The 5 Best Bagless Vacuum Cleaners - Fall 2024

The best bagless vacuum we've tested is the Dyson V15 Detect. This cordless stick vacuum delivers superb performance on various surfaces, easily cleaning everything from pet hair to small and large debris on nearly any surface. Its surface detection system also lets it change its suction power automatically depending on what you're vacuuming; just know its strong suction can cause it to drag around some lighter rugs. It also has a built-in particle sensor that counts and measures the debris you're sucking up. While most people may consider this a gimmick, it can be helpful if you suffer from allergies and want a rough estimate of particulate counts in your home.

This vacuum can run for up to 70 minutes, but you need to work fast when vacuuming stubborn messes, as it only lasts for about 10 minutes when using it in its high-power 'Boost' mode. Unfortunately, its build quality is only passable overall, which is disappointing for a vacuum at this premium price point. The Samsung Bespoke Jet is a good option if you want something more sturdily built. However, its twin-roller floorhead makes it less maneuverable, and it lacks Dyson's automatic power adjustment feature.

If you prefer using a corded vacuum with a greater debris capacity, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra/Complete is the best bagless upright vacuum we've tested. While its bulky form makes it less suitable for quick cleanups than a stick vacuum like the Dyson V15 Detect, it's a better option for heavy-duty cleanups, as its powerful suction motor helps clear away debris across various surfaces. Its floorhead also features three levels of surface adjustment and built-in plastic fins to capture long hair before it can get tangled in its brushroll. You can decouple its hose from its body to clean hard-to-reach areas, and it has a number of useful attachments, including a miniature turbo brush, a telescopic wand, and even a dedicated pet grooming tool. Its five-stage filtration system helps trap allergens, too.

Unfortunately, it's a heavy, bulky vacuum that's a hassle to set up. It's loud by the standards of less powerful cordless vacuums, and while its power cord is long, you have to wind it back up manually. You should consider the Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away if you need a more nimble upright option. It uses a simpler floorhead, lacks height adjustment, and has a maximum battery life of about 40 minutes when used as an upright. However, its lighter, compact, cordless design makes it a better option for short cleaning sessions on hard surfaces or in areas far from a power outlet.

If you're looking for premium performance but aren't looking to pay premium prices, then you should get the Shark Stratos Cordless. The Shark's Clean Sense IQ system allows it to ramp up its suction power depending on the amount of debris it sucks up. However, unlike the Dyson vacuum's system, it doesn't always respond to changes in surface type, and its suction isn't as powerful overall. It also comes with a replaceable cartridge in its floorhead, which emanates a detergent-like scent as you clean to mask any unpleasant odors. It can be a little overwhelming if you use it frequently, but its a nice to have feature. Its performance is great; it's superb for cleaning bare floors, and it also does a great job cleaning carpets. That said, while it has two surface settings, they only change the speed of its brushroll, not its height, so it's still liable to get bogged down in thick carpeting. Its main brushroll also isn't removable, making it a challenge to clean.

Build-wise, this cordless stick vacuum is noticeably heavier than the Dyson V15 Detect, but its chassis feels sturdier, as it's built from thicker plastic. Also, at 0.65L in capacity, its dustbin is also roughly 30% more spacious than the Dyson's, so you won't have to empty it as often. While its twin-brushroll head makes it a little trickier to maneuver in cramped quarters compared to the Dyson vacuum's smaller and lighter single-roller head, some of that added bulk is offset by the inclusion of a hinged wand, allowing you to clean under most tables and chairs without having to bend too deeply. All in all, these are minor issues, and the overall package makes this vacuum one of the best bagless vacuum cleaners we've tested.

Consider the Samsung Jet 60 if you're looking for something powerful but less expensive. It's less sturdily built than the Shark Stratos Cordless and doesn't have an automatic power adjustment feature, but there are a few advantages aside from its lower price. Its 150 AW suction motor is fairly potent for a vacuum at this price point and results in good overall performance on bare floors and carpets. However, admittedly, its relatively rudimentary single-roller head can push around larger debris instead of gliding over them and helping the vacuum suck them up.

Battery performance isn't especially impressive at up to 40 minutes on a charge. However, thankfully, the Samsung charges much faster than the Shark, leading to much less downtime between charging sessions. This mid-range Jet 60 Pet variant is a good option for pet owners, as it comes with a miniature turbo brush tool that's effective in collecting pet hair, though it's also unwieldy. Regardless of your variant, all Jet 60 models have a five-stage filtration system to trap allergens like pet dander.

If you're on a budget and searching for a bagless vacuum, it's hard to go wrong with the Wyze Cordless Vacuum. This budget-friendly cordless stick vacuum delivers good overall performance on various surfaces, all at a more affordable price than alternatives like the Samsung Jet 60. While it might not offer the same level of fit and finish, it has an impressive feature set for a vacuum at this price point. It has an allergen-trapping HEPA filter and a battery that supplies enough power for almost an hour of uninterrupted runtime, at least if you run the vacuum in its most energy-efficient setting. Using the 'TURBO' setting drops the runtime to a little over 10 minutes, though that isn't unusual for a vacuum of this type.

The vacuum is also quite lightweight, making it a cinch to maneuver in tight spots and to carry up and down long flights of stairs. Unfortunately, as mentioned before, it doesn't feel especially well-built, with the plastic used throughout its construction being rather thin and cheap-feeling.