The best vacuum cleaners according to real reviews

Keeping a tidy house is one of life’s greatest displeasures. We spend hours scrubbing, mopping, primping and sprucing, just to do it again a week later, so it’s no wonder that more and more people are looking for ways to make the job as manageable as possible.

Investing in a best-in-test vacuum cleaner can improve many areas of your life, from how clean your house really is, to how much time you spend each week doing the dirty work.

Related: The best eco-friendly cleaners

Best vacuum cleaners at a glance:

Keep reading for our full reviews.

The best vacuum cleaner 2021

While I’m a fan of knowing the detailed specs (and have included them below for you), having every tiny tidbit of information about the technical spec of a cleaner doesn’t always tell you what it’s like to really use the product. After identifying the top hoovers for each of our categories, we scoured the reviews and tested some ourselves to find out if they really are the best, so you can make a decision based on real people and their opinions.

Our test in detail:

Lupe® Pure Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Corded/cordless: Cordless

Power: 400w

Battery life: 60 minutes

Weight: 4.6kg

Bin capacity: 1L

Charge time: 3.5hrs

Tried and tested, Jade Moscrop, Deputy Commercial Content Editor:

"Wow. That's the only way I can describe how it felt using this vacuum cleaner for the first time, and every time since. It's a little futuristic in design, with its white and turquoise colour scheme, but I find it quite charming. It's straightforward to put together (I didn't even need to look at the instructions) and comes with plenty of accessories to reach all the nooks and crannies of your home.

"The suction is second to none. I honestly couldn't believe there was that much dirt hiding in my carpet, having just hoovered the day before with my Dyson. It was embarrassing, to say the least. It powerfully pulled all of the dust and grime from my cream carpet and honestly, left it looking like I'd cleaned it with a carpet cleaner. The head is a little bulky so it does struggle to fit underneath my low sofa, but it manoeuvres well.

"Intuitive to empty and charge, I love the fact that you can purchase spare batteries, or buy it with two so that you never have to worry about running out of battery mid-cleaning spree. The brand's ethos is also attractive - knowing you'll always be able to buy spare parts if you need to repair it certainly offsets the high price tag.

"The only drawback is that it is quite heavy to use compared to my Dyson, especially when it's on full power, due to the brilliant suction. It's fine for carrying around the house, but it's a real arm workout once you get going. It's much easier to use on the Eco setting, so if you're lacking in arm strength, stick to that. This machine is epic."

Buy the Lupe® Pure Cordless Vacuum Cleaner here.

Dyson V11 Absolute

Corded/cordless: Cordless

Power: 185 Air watts

Battery life: 60 minutes

Weight: 2.97 kg

Bin capacity: 0.76L

Charge time: 4.5hrs

Noise level: Eco mode - 71dB / Medium mode - 74.6dB / Boost mode - 84.6dB.

There's a reason Dyson is the biggest name in the vacuum world. With each new release, the brand betters itself and is constantly pushing the boundaries of technology.

The Dyson V11 Absolute is largely considered the best vacuum cleaner on the market today - however, that luxury comes with a hefty price tag. If you can afford to splash the cash, you'll find yourself with incredible suction power and an automatic cleaning mode that adjusts as you go, so there's no need to switch modes or brushes for the different surfaces.

Perhaps the most impressive feature is the handy LED screen, which tells you exactly how much battery you have remaining and shows you how to fix any errors with handy little videos. No more guesswork.

Say goodbye to Dyson's previous Low, Medium and Max modes, because Eco, Medium and Boost are in. Jump for joy when you spot the accessory clip that allows you to store some of the accessories on the device itself. Users of the Dyson V11 Absolute state that it's a "life-changing appliance" and that it's the "best hoover I have ever used". That says it all really.

The only con for this hoover is that the battery isn't removable/replaceable, so there's no way of purchasing another one to have charged up for when you've got a big day of cleaning ahead. A small price to pay for an exceptional piece of kit, though.

Buy the Dyson V11 Absolute here.

Related: All of the best spring cleaning essentials in one place

Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner NV601UKT

Corded/cordless: Corded

Power: 750w

Weight: 6.2kg

Bin capacity: 1.65 litres

Noise level: 80dB

Ask any pet owner about their main struggle when it comes to their beloved furry friends and they're bound to say: the hair. The Shark NV601UKT comes with Lift-Away technology, meaning it doubles up as a handheld and upright vacuum clean, perfect for getting those hard to reach spots.

Specifically suited to pet owners, the Pet Power Brush is ideal for sofas, carpets, bedding and cars. As it's corded, you don't need to worry about battery life, but with an 8m cord, you should have plenty of room to work with. Complete with plenty of extra tools, a 4-Stage HEPA Filtration system, and an easy to work surface switching method, it's a great all-rounder.

Reviewers have been raving about the Shark for being "surprisingly light", but have warned users to ensure all cables are safely tucked away before hoovering due to its powerful suction. Other perks include the LED lights, the blockage warning system, and the "all-new" feeling they found their carpets had after using it.

Cons for this hoover include its size and its inability to fit into small gaps, as well as the tie-up cord - some would prefer a snap-back system.

Buy the Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner NV601UKT here.

Miele Complete C3 Pure Red PowerLine SGDF3

Corded/cordless: Corded

Power: 890w

Weight: 8.32kg

Bag capacity: 4.5L

Noise level: 77dB

Designed to tackle even the most ferocious of carpets, the Miele Complete C3 Pure Red PowerLine is great for attacking the mess of everyday life.

This cylinder vacuum has variable suction control, which can be adjusted as per your needs. With a universal floorhead and integrated accessories, it ploughs through dirt and hair with ease. The AirClean filter means that dust and dirt are trapped, not recirculated into the air.

The 12m cable means you can tackle your whole house with ease, without needing to unplug it halfway up the stairs.

As this hoover it bagged, it holds a lot of dust and dirt and is mess-free when it's time to change the bag, although, replacing these is an additional cost. At 8.32kg, it's a little heavier than some on the market, which may make it more difficult to carry up and down the stairs.

Buy the Miele Complete C3 Pure Red PowerLine SGDF3 here.

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Coredy Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Corded/cordless: Cordless

Power: 28w

Battery life: 120 minutes

Weight: 4.16kg

Bin capacity: 0.5L

Noise level: 50-55dB

Designed to take the hard work out of keeping on top of the dirt in your house, robotic vacuum cleaners are having a real moment. Super slim to get into those hard to reach places, the Coredy Robot Vacuum Cleaner provides strong suction, is ultra-quiet and ultra-thin.

Ideal if you have pets and/or children, it smoothly glides over hard floor and carpet to cut down your workload. It even keeps itself charged, returning to its docking station when low on battery or when it's done the cleaning.

With a remote control to automate the cleaning and change the settings and a vertical drop sensor so it doesn't dive off the top step, you can't help but feel giddy about owning something that feels like it should be in a Men in Black film.

The downside to having a vacuum like this is that you will probably need a bigger vacuum to tackle those spring cleaning sessions, and the dust compartment isn't very big. You also need to ensure the room is clear or risk losing cables to its robotic grasp.

Buy the Coredy Robot Vacuum Cleaner here.

SEBO 91540GB Automatic Pet ePower Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Corded/cordless: Corded

Power: 890w

Weight: 7.4kg

Bin capacity: 5.3L

Noise level: 79dB

Although it looks a little traditional and outdated, don't let the exterior fool you. The SEBO 91540GB is packed with innovative tech and features to make keeping your house dust-free a doddle.

The on-board computer controls the powered height adjustment system, so it can automatically adjust to the floor surface it's on. If there's a blockage, the hoover will shut down to prevent damage.

Allergy sufferers can rest easy knowing that the S-Class Filtration System keeps dust particles trapped in the multi-layer bag rather than being released into the air. The bag retains bacteria, allergens and other potentially harmful substances for safe disposal and even the air that comes out of the hoover is filtered to ensure purity.

For ease of use, the SEBO has a super long 10m cable, handles on the front and rear and onboard storage for the additional nozzles. Replacing the brush rollers and changing the bags and filters is easily done, without the need for tools. It also will work when almost completely flat, meaning you can get underneath sofas and beds, with a handy light to see underneath furniture.

Reviewers note that although being a great piece of kit, as the accessory hose is attached to the top of the hoover rather than the bottom, it could topple over if pulled with force.

Buy the SEBO 91540GB Automatic Pet ePower Upright Vacuum Cleaner here.

Beldray® BEL01096 AIRLITE Cordless Hand Vacuum

Corded/cordless: Cordless

Power: 11.1V Li-ion battery

Weight: 1.47kg

Bin capacity: 100ml

Noise level: Not listed

Tried and tested, Ryan Gilmore, Commercial Content Writer:

"This extremely lightweight vacuum cleaner makes easy work of cleaning work surfaces, stairwells and cars, and is great to have on hand for any accidents around the house.

"It comes with countertop storage and a charging base and doesn't take up much space at all.

"The 4-5 hour charge time will give you 15-25 minutes operating time, which is ideal for those odd jobs. Obviously, you wouldn't clean your whole house with this thing, but if you feel that a handheld vacuum would suit your lifestyle, this is easily one of the best available.

"Inside, you'll find a HEPA filter which is great for allergy sufferers, and although the 100ml bin needs emptying fairly regularly, it's easily done.

"The crevice and brush tools make brilliant attachments in order to get under your sofa cushions, around your skirting boards, hard-to-reach places and reach smaller corners and tight spaces.

"It's mighty powerful, despite being such a small machine."

Read the full review here.

Buy the Beldray® BEL01096 AIRLITE Cordless Hand Vacuum here.

Amazon Basics Vacuum Cleaner

Corded/cordless: Corded

Power: 700w

Weight: 3.81kg

Bag capacity: 3L

Noise level: 78dB

Tried and tested, William Lobley, Senior Commercial Content Writer:

"Suction force is controlled by a slider and there’s up to 700w of suction power available, but it’s not all usable in every circumstance. For example, when cleaning carpets the slider can't go above the minimum - any more than this, and the suction drags the brush head down into the carpet and it becomes a challenge to move. Higher settings are best saved for tougher materials and surfaces, like taught sofa upholstery and hardwood floors.

"The construction is entirely plastic, in places feeling a little cheap. However, for the most part, it’s suitably robust for home-usage. It comes with a range of nozzle attachments.

"On the whole, the vacuum is a breeze to use - it’ll clean large open spaces with ease. It’s also very light, so it’s easy to pull around a room and carry upstairs. Apartments and small family homes will get along with it well, but I wouldn’t want to use it to clean a four-bedroom house - the lead is only six metres long and the main cleaning head is a tad inaccurate around borders and corners."

Read the full review here.

Buy the Amazon Basics Vacuum Cleaner here.

What type of vacuum cleaner is for you?

I was given a cordless hoover as a housewarming present last year (shout out to my LOVELY parents) and it has honestly changed my life. It’s lightweight, incredibly powerful and literally cuts the time spent hoovering in half. It’s a dream and it meets my needs perfectly - but that doesn’t mean that it would suit everyone.

So, let’s talk about the type of hoover you need and the pros and cons of each one.

Upright vacuum cleaners

Pros: The most traditional and popular choice, upright vacuums are ideal for giving carpets a good deep clean. With bagged and bagless options to choose from, they’re easy to store and use.

Cons: Generally heavier than other types of vacuum, these can be a bit of a nightmare to transport up and down the stairs and don’t always give you the flexibility to get into the tight nooks and crannies without using the additional brush heads and tools.

Stick vacuum cleaners

Pros: Allowing you to move around furniture with ease, lightweight stick vacuums have risen in popularity over the years. Corded or cordless, they’re slim and great for those with limited storage space. Simple to empty, they usually have multiple power options so you can tailor the device to your needs.

Cons: Despite all their positives, some stick vacuums just don’t have the power that an upright vacuum can offer and cordless options can be limited on run time.

Cylinder vacuum cleaners

Pros: Generally smaller, lighter and more affordable than upright hoovers, cylinder vacuum cleaners are easy to move around the home and can be used on a variety of surfaces with ease. Bagged or bagless, their flexible hose design means that reaching curtains and other hard-to-reach places can be easily done.

Cons: Although lighter than upright cleaners, these models can still be hard to manoeuvre, especially up and down the stairs. Some users also find that they need to bend down more and that it takes more effort than using an upright.

Robotic vacuum cleaners

Pros: The future has arrived - robots are doing our cleaning for us! These nifty little automatic vacuums will scoot around your house to keep it dust-free with minimal effort from its owner. Usually remote-controlled or programmed, they’re brilliant for cleaning up after kids or pets and getting underneath and around furniture.

Cons: As useful as they are (and totally mesmerising to watch, by the way), their cleaning power doesn’t really compare to a full-sized vacuum. As they feature newer tech, they’re expensive and must have a tidy room to clean properly.

Related: Free up your time with a robot vacuum cleaner

Handheld vacuum cleaner

Pros: Super lightweight, easy to get into small spaces that are more difficult with a standard hoover, such as stairwells and cars. Fast charging and versatile.

Cons: Less power than a standard hoover and also, less hoovering time available. These are a great addition to a household, but won't replace your normal hoover.

Bag or bagless?

While bagged vacuum cleaners might seem outdated, many people prefer them as they make the job a much cleaner one. Easily replaceable, bagged hoovers are hygienic and a good option for those with allergies as they stop the dirt from being released into the air (or all over your carpet if you’re clumsy, like me) when being emptied.

Of course, there is a cost involved with replacing the bags as often as needed, which should be taken into account.

Bagless vacuum cleaners offer pretty much the opposite experience; while being cheap to maintain as you don’t have to replace the bags, they can be messy when you come to empty them. As many canisters tend to be see-through, it’s ideal for checking if you’ve picked up anything you shouldn’t have and when it’s full, but if damaged, they can be costly to replace.

Jade Moscrop is the Deputy Editor for WhatsTheBest, specialising in lifestyle topics. She also writes for Closer, Heat, and Mother&Baby.

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