One of the most appealing things about going cordless is convenience. Without a cable to manage, you can move seamlessly from room to room, making daily cleaning quicker and easier. That cordless convenience relies on one key factor: runtimes.
Understanding how long a cordless vacuum's battery will last on a full charge makes it easier to choose the right model for your home. Runtimes are a headline feature for good reason - but what do the numbers actually mean in everyday cleaning? And which factors influence how long your cordless vacuum runs for?
What Does Cordless Vacuum Runtime Mean?
Cordless vacuum runtime refers to how long a vacuum can clean on a single battery charge.
Most manufacturers quote a maximum runtimes, usually measured using a lower power setting in controlled conditions. This provides a useful benchmark, but it doesn’t always reflect how a vacuum will be used in every home.
In real homes, actual runtimes will vary depending on how you clean and the surfaces you’re tackling - which is completely normal and expected.
How Does Gtech Approach Vacuum Battery Testing?
Some cordless vacuums prioritise headline runtimes figures or multiple power modes.
At Gtech, our focus is on delivering practical runtimes that support everyday cleaning wherever possible - and explaining how those figures are tested, so customers know what to expect.
“When I founded Gtech, our focus was on designing products for real life - not perfect conditions. Cleaning happens in real homes, and that’s exactly how we think about performance, runtimes and usability.” Nick Grey, Founder and Inventor, Gtech
To help put this into context, here’s a snapshot of typical runtimes and charging times across a selection of Gtech cordless vacuums, based on their intended everyday use.
| AirRAM 2 Cordless Vacuum | AirRAM 2 K9 Cordless Pet Vacuum | AirRAM 2 K9 Cordless Pet Vacuum | AirRAM 3 Cordless Vacuum | AirFOX Platinum Cordless Stick Vacuum | Pro 2 Cordless Bagged Stick Vacuum | |
| Runtime | Up to 40 minutes | Up to 40 minutes | Up to 60 minutes | Up to 30 minutes | Up to 80 minutes (ECO mode) | Up to 40 minutes (ECO mode) |
| Charging Time | 4 hours | 4 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours | 5 hours | 4 hours |
| Suitable For | Carpets, Hard Floors, Homes with Pets | Homes with Pets, Carpets , Hard Floors | Carpets, Hard Floors, Homes with Pets, Stairs, Larger Homes | Carpets, Hard Floors, Homes with Pets | Carpets, Hard Floors, Stairs, Flats / Apartments, Large Homes | Carpets, Hard Floors, Homes with Pets, Stairs |
Our runtimes are measured under controlled testing conditions and will vary depending on power mode, floor type and cleaning habits. Understanding how these figures are tested is just as important as the number itself.
Which Gtech Cordless Vacuum Has the Longest Runtime?
The AirRAM Platinum offers up to 60 minutes of powerful cleaning time, giving you plenty of charge to hoover the whole home! Or upgrade to the System Platinum, which include both the AirRAM Platinum and the Multi Platinum for a combined runtime of 90 minutes.
The AirFOX Platinum runs for up to 80 minutes in ECO mode – a setting designed to maximise battery life while providing the level of suction you need for general clean-ups.
How Long Do Cordless Vacuum Batteries Last?
"We chose lithium-ion technology because it’s the gold standard for consistent, fade-free power. Unlike older battery types that lose suction as they drain, lithium-ion stays strong until the very end of the charge. It’s also lighter and charges faster, which is essential for a vacuum you want to grab and use every day." Nick Grey, Founder and Inventor, Gtech.
Gtech cordless vacuums use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which are designed for long-term use. This spans hundreds of charging cycles to deliver reliable performance for everyday cleaning over several years in a standard household.
Like all lithium-ion batteries, capacity reduces gradually over time after repeated charging, rather than stopping suddenly. To give customers confidence, our cordless vacuums are backed by a 2-year warranty, covering both the battery and the vacuum itself.
We also have an extensive range of spare and replacement batteries, ready to order. So, you can rely on your Gtech for years and years,
What Can You Do To Help Your Battery Runtimes Last Longer?
To get the most life and greatest runtimes from your cordless vacuum’s battery:
- Use higher power modes only when you need them (this applies to the Pro 2, Pro 2 K9, AirFOX Platinum and Orca models which have adjustable power settings, such as ECO and MAX)
- Keep the filters clean – this will allow the motor to work at its highest performance levels and greatest efficiency
- Avoid storing the vacuum fully discharged for long periods
- Charge the battery as recommended (with the AirRAM 3 Plus with Voice Assist, you’ll have Nick Grey himself to remind you when you need to recharge!)
If you’re comparing cordless vacuums or upgrading your current model, understanding runtimes makes it easier to narrow down the right option. Want to learn more? Head over to our cordless vacuum cleaners page to shop our full category range.
