These are cordless lightweight devices with a capacity to clean practically each and every corner of your home.
When it comes to handling dirt, dust, and hair that builds up on the floor from week to week, I have nothing as effective as a stick vacuum. As opposed to the regular upright vacuums that are bulky, best cordless stick vacuums are lightweight and you can easily push them into tight spaces in your living room like under the coffee table and behind the couch. What’s more, they clean effectively on all types of flooring.
In my most recent The Beauty Homes test of 25 new cordless stick vacuum units, I have seen that cordless stick vacs have more power than ever and multiple power levels to clean mainly bare floors and low- to medium-pile carpets. During the stick vacuum test, we check how efficiently they pick up things from hard floors and pet hair from carpets. We examine the weight, battery run time and how easy they are to use, store and convert to a handheld vacuum to clean your car, upholstery and stairs.
To narrow down your best cordless stick vacuum options, we have done a detailed research on the most important features, accessories, and designs available on the market from top brands like Dyson, Shark, Samsung, etc. Our team of professional cleaners has equally taken their time to put most of the stick vacuums through the paces which in turn informed our choices.
Our top picks:
1
Best Overall Cordless Stick Vacuum
Levoit VortexIQ 40 Cordless Stick Vacuum
Our Ratings
- Ease of Setup 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Ease of Emptying 4.8/5 Portability 5/5
| Why You Should Get It | Keep in Mind |
| ✔ ️Despite being full of hair from all testing processes, this vacuum never stalled or pulled, and sucked up all debris in record time. | ✔ We noted this vacuum had some issues pulling out of tight spaces and caught on chair legs with its wide vacuum head. |
This vacuum was crowned the best overall vacuum because it was better than most other vacuum cleaners we tested, whether stick or traditional. This vacuum astonished us in each test and exceeded the expectations in most of the tests.
It turned out that the noise level was lower than I expected during the operation. I was very pleasantly surprised by it. The vacuum was very effective on hardwood and on stair steps, which are usually hard to clean. We were highly satisfied to find that it removed all the debris from the stairs, in corners and even under the kitchen cabinets. We vacuumed all our hard floors in the testing area and could no longer find hair and debris in 34 seconds.
In the case of the medium pile debris testing, it cleaned the medium pile of debris rapidly and almost as fast on the carpet as on the hardwood. It was also the case during the high pile debris test where it sucked all the debris including the smallest pieces and left no trace.
It is unbelievable that, although the vacuum had hair from all three hair tests, the machine never stalled or pulled, and its strongest setting had the most powerful suction of all the tested vacuums. The crevice tool collected everything including small debris and crumbs on upholstery, and this was the only problem we had even though the fullness of the dustbin capacity was never an issue.
The vacuum was pretty easy to maneuver with it only weighing 7 pounds, but the vacuum head got stuck on tight corners like a chair leg if pulled back. However, every other time it functioned without problems.
Even though the battery life wasn’t long enough for our satisfaction, the power of the vacuum compensated for it. For less than $200, this is more than a bargain for such a powerful cleaning tool that is sure to impress.
Product Details: Weight: 7 pounds | Dustbin Capacity: 0.6 liters | Accessories: One battery, one telescoping crevice tool, one charging dock with accessory holder, three wall anchors, one two-in-one dusting brush, one charger | Battery Life: 40 minutes
2
Best Budget Stick Vacuum
Bissell Cleanview XR Pet Cordless Vacuum
Our Ratings
- Ease of Setup 5/5 Effectiveness 4.9/5 Maneuverability 4.6/5 Ease of Emptying 4.4/5 Portability 5/5
| Why You Should Get It | Keep in Mind |
| ✔ ️The angled attachment is ideal for reaching high-up hard to reach areas. | ✔ We noted that suction depleted as the dustbin filled to the top. |
The Bissell Cleanview XR Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner amazed us with what a budget-friendly stick vacuum can do.
While testing the vacuum we noticed that the noise level was acceptable so that it would not spoil television viewing or conversations. The lowest setting on the vacuum turned out to be more than enough to suck up debris in tests A and B that were done on the hardwood floor and staircases separately (test A containing a mixture of orzo pasta, coffee grounds, and crushed cheerios and test B involving a mixture of hair debris).
We noticed that it took us about a minute to clean up all the stuff, which made us very happy. On the high pile areas of the carpet, it performed at top level to get cheerios and pasta. We specifically enjoyed how neatly and effortlessly it accumulated coffee grounds as it swept them up all at once.
It took a full minute to vacuum the four stairs and the carpeted floor section, but most of the debris was collected by the end of the minute. The rest of the debris was mostly accumulated at corners of the steps where the crevice tool picked up well from.
Whilst it took only 1 minute to clean the four stairs and the floor section for Test B hair debris, it removed 98% of the hair debris. During this part of testing we tried both the lowest and the highest settings and there was no difference between the two. Particularly, we were surprised by the vacuum’s ability to suck up nearly everything during the extended pile testing.
From our tests, we observed that the vacuum’s battery life remained the same despite the numerous cycles of charging and discharging. However, the power and suction dropped as the dustbin filled up.
This vacuum was very easy to maneuver as it was very light-weight, and the low profile head made it easy to get to hard to reach areas such as under the cabinets. The longer and angled handle served as the exact fit for accessing tall places.
Product Details: Weight: 5.9 pounds | Dustbin capacity: 0.3 liters | Accessories: Deep cleaning fur brush, Dusting Brush, Crevice Tool, Tool Clip, Charger, Removable Battery, Wall Mount | Battery life: 40 minutes
3
Best Splurge Cordless Stick Vacuum
Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Our Ratings
- Ease of Setup 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Ease of Emptying 4.8/5 Portability 4.8/5
| Why You Should Get It | Keep in Mind |
| ✔ ️This vacuum works incredibly well on all floor types (and all types of debris), and can be angled to get close to furniture legs. | ✔ We found this vacuum surprisingly heavy. |
If you are planning to spend big money on a vacuum, chances are that a Dyson vacuum is on your list. It’s a very powerful brand, and that’s the reason why several of them are the best cordless stick vacuum cleaners. A newer version, the Gen5Detect Cordless Stick Vacuum, was a big hit during our testing. Actually, it was one of the models we scored highest overall and the expensive price might be a limiting factor for consumers.
Our lab tests showed that the Dyson picked up most debris in just one pass, and it got the same results on grouted tile, hardwood floor, and carpet. The bigger debris, like the bigger pieces of cereal, required a little more effort depending on the attachment, but the vacuum still managed to get everything, no matter the setting. It was also nice to see that the vacuum picked up trash and crumbs from under and around the base and legs of the furniture without using an attachment.
However, it doesn’t mean that I don’t have any attachments. The vacuum has a “fluffy optic” head for hard floors, which has a light to illuminate dust and smaller debris, a hair screw tool for cleaning pet hair off of cushions, a combo tool with a nozzle and brush, a crevice tool, and a cleaner head with vanes to detangle hair from the brush as you work. In addition, this table has a wall mounted dock and a charger.
A useful digital display displays to you in real-time the volume of particles and pollutants that the vacuum has taken in as well as a summary after each cleaning. However, this is certainly a nice addition, which we do not think we use often during regular cleanings. The vacuum was much more notable for its efficiency and mobility.
The battery life was pretty adequate, lasting 51 minutes on the low setting and 13 minutes on the high setting. The vacuum might still contain considerable charge after testing so it ought to be enough for a quick cleaning session. In those times when you need to recharge, it takes four hours.
When it comes to the minuses, aside from the price, it does feel a little heavy. At times we had to use both hands to orient it, and by the end of the testing period we were much more fatigued than expected.
Product Details: Weight: 7.72 pounds | Battery Life: 51 minutes | Recommended Surfaces: Hard floors, carpet, upholstery | Attachments: Combination tool, crevice tool, fluffy cleaner head, hair screw tool, digital motorbar cleaner head.
4
Best Wet Cordless Stick Vacuum
Tineco Floor One S5 Wet/Dry Vacuum
Our Ratings
- Ease of Setup 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Ease of Emptying 4.8/5 Portability 5/5
| Why You Should Get It | Keep in Mind |
| ✔ It can vacuum and mop both hard floors and area rugs, and then clean itself. | ✔ At 17 pounds, it’s quite heavy to push across your floors. |
You can vacuum the carpets and wash hard floors without swapping out devices with the Tineco Floor One S5 Wet/Dry Vacuum. As you clean, the smart sensor of the vacuum can automatically adjust suction, speed, and even water flow to make sure that the vacuuming is done in an efficient and powerful way. It is equipped with two big water tanks — one for the clean water being dispensed, and the other one for the dirty water being sucked up into the machine to help you clean large areas without stopping to refill.
The slick brush roll at the bottom of the device is the best thing about it because it can clean the edges while vacuuming, thus you can go right to the baseboards and walls for a more complete clean. This smart vacuum is able to detect the debris on your floor and then display it on the LED screen along with the debris that is already cleaned up and the battery life.
Besides the Tineco app, the vacuum cleaner also has voice assistance and both can be used for maintenance notifications and to get helpful tips. These prompts to tell you when the clean water tank is empty or the dirty water tank is full.
Once you have finished mopping or vacuuming, the Tineco Floor One S5 device can then clean itself in the docking station. This includes the cleaning of pet hair and the flushing of the brush roller and inner tubing. When it is over, just pour out the dirty water.
This wet-dry vacuum has a lot of features in one device, which is why it’s a little bigger than others on our list. At 17 pounds, this device will take more space when stored, and you may feel more fatigue when you push it across your floors compared to other stick vacuums on our list.
Product Details: Weight: 17.37 pounds | Battery Life: 35 minutes | Recommended Surfaces: Hard floors, area rugs | Attachments: None
5
Best Lightweight Stick Vacuum
Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Our Ratings
- Ease of Setup 4.5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Ease of Emptying 2.5/5 Portability 4.8/5
| Why You Should Get It | Keep in Mind |
| ✔ The articulating neck lets you vacuum in any direction and even go closely around objects. | ✔ It has a very short battery life compared to the other options on this list. |
The Dyson Omni-Glide+ is so light that it’s like moving a toy vacuum around the room, but the high-quality, dual brush bars covered in soft nylon are far from child’s play. The vacuum is powered by a powerful motor that picks up everything from large debris to fine dust on hard floors and carpet alike, the lightweight vacuum weighs only four pounds.
The most distinguished feature of this vacuum is the articulating neck and the four 360-degree castors that make it possible to glide in every direction to get rid of the debris without overlooking any spots. The soft roller cleaner head with an omni-directional pattern can vacuum around objects, and it can lie completely flat on the floor to slide underneath chairs, sofas, tables, and other low furniture.
The lightweight vacuum can also be converted to a handheld vacuum. Besides the double fluffy cleaner head, there is also a mini motorized tool that can clean everything including mattresses and stairs.
Besides the dual head crevice tool and the light pipe crevice tool, you can also use the combination crevice tool and light pipe crevice tool to reach tight corners and other narrow spaces. The charging dock, which is wall-mounted, holds the vacuum when it is charging and then puts it away.
No one likes to clean vacuums, but this one is easy: just go for the bin’s eject button to push out the trashbin’s mess. Besides, the filter and fluffy roller can be washed, the dust bin can be cleaned, and the tools that don’t have electronic parts are also washable.
Remember that this vacuum’s battery life is very short-lived as it can only be used for 20 minutes at the most. This is what makes the vacuum so lightweight, however, if you want to vacuum your whole house in one go, the Dyson Omni Glide+ vacuum won’t be the best option for you.
Product Details: Weight: 5.6 pounds | Battery Life: 40 minutes | Recommended Surfaces: Hard floors, carpet, upholstery | Attachments: Double fluffy cleaner head, mini motorized tool, combination crevice tool, light pipe crevice tool
6
Best for Hard Floors Stick Vacuum
Tineco Pure ONE S11 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Our Ratings
- Ease of Setup 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Ease of Emptying 4.8/5 Portability 5/5
| Why You Should Get It | Keep in Mind |
| ✔ The suction power on this vacuum outperformed other vacuum cleaners at a much higher price. | ✔ Attachments were needed to thoroughly clean more hard-to-reach areas such as corners and stairs. |
The Tineco Pure One S11 Tango Smart Stick/Handheld Vacuum really dazzled us with its power to clean the hard floors the same way it cleans the carpets. The vacuum has a very efficient operating system and by design, the body is easy to maneuver, hence this is the best vacuum for hard floor surfaces.
Both the medium pile and high pile testing were checked by the vacuum in which it was able to pick up all debris in just 25 seconds. At first, it was a problem to deal with the Cheerios, but later on, we discovered that the vacuum collar managed to suck up the remaining debris in a fast and effective way. We concluded that the suction was strong even at the lowest of the settings.
Attachments were necessary for effective cleaning of stair edges and corners, but nothing about this vacuum was complex to operate. In the upholstery testing, the debris was gathered without the need to excavate the cushions or pillows.
The vacuum was light and easy to move during tests. It moved on all floors and was being able to go under furniture without any straining and it was also able to transition easily between hardwood and carpet.
It was finally discovered that the high-powered battery life of the vacuum was about 31 minutes. The battery life was long enough for the whole test to be completed without the need for charging, and there was no change in the suction power as the testing was going on. Besides, we also noticed that the volume control was super easy to load and unload, besides, the dustbin can fill was very easy to clean. Even though the hair surrounded the canister filter during the use, it was simple to clean and debris came out freely.
We were very much in favor of this vacuum for this set of reasons, the most significant of which was how simple and convenient it was to use. The vacuum operated the same on both hardwood and carpet because the vacuum was efficient on both. We discovered that it surpassed the high-priced vacuums in terms of all aspects even though they were costlier.
Product Details: Weight: Not listed | Dustbin capacity: 0.6 liters | Accessories: One crevice tool, one 2–in-1 dusting brush, one mini-power brush, one full-size LED multitask power brush, | Battery life: 40 minutes
7
Best for Carpet Stick Vacuum
Dreametech R20 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Our Ratings
- Ease of Setup 5/5 Effectiveness 4/5 Maneuverability 4.8/5 Ease of Emptying 5/5 Portability 5/5
| Why You Should Get It | Keep in Mind |
| ✔ This vacuum has a long battery life of 90 minutes, which is impressive when compared with the average 40 minutes. | ✔We found the attachments provided with this vacuum jammed frequently during testing. |
In the testing process, this vacuum turned out to be the best vacuum for carpet. This vacuum amazed us right from the start with its low volume—the vacuum was quite quiet while it was being used.
The vacuum cleaned enough on hardwood floors, but it wasn’t to the level we wanted. In the one minute time frame, it was simply able to suck up maybe 70% of the debris on the hardwood floor.
We also pointed out that it did not only knock down the debris but also pushed it around. Nevertheless, the vacuum was on the top during the carpet tests. In the process of the medium pile testing, the vacuum could easily and efficiently collect all the debris (the crunched-up Cheerios, the coffee grounds, and the hair debris) while they were in the pile.
We were able to get most of the debris on the stair test, and the attachment provided was able to successfully get all of the waste from the floor. Nevertheless, we had the following problems with the attachments. The long nozzle attachment jammed twice during the testing process, and the upholstery brush also jammed during use so we would warn the users to be careful when using the attachments because of that hiccup.
The battery life was more than enough since the vacuum was able to finish all the tests. We were very amazed with its 90 minute battery life span as the vacuums we usually test usually have a 40 minute life span. We strongly suggest charging the phone after each use as the battery was at 20% after the tests were completed.
This vacuum was almost barely made which worked nicely and it was not heavy at all for some time. Besides, the dustbins of the size of the aliquot sample held a considerable amount of garbage, yet we had to remove the bin twice during the testing.
Product Details: Weight: 10 pounds | Dustbin capacity: 0.6 liters | Accessories: One multi-surface brush, one soft roller brush, one wide combination tool, one motorized mini brush, one charger, one 2-in-1 charging and storage mount, one flexible combination tool, one flexible adapter | Battery life: 90 minutes
What to Consider With Cordless Stick Vacuums Before You Make a Purchase
Weight
One of the features of cordless stick vacuums is that they do not get heavier than upright or canister vacuum cleaners. However, you’ll forgo this benefit if you opt for the heavy, bulky stick vacuum that is difficult to maneuver around your house.
We suggest a lightweight vacuum, in particular, if you have stairs. The majority of devices listed here weigh between 4 and 10 pounds. We believe that heavier devices will not be easy to carry and use.
Battery Life or Cable Length
It is really annoying to stop your cleaning process to recharge the battery of your vacuum cleaner or look around for a socket. When we were making our list, it was an important consideration for us to look for devices that had a battery life of 30 minutes or longer so that you can clean more than one room in a single session without stopping to charge (which can easily take several hours). If you are going to clean several rooms in your home at a time, Rathey suggests looking for a unit which can work longer, too.
“I would absolutely look out for a stick vac with 45 minutes to one hour run time, depending on how you are going to use it,” Rathey says.
Nevertheless, if you are the kind who loves to use a corded stick vacuum, confirm that the cord is long. The Bissell PowerGlide Pet Slim has 30 feet of cord and therefore is the best corded stick vacuum.
Recommended Surfaces
Cordless stick vacuums are suitable for all types of surfaces including hardwood, tile, laminate and carpet. As for convenient and thorough cleaning, numerous stick vacuum models feature additional removable attachments which facilities cleaning different flooring types, such as a vacuum head with soft rollers for cleaning hardwood floors.
Besides these vacuums, it is simply a matter of increasing or decreasing the suction level depending on the surface— and many cordless stick vacuums are designed to detect the type of flooring and adjust their settings automatically.
Number of Attachments
The more attachments you have, the more usability you will be able to get out of the stick vacuum. It truly will depend on what types of surfaces you want to clean, how much space you have to store attachments, as well as your budget that will determine how many attachments your vacuum will come with. Though Rathey suggests seeking stick vacuums that have the ability to clean upholstery as well.
“Stick vacuum should be able to perform various tasks a regular-sized upright or canister vacuum normally does; depending on how you plan to use it.” “Picking a stick vacuum that can turn into a hand vac to pick dander off furniture would be a smart choice.”
Your Questions about the Cordless Stick Vacuum, Answered
Is it possible for a stick vacuum to replace other kinds of vacuums?
Sure, cordless stick vacuums can substitute other kinds of vacuums. Since the stick vacuums are small and lightweight in build and have smaller dustbin canisters, they can replace most of the vacuums in most home environments without losing the efficiency.
“If you are after convenience a stick vacuum will be able to deliver it for you. “In most cases traditional vacuums are big and are connected with cords that can be a big problem or a source of problems, stick vacuums on the other hand offer you the chance to clean your house well without a lot of work.”
While looking for a stick vacuum, one should bear in mind the kind of debris the vacuum will be encountering on a daily basis and also the type of floors that are in one’s house.
so, the fact is to be sure to choose the vacuum that is the most suitable for your house and if you have a lot of carpet, pets, allergy sufferers or other people you want to find a model that suits your needs best.
What are the advantages of using a stick vacuum?
“Stick vacuums are the best for daily cleaning because they are lightweight and simple to use.”
This allows them to be more maneuverable in tight spaces, easier to store in closets when not in use, and less tedious to push across your floors for a long time. The top cordless stick vacuums will also have strong suction and brush roll to get rid of all types of gunk on your floor such as dirt, pollen, crumbs, pet hair, and more.
If your house is mainly made of one flooring type such as hardwood, tile, or carpet, you should look for a stick vacuum that will work well on your floors. We came up with the top stick vacuum models for each surface type so that you can easily find the right one for your house.
Can Cordless stick vacuums clean carpets?
Although they are slimmer and have a lighter design than an upright vacuum, some cordless stick vacuums are some of the best vacuums for carpets. On the contrary, these versatile devices do not only make it easy to clean any flooring type with ease, but they will also save you some storage space in your cleaning closet.
“Stick vacuums are the ideal device for changing from hard floors to carpet with no problem.” Moreover, their lightweight, portable, and usually cordless design makes cleaning a breeze and hassle-free.
What is the average lifespan of stick vacuums?
Longevity is one of the areas where cordless stick vacuums can be behind the heavier and sturdier upright vacuums. The lightweight design of these devices makes them easy to knock over, so you should be careful about where you store your vacuum when you are not using it to extend its life.
Moreover, because they are so light, cordless stick vacuums are probably going to be used more often than regular vacuum cleaners, which means they will wear out faster than a vacuum you only drag out on occasion.
