Halo Capsule X Pet Max vacuum cleaner two-minute review

I’ve reviewed many of the best cordless vacuum cleaners over the years and the quirky home-grown Halo Capsule X is a sterling contender that thoroughly impresses on both carpet and hard floor. In fact I was amazed at how thoroughly it sailed through all my tests.

There are no fancy interfaces to get your head around, it’s comfortable in the hand despite the protruding motor and battery housing and, given the bulbous shape and size of its larger-than-average two-liter carbon-fiber bin assembly, it’s much lighter than you’d expect, too.

I personally love the fact that Halo has stuck to the good old-fashioned bagged system because it means far fewer trips to the kitchen bin and zero dust up the nose when emptying. It also means you can vacuum up the finest particles like fireplace ash and powdered sawdust without destroying the motor. The fact that the bags are comprised of compostable cardboard and brown paper means it’s good for the environment, too.

In some ways I think I prefer the earlier rear-handle design of its predecessor, the standard Halo Capsule, but given this vac’s remarkable pick-up performance on both hard and soft floors, its excellent maneuverability, decent battery life, huge two-liter bagged bin and current discounted price, I have no compunction in giving the Halo Capsule X Pet Max a full high five!

Halo Capsule X Pet Max vacuum cleaner review: price & availability

• How much does it cost? $499.99 / £299.99
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? In the US and UK

Halo appears to have taken the Shark approach to the pricing of its various Halo Capsule X bundles and the company couldn’t have made it more confusing if it tried. I received the Pet Max Bundle with two batteries which Halo is selling at a knockdown £299.99 and Amazon is selling for £319.99.

The pricing becomes very arbitrary when it comes to selecting other variants. For instance, the standard version with just one battery retails at an exceedingly reasonable £249.99 (instead of £515.95) while the same bundle with just twice the amount of dust bags costs a whopping £531.93. Clearly, discounts have been applied to some of its variants and not to others so I would recommend grabbing yourself an absolute bargain while you can because there’s no telling how long these low prices will last.

If you live Stateside, head to Amazon and Walmart where the standard single-battery variants retails at $499.99.

• Value for money score: 5 out of 5 (on current UK discount pricing)

Halo Capsule X Pet Max vacuum cleaner specs

Halo Capsule X Pet Max vacuum cleaner review: design

• Light in the hand
• Excellent maneuverability
• Comfortable to use

I love the funky design of the Halo Capsule X. Granted, it’s a wee bit toy-like but you don’t see many carbon-fiber composite cordless stick vacs on the market, and who doesn’t like a bit of carbon fiber? I think the bright blue details make this vac really stand out and, while looks aren’t everything, I do think it helps one enjoy the unenviable task of vacuuming a little more than cleaning up with something that’s bland in the hand. Actually, while I’m on the subject of looks, I think Halo may have missed a trick here because I can see this vac’s details being even more attractive to a wider audience were they available in a few different colors instead of just blue. How about dusty pink, bright yellow, orange, even white? Halo, you can pay me later.

Let’s start at the top of this vac because, well, why not? See that large rectangular box jutting out of the rear? That’s the battery, motor and HEPA filter housing. Yes, it looks ungainly and not as sleekly designed as this model’s predecessor (which is still on sale), but it never gets in the way of arm movement, unlike most Dyson models that have everything above the hand which inevitably gets in the way. With this model you can vacuum with a straight arm using a pendulum motion without anything digging into any parts of the hand or wrist, much like a Roidmi vac.

The Capsule X doesn’t have any fancy digital screens telling you how many microns of dust it has collected and it doesn’t even have any kind of automatic suction where the motor ramps up on the dirtiest sections. Instead all you get is an on/off button, a button to engage the motorized roller and another button to change through three levels of suction power. The Capsule X always defaults to the middle power setting when starting up but with the motorized roller off. I’d prefer to have it always start up with the roller engaged so I can turn it off rather than having to turn it on. After all, I’ll never use this vac without the motorized roller engaged because, well why would I when a motorized roller is so much more efficient than a non-motorized one. As for outright suction power… who really cares how many Pascals of power it has because this vac passed every test I threw at it. And that’s all you need to know.

The Halo’s battery is of the 32v Lithium-Ion variety and you get two of them with this bundle for greatly extended coverage. The battery simply unclips and charging can be performed by plugging in the charging transformer or charging it on the unit itself when attached to the supplied wall mount.

Just in front of the battery is the first of two filter systems: a corrugated HEPA paper filter that, after 10 days of vacuuming, still shows no signs of being used, and another thin spongy one positioned towards the back of the dustbin bag. One of the best things about bagged vacuum cleaners is that their filters remain far cleaner than any bagless model because there’s no pre-filter to get clogged up or require regular cleaning. Instead, all the muck goes directly up the suction tube and straight into the bin bag which acts like a filter in itself. It also means you could use this vac to occasionally suck up ash around the fireplace or plaster dust without destroying the motor. Why is the Henry vac system so popular with the construction industry? Because it’s bagged!

Moreover, where most bagless stick vacs have small bin capacities – 0.77 liters in the case of the class-leading Dyson Gen5detect – that are further reduced by the need for some kind of cyclonic thingamajig in the center of the bin, this model ships with a huge two-liter monster that won’t require emptying for at least a couple of weeks. And what’s more, the bin bag itself is made from recyclable brown cardboard and paper for conscience-free convenience.

I received 10 dust bags with the Capsule X and that should provide many months of vacuuming. Of course, when they run out I’ll need to purchase some more – and remember to do so. But since they only cost £7.99 for five, I don’t consider that a deal breaker.

Right, let’s look at the business end of this model. The Capsule X comes with two main motorized roller heads: a 22cm hard floor head with towel-like roller and a smaller 20cm carpet brush with two sets of wavy bristles and an LED headlight on the front to illuminate dark areas. As you’ll see in our performance chapter below, both of these floor heads performed exceedingly well in all tests. To be honest, if your hard floors aren’t too delicate, you could just as well keep the brushed carpet head attached at all times because it cleans both hard and soft floors equally well.

Being of the ‘pet’ variety, this model also came with a small 12cm motorized bristle head that can be used in handheld or stick mode. It’s a very handy tool for cleaning pet hair and other detritus off sofas, dog beds and that most annoying of all materials, Velcro-like car carpet.

To supplement this, the box also contains a flat-headed detail tool and a nozzle for handheld use, plus a handy suction tube clip to accommodate one of them. All in all, it’s one very tidy package that will cover all cleaning requirements.

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Halo Capsule X Pet Max vacuum cleaner review: performance

• Supreme hard and soft floor performance
• Amazing dust capacity
• Easy to use

This cordless vac has been a pleasure to use. Like most stick vacs, it won’t stand up on its own which can be a bit of a pain when you want to move furniture around in the middle of vacuuming. I’m used to that malarky and just prop it up somewhere convenient.

Four things have really impressed me when using the Halo Capsule X – its ability to swallow huge qualities of debris, how light it feels, its excellent maneuverability and how easy it is to empty the bin. In my opinion, these are the four many qualities required of any decent vac.

My first two tests involved a sprinkling of crushed biscuits with flour and, for the second test, a good dose of oats on both my wooden kitchen floor and a medium-pile rug in the lounge. For the hard floor I used the default medium power setting with the hard floor roller in motorized mode. It laughed at me as it gulped up every last crumb and oat flake in a single sweep with no scattering and absolutely no snow plowing. It did exactly the same thing on the rug, with no evidence of any flour remaining.

Impressed by this performance, I then scattered a small cup of uncrushed Crunchy Nut corn flakes on the wooden floor and expected the Capsule X to at least snow plow some of them across the hard floor or perhaps scatter a few. But lo and behold, it just swallowed the lot up in a single pass – easily a match for the Dyson Gen5detect. Since I have several pets, I was equally impressed by the amount of hair it collected – far more than I thought possible – and also how well it performed on deep pile carpet, despite the wheel tracks it left in its wake.

The Halo Capsule X weighs just 2.6 kilos with everything in place and this is definitely on the lighter end of the scale when compared to other models on the market. However, it’s not just weight that makes a difference when vacuuming for longer periods of time. Just as important is comfort in the hand – at which this model excels – and the ability to steer round corners and chair legs with ease. This model’s brush heads aren’t quite as flexible as Dyson’s Gen5Detect and V15 detect – they swivel on a plane of about 30˚ – but they’re a lot more maneuverable than the Samsung Jet 85 I recently reviewed.

I’ve also been impressed by how low this vac can be lowered to the floor when vacuuming under beds and sofas. Yes, the carbon bin section measures a portly 14cm in diameter so there is a limit to how far it can reach under most furnishings, but I managed to push the entire unit under a bed by resting the battery housing on the carpet and simply shoving the vac forwards and backwards. I also found this vac easier than most to carry from room to room, partly because the smooth, rounded bin section feels so tactile.

However, the sheer size of the bin section makes it feel a bit clunky when used in handheld mode and there will be times – like vacuuming the car – where its sheer size prevents it from cleaning hard-to-reach areas. On the plus side, this vac is unlikely to annoy your neighbors because it measures just 72dB, which is pretty quiet for a stick vac. Mind, the sound level did increase to 80dB when the dust bag was near full.

Although the huge two-liter paper dust bag is a bit tricky to fit, the sheer easiness of simply chucking it away when full is a welcome change from the dusty norm. If you suffer from dust allergies, this is the stick vac for you.

You get two batteries with this ‘Pet’ bundle and they can be charged on or off the main unit. In my battery test – using medium mode on carpet with the head’s motorized brush engaged – the Capsule X’s battery maxed out at 20 minutes and 25 seconds.

I calculate that, if used on a combination of hard floor and carpet, this vac will go on running for about 25 minutes of non-stop cleaning on a single battery when used in medium mode with the mortised brush head engaged. As this Pet Max model came with two batteries, that amounts to a commendable 50 minutes of real-world vacuuming.

However as to be expected, I only got 12 minutes out of the turbo setting using the motorized brush. That said, you’d only ever need to use this setting in handheld mode when collecting detritus from car carpet or down the side of the sofa. The battery took just shy of two hours to charge from stone dead – a lot quicker than the stated three-hour time.

• Performance score: 5 out of 5

Should you buy the Halo Capsule X Pet Max vacuum cleaner?

Buy it if… 

Don't buy it if… 

How I tested the Halo Capsule X Pet Max vacuum cleaner

After taking the myriad parts out of its brown cardboard box I gave both batteries a full charge and got down to testing the unit on hard wooden flooring, linoleum and both medium and deep-pile carpet. I have been using this model for the past 10 days and it has quite literally sailed through every test – from powder-fine flour to cornflakes to pet hair – with consummate aplomb. I also checked the weight of the machine with brush head attached and measured its sound levels using a decibel app.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed June 2024

Tineco Floor One S5 vacuum and mop: two-minute review

The Tineco Floor One S5 is a cordless vacuum and mop with a floor-standing charging unit. During testing, I found it powerful and effective across all hard floor types including sealed wood in my living area and vinyl kitchen tiles. It can’t, however, be used to refresh area rugs and mats like some designs can.

I was impressed at how efficiently it worked when vacuuming and mopping up dirt and debris and cleaning fresh wet spills in my home. I found it a little harder to mop away older and more stubborn caked-on floor debris, however, but perhaps that’s just my fault for leaving them so long to clean up.

The design has a digital control panel on its front with indicators to help you with the smooth running of the appliance. The device provides voice prompts too, which is useful when you’re in a hurry to navigate the controls.

I reviewed the Tineco Floor One S5 Extreme and found the design comfortable in hand and the controls useful and comprehensive. While it’s quite heavy, the self-propelling control makes this less of an issue. Overall, I think that if you have young kids who are prone to spilling food under the table, or you simply need to refresh a muddy hallway, this vacuum and mop in one is a handy tool to have on standby. It also works well for a quick fix on dusty floors that look desperately messy when the sun shines through. Read on to discover whether this one ranks with the best vacuum cleaners.

Tineco Floor One S5 vacuum and mop review: price & availability

• List price: $499 / £399 GBP
• Launch date: April 2022
• Availability: US / UK

Based in China, Tineco sells a range of carpet cleaners, wet dry vacuums and smart vacuum cleaners. The Floor One S5 Extreme was added to its floorcare range in 2022 and at the time of writing, you can buy it on Amazon for $499 / £399. While this comes at a premium price, it’s an intuitive design with a powerful and effective brush that I think helps justify the price.

• Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

Tineco Floor One S5 vacuum and mop specs

Tineco Floor One S5 vacuum and mop review: design

• 800ml water tank is 30% larger than its previous model
• Self-propelled design for easy steering
• Brush head designed to go right up against skirtings and baseboards

The Tineco Floor One S5 sits on a floor-standing charging dock for convenient grab-and-go cleaning. This makes it ideal for utility rooms or under the stairs where you have a plug socket nearby.

You’ll need some room to store it on display in a living room, however. When sat on its floor-standing charger, the handle is at a slight angle so it’s not completely flush up against the wall, which is something to bear in mind.

Like the Shark HydroVac Cordless Hand Floor Cleaner, the Tineco Floor One S5 is easy on the eye. It has a graphite, white and navy finish with parts that look and feel stylish and premium. While it’s an expensive piece of kit, I can tell that it’s made with durable parts that are built to last. It also has a generous offering in the way of extras in the box. It has two extra brush rolls in the box and a filter that both needs replacing every 6 months, and a handy cleaning tool for giving the device a thorough clean. The kit also comes with its own Tineco branded deodorizing and cleaning solution, and you’ll need to make sure you only use this in the device. 

The Tineco is similar in design and performance to the Shark HydroVac and both are designed to work across dry and wet spills on hard flooring. Both also have self-cleaning features, to help with upkeep and ensure the vacuum remains smelling fresh. While they are both similar in design, the Tineco is much heavier – Shark is 3.95kg, while the Tineco is 7.8kg.    

While the Shark has a 500ml water tank, the Tineco has a more generous 800ml design, however, which is 30% larger than its last generation Floor One cleaner. Run times differ too – with the Shark at around 25 minutes and the Tineco offering up to 35 minutes on a full charge. The Tineco also has iLoop Smart Sensor Technology that takes the guesswork out of cleaning by detecting dirt and adjusting the suction accordingly – more on that in the Performance section.

There’s also a Tineco app that you can connect to on your smartphone to monitor usage and access user guides – although this doesn’t enhance the experience with any remote control feature at present. It only supports 2.4G WiFI, and while I have dual broadband, after several failed attempts at connecting to it, I had to give up and admit defeat.  

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Tineco Floor One S5 vacuum and mop review: performance

• iLoop Smart Sensor detects debris and adjusts suction power and water
• Up to 35 minutes run time on a full charge 
• Comes with a self-cleaning mode

Setup

I found setup of the Tineco Floor One S5 straightforward as there aren’t too many parts to contend with. It was a matter of slotting the handle into the main brush head and motor and placing it on the floor-standing charging dock. When the device is positioned on the docking station it delivers a voice prompt to let you know that ‘charging has commenced’. It’s then easy to see the battery level rise.

This device is designed to remove dirt, grime, grease and tough stains from most types of hard surfaces and can be used on wet spills too. To give the design a fair trial, I used it across the sealed hard wood flooring in my living and dining area, and on the vinyl floor tiles in my kitchen. I used it a few times to get a good feel of how well it maneuvered when on a general vacuum and mop.

To get it ready for its first clean I made sure it was suitably charged and added a capful of cleaning solution that comes in the box to the water tank. I then topped it up with water to its max line.

I could clearly see how much battery life is left and what percentage the battery life was on, for example. I could also see when the dirty water tank needed changing and when the clean water tank had run out. By switching to the voice prompt button, it then told me when it was time to charge the cleaner or when the water tank needed filling.

Usability and control

I really enjoyed using the Tineco Floor One S5 Extreme smart cordless vacuum cleaner and mop and while it can’t be used on area rugs and carpets, it is great on non-carpeted floor surfaces such as vinyl, tile and sealed wood. To get a good idea of how well it works, I used it to clean up both wet and dry spills. I managed to use it for a full 30 minutes on hard floor before having to put it back on its charger.

It has its own iLoop Smart Sensor that detects the level of debris and adjusts the suction power and water flow accordingly. There’s a ring that runs around the main control until that goes red when it detects dirt and clears to blue when the dirt has been tackled effectively. When needed I could also up the power by pressing the button on the handle to take the vacuum from auto mode to max mode.

The device is quite heavy, but as it’s self-propelled it whizzed around the floor without too much effort on my part. I simply pushed to vacuum and pulled back to mop. It doesn’t leave the floor too wet or sodden either like some mops can, but mops evenly and leaves a mild, pleasant scent of the Tineco deodorizing and cleaning solution behind as the floor dries. While the head is large, it seemed to do a great job at getting close up to skirtings and up against furniture. I really think a crevice tool would enhance the design here, however, and because the handle doesn’t go flat you’re limited when it comes to cleaning under furniture.

I used it across my kitchen floor to clear up a milky cereal spillage and was amazed at how quickly and effortlessly it tackled the area. There’s also a suction mode I could use to absorb water and not spray solution, which worked well here. I could then switch to auto mode to completely clean the surface.

On dried-on cereal and general food stains under the table that had stuck to the surface, the mop needed a little more help and I found myself ramping up to max mode and going over the area a few times to dislodge and clean effectively. To get a good idea of how well the device can vacuum dirt and debris, I sprinkled oats on the floor to mimic larger debris and also sprinkled crushed biscuit and flour on the floor to mimic finer dust. The vacuum worked a charm on both messes without leaving any residue behind.

Maintenance and noise levels

To keep the device smelling fresh, you’ll need to clean it after every use. There is a self-cleaning mode that helps speed things along and cleans the interior but you will have to take out the dirty water tank to empty and clean the filter too. The brush roll will need to be taken out to dry to avoid it smelling. This can be fiddly – and rather grim if there’s a lot of mess – but a simple wash under warm water straight after use keeps things fresh. I like the fact it has a cleaning brush to help with this as it came in useful.

In terms of noise levels, the Tineco is quite inoffensive. I used the Decibel Meter App to measure the Tineco at 68.1 decibels while it was in self-cleaning mode, which lasts over a minute. By comparison, the Shark HydroVac goes up to 83.1 decibels while in self-cleaning mode. 

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Tineco Floor One S5 vacuum and mop?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Tineco Floor One S5 vacuum and mop

I’ve been reviewing home appliances for over 20 years so know what makes for an ergonomic and useful design. Unlike a vacuum cleaner, the all-in-one vacuum and mop isn’t a staple in many homes, but I’ve recently noticed an increase in the number of companies promoting these multi-functional devices.

I used the Tineco Floor One S5 in my home over the course of a month to see how well it could handle my flooring. I have sealed hard wooden floors that span the entirety of my living room, dining area and hall and have vinyl tiles in the kitchen, which provided ample floorspace to give the Tineco a fair try.

I recently reviewed the Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner WD210UK, for example, so it was good to be able to compare the Tineco Floor One S5 to that.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2024

Shark Stratos Corded Ultralight: one-minute review

I was excited to put the Shark Stratos Corded vacuum to the test. While it isn’t the most future-proof model on the market – there’s no accompanying app loaded with smart features, nor is it cordless – it does its job very well. 

In fact, my initial thoughts were that it would make a great in-between option for those who want more robust cleaning than a robot vacuum can deliver, or more convenience than a canister vacuum, but it’s much more than that.

While I won’t categorically say the Shark Stratos Corded, also known in some places as the Shark Stratos Corded Ultralight, is one of the best vacuums out there, although I do believe it’s worthy of inclusion, it is among the best Shark vacuums available; and certainly sufficiently powerful to be the only vacuum in the house. 

However, it arrives at somewhat of a premium, at least in the world of stick vacuums, and there are some frustrations with the dust canister. Nevertheless, unless you’re on a budget, or have a significant amount of pet hair or dander to pick up (more on that later), it offers decent power to leave your floors looking clean and smelling fresh.

Shark Stratos Corded Ultralight: Specs

Shark Stratos Corded Ultralight: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $299.99 (about £237, AU$450)
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US. Only the cordless version available in the UK and Australia

Paying around $300 (about £237, AU$450) for a vacuum cleaner might seem quite steep for the majority. But, when it comes to vacuums, you get what you pay for – and with the Shark Stratos Corded, you’re getting good value for the price. 

Shark does offer cheaper stick vacuums, such as the Shark Rocket Pro DLX that’s $100 cheaper. However, that model includes neither the two-brush roll system nor odor-neutralizer technology. Still, if you’re a fan of the corded stick form factor, then it offers the versatility of the Shark Stratos Corded model reviewed here.

The Stratos line – which Shark introduced in 2022 – is widely available in the US, UK, and Australia, but it’s only the cordless versions (also available in the US) that are being offered in the latter two territories, at a far more expensive at $499.99 / £499.99 / AU$1,299.99. That feels like a significant bump in price for cordless convenience and makes the Shark Stratos Corded’s $300 price tag look a little more reasonable.

• Value: 4/5

Shark Stratos Corded Ultralight: Design

• Utilizes two-brushroll system
• Small dust canister
• Lightweight and modular

Available in a dark blue and silver colorway, the Shark Stratos Corded definitely looks striking once set up, even if it can’t stand up on its own. Take a closer look, and you’ll see that all the parts are attractive and well thought out.

The floor head utilizes a dual-brush roll system – one fabric, one bristled – that can be seen in all its black and red glory through the transparent top. Plus, the self-cleaning brush rolls ensure that no hair becomes wrapped or tangled around the barrels to slow down cleaning. The front of the floor head is also home to a strip of LED lights to illuminate the path in front so you don’t miss any dirt and debris, as well as the nozzle that houses the odor-neutralizer cartridge.

What I mistook as the lever to adjust the angle of the floor head turned out to be the locking mechanism for the telescopic tube. The telescopic tube easily clips into place, while the handheld vacuum clips into the top of it.

The handheld vacuum is essentially the brains of the operation. The two buttons that control the vacuum sit on its base right below an LED panel that indicates whether the vacuum is in carpet or hard floor mode. It’s here that you’ll also find the dust canister, whose 0.79qt capacity is fairly small. For example, it had to be emptied six times when vacuuming up two weeks of dog hair in the master bedroom.

There’s a button on the front of the dust canister to pop it out of the handheld, and then two buttons on either side of the canister to open it on top. While I found it easy to empty, some might prefer a dust canister that opens from the bottom, allowing for quick emptying into the trash without any chance of any dust escaping.

Weighing in at just under 9lbs – or 3lbs, using the handheld on its own – the Shark Stratos corded is pretty lightweight. And, although you might at first think that the fact that it’s corded could hold you back, the cord offers more than enough length, 30ft to be exact, to reach across rooms.

The Shark Stratos’s modular design means that removing the handheld or the tube from the base and attaching one of the three included attachments is hassle-free. In addition, I found that the included crevice tool, upholstery tool, and pet power brush were sufficient to cover just about all my cleaning needs. Note that there are several other attachments available for purchase.

To those who might be wondering about how to keep the vacuum upright if it can’t stand on its own; simply unclip the handheld from the telescopic and clip it on the front of the floorhead stand. Then, it will happily stand unsupported all day long.

• Design: 4.5 / 5

Shark Stratos Corded Ultralight: Performance

• Excellent suction, regardless of use case
• Dust canister and floor head a little sticky
• Odor neutralizer makes everything smell fresh

When it comes to performance, I wasn’t expecting the Stratos Corded Stick Vacuum to be quite as powerful as it is. It takes just one or two passes over an area of mess to achieve a spotless floor, whether that’s on hard flooring or carpet. It proved just as adept at cleaning the edges and into corners of rooms with its wide brush rolls and floorhead. And, using the handheld portion with any supplied attachment delivered similarly stellar results when pulling pet hair off upholstery and sucking cobwebs from the ceiling.

The Shark Stratos Corded handled dust and small particles, pet hair, and large-ish bits of debris with aplomb. It even sucked up a piece of plastic that was a couple of inches in diameter in an instant. Of course, the LED light on the front helped ensure I didn’t miss anything.

As mentioned, unclipping the handheld and clipping on attachments is super easy. The only issues I’ve encountered when using this vacuum are when trying to pull out the dust canister, which can stick a little, and adjusting the floor head, which doesn’t tilt smoothly – although, when it does, it goes far enough to easily reach under furniture.

I thought the odor-neutralizer technology, which is essentially an air freshener in cartridge form, was a gimmick. And while I remain nonplussed over the fact that there’s only one scent available, it does leave floors feeling and smelling fresh. Note that you can adjust the strength of the scent by turning the cartridge in place. I’m definitely a fan.

• Performance: 4.5 / 5

Shark Stratos Corded Ultralight: Report card

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested the Shark Stratos Corded Ultralight

To test the Shark Stratos Corded, I used it for a week to vacuum both carpets and hardwood floors in my house as well as the stairs, upholstery, ceilings, and under furniture. I tested the odor neutralizer to gauge whether it actually brings any benefit, and paid particular attention to how the vacuum performed along edges and into the corners of rooms, as well as its handling of debris of all sizes.

I’ve tested a lot of gear over the years from laptops and audio equipment to vacuum cleaners and air fryers, and so have been able to use my expertise to give an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

Read more about how we test

Tested December 2023

Shark Detect Pro Cordless Auto-Empty System: one-minute review

The Shark Detect Pro Cordless Auto-Empty System is certainly one of the best Shark vacuums out there right now. In my opinion, it may also be among the best vacuums available.

There are certainly some caveats. The price tag, although reasonable compared to rivals, might appear high, plus it isn’t as powerful as some tethered models – an important consideration for those who like to deep clean from time to time.

Still, the Shark Cordless Detect Pro’s power is very good for a cordless vacuum. And since it can be easily disassembled into a handheld, not to mention the fact that it comes with a few attachments, it can be used in a variety of situations. The self-emptying base station, along with its large dust bag, is also a welcome part of the experience since it makes charging and storing the vacuum simple. While most of the best cordless vacuums somewhat fit that description, the majority don’t leave your floors smelling fresh. 

Overall, then, this is a capable cordless vacuum that most people will find more than delivers for their needs.

Shark Detect Pro Cordless Auto-Empty System: Specs

Shark Detect Pro Cordless Auto-Empty System: Price and availability

•  How much does it cost? $449.99 / £449.99 / AU$999.99 
•  When is it available? Available now 
•  Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK and Australia 

At $449.99 / £449.99 / AU$999.99, the Shark Detect Pro Cordless Auto-Empty System is unlikely to be the budget option for anyone. Of course, you can save a little by skipping the Auto-Empty base station, which brings the price down to $379.99 / £349 / AU$799.99. But, in my opinion, that isn’t enough of a reduction in price to do away with functionality that not only empties the dust bin for you, but charges and stores the vacuum, too. Without the base, you’ll actually have to find a place to plug in the vacuum each time.

Considering that the Tineco Pure One S11 – a cordless stick vacuum with a similar auto-detect feature – comes in at $399.99 / £269 / AU$699, for example, and is missing that self-empty base station, the Shark Detect Pro Cordless’ price tag isn’t bad.

You can certainly spend much more. For instance, the LG CordZero arrives with a self-empty base station that doubles as storage for $999 / AU$1,299 (about £785).

Value: 4 / 5

Shark Detect Pro Cordless Auto-Empty System: Design

•  Easy to assemble and disassemble 
•  Large LED display 
•  Base station is discrete and hides the odor-neutralizer cartridge 

Adorned in an attractive white and gold colorway, the Shark Detect Pro Cordless follows the general outline of other such stick vacuums. The floorhead, with a single self-cleaning brushroll, features a strip of LED lights to illuminate any mess in the path of the cleaner. The stem is lightweight but large enough for decent-sized debris to pass through unencumbered, plus it also easily clips and unclips into the floorhead and handheld. Disassembling the vacuum takes just a press of a few buttons.

The handheld itself is the brains of the operation. To convey this fully, a sizable LED display as well as the two control buttons – one for power and one for mode – cover the top of it. This display is bordered by a ring of color that changes with the soil level.

As far as controls go, there are three modes to choose from: Eco, Detect, and Boost. While somewhat self-explanatory, the Detect mode became my go-to option, with the Shark Cordless Detect Pro adjusting its suction power according to the amount of dirt or debris it comes across. This does away with the need to switch from Eco to Max on a particularly dirty section, and then back again, in order to save battery.

One of the great things about cordless vacuums is the versatility of being able to remove the handheld and use it for not only more detailed spot cleaning, but also vacuuming the ceiling or upholstery, for example. And, with the couple of attachments Shark has included, I was able to do just that with this vacuum.

The self-emptying base station is fairly discrete, despite containing a 2L dust bag. It features a handle to not only hold the Shark Detect Pro Cordless for easy grab-and-go use, but to charge it as well.

In addition, this Shark Cordless vacuum takes advantage of the company’s odor neutralizer technology. Unlike the Shark Stratos corded vacuum I tested, the odor neutralizer cartridge is inserted into the base station, not the floorhead. How the vacuum still manages to spread that scent around to leave floors smelling fresh is beyond me – but it works.

Design: 4.5 / 5

Shark Detect Pro Cordless Auto-Empty System: Performance

•  Powerful… for a cordless vacuum 
•  Does well on edges and corners, but not going backwards 
•  A bit heavy when using overhead 

The performance of the Shark Detect Pro Cordless is pretty impressive for an untethered stick vacuum. If you’re hoping for suction comparable to that of the most robust corded vacuum cleaners out there then, sadly, cordless models aren’t quite there yet.

But that’s the price you pay for the convenience of cordless. Having tested this model right after the Shark Stratos corded model, it was obvious to see that the Detect Pro Cordless needed an extra pass to clean up extra dirty areas compared to the Stratos, not to mention the fact that it didn’t perform as well sucking up debris with the backward pass.

Nevertheless, I found performance more than acceptable, even in homes where the Shark Detect Pro Cordless might be the only vacuum cleaner. It was able to pick up fine dust as well as large debris without too much issue; I even managed to vacuum up trimmings off a Christmas tree (not just individual needles).

The Shark Detect Pro Cordless was able to get pretty close to the edges and corners of floors. And the LED lights on the floorhead made it easy to see if any mess remained to be cleaned up – at least on hard flooring.

I tested this vacuum across carpets, rugs, and different types of hard flooring, and found that it performed equally well across all surfaces. Getting under furniture was no hardship, as it’s possible to get the floorhead to essentially lay flat. 

Getting up high proved a cinch, too. I simply removed the floorhead and clipped on one of the attachments to remove cobwebs in the corners of rooms. The only real issue with using the Shark Detect Pro Cordless in handheld mode is its weight. Using it to clean the couch wasn’t a problem, but holding it over my head for extended periods of time did become tiring.

As for the self-emptying base station, it does a wonderful job of keeping the vacuum charged and accessible. It’s also quick with the self-emptying function; it pulls the contents of the dustbin into the bag in the basestation. Plus, it does so more quietly than using the actual vacuum (69dB vs 76dB during use).

Performance: 4.5 / 5

Shark Detect Pro Cordless Auto-Empty System: Battery

•  Around 60 minutes’ runtime in Eco mode 
•  Battery life drops significantly in other modes 

The 60 minutes that the Shark Detect Pro Cordless can muster is fairly impressive, although it isn’t quite out of this world – and, of course, that’s 60 minutes in Eco mode. When using the vacuum in Detect mode, for instance, the LED display was showing a single bar of battery life after about 20 minutes. If you have a big area to clean, you might have to do it in shifts if it’s particularly dirty.

Battery: 4 / 5

Shark Cordless Detect Pro Auto-Empty System: Report card

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested

I used the Shark Detect Pro Cordless Auto-Empty System for a few weeks. I used it on carpet, upholstery, hard flooring, and even ceilings. And, in the course of these different cleaning scenarios, I tried all the different attachments, as well as using just the handheld on its own. I tested the odor neutralizer to see (or smell) if it was a gimmick or worthy addition, plus paid attention to how well it cleaned edges, corners, and debris of all sizes.

I’ve tested a lot of gear over the years from laptops and audio equipment to vacuum cleaners and air fryers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test. 

Read more about how we test

Tested December 2023

Tineco Pure One Station: Two-minute review

It’s not difficult to instantly be drawn to the Tineco Pure One Station, given its unique navy blue and black colorway, and its elegant rounded aesthetic. At first glance, it looks like a premium cordless vacuum cleaner that will sit nicely in your living room, if you don’t have a cupboard or cabinet in which to store it. 

You’ll love it even more, however, once you start cleaning your floors (and furniture) with it. Admittedly, there are a couple of niggles – specifically, the way the bottom of its power brush feels a little harsh on hardwood floors, and the fact that human and pet hair does sometimes become stuck on the dustbin door after self-emptying – but based on its overall performance and design, I'd say that this is one of the best cordless vacuum cleaners I’ve had the pleasure of using. 

Tineco may be a lesser-known brand in the home appliance space, but it’s already proven that its products are just as capable, if not better, than its rivals from big-name brands. Testing it alongside the new LG CordZero All in One Cordless Stick Vacuum with Auto Empty (A931KWM), for example, I found the Tineco Pure One Station to offer better battery life, a bigger dust canister that gives you up to 60 days of dust storage, and a more lightweight design. And while it's admittedly $200 pricier than the LG model, it also comes with extra features that you won’t find on the LG, making it a better value for your money.

If you’re looking to invest in the best vacuum cleaner, the Tineco Pure One Station is certainly a strong contender, especially if your budget will stretch, you're looking for convenience, and are tired of being tethered to an outlet. 

Tineco Pure One Station: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $799.99 (about £630, AU$1,200) 
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US only at the time of writing 

If you’re looking purely from the perspective of price point, the Tineco Pure One Station may appear an expensive investment, even for a cordless vacuum. At $799.99 (about £630, AU$1,200), it’s hundreds of dollars more than other self-emptying cordless vacuum cleaners out there. My own Shark WANDVAC System costs less than half that price and the LG CordZero All in One Cordless Stick Vacuum with Auto Empty (A931KWM) I’m currently testing is about $200 less.

From a value standpoint, however, I'd say that the Tineco Pure One Station’s higher price tag is more justified, since it offers some features missing in cheaper self-emptying cordless vacuum cleaners, including the ability to clean the brush, tube, and filter every time it self-empties; the massive 3-liter dust canister, plus its voice prompts. Although, I do also feel that a greater number of attachments should have been included in the box.

Sadly for UK and Australian consumers, the Tineco Pure One Station is only available in the US at the time of writing.

• Value: 4 / 5

Tineco Pure One Station: Specs

The Tineco Pure One Station comes with a robot vacuum and base station.

Tineco Pure One Station: Design and features

• Elegant, rounded design
• Lightweight with great maneuverability
• Trigger placement could be better, power brush bottom harsh on hard floors

One of the many things I love about Tineco’s products is their design. While many of its cordless vacuums are reminiscent of Dyson models – a look that many cordless vacuums are adopting these days – Tineco adds elegance to its designs by giving products rounded edges and corners, and that’s very apparent on the Tineco Pure One Station. 

From its base station to the actual vacuum unit, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any sharp edges on the Pure One Station, and those smooth lines give this model a more elevated look. Tineco, which has in the past opted for the white-and-black aesthetic, opts for a  soft matte navy blue-and-black finish here, setting it apart from the rest of the crowd.

It’s also clear that Tineco didn’t cut corners when it comes to build quality. The Pure One Station is a well-constructed product that feels premium and robust, and is surprisingly lightweight for a vacuum that comes with so many features. I’ve recently moved apartments, and I had no issues picking up the whole unit – the vacuum, the base station, and all the attachments – and carrying it from one apartment to another (in the same building) without assistance.

It does take up space, however. It’s not that the Pure One Station is bulky; more that it's fairly tall and has a docking base with a large footprint. As such, I was a bit limited on where to store it in my new apartment.

There are a lot of design features here that I'd miss if I were to swap it out for another cordless vacuum. For example, both the vacuum and the base station include helpful LED displays to alert you of any errors, show info such as battery level and the amount of dust it’s detecting during cleaning (called the Dust Monitoring Loop, where the lights turn from blue to pink to magenta based on the level of dust), and as well as providing info on some settings. The LED display on the base station also includes a touch self-cleaning button, so you can manually activate self-cleaning mode.

It’s helpful, too, that the vacuum itself isn't only lightweight but also very maneuverable. I had no issues gliding it around my maximalist apartment or any problems reaching under my furniture, thanks to the fact that its power brush attachment can lay flat without lifting. I also appreciate that the brush is on the slim side – it means that I can go further under my low-clearance couch.

Unlike the Tineco Pure One S11, whose trigger has to be continuously depressed to keep the motor running (or you have flick the trigger lock, which is even more inconvenient), the Pure One Station’s trigger only needs to be pressed once to start the motor (and again to stop it), making it less of a hassle. However, there are two design details that had me miffed: first, you have to press the trigger twice to get the vacuum going when you’ve just taken it out of its base; and second, the trigger is located in a spot where you could accidentally press it. To avoid the latter during a cleaning session, you'd have to first move your fingers back behind the safety tab before you start cleaning.

I also wish that Tineco put the Auto/Max mode button closer to the handle. Its current placement means that you’ll need your other hand to press it, which can be annoying when you’re picking stuff up off the floor but also need to switch to Max mode. Another thing I'd change here is the floor brush itself. It’s a good brush, but it's devoid of any pads at the bottom and each of its wheels only has about a quarter-of-an-inch of rubber around them. That means pushing it across your hardwood flooring feels harsher and annoyingly loud – although, to be fair, it hasn’t scratched or damaged my floor in any way.

Don’t get me wrong; this is a beautifully and thoughtfully designed vacuum, and none of the niggles I just mentioned are deal breakers. But they're worth a mention if you’re someone who's easily annoyed by manufacturer's design decisions.

The dust bin on the vacuum itself has a capacity of only 0.3 liters, but this isn't an issue because, as soon as you put the vacuum back on its base, it will automatically empty the dirst it's collected into the base. And the base’s dust canister is massive, big enough to last up to 60 days before it needs emptying. In my entire month of testing, I’ve managed to fill up this second unit only half-way – and that’s with a 6-inch pot full of soil, which I had to clear up after my cat knocked the pot off a shelf.

• Design: 4.5 / 5

Tineco Pure One Station: Performance

• Great suction that can tackle small and large particles
• Self-emptying process also cleans brush, tube and filter
• Hair sometimes gets stuck on the dust bin door after self-emptying

Despite how the Tineco Pure One Station feels as you’re gliding across your hardwood floor, you can be assured of its performance. It presents impressive suction power that allows it to pick up particles large and small, from the tiniest bits of litter that my cats drag across my living room, to the heavier bits of dry food that often end up on my kitchen floor when they’re eating. 

It also does an amazing job of sucking up all the dust and hair; in a city such as Los Angeles, where dust can gather not even 24 hours after your last vacuum, the Pure One Station is a helpful and efficient tool, especially since it usually takes me just one run to get a section clean. For that reason, I’ve come to rely on this (and its additional attachments) to “dust” my appliances and furniture (the mini power brush is handy for cleaning my couch and my bed).

As per usual, Tineco’s iLoop Smart Dust Sensor does a fantastic job of sensing and automatically adjusting suction power to Max mode when there’s more dirt and dust to be sucked.

The Pure One Station has a FurFree version that comes with a FurFree Kit that you can use to brush your pet to minimize the spread of pet hair and dander around your home. Unfortunately, mine isn’t that – I would have loved to test it on my shed-happy kitties, although I'm not sure how they’d react to me “vacuuming” their bodies. They already run for the hills the moment I take the vacuum off its base.

The vacuum is quiet in operation, registering an average of 67dB on Auto mode and around 70dB on Max mode on the decibel meter I was using. However, it isn't just the motor and suction that should be taken into account; unfortunately, the floor power brush tool, due to its lack of appropriate padding on the bottom, is also annoyingly loud as it rubs against hard flooring. 

Thanks to its great maneuverability, the Pure One Station has proven to be adept at accessing crevices, rounding tight corners and ducking under furniture. However, it isn't the best vacuum cleaners I’ve encountered for sucking up those hard-to-reach small particles in those tight corners. For such areas, I've had to  turn the vacuum so that the head is directly facing the dirt, which usually – although not always – does the trick.

The Tineco Pure One Station's base station is just as impressive; but it isn't perfect. Sometimes, after a self-cleaning process, I've found a clump of hair and dust hanging off the door of the dust bin. This doesn’t happen often – in fact, during my month-long test, where I used the vacuum almost every day, it happened three times. Nevertheless, it’s worth a mention.

However, this doesn’t take away from the fact that the Pure One Station has a pretty impressive self-cleaning process. I shed hair as much as my cats do, and I deal with a lot of dust in LA, but even after having used the vacuum for a month, the power brush is still blissfully free of tangled hair, and the filter is still devoid of dust. 

This is because the base station doesn’t just empty the vacuum’s dust bin. During its self-emptying process, it also thoroughly cleans the filter, the power brush, and the tube, doing the maintenance work for you. And it’s extremely effective – not to mention, a major selling point for this product. If you hate the idea of having to clean your vacuum cleaner, honestly, this is the one for you. 

• Performance: 4.5 / 5

Tineco Pure One Station: Battery life

• Up to 60 minutes of battery life
• Battery is not swappable

Sadly, unlike the Tineco Pure One S11, the Tineco Pure One Station doesn’t come with a swappable battery. While this defintely would have been welcome, it isn't so much of an issue because the Pure One station does offer a longer battery life than most cordless vacuums on the market. Running on Auto mode, it can last up to 60 minutes of use on a full charge – more than enough time to vacuum my floors, dust my appliances, and clean my bed and my couch. 

Compare that to the LG CordZero All in One Cordless Stick Vacuum, which stops of short of having enough battery life for me to clean my bedroom, which I typically do last. I only wish that the Pure One Station charged faster: it takes about four to five hours to get to full charge.

• Battery: 4.5 / 5 

Should you buy the Tineco Pure One Station?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Tineco Pure One Station: Also consider

If the Tineco Pure One Station isn't for you, why not consider these other cordless vacuums?

How I tested Tineco Pure One Station

• I tested it for a month
• I used it to clean floors as well as appliances and furniture
• I tested its features and tools plus checked its noise levels with the Decibel X app

I put it through Tineco Pure One Station through its paces on different types of hard flooring, as well as rugs, furniture and appliances, to see how it would measure up to the competition. I made notes of its cleaning and self-emptying performance, as well as its longevity, ease of use, and more.

I’ve been testing and reviewing vacuum cleaners, home appliances, and smart home devices for different digital publications for years. Currently, I’ve taken on the role of Interim Homes Editor for TechRadar.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed January 2024

Samsung Bespoke Jet AI: Two-minute review

If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it, and that’s exactly what Samsung has done with its Bespoke Jet AI cordless vacuum cleaner. It’s a slightly improved version of Samsung’s previous Bespoke Jet cordless vacuum cleaner model, and I say “slightly improved” because everything I praised about the previous model is here, with just one main addition – AI smarts (aka some seriously good sensors) to help optimize suction power for each inch of floor space. Other than that, you can’t tell the two generations apart.

And that’s not a bad thing because the design remains modern and clean, plus Samsung’s Integrated Clean Station is still excellent at automatically emptying the cordless vacuum’s bin canister while also charging it up. You still get a plethora of additional tools to make vacuuming less of a chore, including a mop attachment, and they can all be set up on the Accessory Cradle that will need some extra space to store.

This time round, though, there’s no second charging dock for a spare battery on the Cradle, so you don’t need the spare power point. Instead, Samsung has used a bigger battery on its 280AW Bespoke Jet AI that promises a runtime of up to 100 minutes.

The two motorized cleaning heads for carpets and hard floors now come with LED lights, which don’t do as good a job of highlighting dust as Dyson’s Fluffy Optic does, but they’re still handy when you’re trying to clean under furniture or in dark spaces.

In my Samsung Bespoke Jet review, I said that it was “capable of putting [a Dyson] to shame in terms of functionality and power” and the Bespoke Jet AI carries on that tradition but with dynamic suction now available that wasn’t there before. That is what Samsung is pushing as the “AI” part of the product. While the sensors do an excellent job of managing suction power, there are several mid-tier vacuum cleaners that also offer the same thing at a lower price.

If you’re already part of Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem, the vacuum can be paired with the app so you can set up auto-emptying durations, view cleaning records and run diagnostics. But you really don’t need this either.

This is not to say that the Bespoke Jet AI isn’t good, far from it – it’s a powerful vacuum with more suction power than a Dyson, but you are paying extra for the dynamic suction and I still think the older Bespoke Jet does remarkably well without that. This makes it a little hard to justify the higher price tag over the predecessor, which still retains its spot in our best cordless vacuum cleaner round-up.

Samsung Bespoke Jet AI review: price, models and availability

• Announced June 2023, available since July 2023
• Some markets get two models
• Prices start at $1,099 / £999 / AU$1,499

The Samsung Bespoke Jet AI has been available to purchase since July 2023, and most markets have just one model with a maximum suction power of 280AW and a battery life of up to 100 minutes. And this costs $1,099 / £999 / AU$1,599. This is the model that was sent to me for review.

Australia, however, gets two models – the 280AW one with all the bells and whistles, plus a slightly cheaper 250AW suction model with a maximum runtime of 60 minutes that costs AU$1,499.

The Bespoke Jet AI can be purchased directly from Samsung or from authorized retailers, but keep an eye out for discounts during major sales, as this cordless vacuum cleaner is definitely worth considering when it’s available for a cheaper price.

However, in comparison to the older Samsung Bespoke Jet cordless vacuum, this is a minor upgrade – dynamic suction is new here – and based on that I find it a little hard to justify the higher cost.

• Value score: 4 / 5

Samsung Bespoke Jet AI: specs

The below specifications are for the Australian model of the 280AW Samsung Bespoke Jet AI cordless vacuum cleaner.

Samsung Bespoke Jet AI review: Design

• No obvious change in design from the older Bespoke Jet
• Washable bin canister and filter
• Accessory Cradle no longer has a second battery charging port

In terms of overall design, the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI is practically identical to the previous model, with only minor changes here and there that make a lot of sense. Firstly, the AI model now has a retractable wand that’s great if you’re a tall person.

The second tweak is to the Accessory Cradle that now has no second charging dock for the spare battery that ships with the older Bespoke Jet. That’s because the 280W AI model that’s available globally gets a bigger battery that lasts up to 100 minutes, which is quite generous compared to the 60 minutes maximum runtime you get from competing Dyson models.

Despite the bigger battery, the Bespoke Jet AI is lighter than the Dyson V15 Detect or the Dyson Gen5detect, weighing in at just 2.9kg (6.4 lbs) compared to 3.1kg (6.9 lbs) and 3.9kg (8.6 lbs) respectively for the two Dysons. In comparison, the older Bespoke Jet weighs in at 2.7kg (6 lbs).

You’d think that would make the Bespoke Jet AI a lot easier to maneuver but the Active Dual Brush doesn’t swivel very well when trying to change angles – a problem I had with the original model’s Jet Dual Brush as well and thought it was an isolated issue – clearly not. However, the Slim LED Brush and the Spraying Spinner Sweeper are easier to handle, although the speed at which the mop plates rotate can make the latter a little difficult to handle.

Both the Actual Dual Brush and the Slim LED can light up a floor or carpet as you clean and, while the white light isn’t good at highlighting dust as Dyson’s Fluffy Optic’s green light is, it’s handy when you’re trying to clean in dark corners or under furniture.

The bin canister on the handstick remains at 0.5L capacity compared to 0.77L in the Dyson V15 and Gen5detect models, but then you can quickly clean it out by just placing it on the Clean Station, which triggers an automatic empty. 

I am still a massive fan of Samsung’s Clean Station, which continues to take a 2L dust bag that’s easy to replace. Strangely, if you don’t have a new dust bag to put in immediately, the panel enclosing the space won’t close – go figure.

While most of the physical aspects remain unchanged, I found that the White Greige Bespoke Jet AI I was sent for this review had a more plasticky feel compared to the older Bespoke Jet I tested in 2022. Overall construction feels lackluster for a vacuum cleaner with a premium price tag.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Samsung Bespoke Jet AI review: Performance

• More suction than a Dyson – up to 280 air watts
• A good mop
• Excellent battery life

When it comes to vacuuming performance, I can’t fault the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI. With a maximum of 280 air watts of suction power, this cordless vacuum cleaner outdoes the latest from Dyson by some margin, and that also means it’s a better sucker (apologies for the pun) than its predecessor too. Whether it’s hard floors or the dirtiest of high-pile carpets, the Bespoke Jet AI does a very impressive job of cleaning up a lot of dust, dirt, hair, fur and fiber. 

I put grains and cereals in its path, plus talcum powder too. It had a little trouble with larger pieces of dry food and debris only because there’s not enough clearance between the brush casing and the roller in both the LED-lit attachments, but otherwise it does a remarkable job – just like its predecessor. The only difference here is I never once had to boost suction myself.

The new dynamic suction here is fantastic. Initially I found it very annoying because the suction, and thus the noise levels, would change every few seconds, indicating that the handstick was optimizing performance for potentially every inch of floor space. That also made me realize that it was working hard to make sure I got the best clean possible.

So while I still think the "AI" part is market-speak, the sensors and algorithms that Samsung has used to automatically adjust suction and brush RPM are definitely top class.

When it comes to mopping, the Bespoke Jet AI is good, but I think the wet roller attachment for the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine does a better job of cleaning up both wet and dry spills. And it does so a lot quicker than its Samsung counterpart.

I do like the fact that the Spray Spinning Sweeper allows me to spray some water over caked-in stains before mopping them, but it takes a bit of back and forth over the stain for it to disappear. However, given there’s no way for dirty mop water to spill in the Bespoke Jet AI (as there is with the Submarine), this could be the better option for people who just need a basic mop of hard floors.

I wonder if Samsung’s AI smarts can be harnessed better to improve mopping – I think that would make the price of the Bespoke Jet AI well worth every penny even at full price.

Another aspect of a cordless vacuum cleaner’s performance is battery life and I’m glad to say that this lasts a while. Samsung promises a runtime of up to 100 minutes, which is really quite generous. I never once found the battery level dip below 50% after a full vacuum+mop session in my test space, which, to be honest, wasn’t too large – a 40sqm (430 sq ft) one-bedroom apartment. But even after two vacuum runs and a mop, I never got close to running out of battery.

And I have to talk about Samsung’s Integrated Clean Station here as well. Sure, it’s the charging dock, but it’s also got very powerful suction that pulls out every bit of dirt, dust and hair from within the handstick’s bin canister.

One of my pet peeves with Dyson’s bins are the tangled hairs around the inner metal grille filter and I have often had to stick my fingers in to get them out. That is not an issue here at all – no matter how much hair or fur you’ve cleaned up, the Clean Station’s suction removes it all. If there’s a lot and they don't all come out in go, you just press the button on the Clean Station for the auto-empty again and, voila! At most, there will be a thin layer of fine dust around the inner plastic of the bin, which can be taken apart completely and washed – filter included.

Long story short, I’m quite impressed with the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI’s performance.

• Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI?

Buy it if...

Don’t buy it if...

Also consider

If you’d like alternatives to the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI, take a look at the below alternatives, or peruse our round-up of the best cordless vacuum cleaners for more options.

How I tested the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI

• Used a couple of times a week for four weeks
• Scattered dry materials to test various suction modes
• Used the mopping head after each vacuum run

I was sent the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI for testing over a four-week period and, during that, I used it a couple of times a week in my own inner-city apartment. It has a mix of carpet and hard floors, so I was able to test out all the motorized cleaning tools. 

During my testing, I scattered grains like rice and cereal in the vacuum's path, plus tested its prowess by scattering fine talcum powder on a medium-pile carpet. I also dropped sauces and condiments on the kitchen floor, allowing them to dry to test the mopping capabilities.

During my time with the Bespoke Jet AI, the 2L dust bag didn’t fill up fully, but I did replace it to see how easy it is to do.

Read more about how we test

[First reviewed December 2023]