6 Best Self-Cleaning Cordless Vacuums of 2025

This is not just another self-cleaning cordless vacuum—it’s a full-scale cleaning revolution. The Shark IP3251 delivers industry-leading suction power, backed by independent testing that confirms it outperforms every other cordless model in debris pickup. What truly sets it apart is the PowerDetect Clean & Empty system, which intelligently senses dirt levels across floors and automatically ramps up suction when needed—no guesswork, no missed spots. For pet owners and allergy sufferers, the HEPA-sealed filtration combined with odor-neutralizing tech ensures both visible messes and invisible allergens are locked away, solving the all-too-common post-vacuum air quality issue.

In real-world testing, the IP3251 handled everything from embedded pet hair on high-pile rugs to fine dust on hardwood with relentless efficiency. Its DuoClean Detect nozzle uses dual brushrolls and DirectionDetect technology to pick up debris on both forward and reverse passes—cutting cleaning time significantly compared to traditional vacuums. With up to 70 minutes of runtime in Eco mode, it’s more than capable of deep-cleaning a 1,500 sq. ft. home on a single charge. The MultiFLEX wand bends effortlessly under sofas and beds, but the unit does feel slightly heavier than ultralight competitors when used overhead. While the auto-empty base works flawlessly, sealing away dust for up to 45 days, the charging dock is bulkier than most and requires dedicated floor space.

When stacked against the Eureka NEC490BL and Bissell PowerClean, the Shark IP3251 is clearly the premium all-rounder—it doesn’t just clean floors, it adapts to them. It’s the ideal pick for homes with mixed flooring, pets, and high cleanliness standards. While the Eureka offers solid value and the Bissell excels at pet hair, the Shark dominates with smarter automation, superior suction, and whole-home coverage, making it the best overall choice despite a steeper investment.

Don’t let the lower price tag fool you—the Eureka NEC490BL packs a serious cleaning punch with its 350W BLDC motor, delivering suction that rivals far more expensive models. It’s engineered to be the smart budget alternative in the self-cleaning cordless vacuum space, combining a hands-free Clean Station with a 5-layer HEPA filtration system that traps 99.97% of dust and allergens. For pet owners tired of wrestling with tangled brushrolls, the anti-tangle brushroll is a game-changer, effortlessly pulling in fur without clogging—a pain point many budget vacuums ignore.

During testing, the Eureka proved reliable on both low-pile carpets and hardwood, maintaining consistent suction across surfaces. The three power modes (15/40/60 minutes) offer flexibility, and the removable battery is a rare and welcome feature at this price, allowing users to extend runtime with a spare. The 3L dustbin in the Clean Station means fewer trips to the trash—ideal for larger homes. However, the vacuum lacks advanced floor sensing or adaptive power adjustment, so it doesn’t auto-boost on thick carpets like the Shark IP3251. The build feels slightly less premium, and the noise level is higher in max mode, which may bother light sleepers or pets.

Compared to the Shark BU3521 and Bissell PowerClean, the Eureka strikes a balance between performance and affordability, making it perfect for renters, pet owners, or anyone who wants set-it-and-forget-it convenience without overspending. It doesn’t have the finesse of high-end models, but for a self-emptying vacuum under $250, it delivers exceptional value with real-deal functionality.

If you’ve ever struggled with a heavy vacuum, the Shark BU3521 is a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. This lightweight cordless vacuum is 30% lighter than the Shark Vertex Pro, making it effortless to carry up stairs or maneuver around furniture. Despite its slim profile, it doesn’t skimp on smart features: the auto-empty dock seals away dust with up to 500x less dust exposure than manual emptying, and the removable handvac transforms it into a portable spot cleaner for cars, stairs, or upholstery. For allergy sufferers, the HEPA filtration and anti-allergen seal ensure microscopic particles stay trapped.

In daily use, the BU3521 shines in small to medium homes where agility matters more than marathon runtime. The 40-minute max runtime (in Eco mode) is sufficient for apartments or quick cleanups, though larger homes may need a recharge. The auto-adjusting brushroll smoothly transitions between carpets and hard floors, and LED headlights reveal hidden debris under furniture. However, the suction is noticeably weaker than the IP3251 in Boost mode, and the dustbin capacity is smaller, requiring more frequent auto-empty cycles. The quiet mode is a thoughtful touch for late-night cleaning, but it delays the emptying process.

When compared to the Eureka NEC490BL and Tineco iFLOOR 5, the BU3521 is the go-to for portability and ease of use, especially for older adults or those with mobility concerns. It’s not the most powerful or longest-lasting, but for a lightweight, self-emptying vacuum that’s simple to store and use, it outperforms expectations—offering Shark’s trusted tech in a nimble package.

For hard floor owners tired of sweeping, mopping, and rinsing separately, the Tineco iFLOOR 5 Breeze is a one-step cleaning marvel. This cordless wet-dry vacuum doesn’t just pick up dry debris—it scrubs, vacuums, and dries floors in a single pass, leaving surfaces streak-free and completely dry in seconds. The flat scraper and dual-tank system ensure fresh water is used for cleaning while dirty water is instantly separated, a feature that eliminates the “dirty mop” effect common in traditional systems. Its edge-to-edge cleaning reaches within 0.20 inches of baseboards, capturing dust and grime where most vacuums fail.

In real-world use, the iFLOOR 5 Breeze excels on tile, hardwood, and laminate, effortlessly handling spills, crumbs, and sticky messes like pet food or juice. The auto self-cleaning function is a standout—press one button, and it flushes debris from the rollers and tubing, followed by centrifugal drying to prevent mold and odors. The 30% larger water tank vs. the iFLOOR 3 means fewer refills for larger spaces. However, it’s strictly for hard floors—avoid area rugs or carpets. The battery life is solid but not exceptional, and the unit can feel slightly front-heavy during prolonged use.

Against the Shark AW261, the Tineco iFLOOR 5 Breeze offers smoother automation and superior drying performance, making it the better pick for homes that prioritize low-maintenance, high-efficiency hard floor care. It’s not a replacement for a dry-only vacuum, but as a dedicated wet-dry cleaner, it delivers pro-level results with consumer-friendly ease.

Pet parents, rejoice—the Bissell PowerClean FurGuard is engineered to obliterate pet hair like no other. With a 280W motor and FurFinder headlights that illuminate hidden fur and dust, this vacuum doesn’t just clean—it hunts. The FurGuard self-cleaning brushroll prevents hair wrap from strands up to 16 inches long, solving one of the biggest frustrations in pet vacuuming. Independent tests show it removes up to 95% of embedded pet hair 2x faster than competitors, especially on furniture and stairs where fur accumulates. The HEPA-sealed allergen system ensures dander and dust stay locked inside, not recirculated into the air.

In testing, the PowerClean handled thick carpets and upholstery with confidence, and the integrated crevice and FurFinder tools made spot cleaning effortless. The removable battery allows for flexible charging, and the self-standing design means it can pause mid-clean without tipping over—perfect for multi-room jobs. However, the 50-minute runtime drops quickly in max mode, and the suction, while strong, doesn’t match the Shark IP3251 on deep pile. The auto-empty feature is absent, so you’ll still need to manually dump the bin.

Compared to the Shark BU3521 and Eureka NEC490BL, the Bissell is unmatched for pet hair removal, especially on furniture and stairs. It’s not a full self-emptying system, but its specialized tools and anti-tangle tech make it the top pick for homes dominated by shedding pets, offering targeted performance where it matters most.

The Shark AW261 isn’t just affordable—it’s surprisingly capable for a budget-friendly wet-dry vacuum. This 3-in-1 cordless cleaner vacuums, mops, and self-cleans simultaneously, making it ideal for homes with kids, pets, or frequent spills. The dual brushrolls and Stain Boost mode deliver double the cleaning solution to tackle stubborn messes, while the continuous self-cleaning system prevents dirt from being redeposited on floors. The antimicrobial brushroll resists mold and mildew, a smart touch for longevity. For odor control, the included 12 oz. multi-surface concentrate with odor neutralizer tech keeps floors smelling fresh—perfect for pet owners.

In practice, the AW261 handles wet spills and dry debris with ease, transitioning smoothly between modes via its intuitive LED display. The rinsing cycle on the dock ensures the tool is clean and ready for next use, reducing maintenance. It works on sealed hard floors and can refresh area rugs by removing surface dirt and odors. However, the battery life is modest, and the liquid tank capacity requires frequent refills on larger jobs. The suction is strong but not on par with premium models, and the build feels more utilitarian than premium.

Pitted against the Tineco iFLOOR 5, the Shark AW261 offers similar functionality at a fraction of the cost, making it the best value wet-dry vacuum for budget-conscious buyers. It may lack the Tineco’s drying speed or automation, but for affordable, all-in-one floor care, it delivers serious bang for the buck.