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Hoover Linx Review

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

Looking for a stick vacuum, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of having to charge a battery? How does a corded stick vacuum sound?

The Hoover Linx corded stick vacuum has the same power as their cordless version, but you don’t have to worry about a battery dying on you in the middle of a cleaning session.

Continue reading below to discover if the Hoover Linx is the right stick vacuum for you.

Budget Stick Vacuum

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Hoover Linx

The Hoover Linx corded stick vacuum is an okay choice overall. The cleaning performance and price are positives, but the lack of maneuverability is disappointing. If you’re looking for an inexpensive stick vacuum that is not cordless, this could be an option, but there are some other options within the same price range that I would recommend over this Hoover.Check Price

Pros

  • Ultra lightweight, making it easily mobile and maneuverable.
  • This Hoover does a nice job of transitioning from hard floor surfaces to carpeted surfaces.

Cons

  • The Hoover Linx tends to struggle with larger debris types.
  • This Hoover stick vacuum has almost no turning radius.

Table of Contents

Hoover Linx Design

The Hoover Linx corded stick vacuum embodies somewhat of a larger build for a stick vacuum. Although it is not as big as an upright, it certainly has many of the characteristics of an upright vacuum.

The dust bin on this vacuum is a bit bulkier than most other stick vacuums we have tested to date. Additionally, the dust bin sits on the back of the unit instead of the front side.

Hoover Linx corded stick vacuum
Hoover Linx corded stick vacuum

Along the handle of the vacuum is the power switch and two cleaning mode buttons. The power switch slides down to turn the vacuum on and place it in “Bare Floor” mode or “Brushroll” mode.

With regard to the color, there’s not much to it. Black and gray make up most of the vacuum’s aesthetic. That said, the overall appeal of this Hoover stick vacuum is quite sleek.

How Hoover Linx Cleans

The Hoover Linx corded stick vacuum cleans through cyclonic suction and agitation from a motorized brushroll. Cyclonic suction allows the vacuum to suck up the dirt / debris, separate them, and store them in the dust bin in a way that allows less to escape and more to be stored.

Close up shot of the cleaning head on the Hoover Linx
Close up shot of the cleaning head on the Hoover Linx

There are two cleaning modes available on this Hoover stick vacuum; bare floor and brushroll. The bare floor, as the name suggests, should be used on bare floors. In this mode, the brushroll does not spin, which helps to prevent scratching your floors.

The brushroll mode is best suited for carpeted surfaces. Once the vacuum is put into brushroll mode, the brushroll will kick on and work to agitate and lift dirt and debris out of your carpets.

How big is the Hoover Linx vacuum?

The Hoover Linx sits at 44″ long when fully assembled. The unit is also 11″ wide (at the cleaning head) and 8.5″ deep. Although a stick vacuum, this Hoover weighs a sizable 10 pounds.

  • Length – 43.5″
  • Width – 11″
  • Cleaning Head Depth – 8.5″
  • Cleaning Head Height – 2″
  • Weight – 10.6 pounds
Hoover Linx cordless stick vacuum - size & dimensions

What accessories come with the Hoover Linx?

The Hoover Linx does not include any extra parts or accessories.

The cordless version of this Hoover does include a battery charger, but aside from that extra piece, the Linx models do not come with any extra cleaning tools or accessories.

The Linx is quite inexpensive. We would guess that Hoover made the decision to not include any accessories as a way to help keep the price point lower.

Hoover Linx corded vacuum

If you want a stick vacuum with lots of accessories, consider checking out the the Dyson V10 or previous versions of Dyson’s V-series in our Dyson V6 vs. V7 vs. V8 vs. V10 comparison.

All of the Dyson V-series vacuums come with a litany of attachments, tools, and accessories.

Cleaning Tests

The following vacuum cleaner tests are designed to show how the Hoover Linx corded stick vacuum performs on different surfaces, picking up a variety of debris types.

We test on three different floor types, including hardwood floors, low pile carpet, and high pile carpet.

Overall

92%

Hardwood

79%

Low Carpet

99%

High Carpet

99%

  • Rice – 3 ounces
  • Dry Cereal – 1 ounce
  • Kitty Litter – 3 ounces
  • Sugar – 3 ounces

Each of the aforementioned debris types was spread across our testing lane. The base surface of our testing lane is an engineered hardwood floor. For our carpet tests, we slide in a low pile and high pile carpet insert on top of the hardwood floor.

Cleaning test debris types
Testing Debris – From left to right: Rice (3 oz.), Kitty Litter (3 oz), Cereal (1 oz), Sugar (3 oz)

Our vacuum cleaning process strives to be as consistent, fair, and true to real world use as possible. Our tests utilize the following procedure:

  1. Measure the weight of the testing debris and the weight of the empty vacuum debris container.
  2. Spread the respective debris type evenly across the central portion of the testing lane.
  3. Run the vacuum cleaner over the testing lane.
  4. Measure the weight of the now filled container and take notes on the cleaning performance.

Hardwood Floor Cleaning

On our hardwood floor tests, the Hoover Linx performed reasonably well. Rice, kitty litter, and sugar were all three cleaned up to a level of 90% or higher. Cereal was more of an issue, only being cleaned up 24%.

Cereal

24%

Kitty Litter

99%

Rice

92%

Sugar

100%

The cereal wa simply to big to get under the vacuums cleaning head, which meant the Linx was pushing more of it around instead of sucking it up. This is what lead to more than 75% of the cereal being leftover on our testing lane.

Hoover Linx hardwood floor cleaning tests

With regard to the others, kitty litter and sugar seemed to be no problem for the Linx. Rice was not much of a hassle either, but the Hoover Linx was not able to suck all of it up for some reason.

It seemed as if some of the rice would get pushed by the wheels and never make its way into the suction path.

This resulted in a score of 90%, as compared to the 99% for kitty litter and sugar.

RELATED: What’s the best vacuum for hardwood floors?

Low Pile Carpet Cleaning

The low pile carpet tests were an improvement in every debris type. All four debris types were cleaned up to a level of 99% or higher.

Cereal

99%

Kitty Litter

100%

Rice

100%

Sugar

99%

Friction between the cereal and the carpet helped keep the cereal in place, allowing the brushroll to sweep it under the cleaning head and into the suction path.

Hoover Linx low pile carpet cleaning tests

RELATED – What’s the best vacuum for carpets?

High Pile Carpet Cleaning

Last but not least, high pile carpet. During this testing series the Hoover Linx also performed at a high level. Each of the four debris types were cleaned up at 99%.

Cereal

99%

Kitty Litter

99%

Rice

99%

Sugar

99%

Both of our carpeted testing series were not much of a match for the Hoover Linx corded stick vacuum.

Hoover Linx high pile carpet cleaning tests

Is it Easy to Use?

Usability on the Hoover Linx is quite simple to understand. There is not much to this vacuum overall. Once it is plugged in you can slide the power switch to bare floor or carpet and get to work. No charge time is required, as this is a corded unit.

Two floor modes are available on the Hoover Linx

SETUP | There is a short assembly process required with the Linx, but is not difficult or time consuming. After everything has been removed from the box, you will find that there are three main pieces; handle, body, and cleaning head.

  1. Snap the body of the unit onto the floor cleaning head
  2. Insert the handle into the body
  3. Screw handle into the body

This assembly process took me less than 2 minutes to complete.

Parts included with the Hoover Linx corded stick vacuum - handle, cleaning head, and body
Parts included with the Hoover Linx corded stick vacuum – handle, cleaning head, and body

Once you’ve got this Hoover vacuum assembled, you’re ready to clean. Again, there is not much too this vacuum, so the overall usability is extremely easy.

Maneuverability & Mobility

Maneuvering the Hoover Linx isn’t hard, but not as easy as most other stick vacuums we have tested. Being a corded unit, you are limited as to how far you can travel with the vacuum. Although it contains a 20′ cord, you will more than likely have to unplug and reposition your plug-in location from time to time.

  • Weight: 10.6 pounds
  • Width: 11″
  • Height: 43.5
  • Turning: 10°

WEIGHT LIMITATIONS | The weight of this unit can be a bit daunting as well. Most stick vacuums are below 10 pounds, whereas this specific model is above the 10 pound mark. This is not a huge negative, but overall size does play a role in how well the vacuum cleaner maneuvers.

TURNING RADIUS | Another detractor of the maneuverability, the turning radius. When turning the vacuum, the head wants to lift up almost immediately. Therefore, you are stuck having to push and pull the Linx straight most of the time due to the lack of an ability to turn.

If you feel like the turning radius will be a problem, see our reviews on the Electrolux Ergorapido and Dyson V6, which both offer 180° turn radius.

The Hoover Linx works best when pushed straight back and forward
The Hoover Linx works best when pushed straight back and forward

OVERALL | All things considered, the Hoover Linx corded stick vacuum does leave some things to be desired with regard to maneuverability. If you need a stick vacuum that is able to turn corners and maneuver around furniture, the Linx corded stick is not going to be the right choice for you.

Hoover Linx Maintenance Tasks & Costs

The following table indicates the frequency at which you will likely want to replace the various parts and components of the vacuum. However, your individual experiences may vary

Accessory / PartReplacement FrequencyReplacement Cost
FilterAs neededCheck Price

Maintenance on the Hoover Linx is extremely simple. Empty the dust bin, wash / replace the filter, and clear the brushroll of any tangles. There is not a lot going on with this vacuum, which means the maintenance is not difficult to manage.

Maintaining the Hoover Linx on an annual basis should cost around $8 / year. This includes replacing the filter three times a year.

DUST BIN | The dust bin should be emptied after every major cleaning cycle.

FILTER | The filter included with this vacuum is a washable filter, which means you can remove the filter, wash / dry it, and replace it. Eventually it will need to be replaced, but the washable feature does extend its life.

How Noisy is the Hoover Linx?

All vacuum cleaner reviews on Modern Castle are put through our standard noise test. For this test, we use a sound meter to measure noise in terms of decibel level approximately 3′ away from the vacuum.

Noise test on the Hoover Linx corded stick vacuum

83 decibels is definitely on the louder side for a stick vacuum. Most stick vacuums we’ve tested have been notably quieter. The Dyson V8Electrolux Ergorapido, and Bissell Bolt are all between 72-74 dB.

Is the Hoover Linx a Good Value?

The Hoover Linx stick vacuum offers a good value. The cleaning performance is pretty good and the price is relatively low. Therefore, it doesn’t feel like you’re overpaying for this unit.

MOBILITY | The one major factor that hurts the Linx’s value is its ability to maneuver. A poor turning radius, heavier weight, and cord work against the vacuum without a doubt.

MAINTENANCE | On the upside, maintaining this vacuum on an annual basis is cheap, so you don’t have to stress about breaking the bank on an annual base.

Hoover Linx vacuum

WARRANTY | When looking at the warranty and returns, Hoover offers their standard. The warranty lasts for 1 year and the return period is 30-days (via Amazon).

See our best cheap vacuums primer for more great value vacuum cleaners.

Specifications

Below is a complete list of important specifications and features included on the Hoover Linx:

Specifications
TypeStick
ManufacturerHoover
ModelLinx Corded
Length44"
Width11"
Weight10.6 lbs.
Floor TypeAll (indoor)
Dust Bin Capacity1.0 L
CordlessNo - 20' cord
BaglessYes
ReturnsVaries by retailer
Warranty1-Year limited
BuyCheck Price

Who Should Buy the Hoover Linx Vacuum?

The Hoover Linx is a corded stick vacuum with a good level of cleaning performance and maneuverability. Users who only need a stick vacuum for quick cleans may find the Hoover Linx to be a good fit.

I would recommend the Hoover Linx if you’re looking for the following features in a stick vacuum:

  • Want a corded stick vacuum – The Hoover Linx is strictly a stick vacuum. If you like the idea of having an upright style vacuum and don’t want to worry about charging a battery, this could be a good option for you.
  • Want a strong performer – This Hoover did well on our cleaning tests. There were times when it struggled, but overall, suction power was pretty solid.
  • Don’t need a bunch of extra accessories – There are no extra accessories included with the Hoover Linx. What you see is what you get, therefore, you’ll want to be sure you’re okay with a vacuum that only cleans on the floor.

For more information on the Hoover Linx visit here.

Update Log

  • August 6, 2018 – Updated the review score as part of our site-wide 1.0 scoring overhaul. Score decreased from 91% to 90%.
A good value basic stick vac
  • Design - 88%
    88%
  • Performance - 92%
    92%
  • Quality - 90%
    90%
  • Usability - 88%
    88%
  • Value - 90%
    90%
90%

Summary

The Hoover Linx offers a pretty good value in a basic stick vacuum package. This corded unit performed well across our cleaning tests, only really struggling with cereal. It is definitely heavier, at a little over 10 pounds, and leaves much to be desired in terms of maneuverability.

About Derek Hales

Derek HalesDerek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ModernCastle.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, She Knows, and other major publications. Derek has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University. Hales has been testing and reviewing products for the home since 2014.