The VAX ONEPWR Pace sits comfortably in the mid-range of the brand’s vacuum lineup, offering a balance between the cheaper Blade model and the more premium HomePro. One standout feature is the ONEPWR battery system, which allows you to use the same battery across the entire VAX product range. The vacuum is marketed as providing the performance of the company’s best-selling uprights, but in a compact, cordless format. Here’s how it performs when put to the test.
Design and Build: 9/10
The VAX ONEPWR Pace is one of the lighter cordless models we’ve tested in this price range, with a build quality on par with more expensive options. Its blue, grey, and aluminum finishes look sleek and are scratch-resistant, giving it a premium feel. While it lacks some advanced features like an LCD display (found in models like the VAX Blade 5), it does have practical handle-mounted controls for activating the brush bar and boosting suction power. A handy red LED light flashes when the battery is below 20%, providing a useful warning.
The dust canister is easy to detach for emptying, but hair can get stuck around the separator, requiring a little extra effort to clean it out. This could be a minor inconvenience, but overall, the design is solid.
Storage: 8/10
A drawback for the VAX ONEPWR Pace is that it won’t stand on its own, unlike some other cordless vacuums. While VAX includes a wall mount, this requires drilling holes, which might be a hassle if you ever need to upgrade to a new model, as the mounting system may change. The vacuum comes with just one attachment—a 2-in-1 crevice tool/dusting brush—which is practical, but there’s no built-in clip to store it on the wall mount, making it a bit annoying to keep track of.
Battery Life and Recharge Time: 8/10
The Pace is powered by a 4.0Ah VAX ONEPWR battery, which is detachable and rechargeable. The average charging time is 2.5-3 hours, which is typical for cordless vacuums. One of the benefits of the ONEPWR system is that you can use the same battery across different VAX cordless models. While the quoted 40-minute runtime is based on ideal conditions, you’ll likely get closer to 20 minutes if using the motorized brush bar. This is still enough time for quick clean-ups, but you may need to recharge for longer cleaning sessions.
Usability: 9/10
Though the Pace is slightly top-heavy, it remains surprisingly nimble thanks to its well-designed swivel mechanism and compact brush head. The noise levels are relatively low, even when the brush head is activated. The vacuum is also easy to maneuver under furniture, as it can flatten to just 7cm in height. While you might not be able to achieve as thorough a clean as you would by moving furniture, it’s a convenient option for regular touch-ups.
Performance and Results: 9/10
Performance-wise, the VAX ONEPWR Pace delivers impressive results, especially considering its budget-friendly price. On hard floors, it picks up small debris (like rice) effortlessly, though larger debris (like soil) might require a second pass. On carpet, it performs well, picking up all the flour from short-pile carpet with a second pass. It does a good job of gathering pet hair, but you’ll need to stop occasionally to clean the brush bar as there’s no hair detangling technology.
Overall Verdict: 8.5/10
The VAX ONEPWR Pace is a strong performer for its price, providing excellent cleaning results on both hard floors and carpets. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and offers a solid battery life, though it does have some small drawbacks, such as the lack of standing storage and the occasional need to clean the brush bar. If you’re looking for a versatile, compact cordless vacuum that delivers great performance for everyday cleaning, the Pace is a great choice. However, if you have heavier-duty carpet cleaning needs, you might want to consider more powerful alternatives.
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