The average Brit spends a whopping seven days each year hoovering, according to a poll by the cleaning brand Karcher. No, that doesn’t mean we’re just cleaning our home seven times a year (we wish). It means that we’re spending over 73 hours annually lugging our vacuum cleaner around the house.
Cleaning is always going to be a chore, but it’s getting better. The latest vacuum cleaners are all about making things quicker and easier, and there are lots of different types available.
Knowing what each one does makes it easier to choose the right vacuum for your home - so in this guide, we’ll run through:
The main types of vacuum cleaner and how it feels to use them.
The best options for carpets, rugs and busy family homes.
Lightweight and smaller designs.
Corded, cordless and bagless models explained.
The best cleaners for cars and quick tidy-ups.
Commonly asked cleaning questions.
A quick vacuum cleaner comparison
Before we dive into the detail, here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of the different types of vacuum cleaner available in the UK:
| Type | How it feels | Power | Ease of use | Noise | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upright vacuums | Solid, reliable clean | Very high | Corded, larger design | Medium–high | Carpets and larger homes |
| Cylinder vacuums | Flexible and versatile | High | Long reach, easy around furniture | Medium | Stairs, corners and hard-to-reach spots |
| Cordless vacuums | Light and quick to use | High | Cordless and portable | Low–medium | Everyday cleaning and fast tidy-ups |
| Handheld vacuums | Compact and portable | Medium | Ultra-lightweight | Low | Cars, stairs and small messes |
| Stick vacuums | Convenient and agile | High | Lightweight, often cordless | Low–medium | Everyday floor cleaning |
| Robot vacuums | Hands-free convenience | Medium | Automatic cleaning | Low | Keeping floors tidy with minimal effort |
| Wet & dry vacuums | Heavy-duty cleaning | Very high | Larger and more rugged | High | Spills, workshops and demanding jobs |
Best vacuum cleaners for carpets and rugs
The best vacuum cleaners for carpets and rugs have strong suction and a head that keeps consistent contact with the floor. That way, you get an even clean without having to go over the same patch again and again.
The Shark IZ411UKT Anti Hair Wrap Plus ticks all the boxes here. Its DuoClean floorhead stays in close contact with carpets and rugs, so it’s able to lift out embedded dust and debris rather than just picking up surface bits. It also moves easily between different pile types, so you can go from a rug to a thicker carpet without having to push any harder.
Oh, and if you’ve got a furry friend that regularly wanders over your carpets, check out the best robot vacuums for pet hair.
Best vacuum cleaner for homes with children
Everyone in your household leaves their fair share of mess – but kids are just better at it! From biscuits trampled into carpets to the remnants of arts and crafts masterpieces, you’ll want a heavy-duty vacuum that can banish those glitter specks for good. Look for a vacuum cleaner that can do all (or at least some) of this:
Cleans on laminate and tiles as well as carpet.
Multi-cyclone cleaning power for better suction.
Bagless and easy to empty.
Easy to push around so the kids can help with the housework (in your dreams anyway).
Hardwearing, with at least a 2-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
The Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is packed full of floor-cleaning tech. It’s got an illuminated cleaner head that seeks out dust, a sensor that detects when to change suction power and an LCD display that shows you what’s been lifted from your floors. Job well done.
Best small vacuum cleaner
If you’re tight on space, there are loads of small vacuum cleaners with all the power you need. Whether you’re a student who needs a vac for post-takeaway clean-ups or someone who wants it stashed quietly out of sight, a compact vacuum cleaner might work for you. Here are some top features to look out for:
Cordless for hassle-free use.
Light and flexible.
Can be wall-mounted and charged inside a cupboard.
Converts to a handheld vac for cleaning the car and stairs.
Includes crevice and upholstery tools.
Empties straight into the bin.
Give the Shark CH950UKT Handheld Vacuum Cleaner a go. It’s one of the best lightweight vacuum cleaners around, with two extra tools for cleaning the sofa and sucking up pet hair. Plus, it empties at the touch of a button – so no fiddling with attachments or bags.
Best lightweight vacuum for elderly people
If you’re looking for a vacuum cleaner for an elderly friend or relative, it’s important to choose one that’s lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. That way, seniors can keep their homes dust-free without too much effort. Look for a lightweight vacuum cleaner with these type of features:
Weighs 3kg or less.
Long cord length (or is cordless).
Easy-steer technology.
Easy to empty.
Versatile enough to take on most cleaning jobs.
At 2.9kg the Bosch Unlimited 7 Aqua packs a lot into a lightweight vacuum cleaner. Because it’s both cordless and lightweight, it’s easy for most people to handle. There are still lighter vacs around, but the fact that it can mop hard floors, carpets, furniture and more means that it’s great for all-round cleaning. It’s also very bendable, so it gets around easily, and you can clean under furniture and even unclip cleaner heads without needing to bend over. No more back breaking work!
Best corded vacuum
The best corded vacuum cleaners mean you don’t have to worry about batteries running out halfway through the home. Simply plug in, and you’ve got consistent power all through your cleaning session. With longer cords, you can cover larger areas without frequent plug changes. And they’ve usually got strong suction, which makes them well-suited for tackling deep dirt.
The Bosch ProHygienic Bagged Vacuum Cleaner is a real workhorse. You’ll love how steady it feels when you’re cleaning - it just keeps pulling dirt through carpet without any drop in power. That might sound simple, but it makes a difference when you’re doing a full house clean.
Best cordless vacuum
Cordless vacuums are all about removing the faff from cleaning. No plugging things in, no cables dragging behind you. Simply grab it and deal with whatever’s on the floor.
The Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum Cleaner actually shows you what you’re picking up. That little detail of seeing dust you didn’t even know was there makes quick cleans feel more worthwhile, especially in busy areas like kitchens and hallways.
Best bagless vacuum
Bagless vacuums mean you don’t need replacement bags. Everything collects in a container you just empty when it’s full. It keeps things simple and makes it easier to see when it needs emptying.
A good option is the Shark Anti Hair Wrap Lift-Away NZ691UKT Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner. It handles carpets well and the Lift-Away design makes stairs and awkward areas easier to deal with.
Best vacuum cleaner for car interiors
Cars tend to collect everything - crumbs, dust, mud and whatever else gets carried in on shoes and bags. Look for a compact vacuum cleaner that’s small enough to carry easily outside. You’ll also need attachments to help you get into tight gaps.
The Vax SpotWash can tackle all the usual car messes. It’s especially useful because it doesn’t just deal with dry dirt - it can also deal with small spills. Best of all, it comes with attachments specifically designed for seats, mats and crevices.
Need more help choosing a vacuum cleaner?
If you need more info before you choose a vacuum cleaner, our floorcare buying guide is a great read. We’ve also got useful articles on wet and dry vacuum cleaners, and robot vacuum cleaners vs traditional vacuum cleaners. If you’d like to talk to an expert, you can always pop in-store and chat to one of our colleagues.
FAQs
Which cordless vacuum is best?
The best cordless vacuum is one that feels easy enough to grab for quick jobs but still has enough power for proper cleaning. Look for something lightweight with decent battery life, so you’re not constantly stopping halfway through a clean to recharge.
What is a good all-round vacuum cleaner?
A good all-round vacuum cleaner is one that doesn’t make you think too much about it. It should move easily between carpets and hard floors, handle everyday mess, and always feel reliable - whether you’re doing a full clean or a quick tidy-up before guests arrive.
Are Henry Hoovers good?
Yes, Henry Hoovers are still popular for a reason. They’re simple, powerful, and don’t really try to be clever. They just clean well. They can feel a bit more basic (and heavy) than newer vacuums, but they’re a good choice if you want something straightforward that lasts.
What are the top vacuum cleaners?
The top vacuum cleaners are usually the ones that fit your home and how you actually live. For most people that means strong suction, easy handling, and something you won’t mind using (rather than dreading).
