Best stick vacuum for pet hair Australia

Stick vacuums have come a long way in recent years, with the best models now rivalling their corded counterparts in terms of suction power and ease of use.

They’re also more lightweight than corded vacuums, making them great to take around the house and store away, even if you’re short on space.

With plenty of options on the market though, choosing the right cordless stick vacuum for your home can be a frustrating task, which is where we come in.

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Below, we’ve curated the top stick vacuum models across all price points so you can pinpoint those that suit both your needs and budget.

While we can’t promise they’ll make vacuuming any more fun, they’ll certainly make it quicker and easier.

BEST CORDLESS STICK VACUUMS

To help you choose the best stick vacuum for your home, we’ve rounded up the top models currently on the market, based on real customer reviews and our own experience with the products.

• Best budget stick vacuums
• Best mid-range stick vacuums
• Best luxe stick vacuums
• Stick vacuums with the longest battery life
• Best stick vacuums for hardwood floors
• Best stick vacuums for larger homes
• Best stick vacuums for pet hair

BEST BUDGET CORDLESS STICK VACUUMS

Xiaomi Handheld Vacuum Cleaner, Amazon Australia, $149

This pocket rocket weighs just over one kilogram and lasts for 45 minutes of run time, offering more bang for buck than its much pricier counterparts. It has multiple brush nozzles to tackle everything in and outside the house, including a motorised ground brush to deep clean wooden floors and carpets. This brush is also said to be extra soft, so you don’t need to worry about damaging surfaces. One happy reviewer compared this model to a “Dyson”, with another saying despite the low price tag, it passed with “flying colours”.

Pros

• 45-minute battery life on a single charge.

• Three-step filtration system.

• High-speed brushless motor.

Cons

• Some customers found the suction power a bit weak.

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Devanti Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, eBay, $123.99

If you live in an apartment or need a small stick vac for minor messes, shoppers say this budget-friendly model is the way to go. It has a 160-degree swivelling head, one-handed design for emptying the dust bin and you don’t need to hold down a button while you’re operating it.

The stick vacuum comes with a floor brush, sofa brush, two-in-one convertible nozzle and cleaning brush.

Pros

• No need to hold down trigger button while vacuuming.

• It includes a washable and reusable HEPA filter.

• It’s suitable on carpets, rugs, hardwood floors, upholstery and curtains.

• Free shipping (and returns with eBay Plus)

Cons

• Its has a shorter runtime compared to most other stick vacuums, lasting 35 minutes on low speed and 25 minutes on high speed.

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Electrolux Ergorapido Classic Stick Vacuum, The Good Guys, $199

Budget-friendly and easy to use, Electrolux’s Ergorapido Classic Vacuum has a simple two-in-one design that makes it easy to clean shelves, desks and furniture, as well as all types of flooring. Fitted with a 180-degree swivel nozzle and guided by LED headlights, the model makes it easy to spot hidden dirt and crumbs while manoeuvring easily around and underneath furniture.

Similar to more expensive alternatives, the Ergorapido contains an internal blade to remove entwined hairs before they’re sucked up into the dust cup, helping to prevent the vacuum from becoming clogged up.

Pros

• Customers say the stick vacuum is lightweight and easy to use.

• Most online reviewers are impressed with how well it cleans.

Cons

• Lasts up to 30 minutes before it needs to be recharged, which is shorter compared to other models.

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MyGenie X5 Handheld Cordless Stick Vacuum, Catch, $109

This multifunctional stick vacuum from MyGenie – best known for its impressive range of robot vacuums – is ideal for both hard flooring and carpet. The lightweight yet powerful machine offers up to 40 minutes of cleaning time and arrives with a range of tools in tow that allow you to clean everything from flooring to crevices with ease.

Pros

• It’s compact and lightweight, weight just 2.2kg.

• Customers say the suction power and build quality is just as good as more expensive models.

Cons

• One person said their roller randomly stops and it’s difficult to get it back up and running.

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BEST MID-RANGE CORDLESS STICK VACUUMS

Bosch Athlet Cordless Handstick Vacuum, The Good Guys, $399

Lightweight and ergonomic, Bosch’s Athlet Cordless Handstick Vacuum is capable of running for up to 60 minutes off a single charge, placing it in firm competition with more expensive models on this list. Fitted with a built-in smart sensor, the model continuously monitors airflow through the vacuum to ensure optimum suction power, and detects performance drops so you know exactly when to change the filter.

The Athlet also arrives with additional accessories including an AllFloor HighPower Brush to help loosen and remove dust and debris for a more thorough clean.

Pros

• Lasts up to 60 minutes on a single charge and contains a large 0.9-litre dust bin capacity.

• Offers three speed modes.

• It can stand on its own.

A small number of customers found the stick vacuum too heavy to manoeuvre.

Cons

• Some were disappointed in the battery life, complaining they managed to get around 15-20 minutes’ of cleaning time when using Turbo mode. But keep in mind that all cordless vacuums won’t last as long as the expected maximum runtime whenever you’re using the more powerful speed(s).

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Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Vacuum, The Good Guys, $799

Dyson’s V8 Animal Cordless vacuum is a budget-friendly alternative to the brand’s more recent models. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the V11 and V15 lines, it offers up to 40-minutes of runtime and includes four additional tools to help tackle pet hair and clean hard-to-reach places.

One shopper was so impressed they couldn’t believe they were “missing out all these years”: “Good battery life, I can do my whole house with one charge! Great suction, my carpets have never been cleaner! Couldn’t recommend enough!”

Pros

• Similar to Dyson’s newer models, the V8 Animal also includes whole-machine filtration and no-touch bin emptying for an easy cleaning experience.

• Customers say it’s good at picking up pet hair.

Cons

• Bin capacity is only 0.54-litres, which is on the smaller side compared to other cordless vacuums with similar runtimes and price tag.

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Samsung Jet 70 Complete, Bing Lee, $599

Samsung’s Jet 70 Complete receives consistently high scores from customers, with many quick to claim it’s a budget-friendly alternative to Dyson’s more recent models. In fact, similar to Dyson’s V11 line, the Jet 70 features an LED display which allows you to check the power level, brush type and any error alerts.

It also comes with a range of tools seen on Dyson models, including a Mini Motorised Tool for cleaning couches and cars and an Extension Crevice Tool for getting into tight corners.

Pros

• Customer reviews say the suction is great and not too loud.

• You don’t need to hold a trigger when vacuuming.

Cons

• Its 40 minute battery life is fairly average for a cordless stick vacuum in this price range, but it can easily be doubled with the purchase of an extra battery (sold separately).

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BEST LUXE CORDLESS STICK VACUUM

Dyson V15 Detect, Dyson, $1,499

If you can afford to splash out on a top-of-the-line vacuum, Dyson’s V15 Detect is definitely worth the spend. The V15 incorporates several of the best features from Dyson’s V11 line, including click-in batteries that offer up to 60 minutes of run-time each, three cleaning modes and a high torque cleaner head that automatically adjusts to the type of floor you’re vacuuming.

It also comes with an anti-tangle hair screw tool designed to pick up hair, making it an ideal purchase for pet owners or for those with longer locks. Most notably though, the hi-tech model includes a laser (yes, you read that correctly) which helps to reveal otherwise difficult-to-see debris on hard floors.

One five-star reviewer commented, “That green laser showed up every spec of dust, every crumb, pet hair and fish finger I had on my floor (I have kids, no judgement please). It even lit up clear sticky tape. It was both horrifying and satisfying to then methodically vacuum the floor and know that I had (for possibly the first time ever) actually cleaned my floors.”

Pros

• Most customers are impressed with how powerful and lightweight the stick vacuum is.

• Many people are happy with how well it picks up pet hair and different types of messes.

Cons

• Expensive compared to many other models on the market.

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BEST STICK VACUUM WITH LONG-LASTING BATTERY

LG CordZero A9 Ultimate Handstick Vacuum, The Good Guys, $649

Stick vacuums excel in terms of convenience and ease of use (the freedom of not having the cord fly out of the wall socket every five minutes is not to be understated) but the battery run-time can be a drawback. LG’s CordZero A9 offers the best of both worlds, providing up to 100 minutes of battery life thanks to its dual power pack.

Even when the vacuum is aided by the Power Drive Nozzle, which increases suction for increased performance, LG claims it can still last for up to 60 minutes, allowing you to comfortably do a circuit of your entire home. That’s usually the maximum runtime most other stick vacs when operating on the lowest speed!

“This is the best vacuum ever! I can do my whole house and the battery is still going,” one happy customer wrote.

“My two long-haired dogs are forever losing hair, and the vacuum just gobbles it all up without wrapping around the brush – seriously awesome.”

Pros

• Fitted with a simple power button rather than a trigger that needs to be continuously compressed, making it more accessible to older users and those with joint problems.

• Length of telescopic pipe can be adjusted to four different lengths.

• Three storage options: wall-mount mode, floor-standing mode and compact mode.

Cons

• A small number of people found the stick vacuum a little heavy, but still easy to manoeuvre and comfortable to hold.

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BEST CORDLESS STICK VACUUM FOR HARDWOOD FLOORS

Dyson Omni-Glide Stick Vacuum, The Good Guys, $594

If you’re looking for a vacuum that will keep your hard floors spotless without scratching them up, Dyson’s Omni-Glide is an excellent choice. The slim design pairs Dyson’s first omnidirectional soft cleaner head with two fluffy rollers and an articulating neck to allow it to move in all directions and get into tight spaces with ease.

“Cannot imagine how I survived without it,” an impressed shopper commented.

Pros

• Weighing in at just 1.9kg, the vacuum is incredibly lightweight and easy to store and has a low profile head that can squeeze under most low furniture.

• Contains single-button power control.

Cons

• Lasts up to 20 minutes on a single charge. so it may be better suited for spot cleans, small apartments or motorhomes.

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BEST CORDLESS STICK VACUUM FOR LARGER HOMES

Dyson V11 Stick Vacuum, eBay, $1,199

From keyboards and curtains to carpets and hard floors, the popular Dyson V11 is designed to tackle it all – including the hairiest messes.

It features the brand’s Motorbar Cleaner head, which contains hair removal vanes designed to automatically get rid of any wrapped hair from the brush bar. Plus, there’s a hair screw tool with a conical brush bar to remove hair from pet beds, car seats and more.

The brand also added a battery-saving trigger and power-optimising technology to improve its energy efficiency, ensuring the unit only uses power when you need it.

Pros

• Most agree the stick vacuum offers great suction and isn’t too noisy.

• Provides up to 60 minutes of runtime, depending on floor type and cleaning mode, but this can easily be bumped up to 120 minutes with a second battery pack (sold separately).

• Contains large 0.77-litre dust bin with point-and-shoot mechanism.

• Includes main Motorbar Cleaner head as well as hair screw tool, crevice tool, combination tool fabric and mattress tool, soft dusting brush, up-top adaptor as well as a wand storage clip for convenience.

Cons

• Some people found the stick vacuum a bit heavy.

• One customer said the unit is good for cleaning the home but difficult to use in cars.

• Delivery fee of $20, but you can get free shipping and returns with eBay Plus.

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BEST CORDLESS STICK VACUUMS FOR PET HAIR

Miele Triflex HX1 Cat and Dog 3-in-1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, Amazon Australia, $651.10 (down from $799)

If you’re after an alternative to Dyson, Miele’s Triflex HX1 is another top option for pet owners. The flexible vacuum can be configured into three different modes to increase reach and handling, making it easy to clean out every last pet hair from underneath low furniture. It also quickly converts into a handheld vacuum and can be used with the included Mini Electro Brush to remove pet hairs and deep-seated dirt from sofas and cars.

An extra wide cleaner head meanwhile allows you to cover more floor space at once, while built-in LED lights illuminate small debris for a more thorough clean.

One customer even posted a review saying “don’t waste too much time looking at other makes and models. This is the new standard”.

“Best purchase ever! So simple to manoeuvre around the house, the floor light is amazing and makes it so easy and effortless to see all the fluff etc that needs collecting,” another wrote.

Pros

• Most shoppers are impressed with its powerful suction.

• Provides up to 60 minutes’ worth of cleaning time.

• Contains HEPA filter to capture allergens and microscopic particles, helping to ensure optimum air hygiene in your home.

Cons

• Some found the dust canister too small and had to empty it multiple times.

• A small number of people said the stick vacuum was a little heavier than expected, but still easy to move around.

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Dyson Cyclone V10 Handstick Vacuum, Dyson, $799 ($999)

Boasting up to 60 minutes of runtime, along with a lightweight and versatile design, Dyson’s Cyclone V10 Cordless Stick Vacuum is a hugely popular choice. Similar to Dyson V10 Animal Handstick, the model is made to clean up pet hair, which it achieves through powerful suction and a Mini Motorised add-on tool which quickly turns the vacuum into a handheld.

It also comes with two separate cleaner heads designed to clean hard flooring and carpet respectively. Of course, if you want to avoid the inconvenience altogether, you can upgrade to Dyson’s V11 Animal which comes with one smart motor head and automatic floor detection, though it will set you back an extra $300.

Pros

• Most online reviews say the stick vac offers excellent suction and has an easy-to-clean bin.

• Works on carpet and hard floors, and offers three power modes for versatility.

• Includes a few attachments for flexibility, including a mini motorised tool, combination tool stubborn dirt brush, crevice tool and the main direct drive cleaner head.

Cons

• We found it a little frustrating to switch out the heads in between rooms when we trialled the Dyson stick vacuum, but felt the results made it worth the effort.

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WHAT IS A STICK VACUUM?

A stick vacuum is a slim and lightweight version of the traditional barrel vacuum cleaner. You can find both corded and cordless options, although many prefer the convenience and convenience and flexibility of a cord-free unit. For added versatility, they can also be converted into a handheld vacuum by switching out the attachments.

The ‘stick’ name comes from the design, as the vacuums feature a long stick or hose with the motor and dust container situated at the top. Cordless stick vacuums are generally not as powerful as corded or barrel varieties, but you can definitely find models with strong suction power.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST STICK VACUUM CLEANER

Before you bag a new cordless vacuum, it pays to compare models. A few things you’ll want to watch out for include:

Battery life

The one downside to cordless vacuums is that they are battery-operated, which gives them a rather limited run time. While battery capacities have significantly improved over the years, you’ll want to look for a model that can clean your entire house on one charge. Bear in mind that the battery life of each vacuum will be influenced by the type of flooring you’re cleaning (e.g. carpets and rugs require more suction power which drains the battery faster) and the cleaning mode you choose. If you have a larger home, you’ll want to consider models with a longer battery life or which have click-in battery packs that can be swapped out to extend the battery life.

Surface type

As mentioned above, flooring types such as carpets and rugs require a higher suction power to clean than hard flooring. Most stick vacuums are now made to work across all manner of surface types, however, if your home has a lot of soft flooring, you may want to look for a model with higher suction power and a longer run time. Dyson’s V10 and V11 lines are some of the top performers when it comes to powerful motors, though there are some cheaper alternatives with decent suction too.

Price

While some pricier stick vacuums are worth the spend, you don’t need to break the bank in order to score yourself a decent model. Before you start shopping, it’s a good idea to draw up a budget and a list of features that you require (extended battery life, included pet hair tools, etc.). From there, you can compare vacuums from reputable brands to find one within your ideal price bracket.

Weight

Stick vacuums typically weigh less than five kilograms, which means most are fairly lightweight and versatile. However, there are models that weigh two kilograms or less which are much more accessible and easier to manoeuvre.

Want more cleaning power? Check out our guides to the best car vacuums, best vacuums for pet hair, best robotic vacuums, best bagless vacuums or best handheld vacuums.

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Lauren is news.com.au’s Best Of consumer technology writer. She previously worked at comparison site Finder as the senior shopping writer where she reported on everything from tech gadgets to the latest home products. Prior to cutting her teeth as a journalist, she completed a Bachelor of journalism at the University of South Australia and worked as a media adviser for JB Hi-Fi where she sold the very products she now writes about.

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