Stick vacuums are a popular choice for those looking for a lightweight and versatile option for cleaning their home. Unlike regular Vacuum cleaners, they are efficient, easy to carry along, and the best fit for small to medium vacuuming tasks.

To make your hunting process for one easier, we conducted extensive research to shortlist the best in New Zealand and provide a buying guide to help you make the best decision. Ready? Read on to learn more.

Our Top Picks

If you need to make a quick purchase, here are the 5 best stick vacuums available to Kiwis. We put them by categories to help you easily find which is the right fit for your needs.

1. Dyson V15 Cordless Stick Vacuum: Best Stick Vacuum for versatility
2. Samsung Bespoke Jet Stick Vacuum: Best Stick Vacuum for Allergies
3. Eufy HomeVac H11 Stick Vacuum: Best Stick Vacuum for Pet Hair
4. Tineco Pure One S12 Platinum Stick Vacuum: Best Smart Stick Vacuum
5. Bissell Featherweight Stick Vacuum: Best Cheap Stick Vacuum

Still, we recommend reading our analysis of each of the recommended products below to make a more informed buying decision.

Top 5 Stick Vacuums for New Zealanders

Our in-depth product reviews assess the qualities and features of each of our shortlisted stick vacuum options to help you find which best suits your unique needs.

1. Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Stick Vacuum

Best Stick Vacuum for Versatility

The Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum is the best overall stick vacuum in New Zealand. For versatility, it's in a league of its own. As a cordless vacuum, the Dyson V15 has great portability and can easily be moved from room to room. It features a powerful motor with a maximum suction power of 12 kPa (230 AW), making it capable of tackling a variety of cleaning tasks. It also comes with two interchangeable cleaner heads; the high torque cleaner head for carpets, and the soft roller cleaner head for hard floors, making it ideal for vacuuming a variety of surfaces, from hardwood floors to carpets and even furniture.

Dyson's cordless vacuum, with its wide range of tools and brushes, can easily clear debris from staircases. It provides a conical turbo brush to clean the upholstery of your car and a crevice tool to clean out the corners, with the vacuum's self-adjusting cleaner head helping to maintain optimal performance no matter what surface you're cleaning. The device also does a great job of cleaning hard surfaces but it has no wet compatibility and cannot clean liquid spills. It is also not designed to scrub away the stains on bare floors. If you want a vacuum with floor-mopping ability, consider buying the Samsung Jet 90 Complete.

The Dyson V15 vacuum also has an excellent battery life with up to 70 minutes of runtime on a single charge, so you don't have to worry about running out of juice while cleaning. It is also equipped with several other features like a HEPA filter that helps trap allergens like pet dander, anti-tangle technology, and a built-in LCD that provides real-time feedback on performance. The 3.1 kg stick vacuum comes with a 2-year warranty, three power modes; eco, auto, and boost modes, and includes all essential tools on purchase.

On the downside, this stick vacuum could displace shag-pile carpets or smaller rugs from their place due to the high suction power. It tends to stick to the rugs and makes it difficult to manoeuvre. Besides sucking the dirt and debris, it does a superb job of pet hair suction on a variety of surfaces.

Pros

• Bagless
• Excellent cleaning abilities
• Lightweight due to plastic construction
• Easy to manoeuvre
• Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA) for allergen trapping
• Dirt Sensor that measures the size of debris collected
• No recurring cost virtually

Cons

• Needs periodic cleaning
• Not a sturdy frame and feel fragile in some places
• Not suitable for wet surfaces

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2. Samsung Bespoke Jet Cordless Stick Vacuum

Best Stick Vacuum for Allergies

If you are an allergy sufferer, the Samsung Bespoke Jet Cordless Stick Vacuum may be the best stick vacuum for you. This cordless vacuum features an advanced five-stage air filtration system that eliminates up to 99.7% of allergens from your home. It uses a True HEPA filter and additional layers like a microfilter to capture and trap microscopic particles such as pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and more. Its miniature turbo brush also features a brush roll with cleaning bristles and silicone fins, which are specifically designed to deal with pet hair.

With a battery life of up to 60 minutes, you can easily get your home clean in one go. This is only behind Dyson's 70 mins battery life and ahead of Tineco's 50 mins battery life. This powerful cordless vacuum also offers impressive suction power, making it perfect for deep cleaning carpets, rugs, and hard floors. Samsung's Bespoke Jet stick vacuum performs better on high-pile carpets than the Dyson V15 on this front. It also beats the latter with its mopping functionality.

On purchase, the device comes with several useful attachments, including a crevice tool, a dusting brush, and an upholstery brush. The flexible crevice tool, for example, helps you reach hard-to-reach areas like corners or ceiling fans. On top of that, its swivel head allows you to manoeuvre into tight corners with ease and is equipped with LED lights so you can see any hidden dirt or debris. Like the Eufy HomeVac H11, the handle of the Samsung Bespoke Jet is also ergonomically designed for comfort and convenience when vacuuming for long periods.

The Samsung Bespoke Jet stick vacuum is compatible with other useful attachments that you can buy separately. These include a slim-action single brush roll floorhead, a spray spinning sweeper, a pair of rotating mop pads (either disposable or washable), and a floorhead with a detergent dispersal nozzle.

Pros

• Handy suction
• Eye-catching design
• Multi-stage filtration ability with 5 filters
• Two batteries hence long vacuum duration
• Four power modes
• Cleaning station to empty the dustbin
• Jet dual brush-roll floorhead
• Includes a HEPA filter
• Compatible with other useful attachments

Cons

• Small debris capacity
• No wet compatibility
• Only one year warranty

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3. Eufy HomeVac H11 Pure Stick Vacuum

Best Stick Vacuum for Pet Hair

The Eufy HomeVac Cordless is a powerful cordless stick vacuum that is designed specifically for pet hair—it comes with a specialized brush roll, a strong suction power of 5.5 kPa, and a 2-in-1 crevice tool to clean every corner and soft surface. The stick vacuum's brush roll is designed to pick up pet fur effectively and its dustbin can hold more pet hair than many cordless vacuums on the market. The HomeVac's 0.9-litre dirt capacity is the largest on our list, followed by the Dyson V15's 0.757-litre dirt capacity.

The Eufy HomeVac H11 also comes with an ozone (O3) purification system that helps remove odours and freshen up a small area. For safety reasons, be sure no people or pets are in the immediate vicinity of the area when you use the Ozone purification function. You can deodorize the air for 15 minutes after which the cleaner will close automatically. Note that both the ozone purification function and vacuuming cannot be used at a time.

Eufy's stick vacuum is easy to maintain and clean since its high-efficiency filters are washable. And with its 15-min battery life and lightweight design (0.6 kg), it’s also easy to manoeuvre around the house while cleaning up pet messes. We find that its non-slip ergonomic handle is also one of the easiest to work with. If you have a hairy pet in your home, then the Eufy HomeVac H11 Pure Cordless Stick Vacuum is your best bet.

Pros

• Easy storage
• Super convenient
• Ultra-lightweight and compact
• Dust devouring suction
• Ergonomic design for non-slip handling
• Ozone Purification function for odour control
• 2-in-1 crevice tool

Cons

• Short battery life
• Average suction power
• Very short vacuum duration
• No smart functionality

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4. Tineco Pure One S12 Platinum Cordless Stick Vacuum

Best Stick Vacuum for Smart Functionality

The Tineco Pure One S12 Platinum Cordless Stick Vacuum is the top best smart stick vacuum available in New Zealand. This cordless vacuum is equipped with a host of intelligent features and above-average suction power, making it perfect for tackling both quick clean-ups and deep cleaning jobs on hard floors, carpets, upholstery, stairs, or tiles. The cordless stick vacuum comes with five types of brush rolls and 2 crevice tools to manoeuvre around furniture and tight spaces.

The S12 Platinum comes with automatic and adjustable power settings and has a run time of up to 50 minutes. With its long battery life and easy storage capabilities, you'll be able to get more cleaning done faster. It also includes a HEPA filter that offers a highly efficient filtration system that traps dust, allergens, and other particles to ensure your air is clean and fresh. The four-stage filtration system captures down to 0.3 microns and allows you to breathe in a healthier environment.

Tineco's Platinum cordless vacuum also has a detachable handheld unit and special attachments for car interiors and upholstery to help you get to hard-to-reach areas with ease.

Pros

• LED display
• Lightweight and compact
• Smart battery management and noise Optimization
• Dual Charging wall mount
• Smart Tineco app provides real-time reports
• Smart rinse-free filter self-cleaning tool

Cons

• Small bin capacity
• No wet compatibility
• Need extra care due to plastic components

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5. Bissell Featherweight Lightweight 2033 Stick Vacuum

Best Budget Stick Vacuum (Corded)

The Bissell Featherweight Corded Stick Vacuum is the best stick vacuum for budget-conscious households in New Zealand. This lightweight, corded stick vacuum packs an impressive cleaning performance at an unbeatable price. It offers convenient and effective cleaning on low-pile carpets, stairs, bare floors, countertops, upholstery, and sealed hard floors. However, it has a short cord of up to 15 feet, so you may need an extension—it's the only corded stick vacuum on our list.

Bissell's stick vacuum comes with a powerful 2A motor that is capable of tackling dirt or debris on both hard floors and carpets. For convenience, the affordable cleaner also includes a crevice tool and brushes that help reach difficult spots and easily pick up pet hair. Its 2-in-1 design also allows you to easily convert it into a hand vacuum, giving you added versatility when cleaning tight spaces and furniture. To do this, only remove the floor nozzle.

Pros

• Affordable
• Easy to maintain
• Bagless and compact
• Lightweight and easily manoeuvrable
• Excellent pet-hair cleaning ability
• Only a few parts need regular maintenance
• Virtually free of recurring cost

Cons

• No Anti-Allergen (HEPA) filter
• No wet compatibility
• Short power cord (4.5 m)
• Trouble picking up large debris

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Types of Stick Vacuums

When shopping for a stick vacuum, you will be faced with the decision of whether to purchase a corded or cordless version. Each has its own set of pros and cons that must be considered when making your decision. Let's explore them.

Corded Stick Vacuum

Corded Vacuum uses your house’s electricity to perform its operation directly. These vacuums tend to have higher suction power than their counterparts. No need to worry about the battery charging or battery life. They are much heavier and somewhat difficult to manoeuvre. Unlike small dustbins of cordless vacuums, these vacuums tend to hold around 2 to 3 litres and you don’t have to empty the trash more often.

Reasons to buy

• Runs on electricity with plenty of cleaning time
• High suction power
• Better filtration systems
• More dust capacity
• Great for homes with allergies

Reasons to avoid

• Need power extension to reach areas that aren’t close to an electrical outlet
• Cords can become tangled making it inconvenient to use
• Heavier than cordless vacuums
• Not as portable as cordless vacuums
• More expensive than cordless vacuums

Cordless Stick Vacuums

Cordless vacuums offer more flexibility in terms of portability and are perfect for quick clean-ups or for cleaning small spaces. Cordless vacuums come with a rechargeable battery that needs to be charged in order to operate. Battery life can vary from model to model, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications before purchasing. Cordless stick vacuums have become increasingly popular in recent years for their portability, convenience, and cost savings.

Reasons to buy

• Lighter and more compact
• Hassle-free cleaning experience
• Ability to move around quickly and easily
• Can reach tight spaces and narrow crevices
• Eliminates the need to keep untangling and manoeuvring around cords

Reasons to avoid

• Can be noisy
• Shorter vacuuming duration
• Battery life gets affected if not used quite often
• Needs regular maintenance
• Most are not wet compatible

Overall Verdict: Corded or Cordless?

Corded vacuums are more powerful but are limited in mobility due to the need for an electrical outlet. If you are looking for a powerful vacuum with good filtration, a corded stick vacuum is the best option for you. However, if portability and ease of use are your priorities, then a cordless vacuum is the better choice.

How to Choose the Best Stick Vacuum

Regardless of the brand and model of the stick vacuum you choose, here are some essential factors to keep in mind before making your purchase. You may also evaluate your stick vacuum choice from above with the guide below.

#1- Suction Power

Vacuum cleaners with strong suction power are better at removing dirt and debris from carpets and floors. When looking for a stick vacuum, it's important to consider the suction power. Look for a vacuum with a high kilo Pascal (kPa) rating to ensure that it can effectively pick up dirt and debris. Generally, cordless vacuums will have less suction power than corded vacuums, but some newer cordless models can offer enough suction power to handle most vacuuming needs.

#2 - Power Operation or Battery Life

Power operation or battery life is an important factor to consider when selecting a stick vacuum. Some cordless vacuums have a battery life of up to 40 minutes, which is sufficient for most vacuuming tasks. While some brands offer long-lasting batteries that last up to two hours. If you plan on using your cordless vacuums for extended periods, make sure to invest in one with a long-lasting battery.

#3 - Weight and Manoeuvrability

Consider the weight and manoeuvrability of the vacuum. A lightweight and easy-to-handle vacuum will make cleaning less of a chore. The lighter the model, the easier it is to move around and carry upstairs. Cordless vacuums are usually lighter than their corded counterparts, making them a great option if you need to clean multiple floors. In addition, they offer greater portability and flexibility since they don’t have a power cord.

#4 - Brush Rolls

If you have pets or a home with a lot of carpets, consider a vacuum with a specialized brush roll that is designed to effectively clean pet hair and deep-seated dirt. The brush rolls of some stick vacuums are specifically designed to pick up dirt, pet hair, and other debris from hard floors and carpets. Most models come with an adjustable brush roll that can be raised or lowered to suit different types of surfaces

#5 - Dust bin capacity

Dust bin capacity is another important factor to consider when buying a stick vacuum. The larger the dustbin, the fewer times you will have to stop and empty it. Cordless models typically have smaller dust bins than corded models, so you may need to empty them more often. However, this depends on the size of your home and how often you use your vacuum.

#6 - Price

Cordless vacuums tend to be pricier than their corded counterparts, so if you're on a tight budget you may want to look into more corded options. Cordless vacuums are more expensive due to their convenience and advanced features. However, plenty of affordable options are still available, so you don’t need to break the bank if you’re on a tight budget. Before purchasing, research online and compare prices at different stores to get the best deal possible.

#7 - Additional features

When choosing a cordless vacuum, you should also consider additional features that can make cleaning easier. For example, some cordless vacuums have an LED headlight to help you see better in dark areas. Others have sensors that detect the amount of dust and dirt in the air, allowing you to adjust the suction accordingly.

Some also come with HEPA filters, which are great for those with allergies or asthma as they trap particles in the air that would otherwise be released back into the environment. Lastly, certain models come with pet-friendly attachments, making it easier to clean up after your furry friends.

Wrapping Up

When it comes to choosing the best stick vacuum for your home, there are many factors to consider. By keeping in mind the suction power, battery life, weight and manoeuvrability, specialized brush rolls, and additional features, you can find a vacuum that will effectively clean your home and make cleaning less of a chore.

We recommend the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Stick Vacuum for Kiwis looking to pick the best stick vacuum available to them. And if that doesn't meet your unique needs, then consider other options we reviewed. You can't really go wrong with any of them.