Best Vacuum Cleaners (2026): Cordless Vacuums, Robot Vacuums, Dysons
WIRED’s 2026 guide compares vacuum cleaners across cordless stick, robot and budget categories, based on home testing by its staff.
– Shark PowerDetect Speed is named best cordless stick vacuum, offering 350W power, intelligent floor detection and up to 60 minutes’ runtime. – Dyson Gen5Detect is the preferred Dyson stick model, praised after comparative testing despite being older than newer Dyson releases. – Bissell PowerClean Cordless Stick Vacuum is recommended as the more affordable cordless option, listed at $160 during a promotion. – Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal is selected as the best robot vacuum, listed at $850 during a promotion. – The guide says different vacuum types suit different homes and cleaning needs, including pets, cars and frequent household mess.
In short
- Shark leads WIRED’s cordless and robot vacuum picks.
- Dyson Gen5Detect remains its preferred Dyson stick vacuum.
- The guide includes lower-cost options alongside premium models.
Explained simply
WIRED magazine has tested and compared different types of vacuum cleaners to help readers choose the right model for their homes. The guide covers several categories of cleaners, reflecting the different options available on the market.
Vacuum cleaners come in several different types. Some are cordless stick models that users operate manually, whilst others are robot vacuums that move around floors independently, and there are also budget options available.
Different vacuum types suit different household situations, depending on factors such as home size, whether pets live in the house, and how frequently cleaning is required. The guide helps readers understand which type might work best for their particular circumstances.