Big-name brands, such as Beko and Samsung, who earned their reputations elsewhere, are getting in on the action too. And Shark has made impressive inroads into the market since launching in the UK four years ago. Since releasing its first cordless vacuum in 2006, Dyson has been a dominant force in cord-free cleaning. However, a growing number of competitors are snapping at its heels. If you have a large house that needs regular cleaning, a vacuum with a long battery life is essential. If you live in a flat or smaller space, battery life isn’t so important. Most cordless vacuums last up to 20 minutes, while more advanced (and expensive) models may last up to 60 minutes on a single charge. Extra Accessories

However, while flashy features can make vacuuming easier and even fun, they're no good if the vacuum doesn't get the basics right. Increasing competition has inspired rapid innovation, with cordless vac brands unveiling a host of new or improved features on their latest models in a bid to catch your attention.

Digital displays - show how much runtime you have left, power level and maintenance alerts (on Dyson V11 models, Samsung models, and the Tineco Pure One S12).

Anti-tangle technology - helps prevent hair clogging around the brush bar (included across the Shark range, and the upcoming Dyson V15 Detect).Automatic suction adjustment / dust sensors - varies the suction power depending on the surface you're vacuuming or how dirty it is (found on some Dyson V11 models, the upcoming V15 Detect and the Tineco Pure One S12). Self-emptying dust containers - that automatically empty once removed from the vacuum cleaner and placed on top of the compatible Samsung CleanStation (compatible with the Samsung range).