Buying guide · 6 picks compared

Best cordless vacuum UK 2026

The best cordless vacuum for most people is the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum (Ultramarine).

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Its AutoEmpty dock empties the bin while it charges, and it runs up to 60 minutes. For Dyson suction and long hair, pick the Dyson V10 Konical Cordless Vacuum (Black/Copper). Its conical brush bars de-tangle hair up to 25 inches, but you empty its bin by hand.

By Bez, Editor✓ Updated 25 October 2026

★ Our top pickShark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IA3241UKT (Ultramarine)Image: SharkSee it on Amazon

Which one is for you?

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Which pick suits which need
Ifyou want most convenience, with a bin that empties itself	Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IA3241UKT (Ultramarine)	See it on Amazon
Ifyou want Dyson suction and hair de-tangling at a lower Dyson price	Dyson V10 Konical Cordless Vacuum (Black/Copper)	See it on Amazon
Ifyou want Dyson's top lightweight model and dust-revealing light	Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Cordless Vacuum (Yellow/Nickel)	See it on Amazon
Ifyou want a light vacuum and a 10-year motor warranty	Bosch Unlimited 7 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner BCS711GB (Anthracite)	See it on Amazon
Ifyou have pets and want a long guarantee at a moderate price	Vax HomePro Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner CLSV-HPKP	See it on Amazon
Ifyou are on a tight budget	Vax Blade 4 Classic Plus Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner CLSV-B4CA	See it on Amazon

The 6 picks compared

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1★ Top pick
Shark
Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IA3241UKT (Ultramarine)Best for self-emptying convenience
Forget emptying for weeks with a self-emptying cordless vacuum
See it on Amazon
2
Dyson
Dyson V10 Konical Cordless Vacuum (Black/Copper)Best for Dyson suction, long hair
Powerful suction and brush bars that handle long hair
See it on Amazon
3
Dyson
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Cordless Vacuum (Yellow/Nickel)Best for premium lightweight Dyson
Strong, light cleaning that shows hidden dust on hard floors
See it on Amazon
4
Bosch
Bosch Unlimited 7 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner BCS711GB (Anthracite)Best for light, long motor warranty
Light cordless cleaning with a 10-year motor warranty
See it on Amazon
5
Vax
Vax HomePro Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner CLSV-HPKPBest for pets, long guarantee
Pet hair that won't wrap around the brush roll
See it on Amazon
6
Vax
Vax Blade 4 Classic Plus Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner CLSV-B4CABest for tight budget
Up to 45 minutes of cordless cleaning on one battery
See it on Amazon

Side by side

From the makers' and retailers' published factsAffiliate

The picks side by side
Pick	Best for	Price	The fact that sets it apart	Where to buy
Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IA3241UKT (Ultramarine)	self-emptying convenience	£319.99	The AutoEmpty charging dock empties and charges the vacuum when docked, with HEPA filtration, so you can forget about emptying for weeks at a time.	See it on Amazon
Dyson V10 Konical Cordless Vacuum (Black/Copper)	Dyson suction, long hair	£329.99	150 Air Watts of fade-free power, with conical brush bars that Dyson says de-tangle hair up to 25 inches.	See it on Amazon
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Cordless Vacuum (Yellow/Nickel)	premium lightweight Dyson	£549.99	150 Air Watts of suction and up to 60 minutes of run time, and Dyson calls it its most powerful lightweight cordless vacuum.	See it on Amazon
Bosch Unlimited 7 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner BCS711GB (Anthracite)	light, long motor warranty	£349.99	Weighs 2.9 kg ready for operation, with up to 40 minutes maximum runtime.	See it on Amazon
Vax HomePro Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner CLSV-HPKP	pets, long guarantee	£159.99	Up to 45 minutes of runtime from a removable ONEPWR 4.0 Ah battery, with a 0.7 L bin you empty with a slide.	See it on Amazon
Vax Blade 4 Classic Plus Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner CLSV-B4CA	tight budget	£139.99	Up to 45 minutes of runtime from a removable ONEPWR 4.0 Ah MAX battery, and it weighs 3.1 kg.	See it on Amazon

Prices from the maker or retailer named on each pick below, checked 25 October 2026. A dash means the price changes too often to quote: tap through for today's.

Swapping a corded vacuum for a cordless one, or replacing a tired stick? Runtime, weight and emptying make the daily difference. Makers quote up to 60 minutes (Dyson's figure is in Eco mode as a handheld), and where they list a weight it runs from 2.9 kg for the Bosch to under 3.5 kg for the Shark.

Our picks in detail

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1★ Top pickBest for self-emptying convenience

Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IA3241UKT (Ultramarine)

Forget emptying for weeks with a self-emptying cordless vacuum.

What it is: Meet the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro, a cordless vacuum with an AutoEmpty charging dock. Dock it and it empties and charges itself, with HEPA filtration, so, Shark says, you can forget about emptying for weeks at a time.
Perfect for: Built for busy homes with pets, if you want to skip emptying the bin by hand.
Why we picked it: It cleans in reverse as well as forwards, and it weighs under 3.5 kg. Up to 60 minutes of runtime, and Floor Detect and Edge Detect sense the floor and edges and adjust suction and brush-roll speed. Flexology lets the wand bend to clean under furniture, and the 5-year guarantee backs it up.
Price: £319.99 (sharkninja.co.uk, checked 25 October 2026)

The AutoEmpty charging dock empties and charges the vacuum when docked, with HEPA filtration, so you can forget about emptying for weeks at a time.
Up to 60 minutes of runtime and under 3.5 kg, and it cleans in reverse as well as forwards.
Floor Detect and Edge Detect sense the floor type and edges and adjust suction and brush-roll speed, and Flexology lets the wand bend to clean under furniture.
5-year guarantee.

The catch: Shark's page shows £319.99 against a struck-through £519.99, so the price may be a limited-time offer.

Check today's price on Amazon

2Best for Dyson suction, long hair

Dyson V10 Konical Cordless Vacuum (Black/Copper)

Powerful suction and brush bars that handle long hair.

What it is: The Dyson V10 Konical is a cordless vacuum with 150 Air Watts of fade-free suction power. You get up to 60 minutes of run time in Eco mode in handheld setup, from a swappable 7-cell battery.
Perfect for: Great for homes with long hair and for anyone who wants Dyson suction without a cord.
Why we picked it: Conical brush bars are built to de-tangle hair up to 25 inches, Dyson says. A laser-like light reveals hidden dust, and a point-and-shoot mechanism ejects dirt into the bin. Dyson says run time in Eco mode is 50% more than the original V8, but you empty the bin by hand.
What's new: Dyson says run time in Eco mode is 50% more than the original V8.
Price: £329.99 (dyson.co.uk, checked 25 October 2026)

150 Air Watts of fade-free power, with conical brush bars that Dyson says de-tangle hair up to 25 inches.
Up to 60 minutes of run time in Eco mode in handheld configuration, from a swappable 7-cell battery.
A laser-like light reveals hidden dust, and a point-and-shoot mechanism ejects dirt into the bin without touching it.

The catch: The bin is emptied by hand; the self-emptying Auto-empty Dok comes only with a separate, dearer V10 Konical version.

Check today's price on Amazon

3Best for premium lightweight Dyson

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Cordless Vacuum (Yellow/Nickel)

Strong, light cleaning that shows hidden dust on hard floors.

What it is: You get 150 Air Watts of suction and up to 60 minutes of run time, in what Dyson calls its most powerful lightweight cordless vacuum. A laser-like light reveals dust on hard floors, so you see what needs cleaning.
Perfect for: Suits anyone who wants Dyson's most powerful lightweight cordless vacuum, though it runs the same 60 minutes as the cheaper V10 Konical.
Why we picked it: Auto mode adapts suction to the floor, Eco mode gives longer run time and Boost mode is for short intensive cleaning. A mini motorised brush tackles stubborn dirt on mattresses, upholstery and stairs.
Price: £549.99 (dyson.co.uk, checked 25 October 2026)

150 Air Watts of suction and up to 60 minutes of run time, and Dyson calls it its most powerful lightweight cordless vacuum.
A laser-like light reveals dust on hard floors.
Auto mode adapts suction to the floor, Eco mode gives longer run time and Boost mode is for short intensive cleaning.
A mini motorised brush tackles stubborn dirt on mattresses, upholstery and stairs.

The catch: Dearest pick here at £549.99 on Dyson's UK site, with the same 60-minute run time as the cheaper V10 Konical.

Check today's price on Amazon

4Best for light, long motor warranty

Bosch Unlimited 7 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner BCS711GB (Anthracite)

Light cordless cleaning with a 10-year motor warranty.

What it is: This cordless vacuum weighs just 2.9 kg ready for use. Its Nozzle Foot Release switches from floor cleaning to narrow spots without bending over.
Perfect for: Pick this if you want a light cordless vacuum and a motor covered for 10 years.
Why we picked it: Its 3.0 Ah battery is exchangeable, and a 10-year motor warranty comes as standard.
Price: £349.99 (bosch-home.co.uk, checked 25 October 2026)

Weighs 2.9 kg ready for operation, with up to 40 minutes maximum runtime.
Exchangeable 3.0 Ah battery from the Power for All Alliance range.
10-year motor warranty as standard, and 5 years' warranty if you buy between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027 and register within 3 months.
Nozzle Foot Release switches from floor cleaning to narrow spots without bending over.

The catch: Maximum runtime is 40 minutes, the shortest of the picks, and the bin is emptied by hand.

Check today's price on Amazon

5Best for pets, long guarantee

Vax HomePro Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner CLSV-HPKP

Pet hair that won't wrap around the brush roll.

What it is: A cordless stick vacuum for pet homes, with up to 45 minutes of runtime from a removable battery. HairWrap Resist technology stops long, short and pet hair wrapping around the brush roll.
Perfect for: You have pets, you want one vacuum that copes with their hair, and you want a long guarantee.
Why we picked it: Pet-specific tools are in the box, plus a free accessory kit. It has a 5-year guarantee, and it runs up to 45 minutes on its single battery, with a spare ONEPWR battery sold separately.
Price: £159.99 (vax.co.uk, checked 25 October 2026)

Up to 45 minutes of runtime from a removable ONEPWR 4.0 Ah battery, with a 0.7 L bin you empty with a slide.
HairWrap Resist technology stops long, short and pet hair wrapping around the brush roll, and pet-specific tools are included.
Comes with a free accessory kit that Vax says is worth over £50, and a 5-year guarantee.

The catch: Runs up to 45 minutes on its single battery, and a spare ONEPWR battery is sold separately.

Check today's price on Amazon

6Best for tight budget

Vax Blade 4 Classic Plus Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner CLSV-B4CA

Up to 45 minutes of cordless cleaning on one battery.

What it is: A cordless stick vacuum that also converts to a handheld. Its removable ONEPWR 4.0 Ah MAX battery gives up to 45 minutes of runtime, and the whole machine weighs 3.1 kg.
Perfect for: If you want a budget cordless vacuum with a free tool kit, this is your pick, though its 0.6 L bin is smaller than the HomePro Pet's and the guarantee is 3 years rather than 5.
Why we picked it: It includes a free tool kit, a 3-year guarantee and LED headlights that light up the floor. The 0.6 L bin is removable, and the crevice and stair tool reaches tight spots.
Price: £139.99 (vax.co.uk, checked 25 October 2026)

Up to 45 minutes of runtime from a removable ONEPWR 4.0 Ah MAX battery, and it weighs 3.1 kg.
0.6 L removable bin, LED headlights, and it converts to a handheld with a crevice and stair tool.
Includes a free tool kit and a 3-year guarantee.

The catch: Its 0.6 L bin is smaller than the 0.7 L bin on the HomePro Pet, and the guarantee is 3 years rather than 5.

Check today's price on Amazon

What we left out, and why

Gtech AirRAM 3: Gtech's UK page lists a 30-minute runtime and a 2-year warranty at £399.99, half the runtime of the 60-minute Shark and Dyson V10 picks.
Shark PowerLite Clean and Empty Pet BU3621UKT: Shark's UK page lists it at £349.99 with a 40-minute runtime, above the £319.99 IA3241UKT that runs up to 60 minutes.
Dyson V8 Cyclone: Dyson's UK page lists it at £349.99, above the £329.99 V10 Konical, with the same 150 Air Watts and 60 minute run time.

How we chose

Our buying criteria

We sorted cordless vacuums by the four things that change daily use: claimed runtime, weight ready to use, how the bin empties, and the guarantee. Runtimes and weights are the makers' figures from their UK pages on the update date, and the longest runtimes are quoted at low power (Dyson's in Eco mode), so expect less on boost. Every pick lists its catch.

Runtime: makers quote up to 40 to 60 minutes, but it drops in boost modes.
Weight: where makers list it, 2.9 kg for the Bosch to under 3.5 kg for the Shark.
Emptying: manual bin, point-and-shoot bin, or an auto-empty dock.
Guarantee: 3 to 5 years on the Shark and Vax picks, plus a 10-year motor warranty on the Bosch.

How we choose every pick

Your questions, answered

How long do cordless vacuums run for?

Most run 40 to 60 minutes at their lowest power, and less in boost mode. Here, the Shark PowerDetect Speed and the Dyson V10 Konical quote up to 60 minutes (Dyson's figure is in Eco mode as a handheld), the Vax picks up to 45 and the Bosch Unlimited 7 up to 40.

Is a self-emptying cordless vacuum worth it?

Yes, if emptying the dust bin is a chore. The Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum empties and charges itself when docked, so, Shark says, you skip hand-emptying for weeks at a time. Dyson's standard V10 Konical has a bin you empty yourself.

Can I swap or add a battery?

Yes, on some models. The Dyson V10 Konical has a swappable 7-cell battery. The Bosch Unlimited 7 uses an exchangeable 3.0 Ah battery. Vax models use a removable ONEPWR 4.0 Ah battery, and a spare ONEPWR battery for the HomePro Pet is sold separately.

Which cordless vacuum is best for pet hair?

Look for a brush roll that resists tangles and a pet tool in the box. The Vax HomePro Pet has both: HairWrap Resist stops hair wrapping around the brush roll, and pet-specific tools come included. Want Dyson instead? Dyson says the V10 Konical's brush bars de-tangle hair up to 25 inches.

How long are cordless vacuum guarantees?

Shark gives a 5-year guarantee on the Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro, and Vax gives 5 years on the HomePro Pet and 3 years on the Blade 4 Classic Plus. Bosch gives a 10-year motor warranty on the Unlimited 7, plus 5 years if you buy between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027 and register within 3 months.

How heavy are cordless vacuum cleaners?

Check the weight ready to use, with the battery and floor head fitted, because that is what you lift. Of the picks whose makers list it, the Bosch Unlimited 7 weighs 2.9 kg, the Vax Blade 4 Classic Plus 3.1 kg, and Shark says its PowerDetect Speed is under 3.5 kg.