How to choose a vacuum cleaner

First things first, consider the size of your living space. If you’re living in a cosy flat, a compact vacuum might be just what you need. For those in sprawling mansions (lucky you!), you might need a more powerful vac with loads of battery life. Smart homeowners with a lot of floor to cover might go for a robot vacuum cleaner – which you can set up and then leave to take care of the hard work.

Don’t forget to think about the type of flooring you have – carpets, hardwood, tiles or a mix? Different surfaces and hard-to-reach spaces might need different cleaning tools and attachments. If you’ve got pets, look for anti-tangle brushes. And for allergy sufferers, HEPA filters can be a huge plus.

Best vacuum cleaner for carpets and rugs

From cleaning up spills, mucky paw prints or any little accidents, you won’t know yourself with the Vax SpotWash. Its compact design makes it easy to store, but it is packed with cleaning power. It works on all surfaces – carpets, rugs, couches, armchairs, car seats. This cylinder vacuum has a large-capacity dual tank so you’re always cleaning with fresh water, and the dirty water is separate. The tanks are removable, so filling and cleaning is really straightforward. It also has a self-clean function to keep any dirt and debris out of the hose.

Best vacuum cleaner for homes with small children

Not only is it super cute to look at, but the Numatic Henry Hoover can tackle any mess your kids throw at your floors. With a 6 litre capacity, you’ll get multiple full-house vacuums in before needing to change the bag. Worried about having to unplug and plug going room-to-room? This Henry bagged vacuum has a 10m power cable, so there’s plenty of length to tackle your rooms uninterrupted. It also works on all floor types, from carpets and laminates to tiles and stone. It comes with a selection of additional vacuum heads, so you can hunt down any stray crumbs in corners and on couches.

Best vacuum cleaner for homes with pets

The Numatic Henry Pet160 has the same great features as the standard Henry vacuum cleaner like the large capacity and 10m cable but has a few little upgrades to make it the perfect vacuum for pet hair . To start, it has a MicroFresh activated charcoal filter to minimise and trap any odours. It also includes a dual-purpose EcoBrush to pick up pet hair from floors and upholstery. Similar to the standard Henry vacuum, it also comes with a variety of additional tools and brushes to give your home and car a deep clean.

Best lightweight vacuum for elderly people

Weighing less than 4KG, the Shark HZ500UKT Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is a fantastic lightweight hoover. It has a flexible wand so you can easily vacuum under big furniture like couches or beds without having to bend down or move furniture. Its DuoClean floorhead deep cleans and has Anti Hair Wrap technology to stop hair from tangling in the bristles. The floorhead also has LED headlights, making it really easy to spot any dirt or dust. If you want to clean your stairs, furniture or car, you can remove the wand and transform it into a handheld vacuum cleaner.

Best cordless vacuum cleaner

Blitz your home and transform your floors with the Shark PowerPro Cordless Vacuum Cleaner. The FloorDetect technology can tell if you’re on carpet or hard floors and will adjust the brush-roll speed and suction power for the best clean, without you having to do a thing or slow down. This cordless hoover has a 50-minute run time from a single charge, giving you plenty of time to clean your floors. As well as the Anti Hair Wrap floorhead, it also has an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, so dust and allergens are trapped instead of circulating in your home.

Best corded vacuum cleaner

If you prefer a corded vacuum cleaner but want the flexibility of a cordless vacuum, look no further than the Hoover Breeze Evo Pets Vacuum Cleaner. It has a 7m power cord, which is plenty of length to clean room-to-room without unplugging, plus a 4.5m detachable hose to get hard-to-reach places. Powered by an 850W motor, it gives your floors, carpets and rugs a brilliant deep clean to make them feel brand new. With a large-capacity bin, it holds up to 3 litres of hair, dirt and debris and, with a one-touch release, it’s easy to empty.

Best vacuum cleaner for car interiors

Keep your car in pristine condition with the Dyson Car+Boat Handheld Vacuum Cleaner. Small but mighty, this Dyson handheld vacuum has a powerful digital motor and a 50-minute runtime. It has a fully sealed filtration system to capture dust and allergens – a must for a mucky or sandy boot!

Need more advice?

Not quite ready to vacuum up a storm? Our floorcare buying guides will answer all your questions about floorcare appliances, from cordless vacuums to carpet washers.

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).