Table of contents

• Compare the five best DNA tests
• 1. Top pick: 23andMe
• 2. Runner-up: AncestryDNA
• Other finalists we tested
• How we selected finalists to test
• How we tested
• Privacy risks
• Important features to consider
• How hobbyist DNA tests work
• The bottom line

Compare the five best DNA tests

1. Top pick: 23andMe

Our testers rated 23andMe and AncestryDNA similarly for being easy to register, complete the test and understand the results. However, they reported that 23andMe gave more detail in terms of haplogroups, country level data and migration paths. Our panel also found that 23andMe’s website was the easiest to read. “I knew where my ancestry was from based on the maps and graphs,” stated one tester.

All of the companies delivered results within 4-6 weeks, although the 23andMe results arrived before the others.

23andMe tests for more than 1,500 regions, while AncestryDNA tests for about 500 regions. More regions are not necessarily better, since the DNA matching specific genetic markers from these areas only gives you an estimate of which region you may come from. The statistical confidence gets lower when the results are more specific. However, our testers appreciated the level of detail they received.

The Ancestry + Traits service is an additional add-on service from 23andMe. It costs $99 and includes your ancestry composition, maternal and paternal (for males only, since it is traced through the Y chromosome) haplogroups and traits reports. The traits report tells you about your likelihood of having certain characteristics, such as curly hair or cheek dimples. You can even see how DNA affects your taste preferences in terms of sweet or salty and ice cream flavors.

Top pick: 23andMe

Gives you the most value for your money, with three different types of tests (autosomal, maternal haplogroups, paternal haplogroups) for the same price as just the autosomal test from AncestryDNA

See Price at Amazon.com

While we didn’t order the health and wellness tests from 23andMe, the company does provide detailed reports for an additional fee. With the Health + Ancestry service, you can also find out if you have a genetic risk for certain illnesses.

While 23andM3 is a member of the Future of Privacy Forums’s Best Practices, a recent partnership with GlaxoSmithKline has raised privacy concerns for many consumers. The goal of the collaboration is to leverage the genetic and phenotypic information in 23andMe’s database to potentially find new treatments and cures for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. The company press release states that “the continued protection of customers’ data and privacy is the highest priority for both GSK and 23andMe.”

Key takeaways:

• 23andMe offers a bundled autosoma, broad Y-DNA and broad mtDNA test for one price.
• You can purchase their health and wellness screen separately (or as part of a combined package) if you wish to test for certain hereditary diseases.
• With a breakdown of 1,500 regions (twice that of AncestryDNA), 23andMe pinpoints your ancestry to a more precise locale.
• 23andMe has the easiest-to-read website, which would appeal to the greatest number of consumers interested in ancestry estimates.

2. Runner up: AncestryDNA

If you are searching for a strong genealogical community, AncestryDNA is your best bet. Our testers rated AncestryDNA rated very close to 23andMe in terms of being easy to understand, describing the test as “pretty easy and fun.”

AncestryDNA has the largest database of all the direct-to-consumer DNA testing companies, and if you opt-in to its family-matching service, it provides the largest number of matches. AncestryDNA’s database is approximately 15 million compared to the 1 million potential matches in 23andMe’s database. However, it doesn’t provide as much detail about how you are related to your distant living relatives as 23andMe does.

AncestryDNA only offers autosomal testing, so it gives you information about the last five generations in your family history. It does not offer options for Y-DNA or mtDNA tests, which means that it doesn’t track your paternal or maternal lineage or give you information about your ancient ancestors and the migration paths they took.

Best for Genealogy: AncestryDNA

Since Ancestry has a database that is 15 times larger than its competitors, there is a greater chance of being connected with more living relatives. You can also (separately) purchase a subscription to explore Ancestry’s record collections and organize your family tree online.

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The AncestryDNA autosomal test is $99, and you can purchase the AncestryDNA + Traits test (with 26 personal traits such as eye color, hair curl and taste perception) for $119. While the basic AncestryDNA test costs the same amount and provides less information than 23andMe, you are paying for a stronger likelihood of more relative matches.

If you are interested in genealogy, you can combine the information gleaned in your ethnicity estimate with an Ancestry subscription.

An Ancestry subscription is purchased separately, and is not necessary for access to AncestryDNA results. Ancestry subscription prices start at $24.99 a month and give you access to Ancestry’s family trees and records for even more insight into your genealogy and origins. This means you can explore all of Ancestry’s U.S. record collections (such as birth, death, marriage and census records), connect with other Ancestry members and organize and preserve your family tree online.

Key takeaways:

• If you want to find relatives through a family-matching service, AncestryDNA has the largest database of potential matches.
• AncestryDNA focuses on ethnicity and family-matching and does not offer information about ancient ancestry or track paternal and maternal lineage independently.
• While not necessary for access to your AncestryDNA results, an Ancestry subscription gives you access to genealogical records for a more accurate understanding of your recent family history and more detailed information about common ancestors.

Other finalists we tested

Helix National Geographic (Discontinued)

The Genographic Project was launched as a research project in collaboration with scientists and universities around the world with a goal of revealing patterns of human migration. Since 2005, nearly one million people have participated in the project.

National Geographic announced in August 2019 that the public participation phase of this research project has ended. If you sent in a kit for processing before December 31, 2019, you can access your results until June 30, 2020. It is recommended that you print your results prior to the end of June as they will not be available on the website or elsewhere.

National Geographic partnered with Helix to process the DNA samples. Users will retain their Helix accounts and Helix will retain customer saliva samples and information resulting from sequencing of the user’s DNA per the terms of the applicable Helix privacy policy.

Our panel of testers gave mixed reviews of Helix National Geographic’s reports. Some found them difficult to understand and others appreciated the level of detail. For example, one tester stated that the National Geographic test had the most “interesting, in depth information,” while another tester reported that they “still don’t fully understand” the results.

The National Geographic test provides fun tidbits that make for great conversation starters. For example, they list celebrities or historical figures that could be distant relatives.

Your data is sequenced through Helix, and it then tests autosomal, maternal and paternal haplogroups.

FamilyTreeDNA

FamilyTreeDNA offers the most details of any of the tests we ordered, but it received the lowest score overall because the results were difficult to read. As one tester explained, “I felt like I needed a refresher on biology to read this website sometimes. This could be useful for someone who wants to map out their whole genetic code, but not for the everyday person who just wants to know their ancestry.”

Another tester said simply, “I still don’t understand the scientific breakdowns.”

FamilyTreeDNA prices are based on the type of test: $79 for an autosomal DNA test, which is comparable to AncestryDNA’s basic test for $99. For maternal or paternal haplogroups, however, the prices are much steeper: the Y-DNAtest starts at $169, and the mtDNA test starts at $199. Keep in mind that 23andMe offers all three of these tests for only $99.

African Ancestry

African Ancestry is the highest priced DNA test we considered as a finalist, but it also offers a unique selling point. The company claims to have the most comprehensive database of indigenous African genetic sequences. Their database includes over 30,000 maternal and paternal lineages from more than 30 countries and several hundred ethnic groups.

Ancestry tests such as 23andMe and AncestryDNA will trace your lineage to Africa, but African Ancestry places your ancestry in a present-day country or region in Africa. They may also be able to tell you the particular ethnic group with which you share maternal or paternal ancestry. For example, Ancestry.com gave one of our testers a breakdown of 53% African, while African Ancestry was able to provide him with a Certificate of Ancestry declaring that he shares maternal genetic ancestry with Temne people living in Sierra Leone.

The price for the MatriClan (maternal heritage, for men and women) or the PatriClan (paternal heritage, for males only) is $299, making it significantly higher than other services we tested.

The results from the African Ancestry test took significantly longer to arrive than any of our other finalists and is the only company to provide a paper copy. All of our other finalists used a digital platform. Our tester pointed out that having a digital platform has certain benefits: “I still get new updates of new family members. Having a digital platform is a really nice thing.”

How we selected finalists to test

Although we often consider consumer ratings, the expectations versus reality of a hobbyist DNA test can lead to disappointed consumers. Results are not definitive because each DNA-testing company estimates your ancestry by comparing your ancestry informative markers (AIMs) with markers most frequently associated with different populations in their proprietary database.

The larger the database, the more accurate and detailed your results will be. However, none of the DNA-testing companies we tested share their proprietary data, and their methodologies aren’t verified by an independent group of scientists.

Since we were unable to verify accuracy, we chose to focus on selecting services that offer security. When submitting your DNA sample to a for-profit company, you probably have questions about privacy. We discuss this in further detail in our privacy risks section below, but it’s important to know that some companies share your genetic information with third parties including law enforcement agencies, pharmaceutical companies, public academic institutions and nonprofit research groups.

A 2008 law called the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act prevents health insurance providers from using the results of a genetic test to deny coverage or charge higher premiums. However, the act does not apply to companies with fewer than 15 employees.

Since identity security is such a large concern, we only selected companies who participated in the release of the Future of Privacy Forum’s Privacy Best Practices for Consumer Genetic Testing services.

However, since our initial testing began in 2018, Family Tree DNA, one of the companies we chose to test, revealed an agreement with the FBI that doesn’t line up with FPF’s best practice guidelines and is no longer considered a supporter.

Biomedical testing

Health DNA tests (or biomedical tests) can predict your risk of developing certain diseases by looking at gene variants in your code. Companies such as Helix help consumers to use their genetic information to potentially make better choices for their health in terms of diet, sleep and fitness. For example, wellness insights can give you a better sense of how caffeine will affect you.

However, there are unknown risks about how the data you provide for-profit DNA testing companies will be used by third parties (for example, by insurance companies in the underwriting process) or the company’s genetic testing laboratory. Additionally, DNA testing companies can change their privacy policies with no notice to current customers. FamilyTreeDNA even quietly allowed the FBI access to their database without disclosing this fact to its users.

Additionally, the results can be hard to interpret without the aid of a doctor or geneticist. While consumers may be able to protect themselves if they are at risk for certain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, it can be difficult to understand what the genetic markers actually mean. Results could be misleading or overwhelming, so many geneticists recommend working with your doctor to interpret genetic health tests. After considering all these factors, we chose not to participate in biomedical testing options.

How we tested

To determine which companies provided the most detailed results — especially to those of non-European populations — we had five different testers send their DNA samples to the five companies we narrowed down as finalists. We chose testers with known geographic origins (based on family history) from distinct haplogroups: European, African, Native American and Asian.

We also included one Latino tester, as individuals from Latin American countries have different profiles of genetic ancestry determined by the country’s unique interactions with other populations . According to Science Direct, “Latinos across the Americas have differing proportions of Native American, African and European genetic ancestry, shaped by local historical interactions with migrants brought by the slave trade, European settlement and indigenous Native American populations.”

We selected testers from different haplogroups to compare (through the results) the diversity of the databases of our finalist DNA companies. We ordered five kits from each company and then met with our five testers to:

• Activate their kit online by registering with their personal information
• Take a swab or spit sample
• Mail the sample back to each company (each kit came with a prepaid box for shipping)

Ease of translating results

After 4-6 weeks, testers began to receive their results via email. We had each tester answer a questionnaire on how easily they were able to translate results and on the detail of the information they received. They ranked each site on a scale from one to five (five being best) and answered the following questions:

• Were the results from each company similar?
• Did any company provide drastically different results than the others?

• Rate each company on ease in translating and understanding results
• Rate each company on how specific the results were (for example: too broad, giving haplogroup only, country level data, migration paths)

All of our testers reported that the results were similar across the board. Our tester who self-reported as Filipino, Chinese and Spanish reported that 23andMe had more variation and breakdown of her Chinese ancestry: “They informed me that I was 6% Mainland Chinese and also 6.5% “Broadly Chinese,” which means that I could’ve had other ancestors that were Chinese but who also traveled elsewhere in Asia in the last 40,000 years.” The other tests simply told her that her ancestors were from Southeast Asia.

We averaged our testers’ ratings for each company, allowing us to determine which DNA company gave results that were the easiest to understand and the most detailed. The highest overall score went to 23andMe, with 23.6 points; AncestryDNA was a close second with 22.4 points.

Family matching service

Finally, three of our testers opted-in to the family-matching service (available on certain sites such as 23andMe and AncestryDNA), to rank the database for ease of use and ability to translate information. One tester found that AncestryDNA gave him the highest number of connections. “It’s pretty cool knowing I have over 10,000 cousins around the world and their locations.”

Another tester pointed out that while AncestryDNA connected him to more relatives, 23andMe gave more detail. “23andMe showed me the same chromosomes we shared, Ancestry just told me who was related to me but not much information on that.”

Privacy risks

As private businesses, genetic-genealogy companies have some limitations and restrictions. Currently there are few legal policies that govern the private use of consumer data in regard to direct-to-consumer DNA testing kits. LawSeq is a project with a searchable public database of current U.S. federal and state laws and regulations relating to the field of translational genomics. However, the future of how new policies will affect privacy and genetic data is unknown.

Some of the larger companies claim to take steps to protect their customers, such as not releasing genetic information to law enforcement officials without a valid legal process. For example, 23andMe openly states that it “chooses to use all practical legal and administrative resources to resist requests from law enforcement.” In a similar vein, Ancestry says it only releases customers’ information in response to a trial, grand jury or subpoena.

However, police are using DNA raw data files to solve cold cases. These raw data files are uploaded (by consumers themselves) to an open-source website called GEDMatch, which police can use to compare against DNA collected from a crime scene.

Unless you’ve committed a crime, this may not be relevant to you. However, it’s difficult to forecast how laws regarding privacy and DNA testing will change. It’s important to remember that once you provide a DNA sample, your information may be less secure than you would like. You should always review the privacy statements of both the company you plan to use and the company’s labs.

Important features to consider

Security: While the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) does not currently apply to direct-to-consumer genetic-testing firms (such as the ones we tested) as a group, some of the larger companies are part of a FPF’s best practices forum.

Database size: A larger DNA database allows you to connect with more relatives. You can find it on the company website, such as the About page on AncestryDNA, this 23andMe press release or African Ancestry’s Lineage Map.

DNA collection method: The two methods for testing are saliva or cheek swab. Each of our testers reported that the cheek swab is the easiest to use, and it would certainly be more practical for children or elderly relatives.

How hobbyist DNA tests work

There are three different ways to test your ancestry:

Autosomal DNA: This test traces your genetic inheritance from the last five generations. It tells you about ancestry from both mother and father, since you inherit half your autosomal DNA from each parent. This means that you get a quarter from each grandparent, and therefore, autosomal DNA is hard to trace when you go back too many generations. This is the most common type of DNA testing, and it can help you identify relationships with cousins and determine your ethnicity.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA): This is DNA from your mother’s side and traces the female line from mother to all her children.

Y-Chromosome DNA (Y-DNA): DNA from your father’s side; only biological males can give samples for a Y-DNA test. A female who wants to trace her paternal lineage needs to ask a male relative to take the test.

The benefit to mtDNA and Y-DNA tests is they go back much further than the five generations indicated in an autosomal test, allowing you to trace the migration paths of your ancestors. Depending on the company you use, the costs for these types of tests may be significantly higher.

Other key terms

Reference data set or population: A reference data set is a database of people with confirmed roots in specific countries. Information is drawn from both publicly available research and proprietary data.

Haplogroup: An ancestral clan, such as the Celts, Vikings or Native American tribes. Initially, there was only one haplogroup originating in Africa. As African tribes moved off the continent and gene mutation occurred, new haplogroups were formed.

Today’s known haplogroups are traced back to the earliest known person to carry the mutation, although we only know approximately where and when they lived and not identifying information, such as a name. There are also male and female haplogroups from each side of one family.

Haplogroups are named alphabetically in order of discovery, and sub-groups are named with letter and number combinations that indicate when they were discovered, which main haplogroup they descend from and sometimes a specific geographic area where the earliest members lived. The more letters and numbers in your haplogroup’s subgroup, the more detailed information you’ll have about distant ancestors.

What to expect

To determine where your ancestors might have lived 500 to 1,000 years ago, genetic genealogists look at a certain chunk of DNA and compare it against a reference data set. Each company uses its own algorithms to determine a probability for where your ancestors lived. Most of the time it won’t be an exact match. Since DNA testing companies use reference data to estimate your genealogy, hobbyist DNA results are most useful when used in conjunction with other genealogical tracing methods such as historical records.

Each company uses databases and algorithms that are proprietary and may give different results. The larger the database, the better able a company’s geneticists are to spot patterns. The database is pooled from independent research and self-reported data, with European populations making up the most-sampled group. Since broad ancestry data is limited, the results are far from perfect, especially if you come from a group with fewer samples, such as Native Americans.

Since most buyers are looking for detailed information rather than being lumped into an overly broad category, we sought out companies that had the most diverse databases. All of them are likely to run into diversity limitations in their reference population, but some have made concerted efforts to solve this problem. For example, African Ancestry claims exclusive rights to the largest database of individual African DNA sequences.

The bottom line

Knowing your goal when researching your ancestry will help you decide on the DNA testing company that will best meet your needs. If you want to find out your history on both sides of your family tree, 23andMe has an easy-to-use interface and provides clear, understandable results. If you want to find and connect with living relatives, AncestryDNA links you to the highest number of people with whom you share a common ancestry.

Top pick: 23andMe

Gives you the most value for your money, with three different types of tests (autosomal, maternal haplogroups, paternal haplogroups) for the same price as just the autosomal test from AncestryDNA

See Price at Amazon.com

The post The Best DNA Tests appeared first on Your Best Digs.

Table of contents

• The 10 lightweight vacuums we tested
• Best corded: Shark – Rocket HV302
• Best cordless: Eureka – NEC222
• Upgrade pick: Dyson – V15 Detect
• Other products we tested
• How we selected
• How we tested
• Important features to consider
• The bottom line

The 10 lightweight vacuums we tested

Best corded: Shark – Rocket HV302

In our tests, we found the vacuums with better suction tended to be harder to move around the floor. The Shark – Rocket HV302 is the exception; the power and the motorized brush roll work together to make it feel as though it is self-propelled. Swivel steering adds even greater agility, making the Shark easy to navigate around furniture. The combination of power and maneuverability made the Shark our top choice for a lightweight vacuum.

The Shark doesn’t snowplow large debris and is excellent at pulling up dirt and debris from along wall edges. The filter is simple to reach and remove using a flip-top lid and the waste canister is easy to empty. It has a 30-foot cord, so it’s easy to reach across the room and even down the hallway, depending on the size of your rooms.

Although it doesn’t have a HEPA filter, the Shark performed on par with the Dyson in terms of emissions (and the Dyson is priced three times higher). It lowered both the large particle count and small particle count in the room after vacuuming. It pulled up sand and fine debris in large amounts, impressing us with how clean the floor looked after vacuuming with the Shark.

Best Maneuverability: Shark - Rocket HV302

The Shark’s power and maneuverability made it stand out from the other finalists. It glides smoothly across carpet and easily navigates around furniture and against wall edges.

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The motorized brush roll helps to agitate dirt from carpets, while the included Hard Floor Hero head serves to pick up surface litter and stuck-on food or dirt. So you have the option to adjust the height with a switch and keep vacuuming across different floor types or change out the vacuum head.

This model converts into a hand vacuum with a dusting brush, upholstery brush and crevice tool. It also comes with a car-detail kit with micro tools for detailing your automobile.

Things we didn’t like

As powerful as the Shark is, it didn’t fare well in our pet hair test. For a better option, see our review on vacuums for pet hair. In fact, the power may have been part of the problem. It sucked up so much pet hair at one time that within 30 seconds the filter was too clogged to retain any more debris.

The other downside is that it is one of the heavier finalists we tested. Although it only weighs eight pounds, the majority of the weight is in the handheld portion of the vacuum. It may not be the best choice for you if your wrist is easily strained. Because it is so top heavy, it also doesn’t stand up on its own.

However, you can mount it on the included wall bracket for storage. You can also detach the hand vac from the floor mount and place it on the hook above the floor nozzle for easy storage.

These considerations aside, the Shark has enough pros that we feel comfortable recommending it as our top choice for a corded lightweight vacuum.

Key takeaways:

• The Shark – Rocket HV302 is easy to use and maneuver, as the combination of strong suction and a motorized brush head reduces the force needed to push the vacuum.
• Swivel steering makes vacuuming around furniture effortless, and a low profile allows you to reach under couches easily.
• Our air was cleaner after vacuuming with the Shark, as its tightly sealed system and effective filter trapped fine and larger dust particles while running.
• This model may not be the best choice for pet owners, as pet hair tends to clog in the filter and reduce efficacy.

Best cordless: Eureka – NEC222

Priced lower than average, especially for a cordless model, the Eureka – NEC222 is well worth the investment of a high-end vacuum. It is quiet but powerful and swivel steering makes it a breeze to move around the room. The low profile makes it a snap to clean underneath furniture, while its agility makes it easy to get around large pieces.

The Eureka aced our performance test, picking up as many grams of dirt as the Dyson and pulling up embedded pet hair without clogging. While it didn’t clean the air in our emissions test, it also retained any large or fine debris it pulled up from the carpet so you don’t have to worry about dust kickback.

It has the brightest front headlights, making it easy to see in low lighting. The waste canister empties at the touch of a button; there’s also a second option to twist off the collection cup.

Quiet but Powerful: Eureka - NEC222

The Eureka’s swivel steering made it easy to navigate, while its suction pulled up more dirt and debris than most of our other contenders. Paired with a quiet but powerful motor, this model handily won our pick for best lightweight cordless.

See Price at Amazon.com

The things we liked most about this vacuum were its performance on both pet hair and fine dust and its quiet motor. The Eureka is only 6.5 pounds, so despite the motor being located at the handle, it didn’t put any pressure on our wrist.

The vacuum converts into a hand vac and comes with a crevice tool and a two-in-one upholstery tool. It has a solid 30 minutes of run time and charges in four hours.

Things we didn’t like

Our main concern with the Eureka is that the controls aren’t easily decipherable, so it’s hard to determine which symbol means carpet and which means hard floors (without consulting the manual, and let’s face it, we all know those end up in a junk drawer and are rarely consulted).

A secondary issue is that the brush head tends to lift off the ground, so it doesn’t always make full contact with the floor. This could mean it doesn’t pick up as much as it should or that you have to make multiple passes over the same area, unless you are actively ensuring that it fully engages with the carpet or hard flooring.

Key takeaways:

• The Eureka – NEC222 is reasonably priced for a lightweight cordless vacuum and well worth the expense.
• If you want a lightweight cordless vacuum that rivals the Dyson in terms of performance and doesn’t kick back any dust, the Eureka is an excellent choice.
• At 6.5 pounds, it’s so lightweight that the brush head tends to lift off the carpet, but it doesn’t cause any arm fatigue after a long period of vacuuming.
• Despite being a powerful vacuum, the Eureka is one of the quietest models we tested.

Upgrade Pick: Dyson – V15 Detect

If you suffer with allergies from dust, pollen, and pet dander, we highly recommend the Dyson – V15 Detect. It’s about $700, and that might be a deterrent to purchasing one, but in our estimation, the investment is worth it. At 6.8 pounds, it’s just 3 ounces heavier than our best cordless pick, the Eureka – NEC222. Dyson improves on its previous models with a couple of additions. First, it has 20% more power, meaning, the vacuum’s suction is even greater.

Best Overall: Dyson - V15 Detect

At only 8.6 pounds, the new Dyson V15 is one of the lightest vacuums we tested. Its superb engineering allows you to vacuum up 99.99% of dust, allergens, and pet dander.

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The improved digital display allows you to select Eco, Auto, and Boost modes, and how much the charge remains. For Eco, it’s 60 minutes, for Auto (it automatically detects the floor surface you’re vacuuming), it’s 45 minutes, and for Boost, it’s 7.5-8 minutes. The latest add-on to the display is a Piezo sensor bar graph that shows how many allergens, microscopic dust, dust mites, and larger debris (for pet lovers, this includes fleas) are vacuumed. With first use, you may be shocked by how high the numbers are. During our testing, the living room area picked up an astounding 490 million allergens. You’ll get accustomed to the high levels, which, of course, you had no idea were there, and will appreciate that the Dyson is sucking them all up.

It also comes with several nifty attachments. The large torque head is excellent for vacuuming pet hair because its anti-tangle comb prevents hair from getting trapped. The smaller torque head works well with stairs since it automatically adjusts to when you’re vacuuming the top of the stair and the back of the stair. The most touted new feature in the V15 is the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaning head that showers the floor with a green laser, illuminating dust and dirt in dimly lit areas.

The V15 converts to a handheld, and the included brushes and tools let you get into tight corners above and below, between cushions, and on top of draperies. With the mini torque head, the V15 is great for vacuuming the car, particularly the seats and floor mats. Depending on the size of your home, you could vacuum every surface and then have enough charge to do the car. The Dyson V15 Detect is not for the budget-conscious, but if you can afford to upgrade, then this is the lightweight vacuum you should consider buying.

Key takeaways:

• The Dyson V15 Detect is one of the most powerful lightweight vacuums we tested and can last up 60 minutes on one charge.
• Its Piero sensor display shows how many millions of allergens, dust, dust mites, and small debris you vacuum up.
• Like all Dyson products, the V15 is expensive, but if you suffer from allergies, it would be worth the investment.

Other products we tested

Dyson – V11 Torque Drive

With the release of the Dyson – V11 Torque Drive, Dyson cleared up a few of the problems we had with the Dyson – V10 Absolute. The major upgrade is the new torque cleaner head, which not only propels the vacuum forward, it also automatically detects the floor type — carpet, hardwood, tile — and adjusts the motor to clean the floor type more efficiently. During our testing, we ran the vacuum over several floor types and materials (couch upholstery, dog beds), and the detection and adjustment happened almost immediately. As much as we liked the torque drive’s propulsion, it also made the V11 a little tricky to steer. Still, having that much power made vacuuming a breeze.

The other addition to the V11 is the LCD screen that displays how much charge is remaining in the battery and vacuuming mode: Eco, Auto, and Boost. Eco will give you about 60 minutes of run time and Normal 45 minutes. Boost will suck the charge out of the battery in 10-12 minutes, so it should only be used to tackle ground-in dirt and debris.

The V11 weighs about a pound (6.7) more than the V10 (5.9), and that extra weight did tire our hands when we were vacuuming stairs, ceiling corners, and car interior. The Dyson V11 is pretty expensive at the moment and can even cost more than the V15, which is more available. But you can get a more reasonably priced V11 that’s been completely refurbished by Dyson.

Dyson – V10 Absolute

We previously recommended the Dyson – V10 Absolute, and although its price point is more than double the average cost of our vacuums, every Dyson we have tested (including the V10 Absolute) outperforms the other finalists in terms of performance and air quality.

We didn’t name it our winner simply because it isn’t as easy to maneuver as our top picks, and we considered agility a top priority for a lightweight vacuum. The price point is higher than many consumers are able or willing to spend. Finally, we noted that the hygienic one-touch emptying bin tends to stick, making it more likely to spill the contents. (This wasn’t an issue with other Dyson models we previously tested.)

However, if you have pets or allergies, it may be worth it to invest in a Dyson for its ability to capture and retain both pet hair and dander. Dyson cord-free vacuums have whole machine filtration which captures 99 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Oreck – XL2100RHS

The Oreck – XL2100RHS is a bagged, corded and commercial model that performs extremely well in terms of pulling up embedded dirt and debris from carpet. It has plenty of power, but it’s also the noisiest vacuum of the models we tested. It also tends to drag along the floor and doesn’t have swivel steering, so although it weighs the same as the Shark, it causes arm fatigue, and the Shark doesn’t.

If you want a powerhouse vacuum and your main reason for choosing a lightweight vacuum is the ability to carry it upstairs easily, the Oreck is a good choice. However, if you have allergies or asthma, the trail of dust it leaves behind may make the Oreck a poor choice for you.

Tineco – A11 Hero

If maneuverability is what you prize most, the Tineco – A11 Hero is hands down the most agile vacuum we tested. Unfortunately, it doesn’t possess the suction power to name it as our top cordless pick. It only picked up four grams of dirt in our performance test, and appeared to pick up large debris well (with no snow plowing), but would leave pieces behind after we turned off the suction.

It comes with two lithium-ion batteries and a dual charging dock, so you can run the vacuum for up to 60 minutes without interruption. The waste canister is easy to empty, and it is easy on the wrist at only 5.5 pounds, despite being top heavy.

Deik – ZB1516

The Deik – ZB1516 has swivel steering, but the brush head doesn’t move as easily as our other contenders with swivel steering. Although it’s a top-heavy model like most of our lightweight cordless vacuums, the Deik weighs only 4.7 pounds so you don’t feel strain on the wrist.

It has a HEPA filter, but it tested as one of the neutral models in our emissions test. It doesn’t leave the air cleaner like the Shark or Dyson, but it doesn’t kick back dust either. Our overall impression of the Deik is neutral. At just over half the price of the average cost of our finalists, there isn’t anything negative about this vacuum, but it doesn’t have many standout qualities either.

Bissell – Featherweight 2033

If you need the absolute lightest vacuum for quick pick-ups, the Bissell – Featherweight 2033 is a decent option. It lies flat so you can get underneath furniture easily, although the head doesn’t swivel so it doesn’t navigate as well as other finalists. However, at only 3 pounds, maneuverability isn’t as much of an issue as it would be for heavier vacuums.

The short cord could be problematic if you have a larger area room, and the filter clogs easily with pet hair. For the price and weight, these issues may not be deal-breakers. The Bissell is the lowest-priced model we tested, and although it doesn’t come with any bells or whistles or have much power, it will make your floor appear cleaner with minimal effort.

Hoover – SH20030 (Discontinued)

(Editor’s note: The Hoover – SH20030 has been discontinued and replaced with a newer model, Hoover – BH53420PC, ONEPWR Evolve.)

The Hoover – SH20030 wasn’t the absolute lowest-priced model we tested. However, it was the best performing vacuum on the lower end of the price spectrum. It easily picked up pet hair and cereal in our performance test, and we especially liked that it could pick up debris along the edges of walls (thanks to edge cleaning bristles on the brush roll). It didn’t deep clean as well as our other top picks, but it would be an excellent second vacuum for a quick pick up.

It ran smoothly on hard floors and didn’t snowplow large debris, and we easily transitioned between flooring types with a flick of the switch. It had a low profile and reached under furniture with no problem. The swivel steering was useful for navigating around furniture and getting close to the edges.

Weighing only eight pounds, the weight was evenly distributed, so it was easier to handle than our top-heavy cordless vacuums. Its 20-foot cord was long enough to reach across most rooms.

We also liked that the Hoover is on the quieter side at only 75.9 dBA, less than our average rating of 79.4 across all models we tested. It’s also slim and stores upright, which makes it convenient to keep close at hand for those quick pick-up jobs.

Things we didn’t like

The Hoover performed better picking up large debris than fine dust. It’s a good choice for a lightweight, everyday vacuum, but if you’re looking for a vacuum that really deep cleans, you may want to look elsewhere.

It didn’t spew out fine particles (perhaps because it doesn’t pull them out of the carpet in the first place), but it did have trouble retaining large particles. If you have allergies or breathing issues, you may want to upgrade to a model with a more tightly sealed system.

How we selected

Since a vacuum weighing more than 15 pounds can cause arm fatigue when pushed around large spaces or carried upstairs, we limited our scope to vacuums weighing 15 pounds and under. Corded vacuums tend to be more powerful, while cordless ones are more convenient. Keeping this in mind, we searched for the best options in each category.

We’ve tested multiple types of vacuums here at Your Best Digs, as we searched for everything from the best upright vacuum to the best handheld vacuum. These previous experiences have given us a good sense of overall features to consider when also factoring in a lightweight aspect.

For instance, we considered the fact that swivel steering can greatly impact the amount of work it takes to move a vacuum around. If you’re choosing a lightweight vacuum because you want to ease the strain of pushing a heavy vacuum around, this is an important feature to note.

We looked at reputable sources such as Consumer Reports and Wirecutter to gather information about the top lightweight vacuums on the market. Once we narrowed down a list of finalists that had the features we deemed most important, we culled the list further based on Amazon reviews and reports from the Laundry Love & Cleaning Science Facebook group.

How we tested

Performance

We tested in a household with three children and three pets — two dogs and a domestic shorthair cat — and the carpet was embedded with pet hair. We added sand, baking soda (to mimic fine dust), and cereal (large debris) to the mix. Starting with empty collection containers, we passed each vacuum over the area for 30 seconds. Then we weighed the output in grams to test how much each vacuum collected.

Pet hair is naturally lighter than sand or cereal, so while we measured the contents of each collection container, we visually inspected the carpet to see if there was any debris remaining. The type of debris collected gave us insight into which vacuums picked up more fine debris and which gathered the most pet hair.

Finally, we performed the same test again on hard flooring. We paid attention to whether or not the vacuums snowplowed (pushed forward rather than sucked up) the large debris.

The Oreck, Dyson, and Eureka were able to capture the most pet hair, sand, and baking soda at the same time without the brush roll or filter becoming clogged. The Shark picked up a large amount of pet hair from the carpet, but the hair wound itself around the filter and created a pressure that caused it to “backfire,” sending larger pieces of debris back onto the carpet.

The Hoover did a good job of picking up surface pet hair and cereal, but it didn’t do much to pull up ground-in dirt and debris from the carpet. It pulled in cereal without snowplowing it across the floor, even better than some of our more expensive finalists. For example, the Tineco wasn’t able to retain larger pieces of debris, leaving them on the floor after we moved the vacuum.

Emissions

The best vacuums are able to keep the dirt contained in their collection bag or cylinder, so the dust and debris aren’t spewed back out into the air. This is especially important if you have allergies. To test filter performance, we measured dust kickback with a Dylos air quality monitor.

The laser countermeasures air quality in terms of both large particles (PM10) and small particles (PM2.5). Particle pollution can be especially harmful to those with asthma, older adults, and babies, and children. Smaller particles are more troublesome because they can get into the deep parts of your lungs.

We took a reading before vacuuming, then measured the air quality again after vacuuming a single room for 10 minutes. Some vacuums, such as the Oreck and the Bissell, caused the numbers to jump dramatically. The Shark and the Dyson actually improved the quality of the air, reducing both large and small airborne particles. The Eureka and Deik were relatively neutral, neither spewing dust nor filtering it out of the air.

Usability

Over the course of six weeks, we used these vacuums to vacuum as any consumer would. We vacuumed in multiple rooms on both hard flooring and carpet for approximately 30 minutes at a time.

Since we wanted to find the best lightweight vacuum, key considerations here were arm fatigue and maneuverability. We rated each vacuum on a scale of one to five (five being best) for ease of use, giving the highest ratings to vacuums that didn’t cause arm fatigue.

We maneuvered each vacuum around the room and judged how easy it was to operate. Then we tested its profile by lying it flat and vacuuming under a couch and living room chairs. We noted features such as button placement and the ability to determine what the settings meant without consulting the manual. Finally, we considered how easy it was to change the filter or empty the waste container.

Our five-star finalists for maneuverability were the Shark, Eureka, Tineco, and Deik. Despite being only 8.2 pounds, the Oreck was incredibly difficult to push around the room. The stronger the suction, the more difficult it was to push — with the exception of the Shark, which feels as if it is propelling forward without effort. Finalists like the Dyson and Tineco were easy to operate, but we encountered resistance on their Max settings and vacuuming became more labor-intensive.

Noise output

For this test, we measured the sound output in decibels of each vacuum using a sound pressure level meter. The ambient noise level of the room measured at 59.3 decibels, with a fan running and someone cooking in the other room. We held the meter at ear level while running each vacuum to gauge the noise exposure while actually using the vacuum.

The average noise level of our finalists was 79 dBA, when the vacuums were used at their highest setting. Comparatively, it’s the sound of a freight train from 100 feet away. Our loudest vacuum, the Oreck, was closer to the sound levels of a boiler room at 88.6 dBA. The Eureka was the quietest vacuum, measuring 71.3 dBA, or a little louder than classroom chatter. The Shark had a wide range of noise levels, from 83.5 dBA on its max setting to just below the average noise level at 77.2 dBA on its lowest setting.

Important features to consider

• Lightweight: Vacuums over 15 pounds become tough to move around, an important consideration if you need to cover more square footage or carry it upstairs. The vacuums we tested weighed 3 to 8 pounds.
• Swivel steering: Maneuverability is key if you’re choosing a vacuum based on its ease of use. Even a lightweight vacuum can cause arm fatigue without swivel steering since you need to make double the effort to guide it around the room.
• Corded vs. cordless: Corded vacuums are typically more powerful than cordless vacuums, although some newer cordless models are nearly as powerful as a corded vacuum.
• Battery life/run time: If you do choose a cordless model, consider how long the battery takes to charge and how long you can run the vacuum before the battery dies.
• Sealed HEPA filter: If you have allergies or asthma, you’ll want to make sure your vacuum traps dust mites, pet dander, and pollen in a tightly sealed system. A vacuum with a sealed HEPA filter must meet the rigorous U.S. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) standards of removing 99.97 percent of all particles 0.3 microns or larger.
• Low profile: A vacuum that lies flat is able to fit under furniture, which means you can clean without moving heavy objects around the room.
• Easy emptying: Whether using a bagged or bagless model, you should be able to empty the vacuum without dirt escaping.
• Brush roll: A spinning beater brush agitates debris in the carpet for a deeper clean, but on hard floors, it can scratch the surface and fling debris away. A better option for hard flooring is a vacuum that allows you to turn off the beater brush or, better yet, has a soft roller head.
• Converts into a handheld vacuum: A model that converts into a handheld vacuum gives you the most bang for your buck and allows you to use it on multiple cleaning tasks. It’s convenient to have a vacuum that can clean your floors as well as your car. If you’re primarily looking to use your vacuum as a handheld, our article on the best handheld vacuum can guide you in the right direction.
• Multiple attachments: Attachments such as a soft roller head for hard floors, a crevice tool, and a dusting tool allow you to tackle multiple cleaning jobs with one vacuum.
• Adjustable-height cleaning head: Automatic height adjustment allows you to switch from carpet to hard flooring, although you may want to turn your brush roll off or switch to a soft roller head.

The bottom line

When looking for the best lightweight vacuum, we wanted to find a model that was agile as well as lightweight. Whether you’re purchasing a lightweight vacuum because you have a higher area of square footage, multiple floors, or a limited range of motion, a vacuum that maneuvers easily will make the task less labor-intensive.

The Shark – Rocket HV302 has tremendous capabilities to capture and retain dust and debris, while still being easy to navigate around the room. For those who prefer a cordless model, the Eureka – NEC222 is another lightweight vacuum that combines power with ease of use.

If you’re looking to upgrade your vacuum to Dyson’s latest technological marvel, the Dyson – V15 Detect is pricey, but it’s the best lightweight vacuum we’ve recently tested for this update.

Shark - Rocket HV302

The combination of powerful suction and motorized brush roll makes this vacuum feel as though it is self-propelled, cutting down on the labor. It navigates easily around furniture and has a low profile to fit neatly under couches and chairs.

See Price at Amazon.com

The post The Best Lightweight Vacuums appeared first on Your Best Digs.

Table of Contents

• How we selected finalists to test
• Compare the best mascaras
• Important features to consider
• How we tested
• Best mascara overall: Giorgio Armani – Eyes to Kill
• Best waterproof mascara:Dior – Diorshow
• Best drugstore mascara: Neutrogena – Healthy Lengths
• Best natural mascara: TetyanaNaturals – 4D Silk Fiber Lash
• Finalists we recommend
• Finalists we do not recommend
• The bottom line

How we selected finalists to test

Before deciding on which mascaras to test, we read up on the science and design of mascara. We researched mascara formulas, the importance of the brush and wiper (the inside lip of the bottle that determines how much product is left on the applicator) design and whether or not there’s a major difference between designer and drugstore mascaras (spoiler alert: it has nothing to do with the formula).

Once we understood the mechanics of mascara, and which features produce which desired effect, we delved into the consumer side of things. Mascara is one of the most-loved products, used by 59 percent of female consumers. What do consumers want most when choosing a mascara?

While washable mascara may be better for daily wear, some women have a personal preference for waterproof mascara. It’s more durable, and it’s better for a hot climate. We curated several waterproof mascaras to test in our roundup of finalists.

We looked at trends reported by Mintel’s global beauty analysts. We found that the industry is shifting towards natural and organic products, based on demand by consumers for environmentally-friendly products. The downside is that many of the natural mascaras do little to enhance lashes. We made sure to include several natural choices in the finalists we tested.

Our top pick for a natural mascara, the TetyanaNaturals – 4D Silk Fiber Lash, impressed us with its ability to make lashes longer, bolder and more defined.

Then, we narrowed down specific mascaras, gathering information via consumer reviews on Sephora and Ulta. Due to concerns about counterfeit products (more on that later), we put less weight on Amazon reviews. Once we curated a list of the 35 best mascaras, we used eleven staff testers to wear, remove and rate them.

Compare the four best mascaras

Important features to consider

Are designer brands really better than drugstore brands?

Nearly all mascaras use the same basic ingredients: wax, carbon-black or colored pigments and film formers to coat lashes and help the pigment stick. Waterproof mascaras contain additional waxes (since waxes repel water), isododecane and cyclopentasiloxane to prevent pigment from running down your cheeks.

One exception to the basic wax-pigment formula would be fiber mascaras, which use tiny fibers made of silk, nylon or rayon to temporarily lengthen lashes. The product (and resulting length) is washed away at the end of the night. If extreme length is a feature you desire, you may want to go beyond looking at brush design and consider a fiber mascara.

Claims of benefits from vitamins or botanical extracts in certain formulas are usually just for marketing purposes. The basic combination of wax and pigment make up the majority of the formula, and these ingredients are at low percentages that make little difference.

The magic happens when the brush, formula and wiper work together to create a certain look (be it more volume or more definition). Some brands even use the same formula, but a unique brush, wiper and bottle design yields dramatically different results.

Let’s break down the anatomy of a mascara:

Brush: These can be made of nylon or plastic bristles. The number of the bristles and their spacing, even the way the bristles are twisted and trimmed, can make a difference in the outcome. For example, bristles that are finely spaced will give more definition. Bristles that are further apart will give you thicker lashes with more volume.

Each brush is carefully designed by the manufacturer. Brands spend a large amount of money to patent their brushes, which goes to show that the design of the applicator is just as, if not more, important than the formula.

Wiper: The wiper is the plastic ring inside the mouth of the tube. It impacts the performance of the mascara by wiping off excess formula. A wiper that is too tight will remove most of the formula before you get a chance to apply it. A wiper that is too large will result in clumpy lashes that dry slowly and tend to smudge. Mascaras with adjustable wipers allow you to determine how much mascara you want to leave on the brush, less for definition and more for a dramatic look.

Since the applicator design is the major component of a mascara’s performance, the amount of money a brand pours into the design of a bottle and wiper can make a difference in the end result. So even though the formulas in drugstore and designer mascaras are essentially the same, the designer mascaras we tested ranked higher overall than the drugstore versions.

However, choosing the right mascara doesn’t mean you need to make a large investment. Many of the drugstore mascaras we tested were low-rated by our panel of testers. Yet a drugstore mascara, the Neutrogena – Healthy Lengths, easily rivals its designer counterparts.

How to choose the right mascara

It can be tempting to stroll into a beauty store to try out a mascara before you buy, especially since the high-end designer brands can be expensive. However, testing in stores isn’t recommended. Since the brush and wiper play a major part in the final results, the disposable wand doesn’t give you an accurate assessment of the mascara. Also, other testers may have double-dipped, so there’s no guarantee the wand is free of bacteria.

Your best option is to focus on which brush style fits your needs, which we’ll detail in the next section.

For sensitive eyes

Even if a mascara claims to be opthamologist tested, you should always check to see if it causes you sensitivity by testing it on your arm first. If you do have a reaction, you don’t want to find out when it’s already left your eyes inflamed and bloodshot. Mascara gets the closest to the eyeball of any makeup, so it’s the most likely to be a culprit for dermatitis or allergies.

If you have sensitive eyes, you’ll want to steer away from waterproof mascaras. The ingredients that make these formulas waterproof or water resistant can dry out your lashes and cause them to fall out over time. This process is hastened when you sleep with mascara on, which happens more often with waterproof mascara because it can be difficult to remove.

You may also need to avoid mascaras with extension fibers or colored pigments; the fewer ingredients, the less likely the mascara is to cause irritation. That doesn’t mean you have to give up lashes with staying power: magnetic lashes are a great option for a natural day look or a night on the town.

No matter which mascara you choose, you should replace your mascara every three months. The more times you use a tube, the more potential it has to be infected with bacteria that can lead to irritation or eye infection.

If you’re hesitant to discard your mascara so frequently, you may feel better knowing there’s a wildlife organization that wants your used wands to help save the lives of animals.

Brush styles

Classic: These are best for volume and separation. If the style of wand has thicker bristles, it will give your lashes even more volume. A plastic bristle brush will give you more definition and less clumping than a nylon bristle brush.

Hourglass: If you want lashes so dramatic they look like falsies, an hourglass shape can provide tons of volume while also lifting your lashes.

Tapered: Also known as a cone brush, the thinner end helps you reach the small lashes toward the inner and outer corners of your eye.

Inverted cone: If you want a wide-eyed look with volume and length, this brush will help you reach your goals. The smaller bristles grab onto the root of your lashes, pulling them upwards and outwards.

Pointed: This wand has a dual use for full coverage. You can apply it as you normally would on the outer lashes. Then you can turn it and use the pointed end to lengthen.

Curved: The main purpose of a curved brush is to curl your lashes. It mimics the natural curl of the lashes, hugging your lashes from the waterline to the tip. To add even more curl and prevent drooping, start with an eyelash curler and coat with a waterproof formula.

Comb: If you have short and thin lashes, this type of wand will help grab and coat individual lashes without clumping.

Skinny: This is another style for those with shorter lashes. A skinny brush helps coat lashes from the very root, giving your lashes more definition and making them appear longer.

Jumbo: On the opposite end of the spectrum is the jumbo brush, which is best for thickening. It can give you thicker and fuller lashes in half the time of other brush styles.

Rectangle: This style is best for volume and length, as the bristles stretch and pull your lashes to greater heights. The downside is it won’t easily reach the smaller lashes at the corners of your eye.

Spiral: If you want curl, but also volume, this brush gives you the best of both worlds. It lifts the lashes as you roll, without losing out on any volume.

Ball: Larger brushes don’t always reach the root of the lash, so if your lashes are blond or fair, you may want to consider a mascara with a ball brush. It concentrates on a few lashes at a time, for root to tip coverage and can coat all the lashes that traditional brushes have trouble reaching.

Miniature: It may seem extra, but if you want a whole mascara just for your bottom lashes, there’s a brush for that. Paired with a long wear formula, you can avoid smudging using one of these super small brushes.

Be wary of counterfeit products

Counterfeit products made big news in 2017 when Amazon recalled thousands of eclipse glasses that could not be verified as authentic. Just as it can be hazardous to look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, counterfeit is also a concern with beauty products. It can be dangerous to apply counterfeit products to your hair or skin.

Thirty-four percent of beauty consumers discovered they were using a fake after having a bad reaction. Not only could you be applying toxic metals such as arsenic or mercury to your skin, you don’t know what other kinds of illegal operations you are funding.

Even though both brands and online marketplaces take measures to keep counterfeits off the market, it’s still a good idea to be aware when shopping online. That doesn’t mean you should never buy products online, but you should protect yourself by using the following tips to avoid purchasing (and applying) counterfeit beauty products:

• The only way to be absolutely sure you’re getting the real deal is to buy directly from the company’s website or official retailer.
• If you order from an online marketplace such as Amazon or Walmart, avoid third-party vendors (sellers other than the brand or authorized retailer). Check the seller’s name next to the “ships from and sold by” information.
• If the price seems too good to be true, you should be cautious. Verify the current retail price on the brand’s website or their authorized dealers (often found on the brand’s site). Even a small discount may be an indication that it’s a fake.

How we tested

Once we had our 35 mascara finalists in hand, we tested each mascara using a panel of 11 women of varying ages, ethnicities and beauty routines. We conducted tests for sensitivity, performance and wearability and how easily the mascaras were removed at the end of the day.

The skin patch test

Before our testers put the wands to their eyes, they patch-tested the product on their inner forearm in the morning. We asked them to use a cotton swab to swipe excess product from the base of the wand, then dab it on their skin. They covered it with an adhesive bandage and then checked it for redness at the end of the day.

None of our mascara finalists caused an allergic reaction on any of our eleven testers. However, since the experience is subjective (for example, those who wear contacts or are prone to allergies are more susceptible), there’s no guarantee these mascaras won’t make your eyes itchy or watery. You should always do your own patch-test first.

The performance test

In order to gain insight into the effect of each mascara on different peoples’ lashes, we had our testers wear their designated mascaras for a 12-hour period. Our testers applied the mascara at 9 am and wore it until 9 pm. Immediately after applying mascara, they rated it on a scale of one to five (with five as best) on the following metrics:

• How evenly the mascara applies
• How well it defines and separates
• How much volume it adds
• The length of the lashes after application

Later in the day, they reported on the following metrics using the same scale:

• Whether the mascara flakes
• Whether the mascara smudges or runs
• Whether the mascara is heavy or sticky
• Whether the lashes are crunchy or remain soft
• How well the mascara lasts through the day

Then we averaged the ratings to see which mascaras performed best across the board. Mascaras often focus on one attribute, such as extreme volume or extreme length. This process allowed us to find the mascaras that did it all: providing volume, length and definition while remaining clump and smudge free.

While some of us may desire lift and others live for lengthening, the Giorgio Armani – Eyes to Kill ranked high in every category, making it an ideal choice for most consumers. The TetyanaNaturals – 4D Silk Fiber Lash was a close second, making it an excellent option if you desire length along with definition and don’t have a sensitivity to fiber extensions.

Another top contender for a mascara that doesn’t skimp on volume, definition or length is the M.A.C. – In Extreme Dimension Lash. However, it didn’t rank in the highest averages because it tends to be sticky after application and crunchy when it dries, while our top finalists left our lashes soft and fluttery.

Long lash lovers will appreciate the TetyanaNaturals – 4D Silk Fiber Lash, INIKI Organic – Long Lash Vegan, Too Faced – Better Than Sex and Dior – Diorshow Waterproof.

If you are looking for more volume, the Neutrogena – Healthy Lengths and M.A.C. – In Extreme Dimension Lash make lashes appear thicker without sacrificing definition. The Giorgio Armani – Eyes to Kill and Too Faced – Better Than Sex Waterproof are also extreme volume-boosters.

Those that want every lash to stand out will appreciate the TetyanaNaturals – 4D Silk Fiber Lash and Neutrogena – Healthy Lengths.

The removability test

The harder it is for a mascara to remove, the more tempting it is to go to bed with it still on our eyes. We all know it’s a terrible habit that stains your pillowcases and your cheeks, but you may become more disciplined once you learn that crashing with your mascara still on can contribute to blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid that leaves your eyes looking greasy and crusted).

Some mascaras we expect to be harder to remove; the same ingredients that make a waterproof mascara stay all day make it more difficult to take off at night. But no one wants a mascara that fades by five o’clock and still requires some tugging to remove.

We had our testers gently wipe Cetaphil makeup remover wipes over their eyes after wearing their mascara for a 12-hour period. We asked them to count the number of wipes needed to fully remove mascara and then rate the mascara as easy or difficult to remove.

The vast majority of our finalists were easy or moderately easy to remove with the wipes. Notably, the Too Faced – Better Than Sex Waterproof, Maybelline – Full N’ Soft Waterproof and Dior – Diorshow Waterproof were easy to remove, despite their waterproof capability.

The fiber mascaras, TetyanaNaturals – 4D Silk Fiber Lash, AsaVea – 4D Silk Fiber Eyelash and Thrive Causemetics – Liquid Lash Extensions, were easy enough to remove from the lashes but the extending fibers would clump and ball and stick to the cheeks.

The Buxom – Lash Waterproof, Essence – Lash Princess False Lash Effect and M.A.C. – In Extreme Dimension Lash all had great staying power, but were difficult to remove before bed.

Best mascara overall

The fat asymmetrical brush and blend of hard and soft waxes makes the Giorgio Armani – Eyes to Kill a jack-of-all-trades mascara. This mascara is great for someone who wants big lashes and doesn’t want to have to watch a YouTube tutorial to make it happen.

The Giorgio Armani is a designer mascara, and it’s on the higher end of the price range of the finalists we tested. Even with blind-testing our mascaras to avoid bias, the Giorgio Armani emerged as the highest-rated mascara by our panel of testers.

It’s not too dry or too wet, and it glides through lashes easily. It has a Goldilocks sized wiper, so it leaves the right amount of product on the brush. That means that you can swipe it quickly and have big, bad lashes, but it doesn’t leave you with clumps.

We loved the buildable volume; one coat is perfect for a natural day look. Thanks to the oversized bristle weave brush, this mascara goes on faster than others. Since it gives you full and even coverage with just a swipe, you can apply it while multitasking in the morning (meaning you can get big, fluttery lashes before your toddler tips the cereal bowl all over his clean shirt).

You can ramp it up in the evening with two coats for a false lash effect. It lifts lashes and doesn’t droop or wear off, so even if you are making a quick transition between work and a night out, you can leave the tube at home and feel confident your lashes are still long, thick and lifted.

Contact wearers will rejoice that it doesn’t leave a film on the lens or flake into the eyes, making it comfortable for a 12-hour stretch. It has only minimal smudging, so you don’t end up with mascara on your cheeks, even after a full day of wear.

Another top rated mascara that we recommend as an excellent overall choice is the M.A.C. – In Extreme Dimension Lash. It leaves lashes crunchier than our top pick and is more difficult to remove, but the volume, length and definition will have you batting your lashes all day.

Top Pick: Giorgio Armani - Eyes to Kill

The best all-in-one amplifies your lashes with visible volume, length and definition. At the same time, lashes remain flexible and soft for a natural effect. The look lasts all day without smudging, flaking or drooping.

See Price at Sephora.com

Key takeaways:

• The jumbo, asymmetrical brush of the Giorgio Armani – Eyes to Kill delivers just the right amount for an even application and defined lashes.
• Length and volume are buildable, for instantaneous results that can be optimized with more swipes.
• Lashes are soft and feel natural, while still appearing as long as lash extensions.
• It is remarkably long-lasting and still washes off easily at night.

Best waterproof mascara

While waterproof mascaras can be notoriously hard on your lashes, the Dior – Diorshow Waterproof is our top pick for those days when you need your mascara to be extra. It holds up through splashing, swimming and watching your best friend walk down the aisle.

Women who prize long, fat and spidery lashes will especially love the Diorshow. It lifts, lengthens and separates using an extra wide brush with bristles that are grouped closely together. This means you can swipe it through quickly and finish applying without agonizing over every little lash. It has an inky-black pigment that gives your eyes a dramatic appearance, making it a definite go-to for a special occasion.

Our testers reported that the wiper is slightly too tight, so you may need more than one coat to get the right amount of product on your lashes. However, the fat brush gives you an instantly full effect. What the testers loved most is that it isn’t heavy at all, leaves the lashes very soft and, most importantly, lasts all day with no smudging or flaking.

It’s also easy to remove when you decide to turn in, so you won’t be tempted to sleep with it on overnight.

Another good choice for a waterproof mascara is the TetyanaNaturals – 4D Silk Fiber Lash (which also happens to be our top pick for a natural mascara). We also like the Buxom – Lash Waterproof, although it does tend to leave lashes crunchier than our top pick.

Dior - Diorshow Waterproof

You’ll want to add this mascara to your spring and summertime beauty routine, as it gives you killer volume and soft lashes that can hold up to rain showers and pool parties. The thickness and length last until you say when, and can be easily removed with before bed.

See Price at Sephora.com

Key takeaways:

• The super wide brush gives you instantly full, fat lashes without clumping, and the formula does not budge all day.
• Unlike waterproof mascaras that can leave your lashes crunchy, the Dior – Diorshow Waterproof gives you soft, lush-looking lashes.
• The overall effect of the length, fullness and carbon-black pigment gives you a dramatic and intense look.
• Waterproof mascaras can be hard on your lashes, because they require tugging and pulling to remove, but the Diorshow Waterproof removes easily.

Best drugstore mascara

If you want long and natural looking lashes without splurging, the Neutrogena – Healthy Lengths gives results that rival the more expensive designer options.

If you love the separated lash look, the Neutrogena is your best bet for a drugstore mascara. It has a plastic bristle brush that’s skinny enough to reach the lashes at the corners of the eye. Our testers gave a rating of four out of five to the Neutrogena for length, but a five-out-of-five rating for definition and separation as well as volume. The formula is thin and buildable, so if you want extra length, you can apply more coats of mascara and it won’t cake up on your lashes.

The wiper is just the right size, so the formula applies evenly. It gives you fluttery, soft and separated lashes that last all day without smudging or flaking. If you want to pass yourself off as genetically blessed with good lashes (at a fraction of the price of high-end mascaras), this is the mascara you’ll love best.

One drawback is that the name may be a misnomer, as the Environmental Working Group rates this mascara as a six (one is best) in terms of hazardous ingredients. It has the poorest EWG ranking of all our mascara finalists, with fragrance being the main culprit for concern. If you have sensitive eyes or are keen on an environmentally friendly mascara, this may not be the right choice for you. Unless you are sensitive to fragrances, this may be a non issue for you.

If natural products are important to you, you’ll want to check out the Tetyana Naturals – 4D Silk Fiber Lash, which we cover in the next section. Our other drugstore finalists ranked low on our list, but the Maybelline – Lash Sensational would be our next choice for a drugstore mascara.

Neutrogena - Healthy Lengths

The thin formula, plastic bristles and slim wand work together to ensure all of your lashes (even at the corners of your eye) are long, defined and clump-free. With this mascara, you don’t need to pay high prices for a high-end look.

See Price at Amazon.com

Key takeaways:

• For a third of the price as our other finalists, the Neutrogena – Healthy Lengths gives you length, volume and definition.
• With a thin formula and slim applicator, this mascara is ideal for those who are looking for definition.
• It gives you a more natural look that lasts all day, without sacrificing length or volume.
• The formula is buildable, so you can extend your lashes with additional coats.

Best natural mascara

The TetyanaNaturals – 4D Silk Fiber Lash is a good choice if you want long, bold lashes and don’t have a sensitivity to extending fiber particles (you may want to stay away from this one if you wear contacts as the particles can get into your eyes). It has a cone-shaped brush with plastic bristles, making it a good choice if you want to reach every last lash.

This mascara is waterproof, which makes it an excellent choice for days at the beach or special occasions. The TetyanaNaturals can be difficult to remove and leave fiber particles on your cheeks, so be sure you’re committed to a longer nighttime routine if you purchase this product.

It gets the right amount on the lashes, and applies evenly. However, there is a small trail of product on the tip of the brush, so we find we need to wipe it off before applying to avoid getting product on our cheeks.

If you apply the mascara with a simple swipe, you get natural-looking and well-defined lashes with extra length. We find that if you use a zig-zag motion to apply the mascara (wiggle it back and forth as you swipe upwards), you’ll have a lot more volume with this mascara. So depending on how you apply it, you have multiple options for how your lashes look.

While TetyanaNaturals isn’t rated by the Environmental Working Group (or the Think Dirty app), we researched individual ingredients, and the majority were rated low for concern. Only the last ingredient (triethanolamine) was listed with a moderate concern.

The mascara is also free from any of the dangerous chemicals that you probably don’t want on your face. In comparison, none of the mascaras that are top rated by EWG were as effective as we would like, so despite an official EWG rating, we feel the TetyanaNaturals is a good choice for a natural mascara.

The INIKI Organic – Long Lash Vegan is well-rated EWG mascara that we would recommend as another good natural choice.

Best for lengthening: TetyanaNaturals - 4D Silk Fiber Lash

This mascara gives you an ideal amount of length and definition, thanks to extending fibers and a plastic tapered brush that reaches into the corners for full coverage. It’s also waterproof, so your luxuriously long lashes will hold up through special occasions.

See Price at Amazon.com

Key takeaways:

• Extending fiber particles make the TetyanaNaturals a good choice whether you have short and sparse lashes or are naturally blessed.
• The ingredients are listed by the EWG as low to moderate concern for the environment and your health.
• This mascara is waterproof and lasts all day without flaking or smudging; however, it can be difficult to remove before bed.
• Our testers report how soft and fluttery this lightweight formula leaves their lashes.

Finalists we recommend

INIKI Organic – Long Lash Vegan

If you want a natural mascara that’s big on lengthening and don’t mind a little less volume, the INIKI Organic – Long Lash Vegan is a good choice. Our testers remarked on its fluid formula; thicker mascaras can add volume but can also give them a tendency to clump. The wetness of the INIKI mascara ensures a smooth application. Because the lashes are so long and the formula is on the wet side, it can smudge on your eyelids if you don’t give it enough time to dry.

Animal testing isn’t the only thing to look out for when buying vegan-friendly cosmetics. Beeswax is commonly the first or second ingredient in mascaras, but INIKI Organic uses carnauba wax (obtained from the leaves of the Brazilian tropical palm tree).

Thrive Causemetics – Liquid Lash Extensions

If you have short lashes, you’ll appreciate the skinny wand and extending fibers of the Thrive Causemetics – Liquid Lash Extensions. This type of brush helps you reach the very root, for longer-appearing lashes. It applies evenly and gives you volume and length, but leaves room for improvement in the area of definition. The Thrive Causemetics is long wearing, although the fibers tend to clump into little balls when you’re trying to remove the mascara at night.

Thrive Causemetics is “Beauty with a Purpose”: for every product purchased, they donate to help a woman thrive.

Benefit Cosmetics – Roller Lash

The curved skinny wand of the Benefit Cosmetics – Roller Lash makes it best for lift and separation, especially if you have short lashes. It earns top marks for adding volume and length. It doesn’t flake, smudge or run and gives you soft-feeling lashes. The Roller Lash leaves the right amount on the wand, so there’s no need to wipe off extra or apply multiple coats, but it does tend to clump on lashes.

BUXOM – Lash Volumizing

The company touts the BUXOM – Lash Volumizing brush as an hourglass shape, but our testers feel it functions more as an inverted cone (wider at the top and shorter bristles packed closely together at the bottom).

An hourglass shape is best for volume and lift, while an inverted cone gives you volume and length. Either way, our testers report that it doesn’t give enough volume, perhaps because there is too little product on the brush. What it excels at is making your lashes longer, darker and more lifted. It is durable and lasts all day without smudging or running.

M.A.C. – In Extreme Dimension Lash

The M.A.C. – In Extreme Dimension Lash lost points for making lashes feel heavy and sticky, but it excelled in every other category. In fact, one of our testers was so impressed, she says she’s never using anything else again. The brush is extra long and the bristles are spread out so you can reach every lash. It has a ball tip to get root to tip coverage on each individual lash. On the flip side of all this praise, the M.A.C. is extremely difficult to remove.

C’est Moi – Muse Mascara

The C’est Moi – Muse Mascara is a top scoring natural mascara on EWG, meaning that the ingredients don’t pose any concern for you and the environment. The formula tends to be heavy, but it still leaves lashes soft. There’s no flaking or smudging, and it lasts all day.

The wiper leaves just the right amount of product on the applicator, but even though the brush separates lashes, the formula causes them to stick together again, and you have to work at definition.

Dior – Diorshow

The Dior – Diorshow has a pointed tip on a fat brush, so once you coat all your lashes, you can go back and focus on lengthening. It does leave a little too much product on the brush, so it doesn’t apply as evenly as we would like. We wouldn’t recommend this mascara for achieving volume or flexible lashes, but if you’re looking for definition (and don’t mind a floral scent), this could be a good choice.

Buxom – Lash Waterproof

The Buxom – Lash Waterproof is an excellent runner up to our top pick for a waterproof mascara. It leaves lashes a little too much on the sticky and crunchy side to be our first choice, but it receives high marks across the board for even application, definition, volume and length.
Like the other Buxom mascara we tested, it has an hourglass brush, but the waterproof formula delivers better results in terms of volume.

Urban Decay – Perversion

The fat brush and tight wiper of the Urban Decay – Perversion gets just the right amount of product on the brush and applies evenly, but the formula leaves something to be desired. There is little definition, separating or lengthening. It does add volume and lasts all day, so if that’s a priority, you might still consider the Urban Decay.

Benefit – They’re Real!

The Benefit – They’re Real! has a pointed brush for lengthening, and it really does an incredible job at giving you long, natural-looking lashes. If you were lucky enough to be born with lush lashes, it enhances them. If your lashes are on the shorter and sparser side, the Benefit makes them appear longer and thicker. It stays all day, but is difficult to remove at night. The other downside is that it tends to leave lashes slightly crunchy, rather than fluttery.

Glossier – Lash Slick

The Glossier – Lash Slick is fine if you want separation and lengthening, but don’t mind less volume and little definition. The tapered brush helps you get into the corners of the eye, and the wiper leaves the right amount of product on the brush for an even application. There is some slight smudging, and the mascara is less noticeable by evening.

Hourglass – Caution Extreme Lash

The Hourglass – Caution Extreme Lash has a slightly fatter brush that coats your lashes with the right amount of formula. It applies evenly, but it doesn’t provide the definition, volume or length we are looking for. It has a tendency to smudge, and only lasts halfway through the day.

Mineral Fusion – Volumizing Mascara

The wiper of the Mineral Fusion – Volumizing Mascara is tight, so there is little product left on the brush, and it requires multiple coats. If you’re looking for volume or length, you’ll want to steer away from this one, as it leaves a lot to be desired in these areas.

Too Faced – Better Than Sex Waterproof

This brand was the first to come out with the hourglass-shaped brush, which gets every last lash and has been copied by other brands since its arrival on the market. However, the Too Faced – Better Than Sex Waterproof leaves a little too much product on the brush and therefore tends to smudge. If you want volume and length and can take a little more time to carefully apply your mascara, this is a good one.

Maybelline – Lash Sensational

One tester reported that despite passing the sensitivity test on her arm, the Maybelline – Lash Sensational irritated her eyes. The wiper is overly large and leaves too much product on the wand, which leads to an uneven application and clumping. It defines but doesn’t separate lashes. It adds volume and length and looks the same at the end of the day as when you first apply it.

Too Faced – Better Than Sex

The Too Faced – Better Than Sex ran into a similar issue as the waterproof formula. Despite the volumizing effects of the hourglass brush, the wiper is too big. This leads to too much product, clumping and sticky lashes that feel crunchy when dry. We do love the staying power and big lashes this mascara gives us!

Essence – Lash Princess False Lash Effect

The best thing about the Essence – Lash Princess False Lash Effect is that it doesn’t run, even with teary eyes. It didn’t make it as a contender for top pick, because it leaves too much formula on the lashes. One of our testers found she has to use her finger to get the lashes to separate. It clumps, flakes and doesn’t add enough volume or length to make up for the zealous amount of product.

theBalm – Mad Lash

If lifting is what you want, theBalm – Mad Lash delivers with its curved brush. The product applies evenly, but you may need to go over your lashes a few times to get the desired look. It separates well, has decent volume and a good length. It leaves your lashes soft and isn’t heavy, but it does leave little flakes and can get on your lid pretty easily when applying.

Finalists we do not recommend 

No7 – Lash Impact Ultra

The No7 – Lash Impact Ultra left us feeling a little meh. Despite a tapered brush, this mascara does little to define or separate. It adds an okay amount of volume and length, but wears off by the end of the day and left our lashes looking droopy. The best thing we can say about it is that it doesn’t flake or smudge.

CoverGirl – LashBlast Volume

The CoverGirl – LashBlast Volume has a plump brush with defined bristles, and delivers a little bit extra formula than you need. Because of this, it’s easy to get mascara on the top of your lid when applying but it doesn’t smudge once dry. It gives a little more volume than other drugstore mascaras, but doesn’t do much to lengthen or define. Our testers had to use the tip of the brush to separate lashes.

Vivienne Sabó – Cabaret Première

The Vivienne Sabó – Cabaret Première is a good all-around mascara, although it adds more length than it does volume. It does not apply evenly, has a tendency to clump on the lashes and doesn’t stay put, so there’s some slight smudging throughout the day. In our ratings, this mascara earns an average of four out of five, but it doesn’t have the wow factor.

Peter Thomas Roth – Lashes to Die For

The wiper of the Peter Thomas Roth – Lashes to Die For could use some minimizing, as it leaves too much product on the brush, causing the mascara to smudge onto our lashes and cheeks. It defines lashes but doesn’t separate them, again because there is too much product. It adds a minimal amount of length and volume, but it does last most of the day.

L’Oreal Paris – Voluminous Butterfly

The purpose of the wing-tip applicator from L’Oreal Paris – Voluminous Butterfly has an asymmetrical lash line shape to extend and lift corner lashes. It’s also supposed to volumize lashes by reaching the roots and stretching lashes outward, but our testers found it didn’t add any volume. They reported that it only adds a little length, as well. The primary benefits they found are definition and separation. It leaves lashes soft, lasts all day and doesn’t smudge.

Lancôme – Définicils

The Lancôme – Définicils is overly enthusiastic with its delivery of product, so it does not apply evenly and leaves lashes somewhat crunchy. It has good longevity and stays where it should, but doesn’t do much in the first place to add volume, definition or length.

AsaVea – 4D Silk Fiber Eyelash

The AsaVea – 4D Silk Fiber Eyelash has a tapered plastic bristle brush, so it applies evenly and separates fairly well. It takes a couple of coats to get the desired effect, but the end result is lengthy lashes with some volume and no flaking or smudging. It does have a sticky feel upon application and is slightly crunchy when dry. Like our other fiber mascaras, it is somewhat difficult to remove.

Milk Makeup – Kush High Volume

There was way too much product on the Milk Makeup – Kush High Volume, to the point where we had to wipe it against the tube. Because of this, it was difficult to apply and lashes clump. It smudges throughout the day for the same reason. The most disappointing part was that for all the extra formula, it does little to add volume or length.

W3LL People – Expressionist

If you’re going for a bare-faced makeup-free look, you’ll appreciate the slight enhancement of the W3LL People – Expressionist. It leaves just the right amount of product on the applicator and separates lashes. Since it doesn’t add much volume, it doesn’t define them as much as it separates. Our testers reported that it is comfortable to wear until it starts to smudge (and it does), then it starts to feel sticky under your bottom lashes.

Tarte – Lights, Camera, Lashes

The Tarte – Lights, Camera, Lashes does little more than darken lashes and tends to wear off by the end of the day. It leaves the right amount of product on the wand and applies evenly, but does little to separate or define. It adds minimal length and volume and flakes during the day.

CoverGirl – Clump Crusher

The curved brush of the CoverGirl – Clump Crusher makes it good for lifting, and it’s great at applying evenly and giving lashes definition. It doesn’t add volume or length, so it’s a better mascara for those who want lift and a natural look. You may be able to get a little more effect with multiple coats, as the wiper is tight and leaves little product on the brush.

Marc Jacobs Beauty – O!Mega Lash Volumizing

The Marc Jacobs Beauty – O!Mega Lash Volumizing doesn’t really do much for us in any of the metrics we considered. It delivers the right amount of product, but is just moderate across the board: length, volume and definition were not what we anticipated. The formula is heavy and leaves lashes crunchy when dry. The good news is that it’s easy to remove.

Maybelline – Full N’ Soft Waterproof

Our testers report that the brush of the Maybelline – Full N’ Soft Waterproof feels cheap and flimsy. It delivers the right amount, but you have to use multiple coats for any effect. It doesn’t define or separate unless you use the tip of the brush. It doesn’t feel heavy or sticky, but it won’t last you all day, either.

IT Cosmetics – Superhero

The IT Cosmetics – Superhero was the lowest rated of the mascara finalists we tested. It delivers too much product, so the lashes end up stuck together rather than defined or separated. They feel crunchy when dry, as well. It does add a lot of volume, but very little length.

The bottom line

We all want something specific when it comes to our lashes, be it a higher lift or longer lashes. However, the Giorgio Armani – Eyes to Kill is a real crowd pleaser and caters to a wide demographic with its ability to volumize, define and lengthen lashes. We consider it a one-size-fits-most mascara with mass appeal, especially since it has enough longevity to last from dawn to dusk and is still easy to remove.

For those who need more staying power, the Dior – Diorshow Waterproof is our recommendation. The hourglass shape gives you volume and length for bold, stunning lashes that stay coated through rain, sweat or tears.

If there’s one beauty item you don’t need to splurge on to look good, it’s mascara. The Neutrogena – Healthy Lengths proves this point by defining lashes and adding volume almost as well as its designer competition. Despite its name, it adds more definition than length, but it is without a doubt the mascara you’ll want to grab the next time you’re in the beauty aisle of your local drugstore.

P.s. if you want even longer, fuller lashes, check out our review of the best magnetic eyelashes.

Top Pick: Giorgio Armani - Eyes to Kill

The brush, formula and wiper work in harmony to ensure the perfect amount of product ends up on the brush, so you can texturize lashes quickly without the dreaded clumps.

See Price at Sephora.com

The post The Best Mascaras appeared first on Your Best Digs.

Table of contents

• How we selected finalists to test
• Compare the best mattress toppers
• Who needs a mattress topper?
• Important features to consider
• Different types of mattress toppers
• How we tested
• Best memory foam: HOFISH
• Best latex and best for back pain: Organic Textiles
• Best down alternative: The Duck And Goose Co
• Other finalists we tested
• The bottom line

How we selected finalists to test

To narrow down our list of contenders, we researched the different types of mattress toppers and delved into which features would be the most important to consider when choosing a mattress topper. Then we conferred with industry experts about how a mattress topper can aid sleep. Once we had a good understanding of the market and what to look for, we narrowed down our finalists to those that were highly praised by online reviewers.

We considered several types of mattress toppers: gel-infused memory foam, latex and feather fill (down alternative). We steered away from down feather and wool mattress toppers due to low consumer interest. Plus, while true feather allergies are rare, they do exist. This was another reason to skip testing down altogether.

We spoke with Bill Fish, co-founder of Tuck.com and a certified sleep science coach. An entrepreneur for over 15 years, Bill became fascinated with the health aspects of sleep in 2014. Bill has designed and constructed mattresses for sale online, and in doing so, he has gained an understanding of the needs of consumers from the viewpoint of both seller and buyer.

We also consulted with Brian Wilson, founder and president of Catalyst Physical Therapy and Wellness to discuss proper sleep positioning as it relates to choosing a mattress topper. As he notes: “From an orthopedic standpoint, a person’s ideal sleeping posture should preserve the natural curvatures of the spine. Choosing a mattress must factor in the position they tend to sleep in and any underlying conditions that affect their spine.”

Brian holds a master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Rockhurst University and has 12 years of professional experience as a physical therapist. In addition to owning his own practice, Brian has taught at Point Loma Nazarene University in the Masters of Kinesiology program.

Compare the best mattress toppers

Product	Price	Type	Weight (Lbs)	Thickness (Inches)	Cooling Feature	Machine Washable?
A. HOFISH - Gel Infused Memory Foam	$	Memory foam	15	3	Gel	No
B. Organic Textiles - Organic Latex Topper	$$$	Dunlop process latex	22	3	None	Cover only
C. The Duck And Goose Co - Down Alternative	$	Down alternative (microfiber)	11	3	None	Yes
D. ViscoSoft - 4-Inch Memory Foam	$$	Memory foam	19	4 (2.5 memory foam + 1.5 down alternative)	Gel	No
E. Sleep On Latex - Pure Green Natural Latex	$$	Latex	34	3	None	No
F. Dreamfoam Bedding - Ultimate Dreams Talalay	$$$	Talalay process latex	40	3	None	Cover only
G. Cheer Collection - Luxury Down Alternative	$	Down alternative	12	2	Gel	Yes
H. Sertapedic - Superior Loft Down	$	Down alternative	6	N/A	None	Yes
I. Linenspa - 2-Inch Gel Memory Foam	$	Memory foam	11	2	Gel	No

Who needs a mattress topper?

We asked our sleep specialist, Bill Fish, who would benefit from a mattress topper. He said that “if you want to revitalize a mattress that hasn’t reached its lifespan, you may be able to do so at a fraction of the cost by adding a mattress topper. Typically a mattress topper is utilized to soften the present mattress or to add a cooling feature.”

It’s important to note that if your mattress has become unsupportive, meaning that your spine is not in proper alignment while you sleep, you would be better off spending your money on a new mattress rather than trying to improve an old one with a mattress topper. The National Sleep Foundation recommends replacing your mattress every seven to 10 years.

Another instance where a mattress topper can benefit you is in adjusting the comfort of a new mattress. Research shows that it is difficult to predict your optimal mattress from a “test drive” in a showroom. If you bought a mattress that is too firm, for instance, a mattress topper can cushion your joints and help you sleep better.

The difference between a mattress topper and mattress pad

While the terms mattress topper and mattress pad are sometimes used interchangeably by consumers and retailers, there are important differences between the two. Mattress pads keep contaminants such as dust mites and bacteria off your sleep surface. They protect your mattress rather than enhance your comfort level while sleeping. On the other hand, a mattress topper can provide additional support and improve the softness and comfort of a mattress. Toppers do little to inhibit contaminants or provide protection against stains.

Mattress topper for back pain

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing a mattress topper to alleviate back pain. However, most individuals benefit from maintaining a neutral spine (or as close to this as possible) during sleep.

An appropriate mattress topper makes sleeping in proper positions easier and more comfortable. Your sleeping surface and a correct posture should alleviate pressure at the hips, shoulders and other bony areas. This results in less stress on the back, less pain and a more restful night’s sleep.

Ashley Little from Mattress Advisor summarizes, “Medium-firm to firm memory foam material toppers are the best for preventing back pain — specifically memory foam because of its ability to evenly distribute your body weight.” Latex also conforms closely to the sleeper’s body, which can strike the right balance between improved spinal alignment and pressure relief. The right mix of firm support and comfortable feel will be determined by your own personal preferences.

Wilson outlines some considerations for choosing a mattress topper based on the position in which you sleep:

Lying on your back (supine position): This position is often recommended because your weight is distributed throughout the largest possible surface area. This prevents areas of increased pressure and helps maintain a neutral spine (with a few modifications). Too soft of a mattress can be detrimental in the supine sleeper as the pelvis may roll backward. This causes a flattening of the lumbar curve and forces more pressure across the anterior portion of the intervertebral discs. A firm to medium-firm mattress topper and a pillow placed under the knees helps maintain a neutral spine.

Lying on your stomach (prone position): This position is generally considered to be hard on both the low back and the neck. Both may be overarched, while the neck is also rotated or twisted to one side. These issues can be minimized with effective positioning. A pillow placed under the hips helps alleviate stress on the low back while sleeping without a pillow at the head/neck reduces extension there.

Lying on your side: Lying in this position can be great for many people, but often takes some adjustments in order to properly align the spine. A few extra pillows often solve this problem. A pillow between the legs allows one leg to rest on top of the other without tilting the hips, rotating the spine or causing discomfort as the knees rest on one another. A second pillow hugged at the chest prevents rolling forward. Together these adjustments help prevent spinal rotation and allow for a more neutral spine position with less stress throughout the back.

Leslie Fisher, founder of Sustainable Slumber, adds: “If you sleep on your side, your shoulder and hip bone jut out. Those parts of your body should sink into the topper, keeping your spine aligned. Therefore, a side sleeper is going to need a very plush topper.”

Important features to consider

Firmness: In the mattress industry, firmness is measured by Indentation Load Deflection (ILD). The ILD is measured by compressing a foam sample to 25 percent of its original height. The amount of force (in pounds) required to indent the foam is its 25-percent ILD measurement. The more force required, the firmer the foam. A mattress topper having an ILD of 12 would be very soft, while an ILD of 50 would be very firm.

Density: The quality of density is a verifiable, scientific measurement. It is a measurement of the mass per unit volume. A soft latex has a density of two pounds, while a very firm latex would measure at six pounds.

Drew Kalinksi, E-commerce manager at Ayer Comfort, reports that: “Density in memory foam tells you how much you will sink into the foam and the quality of it. Memory foam gets more expensive depending on the density of the foam. Most memory foam mattress toppers will range from 2 to 6 pounds in density; 3 pounds is a common density due to the fact it is suitable for most people.”

A softer density can give you pressure relief and help ease joint stiffness, while a firmer density helps give stable support for the spine. Read on for a quick rundown of the main densities in memory foam, according to Kalinski, to help you make a better purchase decision.

• 3 pounds per cubic feet or less: Your body will sink into the topper a little more than it would with higher-density memory foam. This density is recommended for anyone under 200 pounds. It offers enough support and comfort for most people and is one of the most common densities.
• 4 to 5 pounds per cubic feet: This density is a good balance between soft and supportive. It will mold to your body a little more slowly than lower densities. But, it’s perfect for people who are over 200 pounds, and it’s also great for couples.
• 6 pounds per cubic feet or more: Most people won’t require this level of firmness unless they have medical needs. This is a rarer and more expensive foam, with a density so firm that it is often used as a base in mattresses.

Recovery time: The most famous feature of memory foam, one that earned it its moniker, is its ability to mold to the shape of your body and then return to its original shape. Some foams bounce back more quickly than others. The pressure and weight applied by your body will leave an indentation in a memory foam mattress topper — how long it takes to bounce back varies from seconds to minutes.

When you move into a new position (the average person changes sleeping positions a dozen times per night), you don’t want to be left unsupported by a deep indentation. A thicker high-density topper will take longer to bounce back. In our testing, the memory foam toppers with a faster recovery were springier and more comfortable to sleep on.

Cooling: Latex mattress toppers tend to run cooler than memory foam, although gel-infused mattresses have greater air flow and a cooling component. Down alternative toppers have a tendency to run hot.

Motion isolation: Memory foam and latex tend to absorb motion and isolate it to certain areas of the mattress, which could be important if you have a partner that tosses and turns during the night. Conversely, feather fill mattress toppers do not offer this benefit to any noticeable degree.

Durability: With some mattress toppers costing upwards of $100, it should be expected that your topper will have a long life span. Latex and memory foam toppers tend to be more durable, while down alternative toppers have a shorter lifespan.

Machine washable: Mattress toppers are rarely machine washable, and spot cleaning may put unnecessary wear and tear on them. Toppers with machine washable covers can make your investment last longer, which is especially important if you’re purchasing an expensive topper.

Green certifications: Assurance that your mattress topper is free from harmful chemicals can help you sleep better at night. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers and you can be confident that any GOTS-certified products meet their rigorous standards.

Similarly, the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) is highly regarded in the sleep industry. A product must contain more than 95-percent certified organic raw material to achieve GOLS certification.

You can limit your exposure to chemicals by finding one containing foam certified by CertiPUR-US, which independently tests and verifies which foams are made without harmful chemicals.

Different types of mattress toppers

E-commerce manager Drew Kalinski and sleep specialist Bill Tuck gave us insight into the pros and cons of the various types of mattress toppers we tested.

Memory foam

Memory foam is one of the most popular materials for both mattresses and mattress toppers these days. A high-end memory foam mattress can be very expensive, so a topper is a good way to get the benefits of memory foam without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Memory foam conforms to your body, giving support and comfort.
• It’s supportive if you have joint, muscular or back pain.
• It reduces how much the noise and movement of a restless partner disturb your sleep.
• It comes in a range of densities.
• Durable memory foam can last for years (depending on the quality of the foam).

Cons:

• It can have a strong chemical smell, but this should dissipate after a few days.
• It can hold heat, so make sure to find one that is open cell or has a cooling feature (such as gel-infused memory foam).

Latex

Latex mattress toppers are generally the most expensive option but they provide excellent support and comfort. Latex is made from the rubber tree (hevea brasiliensis). The sap is collected and processed into latex, using one of two different processes: Dunlop or Talalay.

Dunlop latex: The normal measurement for Dunlop latex is density and it is a firmer foam. Dunlop latex can be either natural or synthetic.

Talalay latex: The normal unit for measuring Talalay latex is ILD and it is a softer foam. To achieve this, the latex is blended with synthetics and air is added. There is no such thing as 100-percent natural Talalay.

Pros:

• It provides comfort and pain relief by making your sleep surface firmer or softer.
• Latex is springier, bouncier and firmer than memory foam.
• It is antimicrobial and hypoallergenic unless you have a latex allergy.
• Latex is very durable.
• It is excellent at preventing motion transfer.

Cons:

• Latex tends to be more expensive than other mattress toppers.
• It is not recommended for anyone with a latex allergy; prolonged exposure to latex can lead to the development of a latex allergy. The amount of latex exposure needed to produce sensitization or an allergic reaction is unknown. Exposure to synthetic latex does not cause the symptoms of latex allergy.
• It can get hot, especially in the summer.

Down alternative

A down alternative topper is a good option for those who put a strong emphasis on value, as it can improve the comfort of most sleep surfaces at a lower price point than most memory foam or latex mattress toppers. Down alternative toppers also have no or minimal odor, even when first unboxed, so they’re a great choice for those sensitive to smell.

Pros:

• Down alternative tends to be the most affordable option.
• It is hypoallergenic and generally will not cause allergies to flare up.
• It can provide decent to good support and pressure relief.
• Down alternative toppers often weigh less than latex or memory foam toppers, so they are easier to move.

Cons:

• Below-average durability: it can become flat or misshapen after only a short time.
• If you share a mattress, the poor motion isolation could be an issue.
• Typically, down alternative toppers run hotter than latex or memory foam.
• Down alternative toppers have limited thickness and are generally limited to two inches or less.

How we tested

We put our finalists through a range of tests, both quantitative and qualitative, do determine the standout winners.

TEST RESULTS

Recovery time test

We tested our memory foam toppers for recovery time to see how well they absorb compression forces and therefore aid with pressure relief. To determine how long each topper took to return to its original shape after being weighed down, we set a five-pound dumbbell in the middle of each mattress for an hour (similar to the amount of time between changing sleep positions). Then we removed the weight and used a stopwatch to determine the number of seconds or minutes it took to return to the original shape.

The HOFISH sprung back to shape in a matter of seconds, while the Linenspa took nearly a full minute. A difference of 35 seconds seems small, but the HOFISH was noticeably more comfortable to sleep on than the Linenspa and the numbers were in line with our overall opinion and ratings of these toppers.

Overnight test

Since a good night’s sleep is a ringing endorsement of a mattress topper, we slept on each mattress topper for several consecutive nights. We used two testers: one under 160 pounds (at which point firmer support is recommended) and one over 160 pounds. This variation was helpful to rate the perceived firmness of each topper, as well as to evaluate the toppers for motion isolation.

As the CEO and founder of Spine-health, Stephanie Burke, points out, “There is a difference between firm support and firm feel.” Looking at the density or ILD of a mattress topper can tell you how supportive it is, but not how firm it feels. Our two testers rated each topper on a scale of one to five, with five being the most firm. When evaluating, they considered whether the topper seemed to cushion joints or provide better spine support.

Despite weight differences, our testers agreed on the firmness and softness of our finalists. While we chose a medium-firm level for these two latex toppers, the Organic Textiles and Dreamfoam Bedding felt the most supportive of the toppers we tested. The HOFISH, Sleep On Latex and The Duck And Goose Co balance firmness and softness, although they may not have enough spine support for someone with back issues.

If you’re looking for more joint cushioning, the ViscoSoft – 4-Inch Memory Foam or Cheer Collection – Luxury Down Alternative were rated softest.

Our testers used a similar scale to rate each topper for temperature neutrality, judging whether each topper felt cool or retained heat. The Organic Textiles latex could heat up surprisingly quickly at night, so this is something to keep in mind if you tend to run hot or live in a warm climate. It was the most noticeably warm of the toppers we tested, alongside the Cheer Collection.

Memory foam by itself tends to retain heat, but the gel-infused HOFISH and ViscoSoft were our coolest mattress toppers. If staying cool helps you sleep better, you may also want to add a cooling pillow to your sleeping sanctuary.

Finally, our testers evaluated each topper on how much you can feel movement when a partner moves and whether their tossing and turning would keep you up at night. Once again, our memory foam toppers were the top contenders here, especially the HOFISH and Linenspa. The pillow top cover of the ViscoSoft lowered its rating and for similar reasons, the down alternative toppers were low on our list.

Aesthetics and usability

Although perhaps less important than comfort and support, function and design are also important considerations when choosing a mattress topper. When testing our mattress toppers, we kept aesthetics and usability in mind as well. We evaluated our toppers for visual design, noting how they looked and fit after putting on a fitted sheet.

We checked to see how well each topper fit on the bed (since toppers are slightly smaller than mattresses) and sat on the edge of the bed to check for edge support around the perimeter. While each of the toppers provided support for the full surface of the mattress, some of the more plush toppers such as the Sleep On Latex and ViscoSoft tended to be wobbly near the edge.

We considered slippage, noting whether or not a topper slips from the mattress when tossing and turning. While a regular fitted sheet worked fine for the down alternative toppers, you may want to size up to a deep pocket fitted sheet for use with thicker memory foam or latex topper, especially the 4-inch ViscoSoft. The fitted sheet would ride up after a night’s sleep on each of our memory foam and latex toppers, despite seeming to fit well when not in use.

Durability

While we didn’t conduct a durability test per se, the process of moving, testing and storing the toppers when not in use put some strain on them. The latex and down alternative toppers held up well, but the memory foam toppers suffered some rips and tears. Of the memory foam toppers, the HOFISH was the most durable. The Linenspa, being thinner than its counterparts, tore all the way through in areas and was relatively flimsy.

Our experience is likely not indicative of normal wear and tear since our testing process stretched the toppers to their limits and typically people keep a mattress topper confined to one bed. However, we verified through consumer reviews that the Linenspa does, in fact, tear easily.

Top Pick: HOFISH - Gel Infused Memory Foam

The HOFISH has a springy feel, and provides the bounce of latex with the coolness of a gel-infused memory foam. If you share a bed, the HOFISH’s ability to absorb and isolate motion will make it a great choice for you.

See Price at Amazon.com

Off-gassing test

What is off-gassing and do you need to worry about it? Off-gassing is a reaction caused when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a memory foam topper break apart and commonly form gases. The majority of VOCs are released in the first hour (after opening the box) but can continue to release for an unknown period of time. Some people are sensitive to VOCs and can experience irritation of the eyes, nose or throat.

No studies show long-term effects of using memory foam, but this may be because tracking its long-term effects is virtually impossible. Heather Stapleton, an environmental chemist at Duke University, says there’s simply not enough data to determine whether low levels of these chemicals will eventually make people sick. If you’re concerned, organic latex may be a better option for you.

While some in the industry recommend unboxing a mattress or topper outside and letting it breathe for at least two days, we didn’t want to expose our toppers to the elements, so we kept them in a well-ventilated room next to a window.

Since off-gassing can be particularly unpleasant, we rated our toppers for odor straight out of the package. Immediately after unpackaging, we used a scale of one to five (five being the most unpleasant odor) to see which toppers may not be good for those sensitive to smell. We let each topper air out for 48 hours and then rated them a second time.

The good news is that any lingering smell dissipated within a week for all the memory foam toppers we tested, and the HOFISH and ViscoSoft were not overly pungent even fresh from the package.

Best memory foam: HOFISH

We liked the HOFISH – Gel Infused Memory Foam for being a topper that is best for a couple since its medium-firm support and the right amount of cushion offers a comfortable middle ground for most people. The feature we liked most about the HOFISH was its springiness, which made it feel more like latex than memory foam. However, it is gel-infused so it doesn’t run hot the way latex and typical memory foam does.

It’s also excellent at motion isolation, meaning you won’t wake up every time your partner rolls over. It’s especially a good choice for couples because of its ability to absorb motion and because it strikes the right balance between soft and supportive.

That said, it may not work if either one of the pair has back pain or is a back/stomach sleeper. It is a low-density foam, meaning it is more soft than supportive. While we felt it had a good balance for most people, side sleepers may appreciate this topper more than others.

The topper arrives compressed in a box so it looks thin and uneven when you first remove the shrink wrap plastic. Don’t let the first impressions fool you: it was in its full shape after a few hours.

The topper is environmentally safe and CertiPUR-US certified, so there are no dangerous chemicals and fewer worries about off-gassing. This was notable when we first opened the package, as it had less odor than other memory foam finalists. The smell also seemed to dissipate more quickly.

At 15 pounds, it is a medium weight compared to our other memory foam toppers and easy for one person to position on the bed. The foam has a slightly sticky feeling so it didn’t shift on the bed, but did need a fitted sheet in order to feel comfortable.

Top Pick: HOFISH - Gel Infused Memory Foam

An ideal choice for couples and side sleepers, the HOFISH is a springy and soft topper with more durability than other memory foam options. The price point will please most consumers, as will the fact that the foam is certified to be free of harmful VOCs.

See Price at Amazon.com

It lined up well with our queen size bed and it was easy to fit with a sheet. However, the fitted sheet rolled off our mattress and fitted onto the topper itself after a night’s sleep. It isn’t an issue for sleep, but isn’t as aesthetically pleasing.

Both our testers commented on the coolness and motion isolation of this topper, which are its best features after the obvious benefit of adding softness to a current mattress. After several months of testing, it held up better than our other memory foam finalists, but it still had the drawback of small tears (mostly caused by transportation).

Key takeaways:

• The HOFISH – Gel Infused Memory Foam is great for side sleepers, as it responds to the shape of your body and takes the pressure off your hips and shoulders.
• The memory foam is infused with gel and its open cell construction makes it more breathable, so it is great for hot sleepers or those in warm climates.
• All the foam in the topper is CertiPUR-US certified, so you can worry less about emissions and more about getting a great night of sleep.
• At less than$100 (upon publishing), it has great value and held up better to testing than our other memory foam finalists.

Best latex and best for back pain: Organic Textiles

If you need a more supportive surface, we recommend the Organic Textiles – Organic Latex Topper. It has firmer support than the majority of toppers we tested, and just enough cushion. The Organic Textiles is excellent for those with back pain, as it is firm enough to assist in achieving a neutral spine while providing enough cushion for the tailbone and shoulders.

The latex is made with the Dunlop process, so it is dense, durable and able to retain its elasticity. The Organic Textiles is Global Organic Latex Standard certified and is free from harmful chemicals and fillers. It has a higher-than-average price point, but it wasn’t the most expensive latex topper we tested. Due to the longevity of latex and the quality of the product, we felt it was worth the price.

In our months of testing, the Organic Textiles held up well to multiple nights of use and storage/transportation. This is partly thanks to the cover, which kept it clean and made it easier to move and position. At 34 pounds, the topper isn’t easy to move around but we were still able to unbox and position it without a second pair of hands.

Like our memory foam finalist, it arrived vacuum sealed in plastic within a box. The Organic Textiles took on its correct shape almost immediately. It was amazing to watch it fill out in a matter of minutes, without leaving behind any ripples or wrinkles. After we placed it on the bed, it lay flat against the mattress with no gaps.

The square edges met up perfectly with our queen size bed, so once we fitted it with a sheet, it had a uniform look. The sheet didn’t stay overnight, but rolled up under the topper, as it did with our other latex and memory foam finalists. The cover has an embossed flower pattern, and while it didn’t show through our fitted sheet, one tester mentioned that it feels almost quilted.

Best Latex and Best for Back Pain: Organic Textiles - Organic Latex Topper

If you want a topper that leans more to the supportive side and don’t mind that it runs hot, this topper is for you. It strikes the right balance between soft and supportive, with more spine support than other finalists.

See Price at Amazon.com

As a dense topper, it does tend to heat up while sleeping despite a porous surface designed for more air flow. If you run hot, this may not be the best choice for you. Our testers noted that on warm nights, it could get a bit sweaty in the middle of the night and the buttery smell of the latex is stronger.

The mattress topper we tested is medium-density, with an ILD of 26-28. You can also tailor your topper by choosing soft (22-24 ILD) or firm (38-40 ILD) when you order through the company’s website. When you purchase through Amazon, it comes with a removable organic cotton cover, which is machine washable in cold water. On the company website, the toppers cost an additional $99.00.

Key takeaways:

• Dunlop latex makes the Organic Textiles – Organic Latex Topper a dense and firm topper, so it is excellent for those with back pain who need to maintain a neutral spine.
• It provides just enough cushion for joints, but it may be too firm for a side sleeper.
• It is GOLS-certified, so it is free from chemical additives and made from all-natural components.
• As a dense and durable topper with a washable organic cotton cover, this topper should have enough longevity to justify the higher price point.

Best down alternative: The Duck And Goose Co

While The Duck And Goose Co – Down Alternative (and fiber toppers in general) doesn’t offer as much support as foam or latex toppers, it also does not sink too deeply or conform too closely. This makes it ideal for sleepers of any position, and also for couples who may have different weights and needs. While it can accommodate back, stomach and side sleepers, it is better for adding softness to a too-firm mattress than adding additional support.

Of the down alternative toppers we tested, The Duck And Goose Co was the plushest, temperature-neutral and comfortable. It is filled with 1400 GSM (grams per square meter) microfiber. A higher GSM (above 600) means the filling is denser, making the topper thicker, fluffier and more comfortable.

It arrived in a plastic storage bag, similar to a comforter, and is lightweight and easy to position. Anchor bands help it stay in place and it didn’t move around on us during testing. Because it is lightweight and the bag is so convenient, we were able to remove it each morning and store it in the bag during the day. This kind of flexibility and ease of use was unique to The Duck and Goose Co topper.

Best Down Alternative: The Duck And Goose Co

The Duck And Goose Co adds softness to your bed, without causing you to sink into the topper. Since sleepers of any position will find this topper comfortable, it is a great option for couples with different sleeping positions.

See Price at Amazon.com

It has a baffle box construction, so the fill doesn’t shift and become lumpy during use or after it’s washed. Unlike its competitors that we tested, the boxes aren’t bulbous but rather filled uniformly. This gave it a thicker construction and more support overall than other down alternative toppers.

Due to the baffle box construction and round edges, it doesn’t look as uniform when fitted with a sheet; it looks like you have a pillow top on your mattress. On the other hand, the same reasons mean that our fitted sheet stayed in place after a night of sleep, unlike the memory foam and latex finalists.

As a down alternative topper, The Duck And Goose Co is hypoallergenic and acts as a barrier against dust and mites. While these toppers tend to sleep hot, the channel-weave construction of The Duck and Goose Co makes it breathable and therefore cooler than its counterparts.

While machine washing a down alternative topper can sometimes cause it to wear out early, The Duck And Goose Co is backed by a ten-year warranty — you can clean it to your heart’s content (which helps keep it hygienic).

Key takeaways:

• The Duck And Goose Co – Down Alternative offers more softness than support, but can still be used by back and stomach sleepers as it doesn’t conform too closely.
• With a heavyweight of fill, this topper is more dense, plush and comfortable than other down alternative toppers.
• While similar toppers can heat up quickly, The Duck And Goose Co is breathable and temperature-neutral.
• It is easy to care for and covered by a ten-year warranty, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking down in the washing machine.

Other finalists we tested

ViscoSoft – 4-Inch Memory Foam

We strongly considered naming the ViscoSoft – 4-Inch Memory Foam as our luxury upgrade pick because it has so many nice features, but it offers very little in the way of support. The combination of low-density foam with a pillow top cover makes this topper sumptuously soft. If you’re a side sleeper and you’re looking to cushion your shoulders, hips and other joints, this would be a good option. Those who sleep on their backs or stomachs may want to steer away from the ViscoSoft.

If softness is your aim, then you will appreciate the 300-thread count sateen cotton cover, fluffy down alternative filling and gel-infused memory foam. With four inches total of padding added to your mattress, your joints have never been more cushioned. You can also sleep comfortably knowing the foam is CertiPUR-US and you don’t have to worry about off-gassing.

Sleep On Latex – Pure Green Natural Latex

The Sleep On Latex – Pure Green Natural Latex is another topper that is ideal for side sleepers since it cushions joints such as hips and shoulders that may otherwise feel too much pressure. It would likely not be a good choice for a back or stomach sleeper since you sink so deeply into the topper. They do offer medium and firm versions of the product, although we didn’t test these.

This is a very heavy topper, weighing in at 34 pounds, and the combination of holes and weight can make it difficult to maneuver. However, the holes added enough airflow to make this topper cooler at night than other latex toppers.

It is made with the Dunlop process, meaning it is dense while still springy. This particular topper was bouncier than our other Dunlop latex topper and did not do a great job at absorbing and isolating movement. Overall, it offered a cloud-like sleeping experience that side sleepers would appreciate.

Dreamfoam Bedding – Ultimate Dreams Talalay

The Dreamfoam Bedding – Ultimate Dreams Talalay is made with Talalay latex, which is distinguished by a lighter, more breathable and supple consistency. With a 28 ILD, it is softer and more cushiony than our top pick for latex, but still firm enough for back and stomach sleepers.

While the feel of the topper is soft, supportive and accommodating to any sleep position, it pulled upward and away from the mattress at the edges. It also slid off the mattress after a few consecutive nights of sleep. For this reason, we decided not to name it our top pick.

It comes with a machine washable cover, so while it is the most expensive topper we tested, your investment is protected against stains, wear and tear.

Cheer Collection – Luxury Down Alternative

The Cheer Collection – Luxury Down Alternative doesn’t offer much in the way of spine support, but it does provide softness without sinking too deeply. If you’re looking to cushion your joints and improve your bed without a large investment, the Cheer Collection is a good choice. If you have back pain and need a firm surface, you should probably look elsewhere.

This topper is heavy and thick, so it doesn’t shift during the night. It has a baffle box construction so the filling doesn’t shift either, but they are almost overfilled so that it has a textured look and feels like small pillows sewn together. Those with joint pain would be best served by this topper.

Sertapedic – Superior Loft Down

The Sertapedic – Superior Loft Down is a simple and cost-effective solution to make your mattress more supportive and comfortable. It is technically a mattress pad so it offers more protection against contaminants and stains than our other finalists, but it has more thickness than a typical mattress pad and therefore the feel of a pillow top.

The Sertapedic is more cushiony than it is firm, so it would be better for a side sleeper. It doesn’t shift in the middle of the night and doesn’t run hot (which can be a problem for down alternative toppers), so if you’re looking for something basic and budget-friendly, the Sertapedic is a viable option.

Linenspa – 2-Inch Gel Memory Foam

The Linenspa – 2-Inch Gel Memory Foam is a low-density foam, so it provides some support but is softer than would be preferable for a back or stomach sleeper. It had the longest recovery time of the memory foam mattresses we tested, meaning that it has very little bounce, but it was excellent at absorbing motion.

Most of the queen size mattress toppers we tested measured 60 x 80 inches, but the Linenspa is slightly smaller all around at 59 x 79 inches. This gives it a little less support at the edges and meant that it didn’t line up as well as the other finalists on our mattress.

Due to the fact that this topper had a stronger smell than our other finalists and suffered from large tears when moved, rolled and stored, we wouldn’t recommend it for most people. If your priorities are to purchase an inexpensive topper with more softness than support and you desire a gel-infused memory foam to keep you cool at night, the Linenspa would meet your needs.

The bottom line

Choosing the best mattress topper really depends on the position in which you sleep, whether you share a bed and if you want to add softness or support to your mattress. The HOFISH – Gel Infused Memory Foam is a good option for side sleepers who share a bed. It has an excellent price point, making it available to most consumers. The HOFISH is best if you’re looking to add a cooling feature to your present mattress or to make it softer. If you sleep on your back or stomach, this memory foam probably won’t provide enough support.

If you can afford a luxury upgrade or are a back/stomach sleeper looking for more support, we recommend the Organic Textiles – Organic Latex Topper. It does run hot at night, however, and may be more than you’re willing to spend to fix your current mattress. We also wouldn’t recommend it for side sleepers, since it doesn’t cushion the joints as much as other toppers.

For those looking for a down alternative option, The Duck And Goose Co – Down Alternative is a quality topper that provides both softness and support. It offers a good middle ground to those seeking a topper that is soft but not overly so, and we love that it’s machine washable. Since it does go through the washing machine, this topper may not last as long as our other top picks.

Top Pick: HOFISH - Gel Infused Memory Foam

The low-density foam is springy and soft, but not so much that you sink into the topper. The HOFISH is a great choice for couples because it absorbs motion and keeps it isolated to one side of the bed.

See Price at Amazon.com

The post The Best Mattress Toppers appeared first on Your Best Digs.

Table of contents

• The 8 hair straightening brushes we tested
• Best overall: MiroPure – 2-in-1
• Budget pick: USpicy – FS005
• Best for thick hair: InStyler – Straight Up
• Other finalists we recommend
• Features to consider
• How we selected
• How we tested
• How to use a hair straightening brush
• The bottom line

The 8 hair straightening brushes we tested

Product	Advertised Temp Range (F)	Highest Recorded Temp (F)	Measured Temp (F)*	Heating Speed*	Smoothness
A. MiroPure - 2-in-1	300-450	395	376	1:10	☆☆☆☆☆
B. USpicy - FS005	250-450	413	355	1:04	☆☆☆☆☆
C. InStyler - Straight Up	330-450	418	336	0:54	☆☆☆☆☆
D. CNXUX - Hair Straightener Brush	300-450	410	410	1:38	☆☆☆☆
E. Vidal Sassoon - VS433C	N/A	148	N/A	N/A	☆☆
F. Revlon - OneStep Dryer & Styler	N/A	230	N/A	N/A	☆☆☆
G. Lescolton - One Step Dryer & Styler	N/A	235	N/A	N/A	☆☆
H. InstaMagic - Straightening Brush	176-450	371	232	1:09	☆☆

*At time that digital display indicated readiness.

Best overall: MiroPure 2-in-1

After testing the MiroPure – 2-in-1 on several heads of curly and wavy hair, we could see it gave the most consistent results across the board. It worked as well on fine, spiralled curls as it did on thick, kinky curls. Notably, it also left the hair the shiniest (perhaps due to the double ionic generator which seals the cuticles). Our tester with coarse, wavy hair found it didn’t straighten the ends as well as some of its competitors, so it may be best for users with fine to normal hair.

Users with fine to normal hair who are looking for shine as much as the straight factor will prize the MiroPure over our other top picks.

Not only did the MiroPure provide excellent results, but we loved it for its usability. It has a smooth, comfortable handle, and recessed buttons so you don’t accidentally change settings. For extra safety, it has a temperature lock and auto shutoff feature after 60 minutes. The swivel cord kept us from getting in an awkward tangle with the cord, making it more like a professional tool.

Finally, it comes with textured glove that makes it easy to grip hair, and a felt drawstring storage bag to keep everything together. According to our tester who is a former stylist, the glove was key to providing tension without burning your fingers. Our other testers found this bonus tool helpful as well, and the MiroPure is one of only two straightener brushes we tested that came with a glove. The bag was also a nice feature, since it helps keeps the bristles free of dust or debris.

Our Top Pick: MiroPure - 2-in-1

The smooth results of the MiroPure won us over, and the safety features such as an anti-scald design, auto shutoff function, temperature lock and included heat resistant glove were the icing on the cake.

See Price at Amazon.com

While brush size is largely a matter of personal taste, we found that the 2.5 x 4 inch brush was the perfect size to work in small sections for tight curls, but also to straighten a whole head of hair efficiently. The brush has an anti-scald design so you don’t burn your scalp, and features cutting edge nanotechnology. We found we were able to get closer to the scalp with brushes with an anti-scald feature.

One of the things we really dug about the MiroPure was the number of heat settings. It has 16 different temperature settings, so it can be adjusted to a wide variety of hair types. The lowest setting is 300 ℉, so it is better for those with normal to thick hair. If you have very fine or damaged hair, the lowest heat setting on the MiroPure may still be too high for you.

Despite claims of reaching 450 ℉, the MiroPure only reached 395 ℉. However, the heat is evenly distributed so it straightens the whole section of hair being brushed, meaning fewer passes on the same strands. One thing we didn’t like is that at its highest setting (450 ℉), the brush smells like a hot glue gun. The good news is that most people will never need to set it that high.

Key takeaways:

• The MiroPure – 2-in-1 has a double ionic generator, and it resulted in the shiniest strands during our hands-on comparison with other straightening brushes.
• It has the most variable heat settings, with 16 different options from 300 ℉ to 450 ℉. This makes it best for people with fine to medium thickness hair, who want the wow factor in terms of shine.
• The comb itself features nanotechnology, which manipulates atoms and molecules, helping to remove odors and microbes on the scalp.
• The included heat resistant glove provides grip and tension for getting hair straighter, while protecting your hands and fingers from burns.

Budget pick: USpicy – FS005

Despite its mid-range price, the USpicy – FS005 has the look and feel of a more luxury straightening brush. Since you don’t necessarily want a cheap straightening brush just because it’s inexpensive, we opted to name the brush with the most value as our budget pick. That would be the USpicy, with features like an anti-scald design, 360° swivel cord and automatic shutoff timer. If you have fine to normal thickness hair, you can expect nearly the same results as our top pick, albeit less shine. The lower price mainly means a sacrifice in ease of use with the controls.

It’s easy to use, and has an attractive matte black finish that makes it look like a quality tool. It comes with a glove to protect against heat and provide more tension, plus a cleaning tool and a storage bag. As we mentioned previously, the glove is extremely helpful to ensure the most tension.

Our Budget Pick: USpicy - FS005

With the lowest heat setting of those we tested, the USpicy is ideal for those with fine or chemically treated hair. Yet it works well on all hair types, leaving your strands smooth and frizz free.

See Price at Amazon.com

It has cool tip ionic bristles, which helped us get closer to the roots. Our testers felt that the USpicy provides consistent heat, allows you to get the whole strand straight, and leaves less frizz. The controls aren’t as easy to use as our top pick, and we had to press each button multiple times before it would respond.

The handle is slim and the oval brush shape is 2.5 inches x 5 inches. It has fewer temperature settings than we might prefer, but it has the lowest heat setting (250 ℉), making it the best choice for those with fine or damaged hair.

One of the drawbacks to the USpicy is how easy it is to lock the temperature. It’s a useful feature, but we found ourselves accidentally locking the temperature even before we reached the setting we wanted. It’s a minor annoyance in an otherwise great design.

Key takeaways:

• The USpicy – FS005 has a low heat setting, and at its highest setting, doesn’t get overly hot. This makes it a good option if you have finer hair.
• It has a swivel cord for easy use and anti-scald design to prevent accidental burns.
• With a matte black finish that isn’t easily smudged with fingerprints, the USpicy looks nice sitting on your counter and the provided drawstring bag keeps the brush and bonus tools in one place.
• The USpicy, despite lower temperatures, left our testers hair straight, smooth and shiny.

Best for thick hair: InStyler – Straight Up

Perhaps because it has the truest temperature, reaching the highest recorded temp (418 ℉) of the finalists we tested, the InStyler – Straight Up was the favorite of our testers with thick tresses. It was also the only brush we tested that had an accurate “ready” indicator. It’s the most expensive model we tested, but our testers with thicker hair said they found it was worth the price.

Best for Thick Hair: InStyler - Straight Up

Thanks to a true high temperature, the InStyler was the best at creating sleek, straight strands even on coarse and thick hair.

See Price at Amazon.com

The InStyler has a wider brush, measuring 3 inches x 6 inches, which is another reason it was preferred by those with thick hair; you can straighten a lot of hair quickly. It has cool tip ionic bristles, so the heat doesn’t touch your scalp, and each bristle is surrounded by ceramic plates: 65 in total. The heat is consistent and powerful, so you can tame even the thickest mane and finish long hair quickly.

One downside is that at its highest setting, it has the hot glue gun smell we mentioned previously. But again, at 450 ℉, it’s not a setting that most people will need to use. Also, and this is to be expected given its high heat levels, it took longer to cool down than our other finalists. We didn’t feel this was an issue, just something to keep in mind if you intend to store it immediately after use.

The InStyler does snag hair, so it’s best for those with thick or medium thick hair. People with thin hair may want to steer away from this brush.

Key takeaways:

• The InStyler – Straight Up has a wider brush, so working through thick, coarse, or long hair is a breeze. However, it may not be best for those with fine hair since it can snag.
• It has the highest recorded temp of the models we tried, which provided enough power to straighten the strands of our testers with thick hair in one pass.
• Cool tip ionic bristles mean that you can get to the root without worrying about burning your scalp, and it leaves hair shinier and smoother.
• With 65 ceramic plates, the temperature is even across the surface of the brush.

Other finalists we recommend

CNXUX – Hair Straightener Brush

We loved the design of the CNXUX – Hair Straightener Brush, with a slim profile, swivel cord, and square comb with ceramic bristles. The CNXUX heats up the fastest, and reaches close to its advertised temperature, with a high recorded temp of 410 ℉. It also has a faster automatic shutoff than the other finalists, turning off after only 30 minutes. Depending on how long it takes to finish your hair, this could be a plus or a minus, but we appreciate it for safety reasons.

We didn’t make the CNXUX our top pick because our testers reported that it leaves waves and isn’t smoothing enough. Despite a true temperature, it takes multiple passes to straighten hair because there is very little to no tension. The positive side to this is it doesn’t snag or pull hair, either. It’s a good option for those with fine hair and a loose wave that just needs a little help.

Vidal Sassoon – VS433C

The majority of our hair straightening brushes have a paddle brush, but the Vidal Sassoon – VS433C stands out for having a one-inch barrel-round brush that is ideal for creating volume. All of our testers agreed that it is better for styling than simply straightening. It can be used on damp hair, so it’s great if you need to save on time. The Vidal Sassoon is also very lightweight, making it ideal for travel.

It worked best on short hair and on medium length hair with a bob hairstyle, as it was able get closer to the root than our other straightener brushes. It doesn’t have heat settings, only a high/low switch, so it doesn’t offer much in the way of customization. For this reason, and the fact that it doesn’t work well on longer or thicker hair, it didn’t make our top cut.

Finalists we don’t recommend

Revlon – OneStep Dryer & Styler

The Revlon – OneStep Dryer & Styler has a square-shaped paddle that our testers found ideal for blow drying, and ionic technology that left their hair smoother. It has flexible bristles that prevent tangling, so if you have found that most straightening brushes snag your hair, this model could be an ideal choice. On the other hand, our testers with thick hair found that it doesn’t provide enough tension to be effective.

With a paddle size of 4 inches x 5 inches, it appears bulkier than the dry straightening brushes, but it was still lightweight and easy to use.

We didn’t make this a top pick due to low ratings by our testers, but if your main goal is to cut blow drying time in half and smooth hair cuticles, the Revlon is still a helpful tool.

Lescolton – One Step Dryer & Styler

You can use the Lescolton – One Step Dryer & Styler wet or dry, making it a versatile option for someone who wants an all-one-tool for styling. In terms of features, the Lescolton has a lot to offer: nanotechnology (to inhibit bacterial growth), tourmaline technology and negative ion technology for faster drying with less damage. The bristles of the brush are even designed to work as a scalp massager, and the brush is very good at working through tangles.

On the other hand, our testers felt this would actually work better on straight hair, which just needs hot air to pass through and doesn’t require any tension. The same aspect that makes it good at detangling makes it hard to get enough tension for straightening. It tended to make curly hair fluffy, which could be great if you are looking for a volumizer, but was enough to keep it from being a top pick.

InstaMagic – Straightening Brush

The InstaMagic – Straightening Brush is different than the other brushes we tested because the bristles have a staggered formation rather than straight rows. This gives it the ability to grip coarse hair easily and provide tension. However, in the end our testers felt like it should have accomplished more with its grip. Additionally, the staggered bristles meant it snagged hair.

It is also one of our heavier finalists, and as one tester commented, “for the weight, it’s not doing much work.”

We had to read the manual to change it from Celsius to Fahrenheit (hold down the plus and minus buttons at the same time), so we didn’t find it as easy to use as the other models. What we did like about it: the swivel cord and wide plates for getting through hair fast.

Features to consider

There are a few key things to look for when purchasing a hair straightening brush, and we’ll walk you through some of the most important features.

MCH technology: MCH stands for metal ceramic heater, a new technology that uses 20 percent to 30 percent less energy than a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heater. A tool with MCH heating technology reaches higher temperatures overall, at a faster speed (as quickly as 30 seconds). A hot tool with a PCB circuit board takes 45 seconds to reach the same heat.

Ceramic technology: Ceramic is a composite material usually made of clay, which emits a non-damaging, far infrared heat. Far infrared heat is unique because it penetrates the hair shaft, making it the most efficient, gentlest way to heat hair. Ceramic also has unique heat conducting properties, so it heats up more quickly and evenly than dryers with metal or plastic heating elements.

Ionic generator: Ionic iron produces negative charges, which create a smooth, shiny texture.

Anti-scald: This feature ensures the heating element won’t come into contact with your scalp.

Temperature range: Be sure to check for lowest minimum temperature. If you have fine or overprocessed hair, you’ll want to look for at least a minimum temperature of 300 ℉. Ranges above 400 ℉ are likely to be overkill.

Usability: Are the controls easy to maneuver, and is it easy to set the temperature? Do the bristles hold hair in place without pulling or snagging?

Auto shutoff: This is a great safety feature, so you aren’t second guessing yourself after you’ve already left for the office.

Brush width and length: A smaller brush is recommended for curly or textured hair (allowing you straighten in small sections), while wider brushes can be a time-saver. Plate length also determines how long it will take to straighten your hair: the longer the plate, the more hair you can straighten at one time. In the end, it comes down to personal preference.

Wet to dry: Our stylist consultant preferred wet to dry brushes because they pull less and don’t snag the hair. They’re also an excellent time saver and can significantly shorten your grooming routine.

Bristle type: Silicone or rubber bristles help you work through tangles, while nylon may be better for those with a sensitive scalp.

Aesthetics: If you’re going to use a tool on a regular basis, it should be something you enjoy looking at too.

How we selected

To begin with, we gathered consumer opinions from subreddits like /r/curlyhair and /r/naturalhair to learn which features in a hair straightening brush are most important to people with curls and waves. We read articles from well-known beauty magazines such as Allure to see which brands are making waves, and then we watched YouTube videos to learn how to use a straightening brush (and to see which brush the YouTubers recommend).

After that, we spoke with professional hair stylist and San Diego salon owner, Cindy Close of Hair Galleria, to discuss how to use a hair straightener brush and which features are key. We also recruited a former stylist with coarse, wavy hair to be one of our testers. In this way, we learned about the mechanics of using a hair straightener brush, like how important tension is when straightening hair.

Armed with knowledge, we finally headed over to big box retailers such as Ulta, Target and Amazon to read consumer reviews and narrow down our choices. We only selected hair straightener brushes with at least a four star rating. Some of the hair straightening brushes use heated bristles, while some use hot air. We tested a variety of each style. Once we had our eight finalists, we spent several weeks testing on multiple people and conducting hands-on tests.

How we tested

Heating speed

Since the highest heat setting we needed to use on our testers was 410 ℉, we used this temperature to determine how long it takes each brush to heat up for use. Once we set the temperature on the digital display of the straightening brush, we used a timer to count how long until each brush indicated readiness on its digital display.

While all of the models indicate when they are ready to use, we used an infrared thermometer to double check that they had reached their peak temperature when the brush indicated ready. We tested every 10 seconds until we reached 410 ℉ or its highest recorded temperature. We held it 6 inches away from the center of the brush, aiming it straight down onto the brush paddle.

In most cases, the digital display indicated the brush was ready to use long before it hit its peak temperature. The only brush that reached our desired temperature by the time the digital display indicated readiness was the CNXUX – Hair Straightener Brush. The CNXUX also reached its peak temperature the fastest.

We measured the temperature each of the brushes again after a full five minutes, to see if they ever reached their peak advertised temperature. While none of the brushes reached their true advertised temperature, the InStyler – Straight Up came the closest at 418 ℉.

Since the hot air brushes only have on/off settings, we didn’t measure heating speed, but we did gauge their heat output. We measured it the same the way we tested hair dryers. After setting the brush to high and giving it a few minutes to warm up, we held the thermometer 6 inches from the center of the paddle to take our reading.

The Revlon – OneStep Dryer & Styler and Lescolton – One Step Dryer & Styler measured comparably (230 ℉ and 235 ℉, respectively), with a lower temperature than the majority of the hair dryers we tested for another article. Lower heat may make it more difficult to straighten thick or coarse hair, but it also means less damage.

User experience

One of the first things we considered in terms of user experience is weight. For example, we considered questions such as: does it hurt your wrist? Is it comfortable to hold for long periods of time? Our testers found the MiroPure – 2-in-1 and InstaMagic – Straightening Brush to be heavier than comfortable. These brushes may cause arm fatigue if you have long or thick hair that takes more time to work through.

We also considered the location of buttons, noting whether it was likely you would accidentally change settings during use. We also took note of whether the brush handle was long enough to avoid contorting your arm at awkward angles. Due to its recessed buttons and slim handle size, the MiroPure – 2-in-1 won our votes as the most serviceable model. Perhaps the most bulky and cumbersome to use was the Lescolton – One Step Dryer & Styler, which was so large as to be unwieldy.

Finally, we measured the cord length with a ruler and noted which brushes have a swivel cord. A swivel cord (the joint of the cord where it reaches the brush) makes the brush more comfortable and convenient to use, since it is less likely to get tangled as you are working. The InStyler – Straight Up had the shortest cord length at five feet. Generally we found that having a swivel cord made more of a difference in usability than cord length.

Hands-on testing

We asked five testers with a wide range of hair types (from thick to thin/damaged), lengths (short, medium and long) and curl patterns (from kinky to loose waves) to help us determine the best hair straightening brush.

For heat protection and to reduce frizz, we had each tester apply Eva NYC Mane Magic with argan oil before using any of the straightening brushes.

We had our testers rate each hair straightening brush on a scale of one to five (with five being best) for sleekness, smoothness and straightness. We also asked them to consider factors like how easy the brushes were to use, if they were heavy, and how well they were designed. Then we averaged the ratings for a final score. In the end, the preferences of the testers came down to hair type and less to do with tightness of curl.

The results

The InStyler – Straight Up was rated the highest by our three thick hair testers. We already established that due to its higher heat levels, a flat iron is probably best for thick and very curly hair (see our hair straighteners tested on thick hair specifically). However, if you have gray strands or color treated hair (making it drier, more porous and more susceptible to damage), these special considerations may make straightening brush your best choice.

Our testers with fine hair gave high ratings to the MiroPure – 2-in-1 and CNXUX – Hair Straightener Brush. These models were less likely to catch and pull fine hair, but for the same reason, had less grip on thick or coarse hair.

The USpicy – FS005 worked well on all types of hair, as it didn’t catch, but you could still get enough tension on thicker hair. The InstaMagic – Straightening Brush was the least favorite model, as it snagged on fine or long hair, yet didn’t straighten coarse hair despite a decent amount of tension.

Overall, our testers preferred the models using heated plates and bristles to the models using hot air. On the other hand, these hot air brushes had lower temperatures than the other straightening brushes, making them safer for those with fine or damaged hair.

How to use a hair straightening brush

Heat is used to relax the hydrogen bonds in your hair, which changes your hair’s texture and allows you to straighten your hair by holding it in a certain position until the bonds reform.

Any kind of hot hair tool set above 120 ℉ can cause damage, and the impact on curly hair can be especially devastating. Using tools with a temperature that is set too high can cause irreversible damage to your hair at a molecular level, changing natural curl patterns and leading to severe breakage. It is important to find the correct temperature for your hair type, starting with the lowest possible temperature.

There is no one single setting that works for all heads of hair. Our professional stylist recommends that you consider the condition and strength of your hair. For example, if you have fine, overprocessed or chemically treated hair, you should start with a setting below 300 °F.

For normal hair that has not been overly processed, she recommended staying under a temperature of 380 °F, while thick hair with no damage would be fine at 400 °F. Since determining the right setting can be tricky, it’s best to use a lower setting and work your way up if necessary.

Applying heat protectant before you begin can help minimize direct damage caused by heat. In our tests, we used a heat protectant with argan oil. Argan oil not only protects hair from the direct damage caused by heat, but it has the added bonus of protecting hair from environmental factors that damage hair. These factors include ultraviolet rays, wind, salt water, hard water build up and extreme temperatures (either too hot or cold).

The bottom line

While the MiroPure – 2-in-1 and InStyler – Straight Up are priced slightly higher than their counterparts, we found they provided the most value of the finalists we tested. The MiroPure is the most versatile hair straightening brush we tested, due to a higher range of heat settings than a typical hot brush. It performs well on multiple hair types and curl patterns, providing consistently shiny and sleek results. However, it is probably best for those with fine to normal thickness hair.

The InStyler – Straight Up was a top choice among our testers with thick manes, since its powerful, evenly distributed heat meant fewer passes on even coarse or coiled hair. It is easy to use, and left our testers’ hair straight and smooth.

For the best value, we recommend the USpicy – FS005. It has all the features of a more expensive pick and works well on fine to medium thickness hair. It is slightly more basic than our top pick, with fewer settings and not as sleek of a design. That said, the USpicy delivers consistently smooth results, has a low heat setting for those with damaged hair, and is a great pick at a middle of the road price. For more hair care, check out our hair dryer review.

Our Top Pick: MiroPure - 2-in-1

Not only does the MiroPure sit pretty on the counter and easily store away, it was one of the most serviceable straighteners we tested. The handle and brush are slim without being too thin, and the recessed buttons make the grip comfortable.

See Price at Amazon.com

The post The 8 Best Hair Straightening Brushes appeared first on Your Best Digs.

Table of contents

• The 14 fans we tested
• Best overall: Lasko – 1843
• Best for small rooms: Vornado – Pivot 5
• Upgrade pick: Vornado – VFAN Vintage
• Best for large spaces: Hurricane Pro Floor Fan
• How we selected
• How we tested
• Features to consider
• Types of fans we tested
• The bottom line

The 14 fans we tested

Best overall: Lasko – 1843 Pedestal Fan

The Lasko – 1843 pedestal fan was the best of the three fans we tested for this 2023 update. Be forewarned that some assembly is required, but it isn’t difficult and should only take about 20 minutes to complete.

The Lasko is made almost entirely of heavy-duty plastic; only the extension pole is metal. Fully extended, the pole measures 26″, and the center of the 18″ diameter fan is 11″ from the top of the pole. At the pole’s full extension, and with the fan oscillating, we found the air flow to be the most effective in cooling a 600-square-foot living room. We positioned the fan 8′ away from where we sat, and even on the lowest setting, we could feel a decent breeze.

Top Pick: Lasko - 1843

This very affordable pedestal fan offers excellent cooling and air circulation in large spaces.

See Price at Amazon.com

Like most pedestal fans, the Lasko has three speeds with the highest speed hitting 9.4 mph and the lowest speed at 6.0 mph. The fan head has a 90-degree oscillation, and it can be tilted backward so that it’s nearly horizontal. The fan’s grill is tightly constructed so a child’s exploratory finger can’t fit through and reach the blade when the fan’s running.

The Lasko – 1843 comes with a remote control (runs on 2 AAA batteries, not included), and whereas you do need to position yourself facing the fan so the sensor connects to the remote, you can stand a good 20 feet away (as we did), and the remote will still operate. The only downside is the decibel level — 77 dB at high, 70 at medium, and 64 at low — so it isn’t the quietest fan and probably won’t be ideal for sleeping, unless you’re a deep sleeper or use ear plugs.

The main point of a fan, however, is that it cools as it circulates air, and the Lasko – 1843 certainly does that. It’s also incredibly affordable and one of the least expensive fans on our list.

Key takeaways:

• The Lasko – 1843 pedestal fan can easily cool and circulate air in a large space.
• It’s not the quietest fan we’ve tested, but it generates a lot of wind power.
• Assembly is required, but it’s not difficult and should take only about 15-20 minutes.

Best for small rooms: Vornado – Pivot 5

If you don’t want to plunk down a lot of cash for our luxury pick, the Vornado – VFAN Vintage, the much less expensive Vornado – Pivot 5 is a great option, especially if you’re looking for a fan for a bedroom, office, or kitchen.

Keeping with the line’s chic esthetic, the Pivot 5 is about the size and appearance of a volley ball that sits on a pivoting chrome base, which enables you to pivot the main part of the fan in any direction. The pivot points have also been designed so the fan can be shift with the touch of a finger.

Great for Small Rooms: Vornado - Pivot 5

The Vornado - Pivot 5's unique air-circulation system pushes air all around the fan and is most effective in cooling a bedroom, office, or kitchen.

See Price at Amazon.com

Like other Vornado products, the Pivot 5 has the company’s proprietary Vortex Action that circulates all the air in a room. However, when we tested the Pivot 5 in the living room, we really couldn’t feel much of its famous air circulation. But when we moved the fan into a bedroom, we absolutely felt the difference and could see that the Pivot 5 is most effective in small rooms, like bedrooms, office, or the kitchen. Also, it should be noted that the Vornado – Pivot 5’s air circulation works best when the fan is elevated on a chair or a table.

This Vornado model tested nearly the same in MPH and decibels as the Lasko – 1843, with 9.4 MPH at the high level and 5.6 MPH at the low level, and decibels ranging 60-75 dB, so, again, it’s not the quietest fan you could buy. We purchased the Pivot 5, which does not come with a remote control, and we had to manually turn a knob on the back. The Vornado – Pivot 6 comes with a remote control and is $35 more expensive, but the extra cost may be worth it if you prefer the convenience of remote operation.

Key takeaways:

• The Vornado – Pivot 5’s unique design allows it to circulate all the air surrounding the fan.
• This Vornado model is most effective for circulating air and cooling a small room.
• If you want the convenience of a remote control, the Vornado – Pivot 6 is more expensive but it might be worth the extra cost for you.

Upgrade pick: Vornado – VFAN Vintage

If you are looking for a fan with a lot of bells and whistles, you may want to look at a Dyson tower fan, which is a so-called bladeless fan. However, if you want a sturdy and powerful fan that has a neat vintage aesthetic, doesn’t wobble, and is quiet and powerful, we highly recommend the Vornado – VFAN Vintage. We tested the VFAN Sr, although the line comes in several sizes and even has a pedestal option.

Luxury Pick: Vornado - VFAN Vintage

With its classic look and stylish color, the VFAN would fit right in with a mid-century modern style, but it could also make a great accent piece in any interior design scheme.  Most importantly though, it has high power but operates quietly.

See Price at Amazon.com

For a fan that looks old-fashioned, the VFAN has one of the widest vertical tilt ranges of the fans we tested. It can tilt 180 degrees in either direction; the only thing that stops it from tilting 360 degrees is the cord. It doesn’t oscillate, but it doesn’t need to. The twin air cones, deep-pitched propeller blades, and vortex action mean that air moves outward in a spiral, so it travels further. Even before we verified this with our circulation test, we could feel the breeze rippling in all corners of the room.

It is the most expensive fan we tested, but it’s also made with a quality built to last. It has a durable construction and is made with high-quality materials.

Key takeaways:

• The Vornado brand has been around since 1945, giving them plenty of time to hone their craft. One thing that hasn’t changed? The retro style of the Vornado – VFAN Vintage that recreates the classic look.
• You don’t need a degree in aerodynamics to appreciate the effects of the company’s signature vortex action, which pushes out a large volume of air and allows it to travel further.
• While it doesn’t oscillate, it has a vertical tilt that beats out nearly all of the other finalists.
• Despite a high wind velocity, it is one of the most quiet floor fans we tested.

Best for large spaces: Hurricane Pro – Floor Fan

If you’re looking to dry a wet floor or cool down a large closed-off space, like a gym or workshop, the popular Hurricane Pro Floor Fan is an excellent choice. This sturdy 20″ fan is made entirely of metal with aluminum blades and a black powder-coated finish, so not only is it utilitarian, it’s also attractive.

Assembly of the base couldn’t be easier — locking the tube parts into place took about 15 seconds. Another nice feature is the base has rubber feet that keep the fan stable. Running on 145 watts, the Hurricane was the only one of the four fans we tested for this update with a heavy-duty power cord, which adds a safety factor that the others don’t have. (Regarding the power cord’s length, the Hurricane’s Amazon page lists the cord as 12′, but it’s actually 6′.)

Best For Large Spaces: Hurricane Pro Floor Fan

This 20' all-metal floor fan is a powerhouse and circulates enough air to cool down a large space, like a workshop, barn, gym, or professional garage.

See Price at Amazon.com

The fan pivots on the base 360 degrees and can be locked at a specific angle with knobs on either side of the fan where it connects to the base. The Hurricane is known for its high velocity, thanks to its efficient 1450 RPM motor. It has three speeds, but they’re not dramatically different in air velocity — low was 8.5 MPH, medium was 9.4 MPH, and high was 10.5 MPH.

So overall, the Hurricane is quite gusty, and we were able to feel the cool breeze the fan produced from 10′ away. (Interestingly, the Hurricane was the only fan in this update that had a power knob with the progression of “off” to low to medium to high; the other fans were in reverse, meaning they immediately go from off to high when you start them up.)

As you might expect, a fan with such power can be noisy, and the Hurricane at the high level is 85 decibels. That said, the sound it makes is more like white noise, quite different from the high-pitched whir that the AmazonCommercial fan made (see review below). The only downside to the Hurricane Pro is that the low level is pretty strong, so it doesn’t give a gentle breeze unless you position the fan several feet away.

Key takeaways:

• The Hurricane Pro Floor Fan is an all-metal floor fan that generates high air velocity thanks to its efficient motor.
• This fan doesn’t oscillate, but it pivots in 360 degrees and can be locked into position to cool down a particular area.
• It’s very powerful but it may be too noisy for some people.

AmazonCommercial – HFV20-SP

Similar in appearance to the Hurricane fan, the AmazonCommercial – HVF20-SP is also a good fan large spaces that have little to no ventilation. Instructions for assembling the base were a bit confusing, but after a couple of tries, we got it together in about 15 minutes.

The fan’s cage and base are made of metal, the blade is aluminum, and the durable copper motor runs smoothly and efficiently without any vibration. The AmazonCommercial was certainly the most powerful fan we tested for this 2023 update with wind speeds of 11.5 MPH (high), 10.3 MPH (medium), and 7.8 MPH (low). Even from 12 feet away, we could still feel cool air. But since this fan doesn’t oscillate, when we stood at either side of the fan, we felt nothing.

The fan pivots on the base so it can be angled up for circulating warmer air near the ceiling. A major concern for most people who buy fans is its noise level, and at the high speed, the AmazonCommercial measured 86 decibels, which is quite high and not great if you’re trying to have a conversation or watch TV.

However, if the decibel level isn’t important for you, the AmazonCommercial fan circulates a large volume of air and will cool down any room in no time.

Genesis – Avalon

The Genesis – Avalon is a fitting choice for households that move their fan from room to room. It has a lightweight construction, weighing only 8 pounds, and features an easy-carry handle. For something so lightweight, we were pleasantly surprised at how stable it is on the floor or a table (especially given its high wind speeds). When bumped into, it doesn’t knock over easily, either.

It has a 360-degree vertical tilt, so you can push a large amount of air (it tested as our second-highest rated fan in terms of volume) into the room at whatever angle you wish. It has a durable copper motor, so not only does it reach high wind speeds, it has a reputation for lasting a long time. This makes the low price even more exceptional.

The design is fairly minimalist, encased in a hard black plastic, but it certainly won’t clash with your decor. It blends into any area it is placed. We also appreciated the tightly spaced grill, which keeps small prying hands away from the blades.

We will say that this fan’s low price is somewhat evident in its design. It’s harder to clean the blades of the Genesis, and the all-plastic construction makes it feel and look more flimsy than our other top picks.

Holmes – Lil Blizzard

The Holmes – Lil Blizzard is perfectly sized to fit on your desk, helping you circulate air so you can feel comfortable and work more efficiently. After all, you can’t type with two hands if you’re fanning yourself with one. It isn’t the quietest personal fan, but it isn’t so loud that your office mates would complain. It oscillates smoothly, can be tilted up or down (30 degrees in either direction) and can be locked in place.

Best Personal: Holmes

While the Holmes can circulate air in a small area, it’s an ideal breeze-maker for your desk.

See Price at Amazon.com

It can also be easily used on a bedside table to cool yourself at night or on a kitchen counter to offset the heat from cooking. It’s priced low enough you could buy more than one, and it’s lightweight enough to easily move around if you want to save space.

Air King – 9212

You could say the Air King – 9212 blows away the competition in terms of wind speed and airflow you could say it will blow you across the room. The Air King has tremendous power, but it feels like overkill as a fan for home. It also has a three-pronged outlet, unlike our other fans. If you have an open space office or a garage that would benefit from powerful air circulation, this is a good option.

Best for Office: Air King

The Air King pushed out the highest volume of air of the finalists. However, you'll have to be tolerate its high noise levels.

See Price at Amazon.com

When you first start up the Air King, it makes a rattling sound and wobbles, but then it settles into a normal albeit loud whirring sound. For this reason, we did not choose the Air King for our top pick, despite its winning performance.

GreenTech – PureFlow

The aesthetic of the GreenTech is ultra-modern — in fact, with its sphere shape and shiny white casing, it looks more like a futuristic cartoon character (specifically, EVE from Disney’s WALL-E) than a traditional fan.

We can’t say enough about our comfort level with the bladeless design, and we felt it was safe enough to be in an area where young children are playing, without worrying they would attempt to stick their fingers through a grate and touch the blade.

The digital controls are easy to use, so you can figure them out without the use of the manual. The remote control is simple to use as well and has a long range so it can be used from the other side of a large room.

The speeds range from 1 to 12. It’s not that powerful on its highest speed (at 10” across, it has a smaller face than the average 16 inches), but it circulates well, and you can feel the breeze from across the room. Despite the safety and usability of this fan, we didn’t feel it had enough wind speed to recommend it as our top pick.

What we loved about the digital controls on this fan is that it remembers the last setting you used, so if it was on speed 10 when you turned it off, it will be on speed 10 when you turn it on again.

Rowenta – VU5551

In its turbo-boost mode, the Rowenta had strong wind speeds and was able to push a decent amount of air (just above average when compared with our other finalists). Unfortunately, with only mid-range power, it was the second loudest of the fans we tested. It advertises a top decibel rating of 57, although we recorded it at 68.1. The remote control and unit are easy to interface with, and the fan is easy to adjust.

The downsides to the Rowenta are that there is no on-board storage for the remote control and the front grill is extremely difficult to remove and reposition (making cleaning a chore). It also has a blue light that stays on all night. For these reasons and the fact that it is slightly less powerful than our top picks, we didn’t name this our best pick.

Vornado – Zippi

The Vornado – Zippi is definitely a conversation starter. Available in black, white or a variety of bright colors, the Zippi has a unique look. It is reminiscent of an airplane propeller, with three blades made of soft nylon fabric. The blades are safe to touch even when the fan is in motion. It weighs only 1.7 pounds (our lightest fan) and folds compact, making it an ideal travel companion.

It’s the quietest fan we tested, but it also had the lowest wind speed. We weren’t able to test the CFM due to the way the fan is constructed, although we did notice it is light on power. This took it out of the running for first place. Still, we think it’s pretty cute.

Some users have reported if you tilt it all the way back on the highest setting, it will flip over. We didn’t experience this issue, however.

Honeywell – HT900 Turbo

We can see why the Honeywell is a best seller on Amazon. It’s very basic, but it can pivot to a 90-degree angle and pushes out a large volume of air for its small stature. The Honeywell uses its proprietary Turbo Force Air Circular technology to achieve this effect. It’s one of the quietest fans we tested, so it’s great for a small bedroom.

It’s slightly big for a desktop fan but not enough airflow to place more than a few feet away from where you need it. This makes it a good fan, especially for the price, but prevented it from being labeled our number one.

Despite measuring at a loudness of only 64.6 decibels (close to our average decibel rating), the Best Choice makes clicking, popping, and occasional grinding noises when in use. We also found the so-called “wind mode” to be a little disconcerting; it felt as if power were fading in and out as if it were coming loose from the plug. Finally, the construction left something to be desired, and the LCD digital display never shuts off. For these reasons, we didn’t name the Best Choice as a top pick.

However, given its low price in comparison with the other pedestal fans, it may still be worth considering. If you just need a fan to get you through a brief period, the Best Choice is a decent fan in terms of circulation, breeze, and ease of use.

Klarstein – Silent Storm (Discontinued)

We found that overall, floor fans are more powerful than pedestal fans. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck with a pedestal fan. The Klarstein – Silent Storm delivers consistent high wind speed and circulates air better than the other pedestal fans we tested; in fact, its performance rivaled that of a floor fan. You end up getting the power of a floor fan with the versatility of a pedestal fan. In our opinion, this makes it worth the high price tag (when compared with similar models).

If you like fancy features, you may be especially enticed to buy the Klarstein. One of its coolest features is the comfort mode, which automatically adjusts the speed based on the current room temperature. We also liked the night mode, which turns down the decibels and automatically switches off.

In the same vein, the auto-dimming display means there is nothing blinking at you when you try to go to sleep at night, and it makes the design look more sleek during the day. The natural mode, which simulates the wind, was less jarring than in other models with a similar feature.

On the silent mode, it measures only 40.4 decibels, perfect if you want a gentle breeze at night without the noise. It is one of the louder models on full speed, slightly above our average decibel rating, but it didn’t impact our opinion about the Klarstein. We can honestly say that we didn’t find any drawbacks with this fan, although you may want to keep in mind that the price tag is on the high side compared to other fans we tested.

The Klarstein comes with 26 different speed settings, and while 26 settings may be more than any user actually needs, we loved being able to give the dial a quick spin to easily land within the range we wanted (high, medium, low). The multiple settings are thanks to the brushless DC motor (BLDC), which gives you a wide speed range due to a linear torque curve. BLDC motors have higher efficiency, run quietly, and have a long service life — all features you look for in a quality fan.

How we selected

There is a wide variety of fans on the market, so we started by researching which fans were best for the home and bedroom. Once we had a list of the top-rated fans, we vetted them through reviews on Reddit, Amazon, and real testing sites such as The Wirecutter.

With a list of nine finalists, we read through articles on how to measure the airflow and designed our testing process with a senior manufacturing engineer with over 15 years of combined experience in the automotive, medical, and defense industries.

Once we developed two methods to test wind velocity and circulation and came up with our numbers, we used these fans as any consumer would: to cool down on a hot summer day. In the end, the real-world testing influenced our top picks as much as our calculations.

The cooling effect that you feel is not something that can be directly measured since a fan will not cool a room, but it will help lower your body temperature due to evaporative cooling on your skin. If you are looking for a unit that will lower the temperature in the room, you should consider installing an air conditioner. We recommend the Frigidaire – 8000 BTU as the best window air conditioner.

How we tested

Circulation

Fans can improve air circulation, which means they can move a large volume of air throughout a room. We conducted the circulation test two different ways. First, we used an anemometer and a makeshift wind funnel to measure the rate of airflow. Second, we gauged circulation in a real-world setting using testers on hot, humid days with temperatures in the high 80’s.
We used the anemometer to measure the volume of air each fan could move.

Then we averaged the velocities and calculated the airflow rate in cubic feet per minute (CFM), a standard of measurement used in the HVAC industry. To give you an example of airflow measured in CFM, 300 to 400 CFM per ton of cooling is needed for an air conditioning unit to run properly.

Step 1: Capture all the air coming off the fan
We used a trash bag to “funnel” all of the air coming off the fan down to an opening of 6×6 inches, then measured the air speed that comes out through the opening of the trash bag in linear feet per minute.

Step 2: Measure the airspeed
To measure the airspeed, we turned on the fan to its highest setting, and let it speed up. Then we checked to make sure there wasn’t air blowing out somewhere other than the measured opening. We used our anemometer to measure an average speed for the air coming through the opening in linear feet per minute.

Step 3: Calculate CFM
To determine the number of cubic feet per minute the fan moves, we multiplied the rate in linear feet by .25 square feet (since a 6×6-inch square is a .5x.5’ square). For example, the GreenTech had a speed of 748.1 feet per minute. Multiplying this number by .25 square feet gave us a CFM of 187. We compared our results to data published by the fan manufacturers, when available.

Step 4: Conduct real-world testing
The above calculations may have little bearing on a decision to purchase a fan. With that fact in mind, we also set up a real-world test that is perhaps more useful for the average person.

Our testers sat across the room from a fan to consider its capacity to cool them down and to circulate air. We asked our testers whether they felt cooler and if it felt like the air was moving around the room in a way that made them feel more comfortable. Then, we recorded their responses.

Once we were armed with data, we compared our numbers to tester responses and looked for correlations. We found that the bigger fans were able to push a higher volume of air, even if the blades are moving more slowly.

The Air King, at 20 inches, outperformed the other finalists both in numbers and real-life circulation. The Genesis – Avalon, at more than half the price of the Air King, pushed out a comparable volume of air. Our other floor fan, the Vornado – VFAN Vintage was another top performer. Of the pedestal fans, the Klarstein rated nearly as well as the floor fans.

We were unable to get accurate numbers for the Vornado – Zippi, which has exposed fabric blades that touched the plastic bag and impeded the airflow.

Wind velocity

We tested the peak airspeed with an anemometer at a typical distance we’d use a fan. To capture the speed of an airstream coming off the fan, we used a cardboard “sampling” tube. Our tube measured 3 feet long and 6 inches in diameter. This gave us a straight path for the air that was the same for each test.

We placed each fan so its louver blades weren’t blowing air up or down but were parallel to the ground. Then we held the tube parallel to the ground and directly touching the face of the fan to help isolate it from any vortexes. We turn the fan on to its highest setting and measured the wind speed at the end of the tube. We moved both the tube and meter around different parts of the fan and logged the fastest speeds we could capture.

Since this test only measured the speed of a tiny air stream, a high number here from a small fan isn’t unexpected. However, we found that the wind velocity was higher in our largest fan and our floor fans had the highest speeds.

The Air King reached top speeds of 13.4 miles per hour (MPH), once again outperforming our other finalists. The Vornado – VFAN Vintage was a close second at 11.4 MPH, and the Genesis reached top speeds of 10.5 MPH. Among the pedestal fans, the Klarstein performed the best (and was nearly comparable to the floor fans) at 10.3 MPH.

On the other end of the spectrum, the personal fans had the lowest speeds. The best performer here was the Holmes at 7.8 MPH.

Sound test

The noise of fans are usually calculated as sones, a subjective measurement of how sound is sensed. The lower the sone rating, the quieter the fan will be. You may see this number advertised by manufacturers, although more typically this is used with exhaust fans or fans that serve as a backup when an HVAC system doesn’t work properly.

Typically, the sone level is measured at the maximum cubic feet per minute (speed), which we previously tested. You can also convert sone ratings to decibels to give you an example of how loud a fan sounds. For example, a sone rating of 2.0 would have the approximate noise level of a residential area at night.

For a practical sound level measurement, we used a sound decibel meter to measure decibels at an arm’s length away from the grill and set the fan to its highest setting. Unsurprisingly, our personal fans such as the Vornado – Zippi and Honeywell were the quietest at 48 and 59.8 decibels, respectively. The Holmes was in the mid-range at 64.5 decibels, despite being a personal fan.

The quietest floor fan was the Vornado – VFAN Vintage, which was even quieter than the Holmes at 62.4 decibels. The quietest pedestal fan was the Best Choice at 64.6 decibels.

The Air King was exceptionally loud, rating at 79.2 decibels (or approximately the sound of a vacuum from 3 feet away). It also had the most unpleasing acoustics, as it starts out with a rattling sound, and at full speed, it buzzes like a swarm of bees.

Usability

No matter how quiet or powerful a fan can be, usability is a key factor when choosing a fan that works best for you. For this portion of the testing, we considered how easy it was to interface with the fan, how safe it seemed, and how easy it was to keep clean.

Assembly
As we unpacked the boxes, we considered ease of assembly. The floor and personal fans arrived in one piece, while the pedestal fans needed to be assembled. The Klarstein was the easiest of the pedestal fans to assemble, with a two-piece grill that snapped together. Both the Rowenta and Best Choice required some complicated maneuvering to fit together. This also became an issue when we cleaned the fans later.

Aesthetics
Once assembled, we considered design and aesthetics. We took note of the unique, modern look of the bladeless GreenTech and the sleek design of the Klarstein (especially compared to the other pedestal fans). In terms of sheer style, the Vornado – VFAN Vintage would hold its own with any interior decorating scheme. It is simply a fan meant to be displayed. The Vornado – Zippi is another fan from the same maker that stands out on a desk.

The Air King, with its rough metal edges and exposed screws, has an unrefined, industrial look that may not vibe in a home setting. The Genesis is comparable to the Air King in terms of size and style but tends to blend into the background much better.

Stability
The first thing we looked for when we turned the fans on was whether or not each fan kept steady. We placed the pedestal fans on carpet and hard flooring, the personal fans on a desktop, and the floor fans on carpet, hard flooring, and a kitchen chair (since floor fans should by nature be more versatile in their placement). Nearly all of the fans were stable on their highest setting, the one exception being the Air King, which wobbles on “take off” and then seems to get its bearings.

Cleanability
You don’t have to worry about dust collecting on the blades with the bladeless GreenTech: All you need to do is wipe down the face and base with a soft cloth. If there is any dust accumulation on the back grill, you can clean it with a vacuum. It was the only fan we tested that didn’t require the removal of any parts to clean, making it the most simple.

Two of our personal fans, the Holmes and Honeywell advertise a removable grill that you can easily pop off to dust the blades. However, both models require you to remove the Phillips head screws at the back or base of the grill, so it isn’t as easy as we would have liked.

The grill wire of the Vornado – VFAN Vintage can be released from the support tabs using a flat screwdriver and snapped back into place, making it easier to reach the blades than our other floor models. It is difficult to reach the blades of the Genesis and Air King since you unscrew the grill to clean and then reassemble it.

For the models that require you to take it apart to clean the blades, we came across several tips from users that may help you reduce the number of times you have to perform a deep clean. Among the tools recommended were canned air, Swiffer dusters, and cotton swabs. We also used microfiber cleaning cloths to dust the grill, preemptively removing dust before we needed to clean the blades. If the fans get dirty enough to require a deep clean, check out our step by step guide with photos on how to clean a fan.

Safety
We initially conceived that we would use a pencil to test safety, by seeing if it would fit through the grate and whether or not it left a mark on the side of the pencil when stopped by blades. However, after concern that this would damage the fans, we went with a much simpler test: seeing if our pinky finger (roughly the size of a child’s index finger) would fit through the grate with the fan turned off.

Styled after its 1945 predecessor (the fans of those days had more exposed blades), the Vornado – VFAN Vintage was the only fan that caused us to raise our eyebrows. Our pinky finger fit a little deeper than we felt safe, were the fan to be on, and a child involved. Needless to say, you would want to keep children and pets away from any fan with a moving blade. If you are concerned about safety, the bladeless GreenTech would be your best bet. The Vornado – Zippi is another safe alternative, with fabric blades that won’t harm little fingers.

Usability
The floor fans and personal fans are fairly straightforward in terms of operation: you use a knob to turn them on. Therefore we didn’t concern ourselves with usability as much as the pedestal fans.

For all the fans, we measured cord length with a ruler, since nobody wants a fan that doesn’t reach their outlets. The cords typically ran to 5 or 6 feet, with several fans on the shorter side of the spectrum at 5 feet. We favored the 6 feet, although the 8-foot cord of the GreenTech was handy. The Air King had 20 feet of cord, which was more than necessary for our home needs.

For the pedestal fans, we interacted with them without reading the user manuals first, to determine whether or not the display symbols were intuitive. Since the pedestal fans came with a remote, we checked the product manuals for specifications and tested whether the remotes worked at the ranges claimed.

The Klarstein was intuitive to interface with, both on the LCD digital display and remote control, despite having multiple settings, speeds, and a timer. We especially liked the fact that the remote control had the same dial system to adjust speed as on the fan. Another feature we liked is the auto-dimming display, which turns off automatically after a few moments so you don’t have a distracting glow in your bedroom at night.

Strangely enough, some users have reported that their television remote changes the fan settings. We didn’t experience this with any of the remotes we used around it: television, DVD, and Wii.

In comparison, the Best Choice has an easy-to-read digital display, but the bright blue light never shuts off, which can make it hard to sleep when placed in a bedroom. The remote control is clearly labeled with words (rather than icons like the Klarstein) and easy to use.

Features to consider

Aesthetics: You want the style and design of a fan to fit in line with your room and personal needs without spoiling the interior design.

Noise: Since a fan is often placed in a living room or bedroom, you want it to be quiet enough that you can hold a conversation without shouting. Our 10 fans averaged a reading of 63.86 decibels. (This is about the noise level of the inside of an average restaurant.) Bonus points if the fan has a quiet setting so you can use it to fall asleep at night.

Oscillation: The ability to push out large volumes of air makes a fan better able to circulate a room. However, even a fan with low CFM (cubic feet per minute) measurements can provide a wide area of coverage if it oscillates.

Removable grill: A fan can gather dust quickly and push it out into the room. A fan that’s easy to clean, such as one with a removable grill, makes it more likely that you will clean it on a regular basis.

Remote control: For the sake of convenience, a remote control is handy to have, especially if the fan has remote control housing for storage when not in use. You may never have to leave your couch again.

Weight: The lighter the fan, the easier it is to move around the room or even switch rooms.

Types of fans we tested

We reviewed the best tower fan in another article, so for this article, we focused on the following three types of household fans.

Floor: A floor fan sits on the floor and tends to be larger than other fans. Since heat rises and the coolest air is at floor level, this will push the cooler air upwards. This makes a floor fan a good choice for home, even though many floor fans are used in industrial applications.

Pedestal: An oscillating pedestal fan generally has large blades that are capable cirof cooling larger rooms. All the pedestal fans we tested have an adjustable stand. You can use the adjustable stand to change the height of a pedestal fan, and it usually includes both a remote control and digital display so you can adjust the settings from your couch or bed.

Personal: Also referred to as a table fan, a personal fan has a small, compact size. This makes it ideal for placing on desks, tables or countertops so you can stay cool in your personal space. It is typically used if you are working at home or situated at an office desk.

The bottom line

With any of our top choices, you can feel confident you’ll be purchasing a high-caliber product. They all have high wind speeds, push out a large volume of air, and are constructed from durable, quality materials. The best choice for you when it comes to a fan depends on your personal preferences and budget.

If you are looking for a pedestal fan that can be adjusted to direct a strong air stream to where you need it, the Lasko – 1843 is an excellent choice. It can be set to a night-time mode that is ultra-quiet and shuts off after a set amount of time, making it an ideal fan for the bedroom.

For a small room, we recommend the Vornado Pivot 5, which has a unique design that circulates the air surrounding the fan itself. If you to dry a wet floor or cool a large unventilated space, the Hurricane Pro Floor Fan has a lot of power to push air at high velocity.

The Vornado – VFAN Vintage is a great choice for those who have a strong sense of style and want a fan that circulates air in a tornado air stream that reaches all corners of the room.

And if you’re looking for even more breezy fan action, check out our review of the best tower fan.

Top Pick: Lasko - 1843

Very affordable and versatile, the Lasko - 1843 also has a remote control that you can use to program the fan or change the speed intensity with a touch of the finger.

See Price at Amazon.com

The post The 14 Best Fans appeared first on Your Best Digs.

Table of contents

• The 10 bath towels we tested
• Best overall: Lauren Home – Wescott
• Also great: Superior – 900 GSM
• Budget pick: Cotton Craft – Ultra Soft
• Other products we tested
• How we selected
• How we tested
• How to pick the best towel
• How to wash bath towels
• Important features to consider
• The bottom line

The 10 bath towels we tested

Best overall: Lauren Home – Wescott

The plushness and softness of the Lauren Home – Wescott Bath Towel earned it our highest recommendation, especially since it was just as plush and soft over time as when it was first purchased. Made of low twist cotton, it was one of our most absorbent towels and gathered no lint after multiple washes. The Lauren Home is available in a wide array of colors, so you can match nearly any color scheme in your bathroom.

Not only does the Lauren Home have a sumptuous feel, it has a quality look and understated design that made it stand out from the other finalists when simply hanging over the towel rack. It is more than just a display towel, however. Its softness, fluffiness, and durability after multiples uses and washes were unparalleled by the other finalists we tested. While priced slightly higher than our other finalists, we felt it provided enough value to recommend the investment.

Top Pick: Lauren Home - Wescott

Preferences in towels can vary, but the quality craftsmanship and high absorbency of the Lauren Home make it universally appealing. While more expensive than our other finalists, the Lauren Home holds its value after repeated washes.

See Price at Macys

Despite how much we loved this towel, there are a few things we would change. As a dense towel with a 578 GSM, it was one of the slowest to dry when we hung it in the bathroom. Since this was also the case with our other plush towels, we didn’t consider it a deal-breaker. However, it may be something to think twice about depending on the climate in which you live.

Secondly, we tested this towel in white and it had already become less bright. You can prevent white laundry from turning gray by using a detergent with a bleaching component, a mild oxidizing agent, or even by simply line drying it in the sun. As we didn’t want to compromise our tests, we didn’t take any of these steps at home, but they are an easy solution to keeping white laundry white.

Other than these two considerations, the Lauren Home is a high-quality towel that feels as good on your skin as it looks good hanging on the towel rack.

Key takeaways:

• The Lauren Home is an ultra-soft towel with a 578 GSM, making it dense, plush and absorbent without being too heavy.
• It is made from 100 percent cotton with a low twist loop construction, which adds to the plushness and absorbency.
• This towel outperformed all of our other finalists in terms of softness and thickness over multiple rounds in the washer and dryer.
• It comes in 20 vibrant color options and has a slightly textured band for a subtle design.

Also great: Superior – 900 gsm

A higher GSM makes for a denser and plusher towel, and the Superior – 900 GSM Bathroom Towel was the heaviest towel we tested. The drying power was remarkable thanks to a high GSM and double-ply construction, and 100 percent long-staple, combed cotton made it a luxurious experience. It comes in a coordinating six-piece set of washcloths, hand towels, and bath towels and is available in a wide range of colors. Because of the style of its fibers, the Superior was more absorbent than a lot of the other towels.

Also great: Superior - 900 GSM

The plushness of this towel makes wrapping up in its thick and soft cotton an indulgent experience. It was the most absorbent of the towels we tested; the downside is that this means it takes longer to dry than a thinner towel.

See Price at Amazon

While we tested in summer, we imagine this towel would be ideal for keeping away a winter chill. No one wants to step out of a warm shower into a cold bathroom, and the Superior’s ability to absorb moisture in an instant, combined with a heavy drape, would help you retain the heat from the shower.

We loved how pampered we felt using this towel, which is a big reason it was our runner-up pick. It narrowly missed being chosen as our overall winner, because some testers found the heaviness to be overwhelming. It could almost double as a bath mat. Since it is so thick, it also takes a long time to dry. It took 50 minutes to dry to the touch in our dryer, ten minutes longer than any of the other towels we tested. That being said, it also excelled at retaining its color and texture after the drying process was complete.

Key takeaways:

• Long-staple, combed cotton leaves only the finest and longest fibers, so it was no surprise that the Superior was among the coziest and most absorbent towels we tested.
• It has a 900 GSM and double-ply construction, so if you prefer a heavier towel, this is your best option.
• The Superior retained is softness, thickness, and color in our tests, making it one of the best towels we tested.
• While it takes a long time to dry, we can easily say it was the most absorbent towel of our finalists.

Budget pick: Cotton Craft – Ultra Soft

Just because you’re on a tight budget doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice quality. Priced well below our other finalists (per towel when you order the set), the Cotton Craft – Ultra Soft is an inexpensive towel that still looks and feels good after multiple uses and washes. In fact, it rated right up there with our number one and luxury pick in terms of color retention, linting and durability.

Budget Pick: Cotton Craft

An extremely affordable towel with the kind of durability you would expect in a more expensive option. It is a great option for stocking up a rental, or for a new college student headed to the dorms.

See Price at Amazon

It is made with 100 percent cotton, a ring-spun loop construction, and a rayon band. Since ring-spun yarn requires a long-staple cotton that is smoother and less likely to lint, you can be confident you’re getting good value for your money. After repeated washes, the Cotton Craft had attracted no lint or fuzz, nor did it appear frayed or faded.

The Cotton Craft is a good choice for those who prefer a thinner, textured towel that is durable and functional. It’s not as ultra-soft as advertised, but it’s not uncomfortably rough either. Since it is so affordable and easy to care for, it’s also a good option for a student headed off to college or for stocking a summer rental.

Key takeaways:

• For such an economical towel, the Cotton Craft remained attractive after multiple uses.
• It experienced no fading or fraying after repeat washes.
• Made with ring spun cotton, the yarn loops remained smooth and attracted no lint even after extended testing.
• The Cotton Craft is thinner, has a soft yet textured feel, and rated well for absorbency.

Other products we tested

Chakir – Luxury Hotel & Spa

The Chakir – Luxury Hotel & Spa Bath Towel had the best balance between softness/scratchiness and heaviness/thinness of all our finalists. With a 750 GSM, it was dense but not too heavy. While plush and soft, the fabric loops also had a nubby texture that would please those on team scratchy. If you live with a significant other or roommate who doesn’t agree with your towel preferences, the Chakir is likely to make both of you happy.

Best of Both Worlds: Chakir

The Chakir strikes the perfect balance with a medium weight and soft yet textured feel. It's not the widest towel among our contenders, but it's luxurious feel will likely win you over anyway.

See Price at Amazon

Despite being labeled as Turkish cotton (typically a faster-drying towel), the Chakir – Luxury Hotel & Spa towel was one of the slowest-drying towels we tested. It also had the smallest width (by a few inches). Despite these few drawbacks, which prevented it from becoming our number one pick, the Chakir is a luxurious towel that we confidently recommend.

The deep hue held true after multiple washes, the seams stayed intact and there was very little linting.

Fieldcrest – Luxury Solid

The Fieldcrest – Luxury Solid Towel is a solid option (no pun intended) in terms of softness, absorbency, and durability. It is OEKO-TEX certified and designed to resist color fading (it still looks brand new after all our testing) and benzoyl peroxide stains. If anyone in your household has sensitive skin and/or uses acne treatments, this is an excellent option for you.

It offers high absorbency and hang-dries quickly, so it’s also a good choice if you live in a humid climate. The Fieldcrest is exceptionally soft, a medium weight, and thickened up after washing. We really don’t have anything bad to say about this towel, but our top picks were just a little plusher and denser than the Fieldcrest.

Threshold – Performance Solid

Right out of the package, the Threshold – Performance Solid Bath Towel was one of the softest towels we tested, and it retained most of its softness after washing and drying five times. Multiple washes made it feel thicker, and it didn’t accumulate any lint.

If softness is high on your priority list, this towel is a good choice. However, we didn’t choose it as our top pick since it had already begun to show wear after washing and drying five times. Its seams held up well, but the edges started to look somewhat fuzzy and worn. The color faded slightly, as well.

AmazonBasics – Quick-Dry

If you’re looking for a cozy feeling and lightweight towel at a reasonable price, the AmazonBasics – Quick-Dry Towel is a good option. However, if you don’t want your towels to show their age, you may want to look elsewhere.

The AmazonBasics is made of 100 percent cotton and meets OEKO-TEX standards so you can feel confident that it is free from regulated and not-yet-regulated (but known to be harmful) substances. It was the least absorbent of our finalists since the loops were too soft to brush water off our body.

It kept its color well but overall appeared fuzzy after repeated washing and drying. Both the cotton loops and the trim suffered wear. This fact took it out of the running as the best towel. For a mid-range price, we expected this towel to hold up better.

Martex – Commercial

Pleasantly scratchy and thin, multiple washes improved the thickness of the Martex – Commercial Bath Towel without changing the texture. Advertised as a commercial quality towel, we could easily see how this could be a good choice for a public pool or gym as it retained a like-new appearance after many washes. Despite its thinness, the Martex has high absorbency and dries in a moderate amount of time.

While extremely durable, the course texture and thinness of the towel gave it a dormitory or beach rental vibe. It didn’t have the feel of a towel you might invest in at home, which prevented it from being our top choice. However, if you’re sending a student off to school with the basic necessities or need to stock the bathroom your AirBnB guests use, the Martex is easy to care for and will likely stand the test of time.

Utopia Towels – Extra Large

If you’re looking for a bath towel that can double as a beach towel, you’ll appreciate the oversized width and length of the Utopia Towels – Extra Large Bath Towel. Made with ring spun cotton, the Utopia was absorbent and dried relatively quickly for its large size. Despite the extra yardage, we found the price to be high for its middle-of-the-road performance.

While it offers a good compromise in terms of softness/scratchiness and weight, it had already begun to look discolored and linty after a few washes. The seams stayed intact, and while it may not keep its original beauty, it didn’t appear as if it would fall apart or tear any time soon.

Pinzon

After the first wash, we thought the Pinzon – Bath Towel Set would be a great budget choice. There’s the fact that it meets stringent safety and environmental standards with OEKO-TEX certification. It leans toward the scratchier side, a bonus for some people, and has a nice medium weight with 600 GSM that would please most. The Pinzon was also absorbent and the fastest drying towel in our staged tests.

The downside, and the deal-breaker on naming it a top pick, was the lint. It started to collect after the second wash and became progressively worse. By the sixth wash, the ring-spun yarn that originally gave it a sleek appearance was nearly unrecognizable.

How we selected

Since the debate on soft versus scratchy towels will forever be an ongoing discussion, we know that purchasing towels can be a highly subjective and personal process. On the other hand, criteria such as quality and absorbency are factors nearly everyone looks for.

To this end, we looked at towel-buying guides in Good Housekeeping, Consumer Reports, and the Home Shopping Network to learn how to best determine these qualities before purchasing. From this research phase, we narrowed down our finalists to those with 100 percent cotton and focused on towels with a higher weight.

Once we had our criteria in mind, we looked closely at reputable reviews on sites like Wirecutter and Business Insider. The information we found on these sites gave us some additional parameters for our selections, focusing our attention on towels with longer yarn loops with more surface area and a denser weave.

Once we had a good grasp on fabric technology and picked up a few tips from textile experts, we considered customer testimonials on Reddit – Buy It for Life and big-box retailers like Target and Amazon. This helped us cull our list and narrow our finalists down to the top ten. Once we had our finalists in hand, we conducted additional research on how to care for towels and dove into some real-world testing.

How we tested

In addition to real-life testing where we used these towels as you would at home, we conducted specific tests to determine softness, absorbency, and durability.

In all our testing, we washed the colored towels in warm water and the white towels in hot water since Real Simple reports that hot water can fade colors and make the texture more scratchy. On the other hand, white towels keep their brightness better in hot wash. All the towels were washed with Tide Regular on a 10-minute normal/casual cycle and dried on the low heat, economy setting. (Read our review of the best laundry detergent here.)

Softness and thickness

Product	Out of Package	Out of Package	After Vinegar Wash	After Vinegar Wash	After Wash/Dry 5X	After Wash/Dry 5X
	Softness	Thickness	Softness	Thickness	Softness	Thickness
Lauren Home - Wescott	5	5	5	5	5	5
Superior - 900 GSM	5	5	4	5	4	5
Cotton Craft - Ultra Soft	3	2	3	2	3	2
Chakir - Luxury Hotel Spa	3	4	3	4	3	4
Fieldcrest - Luxury Solid	5	3	4	3	4	4
Threshold - Performance Solid	4	4	3	4	3	4
Martex - Commercial Bath Towel	2	2	2	2	2	3
AmazonBasics - Quick-Dry	5	2	5	2	5	2
Utopia Towels - Extra Large Bath	3	3	3	3	3	3
Pinzon	2	3	2	3	2	3

Towels are rated on a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 is the softest and thickest.

Before we started washing or using the towels, we used our non-dominant hands to feel the softness of the fabric when first out of the package. According to Wirecutter, our dominant hands are rougher and therefore we can get a better sense of softness by using our non-dominant hand. Then we gripped it to determine how thick the towel felt in our hands. We rated each towel on a scale of one to five, with five being the softest and thickest.

The fabric softener finishes used by the manufacturers make the towels soft to the touch, but also make them less absorbent. Just to put this to the test, we used each of the towels without washing them first.

While a majority of the towels felt softer than they did after the first wash, we didn’t note a major difference in absorbency. The one exception was the AmazonBasics – Quick-Dry Towel. It was super soft, but had zero absorbency and felt like we were drying off with a fleece blanket. Subsequent washes greatly improved the absorbency, although this was one of our less absorbent towels in the final results.

For the first wash, we used detergent and white vinegar to set colors and remove any finishes the manufacturers might have coated the towels with. After the first wash with vinegar, we compared each towel to a duplicate fresh from the package that had never been washed. Once most or all of the manufacturer’s finishing was removed, we again rated each towel on a scale of one to five for softness and thickness.

Our softest and thickest towels were the Lauren Home and Superior, both fresh out of the package and after five rounds of washing and drying. The AmazonBasics also rated among the winners in the softness scale, making it a good option if you prefer a soft towel that is on the thinner side. If you prefer a scratchier towel, the Chakir – Luxury Hotel & Spa Bath Towel is on the coarser side, while still nice and thick.

Durability and color retention

Product	Linting	Color	Durability
Lauren Home - Wescott	5	4	5
Superior - 900 GSM	5	5	5
Cotton Craft - Ultra Soft	5	5	5
Chakir - Luxury Hotel Spa	4	5	5
Fieldcrest - Luxury Solid	5	5	5
Threshold - Performance Solid	5	4	4
Martex - Commercial Bath Towel	5	5	5
AmazonBasics - Quick-Dry	3	5	3
Utopia Towels - Extra Large Bath	3	4	3
Pinzon	1	5	4

Towels are rated on a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 is the most durable, least linting and best color retention.

Pulled threads can occur if they are caught on sharp objects, so for durability we looked more at hem fraying. A visual inspection of the hems, with an eye on neatly folded edges and secure stitching, can give you a good indicator of durability even before you purchase a towel. To test durability of hems over time, we washed and dried each towel five times on the cycles mentioned above.

We inspected the hems again after five rounds in the washer and dryer. We examined each towel to see if the stitching held up, if there were any worn spots, and whether the hems were frayed, then rated it on a scale of one to five.

After washing for five cycles, we once again rated the towels on a scale from one to five for softness and thickness. We also looked at whether they began to collect lint (not to be confused with the moulting process of new towels) and rated how much lint each towel accrued on a scale from one to five.

In terms of durability and linting, the Lauren Home, Superior, and Cotton Craft appeared practically new despite multiple washes. Their seams were intact and there was very little to no wear on the yarn loops. The AmazonBasics showed the most overall wear, and the Pinzon had collected a large amount of lint that we would need a fabric shaver to remove.

We also compared the towels for a color match and rated them on a scale of one to five (five being best) for how true they stayed to their original colors after washing and drying five times. For the white towels, we considered brightness and whiteness versus fading.

All of our colored towels matched their original color perfectly, even after five cycles in the washer and dryer. Of the towels we purchased in white, the Lauren Home and Utopia fared less well. We washed them in a separate load from the colored towels. After five rounds in the washer and dryer, they both looked white when viewed alone or next to each other. However, they appeared slightly gray when viewed next to their unwashed match.

Absorbency

Towels are rated on a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 is the most absorbent.

Since you want a towel that stands the test of time, we considered absorbency after the five wash-and-dry cycles. As we tested, we kept in mind that fiber loops should brush water off the body and that absorbency is impacted by a number of factors such as: the number of loops, length of the loops, thickness or coarseness of the yarn, and how tightly the loops are packed together.

The most absorbent towels will have the most surface area, which means you should look for longer and thinner loops in a deep pile. We took two showers with each towel, then rated them on a scale of one to five for absorbency based on how well they dried the entire body.

The majority of our finalists rated a four or five in absorbency. The thicker, plusher towels like Lauren Home and Superior wicked away moisture. A thinner, coarser towel like Cotton Craft was still effective thanks to the scratchier yarn that brushed water off the body and absorbed the remainder. The AmazonBasics was the only towel that left us feeling less than dry.

Dry time

To begin with, we cleaned our dryer air exhaust vent to avoid clogging (which could make the towels tested at the end take longer to dry and skew the results) and cleaned it again halfway through testing. We changed the dryer lint trap after each use for the same reason. Then we washed towels and dried them in the dryer on the low-economy setting.

Towels were split up into two groups of five, in order to give them an appropriate amount of space in the dryer. We checked the dryer every 10 minutes and pulled out the towels that were fully dry. We recorded how long each towel took to be dry to the touch. Since we didn’t want to overdry our towels, we pulled them out at 97 percent dry. While not an exact science, we gripped each towel with our hand to see if they were dry to the touch, without being bone dry (which might harm the fabric).

We also tested how long each towel took to dry in the bathroom. We used each towel to dry off after a shower and then hung it in the same bathroom to dry. We hung the towels to dry over the shower curtain rod (sans the curtain), with a window and door open to ensure air flow. Then we checked hourly and recorded how long it took the towels to be fully dry to the touch.

To account for temperature and humidity in the bathroom, we tested each morning at the same time and used an analog hygrometer to measure the amount of moisture in the air. Our tests were conducted over a period of days (between 8 to 9 am each morning), with the internal room temperature at 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 percent humidity after the first hour (80 degrees and 70 percent humidity immediately post-shower). We conducted our dryer and hang-dry tests five times to ensure consistency in our recorded results.

Under these conditions, all of our finalists were dry to the touch in 11 hours and under. Our fastest drying towel was the Pinzon, a scratchier, thinner towel with high absorbency. Perhaps because it absorbed less moisture in the first place, the AmazonBasics lived up to its name. It dried in 30 minutes in the dryer and in eight hours when hung to dry in the bathroom.

Not surprisingly, some of the plusher and denser towels like the Chakir, Superior, and Lauren Home took longer to dry, especially when hung. In the end, we found the difference in dry time in the dryer to be minimal (a difference of ten minutes max). Since all the towels we hung dry in the morning were dry before night, it didn’t weigh heavily on our final choices. However, if you live in a humid climate, this may have more impact on which towels you choose to purchase.

How to pick the best towel

Manufacturers often coat towels with a fabric softening finish that makes them feel soft in the store, but this finish wears off after two to three washes. So instead of going by feel, you may be better off looking at the fabric and visually inspecting it for durability and quality craftsmanship. Durable towels will of course have strong fabric, but you should also look for a towel with double-turned edges and double stitching — these are more likely to stand the test of time.

If you choose a towel that is made of quality fibers and is well-constructed, other factors such as size, softness, and weight come down to personal preference.

Fabric terminology

Fabric terminology can be tricky, but you don’t need a degree in textiles to read the labels with our breakdown on fabrics. Here are some examples of lingo you may see when searching for the best towel.

Long staple cotton: Long staple or extra-long staple (ELS) cotton has fibers that are 1 ⅛ inches and longer. This equates to smoother, stronger and more flexible yarn. Shorter fibers produce yarns that are rougher and tend to pill or attract lint, while longer fibers make for stronger and softer towels that can stand up to repeated washes and retain color longer.

Pima or Egyptian cotton: Pima, Supima (the trademark for American-grown, ELS cotton) or Egyptian cotton are a different species of cotton plant with longer fibers. The yarn is silkier, smoother and towels made of Pima cotton are more absorbent and softer. However, the Cotton Egypt Association (CEA) reports that not all Egyptian cotton is labeled accurately, so you may want to look for the CEA’s Gold Seal certification to make sure you’re getting the real thing.

Turkish cotton: Similar to Egyptian cotton, Turkish cotton produces extra-long fibers. The cotton grown in the Aegean region is soft, strong and absorbent. While towels made with Turkish cotton aren’t as absorbent as Egyptian cotton, they are lightweight and dry more quickly, making them ideal for humid climates. Quality varies depending on the weaver, and you’ll still need to be wary of manufacturers making false claims to authentic Turkish cotton.

Combed cotton: This means that the cotton has been combed to remove shorter fibers and impurities, leaving only the strongest and longest threads.

Ring spun cotton: The short and long fibers of ring-spun cotton are twisted together to create a smoother, finer yarn. The process requires long staple cotton, so you know you’re already starting with a quality base.

Twist: This refers to how much of the yarn loop is twisted. A high twist makes for a more durable towel, while a low or zero-twist makes for a plusher, more absorbent towel.

GSM: This stands for grams per square meter or the weight of the towel. Under 400 GSM is considered a lightweight towel, 400-600 GSM is medium weight, and above 600 GSM is the heaviest.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100: The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a worldwide certification system of raw and finished textile products. Articles such as yarns, fabrics, and towels undergo independent testing to ensure they are free from harmful substances such as banned Azo colorants, formaldehyde, and pentachlorophenol. Certification also means they must be free of chemicals that are known to be harmful to human health but are not yet legally controlled. Textiles used close to the skin, such as towels, are more closely regulated than articles not in direct contact with skin.

How to wash bath towels

You should clean your towels when you first purchase them. Doing so will remove the silicones and other finishes they are coated with to make them feel softer in the store. (While these finishes may feel nice, they block absorbency.)

Step 1 – Use vinegar for first wash:
For the first wash, Better Homes & Gardens recommends you use white vinegar, which helps to both set the colors and remove excess detergent residue. Since vinegar doubles as a cleaning agent, you can use half the recommended amount of detergent plus a half to one cup of white vinegar. We washed the colored towels and white towels separately.

Step 2 – Check manufacturer instructions:
You should check the manufacturer’s washing and drying instructions to get the most longevity out of your towels. Washing them separately from other clothes is the most hygienic method and makes it easier to follow the care instructions for your towels. Liquid fabric softeners can decrease absorbency and increase flammability, so skip the fabric softener completely or use dryer sheets instead.

Step 3 – Wash often:
Since towels absorb body oils and collect dead skin cells, and a moist towel is a breeding ground for bacteria, your towels should dry thoroughly in between uses and be washed frequently.

Step 4 – Avoid overdrying:
Shaking your towels out before placing them into the dryer can fluff the yarn loops to aid absorbency and reduce drying time. While you don’t want to overdry, which can wreck the cotton fibers, you want to make sure that they are dry enough to prevent mildew. With proper care, high-quality towels can last you a decade.

Important features to consider

Density: If you want a denser, plusher, more absorbent towel, you’ll typically want to look for a towel above 500 GSM. Keep in mind that heaviness does not always equal quality, so you’ll want to consider the fabric as well as the GSM.

Softness: Not everyone wants a super plush towel; some people prefer a scratchier towel with a more exfoliating surface. If you do prize softness above all else, you may want to look for a towel made of long-staple or extra long-staple yarn.

Durability: A towel with double-turned edges with double stitching will prevent fraying and have a longer life span.

Weaving technique: This determines the durability of your towels. A poorly woven towel can stretch or even tear and the thread loops can fray.

Fabric: According to Good Housekeeping, 100 percent cotton is the softest and most absorbent. If you want a faster-drying and more economical option, a cotton/polyester blend is a good choice.

Size: Bath towels typically range between 27-30 by 52-58 inches. Some towels are available oversized for more coverage.

Bleach or benzoyl/peroxide resistant: Some acne treatments use benzoyl peroxide, which can leave bleach spots on your towels. If you use acne cleansers or creams, you may want to consider purchasing white towels, or a product that claims to be benzoyl peroxide safe.

The bottom line

In the end, quality and durability were metrics that reigned supreme in our decision-making process. Factors like softness, weight and size can all depend on personal preference, so we weighted our decision toward longevity. However, we don’t think it hurt our top picks that they were lush and comfortable to use.

On the downside, their high absorbency and plush nature meant that they took longer to dry. If you live in a region where that could be an issue, you may want to take a look at our other finalists. That said, the affordable luxury of the Lauren Home – Wescott Bath Towel and the Superior – 900 GSM Bathroom Towel make them well worth a try. We feel confident recommending the Lauren Home as an ideal choice for most households, and we suggest the Superior if you don’t mind a heavy drape.

For those on a tighter budget, the Cotton Craft – Ultra Soft provides excellent value with ring-spun cotton that retains a smooth feel after multiple washes.

And now that you have the perfect towel selected, check out our review of the best shower head.

Top Pick: Lauren Home

A combination of fluffiness, absorbency and durability made this our top performer and number one pick. It is a dense towel with a subtle design that makes it look as good as it feels.

See Price at Macys

The post The Best Bath Towels appeared first on Your Best Digs.

British engineer and designer Sir James Dyson started developing cyclone technology in 1978. Five years (and over 5,000 prototypes) later, he had invented the world’s first bagless vacuum cleaner. Dyson’s cordless vacuums have become so popular, they’ve actually stopped developing new plug-in vacuums. As the most expensive handheld vacuum on the market, we wanted to know if the V7 lived up to the hype.

Over the course of several months, we put vacuum through a series of tests to judge their performance and ease of use. We also put each model to task on a variety of daily cleaning jobs, such as vacuuming up cereal from car seats and sand from our front door mat. The Dyson – V7 Trigger is the latest release of their handheld vacuum, and our in-house testing confirmed that Dyson lives up to its reputation.

Dyson - V7 Trigger

We tested the V7 against eight handheld vacuums and it stood out with its power and handling, although it comes with a much higher price tag.

See Price at Amazon.com

Table of contents

• What sets the Dyson V7 apart
• Dyson – V7 performance
• Attachments
• What we didn’t love about the Dyson – V7
• The bottom line
  

What sets the Dyson V7 apart

Compared to the other finalists, the Dyson offers the most convenience. It is portable, lightweight and easy to maneuver. The Dyson is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your grip and to spread the weight across your whole hand.

Power and suction are arguably the most important part of a handheld vacuum. And simply put, the Dyson was easier to use and more powerful than the other handheld vacuums we tested, making faster work of our cleaning projects. The lithium-ion battery can be fully charged in 3.5 hours and runs for as long as 30 minutes. Comparatively, the other finalists took between four to eight hours to fully charge, and lasted between 12 and 30 minutes.

While not even lithium-ion batteries are truly “fade-free”, the Dyson suffered minimal power drop when we tested it at the 90% discharge point (minutes away from a completely dead battery). Our other finalists with lithium-ion batteries did not fare so well.

Cyclone technology

The Dyson can collect smaller particles than other finalists we tested, thanks to a unique two-tier cyclone system that we’ll explain in a minute. The difference was notable on our floor and upholstery, and also when we emptied the dustbin. The dust was finer in the Dyson than in any of the other finalists, indicating that it was pulling up dust and dirt to a higher degree than its counterparts.

Dyson’s cyclone technology uses two tiers of 15 cyclones to generate a centrifugal force that can create a powerful upward sucking motion and can capture microscopic dust. Once vacuumed into the chamber, the first tier of cyclones creates a vortex that spins at about 200 mph and flings large particles out of the cyclone into a dust-collecting cup. The second tier of cyclones, tucked inside the first, creates a cyclone that can reach 900 mph, which can spin out and collect dust particles as small as 0.5 microns.

For comparison, a single strand of human hair is 50 to 70 microns in diameter. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency places particle pollution into two categories: inhalable particles 10 micrometers and smaller (such as dust, pollen, mold) and fine inhalable particles 2.5 micrometers and smaller.

Smaller particles can get deep into your lungs, and some may even get into your bloodstream. We also reviewed the best air purifiers that can help control fine dust in your home, but collecting as much fine dust as possible in your vacuum is definitely your best bet.

The other advantage to a vacuum using cyclone technology is a strong suction power, and therefore cleaner floors. The downside is that these types of vacuums are generally sold at a much higher price point.

Dyson digital motor V7

Most cordless machines use brushed DC motors that spin around 25,000 rpm. The motor of the Dyson – V7 uses a digital pulse to propel a magnetic rotor that can reach 110,000 rpm. To give you an indication of how fast this is, a race car engine moves at 19,000 rpm. The end result of the high speed is more powerful suction, so you can clean more effectively.

Dyson – V7 performance

We tested our handheld vacuums for several months before determining a winner, and Dyson (a company that is always working on new products and technology) released a newer model of their handheld vacuum during the time we were working on our article. We originally reviewed the Dyson – V6 Trigger, and when the Dyson – V7 Trigger arrived on the scene, we tested the newer model as well.

Testing both models over a period of months gave us an in-depth familiarity and understanding of the Dyson handheld vacuum. With that knowledge, we felt comfortable recommending the Dyson – V7 Trigger as our number one handheld vacuum. It outperformed the other seven finalists in terms of power, runtime and ergonomics. Here’s a rundown of how the Dyson compared to the rest:

Usability

One of the aspects we found frustrating with other handheld vacuums that we tested was that emptying the waste bin necessitated pulling out the filter, making it a dirty job. Thus, the Dyson’s hygienic one-touch bin emptying was a favorite feature of ours, as it drives out dirt and debris with one action. It was also simple to remove, wash and replace the lifetime filter.

It is lightweight, only 3.8 pounds, and ergonomically designed. The trigger fits flush to the handle of the machine, so that the load is shared across the whole hand. This puts less pressure on the wrist and fingers, and makes it easy to use for an extended period of time. Compact and portable, we found it the easiest of our handheld vacuums to grab and go.

It has a clear dustbin with a 0.15-gallon capacity, so you can actually see the amount of fine dust it captures, and hygienic one-touch emptying so that you don’t have to touch any of it. In the case of dirtier jobs, such as vacuuming a mattress, we found this to be a pretty key feature.

Power and suction

We can tell you that the Dyson generates up to 100 air watts of suction on MAX mode, but we’d rather spell it out in terms of actual cleaning capability. The Dyson can suck up a Cheerio from an inch and a half away, and can suction at least 16 ounces of weight.

While it’s not likely that you’d wish to vacuum up something that heavy, it is a good indicator of how well the Dyson performs. It was excellent at removing sand, debris and dust from both hard floors and carpets, which we tested using cereal and dry oatmeal.

We put the Dyson to task on staged tests such as baking soda ground into short pile carpet, as well as real life messes. Of all the finalists we tested, the Dyson was the most capable at picking up debris and dust. Not only could you clearly see a difference on the floor and upholstery, you could see an incredible amount of fine dust in the waste container; much more than we originally assumed was on the floor.

The run-time enhancing, light-touch trigger means that battery power is only used for cleaning tasks. The Dyson allows you to save seconds and minutes of battery life by shutting off the second you release the trigger. Not only does the battery run longer than its counterparts, battery power isn’t wasted between cleaning tasks.

Sound

We used a sound decibel meter to measure and record the amount of decibels when held one inch from the motor. The Dyson – V7 Trigger measured at 89 dB, making it the quietest handheld vacuum we tested. This is an improvement on the Dyson – V6, as it measured 7.9 dB louder. The V7 has been acoustically engineered to reduce volume and improve sound quality over its predecessor.

Runtime and charging

The Dyson gives you 30 minutes of runtime in Powerful mode and 6 minutes in MAX mode. MAX mode gives you even stronger suction for those particularly challenging areas; we found it especially helpful to pick up debris in heavy traffic areas like the front-door floor mat. We cleaned a car using a mix of Powerful and MAX mode as necessary, which gave us about 18 minutes of runtime and was ample to complete the task.

Rather than having to balance the Dyson on a charging stand, you simply plug it in to the power cord. We appreciated this no-fuss charging as much as we appreciated the fast recharge time. The Dyson recharges in only 3.5 hours, faster than any other handheld vacuum we tested. Since it suffers only minimal power loss on a low battery, you can still use it before the 3.5 hours is up. It will run for a shorter period of time, with nearly the same level of power as a full charge.

Pet hair

In addition to making fast work of removing pet hair from a Golden Labrador’s favorite resting place (a canvas pet bed trimmed with piping), we could see in the waste bin that the Dyson picked up fine debris that was likely pet dander. We used both the stubborn dirt brush and the mini motorized tool on this task. The mini motorized tool was better able to agitate and loosen embedded hair, since it has smaller bristles to catch fine hair and fibers as well as direct drive action. When pet hair does get caught in the brush bar (unlike the rubber nozzle of our top pick for pet hair), the brush bar slides out so you can easily clear obstructions.

Attachments

The Dyson – V7 features the new quick-release connectors for easy attachment and removal. Three accessories (the combination tool, crevice tool and mini motorized tool) are included in the purchase price, and additional attachments can be purchased separately. In addition to the included accessories, we tested the mattress tool, stubborn dirt brush and extension hose.

Combination tool

The less you have to carry, the better, when you’re multitasking around the house. The combination tool offers a two-in-one attachment, with a dusting brush (we used it on both keyboards and window blinds) and a wide mouth crevice tool.

Crevice tool

The crevice tool is good for narrow spaces and was particularly useful on car seats to suck up spilled snacks. Getting into tight spots (such as a car seat) sometimes necessitated an awkward turn of your arm or whole body to get the correct angle and most suction.

Stubborn dirt brush

The stubborn dirt brush has coarse bristles to agitate and loosen dirt from sturdier carpets and door mats. Gaps in the bristles make it easier to push across surfaces. We found it a little too rough for the flooring in our car (it made it a little fuzzy), but it was great for an outdoor floor mat.

Mini motorized tool

You can get an even stronger pickup with the mini motorized tool, but be aware you’ll get a slightly shorter runtime (25 minutes as opposed to 30). When you combine this tool with MAX mode, you can accomplish some tough tasks. Even in Powerful mode, it was excellent at removing pet hair and ground-in dirt.

Mattress

Dirt, dead skin cells (a favorite snack of dust mites) and allergens can collect on your mattress surface. Gross, we know. So we deep cleaned our full-size mattress with the mattress tool by using it to cup the seams and to slowly glide along the surface of the bed on MAX mode for six minutes. It picked up one gram of debris and was not a pretty sight, but we were thankful it was no longer on the surface of our sleeping area.

We had previously used the mattress tool with the Dyson – V6, and while we did not weigh the output the first time, we were surprised how much debris had already accumulated in a few short months.

Extension hose

The extension hose gives you an extra 23 inches to reach up high, deep into cabinets or underneath car seats. We especially liked that it folds back up into a short length for easier storage.

What we didn’t love about the Dyson – V7

Cost

The Dyson – V7 was clearly the best handheld vacuum we tested, but there is one significant downside: the cost. It was nearly double the cost of our runner up and best handheld vacuum for pet hair. Budget-conscious consumers might balk at purchasing a handheld vacuum for the same price as a capable upright vacuum, which are typically better at deep-cleaning carpets. The Dyson – V7 does come with a two year worry-free warranty, and knowing your handheld vacuum has lasting power may help justify the cost.

Keeping up with the latest release

Similar to Apple’s iPhones, Dyson’s ongoing releases may have you feeling like you are always behind the times. As Dyson releases new lines, you may be able to get a deep discount on previous models that have been redesigned. On the other hand, you won’t have all the improvements that come with a newer model.

Even when lines are discontinued, you can still get help for your older machine. Dyson continues to offer support on nearly all of their models, even the original Dyson released in the U.S. (2001), the DC07.

The bottom line

Despite a high price point, the Dyson – V7 Trigger would be an advantageous tool for households that prize convenience, need power and would use a handheld vacuum regularly. Namely, we would recommend the Dyson for households with kids and furry pets. Its portability, strong suction and maneuverability make it a cleaning tool that can handle the constant messes that come with crumb-dropping children and fur-babies who shed.

Dyson - V7 Trigger

This handheld vacuum stood out as the top performer among the eight handheld vacuums we tested, thanks to high suction power and easy handling.

See Price at Amazon.com

The post Dyson V7 Trigger Vacuum Review appeared first on Your Best Digs.

Table of contents

• The 10 stick vacuums we tested
• Best overall: Dyson – V15 Detect
• Also great cordless: Dyson – V11 Torque Drive
• Budget pick: Dirt Devil – SimpliStik
• Best corded: Shark – Rocket HV382
• Other products we tested
• How we selected
• How we tested
• Stick vacuums vs. traditional upright vacuums
• Important features to consider
• Corded vs. cordless
• The bottom line

The 10 stick vacuums we tested

(Editor’s note: We learned in June 2021 that the Shark – Rocket HV382 is out of stock on the company’s website, and to date, it’s only available as a renewed option. We still recommend the Shark, but due to its unavailability, we’ve moved it down in our rating.)

Best overall: Dyson – V15 Detect

Dyson is continually updating and improving their product line, and when we reviewed the cordless Dyson – V8 Absolute, it was certainly the best stick vacuum on the market at the time. However, since then, Dyson has updated the V Series several times, and we tested the latest model Dyson – V15 Detect, which we now crown as the best stick vacuum overall.

The V15 is similar in appearance to the Dyson – V11. They both have digital displays that show power level (Eco, Auto, Boost), and a time that shows how much charge remains in the click-on battery. Each has an on/off trigger, washable filter, a quick-release system that lets you empty the bin without touching it, and a battery that lasts about 60 minutes in the Eco mode (45 minutes in Auto mode, 7.5-8 minutes in Boost mode). Both can be used with the stick and without as a handheld vacuum.

Best Overall: Dyson - V15 Detect

The new Dyson V15 has several improvements over previous models that help you clean allergens, dust mites, and other debris from carpets and floors.

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So what’s different about the V15? Quite a lot. First, the V15 has about 20% more power, giving it even stronger suction. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll feel great satisfaction that you’ve vacuumed your room impeccably clean by the read-out on the Piezo sensor display, which monitors the dust and debris you vacuum up. The display is a four-bar graph that shows the amount and the type of debris. Yellow for allergens (during our tests, the highest registered 490 million), orange for microscopic dust (usually in the lower millions), pink for dust mites, and purple for larger debris, including fleas. In honesty, we were at first horrified by the high numbers, but then we released all of the microscopic stuff that had been picked up.

The Dyson V15 comes with a slew of attachments that allow you to vacuum and/or dust in crooks and crannies, drapery, and upholstery. Two exceptional attachments were added to the V15. Both the V11 and V15 have a torque head for vacuuming hardwood floors, but the V15 has added an anti-tangle comb with polycarbonate teeth that pull up pet or human hair without getting trapped inside the head. A mini version is also included, and it’s fantastic for vacuuming stairs and the backs of car seat cushions.

Another addition is the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaning head that, when activated, has a green LED that shines on the floor, illuminating dust you wouldn’t see in regular light. We found that the laser worked better in dimly lit areas (like the laundry room), and it really does show you where you need to vacuum.

Our only quibble with the Dyson – V15 Detect is that the handheld unit can get heavy if you’re holding it for too long, and the trigger press can be uncomfortable on your forefinger. Of course, the price ($700) could be a deterrent, and our other picks are not as expensive. But if you’re serious about cleaning your home, the Dyson – 15 Detect is a great investment.

Key takeaways:

• The Dyson – V15’s new Piezo display screen shows you the number of allergens, microscopic dust, dust mites, and other debris (including fleas) you’ve vacuumed up.
• The Lazer Slim Fluffy cleaning head shines a green LED in dimly lit areas where you should vacuum dust and debris you can’t see in normal lighting.
• It’s expensive, but if you suffer from allergies or have shedding pets, the Dyson V15 Detect will help get your carpets and floors allergen-free.

Also great cordless: Dyson – V11 Torque Drive

If you’re bothered by the Dyson – V15’s visual display that your home is filled to the gills with allergens, bacteria, and dust mites, the Dyson – V11 Torque Drive is less accusatory about your house-cleaning skills. Each new Dyson model makes improvements upon the previous top-of-their-game model, and the V11 is several steps up from the V8 Absolute that we first reviewed.

The most noticeable change in the V11 is its LCD screen that displays charge time and performance mode. This feature was introduced in the V10 model, but it’s been refined to display the actual type of selected performance mode. Dyson substantially increased suction power and bin size with the V10, but the V11 has been engineered to increase air wattage from 150 to 185, which means it’s more efficient.

Also Great: Dyson - V11 Torque Drive

This Dyson model adds new technology that surpasses older models. The torque cleaner head automatically adjusts to floor type and also drives the vacuum forward.

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The major technological upgrade is the new torque cleaner head that can automatically detect a change in floor surface: carpet or hardwood/tile. During our testing, the detection happened almost instantaneously. When you press on the foot release, the torque drive kicks into gear and moves the vacuum forward. The sudden rush of power certainly made vacuuming a lot easier, but it also took some strength to steer it in the direction we wanted.

The V11 is nearly a pound heavier than the V8 and the V10, but we didn’t notice a difference in the weight increase until we tried using it as a handheld. That extra pound definitely tired our hands while vacuuming stairs, ceiling corners, and car interior. The V11 charges the same as previous V-series models by plugging in the entire handheld unit. The vast improvement made in the V15 of charging an attachable battery pack was sorely missed.

That quibble aside, the Dyson – V11 Torque Drive is another great cordless stick vacuum that you can purchase new or completely refurbished by Dyson on the company’s website for substantially less money.

Key takeaways:

• The Dyson – V11 Torque Head adds an LCD screen that displays battery life and performance mode.
• A big technological advancement is the automatic floor-surface detection.
• The V11 has increased power, battery life, air wattage, and bin size.

Budget pick: Dirt Devil – SimpliStik

Not everyone wants to spend a significant amount of money on a supplemental cleaning tool. For those, the Dirt Devil – SimpliStik is a budget-priced corded model that gets the job done without leaving much dust in its wake. Thanks to a long-reaching cord, lightweight design, and smooth-rolling wheels, you can clean up quickly without any hassle. It doesn’t have a brush roll to engage carpets, LED lighting, or swivel steering like our other finalists, but it is excellent at picking up litter and debris.

Our Budget Pick: Dirt Devil - SimpliStik

If you can’t splurge, the Dirt Devil - SimpliStik is a steal. It takes up very little space, weighs less than four pounds and converts into a handheld vacuum.

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It moves easily from room to room and you only need to search for one outlet in each room, because 16 feet is typically more than enough cord length.

If you need to quickly switch to a handheld with a crevice tool, the Dirt Devil does so easily. Since the crevice tool is an on-board attachment, you don’t have to worry about misplacing it in between tasks. We found the Dirt Devil to be a multi-functional, handy cleaning tool that manages most jobs, despite a lack of bells and whistles.

Because it converts into a handheld and the power button needs to be accessible in both modes, you are required to bend down to turn the vacuum on/off. Other than this design flaw and a high-decibel noise level, the Dirt Devil is a functional stick vacuum available for a fraction of the cost of the higher-end models.

Key takeaways:

• The Dirt Devil – SimpliStik has a lightweight construction and smooth rolling wheels.
• It can easily fit into a broom closet, so it’s ideal for small spaces.
• As a corded model, it offers constant suction power and comes with a 16-foot cord that easily wraps up for storage.
• The onboard crevice tool for the hand vacuum makes it easy to multitask; you can clean under the couch and between the couch cushions without switching vacuums.

Best corded: Shark – Rocket HV382

The Shark – Rocket HV382 has the strongest suction capability of the stick vacuums we tested, and thanks to its unique dual-brush roll system, could handle piles of sand and Cheerios without snow-plowing them to the walls. The brush roll system is designed to capture three types of particles from floors and carpet, so even stuck-on messes (think squashed raisins) come up easily. This meant that it took less work to clean up the floor than with our other stick vacuums.

It easily converts into a handheld vacuum for versatility, has powerful LED lights, and comes with a pet multi-tool attachment for embedded pet hair. At nearly 10 pounds, the Shark isn’t the lightest stick vacuum on the market. In fact, it weighs the most out of all the stick vacuums we tested. While it may be top-heavy, the unit moves forward with very little force.

The self-propelling motion combined with swivel steering makes the Shark easy to maneuver and navigate around furniture. Once converted into a hand vacuum, it only weighs 4.6 pounds, so it’s easy on the wrists when it comes to above ground-level cleaning.

Top Pick: Shark - Rocket HV382

Not only did the Shark collect the most pet hair, it was the easiest to clean, thanks to a brushroll garage that allows easy access to the brush. The pet multi-tool attachment makes it easy to clean hair from upholstery or a pet bed.

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Shark’s patented DuoClean technology changes the game with two brush rolls that work in unison: a soft roll to buff hard floors for a polished look and a bristle brush roll to pull up debris that has worked itself into the carpet. LED headlights illuminate dark corners and under furniture, while the exposed brush roll allowed us to pick up large particles and piles of small particles. This meant that we could vacuum over cereal and rice without it scattering and that it could handle a small pile of sand in one pass.

The Shark had the most powerful suction of the finalists, but perhaps even more importantly, everything it captured made its way to the filter and dustbin. It aced the emissions test, as the air had fewer small particles after vacuuming than when we started.

The Shark was clearly the winner when it comes to handling pet hair. Even before we tried the pet multi-tool, we were able to pick up large amounts of pet hair easily with the DuoClean vacuum head. In our pet hair test, the suction was strong enough to suck up litter and embedded cat hair, visibly making a difference in the area where we vacuumed with the Shark. When we measured the output, it weighed 14 grams — more than the other finalists. We also tried it on the areas where other vacuums picked up only two or three grams of hair, and again filled the waste container.

It collected quite a bit of hair in the bristle brush and soft roll, but it was easily removed since you can open the brush roll garage to maintain the brushes. The pet multi-tool works as a hand vacuum attachment, so you can remove embedded pet hair from furniture or inside a kennel. The brush part of this attachment releases to serve as an upholstery tool as well, and the Shark comes with a duster crevice tool, on-board tool clip so you can store your attachments with the wand, and a wall mount.

Key takeaways:

• The self-propelling force and swivel steering of the Shark – Rocket HV382 make it easy to maneuver around your living room, no matter how many pieces of furniture you own.
• It captured the most embedded cat hair and litter with powerful suction, and also comes with a pet multi-tool for more difficult-to-reach spots such as inside a kennel.
• With DuoClean technology, the Shark uses two brush rolls to engage floors and remove stuck-on particles.
• There is no front wall, so rather than pushing large particles or piles of sand out of the way, it captures them with the exposed front brush roll.

Other products we tested

Dyson – V8 Absolute

When we first reviewed the Dyson – V8 Absolute we found its features to be worth every penny. Its powerful suction was very close to the power you can get with a traditional upright. As a handheld, we loved how convenient it was to clean ceilings, drapes, and blinds just by adding the combination tool or soft dusting brush to the end of the stick attachment. This high-end cordless stick vacuum would be most beneficial to people who want to use one tool for the majority of their cleaning tasks, from vacuuming the multiple floor types to dusting bookshelves to cleaning out car seats.

Powered by a “digital V8 motor” which spins at 110,000 rpm, the Dyson offers 40 minutes of powerful suction. You can toggle between two power modes: Powerful mode and MAX mode (which gives you just seven minutes of increased power). It has sealed-system HEPA filtration (which we’ll get into in a minute) and quickly transforms into a handheld with several attachments.

Dyson’s statement that the Dyson – V8 Absolute “expels air cleaner than the air you breathe” sounds like marketing fluff. So we were impressed that the Dyson lives up to its claim, as proved by our emissions test. Not only was there zero dust kickback, the air we measured was cleaner after vacuuming.

The most important aspect to look for when choosing a vacuum to reduce dust mite allergens is high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) filtration. Cordless vacuums don’t usually come with a HEPA filter, making the Dyson V8 unique. The air path from the cleaner head, wand, and bin is sealed until the air is expressed through the HEPA filter. In fact, the Dyson is the only stick vacuum we tested that is certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Even if you don’t suffer from allergies, most of us would agree on the importance of clean air. Dust mites, pollen, and pet dander are particles bigger than 0.3 micrometers, so any good vacuum will capture these particles. HEPA filtration is designed to capture particles smaller than 0.3 micrometers, and filter out 99.7% of bacteria, pathogens, and microbial spores. Small particles are the most likely to cause health problems, since they can be inhaled deeply into the lungs. If you’re concerned about your indoor air quality, the Dyson is worth the price tag.

In addition to whole machine HEPA filtration, the Dyson comes with two heads so you can adapt the unit to your flooring type: a soft roller cleaner head for hard floors, and a direct-drive cleaner head that removes ground-in dirt for a visibly cleaner carpet. It also converts into a handheld and can be used with interchangeable attachments: a quick-release soft dusting brush (useful for electronics), a mini motorized tool, and a quick-release combination tool.

At less than six pounds, it’s easy to lift this vacuum to reach high places such as walls and drapes. It has a low profile, so you can easily get under furniture. With all the attachments, you can easily clean your whole house from floor to ceiling. It only takes four hours to fully recharge and has a run time of 40 minutes. This gives you 10 minutes more run time than any of the other models we tested, for the same charge time or less.

If you use the mini motorized tool to tackle pet hair in small spaces, it gives you 25 minutes of cleaning power. On max mode, you have seven minutes. For most cleaning jobs, you’ll toggle back and forth between power modes and still have enough time to finish the task.

If anything, the Dyson is almost too effective. It pulls up so much dirt that the dust bin fills in a matter of minutes. It’s easy to empty, though, and you don’t have to touch any of the dirt you just vacuumed; all you have to do is pull a lever to release everything into the garbage. The mantra of the stick vacuum game is convenience, convenience, convenience. Emptying the dustbin without removing a

Hoover – LiNX

Unlike the majority of cordless models we tested, which ran out of battery power with little to no warning, the Hoover – LiNX’s 18V Li-ion battery has an LED fuel gauge so you always know your battery capacity. When all three LEDs are lit, you are operating on at least 75% battery power. When two LEDs are lit, you have at least 50% capacity remaining, and one lit LED indicates 25% capacity. Less than 25% capacity is indicated by one blinking LED light.

Great for Floors: Hoover - LiNX

One of only two finalists we tested with a battery gauge, and the edge-cleaning bristles were superb at picking up debris along walls.

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As we tested the Hoover, we noticed that the shape of the head and the edge-cleaning bristles made it exceptional at pulling in debris from along walls. We found that we didn’t really need to stop and use an additional handheld along walls and in corners. This feature is so useful (since you don’t have to stop and use a crevice tool or other attachment to pick up debris along the walls) that we would consider the Hoover a runner-up to our top pick. It doesn’t make number one, though, because it doesn’t convert into a handheld.

The multi-floor brush roll meant we could vacuum the carpeted living room and then easily transition to the hard floors in the kitchen. It runs for 18 minutes on the highest mode of suction, but it only takes three hours to fully recharge. You can also purchase this model with a spare battery.

It’s better at picking up everyday debris such as cereal, rice, and sand than it is at removing pet hair, but overall we were impressed with the Hoover.

Black+Decker – BDH2020FLFH

As a hand vacuum, the rubber pet attachment helped the Black+Decker – BDH2020FLFH win top marks as the best hand vacuum for pet owners. The Black+Decker is an excellent choice if you’re primarily looking for a hand vacuum, with a secondary ability to be used as a stick vacuum. While it was a top performer as a handheld vacuum, the stick attachment was less adept at picking up ground-in dirt than our best stick vacuum finalists.

For Pet Owners: Black+Decker - BDH2020FLFH

The Black+Decker has a three stage filtration system, multiple attachments and evidenced very low kick back in our emissions test.

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The stick head is just one of the many attachments that come with this model, so it makes a handy one-size-fits-all supplementary cleaning tool. Since the stick head attachment connects to the flexible hose, you hold the unit in one hand and vacuum with another. It’s only 3.2 pounds, so it isn’t heavy, but it does require the use of both hands. This style is perfect for cleaning walls and ceilings, but it’s cumbersome if you’re only using it to clean the floor.

As busy individuals, it’s not uncommon to try to finish all your cleaning tasks in one session: picking up pet hair from the upholstery, getting into the crevices between the couch cushions, and vacuuming the floor. If you find yourself switching out cleaning tasks between a handheld and standing vacuum, the Black+Decker is the way to go. If you’re looking for something to keep the living room floor clean on a daily basis (say, before you let the baby roam), then you may want to go with a more traditional stick model.

BISSELL – AirRam

The BISSELL – AirRam is another stick vacuum with a fuel gauge: this one features four quadrants, so you’re well aware of how much battery power remains. It has a 22V lithium-ion battery that lasts for 30 minutes. It takes five hours to fully recharge, but thanks to the battery gauge, you can charge it for just long enough to finish a quick job.

A bulky head made this cordless stick vacuum the least helpful at what stick vacuums should do best, cleaning under furniture and reach into smaller spaces. Our annoyance at the bulky head was tempered when we realized how much pet hair it could pick up and how convenient it is to empty the dirt bin. However, because of its bulk and lack of swivel steering, we didn’t include it in the running as a top pick.

The dirt bin pops out of the vacuum, and then you push the hair and debris out using the easy empty slider. You don’t have to tug on the hair or touch any debris with your hands. The hair that caught in the beater bar necessitated the use of scissors, but it was a minimal amount of hair compared to some of the other models.

BISSELL – 38B1

For a stick vacuum on the lower end of the price spectrum, the BISSELL – 38B1 has a powerful suction that can easily handle sand, cat litter and a moderate amount of pet hair (we’ll call it a vacuum for a one-cat household). We seriously considered it for our budget pick, but the dust kickback was the highest of the vacuums we tested.

However, if you want a lightweight, lower-priced model with a two amp motor and versatility, the Bissell is a good choice for you. It weighs only four pounds and has a 16-foot power cord for a long reach. We also appreciated its 3-in-1 convertible capability, which allows you to complete a range of cleaning tasks in one session. It functions as a stick vacuum and a handheld, and the quick release handle makes it easy to remove the handle but keep the foot for stairs. Due to its narrow width, the Bissell is easy to store away in a cupboard or under a bed.

Electrolux – Ergorapido (Discontinued)

(Editor’s note: The model we tested has been discontinued. Updated models can be found on Electrolux’s website.)

The swivel steering on the Electrolux – Ergorapido is phenomenal; swivel action is a great feature in and of itself, but the Electrolux truly glides on carpet and hard floors (We may or may not have danced across the living room with the Electrolux like Fred Astaire with Ginger Rogers. Sorry, Dirt Devil.)

We also appreciated that it has a 30 minute run time, so you can finish a four-room house without needing to recharge. Once the battery does discharge completely, it only takes four hours to fully recharge. Most of the vacuums we tested snap together; the Electrolux setup requires a Phillips head screwdriver to fasten the handle to vacuum.

One of the neat things about the Electrolux is the motorized brush roll that spins backward at the push of a button to remove tangled hair. This patented self-cleaning feature came in handy when we were picking up large quantities of pet hair, although the suction didn’t fare as well in this test. The Electrolux wasn’t able to pick up cat litter that had settled in the carpet grooves. Another drawback is that you need to remove the filter to empty the dust bin, which can prove to be messy.

The 180° EasySteer maneuverability, self-cleaning brush roll, and convenient run time to charge time ratio make this stick vacuum a good pick for households who prioritize ease of use over power. The lack of power and high emissions kept it out of the running for best pick, although it is still a good stick vacuum.

How we selected

In order to find a lineup of stick vacuums to consider, we first had to find out who is best served by a stick vacuum and what types of cleaning tasks they hope to accomplish. We consulted an excessively tidy community on the Laundry Love & Cleaning Science Facebook group, where science-backed data reigns and “vacuum recommendations” and “carpet cleaning” are the hottest topics. This group favored lower-priced corded models, providing feedback on our budget picks, but also had strong opinions on which vacuums are worth the splurge.

In addition to doing in-depth research for our handheld vacuums post previously, we also scoured through amateur reviews and posts by neatnik consumers on blogs, subreddits like r/VacuumCleaners and Amazon. Finally, we rounded out our data with input from professional reviewers like Wirecutter and Consumer Reports. This helped us narrow down the most-desired features in stick vacuums.

From there, we devised a series of rigorous tests that satisfied our inner geeks and helped us come up with a more objective basis for choosing our winners. During the testing phase, we vacuumed our rugs, carpets, upholstery, and hard floors, then used the attachments on curtain blinds, inside the cupboards, and even the walls.

How we tested

Usability

Our practical testing involved a house with young children, both carpet and linoleum floors and a heavily trafficked rug in the living room. While accomplishing daily (or even more frequent) cleaning tasks such as removing Cheerios, dried Play-Doh and debris from foot traffic on the floors, we first considered the ergonomics and ease of use.

Is it easy to push around the room? How is the grip? Is it heavy to lift when taking it out of the closet and storing it again? Can it easily convert to a handheld to quickly pick up debris along the edges of walls and furniture? What is the waste emptying process like? These are the types of questions we asked as we put each finalist to use on typical cleaning jobs.

Since the Berber carpet and linoleum floors we used for testing tend to be hardier than hardwood and laminate floors, we also checked reviews to verify details on scratch-susceptible flooring before deciding on our winners. Some products were less hardwood friendly, such as the Hoover – LiNX and BISSELL – AirRam, where consumers reported scratches. The Dyson – V8 Absolute is the only model with an interchangeable brush roll designed specifically for hard floors, made of soft woven nylon and anti-static carbon fiber filaments.

Dust emissions test

We wanted to know whether the vacuums were actually picking up or just kicking up dust and debris, so we conducted an emissions test with a Dylos air quality monitor. The Dylos measures indoor air quality in small and large particle counts. By testing before and after vacuuming, we were able to compare the numbers and ascertain whether there was a high amount of dust kickback.
According to Southside Vacuum Company, dust kickback can occur when the dirt container is too full, large items clog the vacuum, or the height adjustment is set incorrectly. Therefore, we made sure to take all these points into consideration before conducting our test. However, even a vacuum that is functioning properly can throw around particles that won’t be caught in the filter.

You need a sealed HEPA filter like the Dyson – V8 Absolute to fully capture the finest dust and dander, which meets the United States Department of Energy standards by capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 micrometers.

The Shark – Rocket HV382 exceeded expectations on this test and also left the air cleaner than when we began. It has two pre-motor filters (foam and felt) and a post-motor filter, so it was able to capture more small particles. All of the remaining vacuums produced kickback of varying degrees, with the BISSELL – 38B1 blowing back the most dust.

We set the Dylos on a flat surface slightly above the floor and took a test reading to get our base counts. We took a new base reading for each vacuum as the counts can vary over a period of days and weeks.

For each test we vacuumed a large area rug, making sure it was free from large debris, that the height settings (if available) were set correctly and that the dirt container was empty. After vacuuming for approximately five minutes, we turned on the Dylos and took a second reading with the vacuum still running.

Suction test

As we used each finalist on general house cleaning tasks, we noted the efficacy on both hard flooring and carpet. Since a stick vacuum is not a deep cleaning tool, we judged efficacy by the ASTM F2609 standard. This standard applies to the removal of litter clinging to the surface of a floor, rather than how well it removes embedded dirt.

To test suction power and design, we sprinkled cereal and then rice on both hard floors and carpet. We gave each finalist 30 seconds to vacuum up the litter, taking note of whether it pushed the larger debris out of its path or if we needed to maneuver the vacuum by lifting the head for better suction.

Sand is prevalent in San Diego (where we conducted our tests), but it is not always visible on light-colored carpet. To give a more clear indication of efficacy on small particles, we used blue kinetic sand made of baking soda, baking powder and Dawn dish soap. Then we followed the same steps as the litter test to see how well it cleaned the floor.

For the units that converted into handhelds, we conducted an additional test to measure power. Holding the vacuum nozzle above the floor, we slide the unit downwards until it sucked up cereal and recorded that distance in inches.

Pet hair

Many consumers who purchase a stick vacuum as a supplemental cleaning tool to their full size vacuum do so because they fight a daily battle against pet hair and other pet-related debris. We all know that once pet hair lands on carpet or upholstery, it never wants to let go.

To determine how well our stick vacuums removed embedded pet hair, we put them up against a clowder of cats. Healthy cats shed constantly, even those of the shorthaired variety. In a home where four cats reside (one longhaired and three shorthaired rescue cats), the carpet under the bed in the master bedroom gathers a prolific amount of pet hair, dander, cat litter and other unpleasant messes.

Since the cat hair was not visible on the light carpet, we gave each finalist 30 seconds to pick up as much hair and debris as it could, making sure to vacuum a new section each time. We considered whether the vacuum was able to capture cat litter embedded in the carpet divots, how clean the floor appeared and felt after vacuuming and whether or not hair was getting stuck in the brush roll or making it all the way to the waste bin.

After vacuuming, we emptied the waste canister and used a kitchen scale to determine which finalist was the most effective at removing embedded hair from the carpet. While there were potential variations in the amount of hair on the carpet in each area, the weight found in the waste bin was consistent with our qualitative data.

The Shark – Rocket HV382 picked up an impressive 14 grams of pet hair using the pet multi-tool, and thanks to easy access to the brushroll, it was simple to remove the hair after vacuuming. The exposed brush roll design (no front wall) meant that it easily sucked up cat litter, rather than pushing it forward and leaving a line of debris against the wall.

The Dyson – V8 Absolute was a top contender here, sucking up 11 grams of pet hair with very little getting caught in the brushroll. With a low profile that lies flush to the ground, it was the best at reaching under the bed without moving the mattress.

It should be noted that after testing with all seven of our stick vacuums, we finished the job with an upright Dyson DC 40 and still managed to pick up deeply embedded hair. However, for the more moderate one or two pet household, an ability to capture 14 grams of pet hair should prove more than adequate.

Sound test

Usually a noisy vacuum means a more powerful motor, but sometimes it just means a louder motor. Since some people can be sensitive to noise, we measured sound by holding a decibel meter an inch away from the motor and recording the max decibels.

To give you an indication of comparable noise levels, we clocked a portable electric fan at 68.1 dB and a refrigerator motor at 78.8 dB. At 89.8 dB, the Electrolux – Ergorapido is the quietest of the stick vacuums we tested. The Dirt Devil – SimpliStik was the noisiest, at 101 dB. Generally speaking, the corded vacuums were louder than the cordless vacuums (at 96.7 dB, the BISSELL – 38B1 was unusually quiet for a corded model) so that’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering a corded model.

Charging and run time

For the cordless models, charging and run time are important considerations. It can be quite disappointing to charge a stick vacuum for three hours, then find that the battery only lasts for 18 minutes or less as with the Hoover – LiNX. If you have a small space, this may not matter as much, but it is significant if you’re trying to clean a whole house. While the ratio of charge time to run time isn’t balanced on any cordless stick vacuum on the market today, a shorter charging time and longer run time is preferable.

Most of the manufacturers are clear about their charge time and run time, and we verified this data by timing how long it took each cordless stick vacuum to charge (from 0% battery power) and how long we could run the battery before it fully discharged.

Stick vacuums vs. traditional upright vacuums

When it comes to versatility and reach, stick vacuums are the cleaning tool of choice. They are lightweight and flexible, making them ideal for quick pick ups (think animal cracker crumbs, pet hair and the potato chip bits that follow your roommate around).

The majority of the models we tested can convert into cordless handhelds and/or lie flat, allowing you to clean spaces that are typically awkward for an upright model to clean. A stick model makes it more convenient to clean under furniture and fit into small spaces like behind the toilet or inside cupboards.

Since they take up less storage space, these are well suited for the fastidious college student or for small businesses to use in between their regular cleaning service. Although stick vacuums are making advancements, they are still less powerful than upright vacuums.

If you have a lot of square footage (such as a large home or business) or only want to invest in one cleaning tool, your best bet is to stick with an upright vacuum. However, if you already have a full size vacuum for deep cleaning and are looking for a supplemental cleaning tool, a stick vacuum is handy to have.

Important features to consider

Low profile: Upright vacuums rarely lie flat, so it’s one of the features that make a stick vacuum stand out. The lower the profile, meaning how flat it lies to the ground, the easier it is to reach further under furniture. Since stick vacuums tend to be a supplemental cleaning tool, it’s helpful if they reach places that are hard to clean with a traditional vacuum.

Swivel steering: This feature gives you more control, making it easy to maneuver around furniture and other obstacles. Fewer than half of our finalists have this feature, but agility makes a big difference on your arm and ability to get into tight spaces with ease.

Multi-functional: As a supplemental cleaning tool, a stick vacuum adds extra value if it is able to convert into a hand vac and/or comes with attachments. The last thing you want to do is go get yet another cleaning tool when you’re trying to finish multiple tasks at once.

Power: We already mentioned that you won’t get the deep cleaning associated with an upright vacuum, but that doesn’t mean you want a wimpy model. Newer models continue to outdo themselves when it comes to more powerful suction on carpets and hard floors.

Battery life / run time: If you know you want a cordless stick vacuum, you’ll want to consider how long it runs before you need to recharge and how long it takes to recharge. A fast recharge and longer run time is the ideal combination in a cordless stick vacuum.

Unit size: If you’re purchasing a stick vacuum because you have limited storage, the upright dimensions of the unit are key. For instance, the Dirt Devil – SimpliStik has a width comparable to a broom or mop, while the BISSELL – AirRam has the width and depth of a traditional upright vacuum. Smaller dimensions makes these vacuums easy to keep in a corner for quick pick ups. On the other hand, a wider head allows you to cover more square footage more quickly, while a narrower head allows you to fit into tight spaces. The width you need depends on the type of job you want to accomplish.

Safe on delicate floors: One of the convenient things about a cordless stick vacuum is that you can easily move from room to room without searching for a new outlet. It’s nice to know that you can move from carpet to wood floors to tile or linoleum without scratching delicate surfaces.

Noise: This may not matter as much if you plan to vacuum in a dorm room or bustling office, but a quieter vacuum is nice when you have kids or pets who may be sensitive to loud noises.

Corded vs. cordless

Since cordless models run on batteries, they tend to be less powerful and have a shorter life span. Additionally, they can suffer from a battery “memory effect,” more accurately referred to as voltage depression. A corded vacuum gives you constant suction power, so there’s no concern about how long you can run it. If you have a lot of square footage to cover and don’t want to wait for a battery to recharge, you might want to go with a corded model.

On the other hand, cordless stick vacuums are highly convenient. There’s no need to worry about cord length or dancing with the cord. Since run times can vary from 20 to 40 minutes, they tend to be better for smaller spaces such as dorm rooms, studios and apartments. Choose a model with a good charge time to run time ratio, i.e. one that charges for fewer hours and has a longer run time.

In the end, the choice between a corded or cordless stick vacuum comes down to lifestyle, how large your space is and the types of cleaning jobs you need to accomplish on a regular basis.

The bottom line

Whether a corded or cordless model best matches your lifestyle, you can’t go wrong with our top picks. Any neatnik would agree that emissions are an important consideration with a vacuum (stick or otherwise), as you don’t want to pull dirt up from the floor just to spray it into the air. Nobody wants to have to dust the bookshelves just because they vacuumed underneath the couch.

Best Overall: Dyson - V15 Detect

The new Dyson V15 improves upon previous models with features that assure you will vacuum your home spotlessly clean of allergens, dust, and debris.

See Price at Home Depot

Also Great Cordless: Dyson - V11 Torque Drive

This Dyson model is a big upgrade from older models. With stronger suction, longer battery life, and an automatic floor texture detector, the V11 is another great Dyson innovation.

See Price at Amazon.com

Best Corded: Shark - Rocket HV382

The Shark impressed us with its suction power, while its ease of use and results made it a joy vacuum.

See Price at Amazon.com

While these models are on the more expensive side, you don’t have to cash out bonds just to enjoy the convenience of a stick vacuum. The Dirt Devil – SimpliStik has very little dust kick back, quickly converts into a handheld vacuum, and can still tackle dust, dirt, and crumbs — leaving you with a cleaner floor in minutes.

The post The Best Stick Vacuums appeared first on Your Best Digs.

Table of contents

• The 11 handheld vacuums we tested
• Best overall: Dyson – V7 Trigger
• Also great: Black + Decker – 20V MAX FLEX
• Budget pick: Dirt Devil – Scorpion
• Other products we tested
• How we selected
• How we tested
• Important features to consider
• Memory effect in batteries
• The bottom line

The 11 handheld vacuums we tested

Best overall: Dyson – V7 Trigger

The Dyson brand is famous for its digital motor and cyclonic action. In fact, it was Sir James Dyson who invented the concept. With a reputation that precedes it, the Dyson – V7 Trigger does not disappoint. Dyson invented the first cyclonic vacuum cleaner, and its increasing popularity has spawned several imitators. Dyson’s basic concept uses two cyclones. The first creates a vortex that spins at about 200 mph and flings large particles out of the air into a dust-collecting cup. The second, tucked inside the first, creates a cyclone that can reach 900 mph, which can spin out and collect even the smallest dust particles.

Despite a high price point, we felt it was worth every penny. Radial cyclones are arranged in two tiers to increase airflow and create a vortex that spins at an incredibly high speed, then spins it out into the filter. This allows it to capture more fine dust, which was clearly evident when we vacuumed a mattress, window blinds and a computer keyboard. The dust was so fine on these surfaces that it wasn’t visible on the surfaces themselves, but you could clearly see material in the collection container after the job was done.

Top Pick: Dyson - V7 Trigger

Incredible suction power combined with easy handling makes it the most effective handheld vacuum at handling, quick but messy cleanup jobs. The V7 Trigger lives up to Dyson's reputation for innovation, power and design. It's pricier than the others, but worth it.

See Price at Amazon.com

In addition to strong suction, the Dyson’s point and shoot design made it the most comfortable to handle. The trigger releases instantly, so you aren’t fussing with an on/off switch, and battery power is only used for vacuuming. When vacuuming a car interior and moving from area to area, we found this a great tactic for conserving enough battery to get the entire job done in one go.

One of the features that makes the Dyson so convenient to grab and go is its hygienic one-touch bin emptying. With the models that require you to twist off the waste bin lid, the pressure of releasing it could sometimes cause dust to scatter over your hand and the container you’re emptying it into. The Dyson doesn’t have this problem because it empties out downward with the pull of a lever.

The canister of the V6 model tended to stick, but they improved this feature with the V7 release. Rather than pushing downward with two thumbs, you pull the lever upwards to drive out trapped dirt and debris without getting messy.

One downside we did notice in tight spots (such as a car seat) is that because of the angle of the nozzle, you sometimes had to turn your arm around to get the correct angle. Also, the V6 model gave you the option to lock the trigger for continuous suction, but the redesigned V7 trigger must be compressed at all times.

The Dyson V7 has slightly less power than the V6 on normal mode, with 28W suction power on the V6 versus 21W suction power on the V7. However, on MAX mode the performance is the same: 100W. We verified this in our testing, with the V7 giving us the same results as the V6 on MAX power mode.

The V7 improves upon its predecessor with a longer run time (a total of 30 minutes) and reduced noise. We recorded the V6 at 97.2 dB. The V7 has been acoustically engineered to reduce volume and improve sound quality, which we verified with a lowered decibel level of 89.3 dB.

Similar to the V6, the V7 comes with a crevice tool and a combination tool that was soft enough to vacuum dust on a keyboard. In addition to the tools offered with the V6, the V7 also includes a mini motorized tool for pet hair.

The mini motorized tool effectively removes pet hair from furniture and upholstery. The beater bar of this tool unlocks so you can easily clear obstructions. With the V6, we resorted to the stiff brush attachment to remove pet hair, and hair tended to catch in the brush rather than actually reach the waste canister. If you’re a pet owner, the mini motorized tool is a helpful addition to your pet cleaning arsenal.

The Dyson also has attachments available for purchase. We tested the stiff bristle brush, which we found helpful to agitate sand on carpet or in the trunk area of a car. We used the mattress tool to slow-vacuum our mattress. The attachment allowed us to get into the seams and crevices, and we were impressed/disgusted with the amount of material it picked up after vacuuming the entire mattress surface. (If you suffer from allergies, you may want to use a model with whole system HEPA filtration such as the Dyson – V8 Absolute we feature in our stick vacuum review.)

Dyson V7 Trigger vs. V8 Absolute

If you’re wondering about the difference between the Dyson V7 Trigger and the Dyson V8 Absolute, let us help clarify. The V7 Trigger is technically the newest model, although the two models were released within months of each other.

Even though the V7 and V8 both have the new quick-release connection, the V7 can’t be used as a stick vacuum. The wand will connect, but there is not enough electrical output to power a motorized brush. The V8 Absolute is a stick vacuum that can use the most attachments. The V8 Absolute converts to a handheld as well, so it’s the most versatile between the two. Only the V8 Absolute has HEPA filtration.

Both the V7 and V8 have the new bin dispenser, which cleans the cyclone as you empty it. The V8 will run up to 40 minutes and the V7 will run up to 30 minutes. The V7 has 100 air watts of suction and the V8 has 115 air watts of suction.

If you’re looking to purchase a stick vacuum, we highly recommend the Dyson – V8 Absolute. However, it does come with a $499* price tag. If you’re looking to accomplish the typical tasks of a handheld, we recommend the Dyson – V7 Trigger, as it is (strangely) the newest model of Dyson handheld and less than half the price of the V8 Absolute at $192.*

*at time of publishing

Key takeaways:

• If price isn’t a consideration, choose the Dyson – V7 Trigger. It has the most cleaning power of the finalists we tested and captures even the smallest dust particles.
• While all of the cordless models claimed fade-free suction, the Dyson was the only model we tested that had minimal power drop at the 90% discharge point.
• The ergonomic design means that it fits conveniently into the palm of your hand, and has a balanced weight distribution so it’s comfortable to use.
• For stubborn messes, the Dyson has a MAX power mode to give you even more suction power.

Also great: Black + Decker – 20V MAX FLEX

The Black + Decker – 20V MAX FLEX has many of the features that won us over on our top pick, including a lithium battery with 20 minutes of run time, cyclonic action and strong suction. The design is cordless, ultra-compact and easy to cart around. The Black + Decker offers the greatest amount of flexibility in cleaning projects, with a bevy of attachments and a charging station to hold them all.

Most Versatile: Black + Decker - 20V MAX FLEX

Lightweight and ultra-compact, this cordless vacuum has the versatility to tackle any job and makes cleaning pet hair a breeze.

See Price at Amazon.com

You could tailor the cordless vacuum to tackle any task, simply by switching out the attachment. The stick vac with pivoting floor head attachment helps you reach rugs or ceiling fans easily. The four-foot flexible hose attachment allowed us to get in hard-to-reach areas, which is essential when maneuvering around a vehicle with multiple car seats. At only 3.2 pounds, it’s the lightest cordless handheld we tested. This makes it easy to hold with one hand and use the flexible hose to reach just about anywhere. It also comes with a long crevice tool and a two-in-one nozzle/brush attachment.

If you’re a pet owner, you may have heard of the rubber glove hack for picking up pet hair from upholstery. The pet hair brush attachment for the Black + Decker mimics this technique and improves upon it. A rubber nozzle and fingers grip even the peskiest hairs embedded into the fabric and easily remove them. Best of all, the hairs didn’t stick to the nozzle, so they actually ended up in the waste canister for fast disposal. The dust canister removes easily: you simply unlock it, twist, and empty out the contents. Both the removable bowl and filter are washable.

The Black + Decker is a solid recommendation, but it doesn’t take first place since the battery does lose power at the 90% discharge rate, and it’s a fairly big drop. Close to the end of its run time, it could only pick up eight ounces of weight as opposed to at least 16 ounces on a full charge.

Key takeaways:

• The rubber nozzle attachment on the Black + Decker – 20V MAX FLEX has strong hair-gathering ability and made this model the most effective at dealing with pet hair.
• Multiple attachments, including a four-foot flexible hose, means that it can handle a wide variety of tasks, even tidying your hardwood and carpet floors as easily as an upright vacuum.
• It is lightweight and ultra-compact, so you can easily bring it anywhere, making it as portable as it is functional.
• Cyclonic action and a three-stage filtration system keep the motor running at top performance and prevent dust and dirt from escaping.

Budget pick: Dirt Devil – Scorpion

At less than $30 at the time of publishing, the Dirt Devil – Scorpion has everything you need to get the job done without breaking the bank. It only weighs 3.7 pounds and has a 16-foot power cord, giving you the freedom and ease to move around the house without unplugging.

The Quick Flip crevice tool simply flips down when you need to clean between couch cushions or get deep into a car seat, so you don’t need to worry about searching for the attachment you’re most likely to use. It does come with other attachments, including a dusting brush, sliding brush, and upholstery tool. This makes it convenient as well as powerful since it can lift at least 16 ounces of weight.

Budget Pick: Dirt Devil - Scorpion

Scorpion comes with mighty power & multiple attachments to get the job done at a low cost.

See Price at Amazon.com

The Dirt Devil does have a few cons, the biggest one being that it is very loud. We didn’t really need a sound meter to tell us this, but the meter shows that it reads nine decibels above the second loudest handheld vacuum we tested. Secondly, the force and direction of the exhaust system mean it tends to blow air right at you as you vacuum. At this price, however, these cons may be small considerations.

Key takeaways:

• The Dirt Devil – Scorpion has strong suction and plenty of power with a seven amp motor.
• You don’t have to worry about run time or charging with a corded model, and an extra-long cord gives you enough freedom to finish the job without changing outlets.
• An integrated crevice tool flips down and locks into place, so you don’t have to search for it in the middle of a task.
• At less than four pounds, you can pick up and go wherever the mess takes you.

Black+Decker – HHVK515JP07

One of the best new products we tested for 2022 is the Black+Decker – HHVK515JP07, a Dustbuster type of vacuum that Black+Decker has rebranded as the “Furbuster” pet hair vacuum.

The most impressive feature of the Furbuster is its robust suction power thanks to a powerful lithium-ion battery that holds its charge for almost 30 minutes. It has two speeds: regular for general vacuuming and a Powerboost that doubles the speed for short intervals for when you need to vacuum up heavier debris and ground-in dirt. The Powerboost does diminish the battery charge the longer you use it, so it should just be used in bursts.

Another excellent feature is the Black+Decker’s motorized brush that self-propels the four-pound vacuum so its somewhat heavy weight doesn’t come into play when you’re vacuuming carpet and upholstery. The brush has rubber bristles that spin at a very high speed and feed hair and debris into the extra-large collection cannister. Overall, the brush did not get clogged with long pet hair, but a stray carpet thread did get wrapped around the brush interior, which halted the motor, until we removed it.

The Furbuster has several great design choices. The cannister has a one-touch lever so contents can be directly dumped into the trash without your hands touching anything. The cannister has a large bottom so the vacuum can stand upright when it’s being charged or stored in a cabinet or closet. It also has a double filtering system that effectively captures all dust and is easily cleaned with a quick rinse under running water. Unfortunately, the collection cannister cannot be removed, so it will need to be hand-cleaned using a towel.

The Black+Decker – HHVK515JP07 comes with an expandable 9-inch crevice tool that we found handy for vacuuming under car seats, draperies, and hard-to-reach spots. Oddly, the crevice tool doesn’t lock into place and can collapse if too much pressure is exerted on the vacuum. Although the Black+Decker – HHVK515JP07 is more expensive than other handheld vacuums, we can definitely recommend it as one of the best for vacuuming pretty much everything in your home.

Shark – CH951

For this 2022 update, we also tested the Shark – CH951 UltraCyclone, another handheld powerhouse that can suck up large debris, embedded dirt, and pet hair. Shark uses cyclonic technology for this handheld, meaning that whatever is suctioned up is held inside the cannister midair and swirled down into the cannister.

The Shark – CH951’s major design flaw is its collection cannister, which is bisected by two large balls inside that trap debris into the upper cannister, where it stays, since there’s not enough space between the two balls to push debris to the lower section of the cannister. When you remove the cannister to empty it, you need to pick out larger debris from the top and then empty out what’s been gathered into the lower section of the cannister.

The Shark delivers 19 minutes of full power before stopping abruptly with no warning indicator, and it also takes six hours to charge, while others in our top picks took much shorter to recharge. Included with the vacuum is a hilariously small 3-inch crevice tool, a dusting brush, and a so-called “self-cleaning” motorized brush that frequently got jammed during our testing.

The Shark’s very effective dual-filter captures large amounts of dust, but it does need to be cleaned after every use. This handheld vacuum doesn’t come with a charging or storage caddy, so it can only be stored lying horizontally at its full 20 inches in length. The Shark – CH951 is priced the same as the Black+Decker Furbuster, which is a much better vacuum.

Bissell – 29869

The third vacuum we tested for 2022 is the USB-chargeable Bissell – 29869 Aeroslim doesn’t have the power or suction for handling large debris, but it’s a great little vacuum for small jobs, like cereal spills or dusting drapes and furniture. It stays at full power for 10 minutes and noticeably decreases in power before the battery is discharge ad 14 minutes.

The Aeroslim weighs slightly more than a pound, and it’s been ergonomically designed to fit into your hand, so it’s easy to use in crevices, corners, and baseboards. It comes with a decent 5.5-inch crevice tool and a dusting brush, but during our testing, the Bissell performed more efficiently without them. The Bissell – 29869 has a small collection cannister so it’s really just intended for quick pick-ups. It’s priced about the same as other handheld vacuums, and even though we liked the Aeroslim, our other top cordless picks are a better value.

Black + Decker – 16V MAX

Black + Decker brought the original DustBuster handheld vacuum onto the market, and the model style is still popular among handheld vacuums. The Black + Decker – 16V MAX is the latest version of the DustBuster, although the only thing it has in common with its predecessor is a recognizable silhouette. The newer model is sleeker and uses 50% less energy thanks to Smart Charge technology. It protects the battery with a high-efficiency lithium charger that automatically shuts off when the battery is charged, so there’s no risk of overcharging. The Black + Decker models are the only finalists we tested that are designed to be stored on the charger, so they are always at the ready.

In comparison with the Black + Decker – 20V MAX FLEX, the 16V has less power and doesn’t have a stick head attachment for use on the floor, making it less multi-purpose. On the other hand, it has a pick up and go design that makes it easy to quickly zap up household messes.

This cordless handheld can hold a charge for 18 months and is ready when you are. While we used it too often to tell if it can hold a charge for an extended period of time, we appreciated the charging light which indicates when the charge is complete. This is important because, for best results, you need to run this handheld on a full charge. The Black + Decker suffers from power loss as the battery runs down, despite advertising fade-free battery power.

Another mark against this model was the need to remove the filter in order to empty the canister, making quick pick-ups less efficient. However, everything about this model is a vast improvement from the old school DustBuster of the ’80s.

Bissell – Pet Hair Eraser

For a budget-friendly option that removes pet hair without any bells or whistles, we recommend the Bissell – Pet Hair Eraser. It has a cyclonic cleaning system and multi-layer filtration like the more expensive models, and a rubber nozzle that attracts pet hair. Even stubborn pet hair was easily removed with the rubber nozzle, combed fingers and strong suction. An extra-long cord means you can reach your furry friend’s favorite spots with no trouble.

It’s best used for removing pet hair and isn’t as multi-functional as our other finalists. A wide nozzle and no attachments means it really only serves one purpose.

(Editor’s Note: In 2022, we learned that the following three handheld vacuums were discontinued and are no longer available.)

Shark – Pet Perfect (Discontinued)

There’s a lot to like about the Shark – Pet Perfect, such as a strong suction and a wall-mountable charging stand. It takes nearly double the amount of time to charge than our other finalists, but it delivers strong and consistent suction. Many Amazon reviewers used this to pick up kitty litter, which makes sense because it delivers strong and consistent suction using twister cyclonic technology, making it ideal for heavier debris such as kitty litter or pet food. We found the suction to be a little too aggressive when removing hair from the pet bed though, and we were concerned that the strong pull on the fabric (nearly sucking it into the canister) would damage the fabric over time.

The motorized beater brush on this vacuum uses a spinning action to pick up hair from all surfaces, and while hair did tend to get caught in the nylon bristles, there was no hair left on the pet bed. It didn’t make our top pick because the suction power fades out before the battery fully dies, and some consumers have reported a permanent loss of suction power over time.

Eureka – EasyClean (Discontinued)

If you’re purchasing a handheld vacuum primarily because it can be a hassle to clean carpeted stairs with a full-size vacuum, the Eureka – EasyClean is perfectly designed for this task. With a 20 foot cord and a three-foot flexible hose attachment (and a crevice tool for the end of the hose), it can easily reach anywhere you need to clean. The Eureka has a special riser visor that flips up, so you can clean the face of your couch or the horizontal part of your carpeted stairs easily.

It’s a powerful little machine, with two motors. One motor is dedicated to suction and the other to moving the rotating brush. We found it especially useful on carpeted areas, but you do need to be careful as fine dust can restrict airflow and decrease the performance. At six pounds, the Eureka is the heaviest handheld we tested, so it’s better suited for specific jobs such as staircases.

HoLife – Portable (Discontinued)

Our favorite thing about the HoLife – Portable is how quiet it is, allowing us to vacuum without waking up a sleeping baby (and around a toddler who hates loud noises). It’s also the only finalist we tested that can be used on both wet and dry spills because in real life, messes don’t conveniently fall into wet or dry categories and are often a mixture. Finally, it has the longest run time of any of the cordless models at a full 30 minutes. While it takes three to five hours to fully charge its lithium-ion battery, we found we could use it in under an hour of charging, with little difference in performance.

On paper, the lightweight design, lithium battery, and cyclonic power rival that of the Dyson. However, in practice, it didn’t fully live up to our expectations. It performed well in our power test and was able to pick up the heaviest bag that we tested (16 ounces). During daily usage around the house, however, we noted that larger pieces tended to fall back out of the nozzle once the power was turned off. It also required several passes to clean up debris and dust on household cleaning tasks. The latter complaint may be due to the angle of the nozzle, as we did fare better with a narrower attachment. However, a narrow attachment isn’t ideal for picking up more widespread messes or larger pieces of debris.

Our main complaint with the HoLife (and Amazon reviewers tend to agree) is the difficulty in removing the dust container from the collection container. It was so tricky to remove that at first, we thought the design required users to shake the debris out through the small filter hole or use water to wash it out. After consulting the instruction manual, it is clear that the parts do separate, but we were never able to remove the dust container.

How we selected

There are at least 72 handheld vacuums currently on the market, so our first job was to narrow down the competition to a handful of finalists. We scoured subreddits like /r/VacuumCleaners/ and considered the findings from reviewers like Wirecutter and Consumer Reports. Once we had input from the professionals, we were able to ascertain which features rank the highest in a handheld vacuum. Power is key when deciding which handheld vacuum to purchase, and run time and battery life are also important considerations for cordless handhelds.

First, we looked for handheld vacuums that met our key metrics, such as a superior filtration system and a powerful motor. Then, we filtered out handheld vacuums that had fewer than 200 reviews on Amazon. We also considered the reviews themselves and filtered out any models with a recurring theme of battery power loss or malfunctions. While we generally avoid selecting finalists from the same brand, the two Black + Decker units that we selected have completely different features and design, so we deemed it worthwhile to test both. With these details in mind, we selected eight finalists to review. Over the course of several months, we put them through a series of tests to judge their performance and ease of use.

How we tested

The usability test

Over the course of four months, we used the handheld vacuums for odd jobs around the house. We sucked up coffee grind spills in the kitchen, cracker crumbs on the couch and cleaned up ground-in dirt from the welcome mat. Vacuuming our car interior was an especially effective method of testing the finalists, with a constant supply of sand in the mats and Cheerios in the car seats. We emptied canisters and removed and replaced filters. We tried out the various attachments. In short, we tested the usability and ergonomics of each finalist on a wide variety of spaces including hardwood floors, carpet and upholstery.

While using each finalist on a task, we considered how comfortable it felt to hold and whether or not it could navigate tight crevices (such as in a car) as well as larger areas (like a floor rug). One of the first things we first noticed was that a difficult to empty canister could put us off a handheld vacuum quickly. Most people grab a handheld vacuum for a task because they want to clean up a mess in a matter of minutes. Fiddling with a complicated or hard to clean out waste canister seemed to defeat the purpose of using a faster clean up method in the first place.

Power and suction capabilities

In order to test the power of each vacuum, we used incremental weights (up to 16 ounces, at which point it became unwieldy) to see how heavy of an object it could lift. To create disposable weights, we used a bag of pinto beans, plastic baggies, and a digital kitchen scale.

Then we turned around and tested the vacuum at the 90% discharge point to see if there was a power drop. For example, the Dyson has a run time of 30 minutes. We used it for 27 minutes, then went back and retested the power with the same method as before.

The cordless vacuums using lithium batteries claim fade-free run time, but we found that they did in fact lose suction as they ran out of power. The question then became how much. At the 90% discharge point, the Dyson could pick up 12 ounces of weight versus 16 ounces at full capacity. On the other hand, the Black + Decker cordless models could only pick up five ounces at the 90% discharge point. At full capacity, it could pick up 16 ounces.

Since so many of the finalists could pick up 16 ounces, we devised a new test to determine which vacuums had the most power. We used a ruler to measure the distance it took to suction up a handful of Cheerios.

While we had used the handheld vacuums to pick up sand, debris and dust around the house and in the car interior, we also devised a specific test to compare suction capability. We used baking soda to mimic dust and dry oatmeal to mimic debris, and ground both into short pile Berber carpet. All of the finalists performed well in this test, easily picking up the dry oatmeal and effectively removing the baking soda powder residue from the carpet (using brush attachments when available). However, we found that real-life messes posed more of a problem to clean up and we rated our finalists accordingly.

Sound

We tested the sound output of all the finalists. If you’re cleaning up after kids and pets, you don’t want to wake the baby or send Fido scurrying into the other room. We used a sound pressure level meter to measure and record the number of decibels when held one inch from the motor. The Dyson – V7 Trigger was practically whisper-quiet compared to the others, at 89 dB. We were also impressed with the HoLife – Portable, which was the second quietest handheld vacuum at 91 dB. The Dirt Devil was the loudest at 109 dB.

Run time and charging ease

For the cordless models, we felt it imperative to test the run time after a full charge. Dyson is upfront about the run time, citing 30 minutes for regular use and 6 minutes in MAX mode. MAX mode gives you even stronger suction for those particularly challenging areas. We found this to be accurate when testing. We also cleaned the car using a mix of Powerful and MAX mode as necessary (the boost mode is especially helpful in tight crevices), which gave us about 18 minutes of run time and was ample to complete the task.

When it comes to charge time, you can use the cordless vacuums before they are fully charged to quickly clean a mess, but you aren’t getting the maximum results. For example, we tested the Dyson’s weight limit after using it for 27 minutes (90% of its run time on a full battery). On a full charge, it could pick up the highest limit we tested: 16 ounces. In instances where a full charge was not indicated by the turning on or off of a light, we referred to the manufacturer’s specifications. For the vacuums that did have an indicator light (such as the Black + Decker – 20V MAX FLEX), we tested the charge by running it until the battery lost power and then replaced it on its charging base. Then, we timed how long it took for the light to turn on or off, indicating a full charge.

Finally, we considered the ease of use when charging. The Dyson – V7 Trigger simply plugs into the power cord whereas the other cordless models need to be balanced on a stand. This no-fuss charging was just one of the design features we liked about the Dyson. The charging base for the Black + Decker – 20V was also convenient, with a wide, flat base that made it unlikely to tip and the ability to organize the many attachments that come with this model. The vacuum and base are designed to store all your attachments in one place, so they are ready when you need them. On the other end of the spectrum, the HoLife – Portable could tip over easily, so you need to make sure the model is upright.

The pet hair test

Vacuuming up pet hair from hard surfaces isn’t difficult, but it becomes significantly more difficult to remove when it’s embedded in your carpet or upholstery. Pet beds are notorious pet hair magnets and simply throwing them in the washing machine doesn’t solve the problem. According to Consumer Reports, pet hair tends to clump and stick to the wet fabric, drain pumps, and sides of the wash cylinder, too. This means your washing machine and plumbing systems have to work harder, making a vacuum a better choice.

Four of our finalists include brushes that are specifically designed for pet hair removal. In order to find out which handheld vacuum is best for pet owners, we took the Bissell – Pet Hair Eraser, Black + Decker – 20V MAX FLEX, Dyson – V7 Trigger, and Shark – Pet Perfect to task on a canvas dog bed that belongs to a Golden Labrador.

Labradors have a double coat: a soft, downy undercoat and a thicker guard coat. They shed their coats twice a year, but in temperate climates such as San Diego (where we tested), you can expect to find hair on your upholstery throughout the year. The light color of Golden Labrador hair makes it show up more easily, so it was a good measure of the finalists’ suction power.

Each of the handheld vacuums we tested on pet hair was able to remove the hair, so a more accurate comparison was done by considering ease of use rather than the end result. It was quickly evident that the vacuums with rubber nozzles required less effort and repetitive motion. The rubber attracts and loosens pet hair from the fabric, whereas hair gets caught in the regular bristle brushes and never makes it into the canister.

Our top pick for pet hair, the Black + Decker – 20V MAX FLEX, is easily portable, lightweight, and uses cyclonic action to separate dust particles and pet dander from the airflow. This renders a continuous suction power, which combined with the rubber nozzle attachment to loosen pet hair, removed pet hair easily. It performed best on the stubborn areas where pet hair gathers, such as the piping trim.

The Dyson – V7 Trigger is another top performer, with enough power to easily remove hair, cyclonic action for pet dander, and a mini motorized tool to agitate and loosen embedded hair. While pet hair does get caught in the brush bar (unlike the rubber nozzle of our top pick for pet hair), the brush bar slides out so you can easily clear obstructions.

For a budget option, the Bissell – Pet Hair Eraser is a great option with its rubber contour nozzle and a cyclonic cleaning system to help eliminate allergens. Its nozzle spans four inches across, so it makes quick work of an entire pet bed but made it difficult to reach into the piping trim and corners.

Important features to consider

• Lithium battery – Compared to NiCd batteries, lithium batteries boast a higher power density (meaning they can hold more energy and have longer runtimes). Lithium is the lightest of all metals and provides the highest energy densities. Lithium batteries are less likely to fade and cause your vacuum to lose suction during use.
• Lightweight – If you frequently use a handheld vacuum, the last thing you want is to give yourself carpal tunnel from heavy lifting. Even if you don’t develop a syndrome, a lighter-weight vacuum is always easier to maneuver and carry around the house.
• Pet hair brush/tool – While many of the handheld vacuums we tested had a brush tool, we found that pet hair gets caught in brushes with nylon bristles. The vacuums with silicone tools for picking up pet hair were much more effective.
• Attachments/extensions – If you wish to purchase a vacuum, the likelihood is that you desire to use it for more than one task. For instance, a brush attachment is more effective at removing pet hair, while a crevice tool is ideally suited for cleaning car seats. If a car is your main target, car vacuums are more likely to have attachments you need there.
• Comfort – You can say all you want about suction power and attachments, but comfort is a key component in finding a tool that is the most practical for you to use.
• Corded vs. cordless – Corded vacuum cleaners have a longer run time and can continuously perform until the job is done (not just the ten minutes of a cordless handheld). Even the corded models with extra-long cords can be a hassle if you’re trying to reach the inside of your car or just want to zap a mess quickly. Consider the pros and cons and choose the type of model that works for you.
• Cyclonic action – This sounds a bit like marketing fluff when you first read about it, but cyclone technology really does provide stronger suction power and therefore, cleaner floors. The downside is that these types of vacuums are generally sold at a much higher price point.

Memory effect in batteries

Even with the highest quality brands, consumers have reported that their cordless handheld vacuum doesn’t hold a charge after a certain length of time. This so-called “memory effect” in rechargeable batteries is more accurately referred to as a voltage depression or deletion. While the phenomenon is indisputable, there is debate over the cause. Without delving too deeply into the science behind the occurrence, voltage depression can happen when you consistently recharge a battery before it runs out. This can cause it to “remember” a lower capacity and drop the voltage and capacity over time. It is a well-known feature of NiCd batteries, less noticeable in NiMH batteries and recently acknowledged to also occur in lithium-ion batteries.

Is there anything you can do about it? You may be able to recondition the battery by running it down to the 90% discharge point (or to a cell voltage of 1.0 V) followed by a charge cycle several times. However, if the voltage depression is due to overcharging (charging it for too long) or improper storage, you can expect it to permanently operate at a reduced capacity. Unless the manufacturer clearly states that the model can be kept on the charger, you should be prompt about removing it once it is fully charged.

The bottom line

When it comes to handheld vacuums, choosing a cordless or corded model depends primarily on the tasks on which you will use it the most. We found cordless models to be the most convenient for cleaning up spills with speed and this made fade-free suction power and a decent run time (you don’t want to run out of battery power in the middle of a job) our primary considerations. The Dyson – V7 Trigger fits the bill in both of these aspects, with the additional bonus of being lightweight and ergonomically designed, making it our top pick.

We also feel confident recommending the Black + Decker – 20V MAX FLEX, which was the most flexible with its multi-functional attachments. It could reach nearly anywhere with a four foot hose, and a rubber pet nozzle made it ideal for picking up stubborn pet hair. If you’re on a budget, the Dirt Devil – Scorpion gives you the most bang for your buck with a powerful motor and attachments to complete any job.

Top Pick: Dyson - V7 Trigger

The power on the Dyson makes it stand out. And when paired with great handling, it's an easy choice for clean ups.

See Price at Amazon.com

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