The Best Stick Vacuum Cleaner

Updated on 8 March 2022

This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.

The newcomer from Xiaomi did not only convince us with its good overall suction performance: indeed, during our tests, we were able to appreciate a nice overall design, very pleasant to use, from the display indicating the chosen mode and the battery level to the varied and practical accessories. The water tank with mop will please the most demanding users, but it does not mean you do not have to clean with water. Its noise level is also very appreciable compared to the Dyson and Rowenta models tested.

It is compact, efficient and offers great freedom of movement as it has no wires.

The tank capacity is usually less than 1L, which means you have to empty it more often.

It is always a good idea to check whether the handle and trigger of the appliance feel comfortable.

It differs from the canister vacuum cleaner in that it is light, compact and easy to handle.

The noise level of an upright vacuum cleaner is around 80 dB and increases at maximum power.

It is always a good idea to check whether the handle and trigger of the appliance are comfortable.

The noise level of an upright hoover is around 80 dB and increases at maximum power.

Coming with a single crevice tool as an accessory, this upright hoover can count on a good level of suction for its small price. It is very easy to handle and we found it very pleasant to use thanks to its limited weight. However, it does come with a few shortcomings, such as its unpleasant noise level at full power and its perfectible battery life. Moreover, we do not recommend it to pet owners who will quickly fill the small collector and will have difficulty emptying it, as the hair will cling to it. To conclude, we recommend it for occasional uses on hard floors.

In addition to its undeniably more premium look than its cheaper competitors, we noticed during our tests that this T30 offers more premium features. Indeed, its HD display screen allowed us, for example, to know at any time the remaining autonomy, the level of dust on our floor or what power level we were using. It has Eco, Normal and Turbo modes in addition to a relevant and efficient automatic mode. Also note that this model will appeal to pet owners thanks to its electric brush specifically designed for fabrics. The other accessories, similar if not identical to those on the G10, are equally relevant and none of them will remain unused on the charging station for very long.

Living up to Dyson’s reputation, the V11 Absolute is a cordless hoover that is both practical and powerful. It works on both hard floors and carpets and automatically adjusts the suction power to the detected floor surface. It has an autonomy of up to 60 minutes, which is twice as long as that of a traditional upright hoover. The LCD screen makes it easy to use by displaying the remaining autonomy and the activated power level. 

Our selection

Our choice, Best mid-range	Best budget	Best high-end	High-end alternative
Xiaomi Mi Vacuum G10	Black+Decker PowerSeries+	Dreame T30	Dyson V11 Absolute Pro
Very pleasant to use, this upright hoover offers very good value for money thanks to its screen, its three suction modes, the variety of its accessories and a particularly low noise level.	Pleasant to use, very light and easy to handle, this model offers the best quality/small price ratio in our opinion. It also has a good level of suction. On the other hand, it is rather noisy.	Offering excellent performance on hard floors, short pile carpets and rugs, this model manages to compete with the Dyson models for a much lower price while also including a very good Auto mode.	The Dyson is a great performer on all floors and has a record-breaking battery life. It's also really comfortable to use, thanks to its LCD screen and numerous accessories.
£ 286.50 on Amazon	£ 220.00 on Amazon	£ 483.90 on Amazon	See the price on Amazon

Honourable Mentions 

Dyson V8 Animal+ (£357,90 upon publication): an interesting older model. Even if the more recent models have better characteristics (particularly in terms of battery life), the V8 does not lose out and allows access to the formidable quality of Dyson suction at a lower cost. Our tests convinced us, with the exception of the lack of a trigger lock, which greatly reduces its ergonomics and led us to exclude it from our main selection.

Dyson V15 Detect Absolute (£699 upon publication): the hyper technological novelty. The brand’s latest product is equipped with both a laser dust detector and microparticle sensors that it counts and measures in real time. It also automatically adapts its power to the level of dust detected. There is also something new in the accessories, with a mini conical brush that is intended to be self-detaching. Although we have not yet been able to test it, the reviews we have seen online are already very enthusiastic. Only the price puts us off a little.

How to choose a stick hoover?

The upright hoover is becoming increasingly popular and is almost supplanting all other hoovers on the market. Practical for those who have to regularly vacuum their main living space, this compact, cordless and high-performance appliance has a lot going for it.  

Here’s a quick overview of the criteria to look out for when making your purchase:

• Ergonomics: its size, more compact and lighter than a canister hoover, is the first reason to favour the upright hoover. Some models are even able to stand upright without a stand. It is also easier to handle, freeing you from the heavy sled to pull behind you and the cord that limits the range of action. Before buying, always test the grip of the appliance to see if the handle and trigger.

• Power: in terms of figures, it is difficult to really assess the value of a hoover without evaluating it, as power is a combination of several factors. From a practical point of view, it is interesting to choose one with several power levels, to adapt to all floor coverings.
• Battery life: for now, this varies from 30 to 60 minutes at normal power. At maximum power, this figure is greatly reduced, sometimes to less than 10 minutes. The larger your home, the longer the battery will have to last. Also take a look at the time it takes to fully recharge, which varies from 2 to 5 hours.

• The tank: it is generally smaller than on a canister hoover, often with a capacity of less than 1 L. This means that you have to empty it more often, but this is usually made easier by a touchless emptying system.
• Noise: this is not the quietest hoover, as it is difficult for manufacturers to soundproof a device of this size without affecting its weight. The average noise level is around 80 dB but can be even higher at maximum power.

• The accessories: the variety of these allows its use to be multiplied in all corners of the house. For example, there is a long nozzle for corners and skirting boards and a brush for vacuuming fabrics (especially for pet owners). Most upright vacuums can also be converted into a handheld hoover. The storage station is also an interesting space-saving accessory, especially if it allows simultaneous recharging.

Translated by Aylin Akturk