The UK's bestWindow Vacs2022 Review

Bosch is certainly a well-known company when it comes to making quality tools, and their GlassVAC cleaning system is another well-thought-out offering from the German corporation.

There are both positives and negatives to its overall design, but in terms of performance it works very well and is capable of producing a streak-free shine on glass surfaces, which is ultimately the main aim when using these vacuums. For this reason, I’ve chosen it as the best window vacuum overall.

Two differently-sized vacuum heads come included, which facilitate the cleaning of large and small windows, as well as a spray bottle with a Velcro-backed microfibre cloth attachment.

Using the vacuum effectively takes a bit of trial and error to begin with, but it is possible to avoid creating streaks. The appearance of streaks is greatly reduced by starting with a very wet window and overlapping by 10 cm on each stroke, as well as using more detergent than you might expect.

Overall, the quality of the whole unit seems robust, and the handle has an ergonomic shape. However, it’s perhaps not quite as well designed as the handle on the Kärcher Window Vac, as the Bosch doesn’t completely enclose your hand. This can lead to feeling like you might drop it when cleaning at more awkward angles, like the exterior of upstairs windows, although there is a wrist strap provided.

The vacuum’s water tank has a capacity of 100 ml, which is comparable with other window vacs in the same price bracket.

It has an integrated lithium-ion battery which is simple to charge using the included micro-USB charger. The battery lasts for approximately 30 minutes of continuous use, and has a battery indicator to warn when it needs to be plugged in.

Whilst the suction and power is relatively good, the suction power doesn’t reach fully to the edges of the larger vacuum blade. For this reason, a large overlap is necessary when using the window vacuum, otherwise streaks can be created by the water residue.

Even so, a good finish can be produced one the technique is in place, and the Bosch is one of the best window vacs for cleaning windows of different sizes thanks to the attachments included.

This Vileda WindoMatic Window Vacuum is a budget-friendly option that’s particularly useful for cleaning up condensation in bathrooms. It can be also be used for window cleaning too, but there’s no spray bottle included for washing the windows first.

This window vacuum has a very lightweight construction and it’s well designed. It has an enclosed, ergonomic handle which makes it comfortable to use. As a unit, it’s sturdy, with no separate parts or components; the only bit that disconnects is the 100 ml water tank so that it can be emptied and cleaned.

It has a good battery life and won’t often need charging, especially if only being used for a few windows at a time. When it is time to charge, the WindoMatic window vacuum simply hooks up to a mains charger.

Although it’s a window vacuum cleaner with two power modes, there isn’t much demand for the lesser of the two. Even the high-power mode can lack strength sometimes, although it will still get the water up eventually. Occasionally, it pushes moisture down the window instead of successfully vacuuming as it goes, so the water needs to be sucked up from the bottom of the pane – which it manages to do.

The flexible neck improves how well the WindoMatic window cleaner can get into corners, but it still doesn’t get all the way to the edges. There’s only one cleaning blade included, and it’s 27 cm long, so it’s a better choice for people cleaning larger surfaces as opposed to smaller windows.

Overall, this is the best window vacuum to buy on a budget. It’s ideal for removing condensation because it is light and not overly expensive. It can also be used for window cleaning, even though it doesn’t come with any of the accessories of higher-end models, but the process may take longer.

If you’re after a window vac that will get the job done without being too expensive, the Beldray BEL0749 Cordless Window Vac offers a good middle balance of power and performance. This window vacuum works sufficiently well to be a worthwhile purchase, without leaving your bank balance in tears.

It’s the best window vacuum if you’re after value for money. It has all the basic functions without any additional mod cons. The window vacuum comes with one 28 cm cleaning blade, an ergonomic handle with easy-reach power button, and a 60 ml water tank.

This electric window vacuum will clean off condensation, as well as dry off windows, although you may also need to have a cloth to hand as well.

This window vacuum reduces the amount of time spent drying windows/mirrors/tiled surfaces compared to using a cloth on its own, but the vacuum isn’t always able to clean to the bottom of the window as the sill gets in the way. This is where the cloth comes in, to collect the water at the bottom.

It also shouldn’t be turned horizontally, according to the instructions, so it can’t be used along the window sill on its side.

Overall, this window vacuum is a good choice if you’re after a basic, value-for-money model. It’s capable of cleaning up condensation, and can be used for window cleaning too. However, it may leave a few streaks that need to be buffed out with a cloth.

It also isn’t possible to remove the water tank entirely, making it a little hard to clean.

A lot of comparisons are often made between the Bosch GlassVAC and this Kärcher WV5 Window Vac. Whilst there are a lot of similarities, the two primary differences seem to be that the Kärcher has a slightly longer battery life, and offers the possibility of changing the battery when it finally bites the dust.

Whereas a lot of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are encased inside the machine, meaning once they run down for good the tool has to be thrown away, the battery inside the WV5 window vacuum can be swapped out for a new one. I’ve identified it as the best window vacuum for versatility, for its exchangeable battery as well as other features.

In terms of general performance, one charge will last for approximately 35 minutes, which is generally enough time to clean all of the inside windows of a standard house. This window vacuum also seems to approach the windows with relative vigour; it’s powerful enough for the 100 ml water tank to visibly contain liquid after cleaning one pane of condensation.

A spray bottle with a microfibre cleaning head comes included, as well as two differently-sized vacuum blades. These measure 17 cm and 28 cm across, making them slightly larger than the blades supplied with Bosch’s GlassVAC machine.

The Kärcher WV5 has an enclosed loop handle, which makes it comfortable to use when cleaning the outside of windows from inside the house. However, as with most window vacuums, some streaks can be left after use but that’s where the microfibre buffer comes in handy.

Due to the inclusion of two blades, the reasonable battery life, ability to replace the battery, and the secure handle, this is one of the best cordless window vacuums in terms of versatility. The WV5’s blades are slightly larger than those of the Bosch GlassVAC, so it may not be as good for cleaning smaller windows, but otherwise it seems a comfortable and effective tool for both removing condensation and cleaning.

The enclosed handle makes it particularly good for cleaning exterior windows.

If you’re working across large surfaces like bathroom tiles, the battery capacity and blade size of this AEG Window Vac could work together to make the job easier.

With a run time of up to 60 minutes, this is  one of the best cordless window vacuums featured here in terms of battery life. It’s powerful enough to remove condensation, and clean windows, as well as clear spills on hard-top surfaces.

However, this window vacuum doesn’t seem to have as strong suction power as some of the higher-end models featured here. Therefore, although the AEG Window Vac can be used both for cleaning windows and removing condensation, it can lack the power to collect all of the water.

For this reason, it’s a good idea to have a cloth nearby to catch any drips.

The water tank is the largest of all the window vacs on this page, with a capacity of 110 ml, so frequent emptying of the dirty water won’t be necessary. There are no additional accessories included like a second cleaning blade or spray bottle.

One final thing offered by the AEG Window Vac, which is a little whimsical but still worth mentioning, is that it comes in a choice of colours. If a certain theme would go better with your bathroom, you can choose between ‘baltic blue’, ‘aqua spray’ or ‘vivid viola’, purely for aesthetic purposes.