- Pets or long hair: look for de-tangling heads like Dyson’s All Floor Cones, or Shark pet models with the FurFins tool.
- Hate emptying the bin: choose an auto-empty dock (Shark Clean & Empty or Dyson Auto-empty Dok).
- Lots of hard floors: a wet-and-dry “Submarine” model vacuums and washes in one.
- Smaller home or tight budget: a Dyson V8 still covers carpets and hard floors brilliantly.
Cordless stick vacuums have replaced the traditional upright in many UK homes – they’re lighter, quicker to grab and turn into a handheld in seconds. Dyson and Shark lead the market, and both make excellent machines. The right choice comes down to your floors, your pets and how much maintenance you’re happy to do.
What to look for in a cordless vacuum
Runtime
Most homes are covered with 40–60 minutes of runtime. Remember that maximum runtime is usually quoted in the lowest power mode with a non-motorised tool – boost mode on carpets uses more battery.
Weight and balance
If you’ll be cleaning stairs, ceilings or curtains, a lighter machine makes a real difference. The Dyson V12 Detect Slim weighs just 2.37kg, while many Shark models come in under 3.5kg.
Cleaner heads
Carpets need a motorised brush head; hard floors are best with a soft roller that picks up fine dust without scattering it. Many models include both, like the Dyson V8 Total Clean.
Filtration
HEPA filtration and fully sealed systems trap fine dust and allergens rather than blowing them back into the room – important for allergy sufferers.
Auto-empty docks
Docks that empty the bin automatically are one of the biggest quality-of-life upgrades. They hold weeks of debris in a sealed base, so you rarely touch dust at all.
Dyson vs Shark at a glance
| Dyson | Shark | |
|---|---|---|
| Signature tech | Dust detection (laser/illuminated heads), Hyperdymium motors, HEPA filtration | PowerDetect sensors, Flexology bendable wand, Reveal LED lights |
| Pet hair | De-tangling Motorbar and All Floor Cones heads | FurFins pet tool and DuoClean brush-rolls on pet models |
| Self-emptying | Auto-empty Dok on selected V10 Konical models | Clean & Empty docks on several models |
| Wet cleaning | Submarine wet heads on V12 and V15s | — |
| Best known for | Premium build, powerful suction, deep cleaning insight | Clever features and convenience at a lower price |
Our picks
Should I get a robot vacuum instead?
A robot vacuum is great for keeping floors tidy every day without effort, but most households still keep a cordless stick for stairs, sofas and quick spills. If you’re tempted, our robot vacuum range includes models with self-emptying and mop-washing docks.
Frequently asked questions
How long do cordless vacuum batteries last?
Are cordless vacuums powerful enough for carpets?
Dyson or Shark – which is better?
Browse all cordless vacuum cleaners – free UK delivery, 30-day free returns and a 12-month warranty.