A cordless vacuum cleaner is probably the only vacuum you’ll ever need to clean your car and home. With this in mind, we’ve assembled the latest crop to conclusively find the best cordless vacuum cleaner for car and home use.
Before cordless vacuum cleaners improved with extended run times and endless adjustability, you’d often need a corded vacuum cleaner for the home and a meek dustbuster for the car. These tech-filled titans of cleaning are now the real deal. Sitting at the cutting edge of development, features like automatic power adjustment, anti-tangle brush heads, and even laser tech all serve to improve the chore of vacuuming.
The best cordless vacuum cleaners at a glance:
The best cordless vacuum cleaner for storage
Halo Capsule X Pets Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Modern cordless vacuum cleaners are absolute game-changers. Effortlessly capable of cleaning cars and homes, these vacuums are champions of versatility. They can serve as stick or handheld vacuums and often come with a tool chest of useful attachments. Join us in finding out just what the best cordless vacuum cleaner is.
How we test the best cordless vacuum cleaners
Each vacuum cleaner is tested by cleaning a car that’s used daily. We then tried each setting and all of the included attachments on the test car before trying them out around the home.
We examined the vacuum’s key area, suction, by examining how easily the vacuum tackled real-world dust and debris. For larger pieces of dirt, we tested each vacuum against cereal.
Ease of use was another central concern during our testing. This involved assessing the device’s weight, battery life and dimensions, especially when used in the small nooks of a car interior. We also looked at the quality and quantity of attachments here, again with car care as our priority.
We’re also looking at maintenance. This primarily focuses on how easy the vacuum is to empty, but it will also consider how easy it is to access and clean filters and any extra costs you’ll incur running the vacuum, such as dust bags.
Value for money is also really important here. The price difference between the most and least expensive vacuums was huge, so we compared each vacuum in relation to its price.
The best cordless vacuum cleaners
Dyson is no stranger to making excellent vacuum cleaners, and the V12 Detect Slim Absolute really stands out for any cleaning task. Sat right in the white heat of technological development, the V12 is a tech fest.
The suction genuinely blew me away when I first used it around my home. The Fluffy Optic cleaner (with a laser built-in to better show up dirt) picked up dirt and debris I couldn’t see ordinarily, effortlessly ensuring each floor was squeaky clean. Even more shocking, that’s not even the best head included in the set. Both the Motorbar and smaller Hair Screw tool were even better on fabrics, making them look factory fresh.
What’s more, it’s so refined while it cleans. The power will automatically adjust so that it can run quietly for light cleaning. It’s also exceptionally light at 2.2 kg, which makes it a joy to wield.
It’s not perfect, though. For the cash you’re paying, a flexible tube would have made interior cleaning even more seamless. The dustbin also takes some getting used to and could be a little bigger.
I will say as a testament to the V12 that during my testing, it was the vacuum I’d reach for when it came to any cleaning chore. It’s so light, nice to use, and clever that it really justifies the premium price tag.
The suction genuinely blew me away when I first used it around my home. The Fluffy Optic cleaner (with a laser built-in to better show up dirt) picked up dirt and debris I couldn’t see ordinarily, effortlessly ensuring each floor was squeaky clean. Even more shocking, that’s not even the best head included in the set. Both the Motorbar and smaller Hair Screw tool were even better on fabrics, making them look factory fresh.
What’s more, it’s so refined while it cleans. The power will automatically adjust so that it can run quietly for light cleaning. It’s also exceptionally light at 2.2 kg, which makes it a joy to wield.
It’s not perfect, though. For the cash you’re paying, a flexible tube would have made interior cleaning even more seamless. The dustbin also takes some getting used to and could be a little bigger.
I will say as a testament to the V12 that during my testing, it was the vacuum I’d reach for when it came to any cleaning chore. It’s so light, nice to use, and clever that it really justifies the premium price tag.
Pros
- Unbeatable suction and performance
- Quality and finish is top level
- Strong runtime
Cons
- Small bin
- No flexible tube
| Dimensions | 126.4 x 25 x 25.2cm |
| Weight | 2.2 kg |
| Power (Watts) | 548 |
| Capacity | 350ml |
| Run time | 60 minutes |
Numatic’s first attempt at a stick vacuum cleaner has made a huge impression on us. Like its wheeled sibling, the Henry Quick exudes indestructibility and appears to be at the forefront of cordless vacuuming. What’s really impressive is that this toughness weighs just 3.2 kg, about average for a cordless vacuum.
The 300w motor proved adept at picking up dust and debris, while the battery's 70-minute runtime ensured that every last crumb could be tackled without a hint of range anxiety.
The detachable extra handle is a nice addition. It makes handheld use effortless and makes controlling the direction of the nozzle a piece of cake. The dust bin is one of the larger sizes, at one litre, and it uses bags. It’s this larger body size that really has me calling out for a flexible head to tackle the awkward nooks of a typical car interior.
There’s also no miniature motorised brush head included. Thankfully, the floor head can be used in the handheld configuration. This is both good and bad. It will clean larger areas like a boot quicker, but that footprint hampers it for nooks. With a few more attachments, it would be unstoppable.
The 300w motor proved adept at picking up dust and debris, while the battery's 70-minute runtime ensured that every last crumb could be tackled without a hint of range anxiety.
The detachable extra handle is a nice addition. It makes handheld use effortless and makes controlling the direction of the nozzle a piece of cake. The dust bin is one of the larger sizes, at one litre, and it uses bags. It’s this larger body size that really has me calling out for a flexible head to tackle the awkward nooks of a typical car interior.
There’s also no miniature motorised brush head included. Thankfully, the floor head can be used in the handheld configuration. This is both good and bad. It will clean larger areas like a boot quicker, but that footprint hampers it for nooks. With a few more attachments, it would be unstoppable.
Pros
- Excellent run time
- Solid performance from the motor
- Tough yet light build
Cons
- It could use a flexible head
- Scent boosters are a gimmick
| Dimensions | 27 x 24 x 122 cm |
| Weight | 3.2 kg |
| Power (Watts) | 300 |
| Capacity | One litre |
| Run time | 70 minutes |
3
Shark Stratos Cordless
Best for cleaning performance
By a considerable margin, the IZ400UKT of the Shark Stratos range is up there with one of the most comprehensive, complete cordless vacuums I have ever tested. The build quality is firmly premium and matches the machine's asking price. The design is sleek, modern, and won't look out of place in any home while remaining classless.
The performance impressed me, too. It was a fabulous companion in sucking up the dust and dirt on the carpets of my Mercedes. The main brush head has an anti-hair wrap design and never put up a fight against anything that got in its way. I would've loved to have tried it in my home, but the machine was passed on to a colleague before I ever got the chance. But with the car alone, it was brilliant.
What I struggled with however, was the flexible spine. Figuring out how to make it stand up straight when storing it away isn't the easiest task and you ideally need both hands for it. Not great if you have a bag of rubbish in the other hand.
The other thing was that it's a fairly bulky machine. This means cleaning the carpets of a saloon or coupe isn't easy, as you have to really lift it around from carpet to carpet. I find the Henry Quick Hen.100 easier to operate while using one hand. And it would've been nice to have the pet tool included as standard at this price point.
Overall, though, if I was shopping around for a versatile car and home vacuum cleaner that doesn't have the fuss of a cord, the shortlist would be either the Henry Quick or one of these
Reviewed by Aaron Hussain
The performance impressed me, too. It was a fabulous companion in sucking up the dust and dirt on the carpets of my Mercedes. The main brush head has an anti-hair wrap design and never put up a fight against anything that got in its way. I would've loved to have tried it in my home, but the machine was passed on to a colleague before I ever got the chance. But with the car alone, it was brilliant.
What I struggled with however, was the flexible spine. Figuring out how to make it stand up straight when storing it away isn't the easiest task and you ideally need both hands for it. Not great if you have a bag of rubbish in the other hand.
The other thing was that it's a fairly bulky machine. This means cleaning the carpets of a saloon or coupe isn't easy, as you have to really lift it around from carpet to carpet. I find the Henry Quick Hen.100 easier to operate while using one hand. And it would've been nice to have the pet tool included as standard at this price point.
Overall, though, if I was shopping around for a versatile car and home vacuum cleaner that doesn't have the fuss of a cord, the shortlist would be either the Henry Quick or one of these
Reviewed by Aaron Hussain
Pros
- Excellent performance to clean most surfaces efficiently
- As well as good performance, it has a premium look to compliment any home
Cons
- Folding it for storage can be a bit tricky to master
Here’s one to watch. Halo is new and, judging from my experience with the Capsule X, coming out swinging. Two things stand out for me: the weight and the dustbin. It’s impressively light at 2.6 kg fully loaded, made exceptional by the fact that overall, it doesn’t feel flimsy or compromised in its quest for lightness.
The dustbin is class-leading. At two litres, it is beyond perfect for a car and ideal for a home. The caveat is that it relies on paper dust bags, and the larger body makes manoeuvring difficult in tight spaces. For that reason, it’s a good job that the included flexible hose is so good. All of the attachments are excellent, and you get plenty of them for your money. The small motorised brush head, in particular, worked wonders on the car interior.
What really seals the deal for me is the polished feel of everything. It’s relatively quiet and powerful, easy to carry, and two included batteries provide 60 minutes of runtime each.
The bagged nature will be a deal-breaker for some, but for a genuine market disrupter with exceptional value for money, Halo looks like a contender.
The dustbin is class-leading. At two litres, it is beyond perfect for a car and ideal for a home. The caveat is that it relies on paper dust bags, and the larger body makes manoeuvring difficult in tight spaces. For that reason, it’s a good job that the included flexible hose is so good. All of the attachments are excellent, and you get plenty of them for your money. The small motorised brush head, in particular, worked wonders on the car interior.
What really seals the deal for me is the polished feel of everything. It’s relatively quiet and powerful, easy to carry, and two included batteries provide 60 minutes of runtime each.
The bagged nature will be a deal-breaker for some, but for a genuine market disrupter with exceptional value for money, Halo looks like a contender.
Pros
- Tremendous value for money
- Packed with useful attachments
- Lightweight design makes carrying simple
- Solid power
Cons
- The dust bin can be cumbersome in tight spaces
- The bagged nature won't appeal to everyone
| Dimensions | 26.5 x 19 x 71.5 cm |
| Weight | 2.6 kg |
| Power (Watts) | 400 |
| Capacity | Two litres |
| Run time | 120 minutes (two batteries) |
Best for versatility
The Henry Quick Pro uses the same recipe as the Henry Quick but adds a few more attachments and tools. Just like the Quick, the Pro can double up as a home unit that can be used in the car, too. I was particularly impressed with the 70-minute run time and 150-minute charging time. For reference, this is faster than the Dyson Car+Boat and the Vax HomePro that I tested. Both of those vacuums have a lower operating time as well.
I was fascinated by the suction power of the Henry Quick Pro, which I found to suck up even the most stubborn bits of dirt and dust that like to stick to Alcantara seats. I was able to test all the attachments, and there are a lot of them. The wall dock was a favourite of mine because it meant that I could grab the vacuum on the way out to the car whenever I needed it.
While the Quick Pro has the same power, runtime, charge time, dimensions, and weight as the Quick, it does include the much-needed Flexi crevice tool, which can help you get in between the seats and into the corners of the door bins. This was crucial for me as I tend to drop stuff into hard-to-reach places.
There are a few downsides. Like the Quick, it isn’t necessarily designed for the car, so the bulk of the unit itself can feel a little large as you manoeuvre it around the cabin. The Quick Pro also demands a higher price than the Quick, thanks to the extra attachments.
I enjoyed the versatility of the Henry Quick Pro as it was easy to switch from the car to the home, and the wall dock can hold two attachments so changing between the floor and tight spots was easy – this isn’t usually the case as cordless vacuums generally don’t hold attachments on the unit itself.
Review by Naveed Hussain
I was fascinated by the suction power of the Henry Quick Pro, which I found to suck up even the most stubborn bits of dirt and dust that like to stick to Alcantara seats. I was able to test all the attachments, and there are a lot of them. The wall dock was a favourite of mine because it meant that I could grab the vacuum on the way out to the car whenever I needed it.
While the Quick Pro has the same power, runtime, charge time, dimensions, and weight as the Quick, it does include the much-needed Flexi crevice tool, which can help you get in between the seats and into the corners of the door bins. This was crucial for me as I tend to drop stuff into hard-to-reach places.
There are a few downsides. Like the Quick, it isn’t necessarily designed for the car, so the bulk of the unit itself can feel a little large as you manoeuvre it around the cabin. The Quick Pro also demands a higher price than the Quick, thanks to the extra attachments.
I enjoyed the versatility of the Henry Quick Pro as it was easy to switch from the car to the home, and the wall dock can hold two attachments so changing between the floor and tight spots was easy – this isn’t usually the case as cordless vacuums generally don’t hold attachments on the unit itself.
Review by Naveed Hussain
Pros
- Good suction power
- Highly versatile with attachments
- Good battery life and charging cycle
Cons
- May feel slightly large in the car
- Costs more than the Hen.100
| Dimensions: | 24 x 27 x 120cm |
| Weight: | 3.2kg |
| Power (Watts): | Not stated |
| Capacity: | 1 litre |
| Run time: | 60 minutes (max) |
Designed with versatility at its forefront, there’s an awful lot to like about the Vax Blade 4 Pet & Car. The slick design of the main body ensures it's easy to hold and use around the car, nowhere near as heavy as the listed 3.1 kg.
The brushless motor was perfectly serviceable for vacuuming. The suction couldn't compete with the Dyson, and the battery life of 45 minutes again isn’t class-leading, but it will clean a car with no bother.
The Blade 4 really stands out because of the magnitude of useful attachments it ships with. There are the usual floor and mini-powered brush heads, as well as a crevice and brush head. Then there’s the exceptionally flexible head that really made navigating under car seats a breeze.
Best of all, this flexible head carries power, meaning the mini motorised head can be used with it, which is a rarity for vacuum cleaners. It’s an excellent feature and really improved my cleaning. While the mini motorised brush head was too upright to feel comfortable to use in the car, the fact it could be used on every inch was exceptional.
If that wasn’t enough, the included Pro Kit really seals this as the champion of attachments. The Flexi Crevice tool was too rigid for its namesake, but the stretch hose and technology brush really did prove to be useful.
The brushless motor was perfectly serviceable for vacuuming. The suction couldn't compete with the Dyson, and the battery life of 45 minutes again isn’t class-leading, but it will clean a car with no bother.
The Blade 4 really stands out because of the magnitude of useful attachments it ships with. There are the usual floor and mini-powered brush heads, as well as a crevice and brush head. Then there’s the exceptionally flexible head that really made navigating under car seats a breeze.
Best of all, this flexible head carries power, meaning the mini motorised head can be used with it, which is a rarity for vacuum cleaners. It’s an excellent feature and really improved my cleaning. While the mini motorised brush head was too upright to feel comfortable to use in the car, the fact it could be used on every inch was exceptional.
If that wasn’t enough, the included Pro Kit really seals this as the champion of attachments. The Flexi Crevice tool was too rigid for its namesake, but the stretch hose and technology brush really did prove to be useful.
Pros
- Great manoeuvrability in tight spaces
- Compact and lightweight design
- The included kit is mostly excellent
Cons
- Average battery run time
- A couple of attachments need some work
| Dimensions | 24 x 18.5 x 114 cm |
| Weight | 3.1 kg |
| Power (Watts) | 120 |
| Capacity | 600ml |
| Run time | 45 minutes |
The best dedicated car vacuum
Price: £199.99
As the name suggests, the Dyson Car+Boat is specifically designed to be used in your car or boat, if you have one. From the get-go, you get a sense that the design process has taken this purpose into account. At only 1.9 kg, it’s lightweight and compact, so I found it easy to manoeuvre around the cabin to reach harder-to-reach areas like underneath the seats.
This compact size does mean that the capacity is only 0.54 litres – 0.16 litres less than the Vax and 0.46 litres less than the Henry Quick Pro. The Dyson can capture 99.99% of microscopic particles and allergens as small as 0.3 microns (in the highest setting), which is the same as the Vax.
Where the Dyson excels is in its refinement. It has been designed to minimise noise and vibrations, and I was impressed by the lack of unpleasant noise - even my cat didn’t mind. Dyson technology has always intrigued me; the powerful motor that provides a strong but efficient suction feels like it does the job first time, meaning you won’t have to keep vacuuming over the same spot several times.
Dyson falls behind some of its competitors in terms of charging and run time. All that advanced technology means it takes five hours to charge the Dyson from 0-100%, and that will give you up to 50 minutes of run time (in low mode). The run time wasn’t much of an issue for me when cleaning the car because I was able to quickly get to every part of the car that I needed, thanks to the compact size of the unit. Do be aware that, unlike some of the other vacuums on this list, the Dyson needs to be plugged in to charge rather than removing the battery.
It’s a simple concept with just enough attachments to make vacuuming your car easy. As a dedicated unit for your car, the Dyson Car+Boat is a solid choice.
Review by Naveed Hussain
This compact size does mean that the capacity is only 0.54 litres – 0.16 litres less than the Vax and 0.46 litres less than the Henry Quick Pro. The Dyson can capture 99.99% of microscopic particles and allergens as small as 0.3 microns (in the highest setting), which is the same as the Vax.
Where the Dyson excels is in its refinement. It has been designed to minimise noise and vibrations, and I was impressed by the lack of unpleasant noise - even my cat didn’t mind. Dyson technology has always intrigued me; the powerful motor that provides a strong but efficient suction feels like it does the job first time, meaning you won’t have to keep vacuuming over the same spot several times.
Dyson falls behind some of its competitors in terms of charging and run time. All that advanced technology means it takes five hours to charge the Dyson from 0-100%, and that will give you up to 50 minutes of run time (in low mode). The run time wasn’t much of an issue for me when cleaning the car because I was able to quickly get to every part of the car that I needed, thanks to the compact size of the unit. Do be aware that, unlike some of the other vacuums on this list, the Dyson needs to be plugged in to charge rather than removing the battery.
It’s a simple concept with just enough attachments to make vacuuming your car easy. As a dedicated unit for your car, the Dyson Car+Boat is a solid choice.
Review by Naveed Hussain
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Great suction
- Quiet and refined
Cons
- Others offer more attachments
- Charging time could be better
| Dimensions | 20.6 x 13 x 33cm |
| Weight | 1.9kg |
| Power (Watts): | 425W |
| Capacity | 0.54 litres |
| Run time | 50 minutes (max) |
The best handheld vacuum cleaner
Price: $142.99
Price: $142.99
The Gtech Multi MK2 K9 feels perfectly at home cleaning a car and features performance that puts some lesser corded vacs to shame. The K9 means this is the pet-specific model, featuring aluminium internals to cope with the burden of pet hair and a motorised brush head to pull out embedded pet hairs.
In practice, this powered head is an excellent addition, as it combines carpets and extracts fine hair that would otherwise remain trapped (and extremely visible) in carpets. The 140w motor may not be the most powerful here, but factor this in with the low weight and excellent brush head, and the Gtech never really struggled.
The runtime may not compete with the very best cordless units on this list, but the trade-off is a lower weight and smaller footprint. Besides, the 20-minute run time from a full battery should be more than acceptable for a purely handheld vacuum cleaner. This is designed for car seats and boot carpets as opposed to full rooms.
There’s more car-friendliness on offer too. The LED light is excellent for illuminating dark areas, and the included attachments will cover all your bases. There’s a crevice tool, dusting brush, and extension brush that will cover the main cleaning bases.
The optional Car Accessory Kit makes navigating the most annoying areas easier, but it’s a chunky cost to swallow, and you’ll capture 95% of dust without it. The scent booster in the (admittedly small) dust bin is another gimmick I’d probably forget to restock after the cartridges ran out. Still, it’s the best handheld vacuum.
Read our full Gtech Multi MK2 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner review.
In practice, this powered head is an excellent addition, as it combines carpets and extracts fine hair that would otherwise remain trapped (and extremely visible) in carpets. The 140w motor may not be the most powerful here, but factor this in with the low weight and excellent brush head, and the Gtech never really struggled.
The runtime may not compete with the very best cordless units on this list, but the trade-off is a lower weight and smaller footprint. Besides, the 20-minute run time from a full battery should be more than acceptable for a purely handheld vacuum cleaner. This is designed for car seats and boot carpets as opposed to full rooms.
There’s more car-friendliness on offer too. The LED light is excellent for illuminating dark areas, and the included attachments will cover all your bases. There’s a crevice tool, dusting brush, and extension brush that will cover the main cleaning bases.
The optional Car Accessory Kit makes navigating the most annoying areas easier, but it’s a chunky cost to swallow, and you’ll capture 95% of dust without it. The scent booster in the (admittedly small) dust bin is another gimmick I’d probably forget to restock after the cartridges ran out. Still, it’s the best handheld vacuum.
Read our full Gtech Multi MK2 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner review.
Pros
- Perfectly suited to car use
- Great suction from such a small vacuum
- Multiple attachments and an LED light for convenience
Cons
- Heavier than other examples
- Optional extras really aren't worth it
| Dimensions: | 25 x 13.6 x 38.6 cm |
| Weight: | 1.5kg |
| Power (Watts): | 140 |
| Capacity: | 0.4 litres |
| Run time: | 20 minutes |
A dependable choice from a dependable manufacturer, the Hoover HL5 is a solid choice for general vacuuming, but it isn’t our top pick for cleaning car interiors. The dustbin is smaller than the competition and hard to keep clean. Hoover includes a small brush to get into the nooks, but it’s still infuriating to clean.
It’s also heavy, even in handheld mode. The slim body design does at least help it navigate a car interior, but the extra bulk means it’s not the most pleasant to use, even if the mini-motorised brush worked really well on upholstery and had a light.
The crevice tool has a nifty design, and the fold-out brush head is great, even if the bristles are slightly too rough for my liking. It’ll quite happily cope with the task of car cleaning, but there are options that suit it better.
The runtime isn’t anything to write home about, although the 12-minute Turbo mode with the temporarily uprated suction is nice. Where the HL9 really comes into its own is on hard floors, not car interiors. The selection between hard and carpeted floors is noticeable, and the head adjusts to pick up dirt better. The Anti-Twist tech is really good, and maintenance will be super straightforward.
It’s also heavy, even in handheld mode. The slim body design does at least help it navigate a car interior, but the extra bulk means it’s not the most pleasant to use, even if the mini-motorised brush worked really well on upholstery and had a light.
The crevice tool has a nifty design, and the fold-out brush head is great, even if the bristles are slightly too rough for my liking. It’ll quite happily cope with the task of car cleaning, but there are options that suit it better.
The runtime isn’t anything to write home about, although the 12-minute Turbo mode with the temporarily uprated suction is nice. Where the HL9 really comes into its own is on hard floors, not car interiors. The selection between hard and carpeted floors is noticeable, and the head adjusts to pick up dirt better. The Anti-Twist tech is really good, and maintenance will be super straightforward.
Pros
- The floor head is fantastic
- Turbo mode works really well
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Tiny dust bin
- Too heavy for handheld use
| Dimensions | 21.3 x 26 x 111 cm |
| Weight | 3.4 kg |
| Power | 400 |
| Capacity | 700ml |
| Run time | 30 minutes |
The best vacuum cleaner for build quality
Price: $345.99
Price: $345.99
The Ryobi ONE+ boasts the best build quality of any cordless stick vacuum cleaner I’ve ever seen, with the Henry Quick coming in a close second. From the get-go, I got a sense that the Ryobi is built for the more demanding tasks that you’d find in the garage or car. This stick vacuum doesn’t come with a battery, but thanks to Ryobi’s ONE+ battery system, you can use the same battery as your Ryobi cordless drill or lawnmower.
Another advantage of the Ryobi is its self-standing design, which makes it ideal to store in the garage, ready for you to grab as you’re headed to your car. Inside the car, it has great suction and can remove up to 99.5% of particles, including pollen, which is ideal for hay fever sufferers, like me.
However, there are a few disadvantages. Despite being packaged in a neat and tidy design, I found the Ryobi to be heavier than the other vacuums tested. At 3.9kg (including the battery), it can begin to get tiring after an extended vacuuming session. I also found the Ryobi to be louder than the other vacuums on this list, but considering that Ryobi traditionally specialises in electric power tools, I believe that this stick vacuum is a solid entry into the market.
There aren’t as many attachments as other vacuums either; it’s like the Dyson in terms of additional heads. The 5.0Ah battery is expected to run up to 60 minutes on Eco mode, but if you have the 4.0Ah battery, like I had, then you should expect around 40 mins. Charging can be confusing, as it depends on the charger that you have, which you’ll have to purchase separately from the battery. I had the RC18120, so a 0-100% charge took around 2 hours, which is quicker than other vacuums. The RC18150 can charge even faster.
While it may not have all the attachments you might need, and the battery will need to be purchased separately, I can’t deny that the Ryobi is a sturdy unit that provides great suction and a strong light at the end of the long brush head. If you’re looking for a vacuum that should be able to cope with tougher usage then the Ryobi ONE+ is ideal for you, especially if you already have other products in the ONE+ range.
Review by Naveed Hussain
Another advantage of the Ryobi is its self-standing design, which makes it ideal to store in the garage, ready for you to grab as you’re headed to your car. Inside the car, it has great suction and can remove up to 99.5% of particles, including pollen, which is ideal for hay fever sufferers, like me.
However, there are a few disadvantages. Despite being packaged in a neat and tidy design, I found the Ryobi to be heavier than the other vacuums tested. At 3.9kg (including the battery), it can begin to get tiring after an extended vacuuming session. I also found the Ryobi to be louder than the other vacuums on this list, but considering that Ryobi traditionally specialises in electric power tools, I believe that this stick vacuum is a solid entry into the market.
There aren’t as many attachments as other vacuums either; it’s like the Dyson in terms of additional heads. The 5.0Ah battery is expected to run up to 60 minutes on Eco mode, but if you have the 4.0Ah battery, like I had, then you should expect around 40 mins. Charging can be confusing, as it depends on the charger that you have, which you’ll have to purchase separately from the battery. I had the RC18120, so a 0-100% charge took around 2 hours, which is quicker than other vacuums. The RC18150 can charge even faster.
While it may not have all the attachments you might need, and the battery will need to be purchased separately, I can’t deny that the Ryobi is a sturdy unit that provides great suction and a strong light at the end of the long brush head. If you’re looking for a vacuum that should be able to cope with tougher usage then the Ryobi ONE+ is ideal for you, especially if you already have other products in the ONE+ range.
Review by Naveed Hussain
Pros
- Superior build quality
- ONE+ battery can be used in other appliances
- Great suction
Cons
- Heavier than other vacuums
- Battery sold seperately
| Dimensions: | 58.5 x 27.5 x 20cm |
| Weight: | 3.9kg |
| Power (Watts): | N/A |
| Capacity | 0.6 litres |
| Run time | 40-60 minutes (max) |
Cordless vacuum cleaner FAQs
Which cordless vacuum cleaner is the best?
Without a shadow of a doubt, the Dyson V12 Detect Absolute Slim takes home the win here. It’s lightweight, powerful and really worth the extra investment. We wouldn’t overlook the Henry Quick either, it’s exceptionally well made and has the best battery life of all the examples we tested.
Which cordless vacuum cleaner is the lightest?
A light vacuum cleaner will always be preferable, especially when used in handheld mode for cleaning a car. A chunkier unit will get tiresome to hold after a while, not to mention that it will often be larger in size and awkward to operate in a smaller car. What you’ll ideally want is a vacuum that balances low weight with quality materials and a decent battery.
In our test, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute won the featherweight award, weighing just 2.2 kg.
Which cordless vacuum cleaner has the longest run time?
There’s no point in having a million features and the best build quality if the vacuum in question has a run time of a couple of minutes. For both car and home cleaning, look for at least 40 minutes of run time to prevent having to pause and wait for the vacuum to recharge. A second battery is a clever extra feature some brands chuck in to double the run time.
Out of all the vacuum cleaners we tested, the Henry Quick took home the crown with a mightily impressive 70-minute run time from a single battery. This is impressive, even more so when considering that this is Numatic’s first foray into cordless vacuuming.
How to clean a cordless vacuum
Each vacuum cleaner will be slightly different in terms of cleaning it out, but all will rely on a dust bin that needs emptying fairly frequently. Our testing assessed the maintenance side of running a cordless vacuum cleaner, including how easily it was to empty.
An example that would score well in this category would be a commodious dust bin that can easily be accessed, with no nooks or awkward areas where dust can become trapped. Out of all the examples tested, the Dyson and Vax stood out as particularly easy to empty.
Bagged cordless vacuum cleaners also scored well here, as the dust will be contained within the bags. However, you do have to factor in the extra cost of dust bags. The Henry and Halo score exceptionally well here.
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