Cordless vs. Corded Vacuum: Should You Cut the (Electrical) Cord?

When it comes to keeping your home clean, choosing the best vacuum can make the difference between a clean floor and one that could use another once-over. While there are many variables you can consider when choosing a vacuum, but there are two primary categories that most vacuums fall into: corded and cordless.

This question isn’t quite as simple as deciding if you want to plug into an outlet while running the vacuum. These categories of vacuums come with their own benefits and challenges and serve different purposes in the cleaning process depending on your household cleaning needs. Do you need a lightweight option to pull out on a whim and clean up a small mess, or do you need a powerful suction with deep clean capabilities? Does your home have lots of carpet and foot traffic, or do you have hard floors?

The answer to these questions will dictate what type of vacuum you need. We’ll help guide you through this decision, helping you to determine what kind of vacuum works best for your budget, household needs and cleaning goals.

What is a cordless vacuum? 

As the name suggests, a cordless vacuum is a vacuum that doesn’t require being plugged in to operate. Instead, it’s typically powered by a rechargeable battery that gets juiced up in the dock when not in use. The designs are typically in a stick vacuum form-factor, with a canister and controls at the top, a long nozzle and a brush head at the bottom. 

Pros and cons of a cordless vacuum

Pros

Cons

• Limited battery life

• Smaller dustbin capacity

• Less powerful suction

Functionality

Cordless vacuums are typically better utilized for quick cleanups. Cordless vacuums also tend to have a smaller dustbin capacity –on average, around 0.5 liters — than heavy-duty cleaning options. That means you’ll be emptying it more frequently, especially if you are doing frequent or deeper cleans. 

Power Capacity

The dock will require a power outlet to plug in, but you won’t have to worry about dragging that cord around as you vacuum your floor. “Cordless vacuums operate on rechargeable batteries, which is great for mobility, but they can die pretty quickly,” said Joseph Passalacqua, CEO and owner at Maid Sailors Cleaning Service. 

Because it is cordless, your vacuum will run as long as the battery allows. Typically, that will be about 20 to 60 minutes. You’ll also need to give the vacuum several hours on average to recharge, meaning your cleaning might get stopped if you have a dead battery. “Cordless models are improving but can sometimes lose suction as the battery drains, making them hard to work with. It’s a pretty big pain to have to stop mid clean to recharge or replace a battery,” Passalacqua says.

Portability

Most cordless vacuums are lightweight, weighing between 5 and 7 pounds. That makes them easy to carry, which can be particularly handy if your home has multiple levels that require cleaning. They also tend to be more mobile than corded vacuums, which allows them to reach tighter spaces. If you need to get under furniture or into tight corners, a cordless vacuum will likely be better equipped. 

Home size and flooring type

Cordless vacuums are well-suited for smaller homes or apartments, where cleaning sessions are shorter and storage space is limited. They tend to have less suction power than corded alternatives, so they work better on hard floors than carpeted areas. 

Cleaning frequency and use cases

Cordless vacuums are more convenient for frequent or daily cleaning due to their relatively short runtime and easy manueverability. 

Price

Cordless vacuums are slightly pricier than corded vacuums. While prices can range widely, entry-level models start around $50. If you want to go all out, you can find premium models exceeding $800 that have high-end options like HEPA filters and smart connectivity features.

What is a corded vacuum? 

As you may have guessed, a corded vacuum must be plugged into a power outlet to operate. As long as it is plugged in, you’ll get powerful and consistent suction that will help you keep floors of all kinds clean, including thick carpets and rugs. The form factor is usually upright, meaning the brush head, motor and bag or canister are all on the body. 

Pros and cons of a corded vacuum

Pros

• Powerful and consistent suction

• Larger dustbin or bag capacity

• More cost-effective and budget-friendly

Cons

• Heavier and less portable

• Limited mobility due to power cord

• Typically bulky and less maneuverable 

Functionality 

Corded vacuums also can pick up more debris. Bagged models can hold three liters or more of dirt and dust, while bagless designs usually feature canisters with a capacity of 1.5 to 2 liters. This means you can clean larger areas without frequent emptying — a major advantage if you have lots of people to clean up after or pets that shed.  

Power capacity

It’s worth noting that while corded vacuums require proximity to power outlets and can be less portable, they often include longer cords — ranging from 20 to 35 feet — that allow for extended reach without constantly switching outlets. “Corded vacuum cords can be insanely long and they always end up wrapped around something else,” Passalacqua said.  

Portability

Corded vacuums are typically larger and heavier than their cordless counterparts, with most models weighing between 12 and 17 pounds. While the cord means you won’t lose power as long as you’re within range of the wall plug, it can also be a bit of an added hassle to navigate around tight spaces. 

Home size and flooring type

Corded vacuums perform well on pretty much all surfaces. While their powerful suction is better suited for removing deeply embedded dirt, pet hair and allergens, they typically have modes that allow them to easily clean hardwood floors, as well. 

Cleaning frequency and use cases

The larger size of a corded vacuum often comes with a more powerful motor that can deliver superior suction power. This makes corded vacuums a go-to choice for more intense cleaning. “Corded vacuums are usually stronger and more reliable, making them best for deep cleans,” Passalacqua said. If your home is heavily trafficked or has lots of rooms that need to be maintained, a corded vacuum may be the way to go despite the extra weight. 

While they may lack the convenience and portability of cordless models, their consistent performance and larger capacity make corded vacuums an excellent choice for homeowners with larger spaces or extensive cleaning needs.

Price

Corded vacuums tend to be more cost-effective, with entry-level models starting at around $50 and premium options with advanced features, such as HEPA filters and motorized brushes, ranging between $200 and $500. 

Cordless vs. Corded Vacuum: Which one should you choose? 

Choosing between a cordless and corded vacuum comes down to your cleaning needs, home size, flooring type and preferences. Cordless vacuums are best suited for those looking for a no-frills vacuum that can complete most jobs without taking up too much space. 

“If convenience, portability and quick clean ups are priorities, a cordless vacuum is an easy option, especially if you live in a smaller home where storage space is limited,” Passalacqua said. Just remember that the battery life and dustbin capacity limitations may create challenges for larger homes or more intensive cleaning tasks. They are lightweight, easy to maneuver and excellent for homes with limited storage. 

“If you need powerful, long-lasting suction for deep cleaning or you have a larger home, a corded model is going to probably be the best choice,” Passalacqua said. Corded vacuums are ideal for homeowners with larger spaces, thick carpets or pets that are heavy shedders. If you have lots to clean up, the bigger dustbin or bag capacity for a corded vacuum helps too. 

While they may be heavier and less convenient to use, corded vacuums are generally more cost-effective and durable, making them a solid investment for long-term, heavy-duty cleaning. 

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