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Vacuum cleaning is a chore that needs to be done often, especially if you have pets or young children. For that reason, it makes sense to streamline the process as much as possible. Instead of being tied to a power socket when you’re cleaning, a cordless vacuum enables you to move without restriction and reach every edge without thinking about how far a cord can stretch.
Developments in vacuum cleaner technology also mean cordless models have longer battery lives than ever before. They now offer the same suction power as their corded cousins, for up to 60 minutes. That’s plenty of time to scoot over a three-bedroom home, given that these cordless devices are light and easy to steer.
There are two main types of cordless vacuum cleaners: handheld and upright stick. All of the models we tested are upright models that lift out to convert to handheld, which means you can use them on sofas and car upholstery as well as floors.
Some have LED lights, so you can see under furniture, while others have anti-hair-wrap brushes to prevent tangled pet hair from getting in the way of cleaning. You can even get ones with digital displays to show what suction power setting you’re using and how much battery time you have left.
How we tested
We tested each cordless vacuum cleaner (on carpets and hard floors) for a month, to assess suction power for all types of clean-ups. From picking up crumbs dropped by children at mealtimes to sucking up dog hair, each cordless vacuum cleaner was tested on its dirt-removal performance as well as on weight, manoeuvrability and overall design. Top scores were given to models that were compact and easy to store, as well as ones that were sleek, minimalist and easy on the eye. For more information on our testing process, read our in-depth guide, which details the checklist used when it comes to testing cordless vacuums.
Why you can trust us
All of the products we feature within our guides have been tried and tested in the same real-life environments you’ll be using them. Zoe Griffin has been reviewing vacuum cleaners for IndyBest for years, researching different features (from anti-hair-wrap technology and suction power to models with lights and bagged versus bagless designs) to find the models that are worth your money.
The best cordless vacuum cleaners for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Shark Stratos anti-hair-wrap plus pet pro cordless vacuum, IZ420UKT: £289.98, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Levoit cordless vacuum: £159.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for a complete clean – Dyson v15 detect absolute cordless vacuum: £529.99, Currys.co.uk
- Best for wet and dry surfaces – Bissell crosswave cordless max: £269.99, Bisselldirect.co.uk
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