Even if you’re not completely sold on robotic vacuum cleaners, manual vacuuming doesn’t have to feel burdensome. The finest cordless vacuums can turn cleaning into a nearly enjoyable experience. The delight of collecting visible pet hair and forming neat carpet lines, paired with the lightweight freedom of one-handed sweeping, is hard to resist.

I have faith in robot vacuums, but I have greater faith in my own skills.

Choosing between a robot vacuum and a cordless vacuum hinges on how meticulous you are about cleaning. While the allure of effortless cleaning is undeniable, some might find it exasperating to see a robot vacuum overlook a crumb or get caught on a phone charger. Despite advancements in navigation and cleaning efficiency, even the top robot vacuums of 2025 cannot match the accuracy of a human-operated cordless stick vacuum.

Stick vacuums possess a physical edge in challenging areas. For spaces like couch cushions, car seats, stairways, or behind doors, a cordless vacuum provides unparalleled maneuverability.

However, your attitude toward manual cleaning also plays a role. If you find vacuuming so unpleasant that you avoid it, a robot vacuum might ensure your floors stay cleaner. I utilize both types and value the ease of robot vacuums when I’m occupied, yet I frequently prefer a cordless stick vacuum.

After testing several leading vacuum cleaners, I’ve curated a selection that I would recommend. Here are the finest cordless vacuums to purchase in 2025 based on their cleaning effectiveness, maintenance, and versatility.

Other cordless vacuums I’ve evaluated

I’ve tried numerous vacuums that didn’t meet the mark. Some, such as the Shark Detect Pro with auto-empty station and LG All-in-One Cord Zero with auto-empty station, were once highly recommended but have been eclipsed by newer alternatives.

There are also Dyson vacuums that still generate interest but aren’t a great value compared to more recent models. The Dyson V8 and V10 often push larger debris while leaving pet hair behind on dark carpets. Although they were top choices in the late 2010s, $300 today can buy a more robust option, potentially with automatic emptying. Dyson does offer a motorized hair screw tool with the V8 and V10.

I also removed the Dyson V15 Detect Submarine from my recommendations. The Roborock 2-in-1 cordless mop provides a superior mopping system. The V15’s wet roller head restricts airflow to the dust bin, resulting in a damp cleaning process that is prone to leaks and odors. It necessitated excessive manual maintenance compared to the self-cleaning Roborock F25 Ace Combo.

I also evaluate robot vacuums. Are they as efficient?

I’ve assessed numerous robot vacuums and discovered that cordless vacuums usually excel at tackling pet hair and fine powders, particularly when embedded in rug fibers.

Cordless stick vacuums are often more powerful than robot vacuums. Their upright configuration accommodates larger motors and more intricate cyclone systems, generating extra force beyond mere suction power. A robot vacuum’s motor is constrained by its need to fit beneath furniture. The motor in an upright vacuum is detached from the vacuum head, facing fewer limitations.

A cordless vacuum is less inclined to leave debris behind because a user can direct the suction as needed, including in challenging areas like staircases or vehicles.

In certain instances, a robot vacuum can rival a stick vacuum in power. For instance, both the Roborock Saros 10R robot vacuum and Roborock F25 Ace cordless vacuum boast 20,000 Pa suction power. However, robot vacuums with such capabilities typically cost over $1,000, while stick vacuums tend to be more budget-friendly. Even with comparable specifications, a cordless vacuum is likely to achieve a higher pickup rate since the user can see when additional passes are necessary.