Top 6 cordless vacuums for 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Dyson V15 Detect	powerful suction with laser dust detection
Best for pet hair	Bissell PowerClean FurFinder	specialized brushroll design
Best with self-emptying	Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra	automatic dirt disposal
Best budget	Smoture VAC01	impressive cleaning for under $200
Also recommended	Tineco A20 cordless stick vacuum	great budget pick for pet hair
Also recommended	Dyson Gen5 Detect	premium performance, but you'll pay for it

How we chose and tested

We evaluated cordless vacuums based on cleaning performance across different surfaces, battery life, ease of use, and special features. Testing included real-world scenarios like pet hair pickup, debris removal on carpets and hard floors, and handling tight spaces. We considered how each model performs in everyday cleaning situations rather than just lab conditions.

The best cordless vacuum right now

Dyson V15 Detect - Best overall

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The Dyson V15 Detect delivers exceptional cleaning power with smart features that make it worth the investment for serious home cleaning. Its laser dust detection reveals hidden debris while powerful suction handles everything from fine dust to larger particles.

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Key highlights

Laser dust detection shows microscopic particles you'd normally miss
Automatic suction adjustment based on floor type
Up to 60 minutes of runtime on lower power settings
Converts to handheld vacuum for above-floor cleaning
Comprehensive attachment set for various cleaning tasks

Pros

Remarkably powerful suction for deep cleaning
Smart features actually improve cleaning results
Excellent filtration system traps allergens
Well-balanced design reduces arm fatigue

Cons

Premium price point may be too high for some budgets
Trigger mechanism instead of button operation
Battery life drops significantly on max power

Who it is for: Homeowners who want the most effective cleaning performance and don't mind paying for premium features.

Skip if

You need maximum battery life for large homes or prefer simple button controls.

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder - Best for pet hair

Designed specifically for pet owners, the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder excels at removing stubborn pet hair from carpets, furniture, and upholstery. Its specialized brushroll and attachments make pet hair cleanup significantly easier.

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Key highlights

Specialized brushroll design prevents hair wrap
Motorized pet hair tool included
Strong suction for embedded pet hair
Typically priced around $230
Effective on both carpets and hard floors

Pros

Excellent pet hair removal performance
Specialized tools actually work as advertised
Reasonable price for pet-specific features
Good maneuverability around furniture

Cons

Battery life may be limited for larger homes
Fewer general-purpose attachments included
Not as versatile for non-pet cleaning tasks

Who it is for: Pet owners dealing with regular shedding and hair accumulation.

Skip if

You don't have pets or need a more general-purpose vacuum.

Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra - Best with self-emptying

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For those who want maximum convenience, the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra features an automatic emptying station that handles the messiest part of vacuuming. The self-emptying dock charges the vacuum and seals away dirt with minimal user intervention.

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Key highlights

Automatic emptying station seals dirt in bags
AI-powered suction adjustment
HEPA filtration system
2.0L dustbag capacity in the clean station
Odor neutralization technology

Pros

Hands-free dirt disposal saves time and mess
Excellent allergen filtration
Smart features adapt to cleaning conditions
Good overall cleaning performance

Cons

Requires dedicated floor space for the station
Higher initial investment
Station adds bulk to storage requirements

Who it is for: Busy households that want to minimize maintenance and allergen exposure.

Skip if

You have limited storage space or prefer manual control over automated features.

Smoture VAC01 - Best budget

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The Smoture VAC01 proves you don't need to spend a fortune for effective cordless cleaning. Often available for less than $200, it delivers surprisingly strong performance that challenges more expensive models.

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Key highlights

Strong suction power for the price
Often priced under $200
Good battery life for basic cleaning
Basic but effective attachment set
Lightweight and easy to maneuver

Pros

Exceptional value for money
Surprisingly capable cleaning performance
Light design reduces user fatigue
Simple operation with no complicated features

Cons

Lacks automatic power adjustment
Fewer premium features than higher-end models
Build quality may not match premium brands

Who it is for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want effective cleaning without extras.

Skip if

You need advanced features or plan for heavy daily use.

Also Good

Tineco A20 cordless stick vacuum - great budget pick for pet hair.
Dyson Gen5 Detect - premium performance, but you'll pay for it.

How to Choose

Consider these factors when selecting your cordless vacuum:

1.Surface types: If you have mostly carpets, prioritize strong suction and brushroll performance. For hard floors, look for good edge cleaning and scratch protection.
2.Battery life: Match runtime to your home size. Smaller spaces may need only 30 minutes, while larger homes benefit from 45+ minutes or swappable batteries.
3.Special needs: Pet owners should prioritize hair removal features. Allergy sufferers need good filtration. Those with mobility issues benefit from lightweight designs.
4.Storage space: Self-emptying stations require dedicated floor space. Foldable designs save closet space. Consider where you'll store both the vacuum and its accessories.
5.Budget vs. features: Determine which premium features actually matter to you. Laser dust detection is nice but not essential, while good suction and battery life are fundamental.

FAQ

How long do cordless vacuum batteries typically last?

Most cordless vacuums offer 30-60 minutes of runtime on lower power settings, but this drops significantly on maximum suction. Battery life varies based on usage patterns and typically lasts 2-3 years before noticeable degradation.

Are cordless vacuums as powerful as corded ones?

Modern cordless vacuums have closed much of the power gap, with premium models offering suction comparable to many corded vacuums. However, they still can't match the unlimited runtime of corded models for very large cleaning jobs.

Do I need special features like laser dust detection?

While helpful for showing hidden debris, laser dust detection isn't essential for effective cleaning. It's a premium feature that improves visibility but doesn't actually increase cleaning power.

How often should I empty the dustbin?

For optimal performance, empty the dustbin after each major cleaning session or when it reaches the fill line. Overfilled bins reduce suction efficiency and can cause debris to escape back into the air.

Can cordless vacuums handle thick carpets?

Check manufacturer specifications for carpet compatibility.