Best cordless vacuums for flats and small homes

In its favour

• Dyson states it is 24% lighter than the V15, with a listed weight of 2.36 kg.
• Two heads are described: a Fluffy Optic head for hard floors and a de-tangling Motorbar for all floor types.
• An LCD screen shows particle counts, power mode and remaining runtime to the second.

Good to know

• The listing gives bin capacity only as 0.1 gallons, so check the litre figure before buying.
• No wall dock or storage stand is clearly listed in the box contents.

In its favour

• An in-use weight of 2.16 kg is among the lightest of the full-size sticks in this guide.
• The DuoClean head has two motorised brush-rolls, so it moves between carpet and hard floor without a swap.
• Anti-odour cartridge system and a 5-year guarantee on registration, with 2 years on batteries.

Good to know

• The 60 minute figure is in ECO mode with a non-motorised tool, so floor-head runtime is shorter.
• The listing names a cartridge filter rather than a HEPA grade.

In its favour

• The De-tangling Motorbar uses polycarbonate vanes to lift hair off the brush bar and into the bin.
• At around 2.5 kg it is easy to carry upstairs and switch to handheld mode.
• The filter is washable, and the listing says to rinse it at least once a month.

Good to know

• 40 minutes is measured with a non-motorised tool, so floor-head runtime is shorter.
• A full charge takes up to 5 hours according to the listing.

In its favour

• Bosch describes it as its lightest and most compact cordless model, at a listed 2.3 kg.
• Two battery packs are supplied, giving up to 60 minutes when both are charged.
• The battery works across Bosch's Power For All range of 18V tools and appliances.

Good to know

• The 0.3 L dust box is small and will need emptying often on carpets.
• The 60 minute runtime depends on using both batteries, and each lasts about half that.

In its favour

• FloorDetect senses floor type and adjusts brush-roll speed automatically.
• The Flexology wand bends to reach under beds and sofas and folds for freestanding storage.
• Anti-Allergen Complete Seal and a HEPA filter type are listed, with a 5-year guarantee on registration.

Good to know

• A listed 3.45 kg is heavier than the Stratos, which matters on stairs and overhead.
• The 50 minute runtime is in ECO mode with a non-motorised tool.

In its favour

• At a listed 1.67 kg it is the lightest machine in this guide.
• Dreame states up to 70 minutes in standard mode and 30 minutes in deep clean mode.
• An HD colour screen shows the working status, and four modes are switched at a button.

Good to know

• The listing does not describe the floor head or what tools are in the box.
• No wall mount or charging stand is stated, so plan where it will live.

In its favour

• The maker states up to 55 minutes of cleaning from a removable 25.6V battery.
• A swivel floorhead with LED lights is listed for moving between carpets and hard floors.
• At 101 cm high it is the shortest stick here, which helps in a small cupboard.

Good to know

• A full charge takes about 5 hours, according to the listing.
• Filtration is described as single cyclonic with a foam filter, with no HEPA rating stated.