“A vacuum cleaner that sucks is a vacuum cleaner that doesn’t.”
Some people find cleaning therapeutic, while others view it as a dreaded chore. Regardless, the best vacuum cleaner to get depends very much on your lifestyle needs and what you’re looking for in one.
With that, here’s a list of our recommendations based on category and budget*.
*Prices are correct as at time of writing.
How to choose the right vacuum for your home
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Before taking a look at the different models available, you’ll first need to consider the following (aside from your budget, of course):
| Considerations | Features to look out for |
|---|---|
| What type of messes do you deal with most frequently? | Suction power, wet-and-dry cleaning |
| How big is your home? | Battery life |
| Who will be using the vacuum? | Manoeuvrability and weight of appliance (e.g. heavy vacuums are not recommended for elderly use) |
| How much time are you willing to set aside each week for cleaning? | Wet-and-dry cleaning, automation/smart tech |
| Do you have pets or allergies? | Anti-tangle brush, HEPA filter |
| Do you have carpets/rugs? Do you plan to vacuum the sofa too? | Suction power, hand-held mode |
| Where do you plan to store your vacuum when not in use? | Size, dock requirements (e.g. water inlet/outlet) |
Best hand-held stick vacuum cleaners
As a household name around the world, it comes as no surprise that our first recommendation is that of a Dyson.
Specifically, the V12 Detect Slim Absolute HEPA has a built-in laser that makes ‘invisible’ dirt visible (which, as we’ve been told by many homeowners, actually makes cleaning fun). And with powerful suction at 150 Air Watts plus an LCD display that counts and categorises particles being picked up, you get scientific proof of a deep clean in real time.
(Note: The V12 Detect Slim Absolute HEPA is a newer variant of the V12 Detect Slim demonstrated in this video)
Compared to other Dyson models available, the V12 Detect Slim Absolute HEPA is our top pick for the average Singapore household due to a combination of the following reasons:
- Lightweight: at just 2.2kg, it doesn’t strain your wrist and is easy to manoeuvre
- One-touch power button: no need to keep holding the trigger
- 60min run time: sufficient for the average-sized home in Singapore
- Fully sealed HEPA filtration: traps 99.9% of allergens and other microscopic particles
- Price point: more affordable than newer/more specialised Dyson models like the V15 or V16 Piston Animal, where you might be paying for features you don’t require
Recommended for:
- Homeowners who want the assurance of a deep clean
- Those who are willing to invest in premium appliances
- Households with pets and/or those with allergies
Conversely, the Dibea D18 is often lauded as a value-for-money cordless option.
Likewise at 2.2kg, its roller head is rotatable, which means you won’t have to strain your back to access hard-to-reach areas like under your sofa. Many reviewers also highlight that it’s user-friendly, whether as a hand-held appliance for cleaning sofas/curtains/cars, or a vertical stick vacuum for your floors.
But as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. It has a shorter run time of approximately 45min, and definitely does not possess many of the smart tech features the Dyson V12 does. One YouTuber also disclaims that you may have to go back a second or third time for a thorough clean of visible dirt, particularly when cleaning carpets.
Notwithstanding, the Dibea D18 is recommended for:
- Homeowners looking for a basic cordless vacuum
- Those who do not wish to spend too much
Find IDsBest hand-held wet-and-dry vacuum cleaners
Serving as both a vacuum and mop, wet-and-dry vacuum cleaners have become extremely popular as they cut cleaning time in half. While some homeowners have reservations about how thoroughly they can actually clean, others swear by them.
Our premium pick: Dreame H15 Pro Heat (currently on sale at $769; U.P. $1,299)
For greater assurance, we’d recommend models like the Dreame H15 Pro Heat that come with a hot water mode to remove stains (and also kill germs) with ease.
Equally important is its self-cleaning and drying function, where water at 100°C is used to disinfect the brush head. Then, its smart tech monitors dirt and moisture levels until the brush head is clean and dry, ready for your next use.
Some reviews say that it can clean an entire 5-room HDB flat with clean water and battery to spare, but do note that you may need to refill the clean water tank midway depending on how dirty your floors are.
Convenient as it may be, it is not recommended for elderly use given its bulk and weight of 6kg.
Recommended for:
- Busy homeowners
- Families with pets and young kids
With a HEPA filter and run time of 50min, the Simplus Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum is a budget-friendly alternative that comes with a Disinfect mode for chemical-free cleaning using electrolysed water.
But as with all budget picks, this appliance comes with downsides.
While marketed as providing triple-edge cleaning on the front, left and right (e.g. for cleaning corners), several reviews say otherwise. Another reviewer mentioned that his floor remains a little wet after cleaning, and that dirt can still be found on the brush head after running a self-cleaning cycle:
Source: Lazada
Nonetheless, the majority of users say they are sufficiently satisfied, stating that these ‘issues’ are to be expected given the low price point.
Recommended for:
- Those who want a wet-and-dry vacuum, but don’t wish to spend too much
Best robot vacuum cleaners
Like hand-held wet-and-dry vacuums, robot vacuums take a huge load off your shoulders when it comes to cleaning.
That said, it should be noted that robot vacuum cleaners are for daily/light maintenance only. A manual deep clean/mopping is still recommended weekly.
If AI is going to start taking our jobs, we may as well get it to do the things we don’t want to (AKA chores).
Source: Facebook
Enter Dreame X50 Ultra. With AI Stain Detection technology, this wet-and-dry robot vacuum automatically uses 80°C hot water for heavy stains, and passes stubborn dirt twice, ensuring that you come back to clean floors.
Additionally, it is able to detect different surfaces to prevent cross-contamination when cleaning carpets and hard floors, and can ‘leap’ up to 6cm over sliding door tracks, drop steps and the like.
And because you’re paying a premium for this appliance, maintenance can be completely hands-free if you connect it to a water inlet/outlet.
Recommended for:
- Busy homeowners who want cleaning to be completely hands-free
- Those willing to invest in premium appliances
But if all you need is an appliance that can vacuum and mop reliably on schedule, the Roborock Q10 PF+ would be a much more affordable option.
From 3D mapping and obstacle avoidance to anti-tangle brushes (so it doesn’t get stuck when cleaning hair and pet dander), it’ll get the job done effectively without damaging your property.
Besides a user who had issues pairing it with the MiHome ecosystem, we actually had a difficult time finding negative reviews about the product. In fact, many are repeat buyers of Roborock vacuums, testament to the brand’s reliability.
Recommended for:
- Busy homeowners looking for a simple robot vacuum that gets the job done
Got other vacuum cleaner recommendations?
Of course, this list is far from exhaustive and subjective. Drop a comment below to let us (and your fellow homeowners!) know if you’ve got any other recommendations!
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