Every backpack vacuum gets a score from 0 to 100% built from seven factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Vacuums are grouped by power source, corded and cordless, and use the same scale in both groups.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Airflow | maker's airflow in CFM | 25% |
| Price | current price, log scale | 20% |
| Weight | weight on your back | 15% |
| Reach | cord length (corded) or longest stated runtime (cordless) | 10% |
| Capacity | bag or bin capacity | 10% |
| Noise | sound level in dBA | 10% |
| Warranty | motor warranty length | 10% |
Where the numbers come from
Airflow, weight, capacity, noise, cord length, runtime and warranty come from the maker’s product guide, spec sheet or product page, including the maker’s own copy on a retail listing. Figures that are clearly wrong (such as a shipping weight given as the vacuum’s weight) are left out rather than guessed. Prices are checked at the stores each page links to, and the lowest is used.
The factors
Airflow is the maker’s airflow in CFM, on the highest setting: 50 CFM scores zero and 160 CFM full marks.
Price is the current price on a log scale, so halving the price always counts the same: $1,500 scores zero and $200 full marks.
Weight is the maker’s weight, with the battery for cordless models: 20 lb scores zero and 9 lb full marks.
Reach is the cord length for corded models, 25 ft scoring zero and 50 ft full marks. For cordless models it is the longest continuous runtime the maker states (normal or low setting) on the battery it quotes, 30 minutes scoring zero and 120 minutes full marks. Tool-only models are scored on the battery the maker quotes even though it is sold separately.
Capacity is the bag or bin capacity: 2 qt scores zero and 10 qt full marks.
Noise is the maker’s sound level in dBA, on the highest setting where two are given: 75 dBA scores zero and 62 dBA full marks.
Warranty is the maker’s motor warranty: 1 year scores zero and 3 years full marks.
What isn’t scored
Water lift, motor wattage, filtration type and stages, battery voltage, runtime on the highest setting, whether batteries are included, and release date are listed but not scored.
Missing data
If weight, reach, capacity or noise isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated. Airflow and warranty are the exceptions. Airflow is what most separates these vacuums, so a maker that doesn’t publish it gets zero for that factor rather than a free middle score. A maker that doesn’t publish a warranty gets no warranty counted, the same as a one-year warranty. Both are marked estimated.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each group. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.