The 6 Best Vacuum Cleaners - Spring 2024 Reviews

The best vacuum cleaner we've tested is the Dyson V15 Detect, especially if you want something cordless. This high-end stick vacuum is remarkably potent, delivering debris-pickup performance similar to many corded models. However, it has the advantage of being remarkably easy to deploy and maneuver. Its surface detection system enables it to automatically adjust its suction power setting depending on the surface that it's on, and it also features a dirt sensor to count and measure the size of particles sucked into the dustbin. However, it feels somewhat fragile, which is disappointing for a vacuum at this price point, and it has a relatively basic floorhead with no height adjustment or brushroll off switch, meaning it can get stuck on thicker carpeting pretty often.

Consider the Samsung Bespoke Jet if you're looking for something sturdier. It has a uniquely designed standup charging rack that doubles as a self-emptying base station for its dustbin, making it easier and more hygienic to dispose of debris. However, its bulkier twin-roller floorhead makes it more difficult to maneuver than the Dyson, and this model lacks the V15's surface detection system.

The Samsung Jet 75+ is a great option if you want a mid-priced vacuum that can handle a variety of messes. Unlike the Dyson V15 Detect, it has no automatic power adjustment mode or an onboard dirt sensor. However, it offers similarly strong debris pickup performance on bare floors and carpeting at a considerably more affordable price than the Dyson. That's ultimately down to its powerful 200 AW suction motor, which is remarkably powerful for a cordless model at this price point. Unlike the Dyson, this vacuum is also fully compatible with a self-emptying base station, which sucks debris from the vacuum's dustbin into a disposable dirtbag inside. That said, this accessory is rather expensive, and buying it with the vacuum pushes it into a higher price bracket, similar to the more feature-packed Dyson.

The Pet variant of the Jet 75 comes with a miniature turbo brush for cleaning fabric surfaces, though it's worth noting this attachment is a little bulky and can miss really short strands of hair. If you're hung up on the Samsung vacuum's lack of an automatic power adjustment feature but aren't willing to spend that much more, the Shark Stratos Cordless is worth a look. It's noticeably bulkier and heavier than the Samsung, though the Shark's folding wand makes cleaning under tables and chairs easier.

The Wyze Cordless Vacuum is a good option to save money on a vacuum cleaner. Performance isn't anything special compared to pricier models, as its rotating brushroll can scatter around larger debris on hard floors and has a hard time with fine debris that's been worked deep into carpet fibers. The bundled straight-suction upholstery tool isn't all that effective for dealing with hair on fabric furniture too, and you're better off purchasing the miniature turbo brush tool from Wyze's website if you have a pet that sheds heavily and want to keep your couches and armchairs clean. That said, it's very well-equipped for a cordless vacuum in this price range. It comes with an onboard HEPA filter that's pretty effective in sealing in allergens. Battery performance isn't bad for a cordless model in this price bracket. While its runtime is very limited in its high-power 'Turbo' mode, it can run for almost an hour in its most energy-efficient 'ECO' setting.

Unfortunately, compared to pricier models like the Samsung Jet 75, the Wyze's build quality is somewhat cheap and flimsy-feeling, with a body made mainly from thinner plastic. Its dirt compartment feels particularly fragile, and its floorhead scratches rather easily. The rubber gasket that seals the dustbin door can also fall out when shaking out the dirt compartment if you aren't careful.

If you don't mind exchanging the portability and convenience of a cordless model like the Dyson V15 Detect for more raw power, sturdier build quality, and not having to worry about keeping your vacuum's battery charged, put the Miele Complete C3 on your shopping list. The Brilliant variant sits at the top of the C3 lineup, and unsurprisingly, it's loaded with convenience features. There are additional handle-mounted controls and an extra 'Auto' setting that allows the vacuum to automatically adjust suction power depending on the surface you're cleaning. There's also additional sound insulation for its already quiet motor. This flagship variant also comes with a lightweight parquet floorhead, another straight-suction floorhead with retractable bristles, and Miele's top-of-the-line SEB 236 powerhead with five levels of height adjustment, which is great if your home has a wide variety of different carpet types.

If you don't need as many attachments and can live without the handle-mounted controls, automatic power setting, and additional sound deadening, the C3 Kona variant delivers a similar user experience at a lower price. Alternatively, if you're looking for a different kind of canister vacuum, consider the SEBO Airbelt D4, which incurs lower ownership costs thanks to its higher-capacity dirtbags, which won't need to be replaced as often, and longer-lasting filters. It also has a longer operating range of nearly 50 feet, enabling you to clean far-away areas more easily than the Miele. However, its bulkier design and stiffer hose make it less maneuverable than the Miele.

Check out the Miele Classic C1 if you want a mid-range corded vacuum. The Pure Suction model is much cheaper than even entry-level variants of the Miele Complete C3 but still has the same 1200W suction motor, which has little trouble drawing up material embedded deep within crevices. That said, this version of the C1 doesn't have an electrosocket at the base of its hose, so it's incompatible with powered floorheads, and the standard STB 285-3 floorhead doesn't provide enough surface agitation to draw out debris embedded deep within carpet fibers. If you have a lot of thick carpeting in your home and are considering a Miele C1, spend a bit more on a C1 variant with an electrosocket, like the C1 Cat & Dog.

This vacuum lacks an onboard tool storage compartment and feels less well-built than the C3, though the build quality is still good overall. User maintenance is also remarkably simple and hygienic, with easily accessible filters and compatibility with self-sealing dirtbags. The compact size and trio of caster-mounted wheels make it easy to maneuver in tight spots.

The Eureka Mighty Mite is a fantastic choice for something corded and budget-friendly. Compared to a mid-range model like the Miele Classic C1, it doesn't feel as well-built and lacks convenience features like a self-winding power cable or a tool clip. However, it does have a fairly powerful 12-amp motor. While the straight suction head sits too close to the ground to easily pass over larger debris, it excels in clearing away smaller material. Unfortunately, this head doesn't provide much surface agitation on carpets. If you plan on cleaning a lot of dense carpeting on a budget, go for an upright with a height-adjustable powerhead for improved surface agitation, like the BISSELL PowerForce Helix. However, it's important to note that the BISSELL takes up more room, is more challenging to maneuver, especially in smaller rooms, and feels even less sturdy.

It's worth noting that some new versions of the Mighty Mite lack the requisite mounting points to use aftermarket HEPA filters, which would help improve its air filtration performance. It also has a short power cable, so you'll probably have to swap outlets when cleaning bigger areas. Thankfully, it's very compact and easy to maintain.