9 Best 18-Volt Cordless Vacuums to Buy in 2025

This is a game-changer for home cleaners who demand power without the heft. The RYOBI ONE+ HP doesn’t just promise lightweight performance—it delivers, being RYOBI’s lightest cordless stick vacuum yet, making it a dream to maneuver around furniture and up stairs. Its brushless motor and intelligent cyclonic filtration generate serious suction while minimizing hair wrap, thanks to the innovative wrap defense roller bar that handles pet fur up to 9 inches long. If you’re tired of clogged brushes and heavy vacuums that strain your back, this model solves both problems in one sleek package.

In real-world testing, the vacuum shines across multi-surface environments, pulling cereal crumbs from hardwood and embedded pet hair from medium-pile carpets with ease. The 1-liter dust cup allows for extended cleaning sessions—great for large homes or quick daily sweeps—while the three power modes let you balance runtime and suction intensity. On high, it drains the included 4.0 Ah battery in about 25 minutes, but that’s expected for this class. It struggles slightly on high-pile rugs compared to heavier models, but for hard floors and low-to-medium carpets, it’s consistently effective. The LED headlight is a small but brilliant touch, revealing dust bunnies hiding under the couch.

Compared to the Makita DCL180Z, this RYOBI offers more versatility and user-friendly features, trading a bit of jobsite ruggedness for home-centric comfort. It’s the ideal pick for pet owners, parents, or anyone who values easy maintenance and all-around cleaning performance. While the ZEXAPE and 350W Makita-compatible models offer stronger 35KPA suction, the RYOBI wins with its complete kit, including battery and charger, and seamless integration into the expansive ONE+ ecosystem—making it a smarter long-term investment for RYOBI tool owners.

If deep carpet cleaning is your mission, this 350W brushless beast is engineered to conquer. With a staggering 35KPA suction power and a motor spinning at 120,000 RPM, it doesn’t just lift surface dust—it excavates debris buried deep in carpet fibers. The multi-cyclonic filtration system keeps airflow strong and prevents clogs, while the LED-lit floor head rotates 90° vertically and 180° horizontally, letting you clean under beds and sofas without breaking a sweat. For anyone battling pet hair, tracked-in dirt, or seasonal dust bunnies, this vacuum turns a chore into a satisfying deep clean.

During testing, it outperformed most stick vacuums on high-pile carpets, removing fine sand and ground-in crumbs that lesser models left behind. The three suction modes let you switch from gentle hardwood cleaning to turbo mode for high-traffic zones. The smart LED touchscreen is intuitive, showing battery level and mode in real time—no guesswork. However, without a battery included, you’ll need an existing Makita 18V setup to unlock its full potential. On max power, it drains a 5.0Ah battery in under 20 minutes, so it’s best for targeted cleaning rather than whole-home sessions.

Against the ZEXAPE M18 model, it holds its own with nearly identical specs but slightly better ergonomic swivel and wall-mount storage. It’s a clear upgrade over basic handhelds like the MaxMore, offering stick vacuum reach with jobsite-level power—offering far more suction than the RYOBI RSV18-0, though without the convenience of a bundled battery.

Allergy sufferers and pet owners, meet your new cleaning ally—the ZEXAPE cordless vacuum doesn’t just clean, it purifies. With a HEPA filter paired with a multi-cyclonic system, it traps 99.97% of fine particles, including pollen, dust mites, and dander, making it the top pick for sensitive households. Powered by a 350W brushless motor and 35KPA suction, it matches high-end models in raw cleaning force while maintaining clean, allergen-free exhaust air. The LED motorized brush with 180° swivel access lets you illuminate and eliminate hidden dust under furniture—no more guessing where the mess hides.

In practice, it excels on hard floors and low-pile rugs, effortlessly sucking up cat litter, flour spills, and pet hair. The 7-in-1 convertible design means it transitions from stick to handheld in seconds, perfect for quick car cleanouts or sofa detailing. Using a Milwaukee M18 5.0Ah battery, it lasts about 22 minutes on medium mode—enough for a full room but not a whole house on high. The smart touch screen is responsive, though the build feels slightly less rugged than Makita or RYOBI tools. It struggles with thick shag carpets, where suction can falter under dense fibers.

Compared to the Makita-compatible 350W model, it offers nearly identical suction and features, but with better HEPA integration and more attachments. It’s a smarter choice for health-conscious users than the basic MaxMore or CAMXTOOL handhelds, which lack true HEPA and deep-cleaning power. While it doesn’t include a battery, its specialization in air quality and versatile cleaning modes make it a standout for homes where clean air is non-negotiable—outperforming even the RYOBI RSV18-0 in filtration despite lacking a battery bundle.

Don’t let its simplicity fool you—this no-frills workhorse delivers professional-grade suction at a fraction of the cost. With 30 air watts and 820 l/min airflow, the RYOBI RSV18-0 clears debris in a single pass, making it one of the most efficient budget stick vacuums on 18V power. The 24 cm motorized brush adapts to carpets and hard floors, and can be turned off for delicate surfaces—ideal for homes with mixed flooring. It’s built for maximum dirt capture with cyclonic filtration that traps 99.5% of particles, including pollen, and integrates seamlessly into the RYOBI ONE+ ecosystem.

In real use, it outperforms cheaper handhelds on large-area cleaning, handling dog food spills and tracked-in dirt with authority. The two-speed settings let you choose between quiet mode for light messes and high power for deep cleaning. Without a battery or charger, it’s a bare-bones option, but for existing RYOBI tool owners, it’s a cost-effective upgrade over corded models. It lacks LED lighting and advanced swivel, so cleaning under furniture requires more effort. Runtime depends on your battery, but with a 5.0Ah pack, expect up to 35 minutes on low—impressive for its class.

Compared to the HP model (B0DKK5KJ44), it’s less refined but more powerful in suction, trading lightweight agility for raw cleaning force. It’s heavier and less maneuverable, but for users prioritizing cleaning efficiency over convenience, it’s a smarter value play than the ZEXAPE or Makita DCL180Z. Best suited for homeowners with existing RYOBI batteries who want a dedicated floor cleaner without overspending—offering more bang for the buck than any other stick vacuum in the lineup.

Sometimes, you don’t need a full vacuum—just a pocket-sized powerhouse. The MaxMore handheld is the definition of no-nonsense utility, delivering 8KPa suction from a compact 93W motor that punches above its weight. It’s perfect for quick cleanups, whether it’s cereal spills, pet hair on the couch, or sand from kids’ shoes. With a 600ml dust cup and three nozzles—crevice, brush, and floor—it transitions from car seats to kitchen counters in seconds. For Milwaukee M18 users, it’s a low-cost, high-utility add-on that turns spare batteries into cleaning time.

In testing, it handled daily debris with ease, though it struggled with fine powders that clogged the filter over time. The low-voltage protection is a smart feature, automatically shutting off to preserve battery life—ideal for users who hate draining their tool packs. Runtime hits 25–30 minutes with a 3.0Ah battery, but suction drops noticeably as the battery drains. It’s not meant for whole-room cleaning, but for spot jobs and tight spaces, it’s incredibly effective. The detachable bin makes emptying quick and mess-free.

Against the CAMXTOOL and ZEXAPE models, it’s the most affordable Milwaukee-compatible option, but lacks HEPA filtration and advanced features. It’s best for budget-focused users who need a basic, reliable handheld—not for allergy sufferers or deep cleaners. Compared to the RYOBI stick vacuums, it’s less powerful but far more portable, making it a smart secondary tool rather than a primary cleaner. For under $40, it’s a no-brainer add-on for Milwaukee battery owners who want quick, cordless cleanup without breaking the bank.

This ultra-portable powerhouse redefines what a handheld vacuum can do. With a claimed 100AW suction—a rare spec for handhelds—it delivers shop-vac-level power in a cordless, battery-powered format. Designed for Makita 18V users, it turns any BL18-series battery into a mobile cleaning station, perfect for car interiors, workshops, or quick home touch-ups. The washable HEPA filter ensures long-term performance and cleaner air, while the three included nozzles—crevice, brush, and floor—cover nearly every cleaning scenario. It’s not just a dustbuster—it’s a serious tool for serious messes.

In real use, it excelled at car detailing, pulling sand, crumbs, and pet hair from seats and floor mats with ease. The 100AW suction feels legit, outperforming most handhelds under $100. However, runtime is short—around 15 minutes on high with a 5.0Ah battery—so it’s best for targeted jobs. The build is lightweight but slightly plasticky, and the filter chamber can be tricky to reassemble. It’s not ideal for whole-home cleaning, but for jobs where precision and power matter, it’s unmatched in its class.

Compared to the MaxMore, it offers stronger suction and HEPA filtration, making it better for allergy sufferers and car owners. Against the Makita DCL180Z, it’s more portable but less durable. It’s the best choice for Makita users who want a high-performance handheld without investing in a full stick vacuum. While it lacks the smart features of the 350W model, it delivers where it counts—raw power and filtration—making it a top-tier accessory for tradespeople or car enthusiasts.

This is pure jobsite efficiency in vacuum form. The Makita DCL180Z is incredibly light, making it ideal for overhead cleaning, vehicle detailing, or quick sweeps between tasks. Despite its compact size, it delivers strong suction and a large dust capacity, so you’re not emptying it every five minutes. The low-noise design means it won’t disrupt a job site or office environment, and the Makita 18V compatibility ensures seamless integration with existing tools. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable, durable, and gets the job done.

In practice, it’s best for dry debris on hard surfaces—think sawdust, drywall dust, or metal shavings. It struggles with deep carpet cleaning or wet messes, but for workshop or vehicle cleanup, it’s fast and effective. The dust bin is easy to remove and clean, though the filter requires frequent maintenance in dusty conditions. Without a battery, it’s a bare tool, but for Makita users, it’s a low-cost, high-utility addition.

Compared to the CAMXTOOL, it’s less powerful but more durable and better integrated into the Makita ecosystem. Against the Milwaukee 0880-20, it’s lighter but limited to dry use. It’s the best lightweight job site vacuum for users who prioritize portability and reliability over features. While it lacks HEPA or LED lights, its simplicity and Makita build quality make it a trusted tool for pros—offering rugged performance without unnecessary extras.

Precision meets power in this ultra-compact cordless vacuum designed for hard floor dominance. The Makita XLC02ZB is only 18.75 inches long, making it perfect for tight spaces, under cabinets, or quick office cleanups. Its redesigned floor nozzle improves debris pickup, and the 2-stage cloth filtration captures fine dust without clogging. With up to 33 minutes of runtime on a 5.0Ah battery, it outlasts most handhelds, and the bagless system makes emptying fast and clean.

It excels on tile, hardwood, and laminate, sucking up coffee grounds, paper clips, and dust with ease. However, it’s not for carpets or wet messes, and the narrow cleaning path means more passes for large rooms. The ergonomic design reduces wrist strain, and the quiet operation makes it ideal for offices or early-morning cleaning.

Compared to the RYOBI RSV18-0, it’s smaller and quieter but less powerful. Against the DCL180Z, it’s more specialized for floors. It’s the best choice for hard floor maintenance in small spaces, offering long runtime and easy cleanup—perfect for users who want a dedicated, no-fuss floor vacuum that fits in a closet.