Best for most people
Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean & Empty
Great choice
- Empties itself into the dock
- Hair doesn't wrap round the brush
- Bendable wand to reach under furniture
- The dock takes floor space and needs a socket
Best cordless vacuums
Most people should get the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean & Empty. It empties itself and hair doesn't wrap the brush.
Best cleaning power
Dyson V15 Detect
Great choice
- Top suction, great on carpet
- Laser shows dust on hard floors
- Battery clicks out to swap
- You empty the bin yourself — no dock
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Why the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean & Empty?
The self-emptying dock and a brush built not to wrap with hair fix the two most common cordless annoyances: dusty emptying and cutting hair off the roller. It costs less than a Dyson V15, which still pulls a little more out of deep carpet.
Full verdictPopular comparisons
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications and the problems owners keep reporting, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: TechRadar, Trusted Reviews, Vacuum Wars, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 6 Oct 2026How we decide
Our verdict is an opinion based on published reviews and owner reports, not our own testing. Specs, prices and availability change — check the manufacturer's and retailer's details before you buy. Terms & disclaimer