Best cordless vacuums for hard floors tried and tested

The VAX Blade 4 is controlled by VAX Core Technology, which is continually working to maximise cleaning efficiency and performance. This means it maintains its high pick-up performance even when the bin is full or the battery is running low. If you've got a particularly stubborn mess to suction up, you can put the vacuum into boost mode, which gives you three times as much power at the touch of a button. To help you in those hard-to-see areas, it comes with an LED light so you know exactly where needs cleaning. 

Convenience and flexibility were our tester's two buzzwords to describe the Vax Blade 4 Cordless Vacuum. Weighing just 3.1kg, she felt that it is so much more lightweight than any other vacuum she has used meaning there's no more lugging a heavy hoover up the stairs. “The textile tool was a godsend at getting the fine hairs of our black and white cat off the sofa. Meanwhile, the tough dirt tool was ideal for seeing off an irritating trail of ground-in mud that my other half had stamped into the hallway straight from a muddy walk. And the crevice tool - a fairly standard addition - really got into those corners and allowed me to finally be rid of some tiny flecks of wallpaper I'd had lurking in the edge of the carpet since I decorated but had never been truly able to suck up and vanish with a vacuum,” she added. 

It also comes with a stretch hose, an extendable tool that allows you to get to those really difficult places including blasting off the cobwebs from the ceiling. It wracks up an impressive 45 minutes making it ideal for the regular once-over hoovering of most houses. However, she found that it was missing the anti-hair wrap technology and seemingly an entire wig's worth of my hair was wrapped around the bristles although this is an issue that can be easily sorted. Putting the bits together and removing the bin also takes a while to get used to, she has noticed. 

If this is an option you are seriously considering, there is a full review of the The VAX Blade 4 Cordless Vacuum which you can refer to for further information.

The Ultenic’s U16 Flex Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is outstanding due to three key features. First, a green LED headlight illuminates dirt, ensuring thorough cleaning. Second, a battery percentage display provides real-time updates, preventing unexpected power loss mid-clean. Finally, our tester found this bendable cordless vacuum cleaner to be one of the best they had used, highlighting its ease of assembly and disassembly, as well as its lightweight and manoeuvrable design. The bendable stick allowed for effortless cleaning under furniture without requiring the user to bend down. Our tester said: "The stick is bendable, so you can reach under beds and sofas without bending yourself. I can take the whole thing upstairs without even the slightest strain which has been perfect when I’m trying to whiz around my house while my dogs are running underneath my feet trying to avoid the vacuum.”

In terms of performance, the vacuum efficiently picks up both light and larger particles on carpets and wooden floors within one or two sweeps. "I was instantly impressed that I didn’t have to battle against any hair on the floor either, as it seemed to get sucked up pretty instantly. The only time I had put some extra effort was to pick up some cotton which had fallen on the floor and got stuck in the fibres. But going over it slowly, the vacuum still got it in one sweep.”

While the vacuum was advertised to have a 60-minute runtime, our tester found that it lasted slightly less. However, even after a 35-minute session—using the Turbo mode for approximately 20% of the time—there was still 14% battery remaining. Although the Turbo mode reduced battery life, it proved highly effective for tackling deeply embedded dirt. Additionally, an Eco mode was available to extend battery life when needed.

The vacuum’s brushroll prevents hair tangling and the filter is easy to clean, making maintenance straightforward. With its added features and strong performance, the tester considered it to be good value for money.

The Hoover HF9 Cordless Vacuum is designed for versatile cleaning, offering impressive manoeuvrability and multiple attachments to tackle every corner of your home. It transitions seamlessly between hard floors, carpets and rugs, making it ideal for multi-surface cleaning. With turbo mode for enhanced suction, a well-designed brush head and an easy-to-empty dust bin, this vacuum is a convenient solution for everyday messes. It performs particularly well on hard floors, and its lightweight, ergonomic design ensures a smooth cleaning experience in tighter spaces.

Our tester put the Hoover HF9 through its paces in various settings, including a group test alongside other popular brands and in a household with pets. While it excelled in ease of use and manoeuvrability, it struggled slightly with larger debris. On hard floors, it performed admirably, easily picking up fine messes like sugar and crumbs. The lightweight design allowed it to glide around obstacles, though it felt top-heavy, especially during prolonged use.

Read our full review of the Hoover HF9 cordless vacuum.

The Russell Hobbs RHSV2211 Upright Vacuum is a compact, lightweight and highly efficient cordless vacuum that delivers impressive performance at an affordable price. Designed with space-saving in mind, it folds at the middle of the stick for easy storage, making it ideal for small rooms or homes with limited storage options. Our tester liked how space-saving it was, saying: "It folds at the middle of the stick, making it compact, and can be used as a floor vacuum, or a handheld one."

Despite its budget-friendly cost, our tester thought this vacuum outperforms many pricier models, offering strong suction that effectively removes dust, crumbs and hair in just a few sweeps. It performs well on both carpets and tiled floors, though it has not been tested on deep pile rugs. Our tester said: "As a very affordable choice, it didn't make too much of a dent in my pocket and surpassed all my expectations by outperforming many of the more expensive machines I have used in the past. On full setting, it sweeps up dust particles like sugar in three sweeps from carpets and two from tiled floors while bigger crumbs and hair took just one sweep."

The versatile 2-in-1 design allows it to function as both an upright and handheld vacuum, with a crevice tool for tight spaces. User-friendly features include simple buttons, a flashing battery life indicator, and a detachable brush that is easy to clean.

The powerful suction is especially effective for hair removal, tackling both new and old strands left behind by less effective vacuums. Maintenance is hassle-free, with an easy-to-empty dustbin and a washable HEPA filter that should be cleaned monthly.

Overall, this vacuum offers exceptional performance, ergonomic design and convenience, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a compact yet powerful cleaning solution.

The Dyson V15s Detect Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a powerful device with strong suction and anti-hair wrap technology to make cleaning effortless and efficient. Our tester said, “As a busy household of four, with the addition of two dogs and two cats, we’re often hoovering up multiple times a day to keep a clean household. I’ve gone through a lot of hoovers over the years and never seemed to find one that did everything I needed it to do, lived up to expectations or even lasted longer than a few months. However, when I tested the Dyson V15s Detect Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner I was more than impressed.”

The tester was highly impressed with the premium cordless vacuum, praising its sleek design and ease of assembly. Each feature appeared to be thoughtfully designed, from the adjustable suction strengths controlled from the top of the device to the safety mechanism that prevents operation without the battery pack installed. Attaching and detaching the battery was also found to be quick and effortless.

“The Dyson V15 is really easy to use in terms of its lightness and manoeuvrability and it can also be adjusted to a handheld vacuum. It’s also easy to empty, and you don’t actually have to touch any of the dust, as a pull-down function empties it for you.”

“In just one sweep, I found that completely cleaned up dust and bigger dust particles on my LVT hardwood floor, bathroom tiles, and even the thick pile carpets in the bedroom. I loved that the vacuum screen talked you through the different locations to check for a blockage if it happened.”

While the tester identified a couple of minor drawbacks—such as the vacuum’s inability to freestand and the need to keep a finger on the trigger while in use—these were not considered significant issues. The trigger was easy to press and played a role in preserving battery life.

“Overall, I’m extremely impressed with the performance of the Dyson V15 and think it’s the perfect vacuum for any household. The battery life is great considering its power and strength, and it doesn’t take long to charge either. Even though it is expensive, I would highly recommend the Dyson V15 as it is a real investment piece that is going to make a huge difference in keeping a tidy house.”

The Dyson Omni-glide was created specifically for the hard floors in your home. It has two soft rollers, which spin in opposite directions to pick up large and fine debris and quite literally, glides effortlessly around obstacles and in tight spaces.

Our tester said: “The omnidirectional head fits around table and chair legs, gliding in front, back and side-to-side directions to scoop up every inch of dust, cat hair, cereal (and other food my toddler seems to drop on the floor countless times a day) with ease.”

The tester found that while the vacuum performed exceptionally well on hardwood floors, it was entirely ineffective on carpets: "once popped onto the carpet, the rollers refuse to turn." However, the device offered convenient functionality, with the top section—including the handle, bin and motor—detaching effortlessly at the flip of a switch. It also came equipped with four useful tools: a light pipe crevice tool with LED lights, a mini motorised tool for hair and embedded dirt, a worktop tool, and a combination tool.

A removable battery allowed for the option of swapping in extra batteries to extend usage time. The vacuum featured a slim, straight bin designed for smooth and efficient ejection of debris, "straight into the bin and with minimal dust flying back at you." However, battery life was somewhat limited, lasting only 20 minutes on standard power and just four minutes on max power. The tester felt that a longer runtime would have been a welcome improvement.

If this is an option you are seriously considering, there is a full Dyson Omni-Glide review which you can refer to for further information.

The Tineco Floor ONE STRETCH S6 Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner is the perfect cleaning device if you have hard wood or tiled floors because it is a powerful vacuum cleaner that also functions as a wet mop, leaving your floors sparkling after every clean. Our tester said: “This is a really handy vacuum to have as you get your floors vacuumed and mopped in one go. Small dust particles like crumbs, sugar and hair get cleaned in one sweep with its powerful suction and even older, dried stains can be removed with two or three sweeps.”

Our tester appreciated the vacuum’s ability to lay completely flat at 180°, making it easy to clean under sofas, low tables and beds. The swivel head required minimal effort to manoeuvre, and the standout feature was its self-propelling motion: "The best part is that one you click it down at an angle to hoover, the vacuum moves forward on its own, so it will save you the effort of pushing it."

With three available modes—Max, Suction and Auto—the vacuum provided up to 40 minutes of runtime and recharged quickly on a compact docking station that took up little space. The device also featured a water compartment in the head that needed to be filled for operation. "However, if you are using any other cleaning liquid, it has to be the Tineco cleaning solution,” our tester advises.

“The vacuum also comes with a Flash Dry Self Cleaning system which cleans and dries the brush to prevent any odours. Overall, given the multipurpose versatility of the device, the hoover is worthy of its higher price point and I am very happy with how easy and efficient it has made cleaning for me.”

The Bosch Unlimited 7 Aqua Vacuum combines a vacuum cleaner and a mop in one to more efficient cleaning. Our tester said: “The vacuum picks up fine dirt very easily on hardwood and tiled floors, and you only have to go over it twice to get everything up. On normal carpets, it takes a little longer - about four attempts. However, a big problem was that deep pile carpets took a lot longer - about 10 sweeps to get the dirt up.”

“One thing I found was that hair does get tangled around the brushes, but it is easy to remove, so this wasn’t a huge issue. Another thing I found was that the battery life is exactly as it says in the booklet, with it lasting longer on eco mode, but on booster mode, it did go flat really quickly, so you can’t do a big clean on this setting. I found that on eco mode you can hoover a three-bedroom house with a bit of battery still left.”

Our tester found the cleaning mode effective, as it efficiently cleaned hard floors without excessive water usage, "so it doesn’t leave the floors wet like after mopping up, and it dries fairly quickly." A standout feature was the removable pads, which could be conveniently washed in a washing machine.

The vacuum had a well-balanced weight, making it easy to carry up and down narrow stairs. The flexible nozzle attachment was particularly useful for maneuveuring around tricky furniture. However, the smaller nozzle did not stay securely in place – "as it doesn’t have a clip lock fitting" – though this was not a major issue as the tester rarely used it during cleaning.

Overall, this is a good vacuum cleaner for a house that does not get very messy and also one that does not have a lot of hair that needs to be cleaned up.

The Tower VL45 Pro Pet Anti-Tangle Cordless 3-in-1 Pole Vacuum combines style, functionality and affordability. Featuring a sleek midnight blue and gold design, this lightweight vacuum weighs just 2.25kg, making it easy to handle. Equipped with a motorised brush head, it effectively lifts hair and dirt from thick carpets using its rotating brush roller and powerful suction. A Turbo function boosts performance for tougher cleaning tasks, while a HEPA 13 filter captures fine dust and allergens, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.

Our tester praised it for its lightweight and cordless design, which makes it easy to use with either hand. It has a reasonably powerful motor, especially in Turbo mode, and the pivoting brush head with headlights that reveal hidden dust under furniture.

As a handheld vacuum, it works well on stairs, curtains and upholstery. The extension pole is useful for reaching cobwebs and the crevice tool is ideal for cleaning tight spots.

In particular, our tester appreciated the convenience and safety of the cordless design compared to heavy corded vacuums, especially for upstairs cleaning and compact storage. Our tester said: "It has made cleaning the stairs so much easier." The battery life is sufficient for thoroughly vacuuming a three-bedroom home. While it doesn't have the features of a premium model, overall, she found the vacuum versatile, effective and great value for money.

The Capsule X is a powerful model cordless vacuum with an unusually large 2-litre capacity. Designed by an independent, it's an innovative design. It was described by our tester as being "light as a bag of flour with suction rivalling a Dyson." Additionally, the Capsule X features an upgraded HEPA filter, which makes it ideal for allergy sufferers because it effectively captures dust and allergens. Our tester found it remarkably lightweight, perfect for pet owners, homes with hard floors, or anyone needing an ergonomic and user-friendly vacuum. It's also competitively priced compared to premium brands like Dyson.

The Capsule X Vacuum Premium Bundle includes Halo's innovative Hard Floor Roller, designed for effortless gliding over hard surfaces, and a Mini Power Brush, perfect for tackling pet hair.

While the battery offers up to 60 minutes of runtime, our tester noted that Boost Mode reduces this to 15-20 minutes.

Paul Bagwell, founder and CEO of Halo Vacuums, explains what sets Halo vacuums apart from other cordless vacuums: “For those with vacuums which have multiple power settings, it can be very tempting to use the boosted power all the time, with the assumption that a higher power setting will mean a deeper, and quicker, clean.

"But high-performance vacuums, like the Halo Capsule X, provide a powerful clean even on their medium and low settings, meaning you can save your boost mode for the most stubborn dirt around the home – helping you achieve a perfect balance of runtime and thorough cleaning.

"For those with a cordless vacuum, to get the most out of your battery, consider when you’ll need the extra boost – like cleaning carpets and rugs, to lift the material for the deepest clean. For hardwood floors, you can stick to the regular power setting for a perfectly thorough clean.”

Read our full review of the Halo Capsule X Cordless Vacuum.

This BISSELL CrossWave® OmniForce™ Edge vacuums and mops at the same time, making it great for hard floors and rugs. It cleans edge-to-edge and tight spaces well and has three modes: one for dry debris, one for wet spills and a deep-clean mode. It’s cordless with a 30-minute battery life, has a self-cleaning system, and prevents hair from getting tangled in the brush. Plus, it’s easy to empty and store.

Gwen Theppitak, Senior Training Specialist, BISSELL UK explains some of the USPs of the BISSELL CrossWave® OmniForce™ Edge. Gwen says: "The next generation of vacuums for hard floors offer wet and dry cleaning, like the BISSELL CrossWave® OmniForce™ Edge. This high performance 3-in-1 appliance can seamlessly switch between vacuum and mop mode, as well as dry your floor. You can even vacuum and mop at the same time for the ultimate in time saving."

Other outstanding features include a self-cleaning function, on which Gwen says: "as you have finished vacuuming and mopping your floor you can switch on the automatic self-cleaning function and walk away. Not only will it refresh the brush roll, but the inside of the machine too. This means there is minimum clean-up after each use, even after tackling the biggest messes."

The VAX HomePro Pet-Design Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is the ultimate choice for deep cleaning, offering powerful suction and user-friendly features designed to tackle dirt and pet hair with minimum effort. With high suction power, it ensures a thorough clean on all floor surfaces, from carpets to hard floors, making it a reliable solution for whole-home cleaning.

Pet owners will appreciate the pet-specific tools that make removing pet hair and messes simple and efficient. Additionally, the vacuum comes with a FREE toolkit worth over £50, providing specialised attachments for various cleaning tasks, including car interiors and upholstery.

The FlexiClean pole is a game-changer, allowing users to reach under furniture to tackle those hard-to-reach places. In addition, HairWrap Resist Technology, which prevents long, short and pet hair from tangling around the brush roll, significantly reduces maintenance.

Hygiene is another priority, with the easy bin emptying system that allows dirt to be ejected in one simple motion, ensuring a mess-free and hygienic disposal every time. Furthermore, its two-stage filtration system captures and traps 99.9% of dust and allergens down to 0.3 microns, expelling cleaner air and improving indoor air quality—ideal for allergy sufferers.

The VAX HomePro is powered by a removable VAX ONEPWR 4.0Ah MAX Battery, delivering up to 45 minutes of runtime, ensuring a complete home clean without interruptions. The integrated LED floorhead lights illuminate dust and hidden debris, while the protective bumper allows for precise edge cleaning without damaging furniture.

For added convenience, the self-stand feature enables the vacuum to remain upright on hard floors temporarily, allowing users to pause their cleaning session without having to lean it against a surface. With its powerful performance, pet-friendly tools, long battery life and advanced filtration, the VAX HomePro Pet-Design Cordless Vacuum Cleaner stands out as the best choice for deep cleaning any home.

We are currently putting it through its paces, with a full review to follow.

We love that this Gtech AirRam vaccum automatically adjusts from carpets to hard floors with ease. It even has a patented airlock system which picks up larger objects and not just fine dust and dirt particles. It has an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to manoeuvre and use. There is also a battery indicator that helps you know the level of charge left so you can plan your cleaning ahead and not run out of charge halfway. 

One of the reviewers online shared that they use it on the artificial grass outside and that they find it quite efficient and effortless to use. However, some of the customers felt that it has a shorter runtime compared to similar hoovers within the same price range.