The RYOBI PCL720K is a cordless stick vacuum. It's part of RYOBI's extensive ONE+ 18V system, a huge collection of products that includes drills, saws, fans, lights, as well as vacuums, all of which use interchangeable 18V battery packs. If you already have a battery, you can purchase the vacuum bundled with a crevice tool and dusting brush. Alternatively, there's also a variant that includes these tools and a 4Ah battery. In terms of features, the vacuum includes an LED headlight, two suction power settings, and a brushroll off switch.
Our Verdict
The RYOBI PCL720K is a decent option for a house. This cordless vacuum offers a good runtime for cleaning large areas on a single charge. It's impressively well-built and feels more sturdy than most other stick vacuums. If you have pets, its floorhead does a remarkable job picking up pet hair. However, its pickup performance is only mediocre overall, and its filter is downright awful. It blows dust out into the air and all over the floors you just cleaned, and emptying it releases a plume of dust which is hard to contain.
Impressively well-built.
Easily handles pet hair on floors.
Good runtime.
Terrible particle filtration performance.
Emptying creates a cloud of dust.
The RYOBI PCL720K is an okay choice for a small apartment. It's easy to store in a small space, as it stands vertically and features a wand clip for attaching the accessories. In terms of performance, it excels at picking up pet hair but is unremarkable in all other cleaning tasks. Unfortunately, its worst feature for apartment dwellers is the awful filter, which blows dust out into the air and all over your living space. You also won't be able to prevent the release of a cloud of dust when you empty this bagless vacuum, unless you empty it outdoors.
Easily handles pet hair on floors.
Stores neatly in a compact space.
Terrible particle filtration performance.
Emptying creates a cloud of dust.
The RYOBI PCL720K is decent for cleaning stairs. While it's a bit heavy for a stick vacuum, it's ultimately still lighter than most corded models on the market, and it isn't too much of an effort to pick up and carry. Its cordless design ensures you won't trip on a power cord while climbing or descending staircases. Its brushroll easily lifts pet hair on carpeted stairs, but performance with other debris on both bare and carpeted stair treads is mediocre. The biggest shortcoming of this vacuum when it comes to cleaning stairs is its ineffective filter, which allows dust to be blown into the air and then back down onto the stair treads you have just cleaned.
Cordless design.
Easily handles pet hair on stair treads.
Heavier than most other cordless stick vacuums.
Terrible particle filtration performance.
The RYOBI PCL720K is an adequate option for cleaning the inside of your car. Since it's cordless, you don't have to stay close to a power outlet, making it easy to reach every part of your car's interior. It's a little heavy for a cordless vacuum and cumbersome to use in a handheld configuration, but better than most big corded vacuums. It's solidly built and sturdy enough to bring out to the garage or driveway. When you're done, it's fairly easy to clean and maintain, and you can neatly stow it all away in a closet or corner with a wand clip holding the attachments in place. Unfortunately, the selection of included tools is limited, consisting only of a crevice tool and a soft-bristled dusting brush. A turbo brush tool is available for purchase separately. Performance is only passable on automotive fabrics as well, with low suction contributing to lackluster debris pickup.
Impressively well-built.
Cordless design.
Stores neatly in a compact space.
Heavier than most other cordless stick vacuums.
Small selection of included tools.
Low suction.
The RYOBI PCL720K is acceptable for use on bare floors. It'll ultimately do the job, but its brushroll tends to scatter around large debris. On cracks, this brushroll is a valuable asset, as it can dig into crevices and remove most of the material from shallow cracks.
Brushroll does a good job digging material out of shallow cracks.
Brushroll scatters large debris on floors.
The RYOBI PCL720K delivers mediocre performance on carpet. It lacks the suction to lift fine debris out of the carpet, leaving it behind. On high-pile carpet, it can push medium and large materials down into the carpet fibers and pick them up, but it ends up just shoving around larger debris on low-pile carpet due to the stiffer, shorter, and unyielding carpet fibers.
Picks up medium and large material on high-pile carpets.
Struggles with fine material in carpets.
Pushes around medium and large material on low-pile carpets.
The RYOBI PCL720K is a great option if you have shedding pets. The brushroll delivers enough agitation on carpets to pick up even deeply embedded strands of pet hair, leaving almost nothing behind. This vacuum's dusting brush picks up most pet hair on upholstered furniture, although it isn't nearly as effective, and it'll take several passes.
Easily picks up pet hair on carpets.
Brushroll provides lots of agitation for picking up pet hair from carpets.
Dusting brush not ideal for picking up pet hair from upholstered furniture.
The RYOBI PCL720K's filter is terrible for air quality. The filter doesn't trap particles effectively, allowing large concentrations of dust to escape from the exhaust and into the air, where it can spread throughout your room. When you empty this bagless vacuum, a plume of dust will escape into the air and settle over your living space. For optimal cleanliness, it's best to empty it outdoors if possible.
Terrible particle filtration performance.
Emptying creates a cloud of dust.
Performance Usages
Changelog
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Updated Jan 16, 2026:
We added text to this review to reflect the new tests introduced in Test Bench 1.4, as well as the new verdicts.
- Updated Jan 16, 2026: We've updated this review to the latest test bench, adding Runtime, Mobility, Air Quality, and Mopping Capabilities sections, as well as a Swappable Battery test. See the Vacuum Test Bench 1.4 changelog.
- Updated Oct 29, 2024: Review published.
- Updated Sep 25, 2024: Early access published.
Check Price
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We bought and tested the RYOBI PCL720K; see the product label. This model is only available in Green, though there are two product bundles available:
| Model | Bundle | Included Tools and Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| PCL720B | Tool Only | Crevice Tool, Dust Brush, Wall Mount |
| PCL720K | Full Kit | 18V 4Ah Lithium Battery, Charger, Crevice Tool, Dust Brush, Wall Mount |
If you come across another variant of this vacuum, let us know in the comments so that we can update our review.
Popular Vacuum Comparisons
The RYOBI PCL720K is a fairly basic cordless stick vacuum whose main attraction is its swappable RYOBI ONE+ 18V battery system. It will primarily benefit people who've already invested in this product line and have other RYOBI ONE+ compatible tools, spare batteries, and chargers on hand. But as a vacuum, its performance is mediocre overall. It performs worse than the comparably priced Tineco PURE ONE S11, although the RYOBI has a far more robust construction and a smoothly articulating floorhead. The worst thing about the RYOBI is its terrible filter. While it's a much lower-end vacuum, the Wyze Cordless Vacuum S has an excellent HEPA filter and offers roughly comparable performance. Dyson's entry-level model, the aging Dyson V8, is generally a better value as it offers better performance and a far superior air filter. So if you're looking for a vacuum with a great battery system that's widely available and has lots of options, consider the RYOBI PCL720K, but if you value performance, you may want to look elsewhere.
If you're looking for alternatives, see our list of recommendations for the best cordless vacuums, the best vacuums for hardwood floors, and the best lightweight vacuums.
The Dyson V8 is more well-rounded than the RYOBI 18V ONE+ PCL720K. The Dyson weighs considerably less, can be bundled with a much bigger assortment of tools and accessories, makes less noise while running, and delivers marginally better performance on carpeted floors. However, the RYOBI feels much more solidly built, and when used with a 4Ah battery, can run for more time on a charge while taking a lot less time to recharge.
As is to be expected with the significant price difference, the Dyson V15 Detect provides better overall performance than the RYOBI 18V ONE+ PCL720K. The Dyson has a much easier time clearing away debris on hard floors and carpeting and is loaded with features: its automatic power adjustment system not only responds to changes in surface type but also to the quantity of debris being sucked up. The V15 also has a higher-capacity dustbin and comes with more tools and accessories. All of that being said, the RYOBI feels like a far more solidly built product. While the Dyson can also run a little longer on a single charge, the RYOBI's included 4Ah battery pack takes a lot less time to recharge.
The Shark Stratos Cordless IZ862H is a more feature-dense vacuum than the RYOBI 18V ONE+ PCL720K. The Shark's Clean Sense IQ system allows it to automatically adjust its suction power setting depending on how much debris is being sucked up, and its folding wand allows you to clean under tables and chairs without having to bend too deeply. The Shark is also more efficient in clearing away debris than the RYOBI. However, the RYOBI does feel more solidly built, and it does a better job of dealing with pet hair. The RYOBI's 4Ah battery also charges a lot faster while providing a comparable runtime to the Shark.
The Dyson V11 is ultimately a stronger performer than the RYOBI 18V ONE+ PCL720K. The Dyson delivers much better debris-pickup performance across a variety of surfaces, and it's packed with a wider array of features. Its surface detection system allows it to automatically change its suction power setting depending on the surface you're cleaning, and its multi-stage filtration system does a much better job of locking in particles compared to the RYOBI. The Dyson is also lighter and quieter and can be bundled with more tools. On the other hand, the RYOBI feels considerably more solidly built.
Test Results
Performance on hard floors is mediocre. Its brushroll scatters around larger debris, but ultimately does improve overall debris pickup when it comes to smaller debris like rice or sand. We also tested the vacuum with the brushroll off and found its performance to be worse overall.
With the vacuum set to its default power setting, its performance on high-pile carpet is only passable. It's alright at dealing with medium-sized and large debris like rice or cereal on this surface type, though a second sweep might still be necessary. Unfortunately, it has a really hard time with finer material like sand.
The RYOBI PCL720K's performance on low-pile carpet is unremarkable. On this surface type, its floorhead pushes around larger debris like cereal instead of passing over it. As with its performance on high-pile carpet, it also struggles with finer debris like sand.
Pet hair pickup performance on low-pile carpet is fantastic. The vacuum will clear away the overwhelming majority of hair within a single back-and-forth sweep. That said, removing stuck-on hair from the vacuum's brushroll can be a bit of a hassle.
This vacuum does a mediocre job of removing pet hair from furniture. There's no upholstery nozzle included, which would make much shorter work of this kind of task; however, you can purchase a mini turbo brush. Its standard dusting brush is the right size for furniture cleaning, but unfortunately, it still tends to leave some hair behind, with some actually getting stuck to the tool's bristles. The side-mounted exhausts can also blow around lighter strands of hair. Its heavy 4Ah battery pack also makes the PCL720K cumbersome to use in a handheld configuration.
Despite its low real-world suction force, the RYOBI PCL720K actually does a decent job of clearing out debris from cracks and crevices. Its floorhead's bristled roller can dig into shallower cracks and lift out debris, although it can create a small mess in the process.
The RYOBI PCL720K is impressively well-built. It's made mostly from thick, high-grade plastic that feels similar to many other RYOBI tools, although it does feature a metal pre-filter grille and rubber tires on its floorhead's wheels. It feels far more robust than many other conventional cordless stick vacuums on the market. Parts are attached to one another with heavy-duty latch mechanisms that exhibit minimal wobble or flex.
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RYOBI PCL720K
- Motor unit
- Dust Bowl
- Extension Wand
- Floor Nozzle
- Roller Brush
- Filter
- Filter assembly
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Accessories
- 1x 4Ah battery
- Battery charger
- Accessory holder
- Crevice tool
- Dust brush
- User Guide
This vacuum is pretty easy to store. It stands up on its own, eliminating the need for a wall mount. There's also a wand clip that can hold both included attachments, so you won't have to set them aside in a separate bag.
The RYOBI PCL720K's dustbin is pretty small. It's comparable in size to many older stick vacuums, such as the Dyson V8, and as a result, it'll need to be emptied often, which requires detaching the dustbin entirely. On the upside, there's a highly visible fill line to indicate when it has reached maximum capacity.
The RYOBI 18V ONE+ PCL720K has a good battery runtime overall. You'll achieve its maximum runtime of almost an hour in the ECO setting, which will give you plenty of time to clean bare floors, carpets, upholstery, and shelves in even large homes. If you keep the power settings at their default and turn the brushroll on, you'll need to work more quickly, as the runtime is only decent in this configuration.
This vacuum's battery system is very good. It comes with a 4Ah 18V lithium battery that's easy to detach and swappable with any other RYOBI ONE+ battery on the fly. If you're willing to put up with the extra weight, you can swap in higher-capacity ONE+ batteries you use in other tools for more runtime, like the 6Ah or even the 8Ah pack. There's no recharging dock for the vacuum itself, so you'll have to charge the battery separately in the included charger. The recharge time is very good and compares favorably to other cordless vacuums.
This vacuum is fairly easy to maintain. There are few parts that need regular cleaning, and they're simple to access for the most part. That said, you will have to put up with a few annoying quirks. You can't empty the dustbin without removing it, which can be quite tedious considering its small size and the frequent need for emptying.
While it takes a fair amount of hair to jam the brushroll, it's hard to remove any tangled strands by hand. You'll have a much easier time using a pair of scissors to cut away any hair stuck in the bristles.
Thankfully, the filter assembly is easy to clean: it comes out of the dustbin with minimal effort and can be rinsed under water to clear any stuck-on dirt.
For a more detailed breakdown of the maintenance requirements for this vacuum, you can refer to the user manual online.
This vacuum incurs decently low recurring costs.
- Main filter: This vacuum's filter needs to be replaced every three to six months. A replacement can be purchased from RYOBI's online store.
This is a simple stick vacuum. You can toggle between default and low-suction settings by pressing the ECO button or turning the brushroll off, which is great for cleaning delicate surfaces like hardwood or vinyl, where you wouldn't want to create micro-scratches on your floors. The headlight on the floorhead also turns off automatically when the brushroll is turned off. This can be a minor nuisance when cleaning darker areas on hard flooring.
The RYOBI PCL720K is pretty heavy for a stick vacuum, thanks in part to its thick plastic chassis. The standard 4Ah battery pack is also on the heavier side and can place a slight strain on your arm if you're really throwing the vacuum around while cleaning. On the upside, you can reduce the weight by using a lower-capacity 2Ah battery pack, available in standard or high-performance varieties, although this will result in a shorter runtime.
This vacuum is impressively maneuverable. Despite its relatively heavy weight, it actually isn't much of a hassle to use in cramped rooms. Its floorhead pivots smoothly and accurately, and its top-mounted dustbin allows you to clean with the wand all the way to the floor, making it much easier to clean under tables and couches. You can also maneuver over thinner power cords without worrying about the vacuum getting stuck. It isn't all positive, however: even with the brushroll turned off and suction set to 'ECO,' the vacuum can still get stuck pretty easily on thick, shag-pile carpeting.
This is a cordless vacuum, so the range is limited only by remaining battery life and dustbin capacity.
This vacuum has a very bad impact on air quality during operation. The filter is extremely ineffective at retaining particles of different sizes and ends up blowing fine material at high concentrations into the air and out into the surrounding room.
Even before the vacuum starts pulling in debris, it emits dust at elevated concentrations from previous cleaning sessions.
Since this is a bagless vacuum, emptying it negatively impacts air quality. If you try to empty it into a deep garbage container, you still won't be able to contain all the dust. You'll have to empty it outdoors or well away from any living spaces.
This vacuum's suction power is pretty low. Not only is its peak suction power comparable to that of older, weaker stick vacuums, such as the Dyson V7, but its wide multi-surface floor nozzle also diffuses that suction over a wide area. The end result is that the RYOBI will lack some oomph when it comes to dealing with debris embedded deep within cracks and crevices.
The airflow performance is mediocre. The RYOBI PCL720K will have a hard time lifting away large amounts of heavy debris.
This is a relatively noisy vacuum, even on its default power setting, although a significant portion of the noise originates from the brushroll mechanism. Turning it off drastically reduces operating noise:
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Bare Floor (Brushroll off)
- 'ECO' mode: 68.6 dBA
- Default mode: 74.5 dBA
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Carpet (Brushroll off)
- 'ECO' mode: 68.4 dBA
- Default mode: 75.5 dBA
