Best window vacuum cleaner 2024: banish smears & condensation

The best window vacuum cleaners are tailor-made to remove the fine dirt and dust from your window, resulting in a streak-free finish. They're also great for removing condensation from windows and cleaning induction hobs and shiny worktops. So what do you need to look out for when you’re buying your window vacuum cleaner?

First, the run time. While a window vacuum cleaner with an average 35 minute charge time may be perfectly fine for whipping your way around a bungalow in one go, or indeed cleaning your car windows, those with a three-storey townhouse will need to accept that multiple charges will be required. Why not leave it to recharge while you do the floors with the best vacuum cleaner or best cordless vacuum cleaner?

Second, you’ll need to consider the shape of the head – has it been optimised to get into the tightest grooves of the window frame or is an additional head required to get into these nooks and crannies? Finally, the price. Think about how often you’re going to use your window vacuum cleaner and whether it’s worth splashing the cash for one that won’t cop out on you halfway through a cleaning mission. 

Read on for our full, smear-free rundown of the best window vacuum cleaners of 2023.

Best window vacuum cleaners ranking 2023

If you’re in the market for a high-performing window cleaner that really does excel at the task, this model should be top of the list. The WV 6 comes with a light 800g vacuum unit replete with 150ml dirty water container, two silicone suction heads (one 28cm in width, the other 17cm), a squirty bottle for the cleaning solution, a 20ml sachet of window cleaning concentrate and a small plastic scraper for hard-to-remove substances like bird poo. The solution bottle also comes with an integrated holder for the microfibre cloths. 

To use, simply squirt the solution from a foot away (you can use any cleaning brand) and use the attached microfibre mop to spread it around. Then reach for the vacuum unit, press the button and slowly draw it downwards or across the glass. It’s that simple. Amazingly, there are no streaks and the silicone vacuum heads suck up all remnants of solution right to the very edge, even at the bottom of a down stroke where the head meets the window frame.

The WV 6’s battery last longer than other models in the range – up to 100 minutes – while its small LCD screen provides the user with a minute-by-minute countdown of remaining battery juice available.

In the arena of window vacs, Kärcher reigns supreme and this model is the company’s finest endeavour yet.

Read our full Kärcher Window Vac WV 6 Premium review

They say you get what you pay for and with this mid-range model vacuum cleaner, you get a lot. Kärcher has designed the product with efficiency in mind – so users get quick cleaning and drying of flat surfaces. 

Kärcher promises a streak-free, drip-free finish when used with its own branded cleaning products, although any window cleaner will do. 

In addition to the product itself, you get a spray bottle, a micro-fibre head to remove stubborn dirt and two suction nozzles: 170mm for smaller windows and 280mm for larger ones. 

At just 700g, the Kärcher WV 5 Plus N feels light in the hand and it performs exceptionally well on any flat shiny surface. However, its battery system isn’t as appealingly efficient as the marginally more expensive WV 6 Premium reviewed above.

Leifheit has optimised this window vac so it removes water and condensation from windows well. It promises 360 degree non-leak manoeuvrability, which means skylights aren’t a problem for it either.

Working alongside a decent window cleaner, Leifheit says the gadget should provide a streak-free finish, although reviewers say the the hoover head that it comes with struggles to get right into the edges. 

While cheaper than the Karcher at the top of our list, the accessories for this window vacuum must be paid for as an extra. Accessories include Leifheit’s click-system telescopic handles, which are perfect for reaching conservatory roofs.

The smaller sibling of the WV5 comes with just one long 280mm suction head and no squeezy bottle with microfibre cloth like the more expensive models. This means you’ll need to reach for some Blitz paper towels or a sponge and a bottle of Windolene or Kärcher’s proprietary window cleaner to give the window a pre-wash before using the WV2 to suck up the liquid. 

You do save quite a few quid this way, mind, though it has to be said that the WV2 isn’t as pleasant to use as the more expensive WV5 and WV6 reviewed above, even though it's a fraction lighter.

Enjoy streak-free window cleaning with the Beldray BEL0749N Window Vacuum Cleaner. It's perfect for windows, mirrors or showers, and it's cordless operation means no cables in your way. You can clean for up to 30 minutes, but the battery does take 2-3 hours to recharge.

Its lightweight and compact design means your hand won't ache, and there's plenty of space for water and condensation inside the 60ml water tank.

In the cleaning mood? Check out our 2023 guide to the best hard floor cleaners!