The most common cordless vacuum problems, from 31,841 verified buyers

1. The most common cordless vacuum problem owners report: “The battery runs down too soon”, raised in 16% of the 1 to 3 star reviews, followed by “Broke down or developed a fault” (8%).
2. What happy owners praise most: “Cleans well, with strong suction”, in 38% of the 4 and 5 star reviews we read.
3. 92% of verified buyers rated their cordless vacuum 4 or 5 stars, against 93% across every product type in our study; cordless vacuums rank 17 of 37 for happy buyers.
4. 4% gave 1 or 2 stars, about 1 buyer in 25.
5. Across the 18 cordless vacuums with 30 or more ratings, the share of happy buyers ran from 71% to 96%.
6. Paying more did not disappoint more buyers: the pricier half of these cordless vacuums had a median of 93% happy buyers, against 90% for the cheaper half (up to £399).
7. Owners rate “great choice” and “good with caveats” models about the same here (a median of 90% and 89% happy buyers): the caveats experts raise rarely put owners off.
8. Buyers in Asia, Africa and Oceania were the happiest (96% at 4 or 5 stars), and buyers in the UK the least (91%).

Share of the 2,426 reviews of 1 to 3 stars that raise each problem, grouped across models. What to check before you buy.

1. 1. The battery runs down too soon16%
   Came up on 14 models
2. 2. Broke down or developed a fault8%
   Came up on 10 models
3. 3. Heavy or tiring to hold7%
   Came up on 8 models
4. 4. Doesn't clean well: weak suction, leaves dirt behind or struggles on carpet7%
   Came up on 11 models
5. 5. Awkward design: the trigger, the wand, the brush clogging, or it won't stand up6%
   Came up on 4 models

The problems above, most common first, and how to avoid each one. Our advice; the order comes from the reviews.

1. 1. The battery runs down too soon (16% of complaints)

   Look for the run time on normal power, not eco, and whether a second battery can be bought and swapped. Boost mode can empty a battery in minutes.

2. 2. Broke down or developed a fault (8% of complaints)

   Faults usually show in the first weeks, so buy from a shop with an easy returns policy, register the guarantee and keep the receipt. A longer maker's guarantee is worth paying a little for.

3. 3. Heavy or tiring to hold (7% of complaints)

   Most of the weight sits in your hand: check the weight of the handheld part and whether it is top-heavy, especially for stairs and ceilings.

4. 4. Doesn't clean well: weak suction, leaves dirt behind or struggles on carpet (7% of complaints)

   For deep carpet or pets, check independent tests on carpet, not just suction figures, and that it comes with a powered floor head.

5. 5. Awkward design: the trigger, the wand, the brush clogging, or it won't stand up (6% of complaints)

   Check whether it has a trigger or a power button, whether it stands up on its own or needs a wall dock, and whether the brush roll resists hair wrap.

Share of the 1,225 newest 4 and 5 star reviews we read that praise each point.

1. 1. Cleans well, with strong suction38%
   Came up on 17 models
2. 2. Light and easy to handle20%
   Came up on 13 models
3. 3. Long-lasting battery, or a spare in the box11%
   Came up on 10 models
4. 4. Easy to set up and use3%
   Came up on 3 models
5. 5. Handy touches: an on/off button or a self-emptying dock2%
   Came up on 4 models

Regions with 30 or more ratings, by where the shop is. Shops in each region sell different models, so a gap can come from the models as much as from the buyers.