But spending more money won’t necessarily buy you a better washing machine: there are plenty of more affordable models on the market that performed well in our lab tests, matching or even beating more expensive machines. 

In fact, of the 13 front loaders our experts recommend, 10 of them cost less than $1500 – so if you check our detailed washing machine reviews before you buy, you can save yourself hundreds. 

“It’s important to consider both price and performance when buying a new front loader,” says ����Vlog whitegoods expert Denis Gallagher.��

“While there are some great performers at the cheaper end of the scale, there are also some duds – this is why it’s vital to do your research before handing over your credit card.”

In this article we’ll share a list of cheap front loaders to avoid, plus we’ll reveal the best washing machine brand in Australia.

If you want to find out which front loaders under $1500 come out on top, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

If you’re already a member and you just want to see the best products, you can jump straight to the results now.

Are front loader washing machines worth the extra money?

Front loaders are generally a bit more expensive than top loaders, due to how they’re built.

But although you’ll pay more upfront for a front loader, you’ll generally pay less in water and electricity bills over the entire life of the appliance, so it could end up costing about the same or even less in the long run.

Not to mention that front loaders are gentler on your clothes than top loaders, so you won’t have to replace your favourite t-shirts as quickly if you use a front loader – that’s even more savings!

The front loader washing machines not to buy

Knowing what not to buy can be almost as useful as knowing what to buy. Here are the washing machines our experts rated the lowest. 

You’ll notice that they’re all priced under $1500 – but even at these low prices, our experts don’t recommend them. 

Solt GGSFLW60

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 68%
• Price: $499

Electrolux EWF1243R7SCS

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 68%
• Price: $1099

LG WV6-1409W

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Price: $1099

Hisense HWFS1015AB

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Price: $999

The best washing machine brands in Australia

Each year, we rank washing machine brands, assessing them on their average test scores, reliability, customer satisfaction and how many of their products score the coveted ����Vlog expert seal of approval.

The best front loader washing machine brand for 2025 was: Miele.

Here are the best front-loader washing machine brands for 2025, along with their ����Vlog Best Brand scores:

1. Miele – 82%
2. LG – 80%
3. Bosch – 77%
4. Samsung – 73%

Miele has taken out the Best Brand washing machine prize for seven years in a row, sharing the top spot with LG in 2019. 

To find out which specific models we recommend based on our test results, and to make sure you buy the best, click on the “Recommended” box in the filters section of our washing machine reviews.

Our detailed test results are exclusively available to our members. Become a ����Vlog member to access our full reviews and see the best performers.

… but don’t buy on brand alone

While the Best Brand winners have well-founded reputations, here at ����Vlog we know that buying based on brand alone is sometimes a recipe for disappointment. Even the best brand sometimes delivers duds.

And focusing solely on one brand in your search for the perfect appliance can mean you overlook other products offering comparable performance for a much smaller price tag.

Machines from the same brand can vary widely in terms of performance, features, capacity, energy efficiency and more, so don’t assume that all products from a reputable manufacturer will give you what you want. 

The best thing to do is to focus on individual models by checking ����Vlog reviews to find the best washing machines before you buy. 

What are the best front loader washing machines under $1500?

We independently test and review dozens of new washing machines each year in our onsite labs, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

Only ����Vlog members can access our detailed washing machine testing data. If you’re not yet a member, to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which affordable front loaders are our experts’ top picks.

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If your downstairs neighbour is a grouch, your baby’s a light sleeper, you have a shift worker in the house, or you’re sensitive to noise, a loud washing machine can really add to the frustration.

Dialling down the noise can make life less stressful for everyone, but how do you know which machine will help keep the peace on laundry day?

����Vlog laundry expert Denis Gallagher is here to help. He’ll explain what you need to know and how to minimise noise, plus we’ll reveal the quietest washing machines from our detailed lab tests.

What makes a washing machine noisy?

The spin

To remove the water from your washing, machines run a spin cycle – which basically means that they turn really quickly to squeeze the water out of the fabric.

“The main contributor to washing machine noise is the spin cycle,” says Denis. 

“The faster it spins, the louder it is.”

Location, location, location

A machine that causes the floor to vibrate as it washes will create extra noise on top of the spin cycle noise.

This can be caused by wonky floors and timber floorboards that don’t keep the machine steady while it’s washing.

This is particularly important if you live in an apartment – vibrations can carry through the floor and affect your neighbours more.

Below, we’ll share some tips to help minimise vibrations so you can stay in your neighbours’ good books.

Load balance

Ever heard a washing machine shuddering and banging at the end of a cycle? 

That’s usually due to the machine being off kilter because the laundry isn’t spread evenly throughout the drum.

This is generally more of an issue with top loaders.

If heavier items end up on one side, it can cause the drum to wobble when it spins.

You can avoid this by distributing heavier items around the machine, interspersing them with lighter items.

What do decibel measurements mean?

To understand what a washing machine’s noise level means, you’ll need some context.

• A normal conversation is about 60–65 decibels (dB).
• City traffic is around 80dB.
• The vacuums in our current review range from around 60dB to 80dB. 
• Clothes dryers range from around 60dB to 70dB.

When our experts test washing machines in our labs, they measure the maximum noise level during the spin cycle, one metre above the ground.

“The washing machines in our current review range from 49dB to 68dB, so they’re generally quite quiet – they can be less noisy than an animated conversation, but at 68dB you’d be considered a loud talker,” says Denis.

“However, the location of your washing machine and your home’s acoustics will also affect how noisy your washing machine actually sounds.” 

If your machine is right next to the lounge room you’ll hear the noise more than if it’s tucked away in a laundry at the back of the house.

Which are quietest: front loaders or top loaders?

“Generally, front loaders tend to have louder spin cycles and can make higher-pitched noises due to their faster spin speed,” Denis says.

They also tend to take longer to complete a cycle than top loaders, so if they’re loud to begin with then you’ll have to put up with the noise for more time.

And we’re not talking a little bit longer – some machines we’ve tested take more than four hours for a load, from start to finish!

By contrast, the “slowest” top loader in our tests takes just 90 minutes.

How can you make washing machines quieter?

Need some strategies to minimise the noise? Here’s how to switch up your laundry routine.

Go slow

“The higher the spin speed, the drier your laundry will be at the end of the cycle. But the higher the spin speed, the more noise a machine makes,” says Denis.

“To reduce the amount of noise, you can choose a lower spin speed – but this strategy has pros and cons.”

Dialling down the spin speed means your washing will come out wetter, so it’ll take longer to dry.

(And if you’re using a clothes dryer, that means you’ll need to run it for longer, costing you more in electricity bills.)

However, a lower spin speed is better for fabrics that are delicate or easily creased, and it’s generally more gentle on your clothes.

When our experts test washing machines, they weigh each load before and after a cycle. They give each machine a spin efficiency score – the higher the score, the less water is left in the fabric at the end of the cycle.

The quieter machines we’ve tested tend to have lower spin efficiency scores, which makes sense: a machine that spins slower will make less noise, but it also won’t remove as much water.

Switch to quick

If you have especially grumpy downstairs neighbours, consider running a “fast” or “quick wash” cycle to minimise the amount of time you’re getting on their nerves.

This isn’t an option for very dirty laundry, of course, but if you only need to do a small load that’s not too grubby then it should do the job.

Try a few different cycle types to see which one gives you the best results in the shortest time.

Minimise the movement

Does your washing machine end up in a different spot than where it started after a cycle? A machine that “walks” can increase the noise (and maybe make you wonder if there’s a ghost in your laundry).

Top loaders are generally lighter and more stable than front loaders as front loaders use heavy weights to keep them balanced. Front loaders’ higher spin speeds mean they can wander more than top loaders.

There are a few steps you can take to stop your washing machine from moving.

• Check that your machine is sitting flat on the floor. (A spirit level can help with this.)
• Adjust the washing machine’s feet so it’s not wonky.
• If you have a top loader, make sure the load is balanced and spread evenly around the drum. Some machines have an out-of-balance correction feature.
• Is your machine sitting on timber floorboards? The vibrations can create extra noise. You could try a vibration pad or mat underneath that can keep the wobbles to a minimum.
• Check that everything is ship-shape: make sure screws, bolts and other parts are tightened, and check that hoses aren’t kinked or damaged.

Tips to reduce the impact of washing machine noise

If you can’t afford to replace your noisy washing machine with a quieter one, here are a few steps you can take to minimise the inconvenience to your household and your neighbours.

• If your washing machine has a timer, set it to run a cycle at a time that’s likely to have less impact on your household and your neighbours. 
• If you’re home, put on a load at a time that works best for everyone. (This can also save you money if you have solar and can run your machine during daylight hours.)
• Wash full loads. This is a no-brainer because you won’t need to run as many cycles, reducing the amount of time your machine is making a racket.
• Get stain savvy: treating stains before you wash means you’ll be less likely to have to wash clothes again.

The quietest washing machines from our testing

If noise is one of the most important factors for you, these machines are good options.

Bear in mind though that some of them aren’t as good at removing water during the spin cycle as other models because they don’t spin as fast, so you’ll need to weigh up whether the extra drying time is worth it.

The quietest front loaders from our testing

Bosch WGB256A1AU

• Noise level: 52dBA
• Spin efficiency score: 81%
• Cycle length: 172 minutes (approx. 2.9 hours)
• Price: $2499

Haier HWF12PXW1

• Noise level: 52dBA
• Spin efficiency score: 52%
• Cycle length: 54 minutes (less than one hour)
• Price: $1399

Bosch WGG244ARAU

• Noise level: 53dBA
• Spin efficiency score: 76%
• Cycle length: 221 minutes (approx 3.7 hours)
• Price: $1879

Fisher & Paykel WH8560P3

• Noise level: 53dBA
• Spin efficiency score: 74%
• Cycle length: 127 minutes (approx 2.1 hours)
• Price: $1349

Fisher & Paykel WH9060P4

• Noise level: 55dBA
• Spin efficiency score: 78%
• Cycle length: 129 minutes (approx 2.15 hours)
• Price: $1399

The quietest top loaders from our testing

Haier HWT09AN1

• Noise level: 49dBA
• Spin efficiency score: 59%
• Cycle time: 57 minutes (less than 1 hour)
• Price: $999

LG WTL3-09G

• Noise level: 50dBA
• Spin efficiency score: 54%
• Cycle time: 54 minutes (less than 1 hour)
• Price: $999

Fisher & Paykel WL9058G1

• Noise level: 52dBA
• Spin efficiency score: 60%
• Cycle time: 60 minutes
• Price: $999

Haier HWT08AN1

• Noise level: 52dBA
• Spin efficiency score: 56%
• Cycle time: 68 minutes (just over an hour)
• Price: $949

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But robot vacuum cleaners offer the ultimate convenience – you don’t even have to be home to get the vacuuming done.

They’ve evolved considerably from the basic dust-busters that sometimes wreaked havoc in households. (We’ve all seen videos of unfortunate incidents involving pet poop.)

And many of them now have so much technology on board that they well and truly earn the “robot” moniker: room mapping, Wi-Fi connectivity, virtual walls, apps, self-emptying functions and more.

The next generation of robot vacs aim to free us from yet another dreaded chore: the mopping.

Virtually all the robovacs that come through our labs now have this feature, so we’ve tweaked our test process to assess how well these robo-mops wash floors, as well as vacuum them.

Here’s what to know about robot vacs with mops and which ones to avoid.

Plus, for ����Vlog members only, we’ll reveal the best bots that mop from our rigorous lab testing.

If you want to find out which robo-mops come out on top, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

If you’re already a member and you just want to see the best products, you can jump straight to the results now.

Are robot vacuums with mops any good?

While we’d like to tell you that buying a robot vac means you’ll never have to vacuum or mop again, sadly that’s not the case.

Our experts say that they’re good for keeping the grot to a reasonable level day to day, but you’ll still need to bust out your old faithful cleaning tools to do the job properly.

And unfortunately many robot vacs aren’t especially impressive when it comes to mopping in particular, so if you want your floors clean you’ll still need to get out a bucket of water and some elbow grease every now and again. 

(Or you could check our steam mop reviews and hard floor cleaner reviews to find another appliance to make the job easier.)

Will a robot vacuum avoid mopping my rugs and carpet?

While they do need a wash every once in a while, mopping your carpets and rugs isn’t exactly a good substitute for a carpet cleaner.

Some robot vacs are better than others at avoiding the Axminster. Some need to be programmed to avoid specific areas; others detect the carpet and either move around it or lift the mopping pads up.

But not all robo-mops are created equal: even if they don’t mop your carpet, some models’ mopping pads will still come into contact with the edges, which can leave stains.

When we test each robot’s mopping chops, we assess how they react to carpet. If a bot goes onto the carpet or dirties the edges, it’s marked down. 

“Ideally, robot vacs with carpet detection will lift the mopping pads not just on the carpet but also on the area around it, to avoid dirtying the edges of the rug or carpet,” says ����Vlog robot vacuum expert Adrian Lini.

“Unfortunately a number of models we tested struggled around the edges of the carpet, even if they didn’t mop the carpet itself.”

Our detailed robot vacuum reviews include expert comments about each product’s performance – which gives you better insights into which bot is best.

How easy is it to use robot vacuums with mops?

Another aspect of our rigorous robot vacuum testing is assessing how easy it is to use the mopping function: attaching, removing and cleaning the mop bin and microfibre pads, filling the tank, and using the settings and controls.

Most models in our current review scored quite well on this metric, with all but six scoring 80% and higher. 

With some bots, you’ll need to be pretty hands-on, but others are more set and forget.

“Often, the more expensive models will wash (and sometimes even dry) the pads and extract the dirty water for you, and refill themselves from a larger water tank located in the charging dock,” says Adrian.

“Cheaper models tend not to have these features, so you might need to wet the microfibre pads yourself, fill the water tank after each use, then wash the dirty pads by hand.

“If you want the convenience of a robot vac that takes care of the mopping process by itself, be prepared to pay more.

“If you can’t afford the $2000+ for a fancy robot vac, you might be able to find one within your budget if you’re okay with doing the extra work for the mopping process.”

The robot vacuums with mops to avoid buying

Some of these bots might be good for your budget, but they’re not much good at mopping your floors: they ranked the lowest for mopping in our labs.

Eureka E20 Plus

• Mopping performance score: 10%
• Price: $1071

Kmart Anko Robotic Vacuum

• Mopping performance score: 20%
• Price: $169

iRobot Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo Robot

• Mopping performance score: 20%
• Price: $699

iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo Robot + AutoWash Dock

• Mopping performance score: 30%
• Price: $1699

Narwal Freo X Plus

• Mopping performance score: 35%
• Price: $499

What are the best robot vacuums that mop?

The sheer range of robot vacs on the market can make it hard to pick the right one – but that’s where we come in.

We independently test and review dozens of new vacuums each year in our onsite labs, with new models added to our reviews on a regular basis. Our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product. 

Only ����Vlog members can access our detailed testing data. If you’re not yet a member, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all our expert, independent reviews, from coffee machines and grinders, to kettles and cots, toasters and TVs, and more.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which bots are top of the mops.

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Stick vacuums are increasingly becoming a household staple for many, thanks to their lightweight design, convenience and ability to quickly tackle everyday messes. While they were originally designed for light “top-up” cleans, newer models are powerful enough to clean the whole home, in many cases totally replacing the traditional barrel or upright vacuum cleaners for everyday cleaning.

We’ve tested over 50 stick and cordless vacuums in the ����Vlog labs, with models priced from $99 right up to $1649. While ����Vlog testing assesses how well stick vacuums work out of the box, it’s also important to know how well this workhorse will perform over time.

To find out, we recently surveyed over 1300 Australians to ask about their experiences, asking them whether their brand of stick vacuum is reliable; whether they have experienced any issues; and if they been satisfied with the product and the level of customer service if something has gone wrong.

Measuring reliability

To understand how satisfied consumers were with their stick vacuum purchase and how reliable the product was (specifically, if it developed any faults over time), we surveyed 1361 Australians who had purchased a stick vacuum between 2016 and 2025.

The results covered a variety of well-known brands, including Kmart Anko, Dyson, Shark, Bosch, LG and more, with each brand receiving a score for reliability and customer satisfaction.  

A high score in these areas means fewer people reported having problems in the previous 12 months and were pleased with the level of service provided if an issue arose.

Stick vacuums a less reliable product category

Our survey results confirm stick vacuums as the most common vacuum cleaner type, followed by barrel vacuums. Dyson was the dominating brand in the market.

Stick vacuums are also used very frequently, with 75% saying they use their stick vacuum at least a few times a week. With this much use, you want to make sure you have a stick vacuum you can rely on.

However, as a whole, stick vacuums aren’t as reliable as other appliances like ovens or washing machines where we often see reliability scores in the 80s or 90s.

The most reliable stick vacuum brands

Our survey found that the most reliable stick vacuums came from Bosch. It’s the only brand in our survey to achieve a reliability score of more than 90%.

Respondents had good things to say about the brand, saying its stick vacuums are well-made, lightweight, easy to use and push around, with good cleaning performance. When it comes to problems, 73% of Bosch owners said they haven’t experienced any issues since purchasing their stick vacuum.

Samsung and Shark were the next highest scorers for reliability with scores of 81% and 80%, respectively. They were followed by LG, scoring 79% and Electrolux scoring 78% for reliability.

The least reliable stick vacuum brands

Kmart Anko stick vacuums were one of the lowest scorers for reliability, with a score of 73%. Owners of these stick vacuums have lower expectations overall, acknowledging they aren’t a premium brand but instead a budget vacuum, saying they are “good enough” and a convenient option.

The problems owners of Anko stick vacuums experience include poor suction, short battery life and clogging. However, on a positive note, owners say these vacuums are lightweight, simple to operate and offer value for money.

Despite being the most popular brand, Dyson scored 75% for reliability, which is on the lower end of the brands we have survey data on.

Dyson owners have high expectations, and rightly so, considering Dyson stick vacuums are among the most expensive we’ve tested. Issues with battery life (especially on boost or max mode) are the most common problem among owners, followed by battery deterioration. Owners also note the following issues:

• Expensive to buy replacement parts
• Hair/dust getting stuck
• Fiddly to empty/clean
• Requires frequent cleaning to maintain good suction
• Feels heavy
• Not worth the high price tag given its performance

Despite these grievances, Dyson owners praise ease of use, saying they love their stick vacuum and use it more often than their traditional vacuum. While it feels heavy to some, others say their stick vacuums are light to carry and convenient for a quick clean and on stairs. Ease of storing is also another positive for Dyson owners.

Common stick vacuum problems

The most common problems owners reported experiencing with their stick vacuums were:

• Dirt, dust or hair clogged in the hose, inlets, attachments, etc. (14%)
• Poor suction (13%)
• Blocked filters (13%)
• Deteriorating battery life (12%)

While 43% reported a problem with their stick vacuum since buying, only 9% have actually had the issue repaired. Where a cost to repair was involved, it cost on average $154.

Unlike big ticket appliances like washing machines or fridges, where a repair might require a licensed technician from the brand, repairs to stick vacuums usually involve simpler DIY fixes such as replacing the battery, unclogging or cleaning.

����Vlog vacuum cleaner expert Adrian Lini says regular upkeep and maintenance of a stick vacuum can reduce the chance of these common problems happening.

However he notes, “stick vacuums can be a real pain to clean thoroughly, so the bin and filter design is very important. The easier it is to remove and replace these parts for cleaning, the more often users are likely to do so to maintain their stick vacs”.

Battery replacement is the most common stick vac repair

Regardless of brand, battery replacement is the most common fix required. It usually involves buying a replacement online and the user fitting the new battery before it’s usable again. 

Other common replacements include parts like the head, filter, brush and wheel.

Being able to access replacement parts is important, because while one component’s failure can render the entire unit unusable, a small replacement (like the battery) can be the difference between having to buy a whole new vacuum or continuing to use your existing unit.

Adrian says to look for a stick vacuum with a removable battery that can be replaced with a genuine spare, and preferably one that’s easily swappable. “The batteries are likely to be the first thing to really deteriorate and need replacing.” 

“A stick vacuum with a built-in battery is likely destined for landfill once the battery fails. However, if the battery is removable it’s likely to be easier to replace meaning you’ll keep the stick vacuum for longer.”

Warranty and customer service is important

A decent warranty and good brand support through customer service creates strong satisfaction with brands. Respondents indicated that positive experiences involved the brand identifying the problem quickly, supplying parts for free or under warranty, providing clear advice from customer support and quick turnaround times from the service centre.

Dyson owners were particularly happy in this regard, saying the brand supplied parts, replaced batteries, repaired under warranty and handled product issues well.

On the other hand, negative repair experiences usually involved:

• Replacements parts being expensive
• Replacement parts not fixing the issue
• Brand not providing good customer service and arguing the product was out of warranty
• DIY repair being difficult
• Parts not being available

Don’t buy based on brand alone

It’s important to note that while this survey provides useful, real-world feedback that adds to the data we capture in our lab testing, it doesn’t replace the need to consider models individually rather than buying based only on brand. This is where ����Vlog testing is useful to compare the results of all the stick vacuums we’ve tested.

Despite Bosch being the most reliable brand according to our survey, none of the current models we’ve tested score highly enough to be recommended by our experts. However, some Bosch models we’ve tested would definitely be worth considering once you weigh up price and performance.

Likewise, while Dyson ranked lower for reliability than other brands, some of their stick vacuums earn a recommendation from our experts, performing very well in our testing, so they shouldn’t be ruled out.

About our survey

There were a total of 5012 respondents to our survey, which was carried out between 13 April and 7 May 2026. The survey included questions on fridges, washing machines, split system air conditioners and stick vacuums and respondents could qualify for all or only some sections of the survey.

Know the products to avoid before you shop. Get our free guide and buy smarter.

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In big news for bargain hunters, with auto-empty station on Saturday 20 June for the discounted price of $399.

It’s the second Ecovacs centre aisle offering from Aldi in recent months – the Deebot Neo 2.0 model was a March Special Buy for $279.

The two models are essentially the same, but the ‘Plus’ product includes a self-emptying dock.��

Currently, the for $999, so scoring it for less than half price sounds like a steal. 

But is it a big deal, or best left on the shelf? To find out, we asked ����Vlog vacuum expert Adrian Lini.

Full disclosure: we can provide expert insights that can help you make up your mind, but we haven’t tested this exact model.

Aldi products pop up at short notice and usually sell out quickly, so we haven’t been able to get our hands on this one to test it. (We do get the latest Aldi models in for testing whenever we can, though.)

However, we have tested other Ecovacs in our labs and their performance has been hit and miss.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering buying a bot from Aldi.

Ecovacs Deebot Neo 2.0 Plus

Before we dive into the Aldi automaton’s cleaning chops, let’s take a look at the features it comes with. 

Info on is surprisingly sparse, but the Ecovacs website does offer a fuller picture of what you get with the Neo 2.0 Plus.

Key features include:

• vacuuming and mopping function 
• automatic carpet and step recognition
• claimed 180-minute battery life
• 5L dust bag in dock plus a 200mL on-board dust bin and 320mL water tank 
• app functionality with room mapping, clean scheduling and ability to add virtual boundaries (so you can block off a room, for example).

Are Ecovacs robot vacs any good?

Over the years, Adrian and his team have reviewed plenty of Ecovacs models in comprehensive lab tests that include sprinkling a set amount of sand on various surfaces and measuring how much gets picked up. (We’re very meticulous – learn how we test robot vacuums.)��

Unfortunately, ����Vlog hasn’t specifically tested the Ecovacs Deebot Neo 2.0 Plus.

That’s because we focus on the most popular models sold in Australia, and this one is a rarer Aldi exclusive sold via their Special Buys sales and the Ecovacs website.��

That said, our experts have taken multiple Ecovacs Deebot units for dust-busting test drives in the past, so Adrian can definitely share insightful intel on the brand’s cleaning credentials.

“Ecovacs have been selling robot vacs in Australia for well over a decade now, so they’re a fairly common and popular brand here,” says Adrian.

“At ����Vlog, we’ve tested multiple Ecovacs models in our lab that have ranged in price from $399 to $2499. Unfortunately, their track record has been quite hit and miss, with overall performance on hard floors and carpet ranging from good to very poor across the models. Consistency is a big issue, particularly with their cheaper, entry-level bots.”

He points out the brand’s newer, more expensive-tier units (costing over $1500) have definitely improved their game, but in general, budget robots just don’t have the build or software smarts to do a dependable job.  

“A cheap robot vacuum that cleans well is the dream, but often price does play a big role in performance,” he explains. 

“The best performing robots are often expensive because they’re incredibly sophisticated pieces of hardware with precision sensors, lasers and software. By comparison, cheaper bots are far more basic and can really underperform.”

Rating the mop function

Most current robot vacuums can now mop as well as vacuum, making them a helpful one-two cleaning combo. 

Adrian says the best mopping models use hot water with added detergent, and employ spring-loaded pads that spin and apply pressure to the floor for a better clean.

Their docks then clean and dry the dirty pads before the bot’s next patrol.

Sadly, the Deebot Neo 2.0 Plus features a far more basic, older-style mop design, which is not unexpected for the cheaper price point.

“While we haven’t looked it over in the lab, you can see from the product’s photos and user manual that it doesn’t use detergent with the water and cleans using a thin, velcro-clipped mopping pad.”

“In our experience, this style of mop acts more like a wet cloth and is usually far less effective. You also have to take it off and wash it yourself once it gets dirty,” says Adrian.

Should you buy it? Our expert’s verdict

At the bargain basement price of $399, Aldi’s discount droid certainly sounds tempting. 

While we haven’t reviewed this model specifically, the brand’s track record across the models we’ve tested to date has been middling and inconsistent, depending on the specific model.  

“We’d all love more help with housework and $399 might seem like a great price for a robot reinforcement, especially one that empties itself,” says Adrian. 

“However, from our previous tests, we’ve found Ecovacs’ cheaper models have generally under-performed as floor cleaners. They are better on hard floors, but seriously struggle on carpet and rugs, and picking up pet hair. 

“If you don’t want to be cleaning up after it, when it should be the other way around, you might be best to save the money and put it toward a competent stick or barrel vacuum you can count on.”

Robot vacs vs other vacuums: How do they compare?

Despite robots’ futuristic promise, our lab tests have continually found they don’t clean as well as more hands-on stick, barrel or upright vacs you use yourself. 

It’s not surprising given they have smaller motors that can’t generate as much suction, smaller bin receptacles and their brushes don’t agitate surfaces like a manual cleaning head might.

“A good robot vacuum can definitely help around the house – especially if you have pets – but they’re still not a complete substitute for a stick or barrel vacuum just yet,” says Adrian.

If your home has a lot of carpet or rugs, our expert reckons a robot vac might not be for you. They do much better if you have mostly hard floors, with relatively open and clear spaces.

“If you’re happy for your bot to do a quick clean every day that you then follow up with a thorough clean yourself once a week or so, you might be happy with it,” he says.

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But one of the most essential elements according to ����Vlog vacuum expert Adrian Lini is also the most overlooked: the app. 

Often forgotten by shoppers, it determines how well you can “drive” your clean machine and is often the difference between owning a dust-busting hot rod and a wonky dodgem car with a mind of its own. 

“A good app is absolutely critical and I would say that if the app isn’t good, the product often isn’t worth it,” says Adrian.

“The whole reason you buy a robot vac is to save you time, but if you’re wasting that with an app that’s buggy, constantly crashing, or just impossible to navigate, it defeats the point.”

Adrian should know. He’s been testing robot vacuums at ����Vlog in our lab for years now and has downloaded, logged in, selected settings and got lost in more vacuum apps than he can remember. 

He’s found some impressive smart apps and some downright shockers, and documents the pros and cons of each in his reviews. Just don’t ask him about iRobot Roombas (see point 4 below).

Here’s his key criteria for what to look for in a great app and the glitches you want to avoid. 

1. The app is easy to connect

If you’ve just bought a new robot buddy, the last thing you want is to spend ages messing with manuals and getting it set up.

While robot vacs have definitely improved over the years, Adrian warns there’s still a big difference between models in terms of how you initially connect the app to the bot and how glitchy they can get. 

“With the best robot vacs, you literally scan the provided QR code and download the app. When you open it for the first time, you just press “new product” and the correct model will pop up immediately and start connecting for you.”

Other apps might be a bit more hands-on, requiring you to sign it into your Wi-Fi network or jump on the robot’s own Wi-Fi signal first to get it connected.  

“Some brands, especially the cheaper ones, use the same app for all their smart products, so you have to wade through hundreds of products and 15 types of robot vacs to find the one you bought and set it up properly.”

In order to help shoppers compare this aspect of the app, Adrian gives every model an app connection score in our test to indicate how easy it is to sync. 

2. The interface should be easy to use

This might sound obvious, but Adrian’s seen plenty of apps that just don’t compute when it comes to usability. 

A clean, intuitive user interface (UI) can make programming your bot a breeze, but a poorly designed one can feel like a maddening maze of sub-menus and hidden options.��

Adrian says: “A good app shows you everything you need to see on one screen and it only takes a second or two to change settings – you shouldn’t need a computing degree to operate it.”

“In other apps, you have to go into three or four submenus just to switch a basic setting. Then every time you leave that submenu, you can’t see what options you chose, so you have to go back in again.”

If that sounds frustrating, there’s even more aggravating app experiences out there. 

“Some cheap and generic vacuum apps aren’t made specifically for that product, so they often have buttons or prompts for features that don’t even exist on that model, which is confusing and frustrating.”

That’s why Adrian scores each robot vacuum’s app for ease of use, rating how easily you can change settings and create, save and edit maps, jobs and schedules.

3. You can customise your clean

“Certain apps can be very basic and only offer very limited functions and features that limit their ability to deliver a good clean,” warns Adrian. 

He says superiors apps give you greater, more granular control over every aspect of the cleaning, mopping and dock settings to better suit your home and the condition of your floors. 

“With the really good apps, you can tell them how close you want the robot to get to walls and furniture, how it should work on carpet and even how hot the mopping water should be,” he explains. 

“When it comes to scheduling, simpler products only let you set cleans by day and time, while more sophisticated ones let you specify which rooms to clean and at what power setting.”

Good apps will also let you change the settings on the fly during the clean.

“Some models don’t let you edit settings once the bot is up and running, which can be limiting,” adds Adrian. 

“But others let you customise them on the go, like if you want it to increase the suction power or use quiet mode or re-mop an area if it’s especially dirty.”

4. Beware buggy apps

Now we have to discuss the next point carefully, because, to be honest, we think Adrian might still be recovering.

Needless to say, you want your app to be reliable and not crash out on the regular. But that’s exactly what happened when Adrian tested two iRobot Roombas in our recent review. 

Given iRobot has been in business since 2002, you’d expect their bots to behave, but both models’ apps kept bugging out and refusing to do their chores.

“The apps were so laggy and would constantly freeze for no reason and need to be rebooted,” recalls Adrian.

“Even when it did work, the UI was just really really annoying to use – maps were awkward to deal with, and cleaning schedules couldn’t be edited once created, so you’d have to delete them and re-create them if you wanted to change them.”

Adrian’s extra app tip

“In addition to reading our reviews, find the brand’s app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and check out its reviews, not just its star rating,” says Adrian.

“Do people love the interface and options, or are they confused and pulling their hair out? How often is the app updated and are there any new bugs? It’s a great way of gathering more real-world intel on the app and what you need to look out for.”

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But they don’t come cheap: the median price of stick vacuums we’ve tested is around $600, with top-of-the-line models costing up to $1600. 

With prices that high, you’ll really want to make sure you’re buying the right stick for the job – otherwise you’ll be stuck with grubby floors and lighter pockets.

Every home is different, so before you start shopping, it’s a good idea to think about the kinds of surfaces you’ll be vacuuming, and how you plan to use your stick vac.

We asked our resident ����Vlog vacuum expert Adrian Lini what you need to consider when you’re buying a stick vacuum for carpet and hard floors.

Plus, for ����Vlog members only, we’ll reveal the top scoring stick vacuums for hard and carpeted floors.

If you just want to get straight to the best products, you can jump to the results now.

Which vacuum head should you use?

To get the most from your stick vacuum, make sure you’re using the right vacuum head for the job. 

If you’re using your stick vac on hard floors, Adrian recommends getting a model with a head specifically designed for hard floors.

“Brush heads with high suction that really stick to the floor are great for carpet but not for hard floors,” he says. 

“Soft roller heads with big openings help suck up loose dirt on hard floors but can’t pick up much on a carpet.”

Are stick vacuums good for carpet?

Stick vacs generally do quite well on hard floors, but carpet is where many of them fall down. 

“For a house that’s entirely or mostly carpet I would 100% recommend a barrel vacuum,” Adrian says. 

“Carpet requires high suction and a stick vacuum on the maximum setting may only last 10 or so minutes, but if you use a barrel vacuum you can take as long as you need to do the job right.”

Can a stick vacuum replace a regular vacuum?

If you have mostly hard floors in your house, you might be wondering if you can do away with your barrel or upright vacuum altogether in favour of a good stick vacuum. So, can you?

“It really depends on the size of your place,” Adrian says.

“Lots of stick vacs advertise battery life of up to 60 minutes, but that’s only on the lowest or eco setting. Using the maximum setting, the longest most stick vacs last is 20 minutes – and sometimes it’s as little as seven minutes.”

If you’re happy to just vacuum one room at a time, you might be able to get by with just a stick vacuum in a house with only hard floors. (Just remember that you’ll be emptying the dust bin more frequently than with a traditional vacuum.)

A stick vac with a spare battery could also be a way to give you the extra cleaning time you need.

How much should you spend on a stick vacuum?

While you can pick up a Kmart stick vacuum for under $100, you’ll need to stretch your budget a bit further to buy a decent model. 

“Good quality stick vacs are expensive. There are a couple of good ones in the $500–600 range, but if you go any cheaper, you’re likely to be disappointed,” Adrian says. 

“A good-quality stick vacuum will do a great job, but you’ll have limited time before you need to charge the battery, and the battery will degrade over the years. 

“Barrel vacuums are much better bang for your buck in terms of power and if you’re on a tight budget, you’d be much better off investing in a great barrel vac at around $300–500. You just have to put in the effort to plug it in!”

Should you buy a Dyson stick vacuum on sale?

Dyson stick vacs tend to do well in our tests, but their strong performance comes with a high price tag. You might be able to pick up an older Dyson in the Black Friday or Boxing Day sales, but should you? 

“The cheaper Dysons still perform quite well in our tests on carpet but they often don’t come with the new head attachment specifically designed for hard floors, which is why they don’t perform as well overall,” says Adrian. 

“But if carpet is your main concern, Dysons at the lower end of the price range are a good buy.”

If you’re on a budget, remember that Dyson isn’t the only good performer on the market. We list some alternatives below. 

The best stick vacuums for carpet and hard floors

We independently test and review dozens of new vacuums each year in our onsite labs, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

Our detailed stick vacuum testing data is available exclusively for ����Vlog members. 

If you’re not yet a member, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more. 

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which stick vacuums bust the most dust on carpet and hard floors!

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If you’re in the market for a stick vac, a Dyson is almost certainly on your wish list, and we get it: Dyson dominates the stick vacuum market.

But big brands often come with big prices, and Dyson is no exception. With RRPs ranging from around $600 to $1649, a Dyson is out of reach for many budgets. 

While Dyson’s reputation is generally well-founded, here at ����Vlog we know that buying based on brand alone is sometimes a recipe for disappointment: even the best brand sometimes delivers duds. 

And focusing solely on one brand in your search for the perfect appliance can mean you overlook other products offering comparable performance for a much smaller price tag. 

LG may be better known for its fridges and TVs than its vacuums, but the brand has steadily increased its presence in the stick vacuum market. And LG stick vacs are scoring well in our testing, giving Dyson a run for its money in terms of performance.  

So, is an LG stick vacuum worth adding to your shortlist? 

• Dyson vs LG: Which brand is best?
• What do you get with an LG vs a Dyson?
• Dyson vs LG models compared

What our expert says

“Dyson and LG stick vacuums both tend to perform well in our tests,” says ����Vlog vacuum expert Adrian Lini.

“Of course this does vary from model to model, but they’re both great brands that often deliver good performance.

“You’re unlikely to be disappointed with either an LG or a Dyson stick vac, especially if you do your research and check our reviews to find the best performing model for your needs.”

Dyson vs LG: Which brand is best?

Deciding which stick vacuum is right for you comes down to a number of factors, such as your budget, how you plan to use it, and what features and accessories you’d like.

It’s also important to consider the brand itself, including things like how reliable their products generally are, the brand’s track record in customer service and customer satisfaction, and whether technical support or repair is available if something goes wrong.

Reputation and brand reliability

LG produces a range of products from fridges and TVs to washing machines and computers, but is a relative newcomer to the world of stick vacuums (particularly compared to Dyson).

But as a large company it has a track record of producing good-quality products, and it has the budget and skills to develop new products well.

By contrast, Dyson dedicates a significant proportion of its business to making vacuums, and in 2018 announced it is focusing only on cordless models and not developing any new corded vacuum cleaners, so you might say they’re an expert in stick vacuums.

Overall brand vs individual model

It’s important to bear in mind that in ����Vlog testing, performance of specific models from the same brand may vary quite significantly, so don’t assume that one brand’s products are the best in terms of the many different features, functions and price points.

The best thing to do is focus on individual models by checking ����Vlog’s detailed stick vacuum reviews before you buy.

Range and price

LG and Dyson stick vacs have a similar price point, and a comparable number of models to choose from.

Dyson currently advertises 15 stick vacuum models (including model variations) on its website, priced from around $649 (RRP) for the Dyson V8 Origin Vacuum, up to $1649 for the new Dyson V16 Piston Animal Submarine Wet and Dry Vacuum with Floor Dok. This is one of the latest Dyson vacuums to be released, which includes a new style of conical cleaner head designed to detangle hair, and a wet roller head designed to pick up liquids and wash stains off hard floors.

����Vlog experts are currently reviewing this model so stay tuned for results. We did recently review another new Dyson model: the Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones stick vacuum, which is the brand’s self-proclaimed “world’s slimmest vacuum”.

Because the brand often releases new models, we commonly see older Dyson stick vac models offered at discounted prices. 

This means that if you’re willing to forgo some of the newer features or technology, you can pick up a good deal. (But do check our expert stick vacuum reviews first as some Dysons perform better than others.) 

LG stick vacuums range from around $399 (RRP) for the LG CordZero A9-ACE up to around $1399 for the LG A9X-AUTO2, which has an auto-empty function. The brand currently has around 12 models on the market. 

(Prices vary depending on sales and promotions; these figures are indicative only.)

����Vlog Best Brand stick vacuum

Our experts have tested more than 150 stick vacuums since 2019 – of these, 23 were Dyson models and 20 were LG models. 

We also collect survey responses from our members about the vacuums they own, and then we use this data to determine which brands are the most reliable, and which have the best customer satisfaction (something we can’t easily test in our labs).

We then combine the results from our lab tests with the results from our reliability and customer satisfaction surveys to determine the best stick vacuum brand of the year.

For 2025, based on our data, LG is the best stick vacuum brand, with strong scores in our lab tests in addition to being a reliable brand with highly satisfied customers. Dyson is the second highest-rating brand in our analysis, followed by Bosch, Electrolux and Vax.

What do you get with an LG vs a Dyson?

Of the two brands, LG stick vacuums tend to come with more accessories, while Dyson stick vacs have more fancy features. 

“Dyson is a bit like the Apple of the vacuum world: it’s a high-end, well-known brand that everyone has to have, but you’ll pay extra for it,” says Adrian.

“And despite the high upfront cost, you’ll also generally have to pay extra for accessories.

“Your money is likely to go further if you buy an LG, since a lot of them include accessories like a spare battery, and since you’re not paying for the Dyson brand name.”

Features and accessories

Are you the kind of person who likes to have every accessory under the sun? 

Or do you tend to use the same configuration no matter what you’re vacuuming?

Accessories can either be a blessing or a curse depending on your perspective: they can make your vacuum more versatile so you can get the most out of it, or they’re just another thing you have to find space for in your house.

LG accessories

LG stick vacuums come with quite a few accessories.

The LG CordZero A9T-Max, for instance, comes with three power heads, a power mop head, combination dusting brush/upholstery tool, crevice tool, cleaning tool, extra filter, mop heads, measuring cup, battery charger, extra battery (more on that later), tool holder and a self-emptying charging station.

The all-in-one tower is for storing and charging the vacuum, charging the extra battery, and storing all the accessories.

The most impressive feature, however, is its auto-empty feature which automatically deposits the contents of the bin into a bag within the tower, so you don’t need to empty the vacuum as often.

It also contains the dust in a bag so it doesn’t fly everywhere when you empty it, which is great news for allergy sufferers. (The flipside of this is that one bag costs $24.95.)

Here’s what to know about self-emptying stick vacuums.

Dyson accessories

By comparison, the Dyson Gen5detect Absolute comes with three power heads, a combination tool, crevice/dusting brush tool, battery charger, and wall mount with tool holder and screws.

Emptying the bin is easy, but first you need to remove the wand from the body of the vacuum.

The Dyson Gen5detect has an inbuilt crevice/dust tool, which means that you can go from regular to handheld mode by simply removing the wand, as the tool remains attached.

This is a handy feature as it makes switching between modes easier, and it’s one less accessory that you need to store.

Dyson wall mounts only hold a limited number of accessories, so if you have extras then you’ll need to find somewhere else to store them. Or you can pay around $200 for a Dyson Dok to store your vacuum and tools. 

One of the latest Dyson vacuums – the Pencilvac Fluffycones – comes with a magnetic charging dock that includes a base and stand to store your vac, and a charger.

Battery

The one downside of stick vacuums is that their batteries don’t tend to last long: anywhere from five to 15 minutes on high power. 

That’s usually enough time to give the kitchen a quick once-over, but if you want to do a bigger clean, you’ll need more than one battery’s worth of charge. 

One major drawcard of the LG stick vacuums is that they come with an extra battery. 

So once you’ve used up the juice in the first battery, you can just switch it for the second battery and keep going – which effectively doubles your cleaning time.

(Not all models will charge both batteries at once, though, so you’ll need to remember to swap in the second battery once the first one’s been charged.)

You can buy extra batteries for your Dyson, but they’re not cheap: $150 to $210. And when you’ve already dropped hundreds of dollars (or even in excess of $1000), that’s a lot extra to pay for something that comes standard with an LG. 

Fancy features

When you’re buying a high-end vacuum, you’d expect to get not only great performance, but also the latest features to make cleaning as easy as possible. 

How do Dyson and LG vacuums compare in terms of special features (and do you actually need them)?

One Dyson accessory is the Submarine wet roller head which is designed to remove spills and tough stains. However, when ����Vlog tested the head on the Dyson V15 Detect Submarine we found it messy to empty and maintain, and it didn’t perform as well as a dedicated hard floor cleaner. 

The Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones has a conical brush bar head designed to avoid tangles from long hair. Our experts found it a breeze to manoeuvre but it struggled in our hard floor tests.

Dyson models are also known for their “green laser” technology, that illuminates dirt and dust on a hard floor that may not be easily seen with the naked eye, purportedly to help show you where to target your vacuuming. The first iteration of this didn’t work well for us in a brightly-lit room, although it has improved with the Gen5detect. 

It may not be very useful if you’re working with a surface that’s textured or patterned, as it may be hard to tell what’s dust and what’s just the floor. 

Another Dyson feature is a display that shows you how much dirt you’re picking up from the floor by way of three fluctuating bars that show the volume of small, medium and large particles being removed. You’ll know the floor is clean once it starts showing that the vacuum isn’t picking up much debris. 

We can’t vouch for how accurate the sensor is, but it seems to be a gimmick that may not actually improve how well you clean, and we’ve found it doesn’t work particularly well on carpet, which is the surface type it would be most helpful for. 

While these are fun features that the LG models don’t have (and which may make vacuuming more entertaining), just remember that they’re the kind of thing that bumps up the price: “It’s another gimmick that you’re paying for,” says Adrian. 

How we test stick vacuums

����Vlog is famous for our rigorous vacuum testing. We test dirt removal from hard floors, carpets, corners and edges, and car floors. 

We suck up cornflakes, potting mix and flour, pet hair, pebbles and sand to simulate common scenarios, and we also rate vacuums on ease of use, noise and battery life.

Learn more about how we test stick vacuums at ����Vlog. 

Dyson vs LG models compared

We’ve put two Dysons side by side with two similar LGs so you can see how they stack up.

Dyson Gen5detect Absolute vs LG A9X-AUTO2

If you’re looking for a stick vacuum in the $1500 realm, these two are probably on your wish list: they’re the top-of-the-line models from both brands. 

These models have all the bells and whistles: the LG has an auto-empty feature and second battery, while the Dyson has a fancy laser floorhead to illuminate dust and an LCD screen that shows what size of particle is being picked up. 

The Dyson has a longer run time, but the LG’s second battery means you can double its run time. They both come with HEPA filters and a host of accessories. 

They’ve both been rigorously tested in our labs with full stick vacuum reviews available exclusively to ����Vlog members. 

Dyson V11 Advanced vs LG CordZero Auto Emptying Handstick Vac A9L-TOWER

At a slightly lower price point, you may be considering these two stick vacs. 

They’re comparable in many respects, but the LG is much better for hard floors, while the Dyson wins out on pet hair and car cleaning. 

Again, the LG comes with a second battery, which can double your cleaning time, and it has the self-emptying feature on the charging dock. 

The Dyson is better at cleaning corners and edges (though it’s still only rated as OK), and it takes less time to charge.

You can compare these two models in our detailed stick vacuum reviews. (You’ll need to be a ����Vlog member to see all the info.)

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They’re great for quick clean-ups, there’s no annoying cord to trip over, and their slim design means you can stash them in your kitchen or wherever you’re likely to use them most.

With prices ranging from less than $100 to more than $1500, it can be hard to know where the sweet spot between price and performance is. Should you spring for a fancy Dyson, or can you get away with a cheaper brand?

We’ll explain what to expect in terms of pricing, plus for ����Vlog members only, we’ll reveal the highest ranking stick vacs from the top, middle and bottom of the price spectrum.

If you want to find out which are the best stick vacuums for your budget, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

If you’re already a member and you just want to see the best products, you can jump straight to the results now.

How much should you spend on a stick vacuum?

We’ve tested stick vacuums that cost as little as $32 for a budget Big W corded model and as much as $1500+ for high-end LG and Dyson models.

Unfortunately, you’ll be hard pressed to find a high performing stick vacuum on the cheap. Almost all of the stick vacs that our experts recommend cost upwards of $800.

If that sounds too far out of your reach, don’t give up on your dreams of stick vac ownership just yet. Some cheaper stick vacs perform reasonably well and will do a good-enough job, especially if you’re only using them on hard floors.

We’ve compiled a separate list of the best stick vacuums under $250 exclusively for ����Vlog members.

If you’re on a tight budget, your money will go much further if you buy a traditional barrel vacuum: you can pick up a great performer for around $300–500. 

Yes, it’s more effort than a stick vac, but if you’re constantly having to clean up after your cheap stick vac, you’re already doing the extra work anyway.

The best budget, mid-range and premium stick vacs

We independently test and review dozens of new vacuums each year in our onsite labs, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

Our detailed stick vacuum testing data is available exclusively for ����Vlog members.

If you’re not yet a member, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more. 

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which stick vacuums deliver the best bang for your budget.

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There’s no escaping the flying fluff and dust when you empty the canister of your bagless vac, and even your bagged vacuum to an extent, though it does significantly reduce the dustbath.

So some stick vacuum manufacturers have levelled up the convenience factor by producing ‘self-emptying’ models, reducing how often you need to take out the trash.��

Unfortunately they don’t take the canister out to the wheelie bin for you, but they do empty the stick vacuum dust bin into a larger dust bin on the charging dock.

Of course, you’ll pay more for the convenience, and at the moment it’s mostly the higher-end stick vacuums that have this feature.��

So are self-emptying stick vacs worth the extra cash, or are they just another gimmick that’ll empty your bank account while they empty the dust canister? Here’s what our experts say.

Which stick vacuum brands have self-emptying docks?

Samsung and LG have been making self-emptying stick vacuums for a while, but other brands are now following suit.

Shark has a few models on the market, and Dyson plans to release a self-emptying dock compatible with some of its vacuums later in 2026.

Mid-range brands are starting to join the party too, so self-emptying vacs could be more affordable in the near future.

Our experts anticipate that many stick vacuum manufacturers will jump on the trend and it’ll become a common feature.

How much do self-emptying stick vacuums cost?

“Stick vacuums can already be very expensive so the addition of a self-emptying dock may be out of some buyers’ budgets,” says ����Vlog vacuum expert Adrian Lini.

“But depending on your needs, you might be happy to pay extra for this feature.”

Our experts have tested nine stick vacuums with self-emptying docks. They range in price from the $600 Shark Clean & Empty through to the $1399 LG A9X-AUTO2. Other brands include Dreame, Roborock, Midea and Tineco.

Self emptying stick vacs: Pros and cons

The benefits of a stick vacuum that empties itself are pretty obvious – but what does it mean for your cleaning regime? And what are the downsides?

Pros:

Less dust

Emptying your regular stick vacuum’s canister manually into the kitchen bin can create a cloud of dust that settles back all over your just-cleaned surfaces.

Either that or you’ll need to head outside to the big bin to empty it. (Not an appealing prospect in the middle of winter or a downpour.)

With a self-emptying stick vac, you’ll still need to trek out to the garbage bin, but it’ll be far less frequent and the dust won’t escape back out into the house.

Less time

Not having to empty your stick vac every time you use it means doing the vacuuming is a much less time-consuming job, so you can get on with other household tasks (or more interesting things) faster.

And the self-emptying bins take a surprisingly long time to fill up.

“We only need to empty it about once every six weeks,” says ����Vlog staff member Ivone.

Less effort

We’ve found with some standard stick vacs emptying the dust canister from the vacuum itself is very awkward, but the bin in the self-emptying dock is generally straightforward to remove and empty. 

“It takes absolutely ages for the big bin to fill up and when it does, it’s just a matter of tipping it in the bin,” says ����Vlog editor Grace, who owns a self-emptying Shark stick vac.

It’ll save you mental energy as well as physical, too: “It’s great not having to even think about emptying the thing until it alerts me it’s time to replace the bag,” says Ivone.

Less sneezing

If you have allergies to things like dust mites and pet dander, not having to empty your stick vacuum as often will reduce your exposure to allergens.

And if your self-emptying vacuum dock has a bag, it’ll reduce your exposure even more.

(This also applies to traditional vacuums, so it’s worth considering a bagged vacuum if you’re trying to minimise exposure to allergens in your home.)

(Potentially) more power

If you’re the kind of vacuumer who pushes the dust canister’s capacity to its limits before emptying it (I’m guilty of this!), then your stick vac’s performance will likely decline as the canister gets more and more full.

Once you empty it, it’ll be able to work to its full abilities once more (at least until the filters need changing). 

With a self-emptying stick vac, you’ll be starting with an empty vacuum each time, so you’ll get better sucking power from the get-go. (Which will save you even more time and effort.)

More storage

Yes, self-emptying vacuum docks are bulky (see below), but there is an upside to that.

“Because they’re bigger, self-emptying docks can hold more – or even all – of the added accessories that come with them,” says Adrian.

“That’s a nice change from the usual charging stations that only have a couple of slots for accessories and then you need to find somewhere to store the rest.”

Cons:

More noise

Some self-emptying docks can be quite noisy when they’re doing their thing. When we measured the noise levels of some self-emptying vacuums, one was 76 decibels – which is particularly loud.

By comparison, a normal conversation is around 60 dB, while city traffic is about 80dB.

“A major downside of the self emptying feature is that any time we get a blackout (which is shockingly frequent overnight where I live), when the power turns back on the vacuum automatically re-empties the receptacle into the bin,” says Grace.

“The noise doesn’t bother me during the day but it gives me the shock of a lifetime in the middle of the night! It feels like the loudest sound on earth.”

Less space

What you’ll gain in time with self-emptying vacs you’ll lose in space: they’re quite bulky, so if you don’t have much room at home, they might not be suitable.

One of the biggest benefits of stick vacuums is that they take up less space than traditional vacuums and can be neatly tucked away in a cupboard or corner. But models with self-emptying docks have a larger footprint, so you’ll probably need a dedicated spot in the house to store them.�� 

More canisters to clean:

Even though having a self-emptying stick vacuum means you won’t need to empty your stick vac as often, you’ll still need to clean the dust canister from time to time – and a bagless self-emptying system means you’ll have two to clean.

While it’ll probably be an infrequent task, it will still be a messy one, and if you have allergies you’ll be getting up close and personal with allergens.

Even a self-emptying dock with a bag will need a going-over every once in a while, so you won’t completely escape this grubby task.

Bagged vs bagless: Which is better?

As with traditional vacuums, you have two options with self-emptying stick vacuum stations: a bagless dust bin, or one that deposits the dust in a bag.

Of the self-emptying stick vacs we’ve tested, the Shark and Tineco models have bagless dust bins, while LG, Dreame, Roborock and Midea models use bags.

There are pros and cons to both: 

• You have to buy replacement dust bags, but once they’re full you can close them up and the dust won’t escape. Some bags are made from plastic rather than more sustainable materials such as cardboard.
• Bagless models don’t have any ongoing costs for bags, but some of them are tricky to use so you could find yourself covered in a layer of dust after you’ve emptied it. Plus, you’ll need to clean the bin itself more often than you would with a bagged unit.

“The bags cost anywhere from $4 to $20 each, so it definitely is an extra cost,” says Adrian.

“But depending on how much you vacuum, the bag could last you one to two months since you don’t need to empty it very often. Just be mindful that if you’re vacuuming up food it could start to smell if you leave it for a long time.

“The bagless models are very similar to bagless barrel vacuums in terms of how you use them and how they work.”

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