10 best vacuum cleaners 2025 to keep your home clean and tidy
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LOOKING for a new vacuum? The market in 2025 is packed with options to suit every home and budget.
We've rigorously tested the latest models to bring you this definitive guide to the best vacuum cleaners worth your money this year.
We all need to tackle dust and dirt, but the right vacuum transforms cleaning from a tedious chore to a quick win.
Cordless models offer fantastic freedom to clean anywhere without hunting for a socket.
Most convert easily into handhelds, perfect for stairs, sofas and cars.
For larger homes or serious pet owners, corded vacuums deliver reliable, consistent suction without needing recharging.
Consider your specific needs – do you have multiple stairs? Limited storage? Mainly hard floors or carpets?
These factors should guide your choice between stick, handheld, cylinder or upright models.
The standout 2025 models feature genuinely useful innovations: anti-hair-wrap technology, LED lights revealing hidden dust, intuitive displays, and versatile attachments for every cleaning challenge.
Don't forget to check the weight – even the most powerful vacuum becomes frustrating if it's too heavy to manoeuvre comfortably around your home.
Best vacuum cleaners at a glance:
- Best overall:
- Best budget:
- Best cordless:
- Best upright:
- Best premium: //
- Best for pet hair:
- Best robot:
How we tested vacuum cleaners
We put each vacuum through rigorous real-home testing, evaluating performance across carpets, hard floors and those tricky areas under furniture and along stairs.
Rather than just assessing everyday dust and hair pick-up, we deliberately scattered flour and cereal to test how these machines handled more challenging messes.
We carefully noted practical considerations that make a real difference to daily use – how frequently the dust bin needed emptying, whether hair tangled around brush bars and the genuine battery life of cordless models (rather than just manufacturer claims).
For corded vacuums, we measured how the cable length affected cleaning convenience, particularly in larger spaces.
This hands-on approach allowed us to identify which vacuums genuinely delivered on their promises and which would best suit different homes and cleaning challenges.
Best vacuum cleaners for 2025, tried and tested
1. Shark HZ500UK Corded Stick Vacuum
Shark HZ500UK Corded Stick Vacuum
£179.99
Pros: Long cable, easy to handle, excellent under furniture, light to spot dust
Cons: Very small capacity needs frequent emptying
Rating: 5/5
If vacuuming always leaves you with backache, this clever stick will be an absolute game-changer.
It stands taller than other models we tested, eliminating that constant stooping that makes cleaning such a chore.
The standout feature? The stick cleverly bends in half, letting you effortlessly glide under furniture without the usual hassle of shifting heavy sofas and beds.
This same design means it folds neatly in half for storage – perfect if you're tight on space.
Several features make this the best vacuum in our tests.
The generous 10-metre cable means less plug-hopping as you clean, while the easily accessed power button beats those finger-cramping triggers on other models.
We particularly appreciated how the stick detaches from the floor head with just a foot pedal press – no wrestling required.
Other highlights include LED headlights revealing hidden dust, anti-hair wrap technology preventing tangles, and conversion to handheld mode for tackling stairs and upholstery.
The only downside is the tiny dust capacity – if you hate frequent emptying, consider something with a larger bin.
Type: Stick; Cable length: 10m; Dust capacity: 0.3L; Bagless: Yes; Power: 450W; Weight: 3.9kg
2. Halo Capsule X
Halo Capsule X
£269.99
Pros: Long battery life, comprehensive accessories, suitable for all floor types, lightweight
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
Halo burst onto the scene in 2020, and it's clear why they've quickly rivalled heavyweights like Dyson and Shark.
This cordless vacuum ticks every box. Weighing just 2.6kg, it's incredibly light to manoeuvre yet packs a surprisingly generous 2L capacity that means less emptying.
The accessory range is genuinely useful rather than gimmicky - dedicated heads for hard floors and carpets, plus crevice and upholstery tools and a mini power brush that tackled my car seats brilliantly.
What really impressed us was how effortlessly it glides around the home, with the rotational head making awkward corners and edges surprisingly easy to clean.
The three power settings deliver impressive versatility, with the highest setting providing seriously powerful suction across all surfaces.
Battery life reaches an hour on the lowest setting, dropping to around 15-20 minutes at full power.
The inclusion of two batteries (with rapid two-hour charging) means you can always keep cleaning, while the bagged 2L capacity is both generous and much cleaner to empty than typical bagless systems.
Additional highlights include helpful headlights for spotting hidden dust and HEPA filtration for allergy sufferers, all backed by a two-year warranty.
Type: Stick; Dust capacity: 2L; Bagless: No; Charging time: 2 hours; Battery life: Up to 60 minutes per battery; Weight: 2.6kg
3. Shark NZ801UKT Classic Upright Pet Vacuum
Shark Classic Upright Pet Vacuum
£299.99
Pros: Excellent suction, lift-away design, anti-hair wrap technology, LED headlights
Cons: Cord can be limiting, quite heavy
Rating: 4.5/5
This Shark delivers serious cleaning power that genuinely impressed us in testing - it picked up significantly more dust and debris from carpets than our trusty Dyson, particularly from rugs and mats.
The standout feature has to be the clever Lift-Away design.
Press a button, and the main body detaches, transforming into a portable cleaner that makes tackling stairs and awkward areas so much simpler - it's like getting two vacuum cleaners for the price of one.
We absolutely loved the LED headlights on the floor head, which revealed hidden dust in darker corners without needing to switch on every light in the house.
The anti-hair wrap technology is a game-changer, too, completely eliminating those frustrating tangles that plague other vacuums.
While the motorised head helps the vacuum glide smoothly across different surfaces, the 6.5kg weight means it's not the most nimble for tackling tight corners.
Our only other niggle is the manual cord winding - an auto-rewind feature would make this almost perfect.
For pet owners wanting serious suction power without the limitations of battery life, this Shark is an absolute no-brainer.
Read our full Shark Classic Upright Pet Vacuum review
Type: Upright; Cable length: 8m; Dust capacity: 1.3L; Bagless: Yes; Power: 750W; Weight: 6.5kg
4. Gtech AirRAM 3 Dual Edge-Clean Cordless Vacuum
Gtech AirRAM 3 Dual Edge-Clean Cordless Vacuum
£399.99
Pros: Impressive suction power, LED lighting, self-cleaning filter, edge brush technology
Cons: Heavier than some rivals, challenging on stairs
Rating: 4/5
We were pleasantly surprised at how compact and sleek the Gtech AirRAM 3 looked straight out of the box.
Assembly was an absolute breeze - we didn't even need to glance at the instructions to fit the main handle to the vacuum head, and with the battery already charged, we were ready to start cleaning within minutes.
The monochrome white and black design looks modern, while the leather trim on the handle adds a luxurious touch that makes it comfortable to grip.
The LED lighting strip at the front isn't just for show either - it genuinely helped you spot hidden dust in darker corners.
We were instantly impressed with the powerful suction, which you can actually feel as it "self-propels" across your floor.
The machine tackles hardwood floors brilliantly, lifting away dust and dirt with ease.
The clever edge brush technology - two mini brushes that spin at the front - surprised us by effectively flicking dirt from corners into the main suction path.
Where this vacuum struggles is on stairs - the wide base makes navigating tight spaces challenging compared to convertible stick models.
At 6.5kg, it's also noticeably weightier than our usual Dyson.
The smart self-cleaning filter and talking features add genuine value rather than gimmicky tech, making maintenance practically effortless - a real bonus for busy households.
Read our full Gtech AirRAM 3 Dual Edge-Clean Cordless Vacuum review
Type: Upright; Dust capacity: 0.7L; Bagless: Yes; Charging time: 4 hours; Battery life: Up to 40 minutes; Weight: 6.5kg
5. Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute
£379.99
Pros: Ultra-lightweight design, impressive suction power, laser dust detection, excellent for pet hair
Cons: Small dust bin, short battery life in Boost mode, some attachments sold separately
Rating: 4/5
We were immediately struck by how sleek and lightweight the Dyson V12 Detect Slim is straight out of the box.
At just 2.2kg, it's noticeably lighter than previous Dyson models - genuinely a game-changer for anyone with reduced upper body strength or mobility issues, as it feels practically weightless during extended cleaning.
The laser detection technology is both impressive and slightly humbling - that green light reveals dust you never knew existed, no matter how clean you think your home is.
It works brilliantly on hard floors and even low-pile rugs, making cleaning much more efficient.
Performance-wise, it handles our black lab's constant shedding brilliantly, even on fabric surfaces.
The HEPA filtration system made a noticeable difference during allergy season, capturing 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns - a lifesaver for someone with hay fever and dust allergies.
Where this vacuum falls short is battery life - while you'll get up to 60 minutes in Eco mode, it drains alarmingly quickly in Boost mode (just 6-8 minutes).
The dust bin is also on the small side, meaning more frequent emptying in larger homes.
Our biggest frustration was discovering we needed to buy the furniture cleaning kit separately for £50, as the included attachments were too powerful for delicate surfaces like my velvet headboard - an expensive extra that should really be included at this price point.
Read our full Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute review
Type: Cordless stick; Dust capacity: 0.35L; Bagless: Yes; Charging time: 4 hours; Battery life: Up to 60 minutes; Weight: 2.2kg
More on vacuum cleaners
6. Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Stick Vacuum
Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Stick Vacuum
£289.99
Pros: Impressive suction power, excellent on pet hair, long battery life, stands upright on its own
Cons: Somewhat heavy in handheld mode, pet brush attachment struggles on furniture
Rating: 4/5
This Ryobi vacuum impressed us right from the unboxing – everything feels properly sturdy and well-made, from the metal hose to the substantial plastic components.
Assembly took mere minutes, with each part clicking satisfyingly into place.
We were absolutely delighted by how it tackled pet hair, particularly on our stairs, which have always been a nightmare to clean.
Using Max mode, it made quick work of dog hair that our previous vacuums struggled with.
The brush head swivels smoothly for easy manoeuvring around furniture, and the fact it stands upright on its own (unlike most cordless vacuums) is genuinely useful.
Battery life is impressive – Ryobi claims 40 minutes in eco mode, and we'd absolutely vouch for that.
We managed three rooms plus stairs and a hallway without it dying on us, switching between eco and max power as needed.
Converting to handheld mode is brilliantly simple, though it does get a bit heavy during extended use.
The included tools are actually useful rather than gimmicky, especially the mini brush head, which worked wonders on our stairs.
Our only real disappointment was the pet attachment's performance on furniture – like most pet-specific vacuum tools we've tried over the years, it struggled with embedded hair on the sofa.
Read our full Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Stick Vacuum review
Type: Stick; Dust capacity: 0.7L; Bagless: Yes; Charging time: 3 hours; Battery life: Up to 40 minutes; Weight: 3.5kg
7. iRobot Roomba j5+
iRobot Roomba j5+
£749.99
Pros: Self-emptying bin, obstacle avoidance technology, simple set-up, effective on pet hair
Cons: Very loud self-emptying function, occasionally misses spots, quite pricey
Rating: 4/5
We were genuinely impressed with how straightforward the Roomba j5+ was to set up – from unboxing to first clean took less than 10 minutes.
Simply position the charging dock, download the app, connect the vacuum (which we affectionately named Robort), and you're good to go.
The mapping technology works brilliantly, creating an accurate floorplan of our downstairs that is automatically divided into separate rooms.
While it did bump into things quite forcefully during this initial mapping process, the resulting map made subsequent cleaning sessions much more efficient.
What really won us over was the self-emptying function – we've been using it for six weeks and haven't had to empty the bin once!
The only downside is how shockingly loud it is when emptying – it genuinely sounds like a plane taking off in your living room.
Performance-wise, it handles dust and pet hair impressively well, leaving satisfying vacuum lines on carpets.
It occasionally misses small spots but generally keeps floors looking fresh with zero effort.
The obstacle avoidance technology works as promised, avoiding cables, slippers and (thankfully untested) pet messes.
Read our full iRobot Roomba j5+ review
Type: Robot; Dust capacity: 0.4L; Bagless: No (self-emptying); Charging time: 3 hours; Battery life: Up to 120 minutes; Weight: 3.2kg
8. Dyson V15 Detect Absolute
Dyson V15 Detect Absolute
£649.99
Pros: Powerful auto-adjusting suction, laser dust detection, large bin capacity, excellent build quality
Cons: Heavy for prolonged use, disappointing battery life on higher settings
Rating: 4/5
Setting up the Dyson V15 is refreshingly straightforward – it's ready to go within minutes with zero fuss.
The build quality feels genuinely premium, with a sleek, well-balanced design that, we'll admit, looks impressively stylish sitting on display in our home.
The standout feature has to be the intelligent suction adjustment – it automatically increases power based on detected dirt levels, something we didn't think we needed but now couldn't live without.
With a generous 0.77L bin capacity, we can tackle our entire house before needing to empty it.
Let's talk about that laser. We initially dismissed it as a marketing gimmick but were genuinely horrified (in the best way) by how much hidden dirt it revealed lurking on what we thought were clean floors.
For the neat freaks among us, this feature alone justifies the investment.
Where the V15 stumbles is battery performance.
While you'll get around 40 minutes on auto mode, Boost mode drains alarmingly quickly – just six minutes of powerful suction before needing a recharge.
At 2.96kg, it's also noticeably heavier than other cordless models, which becomes apparent during longer cleaning sessions.
The continuous-press trigger works well but requires constant pressure, unlike the V12's convenient on/off button.
For larger homes, I'd definitely recommend investing in a spare battery to avoid frustrating mid-clean interruptions.
Read our full Dyson V15 Detect Absolute review
Type: Cordless stick; Dust capacity: 0.77L; Bagless: Yes; Charging time: 4.5 hours; Battery life: 40-60 minutes; Weight: 2.96kg
9. Dreame X50 Ultra Complete Robot Vacuum
Dreame X50 Ultra Complete Robot Vacuum
£1,299
Pros: Revolutionary ProLeap technology, exceptional cleaning performance, fully automated maintenance, accurate mapping
Cons: Bulky base station, expensive, ProLeap has limitations
Rating: 4/5
We were genuinely excited when the X50 Ultra arrived - this is the vacuum that made headlines at CES 2025 as the "world's first robot vacuum with robotic retractable legs," promising to tackle obstacles previous models couldn't handle.
Straight out of the box, you can tell this is a premium bit of kit.
The matte white body and clean lines give it a properly modern look that outclasses clunkier robot vacuums.
The generous accessories package is impressive, too - 10 mop discs, extra brushes, replacement rollers, three dust bags, filters, cleaning fluid and maintenance tools ensure you won't need to buy extras anytime soon.
The standout ProLeap feature allows it to raise its wheels to navigate thresholds up to 6cm high - not quite the stair-climbing revolution some expected, but it handles transitions between rooms brilliantly.
With powerful 20,000 Pa suction, it leaves satisfying vacuum lines across carpets while the mopping function works without soaking floors (they dry within minutes).
What really impressed us was the intelligent floor detection - it automatically vacuumed our kitchen mats first, then switched to mopping the surrounding tiles without any input from us.
The mapping is incredibly accurate, too, taking just minutes to create a detailed floor plan.
The main downside is the bulky base station,n which requires significant space - we tucked ours in a kitchen corner.
At this price, it's definitely an investment, but one that genuinely transforms daily cleaning from a chore to automated convenience.
Read our full Dreame X50 Ultra Complete Robot Vacuum review
Type: Robot; Dust capacity: 0.4L; Bagless: No (self-emptying); Charging time: 3 hours; Battery life: Up to 150 minutes; Weight: 4.2kg
10. Tower XEC20 Plus Corded 3-in-1 Vacuum
Tower XEC20 Plus Corded 3-in-1 Vacuum
£39.99
Pros: Easy to manoeuvre, reliable corded power, versatile handheld conversion, excellent price
Cons: Limited dust capacity, not ideal for pet hair, short cord
Rating: 3.5/5
If you're after a capable vacuum cleaner without the eye-watering price tag, this Tower proves you don't need to break the bank to keep your home properly clean.
For the money, you get some genuinely impressive features including an anti-allergy HEPA filter (usually reserved for pricier models) and a clever 2-in-1 head that transitions seamlessly between carpets and hard floors.
The detachable handheld function makes quick work of stairs and car interiors, while the telescopic pole extends to reach cobwebs in corners and ceilings.
There are compromises, of course. The modest 1-litre capacity means more frequent emptying than larger models, and we found hair occasionally tangled around the brush roll despite our best efforts.
The 5-meter cord provides enough reach for room-by-room cleaning but requires switching outlets for larger areas.
Where this vacuum really shines is its compact footprint - it's one of the smallest models we tested and can even be wall-mounted, making it perfect for flats or homes where storage space comes at a premium.
For budget-conscious shoppers who value versatility and compactness over cordless convenience, this Tower delivers impressive bang for your buck.
Type: Stick; Cable length: 5m; Dust capacity: 1L; Bagless: Yes; Power: 800W; Weight: 1.8kg
More home & garden
Best vacuum cleaner FAQs
- What is the best cordless vacuum cleaner?
- Which is the best robot vacuum cleaner?
- What is the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair?
- What vacuum has the most powerful suction?
- How much does a vacuum cleaner cost?
- Is Shark better than Dyson?
What is the best cordless vacuum cleaner?
After extensive testing, the stands out as the best cordless vacuum for most homes.
What makes this vacuum exceptional is its rare combination of lightweight design (just 2.6kg) and generous 2L capacity – most cordless models force you to choose between the two.
Add in the impressive 60-minute battery life per battery (you get two!), and you've got a machine that can handle whole-house cleaning without constant emptying or recharging.
For those willing to spend more, both Dyson options deliver outstanding performance with different strengths.
The wins on weight at just 2.2kg – perfect if mobility is your priority – while the V15 Detect Absolute offers a larger 0.77L bin and more powerful suction.
Both feature that eye-opening laser detection technology that reveals hidden dust.
Consider your specific needs: for pet owners, the , with its excellent pet hair removal, might be worth the investment, while budget-conscious shoppers will find the offers impressive performance at a more accessible price point.
Which is the best robot vacuum cleaner?
The best robot vacuums have revolutionized home cleaning, transforming a tedious chore into something you can literally forget about.
The emerges as our standout robot vacuum for most homes.
What makes this vacuum exceptional is its genuinely impressive obstacle avoidance technology – it's the only robot we tested that consistently recognized and navigated around everything from shoes to pet waste without getting stuck or creating bigger messes.
The self-emptying bin means you'll only need to think about disposal every couple of months rather than after every clean.
For those wanting a robot that can both vacuum AND mop, the is the clear winner.
Its revolutionary ProLeap technology allows it to raise itself over thresholds up to 6cm high – something no other robot vacuum on the market can match.
The automated maintenance is second to none, with the base station handling everything from emptying the bin to washing and drying the mop pads.
What is the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair?
If you're a pet owner, you know the daily battle against fur is real.
After extensive testing of various models, the Ryobi One+ Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit stands out as our top pick for tackling stubborn pet hair.
What makes this vacuum exceptional is how brilliantly it handles pet hair, particularly on stairs – an area where many vacuums struggle.
In testing, it made quick work of dog hair that our previous vacuums had struggled with, wowing us with its effectiveness.
For those who prefer something more substantial, the delivers outstanding performance with its lift-away design and genuinely effective anti-hair wrap technology that completely eliminates those frustrating tangles that plague other vacuums.
If you're looking to automate the fur-fighting process, the iRobot Roomba j5+ is worth the investment.
The obstacle avoidance technology means it won't spread pet messes around your home (a genuine concern for pet owners), while the self-emptying function is a game-changer if you're tired of handling fur-filled dust bins.
When choosing a pet hair vacuum, prioritize models with specialized brush rolls, strong suction power, and larger bin capacities – your floors (and furniture) will thank you.
What vacuum has the most powerful suction?
When it comes to raw cleaning power, the Shark NZ801UKT delivers truly impressive suction that outperformed even our trusty Dyson in testing.
Its 750W motor, combined with Shark's PowerFin roller technology, creates exceptional dirt pickup, particularly in carpeted areas.
For cordless models, the leads the pack with its auto-adjusting suction technology that instantly detects dirt levels and ramps up power accordingly.
The 125,000 RPM Hyperdymium motor generates a remarkable 240 air watts of suction in Boost mode - though be warned, this drains the battery in just 6 minutes.
If you're looking at robot vacuums, the Dreame X50 Ultra Complete boasts an industry-leading 20,000 Pa of suction power - significantly more than competitors in its class.
During testing, it handled large debris and embedded pet hair with ease.
What's important to understand is that raw suction numbers don't tell the whole story.
The effectiveness of a vacuum depends on how that suction is channelled through the cleaning head and across different surfaces.
The best vacuums combine powerful motors with cleverly designed brush systems and airflow patterns to maximize cleaning performance where it matters.
Remember that more suction isn't always better for every situation - delicate surfaces and furnishings often require gentler approaches.
How much does a vacuum cleaner cost?
Vacuum prices vary dramatically depending on what you're after, typically ranging from £40 budget models to £800+ premium options from top brands.
For around £150-£200, you can bag a reliable, effective vacuum from established brands that will handle everyday cleaning needs and last for years.
This price point hits the sweet spot for most households, offering good performance without breaking the bank.
If you've got pets shedding everywhere or a larger home that needs regular deep cleaning, it's worth considering the £250-£400 range, where you'll find models with more powerful motors, larger dust capacities and specialized attachments that make a genuine difference.
The premium £400+ models (like top-end Dysons and Sharks) do offer impressive innovations – laser dust detection, digital displays, smart features and ultra-lightweight designs – but you're paying a significant premium that isn't necessary for most homes.
Budget-conscious shoppers should watch for sales, especially on older models, as you can often grab a vacuum that was £300+ last year for under £200 when newer versions are released.
Is Shark better than Dyson?
After extensively testing both brands' vacuum offerings, this isn't a straightforward yes or no answer – each brand excels in different areas, appealing to different needs and budgets.
Shark's biggest advantage is unquestionably value for money.
Their vacuums typically cost £100-200 less than comparable Dyson models while still delivering impressive cleaning performance.
Take the Shark NZ801UKT upright, which, in our testing, actually outperformed our trusty Dyson on carpet cleaning – particularly impressive given the price difference.
Where Shark truly innovates is usability. Their clever Lift-Away design transforms uprights into portable cleaners, while the flexible wand technology on most Shark cordless models lets you clean under furniture without bending – genuinely game-changing for anyone with back issues.
Many Shark models can also stand upright independently, unlike Dysons, which require wall mounting.
Dyson, however, remains the king of raw engineering power.
Their latest models deliver superior suction, particularly in boost mode, and tend to be lighter and more manoeuvrable.
The V12 and V15's laser detection technology genuinely reveals hidden dust you'd otherwise miss, while their digital displays provide useful information rather than just flashy gimmicks.
Battery life can be similar between comparable models, but Dyson's power management tends to be more sophisticated, with automatic suction adjustment based on floor type and dirt levels in their premium models.
For most homes, either brand will clean effectively, so your choice ultimately depends on priorities: if value, storage flexibility and practical features matter most, go Shark.
If you want cutting-edge technology, maximum suction power and premium design, Dyson justifies its higher price tag.
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