5 Best Cordless Stick Vacuums, Tested and Recommended by Cleaning Pros
These grab-and-go champs make cleaning almost effortless.
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Most homes have multiple vacuums for different cleaning needs and in my opinion, a cordless stick vacuum should be part of the mix. Today's best stick vacuums are powerful and smart and have longer run times, more attachments, more innovative features, and are better able to tackle pet hair and clean along edges than models made years ago. For some households, especially those without deep-pile carpets, a great stick vacuum can be a lightweight, easy-to-use alternative to a traditional full-size upright or canister vacuum cleaner.
In our most recent Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab test of 23 stick vacuum models, we assessed how well they picked up debris from bare floors, cleaned along edges, and removed pet hair from carpets. We checked the weight, battery run time, and how easy they are to use, store, and convert to a convenient handheld vacuum to clean your car, upholstery, and stairs. Ahead are the best stick vacuums, tested and recommended by our experts.
Best Deal
Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra Cordless Stick Vacuum
Pros
- Self-emptying canister and tower with large dust bag
- AI technology adjusts suction to floor type
- Lots of handy attachments
- Long run time
Cons
- Only comes with one battery
- Very expensive
I've never been convinced that not having to buy vacuum cleaner bags outweighs the hassle of cleaning out a bagless vacuum's dust cup. But this Samsung gives you the best of both. Simply set the Bespoke Jet AI Cordless Stick Vacuum back on its slim charging station, press a button and the bagless dust bin automatically empties into a disposable bag inside the station. And its spinning filter releases pesky tangled hair and other debris, so emptying is now totally hands-free.
As if this wasn't enough to earn it a Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning & Organizing Award, this vacuum aced our cleaning tests on carpet and bare floors, was easy to assemble, has three cleaning modes (min, mid, and max) and ran for one hour and 20 minutes on the min setting. It uses AI technology and sensors to detect the type of flooring and amount of debris you are picking up to adjust the suction and brush roll speed accordingly.
Its only downsides that we could find are that it comes with only one battery, is pricey, and doesn't have a built-in place to store the attachments.
| Weight | 6.3 lbs |
| Run time | 100 min. |
| Removable battery | Yes |
| Charging caddy | Freestanding self-empty tower |
| HEPA filter | Yes |
| Attachments | Active dual brush, pet tool+, combination tool, long reach crevice tool, three dust bags and all-in-one clean station |
Pros
- Has HEPA filter
- Affordable
- Very good pick-up on carpet and pet hair
- Informative LED display
Cons
- Poor edge cleaning
- Heavy debris on bare floors required extra passes
Tineco has made a name for itself as a reliable brand for carpet and floor care appliances, and in the GH Cleaning Lab, we've seen impressive results. Like its vacuum mops and carpet cleaners we've tested and recommended, this Tineco S10 ZT stick vacuum offers very good performance and high-end features, especially for a vacuum at this reasonable price.
Impressive are its removable battery for easy charging, smart sensor to ramp up power as it detects dirt, and its sealed system with HEPA filter. In our tests, we saw very good pick-up on low and medium pile carpet and pet hair, though its ability to clean along edges was where it stumbled.
The LED display is very informative and indicates any maintenance needed, while the dust cup is very easy to remove and replace, and completely disassembles for cleaning. Our only real hiccup was that we did notice some snowplowing of the very heavy debris we put down on bare floors, which required extra passes to fully collect.
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| Weight | 5.8 lbs. |
| Run time | 37 min. |
| Removable battery | Yes |
| Charging caddy | Wall mountable |
| HEPA filter | Yes |
| Attachments | Floor nozzle, crevice tool, two-in-one dusting brush |
Electrolux WellQ7 Hard Floor Stick Cleaner
Pros
- Handheld vacuum is on-board and easy to remove and replace
- Pedal can snip hair wrapped around the roller brush
- Tools store on the vacuum or stand
- Stands up on its own
Cons
- No HEPA filter
- Struggles with edge cleaning
If you prefer a more traditional take on a stick vac/hand vac combination that's easy to use, stands up on its own, and is easy to charge and store, Electrolux's Well Q7 fits the bill. Impressive extras include two power nozzles (for bare floors and carpet), an extending crevice tool, and a cutter to snip hair wrapped around the roller brush to eliminate tangles. I especially liked that the tools can be stored on the vacuum or the stand to keep them handy.
The WellQ7 is simple and straightforward to use, maneuvered easily, ran for over an hour on the lowest setting, and did an excellent job in our bare floor and pet hair pick-up tests. The hand vac and stick vac share the same dust cup, and we found it easy to pop off the hand vac without having to disassemble the entire vacuum.
The only drawback was that it stumbled in our edge-cleaning test. To clean along edges, you'll have to attach the crevice tool to the handheld vacuum. This vacuum also doesn't come with a HEPA filter.
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| Weight | 6.5 lbs. |
| Run time | 62 min. |
| Removable battery | No |
| Charging caddy | Floor stand |
| HEPA filterAttachments | No |
| Attachments | Brush roll floor nozzle, soft fluffy floor nozzle, crevice tool and dusting brush |
Miele Triflex HX2 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cat & Dog
Pros
- Transforms into three configurations for every vacuuming need
- Lifetime HEPA filter never needs washing or changing
- Stands upright on its own when the power unit is near the bottom
Cons
- Expensive
- Shorter run time and heavier than others
No other stick vacuum we've tested is as adaptable as the Miele Triflex. Most can be used in two configurations—upright and handheld, but the Miele can transform into a third design.
With the motor, battery, and dust cup placed up top, it works like a traditional pole vacuum, making it easy to reach under low furniture or up high. Move the power unit down by the nozzle and it's easier to push and maneuver across bare floors, area rugs, and carpets, and stand upright on its own. Finally, detach the power unit completely and use it as a handheld for stairs, upholstery, and other above-the-floor cleaning needs.
In our tests, we got great bare floor cleaning, pet hair pick-up, and edge-cleaning performance on our test surfaces. The Miele Triflex HX2 was easy to use and has a lifetime HEPA filter that never needs washing or changing. The model we tested comes with a mini motorized brush attachment for cleaning upholstery and stairs but there's a version without this tool for a lower price.
Run time with the power nozzle attached was less than others at under 30 minutes on the lowest power setting. And at 8 pounds, it's heavier than others on this list.
| Weight | 8 lbs. |
| Run time | 22 min. |
| Removable battery | Yes |
| Charging caddy | Yes (for battery only) |
| Attachments | Floor nozzle, upholstery nozzle, crevice tool and dusting brush |
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Laser on the fluffy floor head makes dust easier to see
- Battery can be removed and charged separately
- Runs continuously without needing to hold a trigger
Cons
- Doesn't include a second battery
You can count on Dyson to lead the way in innovation and this V12 Detect Slim is a great example. Dirt, pet hair and dust bunnies can't hide thanks to the laser on the fluffy bare-floor roller attachment. Not only does it treat hardwoods and laminates to a soft, gentle clean, but it shines a light in front of the vacuum to illuminate the tiny specks of dust and hair you can’t easily see in normal light. And the colorful display shows the amount and size of the particles it's grabbing along with the run time, power level, and maintenance alerts.
It's fully featured with powerful suction, great filtration, and many useful attachments. In the Cleaning Lab, this Dyson model aced all of our performance tests for bare floor cleaning, pet hair pickup, and edge cleaning. Plus, it ran on Eco mode for just over 50 minutes. The only thing that would have made it better was having a second charged battery waiting in the wings.
| Weight | 5.2 lbs. |
| Run time | 50 min. |
| Removable battery | Yes |
| Charging caddy | Wall mountable |
| HEPA filter | Yes |
| Attachments | Two floor nozzles, crevice tool, hair screw tool, combination tool, mini soft dusting brush and stubborn dirt brush |
How we test cordless stick vacuums
Like we do when we evaluate any stick, full-size, compact, or robot vacuum, we base our tests on ASTM International standard test methods. As a member of this voluntary standards-making organization's F11 Vacuum Cleaner Committee, I meet twice yearly with engineers and experts from the industry to discuss, develop, and update the vacuum cleaner testing methods we all use. A major part of Good Housekeeping's role on this committee is to make sure these standards are relevant to how everyday consumers actually use vacuum cleaners and their experiences with them.
Our most recent category test of 23 stick vacuums included evaluations for:
✔️ Performance: We evaluate how well each vacuum removes "pet hair" by evenly spreading industry-standard rayon fibers that simulate and cling like actual pet hair over the surface of a carpet. Each vacuum is passed over the carpet the same number of times and what's left behind gets scored.
In a similar fashion, we assess how well the vacuum picks up large and fine particles of debris (like rice, dry oatmeal, and gritty sand) from hard flooring, like vinyl. The tests on each model are repeated three times to obtain more accurate results.
We also measure how well and closely the vacuums clean along wall edges to eliminate the dusty line that forms around the perimeters of your rooms.
✔️ Features: We note and test any unique features like a no-tangle brush roll, a battery charge indicator, multiple power levels, sensors to ramp up suction when needed, or if it includes extra tools and attachments.
✔️ Sound: When we test models for quietness, we reach out to Quiet Mark, a global certification organization that aims to reduce noise pollution. They measure the noise output of each model for us.
✔️ Ease of use: Because a vacuum must not only perform well but also make cleaning less of a chore, we weigh how heavy it is and measure run time for battery-operated models. We run these tests with the rotating floor brush nozzle attached, as this is the most likely way you will use it. We assess how comfortable it is to hold, how convenient the controls are to access, and how easy the dust cup is to clean and empty. We also consider how easily it stands on its own, whether or not the battery is removable for easier charging, and how neat and compact it is to store.
✔️ Consumer experience: We often recruit consumer testers to rate the vacuums’ maneuverability on bare floors and carpets, around corners and under furniture. They also test the ease of removing the dust cup or bag and the ease of operating the vacuums’ controls.
✔️ Effectiveness in real homes: Finally, we test and review some of these models in actual homes as well. This gives us a better understanding of how efficient these vacuums are in larger, non-controlled spaces. Plus, it helps us consider the charging and storage situation in a real house or apartment.
Budget cordless stick vacuums we've tested and recommend
Levoit Cordless Vacuum Cleaner: This vacuum cleaner exhibited very good cleaning performance in our tests, especially when removing long, thick hair. We found it maneuverable and easy to use and our GH tester appreciated the light on the front that illuminates dust on the floor. We like that it has a HEPA filter, and a decently long run time (up to 50 minutes). However, one tester found it difficult to remove dog hair from sofas with the brush attachment, so it wouldn't be our first pick for those with pets.
Innova by Eureka Cordless Stick Vacuum: One of the most affordable stick vacuums in our test, the Eureka was a very good performer on bare flooring and carpet, though it fell short with edge cleaning. It provided us with just over 45 minutes of run time and was easy to use, maintain, and store. It also includes a HEPA filter and four useful attachments. Nice at this price!
What to look for when shopping for the best cordless stick vacuum
✔️ Battery run time: Today’s lithium-ion batteries provide power and longevity. Some lasted close to 60 minutes or longer in our tests. On some models, the battery pack can be removed for charging while you store the rest of the vacuum out of sight. Keep in mind that manufacturers report battery run time without any attachments, which is, honestly, not how people clean. Once you add the rotating brush or another attachment that requires power, the battery run time goes down. Don't be surprised if the battery doesn't last as long as is claimed on the box when you are cleaning. And this is why we are fans of having two batteries so one is ready as one runs down.
✔️ Floor type: Stick vacs work best cleaning bare floors, low-pile rugs, and carpets that just need a quick surface clean (to remove crumbs, dust, or pet hair). Those that convert to a hand vac or have hand vacuums on board can also clean upholstery, stairs, and even the car. And those with multiple power settings offer the widest cleaning versatility. For bigger jobs, like deep cleaning a whole house with multiple rooms, deep-pile carpets, or a mix of hard and soft surfaces, you may prefer a full-size upright or canister vacuum or at least a stick vacuum that comes with a second battery. But a good stick vac with max or turbo settings can certainly suffice, especially if you are in a hurry. Just keep in mind that the higher the power setting you use, the less run time you get.
✔️ Brush roll: A rotating brush roll is important to help remove dirt that’s settled down into the tufts of area rugs and carpets. Brush rolls also help collect debris on bare floors but can sometimes cause debris to scatter and should only be used if they're soft enough not to scratch your floors. If you are vacuuming only bare floors, a stick vacuum with a soft, fluffy rotating brush roll is your best bet. Some of the newest stick vacuums, like our Samsung pick, now have power nozzles that combine a rotating brush with a soft roller for a universal head that works on all flooring types.
✔️ HEPA filter: A HEPA filter is a high-performance filter that traps 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size — too small to see with the naked eye, but not too small to be felt by allergy sufferers. A HEPA filter on a vacuum cleaner is best located on the exhaust, where the air blows out of the vacuum and back into the room. Dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and more are all caught by these high-efficiency filters that are also found on air purifiers, and since HEPA filters are available on many upright, canister, and stick vacuums, it's easy to find a model with one.
Several of our stick vacuum picks here have HEPA filters. “HEPA-type” or “HEPA-like” filters may look like traditional pleated HEPA filters and will trap some small particles, but they could miss the tiny, microscopic ones that can't escape a true HEPA filter. Vacuums with HEPA filters are generally more expensive. Less expensive vacuums can be sealed and have filters that grab 99% of particles down to 0.5 microns, but only a HEPA filter nabs 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns (and yes, that can make a difference to the allergy-sensitive!).
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Carolyn Forté has over 40 years of experience testing and reviewing hundreds of vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, mops, and other major (and small) home appliances as executive director of the GH Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab where we have a temperature- and humidity-controlled chamber dedicated to testing vacuum cleaners. She is an active member of the ASTM Committee on vacuum cleaners and currently serves as second vice chair and chairman of the consumer information sub-committee.
Carolyn's home is a multi-level mix of carpets, area rugs, and bare floors so she has first-hand experience with every type of vacuum cleaner on the market and is a big fan of using a vacuum cleaner for as many cleaning tasks as she can think of.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
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