A high-capacity battery provides up to 100 minutes of runtime after a full charge, while the LCD screen tells you how many minutes are left.
It's heavier compared to other models.
The Kärcher WV 6 Plus N Window Vac with Liquid Silicone-Lip ™ technology is ideal for home and commercial use alike. It can clean an impressive area of up to 300 square metres after one charge.
Cordless (rechargeable battery)
Up to 100 minutes from single charge
150 ml
Wide suction head (28 cm), Narrow Suction Head (17 cm), Spray Bottle with Microfibre Cloth, Window Cleaner Concentrate (1 x 20 ml)
Liquid Silicone-Lip™ technology, Ergonomic handle, LED battery indicator
0.8 kg
2 years
The built-in battery can be charged not only from the mains but also from the USB port. The soft handle provides a firm and secure grip.
The spray bottle may leak a bit.
The Bosch GlassVAC comes with two attachments for tackling debris in all nooks and crannies. The 26.6-cm suction head works best for cleaning large surfaces while the smaller suction head (13.3 cm) will come in handy for cleaning all hard-to-reach areas.
Cordless (rechargeable batery)
Up to 30 minutes from single charge
100 ml
Large suction head (26.6 cm), Small suction head (13.3 cm), Spray applicator bottle with large and small microfibre cloths
Ergonomic handle
0.7 kg
1 year
The large vacuum nozzle comes with a removable silicone lip for easy maintenance. The pack also includes glass cleaner concentrate (20 ml).
Microfibre wiping cloth on the spray bottle isn't very durable.
The KARWV2PLUS vac can not only wash windows but also suck up spills and other liquids from floors and worktops. It's a reasonably-priced vacuum that offers some bells and whistles and is perfect for a variety of jobs.
Cordless (rechargeable battery)
Up to 25 minutes after charge
100 ml
Large vacuum nozzle (28 cm), Spray bottle with microfibre wiping cloth, Glass cleaner concentrate (1 x 20 ml)
Ergonomic handle
0.6 kg
2 years
You won't have to empty the 150-ml water tank too frequently. By the way, there is a warning mark on the tank that will tell you when to drain the water.
The unit is a little noisy to use.
The TACKLIFE Window Vacuum may be an ideal device for those looking for their first cleaner. It's more affordable than big names but provides great performance. Also suitable for mirrors, tiles, shower screens, etc.
Cordless (rechargeable batery)
Up to 30 minutes from single charge
150 ml
Large vacuum nozzle (28 cm), Spray bottle with microfibre wiping cloth
Ergonomic handle
~0.7 kg
2 years
The design of the tube in the water container prevents any spillage even if this vacuum is used on its side for cleaning the most awkward areas.
The run time is rather short.
If you need a lightweight and effective cleaner from a respectable manufacturer, the Kärcher WV1 is a solid fit. Coming at a much lower price than its rivals, it offers all the basic functions you'd need to effectively tackle spills from any smooth surface in your house.
Cordless (rechargeable batery)
Up to 25 minutes from single charge
100 ml
Large vacuum nozzle (25 cm)
Ergonomic handle
0.5 kg
2 years
Extra-long Battery Life
If you've got a large house with lots of windows to clean, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better vacuum than the WV 6 Plus N by Kärcher. It's currently the most advanced window vac by the brand and, probably, the strongest performer on the whole market.
The main thing that brings this vacuum above the competition is the incredibly long lifespan. Whereas other products provide 25-30 min runtime after a single charge, this one can work up to 100 minutes non-stop. That equals about 300 sq.m. or up to 215 windows per charge, making this model suitable for heavy-duty use. As a nice touch, the unit is fitted with a count down LED indicator that informs you of how many minutes you have left.
What also makes this cleaner perfect for larger jobs is the extra-large dirty water tank. With the 150-ml capacity, the water reservoir here is 50% bigger than previous models, which allows for completing more cleaning tasks per one go.
When it comes to performance, the WV 6 Plus N is no slouch either. Boasting the newest lip-technology with 'liquid silicone', the vacuum is capable of cleaning from the upper edge to the ground without interruptions. As a result, you get streak-free surfaces right up the edge. The vac really sucks up every tiny drop of moisture, leaving nothing but extra-clean windows.
The cleaner comes with 280mm and 170mm exchangeable suction heads, a microfibre cloth and a 20-ml sachet of cleaning concentrate, allowing you to test the cleaner right after unpacking. So, if you're after a premium cleaner that will purport to suction water very close to the edges, this one may fit the bill.
The Runner Up
Bosch is another big name that stands at the forefront of the industry and can give professional Kärcher vacs a run for their money. Right out of the box, the Bosch GlassVac strikes with its high-quality build crafted from premium, moulded plastic material. It boasts an attractive ergonomic design and takes a lot less space in a bathroom cupboard than many other window cleaners. It's also easier to empty because of the smart design - the suction head should be simply removed from the vac's body, providing you with quick access to the water reservoir section.
The other point in favour of this model is that it works really well without being excessively noisy. For the best results, it should be used with a special Bosch GlassVAC detergent concentrate (not included in the box), however, you may also use detergents intended for window vacuums from other brands. No matter which option you choose, the GlassVAC will suck up all the soapy water and leave the glass streak-free. It can be used both horizontally and vertically but it's better to avoid using the device with the suction head pointing down for long periods since the suction may decrease. On the upside, you won't have any issues with the cleaner sucking right to the edge of the window.
What really makes this cleaner stand out from the crowd is its ability to recharge from any standard USB-equipped adaptor. This way, you can take the GlassVAC on the muddiest of your road trips and recharge it on-the-go. The vac's battery charges fast and lasts a while.
In all, if you'd like to get a well-constructed and ergonomic cleaner you can take with you wherever you go, the GlassVAC is a reasonable buy.
Golden Mean
Karcher offers a wide range of window cleaners varying from really expensive vacs to some more than reasonably priced ones. The Kärcher Window Vac WV 2 Plus is the golden mean. It boasts decent performance and some extras found in the premium Karcher cleaning vacuums.
For starters, it comes with a standard 28-cm head allowing you to access lattice, sash, leaded, and other types of windows easily. What is handy, it has a removable lip for easy cleaning and maintenance.
The unit is built with an average battery that provides 25 min runtime, making it possible for you to clean up to 75 sq.m. on a single charge. As a nice design solution, the vac has an integrated battery LED that lets you control the status of the battery so that it won’t run out mid-way through cleaning.
Another thing that adds appeal to this cleaner is the extended set of accessories it's supplied with. Namely, the package includes a spray bottle and a small sample of Karcher window concentrate. The spray bottle boasts a microfibre, velcro-type cleaning head. Hence, if you need to loosen extremely stubborn dirt, you can simply spray and wipe the concentrate over the window prior to scooping all the water up with the vac. The Kärcher Window Vac WV 2 Plus will remove any residual fluid with ease.
Finally, we would like to point out that this handheld washer can also suck up spills and other liquids from floors and worktops. It's a reasonably-priced window vac that offers some bells and whistles and is perfect for a variety of jobs.
Worthy Alternative
If you're willing to get a decent cleaner but are slightly put off by the high price of well-known brands, there is a perfect alternative - the TACKLIFE window vac. It's rated high and priced low. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose by trying it.
Despite the affordable costs, the pack includes a full window cleaning kit with the vacuuming device, spray bottle, and a micro-fibre pad for cleaning the windows (with a spare one). So, you spray with a bottle, wipe over with a sponge, and vacuum with the unit. With a 280mm cleaning head, the vacuum works really well and is capable of cleaning large areas within a short time, leaving no residue of water or streaks. The suction is strong enough for removing heavy condensation from windows to prevent mould and damp build-up. Also, it's great for shower screens, shower trays, vehicle windows, and other surfaces around your house.
Owing to the 150ml water tank and powerful battery, the vacuum can clean areas about 105 sq.m. per one go, which equals 35 standard windows. The device charges quickly and maintains its charge nicely.
For those who need a budget cleaner that would be versatile and easy to use, we would definitely recommend the TACKLIFE window vac. It runs for a long time, and the included spray bottle and spreader cloth are ingenious in their simplicity. This combination gives amazing results just using water.
One of the Lightest
If you would like to purchase a branded cleaner for light jobs without shelling out a lot of money, Kärcher offers a frills-free window vacuum that comes without an additional spray bottle kit but does the job as intended. Being the cheapest in the Kärcher range, it works just fine for light cleaning jobs around the house. So, for those who don't necessarily need an elaborate model with a myriad of attachments and extra-long battery life, this vac will hit the mark.
To begin with the performance, the Kärcher WV 1 has a decreased runtime and a bit smaller capacity compared to its siblings. It works up to 25 min after a full charge and can hold up to 100 ml of dirty water, which is a bit less than higher-end models offer. Yet, the tradeoff for that is quicker charging time (only 100 min) and more compact, lightweight design. The unit fits nicely in the hand and reaches up at awkward high windows easily without tiring your arm out. The Kärcher also works at pretty much any angle, providing very efficient cleaning of such flat surfaces as windows, tiles, shower screens, worktops, mirrors, and steamed-up windows in your vehicle. It effortlessly sucks up moisture, leaving treated surfaces sparkling and streak-free. It even works to remove spilt water or the melted ice when you want to defrost the freezer.
After use, you simply need to remove the container for dirty water from the vac, then remove the black tube, empty the bottle and put everything together again. Since the vac has only one water tank and no built-in spray, there is nothing to get messy and clogged up. All this makes cleaning with the Kärcher WV 1 a quick and pleasurable job. Simple yet effective, it's a decent unit to make windows smear-free and sparkling.
What Is a Window Vacuum Cleaner?
Let’s face it, cleaning windows is an annoying and time-consuming job. But instead of wasting your time and effort on a manual squeegee which will definitely leave annoying streaks afterwards, you can use a window vacuum cleaner.
It works in the same way as a traditional handheld vacuum but is meant to vacuum up liquids. That is to say, it can be used not only for cleaning windows and other glass surfaces but for removing condensation stains as well. It's also ideal for use on shower cubicles, mirrors and tiles.
Window vacuums have been designed to remove liquids, fine dirt and dust from flat surfaces, leaving them squeaky clean and streak-free.
Hence, no matter whether you're looking for a handy tool to clean windows or tackle a damp problem in your house, a window hoover hits the sweet spot. It offers one of the fastest and effortless ways to remove excess moisture and dirt.
We have narrowed down the best window vacs for this review to make your choice less tricky. But take note that if you need to clean high and hard-to-reach windows or conservatory roofs, you might need to use a step ladder additionally to get the job done.