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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...
Best Stick or Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Dyson V8
· includes 4 listingsA favourite among reviewers, the Dyson V8 has been praised for ease-of-use and sturdy build quality.
Price (RRP) $699.00 to $799.00
Price$799Bing Lee
- Build Quality4.1 (437)
- Value for Money3.4 (437)
- Ease of Use4.4 (436)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.0 (439)
- Noise Level3.8 (422)
- Pet OwnerYes (265) · No (163)
- Battery Life3.1 (430)
- TypeCordless
- Charging Time5 hours
- Suction (Air Watts)115 AW
Cordless cleaning doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg with the affordable $599 Dreame V11. The vacuum’s powerful performance left floors spotless, to many-a-householder's satisfaction.
Price (RRP) $599.00
Price$499Dreame
- Build Quality4.0 (22)
- Value for Money4.2 (22)
- Ease of Use4.4 (22)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.0 (22)
- Noise Level3.5 (22)
- Pet OwnerYes (11) · No (10)
- Battery Life3.7 (21)
- Attachments Extension Hose, Metal Articulating Rod, 2-in-1 Brush, 2-in-1 Flat Brush, Electric Mite Removal Brush, Soft Cashmere Roller Brush Head, Colour OLED Display.
- TypeCordless
- Charging Time4 hours
- Power450 W
- Suction (Air Watts)150 AW
If you’re seeking a premium-quality vacuum cleaner for the price of a budget one, the Xiaomi Roborock H6 is the ideal choice.
Price (RRP) $799.00
Price$699Roborock
- Build Quality4.4 (48)
- Value for Money4.1 (47)
- Ease of Use4.5 (49)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.0 (49)
- Noise Level4.1 (47)
- Pet OwnerYes (28) · No (20)
- Battery Life4.1 (46)
- Attachments Motorised Mini-Brush, Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Flex Tube
- TypeCordless
- Power420 W
- Suction (Air Watts)140 AW
Dyson V11
· includes 6 listingsThis latest Dyson handheld vacuum cleaner has already impressed reviewers with the outstanding build quality and helpful ease-of-use.
Price (RRP) $1,099.00 to $1,249.00
- Build Quality4.3 (440)
- Value for Money3.7 (434)
- Ease of Use4.5 (436)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.3 (431)
- Noise Level4.1 (428)
- Pet OwnerYes (250) · No (180)
- Battery Life4.2 (433)
- TypeCordless
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.
Price (RRP) $1,399.00 to $1,449.00
Price$1,449Bing Lee
- Build Quality4.8 (78)
- Value for Money4.1 (78)
- Ease of Use4.7 (79)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.6 (79)
- Noise Level4.0 (77)
- Pet OwnerYes (62) · No (16)
- Battery Life4.5 (77)
- TypeCordless
- Charging Time4.5 hours
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Dyson V7
· includes 6 listingsIf 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.
Price (RRP) $399.00 to $699.00
- Build Quality4.2 (410)
- Value for Money3.6 (415)
- Ease of Use4.5 (419)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.2 (414)
- Noise Level3.8 (402)
- Pet OwnerYes (226) · No (189)
- Battery Life3.3 (405)
- TypeCordless
- Charging Time3.5 hours
- Suction (Air Watts)100 AW
Dyson Cyclone V10
· includes 4 listingsThe 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.
Price (RRP) $799.00 to $999.00
Price$899Bing Lee
- Build Quality3.6 (296)
- Value for Money3.1 (300)
- Ease of Use4.1 (302)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.6 (303)
- Noise Level3.6 (296)
- Pet OwnerYes (185) · No (114)
- Battery Life3.2 (296)
- TypeCordless
- Charging Time3.5 hours
- Power525 W
Bosch Athlet BCH6-AU Series
· includes 5 listingsPrice (RRP) $399.00
Price$349Bing Lee
- Build Quality3.5 (107)
- Value for Money3.1 (105)
- Ease of Use4.0 (107)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.9 (105)
- Noise Level3.6 (105)
- Pet OwnerYes (66) · No (46)
- Battery Life2.8 (107)
- TypeCordless
- Charging Time6 hours
LG CordZero A9
· includes 19 listingsThe 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.
Price (RRP) $569.00 to $1,559.00
Price from$699Bing Lee
- Build Quality3.9 (185)
- Value for Money3.4 (184)
- Ease of Use4.4 (185)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.1 (183)
- Noise Level3.8 (186)
- Pet OwnerYes (110) · No (77)
- Battery Life3.6 (185)
- TypeCordless
- Charging Time3.5 hours to 4 hours
The Wertheim Evolution Handstick is a cordless, lightweight vacuum cleaner that aims to make household cleaning fast and convenient.
Price (RRP) $799.00
- Build Quality3.9 (116)
- Value for Money3.4 (121)
- Ease of Use4.1 (118)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.6 (116)
- Noise Level3.9 (117)
- Pet OwnerYes (85) · No (35)
- Battery Life3.8 (116)
- TypeCordless
Dyson V12 Detect Slim
· includes 2 listingsPrice (RRP) $1,199.00 to $1,249.00
- Build Quality4.5 (28)
- Value for Money3.6 (27)
- Ease of Use4.7 (28)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.1 (28)
- Noise Level3.5 (27)
- Pet OwnerYes (14) · No (14)
- Battery Life4.1 (26)
- TypeCordless
- Charging Time4 hours
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- Build Quality4.4 (5)
- Value for Money4.0 (5)
- Ease of Use4.6 (5)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.4 (5)
- Noise Level4.0 (5)
- Pet OwnerYes (1) · No (4)
- Battery Life3.6 (5)
- Attachments 2-in-1 Brush, 2-in-1 Flat Brush, Metal Connecting Rod, Soft Cashmere Turbine Brush, Extension Hose, Electric Mite Removal Brush
- TypeCordless
- Charging Time3.5 hours
- Power450 W
- Suction (Air Watts)140 AW
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.
Price (RRP) $568.00
Price$594Bing Lee
- Build Quality4.3 (26)
- Value for Money3.3 (27)
- Ease of Use4.6 (27)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 3.8 (27)
- Noise Level3.7 (26)
- Pet OwnerYes (19) · No (8)
- Battery Life4.0 (26)
- Attachments Omnidirectional Fluffy cleaner head, Charger, Combination tool, Worktop tool, Charging station, Mini motorised tool
- TypeCordless
- Charging Time3.5 hours
- Build Quality4.0 (6)
- Value for Money3.9 (7)
- Ease of Use4.7 (6)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.3 (6)
- Noise Level3.1 (7)
- Pet OwnerYes (3) · No (4)
- Battery Life4.0 (6)
- Attachments Nozzle Assembly (T-nozzle), Sash Nozzle, Pipe, Sash Nozzle Holder
- TypeCordless
- Power30 W
Samsung Jet 90
· includes 3 listingsPrice (RRP) $899.00 to $999.00
- Build Quality4.2 (30)
- Value for Money3.7 (31)
- Ease of Use4.5 (31)
- Cleaning & Maintenance 4.1 (31)
- Noise Level3.8 (30)
- Pet OwnerYes (20) · No (10)
- Battery Life4.0 (30)
- TypeCordless
- Charging Time3.5 hours
- Power550 W
- Suction (Air Watts)200 AW
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
Cons
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 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 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.