Ogden also tested the Shark AZ1002 Apex Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (our best upright pick), of which she’s a big fan. Shark makes a variety of vacuum types including upright, stick, and handheld models, all of which appear on our list. Choose the type of vacuum that fits your cleaning objectives and preferences—do you prefer to spot clean in short bursts, or do you lean toward deep cleaning sessions of your entire home? Do you want to do as little hands-on cleaning as possible, or do you like the satisfaction of a job well done? You can use the Shark Vacmop to clean sealed hardwood, tile, and laminate floors, and it glides effortlessly on them all. At just five pounds, this vacuum-and-mop combo is lightweight, making it a great option for small spaces, multi-level cleaning, or for those with limited mobility.
Most of the vacuums on our list feature a runtime of 40 minutes before needing another charge, although a growing number of models are starting to offer higher-capacity batteries with runtimes of 60 minutes per charge. In truth, it’s a rare occasion that one would need more than 40 minutes of runtime for a single vacuuming session, and the prevalence of charging docks makes it easy to recharge in between cleaning runs. Because of this, battery life was not weighted as heavily as other features. From there we can calculate the percentage of dirt and debris pickup for every run and the average amount of soil a vacuum manages to remove.
When we tested out this vacuum, we loved that it was able to be set up in seconds, with each part clicking into place. You just need to add in the cleaner and pad (both of which are included), and then you’re good to go. The vacuum glides smoothly (and quietly!) across the floor, thanks to its lightweight design, and the powerful suction gets both hair and dirt easily.
Additionally, the cleaning spray has a lovely fresh scent, and the vacuum features LED headlights to help you see all areas clearly as you go. During testing, we had a few issues with the Wandvac at first, as it seemed to be struggling to maintain suction, but it performed quite well on subsequent uses, pulling up pet hair and debris without any issues. We like that its swivel head makes it easy to maneuver around furniture and other obstacles, and its lightweight form makes it ideal for cleaning stairs and other hard-to-reach areas. Upright vacuums are one of the most popular styles for deep cleaning, and the Shark Navigator Lift-Away was the top-performing upright model in our testing. Its corded design offers unlimited runtime, and as its name suggests, the body of the vacuum can be removed from the brush head, making it easier to carry if you need to vacuum stairs or other hard-to-reach areas in your home. In testing, this vacuum performed extremely well, having no problem picking up dog kibble or pet hair from a variety of surfaces.
It has the same hour-long battery life and a larger dustbin, yet still manages to weigh a pound less than the Stratos. Comparing suction power on paper is tricky when each brand shark handheld vacuum measures it in a different way. Shark provides standard figures like amps, wattage, and volts, while Dyson’s main suction statistic is a calculation called Air Watts.
Robot vacuums are ideal for people who want a truly hands-free cleaning experience, and this Shark model is a great pick. It acts as both a vacuum and a mop, picking up debris and leaving floors shiny, and it comes with a helpful app that you can use to set up cleaning schedules, activate different modes, and more. To find the best Shark vacuums for pet hair, we 38 models in our Des Moines, Iowa testing lab, as well as right at home with our pets for six months.
It’s also noteworthy that the cost of a Shark cordless vacuum doesn’t include the mini motorized brush attachment that makes or breaks a handheld vacuum’s value. The small attachments Shark includes with each vacuum, like a crevice tool or (non-motorized) pet brush, are definitely handy, but aren’t going to dig into upholstery or carpeted stairs like a targeted spinning brush would. If that’s an attachment you could see yourself using often, add $89.95 to the cost of the Shark you’re considering. It also turns out that there is such a thing as being too powerful for your own good.
In suction and airflow, the Ryobi 18V One+ HP vacuum performs almost as well as its most powerful competitors. We tried it on rugs, bare floors, car seats, and upholstery, and it did an excellent job of picking up all kinds of debris. In our baking-soda cleaning test, this Ryobi model extracted 96% of the debris—nearly as much as the Dyson V12 Detect Slim picked up. Of all the models we’ve tested, the nimble and powerful Dyson V12 Detect Slim comes closest to being the ideal cordless stick vacuum. Currently, our top-recommended cordless vacuum overall, the Tineco Pure One S11, offers 130 air watts of suction power.
The Pure One S15 Pro removes much of the hassle involved in vacuuming, making for a much less harassing clean with mess-free emptying, to boot. We know that every home is different, so this guide will show you the best cleaners for every type of home and every kind of lifestyle. Whether you’re keen to get a state-of-the-art cordless that feels like it’s come from the future or something cheaper for smaller spaces, you’ll find it right here.