Cordless vs Corded Vacuum Cleaner: Which Should You Buy

Which is better, cordless or corded vacuum cleaners?

Should I get a cordless vacuum cleaner or a corded one?

How do cordless floor sweepers compare to corded vacuums?

If you are struggling to pick a corded or cordless vacuum cleaner, you are in the right place! Before making a decision, it is essential to understand the differences between the two types of hoover. So here's the best guide on cordless vs corded vacuum cleaners.

Quick Navigation:

1. Comparison between cordless and corded vacuum cleaner

2. Which is better, cordless or corded vacuum?

3. Best cordless vacuum cleaner recommendations

1. Cordless vs Corded Vacuum Cleaner: What Are the Differences Between Them

Before drawing a conclusion, you need to know the differences between cordless and corded vacuums. Let's explore the key features and differences between them.

#1. Suction Power

Suction power is the most important factor when it comes to vacuum cleaners. Cordless vacuum cleaners usually get a lower score in this point. The reason for this is that battery is the source of suction power in a cordless vac, but the battery does not provide unlimited amount of electricity. Therefore, when the battery begins to drain, you will naturally experience a low suction power.

On the other hand, corded vacuum cleaners are powered directly from the electrical outlet. They usually have a constant and unlimited suction power. Corded vacuum cleaners are ideal for cleaning large houses. However, one of the biggest disadvantages of plug-in hoovers is that you may need to keep changing sockets as you clean because of the limited length of the cord.

Winner: Corded vacuum cleaner

#2. Runtime

When comparing cordless and corded vacuums, the runtime is another essential factor to consider. Corded vacuums have unlimited runtime because it is plugged directly into an electrical outlet and you don't need to worry about running out of power.

However, all cordless vacuum cleaners have a limited lifespan and need to be recharged once the battery depletes. Depending on different types of battery used, you can expect a battery cordless vacuum to last between 15-50 minutes. For example, Lubluelu 202 can work up to 50 minutes at its minimum suction mode, enabling a whole-house cleaning with one charge.

Winner: Both

#3. Flexibility

Cordless vacuums score higher in this feature. You don't have to deal with cords. Just take it anywhere and clean any corner of your home, no matter floors, carpets, windows, cars, stairs and deep crevices that are hard to reach. In particular, many cordless models can be converted into a handheld vacuum cleaner, which you can easily use to clean high or tight places.

What about corded hoovers? As it comes with power cord, this means you are restricted to the length of the cord. Also, you must find a plug in each room or use a power extension cable while you clean. In addition, you need to keep a close eye on the cord under your feet when you are cleaning, so that you won’t trip over it. The corded design makes them much heavier and bulkier than cordless hoovers, making it a struggle to move it around.

Winner: Cordless vacuum cleaner

#4. Dustbin Capacity

In general, cordless hoovers are compact and portable. They usually have a small dust capacity, averaging at 0.6 L. If you have a larger house and clean daily, you may need to empty the waste every 2-3 days.

Corded vacuum cleaners offer a bigger dust container that can hold approximately 2-3 L, which enables you to empty it weekly or even monthly.

Winner: Corded vacuum cleaner

#5. Weight

The cordless vacuum cleaner is lighter than corded models, with an average weight of between 3 and 7 lbs. You can even lift it up to clean the ceiling. Besides, with ultra-light weight, it is easy to carry it from upstairs to downstairs. So a cordless vac is a perfect tool to vacuum the stairs.

In contrast, the corded hoover is much heavier with the cord. You may only use the corded model to vacuum your floors for its heavyweight design.

Winner: Cordless vacuum cleaner

2. Which Is Better, Cordless or Corded Vacuum?

Based on the above comparison, each of them has its own strengths and weaknesses.

The corded vacuum cleaner has a powerful and constant suction power, unlimited running time and a large dust container. But it is bulky and confined to the spaces of sockets and the length of cords.

Conversely, a cordless vacuum cleaner is compact, portable, light weight and flexible, but has limited battery life.

A corded vacuum cleaner might be better if you live in a large house with pets and lots of carpeted floors. Its powerful suction will pick up any dust and pet hair hiding in the fibres of the carpets. The unlimited runtime ensures you to clean your entire large house without worrying that the power would drain or deplete.

If you have a smaller house and only need one vacuum to clean all surfaces in your home, then choose a practical cordless hoover. One machine will take care of all your cleaning needs.

3. Best Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Recommendations

There are plenty of cordless vacuum cleaners on the market. Below is the list of the top 3 upright vacuum cleaners that are 100% cord-free, lightweight and portable.