The Best Window Vacs For A Streak-Free Finish
Cordless squeegees that suck up the dirty water so glass and mirrors dry clear.
Our quick verdict
Our pick of the best window vac is the Karcher Window Vac WV6 Plus, as it keeps going long enough to do the patio doors, windows and shower screens on one charge, with Karcher quoting up to 100 minutes. If you'd rather not pay Karcher prices, the Bosch GlassVAC Cordless is the better choice, as its smooth-gliding blade suits everyday windows and mirrors.
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Our Picks At A Glance
- Check price of Karcher Window Vac WV6 Plus
Best Karcher
Karcher Window Vac WV6 PlusBigger homes with lots of glass and anyone who hates stopping to recharge
- Check price of Bosch GlassVAC Cordless
- Check price of Karcher Window Vac Black Edition
Best Karcher Runner-Up
Karcher Window Vac Black EditionAnyone wanting a Karcher finish for less than the WV6 Plus
- Check price of Vileda WindoMatic
- Check price of VonHaus 3-in-1 Window Vacuum
Most Versatile
VonHaus 3-in-1 Window VacuumHigh windows, conservatories and anyone wanting spray, scrub and vac in one
- Check price of Beldray Cordless Window Vacuum
Best Budget
Beldray Cordless Window VacuumClearing condensation and wiping mirrors on a tight budget
A house full of patio doors and a single bathroom mirror call for very different window vacs. Long runtime and a decent tank keep you going round big panes without stopping, while a cheap model with a small tank is plenty for wiping morning condensation and shower screens. Paying more buys stronger suction and fewer trips to the sink or charger. We use ours on tiles and shower glass as much as windows, so we've judged them on both.
Our six run from Karcher's longest-running model down to a budget Beldray.
How We Tested These Window Vacs
A window vac is a tool we use regularly, and it's more versatile than most people think. Alongside windows, we use them on bathroom tiles, mirrors and glass shower screens, so every model was tried on more than just a patio door.
Karcher invented the window vac and its machines are our favourites, but we've tried plenty of alternatives from other brands too. The two photos below show a couple of them in use on windows at our properties, though no brand is readable on either, so we haven't tied them to a model in the list.
Each machine was judged on the same points:
- Effectiveness: Whether the glass dries clear or is left with streaks
- Versatility: How well it works on tiles, mirrors and shower screens as well as windows
- Runtime and recharge time: How long a charge lasts and how long it takes to top up
- Usability: Weight and how easy it is to handle
- Kit and warranty: What comes in the box and how long it's covered for
The Short below shows our top pick, the Karcher, clearing soapy water off a window to leave a streak-free shine.
Window Vacs: The Easiest Way To Achieve Streak-Free Windows! We've Tested Multiple To Find The Best!
Runtimes, charging times and weights come from each brand unless we say otherwise.
The Best Window Vacs We Recommend
Every model below runs for at least 30 minutes on a charge according to its maker.
Best Karcher
Karcher Window Vac WV6 Plus
Best for: Bigger homes with lots of glass and anyone who hates stopping to recharge
Check Price On AmazonKarcher has made window vacs for longer than anyone, and the WV6 Plus is the top Karcher in this list. The runtime is what stood out in our testing, with Karcher quoting up to 100 minutes on a charge, so you can get round a whole house of glass without stopping to recharge.
The water tank is 50% larger than on earlier Karcher models according to the brand, so there's less stopping to empty it, and charging is quicker too at a quoted 170 minutes. An LED shows how much battery is left, and a new edge guide helps the blade run cleanly along frames. It weighs 0.7 kg, comes with a spray bottle kit and is backed by a two-year warranty.
What we like
- Long runtime impressed us in testing, quoted at up to 100 minutes
- Water tank 50% larger than older Karcher models
- Charges in a quoted 170 minutes
- LED battery indicator
- Edge guide for neat runs along frames
- Spray bottle kit included
- Two-year warranty
What to know
- The most expensive window vac in our roundup
Our verdict
A house with a lot of glass is where the WV6 Plus pays for itself, as you can work from the patio doors through to the shower screen without reaching for the charger. It's the dearest vac here and still the one we'd choose. If you've fewer windows, the Black Edition is the cheaper way into Karcher's range.
Best All-Rounder
Bosch GlassVAC Cordless
Best for: Everyday window and mirror cleaning from a well-known brand
Check Price On AmazonBosch borrowed from its car wiper blades for the GlassVAC, coating the rubber blade so it glides over the glass rather than juddering. That smooth action helps on big panes where a sticky blade leaves a line of drips halfway down.
Bosch quotes up to 30 minutes of runtime, enough for around 35 windows, and a 130 minute recharge. At 0.7 kg it's as light as the WV6 Plus, with an LED display for the battery and a 100 ml tank for the dirty water. The body is bulkier than the Karcher models, so it's less comfortable in tight spots such as small bathroom windows. It comes with a 12 month guarantee.
What we like
- Automotive-grade rubber blade for a smoother glide
- Cleans up to 35 windows per charge according to Bosch
- Light at 0.7 kg
- LED battery display
- 100 ml dirty water tank
What to know
- Bulkier body than the Karcher models
- Shorter 12 month guarantee than the Karcher WV6 Plus
Our verdict
The Bosch GlassVAC suits anyone who wants a reliable everyday window vac without paying Karcher prices. Its smooth blade is the main draw. If you need longer runtime, the Karcher WV6 Plus goes much further, and the Vileda WindoMatic claims far more windows per charge.
Best Karcher Runner-Up
Karcher Window Vac Black Edition
Best for: Anyone wanting a Karcher finish for less than the WV6 Plus
Check Price On AmazonThe Black Edition is a cheaper way into Karcher's window vacs, and it's a complete kit out of the box. Along with the vac you get a spray bottle with a microfibre head and a 20 ml sachet of Karcher's cleaning detergent, so you can wash and dry a window straight away.
Karcher lists it as the WV 2 Black Edition and quotes 35 minutes of runtime and about 105 square metres cleaned per charge. At 0.6 kg it's the lightest Karcher here, which helps when you're working overhead on tall windows. An LED shows the battery level. It's cheaper than the WV6 Plus but still costs more than most of the other window vacs in this list.
What we like
- Complete kit with spray bottle and detergent
- Cleans about 105 square metres per charge according to Karcher
- Light at 0.6 kg
- LED battery display
- Microfibre head on the spray bottle
What to know
- Cheaper than the WV6 Plus but dearer than most other window vacs here
- Slow 185 minute recharge
Our verdict
Pick the Karcher Black Edition if you want the Karcher finish and a complete kit for less than the WV6 Plus, and a 35 minute runtime is enough for your home. For a big house, the WV6 Plus is worth the extra, while the Vileda WindoMatic or Bosch GlassVAC cost less again.
Best Value
Vileda WindoMatic
Best for: Plenty of windows on a charge for a mid-range price
Check Price On AmazonThe WindoMatic gives you a lot of cleaning for the money. Vileda says its lithium-ion battery cleans up to 120 windows per charge, far more than the 35 windows Bosch quotes for the GlassVAC, helped by two suction levels so you can save battery on lightly wet glass.
The water tank clips off easily and goes in the dishwasher, which keeps it from getting smelly, and a flexible neck lets the blade follow awkward angles in window reveals and around taps. The trade-off is suction. It isn't as strong as the Karcher or Bosch models, so go slower on very wet glass to stop drips escaping.
What we like
- Cleans up to 120 windows per charge according to Vileda
- Two suction levels to save battery
- Dishwasher-safe detachable tank
- Flexible neck for awkward corners
- Lithium-ion battery
What to know
- Weaker suction than the Karcher and Bosch models
Our verdict
The Vileda WindoMatic earns its place if you want plenty of runtime at a sensible price. Just slow down on very wet glass. If strong suction matters more, the Bosch GlassVAC or a Karcher will clear water faster, and the Beldray costs less if you only clean a few windows.
Most Versatile
VonHaus 3-in-1 Window Vacuum
Best for: High windows, conservatories and anyone wanting spray, scrub and vac in one
Check Price On AmazonVonHaus builds the spray and the scrubbing pad into the vac itself, so you spray, wipe and vacuum the glass with one tool instead of juggling a separate bottle and cloth. That's handy on stairs or a stepladder where you want one hand free.
It also comes with an extension pole in two lengths, which lets you reach high windows, skylights and conservatory glass from the floor. VonHaus quotes a 40 minute runtime and a 120 minute recharge, and the water tank comes off for emptying. That tank is small, though, so you'll be emptying it more than with the Karcher models.
What we like
- Sprays, wipes and vacuums in one tool
- Extension pole with two lengths included
- Runtime of 40 minutes according to VonHaus
- Recharges in 120 minutes
- Removable water tank
What to know
- Small tank needs emptying frequently
Our verdict
Choose the VonHaus 3-in-1 for high or hard-to-reach glass where the extension pole earns its keep. For outside upstairs windows, a water fed telescopic window cleaning pole is the better tool. For everyday windows at arm's height, the Vileda WindoMatic or a Karcher is simpler to use.
Best Budget
Beldray Cordless Window Vacuum
Best for: Clearing condensation and wiping mirrors on a tight budget
Check Price On AmazonBeldray's window vac is the cheapest in this roundup and it covers the basics. It's light and easy to hold, with an ergonomic carry handle, and it works on windows, mirrors and other glass.
Beldray quotes 30 minutes of runtime and a 120 minute recharge, and the 60 ml waste tank is easy to empty, if small. It's a good fit for clearing condensation off bedroom windows on winter mornings or wiping the bathroom mirror after a shower. Build quality could be better, but Beldray backs it with a three-year warranty.
What we like
- Cheapest window vac in our roundup
- Three-year warranty
- Runtime of 30 minutes according to Beldray
- Easy to empty 60 ml tank
- Ergonomic handle
What to know
- Build quality could be better
- Small 60 ml tank fills quickly on very wet windows
Our verdict
The Beldray suits anyone who wants a cheap window vac for condensation, mirrors and the occasional window. For a whole house of glass, the Vileda WindoMatic and its quoted 120 windows per charge is the better buy.
How To Pick The Right Window Vac
Window vacs look similar, but runtime, tank size and blade width make a big difference once you're halfway round the house. These are the points we'd check before buying.
Runtime And Charging
Runtime decides whether you finish the job on one charge. All six here run for at least 30 minutes according to their makers, which covers condensation and mirrors easily. For a house full of windows and patio doors, the Karcher WV6 Plus or the Vileda WindoMatic saves waiting for a recharge, which takes from 120 to 170 minutes on the models that quote it.
Tank Size
A small tank fills quickly on wet glass and you'll stop to empty it every few windows. That's fine for mirrors and condensation but tiresome on big panes. A detachable tank that goes in the dishwasher, like the Vileda's, stops dirty water leaving a smell between uses.
Blade Width And Shape
Wider blades cover big windows faster, while narrower ones fit small panes and the gaps between bathroom fittings. Check the blade reaches close to the frame, as a blade that stops short leaves a strip of water at the edge. Some models come with a narrow blade too, which is useful on Georgian-style windows with lots of small panes.
Using A Window Vac On Showers And Tiles
A window vac is excellent on shower screens and tiled walls after a shower, as it stops water spots and limescale building up. Our guide on cleaning shower glass covers removing marks that are already there. On textured or patterned glass, the blade can't seal properly, so you'll get a less perfect finish.
Condensation And Mould
Clearing condensation with a window vac every morning stops water soaking into the seals and sills, where it leads to black mould. If you're emptying the tank every day, the room has a damp problem, and one of the best dehumidifiers for condensation will tackle the cause. For frames that have already gone grubby, use one of the best uPVC cleaners before vacuuming the glass.
Window Vac Questions We Get Asked
Are window vacs worth it?
Yes, a window vac is worth it if you want streak-free windows, mirrors and shower screens without drips running onto the sill. It sucks up the dirty water instead of leaving it to dry into marks, and it clears condensation in seconds. It won't replace scrubbing very dirty glass, so wash first with a spray bottle and cloth, then vacuum.
What liquid do you put in a window vac?
You don't put liquid in most window vacs, because the tank collects dirty water rather than spraying it. Wash the glass with a spray bottle of warm water and a little window cleaning concentrate or washing-up liquid, then use the window vac to draw it off. Models with a built-in sprayer, like the VonHaus 3-in-1, have a separate clean water tank.
Can you use a window vac for condensation?
Yes, a window vac is one of the quickest ways to clear condensation from inside windows. Draw the blade down each pane and the water goes into the tank instead of soaking into the sill or seals. Empty the tank after each use. If you're clearing a lot of water every morning, the room needs better ventilation or a dehumidifier.
Can you use a window vac on tiles?
You can use a window vac on smooth tiles, especially glossy wall tiles in a bathroom or kitchen. It clears water after a shower and helps stop limescale spots building up. It won't work well on textured tiles or deep grout lines, where the blade can't seal against the surface, so stick to flat glazed tiles.
Is the Karcher WV6 Plus worth the extra over the Black Edition?
For a house with a lot of glass, yes. Karcher quotes up to 100 minutes on a charge for the WV6 Plus against 35 minutes for the Black Edition, and its water tank is 50% larger than earlier Karcher models according to the brand. The WV6 Plus is the dearest vac in our roundup. The Black Edition is the cheaper way into Karcher's range.
Is the Bosch GlassVAC too bulky for a small bathroom window?
It's less comfortable in tight spots than the Karcher models, because the body is bulkier. The Bosch GlassVAC weighs 0.7 kg and its coated rubber blade glides smoothly on big panes, which is its main draw. For small bathroom windows, the 0.6 kg Karcher Black Edition is the lightest Karcher in our roundup and easier to handle.
Does the Vileda WindoMatic cope with very wet glass?
Slow down on very wet glass. The Vileda WindoMatic has weaker suction than the Karcher and Bosch models, so water can escape as drips if you rush. It has two suction levels to save battery on lightly wet glass, and Vileda says it cleans up to 120 windows per charge, which is why we rate it as the best value.
Can a window vac reach upstairs windows?
The VonHaus 3-in-1 Window Vacuum is the one that can, as it comes with an extension pole in two lengths for high windows, skylights and conservatory glass from the floor. For outside upstairs windows, a water fed telescopic window cleaning pole is the better tool. For everyday windows at arm's height, the Vileda WindoMatic or a Karcher is simpler.
The Window Vac We'd Choose
The Karcher Window Vac WV6 Plus is our top pick, as its long runtime, quoted at up to 100 minutes, impressed us most in testing and means fewer stops to recharge. The Karcher Black Edition is the cheaper Karcher if you have fewer windows.
For value, the Vileda WindoMatic quotes up to 120 windows per charge, and the Beldray is the cheapest way to deal with condensation.
Richard has spent years renovating properties and turning them into rentals and Airbnbs. Like a lot of people he started out as a beginner, and these days there isn't much DIY he won't take on.