The best cordless stick vacuums are designed to be light, maneuverable and easy to store while still delivering the level of deep clean you’ve come to expect from a full-size vacuum. Plus, they come with various attachments that allow you to use them for nearly every cleaning job around the house, including under furniture and inside hard-to-reach crevices, without compromising on functionality. Our top pick for 2023 is the Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum, a powerful model with a full-size dust bin, cleaning head and multiple attachments.
Unsure if a cordless stick vacuum is for you? If you have pets, consider opting for a vacuum that can handle pet hair. You could also consider a machine that can be converted into a handheld vacuum for a two-in-one option. Whatever you’re looking for, odds are there’s a stick vacuum on our list that fits the bill. Ahead, find the best cordless stick vacuums (and one corded option) to keep your home dust and dirt free.
- Best Overall Cordless Stick Vacuum: Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum
- Best Value Cordless Stick Vacuum: Eureka RapidClean Pro Lightweight
- Best Cordless Stick Vacuum For Carpet: Dyson Outsize Total Clean Cordless Vacuum
- Best Cordless Stick Vacuum For Hard-To-Reach Places: Samsung Jet 75 Complete Cordless Stick Vacuum
- Best Cordless Stick Vacuum For Pet Hair: Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal
- Most Versatile Cordless Stick Vacuum: Miele Triflex HX1 Battery Powered Stick Vacuum
- Best Upgrade Cordless Stick Vacuum: Dyson Gen5detect Absolute Vacuum
Best Overall Cordless Stick Vacuum
A Powerful Vacuum To Replace Your Corded Upright
Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum
Cordless: Yes | Battery life: 60 minutes | Weight: 6.8 pounds | Compatible floor type: Hard floor, carpet | Attachments: Crevice tool, combination tool, hair screw tool and more
If you need a powerful vacuum to quickly and efficiently clean everyday messes as well as deep-clean hard floors and rugs, the Dyson V15 Detect is up to the challenge. During our rigorous testing, we found this cordless stick vacuum is a high-tech option that uses lasers to reveal microscopic dust and optimizes suction and run time based on dust level and floor type. In other words, it makes vacuuming pretty effortless. As an added bonus, it works well on just about every floor type: the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head finds hidden dust on hard floors and the High torque cleaner head adapts to any floor type. One of the coolest features is that it calculates and categorizes particles as it picks them up and shows them to you on an LCD screen. (Interested in learning more about this vacuum? Read our full review here.)
Pros:
- Powerful suction
- Anti-tangle comb
- Laser dirt detection
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Value Cordless Stick Vacuum
Extra Lightweight And Incredibly Thorough
Eureka RapidClean Pro Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Cordless: Yes | Battery life: 40 minutes | Weight: 5.26 pounds | Compatible floor type: Hard floor, carpet | Attachments: Crevice tool, dusting brush
This powerful but lightweight (barely 5 pounds) stick vacuum lets you clean anywhere while you move around cord-free. Increase the suction while on carpet with a flick of the button. We especially like the slim profile and ability to get the vacuum head underneath furniture as it lies flatter than some others. It isn’t too noisy and the LED lights are a perk for getting into less lit areas of the house. It easily converts into a handheld vacuum, with the usual accessories for cleaning upholstery and crevices.
Pros:
- Cordless maneuverability
- Lightweight
- Lies flat to get underneath low furniture
Cons:
- Limited run time
- Not as powerful as larger models
Best Cordless Stick Vacuum For Carpet
A High-End Vacuum With Extra Battery Life And Bin Capacity
Cordless: Yes | Battery life: 120 minutes | Weight: 7.9 pounds | Compatible floor type: Hard floor, carpet | Attachments: Crevice tool, combination tool, hair screw tool and more
This Dyson pick can outperform even full-size vacuums, as it features a full-size cleaner head and dust bin, as well as two batteries that deliver up to 120 minutes of runtime.It also comes with a handful of accessories and attachments, specifically for rugs and carpets, for added versatility.
This model was engineered with larger homes in mind, so it delivers 90% more suction power than the V8 ones. It automatically senses and adapts to changes in floor type to optimize suction and increase battery life. The digital display screen lets you know just how much battery you have left.
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Numerous accessories
- Extremely powerful suction
- Digital display screen
Cons:
- Doesn’t include the fluffy optic cleaner head
Best Cordless Stick Vacuum For Hard-To-Reach Places
A Lightweight Vacuum With A Useful 180-Degree Swivel Head
Samsung Jet 75 Cordless Stick Vacuum
Cordless: Yes | Battery life: 60 minutes | Weight: 6.27 pounds | Compatible floor type: Hard floor, carpet | Attachments: Crevice tool, combination tool
With its lightweight design, the Samsung Jet 75 Cordless Stick Vacuum is a top pick for cleaning hardwood, tile, carpet and hard-to-reach places. Weighing only 6 pounds, this stick vacuum is easy to maneuver under sofas, on stairs and over the tops of wooden blinds. It has a 180-degree swivel head that lets you change direction without much effort, and a high-capacity dustbin that you don’t have to empty too often.
The five-layer filtration system captures pet dander, pollen and other allergens, trapping dust and up to 99.999% of fine particles so you can breathe better. And the Jet Cyclone technology keeps dirt and debris from building up in the filter, eliminating clogs. A single charge will give you 60 minutes of runtime.
Pros:
- Easy to maneuver
- Large dustbin
- HEPA filtration system
- No clogs
Cons:
- Carpet brush head sold separately
Best Cordless Stick Vacuum For Pet Hair
This Vacuum Is Designed To Keep Pet Hair From Clogging
Cordless: Yes | Battery life: 60 minutes |Weight: 5.71 lbs | Compatible floor type: Carpet | Attachments: Crevice tool, combination tool, hair screw tool and more
The Dyson Cyclone V10 was specifically designed with pets in mind. The vacuum’s main brush head has a 3D “vanes” design to prevent clumps of hair from tightening around it as you vacuum, along with comb-like teeth that smooth out hairs and pull them into the canister. In short, the motor can quickly and efficiently remove clumps of fur and dander from low-pile and high-pile rugs without too much effort. As an added bonus, our testing revealed that the vacuum can also easily tackle long strands of human hair which usually other vacuums tend to struggle with. The vacuums also comes with a hair screw tool attachment that powerfully sucks in fur clumps from smaller surfaces like upholstered chairs and sofas.
Pros:
- Special brush head for tackling clumps of fur
- Added upholstery-cleaning attachments
Cons:
- Not suited for hard floors
Most Versatile Cordless Stick Vacuum
A Multi-Functional Model With Plenty Of Power
Miele Triflex HX1 Battery Powered Bagless Stick Vacuum
Cordless: Yes | Battery life: 60 minutes | Weight: 8 pounds | Compatible floor type: Hard floor, carpet | Attachments: Crevice tool, dusting brush
The MieleTriflex HX1 can be configured in three different ways, allowing you to use it for more jobs around your home. You can attach the vacuum’s Power unit, which houses the motor, to either the top or bottom of the stick, changing the balance of the vacuum to make it easier to clean under furniture or up along the ceiling. It can also be used as a handheld vacuum and it comes with a variety of attachments, including a dusting brush and crevice nozzle.
The vacuum can run for up to 60 minutes per charge and its Lifetime Filter retains 99.9% of dust. Unlike most stick vacuums, it can “self-park” in an upright position, saving you from having to lean it up against something.
Pros:
- Multiple configurations
- Includes several attachments
- Self-parking ability
- Exchangeable battery
Cons:
- Hard to empty canister
Best Upgrade Cordless Stick Vacuum
A Dyson Vacuum Equipped With The Latest Technology
Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum
Cordless: Yes | Battery life: 70 minutes | Weight: 7.7 pounds | Compatible floor type: Hard floor, carpet | Attachments: Hair screw tool, Digital Motorbar cleaner head, Fluffy Optic cleaner head, wall dock, combination tool
An upgraded version of the Dyson V15 Detect (our best overall pick), the Dyson Gen5detect Absolute Vacuum is equipped with the latest technology from the appliance brand. During our rigorous testing for best vacuums, we discovered it easily tackled debris from low-pile carpet, high-pile carpet and hardwood flooring. And at 7.7 pounds, it’s fairly lightweight, easy to maneuver and move between floors. The vacuums also comes with a Digital Motorbar (a standard Dyson vacuum head) and a Fluffy Optic head, an attachment that uses a precisely angled arc of green light to illuminate dirt and pet hair. And at 70 minutes, it has plenty of battery life. The coolest feature though? The vacuum’s screen displays the number and size of particles you’ve vacuumed up, that makes cleaning almost feel like a video game rather than a chore. (If you want to learn more about this vacuum, check out our fullreview of the Dyson Gen5detect Absolute Vacuum.)
Pros:
- Superior cleaning technology
- Great for tackling both carpet and floors
- Effective on pet hair
Cons:
- Expensive
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted editors, like all consumers, want products that work efficiently, hold up over time and help make daily living a little bit easier. To find the best cordless stick vacuums, we took our own home-cleaning concerns into consideration. When we evaluate products like best vacuums, we look at the design and functions that make these machines ideal for using in our busiest and most personal spaces.
Because we’ve published plenty of stories on vacuum cleaners, our editors are extremely well-versed on the subject. We’ve conducted hands-on testing of Dyson vacuums, best robot vacuums for pet hair, best vacuum cleaners and so much more.
We also regularly update this article to ensure all information is accurate and that products are in stock and correctly priced. We last updated this story in November 2023.
How We Chose The Best Cordless Stick Vacuums
To choose the best cordless stick vacuums, we consulted with cleaning experts to see which features are important to seek out when shopping for these handy tools. We also tested several popular models on the market to see how they perform in real-world conditions, along with how well they stand up to claims made by manufacturers. From there, we narrowed the field based on elements like battery life, suction power, ease of use and value. Reviews from fellow owners were also considered to get a sense of how these machines perform across different households.
What To Look For In A Cordless Stick Vacuum
Floor Type
Many cordless stick vacuums can handle all types of flooring. However, they’re traditionally known as being tools that can excel over hardwood, tile and vinyl, says cleaning expert Becky Rapinchuk of Clean Mama. That’s why she recommends cordless stick vacuums for “anyone that frequently vacuums and has hard surface floors.” But Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority, notes that some cordless stick vacuums are also excellent on carpet. “Similar to a regular vacuum, they have various levels of strength and mixed capabilities, which will determine how well they clean different surfaces,” she says. “If you’re unsure if your vacuum is suitable for your floor type, check the product manual prior to using.”
Convertibility
Some cordless stick vacuums have convertible features that allow them to morph from an upright-type vacuum to a tool that’s better suited for tasks other than tackling your floors. The Samsung Jet 75 Complete Cordless Stick Vacuum, for example, can convert to a tool that’s ideal for vacuuming countertops and upholstery, along with morphing into a handheld device. “Cordless stick vacuums serve as a convenient alternative to regular vacuums,” Stapf says. “Before purchasing one, I’d recommend considering what it is you’d like to use it for and the areas in your home you’ll be cleaning. Then, you can determine your budget and see if you’re able to find a cordless stick vacuum that fits your needs.”
Storage Space
There are a lot of different vacuum types on the market and each requires a different amount of space for storage. Upright and canister vacuums tend to take up some serious room, while cordless stick vacuums are the most petite options you’ll find. Some of these models come with specialized storage solutions so that you can hang or hook them on a wall. Others, like the Miele Triflex HX1 Battery Powered Stick Vacuum can put themselves in “self park” mode, where they simply stand upright once the work is done. Ultimately, if storage space is an issue for you, a cordless stick vacuum is a good option to consider.
Battery Life
Today’s cordless stick vacuums have an impressive battery life compared to older counterparts. In general, you can expect a quality cordless stick vacuum to last 40 to 60 minutes before it needs to be plugged in. However, the Dyson Outsize Total Clean Cordless Vacuum can run for an impressive 120 minutes—two hours—before needing a recharge. Consider the size of your home when selecting a vacuum, as you’ll definitely want a model that can take on all your flooring in one charge.
Ease Of Use
Cordless stick vacuums are designed to be easy to use. “Cordless vacuums are a great tool for those looking for an easy to use, convenient cleaning item,” Stapf says. “They’re usually lighter than other types of vacuums and because of the cordless design, you can seamlessly move from one room to another without needing to find a new wall outlet.” When you compare features that cordless stick vacuums have, they tend to have the same or similar capabilities as other vacuum models. “They suit a variety of needs,” Stapf says. “These vacuums can be great for busy parents who want to keep their home tidy or older individuals looking for a safer option, as the lack of cord can help prevent any trips or falls.”
Attachments
Cordless stick vacuums really shine when it comes to attachments, with every model that made our list including at least two attachments available for users. If attachments are a big factor in your decision, consider our top choice, the Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum. It has an impressive six attachment options, including a crevice tool, stubborn dirt brush, combination tool and more. It also comes with a docking station for storage solutions. “There are many tools or attachments you may want to consider that will make your cleaning routine even easier,” Stapf says. Ultimately, it’s important to figure out your own needs and go from there.
Which Is The Most Highly Rated Cordless Vacuum?
Based on our testing, the best cordless stick vacuum is the Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum. This vacuum has an impressive level of suction power and is designed to be used as an everyday vacuum. In addition to its design as a day-to-day appliance, the Dyson V15 can deep clean hard floors and rugs. It includes impressive features like lasers to highlight dust in your path (and optimize suction based on what it detects) and the ability to calculate and categorize particles it picks up. This vacuum also comes with a wide range of accessories, making it an excellent option for just about anyone who can afford it.
Which Cordless Vacuum Has The Most Powerful Suction?
If it’s suction you’re after, consider the Dyson Outsize Total Clean Cordless Vacuum. This powerful machine boasts a Dyson Hyperdymium motor that spins at up to 125,000 rotations per minute, creating impressive suction in the process. While this vacuum excels on carpet, it also excels on hard floors. The Outsize has an extra-large motorbar that’s 25% wider than the V15, allowing you to cover more ground in one pass. It also features an impressive 120 minutes of run time, so you can cover your entire home in one charge with no issue. Enjoy a bevy of accessories, including a tool made specifically to suction up long hair and pet hair.
Do Cordless Vacuums Tend To Be More Lightweight Compared To Other Vacuums?
It depends on the model you select but, in general, cordless vacuums tends to be more lightweight than other vacuums. Typically, upright vacuums are the heaviest, followed by canister vacuums. Robot vacuums and stick vacuums are among the lightest weight vacuums you’ll find. If you’re concerned about the weight of your vacuum, try the Eureka RapidClean Pro Lightweight. It’s just above five pounds and is the best value on our list. This vacuum also easily reaches under furniture, can run for 40 minutes and has LED headlights to help you see dirt and dust in your path.
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Meet The Experts
- Becky Rapinchuk is the founder of Clean Mama, a popular cleaning website that also includes an organic line of cleaning products.
- Leanne Stapf is the COO of The Cleaning Authority, a house cleaning service that caters to clients across the United States and Canada.
