8 Best Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaners

We don’t just pick the best cordless vacuums, we put them to the test in our in-home lab.

Based on our testing data we’ve selected what we think are the 8 best cordless stick vacuums. Our picks are based on our testing data, comparison analysis, and vacuum specs.

Here’s our top cordless vacuum pick:

Continue below for the full list of exceptional cordless vacuums:.

Find the Best Cordless Stick Vacuum for Your Home

Below we’ve got the complete list of the best cordless stick vacuums. Click the links below to jump to our more detailed description of each vacuum.

1. Best Cordless Stick Vacuum Overall – Dyson V10 Absolute
2. Best Suction Cordless Vacuum – Dyson V11 Torque Drive
3. Best Cordless Vacuum for Pet Hair – Dyson V10 Animal
4. Best Budget Cordless Vacuum – Dyson V7 Motorhead
5. Best Cordless Vacuum Under $200 – Tineco A10 Hero
6. Best Cordless Vacuum Under $100 – Shark Navigator Freestyle
7. Best Cordless Vacuum for Carpet – Tineco Pure ONE S12
8. Best Cordless Vacuum for Hardwood – Shark IONFlex DuoClean

Click the links above to jump to our detailed description of each vacuum cleaner.

Overall Best Cordless Stick Vacuum

When it comes to choosing the best cordless stick vacuum we looked at a variety of different factors that we think make up the best vacuums.

The cordless vacuums had to have:

• A ton of suction power
• Excellent cleaning performance
• Easy usability through good design, features, and cleaning tools
• A long run time

Our pick for the best cordless stick vacuum is the Dyson V10 Absolute.

#1 – Dyson V10 Absolute

The Dyson V10 Absolute was released in 2018, but it still remains one of the best cordless vacuums on the market.

It dominated our cleaning tests, scoring a 99% across our 12 tests. Like all Dyson V-series vacuums it comes with a ton of cleaning attachments, making it versatile at cleaning around the home, office, or car.

Since launch, the V10 has gradually declined in price (especially after the Dyson V11 launched). As the price gets lower the value on the V10 just gets better and better.

You can read our full Dyson V10 review here.

That said, it was an incredibly close contest for our #1 pick (as the V11 gets less expensive it’s likely to take over that top spot).

There are 3 other cordless stick vacuums that are arguably just as good.

Runner Up Best Cordless Stick Vacuums

Other cordless vacuums that are excellent choices are:

• Dyson V11 Torque Drive
• Tineco Pure ONE S12 Plus
• Shark IONFlex DuoClean 2X

Dyson V11 Torque Drive

The Dyson V11 Torque Drive is the newest vacuum released by Dyson. It’s quickly become a popular choice and for good reason…

It has a ton of suction power, up to 185 AW on max mode. At that level it competes with many corded upright vacuum cleaners in terms of suction power.

When you add the other convenience, usability, and smart features, it’s obvious why it’s becoming a popular choice.

You can find our full Dyson V11 review here.

Tineco Pure ONE S12 Plus

Our first experience with Tineco was with their Tineco A11 Hero, a solid budget cordless stick vacuum we tested in 2018 (we’ll talk more about it below).

The A11 Hero was and is a good vacuum, but Tineco really blew us away with their Pure ONE S12. The S12 and S12 Plus models are every bit as good as any high-end cordless vacuum cleaner.

It’s got raw suction power and tons of smart features. The only real down side is the price, but considering what you get, it’s easy to see why it’s priced the way it is.

Read our Tineco S12 reivew and compare of the S12 vs. S12 Plus here.

Shark IONFlex DuoClean 2X

Shark’s IONFlex DuoClean is arguably the best value cordless stick vacuum. Certainly within the high-end price range.

Its cleaning performance of 98% relative to its price point makes it a solid contender among the best cordless vacuums.

For more information you can find our Shark IONFlex DuoClean review here.

You should buy a cordless stick vacuum if…

• You want convenience – all of the vacuums within this category have substantial run times (in addition to being cordless of course). These long run times mean you shouldn’t need to charge up during the middle of a cleaning cycle.
• You want versatility – these high-end vacuums are equipped with a number of tools and cleaning attachments. These tools add great versatility in how you are able to use your vacuum to clean. Clean up high, down low, the car, the office, couches, mattresses, etc. There really isn’t much you won’t be able to clean.
• You want raw power – all of the above cordless stick vacuums have a ton of suction power with most ranging as high as 185 AW of power. At this level, they are similar in power to many upright vacuums (and even stronger than some).

You should not buy a cordless stick vacuum if…

• You want to spend less money – getting one of the best cordless stick vacuums means you’re going to have to spend some money. If you’re looking for a less expensive cordless vacuum you should check out some of the budget choices down below.

Best Suction Cordless Vacuum

Some cleaning jobs simply require the most suction power possible. If that’s that type of cordless vacuum you’re on the hunt for there are a few good options.

Which is the highest suction cordless vacuum?

That title is currently held by the Dyson V11 Torque Drive.

#2 – Dyson V11 Torque Drive

Dyson is so confident in their new cordless vacuum design and the suction power it generates that they have said they are no longer going to develop corded vacuum cleaners.

The Dyson V11 is a bleeding edge vacuum and it is priced accordingly. It’s one of the most expensive vacuums we’ve tested to date.

Nevertheless, if your home has tough to clean carpets, pets, or allergy sufferers, the added suction power could be worth it.

Other High Suction Cordless Vacuums

The Dyson V11 may be the best suction vacuum, but it’s not the only cordless with a ton of suction.

Dyson V10 and Tineco Pure One S12 are also among the highest suction cordless vacuums in the world.

Below we’ve listed a brief side-by-side comparison of the Dyson V11 vs. Dyson V10 vs. Tineco Pure ONE S12.

The Dyson V10 (both the Absolute and Animal version) generates up to 140 AW of suction power. Like the V11, it has 3 variable levels (but no auto mode). The 3 levels are helpful for extending battery life.

The Tineco Pure ONE S12 (all 4 versions, S12, S12 Plus, S12 M, and S12 M Lite, see our review and comparison here) can create up to 150 W of suction at maximum power. The S12 features a range of power modes utilizing a slider on an LED screen (S12 and S12 plus versions).

This allows you to be precise with the level of suction required for your cleaning job. In addition, like the Dyson V11, it also includes an auto mode. With the auto mode it will sense the debris level and increase / decrease suction as needed.

RELATED – See our list best vacuums cleaners here.

Best Cordless Vacuum for Pet Hair

For the best cordless vacuum for pet hair, there are some different features we’re looking at.

What makes a good vacuum for pet hair?

Among some of the most important features include:

• HEPA filtration
• Strong suction
• Multi-surface brushroll

These features help cordless stick vacuums to agitate, capture, and retain the highest capacity of pet hair, pet dander, and other messes that your furry friends may track in.

#3 – Dyson V10 Animal

In addition to a great assortment of pet-friendly accessories, the Dyson V10 Animal also includes the things that come standard with the Dyson V10 series.

This means a 60-minute run time, 3 different cleaning modes, 140 AW suction power, and excellent cleaning performance.

The cleaning performance on the Dyson V10 Animal is also exceptional and easily one of the best performers we’ve seen in terms of cordless stick vacuums.

During our cleaning tests of the Dyson V10, it scored between 98-100% on all debris types and all flooring types.

Check out the full cleaning tests of the Dyson V10 here.

Other Cordless Vacuums for Pet Hair

For another option with a few more features, you might want to check out the Dyson V11 Animal.

This cordless stick vacuum is the updated model of the Dyson V10 and includes upgrades including:

• Stronger suction: Increase up to 185 AW from 140 AW
• Digital display: LED display screen to show cleaning mode, estimated remaining battery life, and performance / maintenance tasks

NOTE: If you’re looking for the lightest cordless stick vacuum, you may way to keep in mind that the V11 is a heavier model than the V10 Animal (5.8 lbs vs. 6.68 lbs)

Best Budget Cordless Stick Vaccum

If you’re on a tight budget and want the most bang for your buck, cordless stick vacuums can still be a great solution.

Depending on the brand, cordless stick vacuums are generally less expensive than full-size uprights and come with the added bonus of lightweight, cord-free convenience.

The other great thing about budget cordless stick vacuums is that it doesn’t have to mean giving up all of the best features. Strong suction, great cleaning performance, and handy accessories can still be within reach for less than you may have thought originally.

#4 – Dyson V7 Motorhead

The Dyson V7 Motorhead is a great value because it has the power and quality of a Dyson, but without the added cost of too many bells-and-whistles.

One way that the V7 keeps the cost low is by only including the most basic accessories. The V7 Motorhead includes the following parts and accessories:

• Direct drive cleaning head
• Crevice tool
• Combination tool

For comparison, the Dyson V10 Absolute comes with the following parts and accessories:

• Direct drive cleaning head
• “Fluffy” soft roller head
• Crevice tool
• Combination tool
• Mini-dusting brush
• Mini-motorized brush

So you give up a few accessories, but overall, the vacuum itself is basically the same. If you’re looking for powerful suction at a fraction of the cost of the Absolute, the Motorhead version of any of the Dyson V Series cordless stick vacuums could be a solid choice to consider.

RELATED – Check out our full comparison guide for the Dyson V6 vs. V7 vs. V8 vs. V10 vs. V11 for all the similarities and differences between models.

Runner-Up Best Budget Cordless Vacuum

Like the look of the Dyson V7, but looking for something even more budget-friendly? Check out the Tineco A11 Hero.

Tineco A11 Hero

This cordless stick vacuum has some design similarities to the Dyson V7. It is lightweight, has the motor and dust bin in-hand, and a shallow cleaning deck for improved maneuverability.

The Tineco A11 is slightly less expensive compared to the Dyson V7 Motorhead. In terms of raw suction, the A11 is going to offer around 120 AW while the V7 provides closer to 100 AW.

Despite the increased suction power, the V7 still provided the higher overall cleaning performance (99% overall on the V7 and 94% overall on the A11).

Click here to check out the full breakdown of the Tineco A11 Hero cleaning performance.

Best Cordless Vacuums Under $200

When considering the best budget cordless vacuum, it’s about the best “bang for your buck”– a constant assessment of performance versus price for the best value.

But what if your budget is fixed and you’re looking for the best cordless stick vacuum for under $200?

We hear you and we’ve got you covered.

#5 – Tineco A10 Hero

For under $200, it’s hard to beat the performance and value of the Tineco A10 Hero. This cordless stick vacuum is one step down from the Tineco A11 Hero in terms of performance and features, but still has a lot to offer.

The A10 Hero is a 2-in-1 stick vacuum that can be used as handheld or stick vacuum. It has a removable lithium-ion battery pack for easy recharging and various attachments.

The Tineco A10 Hero includes the:

• Mini power brush
• Crevice tool
• 2-in-1 dusting brush
• Hair cleaning tool

So what are you giving up?

One of the biggest things you lose with the A10 over the Dyson V7 is run time. The Dyson V7 has a run time of about 30 minutes, while the A10 will only go for between 10-25 minutes. Exact run time will vary based on cleaning mode and floor type.

Runner-Up Cordless Vacuums Under $200

The vacuums in this category are all models we haven’t personally tested, however, they come highly reviewed and rated around the web.

If keeping the budget under $200 is critically important these models are also worthy of consideration.

June 9, 2019 Update – we recently tested the Dibea D18 vacuum, see our full review here. While it’s not a replacement for a high-end cordless stick vacuum it had reasonably good performance considering the price.

Best Cordless Vacuum Under $100

Is your budget tighter than $200? With the expansion of the cordless vacuum market, there are still options within range.

For under $100 you will be sacrificing some advanced features like strong suction, extended run time, or advanced attachment and accessories, but you can still find a quality vacuum for this price.

Our pick for the best cordless vacuum under $100 is the Shark Navigator freestyle.

#6 – Shark Navigator Freestyle

The Shark Navigator Freestyle cordless has a little bit of a different body style. It is not a convertible 2-in-1 vacuum like many of the other cordless vacuums in this guide.

It has a basic body style, with a traditional bristle brushroll, and average suction, which may not be sufficient for high-traffic carpeted areas.

But it also has a 1.3-quart dust bin capacity, which is significantly greater than many other models listed here. In addition to the large dust bin capacity, this vacuum is also lightweight for its size, weighing less than 8 pounds.

For under $100, the Shark Navigator Freestyle has quite a few things going for it and it could easily be a solid choice for your home, especially if you have a smaller footprint, low pile carpet, or hard surface flooring like tile or hardwoods.

Runner-Up Cordless Vacuums Under $100

Same as our runner ups under $200 above, our 2nd place finishers in the “best under $100” category aren’t vacuums we’ve personally tested yet.

In most cases, we think it makes sense to increase the budget and get something that’s going to offer better performance and longevity. However, if you absolutely have to get a cordless vacuum under $100 the following models are extremely popular value picks.

Best Cordless Vacuum for Carpets

The battle for the best cordless vacuum for carpets was really close. This one was a bit of a toss up between 2-3 vacuum cleaners, but ultimately we have to choose one.

The best cordless stick vacuums had to have the following:

• Great suction power
• An excellent brushroll
• Variable suction power (so they aren’t impeded by high pile carpets)
• A long run time

Our pick for the best cordless vacuum for carpets goes to the Tineco S12.

#7 – Tineco Pure One S12

The Tineco S12 cordless vacuum has a body style that mimics that of the Dyson V-series and offers many of the same features and quality cleaning performance. This particular model is especially similar to the Dyson V11 cordless, even down to the unique digital display screen.

The Tineco has a run time of 100 minutes and exceptional cleaning performance (scoring 100% in 8 out of 8 carpet cleaning tests).

Runner Up Best Cordless Vacuums for Carpets

If the S12 is a bit out of the price range or you’re just more comfortable with a more established brand we’ve got several other excellent choices below.

Dyson V11

The Dyson V11 is one of the best cordless vacuums you can buy for cleaning carpets (and just about every other floor surface). Despite being cordless, the 185 AW suction power of this vacuum rivals that of even many upright vacuums.

The Dyson V11 has excellent cleaning performance a LED digital display that simply communicates cleaning mode and remaining battery power.

Dyson V10

The Dyson V10 cordless is one tier down from the V11 in terms of price and it lacks the digital display screen, but it still offers exceptional cleaning performance.

The V10 can be used to clean hardwoods, carpets, or automotive finishes. While the V11 offers up to 185 AW of suction power, the V10 still has 140 AW of suction which is more than sufficient for most cleaning jobs.

Best Cordless Vacuums for Hardwoods

If hardwoods are your main aim, you may want to consider a cordless stick vacuum that performs particularly well on this flooring type.

Features that could be more important for improved cleaning performance on hardwoods includes:

• A soft roller cleaning head (like the Dyson Fluffy or the Shark DuoClean cleaning head)
• Designed for all debris types, including large debris

The cleaning heads of some cordless stick vacuums have such a low cleaning deck that sometimes larger debris tends to just be pushed across the cleaning path.

So now you know what to look for — let’s talk about which models we found to be top performers for cleaning hardwood floors.

#8 – Shark IONFlex DuoClean

First out of the gate, we’ve got to mention the Shark IONFlex DuoClean. This cordless vacuum is one of the most versatile and flexible cordless vacuum that we’ve tested to date.

The IONFlex DuoClean scored a 98% on our hardwood floor cleaning tests and a 98% overall. The DuoClean brushroll is perfect for hardwoods and it’s able to handle both large and smell debris.

Unique to the IONFlex, this Shark DuoClean has a joint which allows the vacuum to bend backward, making it easier to sneak under furniture or reach areas that would otherwise be difficult to access.

Runner-Up Best Cordless Vacuums for Hardwoods

If the Shark IONFlex DuoClean isn’t for you, try checking out some of our favorite top-performing Dysons. Two of our top recommendations include the Dyson V10 Absolute or the Dson V7 Motorhead.

Dyson V10 Absolute

The Dyson V10 Absolute is one of the best performing stick vacuums that comes with the Fluffy soft roller cleaning head, an excellent option for cleaning hardwoods floors.

During our cleaning tests, this vacuum had nearly flawless scores across the board for all debris types. This cleaning performance is one of the reasons why the Dyson V10 Absolute is one our top-scoring cordless stick vacuums to date.

Dyson V7 Motorhead

If you’re on a tighter budget, but still want a good cordless vacuum for hardwoods, you might want to check out the Dyson V7 Motorhead. Although this is an older model, the V7 Motorhead strikes the balance between performance and price.

While it does struggle with larger debris types, like cereal and rice, it did great on fine debris.

Which cordless stick vacuum is best?

The Dyson V10 Absolute scored a 99% on our cleaning tests. Considering its price, features, and overall performance, we can say that it offers excellent value for the money. 

This powerful cordless stick vacuum features a digital screen, three cleaning modes, 14 cyclones, and tons of accessories for thorough cleaning. Plus, it’s capable of running for up to 60 minutes on a single charge.

Cordless Stick Vacuum Reviews

Looking for more detailed reviews? Below we’ve got our complete list of all cordless stick vacuum reviews and tests.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Leave us a comment below or send us an email here. We’re always testing new vacuums.

Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner Comparisons

Below we’ve listed all of the cordless stick vacuums we’ve compared:

• Shark vs. Dyson
• Dyson V6 vs. V7 vs. V8 vs. V10 vs. V11
• Dyson V10 vs. V11
• Dyson V8 vs. V11
• Dyson V8 vs. V10
• Dyson V7 vs. V10
• Dyson V6 vs. V10
• Dyson V7 vs. V8
• Dyson V6 vs. V7
• Dyson V6 vs. V8
• Dyson vs. Miele
• Hoover vs. Dyson

Summary

Well, as they say, that’s all folks!

Got any other questions we can help with?

Please don’t hesitate to drop us a comment down below or send us an email here. We do we our best to respond to all comments and emails within 24 hours (sometimes a bit slower if it’s over the weekend).

Thanks for reading and we hope our cordless vacuum guide was helpful!

If you’re looking for additional related sources see the following pages on Modern Castle:

• Vacuum cleaner reviews – a full list of everything we’ve tested and the best vacuum cleaners by type
• Best Dyson vacuums – a breakdown of the entire Dyson vacuum model lineup with reviews, tests, and comparisons
• Robot vacuum reviews – looking for a cordless robot vacuum? We’ve got a huge resource with 28+ robot vacuum reviews (list always growing)

Update Log

• June 11, 2019 – Initial version of the page was published.