Buying guide: how to choose a stick vacuum

A stick vacuum cleaner is chosen mainly on the balance between suction power, battery life and everyday handling. Differences between models also show up in quietness, dust capacity and charging speed, criteria that matter over time.

What to check

Suction strength This criterion measures how strongly the appliance captures dust and debris. The higher it is, the more effective the cleaning, including on cluttered floors or thick carpets. The site’s score compares this value against the reference points recorded on the market: a low score points to an appliance better suited to smooth surfaces, while a high score signals suction capable of handling ground-in dirt. It is often the first criterion to check before comparing prices. Market median: 200 AW

Runtime without recharging Battery life indicates how long the appliance runs on a full charge. The longer it is, the more floor space it covers without interruption. A short runtime forces users to split cleaning sessions or recharge midway, which matters in larger homes. The site’s score places each appliance between the market’s reference points, helping to spot models built for extended use versus those meant for quick, occasional cleaning. Market median: 60 min

Electrical power This criterion measures the appliance’s maximum electrical input power. A higher value suggests more effective suction on difficult floors, but it also affects energy consumption and how quickly the battery drains. The site’s score places each model against market reference points: it is best read alongside suction power and battery life, rather than in isolation, to judge the appliance’s overall balance. Market median: 365 W

Noise level This criterion measures the noise produced during operation, in decibels. Here, lower is better: a quiet appliance goes unnoticed and suits frequent use better, including around children or pets. The site’s score reflects the inverted scale: a high score therefore corresponds to a quiet appliance. This is a criterion worth watching for daily use without disturbance. Market median: 82.5 dB

Dust bin volume This criterion measures the volume of the bin that collects dust and debris. A larger capacity lets users clean several rooms without emptying it, simplifying cleaning in larger homes or households with pets. A smaller capacity means more frequent emptying, especially with heavy use. The site’s score places each appliance against market reference points, helping identify models built for uninterrupted cleaning. Market median: 0.6 L

Charging time This criterion measures how long it takes to fully recharge the battery. Again, lower is better: an appliance that recharges quickly is ready sooner between cleaning sessions. A long charging time means planning ahead or owning a spare battery. The site’s score accounts for this inverted scale: a high score signals a short charging time, an advantage for regular use without waiting. Market median: 3.5 h

Benchmarks based on 30 recent market listings, collected on 1 October 2026.

What you get for each budget

Under €100

At this price level, appliances tend to show more modest scores for suction power and battery life, with limited bin capacity: suited to occasional cleaning of smaller spaces.

€100 to €250

This tier brings a better balance between suction power, battery life and quietness, suited to regular use in a mid-sized home.

Over €250

Above this threshold, appliances generally show the best scores across the board, with bin capacity and battery life built for larger spaces and heavy use.