The Best Window Vacs For A Streak-Free Finish

Say goodbye to streaks and smudges with our handpicked selection of window vacs.
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Written & Tested By: Richard Morgan | Updated:
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Best Window Vac
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A window vacuum (often referred to as a window vac) is one of the easiest ways to achieve a streak-free finish on windows, mirrors, tiles or other glass surfaces. Whether you are cleaning your windows or need to remove condensation, they have transformed the ease to which you can achieve a perfect finish and the latest machines have improved a great deal.

If you have never used a window vac before, we created an in-depth guide on how to use them. In our tutorial guide, we tested one of the best-rated examples (Karcher machine) and you’ll see just how easy they are to use on a range of surfaces.

To assist you in selecting a window vac, our handpicked selection lists top-performing models, chosen based on our first-hand experience using multiple machines to achieve a perfect finish on various surfaces. Our testing and up-to-date research further ensure the quality of our recommendations.

Our Top Picks At A Glance:

Karcher WV6
Best Karcher: Karcher Window Vac WV6 Plus
Read More
Bosch GlassVAC Cordless Window Vac
Best All-Rounder: Bosch GlassVAC Cordless
Read More
Karcher Window Vac Black Edition
Best Karcher Runner-Up: Karcher Window Vac Black Edition
Read More
Vileda WindoMatic
Best Value: Vileda WindoMatic
Read More
VonHaus 3-in-1 Window Vacuum
Most Versatile: VonHaus 3-in-1 Window Vacuum
Read More
Beldray Cordless Window Vacuum
Best Budget: Beldray Cordless Window Vacuum
Read More

How The DIY Works Team Tests & Rates Window Vacs

A window vac is a machine that we use regularly and it’s far more versatile than most people think. As well as cleaning your windows, it can also be used on your tiles, mirrors and even on a shower screen.

Therefore, during our testing, we analysed the window vac’s ability to be used on several surfaces, usability, run time, additional accessories and overall effectiveness.

best karcher window vac

Richard Morgan/DIY Works
best window vac for condensation

Richard Morgan/DIY Works

To keep up our commitment to reviewing and testing the latest window vacs (for this article), we are continually testing out the latest offerings from top brands in the UK. Although Karcher window vacs are the most popular (and our favourite option), there are plenty of alternatives to choose from and we’ve been testing them all.

best window vac uk

Richard Morgan/DIY Works
best window vacs

Richard Morgan/DIY Works

If you wish to see a window vac in action, below is a video that we posted on our YouTube channel that shows us testing our top recommendation (Karcher machine). As you can see in the video, it effortlessly cleans away the soapy water to reveal a streak-free shine.

As well as our testing and experience of using multiple window vacs, we also based our recommendations on the latest research and several factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the machine’s build quality, run time, supplied accessories, recharge time, ease of use, weight, functionality, warranty and value for money.

The Best Window Vacs

At DIY Works, our content is 100% independent and we would never recommend a product that we wouldn't use ourselves (read our editorial standards and how we test products).

1. Best Karcher: Karcher Window Vac WV6 Plus

(How We Review →)

Karcher are the original inventors of the window vac and they’ve produced several variations of the gadget over the years. However, the brand’s latest model is the WV6 and it’s certainly the brand’s best window vac to date because it delivers an impressive 100 minutes of streak-free cleaning for a crystal clear finish.

Pros
  • 50% larger water tank than the older models
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  • During testing, we were very impressed with the 100 minutes run time
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  • Faster charging than its predecessors (170 minutes)
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  • Weighs 0.7 KG
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  • Supplied with spray bottle kit
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  • Desirable LED battery indicator
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  • New edge guidance system
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  • Backed by a two year warranty
Cons
  • Most expensive window vac within our roundup

Although expensive, the WV6 Plus is the best Karcher window vac on the market that’s easy to use and provides great results. Whether you are cleaning your windows, shower or tiles, it’s a versatile window vacuum that won’t disappoint. The standout feature is of course the run time of this new and improved model and that alone is a reason to upgrade.

2. Best All-Rounder: Bosch GlassVAC Cordless

(How We Review →)

The Bosch GlassVAC is another popular alternative to the Karcher window vac and it uses the same technology as their wiper blades. According to the brand, it’s also 30% more compact in size when compared to the competitors, which makes it easier to use within tight spaces.

In terms of its performance, it provides a runtime of up to 30 minutes and takes 130 minutes to recharge.

Pros
  • Uses automotive grade rubber coating for a smoother glide
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  • lightweight at 0.7 KG
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  • Cleans up to 35 windows from a single charge
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  • LED battery display
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  • 100 ml dirty water tank
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  • Backed by a 12 month guarantee
Cons
  • Bulkier shape than the Karcher alternatives

The GlassVAC offers outstanding value for the money and provides effortless streak-free cleaning. Compared to similar-priced alternatives, it’s backed by the reputable Bosch brand and also comes with a 12-month guarantee.

3. Best Karcher Runner-Up: Karcher Window Vac Black Edition

(How We Review →)

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Karcher window vac, the brand released an Anniversary Edition. It’s one of their most highly rated and popular models that cleans up to 205 square metres or 35 windows in a single charge.

Included with the window vacuum is a spray bottle with a microfiber head and a 20 ml sachet of cleaning detergent.

Pros
  • Run time of 35 minutes
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  • Fully recharges in 185 minutes
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  • Comes as a complete kit
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  • Weighs 0.6 KG
    •
  • LED battery display
Cons
  • Although cheaper than the WV5 Plus, it's still more expensive than most other window vacs

The Karcher Anniversary Edition is by far the best window vac for the money and is also designed by the original inventors. Although it’s a few years old, it still outperforms many of the similarly priced window vacs on the market.

4. Best Value: Vileda WindoMatic

(How We Review →)

Another popular alternative to the Karcher window vacs is the Vileda WindoMatic. It’s an affordable option that uses a powerful lithium-ion battery, which according to the brand is capable of cleaning 120 windows per charge.

A great aspect of this particular model is that it’s able to provide an extended run time thanks to its two suction levels that help to conserve battery power.

Pros
  • Powerful Li-ion battery
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  • Cleans up to 120 windows per charge
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  • Easily detachable water tank (dishwasher safe)
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  • Two suction power modes
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  • Flexible neck for cleaning hard to reach areas
Cons
  • Suction power isn't as high as the alternatives

To conclude, the Vileda WindoMatic is an excellent all-round option that ticks all the boxes and offers great value for the money. It’s also able to clean far more windows on a single charge when compared to similar-priced models.

5. Most Versatile: VonHaus 3-in-1 Window Vacuum

(How We Review →)

VonHaus is a popular brand in the UK and they are well-known for their affordable yet high-quality products. Their 3-in-1 window vacuum follows that great reputation and is designed to spray, wipe and clean without needing another tool.

Also included with this window vac is an extension pole, which easily attaches to the device and has two different lengths to meet your reach requirements for high windows.

Pros
  • Sprays, wipes and vacuums
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  • Run time of 40 minutes
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  • Recharges in 120 minutes
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  • Removable water tank
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  • Supplied with extension poles
Cons
  • Water tank is small and requires emptying frequently

Overall, the VonHaus 3-in-1 window vac is a high-performing yet affordable option that won’t disappoint. It provides a streak-free finish and can be extended using the supplied extension poles to create the extended reach that you require.

6. Best Budget: Beldray Cordless Window Vacuum

(How We Review →)

One of the cheapest window vacs that’s actually worth buying is by the Beldray brand. It’s an easy-to-use device that comes with a 60 ml capacity and can wash windows, mirrors or glass surfaces.

Pros
  • Run time of 30 minutes
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  • Recharges in 120 minutes
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  • Streak-free finish each and every time
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  • Easy to empty 60 ml waste tank capacity
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  • Ergonomic carrying handle
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  • Backed by a three year warranty
Cons
  • Construction quality could be improved

To conclude, the Beldray Window Vacuum is a lightweight and easy-to-use gadget that cannot be beaten in price. Although it may not be as high performing as the Karcher alternatives, it’s a fraction of the price.

Conclusion

Window vacs are a great invention and save the hassle of manually cleaning your windows and leaving streaks. Although initially invented by Karcher, many other brands have started to release their own window vacs onto the market.

All of our recommendations are suited to a range of budgets and can run for at least 30 minutes. However, for the best results on tough dirt, we strongly recommend that you use a high-quality glass cleaner beforehand.

If you require further information regarding any of our window vac recommendations, feel free to get in touch and we will try to provide our assistance where possible.

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