The best vacuum cleaners

Every vacuum on this list has been tested by our team of expert home product reviewers. They all try several models from different brands, using them at home for deep cleans and quick pick-ups. Each is scored according to the following metrics:

• Design and build: We judge how durable each vacuum feels and whether it is lightweight and manoeuvrable. Components like the bin and accessories are also assessed for overall usability.
• Performance and results: Our experts try each vacuum on different surfaces, including carpets, hard floors and tiles. They lay out debris including food crumbs, fine dirt and pet or human hair, to judge whether it successfully picks up everything in its path.
• Ease of use: The controls should be intuitive to use and well placed, while ideal noise levels are low. Any digital displays or app compatibility are also assessed for usefulness. Finally, we consider the reach under surfaces and into awkward corners.
• Storage: Our testers consider whether the vacuums can stand unsupported, if they fold away and come with a dedicated wall mount or emptying station.
• Battery life for cordless vacuums: We look to see whether a full charge is enough to clean a whole house and whether the battery recharges quickly.
• Power for corded vacuums: The power cable needs to be long enough to enable your cleaning, rather than impede it. And we consider the wattage and what it means for the overall suction.

We’ve tested over 60 vacuums, but only the 18 best feature below.

Visit our Who We Are page to learn more about the testing process.

Which vacuum cleaner is best for you depends on the size of your home and its flooring, plus what you generally clean. Here are the models which performed the best in our comprehensive at home testing, in each of the following categories: cordless, upright, cylinder, handheld, robot and best for pet hair.

Lightweight and manoeuvrable, a cordless vacuum cleaner is ideal for quick pick-ups. The battery life and suction power are often a little lacking in comparison with cylinder and upright vacuum cleaners, but it’s good enough to shift daily dirt, dust, dander and pet hair.