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The Best Cordless, Corded & Robot Vacuums In 2026, Tested By A Shopping Writer
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Unless you’re among close friends, you probably won’t want to find yourself discussing vacuum cleaners at a dinner party.
They’re not exactly the most interesting of topics but, sadly, are a fact life. While you might not admit to getting the same thrill from receiving a new vacuum as you would, say, a new phone, but here I’m going to give you permission to indulge in this quotidian device a little.
It’s exciting! And, when it works well, it’s supremely satisfying, as I learnt in the process of testing these devices.
Anyway, enough of me waxing lyrical. The point is, choosing a vacuum isn’t the easiest of tasks.
In the grand old year of 2026, we live in a world where there are endless varieties of vacuum, I’m talking the classic corded, cordless, hand-held, and even robot.
So much so that choosing the right one for your space can be mind-boggling.
To help you on your feat, myself and the HuffPost team have made it our mission to find the best vacuum of 2026. Keep reading for our findings.
Best vacuums at a glance:
How we tested the best vacuums
After ordering a combination of some of the newest and bestselling vacuums, and some old classics, the HuffPost team got to work with, well, cleaning their houses.
While using each device, we considered suction power, battery life if they were cordless, weight, ease of use, and any extra details like app compatibility and clever detection technology.
We also considered added features like HEPA filters (ie, whether they suck up micro particles) and if they came with add-ons like a carpet brush or not.
The best vacuums to shop 2026
Without further ado, these are the best vacuums of 2026.
Honey Jane Wyatt/HuffPost
Best value for money cordless hoover
If you’re going to vacuum yourself, at least go cordless. At just £180, this vacuum packs a lot of punch. As well as being adjustable and full-length, the end comes off to transform it into a hand held vacuum with four heads so you can get into tight spaces. It has three suction intensities to choose from, and it’s extremely lightweight, so you won’t have a sore arm at the end of your cleaning stint. Plus, the floor brush has an LED light at the tip, to make sure you never miss a spot of dust, and when you’re all done, all it takes is a push of a button to empty the dust bin.
+ Comes with a wall mount for easy storage
+ Glides effortlessly along the floor
– I wish the charge lasted a little longer.
Type: Cordless 2-in-1
In the box: Vacuum, charger, wall mount, pet friendly turbo tool, 2 in 1 upholstery brush, crevice tool, carpet bristle roller, hard floor anti- tangle plush roller.
Battery length: Up to 45 minutes
Charging time: Up to 6 hours
HEPA filter: Yes
Warranty: 2 years.
Honey Jane Wyatt/ HuffPost
Best Shark robot vacuum
If, like me, you’re someone who always swears they’re going to get round to vacuuming, a robot vacuum will change your life. Not even being dramatic. Anyway, this one from Shark takes a little while to set up, but once you manage to figure out how to connect it to the WiFi (and get it to stay connected) and to map your house, you’re good to go. It knows intuitively where your carpet is, and you can divide your floorplan based on rooms via the Shark Clean app, so you can ask it to vacuum and/or mop each space individually – or you can choose to patch clean a stain. The app also allows you to change the suction or mopping power, and I’ve found that I need to have it on a stronger suction as otherwise it leaves debris behind. When mopping though, the Robo uses UV light to sense stains your beady little eyes can’t. It even cleans and sanitises its own mop pads, and empties its own debris into the base, which you’ll only have to empty every 60 days.
+ You can set your own cleaning schedule
+ Looks fairly inoffensive
+ You barely have to do anything once it’s set up
– The cleaner isn’t suitable for unsealed floors
– The Shark Clean app could definitely be better.
Type: Robot vacuum and mop
In the box: Vacuum, charging dock, 1x anti-microbial mop pad, 2x 58mm side brushes, 1x Anti-Odour Technology Cartridge & 1x 355ml Shark VacMop Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner.
Battery life: 180 minutes
Charging time: 4 hours
HEPA filter: No
Warranty: 2 years.
Hannah Ballantyne/HuffPost
Best cordless hoover for pets and allergies
We’ll forgive you if you’re feeling sceptical about letting a robot clean your house. But if you want to feel like your vacuum is doing the hard work for you without having to let an invasive species into your house, this cordless hoover could be it. Using HEPA technology, the vacuum is designed to remove stubborn allergens, like pollen and dust particles, and uses detect technology to sense the kind of floor you’re working with, as well as areas with extra dirt. According to our audience editor, Hannah: “it changes pressure and speed depending on how dirty the area is, so you don’t have to ever worry that the floor isn’t being cleaned properly. The blue light is also a fantastic feature as it shows harder to reach areas very well.” Plus, it empties itself at the charging dock, so you really don’t have to think at all.
+ Sensors adjust power depending on surface
+ Good for people with pets
+ The blue light is a lifesaver
– Battery could last for longer.
Type: Cordless
In the box: Main unit, auto-empty charging dock, 20cm duster-crevice tool, motorised pet tool, lithium-Ion battery
Battery life: 60 minutes
Charging time: 5 hours
HEPA filter: Yes
Warranty: 5 years.
Best robot vacuum for climbing
The last thing you want when you’ve bought something specifically to reduce your burden is having to watch it like a hawk. If you have any kind of steps or increase in your home, a robot vacuum could be a liability. This dual robot vacuum and mop not only detects carpets and can reach corners and walls, but also can climb obstacles up to 8cm. More good news if you have pets, as it uses an anti-tangle brush to make sure hair won’t get stuck in it, and it’ll also get rid of odours for you. On a sillier note, the MOVA app allows you to set the robot’s voice to different football players, and you can even see what the robot is up to by activating the camera inside it and watching as it moves.
+ App is easy to use
+ Strong suction
+ Empties and cleans itself
– The dock is quite big.
Type: Robot vacuum and mop
In the box: Robot vacuum, base station, ramp, user manual, dispenser module, dust bag, roller mop, side brush, washboard, main brush
Battery life: Not stated
Charging time: Not stated
HEPA filter: No
Warranty: 3 years.
Numatic Henry Vacuum
Best classic hoover for strong suction
“When I worked as a cleaner, my colleagues and I would race down to pick the best vacuums in the morning – it made the difference between a dust-free room in minutes and constantly running the same suctionless nozzle over an unmoving pile of debris,” shares HuffPost lifestyle writer and Henry enthusiast, Amy Glover. “And not to boost his ego, but every last one of us ladies wanted Henry the most. That’s because while other features – cordlessness, special pet hair heads – are fun and sometimes handy, the main job of a vacuum is to suck. Henry’s suction, which is the only factor that matters in the end, hasn’t been beaten in my experience.”
+ The filter is washable
+ Strongest suction around
– Quite heavy
– Need to replace the bag.
Type: Mains-powered
In the box: Crevice Tool, Dusting Tool, Upholstery Tool, Combi Floor Tool
Battery life: N/A
Charging time: N/A
HEPA filter: No
Warranty: 2 years.
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