Best vacuum cleaners in Australia

We’ve tested 12 of the best robot vacuum cleaners available in Australia extensively to find the best models for every budget.

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Stephanie Yip

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The best vacuum cleaners in Australia

How did we pick this list?

Our editorial team selected the products on this list based on actual customer reviews on sites like The Good Guys, Harvey Norman, Appliances Online and more. For each category, we selected key parameters based on our research and chose the vacuum cleaners with the highest review score within those parameters.

Read more detail on our methodology below.

Dyson V11 Outsize Total Clean Stick Vacuum

Best overall vacuum cleaner

Dyson V11 Outsize Total Clean Stick Vacuum
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Automatically adapts between carpet and hard flooring
  • Extra large cleaner head and bin

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Heavier than other Dyson models

Dyson is a name that needs no introduction. This innovative brand has well and truly shaken things up in the world of vacuum cleaners in recent years, so it's no surprise to see the Dyson Outsize Total Clean take the win here as the best overall vacuum cleaner.

Formally known as the V11 Outsize, which we reviewed, the Total Clean retains the V11s wide cleaning head, larger bin size and suction performance but has swapped a handful of interchangeable heads for a new anti-tangle hair screw tool.

The changes haven't affected its overall performance with customers singing its praises in hundreds of positive reviews. As a result, the Dyson Outsize Total Clean is our pick as the best overall vacuum cleaner.

With a 25% wider cleaner head than the Dyson V11, this model is designed to tackle large areas. The 1.9-litre bin is also 150% larger than the V15 Detect, so you'll need to empty it much less frequently when cleaning. The battery offers up to 60 minutes of runtime without fading, while you can also add a click-in battery pack (sold separately) for even more runtime. And because it quickly and easily converts to a handheld vacuum cleaner, it's one very versatile appliance to have around the home.

The major drawback of the Dyson is of course its price tag, which at $1,399 is enough to put many potential buyers off. It'll also be overkill if you're looking for something cheap and easy to do a quick run-around once a week.

But if you're looking for powerful suction, a bigger bin and a host of other useful features, the Dyson Outsize Total Clean is a clear winner.

How do Australians rate Dyson's vacuum cleaners?

93% of surveyed Australians recommend Dyson
4.2
Value for money
4.6
Overall
4.6
Performance
4.6
Ease of use
4.5
Cleaning and maintenance
4.4
Product features
How Dyson compares

In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.

For vacuum cleaners, Dyson was ranked 4th for value for money, 1st for performance, 2nd for ease of use, 1st for cleaning and maintenance and 2nd for product features.

14 brands were rated across these decision criteria.

Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Cordless Vacuum

Best stick and cordless vacuum cleaner

Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Cordless Vacuum
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Superior suction that works great on wood, carpet and slate floors
  • Improved battery life and handy LCD readout on remaining power

Cons

  • The price of admission is considerable
  • The odd report online of menu buttons/UI losing function

The V15 Detect Absolute is one of Dyson's most powerful stick vacuum cleaners. It has a 4.8 out of 5 star rating on The Good Guys and Harvey Norman and is a productreview.com.au 2024 awards winner, which is why it's our pick for the best stick vacuum cleaner in Australia.

When it comes to battery life and suction power the V15 Detect is one of the best in its class. It has 60 minutes of fade-free power and picks up dirt at a rate of up to 125,000rpm. It also calculates and categories particles as it picks them up and shows you on-screen as you clean. Not sure how much power you need? Hit auto-mode and suction will be optimised for dust level and floor type.

Like the rest of the Detects, a Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head works in tandem with a laser to reveal microscopic dust on hard surfaces and capture them using anti-static carbon fibre filaments. For all floor types, switch up to the high torque cleaner head.

It's worth noting that the Detect is on the heavier side, which can make mobility a tad difficult. If you have the budget, the V15 Detect is one of the best vacuums you can get for your home.

For more, read our full review of the Dyson V15 Detect.

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How do Australians rate Dyson's vacuum cleaners?

93% of surveyed Australians recommend Dyson
4.2
Value for money
4.6
Overall
4.6
Performance
4.6
Ease of use
4.5
Cleaning and maintenance
4.4
Product features
How Dyson compares

In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.

For vacuum cleaners, Dyson was ranked 4th for value for money, 1st for performance, 2nd for ease of use, 1st for cleaning and maintenance and 2nd for product features.

14 brands were rated across these decision criteria.

Roborock S5 Max

Best robot vacuum cleaner

Roborock S5 Max
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Vacuums and mops
  • Wide range of sensors

Cons

  • There are cheaper options on the market
  • Some buyers criticise disappointing mopping performance

If you're searching for a robotic vacuum cleaner that can take care of some of your most-hated cleaning tasks, it's hard to go past the Xiaomi Roborock S5 Max.

Not only does this model offer the convenience of a vacuum and a mop all in one, it also boasts a whole lot of positive customer reviews. In fact, with an average score of 4.6/5 from over 500 reviews on productreview.com.au, it was also a 2021 award winner on that site. These factors, combined with its ease of use and reportedly impressive performance, are why the Roborock S5 Max takes the win as the best robot vacuum cleaner.

This multi-award-winning model features a specialised fan that spins at 1,500rpm, with airflow channelled through pathways to produce suction. In fact, the manufacturer claims the suction is strong enough to pick up AA batteries.

Conveniently, the Roborock S5 Max can also mop your hard floors. It features a spring-loaded mop and a 280mL water tank, and you can set up no-mop zones and barriers so that the machine only works in the right areas.

Relying on a 32-bit quad-core processor to calculate its route around your home, the Roborock features an accelerometer, odometer, infra-red and compass to help it navigate. Other key features include up to 3 hours of battery life, voice control via Google Home and Amazon Alexa, and the ability to pre-set schedules, power modes and more from the companion mobile app.

If you're shopping around for a robot vacuum cleaner, the Xiaomi Roborock S5 Max is definitely worth a closer look.

How do Australians rate Xiaomi's vacuum cleaners?

78% of surveyed Australians recommend Xiaomi
4.1
Value for money
3.8
Overall
3.9
Performance
4.1
Ease of use
3.8
Cleaning and maintenance
3.6
Product features
How Xiaomi compares

In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.

For vacuum cleaners, Xiaomi was ranked 8th for value for money, 13th for performance, 14th for ease of use, 13th for cleaning and maintenance and 13th for product features.

14 brands were rated across these decision criteria.

Electrolux Ergorapido Allergy

Best cheap vacuum cleaner

Electrolux Ergorapido Allergy
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • 2-in-1 flexibility
  • Micro dust filter

Cons

  • Dustbin isn't huge
  • Some buyers report that battery life is only average

If you're shopping for a vacuum cleaner and you've got a maximum budget of $300, there's a surprising range of options to choose from. Of the many choices available, there are plenty of good reasons to choose the Electrolux Ergorapido Allergy.

This highly manoeuvrable vacuum cleaner offers a maximum runtime of 48 minutes, plus the flexibility of a detachable handheld unit. It's also picked up a whole lot of glowing reviews from Aussie consumers, including:

  • An average score of 4.6/5 from over 120 customers on Google Reviews
  • An average score of 4.5/5 from over 150 National Product Review customer reviews

As a result, it's our pick as the best cheap vacuum cleaner. It's worth mentioning that the Electrolux had stiff competition in this category from Kmart's 2200W bagless vacuum. Priced at less than $85 and with lots of positive reviews from Kmart customers and on productreview.com.au, it's worth a look if you're on a particularly tight budget. However, the flexibility of the Electrolux, combined with its wealth of positive reviews and its status as an established brand, saw it take the win here.

The Electrolux Ergorapido Allergy features a 180-degree swivel nozzle to ensure easy manoeuvrability on all surfaces. With 18V of power, it provides a runtime of 48 minutes and uses BrushRollClean technology to help prevent tangles. The "Allergy" in its name refers to the filter that captures 99.99% of micro dust.

Floor nozzle lights are a useful feature to illuminate the way when vacuuming under furniture, and when you need to clean in those hard-to-reach places, the Ergorapido's detachable handheld unit comes in handy. With this sort of flexibility, it's well worth a look if you're searching for a budget-friendly vacuum cleaner.

How do Australians rate Electrolux's vacuum cleaners?

86% of surveyed Australians recommend Electrolux
4.2
Value for money
4.4
Overall
4.3
Performance
4.6
Ease of use
4.2
Cleaning and maintenance
4.3
Product features
How Electrolux compares

In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.

For vacuum cleaners, Electrolux was ranked 4th for value for money, 5th for performance, 2nd for ease of use, 5th for cleaning and maintenance and 3rd for product features.

14 brands were rated across these decision criteria.

Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog Bagless Vacuum

Best bagless vacuum cleaner

Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog Bagless Vacuum
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Self-cleaning system
  • Special brush for pet hair

Cons

  • Cheaper options available
  • Some complaints about TurboBrush getting clogged

If you're tired of emptying and replacing vacuum cleaner bags, there's a wide range of bagless vacuum cleaners available on the market. The Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog Bagless Vacuum is one of the best of them.

This popular model offers a host of useful features to help you rid your home of dirt and dust, and it's also earned plenty of praise from consumers around the world. With an impressive average rating of 4.7/5 from over 1,00 Google reviews, it's our number-one choice as the best bagless vacuum cleaner.

Offering 1,100W of cleaning power, the Blizzard uses Vortex technology to create airflow of more than 100km/h. It then separates the dust and debris it sucks up into two separate containers – one that holds coarse particles and objects, and another that captures fine dust. A Gore CleanStream filter is used to make sure those finer particles remain in their own compartment, allowing them to be disposed of easily and without you having to breathe in a cloud of dust.

The Blizzard CX1 also uses what Miele calls the ComfortClean system. This detects when the fine dust filter needs cleaning and immediately goes to work, with the cleaning process taking 20 seconds before the unit is ready to use once again.

Control is handled by a multifunctional rotary selector, while you can also take advantage of a TurboBrush designed to remove pet hair from carpet. Other features include an upholstery nozzle and crevice nozzle, 1-click emptying and a 10-metre operating radius.

Electrolux Pure C9 Animal

Best vacuum cleaner for dog and other pet hair

Electrolux Pure C9 Animal
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • 7-stage filtration system
  • Large dustbin

Cons

  • The Turbo attachment can be difficult to clean
  • Can be noisy

From the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal+ to the two Mieles featured in this article, there are several vacuum cleaners in this guide that are designed for use in homes with pets. And while they're all worth considering if you're searching for the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair, so too is the Electrolux Pure C9 Animal.

This mid-range option boasts a sub-$500 price tag, powerful suction and a sealed filtration system. It has also garnered a host of positive customer reviews, including average ratings of 4.5/5 or higher across sites like Harvey Norman, The Good Guys and productreview.com.au. That's why it gets the nod here as the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair.

A bagless vacuum cleaner, the Pure C9 Animal can create air speeds of up to 155km/h for impressive suction. The dirt, dust and allergens it picks up pass through the unit's sealed, 7-stage filtration system, with HEPA and 3D fine dust filters helping to keep the air in your home clean and hygienic.

Large wheels make the Pure C9 Animal easy to manoeuvre, while the large capacity of the 1.6-litre dustbin is a welcome addition. The Easy Empty system is designed to ensure that the dust you tip out is emptied away from you, while the fact that there's one access point for all of the vacuum's filters helps make maintenance quick and easy.

So if you're looking for a vacuum cleaner to help you clean up after your dog or cat, there are lots of good reasons to check out the Electrolux Pure C9 Animal.

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How do Australians rate Dyson's vacuum cleaners?

93% of surveyed Australians recommend Dyson
4.2
Value for money
4.6
Overall
4.6
Performance
4.6
Ease of use
4.5
Cleaning and maintenance
4.4
Product features
How Dyson compares

In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.

For vacuum cleaners, Dyson was ranked 4th for value for money, 1st for performance, 2nd for ease of use, 1st for cleaning and maintenance and 2nd for product features.

14 brands were rated across these decision criteria.

Miele C1 Classic

Best bagged vacuum cleaner

Miele C1 Classic
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Suitable for all surfaces types
  • Compact vacuum cleaner (221mm x 463mm)

Cons

  • At 5.7kgs it is on the heavier side of modern cleaners
  • Can get noisy and hard to move when on turbo mode

Despite the growing number of bagless options, bagged vacuum cleaners haven't been phased out - and that's good news for anyone who prefers them. Miele is one of the big brands still championing these cleaners and its Classic C1 PowerLine frequently receives glowing reviews. This is why it's our pick for the best bagged vacuum cleaner.

Appliances Online customers give it an average of 4.6/5 star rating praising it for its powerful 900 watts of suction power, affordable price point, which sits just under $600 and lightweight design.

Made in Germany, the Classic C1 PowerLine is a top quality versatile unit. Its floorhead is equipped with a metal soleplate to allow it to make a smooth transition between soft carpet and hard timber flooring. 6 suction levels put you in the driver's seat on how strong and deep a clean you need. These range from whisper-quiet to turbo. One thing to bear in mind though is that on maximum suction it will get noisy and a little difficult to push.

A 360 degree swivel hose gives you the freedom to maneuver around your home while enabling a direct stream of suction for maximum impact. Miele has also wired in an internal temperature limiter to prevent overheating when a passage is blocked, shutting it down until the item is removed.

The operating radius is 9 metres, which is enough to cover most standard rooms without having to unplug. A number of accessories are also included, such as an upholstery nozzle and dusting brush, these are conveniently stores at the base of the hose making it easy to change them up as you move around your home.

If you're after a well-priced, high-quality bagged vacuum and have multiple surfaces to clean the Classic C1 can look after you.

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Black+Decker 18V Lithium-ion Dustbuster Pivot Hand Vacuum

Best handheld car vacuum cleaner

Black+Decker 18V Lithium-ion Dustbuster Pivot Hand Vacuum
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Pivoting nozzle design
  • Folds away for compact storage

Cons

  • Some users would like more runtime
  • Some customers report that it is a little noisy

If you're in the market for a powerful and portable handheld vacuum to clean your car, there's a lot to like about the Pivot from Black+Decker. With a handy pivoting head, simple emptying and easy storage, it's one practical little unit. It's also backed by a stack of positive customer reviews, including:

  • An average score of 8.3/5 from over 20 Black+Decker customer reviews
  • An average score of 4.3/5 from over 1,000 Kogan customer reviews
  • An average score of 4.6/5 from over 370 Amazon customer reviews
  • With this in mind, it's a clear choice as the best handheld car vacuum cleaner.

Featuring an 18V lithium-ion battery, this clever unit would make a handy addition to your cleaning arsenal. With a maximum runtime of 10 minutes, it's designed for small jobs around the home rather than extensive cleaning.

One of its key selling points is its patented nozzle design that can swivel up to 200 degrees – this is very convenient for vacuuming those hard-to-reach spaces and makes the Black+Decker a solid option as a car vacuum cleaner.

It comes with an integrated and extendable crevice tool, an integrated soft brush and a charging base. Emptying out debris from the 440mL dustbin is as simple as opening a side door, while the unit's foldable design ensures that it doesn't take up too much space while charging or being stored. And with battery recharges taking 4 hours, the vacuum will be ready for use again in no time.

Shark NZ801 Corded Upright Vacuum with Self-cleaning Brushroll

Best upright vacuum cleaner for carpet

Shark NZ801 Corded Upright Vacuum with Self-cleaning Brushroll
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Portable and versatile
  • Self-cleaning brushroll

Cons

  • Some buyers report that they would like a larger dust canister
  • Too heavy for some users

Upright vacuum cleaners offer enhanced suction power compared to other types of vacuums making them ideal for carpet and rugs. If you're searching for versatility as well as superior suction to keep your house looking its best, there's a lot to like about the NZ801 Corded Upright Vacuum from Shark.

Not only does this model offer have high wattage and air wattage, it's also corded for no loss of power and can convert to a portable vacuum cleaner to spot-clean when required. It has certainly put smiles on the faces of many Aussie consumers, earning average review scores of 4.6/5 or higher across sites like productreview.com.au and Myer. As a result, it's our top pick as the best upright vacuum cleaner and best for carpets.

The NZ801 is designed to make it easy to clean your entire home – not just carpets and hard floors, but on stairs and under furniture too. To achieve this, the cleaner allows you to use it as you would any other upright cleaner while vacuuming your floors, and then detaches the canister when you need something more portable to get to those hard-to-reach spaces.

The vacuum comes with a DuoClean floorhead that features 2 motorised brushrolls to clean carpets and hard floors without needing to swap heads. Simply flick a switch and away you go. The self-cleaning brushroll is designed to stay tangle-free by separating and removing hair, while the Shark also comes with on-board attachments like a crevice tool and upholstery tool to help you clean a wide range of areas.

Other features include an 8-metre power cord, washable HEPA filters and a dust cap capacity of 0.83L. The Shark NZ801 is also backed by a 2-year warranty.

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Roborock Dyad Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner

Best wet and dry vacuum cleaner

Roborock Dyad Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Has an app to monitor battery levels, suction power and water levels

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Some customers remark that it requires a bit of aftercare cleaning

Whether your house is prone to spills or you're searching for a time-saving machine that can vacuum and mop in one go, look no further than the Roborock Dyad Wet and Dry Vacuum. Although superseded by the Dyad Pro there's still not much in the way of reviews for its successor which is why we're championing the tried-and-true original. With a 4.3 out of 5 star Google Review rating across 280+ happy customers, it's our winner for the best Wet and Dry vacuum cleaner.

The Roborock Dyad is quick and easy to assemble and use, turning on with a push of a button. Although it looks chunky, weighing in at 4.8kg, it glides across surfaces effortlessly. It uses a dual roller motor to effectively clean, mop and dry surfaces with a single sweep.

A full-length roller and 2 rear rollers provide edge-to-edge cleaning with a margin of less than 1mm while 17,000pa of suction banishes nasties from your floors. There's also a smart sensor that automatically detects dirt and adjusts suction and water flow accordingly.

Using the app you can monitor battery life, water levels and suction power and when in the dock the Dyad will self dry. There's a small humm of a noise when it does this. If that bothers you, simply use the app to schedule drying while you're not at home.

Priced at $799 RRP if you find you're vacuuming and mopping throughout the week this might be a worthwhile investment to cut down on your cleaning time and leave your home feeling fresh and clean.

Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal+ vacuum

Best barrel vacuum cleaner

Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal+ vacuum
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Many reviewers say it is effective at removing pet hair from carpets
  • Does not require bin bags

Cons

  • Some reviewers say the vacuum is noisy
  • Takes up a lot of cupboard space

Dyson was voted the top-rated barrel vacuum cleaner brand by Australian consumers in the 2020/21 Finder Retail Awards. Dyson impressed consumers with the cleaning performance and storage flexibility of its barrel vacuums.

The Cynetic Big Ball Animal+ is the brand's most powerful barrel vacuum and is designed for homes with pets. It comes with a wide range of accessories to help you clean a variety of surfaces and hard-to-reach areas, plus the convenience of being bagless and having no filters that need to be cleaned or replaced.

It's also been well received by consumers, with positive reviews and ratings including:

  • An average score of 4.6/5 from over 150 The Good Guys customer reviews
  • An average score of 4.2/5 from 520 Google reviews
  • An average score of 4.1/5 from over 60 ratings on productreview.com.au
  • That's why the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal+ is our pick as the best barrel vacuum cleaner

This model uses the Big Ball design, which makes it easy to manoeuvre around your home and ensures that it can right itself if it ever falls over. It relies on cyclone technology to capture dirt, dust and pet hair around your home, and Dyson claims it does this without clogging so you don't have to worry about losing suction.

Where the Dyson really shines is in the user-friendliness department. It features a large 1.6-litre bin that's easy to empty, plus quick-release tools that can be quickly swapped in and out. The list of accessories includes a carbon fibre turbine cleaner head, stair tool, swivel hard floor tool and more, making this one versatile and convenient overall package.

How do Australians rate Dyson's vacuum cleaners?

93% of surveyed Australians recommend Dyson
4.2
Value for money
4.6
Overall
4.6
Performance
4.6
Ease of use
4.5
Cleaning and maintenance
4.4
Product features
How Dyson compares

In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.

For vacuum cleaners, Dyson was ranked 4th for value for money, 1st for performance, 2nd for ease of use, 1st for cleaning and maintenance and 2nd for product features.

14 brands were rated across these decision criteria.

Miele Complete C3 Cat And Dog Vacuum Cleaner

Best corded vacuum cleaner

Miele Complete C3 Cat And Dog Vacuum Cleaner
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • 11-metre cleaning reach
  • Lots of attachments

Cons

  • There are cheaper options available
  • Some customer complaints about reliability issues

While the popularity of cordless vacuum cleaners has been on the rise in recent years, there's still plenty of appetite among consumers for corded models. For proof of that, you need look no further than the Miele Complete C3 Cat and Dog Vacuum Cleaner.

Offering 2,000W of power, this model is designed for use in homes with pets and includes all the attachments you need to keep your house clean and dust-free. It was a 2024 ProductReview.com.au Awards Winner and has a 4.4/5 star rating on the site to prove its worth. Over 140 Harvey Norman customers also gave it a 4.7/5 rating. So if you're searching for a corded vacuum cleaner, it's hard to go past this popular option.

The C3 features a PowerLine motor and has drawn plenty of praise from buyers for its suction performance. Accessories include the TurboBrush, which is perfect for removing hair and pet dander from your home, as well as a Mini TurboBrush, an upholstery nozzle, a crevice tool and a dusting brush.

The bag capacity of the Miele Complete C3 is 4.5 litres, while the 11-metre cleaning reach provided by the power cord is another big plus. And with plus and minus foot controls provided, it's easy to adjust the vacuum to your desired setting.

It's also worth pointing out that despite the C3's quoted RRP of $779, at the time of writing we were able to find it selling for well over $100 cheaper at multiple retailers. That's why it's always important to shop around and find the best deal.

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Methodology

30
Brands considered
100+
Products compared
12
Best products chosen
  • We considered vacuum cleaners from 30 leading brands.
  • We based our top picks on key product features and reviews from real customers.
  • The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.

Why you can trust our picks

Every effort was made in this guide to provide a balanced view on all vacuum cleaners, from budget options through to high-end models. We started our search for the best vacuum cleaners in Australia by finding the highest-rated products among customers on websites such as:

  • The Good Guys
  • Harvey Norman
  • Appliances Online
  • Godfreys
  • Bing Lee
  • Productreview.com.au

We then compared those top-rated vacuums against other highly rated models in the same category. We considered factors such as ease of use, functions, attachments, price and review comments to help us decide on our top pick in each category.

In the cheap vacuum cleaners category, we compared products priced at less than $250.

We considered vacuum cleaners from:

  • Airflo
  • Beko
  • Bellini
  • Bissell
  • Black & Decker
  • Bosch
  • Dyson
  • Ecovacs
  • Electrolux
  • Eufy
  • Hoover
  • iRobot
  • i-Vac
  • Kambrook
  • Karcher
  • LG
  • Miele
  • Neato
  • Nilfisk
  • Optim
  • Roborock
  • Samsung
  • Sauber
  • Shark
  • Tineco
  • Vax
  • Volta
  • Vorwerk
  • Wertheim
  • Xiaomi

What should I consider when buying a vacuum cleaner?

Before making a decision, here are the key features you should think about:

Suction power

Suction power affects how well your vacuum cleans. Watts indicate how much power the vacuum has, but air watts are a more useful measurement of suction power. Filtration, airflow, brush head quality and nozzle and hose design can also influence suction power.

Suction control

Not all models let you alter the vacuum's suction power. This can be a particularly useful feature when you want to lower or apply more power when cleaning curtains or getting rid of a stubborn spot on the carpet, for example.

Design

Know your house and its surfaces. Is there carpet? Lots of stairs? Detailing? Different vacuum cleaners are built with different needs in mind. Some might be better for carpet (high suction power) others better for stairs (long hoses and specific carpet cleaning attachements). If you've got mixed surfaces you may want to look into a multi-function vacuum which switches easily or automatically to perform across soft and hard flooring.

Dust collector volume

How large do you want the capacity of your bin or bag to be? If you don't want to empty this frequently, you may prefer a model with a larger collection volume, though this will make the cleaner potentially bulkier and heavier.

Noise

Although you can't avoid making some noise while vacuuming, some models are designed specifically with quieter cleaning in mind. If you have young children or just prefer a quieter vacuum, look out for these specific noise-minimising models.

Filter type

For those with asthma, sensitivities or allergies, you should consider a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which can help to manage your symptoms. However, a HEPA filter will need to be cleaned more regularly or replaced yearly, which could cost you more.

Power head or turbo head

A power head is a built-in motor with a rotating brush for removing dirt from the carpet. A turbo head also has a rotating brush, but it isn't motorised and is less effective. While these heads enhance a vacuum's performance, they also make the vacuum bulkier and heavier.

Attachments

Check whether the vacuum includes an attachment for narrow corners, a dusting brush or an upholstery brush for cleaning furniture and fabric. Also, check if the attachments can be stored on the vacuum or if they require additional storage space.

Battery power

Corded vacuums can go the extra mile, however battery-based vacuums have a very limited battery life. Some only lasting a few minutes on a high performance mode. A stick vacuum may be enough for small homes with hard floors but for bigger homesteads with lots of carpet and furnishings a corded barrel or upright cleaner may be better.

Blower function

Some models can reverse the airflow to continually blow air, which is particularly helpful for moving dust out of stubborn spots for easy collection and unclogging blocked hoses. It can also be used for blowing up an air mattress.

Adjustable head height

You may want to choose a model with this feature if your carpets have different pile heights, or if you have wooden or tiled flooring.

Dust bag full indicator

This indicator means you won't have to keep manually checking whether your dust bag or bin is full.

Technological advancements

Is there an auto-clean function? Laser dust detection? Integrated air freshener? These might sound fancy but they can be helpful and give you more time back in your day.

Warranty

Note that the warranty period of your vacuum motor may be different from other components of your vacuum cleaner. Make sure to check all warranty conditions before buying.

Ease of use

How easy is the vacuum to manoeuvre and how easily does the head move on the carpet and beneath low furniture?

Barrel vs upright vacuum vs stick cleaners

A barrel vacuum cleaner is also known as a cylinder or canister vacuum. These vacuums have a motor in a container, or barrel, that gets pulled behind the vacuum while you clean.

Compared to upright vacuums that have a motor in the main body of the vacuum, barrel models are usually more powerful. However, they can be awkward to drag around.

Stick vacuums are some of the most popular options right now. They're lightweight and let you move around the house with easy, but they do have a very short battery life and often a smaller barrel.

StateProsCons
Barrel
  • More versatile than upright vacuums
  • Generally more powerful than other types of vacuums
  • Can be heavy and awkward to manoeuvre
  • Often include separate hoses and attachments that can be challenging to store
Upright
  • You don't have to pull it behind you while you vacuum
  • Many models have built-in brushes that can clean carpets more effectively
  • Take up more storage space
  • Often not as powerful as barrel vacuums
Stick
  • Lightweight, versitile and compact
  • Best for small rooms and tasks
  • Battery life is fairly short (under an hour on eco-mode).
  • Not ideal for carpets or thick surfaces

Both barrel and upright vacuums are available in bagged and bagless versions. If you don't think either of these vacuum types are right for you, check out our buying guides to stick vacuums and robot vacuum cleaners.

Bagged, bagless or water filter dust collection

If you're unsure what the differences are between bagged, bagless (bin) and water filter vacuums, here's a quick summary of the benefits and drawbacks of each type.

StateDescriptionProsCons
BaggedUses bags to collect dust and dirt that need to be thrown out when full.
  • Easiest to empty as the bags can be easily thrown away
  • Bagged models generally don't need to be emptied as often as bin models
  • Some bags are biodegradable
  • Disposable bags are not environmentally friendly
  • You'll need to buy bags regularly and can't use the vacuum if you run out
  • Your warranty may be forfeited if you use generic bags rather than the brand's version
BaglessIncludes a bin that collects waste and needs to be emptied when full.
  • There's no ongoing cost because you don't need to buy bags
  • You can easily see and retrieve items that have been accidentally collected
  • More environmentally friendly than bagged models
  • Disposing of the bin's contents can release dirt and allergens back into the air
  • The filter needs to be cleaned regularly and replaced eventually
Water filterComes with an attached water container to trap dirt and dust.
  • Can also be used for cleaning up any wet spills
  • Powerful dust filtration can help those with asthma, sensitivities and allergies
  • Must be emptied, cleaned and dried after each use to avoid mould growth
  • Bagged or bagless versions with a HEPA filter are just as good as dust filtration, if not better

4 tips for cleaning and maintenance

  1. Ensure you regularly check whether your bag or bin is full. You should replace the bag or empty the bin just before it's full or else your vacuum will begin losing suction power.
  2. The rotating brush in the head should be spinning around freely. You may need to clean or lubricate the ball bearings. If that is still ineffective, you may need to replace the ball bearings or buy a new vacuum head.
  3. Replace the brush belt powering the brush head at least every 6 to 12 months, or as frequently as outlined in the instruction manual.
  4. Make sure to clean or replace the vacuum filter in line with what's specified in the manual instructions.

How often should I vacuum?

Vacuuming at least once a week is the recommended frequency to reduce the build-up of dirt and dust in your home. If there are allergy sufferers in your house you may wish to clean more frequently than this to alleviate symptoms.

High-traffic areas such as hallways should be cleaned at least twice-weekly, particularly if you have children, pets or are in a dirty profession such as a gardener or and ER nurse.

Best-rated barrel vacuum cleaner brand award breakdown

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Stephanie Yip was the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for a range of travel publications including Thomas Cook Magazine and Showpo. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, and has visited over 50 countries (and counting). She has a passion for sharing her experiences and knowledge of travel and helping consumers stretch their travel cash while on holiday. See full bio

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