It always seems like the largest, most obtrusive dust bunnies are within five inches of your vacuum hose, but the cord just won't stretch any further. That's where the best cordless vacuums on the market come in. Imagine the freedom of scouring your house for messes without the shackle of wires or having to locate the nearest outlet. It might seem like a minor upgrade, but trust me — it's one that makes all the difference when you're trying to finish your Saturday cleaning so you can just watch Netflix already.
The best handheld and stick vacuums now run on rechargeable batteries that last anywhere from 20 minutes to upwards of an hour. The more powerful the battery, the longer it'll last. So, should you get a handheld, a stick, or something in between? That all depends on your specific needs. Handhelds are the most portable, but they're suited for smaller contained messes like litter spills and staircases. The most reliable stick vacuums might be a little bit heavier and clunkier, but they can tackle your entire floor. Then there's the coveted Roomba, which is pretty much the robot equivalent of a one-time-payment maid service.
If you're in the market for a new vacuum without any wires whatsoever, check out these top options that reviewers and Consumer Reports can't stop raving about.
1A Lightweight Vacuum That Goes The Distance
Eufy Lightweight Upright Cordless HomeVac, $100, Amazon
Cordless vacuums are so convenient...until they die in the middle of a job. This Eufy HomeVac has an insanely powerful lithium-ion battery that gives you a whopping 50 minutes of vacuuming. It's also got a large liter bin that holds tons of dust and dirt and detaches for convenient emptying. On top of all that, it's lightweight, really easy to maneuver, has headlights so you can see under furniture, and comes with its own wall mount for simple storage.
2A Small But Powerful Handheld Vacuum With A Pivoting Nozzle
Black + Decker Max Lithium Pivot Vacuum, $69, Amazon
Don't let the size of this lithium pivot vacuum fool you. It's small, but six thousand reviews say that it tackles big messes like a champ. It has a high performance motor and cyclonic action for strong suction, as well as a three-step filtration system to keep it that way long-term. The nozzle pivots in a circle to reach just about anywhere in the house, and reviewers say the convenience factor is totally worth it: "The battery charge duration is great, the unit seems to have great power and suction, and it is hugely more convenient than dragging out the vacuum cleaner."
3A Highly-Rated Stick Vacuum With Loads Of Genius Features
Bissell 1984 AirRam Cordless Vacuum, $200, Amazon
The Bissell 1984 AirRam Cordless Vacuum is the highest-rated stick vacuum on Consumer Reports, with a whopping score of 91. It's quiet, effective on pet hair, and has a professional-grade lithium ion battery that runs for up to 30 minutes without fading. The vacuum itself has a lightweight design, swivel steering, and a lay-flat handle that maneuvers easily under furniture. It even has a removable dust bin and easy-empty slider that pushes all the dirt and dust right into the garbage can to reduce spills.
4A Two-In-One Vacuum That's A Best Seller
Deik 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, $79, Amazon
It's a number one best-seller in its category on Amazon, and you get two tools in one. The Deik 2-in-1 cordless vacuum comes with both a handheld and upright stick vacuum, which you can easily switch between with the push of a button. Both are highly maneuverable: the stick has a 270-degree rotating handle and a 90-degree rotation on the vacuum head, while the handheld tool is awesome for corners, edges, and furniture. The battery lasts up to 30 minutes on one charge, and the whole thing is insanely lightweight.
5A Cordless Handheld Vacuum That Was Made Specifically For Pet Owners
Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II, $50, Amazon
According to Consumer Reports, the Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II is the most effective handheld vacuum they tried. "Impressive surface cleaning on carpets, with even better performance with bare floors and edges, are chief strengths of this 18-volt hand vac from Shark," they say. It's the best vacuum for pet owners because of the twister cyclonic technology and motorized pet brush, both of which get deep into fabric and crevices to suck up all that hair. It even has extra accessories (like a dusting brush) and a rubberized hand grip for comfort.
6A Vacuuming Robot That Cleans And Charges Without Any Effort On Your Part
iRobot Roomba 650, $300, Amazon
Looking to keep your house dust-free without any effort? The iRobot Roomba 650 does just that. It utilizes a three-stage cleaning system to loosen, lift, and suck up dirt on any floor type — tiles, rugs, hardwood, or laminate. You can schedule up to seven automatic cleanings a week, and when it's done, it docks and recharges entirely on its own. It even has a full suite of sensors that detect dirt and help it navigate around furniture, along walls, and in households with stairs.
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