Our top 3, compared on the specs that matter.
Thex’s quick pickDyson V15 Detect Absolute Cordless Vacuum. Best overall. Best no-touch emptying: the Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty (IP3251). Best value: the Shark PowerPro.
Dyson
The most capable stick here. 240 AW suction, up to 60 minutes of run time and a laser-like light that shows dust you would otherwise miss. A sensor counts what you pick up and boosts power on its own. Swappable batteries extend big cleans.
Shark
Never tip a dusty bin again. The dock charges the vacuum and empties it into a 2 L bin, so it suits allergy sufferers. 70 minutes of run time covers a big home, and Detect mode adjusts power for you. Heavier than the others at 3.6 kg.
Shark
Everything most homes need for about half the price of the leaders. Up to 50 minutes of run time, HEPA filtration and a removable battery, and it turns into a handheld for the car and couch. A 2-year warranty backs it.
Side by side
| Spec | #1 Dyson | #2 Shark | #3 Shark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Best overall | Best no-touch emptying | Best value |
| Power | 240 AW | 380 W | 181 W |
| Run time | Up to 60 min | 70 min | 50 min |
| Bin | 0.77 L | 0.7 L + 2 L dock | 0.7 L |
| Weight | 3.1 kg | 3.6 kg (stick) | 3.2 kg |
| Extras | Laser head, dust sensor, LCD | Auto-empty dock, Detect mode | — |
| Filter | HEPA | — | HEPA |
| Warranty | — | 2 years | 2 years |
| Buy | See today's price at Amazon | See today's price at Amazon | See today's price at Amazon |
The details
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Buying guide
Cordless stick vacuums have replaced the barrel vacuum in many homes. Run time, emptying and weight decide how pleasant one is to live with.
Bigger homes need more run time. Our picks list up to 50 to 70 minutes, and run time drops on the highest power setting.
The Shark PowerDetect's dock empties the bin for you, which helps with allergies and pet hair.
Lighter sticks are easier to lift overhead. Check the weight if you will use it upstairs.
A HEPA filter traps fine dust. The Dyson V15 and Shark PowerPro both list one.
Our top pick is the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute. It has 240 AW of suction, up to 60 minutes of run time and a laser head that shows hidden dust.
The Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty (IP3251). Its dock empties the bin automatically and holds 2 L of debris.
The Shark PowerPro. It has up to 50 minutes of run time, a HEPA filter and a 2-year warranty.
For most homes, yes. Pick one with enough run time for your floor area and a bin that is easy to empty.
Price alerts
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How we pick
Every spec comes from the maker or a major retailer, and each one shows where it came from and when.
Prices are checked and dated, and refreshed or removed when they go stale. Amazon shows today’s price on its own page.
Picks are ranked on what you get for the money. Who pays a commission has no say in the order.
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