The best cordless vacuums are a fast, efficient way to clean your home. Unlike corded vacuums, there’s no faffing around with a cable. They’re lighter and easier to use than bulky upright vacuums and awkward cylinder vacuums, and they take up much less room. They make excellent car vacuums, too, and pack enough power to rank among the best vacuums for pet hair.
If you live in a flat, a terraced house, or a new build, there’s no better type of vacuum. But scrolling through your options, you might be surprised to see that some vacuums include anti-allergy filters, LCD screens, and even particle sensors and lasers. With prices stretching as high as £1,000, it can be tricky to work out which vacuum is the best option for your home.
That’s why I’ve curated this list of the best cordless vacuums you can buy. I have years of experience testing vacuums, and after discounting lots of inferior models, I think these are the ones worth knowing.
My favourite isn’t a Dyson or a Shark, but the Henry quick pro – a fairly priced but effective cordless vacuum that’s perfect for most homes. However, the big vacuum brands still have a lot to offer, and two of them have inevitably made their way into this list, as well as options from other excellent brands such as Levoit and Miele. Based on weeks of testing – and years of experience – these are the best vacuums you can buy.
How I tested
I have tested dozens of cordless vacuums over the years, but I revisited some of my favourites to see how they hold up against new launches from Dyson and Shark. I judged these vacuums by the following criteria:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
IndyBest is the Independent’s reviews section. All of the products featured in IndyBest guides have been tried and tested in the same real-life environments you’ll be using them.
Joanne Lewsley is a journalist with a particular expertise in testing vacuum cleaners, having reviewed dozens of cordless, wet/dry, car, cylinder, and robot vacuums over the past five years. She has also spoken to countless experts on the technology behind various types of vacuum cleaners. Not every cordless vacuum Joanne tested made the grade – the following are the only ones that impressed.
The best cordless vacuum cleaners for 2025 are:
Henry quick pro
Best: Cordless vacuum cleaner overall
Bagless: No (six ‘pods’ provided)
Dust capacity: 1l per pod
Charging time: 2.5 hours
Battery life: 60 minutes on low, 16 minutes on high (brush head off)
Weight: 3.2kg
Dimensions: 122cm x 27cm x 24cm
Why we love it
- Dust-free emptying is ideal for allergy sufferers
- Great range of cleaning attachments
- Best suction on test
Take note
- Can be a bit noisy
If, like me, you’re a fan of Numatic’s cylinder version of Henry, you’ll love this easy-to-use version that focuses more on everyday cleaning. The quick pro is ideal for daily use, especially if you’re short on patience for messy bin-emptying. This model uses dust pods (or bags) for fuss-free disposal into the bin, without any nasty particles or dust escaping, so it’s perfect if you have people with allergies in your home.
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It also comes with a bumper pack of tools, including a mini motorised head that makes quick work of stairs, sofas and car seats, all the usual brush and crevice tools and a handy flexi hose that helps you get into tight spots, such as under car seats. I liked the LED lights for spotting crumbs under furniture, and the swivel steering made it surprisingly nimble. The suction power is excellent on hard floors and carpets, though you might find it too powerful for thinner rugs. On a few occasions, I had to rescue my hallway runner from the highest setting. This cordless vacuum also comes with 10 scent pods for slow-release fragrance while you clean.
The 60-minute runtime is generous for a cordless model, and I was able to get more than when using the lower power mode on hard floors. The battery drains in about 20 minutes on the highest setting, which is standard for a cordless vacuum. Charging takes about two and a half hours, and you can remove the battery to charge it separately if you need to.
While it’s not the most compact or lightweight cleaner, the clever pod system and powerful suction make this a great all-rounder for busy households. It may not have the fancy lasers of other vacuums, but this will effectively clean your home for a fair price – it’s all you need.
Buy now £369.71, Amazon.co.uk
Akitas cordless vacuum cleaner
Best: Budget cordless vacuum cleaner
Bagless: Yes
Dust capacity: 0.8l
Charging time: 2-4 hours
Battery life: Up to 40 minutes
Weight: 2.4kg
Dimensions: 28cm x 24cm x 100cm
Why we love it
- Surprisingly good performance for the price
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Ideal for small homes or flats
Take note
- Eco mode struggles on carpets
I didn’t expect to like the Akitas cordless vacuum quite as much as I did – it proved itself to be a handy, budget-friendly option that’s well-suited to everyday vacuuming on hard floors. While the suction isn’t especially powerful (particularly on carpets), it did a perfectly good job of tackling dust, crumbs and pet fluff on hard floors. There are two suction levels (eco and max), and the brush head features LED lights to show up dust and pet hair. The 0.8l dust bin is a decent size for a smaller machine, and the basic tools included (a crevice tool and a brush head) add some versatility for cleaning corners or skirting boards.
This cordless vacuum is surprisingly lightweight, which makes quick clean-ups around the kitchen and hallway pretty easy, although it lacks the manoeuvrability you’ll find in a more expensive vacuum. I also liked the fact that it can stand upright on its own when not in use, plus it can be disassembled for storing away.
With a runtime of up to 40 minutes (or about half of that on max mode) and a charging time of about 4-5 hours, it’s not designed for full-house cleans, but its affordable price tag makes it a great starter vacuum for young adults moving into their first flat or older readers living in single-story homes like bungalows. It’s also ideal for anyone with mobility issues, because it’s so lightweight. Just don’t expect premium power or all the bells and whistles — this is a no-frills cleaner that gets the job done on a budget.
Buy now £59.99, Amazon.co.uk
Shark powerdetect clean and empty cordless pet vacuum cleaner
Best: Self-emptying cordless vacuum cleaner
Bagless: Yes
Dust capacity: 0.7l on board, 1.3l on the base
Charging time: 6 hours (the battery charges automatically when the vacuum is docked on the auto empty unit)
Battery life: Up to 70 minutes
Weight: 3.7kg (vacuum only)
Dimensions: 26cm x 47cm x 118cm
Why we love it
- Automatic emptying into base
- Excellent suction that adapts as you clean
- Great for homes with pets
Take note
- A bit noisy on the higher setting
If you hate emptying your cordless vacuum, this Shark model is a dream come true. Its standout feature is the ‘clean and empty’ station – a base unit that sucks the debris straight out of the vacuum into a sealed container. That means no clouds of dust, and potentially no emptying for up to a month, which is ideal if you’re too busy to empty or if you have people with allergies in your home.
What impressed me even more during testing was the vacuum’s suction power. It can handle everything from pet hair to cereal spills on carpets and hard floors. I also liked how it adjusts to dirt levels, ramping up or dialling down, as needed. It’s a clever touch that gives you confidence that it's working hard when it needs to, although the higher setting is a bit screechy.
I also loved the selection of attachments, including a motorised pet tool, crevice tool, and dusting brush – all neatly stored away on the base. The flexible wand makes cleaning under furniture a breeze, and you can even fold the vacuum down when it’s not on the base, making short-term storage easier.
The only real weak point is that the suction during the automatic emptying process could be slightly stronger – it occasionally left some debris behind, especially pet hair that had got stuck in the unit. But for the most part, you won’t have to think about emptying your vacuum for weeks at a time.
Buy now £345.99, Amazon.co.uk
Dyson V15 detect absolute
Best: Smart cordless vacuum cleaner
Bagless: Yes
Dust capacity: 0.77l
Charging time: 4.5 hours
Battery life: Up to 60 minutes
Weight: 2.96kg
Dimensions: 126cm x 26.6cm x25cm
Why we love it
- Laser light reveals hidden dust on hard floors
- LCD display shows exactly what’s being picked up
- Brilliant suction across all floor types
Take note
- Pricey compared with rivals
- Long charging time
This is one of Dyson’s most advanced cordless vacuums, and it shows. I was genuinely impressed with its mix of raw suction power and clever cleaning tech, which takes some of the guesswork out of vacuuming. The standout feature is the fluffy optic cleaner head, which projects a laser light across hard floors to highlight even the tiniest specks of dust. It’s oddly satisfying (and a bit horrifying) to see just how much dirt and pet hair is really there. You also get a digital motorbar head for carpets, a crevice tool and a combination tool.
Performance is excellent across the board. On carpets and upholstery, it pulled up deep-seated fluff and pet hair, while the laser lights on hard floors chased down every scrap of dust and dirt. The vacuum adjusts suction automatically, based on the floor type and dirt levels, so you don’t have to keep adjusting settings as you move around the house.
Another highlight is the LCD screen on the handle, which not only shows your remaining battery life but also displays a particle count in real-time. This clever touch gives you a better sense of what the vacuum is picking up, but it’s likely to be something you look at once or twice, then ignore forever. Battery life is a solid 60 minutes on eco mode, though expect about 15-20 minutes on boost mode.
Unfortunately, the four-and-a-half-hour charging time is pretty long. On top of that, you must hold down the trigger for continuous use while vacuuming. That’s a is a little frustrating for most people, but it might be particularly tricky if you have arthritis in your hands or another fine-motor disability.
Like most other Dyson vacuums, it’s also expensive, but if you want a vacuum that not only cleans brilliantly while giving you an insight into its performance, the Dyson V15 is hard to beat.
Buy now £499.99, Dyson.co.uk
Samsung bespoke jet AI ultra
Best: Premium cordless vacuum cleaner
Bagless: Yes
Dust capacity: 0.5l on board, 2l on the base
Charging time: 3.5-5 hours
Battery life: Up to 160 minutes (across the two batteries supplied; up to 100 minutes with one, up to 60 with the other)
Weight: 2.8-3.2kg (depending on the battery size and attachment in use)
Dimensions: 103.6cm x 25cm x 24.3cm
Why we love it
- Extremely effective at picking up pet hair
- Self-cleaning function is a game-changer
- Comes with two batteries, an extendable wand, and a long runtime
- Modern, sleek design looks great in any home
Take note
- Expensive
- Noisy when emptying
This is a seriously impressive cordless vacuum. It handles pet hair on carpets, rugs and upholstery really well, and the self-cleaning function makes emptying the dustbin effortless – though it’s a bit noisy while doing so.
I liked the attention to detail in the design, too. The sleek, modern finish looks great, especially the LED display. The telescopic shaft mean syou can adjust it to your height for comfortable cleaning, which makes as surprising difference.
It comes with two floorheads – a slim LED brush+ for hard floors (with a so-called AI mode that detects floor type), and an active dual brush for carpets and hard floors. AI mode automatically adjusts suction and brush speed to suit the surface, which I found saves battery and makes cleaning easier.
Samsung has loaded this vacuum with premium accessories, including a crevice tool, pet hair tool, charging cradle, and two batteries (one large capacity, one lightweight), plus an accessory rack and three dust bags for the self-cleaning station. You can get up to 100 minutes of cleaning on a single charge, and the extendable wand makes reaching high or awkward spots effortless.
If you want a high-performance cordless vacuum that’s particularly brilliant for homes with pets, looks stylish and takes the hassle out of cleaning, this jet AI model is hard to beat. However, the one drawback is a biggie: the best part of £1000 is a lot to spend on a vacuum. If money is no option, this is the best vacuum you can buy, but for most people, it’s overkill.
Buy now £1199.99, Currys.com
Dyson V15s detect submarine
Best: Cordless vacuum cleaner for hard floors
Bagless: Yes
Dust capacity: 0.77l
Charging time: 4.5 hours
Battery life: Up to 60 minutes
Weight: 3.8kg (empty water tank), 4.1kg (full water tank)
Dimensions: 124.5cm x 26.8cm x 25.3cm
Why we love it
- Vacuums and washes hard floors in one pass
- Wall-mounted storage and charging
- Excellent suction power
Take note
- Expensive
- Floorhead can fiddly
If you’re after cutting-edge cleaning tech and your budget can stretch, you won’t be disappointed by this hi-spec Dyson. As well as powerful suction and a HEPA filter that traps allergens, it comes with a wet roller head that lets you vacuum and wash hard floors at the same time, which is a game-changer if you have young kids or pets. Just fill up the water cartridge, attach the head and start deep cleaning in one easy pass. It tackled sticky jam, dried-on sauces and liquid spills really well during testing.
Suction power is as impressive as you’d expect from a Dyson, and then some. The fluffy optic cleaner head features lights that show up everything on hard floors, making vacuuming particularly satisfying, while the extra tools, including a hair screw tool and crevice tool, provide everything else you need for everyday cleaning.
This cordless vacuum lasts up to 60 minutes on a single charge of four and a half hours, but it comes with a brilliant wall-mounted holder where you can easily place the vacuum out of the way, leaving it charging.
But the submarine head isn’t perfect. You’ll need to give the roller a careful wash after using it, as it tends to leak slightly. I found that if I didn’t rinse it carefully, it would leave murky streaks on my floor. It can be a little awkward to clean the wet roller head, too.
It’s certainly effective, but depending on the spill, it can be a bit of a faff to clean. It’s not just me, either; the team found similar issues in IndyBest’s review of the new Dyson V16 piston animal vacuum.
Overall, Dyson seems to have included just about everything you need in a cordless vacuum, but this model comes with a hefty price tag.
Buy now £799.00, Currys.co.uk
Miele duoflex HX1 totalcare
Best: Cordless vacuum cleaner for carpets
Bagless: Yes
Dust capacity: 0.3l
Charging time: 3.5 hours
Battery life: Up to 55 minutes
Weight: 3.1kg
Dimensions: 26cm x 125cm x 26cm
Why we love it
- Fantastic suction on carpets
- Flexible design for reaching awkward areas
- Automatic power adjustment
Take note
- Small bin means frequent emptying
- The handheld unit is heavy
If you’re after a premium cordless vacuum that’s especially good for carpets, this Miele model is a strong contender. I found it tackled any type of carpet brilliantly, no matter how deep the pile, pulling up pet hair, dust and fibres from deep within rugs and soft furnishings. It’s fitted with a proprietary Miele hygiene filter, which the brand claims is able to capture up to 99.999 per cent of fine dust and allergens, making it ideal for pet owners or anyone sensitive to airborne particles.
It’s also a vacuum that feels carefully designed to give you as much flexibility as possible, without juggling multiple parts. For example, I loved that you can remove every attachment and still use the handheld unit as a quick dustbuster, and that the three-in-one configuration gives you the flexibility to clean under furniture, up high, or in handheld mode. It also features an accessories holder that enables you to carry two extra accessories while vacuuming.
Battery life is solid, lasting up to 55 minutes on the lower setting, although it dropped significantly to about 15-20 minutes on maximum power during testing. Charging takes approximately three and a half hours, and you can swap in a second battery (sold separately) for longer cleaning sessions, if needed.
It’s not especially light or agile, and the 0.3l dustbin is quite small compared with that of some rivals, but I found it compacted and sealed in the dirt particularly well during emptying, too, which is something many bagless models struggle with.
Buy now £399.00, Johnlewis.com
Shark stratos pet pro with double battery, IZ420UKT
Best: Cordless vacuum cleaner for pet hair
Bagless: Yes
Dust capacity: 0.7l
Charging time: 3.5 hours
Battery life: Up to 120 minutes (double battery)
Weight: 4.1kg
Dimensions: 114cm x 27cm x 17cm
Why we love it
- Fantastic runtime with up to 120 minutes
- Odour control cartridge tackles musty smells
- Motorised tool makes pet hair pickup easy
Take note
- Only 10 mins of runtime in boost mode (based on one battery)
- Noisy in boost mode
Iterations of Shark’s stratos line of vacuums have found their way into vacuum rankings for years. Built to handle tough and everyday cleaning, especially in homes with pets, this vacuum features great suction across carpets and hard floors. It also features a system that prevents hair from wrapping around the brush, and an optional odour-control cartridge, to help keep your vacuum smelling fresh. In short, it’s a brilliant vacuum for pet hair.
Attachments include a multi-surface tool, anti-allergen brush, 12in crevice tool and motorised pet tool. This version also features two removable batteries that can be charged simultaneously on the dual charger, providing a potential runtime of up to two hours.
Although on the heavier side, it’s surprisingly nimble to use, and the flexible wand enables you to get right under sofas and low furniture, while the LED lights illuminate dust and dirt on hard floors. The attachments are easy to fit, and the one-click dustbin emptying is mess-free and straightforward, making it very user-friendly. I was impressed by the sheer volume of pet hair, dust and debris it picked up on every pass during testing.
Having said that, it’s fairly noisy in boost mode or when the Clean Sense IQ mode senses particularly dusty or hairy spots, and the extra suction can make it a touch harder to push across carpets. Using it continually in boost mode will only give you 10 minutes of runtime from one battery, too.
In the end, more recent vacuums are much lighter and give better runtime. This vacuum is also surprisingly bulky, even when folded in half for storage. But if, like me, you have furry friends shedding all over your home, this vacuum cleaner is a game-changer when it comes to tackling pet hair. It would make a great option for flats with cats or dogs.
Buy now £449.99, Sharkclean.co.uk
Levoit LVAC-300 cordless stick vacuum cleaner
Best: Cordless vacuum cleaner for everyday cleaning
Bagless: Yes
Dust capacity: 0.75l
Charging time: 3-4 hours
Battery life: Up to 60 minutes in eco mode, 10 minutes in turbo mode
Weight: 2.9kg
Dimensions: 19.5cm x 25cm x 110 cm
Why we love it
- Powerful suction with three cleaning modes
- Smart LCD display with battery percentage
- Includes HEPA filtration
Take note
- Smaller dustbin capacity
This is a no-nonsense cordless vacuum that doesn’t cut corners. Suction power is impressive across all three modes (eco, mid and turbo), and the handy LCD display on the handle shows exactly how much battery life you have left in percentage – a thoughtful touch that makes it easy to plan your cleaning. Battery life lasts up to 60 minutes on eco mode, although you’ll get closer to 15-20 minutes on the turbo setting.
I loved how sturdy it felt in use, and how it stands solidly upright without propping – a real bonus when you need to pause mid-clean. The mini motorised tool worked brilliantly on stairs and sofas, too, digging out fluff and pet hair, while the crevice/brush tool is slender enough to get into narrow spots.
The built-in HEPA filter is another big plus if you’ve got allergies or pets, and the lighter weight means it’s easy to whip out for quick cleaning. My only real issue is the smaller dustbin – at 0.6l, I had to empty it more often than some other models, especially after a full-house clean. However, if you’re mainly using it for daily touch-ups or smaller jobs, it’s a small trade-off for a stylish and smart cleaner at a reasonable price.
Buy now £249.99, Levoit.co.uk
Bosch unlimited 10 cordless vacuum cleaner, BCS1051GB
Best: Cordless vacuum cleaner for deep cleaning
Bagless: Yes
Dust capacity: 0.4l
Charging time: 1 hour
Battery life: Up to 100 minutes
Weight: 3.8kg
Dimensions: 130cm x25cm x 21.6cm
Why we love it
- Great runtime with up to 100 minutes
- Good for allergy sufferers, thanks to fine dust capture
- One floor attachment for carpets and hard floors
Take note
- Heavier than many of its competitors
- Two-step dustbin emptying feels like a faff
A smart-looking cordless vacuum with plenty of modern features to make everyday cleaning easier, this model feels solid and well-built, with a brightly coloured liquid crystal display. The one-stop floor attachment for both carpets and hard floors makes continuous vacuuming super easy, too.
During testing, I was particularly impressed with the Bosch’s ability to pick up and compress pet hair – a big plus for households with furry friends – and with how quickly the auto function responded when moving from carpet to hard floor. The transition is super fast and seamless, with the suction adapting instantly.
Another clever touch is the brand’s MicroClean tech, which detects microscopic particles. Once it’s fully illuminated blue, you can rest assured that your floors are thoroughly clean, which adds an extra layer of confidence if you have people in your household with allergies.
That said, this vacuum is certainly on the heavier side. The handheld unit alone weighs more than 2kg without any attachments, and, once assembled as a stick vacuum, it weighs a hefty 3.8kg, so it may not be the best option for people with mobility issues or for those who want something very lightweight. Emptying the dust container also requires two steps instead of the usual one, which feels a bit odd and not as convenient as other cordless models I’ve tested. However, if you don’t mind a little extra work, this is a great vacuum.
Buy now £591.26, Amazon.co.uk
Samsung jet 85 pet
Best: Value cordless vacuum cleaner
Bagless: Yes
Dust capacity: 0.8l
Charging time: 3.5 hours
Battery life: Up to 60 minutes
Weight: 2.63kg
Dimensions: 25cm x 20.2cm x 93cm
Why we love it
- Versatile accessories set
- Lightweight and easy to handle for longer cleans
- Smart LCD display with battery and maintenance alerts
Take note
- Not many bonus features
At just 2.63kg, the Samsung Jet 85 Pet feels far less bulky than many of its rivals, making it easier to carry around the house or lift for ceiling and curtain cleans. Despite its lighter build, suction is impressive thanks to the HexaJet motor, which pushes out up to 210W of power.
The Jet 85 Pet’s LCD screen is a neat touch, showing you exactly how much battery you’ve got left, plus when it’s time for a filter clean or blockage check. It makes upkeep a little less of a guessing game. The long-reach crevice nozzle and flexible attachment mean you can reach into tricky corners or under furniture without too much effort.
Battery life can reach up to 60 minutes on Eco/Min mode, but expect closer to 40–45 minutes with powered tools, which is still plenty for most average-sized homes. Charging takes about three and a half hours, and while you can buy an extra battery for longer sessions, the runtime should be fine for day-to-day cleaning.
It may not dig quite as deep into carpets as top-line rivals like Dyson, but for hard floors, furniture, and pet hair, the Samsung Jet 85 Pet is a powerful, practical, and well-priced choice.
Buy now £243.00, Johnlewis.com
Your questions on cordless vacuum cleaners answered
What is the best cordless vacuum cleaner?
I was impressed by all the cordless vacuums included here, but the Henry quick pro has secured the top spot. This vacuum is great for daily use, and the fuss-free dust disposal makes it ideal for those with allergies. If your budget doesn’t stretch that far, the Akitas cordless vacuum cleaner offers decent performance for less than £60. Meanwhile, for those happy to splurge, the Dyson V15s detect submarine is a cordless vacuum cleaner and mop in one, making it perfect for tackling all manner of messes.
Should I use a bagged or bagless cordless vacuum?
While a bagged vacuum cleaner has a greater capacity, meaning you can empty it less frequently, if you want to avoid the cost and mess of replacing bags, opt for a bagless model, which, in most cases, will be quick and easy to empty. However, bagged cordless vacuums are much rarer than bagless ones.
How big should the dustbin be?
With cordless vacuums, look for a dust bin capacity of around half a litre. This allows the user to vacuum large areas without the disruption of having to empty the bin. The good news is that this capacity seems to be increasing with newer vacuums, and many models have auto-empty bases which can hold litres of debris, saving you from emptying the vacuum all the time.
How heavy should a cordless vacuum be?
The larger the weight of your cordless vacuum, the more force is required to push and pull the vacuum while cleaning, so look for as lightweight a model as possible. This is especially important if you have mobility issues or live in a home with several floors. The gold standard for cordless vacuums is to be lighter than 3.5kg; many now come in at around the 2.5-5kg mark.
What accessories do I need?
Some accessories are overkill, but for a vacuum to be useful, you need at least a dusting brush, a crevice tool, and a pet turbine tool.
What’s a good charge time for a cordless vacuum?
For a smoother and seamless cleaning experience, opt for a cordless vacuum that features a runtime of up to 30-60 minutes, which allows it to clean large areas on a single battery charge.
For more recommendations, read our guide to the best handheld vacuums
