Sweeping the floor can be a bit of a nuisance, especially if you have to cover a large area.
Luckily, there are plenty of vacuum cleaners you can get to make your cleaning routine faster and more efficient.
But should you pick a corded or cordless vacuum cleaner, and which one is the better overall package?
Read on as we give an in-depth guide on corded vs cordless vacuum cleaners, and whether or not you should purchase one, the other, or both!
- What Is A Corded Vacuum Cleaner?
- What Is A Cordless Vacuum Cleaner?
- Corded VS Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
- Do Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Use More Electricity?
- How Long Do Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Last?
- Are Cordless Vacuums Good For Carpet Use?
- Are Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Worth It?
- What Is A Good Budget Cordless Vacuum Cleaner?
- Conclusion
What Is A Corded Vacuum Cleaner?
A corded vacuum cleaner is your traditional, plug-in vacuum cleaner; simply attach the power cable to an open socket and you’re good to go.
While not as mobile or light as a cordless vacuum cleaner:
They often have a larger capacity, are more powerful, and don’t require charging.
Meaning you can go through a deep cleaning session without worrying about the vacuum dying halfway.
Pros
- Larger dust capacity
- Doesn’t require charging
- Can be constantly used so long as connected to a power source.
- Usually more powerful for better cleaning results
- More affordably priced
Cons
- Requires connection to a power outlet
- Power cord restricts movement; may have to constantly change power sockets for bigger homes
- Bulky size and weight make it hard to maneuver (and carry up and down stairs)
- Hard to stow away due to its size
What Is A Cordless Vacuum Cleaner?
A cordless vacuum cleaner, as the name suggests, is a wireless vacuum cleaner that runs on an internal battery.
Their lightweight, portable, and wire-free nature mean you can bring it anywhere without having to be next to a power outlet.
However, the main downside is the battery size and hence, capacity; these vacuum cleaners can’t be used continuously for hours on end and may require recharging after every cleaning session.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Generally quieter than wired vacuum cleaners
- Suited for both indoor and outdoor cleaning
- Takes less space to store
- Convenient for cleaning the stairs
Cons
- Limited use time
- Requires constant recharging for large homes
- More expensive than wired counterparts
Corded VS Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
With the general pros and cons out of the way, let’s have a more detailed analysis on corded vs cordless vacuum cleaners.
For a brief overview on the subject, check out the video below:
Suction Power
Corded Vacuum Cleaners
As they’re connected to a power outlet, a corded vacuum cleaner provides more powerful and consistent suction power throughout your cleaning session.
This is especially true if you’re cleaning rugs or carpets, as the extra suction helps in getting hair or pet fur out.
If you need to get some heavy-duty cleaning done, a corded vacuum cleaner is a way to go.
Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
As these run on portable batteries, cordless vacuum cleaners generally provide less suction and tend to lose suction once you significantly deplete the battery.
However, more premium options of cordless vacuum cleaners can now closely match the suction power and consistency of corded vacuum cleaners with high-power modes.
Although that does come at the cost of shorter usage times and more frequent charges.
Accessibility and Portability
Corded Vacuum Cleaners
Given you’re required to plug in the power cord to use it, corded vacuum cleaners tend to be less portable and convenient than their cordless cousins.
You’re mostly restricted to the length of the power cord, and switching power outlets is a major hassle, especially if you’re cleaning multiple rooms.
You also run the risk of tangling the cord around the vacuum or having people tripping over it, both of which aren’t ideal in a busy household.
Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
True to their name, cordless vacuum cleaners are much more portable as you’re not restricted to power outlets or cord length.
As such, you can use a cordless vacuum cleaner practically anywhere:
From hard-to-reach places such as ceiling corners or stairs, the car, and even cleaning up the on the balcony or front porch.
Some cordless vacuum cleaners also have handheld configurations, so you can better clean desks, tables, and other niche areas in the room.
If they come with a dust mite attachment, you can clean your mattresses easily too. Or you can get the best dust mite vacuum cleaner in Malaysia.
Weight
Corded Vacuum Cleaners
Corded vacuum cleaners are heavier, weighing around 7 to 8kg, making them hard to move as well as a workout if you have to lug them up or down multiple stairs.
Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
Smaller and lighter, cordless vacuum cleaners usually weigh around 1.5 to 3kg.
This makes them more convenient for impromptu cleaning sessions or reaching obscure areas.
Battery Life
Corded Vacuum Cleaners
So long as you’re plugged into a power outlet, a corded vacuum cleaner will keep working for as long as you need it to. And with great suction power.
Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
With cordless vacuum cleaners, you’re limited to the amount of charge the battery can hold.
This can range anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the power mode you use and battery size of the model.
Note: Lithium-ion batteries usually have a lifespan of 2 years and will need to be replaced after.
Apart from the limited usage time, you’ll also have to contend with recharging the vacuum cleaner, which can range between 2 to 5 hours.
Dust and Filter Capacity
Corded Vacuum Cleaners
Corded vacuum cleaners usually have a higher dust and filter capacity (2 -3 liters) due to their size, and require less frequent removal of the dust bin.
Since you won’t have to empty the bin as frequently, you’ll be in less contact with dust. Which makes corded vacuum cleaners ideal for those who may suffer from allergies.
Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
Due to their build and lightweight construction, the dust and filter capacity of cordless vacuum cleaners is quite small (e.g., less than 1L of dust storage).
You might find yourself having to empty the dust bin often, even during cleaning sessions!
Costs
Corded Vacuum Cleaners
Given that they’re old-school, corded vacuum cleaners are more affordable due to their simple design and general abundance on the market.
Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
As the more ‘modern’ device, cordless vacuum cleaners generally cost more than corded ones:
They may pack high-grade HEPA filters. Not to mention, the lithium-ion battery packs they use can cost a few hundred Ringgit too.
Do Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Use More Electricity?
In general, a cordless vacuum cleaner should use less energy than a corded one.
This is because cordless vacuum cleaners tend to have less powerful motors, meaning the overall energy draw will be less as well.
Furthermore, cordless vacuum cleaners only use electricity while charging, while a corded vacuum cleaner constantly draws power from the main while you have it plugged.
How Long Do Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Last?
According to an article in the New York Times, cordless vacuum cleaners only last about half as long as corded variants.
This is mainly due to the battery packs undergoing constant charging and recharging, leading to worsening performance or giving out completely over time.
You could replace the battery, but the replacements are often pricey and are most likely not sold separately.
Apart from that, cordless vacuum cleaners are still subject to the same wear and tear as corded vacuum cleaners, which can reduce their lifespan even further.
All in all, while incredibly convenient, cordless vacuums still don’t have the same durability as corded ones and will cost you more in the long run.
Are Cordless Vacuums Good For Carpet Use?
In a pinch, you could use a cordless vacuum on your carpet, but due to their lower suction power, you may not be doing a deep clean as you’d like with it.
As such, if you happen to have several carpets or rugs present in the house:
A corded vacuum cleaner would be the more viable alternative, mostly due to its better suction power.
Are Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Worth It?
It’s best to think about cordless vacuum cleaners as alternatives, rather than replacements to corded ones.
For a general rule of thumb, cordless vacuum cleaners are worth it if you:
- Don’t use a vacuum as often
- Live in a small home with less carpets
- Want a vacuum that is lightweight and portable
To conclude, corded vacuum cleaners are great to have on hand for quick cleans or light dust removal.
But if you have a large home and often vacuum the house, a corded vacuum cleaner may be the more economic option in the long run.
Of course, you can always get both for the flexibility!
What Is A Good Budget Cordless Vacuum Cleaner?
For a good budget cordless vacuum cleaner, we’d recommend Airbot’s iRoom 2.0, it’s lightweight, easy-to-use, alongside decent suction power and dust capacity.
For a more in-depth review of the iRoom 2.0, as well as a look at the other cordless vacuum cleaners in the Airbots line-up, check out our Airbots review article here!
Conclusion
All in all, whether or not you need a corded or cordless vacuum cleaner depends on your home size, usage, and budget.
The main selling point of cordless vacuum cleaners is their lightness and portability, while corded vacuum cleaners win points for suction power and reliability.
So, we hope this guide has proven useful in helping you decide which type of vacuum cleaner to go for!
Further Reading
