Best Stick / Cordless Vacuums

The Gen5detect is absurdly powerful. It features a new "Fluffy Optic" head that reveals twice the amount of invisible dust as the V15, and a built-in crevice tool hidden inside the wand. It is heavy and expensive, but its raw performance is currently unmatched.

Samsung has out-designed Dyson here. The Bespoke Jet comes with an "All-in-One Clean Station" that automatically empties the dust bin when you dock it—solving the biggest hygiene issue with stick vacs. The AI mode actually works, adjusting suction to save battery on hard floors.

Shark's "Clean Sense IQ" boosts power on dirt, and the "Odor Neutralizer" puck actually keeps the vacuum smelling fresh. The dual-brushroll system is fantastic for mixed flooring, and the flexible wand makes cleaning under furniture effortless.

The V15 is still a powerhouse. It introduced the laser dust detection that everyone else is now copying. While the Gen5 is more powerful, the V15 is lighter and often significantly cheaper, making it the "sweet spot" in Dyson's lineup.

LG includes two batteries in the box and a charging stand that holds everything. The "Kompressor" lever compacts dust in the bin, doubling its capacity so you empty it less often. It's a brilliant, practical design that just works.

Tineco's "iLoop" sensor is the best auto-suction tech on the market—it's incredibly responsive. The "ZeroTangle" brush head actively cuts hair, and the magnetic filter maintenance is a joy to use. It feels like a gadget from the future.

This is the older sibling of the Stratos, but it remains a top seller for a reason. It has the same "MultiFLEX" wand and self-cleaning brushroll for a fraction of the price. It lacks the odor neutralizer and fancy sensors, but it cleans carpets exceptionally well.

This is the "Lite" version of the V15. It uses a push-button on/off (no trigger!) and is significantly lighter. However, it has a smaller bin and less suction power. It's perfect for hard floors but struggles slightly on deep pile carpets compared to its big brothers.

If you already own Ryobi tools, this is a no-brainer. It runs on the same 18V batteries as your drill. It's clunky, loud, and industrial, but the battery system is infinitely swappable and durable. It stands up on its own (a rarity!) and has decent power.

For under $150, this is the only stick vacuum worth buying. It has a removable battery (rare at this price) and decent carpet agitation. It lacks the filtration and finesse of the premium models, but it beats a broom and dustpan any day.