Ever since Dyson released the first cordless stick vacuum in 2006, prompting other brands to quickly follow suit, home cleaning has undergone a total transformation. The days of wrestling with tangled cords and lugging around heavy canisters are over. Today’s cordless stick vacuums are lightweight, nimble and highly effective on nearly all floors.
The latest premium models combine high-torque motors with long-lasting batteries and versatile attachments to make cleaning more efficient and – dare we say it – fun. Most importantly, though, they significantly cut down the time you spend doing it.
But with so many brands now in the cordless stick vacuum game and new models seemingly dropping every other month, finding the right fit can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the noise, we’ve curated an edit of the top nine cordless stick vacuums currently on the market, ensuring you find the perfect match for your home’s specific needs.
Tip: For low-effort cleaning and spotless floors, pair your new stick vacuum with one of these robot vacuums and mops; the robot takes care of daily maintenance, and you tackle the finishing touches.
Simplify cleaning with the best stick vacuums of 2026
- Best all-rounder cordless stick vacuum: Dyson V15 Detect Absolute cordless vacuum, Dyson
- Best lightweight cordless stick vacuum: Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones, Dyson
- Best cordless stick vacuum under $500: Shark cordless vacuum with self cleaning brush roll, Shark, and Akitas 3 in 1 cordless vacuum cleaner, Amazon
- Best self-emptying cordless stick vacuum: Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra stick vacuum, Samsung
- Best cordless stick vacuum for pet hair: Miele Triflex Hx2 cat & dog bagless stick vacuum, Winnings, and Black+Decker 18V 2-in-1 pet stick vacuum, Amazon
01
Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Cordless Vacuum
$1449 at Dyson
Dyson is known for its innovative, high-quality home products, 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 14850 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.
Key features:
- Laser reveals microscopic dust on hard floors
- Piezo sensor for continuous dust measurement, automatically adjusting suction power for efficient cleaning
- LCD screen shows scientific proof of deep cleaning
- High torque cleaner head with anti-tangle comb adopts suction to all floor types and includes an anti-tangle comb to prevent hair from getting tangled
- Up to 60 minutes of fade-free power
- Advanced filtration with 99.99 per cent particle capture
- Hygienic ‘point and shoot’ bin emptying
Also available from:
02
Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones
$949 at Dyson
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 4.8-star rating from over 760 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.”
Key features:
- Slim 38mm design for cleaning tight spaces and under low furniture
- Dyson Hyperdymium 140k motor for powerful suction in a compact build
- Fluffycones cleaner head ejects long hair and cleans in all directions
- Dust compression and no-touch bin ejection system
- Up to 30 minutes of fade-free runtime (swappable battery available for longer cleans)
- MyDyson app connectivity with live battery and maintenance alerts
- LCD screen with power mode and runtime display
Also available from:
03
Shark Cordless Vacuum with Self-Cleaning Brush Roll
$399.99 $299.99 at Shark
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.”
Key features:
- Self-cleaning brush roll actively separates and removes hair for tangle-free cleaning
- Cordless design offers freedom of movement for effortless cleaning
- Powerful suction tackles dirt, debris, pet hair and tough messes
- Three cleaning modes allow you to customise cleaning power for different surfaces
- Lightweight design makes it easy to manoeuvre around furniture and tight spaces
- Washable HEPA filter captures dust and allergens for improved air quality
Also available from:
04
Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra Stick Vacuum
$1699 at Samsung
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. It’s strong enough for pet hair, runs up to 100 minutes and even empties itself.
Reviewers at Samsung rave about its powerful suction, lightweight design and smart AI that optimises suction and battery use. They also appreciate the self-cleaning bin and long runtime. 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.”
Key features:
- Up to 400W suction with HexaJet Motor
- AI cleaning mode auto-adjusts to floor types
- Five-stage HEPA filtration captures up to 99.999 per cent of dust
- 100-minute runtime with a large-capacity battery
- Slim LED brush for low-light cleaning
- Active dual brush for carpets and hard floors
- Self-emptying clean station and washable dustbin
- Pet Tool+ with anti-tangle tech
- Telescopic wand and LCD display
- SmartThings app compatibility for remote control and diagnostics
- Also available at:
- $1679, Appliances Online
- $1699, The Good Guys
Also available from:
05
Miele Triflex Hx2 Cat & Dog Bagless Stick Vacuum
$799 at Winnings
This stick vac means business, especially if you share your space with a furry shedder 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. The battery life isn’t endless, but it holds up for everyday use.
“This vacuum cleaner is the best one I’ve ever used,” posted a five-star reviewer on The Good Guys website. “I’m very satisfied and using it happily.”
“This has changed the way I vacuum,” shared another. “I keep it charged, so that I can use it whenever I need to. If I clean the whole four-bedroom house, then the battery just lasts, but that is all I need anyway.
Key features:
- Three-in-one design with flexible configurations
- HEPA lifetime filter captures 99.999 per cent of dust
- Digital motor over 60 per cent stronger than the HX1
- Up to 60 minutes of runtime on solo mode
- Includes carpet tool, dusting brush and wall mount
- Pet-friendly with tools for fur-heavy zones
- Made in Germany with quality parts
- Self-standing mode for easy parking mid-clean
Also available from:
06
Tineco Pure One S15 Pro Ex Smart Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
$1199 at Kogan
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.
Key features:
- iLoop smart sensor tech automatically adjusts suction power based on dirt levels
- 500W motor with PureCyclone technology for strong, consistent suction
- ZeroTangle technology stops hair from wrapping around the brush
- 5-stage HEPA filtration system captures 99.9 per cent of dust and allergens
- Contactless dustbin emptying system
- Real-time LCD display with cleaning and battery feedback
- Two detachable batteries for up to 80 minutes of runtime
- Free-standing charging base and app connectivity
Also available from:
07
LG CordZero Handstick Vacuum
$599.01 $399 at LG
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 4.6-star rating from over 230 reviews 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.”
Key features:
- Dual battery system for up to 100 minutes of runtime
- Five-step filtration traps 99.999 per cent of fine dust
- Thumb control with three power levels, including turbo
- Four telescopic pipe lengths to suit your height
- Easy-to-clean removable filters and rollers
- Wall-mounted, free-standing or compact storage options
- Includes crevice and combination tools for detail cleaning
- Backed by a 10-year motor parts warranty
Also available from:
08
Akitas V8 3-in-1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
$129.99, Amazon
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 3217 five-star reviews on Amazon. It boasts a powerful 150W digital 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.”
Key features:
- 150W digital motor
- Main body weighs 2kg
- Cyclonic filtration and washable HEPA filter
- Two modes – energy-conscious Eco Mode for lighter cleaning tasks and Max Mode for stubborn dirt
- 2-in-1 crevice nozzle for corners and tighter spaces
- Turbo head with LED illumination
- Motorised turbo brush head
- 4-5 hour charge time, 23-minute run time on Max Mode
Also available from:
09
Black+Decker 18V 2-in-1 Pet Stick Vacuum
$189, Amazon
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.
Key features:
- Powered by a 36Wh Lithium battery, providing sufficient power for weekly cleaning around the home
- Scented pre-filter that freshens up your home during cleaning
- Smart tech with a filter sensor that automatically senses when the filter becomes clogged and requires cleaning
- Cyclonic action to spin dust and debris away from the filter
- Two-in-one functionality offers versatility by functioning both as a floor and a handheld vacuum
Also available from:
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An expert guide to cordless stick vacuum shopping
When it comes to choosing the right cordless stick vacuum for your household, it can be challenging to figure out which features matter and which don’t, especially since the options are seemingly endless. We tapped Dreame‘s ANZ Category Manager, Patrick Wang, an expert in all things cordless stick vacuum-related, to share what you need to know about them.
A stick vacuum is a lightweight and compact cleaning tool with a handheld unit and a long body. Their design makes them much more comfortable to use and considerably cuts down cleaning time due to increased maneuverability and their ergonomic designs (compared to standard models).
Many, but not all, stick vacuums are cordless, and some have self-emptying stations that further simplify one’s floor maintenance routines.
Stick vacuums are compact, portable, versatile, and more comfortable to operate than older vacuum models. They’re great for anyone who wants to simplify their cleaning routine and those who experience back pain when trying to operate standard, heavy vacuums.
For those who prioritise ease, versatility, and speed, stick vacuums are likely the better option, whereas those who are after a deeper clean may want to opt for a larger, more powerful model.
The most important features to look for when shopping for a stick vacuum are suction power, long battery life, maneuverability, and HEPA filtration. Those looking for advanced, high-end models may also want to consider features such as self-emptying docks and dust-detecting lasers.
A suction level of 200 air watts (AW) or higher is generally regarded as sufficient for an effective clean. However, the level of suction power needed for an effective clean can depend on the type of surfaces you’ll be cleaning. For hardwood floors and tiles, look for models above 100-150 air watts, and for carpets, aim for suction levels above 200 (and detangling technology).
How we selected Australia’s best stick vacuums of 2026
The Better Homes & Gardens team has collectively assessed and tried a selection of stick vacuums to develop a clear set of criteria for our top picks. We regularly review the range of cordless and stick vacuums on the market, then narrow it down to ones available with our partners, based on the following criteria:
- Performance and related features
- Efficiency, including battery life and suction power
- Design and size
- Warranty coverage and maintenance
- Reviews, including our own hands-on experiences when possible
- Other notable features or elements, such as included tools or innovations. We also consider different price points, sales and availability of stock to help ensure you can get a stick vacuum that suits your home.
Looking to save on robot vacuums and mops? Check out our discount codes and deals from stores like Amazon, The Good Guys and more.
