There are many types of vacuum cleaners available today — from upright to robotic — each designed for different home layouts, surfaces, and cleaning needs. So, which vacuum is best for your home?
This guide breaks down 7 common types of vacuums: robotic vacuums for hands-free cleaning, upright vacuums for deep carpet work, canister vacuums for multi-surface versatility, stick and cordless vacuums for quick and easy clean-ups, handheld vacuums for tight spaces, and bagless vacuums for low-maintenance use.
Whether you live in a compact apartment or a large family home with pets, understanding each vacuum type can help you make the right choice. Backed by years of engineering in smart home robotics, Narwal understands how different vacuum types meet real household needs. Drawing on insights from our product development and customer feedback, this guide helps you compare and choose the best vacuum for your home.
Robotic Vacuums
Robotic vacuum cleaners are designed to clean your floors automatically with minimal human input. These smart devices can navigate your home, avoid obstacles, and return to their docking stations for recharging. Many models include features like intelligent mapping and scheduled cleaning routines.
Robot vacuums are especially convenient for busy households or people who prefer hands-free cleaning. In Australian homes — with mixed surfaces like tiles, timber, and carpets — robotic vacuums are increasingly popular for daily maintenance.
Pros
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Hands-free operation with automatic cleaning schedules
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Slim design easily fits under furniture
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Smart sensors help avoid obstacles and stairs
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Suitable for everyday cleaning in homes with kids or pets
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Quiet operation compared to traditional vacuums
Cons
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May struggle with deep carpet cleaning or thick rugs
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Higher upfront cost compared to standard vacuums
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Requires regular maintenance of brushes and sensors
Robotic vacuum cleaners usually have a higher upfront cost than traditional vacuums. However, the convenience and advanced features often justify this investment. The time and effort saved, along with the efficient and thorough cleaning they provide, make them a worthwhile choice for many households.
If you need a robot vacuum cleaner, Narwal products are a fantastic option. Below is a typical Narwal robot that combines vacuuming and mopping capabilities, freeing up your hands and ensuring your home stays spotless.
Narwal Freo X Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop
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Advanced Mapping Technology: The Freo X Ultra uses state-of-the-art LIDAR navigation to create precise maps of your home. This ensures efficient cleaning routes and thorough coverage of all areas.
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AI-Powered Cleaning: With artificial intelligence, the Freo X Ultra can learn and adapt to your home’s layout over time, optimizing its cleaning patterns and avoiding obstacles more effectively.
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Dual Cleaning Modes: The Freo X Ultra seamlessly switches between vacuuming and mopping, using advanced sensors to determine the best mode for each surface type. This dual functionality ensures both dust and stains are effectively removed.
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Smart Water Management: The mopping system features intelligent water management, adjusting the water flow based on the floor type and level of dirt detected. This avoids excessive moisture and guarantees effective cleaning results.
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Customizable Cleaning Zones: Through the user-friendly app, you can set up no-go zones and customize cleaning schedules for specific rooms or areas. This enables customized cleaning to suit your individual requirements.
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Voice Control Integration: You can control the Freo X Ultra with voice commands thanks to its compatibility with voice assistants. This hands-free feature brings added convenience to your cleaning routine.
The Narwal Freo X Ultra is a top pick for anyone looking for a powerful yet easy-to-maintain cleaning device. Its combination of innovative features and superior cleaning capabilities makes it a standout option in the world of robotic vacuums.
Upright Vacuums
Upright vacuum cleaners are tall, one-piece machines where the motor and suction head are combined. They're built for power and are especially effective on carpeted surfaces. This type of vacuum is common in larger homes and works well for deep, full-room cleaning.
In many Australian homes with wall-to-wall carpet or large open areas, upright vacuums are a strong choice for thorough results.
Pros
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Strong suction power, ideal for deep carpet cleaning
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Wide cleaning head covers more floor in less time
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Usually comes with height adjustment for different floor types
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Easy to store thanks to its upright design
Cons
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Can be heavy and hard to carry upstairs
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Bulky size makes it harder to maneuver in tight spaces
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Often noisier than other vacuum types
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Not ideal for delicate or high-traffic mixed-surface areas
Canister Vacuums
Canister vacuum cleaners have a separate motor unit (the canister) connected to the suction head by a flexible hose. This design gives them excellent mobility and versatility, making them great for both carpets and hard floors. Canister vacuums are a popular choice for homes with mixed flooring.
For many Australian households with a combination of timber, tiles, and rugs, canister vacuums offer effective all-surface cleaning with flexibility.
Pros
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Strong suction for both hard floors and carpets
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Easier to maneuver under furniture and around corners
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Often quieter than upright models
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Comes with multiple attachments for stairs, upholstery, and curtains
Cons
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Canister and hose setup can be awkward to move or store
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Not ideal for quick clean-ups due to setup time
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Bulkier design can be harder to manage in small apartments
Stick Vacuums
Stick vacuums are slim, lightweight vacuum cleaners designed for quick clean-ups. Their upright shape and cordless design (in many models) make them easy to grab and use without hassle. They’re ideal for surface-level cleaning in small to medium homes.
In Australian apartments, units, or townhouses, stick vacuums are a practical choice for everyday messes, especially on hard floors.
Pros
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Lightweight and easy to handle
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Great for quick, everyday cleaning tasks
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Easy to store in small spaces
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Some models convert to handheld vacuums
Cons
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Less suction power than upright or canister models
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Smaller dustbin requires more frequent emptying
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Battery-powered models may have limited run time
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Not suitable for deep carpet cleaning
Handheld Vacuums
Handheld vacuums are compact, cordless cleaners designed for small messes and tight areas. They’re perfect for spot cleaning furniture, stairs, car interiors, or kitchen benches. Many Australians use handheld vacuums to manage everyday crumbs, pet hair, or quick spills.
These vacuums are often used alongside a full-size model for targeted cleaning.
Pros
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Extremely lightweight and portable
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Great for cleaning cars, sofas, and benchtops
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Ideal for households with pets or young children
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Easy to store and use with one hand
Cons
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Limited battery life and suction power
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Small dustbin needs frequent emptying
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Not suitable for whole-home or deep cleaning
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Often lacks advanced features or accessories
Cordless Vacuums
Cordless vacuums are battery-powered devices that let you clean without needing a power outlet. Their wire-free design makes them easy to move around and perfect for quick, everyday use. Many cordless vacuums are stick-style and some convert into handheld units.
In Australian homes, they’re ideal for cleaning large open-plan spaces, stairs, or outdoor areas like patios where power outlets may not be easily accessible.
Pros
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No cords means more freedom and flexibility
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Great for multi-level homes or outdoor areas
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Lightweight and easy to handle
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Convenient for fast clean-ups throughout the day
Cons
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Battery run time is limited and requires recharging
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Suction power may be lower than corded models
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Not suitable for heavy-duty or deep carpet cleaning
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Charging time may delay longer cleaning sessions
Bagless Vacuums
Bagless vacuums collect dust and debris in a built-in, transparent container instead of using disposable bags. This design makes it easy to see when the bin needs emptying and removes the need to buy replacement bags.
For many Australian households, bagless vacuums offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for regular cleaning.
Pros
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No need to buy or replace vacuum bags
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Clear dustbin shows when it’s full
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Easy to empty and clean
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Lower ongoing maintenance costs
Cons
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Emptying can release dust — not ideal for allergy sufferers
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Filters require regular cleaning or replacement
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Smaller bins may fill up quickly
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Frequent handling of dust may be inconvenient
How to Choose the Right Vacuum for Your Home
Choosing the right vacuum depends on your home’s layout, flooring types, lifestyle, and cleaning habits. If you live in a multi-level house with lots of carpet, an upright vacuum offers strong suction and deep cleaning. For homes with a mix of timber, tiles, and rugs, a canister vacuum gives more flexibility across surfaces.
Stick or cordless vacuums are ideal for apartments, quick daily clean-ups, or families who want something lightweight and easy to store. If you’re short on time or want hands-free cleaning, a robotic vacuum does the job for you while you relax — especially helpful for busy households or elderly users.
For those who want both high performance and advanced automation, the Narwal Freo X Ultra is a standout option. It combines intelligent navigation, dual vacuuming and mopping functions, and customizable cleaning — making it a smart choice for modern Australian homes.
What is a good suction power for a vacuum cleaner?
A good suction power for home use is between 100 to 200 Air Watts (AW). This range is strong enough to clean carpets, hard floors, and furniture effectively.
Does a higher wattage in a vacuum cleaner equate to stronger suction power?
Not always. Higher wattage usually means a stronger motor, but suction also depends on airflow and design. Look for Air Watts or suction specifications for a better comparison.
What key features should I look for when selecting a vacuum?
Focus on these essentials:
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Suction power: Strong airflow for deep cleaning
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Battery life: Important for cordless models
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Weight: Lighter is easier to carry
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Floor compatibility: Choose a vacuum suited for your surfaces
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Maintenance: Bagless vs. bagged, filter care, dustbin size
