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Which is the best vacuum cleaner? We review the vacuums Mumsnet users love

Are you looking to bust the dust? After months of in-depth research and testing, we reveal the UK's best vacuum cleaners to buy in 2025.

By Laura Cooke & Rachel Erdos | Last updated Jan 7, 2025

Composite image of five of the best vacuum cleaners, including products from Tower, Henry, Shark, eufy, and Dyson

When it comes to choosing the best vacuum cleaner, there are so many things to consider.

Do you go for a cordless vacuum? An upright model? What about a cylinder corded vacuum? Should you try a robot vacuum cleaner perhaps? Would you prefer bagged or bagless? Do you have hard floors or carpets? What if you have a mixture of both? If you have four-legged friends, what’s the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair? And are Dyson and Shark vacuum cleaners worth the hype?

Lots of questions then, which is why we've spent time researching and testing the best vacuum cleaners on the market so you don't have to. From the latest models to trusty old favourites, this is what our Mumsnet testers thought of the best vacuum cleaners to buy right now.

Best vacuum cleaners UK: at a glance

How we tested the best vacuum cleaners

We put the UK's best vacuum cleaners to the test in real family homes, tackling everyday cleaning chores. Our testers tried out all the features of each vacuum cleaner, rating each in terms of ease of use, effectiveness, overall quality and value for money. You'll find in-depth reviews linked under each of our picks.

These are the best vacuum cleaners 2025.

1
Best vacuum cleaner overall

Dyson V15 Detect

What we like
  • Cleans right up to the edge

  • Effective on hard floors and carpets

  • Manoeuvrable

  • Super powerful

  • Easy and clean emptying of dust bin – great for allergy sufferers

  • Amazing on pet hair

What we don't like
  • Expensive

  • Quite heavy to hold

  • Power button needs to be held down when in use

  • Not great for vacuuming your car

Key specs

Price on writing: £650 | Type: Cordless | Weight: 2.97 kg | Capacity: 0.76l | Charge time: 4.5 hours | Runtime: Up to 60 minutes | Dimensions: H126 x W26 x D25 cm | Warranty: Two years

What Mumsnet users say
NotLovingWFH · Tried & Tested
It’s amazing and on a cost per use incredibly good value. I can vacuum my whole four-bed house easily on one charge. It has never blocked up and the only maintenance it needs is a monthly rinse of the filter. Even with a constantly shedding dog and a busy house it keeps everything clean and as dust free as possible. Because it’s so much easier to use, I vacuum daily, where with my corded Miele it meant dragging round a heavy cylinder that caught on everything. The fluffy head is great on hard floors and the brush one is good on carpet and rugs. I have had big powerful corded vacuums and a multitude of cordless Dysons but nothing that’s as good all round as the Dyson 15, it’s worth every penny.
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Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Poppy O'Neill: Read our in-depth Dyson V15 Detect review

Our top cordless pick, and overall the best vacuum cleaner we tested, the Dyson V15 Detect is extremely powerful, brilliant on carpets and hard floors, and also deals effectively with pet hair, upholstery and stairs.

It comes with three additional tools and a myriad of useful features that make life that little bit easier, including a torque cleaner head that automatically detects floor type to optimise suction power, a drop-in docking station that can be wall mounted, and a 'point and shoot' bin emptying system that pushes out every last bit of dust, dirt and debris.

Unlike every other cordless vacuum cleaner we tested, the V15 also shows charge duration in actual minutes, taking all the guesswork out of vacuuming and leaving you with enough time to vacuum the whole house.

However, I found it was heavier than some other cordless models, and the power button also has to be held down continuously while vacuuming, which could prove problematic for those with joint conditions such as arthritis. But overall, the Dyson V15 Detect works beautifully, and really is the best vacuum cleaner for suction.

Read next: The best steam cleaners for tidy floors

2
Best vacuum cleaner budget buy

Tower VL100 Optimum Cordless 3-in-1 Pole Vacuum

What we like
  • Affordable

  • Very lightweight

  • Accurate battery indicator

  • Comes with a stand for simple storage

  • Auto mode chooses the most appropriate suction strength

  • Anti-tangle brush bar works a treat

What we don't like
  • Takes a long time to charge

  • Struggles with embedded fluff and pet hair

Key specs

Price on writing: £119 | Type of vacuum cleaner: Cordless | Weight: 2.5kg | Capacity: 1 litre | Runtime: 30-60 minutes | Charge time: 4-5 hours | Suction: 11KPA | Dimensions: H120 x W23.5 x D24cm | Warranty: One year

Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Laura Cooke: Read our in-depth Tower VL100 Optimum review

Although the Tower VL100 Optimum Cordless 3-in-1 Pole Vacuum hasn’t got the epic suction power of a Dyson or Shark vacuum, it’s a reliable, lightweight vacuum for an affordable price, making it our choice of the best vacuum cleaner on a budget.

During testing, the vacuum managed to pick up an impressive amount of dust and was able to effectively deal with the aftermath of an avalanche of hundreds and thousands in the kitchen and a glitter explosion on the sofa (hey, it was the summer holidays). It was also able to suck up long hair without it getting tangled around the roller. However, it struggled with embedded threads, fluff and pet hair, even on the highest of its four power modes. I liked the LED screen which was able to tell me exactly how much battery life was remaining.

For keeping on top of everyday muck and mess, the Tower VL100 Optimum is the best vacuum cleaner to choose if your budget doesn’t extend to a cordless Dyson or Shark.

3
Best upright vacuum cleaner

Shark Stratos XL 2.6 Litre Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner

What we like
  • Great cord reach

  • Simple to attach and remove tools

  • No need to switch heads between floor types

  • Extremely effective on both hard floors and carpets

  • Excellent on pet hair, making it one of the best vacuum cleaners for pet owners

  • Grippy handles

What we don't like
  • Lift-Away is unsteady – it tends to fall over when stood upright

  • Only one filter provided, which could be inconvenient if you vacuum every day

  • A bit on the heavy side

Key specs

Price on writing: £398 | Type: Upright | Weight: 8.1kg | Capacity: 2.6l | Cleaning reach: 8m | Dimensions: 27 x 17 x 114cm | Warranty: Five years

What Mumsnet users say
A34 · Tried & Tested
I've just bought the Shark Stratos cordless and am very pleased with it. It is a full-sized and hand-held in one, and surprisingly powerful.
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Snoopysimaginaryfriend · Recommended
We just got the new Shark Stratos and it’s amazing (dog, cat, three long haired people in house)
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Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet writer Lola Katz Roberts: Read our in-depth Shark Stratos review

Shark's Stratos upright vacuum cleaner works brilliantly on all floor surfaces, getting impressively close to edges. On carpets, it deals with large and small debris in just a couple of sweeps, adjusting its suction power so as not to drag—also a boon if your house is littered with rugs and floor mats. It performed just as well on hard floors, including lino and original tiles, and its steerable head and LED lights ensured I really did pick everything up.

The Anti-Hair Wrap technology also means that hair doesn’t get tangled around the roller, while the bin is easy and clean to empty, making the Shark a good bagless choice for allergy sufferers and pet owners. It's a little heavy at 8.1kg, but all-in-all, the Shark Stratos is a reliable and efficient machine that I found easy to use, a breeze to empty, and suitable for all floor types, making it one of the best vacuum cleaners for versatility.

Read next: The best carpet cleaners, as tested by Mumsnet users

4
Best value robot vacuum cleaner

eufy RoboVac 15C Max

What we like
  • Simple set up

  • Long runtime

  • Two filters

  • Great on carpets, hard floors and pet hair

What we don't like
  • Doesn't always find its way back to the charger

  • Can be a bit erratic in its movements

Key specs

Price on writing: £250 | Type: Robot | Weight: 2.6kg | Capacity: 0.6l | Charge time: Five to six hours | Runtime: 100 minutes | Dimensions: 32.5 × 32.5 × 7.2cm | Warranty: 12 months

What Mumsnet users say
Taslah · Tried & Tested
I have the 15C Max and I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. Everyone who comes round and sees it in action ends up getting one!
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Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Rebecca Roberts: Read our in-depth eufy BoostIQ Robovac 15C Max review

It may not be a traditional vacuum, but the eufy RoboVac is so effective at edge cleaning, picking up pet hair and just general performance that it earns its place as one of the best vacuum cleaners.

With an accurate 60 to 100-minute runtime, the eufy RoboVac is nothing short of exceptional. This nifty budget robot vacuum cleaner thoroughly cleans hard floors, carpets, doormats and rugs, plus it gets right under furniture and won’t fall down the stairs. It can be programmed to vacuum to a schedule and you can set it to re-vacuum the edges of each room once it’s finished too. 

My only grumble was that its movements could be a bit erratic when cleaning. With inbuilt bounce navigation technology, there’s no real set pattern to how it navigates the room, but this was only a minor issue.

5
Best overall cylinder vacuum

Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog Vacuum Cleaner

What we like
  • Easy to use and empty

  • Excellent suction power

  • Lightweight for a cylinder vacuum

What we don't like
  • Expensive

  • Some other cylinders have a larger capacity

Key specs

Price on writing: £299 | Type: Cylinder | Weight: 7.3kg | Capacity: 4.5L | Cleaning reach: 12m | Dimensions: H23 x W50 x D28cm | Warranty: Two years

What Mumsnet users say
Justsaying22 · Tried & Tested
We have the Miele Cat and Dog. It’s great. The suction is great on it, much better than the upright Dyson I used to have. It’s small and moves around easily. I’m so glad we changed from an upright to the Miele.
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Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Jenny Wonnacott: Read our in-depth Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog Flex Vacuum Cleaner Review

With an ultra-powerful suction and an Active AirClean filtration system to absorb odours, our overall best cylinder vacuum cleaner impressed me immensely during testing. In fact, it's the best vacuum cleaner I've ever used—and I've tried quite a lot being MNHQ's resident vacuum tester!

I loved the handy range of tools it came with, including the pet tool which worked brilliantly on my cats' hair. The turbobrush was also a highlight for carpets, and with this attachment, this is the only vacuum I've used which has managed to properly clean the deep-pile rug in my daughter’s bedroom.

Cylinder vacuums tend to be quite bulky, but thankfully this is relatively lightweight and smaller than the Henrys, so it was easier to manoeuvre and store. However, this does mean it has a slightly smaller capacity than some models, but it still holds a decent amount and emptying the bag was very easy.

The only real downside is the cost—but you can currently get it heavily discounted in the Black Friday sales.

6
Best value cylinder vacuum cleaner
What we like
  • Excellent on pet hair

  • Tools easy to attach and detach

  • Easy to keep clean and won't need emptying very much

  • Great for carpets and hard floors

  • Affordable

What we don't like
  • A bit awkward on stairs

  • On/off switch position means lots of bending down – not ideal if you have mobility issues

  • Lever to switch between floor types is quite stiff

Key specs

Price on writing: £120 | Type: Cylinder | Weight: 7.5kg | Capacity: 6l | Cleaning reach: 13m | Dimensions: 136 × 32 × 57cm | Warranty: Two years

What Mumsnet users say
Rubytinsleslippers · Tried & Tested
Absolutely fabulous on hair, and very robust.
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Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet: Read our in-depth Henry Hoover review

If your budget doesn't stretch to the Miele, the iconic Henry Hoover is an excellent budget alternative. It works extraordinarily well on pet hair, making it one of the best vacuum cleaners to choose for any proud pet owner. Our tester couldn’t believe how well the Henry dealt with both pet bedding and upholstery—no mean feat in a house with three dogs and a cat—and it handled both carpets and hard floors with little to no effort at all.

More compact than some of the older Henrys we've seen, the HVR160 moves seamlessly from room to room thanks to its four wheels and 10-metre-long cable. It also has a whopping six-litre bag, and after using the Henry consistently for three weeks, our tester found the bag still wasn’t completely full. When it does eventually need emptying, dirt and dust is contained in the bag itself, which means no mess, no fuss and no reactions for allergy sufferers.

The main downside is that it's quite cumbersome to lug about, especially on the stairs, but overall we really rate this as a decent cylinder vacuum.

Read next: The best carpet shampoo for a thorough clean

7
Best handheld vacuum cleaner
What we like
  • Shark technology for a bargain price

  • Great for pet hair

  • Picks up all manner of dirt and crumbs

  • Comes with useful tools

What we don't like
  • 10-minute run time

  • Affordable

Key specs

Price on writing: £60 | Type: Handheld vacuum | Weight: 1.39kg | Capacity: 0.46l | Charge time: Not specified | Runtime: 10 minutes | Dimensions: 20.47 x 3.75 x 4.27 cm | Warranty: Two years (upon registration)

What Mumsnet users say
roseopose · Tried & Tested
It's great, picks up mud, cat litter, crunched up crisps. It does need to be charged but it runs for quite a while once full.
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Mistletoeandgrime · Recommended
I've got a mini Shark and I think it's great. It does need emptying quite frequently but it picks up everything and has a couple of little tools to get down the side of sofas etc. I think it's good for giving the car a quick hoover out.
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Daphine2004 · Tried & Tested
I really rate the mini handheld Shark. Last for about 10 mins and useful today just pick up and hoover as required.
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Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Poppy O'Neill: Read our in-depth Shark Classic Handheld Pet Vacuum Cleaner review

Mumsnet users rave about full-size cordless Sharks, so it’s no surprise that they also love this handheld vacuum.

The HandVac is ideal if you have a pet as it comes with three handy accessories, including a Motorised Pet Tool to remove embedded pet hair from upholstery. It’s great value when you consider the cost of full-size Sharks and you still get Shark’s two-year warranty if you register your vacuum cleaner. 

The only downside is the run time—it lasts just 10 minutes before it needs to be recharged. So while it won't clean your whole house, it's fantastic for quick tasks or car vacuuming, making it a handy little tool to have in the cupboard.

Read next: The best Dyson vacuum cleaners, as rated by Mumsnet users

8
Best quiet vacuum cleaner
What we like
  • Deals with pet hair effectively

  • Quieter than comparable vacuum cleaners

  • Easy to assemble and easy to empty

What we don't like
  • Henry Quick requires bags - which means an extra spend

Key specs

Price on writing: £200 | Type: Cordless | Weight: 3.2kg | Capacity: 1 litre | Charge time: 150 minutes | Runtime: 70 minutes or 16 minutes in power boost mode | Dimensions: 24 x 27 x 122 cm | Warranty: Two years

What Mumsnet users say
foodtoorder · Tried & Tested
Love the new Henry Quick, cordless and zero dust.
See Post
Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Laura Cooke: Read our full Henry Quick review

Mumsnet favourite Henry has finally joined the ranks of the stick vacuum cleaners, with impressive results. The new Henry Quick, which features Henry’s trademark cheery smile emblazoned on the handle, is a powerful cordless vacuum cleaner that’s easy to assemble, use and empty.

Although it’s marketed as a lightweight vacuum, I thought it was a little on the heavy side, and it felt bulky when used as a handheld. Despite this, I found it very manoeuvrable when used as a stick vacuum and the power boost button does the business, particularly when it comes to pet hair. The scent pods are a nice touch, particularly if you’re having trouble with pet pongs, though you will need to factor in the cost of replacements.

Related: The best vacuum storage bags, tried and tested

9
Best high-end robot vacuum cleaner

Samsung JetBot AI+

What we like
  • Faff-free self-emptying bin

  • Easy-to-control app for remote cleaning

  • Cleans thoroughly for a robot vacuum cleaner (although the process takes a while)

  • Quiet when in use

  • Excellent at trapping fine dust

  • Really effective object detection

What we don't like
  • Eye-wateringly expensive (normal RRP is £1,400)

  • Large unit struggles to fit under some furniture

  • You’ll need to replace dust bags every 1-3 months

  • The docking station is on the chunky side

Key specs

Price on writing: £1,300 | Type of vacuum cleaner: Robot | Weight: 9.5kg (unit 4.4kg) | Capacity: 0.2 litres | Runtime: 90 minutes | Charge time: 210 minutes | Dimensions: 53 x 31 x 45 cm | Warranty: Two years

What Mumsnet users say
Thatboymum · Recommended
I also have a Samsung robot hoover for any little crumbs dropped and sh*t the dog trails on from the garden to keep on top of it all.
See Post
Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Rachel Erdos: Read our full Samsung JetBot AI+ review

Featuring excellent navigation skills, object detection and a self-emptying bin, this high-end, high-tech robot vacuum cleaner is sleek and powerful, and it’s probably one of the only household appliances that your kids will want to introduce to their friends.

On the flip side, it’s eye-wateringly expensive at its usual RRP of £1,400 and you need a specific kind of set up at home for it to work well—the unit needs to return to a pretty chunky docking station to empty and recharge, so you’ll need to leave it out rather than being able to stash it away in a cupboard, or store it in an accessible area like a utility room.

If you’ve got the money and the space, I think an excellent buy. It’s undoubtedly one of the best robot vacuum cleaners you can get your hands on, and it comes with loads of genuinely useful features. When testing the JetBot AI+, I felt like I was nailing daily housework, and that feeling of being on top of things at home is priceless.

10
Best robot vacuum and mop hybrid

eufy X9 Pro Robotic Vacuum and Mop

What we like
  • Strong suction 

  • Very easy to set up

  • Controlled by an easy-to-use app

  • Self-cleaning mops

  • Excellent object detection

  • Superior drop detection

What we don't like
  • A bit on the noisy side

  • No self-emptying bin

  • Large docking station

  • Pretty pricey

Key specs

Price on writing: £899 | Type of vacuum cleaner: Robot and mop | Weight: 26lbs | Capacity: 0.41 litres / dustbox capacity 410ml | Runtime: 180min (vacuum only), 120min (vacuum and mop) | Charge time: 4-5 hours | Dimensions: 16.61 x 16.38 x 17.44 inches (auto clean station) | Warranty: 12 months

What Mumsnet users say
regularmumnotacoolmum · Tried & Tested
We have a eufy Pro X9 and I love it. It does the majority of the floor space but of course doesn't do corners or stairs. It mops the kitchen for me too. Overall it reduces the amount of time our cleaners and I spend doing these things so I'm really happy with it.
See Post
Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Laura Cooke: Read our full eufy X9 Pro robotic vacuum and mop review

The maker of some of the best robot vacuums around has come up trumps once again with the eufy X9 Pro Robotic Vacuum and Mop. This hybrid unit has a super powerful 5,500 Pa suction and AI.See™ smart obstacle avoidance, to detect and dodge obstacles with ease. As well as being a powerful vacuum cleaner, the X9 Pro mops hard floors effectively and even hot-foots it back to base to clean and dry its own mops once the task is complete.

On the downside, the base unit is rather heavy and large (which isn’t surprising as there are two water tanks inside) and the bin isn’t self-emptying. However, in exchange for the overall labour-saving service provided by the X9 Pro, this extra bit of maintenance is no real hardship. 

How long should a vacuum cleaner last?

The best vacuum cleaners can last up to 10 years (or even longer, according to some Mumsnet users), but that is, of course, dependent on the model and how well it's cared for.

All vacuum cleaners require proper maintenance and care, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines when it comes to both.

If your vacuum cleaner starts not performing as it should, it may be worth contacting the manufacturer about spare parts or advice on how you can prolong the life of your vacuum cleaner. Robot vacuum manufacturer eufy has a good reputation among Mumsnetters for their helpful customer service.

Read next: The best robot mops

What are the different types of vacuum cleaner?

Upright: An upright vacuum cleaner is what many would consider a 'traditional' corded vacuum cleaner. They're the best vacuum cleaners for covering large areas of floor and because they are mains-powered, there is no chance of an upright conking out mid-clean. However, the cord can be restrictive and it's a pain having to unplug and replug the vacuum as you move around the house. Some people find upright vacuum cleaners rather cumbersome and difficult to lug up and downstairs. They may not be the best vacuum cleaner for people who are frail or have mobility issues. Check out our guide to the best upright vacuum cleaners to find out more about whether an upright is best for you.

Stick: Stick (or cordless) vacuum cleaners are far more lightweight and easy to use than upright vacuum cleaners. The downside of a stick vacuum cleaner is they have a smaller bin capacity than uprights, which means more trips to the bin, plus as many are cordless, you must make sure you charge up before vacuuming. Check out our guide to the best cordless vacuum cleaners for more things to consider before deciding whether a cordless option might be right for you.

Handheld: Handheld vacuum cleaners are exactly that - small handheld devices that are useful for spot cleaning. Although handheld vacuum cleaners are not a replacement for an upright, stick or cylinder vacuum, they are the best vacuum cleaner for smaller jobs, such as tackling pet hair on sofas and ridding car seats of crumbs and dog hair. We've rounded up a selection of the best handheld vacuum cleaners, as recommended by Mumsnet users.

Cylinder: A cylinder vacuum cleaner is a vac broken down into two parts - the main body, which is on wheels and pulled along behind as you vacuum, and the suction head. The two are joined together by the hose. Cylinder vacuums can be bagged or bagless and the vast majority run on mains power. Much like upright vacuum cleaners, they can be quite heavy and unwieldy, but they are the best vacuum cleaner type for big cleaning jobs. Check out our round-up of the best cylinder vacuum cleaners, featuring recommendations from Mumsnet users.

Robot: Growing in popularity, a robot vacuum is an autonomous machine that uses sensors, motors and algorithms to navigate around your home, picking up dust and debris as it goes. The newer models can be controlled by apps or voice assistants, while some can still be kept in check with a remote control. Robot vacuums are the best vacuum cleaner type for busy households needing an extra, labour-saving device. They come in different shapes and sizes so while a slimline robot vacuum is best for slipping under low-lying furniture, a D-shaped vacuum is best for tackling corners. Robot vacuums vary hugely in price. A cheap robot vac can be picked up for less than £200, while the high-end vacuums can cost £1,000 or more. But whatever the price, there is one thing that all robot vacuums have in common - they can't do stairs.

What to look for when choosing the best vacuum cleaner

Pet owners should look for:

  • Specialised heads and brushes

  • A variety of tools for upholstery and pet bedding

  • Portability – will you need to vacuum your car boot?

  • Noise levels if you have a nervous pet

Allergy sufferers should look for:

  • HEPA filters – these remove more dust and pollen than other filters

  • Type of dust/dirt collection – bagged cleaners will keep more of the dirt and dust confined, but some bagless cleaners are very easy to empty too

  • Tools – make sure the vacuum has the right tools to tackle all the areas where dust, dirt and pet hair can accumulate

Other considerations

  • Budget – don't be tempted to spend a great deal of money on gadgets and fancy attachments that you don’t really need, and have a budget in mind before you buy

  • Storage – think about where you’ll keep your vacuum when not in use as some of the bigger vacuums, especially the uprights, take up quite a lot of space. A cordless or robot vacuum will need to be stored where it can be charged

How do you clean a vacuum cleaner?

Before cleaning your vacuum, always make sure it’s unplugged and empty the dust bin/bag often.

Lots of bagged vacuums will have an indicator light to tell you when this needs doing, as will most robots. With bagless vacuums, however, you’ll easily be able to see when the vacuum cleaner bin is full.

Filters

Make sure you keep your filters clean as not doing so can damage your machine. Your vacuum’s instructions will tell you where the filters are located and how often they should be cleaned. Shake any loose dust from the filter (best to do this outside if possible). If the filter is washable, clean it under cool, running water and then leave to air dry for at least 24 hours.

If the filter isn’t washable, tap against a hard surface to remove dirt then brush away any remaining loose dust and debris.

Canister/dust collection bin

Remove from the main body of the vacuum. It can then be wiped clean with a damp cloth and left to dry. If it’s really dirty, you can wash it with soapy water – but make sure it’s completely dry before replacing.

Blockages

Blockages can interfere with your vacuum’s efficiency. Some models will tell you when there’s a blockage and even where it is. Otherwise, if your vacuum isn’t picking up, it’s quite likely to be because something has got stuck.

It’s best to refer to your manufacturer’s handbook for advice on freeing blockages as this varies from vacuum to vacuum and doing it incorrectly could damage your machine and render the warranty invalid.

Brush heads

Brush heads can jam when hair, threads and fibres become tangled up – it’s best to maintain a routine of clearing the brush heads regularly before this becomes an issue. Remove the brush head according to the manufacturer's instructions, and then carefully cut along the threads and hairs that are preventing the head from rotating. Remove them and replace the brush head.

Brushes and attachments

These can be removed and washed in warm soapy water or wiped with a damp cloth (although do refer to your manufacturer's instructions). Make sure everything is completely dry before using again.

How much do vacuum cleaners cost?

The vacuums we tested ranged in price from under £100 right up to £1,300 – and these weren’t the cheapest or the most expensive on the market.

There's a huge variety in price whether you're looking for a simple cylinder or a tech-packed robot. We found that the most expensive models didn’t necessarily mean the best – and while it can be worth investing a sizeable sum when you’re buying a vacuum, it doesn't necessarily have to be the case.

When considering price and how much to spend, consider exactly what you need a vacuum for and how much you’re willing to spend. There are great vacuums out there to suit all budgets and you won’t have to compromise on performance in order to bag a bargain.

cat and handheld vacuum cleaner

How we tested the best vacuum cleaners

Each product was pushed to the limit in real-life situations in real family homes. We tested for:

1. Assembly

We looked at how easy the vacuum was to unpack, took note of how clear the instructions were and assessed how quick and easy it was to put the vacuum together (without help).

2. Ease of use and manoeuvrability

Our testers changed heads, changed settings for different floor types, and attached accessories.

They also looked at hose reach, cord length on uprights and cylinders, and charge length and runtime on cordless vacuums.

When it came to manoeuvrability, how easy was the vacuum to move around, particularly underneath low-rise furniture and when vacuuming the whole house? If its weight made it difficult to use, we flagged it.

3. Overall performance

We devised specific tests for different floor types. Our testers vacuumed hard floors, carpets, rugs, upholstery, pet bedding, skirting boards, ceilings, blinds, and underneath furniture.

They checked how close to the edges each vacuum went and how many sweeps it took to pick up large and small pieces of debris, such as spilled cereal, toast crumbs, tea leaves, rice, washing powder, sugar, dried leaves, dried mud and sand.

4. Performance on pet hair

The team also tested how effective it was to pick up pet hair from different floor surfaces, including carpets, floor edges, pet bedding, upholstery and underneath furniture.

5. Performance on stairs

Each vacuum was tested on the stairs (except the robot vacuums).

Were they difficult to clean? Did our tester have to take the upright vacuums with her up the stairs? If so, how tricky was this? Did the hose reach far enough that she didn’t have to?

When it came to cylinders, how heavy were they and did they rest safely on a stair half-way up or tumble down at the slightest tug?

We also looked at whether our tester needed to change heads to vacuum the stairs, how easy it was to do this, and whether the models included extra tools to get into the most awkward of corners.

6. Maintenance (emptying, cleaning and charging)

Every product was used daily so we could evaluate how often it needed emptying and how easy or messy this was, especially if bagless, although bagless vacuum cleaners can be easier and cheaper to maintain than bagged.

We also looked at how the tools, brush bars, filters and other components could be cleaned and how often this needed to be done.

When it came to charging and storing, how long did it take to get to full charge after use and was the vacuum easy and convenient to store?

7. Value for money

We tested vacuums with a broad range of price tags to find those that offered the best value for parents, looking at whether there were compromises to be made with the less expensive models. If so, were those compromises worth making?

After scoring all products on the above criteria, we then factored in resale value and overall price to choose our shortlist of the best vacuum cleaners.

Read next: The best floor cleaning products

About the authors

Laura Cooke is a Content Editor at Mumsnet, with a specialised focus on writing and editing buyer's guides and reviews. A mum of two in Sussex, she regularly tests out vacuum cleaners in her family home to help Mumsnet readers make informed choices when it comes to parting with their pennies. She's also written numerous articles on floor care, so whether you're after the best robot vacuums or need tips on how to clean a carpet, she's the one in the know.

Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on product reviews, homeware roundups and family travel.

She’s written buyer’s guides for national publications including Expert Reviews and Coach as well as reviews and features for the Guardian, TripSavvy and Visit London.

As a mum of two, she’s always on the lookout for products that make life easier at home and loves putting appliances and gadgets like vacuum cleaners to the test to highlight best buys for families.

Why you should trust us

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust.

We spend hours researching, speaking to parents, analysing data and listening to experts before we test out the products on our shortlist.

Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about how we tested the products we recommend. We won't always recommend the cheapest products or the ones with the most extra features. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones we'd recommend to our own friends and family.

There's no incentive for us to be lazy with our research or in our testing process. There's no reason for us to respond to pressure from retailers or brands trying to promote new products. It's actually quite the opposite and we think it's a good system, one that keeps us focused on making life easier for parents.

All prices on this page are correct at time of writing.