Best Vacuum Cleaners

Based on 8,649 reviews
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$0 to $4,000
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Dyson V8

Dyson V8

4.1 
Summary
  • Bin Capacity0.54 L
  • HEPA FilterEither
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$205Bing Lee
Stung14 posts
 

I have had my Dyson V8 since August 2022, so not quite 4 years. I have a small home and was vacuuming twice per week, floating floorboards, no dogs,… Read more

no carpet. Every 5 weeks I clean the vacuum thoroughly as I am a pensioner and cannot afford to keep replacing vacuums. I have really liked the Dyson, strong power, ease of use, light, easy empty and clean, HOWEVER, the Battery died 6 weeks ago and a new battery is $150. I am very upset the battery has lasted less than 4 years but even more upset at the cost of a new battery. Dyson need to understand people in my position cannot afford such high cost to purchase a new battery, therefore will need to investigate a cheaper new vacuum with cheaper parts.very disappointed as I thought my battery would last alot longer and would be cheaper.

Miele Complete C3 PowerLine

Miele Complete C3 PowerLine

4.4 
Summary
  • Bin Capacity4.5 L
  • HEPA FilterEither
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$239Bing Lee
Miriam G.QLD3 posts
 

It's easy to use. I like the color and it vacuum all the dust and dirt. Really impress to this vacuum. Show details

Dyson V11

Dyson V11

3.9 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $1,099 to $1,249
  • Bin Capacity0.76 L to 0.77 L
  • HEPA FilterEither
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alicia.S
 

I purchased the Dyson V11 Torque Drive in 2020. In 2025, the main motor stopped working and, because it was out of warranty, I had to pay $400 for a… Read more

new main body from Dyson. The replacement parts come with a one year warranty.

This year, in 2026 just 45 days after the warranty expired the main body failed again. This time, there is an issue with the power supplied to the motor attachment. I contacted Dyson and was told I would need to pay again for a new motor body, with no discount offered.

I have always used Dyson vacuums, but the quality seems to have declined significantly. I would expect a replacement motor body to last longer than one year and 45 days. I will be trying a different brand from now on.

Dyson V7

Dyson V7

3.7 
Summary
  • Bin Capacity0.54 L
  • HEPA FilterNo
RinusQLD2 posts
  Verified

I ordered a new original replacement batterie for my Dyson and after I received it and installed it, it only lasted about 6 Month. After lengthy… Read more

online discussions with Dyson, I was told there is no warranty or refund available as this model was now discontinued. My argument is that Dyson should not supply replacement batteries if they cannot warrant them for the 12 Month. Very disappointing, and my next purchase won't be a Dyson anymore.

Dyson V15 Detect

Dyson V15 Detect

4.3 
Summary
  • Bin Capacity0.77 L
  • HEPA FilterEither
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Bush TravellerVIC13 posts
 

We had a Dyson vacuum cleaner for many years, and amazing appliance, and decided to upgrade to something more modern and convenient. The V15 Detect… Read more

Absolute was not a good choice! Our cleaning includes both looped carpet and tiles. Unless the Dyson is on full power, it struggles to lift the waste. After a short period of cleaning, the Dyson will suddenly stop, telling me that the airway is blocked. When I check the airway, there doesn't appear to be an issue and the vacuum will decide to work again. When I stop vacuuming, often waste will drop back down the tube onto the floor. I phoned Dyson to explain the problem and the very nice customer service person asked me to video me operating the vacuum. Wouldn't you know it, the Dyson worked perfectly! The poor performance of the Dyson is a shame as it is convenient. But for the cost, it it has many shortcomings.

Miele Compact C2 PowerLine

Miele Compact C2 PowerLine

4.6 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $349 to $529
  • Bin Capacity3.5 L
  • HEPA FilterEither
Michele M.QLD
 

It’s one of the best vacuums I’ve owned. It’s compact and easy to store. It handles everything from pet hair to crumbs on both carpet and hard floors… Read more

without missing a beat.

It’s also pretty quiet, which is a nice bonus, and the attachments make it super versatile for corners, furniture, and even the car. The vacuum bags are easy to change and not too messy, though they do add a bit to the running cost. Still, totally worth it for how clean it gets the place.

Kleva Krapof Auto Clean Self Empty Slim Power Vac

Kleva Krapof Auto Clean Self Empty Slim Power Vac 🏆 2026

4.6 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $898
  • Bin Capacity0.5 L
  • HEPA FilterYes
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Catherine Starr
  Fair Incentive Verified

D#mn good vac after a few lemons. Much better than a dyson, really long battery life. Love how its so easy to use, take apart & add accessories to,… Read more

clean filters and store on a good sturdy self emtpying stand. Kleva also offer you a discount next time for honest reviews, but this has not influenced my review at all. Love it!

Kleva Krapof Super Slim Power Vac

Kleva Krapof Super Slim Power Vac

3.6 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $739
  • Bin Capacity1.4 L
  • HEPA FilterNo
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Christine4 posts
  Verified

Excellent product, great service and the extra battery is a bonus. First time using a battery operated vacuum and I love it. Show details

Hobot Legee

Hobot Legee 🏆 2026

4.0 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $845 to $2,200
  • Bin Capacity0.5 L
  • HEPA FilterNo
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Just another guy..VIC4 posts
  Verified

When it works it works (say max of 6 months). There is no customer care, or contact in Australia, the company ignores warranty claims and doesn't… Read more

want to help you at all. Their original sales office was in Ferntree Gully Victoria, I am sure its closed as well, the sales person there is also a fraud. We bought two Legee D8s; both are broken now. Dont buy this soap box, buy other established brads and stay away from this fraud.

Dyson Cyclone V10

Dyson Cyclone V10

3.5 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $799 to $1,199
  • Bin Capacity0.76 L
  • HEPA FilterYes
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IanWA3 posts
 

I have have 2 V10 Dyson vacuum cleaners, both have had the trigger guards break off. I have fairly large fingers, consequently, when the vacuum cleaner is being held, pressure is put on the trigger guard. The trigger guard needs to be thicker. Show details

Dyson Cinetic Big Ball

Dyson Cinetic Big Ball

3.4 
Summary
  • Bin Capacity1.5 L to 1.6 L
  • HEPA FilterNo
LIZ VICVIC36 posts
 

Well a month ago, my Dyson slim mine. V6 gave up the ghost after having it for quite a few years so I needed to get another vacuum cleaner as I have… Read more

a German Shepherd who leaves his hair everywhere. As I had had a Dyson before I decided I wanted another Dyson vacuum cleaner. After looking at quite a few different Dyson vacuum cleaners to go with this one as I didn’t want the same problem I’ve had with the V6 slimline it wouldn’t keep its charge even though it said it was charging you go to use it. You do two minutes of vacuum cleaning and it wouldn’t have any more charge in it, I am very happy with this vacuum cleaner. It does a great job on the carpets and the wooden floors gets all the dog and I am surprised of how much stuff comes out of the carpet as I vacuum probably twice a week because of my German Shepherd . I’ve had it now for two months and I love all the attachments that I can get into tight spots with the attachments clean the skirting boards or reach up hi with the attachments to get the cobwebs down. Would highly recommend this vacuum cleaner to any pet lover.

iRobot Roomba 600 Series

iRobot Roomba 600 Series

3.8 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $149 to $499
  • Bin Capacity0.6 L
  • HEPA FilterNo
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tamNSW19 posts
  Verified

Worst company to deal with under warranty. Refuse warranty for reasons they technically made up. The machine with mop is extremely faulty. Just… Read more

google the complaints from 100s of people all around the world. Facebook, redit ect hundreds of the exact same complaint. Then after your machine leaks on day one, they exchange it for another faulty unit then exchange it for another faulty unit. To then blame you when that one is also faulty. Because the company is in receivership and going broke because their product is so faulty. The mops leak from day 1, they send out seals to help that leak after a few months, then apparently its our fault and deny warranty so they can save money.

They know their product is faulty, hence the seal kit that needs replacing over and over again.

Do not buy this product or anything from this company.

Roborock Q7 Max

Roborock Q7 Max

4.2 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $999
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Hollie W12 posts
 

I’m extremely disappointed with Roborock’s customer service. After they wrote to me confirming that they would replace my damaged unit with a brand… Read more

new one within two weeks, they completely backtracked and failed to honor their word. It takes weeks to get a simple reply, and they’ve had my damaged Roborock for over four months now without any immediate action. Their replies are obviously AI-generated, extremely repetitive, and unhelpful. Their communication is misleading, and they do not stand by their promises. I expected far better integrity from a company like this. I would not trust them again

Roborock
Roborock    

Hi , we are deeply sorry for the unacceptable issues and… Read more (+1 reply)

Numatic Henry

Numatic Henry

4.3 
Summary
  • Bin Capacity6 L to 9 L
  • HEPA FilterNo
OzwelderQLD46 posts
 

Our Henry was purchased in 1994. It is a HVR 200. Since that time it has never failed about from occasional hose damage-try not to step on them too… Read more

many times.

Henry vacuums vinyl floor covering, tiles and caret and occasionally the car. Hoses and bags have been constantly available. I think we paid $400, a lot at the time but hell we have had our money's worth. Sorry no receipt but it was 32 years back OK?

Bosch Athlet BCH6-AU Series

Bosch Athlet BCH6-AU Series

3.4 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $399 to $449
  • Bin Capacity0.9 L
  • HEPA FilterNo
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Beverley Q.
 

Great suction power, but often have a short battery life – My first Bosch Athlet cordless vacuum cleaner was amazing. Very strong suction, picking up everything and leaving my carpet looking great.… Read more

Unfortunately it stopped working after 10 months. The battery had died. Luckily it was still under warranty so I got a replacement from Bosch- free of charge. When the battery goes - it’s useless as the battery is built-in. My friend found herself in the same situation. I have had my current one for 3 years and it hasn’t missed a beat. It’s such a great vacuum cleaner, so I hope it’s battery holds out a few more years.

Big W Contempo 2 in 1 Vacuum

Big W Contempo 2 in 1 Vacuum

4.3 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $32
  • HEPA FilterNo
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LostinmymapsisaFATGAYPOSQLD9 posts
 

Does the job – Great value for money Good on marble and think hard carpet Show details

Roborock Qrevo EdgeC

Roborock Qrevo EdgeC

4.3 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $2,199
  • Bin Capacity2.5 L
  • HEPA FilterNo
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Craig4 posts
 

We bought this very expensive robot vacuum as the company went on about its advanced AI detection system. In the first week the vacuum got stuck in a… Read more

small drop recess it couldn’t get out of, sucked up multiple scrunchies and socks, got stuck on a clothes horse, on a side table and worst went over dog waste. I stopped using immediately and notified the company I purchase through who forwarded to tonics for a refund. They declined refund saying the amazing AI function only allows for large objects like shoes and furniture. Considering this machine costs $1200 I think bumping into furniture and changing direction and not sucking up shoes isn’t very advanced, if anything this is the equivalent of what a $300 vac can do and probably better. I asked for a call but only get no refund and we won’t assess for a fault unless you spend money to have it cleaned. Terrible customer service but even worse product.

Further to customer service, I submitted I was happy for mediation and robovac responded very fast asking who I purchased through and invoice number. I responded within 3 days. I didn't receive a response, and I messaged again a week later asking if they received information. Still no response. Mediation is 14 days; I have given them 3 weeks and no response just silence.

Roborock
Roborock    

Dear Customer, Thank you for sharing your detailed… Read more (+2 replies)

Roborock F25 Series

Roborock F25 Series 🏆 2026

4.3 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $599 to $1,499
  • Bin Capacity0.72 L
  • HEPA FilterEither
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gottaloveNSW42 posts
 

The best purchase I have made in a long long time. Saves heaps of time, easy to use even on my uneven slate floors. It is massively easy to clean and best of all my floors have never been cleaner. Great price too. Show details

Kmart 2 in 1 Corded Stick Vacuum ST01

Kmart 2 in 1 Corded Stick Vacuum ST01

3.9 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $32
  • HEPA FilterYes
Emtrays5 posts
 

Light and works fine however it is made of cheap hard plastic. The clips that join motor to vacuum bag broke not long after use. After 6 weeks it is held together with duct tape. Inexpensive but save your money.

Kmart
Kmart    

Thanks for the feedback, we’re sorry to hear the product… Read more

Pocket Vac 2-in-1 Vacuum & Blower

Pocket Vac 2-in-1 Vacuum & Blower 🏆 2026

4.0 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $59.95
  • HEPA FilterYes
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Belinda M.NSW2 posts
 

Works great and the attachments allow you to get in the hard to reach places

Sebo Automatic

Sebo Automatic

5.0 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $899 to $995
  • Bin Capacity5 L to 5.3 L
  • HEPA FilterYes
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Kathleen CNSW17 posts
  Verified

Have used Sebo vacuum for 30 Years, Chose to update to new Model with all the bells and whistles. Sebo Automatic X 7 model has exceeded all my… Read more

expectations, Is especially light to use has extra long cord, a light, able to vacuum all my apartment without having to stop. The Hepa filter is a must for my Asthma. A good range of accessories come with and more available to purchase. The SEBO video on You tube explains how to take care of the Vacuum, easy to follow. My previous SEBO cleaner was still working after 30 years. I chose to retire it for a younger model. Sebo have replacement parts readily available for their cleaners

Roborock Qrevo MaxV

Roborock Qrevo MaxV

4.4 
Summary
IreneQLD3 posts
  Verified

This thing has basically changed my life. We didn't know what we were missing out on with a vacuum only model before; having it vac+mop every other… Read more

day (tiles and hardwood flooring, 2 cats) has been a major step up. The floors are literally always clean, even after we've been away.

The auto mop washing is awesome. Filling/emptying the tanks rolls around more often than I expected but I don't actually mind as it just reminds me how much cleaning it's done; I do suggest putting the dock somewhere near a bathroom so it's easy to top up and empty.

The vacuum + mop works better than expected, I kind of thought I'd have to vacuum *then* mop but it works well as one mode. Super happy with this purchase.

Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra

Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra

4.0 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $2,999
  • HEPA FilterNo
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Jarrod2 posts
  Verified

So far so good, you wouldn't know that it had been refurbished. Has worked really well so far and with regular cleaning out it seems to be going… Read more

well. It has got stuck a couple of times but that was more of a me issue making sure cables are kept off the ground. Really happy with the performance especially the mop.

Roborock Qrevo Edge

Roborock Qrevo Edge

4.2 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $2,799
  • HEPA FilterNo
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Gaurav NWA2 posts
  Verified

Poor customer service. Ordered on 10th May but still not received. Unprofessional customer support. Will never recommend anyone to buy roborock. Show details

roborockstore.com.au
roborockstore.com.au    

Hi thank you for your feedback. To assist further and check your… Read more

Roborock Q Revo

Roborock Q Revo

4.1 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $1,999
  • Bin Capacity2.7 L
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Jocelyn G.VIC
 

Pretty disappointed with my experience with Roborock Australia. I purchased a Roborock Q Revo directly from them for around $1,600 in Nov 2023. Not… Read more

long after the warranty period ended, the unit developed faults including water leakage and failure of the mop/water dispensing system.

I contacted support only shortly outside warranty and have spent months going back and forth doing troubleshooting, sending videos, and even involving Consumer Affairs Victoria. Despite this, Roborock keeps responding with “the product is out of warranty” rather than properly addressing Australian Consumer Law obligations around reasonable durability and acceptable quality for a premium appliance.

Their latest “offer” was simply waiving a $90 diagnostic fee.

I understand warranties expire, but ACL rights don’t automatically disappear the moment a warranty ends — especially for expensive products that should reasonably last longer.

Just sharing my experience for anyone considering the brand.

Roborock
Roborock    

Thank you for sharing your detailed experience, and I am… Read more

Sebo Airbelt K Series

Sebo Airbelt K Series

4.5 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $735 to $1,325
  • Bin Capacity3 L
Maia88NSW15 posts
 

Very Disappointed – After 12 months of purchasing this vacuum and minor usage, I have decided to review it. After doing a great deal of research and reading reviews… Read more

from Choice on the Sebo K3 Premium I decided to purchase one. I really needed a quality vacuum that cleaned deeply and got rid of dirt and pet hair.

Nowhere did I read that beware using the motor head on certain carpet! The motor head is so powerful with hard bristles and spins furiously.

First try using the cleaner I ran it over a section of my carpet and to my horror it fluffed up my loop pile carpet causing damage. It wasn’t until I read the small print in the paperwork that it said not to use on any form of loop pile carpet.

On my timber floors it’s not that much better than my Dyson.

It has great suction and runs really quietly. Build is quality but it’s cumbersome to drag around and the hose is always kinking and cutting the air flow. The power cord is so touchy and just starts retracing back into the cleaner and reefing out of the power point.

I am really thankful that I still have my Dyson cordless to use, so quick and easy! I use it religiously and might get out the Sebo every month or two for a deeper clean using the standard head!

Now after purchasing in September 2022 it is playing up and continuously with the power cutting off. Obviously some sort of connection issue? You have to jiggle the cord or hose to get it running. The suction is also inconsistent. Such a shame as it is a sturdy powerful and quiet machine.

I am so disappointed that I spent so much money on a corded vacuum where you even have to change the bags.

SEBO
SEBO    

Dear Maia88, Thank you for taking the time to post. For… Read more

Shark Navigator Pet ZU62

Shark Navigator Pet ZU62

4.1 
Summary
  • Bin Capacity3 L
  • HEPA FilterYes
ClemSA20 posts
  Verified

My previous Shark had phenomenal suction but the Navigator PET does not. On hard floor it leaves dirt behind and on carpet need to go over the same… Read more

spot repeatedly to remove dog hair etc. I'm not sure but maybe there is something wrong with it ? Same from new, very weak suction.

Miele Blizzard CX1

Miele Blizzard CX1

3.3 
Summary
  • HEPA FilterEither
ChrisVIC3 posts
 

Paid $1000 for this expensive rubbish. We have 2 Labradors so thought this would be great for dog hair. Broom is better. It is heavy and doesn't pick… Read more

up dog hair any better than a cheap one. Can't be used on loops pile carpet and too heavy for stairs. Someone was smoking something bad when they designed it. The brush is part of the the handle so impossible to get cobwebs. The brush hairs fallout. (Emailed Miele and no reply) The canister is small and have to stop and go behind to see how much is in the canister. Insane design. The turbo brush is ok but hates threads or bits of paper and other things so sweep first.

Miele
Miele    

Good morning, Thank you for taking the time to reach out to… Read more (+1 reply)

Shark Corded Upright NZ801

Shark Corded Upright NZ801

4.4 
Summary
  • Bin Capacity0.83 L
  • HEPA FilterYes
Eric NoackNSW237 posts
  Verified

I had a cordless which I gave away , and to be honest I would never buy a cordless again . Why ? Well , after 3 years it would barely hold a… Read more

charge and the operating time came down to a measly 10 minutes and the suction , sucked.

Eventually I decided on this Shark .

It was smaller than the photos would have you believe ,when it arrived I pieced it together and took it for a spin.

The suction was fantastic and I found on some surfaces I had to open the relief valve to drop the suction power .

I tried it with the canister detached and then with the wand detached , using to reach up into the ceiling for stray cobwebs and going under low furniture and my bed .

I then without telling my wife , went over some rooms she had vacuumed a few days earlier with the older vacuum cleaner she swears by, and as you can see In the photo I ended up with a canister full of dust and grime .

I have included a photo of the old vacuum cleaner, a well known brand that has factories all over the planet , and a well respected brand at that.

Out of curiosity I compared the noise level to the old vacuum cleaner, because this Shark seemed very quiet in comparison but the decibel reading were 88db for the old model and 80db for the Shark.

I put what I was hearing down to a different pitch level in the noise a bit like comparing bass to a midrange or treble.

The Shark was used on mainly wooden floors with plenty of rugs and hall runners in the mix . I didn't bother to lower the suction when shifting from the rugs to the wooden floor , it was not necessary, it was only the small light weight mats than presented a problem with the suction being too strong for these .

You have heard of washing machines swallowing socks never to be seen again well, this vacuum cleaner did the same thing , at first I could not find it in the hosing but then spotted it in the actual barrel with all the rubbish.

A couple of gripes here .

I found I could not sustain vacuuming the ceiling for long because the sheer weight of the hose and fittings were too much for me, being old, tired and decrepid probably explains why.

The other thing is, the cannister when detached is clumsy, there is no up or down unless you are actually holding it with one hand a bit like those old fashion astronauts walking to the rocket with their aux air tank , it falls all over the place. One more thing , I found the brush sliding attachment would not stay in place on the wand until I physically bent the plastic locking mechanism.

All in All I am more than satisfied , it does the job , is not to heavy to push around and with being able to detach parts to suit my needs it proved more than just a common old vacuum cleaner .

Incidentally, I got this at a steal , as there was no stock so had to wait a few weeks, but when it was in stock the price shot up to the recommended retail price only to fall again a few days later, so just be careful when buying this item as the price is volatile and never pay full price, just shop around.

Dreame D20 Pro Plus

Dreame D20 Pro Plus

4.6 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $999
  • Bin Capacity0.5 L
  • HEPA FilterNo
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DhillonVIC3 posts
  Verified

Extremely disappointed with the poor quality product and terrible customer service from Dreame Robo Vacuum. The customer care number never connects,… Read more

and there is no proper support available. I have been forced to follow up through emails only and so far I have sent more than 30 emails regarding the same issue.

I even sent the Dreame Robo Vacuum back to the company for repair months ago, but there has still been no proper resolution or update. Every time I follow up, I receive a completely different response from a different team member, with no consistency, accountability, or actual help provided.

No one from the company has even bothered to call and discuss the issue properly. This has been one of the most frustrating after-sales service experiences I have ever dealt with.

Ticket Number: Ticket#OLVQGGXAP9X — and still waiting for a solution after months.

I would strongly recommend others to think twice before purchasing from Dreame unless they are prepared to deal with extremely poor customer service and endless follow-ups.

Dreame Technology
Dreame Technology    

Hi Dhillon, We understand the concern… Read more

A vacuum cleaner with an LED light vacuuming up confetti from a carpet.

Types of vacuum cleaners

While there are many types of vacuum cleaners available, some of them may simply not be suitable for your situation. The factors most likely to influence your purchasing decision are the size of your home and the type of flooring you have. If you have allergies or pets who shed, you will want a powerful upright or barrel vacuum. Decisions about the type of filter you choose, and whether you opt for a model with a bag or a bin mostly come down to personal preference.

Here are the basics on vacuums - more detailed information can be found after the table.

TypeMain FeaturesBest ForAverage Prices
BarrelInterchangeable heads for any surface. Easy to get under furniture and into crevices. Bulkiness is their main drawback.3+ bedrooms, any carpet type, pets, multi-storey homes.$350-$500
UprightMost powerful vacuum type - best for a thorough clean of any carpet or rug. Their rigid form allows mobility in spite of their weight - although stairs can pose a problem.3+ bedrooms, any carpet type, pets, tough cleaning jobs.$400-$500
StickLightweight, cordless, and easy to store! However, limited power means they’re best for low-pile carpets or hard floors only.1-2 bedrooms, low-pile carpet, spot cleaning, secondary vacuum, limited storage space.$200-$350
HandheldHandy to store in your kitchen or garage for small, unexpected spills, or getting dirt out of your car.Spot cleaning, car cleaning, secondary vacuum.$150-$200
RobotAutomated, can extend the time between more thorough vacuums. Struggles with thick carpet.Use in conjunction with regular vacuuming, hard flooring, surface debris.$700+

Barrel vacuums • See all

Barrel Vacuum

Barrel vacuums are the most popular type on the market, and with our reviewers. Their versatility and flexibility make them an excellent choice for large households.

A basic barrel or canister vacuum can cost around $200, with better performing models typically going for between $350 and $500. A high-end machine can cost from $800 up to $1200.

Pros
A long, flexible hose, and a variety of attachments make these vacuums ideal for getting into nooks & crannies, and underneath furniture.
These units are easier to lift than upright vacuums; making them a great option for households with lots of stairs.
Barrel vacuums typically have the largest capacities, which means less trips to unload bags or bins.
Cons
The flexible connection between the hose and main unit can make them hard to maneuver. However, some vacuums showcase wheel and body designs intended to minimise these issues (such as the Dyson DC54).
Reviewers have reported that the bendable hose makes barrel vacuums more prone with blockage than other vacuums.
Our users also stated that performance with multi-floor heads can be lackluster, especially when compared to the power of an upright vacuum on carpets.

Power & Turbo Heads

Power and turbo heads are the two types of heads that are typically available with barrel vacuums. While both are designed to give your carpet a deep clean, the key difference is that a power head has its own motor, making it stronger than the turbo head which relies on the airflow of the vacuum to spin the brush.

Upright vacuums • See all

Upright Vacuum

Upright vacuums offer an all-in-one design that is easy to maneuver and control on floors.

If your home has multiple living areas and bedrooms with carpet, and you want to ensure you’re giving them a comprehensive clean, then an Upright vacuum is the type you should be looking at.

Upright vacuums typically start at around $200, with better brand-name models costing $400-$500. A top-of-the-line upright vacuum can retail for between $700 and $900.

Pros
Better suction performance than any other vacuums, making them the best vacuum for an absolute deep carpet clean.
Upright vacuums have wide cleaning heads reducing the amount of passes needed to cover the floor - a real timesaver.
Many upright vacuums have a foot lever that can be pressed to easily transition the head between low or high-pile carpet settings, or onto hard floors.
The rigid build means this vacuum can be operated while standing - suitable for those with back problems or for elderly users with limited mobility.
Cons
While they are easier to steer, upright vacuums can be cumbersome and heavy to lift. This makes it hard to use in more restricted spaces, especially staircases.
Upright vacuums can actually be too powerful! Many reviewers have reported that too much suction power on some models make them hard to push on high-pile carpets.
The attachments included with upright vacuums generally aren’t as good as those of barrel vacuums. Reviewers have criticised the shorter hose length and the inefficient attachment storage placement.

Stick and handheld vacuums • See all

Stick Vacuum

A vacuum that's gaining in popularity, stick vacuum cleaners can be a compact option for apartments, or as a secondary vacuum in larger households. Many current stick vacuums easily convert into a handheld unit, making them ideal for cleaning curtains or shelves.

Entry level stick vacuums can start from $180, although many models are available for around $300, with very elite stick vacuums costing up to $900.

Handheld vacuums share many of the attributes of stick vacuums, and are great for storing in the cupboard for unexpected spills, or for cleaning your car interior without the need for an extension cord. While very cheap handheld vacuums are found for under $100, most will cost $150 or $200, with the market maxing out at $400.

Pros
Internal, rechargeable batteries make stick vacuums extremely portable. Their charging station doubles as a dock and some can be wall-mounted.
They are perfect for anyone concerned about lugging a heavy machine around the house.
Their bins and filters are easy to access and clean.
Manufacturers are putting a lot of research and development into this category, so you can only expect these machines to keep improving over the next few years.
Cons
The suction of stick vacuums will decrease as the battery depletes, and even on maximum power they are considered to be too weak for high-pile carpets.
Most batteries only last around 20-30 minutes on a full charge, which can take up to 4 hours to reach.
They usually have less comprehensive filters than upright or barrel vacuums.
They come supplied with few (if any) extra accessories or alternate cleaning heads.

Robot vacuums • See all

Robot Vacuum

The joy and convenience of having a robot clean your home while you’re out can now be a reality! While you won’t quite be living like the Jetsons, robot vacuums are quickly escaping their image as a mere novelty, now becoming a legitimate cleaning accessory for your house.

Although a very basic robot vacuum can be had for as low as $200, most models will cost between $700 and $1000, or even more.

Pros
Convenience is their main selling point - they can be scheduled to run automatically without the user being present.
Newer models are equipped with an array of sensors to detect dirt and hair, as well as hazards such as stairs, or cables they might get stuck on.
This category is becoming a playground for innovation amongst manufacturers, and the diversity and capabilities of these products improves every year.
Cons
Even the best robot vacuum cannot fully replace the need for regular cleaning with an upright or barrel vacuum. They can, however, extend the amount of time between more thorough cleans by keeping surface mess in check.
Robot vacuums aren’t well suited to cleaning medium or high pile carpet - and shag rugs are out of the question! Hard floors work best with robot vacuums.
They have much smaller canisters than full-size vacuums and should be emptied after each run they make - especially if your household has pets.

What to consider when choosing a vacuum cleaner

Bagged vs bagless vacuum cleaners

Bagged

Choosing whether to go with a bagged unit or a bagless unit can be a tricky decision - especially with a lot of marketing hype for the latter.

These days, with newer, efficient models on the market, the decision is by and large down to personal preference.

Bagged vacuums

Bagged vacuums usually require proprietary bags, which can be difficult to find if you can’t buy them directly from the manufacturer (most supermarkets no longer stock vacuum bags).

The benefit of finding them is that a bagged vacuum will typically have a higher capacity than that of a bin. The bags are also designed to be part of the filtration system, and are easy to remove without mess - which make them a good choice for users sensitive to allergens.

However, bagged vacuums have a significantly higher running cost compared to bagless vacuums, as bags can be an expensive consumable. Additionally, as the bag fills up, bagged vacuums lose suction, and reduce the effectiveness of turbo heads.

Bagless vacuums

Currently the more popular of the two types, bagless vacuums are appealing due to their clean design. Reviewers have commented that the transparent bins on bagless vacuums are incredibly handy for finding small objects accidentally sucked up by the unit, such as coins or rings. The lack of consumable vacuum bags mean that it’s more convenient - no need to worry about running out of bags; and operating costs are much lower, too.

Bagless vacuums do have their drawbacks, though. Maintenance is more tedious with bagless vacuums, as the filter will need to be cleaned on a more frequent basis. Unfilling the bin can also be a mess, as a lack of a sealed bag means that the process can release more dust and allergens back into the air than bagged vacuums (although unfilling outside mostly mitigates this).

HEPA filters

For a filter to meet the HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) standard, it is required to filter out 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger. For comparison, a standard vacuum micro filter can remove around 96% of these particles.

Vacuums with HEPA filters usually cost more up-front, and the filter will need to be replaced or, if possible, properly washed at least every 12 months.

It should be noted that a denser, more comprehensive filter will require a more powerful motor to generate the desired amount of suction.

Is a HEPA filter vacuum worth it?

HEPA filters are usually recommended for any persons with asthma or low allergen tolerance, as they can filter out triggering particles like pollen.

However, a HEPA filter should not be treated as a 'silver bullet' solution to dust and allergen control. Despite having a HEPA filter, if a vacuum cleaner is inadequately sealed, not all air will be drawn through the filter, which may result in unprocessed air leaking from the machine.

There is also a chance for collected dust to be released back into the air when emptying your vacuum’s bin or bag, although this can be avoided by disposing of waste outdoors. Last but not least, the regularity and thoroughness of your cleaning schedule also plays a big role in allergen control, and it is important to clean curtains and furniture as well as the floors.

Features

Now that you’ve got all the information you need to decide on a vacuum, we can take a look at some of the features and accessories that are available with your purchase. These include:

  • Adjustable head height: If you have carpets or rugs of different heights, as well as areas of hard flooring, you’ll want a height-adjustable head to cater for all your surfaces.
  • Head attachments: Incredibly handy, they are clip-on heads designed to reach into crevices, or clean softer surfaces like couches.
  • Contact points: Some vacuums offer soft rubber bumpers or wheels to limit scuffing walls and furniture.
  • Telescopic wand: A good barrel vacuum should allow you to change the length of the wand to suit individual users, or just to give you a bit of extra reach.
  • Retractable power cord: A standard feature in most barrel vacuums, this feature makes storing your unit a breeze. Be aware that the majority of upright vacuums do not have a retractable cord.
  • Full bag indicator: An essential feature in a bagged upright or barrel model, since suction decreases as the bag fills up.
  • Brush reverse: If your brush head gets tangled up with string or cables, this feature can help get your machine running smoothly again without having to break out the scissors.
  • Suction control: Being able to increase or reduce suction can allow you to clean loose curtains, or apply more power to a particularly dirty patch.
  • Ergonomics: Small details like the placement of buttons, the shape of the handle, and the weight of the machine can be the difference between a good machine and a great one.
  • Storage: The more contained a unit can become for storage, the better, especially Barrel vacuums, where a clip for the wand or hose can stop them from falling all over inside your cupboard.
  • Warranty: Be aware that some vacuums may have a warranty that only covers the motor, while others may have differing warranty periods between the motor and other parts of the machine.

Conclusion

Researching a vacuum cleaner goes beyond deciding on a type or feature set. Before making your purchase, take a moment to browse our vacuum cleaner reviews and read genuine opinions from other Australians on what they love (or hate) about their own vacuums.

Most reviews discuss key features such as suction power, maneuverability, and value; with many also discussing finer details such as build quality, accessible buttons, ease of use, and more - all of which can contribute to making your own purchasing decision.