When it comes to tackling pet hair, household dust, and everyday messes, the Vax Blade 4 Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner has certainly made an impression. Marketed as one of the best options for homes with pets, it boasts strong suction, useful attachments, and antimicrobial protection. But does it live up to the hype? This detailed review explores its performance, battery life, ease of use, and overall value.
The Vax Blade 4 Pet immediately stands out as a sleek and lightweight cordless vacuum. Its motorised pet tool is a key addition, designed specifically to lift embedded pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors. Additionally, the DustVault system claims to capture up to 99% of fine particles, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Upon testing, the battery life was a significant concern for some users. While Vax claims the removable ONEPWR 4.0 Ah MAX battery offers up to 45 minutes of runtime, real-world results varied. On standard power with the brush roller running, the vacuum lasted just over 20 minutes, which was sufficient for cleaning multiple rooms. However, using boost mode significantly reduced battery life, which may explain some of the negative reviews regarding longevity.
For a cordless vacuum, the Vax Blade 4 Pet delivers impressive suction. When tested against a traditional corded upright model, it picked up significantly more debris—particularly hair—on its first pass. This confirms that its suction capabilities are more than adequate for general household cleaning.
The vacuum head, however, presents a slight challenge. Most of the weight is concentrated at the top, making the head feel light and prone to veering slightly off course depending on the carpet's direction. Additionally, when pulling back against carpet fibres, the head can lift or skip. This is easily corrected by slowing down and adjusting technique, but it may require a little getting used to.
Build quality feels solid, but some durability concerns have emerged. One user reported that the main brush head stopped working after five months, with an internal wire snapping. Unfortunately, Vax did not cover this under warranty, classifying it as wear and tear. Given that a vacuum’s motorised brush head is essential, this was a disappointing failure within a relatively short period of use.
On the plus side, the vacuum has proven resilient in other ways. It has been tested against pet fur, large debris, and general household dirt without clogging or losing suction. Accidental encounters with wood shavings and scraps of carpet also failed to cause any blockages.
Battery life is always a contentious issue with cordless vacuums. While Vax advertises a 45-minute runtime, actual results indicate a 20-minute performance on standard power with the brush roller active. This should be sufficient for most small to mid-sized homes. Boost mode drains the battery quickly, but it is only necessary for particularly stubborn debris.
Charging time is around 3 hours, and the battery is easily replaceable. Some users opted to purchase a spare battery, though many found that a single charge was enough for regular cleaning sessions.
The Vax Blade 4 Pet performs well on a variety of surfaces, provided the correct settings are used:
For pet owners, this vacuum is a great alternative to premium models like Dyson Animal series. The motorised pet tool makes short work of stubborn fur, while the DustVault system helps trap fine allergens. Its antimicrobial protection also ensures that bacteria and fungi do not accumulate on the brush bristles over time.
The vacuum is lightweight for most users, but some found it slightly top-heavy due to the placement of the motor and battery. Those with mobility issues may find it tiring over extended cleaning sessions, though most found it manageable.
✔ Strong suction—outperforms many corded models
✔ Effective on pet hair, upholstery, and carpets
✔ Motorised pet tool works well on stubborn fur
✔ Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre
✔ Battery is removable and easy to charge
✔ Wall-mountable for convenient storage
✔ Brushes are easy to remove and clean
✔ Great value compared to premium competitors
✖ Battery life varies—realistically around 20 minutes on standard mode
✖ Brush head can lift or skip on some carpets
✖ Dust bin is small and requires frequent emptying
✖ Some durability concerns—reported issues with brush head wiring
✖ Lacks advanced features found in more expensive models
The Vax Blade 4 Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner delivers a powerful and convenient cleaning experience, particularly for pet owners and those looking for a lightweight yet effective vacuum. While battery performance falls short of the advertised 45 minutes, 20 minutes on standard mode is sufficient for most cleaning tasks. The motorised pet tool is a standout feature, and ease of maintenance adds to its appeal.
However, concerns over battery longevity and brush head durability prevent it from being flawless. Despite this, at its price point, it represents excellent value for money—offering strong suction, versatility, and convenience without the premium cost of competitors like Dyson.
Would we recommend it? Yes—especially for pet owners. Just be aware of potential durability concerns and consider investing in a spare battery if longer cleaning sessions are needed.