Nothing feels better than a perfectly clean house, but it can take a lot of work to keep it that way. We all probably have a vacuum cleaner in our house, and they are a great modern invention for keeping our homes free from dust.
While traditional vacuums are already very good at their jobs, they do have their drawbacks.
For one, it can often be difficult to drag a vacuum behind you without the wheels getting stuck on the machine’s own cord. Not to mention the hassle of switching plug sockets when the length of the cord can’t reach certain rooms in your house.
Cordless vacuum cleaners are convenient because you don’t have to plug them into an outlet at all. The downside is that they usually cost more than their corded counterparts, but this isn’t always the case.
Cordless vacuums are highly portable tools that allow you to reach every area of your house with ease, without the limitations that come with a power cord.
They typically have rechargeable batteries, which means they may not be able to clean for as long as a corded model, but they should last long enough to cover your whole home. In this article, we will be looking at 6 cordless vacuums that are suitable for those on a tight budget.
OUR TOP PICK
BLACK+DECKER Powerseries Extreme
EDITORS CHOICE
ORFELD Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
BEST VALUE
Eureka Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
OUR TOP PICK
BLACK +DECKER Powerseries Extreme
The Black + Decker Power Series Extreme Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is one of the most popular cordless upright vacuums in its class.
It has a freestanding design that makes it easy to store, since you won’t have to lean it precariously against a wall. As well as the vacuum itself, you will receive a large selection of attachments for sucking up different types of dirt and debris.
This cordless vacuum cleaner is designed to remove pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and rugs. The brush bar has rubber bristles for providing a more thorough clean.
Other attachments include a smaller brush head for use on furniture and cushions, as well as a crevice tool for cleaning hard to reach areas.
This handheld vacuum has a swiveling head that makes it easy to clean around corners.
There is an LED light on the hood to make it easier to spot patches of dirt you would have missed otherwise. As such, the Powerseries Extreme is very suitable for small rooms and tight spaces.
Pros
- Freestanding design for easy storage.
- Comes with multiple attachments including a crevice tool and miniature brush head.
- Capable of cleaning any floor type.
Cons
- Poor battery life.
EDITORS CHOICE
ORFELD Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
The Orfeld Cordless Vacuums come highly recommended by many consumers for their affordable, yet high quality products. This stick vacuum has a sleek, modern design that will look good in any household.
It comes with attachments for cleaning crevices, furniture and staircases. You can swivel the head to navigate corners and around obstacles.
This vacuum cleaner is equipped with a HEPA filter, which helps keep your house free of allergens. It also comes with a removable shaft for making the vacuum longer or shorter as you need.
The handle has an ergonomic design, so you can clean your whole house without bending over or straining yourself.
You can adjust the height of the nozzle according to the type of floor covering.
The Orfeld is lightweight and easy to carry around, with a 2 in 1 floor brush built into the head that allows it to flawlessly transition from hardwood floors to carpet.
It is also incredibly easy to store since it breaks into three pieces and can be left on its charging stand when not in use.
On a full battery, this vacuum will work for up to 50 minutes on standard suction and 15 minutes on maximum power.
Pros
- Extra quiet.
- Suitable for any floor type.
- Come with a wall mounted charging port for easy storage.
Cons
- This vacuum gets quickly clogged up and requires regular maintenance.
BEST VALUE
Eureka Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
This Eureka handheld vacuum is one of the most effective and affordable cordless models available today. It features a patented cyclonic filtration system that removes 99% of particles down to 0.3 microns.
Coupled with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, you can rely on this vacuum to run for up to 40 minutes of efficient cleaning on a full charge.
One of our favorite aspects about this vacuum is the easy rest handle, which allows you to lean this model against a countertop without it sliding off and hitting the ground.
It is also great for those who do not like to bend over all day, as the swiveling head means you can easily reach around and under furniture while maintaining an ergonomic posture.
It comes with two attachments, including a crevice tool and a smaller brush for getting pet hair off sofas and cushions.
There is an LED light on the main hood which is great for cleaning at night, or for spotting patches of dirt you may have missed.
With the dust cup located on the front, you can lay this vacuum completely flat for cleaning under furniture. As well as the standard mode, there is also a max button for cranking up the suction power when you need to.
Pros
- Lays flat for cleaning under furniture and cabinets.
- Swiveling head.
- Easy rest handle allows you to prop vacuum safely against countertops.
Cons
- Gets clogged easily.
RUNNER UP
Hoover ONEPWR Blade
The Hoover ONEPWR Blade+ is an extremely powerful stick vacuum cleaner. It has a cyclonic dust chamber that the company promises will remove 99% of microscopic dust particles, which is great for anyone who suffers from allergies.
After you have finished cleaning, you can empty this dust bin by pressing a single button.
This is a versatile stick vacuum cleaner that works equally well on hardwood floors, tile, linoleum, or other surfaces. It uses a powerful motor that provides more than enough suction power for picking up pet hair, dirt and other forms of debris.
With the attachments that come in the box, you can convert this unit into a stick vacuum for cleaning tables and upholstery as well.
The ONEPWR Blade+ is lightweight and very easy to maneuver around corners and other obstacles.
This is thanks to the swivel head that can rotate in any direction you need for fast and effective cleaning. If you are looking for a stick vacuum cleaner that will be durable and reliable, then this is one of the best choices out there.
Pros
- Cyclonic dust chamber offers through cleaning with no loss of suction.
- Works well on a variety of surfaces and floors.
- LED lights in the cleaner head for spotting dirt and other debris.
Cons
- Poor battery life.
RUNNER UP
Whall 25kPa 4 in 1 Foldable
The Whall 25 kPa 4-1 Folding Stick Vacuum is a lightweight and versatile vacuum cleaner that is ideal for small spaces. It has a multifunctional cleaning head that can be used for both carpet and bare floors.
Thanks to the folding wand that can bend to reach under furniture and other obstacles, this head can reach every inch of your house without you needing to bend down.
This vacuum has a strong suction that picks up dirt, pet hair, and other debris quickly and efficiently. With a V-shaped brush in the main cleaning head, you can rely on this unit to perform equally well on a wide variety of surfaces and floor types.
You will also receive a smaller brush head for cleaning furniture and upholstery, as well as a crevice tool for getting those hard to reach spots.
On standard mode, this unit can last for up to 55 minutes on a full charge, and 16 minutes when on max suction. It comes with a detachable and washable HEPA filter for straining out microscopic dust particles before they can come out of the air outlet.
All of these features make the Whall 25kPA an amazing cleaning tool that will allow you to clean every inch of your house with ease.
Pros
- Filter in the air outlet to prevent dust particles being kicked back out.
- Comes with helpful attachments for cleaning furniture and crevices.
- Folding wand makes it easier to clean under objects without bending down.
Cons
- Suction isn’t as strong on wooden floors.
RUNNER UP
CRAFTSMAN CMCVS001D1
Craftsman’s CMCVS001D is an excellent choice if you need a quality vacuum cleaner at an affordable price.
It has a unique brush roll that is designed to power through any kind of debris without becoming clogged. The lithium-ion battery has a long lifetime that guarantees over an hour of efficient cleaning.
With a freestanding design, you don’t need to lean this vacuum against a wall, which makes it easier to store.
The smaller brush is great for sucking up pet hair off cushions and upholstery. On the other side of this mini-brush is a crevice tool for every single piece of dirt, no matter where it is.
The dustbin is located on the front, which means you can slide the head under objects to reach difficult spots and get your house completely dust free.
There is an LED light on the cleaner head to ensure that any debris in your home won’t be able to hide from you. If you are looking for a reliable cordless vacuum cleaner, then this model from Craftsmen may be just what you need.
Pros
- Heavy-duty stick vacuum with long battery life.
- Comes with miniature brush attachment and crevice tool.
- Brush roll specifically designed to avoid being clogged.
Cons
- Not great at navigating corners.
Buyer’s Guide
When shopping for a cordless vacuum cleaner, there are several things to consider. Obviously, you want something light enough that you can carry it around your home.
However, you also want it to be powerful enough that it can suck up dust, dirt and pet hair with no problem. Here are a few tips to help you while you are shopping for a cordless vacuum.
Power
You want a cordless vacuum cleaner that has enough power to get the job done. You will want to check that any unit you buy has sufficient wattage for meeting your needs.
However, it isn’t all about watts. If the head or nozzle on your vacuum gets easily clogged, then this will decrease your available suction power considerably.
Ideally, you want a vacuum that can suck up all manner of debris without being clogged. It also helps to have removable brush rolls, so you can remove any tangled hair from them and keep your vacuum working for a long time.
You may also want to look for a model that has multiple speed settings. These allow you to adjust the suction level depending on what kind of surface you are cleaning.
Battery life
A good cordless vacuum cleaner should last long enough to complete a cleaning session. The average battery life is about 40 minutes, but some models will be able to run for longer than this.
Most cordless vacuums will have two speed settings for increasing the suction. Max power will always drain your battery life much faster, so if you think you will need to use this setting, you will want to buy a unit with extra long battery life.
Brush Roll And Attachments
This is one of the most important components in any vacuum cleaner. The brush roll is responsible for scrubbing your floor to loosen dust, so it can be more effectively sucked up.
Ideally, you want your vacuum to have a brush roll for cleaning both wooden floors and any carpets you may have in your home. Some debris like pet hair can easily get tangled around the brush, which means you will want it to be easily accessible for regular cleaning.
It also helps for your vacuum to come with other attachments, so you can clean every inch of your home. If you do have a pet owner, then it can help to have a miniature brush for removing hairs left by your furry friend from sofas, cushions and other items of furniture.
Another vital attachment is a crevice tool for sucking dirt and dust out of the corners in your home where a normal cleaning head cannot reach.
Portability
Naturally, if you want to buy a cordless vacuum, you will want it to be more portable than a corded model. Many models we have looked at on this list have removable central shafts for making the nozzle longer or shorter as you need.
You will want the vacuum to be very lightweight, so you can easily carry around your house without getting tired.
It also helps to have a vacuum cleaner that can easily fit into small spaces. After all, dust can quickly accumulate in difficult to reach spaces, such as under furniture and cabinets.
For reaching these areas, you will want a swiveling cleaning head that can flatten to travel underneath objects. In order to get the head flat on the ground, you will want to be able to lay the whole vacuum flat, which isn’t possible if the dust bin is located on the back of the handle.
As such, if you want to thoroughly clean your whole home, it is prudent to buy a model with the dust bin positioned on the front.
After you are done cleaning, you will want your vacuum to be easy to store away. Look out for freestanding units that can be placed upright in a cupboard without needing to lean against a wall.
Leaning your vacuum cleaner may cause it to slide and fall, which may cause permanent damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Cordless Vacuums Worth It?
Cordless vacuums are slim, light, and easy to carry around. They’re also convenient when you want to clean but don’t feel like dealing with tangled cords.
These vacuum cleaners are usually packaged with either wall-mounted charging docks or floor stands. This can make them easier to store, as well as easier to use than more traditional models.
Cordless vacuums are great for cleaning floors, but they aren’t as powerful as traditional ones. They are also often more expensive than other types of vacuum cleaner. So if you need a strong cleaner, then it may be better to go with a traditional model.
Cordless stick vacuums are convenient because you can use them anywhere and any time. They also come apart easily, making clogs easy to clean and maintain for a long lifetime of keeping your house spotless and dust free.
Will The Brushes On My Vacuum Damage My Carpet Or Wooden Floors?
You should always use the right tools for the job. Some brushes may leave scratch marks on hardwood floors, which is not what you want from a cleaning device.
On the other hand, you will require a brush strong enough to disturb the surface of a carpet, so you can get as much dirt out of it as possible.
Many of the units we have looked at in this article have versatile brush rolls that can be used on any floor type. That said, it is always worth double-checking first, to make sure your chosen product will be suitable for the floors in your home.
