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Over the years, we've tested dozens of vacuum cleaners across various types, sizes, and price ranges, all in the quest to help you find the best vacuum for your own cleaning needs. Our cleaning experts have come to identify a great vacuum equipped to last from an OK one that inevitably lands up in the dreaded vacuum graveyard. We look for features like powerful suction, brushrolls that don't tangle with hair, advanced air filtration, LED lights, and surface detection to help rid floors of dust and debris. From cordless stick vacuums that rival the power and cleaning performance of an upright to lightweight handhelds for targeting small messes, the best vacuum type for you depends on where and on what surfaces you'll use it most, plus the weight and maneuverability of the vacuum itself.
The products in this guide represent the best of the best vacuum cleaners in their respective categories, including budget options and models optimized for tackling pet hair. We think the best cordless vacuum is the Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum. In our tests, we were impressed by its smooth operation on hard floors, the automated suction that maximized battery life, and an LED headlight that showed particles we otherwise would have missed. If you're a traditionalist who prefers the stability of an upright and never losing power because of a low battery, the Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum is reliable and a strong performer on carpets and hard floors.
Find out more about how Insider Reviews tests and reviews home products.
Our top picks of the best vacuums
Best cordless: Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum - See at Amazon
Best upright: Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum - See at Amazon
Best budget: Bissell Cleanview Swivel Pet Vacuum - See at Amazon
Best splurge: Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum - See at Dyson
Best for pet hair: Dyson Outsize Cordless Vacuum - See at Dyson
Best robot: iRobot Roomba j9+ Robot Vacuum - See at Amazon
Best handheld: Black+Decker Dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum (model HHVI315JO42) - See at Amazon
Best wet-dry: Tineco Floor One S7 Pro Cordless Floor Cleaner- See at Amazon
Best cordless
Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum
The Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum gets the cleaning job done with strong, automatically adjusting suction and easy maneuverability. This is a great vacuum for households with everyday vacuuming needs.
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What we like
What we don&#;t like
Specifics
Model Number:
IZ862HDustbin:
0.72 quartsWeight:
8.9 poundsBattery life:
Up to 60 minutes in ECO modeBrush length:
8.5 inchesFiltration:
Washable HEPA + Foam and Felt FiltersWarranty:
5 yearsExtras:
Odor cartridge, duster crevice tool and Anti-Allergen brush
This Shark Stratos cordless is one of the best vacuums for overall cordless cleaning, easily picking up kibble, ground coffee, lentils, and dog hair from our standardized tests on hardwood and carpet, as well as everyday household dirt. It's equipped with powerful suction and a dual brushroll design: a soft front brushroll captures fine particles and stops larger debris from spitting out and a back brushroll with rigid bristles gets deep into carpeting and pull up dirt. Perhaps the most convenient feature is how strands of hair do not wrap around the brushroll, making it an ideal pick for households with pets or even long human hair.
The Shark Stratos has three cleaning modes, including Shark's CleanSense IQ, which uses an infrared sensor to automatically increase or decrease power depending on the amount of debris it's picking up. It also helps maximize battery life. It did struggle with very fine particles like flour and required a few passes to suction it all up, but overall, the Stratos has impressive cleaning abilities. The Shark Stratos replaces our previous top pick, the Shark Vertex cordless vacuum for its automatically adjusting suction and sleek LCD display with a battery indicator.
The Shark Stratos easily slides underneath low spots like the bed or sofa thanks to its bendable stick and swivel head design, which is very simple to maneuver.
The Shark Stratos cordless powered through all sorts of dirt and dust on both carpet and hardfloors, and is lightweight and easy to use, making it a great option for most.
Sophia Carlisle/Business Insider
The battery life lasts up to 60 minutes, but that number can vary depending on whether you're cleaning carpets or hard floors. The LED display screen indicates how much battery you have left.
The Stratos incorporates Shark's odor-neutralizing technology, which adds a scent to mask odors and leave floors smelling fresher. Two testers of Shark products with the feature did not particularly love this extra or expressed a plan to purchase the replacement filters once the filter lost its scent. However, this feature does not affect cleaning performance.
Read our Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum review for more details.
Read our full guide to the best cordless vacuums for more recommendations.
Best upright
Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum
The Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum is unmatched in its cleaning performance and versatility. It quickly picks up all types of debris from both hard floors and carpeting, and its unique lift-away design makes it easy to clean under low-profile furniture.
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What we like
What we don&#;t like
Specifics
Model Number:
AZ/ AZDustbin capacity:
1.48 quartWeight:
16.71 poundsCord length:
30 feetHose length:
2.95 feetBrush length:
10.63 inchesWattage:
1,416 wattsFiltration:
Felt and washable foam filters (pre-motor); HEPA Filter (post-motor)Warranty:
5 YearsExtras:
Odor cartridge, crevice tool, upholstery tool
This ultra-powerful Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum (AZ) is the sister model to our best cordless vacuum. It also features powerful suction and Shark's signature dual brushrolls. Its powerful motor (1,416 watts) propels you forward across hard floors and carpets, while the 30-foot-long cord ensures you can make it across a room without having to plug in again. Built-in LED lights illuminate the path ahead.
In our hardwood floor testing, the Shark Stratos AZ picked up all of the Cheerios, coffee grounds, rice, flour, and pet hair we set out. On carpet, it only left behind trace amounts of flour, the best you can expect with that tough material, and powered through all the other substances. In several cases, the dustbin's weight was greater than the amount of debris on the floor, so it picked up more dirt than was originally there.
The Shark Stratos is one of the most powerful upright vacuums on the market and can tackle a range of messes with ease.
Camryn Rabideau/Business Insider
At 16 pounds, this vacuum is heavy, making it difficult to carry up and down the stairs, but it was still easily maneuverable. The Lift-Away Technology design simplifies cleaning stairs and upholstery, giving extra versatility. The vacuum comes with a simple, non-motorized upholstery attachment and a crevice tool, which were fine; our reviewer wishes there was also a dusting brush attachment, which would be useful for cleaning baseboards.
The Shark Stratos also had the same odor-neutralizing technology, which left a pleasant scent but wasn't something our reviewer planned to replace once completed.
The Shark Stratos relies on a broad "trap door" mechanism for emptying the dust bin. This works great if you have a large garbage can. If not, it's hard to avoid making a mess and potentially coming in contact with the debris. The bin also looks larger than it appears, with a Max Fill line that can quickly reach capacity when dealing with carpet or pet hair.
Read our Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum review for more details, and our full guide to the best upright vacuums for more recommendations.
Best budget
Bissell Cleanview Swivel Vacuum
The Bissell Cleanview Swivel Vacuum is a bit large but powerful and operates smoothly. It comes with attachments to pick up pet hair and clean hard-to-reach spots.
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What we like
What we don&#;t like
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Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
A bit heavy and clunky
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Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
Loud
Specifics
Weight:
15 poundsDustbin:
0.26 gallonsFilter type:
Washable HEPA, no extra filters includedCord length:
27 feetWarranty:
3 years on parts and laborExtras:
Crevice tool, pet tool
Bissell's Cleanview Swivel Pet Vacuum is your classic corded upright vacuum. As restrictive as the cords are on these vacuums, Bissell builds in many thoughtful design features to compensate for the inconvenience.
The large, square cleaner head has a brush roll that effectively lifts and removes small and large debris, passing all of our cleaning tests with flying colors. From whole Cheerios to fine flour, the vacuum cleaned up the particles quickly and worked well with pet hair.
The Bissell Cleanview Swivel Pet Vacuum is an excellent choice if you want a reliable cleaner at an affordable price.
Connie Chen/Business Insider
It has five settings for different floor types, which you must bend down and adjust at the top of the cleaner head. But turning on the vacuum is as easy as pressing a lever at the base with your foot. There's also a separate foot pedal to tilt the vacuum and allow it to swivel in different directions.
The generously sized dust bin is easy to remove, and the contents empty out at the bottom, so you'll have minimal or no direct contact with all the contents. The bin has a handle on top so you can easily lift and carry your vacuum.
With its consistent, powerful suction and maneuverability, the vacuum is already a great deal. Even better, it comes with a few attachments stored directly on the vacuum, which you can attach to the 6-foot-long hose to clean upholstery or get into crevices. We prefer a cordless handheld vacuum for these cleaning tasks, but it's a nice option to earn a spot in our best vacuum list.
Read our full guide to the best cheap vacuum cleaners.
Best splurge
Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum
The Dyson V15 Detect will change the way you clean your floors, with its groundbreaking laser technology that reveals the dust your eyes or even LED lights can&#;t see. Excellent suction power, performance, and battery life make this one of Dyson&#;s top offerings.
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What we like
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Fluffy Optic Floor Head reveals what the eye can't see
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Excellent suction power and cleaning performance
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Easy to use and lightweight
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Automatically adjusts suction
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Hair doesn't wrap or tangle on brushroll
What we don&#;t like
Specifics
Dustbin:
.2 gallonsWeight:
6.83 poundsBattery:
Up to 60 minutesBrush length:
9.8 inchesWarranty:
2 yearsExtras:
Fluffy Optic cleaner head, Digital Motorbar cleaner head, hair screw tool, combination tool, crevice tool, wand clip, docking station, charger
I've tested my fair share of premium vacuums, but the one that I continue to reach for is the Dyson V15 Detect. Among the best Dyson vacuums, it's loaded with features like automatic adjusting suction, long battery life, and powerful cleaning performance, but its innovative laser technology is where the vacuum really shines. Dyson incorporated a green diode laser to reveal the dirt and dust that the eye can't see in the Fluffy Optic Cleaner Head, a soft roller for cleaning hard floors. While LED lights are useful for lighting the path in front of you, the laser is more beneficial at showing every dirt speck and dust bunny, and extremely satisfying.
For cleaning rugs and carpets, I switch to the Digital Motorbar Cleaner Head, which is Dyson's default cleaner head design on the rest of its product lineup. It's effective on both carpets and hard flooring and is excellent at resisting hair wrap from pets or human hair.
The Dyson V15 Detect incorporates a green laser on the Fluffy Optic Cleaner Head to reveal dust that the eye can't see on its own.
Jaclyn Turner/Business Insider
I trialed both floor heads through our pick-up tests, and both floor heads suctioned up the particles with ease. On hard floors, the Fluffy Optic head was marginally better at picking up fine flour and crunched through Cheerios with little effort. With the Digital Motorbar Cleaner Head, I noticed flour deposited itself in the crevices of the floorhead, and I needed to adjust suction height settings to pick up Cheerios on hard floors. That said, it maneuvered with finesse on the carpet, which was my preferred surface to clean with.
The Dyson V15 Detect is lightweight and easy to use. The battery lasts up to an hour, the longest on hard floors and the shortest on the carpet. A piezo sensor counts dust particles to provide scientific evidence of how much debris was suctioned up, but it primarily functions to control the amount of suction and maximize battery life when in Auto mode. The 0.2-gallon dust bin employs Dyson's signature hygienic bin system, where the collected dirt ejects directly into the trash with a lever. If you overflow the bin past the Max fill line, you may find yourself needing to reach in to clean out anything that gets stuck, which is typical of most bagless vacuums.
Best for pet hair
Dyson Outsize Cordless Vacuum
The powerful Dyson Outsize Cordless Vacuum excels at picking up pet hair, has up to 60 minutes of run time, and features a large dustbin for longer, uninterrupted cleans.
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What we like
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Check mark icon
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Performed well on carpeting and hardwood
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Removed all pet hair in our tests
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Large 0.5-gallon dustbin with contactless disposal
What we don&#;t like
Specifics
Weight:
7.98 poundsDustbin:
0.5 gallonsFilter type:
Six-layer filtration designed to pick up 99.99% of 0.3-micron particlesBrush length:
12.5 inchesBattery:
60 minutesWarranty:
2 yearsExtras:
Digital Motorbar XL cleaner head, hair screw tool, crevice tool, combination tool, low-reach adapter, and mini soft dusting brush
While the above picks are also great choices for households with pets (the cordless Shark Stratos also tops our guide to the best vacuum for pet hair), the Dyson Outsize has an especially large 0.5-gallon dustbin capacity that makes it ideal for households with pets that shed a lot or large homes, meaning you won't have to pause cleaning to empty the dust bin as often. The Outsize also has an 11.5-inch-wide cleaner head designed for cleaning more in each pass, of which debris was effortlessly picked up on a single pass.
The Outsize vacuum stood out in our tests because it can remove pet hair on all surfaces without the cleaner head getting tangled. It excelled in cleaning up all debris on carpeting and hardwood floors, except for a trace of coffee grounds on carpets and nominal amounts of flour on both surfaces. In handheld mode, the Outsize performed well on furniture, leaving only about 5% of flour and cat litter behind.
The Dyson Outsize is ideal for large homes and households with pets thanks to its large bins, and of course, excellent performance when it comes to hair of all lengths.
Jaclyn Turner/Business Insider
A spherical wheel on the cleaner head makes maneuvering the Outsize a breeze. I moved it from side to side with a gentle wrist rotation. At nearly 8 pounds, the handheld mode can be heavy. Also, the trigger power button design requires you to keep your finger on the power button to keep it running, limiting how you can hold the vacuum.
The trapdoor mechanism on the Dyson vacuum's dustbin releases debris, so you don't come in contact with it. Yet, attachments must be removed before you can empty the dustbin, and you might miss your trash can if you don't position the dustbin just right.
Read our full guide to the best pet vacuums.
Best robot
iRobot Roomba j9+
The J9+ is a powerful robot vacuum that deftly navigates around household obstacles, leaves hardwood floors spotless, and tackles low-pile carpets with ease.
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What we like
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Check mark icon
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Excellent cleaning abilities
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Easy to set up and intuitive app
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Multiple suction settings
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Check mark icon
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Longer battery life than earlier models
What we don&#;t like
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Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
Loud
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con icon
Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
Some connectivity issues
Specifics
Dustbin capacity:
0.3L (internal bin), 2.4L (bags in the dock)Battery:
~180 minutesMain brush length:
6.5 inchesSize:
13.7 x 3.4 inches vacuum; 15.8 x 12.2 x 13.3 inches baseFiltration:
HEPAWarranty:
2-year limited warranty (option for 1 and 3-year add-on)
iRobot's most advanced robot vacuum, the iRobot Roomba j9+ is feature-laden with advanced dirt detection, obstacle avoidance technology, and an auto-empty base that makes it easy to set and forget it. From chargers to pet poop, this gives us a peace of mind that we can run a cleaning without prepping too much beforehand. It deftly navigates with a combination of cameras and sensors and can adjust its suction whether cleaning carpets or hard floors. The j9+ snatches up almost everything and effortlessly picks up nuts, seeds, pet hair, dog kibble, and fine dust on carpets and hard floors. In one or two passes it is also able to suction up fine flour.
Within the app, you can schedule cleaning, adjust the map and create no-go zones, adjust suction power, review the obstacles it detects (in the form of a photo), and view cleaning history. I particularly enjoy seeing the obstacles it identifies, which gives a sense of the level of its thoroughness and intelligence, but it did show extreme trepidation around the fringed edges of an area rug.
The iRobot Rommba j9+ can tell carpet from hardwood and, and adjusts its suction depending on the surface.
Steph Coelho/Business Insider
The auto-empty dustbin further limits the amount of attention you need to give your robot following a clean; the dustbag can hold up to 60 days worth of debris. Once the onboard dustbin is full, or following a cleaning, the robot returns to its base to automatically eject the content. This process does sound like a jet engine preparing for takeoff, but the experience is brief.
One feature that iRobot lacks that we've seen from other robot vacuums like Ecovacs and Roborock is the ability to see the robot's cleaning location in real time. iRobot does not reveal the cleaning path until it completes a cycle. You are also not able to direct it back to clean spots it missed, though you can instruct it to return to tidy up around any identified temporary obstacles.
It's also decidedly loud. While the vacuum operates at an even whine, its operation is noticeably louder, at about 68 decibels (louder than a normal conversation) and climbing to over 90 decibels when emptying. We overlook these tribulations for its superior cleaning performance and advanced obstacle avoidance.
We've previously recommended the iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO Robot Vacuum. It's iRobot's most affordable offering, with an auto-emptying base and a reliable cleaner. However, it does not have the ability to create no-go zones, adjust cleaning power, or have advanced obstacle avoidance and dirt detection features.
Read our iRobot Roomba j9+ review.
Read our full guide to the best robot vacuums.
Best handheld
Black+Decker Dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum (model HHVI315JO42)
The BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum, model HHVI315JO42, offers convenient cordless cleaning, powerful suction, and easy maintenance. It's smart for quick and efficient cleaning tasks at home or in your car.
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What we like
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Cleaned well on all surfaces
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Large dustbin (for a handheld)
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Lightweight and quieter than most models
What we don&#;t like
Specifics
Weight:
2.1 poundsDustbin:
0.25 gallonsFilter type:
Washable mesh filter, no extra filters includedBattery:
12 minutesNoise:
83 decibelsExtras:
Crevice tool and brush attachmentWarranty:
2 years
The Dustbuster was the original handheld vacuum developed for NASA over 40 years ago. So it's no surprise that one of these vacs, the Black+Decker Dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum (model HHVI315JO42), performed the best in our tests.
The Dustbuster HHVI315JO42 was one of the best vacuums that we tested for car cleaning and was among the best on hardwood and carpeting. While other models struggled with flour and Cheerios, the Dustbuster was the best at picking up these substances on hardwood floors.
This well-balanced handheld vacuum weighs slightly over 2 pounds, making it comfortable for longer cleaning jobs. However, the run time was among the shortest of the models we tested (12 minutes), and you can't tell when the battery is low since there's no charge indicator light.
It has a simple on/off button and a button to release the dust bin (remove the mesh filter and then empty it). You can wash the filter with water and let it air dry before reinserting. The dustbin was 50% larger than the competition.
The Dustbuster was among the quietest handhelds we tested, but it was still as loud as a noisy restaurant.
Read our full guide to the best handheld vacuums.
Best wet-dry
Tineco Floor One S7 Pro
The Tineco Floor One S7 Pro reigns supreme with its excellent performance, auto dirt detection system, high-tech LCD screen with an assistant, and brushroll drying capabilities.
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What we like
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Check mark icon
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Four cleaning modes
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Check mark icon
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iLoop Smart Sensor informs users when the floor is clean
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Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Self-cleaning system also air dries brush roll
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Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
LCD screen with a Tineco Assistant that offers guidance
What we don&#;t like
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con icon
Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
Very expensive
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con icon
Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
Can&#;t be used on rugs
Specifics
Model number:
Floor One S7 ProCleaner head width:
10 in.Weight:
11.31 lbs.Clean water bin size:
.85LDirty water bin size:
.72LFiltration:
Dry filterBattery:
40 minWarranty:
2-year limited warrantyFeatures:
Headlights, self-cleaning, self-drying, auto mode, ultra mode, max mode, suction mode, LCD screen with Tineco assistant, iLoop Smart dirt sensor, self-propulsionExtras included:
Charging dock with accessory rack, extra brush roll and filter, cleaning solution, cleaning brush
Wet-dry vacuums have gained popularity for their ability to vacuum and mop simultaneously. While we don't think they'll fully replace your favorite upright or cordless stick vacuum &#; especially if you have carpets or rely on attachments like crevice tools and dusting brush &#; they are a time-saving and thorough machine for giving a deeper clean to your hard floors.
Tineco leads the way with its collection of cordless wet-dry vacuums. Its flagship and our best wet-dry vacuum overall, the Tineco Floor One S7 Pro, is packed with features like iLoop Smart Sensor that detects dirt and stains on the floor, adjusts suction accordingly, and signals to you when your floor is clean; a self-cleaning system that also dries the brush roll; better-edge cleaning; self-propelling; a cleaning assistant with LCD graphics and more. It also has a long 40-minute runtime and a clean water tank large enough to keep you from stopping to refill every 10 minutes.
For clean floors in half the time, The Tineco Pure One S7 Pro cleaned wet and dry debris with ease.
Alex Temblador/Business Insider
The Tineco Floor One S7 Pro offers four modes: auto, max, ultra, and suction. Max and ultra provide more water for tough stains, and the suction mode sucks up liquid spills. It generally took only one or two passes of the Tineco Floor One S7 Pro to pick up any kind of debris, liquid, or stain.
Wet-dry vacuums need to be cleaned immediately following use, and Tineco's maintenance is one of the least involved, though pouring out the accumulated dirty water tank is both gross and satisfying. The Tineco Floor One S7 Pro has two self-cleaning modes: a quick one that takes two minutes and a super self-cleaning mode that takes six minutes and also dries the brush roll.
The biggest drawback of the Tineco is its price. For a less expensive option, its predecessor, the Tineco Floor One S5, offers great cleaning performance, too but does not have a suction mode and a slightly shorter runtime.
Read our full review of the Tineco Floor One S7 Pro.
Felici Machinery contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
Read our full guide to the best wet-dry vacuum cleaners for more recommendations.
What to look for in a vacuum cleaner
With so many vacuum options available, it's important to know what you want out of a vacuum before you start shopping.
James Brains/Business Insider
When choosing from the best vacuums, your primary considerations are the type you want (see above), mess-free debris disposal, a strong warranty, a long battery life (if cordless), a well-designed brush head, and ease of use.
Here are some other important features:
Brushhead and attachments
Your vacuum needs a well-designed brushhead to collect the dust and dirt on your floors. In addition to a durable brush head, you'll also want to look for vacuums with the following attachments:
- Crevice tool: A long, flat attachment with an angled tip. It's good for getting into tight corners, including baseboards, stairs, and between couch cushions.
- Upholstery tool: A wide, flat attachment that allows for strong suction. It's good for furniture with fabric upholstery, like mattresses, chairs, and couches.
- Dusting Brush: These attachments have bristles ideal for clearing dust from baseboards, molding, blinds, and more without scratching surfaces.
- Wand: Often featured on upright vacuums, wands detach from the main body to allow you to reach spots the head can't go. They're useful for cleaning stairs, corners, and upholstery.
Weight
When cleaning your whole house, you want a machine that is light enough to carry from room to room and up and down stairs, about 10 to 15 pounds. For smaller jobs, you want a handheld vacuum that isn't a strain to hold for several minutes, under 5 pounds.
Bags vs. bagless
Most of the vacuums we recommend are bagless. They are designed to allow clean air to pass through the motor without impeding suction or clogging. Instead of collecting in a bag, the debris collects in a reusable dustbin that can be easily emptied after each use.
Traditional vacuum bags have tiny holes that act as filters, trapping dust and dirt while allowing air to pass through. However, they're harder to empty and clean. Some vacuums use disposable bags, but this is an added cost you have to factor into the lifetime value of your vacuum. Bagged vacuums are a good option for people with severe allergies and sensitivities to dust.
Filter
We recommend looking for vacuums with a HEPA filter, particularly if anyone in your home is prone to allergies. To meet HEPA standards, a high-efficiency particulate or HEPA filter must filter 99.97% of airborne particles. Most high-quality vacuum cleaners contain HEPA filters. Many are washable and reusable and should be cleaned regularly.
Warranty
If problems arise, you want your vacuum's warranty to cover them. Most vacuum warranties range from one to five years. Look for a solid money-back guarantee to ensure you can return your vac if you're unhappy with its performance.
How we test the best vacuum cleaners
In our extensive tests, we examine vacuuming ability, ease of use, debris disposal, storage, and battery runtime, where applicable.
James Brains/Business Insider
Vacuuming ability: We tested the vacuums on carpeting, hardwood, and tile, picking up flour, ground coffee, cat litter, Cheerios, and fur. We assessed how well each vacuum picked up the materials, and weigh the dustbins to evaluate how much was picked up. If a vacuum came with attachments, we tested them on the appropriate surfaces, including car seats and furniture. We also tested the obstacle avoidance and corner cleaning capabilities of robot vacuums.
Battery runtime: We timed how long cordless vacuums ran until their batteries died and how long it took to recharge them.
Ease of use and comfort: We assessed the effort to activate the power button of each vacuum, maneuverability, and how tiring it is to hold. We noted if it could fit under low-profile furniture and if it had additional features that improved functionality, such as a headlight.
Debris disposal: After cleaning sessions, we evaluated how easy and clean emptying the dustbin was. The vacuum lost points if we came in contact with the debris when disposing of it or if it was otherwise messy.
Storage: We looked at how easy it was to store the vacuum, including if it broke down into a smaller footprint or if it came with a docking station or wall mount.
Vacuum cleaner FAQs
What is the best type of vacuum cleaner?
Generally, it comes down to your needs. Upright vacuums are cost-effective and perform well with endless suction power. Stick vacuums are versatile, lightweight, and convenient but typically have smaller dustbins. Cordless models have started to rival the performance of corded ones, but battery life can really range across brands. Handheld vacs are compact and can get into tight spots, but most cordless stick vacuums can also convert into handhelds. Canister vacuums are pricey yet powerful, and robot vacuums automate cleaning.
Let's take a closer look at the benefits of each type of the best vacuums:
- Upright vacuum: In the US, most people envision an upright vacuum when you mention a "vacuum." The dustbin, head, and motor are all in one unit. The upright vacuum stands independently, and the body tilts back when you need to vacuum. It offers versatility and power but can be cumbersome to use at times. Most models have a removable hose to reach hard-to-reach spots.
- Cordless stick vacuum: Stick vacuums have become popular thanks to their portability and convenience. Yet, these cordless vacuums lack the power of upright and canister vacuums and must be recharged frequently. The dustbins are also smaller. Most cannot stand on their own. On the plus side, the low-profile design makes these lightweight vacuums great for cleaning under furniture, and they're lightweight and easy to maneuver with little effort.
- Canister vacuum: The head and handle of a canister vacuum are connected to the canister by a long hose. The dust bin and motor are located within the canister, usually on wheels to follow you around as you clean. This configuration makes the canister vacuum annoying to move around the house. Still, they are perhaps the most powerful vacuum type.
- Robot vacuum: Robot vacuums automate your floor cleaning but are typically less powerful than other vacuum types. They're great for routine cleaning but may not replace deep cleaning. You set a schedule, and the vacuum cleans independently and returns to its charging dock when done. However, you still need to empty the tiny dust bin after each cleaning unless it has an auto-empty dock, and the vacs can get stuck on cords or in tight spots. Models get more expensive when you opt for features with home mapping, auto-empty dustbins and mopping.
- Handheld vacuum: Often referred to as "Dustbusters" after the famous Black & Decker vacuum, handheld vacuums are small and designed for small messes, such as dust after sweeping, stray cat litter, and spilled cereal. They're great for quickly cleaning messes, but you don't want to rely on one to clean your entire house.
- Wet-dry vacuums: Not to be confused with industrial-style shop vacs, wet-dry vacuums or vacuum mops can wash and vacuum your hard floors simultaneously. Many feature both clean and dirty water tanks to catch the debris. They're available in corded and cordless varieties.
How much should you spend on a vacuum cleaner?
Our guides feature vacuums ranging in price from $40 for a handheld to $600 for a self-emptying robot vacuum. Expect to spend at least $100 on a new upright vacuum. If you're looking for a good stick, canister, or robot vacuum, expect to pay $300 or more.
How long does a vacuum last?
According to a Consumer Reports survey, a vacuum's median life is eight years.
Leslie Tam, a cofounder of the cleaning service UrbanMop, said it might be time to replace your vacuum once it shows a drastic reduction in suction. He recommended prolonging your vacuum's life by performing regular maintenance, including cleaning the filter often, removing hairs and other debris from the brush roll, and emptying the dust bin before it gets too full.
The best vacuum cleaners don't just pick up dust, they save you time and effort, too. We've put a wide range of models through their paces to find which offer the best suction, the most convenient cleaning process, and the most useful tools. In short, the best vacuum cleaners to get your home dust-free effectively and efficiently.
Our list includes cordless vacuums, upright models, cylinder vacuums and even a robot version, and we'll walk you through the pros and cons of each so you can pick the right one for you. When we test, we don't just look at suction power. We try out each vacuum on all kinds of messes, and we consider everything from how long their batteries last to whether they'll make your arms tired. And of course we take price and value for money into consideration too.
In our guide you'll find all the big brands and many lesser-known companies too, so you'll see great models from the likes of Dyson, Shark and Tineco, among many more: we're interested in finding the very best, not just the most popular. All clear? Read on for the best vacuum cleaners on the market...
The quick list
The best vacuum cleaner for most people
(Image credit: Future)
The Shark Detect Pro Cordless is the best vacuum cleaner for most people, delivering cutting-edge tech and versatile cleaning. The specially designed floorhead is as effective on hard floors as it is carpet, and there are sensors that know everything from how dirty each patch of floor is to whether you're next to the edge of a room, and optimize suction accordingly for the most efficient clean.
Even though there's only one extra tool included (a crevice tool), the Detect Pro can be used in a wide range of scenarios. The fact that the stick can be flexed so that the vacuum will lie essentially flat to the floor is useful for getting underneath furniture, and the LED headlights help you spot dust and debris in dingy areas. It's easy to transformed into a handheld cleaner, too, although a little heavy in hand in that mode.
In general, cordless vacuums have a little less power than corded models, and while that's true here, the suction is impressive for a cordless model and plenty strong enough for most people's needs. If you have mostly carpets, you might be better off with the Shark Stratos (#4), which has more outright power (but is a bit heavier) or for a truly deep clean, you can't beat a corded upright (#7).
The configuration we tested has a self-emptying base station with a huge dust bag, and anti-odor technology to keep things feeling fresh. We enjoyed how it minimized the hassle of cleaning, but if you're not so fussed about that, there's a version available without the self-empty feature.
Price-wise, at time of updating this model is discounted almost everywhere, bringing it down to the cusp between our budget and mid-range price brackets and offering incredible value for money (before buying, head to our Shark promo codes page to make sure you're not missing a discount). Overall, an excellent all-rounder that'll suit most people's needs, and our best cordless vacuum right now, too.
Read more: Shark Detect Pro Cordless review
The best vacuum cleaner for suction
(Image credit: Future)
The Halo Capsule X is a slightly quirkily designed vacuum, but when it comes to suction it's seriously impressive. It aced all of our suction tests, and works just as well on hard floors as it does carpet. It looks a little weird, but it's comfortable to hold, feels light in the hand and is easy to maneuver too.
Unusually in this list, the Capsule X is a bagged vacuum. That will be a negative for some, but it does have its benefits, including the ability to suck up fine particles like fireplace ash without ruining the motor. The bags are made from compostable cardboard and brown paper, to minimize environmental impact, but they do represent an ongoing cost.
Battery life is decent, and the batteries are swappable, so you can have two charged and ready to go at any time. If you want smart features, look elsewhere in this list, but for pure suction power in a cordless form factor, the Halo Capsule X is an excellent choice.
Read our full Halo Capsule X Pet Max review
The best premium vacuum cleaner
(Image credit: Future)
If you want a seriously clever vacuum cleaner, check out the Dyson's V15 Detect. The price will put it out of reach of many, and there are great alternatives for a less budget-breaking cost, albeit without the smarts of the V15. But if you can afford it, it's an outstanding cleaner. As with all Dysons, there are multiple different versions that have the same actual vacuum but different accessories &#; our favorite is the V15 Detect Absolute, which comes with an extra, fluffy floorhead, but you can pick the version that suits your specific needs.
Let's start with the cleaning power. 14 cyclones deliver powerful suction and the design filters 99.99% of dirt up to 0.3 microns. (It's not quite as powerful as its successor, the Gen5Detect, which has a new motor... but that one is also heavier, and on balance we prefer the V15). As ever, Dyson goes above and beyond with its feature list. Our tester loved the built-in laser, which shines a green light on your floors so you can see dirt and dust that would otherwise be invisible. You'll get up to a full hour of use on one charge. When used in Auto mode the cleaner conserves the battery by adjusting the suction power to suit the floor type and the amount of dust automatically, to ensure efficient power use and effective cleaning. The V15 also comes with a useful LCD screen that displays the remaining runtime, so you don't get caught short mid-clean.
It's not quite perfect. The V15 Detect can be very noisy when running in full power mode, it only has an average-sized dust canister. But overall, this is a super-impressive vacuum, and we think it&#;s worth the money (and even better if you find a Dyson promo code to take the price down).
Read our full Dyson V15 Detect Absolute review
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Best vacuum for pet hair
(Image credit: Future)
The Shark Stratos Cordless is the best vacuum if need to tackle pet hair. It packs an impressive amount of power for a cordless model and boasts a few features that make it especially well suited to households with hairy pets (or indeed, hairy humans). The main floorhead &#; which is suitable for hard floors as well as carpet &#; is designed in such a way that it'll siphon hair off the brushroll as you clean, and direct it straight into the dust cup. This stops things getting clogged, while the built-in odor neutralizer keeps it all smelling fresh.
There's up to a full hour's cleaning on one charge, and a generously sized dust cup, which means you can clean for longer without having to empty it. A wand that can bend forwards to 90-degrees means getting right under furniture is a cinch, and on test we were also impressed with this vacuum&#;s ability to remove hair from furniture when used in handheld and Boost mode.
If you don't have such demanding cleaning needs, you'd be better off with the Detect Pro (#1), which is lighter and more streamlined. On the flip side, if you need maximum power and are happy to sacrifice maneuverability to get it, you can beat a corded upright (#7). (If you're curious as to how the different models from this brand compare, head to our best Shark vacuum guide.)
Read our full Shark Stratos Cordless with Clean Sense IQ IZ862H review
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Best vacuum cleaner for carpet
(Image credit: TechRadar)
While we're never not impressed by the new features in Dyson's newest vacuum cleaners, there's no pretending they're not expensive. One of the oldest models in the current lineup is the V8, and even though it launched way back in , it's still an outstanding pick, and especially good on carpet. The suction is super-impressive for a cordless model, and the wide range of tools, all of which are are useful and effective, makes it very versatile too. Another big draw here is that you're getting that Dyson engineering for a price that's far more accessible.
This vacuum cleaner can be used standing with a long stick or swapped for a shorter nozzle to be used in handheld mode. It's lightweight and comfortable to use, and you're still getting some cool Dyson features &#; namely, a brush bar has polycarbonate vanes that are designed to shift tangled hair strands into the bin, and 14 cyclones to deliver reliable suction. However, the small bin means it might not be the best for bigger homes.
Read our full Dyson V8 vacuum cleaner review
The best robot vacuum cleaner
(Image credit: Future)
If you're after effort-free cleaning, you need a robovac, and our top pick in this area is the iRobot Roomba Combo J7 Plus. It's quite different from the other entries in this ranking, so if you know this is the type you want, head to our separate, dedicated guide to the best robot vacuums.
The iRobot Roomba Combo J7 Plus is designed to minimize the effort needed to get your floor sparkling. For starters, it mops as well as vacuums (like the Tineco option at #10), retracting its mopping pad when tackling carpeted areas so you don't end up with damp results. It comes with a self-emptying base station, which is especially useful given the smaller bin size, and you can instruct it using a voice assistant or through the app if you want to go totally hands-fee.
Like most robot vacuums, suction can't match the most powerful regular models. These are designed to be used regularly, to maintain a constant low levels of dust, rather than for tough deep-cleans. The remote operation means most people will set it to run when they're out in the day, so they never really even have to see or hear it (we'd especially recommend this here because the self-empty option is noisy).
Overall, we found this high-end model from iRobot does a great job cleaning. Its mapping is superb; it&#;s able to register large, split rooms and will continue learning even after the initial setup phase. Our only real complaint is that the side brush has a habit of flicking some debris across the floor, extending the cleaning time required.
Pet-owners will love the fact that it can pick up particles as small as 0.7 microns, so no dander or hair will escape its grasp (those with furry friends should also check out the iRobot Roomba i7 Plus, which is especially good with pet hair).
Read our full iRobot Roomba Combo J7 Plus review
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The best upright vacuum cleaner
(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Oksien)
If you want outright power, a corded upright is typically the best option, and our top pick in this category is the Shark Stratos Upright. If you need something for deep cleans, it's an excellent choice, and on test we found it was great for tackling pet hair, too. The cord means there's no time limit on your cleaning session, and the large dust cup means you won't be traipsing back and forth from the trash can, either. Like many of Shark's newer vacuums, there's an anti-odor puck that keeps things smelling fresh.
While it's clearly bulkier and heavier than the cordless vacuums in this list (including the stick option from the same range, at #4), it has been designed for maximum flexibility within that upright form factor. So the dust cup / motor part can be lifted off and held in your hand, and the cleaner head added to the end of a stretch hose &#; super useful for tackling things like stairs.
Read our full Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum review
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The best lightweight vacuum cleaner
(Image credit: Future)
If you're looking for something lightweight that you can grab quickly to clean up the odd spillage straight away, the Shark Lightweight 2-in-1 from the WandVac range is the best vacuum for the job. This clever design can be used as a stick vacuum or in handheld mode, depending on where you need to clean. The suction is good for the size, although in our tests it performed better at sucking up fine dust, but required a few passes for chunkier debris.
This isn't going to work as a main home vacuum for most people, because the battery life is too short and the dust canister too small to make it suitable for large areas. However, for quick and easy cleaning, it's a great choice. It's simple but effective and extremely easy to empty, too.
Read our full Shark WandVac review
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The best vacuum cleaner for hard floors
(Image credit: Future)
9. Samsung Jet 85 Pet
The best cordless vacuum for hard floors
Our expert review:
Specifications
Cordless:
yes
Bagless:
yes
Weight:
9lbs / 4.1kg w/battery and dual brush
Bin size:
0.8L
Max runtime:
44 mins w/ motorized tool
Charge time:
3hrs 30 mins
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Reasons to buy
+
Mini pet brush is superb
+
Great on hard floors
+
Comfortable to use
Reasons to avoid
-
Not sold in the US
-
Okay but not great on carpet
If you're constantly vacuuming around after hairy pets, then the Samsung Jet 85 Pet could be your savior (provided you don't live in the US, where it's not currently available). This vacuum's mini motorized pet hair brush tool is the best our reviewer &#; a Labrador owner &#; had tested, making light work of dog hair on pet beds, car seats and more.
The main Jet 85 Pet vacuum cleaner head also delivers great suction on hard floors, and fine (although not amazing) dirt pickup on carpet. It'll deliver up to 44 minutes of vacuuming, depending which of the four power modes you use. (It's considerably less in the maximum 'Jet' mode, but this is so powerful you're unlikely to ever really need it.)
Elsewhere, this vacuum is ergonomic and comfortable to use, and overall a competent performer. For pet owners, and especially those with mostly hard floors in their home, it's as very strong recommendation.
Read more: Samsung Jet 85 Pet vacuum cleaner review
The best vacuum and mop combo
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
10. Tineco Floor One S7 Pro wet dry vacuum
The best vacuum and mop combo
Our expert review:
Specifications
Cordless:
Yes
Bagless:
Yes
Weight:
9.75kg
Bin size:
0.85L / 0.72L (clean / dirty water tank)
Tools:
None
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Reasons to buy
+
Great suction and mopping
+
Self-propulsion makes vacuuming easy
+
Lots of features
Reasons to avoid
-
Only 40 mins battery life
-
Not for carpets
If you want a more complete cleaning solution for hard floors, we rate the Tineco Floor One S7 Pro the best wet-dry vacuum on the market. This model offers top-notch vacuuming and mopping, and deodorizes and disinfects as it goes, leaving floors spotless. It's heavy at nearly 10kg, but its self-propelling capabilities make it super-easy to push about.
All that cleaning power takes a toll on the battery life, which is relatively short at 40 minutes on one charge. Our tester also found the water tank a little small, and the fact it needed to be emptied frequently a little annoying. And as you might expect, it's not for carpeted floors.
There are lots of useful features, including voice prompts and a bright LED display that lets you know what mode you&#;re using as well as water and battery levels. Being able to vacuum and mop in one go is in itself a revelation for how much time and effort it saves.
It's a bit of an investment, but we think the performance justifies the higher price. If you want something more affordable, the Roborock Dyad Pro is our favorite budget option.
Read our full Tineco Floor One S7 Pro review
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How to choose the best vacuum for you
As we&#;ve mentioned already, knowing which type of vacuum to choose can end up leaving you confused. However, considering the type of property you have will help you decide.
These days, cordless vacuums are some of the most powerful vacuums when it comes to suction and they ensure you&#;re not restricted by the length of the wire. However they can also be some of the most expensive too. Check how long the battery will last between charges, and whether the battery is swappable, so you can simply replace it and carry on vacuuming, rather than the floor cleaner being out of action completely while it recharges.
Corded vacuums are often more affordable than cordless models, and many have wider floor headers, which can ensure vacuuming is a much quicker task. Although if you have nooks and crannies the vacuum may not be able to reach them. For those with stairs, consider models with extra-long hoses so you can clean the stairs without moving the vacuum.
Robot vacuums are good for regular cleans, however with suction that can&#;t match the best cordless vacuums they&#;re not suitable for a deep clean, and struggle to suck up dust embedded in carpets.
Households with pets will need a vacuum that can handle pet hair and if you want to use it to clean more than just floors, you&#;ll need one that converts to a handheld cleaner and comes with plenty of useful attachments.
And if you have hard floors, look for a vacuum cleaner that comes with a dedicated cleaner head, which has a softer brush roll to ensure the flooring isn&#;t damaged when vacuuming.
Whichever style you select, consider whether the dust canister is large enough to clean all of the floors in your home, without needing to stop and be emptied half way through.
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(Image credit: TechRadar)
Frequently asked questions about vacuum cleaners
Is Shark better than Dyson?
Shark and Dyson are two of the biggest names dominating the floor care market right now, so if you&#;re considering kitting your home out with a powerful new vacuum, it makes sense to opt for one of these brands. But which is best?
In a nutshell, Dyson vacuums are more expensive but this ensures you get a vacuum cleaner that&#;s extremely powerful but still lightweight and easy to maneuver around your home. Dyson vacuums are stuffed with cutting edge technology too, from lasers that highlight hidden dust to innovative floor heads that can be moved in any direction. If you prefer a cordless model, they also come with long-lasting batteries too.
Shark&#;s vacuum cleaners are more affordable than Dyson&#;s offerings, but they can still match the stalwart when it comes to suction power. Shark models are not usually as sleek and stylish as Dyson&#;s, and they&#;re often heavier too, but they do come with useful technology such as the ability to stop hair getting tangled around the brush and flexible wands to ensure you can clean in hard to reach places.
Shark vacuums tend to have larger dust canisters than most of Dyson&#;s models, but the battery doesn&#;t last as long. So are they better? It very much depends on the layout of your home and your budget. Read our Shark vs Dyson article for a more in-depth look at the two floor-cleaning brands.
How often should you vacuum?
&#;When the floor looks dirty&#; I hear you cry, but to keep your home allergen-free and your floors as clean as possible, you&#;ll need to vacuum more regularly than this.
We recommend vacuuming most floors once a week while increasing this to twice a week in high-traffic areas such as hallways and doorways. Especially, if you have carpet, as the longer dust is left, the more it becomes embedded in the fibres making it hard to thoroughly clean.
While this may seem like a lot, vacuuming this regularly will ensure there is less dust to suck up each time, making cleaning your floors a quicker process.
For more on this, head to our full feature on how often should you vacuum?
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How we tested these vacuum cleaners
To find the best vacuum cleaner, we&#;ve assessed how well each model collects everything from fine dust and dirt to larger debris such as cookie crumbs and cereal. As well as evaluating how well floors are cleaned, we&#;ve also compared how easy the vacuum cleaners are to maneuver on carpet and hard floors, as well as whether dust pick up is evenly distributed across the cleaning head, or concentrated in one area.
We rated each design on how durable it is, as well as simplicity of emptying, how loud it is during use and how long the battery lasts - if it has one. For each model we wanted to know whether it was easy to convert into other modes; such as a handheld vac, the useful tools and accessories it came with to clean edges or remove pet hair, and that it didn&#;t require reading a thick instruction manual before use.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Heavy Duty Vacuum Cleaner. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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