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 for 2020:
Our Pick For Best Cordless Vacuum
Dyson V10 Absolute
The Dyson V10 is our best cordless stick vacuum for 2020. The V10 scored a 99% on our in-home cleaning tests, is capable of generating up to 140 AW of suction power, and can run for up to 60 minutes. Its current price is right in the sweet spot of exceptional performance vs. fair price, making it a good value and top performer.Check PriceContinue 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 for 2020. Click the links below to jump to our more detailed description of each vacuum.
- Best Cordless Stick Vacuum Overall – Dyson V10 Absolute
- Best Suction Cordless Vacuum –
Dyson V11 Torque Drive - Best Cordless Vacuum for Pet Hair – Dyson V10 Animal
- Best Budget Cordless Vacuum – Dyson V7 Motorhead
- Best Cordless Vacuum Under $200 – Tineco A10 Hero
- Best Cordless Vacuum Under $100 – Shark Navigator Freestyle
- Best Cordless Vacuum for Carpet – Tineco Pure ONE S12
- 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 of 2020 is the Dyson V10 Absolute.
#1 – Dyson V10 Absolute
Best Cordless Stick Vacuum
Dyson V10 Absolute
The Dyson V10 Absolute checks all of the boxes with up to 140 AW of suction power, a 60 minute run time, 99% cleaning performance on our in-house tests, and tons of attachments that provide excellent versatility and usability. The overall value of the V10 is excellent, created via exceptional performance at a reasonable price.Check PriceThe 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
Raw Suction Power
The
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
Impressive LED Screen
Tineco Pure One S12 Plus
The Tineco Pure ONE S12 Plus is a new arrival, but quickly making a name for itself. It did well on our cleaning tests, scoring 100% in 11 out of 12 tests. It offers an impressive 100 minute run time, auto suction cleaning, a large LED screen, and a good versatility via cleaning attachments. Suction power is solid at 150 W. It’s one of the most expensive vacuums on the market, but there is good reason for behind the price.Check PriceOur 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
Excellent Value Pick
Shark IONFlex DuoClean 2X
The Shark IONFlex DuoClean has been around for a few years, but continues to be a good cordless stick vacuum choice. The IONFlex scored an impressive 98% overall on our cleaning tests. It comes equipped with 2 batteries, so you can be charging one while you’re using the other. The DuoClean design makes it great for both hardwood floors and tile, in addition to carpets and rugs. The big reason we like the Shark IONFlex DuoClean is the price point. While it doesn’t have the raw suction power and smart features of the Tineco or Dyson V11, it still did well in our tests, offers good usability, and scored well in our cleaning tests, all at a very reasonable price.Check PriceShark’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
#2 – Dyson V11 Torque Drive
Highest Suction Cordless Vacuum
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.
- Max Suction: 185 AW
- Run Time: 60 mins.
- Cleaning: 99%
- Weight: 6.68 lbs.
- LED Display: Yes
- Max Suction: 140 AW
- Run Time: 60 mins.
- Cleaning: 99%
- Weight: 5.8 lbs.
- LED Display: No
- Max Suction: 150 W
- Run Time: 100 mins.
- Cleaning: 95%
- Weight: 6.6 lbs.
- LED Display: Yes
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 best vacuums cleaners of 2020 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
A Dyson Stick Designed for Pets
Dyson V10 Animal
The Dyson V10 Animal is a sub-model of the V10 designed specifically for pet owners. This model comes with the Torque Drive cleaning head, HEPA filtration, crevice tool, combination tool, docking station, mini-dusting brush, and the mini-motorized brushroll as well. It’s an all-around solid choice for great performance against pets.Check PriceIn 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.
Most Advanced Dyson Stick Vacuum for Pets
Dyson V11 Animal
The Dyson V11 Animal is the most advanced cordless stick vacuum for pets owner’s that Dyson has launched to date. The combination of 185 AW of suction power, washable HEPA filter, and direct drive multi-surface brushroll give it all the tools it needs to deal with pet hair, dander, and more. It’s notably more expensive than the V10.Check PriceThis 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
Budget Cordless With Basic Tools
Dyson V7 Motorhead
The Dyson V7 Motorhead is a nice cordless if you’re looking for good cleaning performance and basic tools. For a budget cleaner, it’s hard to beat the overall value of this Dyson vacuum. Check PriceThe 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
A Dyson Alternative Cordless Vacuum
Tineco A11 Hero
The Tineco A11 Hero cordless has up to a 60-minute run time (with 2 batteries), good maneuverability, and solid cleaning performance. For a budget price, the A11 Hero provides a good option compared to Dysons. Check PriceThis 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
Powerful, Popular Budget-Friendly Cordless
Tineco A10 Hero
The Tineco A10 Hero cordless vacuum is one tier down from the A11 cordless. While we haven’t tested this model in-house, it boasts quality features, solid performance, and a good collection of positive third party reviews. It has many similarities to the Tineco A11 Hero.Check PriceFor 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
A Basic Body, But A Great Price
Shark Navigator Freestyle
The Shark Navigator Freestyle is one of the only cordless vacuums on this guide that doesn’t look like a true stick vacuum and isn’t a 2-in-1. That being said, it has an XL dust bin and is very lightweight, making it a solid option for a quality cordless vacuum. Check PriceThe 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
Cordless Stick Vaccum with Smart Integration
Tineco Pure ONE S12 Vacumm
The Tineco Pure ONE S12 cordless stick vacuum is a 2-in-1 model with smart integration, like wifi-connectivity, an LED display and smart suction. Multiple levels of suction power is a great add, as is the incredibly 100 minute run time (the longest run time we’ve seen in a cordless stick vacuum to date). Check PriceThe 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
A Flexible Cordless Stick Vacuum
Shark IONFlex DuoClean
The Shark IONFlex 2x DuoClean is a powerful cordless stick vacuum with multiple brushrolls, a few cleaning modes, and a great degree of maneuverability. This vacuum is able to bend almost 90° backwards, giving it the ability to slide under furniture with ease.Check PriceFirst 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
- Cereal: 100%
- Kitty Litter: 100%
- Rice: 98%
- Sugar: 100%
Dyson V7 Motorhead
- Cereal: 0%
- Kitty Litter: 100%
- Rice: 66%
- Sugar: 100%
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.
Cordless Stick Vacuum Reviews
Looking for more detailed reviews? Below we’ve got our complete list of all cordless stick vacuum reviews and tests.
| Vacuum | Score | Price | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dyson V11 Torque Drive | 96% | $$$ | Read Review |
| Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute | 96% | $$$ | Read Review |
| Shark IONFlex DuoClean | 96% | $$$ | Read Review |
| Dyson V7 | 96% | $$$ | Read Review |
| Dyson V8 | 96% | $$$ | Read Review |
| Tineco Pure ONE S12 | 95% | $$$ | Read Review |
| Dyson V6 | 95% | $$ | Read Review |
| Shark Rocket Pet Pro | 94% | $$ | Read Review |
| Xiaomi Roidmi F8 | 94% | $$ | Read Review |
| Tineco A11 Hero | 93% | $$ | Read Review |
| Xiaomi Jimmy JV51 | 91% | $$ | Read Review |
| Electrolux Ergorapido | 91% | $ | Read Review |
| Deenkee | 90% | $$ | Read Review |
| Hoover Lynx | 90% | $ | Read Review |
| Dibea D18 Pro | 88% | $$ | Read Review |
| Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro | 84% | $$ | Read Review |
| PUPPYOO A9 | 83% | $ | Read Review |
| Bissell Bolt | 82% | $ | Read Review |
| Shark Navigator Freestyle | NA | $ | Read Review |
| Shark Rocket ION | NA | $$ | Read Review |
| Shark Sweeper | NA | $ | Read Review |
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.
Derek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ModernCastle.com. He has been featured in
I’m trying to decide between the Dyson v10 verses v11 at costco right now. There’s only a $70 difference. What would you recommend? I have mostly carpet with some tile and wood floor. Dyson cyclone v10 total clean Vs Dyson v11 animal. I don’t see myself changing the head of it often so would prefer something that could be used on all floors.
For only $70 bucks more than V11 is absolutely worth the extra.
Definitely get the V11, especially if you aren’t going to be changing the cleaning head.