Best Window Vacuum Cleaner 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

The WV2 is available as a standalone or in this package complete with everything you need to get going. This updated Karcher WV2 has been awarded one of our best window vacuums after reviewing.

There are two suction heads included, which makes it perfectly switchable between shower screens, various outside windows and those little kitchen floor spills. Just use the larger one on bay windows and conservatory panes, and the smaller one on the glass in your front door or any smaller panes.

You also get a microfibre cloth attachment with an extra spray bottle, in case there are some stubborn stains to remove beforehand, and you don’t want to have to bring out various cloths and brushes to try and clear it. Perfect for cleaning your car and removing any marks which have ended up on the windscreen before you get the bucket and sponge out.

It is easy to grip, and the on/off switch is easily accessible which makes control so much easier. There is also a little LED light which tells you how much power is left in the vacuum so you won’t risk getting halfway through a job before it surprisingly cuts out.

To empty, simply un-attach the secure plug and allow the dirty water to flow out. The rubber lip on the suction heads is removable if it needs a bit of a clean between uses, so no dirt is transferred on to your windows.

For what you get in the bundle, the price is pretty good and cheaper than buying everything separately. And when comparing to the other Karcher’s in the range, it is definitely the one where you get the most for your money.

The newest Karcher window vac on the market, with a lot of little handy updates which may sway you to splash the cash.

To be fair, we say ‘splash the cash’, but the price is actually very reasonable for the latest model, so is well worth it. You get the ordinary large blade, as well as a smaller option for those little windows and shower screens, plus a microfibre attachment with an extra spray bottle for those pre-wash needs.

Now for the WV5-specific features. On the main blade, you have an adjustable distance roller feature. This means that the side guides can be extended slightly to reach into the corners. A lot of other window vacs will only reach so far up to the edges of the window panes before you inevitably have to give the rest a little wipe with a cloth, but this solved that issue.

It runs for the longest time compared to the others, allowing you to tackle an area of around 105m2 before running out of battery. Charge time is considerably longer, but as long as you prepare for this, then it shouldn’t be a problem.

The battery is also removable for charging, so a) you don’t have to plug the entire machine into charge and b) there are replaceable batteries available, in case you just can’t wait for it to recharge and love a good old hour-long window cleaning session.

It is a bit bulkier than the other options on the market, but it still isn’t ridiculously cumbersome. Using it took a few goes to get right, and leave everything completely streak-free, but once you have mastered this, then it is easy to repeat.

Simply wash your windows with your chosen detergent and soaps, then rather than wiping them clean with cloths and heaps of kitchen towel, use this lightweight vacuum to suck up all the water.

It can hold up to 60 ml of water at any one time. When this is full, it is easy to empty thanks to the little stopper on the handle. Just unplug and you can safely pour away. We loved how lightweight it is, which makes it easy to navigate around the window. Perfect if you can’t hold heavy items for long periods.

It didn’t seem to leave any streaks behind, and all water was gone which left windows shiny and clear. This is a big hurdle where a lot of others fall, so we were pleasantly surprised.

Overall, it does what it says on the tin. There isn’t anything fancy or to particularly shout about, but this is likely all you want from a window vacuum anyway. It is easy to turn on and off with the well-placed button, and even looks relatively clean and modern.

This updated version of the original WindoMatic offers something for those of you out there who have a considerable build-up of condensation and find it takes a little while to get the job done, or who have a lot of difficult corners to reach.

Featuring two settings, the maximum boost function can give you 50% more power, reducing the likelihood of streaks and amount of time you spend collecting it all. The neck and head are also tiltable with pressure, allowing you to clean those harder to reach places and any corners, which is handy when compared to a lot of other models which only remain straight.

Because the blade is quite thin, it can go right up to flat bases such as window frames and shower screen frames which is good for getting those pooled water layers up without getting a cloth out.

Running time is generous, and the length of the blade is suitable for any surface big or small. The handle is a good thickness to hold, and it doesn’t feel too bulky or difficult to navigate which is good.

Our only gripe is the positioning of the two power buttons, as when we gripped it our thumb tended to press the off switch a few times. But it is just a matter of training your grip and finding the best for you.

You don’t get any extras such as other blades, which could put you off if you think they’d be handy, but if you’re just after a window vac which is up to the regular job, then it is a great choice.

Taking the Karcher range right back to basics is the original WV1.

It is a standalone window vac, with one suction strip and no fancy extras.

At 550g, it is one of the lightest window vacuums available which is good for anyone who struggles to grip and manoeuvre handheld appliances. It is small too, and pretty quiet in operation, so ideal for those more difficult areas.

Unlike with a few of the later models, the water tank is removable for emptying rather than there being a stopper which unplugs, which we actually like as it kept everything more separate and defined, and a bit less messy once you get the hang of it. It also makes it a bit easier for using upside down or on its side, as the water doesn’t drip out or slosh about as much.

It can be used with the dedicated extension pole from Karcher, to reach any higher areas or floor to ceiling windows. Getting into corners or right up to frames is a bit difficult, but nothing a little wipe around with a cloth afterwards won’t sort if you’re happy to do so.

The price reflects what you get. It is around half of the others in the range, so one of the best cheap window vacs you can purchase. But if the others are ever on offer (which they usually are), it could be worth laying down a few more notes for the additional attachments you get.

However, if you only have a few little windows to clean or it will be reserved for the shower then it is entirely up to the job, and worth sticking with the leading brand.

Don’t be put off by the beast-like shape and stature of this window vacuum; it is simply a signal of how good it is.

With the purchase, you get two sizes of rubber wiper blades and a spray applicator and microfibre cloths.

There are also a couple of little extra touches – a wrist strap will keep it in place when it is in use, which is great for anyone with an unpredictable grip or who may be working in an unsecured area such as up ladders. Emptying the dirty water is easy and mess-free, as you just unplug the stopper and it all flows out.

An integrated LED light displays how much battery is left so you won’t be caught running out when you’re halfway through a window (which would result in a very unusual mark and pattern). When the time comes to recharge, just pop the included micro USB cable into the slot and leave it to work its magic.

Another budget buy, which makes it quick to get rid of condensation.

It is one of the most slimline we reviewed, so perfect for anyone who struggles to grip handheld devices. There is no bulkiness or overly large handles, and the water container is flush against the vacuum so doesn’t create any unnecessary awkwardness.

You get a cloth pad and spray bottle with every purchase to make the cleaning part easier and more hygienic as the fibres will lift and trap any excess dirt rather than spreading it all.

We would say it is the least powerful of those we reviewed, so is definitely not one for heavy-duty tasks and areas. It also left the most streaks, so if you aren’t prepared to adjust, adapt and practice your technique, then it may cause you to give up before you’ve barely started.

One of the best if you want to be able to remove moisture from several flat surfaces and not just your windows, the newest AEG window vac has your back.

Whether it be windows and glass, mirrors, kitchen and bathroom tiles, shower cubicles and screens or even tables and hard floors, it is up to the job. Say you’ve just mopped the kitchen floor, and the kids are causing trouble as they want to go and get a drink but you won’t let anybody walk on it, and the dog is probably going to go and mess it all up anyway. If you use this vacuum after mopping, it will be dry in minutes. No dirty marks or accidents caused.

Because it runs for a great 60 minutes in one charge, the whole lot can be done before any of your family even noticed the bucket was out in the first place.

The 290mm blade makes it great for larger surfaces, and you can also use whatever method you like – it will accommodate the movement. Whether you’re all about the professional S-shape or up and down, it is easy to handle and won’t leak or spill water.

There is the option to buy on its own or with a spray bottle and cleaning pad, but the latter option isn’t much more so even if you only use it every so often, it is still worth that little bit extra.