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Vacuum cleaners: Everything you need to know

CHOICE has been reviewing vacs for over 50 years. Our lab experts rigorously test and review the latest models to find the best for your budget. Need help choosing? We've got buying guides and expert tips for all types, including stick, barrel, upright and robot vacuums.

Expert reviews

Barrel and upright vacs: rated and ranked

Avoid buying a lemon. We lab test the latest models from Dyson, Electrolux, Miele and more.
Stick vacs: rated and ranked

Do Dysons deserve the hype, or do brands like LG and Bosch do better? View our top picks for sticks.
Robot vacuums: rated and ranked

Do bots clean better? We review models from iRobot, Samsung, Hoover and more.

Barrel, stick or robot?

How to buy the right vacuum for you

Buying a new vac but not sure where to start? Can't choose between a stick, barrel or robot cleaner? And which one is best on carpet and hardwood floors?
Our helpful guide will make you an expert in no time with vital info on price, pros and cons, key features, hot tips and more.

View our guide

Buying guides

Stick vac buying guide

Our expert guide looks at price, key features, battery life, charge times and more.
Barrel and upright vac buying guide

Barrel or upright? Bag or bagless? Our easy guide helps you decide.
Robot vac buying guide

Can these clever household helpers really get the job done? Here's what you need to know.

Helpful articles

Invictus X9 plus X-Water 2.0 first look review

Is the Invictus X9 stick vacuum the revolutionary wet and dry cleaning system the shopping channels would have you believe?
Dyson V15 Detect first look review

Dyson's latest vacuum features a laser to highlight 'hidden' dust, dust-sensing technology and an anti-tangle cleaning head.
Splurge vs save: The cheaper stick vacuums that compete with expensive ones

Choosing wisely can save you hundreds of dollars, without compromising on performance.
Best vacuum brands

We reveal the best brand for barrel and upright vacs, based on our testing and member feedback.
Should you buy a robot vacuum? We reveal the pros and cons

We analyse performance, price, benefits and drawbacks. Plus we share owners' advice (and gross horror stories).
Barrel and upright vacuums to avoid

If you want suck for your buck, skip these models from Kmart, Vax, Bissell, Electrolux and Dyson.
3 robot vacuum cleaners to avoid

Need some help around the house? Don't count on these poorly performing robot vacs.
Should you buy a Dyson vacuum?

They're the biggest sellers on the market, but are they worth the price tag? Our experts dissect Dyson.
Stick vacuum cleaners to avoid buying

If you want clean floors and carpets, steer clear of these suckers.
Stick vs corded vacuums: which is best?

We compare the two for cleaning performance, pet hair removal, noise, power and more.
The best easy-to-use vacuum cleaners

Make vacuuming a breeze with these models that rated highest for ease of use in our tests.
Best vacuum cleaners for pet hair

If you live with furry friends, the right vac can be essential for picking up the hair they shed.

More advice

How to clean your vacuum cleaner

Help your vacuum run better with our tips for regular cleaning and maintenance.
Should you buy a Kmart Anko vacuum cleaner?

You may be enticed by the low price, but some of the worst-performing vacuums in our tests come from the budget retailer.
Vacuum cleaners: the bag vs bagless war

The pros and cons of buying with a bag or with bagless
Dyson V11 Absolute review

Dyson's latest cord-free vacuum knows if you're cleaning hard floor or carpet. We test the V11 in our labs.
HEPA vacuums, allergies and asthma

Our in-house expert explains why a HEPA filter is essential for those with sensitive senses.
Cult cleaners: Dyson, Enjo, Koh and more

From Dyson vacuums to Koh cleaning supplies, which products deliver the dream clean?
Most reliable vacuum brands

Find out which brand topped our reliability survey of over 9000 CHOICE members.
How CHOICE tests vacuum cleaners

Our experts know vacs inside and out. Learn more about their intensive lab testing.
Dyson V8 Absolute stick vac review

Is this sleek-looking cordless vacuum a revolutionary improvement on the Dyson V6?

Vacuum cleaners: Everything you need to know

Expert reviews

Barrel, stick or robot?

Buying guides

Helpful articles

More advice