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Best vacuum cleaners for 2026
Fighting crumbs, dust, or fur – these are the vacuum cleaners that ’ll take the hard work out of housework and help you ditch the dirt for good.
Choosing between all the different vacuum cleaners out there can feel as daunting as trying to clean your whole house with a vac that’ s not up to the task. But don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork to find you a model that’ll keep up with your day-to-day – and then some.
The best all rounder
When it comes to the best all-round dirt-busting device, our AO experts have handpicked the Shark Stratos cordless vacuum cleaner. With up to 60 minutes’ run time, Anti Hair Wrap tech to stop tangles in their tracks, an odour neutralising design, and a DuoClean floorhead that handles all kinds of dirt, it’ll keep your whole house spotless, from top to bottom.
Click below to bag our expert's top pick the Shark Stratos.
Best hardfloor vacuum
More than just picking up crumbs, this vacuum gives your floors a proper refresh, tackling spills while lifting everyday dirt all in one go. So, you can confidently cross the floors off your to-do list, knowing they’re good and spotless.
Experts pick: Dyson Clean+Wash Hygiene Wet and Dry Cleaner
Best carpet cleaner
Breathe life back into your floors with this best-in-class carpet cleaner. It’s got a generous tank capacity, so you can freshen up every room without constantly stopping to refill. And if you want to tackle more than just carpets, it works on upholstery too, making it easy to spruce up sofas and stairs too.
Experts pick: Vax Platinum Smartwash CDCW-SWXS Carpet Cleaner
Best Anti Hair Wrap vacuum
An Anti Hair Wrap vacuum is a real lifesaver if you find yourself constantly battling fur flying around the house. This model’ s Pet Turbo Brush can lift hair out of fibres and the self-cleaning system stops hair getting clogged too. And if allergies are a worry, the efficient filters and completely sealed unit help trap dust and allergens for a fresher feeling home.
Experts pick: Shark Anti-Hair Wrap with Powered Lift Away and True Pet Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Best lightweight vacuum
This lightweight vacuum makes quick clean-ups feel effortless, really packing a punch without you having to heave around a bulky frame. The magnetic grab-and-go dock makes it easy to pick up and get cleaning at a moment’s notice too.
Experts pick: Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Best vacuum for under £100
A great budget vacuum should still be tough on dirt. This vac delivers strong suction and is easy to manoeuvre, so you can quickly move from room to room.
Experts pick: Vax Mach Air Energise UCA3GEV1 Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Brand spotlight
More to love
Shark Anti-Hair Wrap with Powered Lift Away and True Pet NZ801UKT Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Shark Lift Away NV602UK Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Dyson Ball™ Animal
Dyson V8™ Advanced Cordless Vacuum Cleaner - Silver / Nickel
Vax Air Stretch U85-AS-Be Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Vax Mach Air Energise UCA3GEV1 Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Vax Air Lift 2 Pet CDUP-PLXS Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Dyson V10™ Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner - Nickel / Yellow
Dyson V8™ Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner - Nickel / Yellow
Dyson Ball™ Animal Multi-floor
Vacuum cleaner buying guide
Still not sure which vacuum to go for? Check out our handy buying guide to make sense of all the latest tech and give you the lowdown on all the different models on the market.
- What is an Anti Hair Wrap vacuum cleaner?
Anti Hair Wrap is a feature that comes with Shark vacuums, it makes sure it won’t get clogged up with long strands of hair or pet fluff . It uses a specially designed roller that stops tangles, so you don’t have to step in with a pair of scissors. Other brands have similar features with different names too, like Dyson’ s De-tangling MotorbarTM cleaner head.
- Are lightweight vacuum cleaners powerful enough?
Yes, lightweight vacuum cleaners pack plenty of power, thanks to smart airflow and motor design – packing a big punch in a small frame.
- Can one vacuum cleaner be good for both hard floors and carpets?
Yes, there are lots of models out there that are designed to handle both. They’ll either have a floorhead you can switch back and forth between depending on the floor type, or some really clever models can adjust automatically.
- Are Anti Hair Wrap vacuums worth it for pet owners?
Definitely, yes. Not only does pet hair get absolutely everywhere, but it can clog up regular vacuums before you’ve even finished cleaning the first floor. An Anti Hair Wrap vacuum stops fur getting tangled, so you won’t end up having to pull clumps out of your machine.
- Is a lightweight vacuum cleaner better for stairs and small spaces?
Yes, lightweight vacuum cleaners are the best way to get both stairs and small spaces spotless. They’re designed to tackle awkward spaces where a difficult-to-lift, heavier vacuum would just get in the way.
- Do budget vacuum cleaners clean as well as premium models?
Most budget vacuums can absolutely handle your everyday cleaning – picking up crumbs, dust, and dirt, no problem. But premium models will usually give you clever tech, more effective allergen control, and stronger suction overall.
- Should I choose a vacuum cleaner based on flooring type?
Choosing a vacuum cleaner to suit your floor type can be a real game changer when it comes to cleaning your home. For carpets, you’ll want to go for a model with a strong brush roll that ’ll dig deep into fibres. But for hard floors, something gentler that won’t send debris flying all around will do the trick. There are plenty of modern vacuums that automatically switch between the two as well.
- What features should I prioritise for hard floors?
For hard floors, you’ll want to be on the lookout for a vacuum with a mop feature that ’s able to tackle tough stains as well as dirt. Want to make sure things are really spotless? A model with built-in headlights can highlight specks of dust and crumbs you’d usually miss.
