The most important thing is the cleaning ability of the device, though, and the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute happily powered through our tests with ease. It isn’t cheap but, if you can afford it, it’s easily the best. Battery life: Or perhaps more accurately battery power determines roughly how much suction power a vacuum will have, as well as how long it will last on a single charge. The models on this list range in longevity from under ten minutes up to one hour, which is a pretty good cross-section of cordless vacuums more generally. The Dyson Cyclone V10 was once the king of cordless vacuum cleaners and was a noteworthy improvement over the V8 in almost every way, but it’s still worth a recommendation today. It’s incredibly powerful – so much so that Dyson ceased development of new corded cleaners because of this vacuum – and we agree that the V10 is easily good enough to replace your old upright if you’re hoping to upgrade.

Henry vs Dyson: what are the differences? - Vacuumtester Henry vs Dyson: what are the differences? - Vacuumtester

Key specs – Dimensions (WDH): 206 x 91 x 1,077mm; Weight: 1.9kg; Bin capacity: 0.2l; Runtime: 20mins; Warranty: 2yr RTB Accessories: Keep an eye out for detachable hoses or pivoting nozzles for awkward spaces; crevice tools for sofa cushions and tight spots; and powered vacuum heads for stubborn carpets. There are other, more unusual accessories, but these are the most common.In the HF9, Hoover includes many of the features you’ll find in the top of the range cleaners. These include an anti-tangle floor head, so you won’t have to cut off long hair that’s become wrapped around the brush roll. This Pet model also comes with a crevice tool, a mini motorised tool (for cleaning upholstery and also great on the stairs) and a combination dusting brush and funnel tool. What you won’t find is a soft roller for hard floors, although you can instruct the main brush roller to switch to a slower, gentler hard floor mode from the control panel.

NUMATIC Henry Quick HEN.100 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner - Currys

The IZ300 range uses its new PowerFins technology on the brush bar: these stiff fabric fins work alongside the usual brushes to agitate your carpet more vigorously. In our tests, we saw this help the vacuum perform as thorough a job on our controlled spills of cereal and flour as we’ve seen from any cordless vacuum, including more expensive models. The vacuum is less powerful than Dyson’s larger models, and the collection bin is smaller, meaning you’ll need to empty it more often. However, in our tests it cleaned just as efficiently as its larger siblings. Last but certainly not least, the kit comes with two batteries, so you can charge one while using the other. This provides a combined run time of well over 40 minutes, if using the vacuum’s most economical suction setting, but it can last well over 15 minutes even at full pelt if you switch batteries part way through. Considering how powerful it is, the Dyson V10 Cyclone has an excellent battery life of up to 60 minutes in the default mode and 30 minutes on the more powerful “Max Boost” setting. The dust container is also 40% larger than the V8 (it’s now 0.76l) and while that makes it more expensive, it’s still exceptional value if you want to keep your house spotless.The cleaning action has to be experienced to be believed. The vacuum glides around your floor like a hovercraft, with a unique joint between the handle and the floor head that lets you spin and rotate the vacuum into the tightest places. I adore the smooth springy action of this bin. Just press a button and the lid pops open. There is zero dust with this system because the entire bag – which is sealed with a one-way rubber gasket – simply falls out into the rubbish bin. I’d hazard a guess that it would take several single-room clean ups or one entire house-worth of vacuuming before the bag is full. There are a handful of specifications to look at before you begin, of which the most crucial are weight, bin capacity and battery life. Hey! Welcome at Vacuumtester.com! My name is Robbert and I test vacuum cleaners so you don’t have to. I have helped thousands of people buy their new vacuum cleaner that fits their needs and floors. Clumps of cat hair and strands left behind from a long-haired breed didn’t pose much of a challenge and were vacuumed up from the carpet, hard floors and rug without a problem, and without the need to keep moving the vacuum over and over the same patch of floor.

Henry Quick Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, HEN.100, Up to 60

Overall it’s quite pricey, but the RS70 makes a great choice for anyone living in a house with mostly hard flooring.

Key specs – Dimensions (WDH): 250 x 252 x 1,264mm; Weight: 3kg; Bin capacity: 0.76l; Runtime: 60mins; Warranty: 2yr RTB