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We’ve researched and tested dozens of cordless vacuums—these are our top picks for an effective clean and long-lasting battery life.

Cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it can be downright soothing. (Okay, sometimes.) One thing that makes freshening up a heck of a lot easier is a cordless vacuum—you know, to reach all the hard-to-reach areas without dealing with restrictive cords, ladders, or the backaches that come from leaning over. Ugh, adulting.

How does a cordless vacuum work? 

Instead of being tethered to an outlet, a cordless vacuum uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery to power its motor and create the suction you need to pick up dirt and debris. As air is pulled in, filters catch the dirt and collect it in a removable bin you can easily empty. Plus, they usually come with handy attachments for different cleaning jobs. Their lifespan mostly depends on their battery life. While lithium-ion batteries are pretty solid, they can lose charge over time, shortening run times. 

Fortunately, technology is rapidly evolving. According to Esther Takeuchi in Consumer Reports, “[t]hree things are happening in [vacuum] battery development…The amount of energy they can store has increased. They’re getting cheaper to produce. And they have more power.” How well you maintain your vacuum and the quality of its build also play a role. Regularly clean the filter, use the right mode to avoid wasting power, and keep the battery consistently charged to get the most out of your cordless vacuum. 

And while many cordless vacuums at department stores can get the job done, they don’t always do it well. In fact, the median age of a vacuum is just eight years. If you aren’t careful, you could end up cycling through multiple vacuums that just end up in the landfill; the best way to be sustainable is to find a good vacuum and take care of it so that it lasts for decades. Some brands also offer recyclable, replaceable parts so you can keep your vacuum in top shape without splurging on a new one. 

Whether you buy new as an investment or shop the secondhand market (think eBay or your local Buy Nothing groups), these cordless vacuums are sustainable options built to last. Dare we say, when you’re vacuuming with these models 20 years from now, you may even enjoy it. 😉

Our criteria

• EFFECTIVENESS | We’ve selected the best cordless vacuums engineered to be durable, long-lasting, and effective at sucking up the toughest dirt and debris, whether you’re using them on hardwood, carpet, furniture, or your vehicle. 
• BATTERY LIFE | Each of these cordless vacuums has a long-lasting battery, providing enough power to get your jobs done.
• WARRANTY | These cordless vacuums all offer generous warranties ranging from 1-5 years (and even lifetime warranties) for peace of mind.

For more sustainable household goodies, check out our guides on nontoxic cleaning supplies, diffusers, and air purifiers!

1. Shark

Best For | Advanced features
Warranty | 5-year limited warranty; product protection add-on available
Prices Starting At | $200

Shark—as part of the SharkNinja brand—carries some of the tech we most love for making our lives easier. Choose from over 10 cordless vacuum models here, each equipped with “Signature Shark Technologies” like self-cleaning brushrolls (no more hair wrapping!), infrared sensors, and even odor-neutralization. The one we loved most while testing—the Shark Stratos™ Cordless Clean Sense IQ—comes with all those features, plus an anti-allergen HEPA filter, up to 60 minutes of use in ECO mode, and a flexible wand.

While it’s one of the more expensive options, it also gets the job done more effectively and efficiently—and payment plans can ease the financial burden. Shark’s cordless vacuums come with a whopping five-year limited warranty, free shipping, a 60- to 90-day money-back guarantee, and a 10% discount when you sign up for emails. We especially love the brand’s dedicated support channels, including for its replacement lithium-ion batteries. (And when your vacuum runs out of life, you can recycle it too—but we don’t see that happening any time soon!)

Shark Review | “This is my first Shark vacuum and I am impressed. It does not take up space and the cordless feature is such a huge benefit. Benefits: * so easy to maneuver * no cord * charger can be removed and plugged separately * not heavy at all and I can easily lift to vacuum second floor * quite powerful and there are 3 settings * the rollers on the unit easily vacuum the hairs and do not get caught in the rollers. This is amazing because I always have issues with other vacuums. * easy to clean. I don’t have any cons to list!” – @Kat28 (See all reviews)

2. Bissell

Best For | Pet parents
Warranty | 1- to 3-year limited warranty
Prices Starting At | $129

Pet parents, rejoice! You’ll no longer have to stress about fur taking over your couch, rugs, and floors. (Just us?) Bissell’s vacuums are designed with our furry friends in mind, and proceeds support the BISSELL Pet Foundation® to help save homeless pets. There are a dozen models to choose from, though the brand’s excellent filters and comparison features will help you narrow down what you need in no time. Small spaces? Multi-surface? Pet beds? Check, check, check—these can do it all.

We’ve personally tried the ICONPet Turbo Edge, and we were impressed with how lightweight yet powerful it is. It’s also cleverly designed, with a large “suction foot” for added reach, wheel locks to keep it from tipping, and specialized tools for every nook and cranny (including a wall mount for easy storage!). Best of all, Bissell touts recycled packaging, renewable energy at its global HQ, end-of-life recycling, and product repairs to minimize its environmental impact. Enjoy a 30-day guarantee and free shipping over $100.

Bissell Review | “My partner is IN LOVE with this vacuum! He is obsessed with the way it lights up every bit of pet hair and dust on the floor so he feels really efficient. Plus, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver. We haven’t tried all of the attachments yet, but I think we will be excited by the results on the furniture.” – Megan (See all reviews)

3. Levoit

Best For | Supporting indoor air quality
Warranty | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee, 2-year warranty
Prices Starting At | $499

Levoit’s AERO™ Cordless Vacuum makes cleaning feel way less like a chore. It features a self-emptying base, a lightweight grab-and-go design, and the flexibility to switch to handheld mode for quick cleanups. Its brush rolls smoothly over messes without jamming, while a built-in filter traps dust, pollen, and pet hair so they don’t float back into your space. As you vacuum, it actually helps freshen the air, leaving your home feeling cleaner in more ways than one. And if you’ve got pets, it’s a total win — it picks up fur like a pro without getting tangled, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time with your furry sidekicks.

Levoit Review | “This is a great vacuum. I’ve only ever bought Dysons before but decided to take a chance on this because the air purifiers I’ve bought from Levoit have been great and their customer service is excellent – and I am now a convert to their vacuums. It’s super powerful and really easy to use, the self empty function is particularly handy. We have a mix of wood floors and carpet, and the attachments worked great on the furniture as well as the car. The battery last great and its really nice to not have to deal with cords. I was hesitant to have a vacuum with a docking station because we live in a small place but this has easily earned it’s spot.” – Eric B. (See all reviews)

4. Dyson

Best For | Refurbished, discounted options
Warranty | 2-year warranty including parts & labor
Prices Starting At | $749

Dyson products are often seen as the GOAT of cleaners, purifiers, and even hair care. Its cordless vacuum lines are among the best on the market, built with advanced materials (super easy to wash and wipe clean!) and a focus on sustainability. If you’re not sure where to start, try the vacuum finder quiz to help you choose between deep cleans or quick refreshes, different features and capacities, and laser technology.

Our Senior Editor’s favorite, the Dyson V15 Detect, is worth the investment thanks to its 60-minute run time, double cleaner heads for pet hair, and eco-mode. Dyson products come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, a long-term warranty with generous coverage, free shipping, and access to local and online repair services—made to last and to work. If the price seems too out of reach, consider the brand’s financing plans or refurbished items through the discounted Dyson outlet.

Dyson Review | “I’ve had Dyson products in the past and have loved them. I’d been eying the v15 Detect for a while and am happy to say that it does not disappoint. I have a roomba-like vacuum robot runs daily and when I use the v15 after it, I can see where the robot’s missed things or moved it around. It’s light, easy to use, and so much better than my prior cordless stick vac. It’s also been great to use with the carpet attachment and that is also so much better than the other stick vac. The power to really clean the carpet with dug-in dust and grime is obvious. I had heard that the dead-man switch to power the vac can be tiring but it’s not at all an issue. I love the v15 Detect.” – @Phil278 (See all reviews)

5. Kenmore

Best For | 3-in-1 Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner
Warranty | 12-month warranty
Prices Starting At | $299

We’re all about cleaning smarter, not harder, and the Kenmore AquaLite™ 3-in-1 Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner makes that happen. This lightweight, cordless powerhouse vacuums, mops, and dries in one seamless go—no more dragging out multiple tools or dealing with dirty mop water. With a dual-tank system, we’re always cleaning with fresh water, and the self-cleaning cycle means less maintenance (yes, please!). At just under 9 lbs with 30 minutes of runtime, it’s easy to maneuver around furniture, up stairs, and into tight spaces. Whether it’s pet messes, post-dinner spills, or everyday dust, this all-in-one cleaner gets the job done—so we can get back to doing literally anything else.

Our Editor Review | “As a parent with a little one and a dog, the Kenmore AquaLite™ 3-in-1 has been a total lifesaver—it vacuums, mops, and dries all at once, so I’m not juggling spills and pet hair separately. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, which is a dream when you’ve got a toddler underfoot and a dog shedding nonstop.” – Kayti Christian, Senior Content Strategist

6. BLACK+DECKER

Best For | Hand vacuums
Warranty | 2-year limited warranty, lifetime warranty (varies by model)
Prices Starting At | $45

BLACK+DECKER has been a leading name for more than 110 years. The popular DUSTBUSTER launched in 1979, so you could say the brand knows a thing or two about vacuums. Don’t believe us? Just check out the whopping 185 stick, upright, robotic, and handheld vacuums with hundreds of five-star reviews. Among the cordless options, we prefer the hand vacuums—the most handheld models available from one brand (and some of the most affordable!).

While testing the DUSTBUSTER Pet Hand Vacuum, we liked its sleek look, the “crevice” tool for hard-to-reach areas, and its powerful suction. It also has a robust support section with quick links to service centers, registration and warranties, and spare parts to help extend the product’s life.

BLACK + DECKER Review | “I have this vacuum not because I have an indoor dog, instead it is for two children under two.  I was looking for a quick clean because I was constantly having to drag my upright large vacuum out of the closet to clean food from the floor after snack and meals.  Being able to pull this vacuum off of the charger and run quickly over the section I need is a time saver for me.  I love how lightweight it is and how it has great suction for being a smaller appliance.” – @Nicolem529 (See all reviews)

7. Hoover

Best For | Affordability
Warranty | 3-year limited warranty
Prices Starting At | $210

For a conscious, cost-effective, and cordless clean, check out Hoover’s ONEPWR models. Starting at just $210 retail (and often on sale!), these vacuums are convenient and easy to use, whether you’re tackling upholstery, stairs, or that one high-traffic rug. All nine Hoover options have four or more stars and hundreds of glowing reviews, and you can narrow your choices by your cleaning needs (though we most recommend its best-selling Evolve Pet Cordless Vacuum). If you’re interested, you can also sign up for interest-free payment plans and earn rewards on each purchase to redeem later. Hoover also offers a battery recycling program, affordable spare parts, and a directory of local repair shops. Enjoy all the bells and whistles of the most luxurious models without breaking the bank. (But if you did, Hoover will clean it right up. 😉)

Hoover Review | “It is lightweight, convenient, long battery life, easy to clean out and holds a lot of dirt. It picked up all the clippings from a long overdue haircut on our long haired dog, which produced enough cuttings to make a second dog. Whipped it up on the carpet and hardwood floor in a flash. Love this vacuum.” – Elizabeth (See all reviews)