At Vacuum Wars, we are dedicated to providing the most thorough and insightful vacuum cleaner reviews. This commitment is embodied in our detailed and specialized testing methods designed to assess various aspects of vacuum performance, from basic suction to more complex tasks like hair entanglement and battery efficiency.
We do not claim that our testing methods are the gold standard, or anywhere near true laboratory tests, but they are our best efforts at honestly and fairly evaluating the relative differences in these products from a consumer advocate perspective. And we have many years of data from doing these tests the same way over and over for hundreds of products. So we can easily spot if a product is much better, or much worse than average.
Each of these tests are carefully designed to mimic real-life situations that a vacuum might encounter, ensuring that our reviews are both comprehensive and useful to consumers.
Here's an in-depth look at our cordless vacuum testing methods:
In our "unsealed suction test," AKA “usable suction” we have connected a digital manometer to a specially designed testing surface so that we can evaluate the real-world cordless vacuum suction performance. This approach allows us to take into account the entire design of the vacuum cleaner, in particular the influence of the floor head elements, such as air gates and the seal created by certain elements on the bottom of the floorhead. These factors play a crucial role in the vacuum’s cleaning efficiency. This test is done on max power, and the highest score (in Kpa) is recorded. We like it because its not just about raw power but vacuum engineering as well.
We measure airflow using a digital anemometer, which calculates the volume of air passing through the vacuum in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Airflow is the stream of air that moves through the vacuum cleaner, carrying dust and debris from the cleaning surface into the vacuum and through to the dust collection system. Higher airflow means that more air is moving through the vacuum, which can carry more particles and larger debris with it. Essentially, better airflow results in better overall performance, though this is not always the case.
We focus on measuring airflow at the brush and any other operational configurations such as from a detachable hose, or at the wand, in order to understand how the vacuum performs in diverse household scenarios. We typically measure the airflow in all of the power settings of the vacuum, though our scores are based on the maximum power setting.
At Vacuum Wars, our filtration tests assess how effectively vacuum cleaners can enhance indoor air quality and control allergens, which is especially crucial for individuals with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues. Using a fog machine, we visually confirm the effectiveness of the vacuum's filtration system and its capacity to contain vacuumed particles. This approach allows us to directly observe and evaluate the vacuum's ability to prevent these particles from re-entering the home environment, thereby providing a clear and tangible assessment of its filtration performance.
In our Carpet Deep Clean Test, we evaluate a vacuum’s ability to pick up fine debris that settles below a carpet’s top surface area, becoming embedded between the carpet fibers.
In this test, we apply 100 grams of sand to an area of medium-pile carpet, and we work the sand into the carpet fibers to ensure that the sand has come to rest below the surface of the carpet. The vacuum is run over the carpet a set number of passes at the same basic rate of motion. These tests are performed on the vacuum’s maximum power setting. If the vacuum has adjustable gates, the tests are performed with the gates set to their lowest setting.
After vacuuming, the content of the vacuum’s dustbin is weighed to determine how much sand has been picked up. We typically run this test at least three times to ensure accuracy. A perfect score of 100 indicates that all the embedded material was removed from the carpet.
The crevice pickup test is an assessment of the vacuum’s power and floorhead design, showing its ability to effectively vacuum debris that can collect in the cracks and crevices of a floor’s surface, such as seams, transitions, or tile grout.
In this test, we apply coffee grounds over a specially designed testing surface that has a ¼ inch deep crevice and a 1/8 inch deep crevice. We run the vacuum over it once at its highest setting, with adjustable gates closed if applicable. Vacuums that collect all of the debris from both crevices get a perfect score.
In the Surface Debris Pickup Test, we assess how well vacuums pick up debris on hard floor and carpet without needing to adjust their settings. We use various sizes of debris, such as fine coffee grounds to the largest items such as cereal. The aim is to assess both the effectiveness and the aesthetics of the cleaning, ensuring that vacuums can handle everyday messes across different surfaces.
We take away points for issues like:
The Anti-Hair Wrap Test challenges vacuums to handle 1 gram of 7-inch and 14-inch hair without getting it tangled in the brush roll. This test is crucial for understanding how well the vacuum deals with hair, a common issue for many homeowners, especially those with pets. In this test we lay the hair before the vacuums, run a pass over the hair, and then visually inspect the roller for hair tangles. Vacuums with no hair tangles receive a perfect score.
Our battery efficiency and suction power test measures how long a vacuum can run on a single charge across different settings and how effectively it adjusts its power in response to detected dirt levels. This test is particularly relevant for cordless vacuums, which need to balance power and battery life to be practical for everyday use.
During our vacuum testing process, we assess the vacuums in a simulated household environment that includes common obstacles such as chair legs, low furniture, and area rugs. Our focus is to evaluate whether the vacuum navigates easily across both hard floors and carpets and if it can be smoothly steered around furniture. This testing helps determine the vacuum's maneuverability and overall ease of use in typical home settings.
Finally, we also award points for the inclusion of features that enhance the functionality and effectiveness of cordless vacuums. These feature assessments include:
When we have completed our evaluations of a vacuum, we log and track the results according to our established cordless vacuum testing standards. This structured approach enables us to compare the performance of each vacuum against others we have tested within the same category. By doing so, we can tailor our recommendations based on specific criteria such as price category, floor type, and features. This methodical comparison ensures that our vacuum performance testing and recommendations are objectively grounded, providing a consistent, fair, and unbiased framework for our analysis.
Vacuum Wars has made a significant shift towards complete independence by officially adopting a policy of not accepting free products from companies or doing sponsored content. This ensures that all reviews are based on products purchased with our own funds, thereby eliminating potential bias that might come from manufacturer influence.
When choosing between bagged and bagless vacuums, consider your household's specific needs and preferences for debris disposal. Consumers have voiced the following opinions about bagged and bagless vacuum cleaners:
Bagless vacuums collect debris in a removable dustbin that is then emptied into a trash receptacle. Some consumers are concerned about potential re-exposure to dust and allergens that may recirculate into the air during the emptying process.
Bagged vacuums, on the other hand, capture debris in disposable bags that also serve as additional filtration layers. These bags are discarded and replaced when full, providing a hygienic solution that minimizes re-exposure to dust and debris. Some consumers are concerned that the use of disposable bags contributes to landfill waste and involves ongoing costs for new bags.
The choice between cordless and upright vacuums depends on your specific needs.
Cordless vacuums offer portability and convenience, ideal for quick cleanups and shorter cleaning sessions. While they may require more frequent emptying due to smaller dustbins, modern high-end cordless models can rival or even outperform older upright vacuums in many tasks.
Upright vacuums, typically corded, offer continuous power, which supports more powerful motors, larger floor heads, and bigger dustbins. This allows for whole-household and large-area cleaning sessions.
Cordless vacuums offer several unique advantages that enhance cleaning convenience and effectiveness. Many models are designed with features to optimize battery life, such as:
Additionally, the lightweight and portable design of cordless vacuums makes them easy to use at a moment's notice, facilitating quick cleanups and regular maintenance of a cleaner, healthier home. They are also quieter than many traditional vacuums, making them less disruptive to use, and their compact size allows for easy storage, even in homes with limited space.
Many contemporary cordless vacuums are designed to effectively clean multiple floor types. Features like adjustable suction and brush roll settings allow them to transition from hardwood floors to carpets seamlessly. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure suitability for your specific flooring, especially for delicate surfaces.
Vacuums equipped with specialized pet hair removal technologies, such as silicone brush rolls or higher suction settings, tend to perform better on pet hair. Models that include anti-hair wrap features and those with powerful filtration systems are particularly effective. Look for vacuums that specifically mention pet hair capabilities in their feature list.
Yes, many cordless vacuums convert to handheld mode or come equipped with attachments such as upholstery tools and crevice tools that make them suitable for cleaning curtains, upholstery, and other above-floor areas.
Depending on usage and the manufacturer’s recommendations, filters should generally be replaced every 6 to 12 months. If the filter is washable, be sure to clean it regularly, and if the vacuum is used heavily or in a pet-friendly household it may need to be both washed and replaced more frequently. Regular checks will help maintain optimal vacuum performance.
Regular maintenance of an upright vacuum includes:
Loss of suction often results from a clogged hose, full dustbin, or blocked filters. Start by emptying the dustbin and checking the filters for blockages. Inspect the hose and attachments for obstructions. If the vacuum has adjustable gates or settings, ensure they are correctly configured for the surface being cleaned.
Read our review summaries and discover the highlights as well as the pros and cons of each vacuum. Vacuum Wars provides an unbiased, independent evaluation for each (based our our proprietary vacuum testing methods.
We think that the Dyson V15 Detect cordless vacuum is a significant leap forward in the technology and design of vacuum cleaners. Featuring enhanced suction capabilities and the revolutionary laser detection for hard floors, it provides a comprehensive cleaning experience that surpasses many of its predecessors. The V15 Detect excels at picking up a wide range of debris sizes, thanks to its adaptable cleaner head and improved brush design. Moreover, its auto-adjustment capabilities for suction, combined with a dirt sensor, optimize cleaning efficiency and battery use, making it a top choice for those seeking a powerful, yet agile cleaning tool. See full review.
We think that the Dyson Gen5detect represents the pinnacle of cordless vacuum technology with its innovative features and superb functionality. Despite its similarities to other high-end models, it stands out with its unique Fluffy optic cleaner head that uses a green laser to enhance visibility of dirt and dust on hard floors, highlighting areas that might otherwise be overlooked. The vacuum excels in surface debris pickup on both carpets and hard floors, with a design that balances power with efficiency. Its combination of a hyperdymium motor, advanced filtration, and versatile attachments makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a premium cleaning experience. See full review.
We think that the Shark Vertex Pro cordless vacuum stands out significantly, demonstrating superior debris pickup on both hard floors and carpets. Its DuoClean head allows seamless transition from hard to carpeted surfaces without the need to swap heads, maintaining optimal performance across different floor types. The Vertex Pro excels in deeply embedded debris pickup with its perfect scores in carpet deep clean tests, while also showing strong performance in crevice pickup. Enhanced with an anti-hair wrap feature and versatile MultiFLEX wand, this model is equipped with helpful technology like Shark IQ display for battery life and adjustable suction modes, ensuring efficient and effective cleaning. See full review.
We think that the Shark Vertex cordless vacuum is a stellar example of engineering excellence in Shark's lineup, blending innovative technologies with high performance. The inclusion of both DuoClean and anti-hair wrap technologies for the first time in a cordless model makes it a standout choice for handling multiple surface types efficiently. The Vertex demonstrates exceptional debris pickup, effective even in low power mode, and excels in tests from crevice pickup to deep carpet cleaning without needing the boost function. Its Power Fins technology enhances performance further, reducing hair tangles significantly, while the HEPA filtration system ensures clean air output. Coupled with a removable battery offering extended runtime, this vacuum sets a new standard for cordless vacuum cleaners. See full review.
The Levoit cordless vacuum is our top budget pick due to its impressive combination of price, performance, and features. It offers unique capabilities like active hair removal combs and a highly effective sealed filtration system, standing out in the budget vacuum category. Furthermore, its versatility on different floor types and above-average battery life contribute to its high user satisfaction and our enthusiastic recommendation. See full review
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Cordless vacuum shopping? Check out our cordless vacuum reviews, comparisons and guides.
At Vacuum Wars, we’ve tested and reviewed a plethora of vacuum cleaners, and while many top performers tend to be on the pricier side, today we’re focusing on those that deliver solid performance without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll highlight our top budget-friendly vacuums across various categories.
The current Vacuum Wars Best Cordless Vacuum ranking based on our own independent evaluation.