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Your lifestyle will dictate what features are important to you in a cordless vacuum.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
For more on how we tested cordless vacuums, seeour testing processbelow.
We found it a bit heavy to move around.
The vacuum has three speeds, and we found that the lowest setting was incredibly quiet.
Credit: Ryobi
Its pet-rated, so its great for picking up after cats and dogs.
Theres also a large dust cup that wont need to be emptied too frequently.
Another nice feature is that it stands completely upright on its own, which makes it easy to store.
The Ryobi 18V One+ HP Advanced Stick Vacuum has great suction and works well on all surface types.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Bess Lamoreux
Although its a multi-surface vacuum, it works best on tile and hardwood floors.
We also loved the easy on and off switch that does not need to be held down while vacuuming.
A small dust canister means you might find yourself emptying it more often than youd like.
And after months of regular use, we’ve never noticed ascratch on our hardwood floors.
One of its best attributes is its swiveling head, which worked wonders around corners and furniture during testing.
Note that it’s only for use on hard floors, not carpet or rugs.
We found theBlack + Decker PowerSeries Extreme Max Cordless Stick Vacuumeffective on hardwood and carpet.
Still, for a heavier vacuum, it wasnt cumbersome to use.
The biggest drawback was noticeable when converting from a stick vacuum to a handheld model.
We recommend emptying the dustbin beforehand, which lowers the convenience factor slightly.
These flaws dont interfere, however, with its strength as a pet hair vacuum.
Its small and works better for upholstery than floors.
The battery makes it top heavy.
There are some standout features on theRyobi ONE PLUS 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum.
One aspect we liked is the separate battery, which makes it easier to store in a small area.
We found that it worked as well on carpet as it did on hardwood.
Plus, we didnt need to charge it after multiple spot cleans over a two-week period.
It worked best with dust and lighter debris such as hair.
Credit: Amazon
Because of this, we think it would be a nice choice for pet owners.
Otherwise, we didnt have much to complain about.
Models were tested on hardwood, carpet, upholstery, and stairs, when applicable.
The Wyze Cordless Stick Vacuum is excellent for those with limited mobility as it weights 2.8 lbs.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Lauren Hernandez
Accessories
Some accessories are practically a necessity when it comes to cordless vacuums.
We think those are the basic accessories that should come with all models.
What you think of as non-negotiable will depend on how youll be using your cordless vacuum.
As is the case with theDyson Omni Glide Cordless Vacuum, youll pay a bit more for flashier features.
On the other hand, our budget pick theWyze Cordless Stick Vacuumis pretty bare-bones but includes our essentials.
Recommended Surfaces
Not all vacuums work onall floor types.
We recommend thinking about where you’re likely to use the vacuum the most.
In other words, “high traffic areas that attract dust, crumbs, pet hair and random debris.
Without any included accessories, we dont think it would work on high shelves or upholstery.
Your Questions, Answered
What features should I look for in a cordless vacuum?
She also recommends looking at the size of the dustbin and how easy it is to empty.
Essentially, think about the features that will make your life easier.
If youre going to becleaning your curtainsor furniture with the vacuum, see to it it works with upholstery.
How long do battery powered vacuums last?
Battery life for the vacuums on our list ranged from 8 minutes to 31 minutes on high.
As for lifetime use, mostvacuums can last five yearswithout needing a battery replacement, according toConsumer Reports.
This is the most common reason cordless stickvacuums start to lose functionality.
Most manufacturers sell battery replacements, which costs a fraction of what a new vacuum would.
Which cordless vacuum has the best suction?
They both had very few issues picking up debris.
She specializes in testing products, editing, writing, and strategizing about the rapidly changing online shopping landscape.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Credit: Dyson
The Dyson Omni Glide’s combo crevice tool made short work of cleaning debris in nooks and crannies.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Walmart
The Black + Decker Max is quiet enough when running not to disturb furry friends.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Jordan Provost
Credit: Amazon
The Black+Decker Flex Cordless has a surprisingly large dustbin for a handheld car vacuum.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Credit: The Home Depot
The Ryobi One Plus worked as well on carpet as it did on hard floors.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Abby Grisez
The crevice tool accessory on this vacuum cleaned up crumbs and other debris on upholstery with ease.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
