Engineered specifically for homes with pets, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Vacuum has several features designed for efficient, thorough cleaning. Its de-tangling cleaner head automatically clears hair that traditionally gets wrapped around the roller brush, while the vacuum’s powerful suction quickly lifts pet hair out of carpets.

This vacuum for pet hair is a large model suitable for deep, whole-house cleaning. It includes settings for carpets and for flat surfaces, and it comes with accessories for cleaning baseboards, stairs, underneath furniture, and other hard-to-reach areas. It’s a versatile addition to your home.

While ideal for anyone who wants to perform a deep clean in a home with pets, the vacuum lacks the agility necessary to clean carpeted stairs. Its heavy weight paired with the power of its suction makes it difficult to maneuver, so it’s not a great choice for anyone with limited grip strength, or for anyone who prefers a lightweight vacuum that is easy to carry around.

At $399.99, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 is worth the investment, particularly because it’s backed by a five-year warranty. It delivered a thorough clean that’s hard to beat, and since it’s so efficient, it can save you valuable time and frustration during your regular house cleaning sessions. We'll be adding it to our best cordless Dyson vacuums guide very soon, that's for sure.

TLDR: What we thought of the Dyson Ball Animal 3

The new Dyson Ball Animal 3 has powerful suction, perfect for deep cleaning and picking up pet hair and dirt from both carpet and hardwood surfaces. It delivers a thorough clean, but its heavy weight paired with the suction power make it difficult to maneuver. 

I found its effective de-tangling cleaner head more than made up for these challenges. Over the two-week review period, there was no pet hair or human hair ever tangled in the head. In my opinion, that capability alone makes the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Vacuum worth the $399.99 price tag.

Testing the Dyson Ball Animal 3

This vacuum immediately feels like a quality machine. It’s solid, and at nearly 18 pounds, it’s heavy, too. That’s one of its downsides; cleaning with it becomes more of a workout than I’ve experienced with any of the lighter vacuums that I’ve previously used.

That said, Dyson’s characteristic ball construction does make for improved maneuverability, so you can easily direct it around furniture and corners. Its relatively slim cleaner head fits under most furniture, including my couch and recliner, but the ball construction prevents it from sliding in more than about three inches.

However, it is one of the loudest vacuums that I have operated, especially when the brush bar is in use. But, given the vacuum’s intense suction and power, I’m able to look beyond the extra noise.

During my testing, I was pleased to see that the vacuum handled copious amounts of cat hair without issue. After vacuuming a bedroom, a hallway, a bathroom, and an 8x10-foot rug, the canister was full. I found that I needed to empty the canister approximately twice when vacuuming my entire three-bedroom house.

The techy stuff

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 features several key enhancements compared to the Dyson Ball Animal 2. The first is the addition of the de-tangling cleaner head, which I think is one of the model’s best features, especially for homes with pets. The cleaner head on the Animal 2 was self-adjusting, whereas the Animal 3 features three suction adjustments, so you can tailor the suction to your needs.

• Weight: 17.4 pounds
• Model Number: 405866-01
• Suction Power: 290 AW
• Dimensions: ‎9.92 x 13.19 x 11.97 cm
• Cable Length: 35 ft
• Bin Capacity: 1.7 L
• Bagged or Bagless: Bagless
• Accessories: Stair tool, combination tool, tool holder
• RRP: $399.99

Unboxing

Dyson largely used cardboard as its main packing material, which I appreciate because it’s recyclable. While there were just two plastic/foam-type covers, the amount of material that I had to throw out is very minimal. I was pleased to see Dyson avoided using polystyrene foam entirely in its packaging.

The vacuum arrived double-boxed. The exterior box was plain cardboard and arrived in good condition with no tears or damage. The interior box similarly showed no damage.

I opened the box from the top and found that the smaller components, including the accessories, were packed in cardboard toward the top. They were easy to remove and I also found a startup guide and the larger directions manual.

Removing the vacuum body from the box was more challenging, as it was also packed in cardboard that was wedged into the bottom. I ended up pulling apart one of the box’s seams, which allowed me to remove the body.

Assembling the vacuum proved to be more difficult than I had expected. The startup pamphlet included only diagrams with no written instructions. I did find written instructions in the larger directions manual, but the font was so small that anyone with poor eyesight will have trouble reading it. Since the startup pamphlet included a QR code, I scanned the code and was able to access a video of the assembly process. That video lacked sound, and it would have been much more helpful if it had a step-by-step narrative.

The most challenging part of the assembly was connecting the tool holder to the side of the vacuum, and understanding how the combination tool fits down inside the hose and then connects to the handle. Once I understood the process of sliding the tool down into the hose, the rest of the assembly went smoothly. All in all, the assembly process took me about 15 minutes, and a good portion of that was spent repeatedly watching the video.

How to use the Dyson Ball Animal 3

From a design perspective, the vacuum is simple and straightforward to use. The power button is easy to spot, and the brush bar control button is positioned right next to the power button. While the brush bar automatically rotates when the vacuum is reclined, the button gives you the ability to turn the bar off. The brush head also features three settings and a slider, so it’s easy to change the setting to reflect the surface type that you’re working on.

When it comes to how to use the Dyson Animal Ball 3 most effectively, it's important to note its stabilizer wheels that automatically raise as you recline the vacuum, then lower as you push the vacuum into the upright position. 

This took a bit of practice, and I found that I couldn’t wheel the vacuum throughout the home from rug to rug as I often do. Instead, I had to lift it using the carry handle, which was tricky given its heavier weight.

Vacuuming pet hair

Pet hair was absolutely no challenge for this vacuum, even with the brush head turned off. It pulled cat hair out that I wasn’t even aware was in my carpets. I used it on a cat bed to demonstrate how effectively the brush head can remove cat hair, and the suction was so powerful that I had to turn it off to remove the bed from the head. I also used the combination tool for about two minutes on the bed, removing all of the cat hair from the section I worked on. I imagine that suction would be helpful for homes that are experiencing flea issues and that need to thoroughly vacuum surfaces, furniture, and floorboards, as a result.

I was delighted to find that during my testing, no hair became clogged in the hose or in the de-tangling cleaner head. I have hair that’s just below my shoulders, and it always gets tangled in vacuum heads. Despite using this vacuum repeatedly across a two-week period, there was no pet hair or human hair ever tangled in the head. In my opinion, that capability alone makes the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Vacuum worth the purchase.

Vacuuming carpet

I first tested this vacuum on a low-pile rug with the brush bar turned off. Its suction was highly impressive, and it easily removed the cat hair from the rug. The suction was so strong that I had to hold the rug’s edges and corners down with my foot as I neared them, since it repeatedly lifted the rug.

I next tried it on a tightly woven carpet in my bedroom. I turned the brush head on and the vacuum once again easily lifted dirt and hair from the carpet. In fact, it removed more cat hair than I’d imagined could possibly be in the carpet, especially considering I had vacuumed it a week before starting my testing.

The vacuum was challenging to push because that suction was so strong. Turning the brush head off made it easier, but vacuuming was still a workout. The results, though, were impressive, and the carpet looks better than I’ve seen it look in years.

I sprinkled flour on the carpet and the vacuum efficiently removed all of the flour from its path with a single pass with the brush head off. It replicated those results when I sprinkled dried cereal on the carpet. It is so efficient that multiple passes truly aren’t necessary.

Vacuuming hard floors

With the carpet head on the hard floor setting and the brush head off, I used it on my wide plank hardwood floors and on my linoleum kitchen floors. It's easier to maneuver on these flat surfaces and easily picked up everything in its path.

It also outperformed every other vacuum that I’ve tested and owned. My hardwood floors have large gaps between them because of their wide plank design. Dirt and debris continuously falls into those planks, and using other vacuums on the hard floor setting never produced enough suction to remove the debris from those gaps. Even using the extension wand on some vacuums produced mediocre results, and it was tedious and time-consuming.

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 easily removed all of the debris from every crevice that I took it over. Those gaps between the planks have never been cleaner since I moved in six years ago.

I also tested the vacuum on the tile floor in my bathroom, where my cats’ litter boxes are. There’s always cat litter all over the bathroom floor, and vacuums tend to scatter it rather than pick it up. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 cut a clear path through the litter, removing everything in one pass. Best of all, when I pushed the vacuum into the upright position and turned it off, litter didn’t fall out of the brush head, which has also been an issue with other machines.

Vacuuming my staircase

I have carpeted stairs, so I was excited to see what this vacuum could do on them but was disappointed in the results. The combination tool is long and somewhat awkward to maneuver, especially when paired with the vacuum’s hose, which is strong but somewhat stiff. It proved difficult to manage on stairs, and I repeatedly tipped the vacuum over while trying to vacuum the stair above where I’d positioned it. I ended up removing the wand and using the hose, but it was still awkward to maneuver. The vacuum’s suction seemed to continuously pull on the hose, making it contract as I tried to work.

The instant-release wand and combination tool were helpful in other respects, though. I appreciated that the brush attachment connects directly to the narrow end of the combination tool, so there’s no need to take the tool off to swap on the brush head. The tool gives you extra length, which is helpful for cleaning baseboards and removing cobwebs from ceiling corners. The hose tension was challenging here, too, however.

How to clean the Dyson Ball Animal 3

The machine does have two filters that need to be cleaned. They are located within the canister and are easy to remove. Dyson recommends washing the filters once per month, so maintenance is minimal. The filters can be hand washed and dried, an eco-friendly advantage.

Removing the canister from the body is easy and is accomplished by pressing a large red button at the top of the canister. Once removed, the bottom of the canister also opens when you press that same button harder. This design makes it easy to empty the canister, and it keeps your hands clean.

It’s equally easy to replace into the vacuum body. The canister aligns somewhat naturally, and then you just press it back toward the body until it clicks. It doesn’t feel stiff or require any significant strength.

The vacuum measures 42.2 inches high by 15.5 inches long by 11.02 inches wide, so it can fit into a closet. It lacks any internal cord storage, so you do have to wrap the cord by hand, which is somewhat time-consuming given the cord’s 35-foot length.

All of the accessories are stored on the vacuum. They take up minimal space and never fell off while I tested the vacuum.

Is the Dyson Animal Ball 3 right for you? 

This vacuum is designed for homes with pets, and it’s well-suited for the cleaning challenges that those homes bring. Its powerful suction easily lifts not only dirt, but pet hair from carpets, while the anti-wrap brushbar prevents tangles and allows you to focus on cleaning your home, rather than on detangling hair from the vacuum. The large bin can accommodate all of the hair that’s collected, making for efficient cleaning.

In addition to the Dyson Ball Animal 3 model, Dyson has also released a Ball Animal 3 Extra and Ball Animal 3 Complete model. The Ball Animal 3 Extra has all of the same features of the Ball Animal 3, plus a pet grooming tool and a tangle-free turbine tool. The Ball Animal 3 Complete includes those two tools, plus a reach under tool, articulating hard floor tool, multi-angle brush tool, carbon fiber soft dusting brush, and tool holder. 

While the Ball Animal 3 reviewed here offers plenty of accessories for a whole-house clean, you might consider upgrading to the Ball Animal 3 Extra ($399.99) or the Ball Animal 3 Complete ($449.99) if you’re looking for even more accessories and versatility.

More top picks

About Real Homes reviews

Paige has a three-bedroom home in Massachusetts, which she also shares with four cats — three of them longhaired. She also has horses on the property, and constantly finds herself tracking dirt and bits of hay into the house. Between the foot traffic and all of the cat hair present, any vacuum she reviews gets a good workout and thorough testing.

She received this vacuum in early November and tested it in her Western Massachusetts home for approximately two weeks. Paige vacuums her house about once a week, so when she started testing this vacuum, the house had built up about a week’s worth of dirt and pet hair.

Next, learn how to remove cat pee from carpets.

The Target Deal Days sale is officially here for 2022, and really it couldn't have come at a better time. This sale offers anyone who shops at Target (online or in-store) the chance to score some incredible products at a discount price, ahead of Black Friday. We're talking about everything from brilliant air fryers to easy-to-use vacuum cleaners and even stylish furniture. From big brands too, such as Ninja, Cuisinart, and even Dyson.

What are you waiting for? This sale officially started yesterday and is only live for three days. So, whether you're investing in a steam mop to ramp up your cleaning routine, or perhaps it's a coffee machine to help save you money (and an extra stop) every morning? We've listed six of the best appliances in the Target sale, just below. Better yet? We've tested all of these appliances, (give or take a few newer models) and we can vouch that they truly are worth your dollar. Read our reviews and buy them directly from Target today, before the sale ends.

With up to 25 percent off appliances at Target for Deal Days, there's no place else to do your shopping from now through to Saturday 8 October.

6 of the best Target Deal Days offers

1. Our best-rated air fryer for families has $20 off

2. Get $130 off this gold-rated, 7-in-1 air fryer

3. Clean your hard floors with hot water with the Shark Pocket Mop which is now only $89.99

4. Go wild for the Dyson Animal Origin, now with $50 off

5. Get your coffee fix at home with Keurig coffee maker

6. Save over $200 (and effort) with the iRobot Roomba j7

When is the Target Deal Days sale?

Target Deal Days is a three-day sales event that is currently taking place Thursday 6 October through to Saturday 10 October 2022. The online campaign requires no membership and discounts span across various product categories including home appliances, and vacuums & floor care.

When is the Target Black Friday sale?

While there has been no official announcement of when Target's Black Friday sale will start, our predictions will be that the retailer will drop prices on selected items on Friday November 25 2022. We assume this will continue right through to Monday November 28 2022 (aka 'Cyber Monday). 

The best Dyson cordless vacuum may have been on your lust list for a while if easy cleaning is your goal. We get it – longing for freedom from the wall outlet when you’re vacuuming isn't fun. Fortunately, Dyson's range offers the most amazing selection of cordless models out there. But while choice is always welcome, we understand that this array of options might be a bit bewildering. 

That’s where we come in. These are our favorite Dyson cordless vacuums, which we've thoroughly tested at home for up to two months, so that we can tell you allllllll about them. 

Dysons are widely regarded as some of the best vacuums around, but that means a bigger price tag. So, we want to make sure that you are getting as much for your money as possible. Keep reading to find our shortlist of the top-rated models around, so that you can shop for the machine that complements the size of your home – and the messiness of its occupants.

The best Dyson cordless vacuums to invest in 

The Dyson V15 Detect is the ultimate vac if you want to ditch the cord, which is why it earned the top spot in our guide to the best cordless vacuums. It has a wealth of advanced features to make cleaning more thorough than ever, including a laser to reveal microscopic dust, and two different cleaner heads. If you want to utilize intelligent technology to clean your home, look no further than the V15 Detect, which is also fully equipped with an LCD screen, capable of showing you the exact type of dust and dirt particles it's picking up.

Our verdict
After trying the V15 out for over a year now, our reviewer and Sleep Editor Jaclyn is still a huge fan of this Dyson. She found that this vacuum managed a deeper clean than she even thought possible at home, with her bin filling up rapidly and the Piezo count on her screen surprising her with the depth of information available. She also found that using the many attachments with this vac meant never led to a loss in suction power too and that using this vacuum day to day made the task considerably more enjoyable.

Things to note
With an RRP of $749.99, this vacuum is a serious investment. If you want to upgrade your current Dyson or get the absolute best in the market and your budget stretches this far, then we can wholeheartedly recommend, but those looking to save on their next Dyson vacuum purchase will want to look elsewhere.

The Dyson V11 Absolute cordless vacuum cleaner is one of our top-rated Dyson cordless vacuums because it's got twice the suction of many of the others, a winning factor if you've got a lot of dust to contend with. 

Our verdict
Our reviewer Sarah loved the LCD screen on this nifty vac, which alerted her to how much vacuuming time she had left and allowed her to shift between different modes effortlessly. In Eco mode, this vacuum offered a total of 60 minutes of run time in our tests, with still plenty of cleaning power to offer even as the time waned. The full suite of attachments were excellent for every job around the house according to Sarah, who found the V11 especially effective on carpet, as the brush bar’s bristles go deep into the pile to get out all the dirt and debris.

Things to note
This is a powerful vacuum cleaner that will get your whole home clean and, with a long running time, shouldn’t leave you frustrated that you can’t finish the job without recharging. Again, this is a pricey choice (as all Dysons are really) but if you want to go cordless and are prepared to invest to get excellent cleaning results, we reckon it’s worth it.

The Dyson V8 Absolute cordless vacuum cleaner is our top-rated Dyson cordless vac for pet owners. That's thanks to how easy it is to convert into handheld mode and the array of attachments to banish pet hair for good. 

Our verdict
The mini motorhead tool that comes with this machine was found to be highly effective in our at-home tests, with our tester Sarah noting just how effective it is at removing pet hair and dirt from upholstery. Switching to handheld mode to quickly get rid of mess is so easy with the V11 too, with Sarah saying that it didn't slow down her vacuuming process at all. Overall, both carpet and hard flooring come up beautifully once given some attention with this vac.

Things to note
If you love to use your cordless vac on boost mode, then expect to have your run time drastically, and annoyingly, reduced with this vacuum. Instead of having the entire 40 minutes available to you, it was found in our tests that run time plummeted to just seven minutes. Also, if you dislike having to hold a button down as you vacuum, then you won't be impressed with the mechanism at work in order to use this model.

As you might have guessed from the name, the Dyson Micro is ultra-lightweight, coming in at just 1.5kg. That makes it absolutely excellent for strain-free cordless cleaning if you're not up to holding a heavier unit. We would suggest it for apartment dwellers or for those who want to stick to a corded vacuum for deep cleaning and invest in a Dyson for smaller jobs.

Our verdict
Ease of use is prioritized with this handy vac, which is not just a breeze to use, but also very painless to empty and clean. Our reviewer Jaclyn can recommend it wholeheartedly to those with small spaces who want a vac for grab-and-go cleaning sessions. During her tests, she found that this vac was a dream for getting to all of those neglected spaces up high, as well as working well on hard floors. 

Things to note
This vac is not optimized for use on carpet, as Jaclyn discovered when she set it to work on her area rugs. While it worked to clear away visible debris, there wasn't any evidence of it achieving a deep clean. The smaller size of this vacuum is thankfully reflected in the price here for all of those looking for a more affordable Dyson, with an RRP of $399.99.

The Dyson Outsize is a cordless vac designed for cleaning up bigger messes in larger homes. In order to do that it has a maximized dust tank, an improved battery life and attachments that go further to get rid of dirt and debris.

Our verdict
After reviewing this vacuum, our Sleep Editor Jaclyn was convinced that it had the power to easily replace a corded vacuum in a family home, which is no easy feat. It worked wonders on tired-looking carpets, and cleverly adapted to varying levels across one floor, such as to cover rugs. As a result, Jaclyn found her carpet looked visibly lifted and refreshed. When it comes to attachments, this vacuum comes with a 12.5" High Torque XL cleaner (the largest available in the Dyson range) which covered a whole lot of surface area in our tests in just one pass, hugely reducing cleaning time. 

Things to note
While this is a perfect buy for those with lots of square feet to cover, there’s no getting away from the fact that this is a heavier buy. While above floor cleaning was still effective with the wand, it was easy to feel an ache in the arms after not too long vacuuming. If you want a Dyson for cleaning up high regularly, you might want to look elsewhere. 

Importantly, while this vacuum claims to have 120 minutes of battery life, this is spread over two batteries, so if you did want to clean for over an hour, you'd have to switch packs.

The Dyson V7 Animal cordless vacuum cleaner is a useful and very maneuverable two-in-one: upright one minute, handheld the next. Best for small homes, it's also a slightly more affordable option if you want a Dyson but struggle with the overall pricing of the brand. 

Our verdict
Overall, our reviewer Sarah found this vacuum cleared fur from hard floors with ease and transformed carpets too. Alongside a strong performance generally, the array of attachments this vacuum comes with means that no spot was left uncleaned after use. The mini-motorized tool made quick work of revitalizing Sarah's stairs, while the crevice tool was great for skirting boards. The soft dusting brush is a great versatile addition to the cast of attachments, even suitable for spots such as your computer keyboard. 

Things to note
We think this is another great Dyson option for households with pets, especially if you have an animal in a smaller home. Its power make carpets, hard flooring and upholstery look absolutely pristine, and it comes with attachments for every job to boot. It’s a less costly option with far fewer features than a pick like the Dyson V15 Detect but still very much so delivers all around.

How we test Dyson vacuums 

To be able to tell you which Dyson to buy, we know that we need to have first-hand experience to inform you of the pros and the cons of every model. That's why, as part of our testing protocol, we've tested every single Dyson in this lineup at home for at least two months. During that time these vacuums will come up against everyday dust, debris and pet hair/messes so that we can really see how this vacuum will perform in everyday life. 

The factors we're looking out for when testing a cordless Dyson vacuum include new technology (Dyson's trademark), battery life and charging time, suction power and usefulness of attachments. Though Dyson sit at the highest end of vacuum pricing, we've also tried to factor in affordability to this list where we can, for those who still want access to breakthrough tech even on a budget.

Seeing as a Dyson can be an expensive investment, we know that maintenance is also very important when making your purchase, which is why we've factored in how easy upkeep is with each model too, as well as written a thorough guide to how to clean a Dyson vacuum and how to clean a Dyson filter, too. 

As you'll see from the gold badges on the inclusions above, Dyson vacuums consistently shine during testing, and regularly earn top marks in our star-rating system. Learn more about our testing team below:

Investing in one of the best vacuums for pet hair is well worth it if you have a four-legged friend at home. Take it from a team of animal lovers who have tested just about everything on the market — a pet-specific model combats everything from dander and odors to stuck-on hair and fur.

If you are in the market for a new vacuum, whether a cordless vacuum or a bagged model, then you've come to the right place. All of these have been tested in homes with pets, by our panel of expert reviewers.

As well as having in-depth product specs and descriptions, we've also linked these best vacuums to our reviews, for more detail on performance that'll help you choose which is the most suitable vacuum cleaner for your home.

The quick list

If you want to know which vacuum is the best for pet owners fast, then here's a quick glance at our favorite models. You can jump down to read full descriptions and for more info on features and specs.

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The 9 best vacuums for pet hair — tried and tested

The best vacuum for pet hair

The Shark Stratos Cordless with Clean Sense IQ IZ862H is part of the brand's latest line of vacuum cleaners, and it's packed with all the features we love. Our head ecommerce editor Annie reviewed this Shark Stratos vacuum in the UK (where it's the IZ420UKT model) and she felt that it is really easy to use thanks to Clean Sense IQ technology. 

This fab tech automatically controls the power or suction depending on what you're cleaning. She finds it more than capable of cleaning her spacious two-bedroom apartment, and it picks up the hair her pug leaves behind with total ease. Its battery life is also very impressive considering its suction power, and its LED lights make it easy to see what you haven't cleaned yet. 

Another feature we love is that it works with recyclable pods to emit a nice smell as you clean (great for busting pet odors). It comes equipped with Flexology tech, so the vac can bend instead of you, and a DuoClean Floorhead with Anti-Hair-Wrap, making it ideal for transitioning across all floor types. Also, this particular model comes with a pet hair removal tool, a bag for keeping all the tools together, and twin batteries.

Read our full Shark Stratos IZ420UKT review.

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The best affordable vacuum for pet hair

If you have your heart set on an affordable cordless vacuum that can also conquer pet hair, the Bissell IconPet is for you. It promises up to 50 minutes of fade-free cleaning, and it proved to be a hard worker on all floor types and other above-floor surfaces. We rated it 4.5 stars out of five, but the reason it's rated number two is because of how budget-friendly it is. 

This vacuum cleaner was tested by one of our sister brands, and our reviewer loved it. She found the operation of this cordless vacuum to be pretty seamless; it was intuitive to handle, the dust container easy to empty, and its LED headlights worked well in both modes (handheld and full-body vacuum), showing no mercy to hidden pet hair. 

The IconPet also has some pretty powerful features, like a high-performance digital motor that spins at up to 420 miles per hour and a powerful 22-volt lithium-ion battery for cordless convenience, with three cleaning modes that last up to 50 minutes. 

This vacuum has been tested on one of our sister brands.

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The best high end pet vacuum

If you're after a cordless vacuum cleaner that's engineered for pet hair and you're prepared to spend (a lot) more than you would on a standard upright or stick, then we promise the Dyson Outsize is 100% worth it. With a running time of up to two hours spread across two batteries, an oversized half-gallon dust bin, and an extremely powerful design, it will get you through all your cleaning tasks for a fur-free home. 

Our reviewer Jen switched to using this vacuum as her main unit to clean her three-bedroom house, with the bin size and suction power being good enough to replace her corded canister model. Even after a full year of testing, Jen found that the battery life and the floor head of this vacuum, was second to none. 

The additional attachment options include a combination tool, crevice tool, and stubborn dirt brush, which make cleaning up pet hair from upholstery and dog beds a simple task. It also easily and quickly converts to a handheld for above-floor cleaning or getting up close and personal with pet beds. 

This vacuum cleaner was reviewed by one of our editors.

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The best vacuum for pet owners with allergies

Sensitive to every loose strand of hair, particle of dust, or hint of dirt? Well, the top-rated Cat and Dog vac from Miele utilizes a sealed bag dust bin system that is made for allergy sufferers.

Dried mud on tiles and pet hair on sofas were easily thwarted by this model during testing, according to our reviewer Sarah, who tried it at home for several weeks. She found the floor head and foot controls to change suction on this machine made day-to-day use very simple and stress-free. Removing the dustbag and replacing it with a new one was a seamless operation, too. 

The suction on this model is great and it has a good range of tools, all handily stowed in the body of the vacuum cleaner. While it isn't the smallest, it is a neat design that is easy to transport and store. However, it is on the weighty side, so if you have lots of stairs, you might prefer a lighter model. We did rate it five stars, but it does (understandably) come at a higher price, which is why it's fourth on our list.

Read our Miele Complete C3 Total Solution PowerLine review.

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The best robot vacuum for pets

If the amount of hair has seemingly become too much to handle for daily upkeep, then investing in a robot vacuum cleaner might just change the game for you. The iRobot Roomba S9+ is not only a winner at picking up pet hair (even strands embedded deep in the carpet), its obstacle detection laid out in the mapping mode avoids small objects and can even recognize and avoid any pet accidents.

Our reviewer Linda marveled at how this robot could power up or down depending on the floor type it was tackling and enjoyed the iRobot Clean Base, which this bot self-empties into. Linda found that the Clean Base system could hold up to 30 loads of dust and hair before needing to be emptied, cutting down massively on the pet-related cleaning she needed to do. She also loved being able to create keep out zones, such as around her dog's water bowl. 

The S9+ can be controlled at the push of a button, from your smartphone or by Alexa or Google Home Assistant via a smart speaker. In terms of battery life, a single charge lasts up to 120 minutes, which Linda had no complaints about. Although it's rated five stars, it sits at number six because it can't be used as a sole vacuum cleaner; you'll need an upright or stick model to accompany it.

Read our iRobot Roomba S9+ review.

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The best vacuum for large homes

If you have pets, you'll never want to be without the Dyson Ball Animal 2. Its clever brush heads pick up all the hair our furry friends leave behind without getting tangled up. The motorized brush bar also works to remove stubborn dirt leftover from muddy paws. Why isn't it higher on our list? It's almost $500, which is more than most people want to spend on a vacuum cleaner.

The Dyson Ball Animal 2 was the standout vacuum that allowed our tester Sarah to really feel as if she was keeping up with the onslaught of dirt and fur in her home. The suction was impressively powerful and got the job done quickly, though Sarah found herself turning down the power when using it on carpet, as it can be difficult to push on the highest setting.

The low-profile head and tell-tale ball made swishing this vac around at home almost enjoyable. The long cord means Sarah wasn't slowed by having to change outlets and the handle gave her plenty of opportunities to reach where needed when cleaning stairs and upper corners.

Read our Dyson Ball Animal 2 review.

The best upright vacuum for pets

If you have a long-haired dog or cat, you'll love the Shark Vertex Upright Vacuum with Powered Lift-Away. In fact, it's one of the best Shark vacuums you can buy. Built with hypervelocity suction, it's powerful enough to suck up everything in its path, and it's built with the latest DuoClean Powerfins features with a self-cleaning brush roll that automatically keeps it free of hair, so you won't have to spend time removing fur that's tangled around the brush roll when you're done vacuuming. 

Our reviewer Jaclyn found he found that the anti-hair wrap feature lived up to its name, with strands never wrapping around the self-cleaning brush roll or clogging the vacuum shaft. She can also advocate for using the self-cleaning power brush combined with the crevice tool for banishing pet hair.

Besides the fact that it sucks up hair, this vacuum is packed with other handy features, including LED headlights for seeing under the furniture, tools for cleaning dog hair off the sofa and in crevices, and on-board tool storage (though it annoyingly doesn't have space for all three attachments). It also has a built-in HEPA filter to remove allergens and pet dander while it cleans. 

Read our Shark Vertex Upright Vacuum with Powered Lift-Away review.

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The best deep cleaning pet vacuum

Looking for a vacuum with a large capacity, can cope with different flooring types and that will provide a deeper clean? This Shark is the model for you. There are different modes for floor types, as well as three power speeds. It's great for those who don't want to contort themselves just to get their cleaning done, with the brand’s signature Flexology design as part of the extended wand that lets you get under sofas and furniture with little effort. 

It has nine meters of cord to work with, so you can stretch it around the house even if you don’t have a lot of plug sockets. Our reviewer Molly also found it unbelievably easy to fetch the cord back in with the button on the main body of the vacuum. If you have a larger home that you’re cleaning, this will come in useful. The 360 wheels also make moving it very easy.

It doesn’t stand upright on its own and will require a lot of space to store it, but if you want something to lift historic dirt from your carpets and ensure a deep clean, then this is a smart choice. Our reviewer tested the UK model, which comes with one less attachment in the US. The body style, Duo Clean Powerfins, and Self-Cleaning brush roll features within these two vacuums are the same, though.

Read our Shark Cylinder Pet Vacuum CZ2001 review.

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The best handheld pet vacuum

Have a pet that’s constantly leaving hairs on your couch or that you travel with often? The Shark Wandvac could be the best option for you. Our reviewer Christina was pleasantly surprised with how lightweight it is, which made it easy for her to go around her apartment. The stylish and ergonomic design made it a winner for her even before she started to use it.

She found it the most useful on cleaning pet beds, behind the couch, and in between radiators — places where pet hair and dirt can get trapped. The duster crevice tool was especially useful for these smaller areas. Switching between this and the pet tool took just a matter of seconds. It also displays battery time while in use, so you can keep an eye on it as you carry on cleaning. 

The only major downside that she found was that it takes 3.5 hours to recharge, which is a long time. She recommends making sure it’s docked once you’ve finished with it, to avoid being caught out. Saying that the chic navy design looks quite smart on display. As well as this, Christina also found the dust cup to be quite small — which is fine for quick cleaning, but not so great for longer cleans. This is why it’s last on our list.

Read our full Shark Wandvac Power Pet review.

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The best pet vacuum for stains

Let’s be real: Pets aren’t known for being super tidy. This is especially the case if you have a puppy that you’re training or an older pet. If you have stains from these accidents consistently occurring or even deep-set ones from previous ones, this Shark Stain Striker will come in useful. 

Our reviewer Camille tested it out on both wet stains and dry stains, and found it incredibly effective on both. She also said that it removed any nasty odors, which is great news for those who know how gross pet mess can get. She advised that this could be especially handy for cat owners who repeat spray when their scent lingers. It also comes with a specialist pet stain-trapping tool, as well as a hose-cleaning tool. 

The only negatives that she had were that it didn’t work properly on old oil stains and that it is a little loud. If you have pets that hate loud noises this might not be for you — but it isn’t much noisier than a standard vacuum.

Read our Shark Stain Striker review.

Compare these pet vacuums

How to choose the best pet vacuum for you

In terms of style and type, you can get a stick, canister, and upright vacuums designed for pet hair so this will come down to your own preferences. Here's what you'll need to consider before committing to your new pet vacuum:

1. Which type of flooring do you have?
First, what type of flooring do you have? If your pets tend to shed throughout the house, it can be beneficial to opt for a vacuum that is adaptable to all floor types such as carpet and hardwood or laminate floors. If you have carpet, you will want a vacuum with a good brush roll to lift the hair from the pile.

2. Would you prefer corded or cordless?
Consider what spaces you will need to vacuum. Dyson’s ball technology is easier to maneuver around and into corners, while the best cordless vacuum will make it easier to get to those hard-to-reach areas and also allow you to vacuum your car. 

3. What about a robot vacuum cleaner?
A robot vacuum cleaner is great for the floor but you will likely need a second vacuum to do a thorough job of the rest of your home. A robot vacuum could be an ideal solution for pets that get irritated by the loud sound of a vacuum. An easy alternative is to schedule it for when you and the pet are out for stress-free cleaning.

If your pet ever jumps on the furniture, (it's inevitable) you will definitely need a vacuum with brushes and attachments to help remove fur. Plus, your pup or cat might not love having a robot vacuum invade their personal areas, such as near a crate or food bowl, so spot cleaning with a smaller handheld or normal vacuum is smart. 

4. Does it have to be bagless?
Some may prefer a vacuum cleaner with a bag, especially those who are particularly allergy sensitive, but it's worth bearing in mind that you'll have to keep buying new bags, making them more expensive in the long run. While a bagless cleaner can be messier to empty, most are removable or can be poured directly into the trash can.

5. Do you require a large capacity dust bin?
If you've got more than one pet, check the vacuum's capacity so you don't have to empty it too often. Naturally, the smaller and more lightweight the vacuum, the smaller its capacity. If you have an animal that sheds a lot, you'll want to choose a vacuum with a larger dust bin, since hair doesn't exactly compress in a vacuum, as other debris does. 

4. Suction power is important
This is one of the most important features of a good vacuum cleaner. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers list the suction power of their machines with a standard unit of measurement such as air watts (AW), making it hard to compare models. Instead of listing the power of various models in different units, we have only included vacuums that have exceptional suction power so you know you are getting the best. Vacuums with bad suction have not made it onto this list.

5. Will its noise level bother you?
Consider this if you have a little one at home all day who naps or a pet who doesn't like loud noises.

6. Do you like a certain brand?
Most of the major vacuum brands such as Dyson, Bissell, and Shark have now introduced specialized vacuums for pet hair, which have much stronger suction and often feature allergy filters for those who are particularly sensitive. They'll also stop the hair from simply being pushed around the carpet and releasing irritants into the air.

Don't miss our guide on how to vacuum like a pro to discover the techniques to get it done quicker and better. Or if you're looking for a cheap vacuum cleaner deal, we've got lots of those, too.

How we test vacuums for pet hair

At Real Homes we like to get hands-on experience with the products we feature in our buying guides. It's part of our commitment to our review process. Whether that's to attend product demonstrations or to test them for a few weeks (sometimes months) in our own homes, you know that these vacuum cleaners for pet hair have had a member of our team analyze them before including them in this roundup. We also seek out other reviewers' opinions so all experiences are taken into account.

During testing, we look for factors such as maneuverability, run-time, bin size and emptying, filtration, and ease of use, so you know exactly what you are getting for your money. We test these vacuum cleaners with typical household dirt such as crumbs, dust, and pet hair for a real-life comparison to your own household.

Meet our pet vacuum cleaner reviewers:

FAQs

When is the best time to buy a vacuum for pet hair?

We use price trackers like camelcamelcamel and Google Shopping to monitor fluctuations in retailer pricing and guide you on the best time to buy a vac based on previous discounting history. Generally speaking, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Cyber Week are good times, but don't be surprised to see some items cheaper outside of these obvious sale periods.

What is the best vacuum for pet hair?

If you want something that's easy to use, easy to maneuver, and even more simple to store, then the Shark Stratos Cordless with Clean Sense IQ IZ862H (which you can buy from Amazon) is definitely your best bet. Our resident pet Doug (Annie's Pug), gave this vacuum a run for its money and the cleaning machine managed to conquer the dander. It automatically adapts its suction based on how clean (or dirty) your floors are, plus it works with scent pods to emit a lovely smell as you clean your floors.

What makes a vacuum great for pet hair?

Most vacuums outfitted for households with pets will feature increased suction, some sort of pet tool or brush, a motorized brush roll (as opposed to sheer suction) to really dig out hair and particles, and an emphasis on its filtration system. Most pet vacuums, especially the middle to high-end options, will feature high-efficiency filters, brush rolls that are self-cleaning, or anti-hair wrap tech.

Within the last year, the Dyson V15 Detect has generated significant buzz. It's topped wishlists, shaken up the homes of self-proclaimed clean-freaks, and frequently goes in and out of stock. 

I've had the pleasure of owning the Dyson V15 Detect for over a year now, and let me tell you, it's the one cordless vacuum I am holding on to for dear life. You see, I've tested a number of the best vacuums, and this is not one I personally plan on giving up anytime soon, no matter how often my family and friends ask.

So, what's so exciting about the Dyson V15 Detect? Being Dyson, it already has a built-in fan base solely on brand reputation, meaning we expected best-in-class suction power and air filtration. It's also the first to add a small green laser to its fluffy floorhead that reveals all the little microscopic particles hidden from the eye. Gimicky? Perhaps. Effective? Definitely. 

It then adds a quantitative figure to your clean, with a Piezo sensor. I had no idea what this was until Dyson showed me this one, but basically, it counts every single particle count down to 10 microns – the size of allergens and pollen. The Piezo sensor also serves the purpose to let the vacuum systems know exactly how much suction power is needed – a great move to conserve battery power. 

Testing the Dyson V15 Detect

Dyson V15 Detect product specifications

• Model no: 368340-01
• No. of settings: 3
• Bin capacity: .2 gal
• Suction power: 230 AW
• Runtime: up to 60 minutes
• Charging time: 270 minutes
• Weight:  6.79 lb.
• Accessories: Laser Slim Fluffy™ cleaner head, High Torque cleaner head with anti-tangle comb, hair screw tool, crevice tool, stubborn dirt brush, mini soft dusting brush, combination tool, wand clip, docking station, charger

Who will the Dyson V15 Detect suit?

• People with lots of hard floors: While the Dyson V15 Detect has floorheads for both carpets and hard floors, you'll want to have ample hard floor space to take advantage of the technology.
• People who want the best of the best: There is no doubt the Dyson V15 Detect is high-end, from it's state-of-the-art technology to the numerous attachments to assist in getting every crevice and floor spic and span.
• Those with large homes: The dust bin is smallish, but comparable to other Dyson products, the long-last battery runs for up to 60 minutes and the lightweight design ensures you'll be able to power through spaces large and small, though there may be pit stops to the trash. 

Delivery, unboxing and setting up the Dyson V15 Detect

The Dyson V15 Detect arrives in a cardboard sleeve for shipping that slides out to reveal the sleek white packaging of the box. Each piece was neatly wrapped in paper, avoiding the use of plastic packaging. The bundle also forgoes a lengthy manual (which can be found online) for a quick start guide.  

Like other Dysons I've used, each piece easily clicks together and is interchangeable to use with the wand arm directly from the handheld unit. While the battery does come with some juice, you should charge it before going on a full cleaning mission.

The Dyson V15 Detect also has a wall charging unit and includes hardware to install. For an extra cost, Dyson offers a floor stand, which is convenient for those who want a home base for their vacuum but are not particularly keen on drilling into walls. 

Dyson V15 Detect key features

Laser Dust Detection
The V15 Detect introduces a green laser on its Fluffy cleaner head that makes dust hidden from the eye, visible on hard floors. Dyson engineers precisely positioned the laser at a 1.5-degree angle, 7.2mm off the ground, and chose green for the excellent contrast it gives to the naked eye. Particles are most visible in low-lit areas, and even in the dark, as bright sunlight can wash out the laser. 

PIEZO Sensor
Dyson integrated an acoustic Piezo Sensor into the design that continuously sizes and counts dust particles and shows how much has been picked up in a graph on the LCD screen. The Piezo sensor counts pieces smaller than 10 µm, like allergens and pollens; less than 60 µm, particles the size of microscopic dust and skin flakes; 180 µm particles the size of dust mites and fine sand; and 500µm particles the size of sugar and fleas.  The Piezo Sensor is also connected to the V15 Detect's suction power: it automatically adjusts across different floor types based on the amount of dust and other particles present on the surface.

Reactive and powerful suction
The Dyson Hyperdymium™ motor spins up to 125,000rpm for unparalleled suction power while DLS technology senses and adapts to different flooring.

Anti-tangle hair tech
Dyson developed an anti-tangle conical brush bar that spirals hair off and into the bin to prevent hair wrap on the brushbar.  The tech is available on a smaller and full-size High Torque Cleanerhead, which has polycarbonate teeth that look like a comb and prevent tangling around the bristles when you are cleaning, and automatically clear hair from the brush bar. 

LCD screen
The LCD displays will show a real-time count of the collected particles from the PIEZO Sensor, a run-time countdown clock, the power mode in use, and maintenance alerts, such as when an air channel is clogged, or if the bin needs emptying. 

Filtration
The V15 Detect offers Dyson’s five-stage advanced filtration technologies, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, to expel cleaner air. The filtration system is comprised of the bin cyclone (that uses centrifugal force to separate dust, dirt, and hair from airflow), a metal mesh filter, cyclone technology, and pre-and post-motor filters that capture the smallest pollutants. 

Note this is not HEPA, but you can upgrade to the V15 Detect Absolute if that's a feature you require. 

What is the Dyson V15 Detect like to use?

Besides shaking up how you're used to cleaning your floors with its intelligent tech, it operates just like any cordless stick. It offers decent battery life, up to 60 minutes on hard floors and with attachments, though shortened on carpets; incredible, automatically adjusting suction power, which also conserves battery life; and unique features not found on any other product: the green laser and Piezo Sensor. 

On hard floor
While you can use either the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head or Digital Motor Bar, we're opting to use the Laser Slim Fluffy Cleaner to make the most of Dyson's laser technology. It can easily reach near crevices and corners, making sure your floors are free of any dust, dirt, or grime. It's not the best at picking up larger solid pieces of debris, but it can – it just takes longer.

On carpet
You may think your carpets were clean, but you'll notice just how quickly the bin fill and piezo count rise. You'll have to use the digital brushbar as the fluffy slim bar is ineffective, and the green laser can't reveal the dust embedded in your carpets. Some other reviewers found it a little more difficult to push across carpet, but I didn't have that issue.

Stairs
To vacuum the stairs I could use either the original floorhead, or the mini-brush attachment. I found it easier to clean the stairs with the mini-brush but got on fine with both. 

Higher up places
Using the brush nozzle and the bendy wand I reached up to tackle the (thin) layer of dust on top of the picture rails in our living room. Suction was just as good as it is on the floorhead and bed nozzle, and the brush helped to sweep the dust up into the wand. Without the head I feel it could have done just as good a job, though, it just helps to get a better angle.

Things to note
Disclaimer, I love how this vacuum cleans, but I have found the Piezo sensor unreliable. When it works, it counts and I believe the accuracy, but if it switches off, getting it back on is a hassle. 

According to reddit, I'm not the only one with this issue. On two separate units, I noticed at different points in time that the Piezo sensor wasn't working, and in settings mode, it revealed that the Piezo sensor was off. That's fine, I'll just turn it back on, but instead of allowing me to change settings, well, any settings, the LCD screen cuts off. The first unit, I bypassed as a fluke, a computer chip malfunction, and it was swiftly replaced, but the second time... why would this happen? 

Cleaning and maintaining the Dyson V15 Detect

Cleaning and maintenance follow pretty standard recommendations.

The dustbin should be emptied before or once it hits the MAX line. The bin can also separately detach to be wiped with a damp cloth, but only water should be used.

In the event of any blockages, the V15 Detect will let you know on the display screen that it detects a malfunction and automatically cuts off. You'll want to check the tubes here to see what is caught. 

Filters should be cleaned monthly. Located in the purple crown of the handheld, the plastic part unscrews off, and the HEPA filter can be washed with water. Be sure it is completely dry before placing back onto the machine. For more, read our advice on cleaning Dyson filters.

The soft Laser Slim Fluffy brush bar is both removable and washable; however, the High Torque cleaner head and hair tool should only be wiped with a cloth. You can remove the brushbar on both to detangle any hair that has been collected. 

How does the Dyson V15 Detect rate online?

The Dyson V15 Detect holds a 4.5 out of 5 on Dyson's website, with 84% recommending the product to their peers. 

Meanwhile, on Best Buy, the product holds a 4.8, with reviewers asking for a longer warranty (due to the fact that the vacuum has so many functions), to make HEPA standard, and that it would be easier to maneuver on Auto on the carpet. 

How does the Dyson V15 Detect Compare to other vacuums

Dyson is the only manufacturer that we know of that offers the laser and the Piezo sensor technology. Following the release of the Dyson V15 Detect, it has also released a series of similar variations now dubbed the Laser Vacuums, most specifically, a version of the Dyson Outsize + with no Piezo sensor, but a half-gallon dust bin and two hours of runtime, and the new Dyson V12 Detect series, which is lighter but has a significantly smaller dust bin at just .01 gallons and less suction prowess. It does have a lower price tag of about $100, and a continuous operation button, as opposed to the traditional trigger.  

Others like Shark, however, have mastered auto-adjusting suction functionalities while Tineco has its own special tech to showcase how clean, or dirty your floors are. These come in at much lower price points so if you don't want all of the Dyson capabilities in one, you can make a saving with picking your chosen tech on an alternative brand.

Real Homes verdict: should I buy the Dyson V15 Detect?

The Dyson V15 Detect is a fantastic vacuum that pushes the boundaries of what to look for in a vacuum. The green laser and Piezo sensor almost gamify vacuuming, while delivering a high-level clean. However, I have some concerns about its reliability, given my issues with the Piezo sensor. Fortunately, Dyson has been swift to replace my malfunctioning units, but a little more indirect as to why this kept occurring. 

Living in a home with a child, new wool carpets and constantly moulting mane (that's mine) is a challenge for even the mightiest of vacuum cleaners. The Shark XL Anti Hair Wrap Upright Pet Vacuum PZ1000UKT seemed to have all the answers to our cleaning woes with Anti-Hair Wrap technology, wide floor head and the promise of more suction power compared to any other vacuum cleaner brand.

I was intrigued to say the least so couldn't wait to get it started on the carpeted and hard flooring in our three-bed Victorian home. I was also curious to see how we got on with a corded vacuum cleaner since we are more familiar with having a cordless version as our main cleaner – the Dyson V11 Outsize. Although I am often spoilt for choice for vacuum cleaners (perks of the job) I never do tire of taking the latest one for a spin, especially since it could solve so many cleaning conundrums for me.

Keep scrolling to find out how we got on with this upright vacuum cleaner for pet hair, and see if we think it's worthy of a place in our round-up of the best vacuums. We do not have pets but I do have plenty of long hair to put it through its paces.

Shark XL Anti Hair Wrap Upright Pet Vacuum PZ1000UKT product spec:

• Cable length: 8m
• Hose length: 1.5m
• Weight: 6.8kg
• Capacity: 1.6L
• Dimensions: 30.5x25.5x118cm

Who will it suit?

Commercial cleaners or those looking for a robust vacuum that they're not too afraid to put some strength behind. This vacuum cleaner is one of the heaviest I have reviewed and you may find manoeuvring difficult, so it is not for anyone who struggles with lifting.

Delivery, unboxing and set up

The Shark XL Anti Hair Wrap Upright Pet Vacuum PZ1000UKT arrived in a branded box, within a delivery box. Upon opening the box I was pleased to see that zero plastic packaging had been used – even the tape to secure the box was paper-based. This meant that it could all be recycled in our blue paper and cardboard bag.

The main unit, floor head, hose and stick were all seperate. The Pet Power Brush and multi-surface tool were also seperate. It was all straight-forward enough to clip the main vac together, although there are some easy-to-follow instructions provided should you feel you need to refer to them. 

When the vacuum cleaner became an upright vacuum cleaner I then secured the attachments onto the onboard storage. These was great for keeping everything in one place. However, there was nowhere for the pet tool to be stowed. I'm finding this the case more and more often, that the pet tool is the left out attachment despite being the second most valuable after the floor head – it's very odd / annoying.

Performance

With no battery to charge, the Shark XL Anti Hair Wrap Upright Pet Vacuum PZ1000UKT is ready to start vacuuming when you are. I first plugged it in under the stairs to vacuum a runner, rug, pine floorboards and everything else in between.

The first thing I noticed about the vac is how much heavier it is compared to other cordless and corded vacuum cleaners I have reviewed. Steering takes a bit of effort, especially around the table legs and high chair.

There are three suction levels; hard floor, carpet / low pile and thick carpet / area rug. As I switched between them it didn't make any difference to the manoeuvrability – the unit is just heavy. The floor head has two brush rolls, because it is Shark's signature DuoClean floor head. They work together. The bristle roller engages with the pile on the carpet, whilst the soft front-brush roll lifts debris and stuck-on dust from the hard floor. When the hard floor setting is selected, the bristle bar lifts so it is just the softer brush rolling which helps to avoid damage to the floor.

I love the anti-hair wrap feature – it really works. There was no hair getting wrapped or in a tangle on the floor head. How it works is that the technology actively removes the hair from the brush roll, so you don't have to. The bristles look different to other vacuum cleaner floor heads – they're chunkier and have more spaces between the clusters. There's also what looks like rubber fins wrapped around the bristle bar on the main floor head, and the pet tool.

I also love the size of the floor head. It measures 30.5 cm across so I managed to cover a lot of ground in one go. It gets up against skirting, and the LEDs are mega useful when vacuuming areas in a low light.

It's a good job the Shark XL Anti Hair Wrap Upright Pet Vacuum PZ1000UKT has powered-lift away to do the stairs because without it, vacuuming the carpet up the stairs would have been a heavy-weight challenge. There is still weight to the Lift-Away, though, so you're still going to need to be feeling strong to use it. There's plenty of cable (eight metres) to get you from the bottom of the stairs to the top of the stairs, too, so there's no need to worry about having to plug back in again halfway through a clean.

I used the pet tool on the stairs which is a lot more nimble than the floor head. It's also small enough and easy enough to clean the underside of the stairs which really needs to be done more in our household. One noticeable thing about using this attachment, and the Lift-Away, is that it is loud. I recorded 76 dB on my sound level meter whereas when using Shark XL Anti Hair Wrap Upright Pet Vacuum PZ1000UKT as an upright vac I recorded 64 dB.

Lift-Away is, also, really useful when vacuuming under furniture. The dust chamber is really big which prevents the vac from gliding underneath the bed, for example, while in upright mode. Using powered lift-away and connecting the wand with floor head meant that I was able to reach as far back as I wanted.

Vacuuming the sofa and various nooks and crannies throughout the house became a little easier to reach with the various attachments and Lift-Away, too. Everything I needed was on board so it was easy to switch between vacuuming tasks. The crevice tool was useful for cleaning the tops of skirting and around the carpet edge, for example. A thing to note is that there is no additional suction level for using the attachments so choose these depending on the task in hard – I opted for the hard floor setting when using the crevice tool.

Design

We reviewed the Shark XL Anti Hair Wrap Upright Pet Vacuum PZ1000UKT in a beautiful grey with rose gold accents. It has a large stature but the wide floorhead and XL dust cup capacity are very useful for vacuuming a three-bed family home. More surface has been covered and less emptying of the dust tank was required.

The signature DuoClean floorhead and LEDs make it an effortless clean across carpets and hard floor, which is lit up as you transition across the different floor types.

It's a bagless upright vacuum cleaner which may be a concern for pet owners with allergies but Shark have thought about this and designed the vac with an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal. This captures and traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner, and doesn't release it back into the air.

Cleaning, maintenance and storage

An obvious cleaning task which you'll need to do for the Shark XL Anti Hair Wrap Upright Pet Vacuum PZ1000UKT is to empty the 1.6L dust tank. It would be good practice to do this after each use. Alternatively there is a 'max fill' line to keep an eye on. There is a top and bottom dust cup to empty with buttons on the top and bottom to press and release the debris.

With it's Anti-Hair Wrap tech in the floor head, you won't be needing to cut-away hair from the brush bars. Very rarely anyway. This is an absolute blessing for households (including ours) with malting manes and stray fly-aways, from pets and humans alike. Should anything else get wrapped around the brush bars or an item becomes lodged such as a piece of string or, in this instance, a small peg, the cover on the floor head can be removed by turning three button-like dials so you can clear away any blockages.

If the floor you are cleaning endures particularly heavy traffic then you may find that the soft roller bar becomes mucky. This roller bar can be ejected and hand-rinsed in water as needed.

Shark recommends that you regularly rinse the filters to maintain the suction power. Use cold water to do this and, as with the roller bar, ensure that it is completely dry before reinserting. Learn how to clean a Shark vacuum filter for more.

To be honest, very little other cleaning is required with this vac. An obvious thing to do at the end of each clean is to empty the dust cup, and when you see any dust settling on the unit give it a wipe.

In terms of maintaining the vac just keep an eye out for blockages. I didn't have any issues with this during the three months of testing, but should you come face-to-face with any, the instructions are very easy and clear to follow. There is advice on how to clear blockages on the nozzle, wand, dust cup, hose and handle.

And for storage, I just kept the vac in its upright position under the stairs. It can go anywhere you have space in the home. Onboard, it'll store all but one accessory which is the pet power brush. It's useful to have the onboard storage because it keeps all the accessorises together and available when you are cleaning – just a shame that the pet power brush is not amongst them because I have to keep remembering where its 'safe place' is.

How does it rate online?

Over on sharkclean the Shark XL Anti Hair Wrap Upright Pet Vacuum PZ1000UKT has received 4.7-out-of-5 stars with 95% of reviewers recommending the appliance. A common theme is how amazing the pick up is, especially with pet hair. The epic suction has 'changed my carpets for the better..' says one reviewer with many other reviewers comparing it to another leading brand, and claiming how much better it performed.

The weight of the vac is a thing though. Even the 5-out-of-5 reviews mentioned that it was heavy to move around but this didn't phase them because they were so impressed with the suction power and results.

Currys PC World reviewers echo these findings. Many vouch for how 'excellent' the vacuum cleaner is and how well it picks up pet hair. The ease of keeping it clean and use of plastic-free packaging has also been noted as a positive. It's the weight and attachment storage solution – they drop off and there's nowhere to store the third attachment – which contributes to a loss of 0.5 stars from full marks.

Further reviews can also be read on Amazon UK and Ao.com which report on very similar findings with their experience of the vac thus far,

How does it compare with other vacuum cleaners?

At the same time I was reviewing the PZ1000UKT I was also using the Shark DuoClean Upright Pet Vacuum NV702UKT. This is a slightly smaller, lighter and more affordable corded upright vacuum cleaner.

A noticeable difference is that the NV702UKT is smaller in size. It doesn't come with the marketed XL floor head of the PZ1000UKT and it has a 0.5L smaller dust cup. This makes it much easier to move around the floors and other levels, especially when using Powered Lift-Away.

The NV702UKT, however, does not come with Anti Hair Wrap technology. This is a really fab feature that the other vac upon reviewing lacks. 

Real Homes verdict: should I buy the Shark XL Anti Hair Wrap Upright Pet Vacuum PZ1000UKT?

If you want to deep-clean your carpets regularly or if you are a cleaner by trade, then I would definitely recommend the Shark XL Anti Hair Wrap Upright Pet Vacuum PZ1000UKT. 

It has mega impressive power, and therefore suction. I love the fact that the DuoClean floorhead is a decent size because it means that you can cover more ground when vacuuming. Transitioning between hard floor and carpeted floor is satisfying with the two brush bars in the floor head and three settings to switch between. The dust cup can stuff in a lot of dirt, dust and debris so you're not having to run up and down the stairs every five minutes during a clean, either. 

There are so many good things about this vacuum cleaner. It's reliable, robust and offers incredible value and I feel that it should be a contender when you're on the verge on pressing the 'buy now button'.

This is a big and heavy vacuum cleaner though so if you're after something nimble to clean the carpets then this is not it. It's also corded so if you want the freedom of cordless then, again, this is not going to be the vacuum cleaner for you. 

This Shark Floor and Handheld Steam Cleaner (the S6005UK to be precise) pledges to do exactly what its name suggests, with portable cleaning abilities also thrown in for the same price. Shark is renowned for its selection of floorcare products, rivalling Dyson and other competitors in quality for a fraction of the price. The same aims are present with this steam cleaner, which claims to clean and sanitize 99.9% of household bacteria and to leave your floors sparkling clean. 

This cleaner is suitable for all sealed hard floors, including stone, tile and hardwood. You can switch between two automatic steam settings to cater for the floors in your home, and double your potential cleaning zone using this cleaner's 'Klik N' Flip' mop head technology. 

We put this popular pick of the best steam cleaners to the test to see just how it stacked up against competitors, and to see if Shark, a giant of the best vacuum cleaner world, is just as great at producing cleaners for the second half of your floor cleaning process. In order to do so, we used it extensively on our hard floors at home, so that you can see how it really stacks up.

Find out how we got on.

Specifications of the Shark Floor & Handheld Steam Cleaner S6005UK

• Model number: S6005UK
• Capacity: 0.5L
• Cord length: 6m
• Weight: 2.27kg
• Accessories: 1 x Main unit, 2 x Dirt Grip Pads, 1 x Filling Flask, 1 x Accessory Hose, 1 x Small Above the Floor pocket tool & Pad, 1 x Concentration Nozzle, 1 x Steam Blast Scrubbing Tool, 1 x Copper Brush, 1 x Steam Crevice Tool
• RRP: £179.99 

Unboxing the Shark Floor & Handheld Steam Cleaner S6005UK

This Shark cleaner is in a relatively small box, compared to the other steam cleaners I've tested out – a good sign for a small space sweller. Everything within the box came packaged in cardboard or paper, which gives the all-clear on the sustainable packaging front. 

There are various tools packed within the box that you can use as part of the handheld element, and the cleaner itself comes unassembled. I will admit that I found it a faff to set this machine up, and would say that working out which parts fit into their corresponding part isn't that intuitive.

 In order to attach the handle to the main body of the cleaner, the set-up guide wants you to use a flathead screwdriver, which isn't included. I managed to set the cleaner up without this step and it held sturdily, but it is a further step you need to take to properly attach the two together with a bolt. 

Once assembled, the steam cleaner itself is quite nice to look at, even despite the fact that the body is quite bulky. There's a hand groove built into the body, which is useful for when you're using it in a handheld capacity, but it does make it a little wider for stashing in a cupboard. 

It's always a good sign for me when there's a cheat sheet alongside a more extensive manual, which this cleaner has. On one side, there's a quick start guide that gives you a simple rundown on how to get going and instructions on how to use the above-floor cleaning accessories too. 

Who will the Shark Floor and Handheld Steam Cleaner suit?

Seeing as this is a hard floor cleaner, this won't be the one for you if you only have a small area of a non-carpeted floor, as it is not designed for carpet cleaning at all. You can use this on any sealed hard floor surfaces, such as hardwood, as well as marble countertops. You run the risk of ruining your surfaces if you use a steam cleaner on wood floors that aren't sealed, as they will leave a residue of water on your floor, which can penetrate and deteriorate what lies underneath.

This cleaner is perfect for those who want to go the extra mile once they've vacuumed and is great for those who hate trying to maneuver around sodden floors once they're finished, as the residue dries very quickly. Those with young children and pets will find that a useful perk too, as it means that any clean-up operations should be a little less painful.

What's it like to use the Shark Floor and Handheld Steam Cleaner?

Once the initial (slightly laborious) set-up was done, I began with filling the cleaner up. You simply need to fill the tank with cold water and plug your machine in to get going. Shark recommend that you only use cold water with this cleaner (no added cleaners necessary), and if you live in an area with hard water, that you use filtered water in order to keep your machine in good condition. 

I funneled in water according to the instructions on the cheat sheet, but it wasn't at all clear to me where the fill line was, despite the instructions warning not to overflow the machine. To be safe, I simply filled up with one filling flask to not go over the capacity, but I did find this to be unclear. 

After searching for reviews online, I found that other customers had also found this problem and that I couldn't find a solution even after trawling through the user manual. The only option is to measure out exactly 500ml of water – the tank capacity being so.

After you've plugged in your cleaner, it'll operate on standby mode until you press the large steam button at the front. Press it once for the lowest setting and twice for the highest, with three times putting it back into standby mode. To use it in its most basic sense, all you need to do is move the cleaner backwards and forwards. You'll be able to see and hear this steam cleaner working almost immediately. My floor was left gleaming, and you don't need to press any sort of trigger to activate the steam if you're going for a basic once-over clean.

If you feel the need for a deeper clean as you have a nasty stain, then there's a clever trick with this mop too. Simply flip the head of the mop over so that it falls behind the body that you're holding, and then tilt the handle down. This causes a more concentrated puff of steam to emerge, which you can then mop up in order to eradicate your stain. 

To get the full experience, I tried out the handheld aspect of this cleaner too. Shark makes a couple of the best handheld vacuum cleaners and is well known for ergonic designs that adapt well to cleaning different parts of your home. So, I wanted to see this in action in steam cleaner form.

The main cleaning body comes apart from the mop element very easily with the release button, and then you can attach the hose part and choose your attachment. I went with the copper brush, as there's a stubborn stain on my floor. When you're using the tool, the light system will flash saying 'tools', and you can use the trigger on the body to pump out steam for your cleaning. The handheld element of this cleaner worked amazingly, and I was really pleasantly surprised. 

I went on to use the Above Floor Pocket Tool and pad to clean my shower divider and found the same effective results using steam, which I hadn't achieved by using a regular spray and cloth. 

This versatility gives the Shark S6005UK plenty of bang for your buck compared to floor-only steam cleaners.

Cleaning and maintenance

After unplugging your cleaner, you should leave it to cool. This is fine when using the handheld cleaner, which can stand alone, but the mop element needs to be leant against a wall or surface, which is kind of annoying. 

Once it's cool, and you're sure you won't burn yourself, lift the mop up and press the pad release button. The pad will unfurl and you can then refresh it within your washing machine or with warm water using liquid detergent. Make sure that the water from your tank is empty before you store it too. 

The cleanup process overall was easy, and you get two mop heads included in your purchase, which is good in terms of value for money. If you need more, you can always buy a replacement at Shark's online store, but they wash and reuse well.

How does it rate online?

This is the machine that Shark recommend as its standout steam cleaner, and reviews online tend to agree. Plenty of reviewers found the same as I did during testing, agreeing that the cleaner felt high quality, and that the handheld element was surprisingly easy to use. 

To highlight a few reviews, one customer said it 'produces good powerful steam for a good period of time before refilling necessary', which I would agree with, whilst another said that despite them having a large dog, this cleaner 'removes all muddy/dirty marks with ease'. 

Another less impressed reviewer shared my annoyance that this cleaner 'is not free-standing'. Another added that 'it is not very lightweight and the cord gets in the way so I actually prefer a mop', showing that personal preference will depend on whether you find this cleaner to be too high maintenance. In its defense, the six metre cord is pretty ample for most rooms, so perhaps this user had a larger space to contend with.

How does it compare to similar models and predecessors?

The steam cleaner to beat is the Karcher SC3 Easy Fix Steam Cleaner. The crowning features of that machine are that it's easy to use, requires no elbow grease and that it packs away easily. To compare prices, the Karcher has an RRP of £140.00, which is quite a lot cheaper than this model, which is £179.99 (though it is on offer from time to time and you can check our Shark deals page to see when).

If you have a larger surface to clean, I think that this Shark Floor and Handheld Steam cleaner is worth your money every time, as it's so easy to move back and forth over your floor. Its performance is excellent, and it has added value in the handheld element too. If you can't stretch your budget, then the Karcher will do an equally good job on smaller areas, and is actually more convenient to pack away, whereas the shape of the Shark model is a little awkward.

Is the Shark Floor and Handheld Steam Cleaner worth it?

I was very happy with the results of the Shark Floor and Handheld Steam Cleaner in my testing process, and couldn't find a task that it didn't excel at. In a time where every penny counts, the RRP of this model may put some people off, but if you can afford to take the plunge, I think you'll find it is worth the investment. It gains great value in the fact that you can use it in a handheld capacity too, and that it comes with so many attachments (and a spare mop head).

There are some issues with the overall design and storage that could be ironed out, but on the whole, the features of this cleaner work very well, especially the extra bursts of steam that you can use to eradicate stains. As with vacuums, it feels that Shark has excelled with this steam cleaner, and it's one to beat. 

About this review, and this reviewer

If you want to know how to clean a Dyson vacuum, this step-by-step guide is for you. Dyson is a beloved vacuum brand for a reason – Dyson pioneered a cordless, bagless stick vacuum design that now has become the gold standard of easy-to-use, easy-to-empty vacuum cleaners. 

Dysons do require regular cleaning if you want to get the most out of them, though – the more often you clean yours, the better it will perform and the longer it will last. Dysons also should be cleaned regularly because they are bagless, which creates more of an opportunity for bacteria to grow inside them over time. 

Even with the cleaning requirements, Dyson makes some of the best vacuum cleaners out there. And, fortunately, cleaning them isn't difficult or very time-consuming – expect to be done in half an hour to an hour. Here's what you'll need to do. 

Clean a Dyson vacuum with this easy step by step

1. Always unplug first

A cleaning expert at Royal Cleaning Deni Ivanov tells us, 'this may be common sense, but it’s necessary to make sure your Dyson is unplugged and off to avoid electrocution.' So, always switch off and unplug (if corded) your Dyson prior to. cleaning.

2. Remove and clean the canister

Cleaning the canister is probably the most important aspect of cleaning your Dyson if you want to keep it hygienic over the longer term. 'With a few exemptions, you can often find the canister below the cyclone of your Dyson. If you’re using any V-series models, bring the vacuum over to a trash bin and press the red bin button near the base to release the canister from the body and empty its contents into the trash.'

The next step is to 'shake it well and use a microfiber cloth to clean the insides of the canister. Be sure not to use any chemicals or detergent when cleaning the dirt chamber.' We really like using a slightly damp e-cloth (can be bought on Amazon) to really lift off all the dirt from inside the canister. 

Always empty out the canister outdoors – never do this inside and don't leave the waste inside your home. And if you suffer from allergies, wear a mask while doing this step. This method applies to both the corded and best Dyson cordless vacuum cleaners, as well as the Dyson WashG1.

3. Remove the filter/s.

This is the step where you'll ideally need your user manual – 'read the manual on removing and cleaning your vacuum’s filter, as the process may differ depending on the model. For example, for Dyson V6 and Dyson V7, both pre-filter and post-filters are located near the handle.'

Now, 'Pull out the pre-filter, then rotate the post-filter counter-clockwise to remove them from the canister.'

4. Wash and dry the filter(s) 

Now, it's time to learn how to clean a Dyson filter. A light-handed approach is best here; Ivanov's recommended cleaning technique is 'gently tapping them upside down to remove debris and running water on both their insides and outside repeatedly before shaking them off to take out all debris.'

Depending on how dirty your filter is, you'll need to 'repeat this step as many times as possible or until the water runs crystal clear.'

Now – this is very important – 'leave the filters to dry for at least 24 hours before putting them back into place.' If the filter's still damp when you put it back on, your Dyson likely will just not even switch on. 

5. Clean the brush roll

Dyson brush rolls, in our experience, get clogged very quickly, especially if you have pets or anyone with long hair in your household. A clogged brush roll will eventually affect the effectiveness of your cleaning routine. 

So, get a pair of scissors or screwdrivers and 'untangle, pull or cut strings, hairs, and other dirt stuck on your brush roll. Afterward, clean the compartment with a microfiber cloth.'

Top tip: the finer the scissors, the better you'll be able to cut away at all the hair rolled around your brush. Manicure scissors that you can pick up at Amazon will work much better for this fiddly task than regular household scissors. 

6. Check and unclog the hose

Don't neglect the hose! Depending on your Dyson model, you may be surprised by the amount of dust and debris you'll find inside it. So, 'detach the hose from the wand, then clean its insides using a cloth pushed inside with the help of a broomstick or anything similar.'

Again, as with other Dyson parts, avoid using detergent; instead, 'you can submerge the hose into a warm water and vinegar mixture for about 5 to 10 minutes to remove bacteria. Rinse it with water, wipe, and hang to dry.'

7. Ensure everything's dry before reassembling

This is essential. Ivanov highly recommends ensuring 'all components are completely wiped and dried before putting them back together.' 

Reassembling a Dyson with wet components can lead to mold growth if done repeatedly, but Dysons also do not switch on if the components are wet, so you'll likely end up waiting even longer to use yours again. 

Can you wash the cyclone part of a Dyson?

The cyclone part of your Dyson vacuum is the special filter that filters out finer dust particles using centrifugal force. Technically, you can wash it. The official Dyson recommendation is to wash the unit with water by gently shaking it while filling it with tap water. 

However, many people find that this creates more problems than it solves – in particular, the dust that's accumulated on top of the filter just turns to mud, making it even harder to remove. 

Ivanov also says that washing the cyclone part 'is not recommended' – instead, 'consider putting it over the trash bin and blowing away debris through compressed
air to clean it instead.'

How often should I clean my Dyson?

According to Ivanov, 'as a general rule, you must clean the filters at least every month to guarantee optimal performance of your Dyson and extend its service life.' 

You should bear this timeframe in mind for the rest of your vacuum, too, although in practice, it all depends on how much you use it. If you vacuum daily, then you may find that your Dyson gets grimy even quicker, so a quick clean every couple of weeks is not imprudent. 

Knowing how to clean a Dyson filter is essential to keeping your Dyson vac in good working order. 

As the best vacuum cleaners go, Dyson vacuums are so effective in part thanks to their filters – these trap finer particles of dust. Trapping the dust inside the filter both prevents the dust from flying around the room as you clean and protects the motor inside your vacuum cleaner from overheating. 

Every best Dyson cordless vacuum model, like the Dyson WashG1, has at least one filter, but some models have two – one near the cyclone part of the vacuum and one at the back of the appliance. Here's how to clean a Dyson filter properly (hint: it may be a bit different from the official brand recommendation). 

Clean a Dyson filter with this step-by-step

1. Remove the filter

First, remove the filter. It's very straightforward with a Dyson – the filter part is always purple and you simply twist it and then pull it out. Most official advice stops here and goes straight to step three. However, there's a very compelling reason for doing step two, even though it's extra work. Once you've pulled out your filter and understood its construction, you'll see why. 

2. Take the filter apart

Most online recommendations for cleaning Dyson filters – including, interestingly, official Dyson advice – will tell you to rinse your filter under running water at this point. However, many people who actually own Dyson vacuums still experience problems after cleaning them. That's because the paper part of the Dyson filter is inserted into a plastic part – and you will be amazed by how much dirt is trapped between the plastic and the paper.

DIY YouTube enthusiast Love Happy Alison clearly demonstrates this by prising the paper filter out of its plastic casing with a butter knife. She then physically knocks out the trapped dirt and dust. As you can see from the amount of dust that comes it, this is well worth doing to achieve a more thorough clean. 

Alison also uses a stiff paintbrush to really get into all the awkward places in the filter. This is a very good tool to use to physically dislodge dirt that has become caked in.

3. Rinse out with cold water

Now go ahead and rinse your filter (both the paper and the plastic part) until cold water runs completely clear from it. You don't need to use soap or any other type of detergent. Never use hot water (lukewarm is ok if your hands are getting cold). Do not soak the filter for a prolonged period of time – a quick rinse is all it needs. 

4. Dry out the filter

This step is very important: never reassemble and re-insert a filter that's still wet. Let it air dry for 48 hours. The official guidelines are 24 hours, but we've found that 24 hours isn't enough, especially if you have given your filter a very thorough rinse. 

Don't try to artificially dry the filter – a dry room is all it needs. 

How do I know when my Dyson needs a new filter?

Even with regular cleaning, eventually, your filter will need to be replaced. This is because of the mechanical wear to the filter – after a while, it no longer will be able to do the filtering all that effectively. 

As a general rule, Dyson recommends replacing filter every 12 months. However, you may find that you can get yours to last a little longer (we've gone a couple of years with ours) – or that you need to replace yours sooner if you do a lot of vacuuming. 

If you notice any of the following, it's time to get a replacement filter from Amazon: 

• The filter is losing shape
• Loose threads or pilling is appearing on the surface of the filter
• The filter won't get completely clean despite your best efforts
• Your Dyson vacuum emits a dusty odor when you use it

Can I clean a Dyson filter without water?

Some people don't like the idea of wasting water on cleaning a vacuum filter. If this is you, then skip the rinsing stage and just mechanically remove as much dust and dirt as possible with a paintbrush or clean old toothbrush. Give the filter a good knock over the end of your trashcan, too. 

It's unlikely that you'll get your filter completely clean this way but it's definitely better than nothing. 

Tired of lugging around a bulky machine? With one of the best cordless vacuums, your cleaning routine has never been easier.

The Real Homes team put these models to the test and spent hours vacuuming everything from pet hair to dust and dirt. These are the best of the bunch, with great battery life and powerful suction.

Want to know which are the best vacuum cleaners that are cordless? We've tried out a range of cordless vacuums — all rated 4.5 stars or more. From Sharks to Dysons, we tested them in different homes and on many different surfaces.

The best cordless vacuum cleaners, rated by our experts

The best cordless vacuum cleaner

Honestly, we can't stop raving about the Shark Stratos Cordless with Clean Sense IQ. It's part of the latest line of Shark vacuum cleaners, and it's packed with all the features you need when cleaning your home — no matter its size. Our head ecommerce editor Annie reviewed this vacuum and is still using it to clean her home. It's the only vacuum cleaner she has ever given a five-star rating.

In review
This gets crowned as the best vacuum for pet hair, too. It's super easy to use as it adapts its suction power depending on what you're cleaning. It picked up Annie's and her pug's hair with ease, without getting any tangled around its brush roll. Its battery life is long enough for her to clean her spacious two-bedroom apartment two to three times, and she loved its LED lights for cleaning underneath furniture. Its stick bends to reach underneath furniture were both game-changing features for her. It takes up little space in her coat closet as it folds down to store. It boasts impressive suction on both hard floors and carpets. It's not the lightest vacuum, but that's expected with all of the technology packed inside. It's still easy to lift and is super light when converted into a handheld.

Good to know
Clean Sense IQ technology adapts the vacuum's suction based on how dirty your floors are, making the vacuum work harder or decreasing its suction without you having to push a button. This vacuum works with recyclable pods to emit a nice smell as you clean (which is great for diminishing pet odors). This particular model comes with a pet hair removal tool, a bag for keeping all the tools together, and twin batteries. The vacuum arrived with fully recyclable packaging, and you can buy an additional battery to extend the battery life to up to two hours — each battery has a life of one hour. You can charge its battery in two different ways.

Read our full Shark Stratos IZ420UKT review.

The best cordless vacuum cleaner for small spaces

We rated this incredible stick vacuum cleaner a whopping five stars in our review, which doesn't happen often. Our reviewer Courtney liked it because it offers some extremely high-tech offerings for less than $500. It's an incredible vacuum cleaner for small to medium-sized homes as it has a shorter battery life and a smaller dust cup, but it still offers impressive suction.

In review
Courtney found that the 50 minutes of runtime is more than enough to quickly zip around your space, although she found that the battery would drain a lot faster when using the vacuum on its highest setting. She loved how lightweight it was and although the 6-liter dustbin looked small, it was surprisingly roomy and managed to collect the mess her three kids and dog left behind. It's easy to use and even easier to empty, plus its compact frame can squeeze into really any closet.

Good to know
Tineco's signature iLoop Smart Sensor technology detects hidden dust and debris and auto-adjusts suction power in real-time. You can see it as an LED ring that changes from red to blue to indicate clean floors and guide you along. It's a true standout feature that gives a visual confirmation that your floors are getting cleaner. The onboard LED display can be connected to your phone via the Tineco app to monitor cleaning progress, battery levels, and suction performance — for additional insight into your cleaning experience. It comes with a suite of tools that are handy to use when cleaning your home and your car.

Read our full Tineco Pure One S12 review.

The best affordable cordless vacuum

If you like the sound of our top-rated Shark vacuum but don't have a spare $450 to spend, then check out the Levoit VortexIQ40. It wowed our reviewer Courtney while tackling a house full of kids and a dog. Much to her surprise, it collected every trace of dog hair, dust, and crumbs. Best of all? It normally costs $299.99, making it a super affordable option.

In review
For its affordable price tag, this vacuum offers a good list of features. Courtney was impressed with its suction on both carpets and hard floors and appreciated that it automatically adjusts its suction based on how dirty your floors are. It comes with headlights and an add-on for its stick so it can bend underneath furniture with ease. Courtney found it handy that the LED screen displays "max" when the dust bin is full but does admit it can be a little messy. She also addressed its battery life, which only lasts 40 minutes meaning it's perhaps better for smaller homes and apartments unless you don't mind charging your vacuum after every use. It only comes with two attachments, but for $300, it's tough to beat. Courtney found both attachments to be useful.

Good to know
It takes four to five hours to charge, which might be a pain if your home is large and you've run out of power halfway through cleaning. If your place is bigger, this would be a great secondary vacuum for spot cleaning.

Read our full Levoit VortexIQ40 review.

The best Dyson cordless vacuum

The Dyson V15 Detect boasts some impressive tech, but it's only worth its $749 price tag if you're actually going to make use of it. Thanks to a built-in green laser, it makes cleaning your floors seem more like a game rather than a chore — the laser can visualize what your eyes can't. A Piezo sensor lets you track just how many particles have been collected (we're talking hundreds of millions). Our reviewer Jaclyn loved using this vacuum to pick up after herself and her dog. It offers second-to-none suction power, and it's our best-rated Dyson vacuum for a reason.  

In review
The Dyson V15 Detect replaced Jaclyn's previous vacuum cleaner — the Dyson Outsize — which does have a dust bin that's twice the size but it's also heavier to use. Both vacuums have the same suction performance, which leads us to how impressed she was with the V15 Detect's suction. She was impressed by the green laser on the Dyson Detect's floorhead and found that it really helped to ensure her hard floors were truly clean (and all of the dog hairs had been picked up), but it doesn't work on carpets. The Piezo sensor still counts collected dirt whether you're on carpet or hard floors and it assures you that your vacuum is still picking stuff up. Best of all, she liked the range of attachments it came with, and the fact it weighs under seven pounds made it so much easier to lug up her stairs. It has three power modes, but she recommends using the "max power" mode in short bursts as it decreases battery life fast. 

Good to know
The vacuum's LCD screen lets you see your stats, and it alerts you when the bin needs emptying or if an air channel is clogged. On this screen, you can see everything from a run-time countdown clock to a real-time count of the collected particles from the PIEZO Sensor. It comes with a high torque cleaner head to swap in for deep carpet cleaning, as well as a range of attachments that you can use to clean high and low. Dyson DLS technology automatically senses a change in floor type if you move from hard floors to carpeted areas. This vacuum has a specially designed head that doesn't get clogged with pet hair.

Read our full Dyson V15 Detect review.

The best cordless handheld vacuum

For anyone who needs a new cordless vacuum but will really only be using it for handheld jobs, then save on money and closet space with the Proscenic S1. Our head of reviews Millie rates this as the #1 handheld vacuum you can buy, and for less than $100 it promises up to 30 minutes of power to remove tracked-in dirt from your car or the crumbs embedded deep in your couch cushions.

Our verdict
The S1 did a great job in our tests of picking up particles big and small. Millie found the two suction modes were plentiful for dealing with an array of messes, though choosing the lower power setting definitely helped the vacuum run for much longer. When it comes to attachments, the brush nozzle was excellent for working on upholstery, while the crevice nozzle was unrivaled for reaching corners in her high-ceiling home. In practice, Millie confirmed it lasted 26 minutes on the lower setting, which is pretty good.

Good to know
It has a running time of 15–30 minutes depending on the mode that you're using it on. While this might not sound long enough, it is the longest of the handheld vacs that we've reviewed. When it comes time to charge, the S1 can be housed on its charging dock or via its USB-C cable.

Read our full Proscenic S1 handheld vacuum review.

The best cordless vacuum for busy homes

The Samsung Jet 90 is not only a perfect solution for pet owners looking to remove pet hair and dander from their homes effectively, but our reviewer Rachael claims it's amazing for anyone seeking a sturdy, dependable vacuum with superior suction power. You can also buy attachments for it (a cleaning station and a mop head) so keep an eye out for bundles that include those.

In review
This vacuum's lightweight design proved to be handy when going up and down the stairs. When used on carpet, Rachael discovered that even on its lowest suction setting, it did an excellent job of picking up crumbs, dust, and pet hair. Onto hard flooring: It worked exceptionally well though it was too powerful on vinyl floors so had to be used on its low mode. With two terriers to clean up after, this vacuum has a special pet hair strainer that captures hair and prevents it from clogging the filter. She was impressed by its battery life and convenient 3.5-hour charge time. It has a telescopic stick that extends to make vacuuming comfortable at any height. She raved about the included Z-station (a freestanding storage rack) that allows you to store your tools and vacuum upright with ease. Her only complaint? The vacuum doesn't have headlights to illuminate darker spaces.

Good to know
Rachel didn't test the Samsung Clean Station, but if you do suffer from allergies, then this could be a great add-on. (It's frequently on sale, so keep an eye out). If you detest dealing with your vacuum's dust bin, then this vacuum self-empties into a sealed bag that sits inside the Clean Station, for hygienic, allergy-friendly cleaning. It also comes with an extra battery to extend the life of your vacuum by two hours. You can also buy a compatible mop head for your vacuum — the Samsung Jet Spinning Sweeper Brush (for $129.99) — which clicks onto the stick part of this vacuum. Use your vacuum in "wet" mode when working with the attachment. 

Read our full Samsung Jet 90 vacuum review.

The best cordless wet and dry vacuum

The LG CordZero A9 Kompressor ups the ante with the addition of a mopping kit, so you can vacuum and follow up with a machine-powered mopping sesh for sparkling clean floors. Our reviewer Kaitlin loved using this to clean up after her three kids and her dog, and she really enjoyed the convenience of its charging stand that comes included in the $799 price tag. Admittedly, this is a high-end vacuum cleaner that you'd expect to use several times a week to get your money's worth.

In review
Kaitlin really liked the convenience of this super lightweight vacuum mop, which extends depending on your height. The mop attachment is super easy to use, simply add the power mop attachment and fill the water reservoir then you're good to go. She was satisfied with its battery life and the fact it comes with two batteries meant she didn't need to worry about running out of power. She noted that it works best on "turbo mode" and one of her favorite features was actually its charging dock that was small enough to fit into her tight utility closet. The function that sets this vac apart from the rest is the Kompressor, which pushes dirt, hair, and crumbs down inside the canister, so you can go for longer periods of time without needing to empty it. Her only complaint? Do not attempt to use it on carpet or any rugs as Kaitlin dealt with a broken brush roll when trying it over a kitchen runner. Fortunately, customer service was responsive. 

Good to know
LG's exclusive, smart inverter motor creates better cleaning performance, uses less energy consumption, and results in an extremely lightweight machine. It comes with a suite of attachments that are easy to use and has a smart component with LG's ThinQ app for troubleshooting product malfunctions and monitoring the battery and filter.  

Read our full LG CordZero A9 Kompressor review.

The best cordless vacuum under $400

If you're in the market for a cordless vacuum to clean a smaller space, or for something to work alongside a corded model — perhaps to keep upstairs or for spot cleaning — then the Shark Vertex could be the one for you. Coming in at less than $400, our reviewer Jaclyn really loved it for quick clean-ups as it's lightweight, powerful, and super convenient. It's similar to our top pick, but it's $100 cheaper (and it's often on sale).

In review
This Shark vacuum cleaner ticked a lot of Jaclyn's boxes, though the canister capacity is among the smallest on our list, which is why she'd recommend it for small spaces or spot cleaning. It does boast a 60-minute battery life and a short three-hour charge time, which is impressive for its price. It folds down (similar to our first pick) for easy storage and doubles as a handheld vacuum, with a bunch of accessories included. She loved the fact it has two modes, one for hard floors and the other for carpets. The vacuum roared to life when she switched modes, and its LED lights illuminated the path in front of Jaclyn as she cleaned. She loved using its flexible stick for reaching underneath her bed. The only thing she disliked? It's pretty heavy, so if you have stairs you might not want to lug it up and down them several times a week.

Good to know
This vacuum is fitted with some of the latest Shark technology — DuoClean Powerfins, Multi-Flex technology, and the Anti-Allergen Seal (washable HEPA filter) seen in the upright Vertex. You can buy an additional battery to extend the battery life to up to two hours — each battery has a life of one hour. You can charge its battery in two different ways.

Jaclyn rated this vacuum 4.5 stars over at our sister brand, Homes & Gardens.

The best cordless vacuum cleaner for carpet

If you have a large, mostly carpeted, home to clean and want to do it in one pass, then the Dyson Outsize Absolute is a no-brainer purchase. It has a half-gallon dust capacity, up to two hours of runtime (from two batteries), and twice the suction power compared to earlier Dyson models (not including the V15 Detect). Yes, this is the most expensive vacuum on our list at $900, but our reviewer Jaclyn says that the Outsize is designed to be the one and only vacuum you need in your home.

In review
Jaclyn used the Dyson Outsize as her main vacuum cleaner for a good while until she tested the Dyson V15 Detect — she preferred this model for the size of her home. Opt for the Outsize if your home is large as it has a wide 12.5-inch head to clean more space in one sweep, plus it offers a huge dust cup and two batteries (giving you a total battery life of two hours). It performs extraordinarily well considering its weight, and it can convert to a handheld model. Jaclyn performed a bunch of tests with this vacuum and found that its suction is better on carpeted floors and that it struggles to pick up larger debris and dirt on harder floors. So if your home is mostly carpet, this is the vacuum for you. The two things Jaclyn didn't like about this vacuum is that out of its three modes, the strongest "boost" mode decreases battery life down to just five minutes. It also can't be used on thin rugs, even in "eco" mode as its brush roller stops which she found to be very annoying. 

Good to know
The vacuum has some pretty intense technology that makes it so powerful, namely its Dyson Hyperdymium motor which is the reason it's so powerful. Dyson DLS technology automatically senses and adapts to changes in floor type, which helps manage battery life. Headlights do a great job of illuminating any dust or dirt you may have missed on the first pass. 

Jaclyn rated this vacuum 4.5 stars over at our sister brand, Homes & Gardens.

The best cordless vacuum for medium-sized homes

When it comes down to decent, deep cleaning performance, the Miele Triflex HX1 Pro is a force to be reckoned with. Our reviewer Sarah claims its suction power is easily on par with a high-end corded vacuum, and this is achieved without sacrificing battery life. The HX1 Pro lasts longer than anybody should ever want or need to clean, making it a true winner for anyone with a medium or large size home who is in the market for a cordless vacuum.

In review
Sarah used this vacuum to clean up the messes in her four-bedroom family home she shares with children and pets. She enjoyed using all three modes it offers ⁠— comfort, reach, and compact — and claims that the reach mode was the one she used the most. The vacuum can also stand upright in comfort mode, which is a winning feature. Sarah admits the vacuum did its best work on carpets and it did a fine job on dust, feathers, dog hair, and human hair. She loved that it automatically detects when it’s on the carpet and bumps up the power. She raved about its LED headlights for making it clear to see where she had missed, though do be warned that pet hair will get tangled in the brush, but it's easy to get rid of. Sarah wasn't so happy with the size of its dust cup. It's small and translates into more trips to the kitchen trash can, though she did mention it's easy to empty. 

Good to know
If your home is mostly covered in hard flooring, then we would suggest you pick a different option. At $899, it has a high price, but its suction is impressive on carpets. Two batteries mean you'll never run out of power, and if you have a medium-sized home, then its smaller dust cup shouldn't be too much of an issue. In fact, we'd recommend it over the Outsize for a medium-sized home because it lasts for 34 minutes when cleaning in its strongest mode.

Read our full Miele Triflex HX1 Pro review.

What to look for when buying a cordless vacuum

Along with each vacuum cleaner we've featured below, we've listed seven different specs:

• Bagless — Having a bagged vacuum means more waste, although it does trap allergens and dust from escaping when you empty your vacuum. So it's great for allergy sufferers, though bagless cordless vacuums are a lot more common.
• Battery life — Consider the size of your home. If you have two floors, go for something with a longer battery life. Some vacuums come with two batteries so that you're never without a charge.
• Charging time — If you're someone who vacuums every day, then go for a vacuum cleaner with a short charge time. If you don't mind charging yours overnight or you vacuum just twice a week, this shouldn't bother you too much.
• Capacity — The bigger your home, the bigger you want your dustbin capacity to be. If you have a pet, go for a bigger dust bin as yours will be putting in extra work to collect their hair.
• Noise — This won't bother some people, but apartment-dwellers might want a quiet vacuum to keep the peace with their neighbors. The quietest on our list is 71 dBA (our first pick).
• Weight — If you have stairs, a heavy, cumbersome vacuum might not be the one. No staircase? We still recommend choosing something lightweight if you want to use it as a handheld model with its accessories.
• Price — You probably already have a budget you're working with, so choose your vacuum and then patiently wait for a sale like Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day and wait for its price to (hopefully) drop.

FAQs

What is the best cordless vacuum cleaner?

We cannot rave about the new Shark Stratos Cordless with Clean Sense IQ enough. It's packed with all of the features you need when cleaning your home. It automatically adjusts suction based on how dirty or clean your floors are, it bends to reach underneath furniture and for easy storing, and it works with scent pods to emit a nice smell as you clean your home. Our head ecommerce editor Annie reviewed this vacuum and it's the only vacuum cleaner she has ever given a five-star rating.

How much should you spend on a cordless vacuum?

Cordless vacuum cleaners range drastically in price. A budget model usually costs around $200 and a premium model can cost over $700. To get the most sought-after features, like long-lasting battery life, HEPA filtration, lightweight design, and excellent suction, expect to pay around $400. 

How we test cordless vacuums

All of the cordless vacuums featured in this guide have been tested by one of our editors or freelancers in the UK or US. We appreciate that there may be slight differences between the models across the pond such as the model number or attachments that are included in the box. We test the vacuums for a minimum of two months in our own homes.

The products featured above are by no means limited to just how many vacuums we've tested — these are just our favorites so far. Over the years, our experience hasn't just been focused on reviewing cordless vacuums. We've tested robot vacuums, handheld vacs, and corded canister vacuums, too. And with all these vacuum cleaners coming into our homes, you may be thinking that our homes are spotless. You're not wrong. We are sometimes even gifted the vac which means that we can continue to use it in our homes, testing for performance over time, which is then reflected in our reviews.

How do we review cordless vacuum cleaners?

When reviewing cordless vacuum cleaners we use criteria in order to rank them. We consider five main features and compare each vacuum with its competitors. We think about:

1. How easy is it to set up?
We unbox all of our vacuum cleaners, lay out their accessories, and snap a few photos. If it needs to be connected to an app, we'll be sure to explain how easy its setup was. Most cordless vacuums just need to be clicked together and then fully charged before you use them.

2. How easy is it to use? How many modes does it have?
Sounds pretty straightforward, and for those vacuums with only one or two modes, it is. But for anything a little more technical (Dyson V15 Detect, we're talking about you) we test every single feature and mode, comparing one to another and on different floor types. The ease of use test also includes how heavy it is to lift it upstairs (if our reviewer has stairs) and how easy it is to clean underneath furniture and maneuver around furniture legs. We also check if it has LED headlights for illuminating darker spaces.

3. What is its battery life like? How big is its dust cup?
Yes, we know that each manufacturer tells us this, as well as the charging time, but we always check that this number is true by timing how long each vacuum can be used. The same goes for its dust cup, though this is a lot harder for us to test as it's all dependent on how clean or dirty our homes are. We will suggest a size home that is best for the vacuum. So, if we think that something is only really good for small spaces as it has a shorter battery life or a smaller bin, we will say so.   

4. How easy is it to store and maintain?
Yes, all vacuum cleaners, whether they are $200 or $900, need to be cleaned. Ugh. But, some are a lot easier to clean than others. Some have washable filters which makes life easy, and we always note how easy it is to empty each vacuum cleaner's dust cup. When it comes to storage, most cordless models cannot stand upright on their own which is annoying. The majority of them come with either a stand or a wall mount to make them easier to hide in a closet.

5. Which attachments come with your vacuum?
Some of us don't have the space to store a handheld vacuum and a cordless stick vacuum, which is totally understandable. So, we're sure to test out all of the accessories that come included with our vacuum cleaners, and we explain what we used each one to clean. As a general rule, vacuums usually come with a crevice tool for reaching corners and a brush tool for cleaning baseboards and surfaces. Less is usually more in this case, as you need to think about where you're going to store these accessories. Some have onboard storage whereas others will need to sit in a bag in your closet.

Lastly, we try to carry out pantry tests with each mode, to deliberately challenge these vacuums with cereal, rice, and sugar across different floor types. We've found that this is a really great way of quickly, neatly, and (semi) professionally showing you just what the vac is capable of achieving.

Meet our in-house cordless vacuum reviewers:

Meet our freelancer cordless vacuum reviewers:

Don't miss our guide to how to vacuum like a pro (yes, there are techniques to get it done quicker and better). After snagging one of these great cordless vacuums and our expert know-how, your house will be looking spotless in no time.

Find a top vacuum cleaner deal with these great savings on cordless and upright vacuums, as well as the odd robot vacuum saving. Buying a new vacuum cleaner is never the most exciting task, but the time a brand new vacuum will save you when it comes to doing those midweek cleans is a real lifesaver. 

If the stress of trying to clean with something substandard is making chores even more of... well, a chore, then it could be time to upgrade. And when could be better than when there is a huge sale on the best vacuum cleaners? With such a wide range of vacuum cleaners on offer, at so many price points, it can always be a little surprising to see some of the most popular models' price tags. 

The thing is, vacuum tech is quite diverse and whether you want a cylinder model with super suction, or a nifty cordless to make light of cleaning your home, spending a little bit more will generally leave you more satisfied with the functionality of your new vacuum. However, we are here to help you spend less, so have rounded up the best models from the likes of Shark, Dyson, Miele and more, to make sure you get the best vacuum you can, but for much less.

The best vacuum cleaner deals

Amazon sells vacuums from pretty much every brand, so when there is a sale on, it is one the best places to go. Shop our top picks below.

Vacuum Cleaner Sales by Retailer

• Amazon: click to shop for your next vacuum cleaner
• AO: lots of vacuum cleaners to choose from...
• Appliances Direct: save £££s on vacuum cleaners
• Argos: shop exclusives and low prices
• Currys PC World: find your next best vacuum
• eBay: shop for refurbished and new vac models at discounted prices
• EufyLife: last call for super savings on robot vacuum cleaners
• Harrods: shop to save on top-rated brands
• Hughes: view all vacuum cleaners by type
• Shark: save up to £100 on corded, cordless and handheld vacuum cleaners
• John Lewis & Partners: browse all vacuum cleaners by brand
• Robert Dyas: shop discounted handheld, cylinder and stick vacuum cleaners

Best vacuum cleaner deals

Below we have listed the top vacuum deals we've seen so far this month, which could help with the fast approaching spring clean.

At the time of writing these deals are all still in stock but we're not sure for how much longer or when the deals are expected to end, so hurry to shop.

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Vacuum cleaner deals by type

We have sections for all the top cheap vacuum cleaner deals to help you quickly, and easily, get to the products you want. You can jump to stick vacuum cleaner deals, cylinder vacuum cleaner deals, upright vacuum cleaner deals, robot vacuum cleaner deals and handheld vacuum cleaner deals or simply keep scrolling to see what's on offer across the categories this year.

Stick vacuum cleaner deals

Cylinder vacuum cleaner deals

Upright vacuum deals

Robot vacuum cleaner deals

Handheld vacuum cleaner deals

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Cheap vacuum cleaners

Our favourite vacuum cleaners

Not found what you were looking for above? We've got tons more vacuum cleaner recommendations below. This time they're ones we've tried and tested which you may recognise from several of our guides and highly recommend you buy, based on our own experience with them. The prices displayed are the best around, too, so you know you're onto a winner.

Use the links to jump to vacuum cleaner deals you'd like to browse.

The best all-round vacuum cleaners

Below, we've listed our ultimate list of the best vacuums you can buy. In there is everything from pet-friendly models to robot vacuums, cylinder vacuums and incredible stick vacuums.

The best pet vacuum cleaners

If you have a furry companion that leaves their hair everywhere, then a standard vacuum may not be doing the job. Enter: the best vacuum for pet hair 

The best cordless vacuum cleaners

Not only will the best cordless vacuum make your life a lot easier, but they're also (more often than not) lighter than standard vacuums. You'll never have to change plug sockets again whilst vacuuming again. Watch the shoppable video below to see how we compare some of our favourite cordless models.

The best robot vacuum cleaners

Let's be honest, vacuuming is no one's favourite chore. So, why not let a robot do it for you? We know it sounds crazy, but trust us, they work, and you barely have to lift a finger. From the best vacuum cleaners out there, we've narrowed down the best robot vacuum cleaners at the cheapest prices for you below.

The best handheld vacuum cleaners

We've all got to do it at some point, but cleaning those really hard to reach areas can be a nightmare. The best handheld vacuum is ideal for getting into the edges of the staircase, in your car boot or under your chest of drawers, they're compact AND lightweight, so are pretty much perfect for standard jobs. Shop below for the best deals right now.

Black Friday vacuum deals

Yes, Black Friday is just around the corner which means that you're so close to scoring a discount on that vacuum you've been lusting after. If you can, it'd be a good idea to wait until November the 25th to invest in a new vacuum, otherwise, Cyber Monday is on the 28th of November this year, too. We're expecting to see heaps of discounts from our favourite brands, including Shark, Dyson and more. Head back here for updates closer to the time.

The Ultenic U11 cordless vacuum certainly looks the part of a Dyson rival. It's got a sleek metallic teal exterior and comes with handheld attachments as well as an easily removed wand. 

I put the Ultenic U11 to the test in my dusty top-floor flat for a few months to see if it can stay on top of daily dust and particles. While this vacuum cleaner was capable of keeping my two-person, pet-free home clear from dust, it did struggle with my parents' home, which has a lot of pet hair to contend with. Here is my full Ultenic U11 review, but you can check out the best vacuum cleaner guide for more top floor cleaning options.

Ultenic U11 cordless vacuum cleaner specifications:

• Maximum power: 260W 
• Dimensions: H49.4 x D10 x W8.72 inches
• Weight: 2.2kg 
• Noise: low
• Dustbin capacity: 0.14-gallon / 0.65-litre
• Attachments: brush roller, crevice tool, mini motorized tool

Who will the Ultenic U11 cordless vacuum cleaner suit?

Small homes, without pets or major vacuuming needs. I got on just fine with it in my two-bed flat, but the battery life and power will leave those with larger homes disappointed. 

What is the Ultenic U11 cordless vacuum cleaner like to use?

Easy! It arrives in a cardboard box and assembly is very intuitive. I did have some trouble assembling the stand and hand to get some help in pushing the attachment holder into place fully. When it was in securely though, it held the vacuum up into place and was easy to plug in and charge.

Hard flooring
My flat has mostly hardwood floors, which can pick up visible levels of dust if not vacuumed every few days. The Ultenic U11 picked this up well enough and prevented any major buildups. 

My kitchen floor is often scattered with everything from crumbs to coffee grounds. It needs a lot of attention, and I found the Ultenic U11 did a less satisfactory job in picking up debris than other vacuums I've tested recently. In particular, the new Beko PowerClean did a much better job. I felt like I had to direct the Ultenic U11 to areas with debris and give it a few passes for it to pick up everything, so while it is effective at picking up the odd crumb, it's less capable with serious mess. 

Rugs

I don't have carpets, but I do have numerous rugs. The Ultenic U11 did a pretty good job on these, picking up trodden-in dust and fibres. The bin filled up after just a few passes on my largest rug, so in homes with large areas of carpet you should expect to empty regularly. 

Pet hair

I don't have a pet, which is something I lament every day. My parents do though, and I put the Ultenic U11 to the test in their home to see how it held up. While it did pick up some pet hair from around my dog's bed it by no means picked up all (or even most) of it. It's not a contender for the best vacuums for pet hair.

Attachments
There is a mini motorized brush and a crevice tool included with the Ultenic U11. You can attach these and transform the Ultenic U11 into a handheld vacuum, which makes stairs and car interiors easier to clean.

Attachments slot into place easily and it's just a case of pressing down a button and pulling to remove. The crevice tool does a good job of reaching into corners and even ceilings, and it came in handy when cleaning my car's footwell. 

The mini motorized tool is best used on upholstery, and I found that it was good at picking up pet hair on stairs, too. 

Battery life
The Ultenic U11 has one of the weaker battery lives of the vacuum cleaners I've tested. On turbo mode you can expect it to last just shy of 15 minutes, and on the low power mode I found that it lasted just over half an hour, but for the regular mode you can expect 25 minutes of cleaning. 

This is enough to handle small homes like mine, but given that it's far from a powerhouse, you may need to use turbo if you have messy areas. 

It's worth noting that this vacuum is seriously quiet when compared to other cordless vacuums I've tested. Is this down to the smaller motor? Perhaps, but it's a nice bonus for those in flats like myself. 

How does it rate online? 

Our friends at TechRadar gave it 2.5 out of 5, while IndyBest didn't give it an overall ranking, but really enjoyed its value for money. We're somewhere in between. It's definitely cheaper than many of the best cordless vacuum cleaners, but you do get what you pay for, which is a less capable vacuum overall. 

How does it rate against similar vacuum cleaners?

While Amazon puts the Ultenic U11's regular price at £269, it's usually on sale. At time of writing it's available for £179, which is a pretty cheap cordless vacuum. 

In the States it's a similar story. The RRP is listed as $219, but at time of writing it's listed at under $200. 

For the price, it's a good choice for some homes. However, I had just finished testing the mighty Beko PowerClean when I wrote this Ultenic U11 review, which puts a stark contrast in terms of value for money. With an RRP of £279, I would spend the extra £100 in a heartbeat for how much better the Beko is. If that's out of your budget though, there's also the Vax ONEPWR Blade 4, which retails for £219. We gave this a glowing 4.5 star rating which you can read in our full Vax ONEPWR Blade 4 cordless vacuum cleaner review, so it may be worth spending a little more on. 

Should you buy the Ultenic U11?

If you're on a tight budget and live in a relatively mess-free home that just needs the odd run-around, there's no reason the Ultenic U11 won't work for you. It's great for quickly cleaning small flats and the odd room, and it's attractive to look at. There's also the option of handheld use, which is definitely a perk for those who have stairs or cars to contend with.

Pet owners and large households should look elsewhere though, as the Ultenic U11 lacks the battery life and capacity you'll need. 

 About our review – and our reviewer: 

Millie Fender is small appliances editor at Real Homes. She reviews vacuum cleaners, coffee machines and even BBQs from her own home to see if they deserve a spot in yours.

Millie lives in South London in a two-bed flat that she shares with her partner. It's a bit tight on space, and the constant kitchen testing means there's no shortage of crumbs to be vacuumed! 

Created by two former Dyson staff members, the Lupe Pure Cordless is a cordless vacuum cleaner with futuristic good looks. If Apple made a vac, it might look a bit like this. Built to last and to deliver great performance, this new-to-the-market cleaner is definitely worth your attention, but is it the one for you? 

Our review will help you make up your mind. I’ve tested a wide selection of vacuum cleaners on carpet, parquet, tiles, stairs and upholstery, and challenged them with mud, fluff, light debris and pet hair to give you the lowdown on how efficiently they’ll do the job, how easy they are to use, and how much space they’ll take up in your cupboard. 

Can’t wait to buy? Use the link below to buy the Lupe Pure Cordless direct from the manufacturer then, check out our best vacuum cleaner guide for more top floor cleaning options.

• Buy the Lupe Pure Cordless vacuum cleaner

Lupe Pure Cordless vacuum cleaner specifications:

•  Maximum power: 400W 
•  Cable length: not applicable 
•  Dimensions: H114.5 x W17.5 x D26cm 
•  Weight: 4.6kg 
•  Noise: not available 
•  Energy rating: no ratings for cordless vacuums 
•  Dustbag capacity: 1 litre 

Who will the Lupe Pure Cordless vacuum cleaner suit?

Homes of all proportions, fans of vacs that stand rather than having to be propped up, and aficionados of modern design.

What is the Lupe Pure Cordless vacuum cleaner like to use?

It doesn’t take long to get set up and cleaning with this vacuum cleaner, and it’s fuss free to operate as an upright or handheld. 

Hard flooring, carpet and stairs
I tested the Lupe Pure Cordless on a variety of surfaces in my home, and required it to pick up a range of stuff you don’t want hanging about on floors and furniture including fur, dust, breakfast cereal, hair, and mud. The results were impressive and speedy over all the large surfaces. Stairs were a little trickier. Cleaning them with the attachments wasn’t a problem, but using the cleaning head was a bit awkward as it’s sizeable and proved somewhat unwieldy. 

Unlike some vacuum cleaners I’ve tested, the Lupe Pure Cordless didn’t save its best work for either of carpet and hard flooring, but performed equally impressively on both. Moving between the two wasn’t a hassle either. There’s a brush bar switch along with the rest of the controls. Its default setting in on, so all I needed to do was switch it off for long pile carpets or delicate floors. Easy.

I couldn’t claim cleaning with this vacuum cleaner didn’t demand some exertion. Pushing it over the floor did need a bit of effort. This won’t be a problem for many, but it isn’t the best vac if one of your buying criteria is that vacuuming requires as little pushing as possible.

When it came to cleaning under furniture, there was no problem, and the Lupe Pure Cordless got up to the edges of rooms well, making whole-house cleaning a much quicker task.

Attachments
When I opened the beautifully designed box (on which more below) in which the Lupe Pure Cordless arrives, I found it came with a crevice tool and upholstery tool. At first glance, I wondered if I’d feel a little short changed compared to other vacuums, as many offer a large collection of attachments. In practice this wasn’t the case as both tools are equipped with a brush that can be slid into place when required. In other words, two tools are really four. There was also an accessory mount included for the pair to avoid the return trip to the cupboard (and the scramble to find what I wanted) as I moved round the house.

The attachments were easy to fit to the cleaner. The hose just had to be detached, and then the required tool fitted on to the end. Using them did prove to be a two-handed job, however. It’s necessary to hold the handle on the main body of the vacuum when you’re cleaning with the hose. If you’re used to another vacuum where you have your non-vacuum hand free to, for example, hold up a cushion, or smooth upholstery, you might find this – as I did – a down side.

The hose isn’t particularly lengthy, so I found it necessary to keep moving the vacuum to get to all the fur-covered areas of the sofa. There was no faulting the fur pick-up itself with the upholstery tool, on the other hand, and the seats were soon ready for the cats to recommence their demanding sleeping schedule.

To use the attachments with the vacuum as a handheld, it was a matter of floorhead off, wand on to the hose, then attachment on to the wand – all very neat. To reach to clean high up, you’ll be lifting a weight of 0.5kg with the main body of the machine in one hand and the wand handle in the other, and I didn’t find this awkward.

Manoeuvrability
The Lupe Pure Cordless went where I wanted it to when I was cleaning the floor. Unlike some other cordless designs, or a plug-in upright, the weight is located in the middle of the machine, so I did find that took a little getting used to, but was fine once I was in the swing of it.

Carrying it around and up and down the stairs was comfortable. Its neat dimensions meant I could keep it close to my body so there was no strain. There is, though, one aspect to be aware of when you’re moving it: you need to pick it up by the main body, and not the handle at the top of the wand, which could well be the way you’re inclined to grab it.

Power and debris removal

Full marks to the Lupe Pure Cordless for its vacuuming power. It lifted all sorts of dirt well, on all sorts of surfaces. What’s more, it scattered very little, meaning one pass was enough even when it had a pile of Rice Krispies to deal with or lots of muck to get rid of. As discussed above, the Lupe Pure Cordless does the job efficiently whatever the floorcovering, so it doesn’t matter if your home is mostly carpet, almost all hard flooring, or mixes the two. And when you move to a new flat or house, you won’t get caught out with a vacuum that’s not top notch for whatever you inherit flooring wise.

You’ll get up to 60 minutes to vacuum when the battery of this vacuum cleaner is fully charged. To get the most out of one charge, you’ll need to keep the machine on its eco setting or normal – par for the course with cordless cleaners. The Lupe Pure Cordless does have a third setting of max which is for particularly dirty areas, but I found this wasn’t a must-use either with normal household dirt, or the tough cleaning up I challenged the machine with.

When it comes to charging up the battery in the first place, this takes three and half hours. If you’re drawing up a short list and this is one of the criteria, it’s worth noting that this charge time gives the Lupe Pure Cordless an advantage over some rivals, and puts it on level pegging with others.

To switch between power settings, as well as turn the vacuum on and off, and turn the brush bar on and off, you do need to bend down to around the middle of the machine. I didn’t find this to be the easiest arrangement, although the buttons themselves are clear and comfortable to operate. The plus point, though, was that I didn’t find I ever switched the vacuum on merely by picking it up, which I have found an issue when an on button is located on the handle.  

Dustbag removal
Who wants to struggle with a bin full of grot? No, me neither, and the Lupe Pure didn’t let me down on this score. The process of emptying was simple. The bin has a generous capacity, too, of a whole 1 litre, and I appreciated the fact that this meant longer between trips to the bin.

Handy features

You only get the unpacking and assembling experience with a new vacuum once, but it’s worth knowing that it’s a good one with this model. The Lupe Pure Cordless arrived in a box of modest proportions, into which it was tidily packed. Taking each part out, identifying it, and putting it together to make up the vacuum was a piece of cake. 

The battery can be charged either on or off the vacuum, and I preferred to put the vacuum away and just have the battery out and on charge. Having the option of either when you’re charging means this vacuum suits all storage situations and plug positions, which is a plus. 

As you’d expect from a vacuum cleaner that’s been designed for long-term ownership, when the battery reaches the end of its life – as these types of batteries inevitably do – it is replaceable. This isn’t the case with all cordless vacuums. 

In fact, it’s not just the battery that can be swapped when the time comes. Lupe says that all key parts are replaceable as the company supports long-term ownership. It also says that as technology moves on it will make upgrades available for key components.

Allergy sufferers in the household?
The Lupe Pure Cordless has a HEPA filter to deal with fine dust and allergens. It promises to capture 99.99 per cent of all microscopic dust particles. It also has washable lifetime filters. 

Storing

At H114.5 x W17.5 x D26cm, the Lupe Pure Cordless isn’t a cupboard hog. Credit, too, for the fact that as an upright, it stays, er, upright, and doesn’t have to be propped up to store (or when you pause while vacuuming), nor need a stand for attachment to the wall.  

How does it rate online?

The Lupe Pure Cordless is a brand new vacuum cleaner, so as you’d expect, it hasn’t garnered a whole lot of reviews yet. Nonetheless, those who have invested are delighted with their purchase and on the Lupe site it gets an average score of 4.78 out of five. 

The vacuum’s users acclaim its long cleaning time before it needs recharging, its suction power and hence cleaning results, and find the waste bin easy to empty. The niggles from these customers are very small: some would like a motorised stair tool while a couple mention that it comes at a premium price point (the company does point out in response that it has been ‘built for long-term ownership using the best components and latest technology’). 

And how does it rate against similar vacuum cleaners?

The cost of the Lupe Pure Cordless puts it among the most expensive vacuums you can buy. Comparing like for like, its running time exceeds some of the competition, and is just a little less than some others, while it boasts a quicker charge time. In terms of dust bin capacity, it stands out and will cut down on how often you have to perform this chore. Rivals in this part of the vacuum market come with more features and extras, but if you don’t mind sacrificing some of these in the service of sustainability, its cleaning results should definitely recommend it to you.  

• Buy the Lupe Pure Cordless vacuum cleaner

 About our review – and our reviewer: 

Sarah Warwick has specialised in homes and interiors for over 20 years. She was Executive Editor of Ideal Home magazine, and has written for nationals, magazines and websites including Real Homes, Homebuilding & Renovating, Grand Designs, Homes & Gardens, Houzz, The Guardian, House Beautiful and Country Homes & Interiors. She put the vacuums through their paces all round the house, on all sorts of dirt and debris, and a variety of flooring and surfaces.  

More on vacuum cleaners:

• Want a Dyson vac after all? Read our Dyson V7 Absolute cordless vacuum cleaner review
• Best handheld vacuum cleaners
• Looking for a bargain? Browse our vacuum cleaner sale page which is regularly updated with the best deals around

It's eBay's birthday, and what better way to celebrate than with a massive anniversary sale? 

We’ve all come to love eBay as a treasure trove of secondhand goods—from vintage furniture to designer handbags, the pioneering auction site has something to suit everyone. But did you know the eBay marketplace lists way more than vintage and pre-loved finds?

To celebrate its upcoming 25th anniversary, eBay has launched a massive anniversary sale on its marketplace, featuring all kinds of unbeatable deals on big name brands like KitchenAid, Shark, Dyson, and Sun Joe. So if you were ever curious to explore all that eBay has to offer, now’s the best time to get shopping.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a selection of some of the best deals we’ve seen so far to get you started. Whether you’re in the market for the best robot vacuum cleaner, a pasta maker, or even an electric pressure washer, here are some of the best deals from eBay’s massive anniversary sale.

• Looking for more sales? Check out our roundup of the best Labor Day sales this year. 

Read more:

• Labor Day mattress sales 2020: The best deals happening now

It's no question that pet owners love their four-legged friends, but no one wants dog smell in the house. Fall's shedding season is right around the corner, so get ahead of the game now by incorporating a few easy hacks to keep Fido's odor from taking over.

Check out our guide to the best vacuums for pet hair for top fluff-busters.

Invest in a quality vacuum

The more your pet's hair gathers in your rugs and carpets, the worse your home will smell. You'll want to vacuum frequently. While it may feel like a big splurge now, investing in a quality vacuum that won't get clogged up by Fido's fur is a must for pet owners.

For mobility and cord-free versatility, nothing beats the Dyson Cyclone stick vacuum. It features the brand's most powerful cleaner head to remove dust from carpets as well as on hardwood floors. Choosing a vacuum that can go work on a variety of surfaces is key, since your pooch's mess isn't confined to the carpet. Plus, this one has a handy attachable groom tool you can use to vacuum loose hair straight from your dog. 

While Dyson vacuums are great, they aren't known for being cheap. If the price tag is out of your range right now, consider a more budget-friendly option, like the Eureka Upright Pet Vacuum. This handy design has easy-glide wheels designed to traverse floors and carpets. There's also a filtration system and HEPA filter to trap more than 99% of dust and allergens — key for pet owners. 

Want to save time? Let your robot do the work by splurging on a hard-working Roomba vacuum. 

Opt for washable everything

Upholstered furniture is going to trap a lot more odor than other surfaces, but professional cleaning costs a pretty penny. If you have a particularly smelly dog, consider machine-washable slipcovers for your sofa and side chairs. 

Wash slip covers, pillow shams, and throw blankets weekly to keep odors under control during shedding season. Consider upgrading your laundry detergent for a formula with extra odor-fighting ingredients, like baking soda.  

Steam clean

Even with frequent vacuuming and washing, you'll want to give your carpets (and any uncovered upholstery) a good steam cleaning now and then. You can hire a service like Stanley Steamer to come in and do the job for you or purchase the equipment to do it yourself. 

The Bissell Multipurpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is a versatile option that's easy to maneuver. The Hoover SmartWash PET Complete is great for larger areas, but a portable option works better on stairs, area rugs, and upholstery. Simply fill tanks in the sink and empty when the job is done. 

If you really want to go for a budget option, consider this hack: Liberally sprinkle baking soda on your carpet and furniture overnight. In the morning, vacuum it up. This natural odor eliminator is completely safe for your pooch. 

Go to the source

While many pet odors can't be helped, there are ways you can keep your pup from getting too smelly. Give them a bath every two weeks with a quality pet shampoo. You'll want to opt for a formula that won't irritate their skin, since that can cause even more dander and smell.

For long-haired dogs, enlist a shedding tool to remove excess hair once they are dry. Consider a handy deshedding glove, which will feel like a relaxing massage for your fur baby. 

Don't forget to clean their ears with a soft cloth or towel, as they can become smelly. And if your pet has any skin issues or irritation, take them to the vet...You may need to consider a new diet. 

Neutralize odors with scent

Finally, cover up odors with some more appealing scents — like candles, potpourri, and essential oils. Just be sure to keep these items out of reach of pets, and check that they contain safe ingredients. (Check out our list of the best reed diffusers and best home fragrances for inspiration).

Diffusing essential oils is a great way to eliminate stinky odors in your home. However, there are some oils that are not safe for dogs. These can include citrus oils, pine, tea tree, and ylang ylang. So, resist using lemon to mimic your favorite cleaner.

Don't worry, plenty are quite safe. For odor-busting qualities, peppermint is a great option. Plus, it has a lot of other perks for pooches, like helping to combat your pet's seasonal allergies. Lavender is another good option for dogs, and boasts the same relaxation benefits humans enjoy from the herb. (Note, lavender is not safe for cats, so don't use it if you have felines in the house as well.) 

Keep urine odors at bay

Aside from shedding, accidents can cause lingering smells in your house. Try an enzymatic neutralizer like Nature's Miracle to spot-treat the scene of the crime. This cleaner will eliminate the smell for both you and your pooch, so they won't be tempted to do it again. 

Check out our list of the best upholstery cleaning products for more top spot treaters.

It's a well known fact that the Dyson V8 is one of the best vacuum cleaners around which, over the weekend, was picked up by a well-known actress as one of their 'favourite things during quarantine'. 

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Dame Helen Mirren shared with her 865,000 followers that she was giving her Dyson cordless vacuum the stamp of approval during lockdown (that is not her above, btw). The social post shows Helen’s favourite things during quarantine, from her bird feeder in the garden – which was number one – to her Dyson V8 Animal cordless vacuum which claimed the second spot for most favourite thing during lockdown.

It's easy to see why this is one of the Dame's favourites... the Dyson V8 Animal is a cordless vacuum which is engineered for homes with pets. It has up to 40 minutes of powerful cleaning to capture dust, animal hair and allergens (ideal for this time of the year), and expels cleaner air. The Direct Drive cleaner head deep cleans carpets and hard floors. It also transforms into a handheld vacuum in one click, with five additional tools. We've tried it and we love love love it. 

And now, the Dyson V8 Animal is available with the brand-new Reach Under tool which is engineered to clean further under furniture, bending so you don't have to. This amazing new feature is across the Dyson cordless range with new features also added to the V7 Animal, V7 Absolute and V11 Torque Drive. 

See our handy pricing widget below for today's best prices on the Dame's favourite vacuum cleaner...

More on vacuum cleaners

• Looking for a bargain? Browse our vacuum cleaner sale page which is regularly updated with the best deals around
• Or, if you want more cordless cleaning options, take a look at our best cordless vacuum  cleaners guide