The best vacuum cleaner depends on your floors, your home and how much you want to carry. Here is a plain guide to the main types and what to check.
The main types
- Cordless stick: battery powered and quick to pick up for everyday jobs. Run time depends on the model and the power mode you use.
- Corded upright: plugs into the mains, so there is no battery to run down. A good fit if you want one machine for the whole home.
- Cylinder: a separate body that you pull behind you, with a hose and wand.
- Robot: cleans on a schedule or on command. Some models come with a base station that empties the dustbin or looks after the mop.
- Hard floor and spot cleaners: built for hard floors and for stains and spills. Check each product page for what the model is designed to clean.
What to check before you buy
- Your floors. Carpet, hard floor or a mix? Check the brush head or floor tool listed for the model.
- Pets. If you have a pet, look for a model that lists pet hair tools or an anti-tangle brush.
- Battery. For cordless models, check the stated run time and whether it applies to the lowest power setting, and whether the battery can be replaced.
- Bagged or bagless. Bagless models have a bin you empty. Bagged models collect dust in a bag you replace.
- Weight and storage. Think about stairs, where it will live, and whether a wall dock or stand is included.
Brands in our range
We stock vacuums and floorcare from Dyson, Shark, Bosch, Henry, eufy, DJI and Tefal.
Browse our vacuums and floorcare range.