The 12 Best Cordless Vacuums We Tested Against Dirt, Dust and Pet Hair

New York Post's shopping team has released its round-up of the 12 best cordless vacuums, tested against the kinds of messes families actually face—from pet hair tumbleweeds to coffee grounds and muddy footprints. The evaluation emphasized the cord-free convenience that lets users clean without hunting for outlets, while weighing factors such as charge time, battery life, suction power and dustbin capacity.

Experts offered guidance as part of the process. Chris Doscher of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers noted that manufacturers offer different features, and buyers should consider the types of cleaning jobs and surfaces they'll encounter. The team rated models across categories, including best runtime, best self-emptying, best for pet hair, and best budget picks, among others. The lineup includes models from Dyson, Shark, Miele, LG, BISSELL and Eureka, among others, with testers highlighting how each model handles everyday messes and long cleaning sessions.

Shark's PowerDetect Clean & Empty System leads on runtime, delivering up to 70 minutes of cordless cleaning with an auto-empty dock that reduces dust exposure for users who dread emptying a dirt bin. In field tests, the stick model weighed about 7.96 pounds, with the auto-empty docking unit at roughly 10.5 pounds when docked. The unit's dimensions and weight give it a sturdy presence for long-haul cleaning, while the PowerDetect sensors automatically tailor suction to floor type for efficient cleaning. The tester notes that the system combines strong suction with a hands-off disposal process, a combination many households find appealing for busy schedules.

The test also highlighted a model designed for small living spaces: the Shark Wandvac Cordless Self-Empty System. This model emphasizes a slim footprint and a self-emptying base, making it practical for apartments and dorm rooms. Reviewers praised its lightweight design, a self-cleaning brush roll, and a tidy upgrade path for households that want to minimize dust exposure when discarding debris. The Wandvac’s compact form does not come at the expense of power, with testers noting it handles everyday grime and pet hair effectively in tight spaces.

For pet owners seeking the most advanced tech in a compact form, Dyson’s V12 Detect Slim is featured as a standout. Its laser-guided cleaning helps users see hidden dust, and the head includes a detangling brush to reduce hair tangling—benefits many pet households value. The V12 Detect Slim runs up to about 60 minutes and converts to a handheld for cushions and car interiors. A reviewer noted its precise cleaning options and ease of maneuverability, highlighting Dyson’s emphasis on intelligent design and user-friendly features despite a higher price point.

LG’s CordZero All-in-One Cordless Stick Vacuum with Auto Empty combines two removable batteries, a self-emptying docking station and a Power Mop Pro head to tackle both dry debris and light mopping on hard floors. Testers praised the system’s long runtimes—up to about 200 minutes with two batteries—and the flexibility to switch between tools for different surfaces. The docking station also enables hygienic debris disposal, though the team noted the batteries add weight and that the system can be bulky in smaller homes.

Miele’s Triflex HX2 emerged as a premium option, delivering powerful suction and a HEPA lifetime filter. Reviewers cited its four heads that can attach directly to a central PowerUnit, transforming the stick into a handheld for upholstery and tight spaces. The unit’s intelligent Electrobrush automatically detects floor type and adjusts power, a feature some testers found beneficial for mixed flooring. While strongly performing, reviewers acknowledged the higher price point and a learning curve as users adapt to the modular design.

Best Budget: BISSELL Cleanview XR 200W Stick Vacuums are highlighted for their easy setup, light weight and a swivel head that eases movement around furniture. Testers emphasized that the 35-minute runtime is adequate for many apartments and small homes, and the device can convert to a handheld. The tangle-free brush roll is a standout feature for long-haired households, and the included attachments help reach high corners and under furniture. Prospective buyers are reminded to consider the smaller dirt receptacle and the mounting system required for wall storage if space is limited.

Best Handheld: BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum offers strong suction comparable to larger models, with a motorized brush tool and a roomy dirt tank. At roughly 3 pounds, it’s easy to grab for quick cleans, including cars and upholstery, and its runtime runs up to about 17 minutes per charge. The model’s portability makes it a popular companion for quick touchups around the home.

Best Wet-Dry: Tineco iFloor 3 Breeze Complete Wet-Dry Vacuum blends vacuuming with mopping, allowing quick transitions between dry and liquid spills on hard floors. Reviewers praised its rapid drying on wood and tile surfaces and its intuitive control panel. The device is light enough for carrier assistance, but testers noted its runtime looms shorter than some dry-only vacuums and that brand-specific cleaning solution is sold separately.

Best for Flooding: Milwaukee 0880-20 18V Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum is compact yet potent for quick flood cleanup and light wet-dry tasks. Reviewers highlighted its cordless convenience and a washable HEPA filter that can be removed without tools, aiding air quality during use. The 5.0 Ah battery provides solid power but yields shorter runtimes of around 23 minutes on typical full-load tasks, which some users may need to factor into quick cleanup plans.

Most Versatile: Eureka ReactiSense 440 Cordless Vacuum combines strong suction with an anti-tangle brushroll and Sense+React automatic suction adjustment. With a detachable long-lasting battery and a modular design, it can adapt from standard stick use to extended reach in tricky spaces. The vacuum supports multi-floor cleaning while maintaining manageable weight, though some testers noted the higher suction setting can be loud on certain surfaces.

The testing team also included the LG CordZero All-in-One Cordless Stick Vacuum in the mix, praising its hybrid approach to cleaning with two batteries, a self-emptying dock and the ability to switch to a Power Mop Pro head for light mopping. Testers observed strong performance on both hardwood and carpeted areas, and appreciated the tower charging dock that keeps the setup tidy. Some reviewers cautioned that the two-battery system adds overall heft and requires space for the dock.

In total, the round-up examined 12 models across categories intended to match real-life cleaning routines—from busy households with pets to compact urban living spaces and budget-conscious shoppers. The goal, as the team notes, is to balance power, runtime and convenience with price and practicality for everyday use. Tests tracked charge time, battery life, suction strength, dustbin capacity and ease of use, while weighing the models’ performance across different floor types and mess scenarios.

How we tested In our search for top-notch vacuum cleaners, we assessed various factors such as charging time, battery life, suction strength, and dustbin capacity over the past several months, making meticulous notes comparing them. Suction power: We wanted to see if it could provide a deep clean after one pass or several in our testing and how much dirt it actually picked up. Value: We wanted to know if each vacuum was worth the price and weighed our decisions accordingly. Ease of use: To gauge maneuverability comprehensively, each vacuum underwent testing across diverse terrains, from hardwood floors to thick carpeting. Weight: As part of our evaluation process, we considered each vacuum’s weight and potential impact on individuals with lifting disabilities, as well as dimensions to provide accurate assessments of the best options available for all.

What you should consider when shopping for cordless vacuums Doscher offered guidance on choosing features based on needs. For example, smaller, lighter cordless sticks may work well on hard surfaces but may struggle on thicker carpet. Battery life varies widely by model, so buyers should check runtime to match cleaning plans. Weight matters for multi-room cleaning and stairs, so testing a unit in-store can help confirm comfort. Some households may prefer a model with detachable batteries for faster turnaround between rooms, while others might value built-in Wi‑Fi or smart diagnostics for maintenance and performance tracking.

The roundup reflects the state of cordless vacuums as technology-enabled cleaning tools, with several models offering smart features such as automatic suction adjustment, LED headlights for hidden dirt, detachments that convert to handheld, and even app integration for diagnostics and maintenance reminders. As the market continues to evolve, shoppers can expect longer runtimes, quieter operation and more efficient filtration across price points.

For consumers weighing price versus performance, the emphasis remains on fit-for-use: a compact apartment may benefit from a slim wand and self-emptying dock, while a larger home might justify a higher-end model with extended runtime and a HEPA filtration system. The testers note that the best choice is the one that aligns with a household’s cleaning habits, surfaces, and family composition, including pets, children and the level of maintenance a user is willing to perform.

In Technology & AI-driven shopping guidance, the New York Post team aims to provide practical, data-backed recommendations. Ultimately, shoppers should compare runtime against charging needs, examine the filtration system for allergy concerns, and consider whether a model’s smart features translate into real-world convenience in their space.