How to find the best vacuum cleaner for your home

There’s no doubt about it, vacuum cleaners are an essential household appliance. And finding a good one will make it easier to keep your home looking its best.

But with so many to choose from, including sticks, cylinders, handhelds and uprights – not to mention robot models too – knowing which vacuum cleaner is right for your home can be confusing.

What’s more, everyone’s cleaning needs vary, and whether you’re dealing with carpets, hard floors, stairs, pet hair (or all of the above!), there’s a lot to consider when shopping for your next cleaning companion.

That’s why the Good Housekeeping Institute made it their mission to find the top vacuums on the market. In fact, we’ve tried and tested over 100 models to find the best money can buy.

We analyse every element of a vacuum, from how it lifts dust from different floor surfaces to how easy it is to use, as well as its overall design.

From all our research, we’ve put together this handy vacuum cleaner buying guide, covering everything you need to know. Read on for our best buys and advice on what to look for.

Best vacuums to buy in 2024

If you’re replacing an existing vacuum, there are plenty of places for you to safely recycle your old one. Find your nearest electrical recycling point, or read our guide on how to donate or dispose of your appliances and tech for extra guidance.

Types of vacuum cleaner explained

It can be difficult to know which type of vacuum cleaner would best suit your needs, so we’ve detailed the pros and cons for each category.

Upright

Upright vacuum cleaners tend to be the best option for larger, carpeted households. This is because they usually feature a turbo brush in the floor head, which makes them particularly effective at picking up hair and residue from carpets. The wide floor head also means they can cover a greater area much more quickly and effectively than other vacuums.

These models are more stable and easier to manoeuvre than cylinders, as you’re pushing them forward rather than dragging them behind you. There’s also no need to bend when using an upright, which makes them a good option for those with back issues.

However, their design means they can be awkward to use on stairs and can also be too bulky to reach under furniture; the weight of some may also take its toll after prolonged use. They’re typically neat to store though, and can usually hold the tools on the body so you have them to hand as you clean.

The GHI’s top five upright vacuum cleaners

Cylinder

Cylinder vacuums are typically lighter and more portable than uprights, as the main body sits on the floor behind you for you to pull as you vacuum. They can be bagged or bagless, depending on your preference, and often come with a good selection of tools. They’ve been around for many years thanks to their lightweight and convenient design, and are ideal for those who struggle with heavier vacuums.

They also tend to be better for reaching under and around furniture and make cleaning a flight of stairs simpler with their long, flexible hose. Take care when you’re pulling it around the home though, as it can knock into walls and furniture. Some designs can also be a bit bulky and more awkward to store than other types of vacuums, especially those with a long hose.

The GHI’s top five cylinder vacuum cleaners

Cordless

Cordless – or, as they’re also known, stick – vacuums are one of the most popular types of vac. Their increasingly powerful technology almost rivals traditional corded models, but there’s no need for a plug socket nearby.

Originally designed for quick clean-ups, most are now capable of cleaning a whole home with ease, meaning many people use this model as their sole vacuum cleaner.

Their compact design, with a “stick” body and smaller dust canister, is more lightweight than bigger vacuums and ideal for homes where storage is tight. The canister will need emptying more frequently though, and they tend to be bagless.

Like uprights and cylinders, most come with attachments including crevice and upholstery tools. Many even have motorised brushes to lift pet hair effectively.

Note that battery life still varies across models, and you’ll need to remember to charge it when not in use. If your home is bigger, look for a machine that comes with two batteries to extend its cleaning time in between charges.

The GHI’s top five cordless vacuum cleaners

Robot

While a robot vacuum won’t replace your standard machine, it will allow you to cut back on how often you need to clean, giving you more time for yourself. These little gadgets use sensors to avoid bumping into furniture and map where they’ve been around the room to ensure no area is left neglected.

Robot vacuums are now smarter than ever, too – all the models we’ve featured are compatible with an app and either Alexa or Google Home. Some even have docking stations that allow them to self-empty, so you rarely need to think about clearing the canister yourself.

The GHI’s top five robot vacuum cleaners

Handheld

A handheld vacuum cleaner is ideal for cleaning quick spills as well as getting into tight and awkward spaces such as car interiors and staircases. Being cordless, they’re convenient to grab and go, but they do rely on battery life and tend to have a smaller dust capacity than upright and cylinder vacuums, so it’s important to check these specs before you buy.

As a general rule, look for at least 20 minutes of battery life (this will give you ample time to get around a car) and a dust capacity of at least 0.3 litres if you don’t want to empty it often. It’s also worth noting that many cordless upright vacuums can also function as handhelds, so you may already have one in the home.

But if you’re looking to invest in a new handheld, as well as battery life and dust capacity, you should also consider the weight. It may feel light at first, but it can get heavy and tiresome after a short while. The weight should be around 1-1.5kg on average.

The included tools can also vary. Some, such as a crevice and pet tools, may be essential for your cleaning. Think about what you’ll be using your vacuum for and whether any accessories will help you.

The GHI’s top five handheld vacuum cleaners

Key features to look out for in a vacuum

Sensory technology

Some of the best vacuum cleaners are able to sense the floor type and adjust their power accordingly. This saves on energy usage and means the vacuum will automatically use the optimum power.

Battery life
This is an essential element to check if you’re opting for a cordless stick or handheld vacuum. Some will last less than 10 minutes on full power, meaning you need to rush to finish in time or wait for it to recharge. Look for at least 30 minutes of advertised battery life in a stick vacuum, and 20 minutes in a handheld.

Charging time
Keep an eye on the charging time as well if you’re going cordless. They’re not so convenient to use if you’re constantly waiting for them to charge. Most stick vacuums take around four hours to fully charge, but if you’re worried about what to do in an emergency, you can always invest in a stick vacuum or handheld that comes with additional batteries.

Capacity
Generally, the bigger the capacity, the less often you’ll need to empty it. Vacuum capacities are measured in litres, whether bagged or bagless. If you’re in the market for an upright or cylinder, and don’t want to be taking constant trips to the bin, look for no less than two litres.

For cordless models, which are slightly smaller, a minimum of half a litre is best. Lastly, for handhelds, 0.3 litres will last you for a few quick spills before you need to empty.

Headlights
Some stick vacuums also feature headlights on the floor head, so you can see better under furniture and in dark spaces.

Smart technology
Connect your vacuum to your phone to monitor its usage, battery life and even surprising statistics such as how many calories you burn in use.

Battery level indicator
This isn’t exactly groundbreaking but can be a very useful feature to have on a cordless appliance. Some vacuums, including the Dyson V15 Detect, will handily count down your remaining battery time in minutes and seconds.

Slit to cut hair
If you or someone in your household has long hair and you plan to buy a stick vacuum, make sure it’s one you can easily remove hair from. Long hair tends to wrap around the brush in the floor head and needs to be cut free. However, some models now feature a small slit along the bar that you can run a pair of scissors through. It’s a very convenient feature.

Weight
Be wary of the weight of your vacuum; pushing anything over 3kg can feel heavy after prolonged use. If you struggle with this, go for a cordless design where the weight is centred around the floor head rather than the handle, which makes it easier on the arms.

Variable suction
This is useful if you need more power for deep pile carpets. It’s also good to have if you’re conscious of energy usage.

Retractable cord
Using this feature, you can rewind the cord into the vacuum at the press of a button – brilliant if you’re fed up with winding the cord to tidy it away yourself.

Rotating brush
If the floor head is missing a rotating brush, it will likely drag along the floor as you vacuum because there’s nothing to raise it. This makes it harder when running over long-pile carpet. A rotating brush is also brilliant for collecting hairs and residue from carpets.

Bagged or bagless?

Some vacuums contain bags that collect all the dust and debris the machine sucks up. Once full – often shown via an indicator light – they will need to be replaced.

The benefit of this system is that you don’t need to touch the dust and dirt to remove it from the canister, which can be the case with a bagless vacuum cleaner.

Bagless models also tend to be messier as the dust can spill when you empty them, so if you or a family member suffer from asthma or allergies, a bagged design may be best. You will need to keep some empty bags in a cupboard though, so you don’t run out mid-clean.

Most stick vacuums are bagless, but some models, such as the Samsung Bespoke Jet Pro Extra VS20A95973B, come with docking stations that cut down how frequently you’ll need to empty the canister. After each use, the canister automatically empties into a larger one within the station. Our winning robot vacuums also come with the same technology.

Vacuum cleaner accessories

From crevice tools to dusting brushes, today’s vacs come with a generous collection of vacuum cleaner attachments that are designed to make light work of common household cleaning tasks.

You’d be forgiven for finding the assortment of extra tools and accessories a little mystifying. Here’s an explanation of each one, so you know if you’ll really need it.

Extension wand
Designed to go where other attachments simply can’t, the extension wand provides the extra reach you need to banish cobwebs from high ceilings and inaccessible corners, retrieve food particles from behind appliances, and clean right to the corners and edges of stairs.

Dusting brush
With long, soft bristles, the dusting brush is a whizz at whisking away debris from window sills, lampshades, blinds, skirting boards and other awkward surfaces. It’s also ideal for more delicate cleaning tasks, such as dusting furniture, the top of books or easily scratched objects.

Crevice tool
As its name suggests, the crevice tool is designed to get into tight gaps that other attachments would struggle with. With its long, slender shape, it’s ideal for cleaning right into corners, along the edge of the flooring, around radiators and even between sofa cushions.

Upholstery tool
The upholstery attachment is wide with a small, flat head. Many also have a built-in fabric strip to help lift dust, dirt and hairs from fabric surfaces including sofas, mattresses, cushions and chairs.

Floor heads/brushes

Models will all come with a standard floor head, and may have interchangeable options. If you have deep-pile carpets or a pet, for example, we recommend looking for a rotating brush. Some also have rubber parts to help gather up stubborn pet hairs. Reach for this compact attachment to deep-clean upholstery, mattresses, thick carpets and rugs.

Filters

All vacuums contain filters that stop the dust you pick up from re-entering the atmosphere. Some even contain more than one filter for added retention. To keep working, these filters need to be washed regularly or replaced, although some are self-cleaning. It’s important that you keep up with this maintenance so the dust is contained, and your vacuum keeps working at full efficiency. HEPA filters are also worth looking out for as they offer a particularly high quality of air filtration and are better for allergy sufferers.

How much should I spend on a vacuum?

This is a hard question to answer, as it will vary depending on the type of model you’re looking at. While handhelds tend to be the cheapest, a robot vacuum will set you back a fair amount.

That said, you can find great models for under £200, such as the Vax ONEPWR Blade 4 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner. It’s worth considering the features you want and then looking for a model that ticks as many of your boxes as possible. Find all our tried and tested best affordable vacuums here.

Do I need a vacuum cleaner or a carpet cleaner?

Vacuums are perfect for everyday cleaning but if you’re looking to do a deep clean, then they may not be quite right. Steam cleaners will refresh your carpet but if you’re trying to tackle stubborn stains like wine then a dedicated carpet cleaner is the appliance to call on.

Carpet cleaners work by combining cleaning solutions and brush heads to delve into the pile and lift grime away, often leaving your carpet looking almost new. Our GHI experts suggest deep cleaning carpets once a year, and every six months if you have allergies or pets.

How to care for your vacuum cleaner

Without maintenance, a vacuum cleaner is only good for moving around dust and dirt. It’s one of the most hard-working pieces of kit in the house, so don’t forget to give it some regular TLC to keep it in top condition.

The most common cause of loss of suction is blockages. This makes the machine slow to pick up and quick to overheat. To keep this to a minimum in bagged models never reuse the bag as it’s often part of the filter system. If this gets clogged with dust, it will reduce the efficiency of the machine. Always replace the bag when the indicator light comes on. With a bagless machine, empty the canister after each use.

To unblock a vacuum cleaner, always switch it off and unplug it. As well as teasing out any blockages in the tube, undo the hose and check the entrance to the machine or top of the bag for further debris.

GHI tip: If the blockage is immovable, soak the tube in warm, soapy water.

Many vacuums have at least one washable filter. Check where your machine’s filters are located, then remove and tap against a hard surface to dislodge any clumps of dust – do this outside to avoid becoming surrounded by a dust cloud.

If it’s washable, run the filter under lukewarm water and allow it to air dry thoroughly – for at least 24 hours – before putting it back in. Additional filters in your machine may not be washable, so make sure you check the instruction manual. If they’re not washable, just tap them against a surface to remove any clumps, then return them to your machine.

Make sure the brush on the head is free from hairs and threads. If it becomes jammed, cut – don’t pull – any threads that prevent it from rotating. Be careful to avoid cutting the bristles.

Smelly vacuums are usually the result of not emptying your machine regularly enough or possibly sucking up something. Find out which of these it is, then give the outside a wipe over with an anti-bacterial wipe or warm, soapy water and a cloth to keep it smelling and looking fresh.

For bagless vacuums, wash the canister in soapy water after emptying it and leave it to completely air dry before putting the machine together again.

How we test vacuum cleaners

We test each vacuum cleaner on four different floor types: laminate, floorboards and long- and short-pile carpet. Firstly, we assess general pick-up using a formulation of dust that we create ourselves. We lay down a set amount and then, after a fixed number of sweeps, we weigh out exactly how much each vacuum has collected.

We call in plenty of pet hair from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home to find out how well each vacuum copes. This is ground into the carpet to create the worst-case scenario before vacuuming. We also test performance when picking up small residue, such as crumbs, particularly when testing as a handheld.

On top of this, we run an interior car cleaning test to see how well each vacuum gets in between the crevices. We try it out on a set of stairs, too, to monitor how easily it manoeuvres.

For robot vacuums, we see how well they clean a whole room, timing how long it takes and looking closely at how well it reaches into crevices, cleans edges, and manoeuvres around furniture. We also test the battery claims of handheld and stick models.

Finally, the design, ease of use and instructions of every model are assessed, and we consider if it has any innovative features.

Why should you trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?

We’ve been testing household appliances for 100 years, so we know a thing or two about what makes the perfect vacuum cleaner (and how they’ve changed and evolved over time).

Now, we test the latest models before they even hit the market, and we’re across all the innovative new tech that’s making caring for our flooring easier. Homes Editor Hannah Mendelsohn looks after all our vacuum cleaner guides, and Blossom Boothroyd (our homes testing manager) puts them through their paces in the lab, in line with our rigorous testing protocols.