InkBlog

23 Best Vacuum Cleaners: From Cordless To Upright, These Are The Devices To Buy In 2023

Going online to buy one of the best vacuum cleaners always takes a bit of psyching up. Indeed, vacuums - be it one of the best cordless vacuums or a high-tech robot vacuum - are high-ticket items and so, when your old floor cleaner gives up the ghost, it's always a bit of a kick in the teeth to see the £300-600 that'll be departing your bank account once you land on your new vacuum of choice. Alas, these are the things we do for a sparkling clean home and, if you're honest with yourself, you know you'll be putting that new Dyson on show the *moment* you've got guests over. 

Yes, as our ages tick into the late 20s, early 30s and beyond, cleaning tech and products - from the Diptyque surface cleaner to the Steamery fabric shaver - have become almost as exciting as seeing that the Charlotte Tilbury contour wand is finally in stock. What's more, with TikTok ‘cleanfluencers’ and Sunday reset compilations popping up all over our social feeds, we're starting to see cleaning and home devices as investments into our wellness space. After all, as Marie Kondo says, “The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment.”

On that note, if we're all in agreement that a buying one of the best vacuum cleaners is a top notch way to kick of the new year, then you'll be pleased to know we've been doing some research. Whether you're looking for a lightweight cordless vacuum or a stain-tackling carpet cleaner, we've divided our selection into categories so you can find everything you're looking for quickly. Let's get into it…

The best vacuum cleaners 2023 - quick links

Skip to cordless vacuums | Skip to corded vacuums | Skip to handheld vacuums | Skip to robot vacuums | How did we test and review the best vacuum cleaners? | How does the GLAMOUR star rating system work?

  • Best vacuum cleaner overall - Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, £329.99, John Lewis - TELL ME MORE or BUY IT NOW
  • Best cordless stick vacuum - Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, £629.99, John Lewis - TELL ME MORE or BUY IT NOW 
  • Best corded vacuum - Shark XL Anti Hair Wrap Upright Pet Vacuum PZ1000UKT, WAS £399.99 NOW £249.99, Shark - TELL ME MORE or BUY IT NOW 
  • Best handheld portable vac - Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner CH950UKT, £69, Very - TELL ME MORE or BUY IT NOW
  • Best robot vacuum cleaner - iRobot ROOMBA j7+ vacuum robot, £899, Amazon - TELL ME MORE or BUY IT NOW
  • Best affordable vacuum - Samsung Jet 60 Turbo Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, £199.99, John Lewis - TELL ME MORE or BUY IT NOW

For more from GLAMOUR UK Commerce Writer Lucy Smith, follow her on Instagram @luceeeeesmith.

Keep scrolling for our full edit of the best vacuum cleaners to keep your home spick and span in 2023…

Cordless vacuums

Best overall and Dyson's best cordless vacuum cleaner, tooDyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner£329.99 at John Lewis & Partners£329.99 at DysonSpecifications:
  • Size - 125.6 x 25 x 22.1cm
  • Weight - 2.56kg
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 0.54L
  • Run time - 40 minutes
  • Power - 21.6V 

Pros: 

  • One of the top Dyson bestsellers on the John Lewis website, the V8 is designed for homes with an excess of pet hair with its effective detangling technology.
  • A great choice for allergy sufferers, it captures particles as small as 0.3 microns - for context, according to Camfil clean air specialists, that's “about 300 times smaller than the diameter of a single strand of human hair.”

Cons

  • We can't fault it, it's so lightweight and less than £100 more than lots of its competitors (which are offering buyers a less impressive spec).

Customers are saying: It picks up dirt that I couldn't even see, it's quiet, the carpet attachment leaves those influencer-style cleaning lines and most buyers are saying how they crave using it…for fun!

GLAMOUR star rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Save money on the best floorcare devices with these John Lewis & Partners discounts 

Best cordless vacuum for hardwood floorsDyson V15 Detect Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner£629.99 at John Lewis & Partners£629.99 at DysonSpecifications:
  • Size - 26.6 x 126 x 25cm
  • Weight - 3.1kg
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 0.77L
  • Run time - 60 minutes
  • Power - 25.2V

Pros

  • The V15 Detect Absolute is so high-tech that it adjusts its suction power depending on the size of the dust particles it ‘Detects’ on the floor beneath, reporting its findings to you in real time on the Dyson vacuum's LCD screen.
  • Comes with a dedicated hair screw tool for long hair.
  • Uses a unique beam while cleaning to show you all the dirt on hard wood floor types (and carpet, too) that you thought wasn't there at first glance.

Cons:

  • The high price point.

Customers are saying: The V15 Detect Absolute has a great battery life, is easy to change the different tools as you require and it doesn't get all tangled up with hair. Brilliant.

GLAMOUR star rating: 4.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Save money on cordless model vacuums with these Dyson discount codes  

Best newcomer cordless vacuum cleaner UKNumatic International Henry Quick Cordless Vacuum Cleaner£299 £249 at VerySpecifications:
  • Size - 27 x 122 x 24cm
  • Weight - 3.2kg
  • Bag/bagless? Bagged with dust-free emptying
  • Bin size - 1L
  • Run time - 1 hour
  • Power - 25.2V

Pros: 

  • The easy-to-remove dust bags - Henry Clever Pods - are more attractive if you're keeping your vacuum on display with the included wall dock.
  • The pods are also eco-friendly and made from recycled materials.

Cons:

  • Could do with a sofa vacuum attachment, which some of its competitors - e.g. Dyson and Hoover - include.

Customers are saying: Powerful suction, hassle-free in that it cleans the whole house without needing to be recharged and works great, even with long hair to pick up.

GLAMOUR tested review: Never did we think we'd be glad to look back to the old days of bagged vacuums, but the Henry Clever Pod system really is incredible, both in terms of ease of use and appearance on our utility space. The brush head is nimble to manoeuvre and it's without a doubt one of the best cordless vacuum cleaners we've tried. 

GLAMOUR star rating: 4.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Save money on the best vacuum cleaners with these Very discount codes 

Best cordless vacuum for less able bodied buyersGtech AirRam MK2 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner£230 at ArgosSpecifications:
  • Size - 85.3 x 30 x 26cm
  • Weight - 3.3kg
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 0.8L
  • Run time - 40 minutes
  • Power - 22V

Pros: 

  • Performs on both hard floors and carpet without the need to change any settings.
  • Uses LED lights to help guide your clean and, has now been designed with the capability to pick up larger objects as well as dust, dirt and debris.

Cons: 

  • Will take up to four hours to recharge.
  • Brand guidance advises cleaning the washable filter ‘regularly’ to maintain adequate suction power.

Customers are saying: Easy to empty the bin and a great choice for less able bodied buyers given its weight and ease of use, some buyers just wish it had some extra tools!

GLAMOUR star rating: 3.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Save money on rechargeable vacuums and use these Argos voucher codes when you checkout

Best vacuum cleaner for homeMiele Triflex HX2 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner£649 at John Lewis & Partners£649 £599 at AmazonSpecifications:
  • Size - 26 x 129.7 x 28cm
  • Weight - 3.6kg
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 0.5L
  • Run time - 60 minutes
  • Power - 25.2V 

Pros:

  • Has the same carpet and hard floor dust pick up ratings as its Dyson competitors.
  • Has a lower (quieter) decibels of noise rating than Dyson's V8 and V15 models.
  • Features a ‘lifetime’ HEPA filter for a “99.999%” dust filtration rate and one that outperforms the brand's own corded model.

Cons

  • The price point.
  • Is heavier than Dyson V8 & V15 models.

Customers are saying: Easy to clean, great for use in multiple situations including as a car vacuum and it's convenient that you don't need to remove the battery to recharge.

GLAMOUR star rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 

Save money on cordless stick vacuum cleaners with these Amazon coupons 

Shark best cordless vacuumShark IZ300UKT Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum with Anti Hair Wrap & PowerFins£429.99 at John Lewis & Partners£429.99 at Shark£429.99 £334 at AmazonSpecifications:
  • Size - 118 x 26 x 24.5cm
  • Weight - 4.58kg
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 0.7L
  • Run time - 60 minutes
  • Power - 25.2V 

Pros: 

  • Features Shark anti hair wrap technology which promises to separate long, short and pet hair and prevent any disruption to your floor clean.
  • A top pick in terms of cleaning performance for carpeted homes, with its PowerFins brush-roll getting further down into the pile to lift dirt up to the surface and into the dustbin.

Cons: 

  • Louder than the Dyson V8 and V15, which are already louder than some of their competitors.
  • The weight.

Customers are saying: It's impressive how well it picks up dirt, it is a tad heavy but it's a top pick for pet owners, it's easy to clean and empty and is a great choice for “whipping around” for a quick, yet effective clean.

GLAMOUR star rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Save money on vacuums for the best floor cleaning performance with these Shark discounts 

Best budget cordless vacuumSamsung Jet 60 Turbo Cordless Vacuum Cleaner£199.99 at John Lewis & Partners£199 at SamsungSpecifications:
  • Size - 112 x 25 x 20.3cm
  • Weight - 2.3kg
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 0.8L
  • Run time - 33 minutes
  • Power - 21.6V 

Pros: 

  • For several hundred pounds less than it's higher-end competitors, the Samsung Jet 60 promises to pick up the same “99.999%” rate of dust in its multi-layered filtration system.
  • Charging system can be adapted to suit different homes, both those with the room for a wall mount and those without.
  • Attractive appearance.
  • & takes on average 30 minutes less to charge than some higher-end competitors.

Cons: 

  • No upholstery-specific tool.
  • Quite loud at 86dB, which the Australian school of physics describes as “a loud sound but not dangerous - provided exposure is brief.”

Customers are saying: So powerful you don't even need to have it on the most powerful setting, excellent for clean up on pile carpet and hardwood floors, plus it gets under furniture easily. 

GLAMOUR star rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Save money on a new vacuum for cleaning up in the New Year with these Samsung discounts 

Best value cordless vacuumVax ONEPWR Blade 4 Stick Cordless Vacuum Cleaner£169.99 at John Lewis & Partners£189.99 £163.01 at AmazonSpecifications:
  • Size - 114 x 24.9 x 18.5cm
  • Weight - 3.1kg
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 0.6L
  • Run time - 45 minutes
  • Power - 18V 

Pros

  • Intelligent vacuuming monitors airflow to ensure that the suction power is adapting to your various floor types, allowing for multi surface cleaning without any of the faff.
  • The suction power won't fade, even when the bin capacity has been reached, so you can finish off that last corner without the product dying on you.

Cons

  • Captures up to 99.8% of particles, this is a tad down on competitors, but it's still less than a 1% difference.
  • A bit of a smaller bin canister at 0.6L, so perhaps better for quick cleaning.

Customers are saying: It's compact, small enough to fit around tight spaces and great for pet hair. The only let down is that it's stronger suction-wise in the centre of the floorhead and less powerful at the edges.

GLAMOUR star rating: 3.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 

Best cordless vacuum for pet hairHoover Cordless Pet Vacuum Cleaner with ANTI-TWIST™ (Single Battery) - HF5£299.99 £199 at Amazon£199 at ArgosSpecifications:
  • Size - ‎25 x 20 x 108cm
  • Weight - 2.5kg
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 0.45L
  • Run time - 45 minutes
  • Power - 22V  

Pros:

  • All of the controls have been cleverly designed to sit within the main handle unit, so you won't need to touch the brush bar/floorhead etc. to alter the cleaning mode or any other settings.
  • Rapid two and a half hour charge time (compared to competitors).
  • Sturdy, yet lightweight.

Cons: 

  • Much like the aforementioned Vax ONEPWR the edges of the Hoover HF5 cleaner head aren't as powerful as the centre; however, the device does come with a separate edge/crevice tool for this purpose.

Customers are saying: It picks up the dirt ahead of it before you've even covered it, manages hair well without them getting tangled in the bristles and, overall, this new model vac looks smart and performs well.

GLAMOUR tested review: The swiftness and ease of the turning function on this Hoover is second to none, not to mention the metallic blue colourway looks really attractive at home. We were big fans of how user-friendly the device was, with all controls either one-press to action your desired task, or within the handle unit for easy access. Plus, the turbo power mode worked great on stubborn carpet dirt - for example, spilled soil. 

GLAMOUR star rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Save money on the type of vacuum cleaner that'll make your mum, gran and aunt Sue jealous with these Argos discount codes 

Best vacuum cleaner 2023 for upright vacuum power in a stick vacuum designDyson V10 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner£429.99 at John Lewis & Partners£429.99 at DysonSpecifications:
  • Size - ‎124.9 x 25.6 x 25 cm
  • Weight - 2.61kg
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 0.77L
  • Run time - 60 minutes
  • Power - 25.2V  

Pros

  • Has a bigger bagless vacuum cleaner dirt canister capacity than its V8 sister, despite weighing in at a similar weight.
  • Promises to generate the same cleaning power as a full-size vacuum, with an extra cell of battery power compared to the V8.
  • Includes a generous array of accessories, including a soft roller cleaner head - ideal for hard floors - and a reach under tool for beneath cabinets, beds etc.

Cons

  • Traps 99.97% of particles with its filtration system, down on the V8 and V15.
  • The boost function doesn't last for the full 60-minute run time, and some customers claimed it came in around 10 minutes when used in this mode.

Customers are saying: Really easy to tidy away, both with the lack of wires and the included docking station, it's also a top pick for buyers who suffer with reactions to allergens, with customers claiming their symptoms improved within a few days.

GLAMOUR star rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Save money on vacuums from our GLAMOUR buying guide by using these John Lewis discount codes 

Best lightweight cordless vacuum cleanerDyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner£529.99 at John Lewis & Partners£529.99 at DysonSpecifications:
  • Size - ‎25.2 x 126.4 x 25cm
  • Weight - 2.2kg
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 0.35L
  • Run time - 60 minutes
  • Power - 25.2V  

Pros

  • The unique Dyson Hyperdymium™ motor increases suction as greater dust volumes are detected.
  • Hair screw tool works excellently as a pet tool for dog beds, car seats and other nooks and crannies where your furry friends' dander inevitably ends up. 

Cons

  • You'll still need to manually wash your filter in order to maintain the most thorough cleans longterm.

Customers are saying: Great that you don't need to hold the on-off button while cleaning - compared to the V11 - and, if carpet cleaning leaves you in fits of sneezes, the V12 Detect Slim will be just the ticket for you. Plus, it's ideal for households with pets despite its petite size. 

GLAMOUR star rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Save money on cordless vacuums with chargers by checking out these John Lewis & Partners retailer discounts before you click to buy 

Best handheld cordless vacuumShark WandVac System 2-in-1 Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner with Anti Hair Wrap£199.99 at John Lewis & Partners£199.99 at SharkSpecifications:
  • Size - ‎69 x 28 x 26cm
  • Weight - 3kg
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 0.13L
  • Run time - 16 minutes
  • Power - 11.1V  

Pros

  • This Shark vacuum operates in both handheld mode and as a cordless stick vacuum.
  • One of the best handheld vacuums in terms of suction power, promising buyers more suction power than any other unit weighing less than 1kg (3kg with the included floorhead and long handle).

Cons

  • Only 16 minutes of cleaning time per single charge and for a price tag nigh on £200. 

Customers are saying: A top pick for a quick clean, it's ideal for use on the stairs, in cars, on mattresses etc. It's really powerful and some buyers even prefer it to their Shark corded vacuum.

GLAMOUR star rating: 3.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Save money on everything from cylinder vacuum cleaners to handheld and corded vacuums with these Shark discounts 

Best cordless stick vacuum with a slim build for easy storingBosch BBH3280GB Serie 4 ProHome Flexxo 2-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner£159.99 at John Lewis & Partners£196 at AmazonSpecifications:
  • Size - ‎26.5 x 18 x 111.5cm
  • Weight - 3kg
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 0.4L
  • Run time - 55 minutes
  • Power - 28V  

Pros

  • The rechargeable battery and slim frame make the Serie 4 an ideal unit to keep in your car, (or office annexe, caravan etc.), just bring the Lithium-ion battery into the house once it's runs out of juice and within five hours you'll be ready to go again.
  • The mobile nozzle joint also acts like a hand vac, helping you to get into those hard to reach spots and seat crevices of your car interior or sofa cushions. And, if that doesn't suffice, the motorised brush head will ensure all of that deep-embedded sand, soil and general grime from days past is lifted away with minimal effort.

Cons

  • 0.4L bin capacity means you might need to empty it relatively frequently.
  • Some buyers remarked that it works better on carpet, so it really is a top pick for cars, perhaps not big houses with hardwood floors, however.

Customers are saying: Love the design, great suction and more than enough time to clean your home in one charge. With 67% of the reviews giving it five stars (and another 21% giving four), plenty of buyers are claiming this vacuum is one of their best buys lately.

GLAMOUR star rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ for use in the home, 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ as a car vacuum.

Save money on the best vacuums to use as a car carpet cleaner with these Amazon discounts 

Corded vacuums

Best upright vacuum cleanerShark XL Anti Hair Wrap Upright Pet Vacuum PZ1000UKT£399.99 £249.99 at SharkSpecifications:
  • Size - ‎30.5 x 25.5 x 118cm
  • Weight - 7.62kg
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 1.6L
  • Run time - N/A, corded
  • Power - mains standard

Pros: 

  • The next best thing from the now unavailable Shark NV700UKT model (with DuoClean Lift-Away), the PZ1000UKT offers buyers a pet tool alongside anti hair wrap technology for your easiest post-shedding season doggie clean up yet.
  • Uses LED headlights to guide your clean for a fraction of the price of the higher end Dyson models' laser-guided design.

Cons: 

  • Also heavy like the PZ1000UK above, but at least with 1.6L of bin capacity you'll need to empty it roughly half as much as a cordless model. That said, cylinder vacuums offer even larger capacity still - certainly worth weighing up your priorities before you head to checkout…

Customers are saying: It's a real beast and one of the best for lifting away pet hair and long hair, too. Some customers wishing the hose was stretchier to make getting your floor cleaner less arduous, but plenty of satisfied buyers nonetheless.

GLAMOUR star rating: 4.25/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⚡️

Save money on everything from steam cleaners to dry vacuums with these Shark discounts  

Best vacuum cleaner for carpetBISSELL SpotClean Pro Spot Cleaner£129 at John Lewis & Partners£126.01 at AmazonSpecifications:
  • Size - ‎35.6 x 36 x 25cm
  • Weight - 6.01kg
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 2.8L
  • Run time - N/A, corded
  • Power - 230V/mains standard

Pros

  • Not technically a vacuum cleaner so much as a cleaning carpet cleaner, the Bissel SpotClean tackles stains both new and dried in, using its selection of purpose-specific brushes.
  • Both the clean and dirty water tanks hold a generous 2.8L for longer, uninterrupted cleans.

Cons

  • Can't be used as a dry carpet/hard floor vacuum cleaner.
  • Only comes with a sample of the cleaning formula, so you'll need to buy a full bottle relatively soon.

Customers are saying: While it is a tad noisy, the upholstery tool/15cm stain tool does remove moisture quite effectively so you can use your sofas, carpets etc. quite soon after cleaning. Great for houses with pets and kids, it's certainly good value.

GLAMOUR star rating: As a carpet cleaner, 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, as a general household cleaning device, 2.75/5 as it can't vacuum dry ⭐️⭐️💫

Save money on carpet cleaners for those inevitable spills and messes by using these John Lewis discounts when you head to checkout. 

Popular Shark upright vacuum cleaner UKShark XL Anti Hair Wrap Upright Vacuum PZ1000UK£379.99 at SharkSpecifications:
  • Size - ‎30.5 x 25.5 x 118cm
  • Weight - 7.62kg
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 1.6L
  • Run time - N/A, corded
  • Power - mains standard

Pros: 

  • Generous five-year guarantee.
  • Powered Lift-Away means that the unit converts to a portable vacuum for the versatility to clean the kids' Wotsit covered playroom just as effectively as it will a narrow spiral staircase.

Cons: 

  • Packing some serious weight at almost 8kg.

Customers are saying: Buyers are blown away by the suction power and the sheer volume of gunk being pulled up by the unit, several comments agreeing that it is heavy but general consensus is that it's very much worth the price despite its hefty mass.

GLAMOUR star rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Handheld vacuums

Best handheld portable vacuumShark Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner CH950UKT£69 at VerySpecifications:
  • Size - ‎10.8 x 52 x 95cm
  • Weight - 1.39kg
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 0.45L
  • Run time - 12 minutes
  • Power - 10.8V

Pros: 

  • One of the only handheld vacuums to offer buyers an included pet tool.
  • One-touch emptying.
  • Our favourite pick in terms of appearance in the handheld field, among the GLAMOUR interiors team.

Cons: 

  • For the extra weight - compared to the other handheld models in this guide - you're not offered much more in the way of the device's tech. Plus, when it comes to handheld vacuums, having a lighter weight unit makes the device better suited to flexi use from car to home, garden office annexe etc.

Customers are saying: Really powerful, great for cars and pets, plus it charges fast and gets into all the tight spaces your main vacuum can't reach. 

GLAMOUR star rating: 4.25/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⚡️

Top rated portable vacuumsDustbuster 3.6V Lithium-Ion Bagless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner£26.99 £25.04 at WayfairSpecifications:
  • Size - ‎40 x 12 x 13cm
  • Weight - 0.8kg
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 0.325L
  • Run time - 11 minutes
  • Power - 3.6V

Pros: 

  • The low pricepoint.
  • Has a wide hand vacuum mouth so it's equally as functional for bigger spills and messes just as it is for bread crumbs and flour sprinkles.

Cons:

  • Doesn't include any accessories, which you can expect for the price, but it might be nice to have a dusting brush accessory for cobwebs and skirting boards.
  • Doesn't include a charging base like some handheld vacs.

Customers are saying: Great value for money, quick to recharge and quick delivery with Wayfair, too.

GLAMOUR star rating: 3.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Save money on vacuums with removable batteries and cordless upright vacuum cleaners with these Wayfair discounts 

Small portable vacuumsShark WV270UK Handheld Vacuum Cleaner£179.99 at John Lewis & Partners£179 at AmazonSpecifications:
  • Size - ‎10.8 x 52 x 95cm
  • Weight - 0.65kg without accessories
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 0.1L
  • Run time - 15 minutes
  • Power - 14.4V 

Pros

  • Offers an extra couple minutes of battery life compared to other handhelds.
  • Sleek, space-saving appearance.

Cons:

  • With only 100g of storage you'll need to empty it frequently or you'll end up picking out jammed bits of debris that have been compressed. One buyer even suggested the product should come with a brush for this purpose to save you from self-cleaning the canister.

Customers are saying: Lightweight and great suction, though it does stop working when full, so make sure to empty it regularly.

GLAMOUR star rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Amazon portable vacuumsHoover H-Handy 700 Express HH710M handheld vacuum£119.99 £59 at AmazonSpecifications:
  • Size - ‎‎2.76 x 2.76 x 16.54cm
  • Weight - 0.66kg 
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 0.15L
  • Run time - 12 minutes
  • Power - 11.1V  

Pros

  • Features a brushless motor to extend the unit's lifespan.
  • 50g more storage than similar sized units on the market.
  • Includes a pet tool despite Hoover making a separate pets-specific model, so you don't lose out.

Cons

  • Can't be charged with tools attached.
  • The tiniest bit noisier than the equivalent Shark model.

Customers are saying: It's lightweight, ideal for crumbs and slots into the charging base without fuss (compared to some other models on the market). Not to mention it feels high-end to use and works great with pet hair.

GLAMOUR star rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Save money on everything from the Shark Stratos cordless vacuum to flexology vacuums for easy cleaning under your dressers and beds, and - of course - handheld Hoovers by using these Amazon discounts 

Robot vacuums

Best robot vacuum cleaneriRobot ROOMBA j7+ vacuum robot£899 at AmazonSpecifications:
  • Size - ‎‎‎44.9 x 37.1 x 35.5cm
  • Weight - 3.24kg 
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless in robot itself, bagged in waste disposal unit
  • Bin size - 1.91L
  • Run time - 150 minutes
  • Power - 14.4V   

Pros: 

  • If the device misses a spot after thinking there was an obstacle in its way, you can send it back on a ‘clean up’ job to pick up any debris from the areas it avoided.
  • You can block off no-go zones for pet beds, baby activity gyms etc.
  • If the device fills up mid-clean, it will take itself back to the home disposal unit, offload its dust/dirt build up and continue on its cleaning path without any intervention on your part. 

Cons

  • There's no turbo brush or maximum power mode, so for bigger spills and dirt events you might find you'll need to tackle the area again with a handheld or stick vacuum.
  • From our experience, it will get lost from time to time, but the device is just mapping your home and usually rights itself back onto the instructed cleaning path.

Customers are saying: More powerful than previous Roomba models, nine times out of ten it does a perfect clean and even if it does get stuck, the anti-jamming protection prevents any of your charger leads or items from being damaged. Overall, buyers seem satisfied and are hailing the product ideal for a daily cleanup.

GLAMOUR tested review: I've been using my iRobot j7+ for around five months now and it's revolutionised my cleaning routine. As someone who works full time, being able to quickly dust my surfaces, tidy and then just set this little guy going around my flat means that I have more time to cook and prioritise my self-care. Plus, for little kitchen crumb spills and dry mud on shoes, I always get my j7+ straight on the job and, as a result, don't need as frequent full vacuums further down the line. 

GLAMOUR star rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 

Best affordable robot vacuumEufy RoboVac G30 Hybrid£340 at VerySpecifications:
  • Size - ‎‎32.5 x 32.5 x 72.5cm
  • Weight - 2.9kg 
  • Bag/bagless? Bagless
  • Bin size - 0.6L
  • Run time - 100 minutes
  • Power - 14.4V  

Pros

  • Features 2-in-1 vacuuming and mopping functions for a wet clean when your kitchen floors desperately need it.
  • Can be controlled via your Alexa or Google Home AI assistant.

Cons:

  • Orders can be placed with nominated, but not next day delivery as far as we can see.

Customers are saying: Quieter than some of the other Eufy robot vacs, does a great job - even in corners - and performs a deep clean with pets, too. 

GLAMOUR star rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨   

Best robot vacuum and mopECOVACS Deebot Omni Robot Vacuum Cleaner£1,499 at AmazonSpecifications:
  • Size - ‎‎‎65 x 54 x 49cm
  • Weight - 24.4kg 
  • Bag/bagless? Bagged
  • Bin size - 3L dust bag plus 4L separate clean and waste water tanks
  • Run time - 260 minutes
  • Power - 14.8V  

Pros

  • The machine washes and dries the mops itself to prevent any unpleasant smells from the unit in the time after cleaning. 
  • 3L dust bag guarantees up to 60-days up hands-free emptying.
  • Can take as little as six minutes to map a 1100 square foot space.

Cons:

  • The high price tag.
  • Some customers reported it has a few snags with bright light reflecting on the floor, thus causing the product to believe the floor has dropped off in that area and avoiding.

Customers are saying: “Amazing” and exceeds expectations. There's a feature for everything and being able to customise your clean for different rooms and areas is life changing. 

GLAMOUR star rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨   

How did we test and review the best vacuum cleaners?

By using customer feedback on product websites, together with Google search engine stats on what you've been looking for, as well as taking a look to see which products feature higher-tech specs vs. less long-lasting components, we curated what we feel is a selection of the best cordless, upright, handheld and robot vacuums for sustained high-quality cleaning. We also tested out a handful ourselves to put some of the newer tech features to the test - one-touch emptying, multi-surface cleaning etc. - and we've filed through all the good and bad comments from previous buyers so you don't have to. Not to mention we - as a team of fashion, interiors and beauty experts - happen to know a thing or two about which cleaning brands have earned their spot as a top vacuuming brand and, equally, which newcomers deserve recognition. Plus, with a team of 30+ here at GLAMOUR HQ, of course some of us have trialled a vacuum in our personal lives, so we have some time-earned dos and don't knowhow, too. Our aim is to weed out which units will last and, should anything about a product let us know that that's not the case, you'll be the first to know - happy shopping!

How does the GLAMOUR star rating system work?

1/5 - Not one we'd be keen to include in our round ups, as we aim to pull together products you'll want to buy, not those with a 1/5 rating. That said, a 1/5 score would mean the unit fails on all accounts, from tech to appearance.
2/5 - Again, not likely to be included in our content, a 2/5 would mean the product is disappointing in most areas, perhaps performing adequately in one field e.g. appearance.
3/5 - A 3/5 would mean the vacuum is adequate, perhaps a good choice if you don't have much to spend, but leaves room for improvement. For instance, this could be a cordless vacuum that cleans up crumbs and small messes effectively, but only has 10 minutes of charge, so can't be used for a full-house clean.
4/5 - A 4/5 would mean the vacuum is nearly everything you'd want, with problems only minute and easy to ignore. For example, a vacuum that is 99% perfect, but isn't the most attractive looking unit.
5/5 - A 5/5 rating means the product, website and brand are all perfect. We will never give a product a five-star rating if it has a single fault that we're aware of, so look out for these, they're rather rare!

Save money on everything from the Miele Triflex HX1 to the ECOVACS Deebot Omni with these Amazon discounts 

After more cleaning content? Check out these Black Friday vacuum deals, the best cleaning gadgets and our guide to Mrs Hinch's favourite cleaning products.

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Update: 2024-09-27