Akitas 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum AKU10 Review: The Budget Cordless Contender with Some Serious Flaws

There’s a familiar story in many households, and it’s one I know all too well. It begins with the sight of dust bunnies gathering in the corners, pet hair weaving itself into the fabric of the sofa, and a trail of crumbs leading from the kitchen counter. The solution has always been the same: wrestling a heavy, cumbersome vacuum cleaner from the cupboard, untangling a seemingly sentient power cord, and searching for the nearest available socket. It’s a chore that feels more like a workout. This daily battle led us on a quest for something better—a cleaning tool that promised freedom, lightness, and efficiency without a heart-stopping price tag. The dream is a lightweight, cordless stick vacuum that can be grabbed in a moment for a quick clean-up, turning a dreaded task into a satisfyingly simple one. The challenge is finding one that delivers on this promise without compromising on power or, crucially, failing after just a few months of use.

What to Look for Before Buying a Cordless Stick Vacuum

A cordless stick vacuum is more than just a cleaning gadget; it’s a key solution for modern, fast-paced living. It tackles the daily accumulation of dirt, dust, and pet hair with an immediacy that traditional vacuums can’t match. The main benefits are unparalleled convenience and portability. There are no cords to trip over, no heavy canisters to drag around, and no limitations on where you can clean. From the living room carpet to the car interior, a good cordless stick vacuum offers true grab-and-go functionality, encouraging more frequent cleaning and contributing to a healthier, more pleasant home environment.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone living in a small-to-medium-sized home, apartment, or bedsit, who values quick, daily tidying over deep, intensive cleaning sessions. It’s perfect for parents who need to clean up spills in a flash, pet owners battling constant shedding, and anyone with mobility issues who finds traditional vacuums too heavy. However, it might not be suitable for those with very large homes or extensive areas of deep-pile carpet, as battery life and sheer power can be limiting factors. For those who need industrial-strength cleaning, a high-end corded upright or canister vacuum might still be a better primary choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Weight is paramount. A truly lightweight model (under 3kg) is easier to lift for cleaning curtains or ceilings and is far more manoeuvrable around furniture. Also, consider its profile for storage and its ability to lay flat to clean under sofas and beds—a detail where many budget models unfortunately fall short.
• Capacity/Performance: Don’t just look at the motor wattage; consider the real-world suction and battery runtime. Manufacturers often quote the longest possible runtime on the lowest power setting. Look for realistic figures for “Max” or “Turbo” mode, as this is what you’ll need for carpets and pet hair. A dust bin of at least 0.6 litres is preferable to avoid constant trips to the bin.
• Materials & Durability: Most cordless vacuums are made primarily of plastic to keep them lightweight, but the quality of that plastic varies immensely. Look for sturdy-feeling wands and click-in mechanisms. The filter system is also critical; a washable HEPA filter is the gold standard for trapping allergens and reducing long-term costs, but ensure replacement filters are readily available.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A simple, one-touch emptying mechanism for the dust bin is a must-have for a hygienic experience. Check how easy it is to remove the roller brush to clear tangled hair and debris. User-friendly controls and clear battery indicators also contribute significantly to the overall experience.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Akitas 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum AKU10 presents an interesting case with its lightweight design and budget price. You can explore its detailed specifications and see the full feature list here.

While the Akitas 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum AKU10 is an excellent choice for a certain type of user, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Akitas AKU10: First Impressions and Key Features

The Akitas 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum AKU10 arrived in a surprisingly compact box. Upon opening it, everything was neatly packed and easy to identify. Assembly was an absolute breeze, requiring no tools and taking less than two minutes; the main components simply click together with a satisfying firmness. The first thing we noticed was its weight, or lack thereof. At just 2.15 kg, it feels incredibly light in the hand, immediately delivering on its promise of an effortless cleaning experience. The vibrant blue finish is modern, though the overall feel of the plastic is unmistakably that of a budget-friendly appliance—it doesn’t have the premium heft of a Dyson or a Shark, but it doesn’t feel flimsy either.

Powering it on for the first time, two features immediately stood out: the bright LED headlights on the motorized floor head and the distinct two-tier power system. The lights are a fantastic addition at this price point, illuminating dust and debris under furniture that would otherwise be missed. The included crevice tool and dusting brush feel a bit basic, but they are functional for their intended purpose. Our initial impression was one of pleasant surprise; it’s a thoughtfully designed machine that seems to offer a lot of value for its modest cost. The true test, however, would be in its performance and, more importantly, its longevity.

Akitas AKU10 In-Depth Performance Review: A Tale of Two Halves

Our extended testing of the Akitas 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum AKU10 was an experience of highs and lows. It is a machine that impresses greatly in some areas while revealing significant, undeniable flaws in others. It performs admirably as a quick, convenient cleaner for daily messes, but its limitations in design and long-term durability cast a long shadow over its initial appeal. This is the detailed story of our time with the AKU10.

Day-to-Day Cleaning: Suction Power and Multi-Surface Performance

For everyday cleaning tasks, the Akitas AKU10 is a surprisingly capable performer. We tested it across a variety of surfaces, including laminate flooring, kitchen tiles, low-pile area rugs, and doormats. On hard floors, the standard ‘Eco’ mode was more than sufficient for picking up dust, crumbs, and loose pet hair. The motorized turbo brush does an excellent job of agitating and lifting debris, while the bright LED headlights proved to be more than just a gimmick—they genuinely transformed our ability to see and capture fine dust in dimly lit areas like hallways and under kitchen cabinets.

When moving onto carpets and rugs, switching to ‘Max’ mode is essential. With a second press of the power button, the 150W motor kicks into a higher gear, and the increase in suction is immediately noticeable. It pulled embedded pet hair and dirt from our low-pile rugs with impressive vigour, confirming the experiences of users who were delighted by its power. The 0.8-litre dust bin, while not huge, is adequate for a full clean of a small flat before needing to be emptied. However, this is where the first compromise appears. This powerful ‘Max’ mode is an absolute drain on the battery, a trade-off that significantly impacts the vacuum’s overall utility, which we will explore next.

Battery Life and Charging: The Reality Behind the Numbers

Herein lies one of the most significant discrepancies we found with the Akitas 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum AKU10. The product specifications claim a maximum runtime of 50 minutes. In our rigorous testing, we found this to be an optimistic figure achievable only under ideal, non-realistic conditions. In practice, running exclusively on the standard ‘Eco’ mode, we consistently managed between 25 and 30 minutes of cleaning time. This was corroborated by multiple users who noted the battery does not last more than half an hour. While 30 minutes is sufficient for quick clean-ups or vacuuming a small apartment, it falls well short of the advertised claim.

The situation becomes more critical when using the ‘Max’ power setting, which is necessary for effective carpet cleaning. On this mode, the runtime plummets to just 10-12 minutes before the 22.2V battery is completely depleted. This severely limits its practicality as a primary vacuum for any home with significant carpeted areas. You’re forced to work quickly and strategically, often unable to finish the whole house in one go. The charging time is listed as 40 minutes, but our tests showed it consistently took closer to 4-5 hours to reach a full charge from empty. This combination of short-burst power and long recharge times is a major drawback that potential buyers must be aware of.

Ergonomics and Design: Lightweight Freedom with a Frustrating Flaw

Without a doubt, the single greatest strength of the Akitas AKU10 is its ergonomic design and incredibly low weight. At 2.15 kg, it feels almost toy-like, in the best way possible. We found it effortless to carry up and down stairs, and converting it to handheld mode to clean the sofa or car interior is a simple, intuitive process. This lightweight nature makes it an outstanding choice for elderly users or those with disabilities, a point echoed by one user who praised it for allowing them to maintain their flat’s cleanliness from a power chair without tangling cords. It is, in this respect, a joy to use.

However, this user-friendly design is marred by a significant and frustrating flaw. As one astute user pointed out, the vacuum’s main body does not pivot flat to the floor. The joint stops at an angle of about 15-20 degrees. When you try to push the vacuum under furniture like a bed, a TV cabinet, or a low sofa, this lack of articulation causes the entire brush head to lift off the floor as you push further in. Only the rear wheels remain in contact, and all suction power is lost. This design oversight severely limits its ability to clean in tight, low spaces, forcing you to move furniture or rely on the crevice tool, which is far less efficient. We also found the power button logic—cycling from Eco to Max to Off, with no way to go back to Eco—to be a minor but persistent annoyance during cleaning.

Durability and Maintenance: The Elephant in the Room

While the initial performance was promising, our long-term testing revealed the Akitas AKU10’s Achilles’ heel: long-term durability. This is not just our finding, but a consistent theme across a worrying number of user experiences. After about two to three months of regular use, we, like others, began to experience a critical failure point. The electrical contacts connecting the main body to the motorized brush head started to fail. This manifested as flickering LED lights, followed by the brush roller stopping and starting intermittently, until it eventually failed to spin altogether, rendering it useless on carpets.

This was not the only issue. Other users reported a catastrophic decline in battery life after several months, with one person noting it would only last for 30 seconds after a full charge. Others experienced the motor suddenly becoming incredibly loud or ceasing to function entirely. These are not isolated incidents but a pattern of failure that suggests potential weaknesses in design or component quality. Compounding this problem is the filter situation. While the main HEPA filter is washable, we found, as another user did, that the secondary fine dust filter is not, and finding a source for replacements proved impossible. This lack of available spare parts makes the vacuum a disposable item once a key component fails, turning a budget-friendly purchase into a false economy. Despite its attractive price point, the risk of it becoming unusable within a year is very real.

What Other Users Are Saying

The user feedback for the Akitas 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum AKU10 paints a very clear picture of a product that delights and disappoints in almost equal measure. On the positive side, many users are initially thrilled, with one exclaiming it’s the “best thing I’ve ever purchased” and another praising its lightweight nature for their elderly father. These reviews frequently highlight the excellent suction on ‘Max’ mode, the convenience, and the sheer value for money, with one person stating, “Sturdy, reliable, neat and most importantly picks up well.”

However, a significant number of reviews tell a different story over time. The most detailed negative feedback comes from a user who photographed the vacuum’s inability to get under furniture, explaining, “as you go further underneath the bed, the vacuum head lifts off the floor.” This design flaw is a common frustration. The most alarming trend, though, is the litany of durability complaints. Users report the cleaner “stopped working properly after a month,” the “rotating brush does not work anymore” after two months, and it “does not work at all after 4 month of purchase.” This pattern of early failure, combined with discrepancies in the advertised warranty and runtime, suggests that while the initial experience can be great, the long-term ownership experience is a significant gamble.

How Does the Akitas AKU10 Compare to the Competition?

The Akitas 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum AKU10 operates in a fiercely competitive market. While its price is one of its biggest draws, it’s crucial to see what other options are available, especially when considering its potential flaws. Here are three distinct alternatives that might better suit your needs.

1. Duronic VC8 BK Lightweight Stick Vacuum Cleaner HEPA Filter

If your primary frustration with the Akitas AKU10 is its limited battery life and questionable long-term power, the Duronic VC8 BK is a compelling alternative. This is a corded stick vacuum, which means it completely eliminates the issues of runtime and recharging. You get consistent, reliable power for as long as you need to clean. While you sacrifice the cordless freedom of the Akitas, you gain peace of mind and unwavering suction. It’s similarly lightweight and converts to a handheld unit, making it a great choice for those in smaller homes who prioritize power and reliability over the convenience of being cord-free.

2. Gtech Multi Platinum Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

For those who are drawn to the Akitas primarily for its handheld capabilities—for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and cars—the Gtech Multi Platinum represents a significant step up in quality and specialization. While it doesn’t function as a full upright stick vacuum, it excels as a dedicated handheld cleaner. It boasts a more robust build quality with aluminium components, a powerful 22V battery designed for longevity, and a powered brush bar specifically for tackling embedded dirt and pet hair on smaller surfaces. If your main cleaning need is for a powerful spot-cleaner rather than a whole-floor solution, the Gtech is a more durable and effective, albeit more expensive, investment.

3. BISSELL CrossWave HF2 Wet Dry Vacuum Mop

If your home consists primarily of hard floors like tile, vinyl, or sealed wood, the BISSELL CrossWave HF2 offers a completely different, and potentially more efficient, approach to cleaning. This machine vacuums and mops simultaneously, cutting your cleaning time in half. It addresses a weakness of the Akitas, which is being a dry-only vacuum. The CrossWave uses separate tanks for clean and dirty water, ensuring you’re always cleaning with a fresh solution. While it’s corded and not suitable for carpets, it is a superior solution for anyone looking to maintain pristine hard floors with minimal effort, making it a worthy alternative for a specific type of home.

Final Verdict: Is the Akitas 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum AKU10 Worth Your Money?

The Akitas 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum AKU10 is the very definition of a high-risk, high-reward purchase. On one hand, it offers an incredibly lightweight design, surprisingly potent suction (on max power), and the undeniable freedom of cordless cleaning at a price point that is difficult to ignore. For the first few weeks or months, it can feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem that performs far beyond its price tag. It is genuinely useful for quick clean-ups in small spaces and can be a fantastic secondary vacuum.

However, the significant and widely reported issues with long-term durability cannot be overlooked. The pattern of failures in the motorized head and battery after just a few months is a major red flag. When combined with the frustrating design flaw that prevents it from cleaning under low furniture and a battery life that falls short of its claims, the initial value proposition begins to crumble. We can only recommend this vacuum to those on the strictest of budgets who are willing to gamble on its longevity. For anyone seeking a reliable, long-term cleaning partner, we believe investing a little more in a machine from a more established brand would be a wiser choice.

If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided the Akitas 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum AKU10 is the right fit for your specific needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.