Which cordless vacuum brand is the most reliable?

We investigated the performance and reliability of some of the most popular cordless vacuum cleaner brands including Dyson, Gtech, Halo and Shark. 

In our unique large appliance survey, we asked more than 4,000 Which? members and members of the public if they’re happy with their cordless vacuum cleaner and if they’ve experienced problems, so you can see which brands are worth the money.

Already decided on a brand? Discover the best cordless vacuum cleaners to make sure you get a top-scoring model

Which cordless vacuum cleaner brands develop the fewest faults?

Nobody wants to shell out for a repair or even a replacement cordless vacuum cleaner after just a few years of ownership. 

This table summarises what we found about how quickly cordless vacuum cleaner brands develop faults, based on cordless vacuum cleaners bought in the past six years.

As you can see, cordless vacuum cleaner brands differ when it comes to chances of developing faults – and it might surprise you to see where popular brands Dyson, Shark and Gtech are placed.

Only logged-in Which? members can view which brands members are most satisfied with in the table below. If you're not yet a member, join Which? for instant access.

Which cordless vacuum brands do owners recommend?

As well as faults, our survey also revealed which cordless vacuum cleaner brands owners feel happy with - and which they’d recommend to a friend.

These results are shown as each brand’s Customer Score, and is based on cordless vacuum cleaners bought in the past six years.

Which? members can log in to view which cordless vacuum brands last the longest before they need to be replaced. If you're not yet a member, join Which? for instant access.

Visit our cordless vacuum reviews to see all the models we've tested

The three most common cordless vacuum faults

According to our annual survey, cordless vacuum cleaners are less reliable than their corded cousins, but you don't always need to buy a new one if your cordless vac develops a fault. 

In fact, the three most common faults can be simple to fix.

1. Battery not lasting as long as it used to (19% of all faults)

Like most lithium-ion batteries, cordless vacuum batteries eventually lose power.

Before buying a new vac, it's worth checking whether the battery can be replaced – spare batteries can buy you more cleaning time, although they often cost £50 or more, so they can be an expensive extra.

2. No suction or deteriorating suction (13%)

A complete loss of suction or noticeably deteriorated suction could be a result of reduction in battery power, blocked airways or filters within the vacuum cleaner, or a clogged brush bar.

To find out how to restore suction in your cordless vacuum, watch our video guide on how to fix a vacuum cleaner that's lost suction.

3. Blocked filters (10%)

Blocked filters can be avoided by regularly washing them. Most manufacturers advise rinsing your filter in cold water once a month and allowing them to dry for up to 48 hours on a windowsill.

Washing your filters with warm water, or not letting them dry completely, could damage your vacuum's filtration system, allowing fine dust particles to escape while you clean.

For tips on keeping your vac in good working order, read 5 things I'd never do as a vacuum cleaner expert

How easy is it to repair a broken cordless vacuum cleaner?

According to our survey, 17% of owners who had a problem with their cordless vacuum managed to repair it, or asked someone they know to fix the issue. 

Nearly a third (31%) just carried on using the vacuum cleaner despite the fault – demonstrating that not all issues are actually showstoppers. 

Some 15% managed to repair a fault under manufacturer warranty, and 5% secured an out-of-warranty fix. A further 8% secured a repair by an independent repair service. 

Therefore, you do have options if your vacuum develops a fault, and you don't need to feel obliged to purchase a new one. 

If you need professional help with a repair, search Which? Trusted Traders to find an approved local trader:

Which cordless vacuum cleaner brands offer the best guarantees?

Most cordless vacuum cleaner brands offer product guarantees of one to two years as standard on purchases. 

However, some brands go further with the warranty support they offer.  

• Shark – offers a five-year guarantee on many models, although the battery is usually only guaranteed for two years. 
• Vax – a three-year guarantee on most models, although some have a longer six-year warranty. 
• Hoover – a five-year guarantee, depending on the model.
• Bosch - if you register your vacuum, Bosch will give a 10-year warranty for the motor. 

Faulty product? Find out how to get a refund, repair or replacement

How we discover the most reliable cordless vacuum cleaner brands

Which? has a wealth of information on Britain's favourite brands. Every year, we ask Which? members to tell us about the home appliances they own – from how likely they would be to recommend a brand, to how reliable the products are once they get them home.

This year, 10,249 Which? Connect Panel members and members of the public told us about more than 33,000 individual products, from washing machines to fridge freezers and cordless vacuum cleaners. We calculate each brand's customer score, fault rate and reliability rating using the results of our annual survey.

Our surveys, combined with our extensive lab tests, mean we can recommend the best cordless vacuum cleaners to buy.

For more on our tests and what it takes to be a Which? Best Buy, read how we test cordless vacuum cleaners