Tested by There's no doubt about it, vacuum cleaners are an essential household appliance. And finding a good one will make it easier to keep your home looking its best, with less effort. But with so many to choose from, from stick vacuums to robot vacuums – knowing which option is right for your home can require a lot of research.
That's why the Good Housekeeping Institute experts have made it their mission to find the top vacuums on the market. In fact, we've tried and tested well over 200 models to find the best for every budget.
These are the best vacuums to buy in 2025.
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Best vacuums to buy in 2025
Pros
- Glides easily
- Quiet
Cons
- Heavy as a handheld
- Eco setting isn’t very powerful
Score: 93/100
Dyson claims this is its most powerful cordless vacuum yet and we were certainly impressed, with the majority of biscuit crumbs and pet hair lifting in one sweep. Souped-up cleaning head lights show up any hidden dirt too, to ensure your home gets a deep clean.
Pros
- Hair didn’t tangle
- Good for stairs
Cons
- Suction reach to the edge of skirting boards
- No indicator to clear dust canister
Score: 93/100
Hoover’s newest upright vacuum is a great all-rounder that lifts dust and dirt quickly. Pet hair vanished within two swipes, and the push and lift technology lets you take it up stairs easily.
Pros
- Effective pet tool
- Premium design
Cons
- Not the best for cleaning edges
- Expensive
Score: 97/100
With a hard-to-fault performance on test, this cylinder would make a great buy, whatever your flooring. It also had an efficient, tangle-free pet tool and was seamless to use, from canister emptying to wheeling around the home.
Pros
- Intuitive to use throughout
- Can adjust to suit floor types
Cons
- Doesn’t self empty
- Requires regular charging when on boost mode
Score: 95/100
This brightly coloured robot vacuum from Dyson is a powerful and effective cleaner. Testers liked the way it does an initial sweep before returning to trickier spots. It also notifies you of any patches you need to revisit and it self-charges. You do have to empty it manually, though.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Excellent pet tool
Cons
- Short battery life
- No onboard storage for tools
Score: 94/100
With a pet-hair friendly design, this Shark barely dropped a mark for its performance, thanks to its outstanding pick-up on all surfaces, no matter the debris. Its battery life is short but we were still able to clean a small car.
To test the best vacuum cleaners, we analyse every element of the design and performance, from how well it lifts dust from different floor surfaces to how easy it is to use. Keep scrolling for a more in-depth look at how we review them against their claims, and check out our handy vacuum cleaner buying guide, with information on the best buys across all vacuum types and all budgets – plus everything you need to know before shopping.
Cordless stick vacuums
The best stick vacuums (or cordless vacuums) are one of the most popular types of cleaner. Their increasingly powerful technology almost rivals traditional corded models, and there's no need for a plug socket nearby.
Their compact design, with a “stick” body and smaller dust canister, makes them more lightweight and ideal for smaller homes. The canister will need emptying more frequently though, and they tend to be bagless. Most come with attachments including crevice and upholstery tools and some even have motorised brushes to help lift pet hair effectively.
Note that battery life still varies across models, and you’ll need to remember to charge it after use.
Our experts' top cordless vacuum cleaners
Pros
- 70-minute running time (15 on boost)
- Lifted all dust, debris and pet hair laid on test
- Simple to use despite the fancy features
Cons
- Heavy in handheld mode
Score: 93/100
Dyson’s latest vacuum is a true all-rounder with updated technology (including lights to show dust and an LCD screen that gives you information on the particles being cleaned) plus outstanding suction. It didn’t just lift the debris laid for our tests; it picked up residual dirt too. Even pet hair was dealt with swiftly. You’ll just need to plan around the 4.5-hour battery charging time.
Pros
- Picked up pet hair easily
- Detailed instructions
Cons
- Tools can’t be stored onboard
Score: 93/100
Don’t disregard this affordable buy as it scored full marks for pick-up on carpet as well as laminate and hard floors. The design is quite bulky, making it trickier to use as a handheld, but that’s us being picky. With well-labelled controls, fancy LED lights in the floor head, and an easy to empty dust bin, there’s lots to love.
Pros
- Ergonomic handle
- Well-designed tools
Cons
- Boost mode drained the battery quickly
Score: 93/100
Picking up every speck of dust we laid down, plus extra on long pile carpet, this is the vacuum to buy for giving your home a real deep clean. Its impressive suction did make it tricky to push along at times, but the results are worth it. Overall, it’s intuitive to use and easily reaches under furniture thanks to its flexible tube.
Shop more of the best cordless stick vacuums
Upright vacuums
The best upright vacuum cleaners tend to be the top option for larger, carpeted homes. That’s because they usually feature a turbo brush in the floor head, which makes them particularly effective at picking up hair and residue from carpets. The wide floor head also means they can cover a greater area much more quickly and effectively than other vacuums.
These models are more stable and easier to manoeuvre than cylinders, as you're pushing them forward rather than dragging them behind you. However, their design means they can be awkward to use on stairs and can also be too bulky to reach under furniture.
Our experts' top upright vacuum cleaners
Pros
- Scored full marks for dust pick-up on all surfaces
- Accessible, intuitive controls
- Accompanying crevice tool and pet hair brush for added versatility
Cons
- Could be too big for small homes
Score: 93/100
If you’re worried about an upright vacuum proving too bulky for your home, but need the larger capacity they offer, consider our winner. Its push and lift away tech allows you to separate the canister and tube from the main body to move around your home and up stairs more easily. Plus, it’s excellent at cleaning.
Pros
- Great dust pick-up
- Easy to put together and use
- Clearly-labelled and responsive buttons
Cons
- Dust bin hard to empty
Score: 90/100
Similar in design to the HL5, this pet-specific model has a mini rotating brush that lifts fur from stairs and upholstery. This earnt it a perfect ten in our pet hair tests, and hair didn’t tangle in its brush either. It struggled on stairs and in the corners of rooms, but its suction meant it cleaned reliably. Testers liked its premium feel, too.
Pros
- Glides smoothly
- No pet hair tangled
Cons
- Struggled with cleaning edges
Score: 84/100
You don’t need to spend lots to get a top-quality vacuum and this model proves it, scoring full marks for dust pick-up on short and long pile carpets as well as floorboards. Its hose is a little short, only reaching up seven steps before tipping over but it can be transformed into a handheld vacuum with the tap of a single pedal for better reach.
Shop more of the best upright vacuums
Robot vacuums
While the best robot vacuum won’t replace your standard machine, it will allow you to cut back on how often you need to clean. These gadgets use sensors to avoid bumping into furniture and map where they've been in the room to ensure no area is left neglected.
Robot vacuums are now smarter than ever, too – all the models we’ve featured are compatible with an app and either Alexa or Google Home. Some even have docking stations that allow them to self-empty, so you rarely need to think about clearing the canister yourself.
Our experts' top robot vacuum cleaners
Pros
- Simple to set up thanks to clear instructions
- Performed well across carpet and hard flooring
- Notifies you if there are any areas that you'll need to tackle with a traditional vacuum
Cons
- Boost mode drains the battery quickly
Score: 95/100
This Dyson stands out from the robot vacuum crowd in more ways than just its bright blue finish. It’s a powerful cleaner that adjusts to different surfaces and works quickly. It didn’t spread any dust or debris on test either, capturing it all in its well-designed brush. It doesn’t self-empty, but it does self-charge and it’s Wi-Fi compatible, with all the mapping and scheduling tech you could possibly desire.
Pros
- More affordable
- Scored full marks for dust pick-up across all surfaces and for pet hair removal
- Mop swiftly clears small spillages
Cons
- More basic design lacks some functionalities of more high-tech counterparts
Score: 94/100
With its reliable mop function, and top-scoring cleaning performance on test (from dust to pet hair), this is a simple yet highly effective robot vacuum. It doesn't have some of the more advanced features of the iRobots, but its accompanying app lets you set different modes and schedule cleans. Its battery lasts for up to 150 minutes, too.
Pros
- Premium quality
- Lots of smart tech features like AI object detection and cleaning reports
Cons
- Expensive
- All troubleshooting is app-based
Score: 91/100
Lifting over 90 per cent of dirt across short-pile carpet and hard floors, this robot really shone in the lab. It has a mopping function that effectively refreshed our floors in two sweeps, and the top of the range docking station is compatible with Samsung’s Smart Things app, which lets you monitor your home via the robot’s built-in camera. The station is quite bulky though, so you’ll need a good place to keep it in your home.
Shop more of the best robot vacuums
Cylinder vacuums
The best cylinder vacuums are typically lighter and more portable than uprights, as the main body sits on the floor behind you and is pulled along as you vacuum. They can be bagged or bagless, depending on your preference, and often come with a good selection of tools. Thanks to their lightweight and convenient design, they’ve been around for years, and are ideal for those who struggle with heavier vacuums.
They also tend to be better for reaching under and around furniture and make cleaning a flight of stairs simpler with their long, flexible hose. Take care when you’re pulling it around the home though, as it can knock into walls and furniture. Some designs can also be a bit bulky and more awkward to store than other types of vacuums, especially those with a long hose.
Our experts' top cylinder vacuum cleaners
Pros
- A near perfect performance when it came to pick-up
- Effective pet tool
- Variable suction for more control over vacuuming
Cons
- Expensive
Score: 97/100
Producing sparkling results, no matter the flooring, this all-rounder is an investment worth making. It glided easily around our test centre, pet hair didn’t tangle in its brushes, and its dust canister was a doddle to empty.
Pros
- Reached up ten stairs at a time
- Earned full marks for dust pick-up on hard flooring
- Turbo brush lifted pet hair in two sweeps
Cons
- Struggled on long pile carpet
Score: 84/100
Clean more efficiently with this vacuum, which has a hose that reaches up to four metres away. It’s great at dust pick-up on hard flooring and short pile carpet but is best avoided if you have long pile carpets at home, as it struggled a bit with this on test. And if you have pets, then be sure to use the dedicated turbo brush when tackling hair.
Pros
- Easy to charge and refit the battery
- Lightweight
- Cordless design means you won’t trip over any wires
Cons
- Struggled to clean along edges
Score: 83/100
The familiar smiley-faced vacuum has made it into our top five – although it’s a bit different to the original Henry we all know and love. This is Numatic’s cordless model, which is easy to manoeuvre around furniture, so you don’t get caught up.
It performed well on pick-up, too, excelling at removing dust on short pile carpets, floorboards and laminate. It did struggle more with long pile, taking a few extra sweeps and a bit more force.
Shop more of the best cylinder vacuums
Handheld vacuums
The best handheld vacuums are ideal for cleaning quick spills, as well as getting into tight and awkward spaces such as car interiors and staircases. As they’re cordless, they’re convenient to grab and go, but they do rely on battery power and tend to have a smaller dust capacity than upright and cylinder vacuums, so it’s important to check these specs before you buy. It’s also worth noting that many cordless upright vacuums can also function as handhelds, so you may already have one in your home.
You should also consider the weight. Handheld models may feel light at first, but they can get heavy and tiresome after a short time. The weight should be around 1-1.5kg on average.
The included tools can also vary. So, think about what you’ll be using your vacuum for and what accessories you really need.
Our experts' top handheld vacuum cleaners
Pros
- Picked up 99% of dust
- Lifted all food crumbs laid
- 10-minute battery life was just enough for us to clean a small car
Cons
- Heavy
Score: 94/100
This handheld vacuum makes cleaning up after pets effortless; with its motorised pet tool it lifted all hair on test in just one sweep. It excelled with all other debris too, tackling everything from dust to crumbs with ease, no matter the floor type. Its short battery life didn’t impede our car cleaning either.
Pros
- LED lights make it easier to see dirt in awkward spots
- Great for small spillages
- Good 0.5-litre capacity
Cons
- Bulky so harder to reach into crevices
Score: 94/100
Food spillages are easily cleared with this trusty model; it scored full marks for lifting crumbs and debris on test. It struggled with embedded pet hair, but the bagged design makes emptying easy. Plus, the 20-minute battery (even on max power) takes the time pressure off car cleaning.
Black+Decker Wet and Dry Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Scored full marks for car cleaning
- Lifts liquids as well as dry debris
- Easy to use
Cons
- Lack of trigger lock isn't ideal for longer jobs
Score: 94/100
This handheld’s low price tag and compact stature belies its powerful performance – it scored highly for every test we put it through, impressing when cleaning dust, pet hair, crumbs, cars and liquids. It’s easy to set up, but only has one power setting and you must press the on button continuously when cleaning.
How we test vacuum cleaners
We test each vacuum cleaner on four different floor types: laminate, floorboards and long- and short-pile carpet. Firstly, we assess general pick-up using specially formulated dust. We lay down a set amount and, after a fixed number of sweeps, we weigh out exactly how much each vacuum has collected.
We also collect pet hair from own four-legged friends, which is then ground into the carpet to create a worst-case scenario, before vacuuming to see how well each model copes. We also test pick up on small residue, such as crumbs, particularly when testing them as handheld models.
Plus, we carry out an interior car cleaning test to see how well each vacuum gets in between the crevices. We try it out on a set of stairs, too, to monitor how effectively it manoeuvres.
For robot vacuums, we see how well they clean a whole room, timing how long it takes and looking closely at how well it reaches into crevices, cleans edges and moves around furniture. We also test the battery claims of handheld and stick models.
Throughout, we assess the design, ease of use and instructions, and we also take into account any innovative features.
Why should you trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
We’ve been testing household appliances for over 100 years, so we know a thing or two about what makes the perfect vacuum cleaner (and how they’ve changed and evolved over time).
We now test the latest models before they even hit the market, and we’re across all the innovative new tech that's making caring for our flooring easier. Senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall, looks after all our vacuum cleaner guides, and Blossom Boothroyd (our homes testing manager) puts them through their paces in the lab, creating rigorous protocols that rate them against their claims and replicate how you use them at home.
More Tried & Tested vacuums to shop
- Best vacuums for pet hair
- Best car vacuum cleaners
- Best cheap vacuums
- Shark Vs Dyson: Which vacuum brand is best?
FAQs
What are the key features to look for when buying a vacuum?
Sensory technology: Some of the best vacuum cleaners are able to sense the floor type and adjust their power accordingly. This saves on energy usage and means the vacuum will automatically use the optimum power.
Battery life: This is an essential element to check if you’re opting for a cordless stick or handheld vacuum. Some will last less than 10 minutes on full power, meaning you need to rush to finish in time or wait for it to recharge. Look for at least 30 minutes of advertised battery life in a stick vacuum, and 20 minutes in a handheld.
Charging time: Keep an eye on the charging time as well if you’re going cordless. They’re not so convenient to use if you’re constantly waiting for them to charge. Most stick vacuums take around four hours to fully charge, but if you’re worried about what to do in an emergency, you can always invest in a stick vacuum or handheld that comes with additional batteries.
Capacity: Generally, the bigger the capacity, the less often you’ll need to empty it. Vacuum capacities are measured in litres, whether bagged or bagless. If you’re in the market for an upright or cylinder, and don’t want to be taking constant trips to the bin, look for no less than two litres. For cordless models, which are slightly smaller, a minimum of half a litre is best. Lastly, for handhelds, 0.3 litres will last you for a few quick spills before you need to empty.
Battery level indicator: This isn’t exactly groundbreaking but can be a very useful feature to have on a cordless appliance. Some vacuums will handily count down your remaining battery time in minutes and seconds.
Weight: Be wary of the weight of your vacuum; pushing anything over 3kg can feel heavy after prolonged use. If you struggle with this, go for a cordless design where the weight is centred around the floor head rather than the handle, which makes it easier on the arms.
Rotating brush: If the floor head is missing a rotating brush, it will likely drag along the floor as you vacuum because there’s nothing to raise it. This makes it harder when running over long-pile carpet. A rotating brush is also brilliant for collecting hairs and residue from carpets.
Bagged or bagless: Some vacuums contain bags that collect all the dust and debris the machine sucks up. Once full – often shown via an indicator light – they will need to be replaced. The benefit of this system is that you don't need to touch the dust and dirt to remove it from the canister, which can be the case with a bagless vacuum cleaner.
Bagless models also tend to be messier as the dust can spill when you empty them, so if you or a family member suffer from asthma or allergies, a bagged design may be best. You will need to keep some empty bags in a cupboard though, so you don’t run out mid-clean.
Most stick vacuums are bagless, but some models, come with docking stations that cut down how frequently you’ll need to empty the canister. After each use, the canister automatically empties into a larger one within the station. Our winning robot vacuums also come with the same technology.
What vacuum cleaner accessories do I need?
From crevice tools to dusting brushes, today's vacs come with a generous collection of vacuum cleaner attachments that are designed to make light work of common household cleaning tasks.
You'd be forgiven for finding the assortment of extra tools and accessories a little mystifying. Here’s an explanation of each one, so you know if you’ll really need it.
Extension wand: Designed to go where other attachments simply can't, the extension wand provides the extra reach you need to banish cobwebs from high ceilings and inaccessible corners, retrieve food particles from behind appliances, and clean right to the corners and edges of stairs.
Dusting brush: With long, soft bristles, the dusting brush is a whizz at whisking away debris from window sills, lampshades, blinds, skirting boards and other awkward surfaces. It's also ideal for more delicate cleaning tasks, such as dusting furniture, the top of books or easily scratched objects.
Crevice tool: As its name suggests, the crevice tool is designed to get into tight gaps that other attachments would struggle with. With its long, slender shape, it's ideal for cleaning right into corners, along the edge of the flooring, around radiators and even between sofa cushions.
Upholstery tool: The upholstery attachment is wide with a small, flat head. Many also have a built-in fabric strip to help lift dust, dirt and hairs from fabric surfaces including sofas, mattresses, cushions and chairs.
Floor heads/brushes: Models will all come with a standard floor head, and may have interchangeable options. If you have deep-pile carpets or a pet, for example, we recommend looking for a rotating brush. Some also have rubber parts to help gather up stubborn pet hairs. Reach for this compact attachment to deep-clean upholstery, mattresses, thick carpets and rugs.
Filters: All vacuums contain filters that stop the dust you pick up from re-entering the atmosphere. Some even contain more than one filter for added retention. To keep working, these filters need to be washed regularly or replaced, although some are self-cleaning. It’s important that you keep up with this maintenance so the dust is contained, and your vacuum keeps working at full efficiency. HEPA filters are also worth looking out for as they offer a particularly high quality of air filtration and are better for allergy sufferers.
How much should I spend on a vacuum?
This is a hard question to answer, as it will vary depending on the type of model you’re looking at. While handhelds tend to be the cheapest, a robot vacuum will set you back a fair amount.
That said, you can find great models for under £200. It’s worth considering the features you want and then looking for a model that ticks as many of your boxes as possible. Head to our roundup of the best cheap vacuums if budget is key.
How to care for your vacuum cleaner
Without regular cleaning, a vacuum cleaner is only good for moving around dust and dirt. It’s one of the most hard-working pieces of kit in the house, so don’t forget to give it some regular TLC to keep it in top condition.
The most common cause of loss of suction is blockages. This makes the machine slow to pick up and quick to overheat. To keep this to a minimum in bagged models never reuse the bag as it's often part of the filter system. If this gets clogged with dust, it will reduce the efficiency of the machine. Always replace the bag when the indicator light comes on. With a bagless machine, empty the canister after each use.
To unblock a vacuum cleaner, always switch it off and unplug it. As well as teasing out any blockages in the tube, undo the hose and check the entrance to the machine or top of the bag for further debris.
GHI tip: If the blockage is immovable, soak the tube in warm, soapy water.
Many vacuums have at least one washable filter. Check where your machine's filters are located, then remove and tap against a hard surface to dislodge any clumps of dust – do this outside to avoid becoming surrounded by a dust cloud.
If it's washable, run the filter under lukewarm water and allow it to air dry thoroughly – for at least 24 hours – before putting it back in. Additional filters in your machine may not be washable, so make sure you check the instruction manual. If they’re not washable, just tap them against a surface to remove any clumps, then return them to your machine.
Make sure the brush on the head is free from hairs and threads. If it becomes jammed, cut – don’t pull – any threads that prevent it from rotating. Be careful to avoid cutting the bristles.
Smelly vacuums are usually the result of not emptying your machine regularly enough or possibly sucking up something. Find out which of these it is, then give the outside a wipe over with an anti-bacterial wipe or warm, soapy water and a cloth to keep it smelling and looking fresh.
For bagless vacuums, wash the canister in soapy water after emptying it and leave it to completely air dry before putting the machine together again.
The verdict: Which is the best vacuum to buy in 2025?
Cordless stick vacuums are the most popular type of vacuum cleaner and we love Dyson’s Gen5 Detect, which topped our list alongside the great value Vax Blade 4 Classic Plus and the Tefal X-Force Flex 15.60.
If you don’t fancy going cordless, our experts’ favourite upright vacuum, Hoover’s HL4 Pet, is an excellent buy for a family home, while our top cylinder vacuum, Miele’s Boost CX1 Vacuum, is a premium option that’s worth the investment.
For those who want to dip their toe into the world of robot vacuums, Dyson’s 360 Vis Nav is our top choice, but Beko’s Robot Vacuum Cleaner scored just one mark less for a fraction of the price.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
