- Home
- Stick, Wet & Dry or Robot Vacuum? How to Choose
Stick, wet & dry or robot vacuum? How to choose
Cordless stick vacuums, wet and dry floor cleaners that vacuum and mop in one go, or a robot that does it for you. What suits your home, plus our picks.


In a hurry? Our quick picks
In stock now, at today’s prices.
Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Stick Vacuum w/ Dok 626412-01Dyson V15 Detect: powerful cordless cleaning for carpet and hard floors, with a docking station.$1,098
Tineco S9 Artist Pro Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner -…Vacuums and mops hard floors in one pass, then cleans itself in the dock.$799
Roborock F25 Ace Wet and Dry Vacuum CleanerRoborock wet and dry cleaner for under $400. Picks up spills and dry mess together.$359
Xiaomi Cordless Vacuum Cleaner P30 - WhiteLight cordless stick vacuum for quick everyday clean-ups, under $150.$139Which type suits your home?
Start with how you’ll use it.
Stick vacuum
- Cordless and light
- Turns into a handheld for cars and stairs
- Works on carpet and hard floors
- Doesn’t mop
Wet & dry cleaner
- Vacuums and mops at once
- Great for spills and sticky marks
- Self-cleaning in the dock
- Hard floors only
Robot vacuum
- Cleans on a schedule
- Many also mop and empty themselves
- Still need a stick for stairs
Handheld
- Small and grab-and-go
- Lowest price
- Not for whole floors
What to look for
The things that make the biggest difference day to day.
Your floors
Mostly carpet? Choose a stick vacuum. Mostly tiles or timber? A wet and dry cleaner gets floors properly clean. Mixed homes often have one of each, or a robot.
Battery life
Look for 40+ minutes for a whole home, and check the runtime on normal power, not just eco mode. Swappable batteries help in bigger homes.
Suction
More suction helps with carpet and pet hair. Brands measure it differently, so compare within a brand or read the carpet claims.
Self-cleaning
On wet and dry cleaners, a dock that washes and dries the roller saves a messy job and stops smells.
Weight and handling
A lighter stick is easier on stairs and overhead. Wet and dry cleaners are heavier but most are self-propelled.
Pets and hair
Look for anti-tangle brush bars and a good filter, which matters for allergies.
Stick vs wet & dry vs robot
| Stick | Wet & dry | Robot | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet | Best | No | Good |
| Tiles and timber | Good | Best (also mops) | Good (many mop) |
| Spills and sticky marks | No | Yes | Light only |
| Stairs, car, couch | Yes (handheld mode) | No | No |
| Our range from | About $140 | About $340 | See Tech Match |
Our picks by budget
Picked from what we have in stock, with Australian warranty.
Under $400Great value
Xiaomi Cordless Vacuum Cleaner P30 - White$139
Xiaomi Mijia Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner G20…$343
Roborock Flexi Pro Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner$339Get more out of it
- Empty the bin oftenSuction drops as the bin fills. Empty it after each clean, or choose a model with an auto-empty dock.
- Wash the filterRinse washable filters about once a month and let them dry fully before refitting.
- Use the right solutionIn wet and dry cleaners, use the brand’s floor solution or plain water. Other cleaners can foam and void the warranty.
- Cut hair off the brushHair wrapped around the brush bar slows it down. Check it weekly if you have pets.
Questions we get asked
Can a wet and dry vacuum clean carpet?
No, they’re made for sealed hard floors like tiles, vinyl and sealed timber. For carpet, use a stick or robot vacuum.
Stick or robot vacuum?
A robot keeps floors tidy every day on its own. A stick is still handy for stairs, cars, couches and quick spills. Many homes have both.
Is a Dyson worth it?
Dyson sticks are powerful and great on carpet and pet hair. If you mainly need quick clean-ups, a lighter, cheaper stick can do the job.
Do your vacuums come with a warranty?
Yes. Every vacuum we sell comes with an Australian warranty, and you can return eligible items under our return policy.
More guides
Still not sure?
Ask our team on live chat or call us, we’re happy to help you choose.

Dyson V8 Advanced Stick Vacuum with Car Cleaning…$499
Dreame X3 Station Cordless Vacuum Cleaner w/…$547
Xiaomi Mijia Truclean W30 Pro Wet Dry Vacuum$508
Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Stick Vacuum w/ Dok…$1,098
Tineco S9 Artist Pro Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum…$799
Dyson V16 Piston Animal cordless vacuum W/ Floor…$1,258

