How these stick vacuums solve 5 common cleaning problems

Best cordless stick vacuum under $300

Tired of tangled messes and the constant need to replace your vacuum cleaner brush roll? Look no further than this Shark cordless vacuum! Innovative and convenient, it boasts a self-cleaning brush roll that actively separates and removes hair, keeping it tangle-free and ensuring optimal cleaning performance.

It delivers powerful suction for tackling dirt, debris, pet hair and even tough messes on carpets and hard floors. Plus, with three cleaning modes to choose from, you can customise the cleaning power to suit your specific needs.

One reviewer shared: “This is my second Shark vacuum. Only upgrading due to the fact that my mother became so attached to the last one that I had to hand it over. As a new mum, this incredible machine simplifies cleaning, and I genuinely look forward to vacuuming!

One of my favourite parts is that I’m not constantly cutting the copious amounts of hair twirling around the head as it has a self-cleaning feature and any hair gets sucked straight up. Quality and value for money 10/10.”

Also available from:

• $399.99 at Shark
• $549 at Big W
• $219.99 at Harris Scarfe

Best all-rounder cordless stick vacuum

Dyson is known for its innovative, high-quality electronics, and its cordless stick vacuums are the standouts. The Dyson V15 Detect is the brand’s most powerful cordless model, equipped with a high torque cleaner head that tackles dust and hair without getting tangled.

Combining science with smart tech, the V15 uses a laser to spot hidden dust and a piezo sensor to count particles as you clean. It even adjusts suction power automatically based on how much dust it detects. You’ll see a breakdown of what’s being picked up – by particle type – on the large LED screen.

Over 17,000 reviewers have awarded it five stars on the Dyson website, praising its powerful suction, pet hair pickup and clever laser tool for spotting hidden dust. While some say it’s a bit heavy and wish the trigger didn’t need constant holding, most agree it’s one of the best cordless vacs you can buy.

It’s definitely a splurge when not on sale, but if you want a vacuum that goes above and beyond, you won’t be disappointed with the V15.

Available at:

• $1249, Dyson
• $1249, The Good Guys
• $1346, Appliances Online

Best cordless stick vacuum for pet hair

This stick vac means business, especially if you share your space with a pet or two. The Miele Triflex HX2 is built for flexibility, with a clever three-in-one design that lets you switch it up depending on what (or who) made the mess. Reach into corners, go under furniture or snap it into compact mode for quick tidy-ups. It’s powerful, filters out almost everything and feels well-made. Some buyers have taken issue with the short battery life, but others have found it substantial for daily use. It’s also earned the approval of the National Asthma Council Australia, which awarded the Miele Triflex Hx2 a ‘Sensitive Choice’ sticker, endorsed for people with asthma and allergies.

As one reviewer writes on the Miele website: “Good solid unit, only change I would like would be a larger dust compartment. Other than that, super powerful, hardly need to use setting 3 at all. Picks up all the cat and dog fur with ease.”

Also available from:

• Currently unavailable at Big W
• $899 at Appliances Online

Best affordable stick vacuum

Offering power, versatility and quality for a low price tag, it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular stick vacuums with over 18,000 reviews on Amazon. It boasts a 150W motor and cyclonic filtration and HEPA filter, so rest assured, 99.9 per cent of dust will be caught with every use. It’s fitted with two modes – Eco Mode for lighter cleaning tasks and Max Mode for grappling with more stubborn dirt – and its motorised turbo brush head is fitted with an LED light so you can see every speck of dirt and dust, even in low light. 

“This vacuum is a fraction of the price of other stick vacuums we have tried and 100x better,” one five-star reviewer said. “We have two medium coat dogs that shed, and it sucks up the hair, dirt and sand that they bring with ease. I am blown away by how well this vacuum works.”

Another person added: “This vacuum is so lightweight and easy to assemble and has amazing suction. It’s also easy to empty. Such a great price for this machine.”

Also available from:

• $119.99, Big W
• $136.98 at Kogan

Best self-emptying cordless stick vacuum

If Samsung made a luxury car for your floors, this would be it. The Bespoke AI Jet Ultra is the brand’s most powerful stick vacuum – and yes, it’s pricey, but the performance speaks for itself. With up to 400W of suction and AI that learns how you clean, this machine basically does the thinking for you. This stick vacuum essentially comes with its own ‘bin’ – a cyclinder with a large dustbag, onto which you can attach your Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, and it will self empty. This helps prevent dust flying around, and having to clean the vacuum cylinder manually.

Reviewers at Samsung rave about its powerful suction, lightweight design and smart AI that optimises suction and battery use. The built-in light adds handy visibility, though some mention the lack of an accessory holder and a slightly heavier feel due to the larger battery.

“The ‘AI’ in the name isn’t just a gimmick either,” shared one reviewer. “The vacuum intelligently adjusts suction power based on the floor type, saving battery and ensuring optimal cleaning. What I particularly love is the thoughtful feature that automatically pauses the vacuum when I receive a phone call. It’s a small touch, but incredibly convenient in a busy household.”

Tip: Before you buy, don’t forget to check Better Homes & Gardens’ discount codes page for the latest deals and offers.

Also available from:

• $1384 at Big W
• $1699 at The Good Guys
• $1326 at Woolworths
• $1579 at Winnings
• $1699 at JB Hi-Fi
• $1236 at Bing Lee

Best for large homes

The Tineco Pure One S15 Pro Ex is designed to make cleaning smarter, easier and less of a chore. It uses iLoop smart sensor technology to automatically adjust suction depending on how dirty your floors are, helping extend battery life while making sure nothing is left behind. Powered by a 500W motor, it packs serious suction that can handle carpets, hardwood and everything in between.

For homes with pets (or long-haired humans), its ZeroTangle brush head is a big win, preventing hair from wrapping around the roller. Add to that a five-stage HEPA filtration system (capturing 99.9 per cent of allergens), and you’ve got a model that’s just as good for air quality as it is for your floors.

You’ll also get two removable batteries in the box, giving you up to 80 minutes of cleaning time – double the runtime of many stick vacuums in this price bracket.

Best for easy manoeuvring

The LG CordZero delivers on power, smart design and clever accessories. The thumb controls are easy to use, the filters can be washed, and the interchangeable batteries mean you can keep going without waiting around. It feels light in your hands but doesn’t skimp on grunt, especially on turbo mode. Handy tools also help you chase down crumbs, couch fluff and whatever’s lurking in the corners.

With a 4.1-star rating on the Betta website, this vacuum is clearly a winner. “As someone with a cat that sheds and hard floors, this unit suits me perfectly. It is lightweight, easy to manoeuvre and easy to use,” said one shopper.

“I can whizz around and pick up those bits of cat hair, etc., in a few minutes, and it sits happily on charge on its tower in the laundry until next time. I use it mostly on lower power, but even on the next power level, the charge lasts more than enough for what I want to do each time. Glad I finally bought one.”

Also available from:

• $599 at Amazon
• $368.40 at Big W

Best lightweight cordless stick vacuum

Another clever creation from Dyson – the PencilVac is the world’s slimmest stick vacuum, and was launched in Australia in August 2025. At just 38mm wide (about the size of a 20-cent coin) and weighing only 1.8kg, it’s Dyson’s most compact cordless yet. Don’t let its size fool you, though; this little machine packs in Dyson’s smallest and fastest Hyperdymium motor, delivering serious suction power in a sleek frame.

Designed for tight spots that other vacuums can’t reach, the PencilVac glides effortlessly under couches, along walls and even into narrow gaps. It’s new Fluffycones cleaner head detangles long hair as it goes, while the hygienic dust compression system makes emptying cleaner and easier. You can even connect it to the MyDyson app for real-time battery insights and maintenance reminders.

It has a 4.7-star rating from over 2600 reviews on the Dyson website. One shopper shared: “Just welcomed the Dyson PencilVac into our home and it’s truly a game changer for our chores around the home. The lightweight device means we can now vacuum our (spiral) stairs with a lot more ease – plus point for the front and back laser as well, because instant gratification is real! The attachment with the pivot head is also a welcome addition for hard-to-reach areas like our open shelves.”

Also available from:

• $698 at The Good Guys
• $699 at JB HiFi
• $699 at Myer

Lift stubborn debris from carpets and hard floors easily with this cordless stick vacuum. It’s jam-packed with smart features such as sensors to notify you when the filter needs cleaning and smart floor sensor technology, which automatically sets suction strength based on floor type – just to name a few.

Many Amazon reviewers say it’s lightweight, easy to use and great for everyday mess, especially quick clean-ups and spills. The suction power gets a thumbs up, and some feel it offers good value. That said, battery life gets mixed feedback. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you want something convenient, clever and capable of tackling daily mess without much fuss.

Also available from:

• $249 at Big W