The 4 Best Cordless Stick Vacuums - Summer 2021 Reviews

The best cordless stick vacuum for bare floors that we've tested is the Shark Rocket Pet Pro with MultiFlex IZ163H. This vacuum delivers superb performance on bare, even floor types like hardwood or tile, as it easily clears bulky debris like cereal, small debris like rice, and pet hair. Suction performance remains consistent as its dirt compartment fills up, which is good when dealing with several large messes.

Its pre-motor and allergen-trapping HEPA filters shouldn't need to be replaced too often, so recurring costs are low. While there are quite a few parts that need to be cleaned periodically, they're easy to access for the most part. Its lightweight construction is also highly maneuverable, even in tight, closed-off areas. Depending on your choice of suction power setting and usage habits, runtime can vary from roughly anywhere between 10 to 40 minutes, which should be sufficient for most areas.

Unfortunately, this vacuum doesn't come with a turbo brush for dealing with messes on upholstered surfaces while using the vacuum in a handheld configuration. In addition, while it feels decently sturdy overall, some parts do feel a little flimsy, especially its clear plastic dustbin, which could break if you were to drop it. Otherwise, its maneuverable design and strong cleaning performance help make it one of the best laminate floor vacuums that we've tested.

The Dyson V15 Detect is the best cordless stick vacuum for carpets that we've tested. This lightweight vacuum delivers an amazing overall performance on low and high-pile carpets, where it effectively sucks up pet hair as well as debris like sand and baking soda. Its performance stays consistent as its dirt compartment fills up, which is helpful when you're cleaning a big room.

It comes with a uniquely designed vacuum head with a laser that can help illuminate small debris and make it easier to see. You can use the vacuum in a handheld mode by detaching the wand, and there are a few tools and brushes included, like a turbo brush for cleaning fabric-covered furniture. The vacuum has easy-clip mechanisms that make it simple to assemble the vacuum and attach tools. Depending on what tools and power settings you use, it provides between roughly 10 and 70 minutes of continuous runtime.

Unfortunately, the vacuum's high suction power can make it difficult to push around on high-pile carpets, and it can sometimes drag lighter rugs around. It also has fairly demanding maintenance needs. Otherwise, it's a great option if you want a cordless stick vacuum that can clean carpets, and it's even one of the best vacuums for carpets that we've tested.

The best cordless stick vacuum in the budget category that we've tested is the JASHEN V16. This cordless stick vacuum comes with two brushrolls, one for bare floors and the other for carpets, which can be easily swapped out depending on the surface you want to clean. You can also easily reconfigure it into a handheld vacuum and use it in conjunction with the included crevice tool, turbo brush, or combination upholstery tool/dusting brush.

The allergen-trapping HEPA filter is also washable and reusable, so recurring costs shouldn't be a major concern. This vacuum does a fantastic job of sucking up pet hair on a wide variety of surface types, from bare floors to carpets. Battery performance is good overall, with a runtime of roughly anywhere between 15 to 40 minutes depending on your choice of suction power mode, though this can vary in the real world. You can also keep tabs on battery life via the LED display on the back of the battery.

Unfortunately, bulky debris, like cereal, can clog the rather narrow entryway to the dirt compartment and prevent it from sucking up any other material. In addition, while its lightweight construction and slim design also make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, its top-mounted dirt compartment and battery can get in the way when cleaning under tables and couches. Still, it's a good option if you're looking for a budget-friendly cordless vacuum.