag. Its larger-than-average dustbin reduces the need for frequent emptying, and its swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver around furniture. It also has three LED lights on the powerhead to illuminate dust and debris and is suitable for use on both carpets and hard floors. 

This Shark vacuum does have a relatively short runtime of up to 20 minutes, so it’s better for quick jobs than complete house cleaning. It also doesn’t come with any accessories, though given its ample suction power, convenient upright design, and affordable price, it’s an overall excellent value for anyone seeking reliable cordless cleaning on a budget.

Get the Shark cordless vacuum at Amazon or The Home Depot. 

With enough power to clean crumbs, dust, and debris from virtually any surface, the Dyson V10 lightweight cordless vacuum cleaner helps keep homes cleaner and healthier. It runs on a high-performance lithium-ion battery and comes with a wall-mounted charging dock for easy recharging and storage. The main powerhead works well for pulling pet hair and crumbs from carpet and converts easily to a handheld unit for upholstery, stairs, and car seats. 

The Dyson Cyclone V10 also features a hygienic point-and-shoot dustbin that minimizes mess and an advanced filtration system that captures particles as small as 0.3 microns to improve air quality. It has a relatively long runtime of up to 60 minutes on a single charge and comes with a mini powerhead, crevice tool, combination tool, and dusting brush.

What our tester says: “The Cyclone V10 Absolute was the first cordless vacuum cleaner I fell in love with. Its long runtime and lightweight design set the bar high.”—Alexa Erickson, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Dyson Cyclone cordless vacuum at Amazon. 

The Tineco Pure One S11 cordless stick vacuum is an excellent choice for allergy sufferers looking to remove dust, debris, and dander from their homes. Its HEPA filtration system captures 99 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns, preventing them from recirculating into the air. It also features advanced iLoop smart sensors that automatically detect hidden dirt and adjust suction power to suit.

As a convertible model, the S11 converts quickly from a stick vacuum for floors to a handheld unit for furniture, stairs, and other hard-to-reach areas. Bright LED headlights make it easier to spot hidden debris, while the digital display and companion app highlight everything from battery level to dust detection counts, tangled rollers, and blocked-air channels. This pick runs up to 40 minutes on one charge and comes with a crevice tool, dusting tool, and mini power brush. 

What our tester says: “We particularly loved the iLoop smart sensor that provided a visual indication of how clean the flooring was as we vacuumed. It provided a ton of data about the contaminants we removed from our carpets and air.”—Debbie Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Tineco cordless vacuum at Amazon, The Home Depot (pet edition), Walmart, or Tineco.

When vacuuming alone isn’t enough to properly clean floors, the Bissell Crosswave cordless wet/dry vacuum​ is the solution. With the ability to mop and vacuum simultaneously, it makes cleaning hard surfaces like tile, laminate, and linoleum as well as carpets and area rugs faster and easier. Its runtime of up to 30 minutes is well suited for small- to medium-sized homes. 

The edge suction on this model did an excellent job capturing dust bunnies and hair along baseboards in our tests, and its twin tanks ensured clean and water stayed separate for hygienic mopping. We love how its self-cleaning cycle made post mopping maintenance easier and that its bright LED lights made sure we didn’t miss any dirt. Though long hair did sometimes get tangled on the brush roll, the Crosswave repeatedly sucked up dry debris and lifted stuck-on grime with just one pass. 

Read our full review: Bissell Crosswave Cordless Max Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner

What our tester says: “This Bissell’s suction means I never have to go over loose debris more than once. It even slides over kitty litter without throwing out a single particle—I’ve yet to find another machine that does this so well.”—Alexa Erickson, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Bissell cordless vacuum at Amazon or Walmart.

The Dyson V12 Detect Slim cordless stick vacuum combines a lightweight design, powerful suction, and smart technology for efficient cleaning on hardwood floors and other surfaces. Weighing just over 5 pounds, it’s ideal full cleans of small to medium homes and quick tasks in larger spaces. It has a multistage filtration system that traps 99.99 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns and a green laser that reveals dust, crumbs, and pet hair that’s otherwise hard to see.

In our tests, two of our favorite features of the V12 were that it automatically adjusts suction based on detected debris and runs up to 60 minutes per charge. It also converts easily to a handheld vacuum for stairs, furniture, and tight corners and comes with crevice and combination tools. Though the hygienic, no-touch bin makes emptying simple, we do wish it held more than 0.9 gallons (1.44 cups). 

Read our full review: Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum 

What our tester says: “While the info screen on the V12 Detect cordless vacuum for hardwood floors shows more data than may be necessary, for people like me who appreciate a visual cue of how clean their house is getting, it’s a gold mine.”—Debbie Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Dyson V12 cordless vacuum at Amazon, Walmart, or Dyson.

If you share your home with furry friends, the Dyson V11 Animal battery vacuum cleaner may be the perfect way to clean up after them. Designed with stiff nylon bristles and a high-torque cleaner head, it digs deep into carpets to remove embedded pet hair yet cleans gently enough for hardwood and tile floors. It also has advanced filtration that captures 99.99 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns, helping reduce allergens and keeping the air cleaner.

With up to an hour of runtime, the V11 Animal provides plenty of cleaning power for most homes. Its wall-mounted docking station keeps it charged and ready to go, and the dustbin empties in seconds without making a mess. Though the trigger-style power button can occasionally activate unintentionally, that’s a small tradeoff for a vacuum this capable. Quiet, powerful, and efficient, the V11 Animal is one of Dyson’s most reliable cordless models we’ve tested for pet-friendly homes.

Read our full review: Dyson V11 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

What our tester says: “As the owner of multiple animals who shed, this Dyson cordless vacuum for pets​ has been worth its price. Not having to cut twisted fur and hair off the roller brush has been a big benefit.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Dyson V11 cordless vacuum at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Dyson. 

If you’re looking to clean carpeted or hardwood stairs—or even tight spaces in your car—the Black+Decker Furbuster cordless handheld vacuum is a great choice. This portable vacuum has a nozzle small enough to reach between stair balusters and into deep crevices, plus enough power to remove small bits of dirt and debris embedded at the base of treads. The motorized powerhead has anti-tangle rubber bristles that pull stubborn pet fur from rugs and upholstery, making it a great cordless vacuum for car interiors as well.

Powered by a 20-volt lithium-ion battery, the Furbuster trades runtime (only about 10 minutes) for suction power. When it comes to quick cleanups, however, its lightweight and easy-to-use design makes it ideal for homes and vehicles alike.

Get the Black+Decker cordless vacuum at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Wayfair, Walmart, or Black+Decker.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Cordless Vacuums 

We researched the most popular cordless vacuums across categories to find the best options based on type, weight, maneuverability, capacity, accessories, and extra features. To suit different needs, we looked at upright, stick, and handheld models that offer easy handling and sufficiently sized dustbins for collecting dirt, debris, and pet hair. 

We prioritized cordless vacuums that deliver versatility and convenience when cleaning floors, furniture, draperies, and tight spaces using attachments like crevice tools and brush heads. Many models also come with wall-mounted chargers, swivel heads, and LED lights for added ease of use. We have not included the best robot vacuums as those are featured in a separate article.

What to Consider When Choosing a Cordless Vacuum

In recent years, cordless vacuums have increased in popularity, turning several manufacturers into household names. While some models are best for hard floor surfaces, others can handle many types of flooring and upholstery. Most are lightweight, battery-powered stick vacuums, though a few upright vacuums exist. 

Power and Runtime

Cordless stick vacuums trade some suction power for convenience. They run rechargeable batteries that range in capacity from 12 volts up to 40 volts; however, for decent suction, consider a stick vacuum with a battery that’s at least 18 volts. 

A higher-voltage battery-powered vacuum​ will typically have a longer runtime, usually between 15 and 50 minutes per charge. Those with adjustable suction speeds will use up battery power more quickly at higher speeds, and the ability to lessen suction for lighter cleaning helps them run longer. 

Battery Life and Replacement 

You can expect a rechargeable vacuum to be able to hold a full charge for up to 3 years. For best results and to extend lifespan, charge the battery after each use and avoid extended exposure to direct sunlight. If you need more runtime, you can buy additional batteries to increase cleaning capacity. 

Maneuverability and Attachments

Cordless vacuums are usually relatively lightweight vacuum cleaners. Still, for the most thorough and effortless cleaning experience, look for a model with a swivel head and a low-profile design that allows it to maneuver around and under furniture. Those that convert from a stick to a handheld vacuum can be useful for cleaning crumbs from behind seat cushions and clearing cobwebs from windowsills and corners. Attachments like crevice tools and dusting brushes add even more versatility.

Dustbin 

The dustbins on cordless vacuums are usually relatively small and require frequent emptying, though that will still likely be only once or twice per cleaning session. Many disconnect from the vacuums themselves to allow direct emptying into the trash, which can be very helpful for allergy sufferers. 

FAQs 

While cordless vacuums are convenient for keeping carpet looking new and saving space, they’re not right for every task. If you’re shopping for your first cordless vacuum, you may still have a few questions. Here are answers to the most common ones. 

Q. Are corded vacuums more powerful than cordless models?

Yes, corded vacuums deliver stronger, more consistent suction because they draw continuous power from an outlet. This makes them better for deep cleans and tough dirt than rechargeable cordless models, which can lose power as the battery drains. However, advances in battery technology, motor design, and airflow have significantly improved cordless vacuums, allowing many cordless models to rival the power and performance of corded ones. 

Q. What is good suction power for a cordless vacuum? 

The best vacuums have suction power between at least 100 and 150 air watts. While this is sufficient for most tasks, models with more than 180 air watts are better for deep cleaning carpets and pulling up heavy debris. 

Q. What are the disadvantages of a cordless vacuum cleaner? 

The main disadvantages of a cordless vacuum cleaner include limited runtime, decreased suction that can lessen cleaning performance, and smaller dustbins that require more frequent emptying.

Q. How do you clean a cordless vacuum?

Empty the dustbin whenever it’s full and wash or replace the filter regularly to maintain suction. Most vacuum powerheads have removable rollers you can clean to remove hair, threads, and other debris that reduce efficiency.

Q. How long do cordless vacuums last?

Most cordless vacuums will last 3 to 5 years with regular use, though premium models may reach 7 or more years with maintenance and battery replacement. 

Q. How many watts should a cordless vacuum be?

A cordless vacuum will generally have between 100 and 600 watts. Lower wattage suits light cleaning, while higher wattage is ideal for more powerful, deep cleaning.

Q. What does a HEPA filter do? 

A HEPA filter in a cordless vacuum traps the majority (usually at least 99 percent) of tiny particles like dust, pollen, and allergens. This prevents them from recirculating into the air, which improves indoor air quality.

Q. When is the best time to buy a cordless vacuum?

The best time to buy a good cordless vacuum is during major sales events like Amazon Prime Day or holiday sales when retailers offer deep discounts. 

 

The Best Holiday Gifts for 2025

Whether you’re shopping for a new homeowner or a serious hobbyist, we’ve got a gift idea for you.

See the Gifts