Our picks at a glance
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | Best overallDyson V15 Detect Absolute | Pet hairShark PowerDetect Clean & Empty Cordless Vacuum | Budget DysonDyson V8 Absolute | Henry fansHenry Quick Cordless Vacuum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy | Consider | Consider |
| Typical price | £450–£620 | £300–£450 | £200–£280 | £180–£260 |
| Best for | Deep cleaning | Pet hair | Budget Dyson | Henry fans |
| Key feature | Laser dust detection and particle counter | Anti Hair Wrap and auto-empty dock | Proven design at a lower price | Lightweight stick with Henry design |
| Run time | up to 60 min | up to 60 min | up to 40 min | up to 45 min |
| Bin | 0.77 L | — | 0.54 L | Bagged |
| Filtration | HEPA | — | — | — |
| Feature | — | Auto-empty | — | — |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
Dyson · Cordless vacuums
Dyson V15 Detect Absolute
Laser dust detection and particle counter.
- Buy it if
- you want the strongest cordless clean and dust visibility
- Skip it if
- you are on a budget
Pros
- Excellent suction
- Laser reveals dust
- Whole-machine HEPA filtration
Cons
- Expensive
- Fixed battery on some versions
Key specifications
- Run time
- up to 60 min
- Bin
- 0.77 L
- Filtration
- HEPA
Shark · Cordless vacuums
Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty Cordless Vacuum
Anti Hair Wrap and auto-empty dock.
- Buy it if
- you have pets and hate emptying the bin
- Skip it if
- you have little storage space
Pros
- Hair doesn't tangle
- Self-emptying dock
- Flexible wand
Cons
- Bulky dock
- Heavier than Dyson
Key specifications
- Run time
- up to 60 min
- Feature
- Auto-empty
Dyson · Cordless vacuums
Dyson V8 Absolute
Proven design at a lower price.
- Buy it if
- you want a Dyson for a flat without paying for the latest model
- Skip it if
- you have a large house
Pros
- Lightweight
- Proven reliability
- Good attachments
Cons
- Shorter run time
- Smaller bin
Key specifications
- Run time
- up to 40 min
- Bin
- 0.54 L
Numatic · Cordless vacuums
Henry Quick Cordless Vacuum
Lightweight stick with Henry design.
- Buy it if
- you love the Henry brand and want something light
- Skip it if
- you need strong suction for thick carpet
Pros
- Very light
- Long battery
- Bagged hygiene
Cons
- Bags add cost
- Less powerful
Key specifications
- Run time
- up to 45 min
- Bin
- Bagged
Compare more Cordless vacuums on Amazon Paid link
Who this list is for
Cordless stick vacuums for flats and houses, compared on suction, run time, weight and pet hair. We show what each model does best, what it typically costs in the UK and who should skip it.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, UK warranty terms, running costs and typical UK prices, then gave every product a clear verdict: Buy, Consider or Skip. Our verdicts are based on this research, not on lab tests we have not done.
What to look for
- Run time: 40+ minutes on standard power covers most homes; swappable batteries help in larger houses.
- Anti-tangle brush rolls stop long hair and pet hair wrapping.
- Weight and balance matter more than headline power for stairs.
Buying in the UK
Shark and Dyson regularly discount older models when new ones launch – last year’s model is often the best value in the UK.
Related comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a cordless vacuum powerful enough for a whole house?
Modern models are, for most homes. Larger houses benefit from a long run time or a spare battery.
Dyson or Shark?
Dyson leads on suction and filtration; Shark often wins on value, anti-hair-wrap brushes and flexible wands.