Preparation

If you’re tired of big, bulky vacuums and constantly wrestling with unwieldy cords, a cordless vacuum might be a better option for you. While they are typically more of a splurge than traditional options, cordless vacuums are convenient enough to make the investment worth it.

To help you on your search, we tapped home improvement and lifestyle expert Kathryn Emery to share her best advice on buying a cordless vacuum. “First decide what you are going to use it for,” says Emery. “Will you be bringing it up and down stairs? Then you’ll want something lightweight. Do you have small corners and tight spaces? Prioritize maneuverability and attachments. Do you have a pet that sheds hair? Consider a pet-rated model. Or do you have a large space to cover? Then you’ll want something with a long lithium-ion battery life.”

Thanks to technological advancements in this category, even within the past few years, there are top-of-the-line options out there that cover all of the above. “Cordless vacuums are much more compact and can get into tighter spaces without giving up too much power,” Emory says. “Lithium-ion technology is solid these days.” And while cordless machines have many benefits, you’ll need to remember to charge the battery, and they can be more expensive than corded versions, she says.

Bottom line? We spend so much time in our homes, and things get messy fast, which is exactly why finding a quality product that cuts down on cleaning time is a game changer. See our picks for the best cordless vacuums on the market.

Best Overall: Dyson V11 Animal Cordless Stick VacuumBest Rated: Shark Navigator Freestyle Upright Cordless VacuumMost Versatile: Miele Triflex HX1 VacuumBest for Pet Hair: Bissell Icon Pet Stick VacuumBest for Carpets: Shark Anti-Allergen Pet Power Cordless Stick VacuumBest for Hard Floors: Tineco A11 Hero Cordless Lightweight Stick Vacuum CleanerBest Budget: Aposen Cordless 4-in-1 Vacuum CleanerBest Handheld: Black + Decker Dustbuster Handheld Cordless VacuumBest Lightweight: Eufy by Anker HomeVac S11 Cordless Stick Vacuum CleanerBest Upright Vacuum: Hoover Onepwr Evolve Pet Cordless Upright Vacuum