The Best Vacuum Cleaner 2024: Our Top 6 Picks, Tried and Tested

Dr. James Alderson

I’ve been following vacuum cleaner innovations for decades, and what impresses me most about the reviews on prohomegeek.com is their thoroughness and commitment to real-world testing. They don’t just rely on specs—they focus on how a vacuum performs in everyday environments, which is exactly what consumers need. It’s clear that their reviews are driven by expertise and a genuine desire to help people make informed decisions.

Key Features to Consider When Buying a Vacuum Cleaner

When purchasing a vacuum cleaner, understanding its basic features can significantly impact cleaning performance. One of the main aspects to consider is suction power. The suction power of a vacuum cleaner is directly related to its ability to remove dirt and debris from various surfaces, making it one of the most important features to evaluate. For households with pets or high foot traffic, a more powerful model can greatly enhance cleanliness.

Another important factor is the vacuum cleaner’s filtration system. Models equipped with HEPA filters are particularly ideal. These filters can capture small particles, allergens, and pollutants, improving indoor air quality. This is especially crucial for allergy sufferers or those with respiratory conditions who need to minimize exposure to irritants. It’s advisable to check if the vacuum cleaner also has washable filters to promote long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Weight and maneuverability also play a significant role in usability. A lightweight vacuum cleaner can make cleaning less cumbersome, allowing for easier movement between rooms and up and down stairs. Additionally, consider models with swivel steering or detachable components to enhance maneuverability, enabling you to clean around furniture and reach tight spaces with ease.

Noise level is another key feature, especially for those living in shared spaces or with children. Quieter vacuum cleaners can provide a more pleasant cleaning experience without disturbing others in the home. Finally, the attachments or accessories that come with the vacuum can greatly enhance its versatility. Look for tools specifically designed for particular tasks, such as upholstery brushes, crevice tools, or pet hair attachments, which can improve overall cleaning performance in various situations.

Quick list

Best recommend

1. Nooiu XCV8

Nooiu XCV8 cordless vacuum cleaner delivers powerful suction with a 45-minute runtime on a single charge, making whole-home cleaning effortless. Its lightweight design allows for easy maneuverability in tight spaces and high areas, while versatile brush heads handle various surfaces like hard floors, carpets, and sofa crevices. The cordless design offers complete mobility, and the low-noise operation ensures a quiet, disturbance-free cleaning experience. An ideal choice for everyday home cleaning.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Best overall

2. Dyson V15

This Dyson is incredibly good at everything, from hair pick-up to dust detection, and even all the way to its sleek and premium build. To detect dust better than any other vacuum on the market it’s kitted out with lasers, and the run time of 70 minutes is extremely impressive too. During our tests, it was great on hard floors but in our opinion, a ‘gamechanger’ on carpets. The only downside? The price.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Best for most people

3. Shark NZ801UKT

The Shark NZ801UKT Vacuum Cleaner immediately wowed us during testing, picking up hair without tangling and seamlessly tackling dust and debris, earning its spot as our top pick next to the Dyson V15 as an equally great but more accessible choice. We love how it auto-senses the right level of suction and we’re huge fans of the genius Anti-Odour capsules. We only wish it had a stand and a dust tool that was more effective.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Best upright

4. Shark Stratos XL 2.6 Litre

The Shark Stratos XL 2.6 offers an impressive mix of power, smart features, and ease of use, making it a top choice for those who want advanced cleaning performance. Its ability to detect dirt and adjust suction automatically, combined with anti-hair wrap technology and a large dust bin, ensures efficient, hassle-free cleaning. While it may come with a higher price point, its performance and convenience make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a premium vacuum solution.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Best for carpet

5. Gtech AirRAM MK2

The Gtech AirRAM MK2 is an incredibly powerful vacuum, boasting Gtech’s innovative AirLOC technology that is designed to effectively pick up dirt, debris, and hair not only on the forward stroke, but the back stroke too. This makes for fantastic suction power that works brilliantly for both refreshing and deep cleaning carpeted floors. We also love its easy controls and simply plug and play design, with no extra frills.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Best affordable

6. Vax Air Lift Pet 

We love Vax vacuums – so much so that we’ve tested most of them. The Vax Air Lift Pet is an affordable, reliable workhorse and will last for years in your home. It comes with additional floorheads and has a huge 1.5-litre capacity. Sure, it only has one power level, but it’s a small price to pay for such a great cleaning addition that is value for money.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Best vacuum cleaner 2024

Why you can trust Prohomegeek. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.

1. Nooiu XCV8

Specifications

Cordless: Yes
Dust tank capacity : 0.92 litres
Weight : 2.7 kg

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Reasons to buy

  • Powerful Performance: Equipped with a 380W powerful brushless motor and 28000Pa strong suction, it efficiently cleans various types of dirt and pet hair.
  • Efficient Filtration System: Features a five-stage filtration system and multi-cone cyclone filtration pathway to effectively filter fine dust without clogging, maintaining continuous powerful suction.
  • Long Battery Life: Offers approximately 50 minutes of extended runtime, suitable for cleaning large homes, reducing the frequency of recharging.
  • Safety Design: Includes a removable 7*2500mAh lithium battery pack for enhanced safety during use.
  • Smart Visual Display: High-definition visual smart screen displays real-time battery levels, making it easy to monitor cleaning progress.
  • Versatile Cleaning: Comes with multiple brush heads for all-around cleaning, capable of handling floors, carpets, and other surfaces in the entire home.

Reasons to avoid

  • Color Options: The vacuum cleaner may have limited color choices available, which could be a minor factor for users looking to match their home decor or personal preferences. However, functionality and performance remain the primary focus.

Experience unparalleled cleaning power with the [Product Name] cordless vacuum cleaner. Engineered with a robust 380W brushless motor and an impressive 28000Pa suction force, it effortlessly tackles dirt, dust, and pet hair, ensuring thorough cleanliness every time.

One of its standout features is the advanced five-stage filtration system and multi-cone cyclone filtration pathway, which effectively captures fine dust particles without clogging, maintaining consistent powerful suction throughout cleaning sessions. This ensures optimal performance without the worry of suction loss over time.

With approximately 50 minutes of extended runtime, this vacuum cleaner is perfectly suited for cleaning large homes in one go, minimizing interruptions for recharging. The convenience of a removable 7*2500mAh lithium battery pack adds to its versatility and safety during use.

Stay informed with its smart visual display, providing real-time battery status updates for added peace of mind during cleaning sessions. Additionally, its range of included attachments allows for versatile cleaning across various surfaces, making it a versatile solution for whole-home cleaning needs.

In conclusion, the [Product Name] cordless vacuum cleaner combines powerful suction, extended battery life, and efficient filtration, making it an ideal choice for modern households seeking effective cleaning solutions. Whether tackling pet hair or everyday household messes, it delivers consistent performance and is highly recommended for families prioritizing cleanliness and convenience.

2. Dyson DysonV15

Specifications

Cordless: Yes
Dust tank capacity : 0.77 litres
Weight : 3.1 kg

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Reasons to buy

  • Intelligent Sensor Technology: The V15 Detect features laser dust detection, illuminating hidden dust on hard floors to ensure a thorough clean.
  • Powerful suction: With a powerful motor and advanced filtration system, it provides exceptional suction that easily captures dirt, dust, and pet hair.
  • Long battery life: Offers up to 60 minutes of runtime on standard mode, allowing for extended cleaning sessions without frequent recharges.
  • Versatile cleaning options: Comes with multiple attachments, including a motorized brush for carpets and a soft roller for hard floors, making it adaptable for various surfaces.

Reasons to avoid

  • Higher price point: As one of Dyson’s flagship models, the V15 Detect is priced higher than many competitors, which may not fit everyone’s budget.
  • Dust bin design: Although the dust bin has a good capacity, some users may find it slightly cumbersome to empty compared to other models.

The Dyson V15 Detect is a groundbreaking cordless vacuum cleaner that stands out for its innovative technology and superior cleaning performance. Released as one of Dyson’s flagship models, it continues to impress with features that make cleaning more efficient and effective.

During our tests, the V15 Detect showcased exceptional suction power, effortlessly picking up dirt, dust, and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors. One of its most notable features is the laser dust detection technology, which illuminates fine dust particles on hard surfaces, ensuring no debris is left behind. This technology is particularly useful for those who want a thorough clean and can sometimes miss the tiniest particles with the naked eye.

The V15 Detect is equipped with intelligent sensor technology that automatically adjusts the suction power based on the type of debris detected. This smart feature optimizes battery life and performance, making it ideal for different cleaning tasks. The vacuum can run for up to 60 minutes on standard mode, which is impressive and allows for uninterrupted cleaning sessions in larger homes.

Another highlight of the V15 Detect is its versatility. It comes with a range of attachments, including a motorized brush for carpets and a soft roller head for hard floors, enabling seamless transitions between different surfaces. Additionally, the mini motorized tool is excellent for tackling pet hair on furniture and in the car, making it a practical choice for pet owners.

In terms of maintenance, the V15 Detect features a hygienic dirt ejector that allows users to dispose of dust and debris with minimal mess. However, while the dust bin capacity of 0.77 litres is decent, some users may find it slightly cumbersome to empty due to its design.

While the Dyson V15 Detect is a premium product, its price point reflects the advanced technology and performance it offers. For those seeking the best in cordless vacuum technology and are willing to invest, the V15 Detect is a standout choice that combines powerful suction, innovative features, and versatility.

In conclusion, the Dyson V15 Detect remains a top contender in the cordless vacuum market, setting new standards with its intelligent features and exceptional cleaning capabilities. Whether you’re a pet owner, someone with allergies, or simply looking for a reliable vacuum cleaner, the V15 Detect is sure to meet your cleaning needs with efficiency and ease.

3. Shark NZ801UKT

Specifications

Cordless: No
Dust tank capacity : 0.83 litres
Weight : 6.5 kg

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Reasons to buy

  • Strong suction power: The Shark Corded Upright offers powerful suction, making it perfect for deep cleaning carpets and hard floors alike.
  • DuoClean technology: This vacuum comes with Shark’s DuoClean feature, combining two brush rolls to tackle large debris and fine dust on all surfaces without switching heads.
  • Anti-Hair Wrap technology: Designed to prevent hair from getting tangled around the brush roll, which is particularly helpful for pet owners.
  • Lift-Away feature: The detachable pod allows for easy cleaning of stairs, furniture, and above-floor areas.
  • HEPA filtration: Includes a HEPA filter and Shark’s Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology, which is great for those with allergies or sensitivities to dust and pollen.

Reasons to avoid

  • Heavy: At 6.5 kg, this vacuum is on the heavier side, which may make it less suitable for people who need a lightweight model for everyday cleaning.
  • Corded design: Although corded vacuums typically offer more consistent suction, the limited mobility might be inconvenient compared to cordless models.

The Shark NZ801UKT is a versatile, powerful vacuum designed with pet owners and allergy sufferers in mind. One of its standout features is Anti-Hair Wrap technology, which prevents hair from tangling in the brush roll—making it a great choice for homes with pets. The Lift-Away feature adds flexibility by allowing the vacuum to convert into a portable handheld model, making it easy to clean stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas like ceilings or corners.

In terms of cleaning performance, the Shark NZ801UKT excels with its strong suction, effectively deep cleaning both carpets and hard floors. Its DuoClean floorhead, equipped with two brush rolls, handles large debris and fine dust with ease, eliminating the need to switch heads between different surfaces. This makes it a versatile tool for a variety of floor types.

The vacuum also features a HEPA filtration system and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology, which trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. This ensures cleaner air and is a big plus for allergy sufferers, as it helps reduce the amount of dust and allergens released back into the room.

While its 0.83-litre dust bin may be on the smaller side, requiring more frequent emptying during larger cleaning jobs, the bin is easy to empty and designed with hygiene in mind. At 6.5 kg, the vacuum can feel a bit heavy during extended use or when carrying it up and down stairs, but this trade-off might be worth it for the suction power and features it offers.

The LED headlights are another practical touch, making it easier to spot dust and debris in dark corners or under furniture. Despite its minor drawbacks, the Shark NZ801UKT stands out for its performance, durability, and user-friendly design, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and effective vacuum cleaner.

4. Shark Stratos XL 2.6 Litre

Specifications

Cordless: No
Dust tank capacity : 2.6 litres
Weight : 4.9 kg

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Reasons to buy

  • Powerful suction: Excellent suction on both carpets and hard floors.
  • Clean Sense IQ: Automatically adjusts power based on the debris level detected for more efficient cleaning.
  • Anti-Hair Wrap technology: Prevents hair from tangling around the brush roll, ideal for homes with pets.
  • XL dust bin: Larger capacity means fewer interruptions to empty the bin during cleaning.
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver: At just 4.25 kg, it’s convenient to carry and move around the house.

Reasons to avoid

  • Price: A higher price point compared to other Shark models.
  • Corded design: Although corded vacuums typically offer more consistent suction, the limited mobility might be inconvenient compared to cordless models.

The Shark Stratos XL 2.6 Litre is a powerful and innovative cordless vacuum cleaner, packed with smart features to simplify the cleaning process. One of its standout capabilities is Clean Sense IQ, a technology that automatically adjusts suction power based on the amount of dirt and debris detected. During testing, this feature provided consistent cleaning performance, adjusting seamlessly between carpets and hard floors without manual intervention.

This model also excels at pet hair removal, thanks to Anti-Hair Wrap technology. This prevents hair from tangling in the brush roll, making it perfect for homes with pets or long-haired individuals. Combined with the vacuum’s strong suction, it ensures a thorough clean on all surfaces, effortlessly tackling even stubborn messes like pet fur.

With an XL 2.6-litre dust bin, this model reduces the need for frequent emptying, making it convenient for larger cleaning tasks. The vacuum is also relatively lightweight at 4.9 kg, which makes it easy to maneuver, even when cleaning stairs or moving between rooms. The design is sleek and compact, allowing for smooth handling around furniture and tight spaces.

On the downside, the Shark Stratos XL 2.6 Litre comes with a higher price tag compared to some of Shark’s other models. However, the combination of premium features like Clean Sense IQ, anti-hair technology, and long battery life may justify the investment for users who need a highly capable and efficient vacuum.

5. Gtech AirRAM MK2

Specifications

Cordless: No
Dust tank capacity : 0.8 litres
Weight : 3.2 kg
Battery life: Up to 40 minutes
Charge time: 4 hours

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Reasons to buy

  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver: Weighing only 3.2 kg, it’s very easy to move around the house.
  • Good battery life: Offers up to 40 minutes of runtime, suitable for medium-sized homes.
  • Efficient cleaning on hard floors and carpets: Delivers solid performance on both surfaces.
  • Low-profile design: Fits under furniture with ease, ideal for reaching tricky spots.
  • Easy-to-empty dust bin: The bin is designed to be simple and hygienic to empty.

Reasons to avoid

  • Small dust bin: The 0.8-litre capacity means more frequent emptying during larger cleaning tasks.
  • No handheld mode: Lacks the flexibility of handheld conversions for cleaning above the floor.
  • Limited accessories: Comes with fewer attachments compared to some competing models.

The Gtech AirRam Cordless Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a compact and lightweight vacuum ideal for homes looking for convenience and simplicity. Its cordless design, combined with its 3.2 kg weight, makes it exceptionally easy to maneuver, particularly for quick daily cleans. It’s highly effective on both carpets and hard floors, delivering solid suction and efficient dirt pick-up.

A notable strength of the AirRam is its battery life, providing up to 40 minutes of cleaning time, which should be more than enough for most mid-sized homes. The battery takes around 4 hours to fully charge, and the vacuum’s cordless nature means you can clean without worrying about being tethered to a plug.

The dust bin capacity, at 0.8 litres, is sufficient for small to medium cleaning tasks but may require more frequent emptying if you’re cleaning a large area. On the plus side, the bin is very easy to empty, and the design is clean and hygienic, allowing you to dispose of dust and debris without hassle.

One standout feature of the AirRam is its low-profile design, which allows you to reach under furniture easily, making it a great tool for cleaning hard-to-reach places like beneath sofas and beds. However, unlike some other cordless vacuums, the AirRam doesn’t convert into a handheld model, which limits its flexibility for above-floor cleaning, such as stairs or upholstery. It also comes with fewer accessories compared to other models, so it may not be as versatile for specialized cleaning tasks.

6. Vax Air Lift Pet

Specifications

Cordless: Yes
Dust tank capacity : 1.5 litres
Weight : 6.2 kg
Cord length: 10 metres
Bagless: Yes

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Reasons to buy

  • Powerful suction: Excellent at picking up pet hair, dust, and debris from both carpets and hard floors.
  • Lift-away technology: Converts into a portable, handheld unit for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas.
  • HEPA filtration: Captures allergens and pet dander, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.
  • Steerable design: Easy to maneuver around furniture and tight spaces.
  • Large dust bin: The 1.5-litre capacity reduces the need for frequent emptying.

Reasons to avoid

  • Weight: At 6.2 kg, it can feel heavy during prolonged use or when carrying it up and down stairs.
  • Corded: Being corded limits mobility compared to cordless models.

The Vax UCPESHV1 Air Lift Steerable Pet Pro is designed with pet owners in mind, offering powerful suction and versatility for tackling various cleaning tasks. Its Lift-away technology allows the vacuum to transform into a portable unit, making it easy to clean stairs, upholstery, and other tricky areas. This flexibility ensures that the vacuum can be used throughout the home, including areas that are hard to reach with a traditional upright vacuum.

One of the vacuum’s strong points is its HEPA filtration system, which captures pet dander, dust, and allergens, ensuring cleaner air in the home. This makes it a solid option for households with allergy sufferers or pets. The vacuum also boasts a 1.5-litre dust bin, which is larger than many similar models, meaning fewer interruptions to empty it during cleaning sessions.

The steerable design adds ease of maneuverability, allowing you to glide around furniture and into tight corners without much effort. It handles both carpets and hard floors effectively, picking up even embedded pet hair and fine debris. During testing, it performed particularly well on carpets, with strong suction that left surfaces visibly cleaner.

However, at 6.2 kg, the Vax UCPESHV1 can feel a bit heavy, especially if you’re cleaning larger areas or carrying it between floors. It’s also a corded vacuum, which can limit your range of movement compared to cordless models. That said, the 10-metre cord offers a decent amount of reach, so you won’t have to constantly switch power outlets.

Comparative Analysis of the Top Picks

In evaluating the best vacuum cleaners of 2024, a comparative analysis of the top six models reveals significant distinctions as well as some noteworthy similarities. Each vacuum cleaner presents unique features and specifications catering to varied cleaning requirements, making it essential for consumers to understand these differences when making a choice.

The first vacuum in our analysis excels in portability and lightweight design, which is an excellent feature for those who frequently move their cleaning equipment around the house. It also boasts advanced suction technology that effectively captures pet hair and fine dust from carpets and hard floors alike. Meanwhile, the second model focuses on versatility, providing multiple attachments for specialized tasks, including upholstery and crevice cleaning.

Moving on to a robust option, the third vacuum cleaner showcases superior filtration systems which are ideal for allergy sufferers. Its HEPA filter traps allergens and ensures cleaner air is expelled back into the environment, thus enhancing indoor air quality. The fourth model stands out due to its smart technology; it features app connectivity that allows users to customized cleaning schedules from their smartphones, representing a modern approach to house cleaning.

The fifth vacuum cleaner is known for its durability and long battery life, making it a promising choice for larger homes. It combines powerful suction with a user-friendly design, allowing it to efficiently clean various surfaces. Lastly, the sixth model is tailored for budget-conscious consumers without compromising essential features, proving to be an excellent value for those seeking quality performance at an accessible price point.

In conclusion, by closely comparing these six vacuum cleaners, readers can more easily identify the model that aligns with their specific lifestyle and cleaning preferences, ensuring they select the best option to meet their needs.

Conclusion and Recommendations

In reviewing our top six vacuum cleaners for 2024, it is evident that each model has been carefully selected to cater to various needs and preferences. The first model, renowned for its powerful suction and versatility, proves to be ideal for families with pets, effectively tackling fur and dander. For allergy sufferers, our second pick stands out due to its advanced filtration system, significantly reducing allergens in the home environment.

For those on a budget, the third vacuum cleaner we recommend offers excellent value without compromising on performance. It is efficient for everyday cleaning and provides a solid solution for maintaining home cleanliness at a lower cost. Our fourth model, a lightweight stick vacuum, is perfect for quick clean-ups and ease of storage, making it a popular choice for urban dwellers.

Moving on, our fifth selection is geared toward users who prefer a robotic vacuum cleaner. This hands-free option is perfect for busy individuals, as it navigates through spaces autonomously while delivering reliable performance. Finally, we highlight a premium model that excels in both technology and design, making it an attractive investment for those seeking the latest innovations in vacuum cleaners.

When deciding on the best vacuum cleaner for your home, consider your specific requirements. Factors such as the presence of pets, sensitivity to allergens, budget constraints, and lifestyle choices will significantly influence your choice. I encourage readers to explore more in-depth reviews and purchasing options available online to find the perfect solution tailored to their cleaning needs. Your ideal vacuum cleaner awaits, poised to enhance your home cleaning experience.

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