Best Stick & Cordless Vacuum Cleaners

Gone are the days of needing to haul a heavy vacuum cleaner around - now, stick vacuums and cordless vacuum cleaners can take the hard work out of keeping your floors and home clean and dust-free. Knowing what to look for when you shop can help you find a model that’s right for you and your home. Continue reading...

Category

Brand
Search brand...

Rating

Price$9 to $1,649
$9
$1,649

Bin CapacityAt least 0.2 L
0.2 L

HEPA Filter

Type

Running TimeOperating time as specified by the manufacturer
At least 3 min
3 min

Based on 5,663 Stick or Cordless Vacuum Cleaner reviews
Dyson V15 Detect
  • Award Winner 2023

Dyson V15 Detect

 · includes 4 listings
4.5 from 136 reviews
Bin Capacity0.77 L
HEPA FilterEither
Running Time 60 min

As Dyson’s latest and greatest cordless vacuum released in May 2021, the V15 Detect is designed to pick up even microscopic dust particles. This is thanks to a green laser that lights up would-be invisible dust on a floor’s surface.

  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • See all reviewer photos
    Thumbnail
Effective on variety of surfaces
Easy to empty bin
Picks up pet hairs well
  • Build Quality
    4.7 (121)
  • Value for Money
    4.0 (123)
  • Ease of Use
    4.6 (124)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    4.5 (123)
  • Noise Level
    3.8 (121)
  • Pet OwnerYes (96) · No (28)
  • Battery Life
    4.5 (117)
  • TypeCordless
  • Charging Time4.5 hours
Dyson V8

Dyson V8

 · includes 6 listings
4.2 from 1,618 reviews
Bin Capacity0.54 L
HEPA FilterEither
Running Time 40 min

A favourite among reviewers, the Dyson V8 has been praised for ease-of-use and sturdy build quality.

  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • See all reviewer photos
    Thumbnail
Lightweight build
Easy to use
  • Build Quality
    4.1 (515)
  • Value for Money
    3.5 (517)
  • Ease of Use
    4.4 (516)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    4.1 (519)
  • Noise Level
    3.7 (501)
  • Pet OwnerYes (315) · No (193)
  • Battery Life
    3.2 (507)
  • TypeCordless
  • Charging Time5 hours
  • Suction (Air Watts)115 AW
Big W Contempo 2 in 1 Vacuum
4.4 from 68 reviews
HEPA FilterNo

An upright stick vacuum that can be converted to a handheld vacuum, the Big W Contempo 2 in 1 Vacuum lets you clean all the surfaces, nooks and crannies in your home.

Price (RRP) $29

  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • See all reviewer photos
    Thumbnail
Lightweight design
Great suction
Easy to empty
  • Build Quality
    4.0 (52)
  • Value for Money
    4.5 (55)
  • Ease of Use
    4.5 (56)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    4.2 (55)
  • Noise Level
    3.4 (53)
  • Pet OwnerYes (28) · No (27)
  • Battery Life
    4.3 (14)
  • TypeElectric
  • Power600 W
Dyson V7

Dyson V7

 · includes 7 listings
3.9 from 694 reviews
Bin Capacity0.54 L
HEPA FilterNo
Running Time 30 to 40 min

If you’re set on buying from the Dyson cordless and stick series but don’t have the cash to splurge on the latest models, the V7 is a suitable compromise that offers similar features to the latest models – but without the high price tag.

  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • See all reviewer photos
    Thumbnail
Outstanding customer service
Limited 30-min running time
  • Build Quality
    4.2 (471)
  • Value for Money
    3.6 (477)
  • Ease of Use
    4.5 (479)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    4.1 (476)
  • Noise Level
    3.7 (459)
  • Pet OwnerYes (258) · No (213)
  • Battery Life
    3.2 (464)
  • TypeCordless
  • Charging Time3.5 hours to 5 hours
  • Suction (Air Watts)100 AW
Kmart 2 in 1 Corded Stick Vacuum ST01
  • Award Winner 2023
4.0 from 122 reviews
HEPA FilterYes

The Kmart 2 in 1 Corded Stick Vacuum ST01 has a thermostat, a lightweight design, and accessories like a crevice tool and washable HEPA filter.

Price (RRP) $32

Easy to manoeuvre
Performs well on hard floors
Compact
  • Build Quality
    3.7 (32)
  • Value for Money
    4.2 (33)
  • Ease of Use
    4.3 (32)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    4.1 (32)
  • Noise Level
    3.6 (31)
  • Pet OwnerYes (9) · No (24)
  • Battery Life
    3.7 (15)
  • TypeElectric
  • Power600 W
Dyson Cyclone V10

Dyson Cyclone V10

 · includes 4 listings
3.6 from 567 reviews
Bin Capacity0.76 L
HEPA FilterYes
Running Time 60 min

The Dyson Cyclone V10 comes in a variety of models, all of which have a range of attachments that can be used to deep clean all types of surfaces.

  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • See all reviewer photos
    Thumbnail
Easily picks up dust and pet hairs
Simple to use and empty
Ergonomic
Battery life not as durable as expected
  • Build Quality
    3.6 (327)
  • Value for Money
    3.0 (330)
  • Ease of Use
    4.1 (332)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    3.6 (334)
  • Noise Level
    3.6 (323)
  • Pet OwnerYes (205) · No (122)
  • Battery Life
    3.2 (326)
  • TypeCordless
  • Charging Time3.5 hours
  • Power525 W
Bosch Athlet BCH6-AU Series

Bosch Athlet BCH6-AU Series

 · includes 5 listings
3.6 from 378 reviews
Bin Capacity0.9 L
HEPA FilterNo
Running Time 50 to 75 min
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • See all reviewer photos
    Thumbnail
  • Build Quality
    3.4 (126)
  • Value for Money
    2.9 (125)
  • Ease of Use
    3.9 (126)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    3.8 (124)
  • Noise Level
    3.6 (123)
  • Pet OwnerYes (81) · No (49)
  • Battery Life
    2.7 (126)
  • TypeCordless
  • Charging Time6 hours
Dyson V12 Detect Slim

Dyson V12 Detect Slim

 · includes 4 listings
4.3 from 37 reviews
Bin Capacity0.35 L
HEPA FilterYes
Running Time 60 min
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • See all reviewer photos
    Thumbnail
  • Build Quality
    4.5 (35)
  • Value for Money
    3.7 (35)
  • Ease of Use
    4.8 (36)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    4.2 (36)
  • Noise Level
    3.6 (34)
  • Pet OwnerYes (17) · No (19)
  • Battery Life
    4.2 (34)
  • TypeCordless
  • Charging Time3.5 hours to 4 hours
  • Suction (Air Watts)150 AW
LG CordZero A9

LG CordZero A9

 · includes 21 listings
3.5 from 268 reviews
Bin Capacity0.44 L
HEPA FilterEither
Running Time 40 to 60 min

The stick vacuums in the LG CordZero A9 range come with a plethora of features, with some offering up to 120 minutes of run time, removable washable filters, and 5-step filtration.

  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • See all reviewer photos
    Thumbnail
Effective on most surfaces
Durable battery
Quiet
Suction not as powerful after time
  • Build Quality
    3.7 (224)
  • Value for Money
    3.3 (225)
  • Ease of Use
    4.3 (226)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    3.9 (224)
  • Noise Level
    3.7 (224)
  • Pet OwnerYes (137) · No (91)
  • Battery Life
    3.6 (224)
  • TypeCordless
  • Charging Time3.5 hours to 35 hours
  • Power68 W, 140 W and 140 W
Hoover Heritage 5210
3.7 from 91 reviews
Bin Capacity0.4 L
HEPA FilterNo
Running Time 20 min

Price (RRP) $199

  • Build Quality
    3.7 (10)
  • Value for Money
    3.6 (9)
  • Ease of Use
    3.7 (9)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    3.2 (10)
  • Noise Level
    3.7 (9)
  • Pet OwnerYes (3) · No (6)
  • Battery Life
    3.1 (10)
  • TypeCordless
Wertheim Evolution Handstick W7301
Bin Capacity0.6 L
HEPA FilterYes
Running Time 50 min

The Wertheim Evolution Handstick is a cordless, lightweight vacuum cleaner that aims to make household cleaning fast and convenient.

Price (RRP) $799

  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • See all reviewer photos
    Thumbnail
  • Build Quality
    3.7 (135)
  • Value for Money
    3.1 (141)
  • Ease of Use
    3.9 (137)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    3.5 (135)
  • Noise Level
    3.8 (136)
  • Pet OwnerYes (98) · No (41)
  • Battery Life
    3.5 (135)
  • TypeCordless
  • Charging Time5 hours
  • Power275 W
Samsung Jet 90

Samsung Jet 90

 · includes 3 listings
3.6 from 44 reviews
Bin Capacity0.8 L
HEPA FilterYes
Running Time 60 min

Price (RRP) $899 to $999

  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • See all reviewer photos
    Thumbnail
  • Build Quality
    3.8 (38)
  • Value for Money
    3.5 (40)
  • Ease of Use
    4.2 (40)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    3.8 (39)
  • Noise Level
    3.8 (36)
  • Pet OwnerYes (26) · No (12)
  • Battery Life
    3.8 (39)
  • TypeCordless
  • Charging Time3.5 hours
  • Power550 W
  • Suction (Air Watts)200 AW
Makita DCL180Z
4.1 from 20 reviews
Bin Capacity0.65 L
HEPA FilterNo

Price (RRP) $79

  • Build Quality
    3.6 (9)
  • Value for Money
    3.4 (10)
  • Ease of Use
    3.9 (9)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    3.7 (9)
  • Noise Level
    3.1 (10)
  • Pet OwnerYes (4) · No (6)
  • Battery Life
    4.3 (8)
  • Attachments Nozzle Assembly (T-nozzle), Sash Nozzle, Pipe, Sash Nozzle Holder
  • TypeCordless
  • Power30 W
Devanti Cordless Handstick Vacuum Cleaner
Bin Capacity0.5 L
HEPA FilterYes
Running Time 25 min
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • See all reviewer photos
    Thumbnail
  • Build Quality
    3.6 (57)
  • Value for Money
    3.1 (59)
  • Ease of Use
    3.9 (59)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    3.6 (59)
  • Noise Level
    3.9 (54)
  • Pet OwnerYes (28) · No (30)
  • Battery Life
    3.2 (55)
  • Charging Time5 hours
  • Power150 W
Tineco Pure One S12 Platinum
3.1 from 79 reviews
Bin Capacity0.6 L
HEPA FilterYes
Running Time 100 min

Price (RRP) $1,099

  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • See all reviewer photos
    Thumbnail
  • Build Quality
    3.5 (73)
  • Value for Money
    2.8 (76)
  • Ease of Use
    3.7 (73)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    3.4 (74)
  • Noise Level
    3.8 (69)
  • Pet OwnerYes (37) · No (35)
  • Battery Life
    3.5 (72)
  • Attachments Direct-drive LED multi-tasker power brush, Mini power brush, 2-in-1 dusting brush, Crevice tool, Soft dusting brush, Flexible long crevice tool, LED soft-roller power brush
  • TypeCordless
  • Charging Time4 hours
  • Power500 W
  • Suction (Air Watts)150 AW
Dyson Omni-Glide
3.6 from 28 reviews
Bin Capacity0.2 L
Running Time 20 min

Not only can the Dyson Omni-glide move backwards and forwards like a regular vacuum, but from side to side as well. This omnidirectional capability leads Dyson to market this as the ideal second vacuum for spacious open-plan areas with hard floors.

  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • See all reviewer photos
    Thumbnail
  • Build Quality
    4.4 (27)
  • Value for Money
    3.3 (28)
  • Ease of Use
    4.5 (28)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    3.8 (28)
  • Noise Level
    3.6 (27)
  • Pet OwnerYes (19) · No (9)
  • Battery Life
    3.9 (27)
  • Attachments Omnidirectional Fluffy cleaner head, Charger, Combination tool, Worktop tool, Charging station, Mini motorised tool
  • TypeCordless
  • Charging Time3.5 hours
Shark Stratos Cordless Pet Pro Vacuum With Clean Sense IQ IZ400
Bin Capacity0.68 L
HEPA FilterYes

Price (RRP) $999.99

  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • See all reviewer photos
    Thumbnail
  • Build Quality
    4.8 (12)
  • Value for Money
    4.4 (11)
  • Ease of Use
    4.5 (12)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    4.5 (12)
  • Noise Level
    3.8 (12)
  • Pet OwnerYes (12) · No (1)
  • Battery Life
    4.1 (11)
  • TypeCordless
  • Power309 W
Electrolux Ergorapido

Electrolux Ergorapido

 · includes 3 listings
3.9 from 20 reviews
HEPA FilterNo
Running Time 30 to 35 min

$199Billy Guyatts

  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • See all reviewer photos
    Thumbnail
  • Build Quality
    4.2 (5)
  • Value for Money
    3.5 (4)
  • Ease of Use
    4.2 (5)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    4.2 (5)
  • Noise Level
    3.8 (5)
  • Pet OwnerYes (4) · No (1)
  • Battery Life
    4.0 (4)
  • TypeCordless
Tineco Floor One S3
3.4 from 32 reviews
Bin Capacity0.6 L
HEPA FilterNo
Running Time 35 min

Price (RRP) $799

  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • Thumbnail
  • See all reviewer photos
    Thumbnail
  • Build Quality
    3.8 (28)
  • Value for Money
    3.3 (28)
  • Ease of Use
    4.0 (29)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    3.8 (29)
  • Noise Level
    3.7 (25)
  • Pet OwnerYes (19) · No (8)
  • Battery Life
    3.9 (25)
  • TypeCordless
  • Charging Time4 hours
  • Power220 W
Samsung Bespoke Jet

Samsung Bespoke Jet

 · includes 3 listings
4.6 from 12 reviews
Bin Capacity0.5 L
HEPA FilterNo
Running Time 120 min
  • Build Quality
    4.8 (12)
  • Value for Money
    4.0 (12)
  • Ease of Use
    4.6 (12)
  • Cleaning & Maintenance
    4.7 (12)
  • Noise Level
    3.8 (12)
  • Pet OwnerYes (8) · No (4)
  • Battery Life
    4.5 (12)
  • TypeCordless
  • Charging Time3.5 hours
  • Power580 W
  • Suction (Air Watts)210 AW
Page 1 of 5

A man using a white stick vacuum to clean his bedroom floor.

Should I get a stick vacuum?

Stick vacuums are great for whipping out when you make a small mess, and depending on the person, can make vacuuming seem like less of a chore, but is it the right match for you and your household?

Pros
Simple to manoeuvre around, as they’re generally quite lightweight.
You don’t need to mess around with fiddly cords that get in the way while you vacuum - this also means you don’t always need to be near a power outlet.
Can reach a variety of areas since they’re cordless, such as a car.
Usually not as noisy as other vacuum cleaners.
Easy to empty.
Easy to store.
Cons
These portable vacuums may not be as powerful as barrel vacuums.
Battery vacuum cleaners only run for a limited time per charge, which can make cleaning large spaces time-consuming.
Often have small dustbins that require frequent emptying.

What should I look for when buying a cordless or stick vacuum?

Corded vs. cordless stick vacuums

Cordless stick vacuum cleaners need to charge after use. These vacuums offer convenience and the ability to use your vacuum anywhere you desire to.

Cordless vacuums are lighter than corded ones, so you can use them for cleaning anything from nooks and crannies to cars. They’re also easier to store, making them great for people with limited space.

Corded stick vacuums are electric-powered, which means that they include a cord that connects the vacuum to a power outlet. Corded vacuums are cheaper than cordless, but the dependence on a connection to a power outlet restricts mobility.

A main advantage of a corded model is that they tend to be more effective on heavy carpet than cordless vacuums.

Features

There are a variety of features that can make your vacuum easier to use and more effective at its job.

  • 2-in-1: Some stick vacuum cleaners can convert to a handheld vacuum.
  • Variable suction: This lets you adjust the suction, so that you can clean delicate things that need less suction, such as curtains and cushions.
  • Boost: When activated, a boost function provides extra suction power so that you can clean particularly dusty and dirty spots.
  • Smart technology: As seen on the Tineco Pure One S12 Platinum, smart technology on a vacuum can do anything from connect to your phone so you can keep track of your cleaning, to automatically adjust suction power when it detects dust.
  • LED display: Common in smart vacuums, an LED display can let you see the battery level, suction power, how much dust has been collected, and can even tell you what’s gone wrong if your vacuum is malfunctioning.
  • Wet and dry: Some models can also vacuum liquids and other wet material. However, they can usually only suck up a small amount, and the bin and filter generally need to be cleaned separately.
  • Wall mountable charger: A wall-mounted base can make your vacuum easy to access while keeping it fully charged.

Filter type

There are 2 main types of filters found in vacuum cleaners:

Micro filters

These are washable or disposable filters that are found in many more basic vacuums. They release dust particles back into the air, so they’re generally not very well-suited to households with people that have asthma or allergies.

HEPA filter

Vacuuming stirs up the dust and debris, so if you find that vacuuming triggers any allergies or conditions like asthma, a HEPA filter can help provide some relief.

A HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter traps fine particles, including dust and mould spores, so the exhaust air coming from your vacuum will be much cleaner. Premium vacuum cleaners will have a multi-layer filtration system to ensure that no allergens are left behind.

The Xiaomi Dreame V9 and the Wertheim Evolution Handstick W7301 vacuum cleaner.

The Xiaomi Dreame V9 and the Wertheim Evolution Handstick W7301 both have HEPA filters.

Attachments

Stick vacuums usually come with a standard head that suits both carpeted and hard floors. Many will come with (or separately sell) extra attachments that make it easier to clean different surfaces. A soft head is ideal for hard floors, such as tiles and floorboards.

Some attachments also come with shorter (or no) sticks, so that you can easily clean upholstery and surfaces other than the floor. An angled head is another useful accessory for vacuuming dust on high shelves and furniture.

Pet vacuums

Some vacuum cleaners are marketed as ‘pet’ or ‘animal’ vacuums. These have powerful suction that gets deep into both low and high-pile carpets to pick up pet hairs from around your home and car.

If you have a long-haired furry friend, look for a rotating, motorised brush head that hair won’t get tangled around.

The Dyson V8 Animal stick vacuum.

The Dyson V8 Animal is a pet vacuum that has whole-machine filtration, capturing allergens and expelling cleaner air.

Ease of use

Check how lightweight a vacuum is. If you can handle it in store, then try it out to see how easy it is to manoeuvre across both hard surfaces and carpet (if you expect to be using it on soft surfaces).

Some people use their vacuums to clean ceilings, fans, and upholstery, so if this is the case for you, try to find a model that’s not too tiring to use for these different surfaces.

Bin capacity

The larger the bin capacity, the less often you need to empty it. Consistently stopping to empty the bin can be bothersome, especially with a spacious apartment or house. Bin capacity usually ranges from 0.4L to 1.9L.

The longevity of a bin capacity will depend on the house size and how dirty the area is. A modest-sized room might seem as though it would require a large storage amount, but if the room has been left untouched for a while, a generous amount of bin storage will be required.

Running time

Running out of battery mid-clean is frustrating, so if you have a large home, choose one with a longer run time, such as Xiaomi vacuums, which boast up to 90 minutes of running time. Dyson stick vacuums usually provide a running time of 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the model.

It’s also quite common for vacuums to have shorter run times, usually up to 15 or 20 minutes. This may be more of an issue if you have a large space to vacuum, however you can also find models that let you swap out for a spare battery so you don’t need to stop mid-clean.

Check the charging time

Reading reviews will help determine whether the battery life will be suitable for your home, and to research how long it takes for a vacuum to recharge – you might be surprised. For instance, a vacuum cleaner with only 10 minutes of running time could have an unexpectedly rapid charging time that makes the device worth buying.

Keep in mind that the longer the running time, the longer the charge will probably have to be.

Are stick vacuums worth it?

Stick and cordless vacuum cleaners can cost anywhere from $29 to $1400 and more. A cheap stick vacuum may not come with all the bells and whistles, but that doesn’t mean it can’t do the job. This Kmart stick vacuum has received a plenty of positive reviews, and costs only $29.

When considering price, make sure you also factor in the warranty of a product. Short 1 or 2-year warranties may mean you’ll end up having to fork out for a whole new vacuum cleaner not that long after buying a new one should anything go wrong.

Investing in a stick vacuum can definitely be worthwhile if you want the ease of use and versatility of a cordless cleaner. Just make sure that you think about what you need to clean, and find a model that suits your preferences.

©  ProductReview.com.au Pty. Ltd. All Rights Reserved. General disclaimer: All third party trademarks, images and copyrights on this page are used for the purpose of comparative advertising, criticism or review. This is a public forum presenting user opinions on selected products and businesses, and as such the views expressed do not reflect the opinion of ProductReview.com.au. Further details in the disclaimer.