Cordless vs corded vacuum cleaners

Cordless and corded at a glance

These are typical differences between the two types. Individual models vary widely, and a premium cordless can outperform a budget corded machine on some floors.

Suction and cleaning power

Corded machines draw power from the mains, so they can run a strong motor for as long as you like. Cordless sticks are limited by their battery, so they balance power against runtime with eco, medium and boost modes. On the highest setting, the best cordless sticks are very capable on carpets, but they cannot hold that power for long.

Suction figures are hard to compare across types. Corded vacuums often list motor input power in watts, while cordless makers quote air watts, pascals or their own suction figure. These measure different things, so read our air watts explainer before comparing numbers. Head design matters as much as the motor: a motorised brush bar that suits your floor makes a large difference.

See cordless picks for carpet →

Runtime and bin size

This is where corded vacuums still win. A corded machine runs until you finish, while a cordless stick may list up to 60 or 90 minutes in eco with a non-motorised tool, and much less on boost with a motorised head. For a three or four bedroom house with lots of carpet, one charge may not be enough. Some sticks have swappable batteries so you can carry on with a second pack.

Cordless bins are small, usually well under a litre, so you empty them more often. Corded uprights and cylinders tend to have bigger bins or bags. A self-emptying dock on some cordless models helps close that gap. Try our runtime planner to see whether one charge covers your home.

Weight, stairs and convenience

Cordless sticks are much easier to carry and to use on stairs, especially when they convert into a handheld. With no cord to plug in, you are more likely to clean little and often, which keeps floors tidier between big cleans. They are also easy to use on a car and on shelves.

Corded uprights are heavier and the cord limits how far you can go before changing sockets. Cylinders are easier on stairs than uprights, but you still drag the body around. If you have several flights of stairs, a cordless is usually the more comfortable option. See our guide to the best cordless vacuums for stairs.

Lifespan and running costs

Lithium batteries lose capacity with age and charge cycles, so a cordless stick's runtime falls over the years. Many models now have removable or click-in batteries, so you can replace the pack rather than the whole vacuum. Corded vacuums have no battery to wear, though belts, brushes and hoses can need replacing on some models. Read how long do cordless vacuums last for more.

Electricity use is small for both. A cordless battery stores a modest amount of energy, often well under 0.1 kWh, while a corded vacuum uses more energy per hour but only while it runs. Our battery energy calculator works out a cordless charge in kWh from the battery's voltage and capacity, and you can enter your own unit rate from your bill.

Note:Charge lithium batteries with the maker's charger or an approved replacement, stop using any pack that is swollen, damaged or smells of burning, and recycle old batteries at a battery recycling point, never in household waste. Unplug a corded vacuum before clearing blockages or changing belts.

When a corded vacuum still wins

For most flats and small to medium houses, a good cordless stick is now enough on its own. Our best cordless vacuum cleaners guide is a good place to start.

• Large homes with a lot of carpet that you clean in one long session.
• Homes with heavy shedding pets where you want a big bin and no runtime limit.
• Households who prefer bagged machines and rarely want to empty a bin.
• Anyone who does not want to replace a battery in future.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, corded or cordless? Neither is better for everyone. Cordless suits quick cleans, stairs and smaller homes. Corded suits big homes, deep cleans and anyone who wants unlimited runtime and a larger bin.

Do cordless vacuums have as much suction as corded? The strongest cordless sticks are very capable on their top setting, but they can only hold it for a short time. A corded machine can run at full power for as long as you need. Makers measure suction differently, so compare head design and runtime too.

Is Shark cordless or corded better? Shark sells both. A Shark cordless stick suits frequent quick cleans and stairs, while a Shark corded upright suits long sessions on carpet. Compare the specific models in our Shark range guide.

How long does a cordless vacuum battery last? It depends on the model, the power mode and the head. Maker maximums are measured in eco with a non-motorised tool, so expect less with a motorised head on boost. Battery capacity also drops slowly over the years.