Are Cordless Stick Vacuums Really All That Better Than Corded Alternatives?

In many households, routine vacuuming to pick up crumbs, pet hair, and tracked-in dirt is an unavoidable chore for those who want a clean home. Of course, a powerful, easy-to-use vacuum makes the job much easier. If you're in the market for one such household appliance, you may be debating whether a corded or cordless model better fits the bill. The truth is, it depends. The best choice may come down to how many times per week you vacuum, among other important considerations.

Cordless stick vacuums offer convenience. They don't need to be plugged in, so they aren't bound by the length of their power cord. Plus, you don't have to worry about winding up the cord after use. But if you're looking for power to suck up every last speck of dust and dirt and are sick of dealing with an always-dying battery, corded vacuums might be the better option.

Whether a corded or cordless vacuum is the right choice for your household also depends on how you typically use the appliance. For example, cordless stick vacuums are better for quick daily cleaning, while a weekly 40-minute deep clean would often require the suction power levels and run times of a corded model.

Cordless vacuums run on rechargeable batteries. Battery life varies by model and the setting you select, typically lasting 15 to 60 minutes. Some come with stands that house the vacuum and recharge the battery, while others require a power cord to be plugged into the vacuum after each use. Because cordless vacuums are often lightweight, they're easy to maneuver around obstacles. Many models come with attachments that convert them into handheld vacuums for cleaning furniture and hard-to-reach crevices. 

The suction level of a cordless vacuum varies widely between models, though they generally deliver enough power to clean up everyday messes like food crumbs or dirt on the floor. Most of today's options also feature easy-to-empty dustbins that can release suctioned debris into the trash with the push of a button. If storage space is limited in your home, cordless stick vacuums offer a slender body that's easy to store in a small closet or corner of the room.

A cordless vacuum is worth the hype if you prioritize convenience. These models are superior for quick daily cleans since they are lightweight, easy to grab, and easy to store, but battery life can be an issue for longer cleaning sessions.

If you prioritize consistent suction and only vacuum once a week (or less often), the deep-cleaning power of a corded vacuum is probably a better fit. While you might think that opting for a corded vacuum limits you to a bulky upright, today's options are also available in canister and lightweight stick models. Since electrical connection rather than a battery powers corded vacuums, they often boast more powerful suction than their cordless counterparts. This means they are better for tackling tougher tasks, like removing dirt from crevices and pulling debris from plush carpets. Since they don't rely on a rechargeable battery, they're always ready to use. The battery's runtime doesn't limit your cleaning time or suction power, making them an excellent option for large homes or deep cleaning sessions.

Consider that a model that collects debris in a bag may be the sort of vacuum cleaner you need if you suffer from dust allergies. A bagged vacuum doesn't release dust and dirt back into the air when it's emptied, and corded stick vacuums are more readily available with bagged dustbins. Whether the corded vacuum you choose is bagged or bagless (both options are readily available), the dustbin is also likely larger than that of most stick vacuums, so you won't have to empty it as often.

Another alternative is to invest in both. If you have the space and budget, a corded vacuum is great to have on hand when you need to make your home sparkle, while a cordless model is easy to use daily to maintain your home's cleanliness. Let your personal preferences and needs guide you when shopping for a new vacuum cleaner.