To find the best cordless vacuums, we thoroughly tested dozens of models in our Lab and evaluated them based on their effectiveness on multiple surface types, noise level, battery life, overall value, and more. We even put their maneuverability to the test by setting up a “living room” obstacle course, complete with furniture, rugs, and floor lamps. For expert tips on choosing a cordless vacuum, we spoke to Len Morse, president of Vacuum World; Jessica Samson, cleaning expert of The Maids; and Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority. Keep in mind that battery life can vary depending on the settings and attachments that you use, so it might not always be exactly what the manufacturers list. Of the vacuums we tested, the median runtime on low was 33 minutes and 15 seconds, while the median runtime on high was just 9 minutes and 43 seconds. (Generally, most models did not last as long as their advertised runtime.) Unlike most traditional vacuums, the Belife S11 is designed to be a multipurpose vacuum. The parts easily attach and detach to transform it from a standard vacuum for cleaning floors into a handheld vacuum like a Dust Buster. It's a pretty genius design concept. Traditional Vacuum The stiff nylon bristle brush works well for messes on countertops, doormats, and other surfaces with larger debris. We especially appreciate this vacuum’s strong suction power, which didn’t decrease throughout the testing period. It’s also pretty lightweight and easy to maneuver, according to our tester, who says it “was easy to push around and under the furniture.” It transitioned from hardwood to carpet easily, too.

In my opinion, the Belife S11's performance speaks for itself. However, I also found the cleanup and maintenance outstanding. Cleanup Each mode offered outstanding results, regardless of the surface (I tried wood and tile, too). I was also pleasantly surprised at how quiet the vacuum sounded, regardless of which mode I tried. Even in hyper mode, the vacuum cleaned up more debris with less noise than my traditional vacuum. To find the best cordless vacuums, we regularly evaluate the latest models in our Lab. Our latest test spanned four days and involved testing 15 cordless vacuums—but we’ve evaluated dozens more over the past year using a similar rigorous testing process. If the vacuum or power adaptor is damaged, please return it to the authorized service center for service or replacement to avoid personal injury. This cordless vacuum’s head is slightly bulkier than some others we tested, which made it a little harder to clean in tight spaces without using the crevice tool. Still, it was pretty easy to use: “The vacuum maneuvers well around objects, making sharp corners,” our tester says. “However, it may miss smaller objects, like popcorn kernels, in the recessed spaces transitioning from one surface to another. The brush head is 2.5 [inches] high, so won't fit under anything more narrow than that, like furniture with short legs.”The manufacturer claims that this cordless vacuum has a battery life of up to 40 minutes, but since it automatically adjusts suction power based on the floor type and mess, we found that it lasted 31 minutes in our tests. The battery is removable, so people with large spaces to clean should consider purchasing an additional battery to keep on hand.

The biggest disadvantage of cordless vacuums is that they can only run for so long before they need to be charged. Of course, the battery life varies depending on the settings. Higher settings (like max modes) give you some "extra power for carpeting," according to Morse. But they'll drain the battery much faster than lower settings (which are sufficient on bare floors).This vacuum is NOT a toy. Please pay special attention when you are using it around a child, pet or plant. Just take note that when you first make the switch to a cordless vacuum, you might notice a difference in performance. "A battery unit cannot give you the same amount of suction as an electric vacuum," says Morse.

Questions You Might Ask What are the benefits of using a cordless vacuum instead of a corded model? And since hair is notoriously difficult to clean even with some of the top vacuums, we also sprinkled wig hair—including short strands to resemble pet hair and long strands to resemble human hair—on those same surfaces. For carpeted surfaces, we made sure to press down so that the hair became embedded in the carpet. Testers then evaluated how much hair each cordless vacuum could remove from the various surfaces in a minute. Once completed, they inspected the brushroll for tangled hair—and if there was, they removed the hair and took note of how easy it was to clear with their hands, scissors, or an included tool (if applicable). When you use the S11 as a handheld vacuum, you can choose between three attachments, based on the surface and what you're trying to accomplish. Do not charge the battery or the appliance outside of the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging with the wrong power adapter rating or at a temperature outside of the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire. To optimise the battery life: When not in use, keep the appliance at room temperature between 18°C (64°F) to 28°C (82°F). The ambient temperature range for operation and charging should be between 1 o•c (50°F) to 30°C(86°F) To measure noise level, we used a decibel reader with the cordless vacuum on both high and low settings and noted their findings. We also weighed each vacuum with a luggage scale attached to the handle. (By far, the lightest cordless vacuum we recommend is the Eufy HomeVac H30 Infinity, which miraculously weighs less than two pounds.)

Comparing Stick Vacuums & Electric Brooms

Unfortunately, the battery doesn't last forever. It is rated to operate for just 50 minutes on a single charge, and my testing found that to be pretty accurate. Although this meant I couldn't get through all three stories of my townhouse at once, it was easy enough to recharge the battery and keep going. Cleanup and Maintenance Eco mode, the lowest suction power, provides 10,000Pa. When the vacuum is in this mode, the colored indicator light on the vacuum is blue. Standard mode bumps this up to 15,000Pa and turns the light purple. Finally, hyper mode lights up red and provides 23,000Pa of suction. If you have a large home and like to clean it all at once, then we suggest choosing a cordless vacuum with a removable battery so that you can buy an extra, keep it charged, and swap it as needed. During our tests, we did find that we frequently had to lift the vacuum and place it directly on the mess to prevent it from just pushing the debris around. Our tester also had to empty the dustbin several times during the testing process, and they found it quite difficult to do so. It’s also worth noting that hair got tangled in the brushroll quite easily, and since it’s not removable, you’d have to use your fingers or scissors to cut the hair out. For this reason, pet owners should probably look elsewhere.

Many—but not all—of the vacuums on our list have high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which trap small particles and allergens and prevent them from recirculating in the air. NOTE: If the vacuum is not going to be used for more than 2 months, fully charge before disconnecting the power adapter and store it in a cool and dry place. Belife Motorized Brush Attachment for Belife S10 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner- Silver, V-shaped Floor Brushroll with LED HeadlightsFirst, we timed the setup process from start to finish (from opening the box until the vacuum was ready to use, not including charging time). We followed the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly and, if applicable, attached any bags, filters, or nozzles. Once finished, testers noted how difficult or easy it was to set up the vacuum.