This article will examine the best cordless vacuum options for cleaning carpets.
Ten years ago, I wouldn’t recommend using a cord-free vacuum on this surface because these machines back then lacked power.
But that’s not the case with advancements in cordless vacuum technology.
The latest cordless vacuums can pick up embedded dirt, and the only limitation is their range – how long can it run or sustain deep cleaning performance?
And we’ll look at the best options for cleaning carpets.
Premium Options, Mid-Priced Options, Budget Options, How to Choose?, Airflow, Cleaning, Run Time, Noise, FAQs
An overview of the Best Cordless Vacuum for Carpet
When I started this blog more than ten years ago, cordless vacuums weren’t as popular as today.
Older products suffer from power fade, short run time, and poor cleaning performance.
But newer variants are better at picking up debris on this surface.
Most premium options have excellent airflow and enough suction for the task.
I’ve spent many hours testing every one of these products, so this is more than a round-up post.
The options I’ll share here are byproducts of testing and data gathering. And not randomly selecting popular options on Amazon.
I spent many days testing test products in cleaning performance, filtration, etc.
I might have missed some products, but the ones you see here are stuff I’ve tried.
Some of them I’ve used in my home for cleaning chores, so the information you’ll see here are anecdotes from personal experience.
You won’t see any fluff in this comparison.
Best Premium Options
These cordless vacuums provide the best cleaning performance on this surface.
However, these are also the most costly options above $500, approaching $1,000 depending on where you purchase.
Most options in this list are high airflow cord-free vacuums, one of the primary considerations during the selection process (more below).
The Dyson V15 Detect is, without a doubt, the best cordless vacuum for cleaning carpets.
It has the best balance between debris pick up and range, enabling consumers to clean carpets exclusively without using the max setting.
It’s an underrated factor since this helps preserve the battery’s lifespan.
Best Premium: Dyson V15 Detect
- Airflow: 73 CFM.
- Dust bin size: 0.77 liters
- Fog Test: No Leaks
- Deep Cleaning: 100%
- Weight: 6.8 lbs.
- Run time: up to 84:19 mins.
- Recharge: 4.5 hrs.
- Battery: 3600 mAh Li-ion
- Noise: 80.8 dB
- Warranty: 2 yrs.
- Self-Standing: No
Upright Cordless: Lupe Pure Cordless
- Airflow: 43.06 CFM
- Dust bin size: 1.0 liters
- Fog Test: Some Leaks
- Sand on hard floor: 99.82%
- Deep Cleaning: 99.9%
- Weight: 10.14 lbs.
- Run time: up to 60 mins.
- Recharge: 3.5 hrs.
- Battery: 9 Murata high drain, high capacity Li-ion
- Noise: 81.7 dB
- Warranty: 2 yrs.
- Self Standing: Yes
Lots of Tools: Tineco Pure One S12
- Airflow: 61.72 CFM
- Dust bin size: 0.6 liters
- Fog Test: Some Leaks
- Sand on hard floor: 99.9%
- Deep Cleaning: 98.3%
- Weight: 6.6 lbs.
- Run time: up to 51:21 mins. x 2
- Recharge: 4.5 hrs.
- Battery: 2500 mAh Li-ion
- Noise: 70.4 dB
- Warranty: 2 yrs.
- Self-Standing: No
Super-Sized Cordless Stick: Dyson V11 Outsize
- Airflow: 66.65 CFM
- Dust bin size: 1.89 liters
- Fog Test: No Leaks
- Deep Cleaning: 100%
- Weight: 7.85 lbs.
- Run time: up to 85:24 mins.
- Recharge: 4.5 hrs.
- Battery: 3600 mAh Li-ion
- Noise: 78.8 dB
- Warranty: 2 yrs.
- Self-Standing: No
Best Mid-Priced Options
The options above will be the best for pure cleaning performance but are expensive.
This next tier is excellent for folks who don’t want to spend premium dollars on a cordless vacuum.
One compromise, though, is that these options don’t clean as well as the high-end tier.
Another concession is the shorter run time since these cordless vacuums use smaller batteries.
The Shark Vertex is the best mid-priced option with its high-end surface cleaning performance.
It won’t be as good as a V15 Detect with deep cleaning, but it picks up surface debris well.
This variant was my pick in the cordless vacuums on hardwood article because of its unique cleaning nozzle with the soft roller and bristled brush.
Best for Hard Floors: Shark Vertex Cordless
- Airflow: 53.11 CFM
- Dust bin size: 1.28 liters
- Fog Test: No Leaks
- Fog Test: No Leaks
- Deep Cleaning: 94.7%
- Weight: 9.04 lbs.
- Run time: up to 36:42 mins.
- Recharge: 4 hrs.
- Battery: 25.2-volt 2450 mAh Li-ion
- Noise: 76 dB
- Warranty: 2 yrs.
- Self Standing: Yes
LG CordZero A9
- Airflow: 52 CFM.
- Dust bin size: 0.399 liters
- Fog Test: Some Leaks
- Deep Cleaning: 94.75%
- Weight: 8.06 lbs.
- Run time: up to 43 mins. x 2
- Recharge: 3 to 4 hrs.
- Battery: 2300 mAh Li-ion
- Noise: 79.4 dB
- Warranty: 2 yrs.
- Self Standing: Yes
Miele Triflex HX1
- Airflow: 54.88 CFM
- Dust bin size: 0.5 liters
- Fog Test: Heavy Leaks
- Deep Cleaning: 94.15%
- Weight: 8.06 lbs.
- Run time: up to 62:43 mins.
- Recharge: 4 hrs.
- Battery: 2500 mAh Li-ion
- Noise: 83.8 dB
- Warranty: 2 yrs.
- Self-Standing: No
Best Budget Options
Lastly, we’ll look at budget options below $250.
understand that there are options under $100, but most of these products have inferior build quality, inadequate filtration, and may not last as long.
So, I increased the price threshold to accommodate better quality options.
Another issue with cheap cordless vacuums is the uncertainty that the manufacturer will be around.
It’s the niche with many startup brands, and you’ll notice that most use the same brush or steering component.
The Tineco A11 is the most logical option for me at this price bracket.
It’s one of the best options for cleaning performance on carpets without breaking the bank.
No, it won’t clean like a Dyson, but it’s cheaper and has better results than the Dyson V7 and V8 in numerous cleaning tests.
Value for Money: Tineco A11
- Airflow: 58 CFM.
- Dust bin size: 0.6 liters
- Fog Test: Some Leaks
- Sand on hard floor: 99.4%
- Deep Cleaning: 96.45%
- Weight: 3.74 lbs.
- Run time: up to 26:44 mins. x 2
- Recharge: 3.5 – 4 hrs.
- Battery: 2,000 mAH Li-ion
- Noise: 75.4 dB
- Warranty: 2 yrs.
- Self-Standing: No
Above-Average Cleaning: Moosoo K17
- Airflow: 41.31 CFM
- Dust bin size: 0.5 liters
- Fog Test: Heavy Leaks
- Deep Cleaning: 89.4%
- Weight: 2.79 lbs.
- Run time: up to 30 mins.
- Recharge: 4 hrs.
- Battery: 2200 mAh Li-ion
- Noise: 71.2 dB
- Warranty: 1 yr.
- Self-Standing: No
How to Choose the Best Cordless Vacuum on Carpet?
As I’ve said in the cordless vacuum for hardwood article, the criteria for carpets are different.
High airflow isn’t required on hard floors, but it’s more important on this surface, which brings me to the first aspect.
1. High Airflow
One must-have for a good carpet cleaning vacuum is high airflow.
There’s no way around it. Airflow (to those unfamiliar) is the air that passes through a location.
High-airflow cordless vacuums will do better picking up debris on carpets.
Most of the options above are Dysons because these products produce decent airflow.
2. Brush Roll Design
The next consideration is brush roll design. Look for a brush roll with stiff bristles or an agitating agent that’ll beat on carpet strands to dislodge debris.
Nearly all the options above have this characteristic and pick up most of the debris on this surface.
Another thing to look at is brush roll girth. The thicker the brush, the better it is at debris pick-up.
3. Nozzle Seal
Also, check the seal on the nozzle. The best options have an excellent seal, meaning the nozzle will act as a suction cup.
New Dyson stick vacuums have this property with adjustable gates; one negative effect is that pushing can be challenging with high suction.
4. Deep Cleaning/Run Time Ratio
One critical factor in choosing a cordless stick vacuum on carpets is how long it can sustain its deep cleaning performance.
It’s not something review sites talk about, but an important aspect.
This is where Dyson products stand out and why these are my picks.
And the Dyson V15 Detect is the best at deep cleaning in the middle setting, with a 100% score.
It’s the only option that picked up this much in this configuration, while the other options are below 100%.
5. Battery Technology
Look for a cordless vacuum with lithium battery technology. Most brands have this, and it’s a non-negotiable, especially for cleaning this surface.
Anything else will be a waste of resources.
Another thing to consider is the detachability of the battery.
My preference would be a detachable battery because it’s easier to replace.
Also, it’s possible to extend the run time by purchasing an extra battery.
The LG CordZero A9 comes with two batteries, doubling the run time.
So you could use the vacuum with another battery recharging. Thus reducing (or eliminating) any downtime waiting for the battery to charge fully.
6. Budget
How much are you willing to spend on a cordless vacuum? The best options cost more than a corded upright.
It’s a tradeoff consumers should consider between ergonomics and price.
Upright vacuums will deep clean carpet, but most options I’ve seen are bulky and won’t go deep under furniture.
7. Parts Availability
Lastly is the parts availability. I added this because it’s an important aspect to consider.
What if the battery breaks? Can you buy a replacement? Are there aftermarket parts available?
These are the questions you need to answer for the long-term viability of a product.
Another reason I hesitate to recommend new brands is because there’s no way of knowing if they’ll be around after two, three, or five years.
Best Overall: Dyson V15 Detect
Pros
- Best at cleaning embedded sand (on mid-pile carpet) in the middle setting
- The new brush roll resists tangles from long hair strands well
- Decent run time in the middle setting (close to 20 minutes)
- Easy to empty dustbin (thanks to the hygienic system)
- Versatile option with its attachments
- Fully sealed dustbin that didn’t leak during the fog test
Cons
- Extremely costly
- Top-heavy design
- Hard to push on carpet (in the max setting)
The Dyson V15 Detect again takes the number one spot in this category. Not because of the hype, but it’s what the cleaning results say.
I’ve put all these vacuums through different experiments, and the V15 Detect is the best-performing option (by the numbers).
It picked up 100% in surface and deep cleaning tests, including the embedded sand test using the middle setting.
None of the other options here picked up that much.
Dyson tweaked the standard nozzle, adding combs and protrusions around the bristles, helping it agitate better.
The redesigned brush and combs also help it resist tangles better.
It got one of the highest scores in the twelve-inch hair wrap test on carpet (98%), making it one of the best cordless options for pet hair.
The V15 Detect retains the same adjustable gates. So consumers can adjust whether to have a full or partial seal, which is essential on this surface.
Also, the torq screw tool provides another tool for cleaning carpets. It’s the best mini turbo brush for picking up hair (even long strands).
One drawback to the V15’s high airflow and the sealed nozzle is that it can be hard to push, especially with fully closed gates.
A workaround would be opening the gates halfway, reducing pick-up but making it easier to move around.
Another is the extremely high cost, which isn’t a surprise because of all the technology in this product.
Best Mid-Priced Option: Shark Vertex Cordless
Pros
- Excellent surface debris pick-up
- Large capacity dustbin
- The foldable wand makes it self-standing
- Best of the bunch at cleaning under the furniture (again, thanks to the foldable tube)
- Detachable battery
Cons
- Relatively short run time
- Not as good as a Dyson V15 at deep-cleaning carpet
- Subpar ergonomics as a handheld
The best mid-priced option on the carpet is the Shark Vertex Cordless.
I picked this option over the
Yes, these Dyson cordless vacuums will pick up more embedded sand, but the Vertex Cordless has better ergonomics.
Plus, the foldable wand helps clean under furniture better than any Dyson product.
This feature also helps it stand independently without needing a wall-mountable dock.
The Duo Clean nozzle is excellent at picking up surface and above-average on embedded sand (94.7% on mid-pile carpet).
Pushing on the carpet is easier than the Dyson V15, giving it a better ergonomic feel.
The large dustbin can hold over a liter of dry dirt, so it doesn’t fill up as quickly, making it a good option inside larger homes.
However, it won’t run as long (under 30 minutes). But, consumers can purchase an extra battery from Shark to extend the range.
The Shark Vertex Cordless is an excellent mid-priced alternative to a Dyson V15.
It’s much cheaper, reaches deeper under furniture, stands independently, and doubles Dyson’s dustbin capacity.
Consider this product if you don’t mind the shorter run time and slightly inferior deep cleaning performance.
Lots of Tools: Tineco Pure One S12
Pros
- Excellent performance on carpets (surface and embedded debris)
- Easy to read display
- 100-plus minute run time from the two batteries
- It comes with plenty of tools
- The longest reach of any cordless stick vacuum I’ve tested
Cons
- Expensive
- Subpar steering
- Some leaks during the fog test
While the Shark Vertex’s design contradicts a Dyson, this next product has many of the same elements.
The
However, Tineco added some unique elements to their products: the mechanical trigger lock and the interactive display.
These two enhancements improve the Pure One S12’s usability.
Not squeezing the trigger eases the pressure on your wrist since there’s no need to squeeze continually.
Another feature unique to Tineco is the sheer number of attachments.
There are eleven (not including the extension wand and battery).
The variety helps with its versatility above floors.
It has several tools that extend its reach way over 50 inches, helping it clean in tight vertical spots.
This area behind our bed is a trouble spot for me. None of the cordless stick vacuums I have can reach all the way.
Additionally, it is excellent at picking up debris on carpet, which is why I put it on this list.
It won’t be as good as the Dyson V15 Detect with embedded dirt, but the variance won’t be much.
Also, it comes with two batteries with a max run time of over 100 minutes – tops the list, but that’s with the non-powered tools.
Unfortunately, it won’t steer as well as a Dyson because of the angled, fixed-tube steering mechanism with a limited turning radius.
Super-Sized Cordless Stick Vacuum: Dyson V11 Outsize
Pros
- Super-sized capacity (1.89 liters)
- Excellent deep cleaning performance
- The wide cleaning nozzle covers a lot of ground
- Lengthy run time
- Detachable batteries
Cons
- Extremely top-heavy
- Expensive option
- Not very usable as a handheld
Next, we’ll look at a jumbo-sized cordless stick vacuum – the V11 Outsize.
It’s essentially a V11 Torque Drive on steroids, with everything super-sized to increase capacity and coverage per pass.
It has an upright-like 1.89-liter dustbin capacity, doubling the V11 Torque Drive’s volume.
The cleaning nozzle is over thirteen inches, helping it cover more real estate per pass.
This stick vacuum is excellent inside large homes with open space because of its size and capacity.
While it cleans well, the extra mass increases its top-heaviness (if that makes sense).
The listed weight may not sound heavy (7.85 pounds), but the increased dustbin, motor, and battery size will add up.
So, there’s a multiplier effect with every ounce added with the traditional stick vacuum design.
Also, like the V15 Detect, it’s hard to push on carpet because of its seal.
I wouldn’t recommend this product unless you really need the high dustbin capacity.
Otherwise, go with the
Value-for-Money: Tineco A11
Pros
- Cheaper than any Dyson mid-priced option
- Excellent surface debris pick up
- It picks up a high percentage of embedded sand
- Above-average dustbin capacity
- Two detachable batteries
Cons
- Slightly leaked during the fog test
- Not a very responsive steering
Another Tineco in this list is the A11, one of the least expensive options.
The A11 is one of the best-performing cordless stick vacuums in its price bracket.
It’s surprisingly better than the Dyson V7 and V8 on hard floors and carpets.
The clincher for me is the cheaper cost than the other two.
It has similar features to the
Unfortunately, it presents the same steering issues as the Pure One S12 since it has the exact steering mechanism.
Overall, it’s an excellent product with decent quality. It won’t have the same aftermarket parts availability as Dyson, but Tineco sells those parts, so it’s an excellent long-term alternative to a Dyson.
Airflow Comparison
Next, we’ll look at these vacuums fare with airflow, an essential metric for carpet cleaning performance.
I used an anemometer to get the results below.
| Model | Eco | Mid/Auto | Boost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dyson V15 Detect | |||
| Wand | 34.55 CFM | 42.38 CFM | 73 CFM |
| Cleaning Head | 29.98 CFM | 36.32 CFM | 69.19 CFM |
| Dyson V11 Outsize | |||
| Wand | 33.3 CFM | 41.07 CFM | 66.65 CFM |
| Cleaning Head | 29.52 CFM | 33.4 CFM | 59.5 CFM |
| Dyson V11 Torque Drive | |||
| Wand | 34.55 CFM | 41.91 CFM | 66.13 CFM |
| Cleaning Head | 28.52 CFM | 31.94 CFM | 53.58 CFM |
| LG CordZero A9 | |||
| Wand | 31 CFM | N/A | 52 CFM |
| Cleaning head | 24.53 CFM | N/A | 36.32 CFM |
| Lupe Pure | |||
| Cleaning Head | 22.29 CFM | 28.05 CFM | 43.06 CFM |
| Miele Triflex HX1 | |||
| Wand | 34.55 CFM | 48.72 CFM | 54.88 CFM |
| Cleaning head | 35.88 CFM | 41.91 CFM | 45.75 CFM |
| Moosoo K17 | |||
| Wand | 32.67 CFM | N/A | 41.31 CFM |
| Cleaning head | 28.52 CFM | N/A | 36.32 CFM |
| Shark Vertex Cordless | |||
| Wand | 29.63 CFM | N/A | 52.53 CFM |
| Cleaning head | 28.76 CFM | N/A | 36 CFM |
| Tineco A11 | |||
| Wand | 31.9 CFM | N/A | 58 CFM |
| Cleaning head | 24.35 CFM | N/A | 39.72 CFM |
| Tineco Pure One S12 | |||
| Wand | 34 CFM | N/A | 61.72 CFM |
| Cleaning head | 27.95 CFM | N/A | 50.71 CFM |
The Dyson V15 Detect has the highest airflow of the bunch here. So it wasn’t surprising that it also got the best results on carpet.
One surprising note is that other options with low airflow numbers did well, namely the Shark Vertex Cordless and the Moosoo K17.
But their scores weren’t as good as Dyson’s options with higher airflow.
Cleaning Performance Comparison
The high airflow of the V15 Detect helped it pick up the most on carpet, with 100% scores on the surface and deep cleaning tests.
| Model | Overall | Carpet (Surface) | Carpet (Surface) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dyson V11 Outsize | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Dyson V15 Detect | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Lupe Pure | 99.81% | 99.82% | 99.90% |
| Dyson V11 Torque Drive | 99.63% | 99.26% | 100% |
| Tineco Pure One S12 | 98.82% | 99.34% | 98.30% |
| Tineco A11 | 98.12% | 99.80% | 96.45% |
| LG CordZero A9 | 97.35% | 99.95% | 94.75% |
| Shark Vertex Cordless | 97.28% | 99.87% | 94.70% |
| Miele Triflex HX1 | 96.83% | 99.77% | 93.9% |
| Moosoo K17 | 94.52% | 99.65% | 89.40% |
| Roidmi X30 | 91.28% | 99.27% | 83.30% |
What’s impressive with the V15 Detect is how much it picked up in the middle setting – 100%.
None of the other options picked up as much, and most cordless stick vacuums got less than 100% IN THE MAX SETTING.
Only the Dyson V11 Outsize picked up 100% of surface and embedded debris but didn’t get 100% in the middle setting deep cleaning test.
The Lupe Pure is the best non-Dyson option for deep cleaning carpet (99.8%) and surface debris (99.82%).
The Tineco A11 is the best budget cordless vacuum for surface debris, a significant reason why I put this on the list.
Run Time Comparison
Next, we’ll look at how long each variant will run. I timed each using my phone’s stopwatch from fully charged to empty.
| Model | Eco | Mid/Auto | Boost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tineco Pure One S12 | |||
| Non-powered tools | 102:42 mins (2 batteries) | N/A | 21:34 mins (2 batteries) |
| Cleaning head | 75:10 mins (2 batteries) | N/A | 20:20 mins 2 batteries |
| LG CordZero A9 | |||
| Cleaning head | 86 mins (2 batteries) | N/A | 30 mins (2 batteries) |
| Dyson V15 Detect | |||
| Hard Floor | 84:19 mins | 41:30 mins. | N/A |
| Carpet | 56:58 mins | 17:23 mins | 11:02 mins |
| Dyson V11 Outsize | |||
| Hard Floor | 85:24 mins | N/A | N/A |
| Carpet | 64:26 mins | 22:08 mins | 12: 36 mins |
| Dyson V11 Torque Drive | |||
| Hard Floor | 74:58 mins | 46:11 mins | 7:14 mins |
| Carpet | 57:16 mins | 18:33 mins | 9:46 mins |
| Shark Vertex Cordless | |||
| Non-powered tools | 69:50 mins | N/A | N/A |
| Cleaning nozzle | 36:42 mins (hard.floor mode) | 22:58 mins (carpet mode) | N/A |
| Miele Triflex HX1 | |||
| Non-powered tools | 62:43 mins | 62:43 mins | 62:43 mins |
| Cleaning head | 30:06 mins | 21:03 mins | 16: 18 mins |
| Lupe Pure | |||
| Hard floor | 60 mins | N/A | N/A |
| Carpet | 47:47 mins | 31:15 mins | 14:16 mins |
| Tineco A11 | |||
| Non-powered tools | 52:44 mins (2 batteries) | N/A | 21:16 mins (2 batteries) |
| Cleaning head | 50 mins (2 batteries) | N/A | 20:20 mins (2 batteries) |
| Moosoo K17 | |||
| Cleaning head | 30 mins | N/A | 17:27 mins |
The
But that number drops to 75 minutes in the cleaning nozzle.
The LG CordZero A9 had the best results at the nozzle with a combined 86 minutes (two batteries).
However, the Dyson V15 Detect has the best sustained deep cleaning performance at over 17 minutes, where it picked up 100%.
This means it can clean embedded debris on carpets for this long without too much stress on the battery.
The V11 Outsize lasted longer at 22 minutes, but it didn’t pick up as much as the V15 Detect.
Noise Comparison
High airflow vacuums will be noisy, especially in the highest setting. How noisy? Check the decibel levels in the table below.
| Model | Low | Mid | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dyson V15 Detect | 70.3 dB | 72.3 dB | 80.8 dB |
| Dyson V11 Outsize | 73.5 dB | 75 dB | 78.8 dB |
| Dyson V11 Torque Drive | 66.5 dB | 68.7 dB | 78.9 dB |
| LG CordZero A9 | 72.0 dB | N/A | 79.4 dB |
| Lupe Pure | 74.6 dB | 78.4 dB | 81.7 dB |
| Miele Triflex HX1 | 77.2 dB | 82.8 d | 83.8 dB |
| Moosoo K17 | 69 dB | N/A | 71.2 dB |
| Shark Vertex Cordless IZ462H | 76.3 dB | 78.9 dB | 80.8 dB |
| Tineco A11 | 72.9 dB | N/A | 75.4 dB |
| Tineco Pure One S12 | 67.2 dB | N/A | 70.4 dB |
It’s no surprise that the noisiest options are Dyson products since these vacuums possess high airflow.
But not all high airflow vacuums are noisy.
If this is a deal-breaker, the
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions I found around the interweb.
Do Cordless Vacuums Work on Carpet?
Yes, but with varying degrees of effectiveness. The best options I’ve outlined above must have high airflow to pick up embedded debris.
There are exceptions, like the Shark Vertex Cordless and LG Cordzero A9, but these have excellent brush roll designs, offering excellent agitation.
However, you’d want high airflow AND agitation for optimal results.
Can a Dyson cordless vacuum be used on carpet?
Yes, especially the latest V-series variants – V10, V11 Torque Drive, V11 Outsize, and V15 Detect.
These models (particularly the V15 Detect) have good airflow and agitation, essentials for excellent carpet cleaning performance.
None of these will match an upright, but these products offer reach and above-floor cleaning versatility impossible with full-sized corded vacuums.
Why is the Dyson hard to push on carpet?
Newer Dyson V-series options have adjustable gates, making them harder to push when fully closed.
One reason is it blocks out air, increasing the “seal” to improve embedded debris pick up, but at the expense of usability since it’s harder to push.
Older variants like the Dyson V8 don’t have this issue since there’s a tiny gap, allowing air to flow through the nozzle (acting as a release valve) and reducing the seal.
If you own a Dyson V10 or later model, open the gates halfway to eliminate this issue, but at the expense of cleaning performance.
