OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

Tristar SZ-1980 Review | 52 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£110
Avg. price in US: ~$140
Suction power (AW): ?
Battery runtime: 40 minutes
Capacity: 1.5 L
Weight: 2.45 kg

Tristar SZ-1980 review. Compare 52 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Vacuum Cleaners category and whether it is worth buying.

6.8

Good

6.7

Good

7.5

Very good

7.7
Hard floors
Score components:
30.0%
4.0
Mopping support
25.0%
9.8
Weight
20.0%
7.9
Noise level (Min-Max)
15.0%
10
Capacity
10.0%
10
Power consumption
6.4
Pet homes
Score components:
30.0%
4.0
Mini motorized brush
25.0%
4.0
Anti-tangle brush
20.0%
10
Capacity
15.0%
7.9
Noise level (Min-Max)
10.0%
9.8
Weight

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#97 in Best Cheap Cordless Stick Vacuums
#98 in Best Cheap Cordless Vacuums
#141 in Best Cheap Bagless Vacuums
#148 in Best Lightweight Vacuums
#171 in Best Cheap Vacuums
#187 in Best Vacuums For Pet Hair
#231 in Best Cordless Stick Vacuums
#238 in Best Cordless Vacuums
#258 in Best Bagless Stick Vacuums
#263 in Best Stick Vacuums
#332 in Best Cyclonic Vacuums
#360 in Best Bagless Vacuums
#433 in Best Vacuum Cleaners

Verdict

The Tristar SZ-1980 is a 2-in-1 cordless stick vacuum cleaner powered by a 100-watt DC motor and a 22.2V (2200mAh) lithium-ion battery, which delivers a suction power of 7.5 kPa. Main characteristics include its 1.5-litre translucent dust container, integrated E11 HEPA filtration system for allergy sufferers, an electric floor brush with LED lighting, and two speed levels. Key pros are its lightweight 2.5 kg design, versatility to instantly transform into a handheld vacuum, hygienic one-button container emptying, and a decent runtime of up to 40 minutes on low speed (25 minutes on high speed). However, notable cons include its relatively long 4.5 to 5-hour battery charging time and weaker suction performance when cleaning carpets compared to smooth, hard floors.

Technical Specifications of vacuum cleaner Tristar SZ-1980

Overall score

6.8

Show more

Hide

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the vacuum cleaner.

When it matters: When you prefer a vacuum cleaner that has been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.

Performance

7.0

Show more

Hide

Suction power (AW)

What it is: A measure of usable suction output in air watts, combining airflow and pressure into one cleaning-power figure.

When it matters: When you want the clearest single number for overall cleaning power on carpets and stubborn debris.

Importance: HIGH

?

Suction power (kPa)

What it is: The maximum suction pressure the vacuum can generate, expressed in kilopascals.

When it matters: When you compare how strongly different vacuums can pull dirt from seams, rugs, and tight surfaces.

Importance: HIGH

Airflow

What it is: The volume of air the vacuum moves during operation, which helps indicate how effectively debris can be carried into the dust container.

When it matters: When you want better pickup of lighter debris such as dust, crumbs, and hair across larger floor areas.

Importance: HIGH

?

Motor type

What it is: The motor design used to drive suction, such as brushless or universal construction.

When it matters: When you care about motor durability, efficiency, and how modern the vacuum drive system is.

Importance: LOW

dc

Power consumption

What it is: The amount of electrical power the vacuum draws while operating, measured in watts.

When it matters: When you want to limit electricity use or compare efficiency between vacuums with similar cleaning power.

Importance: LOW

Show more

Battery

6.2

Show more

Hide

Cordless

What it is: Indicates whether the vacuum can run without being connected to a power cable.

When it matters: When you want to move quickly between rooms, stairs, or cars without trailing a power cord.

Importance: MEDIUM

Battery runtime

What it is: The maximum operating time the vacuum can deliver on a full charge in standard use.

When it matters: When you want to finish your normal cleaning routine on one charge.

Importance: HIGH

Charging time

What it is: The time required to recharge the battery from empty to full.

When it matters: When you need the vacuum ready again quickly after a short cleaning session.

Importance: MEDIUM

Battery capacity

What it is: The total amount of energy or charge the battery can store before recharging is needed.

When it matters: When you want a rough idea of how much stored energy the battery pack holds.

Importance: MEDIUM

Battery voltage

What it is: The nominal electrical voltage supplied by the battery pack.

When it matters: When you compare cordless models and want another clue about battery system strength.

Importance: LOW

Show more

Filtration

7.1

Show more

Hide

Filter class

What it is: The filtration standard or class used to describe how finely the vacuum filters outgoing air.

When it matters: When you care about capturing finer dust and keeping the exhaust air cleaner.

Importance: MEDIUM

Minimum overall efficiency

What it is: The minimum particle retention efficiency implied by the stated filter grade.

When it matters: When you want a clearer view of how much fine particulate the filter grade can block at minimum.

Importance: MEDIUM

Suitable for allergy sufferers

What it is: Indicates whether the filtration setup is strong enough to make the vacuum more appropriate for allergy-sensitive homes.

When it matters: When someone at home reacts badly to dust and you want a safer filtration setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

Capacity

What it is: The amount of dust or debris the container or bag can hold before it needs to be emptied or replaced.

When it matters: When you want to empty the dust container less often during bigger cleaning jobs.

Importance: MEDIUM

Bagless

What it is: Indicates whether the vacuum collects dirt in a reusable dust container instead of disposable bags.

When it matters: When you prefer not to buy replacement bags and want to empty a reusable bin instead.

Importance: LOW

Show more

Attachments

6.5

Show more

Hide

Main brush type

What it is: The construction style of the main floor brush that makes primary contact with the surface being cleaned.

When it matters: When you need the floor head design to match your mix of carpets and hard floors.

Importance: LOW

roll brush

Roller type

What it is: The roller material or profile used to move across the floor and lift debris.

When it matters: When you want the contact surface to suit delicate floors, embedded dirt, or hair pickup better.

Importance: LOW

bristled

Anti-tangle brush

What it is: A brush design intended to reduce hair wrapping and tangling around the roller.

When it matters: When long hair regularly wraps around the brush and you want less manual cleaning.

Importance: LOW

Mini motorized brush

What it is: A small powered cleaning head intended for upholstery, stairs, and concentrated dirt or pet hair.

When it matters: When you clean sofas, stairs, or pet beds where a powered small head works better than a standard nozzle.

Importance: LOW

Suitable for pet owners

What it is: Indicates whether the vacuum is especially suited to homes where pet hair is a regular cleaning concern.

When it matters: When pet hair is one of the main reasons you are buying a vacuum in the first place.

Importance: MEDIUM

Show more

Design

7.3

Show more

Hide

Vacuum type

What it is: Identifies the vacuum's overall form factor, such as stick, canister, upright, handheld, or wet-dry.

When it matters: When storage, maneuverability, and your usual cleaning jobs matter more than raw suction numbers.

Importance: LOW

stick

Weight

What it is: The total mass of the vacuum cleaner, which affects carrying comfort and ease of use.

When it matters: When you carry the vacuum upstairs, around the house, or use it for longer sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

2-in-1 design

What it is: A design that allows the vacuum to be used in two form factors, typically as a stick unit and a handheld unit.

When it matters: When you want one machine to handle both floors and quick handheld jobs.

Importance: LOW

Self-standing

What it is: Indicates whether the vacuum can remain upright on its own without being leaned against support.

When it matters: When you want to pause mid-clean without laying the vacuum on the floor or wall.

Importance: LOW

Adjustable tube height

What it is: Indicates whether the tube length can be adjusted to change reach and handling height.

When it matters: When different users share the vacuum or you want a more comfortable reach.

Importance: LOW

Show more

Smart features

5.2

Show more

Hide

Auto suction adjustment

What it is: A function that changes suction automatically based on floor type or detected dirt load.

When it matters: When you want the vacuum to react by itself as you move between floor types or dirt levels.

Importance: LOW

Dust particle sensor

What it is: A sensor that monitors fine debris levels to inform or automate cleaning behavior.

When it matters: When you want extra feedback in dusty rooms instead of relying only on what you can see.

Importance: LOW

LED display

What it is: A built-in illuminated display used to show status information such as battery, mode, or alerts.

When it matters: When you want cleaner status feedback for battery, mode, and warnings at a glance.

Importance: LOW

Nozzle light

What it is: A light built into the cleaning head to improve visibility in dark areas under furniture or along edges.

When it matters: When you vacuum under beds, sofas, or dark corners where hidden dust is easy to miss.

Importance: LOW

Mopping support

What it is: Indicates whether the appliance can also wipe or mop surfaces in addition to vacuuming.

When it matters: When you want one appliance to handle both dry vacuuming and light floor wiping.

Importance: LOW

Tristar SZ-1980 vs the average vacuum cleaner

Why is Tristar SZ-1980 better than the average vacuum cleaner?

Show more

Hide

Cordless operation
Tristar SZ-1980 works cordlessly, the average vacuum cleaner does not.
What it is: Indicates whether the vacuum can run without being connected to a power cable.
When it matters: When you want to move quickly between rooms, stairs, or cars without trailing a power cord.
Importance: MEDIUM
Tristar SZ-1980 works cordlessly, the average vacuum cleaner does not.
Includes removable battery
Tristar SZ-1980 includes a removable battery, the average vacuum cleaner does not.
What it is: Indicates whether the battery can be detached and replaced separately from the vacuum body.
When it matters: When you want the option to swap batteries or replace one later instead of replacing the whole vacuum.
Importance: LOW
Tristar SZ-1980 includes a removable battery, the average vacuum cleaner does not.
500 W lower power draw
Tristar SZ-1980 draws less power than the average vacuum cleaner (100 W vs 600 W).
What it is: The amount of electrical power the vacuum draws while operating, measured in watts.
When it matters: When you want to limit electricity use or compare efficiency between vacuums with similar cleaning power.
Importance: LOW
Tristar SZ-1980 draws less power than the average vacuum cleaner (100 W vs 600 W).100 W vs 600 W
13 minutes longer turbo runtime
Tristar SZ-1980 offers longer turbo runtime than the average vacuum cleaner (25 minutes vs 12 minutes).
What it is: The operating time available when the vacuum runs in its highest power or turbo setting.
When it matters: When you often use max power for rugs, pet hair, or deep-cleaning short bursts.
Importance: LOW
Tristar SZ-1980 offers longer turbo runtime than the average vacuum cleaner (25 minutes vs 12 minutes).25 minutes vs 12 minutes
30.4% lower weight
Tristar SZ-1980 is lighter than the average vacuum cleaner (2.5 kg vs 3.52 kg).
What it is: The total mass of the vacuum cleaner, which affects carrying comfort and ease of use.
When it matters: When you carry the vacuum upstairs, around the house, or use it for longer sessions.
Importance: MEDIUM
Tristar SZ-1980 is lighter than the average vacuum cleaner (2.5 kg vs 3.52 kg).2.45 kg vs 3.52 kg
Includes nozzle light
Tristar SZ-1980 includes a nozzle light, the average vacuum cleaner does not.
What it is: A light built into the cleaning head to improve visibility in dark areas under furniture or along edges.
When it matters: When you vacuum under beds, sofas, or dark corners where hidden dust is easy to miss.
Importance: LOW
Tristar SZ-1980 includes a nozzle light, the average vacuum cleaner does not.
Higher filter class
Tristar SZ-1980 uses a better filter class than the average vacuum cleaner (epa 10 vs hepa).
What it is: The filtration standard or class used to describe how finely the vacuum filters outgoing air.
When it matters: When you care about capturing finer dust and keeping the exhaust air cleaner.
Importance: MEDIUM
Tristar SZ-1980 uses a better filter class than the average vacuum cleaner (epa 10 vs hepa).epa 10 vs hepa
Includes battery indicator
Tristar SZ-1980 includes a battery level indicator, the average vacuum cleaner does not.
What it is: A visual signal that shows the remaining charge state of the battery.
When it matters: When you want to know how much cleaning time is left before the battery runs out.
Importance: LOW
Tristar SZ-1980 includes a battery level indicator, the average vacuum cleaner does not.
500 W lower power draw
Tristar SZ-1980 draws less power than the average vacuum cleaner (100 W vs 600 W).
Quieter operation
Tristar SZ-1980 is quieter than the average vacuum cleaner (75-75 dB vs 77-77 dB).
Cordless operation
Tristar SZ-1980 works cordlessly, the average vacuum cleaner does not.
Includes removable battery
Tristar SZ-1980 includes a removable battery, the average vacuum cleaner does not.
13 minutes longer turbo runtime
Tristar SZ-1980 offers longer turbo runtime than the average vacuum cleaner (25 minutes vs 12 minutes).
Includes battery indicator
Tristar SZ-1980 includes a battery level indicator, the average vacuum cleaner does not.
Higher filter class
Tristar SZ-1980 uses a better filter class than the average vacuum cleaner (epa 10 vs hepa).
0.5 L larger dust bin
Tristar SZ-1980 has a larger dust capacity than the average vacuum cleaner (1.5 L vs 1 L).
30.4% lower weight
Tristar SZ-1980 is lighter than the average vacuum cleaner (2.5 kg vs 3.52 kg).
Includes wall bracket
Tristar SZ-1980 includes a wall-mounted bracket, the average vacuum cleaner does not.
405 mm shorter body
Tristar SZ-1980 is shorter than the average vacuum cleaner (705 mm vs 1110 mm).
Includes nozzle light
Tristar SZ-1980 includes a nozzle light, the average vacuum cleaner does not.

Why is Tristar SZ-1980 worse than the average vacuum cleaner?

Show more

Hide

12.5 kPa weaker suction
Tristar SZ-1980 has lower suction pressure than the average vacuum cleaner (7.5 kPa vs 20 kPa).
1 hours slower charging
Tristar SZ-1980 charges slower than the average vacuum cleaner (5 hours vs 4 hours).
10 minutes shorter runtime
Tristar SZ-1980 offers shorter battery runtime than the average vacuum cleaner (40 minutes vs 50 minutes).
12% smaller battery capacity
Tristar SZ-1980 has a smaller battery capacity than the average vacuum cleaner (2200 mAh vs 2500 mAh).
14.95 % lower filtration
Tristar SZ-1980 has lower filtration efficiency than the average vacuum cleaner (85% vs 99.95%).
No upholstery nozzle
Tristar SZ-1980 does not include an upholstery nozzle, the average vacuum cleaner does.
433 mm deeper body
Tristar SZ-1980 is deeper than the average vacuum cleaner (698 mm vs 265 mm).
35 mm wider body
Tristar SZ-1980 is wider than the average vacuum cleaner (300 mm vs 265 mm).
Older release date
Tristar SZ-1980 has an older release date than the average vacuum cleaner (2019 vs 2021).
Released in November 2019.
12.5 kPa weaker suction
Tristar SZ-1980 has lower suction pressure than the average vacuum cleaner (7.5 kPa vs 20 kPa).
What it is: The maximum suction pressure the vacuum can generate, expressed in kilopascals.
When it matters: When you compare how strongly different vacuums can pull dirt from seams, rugs, and tight surfaces.
Importance: HIGH
Tristar SZ-1980 has lower suction pressure than the average vacuum cleaner (7.5 kPa vs 20 kPa).7.5 kPa vs 20 kPa
14.95 % lower filtration
Tristar SZ-1980 has lower filtration efficiency than the average vacuum cleaner (85% vs 99.95%).
What it is: The minimum particle retention efficiency implied by the stated filter grade.
When it matters: When you want a clearer view of how much fine particulate the filter grade can block at minimum.
Importance: MEDIUM
Tristar SZ-1980 has lower filtration efficiency than the average vacuum cleaner (85% vs 99.95%).85 % vs 99.95 %
1 hours slower charging
Tristar SZ-1980 charges slower than the average vacuum cleaner (5 hours vs 4 hours).
What it is: The time required to recharge the battery from empty to full.
When it matters: When you need the vacuum ready again quickly after a short cleaning session.
Importance: MEDIUM
Tristar SZ-1980 charges slower than the average vacuum cleaner (5 hours vs 4 hours).5 hours vs 4 hours
10 minutes shorter runtime
Tristar SZ-1980 offers shorter battery runtime than the average vacuum cleaner (40 minutes vs 50 minutes).
What it is: The maximum operating time the vacuum can deliver on a full charge in standard use.
When it matters: When you want to finish your normal cleaning routine on one charge.
Importance: HIGH
Tristar SZ-1980 offers shorter battery runtime than the average vacuum cleaner (40 minutes vs 50 minutes).40 minutes vs 50 minutes
No upholstery nozzle
Tristar SZ-1980 does not include an upholstery nozzle, the average vacuum cleaner does.
What it is: A nozzle attachment shaped for cleaning fabric surfaces such as sofas, chairs, or mattresses.
When it matters: When fabric chairs, sofas, or mattresses need regular cleaning instead of just floors.
Importance: LOW
Tristar SZ-1980 does not include an upholstery nozzle, the average vacuum cleaner does.
12% smaller battery capacity
Tristar SZ-1980 has a smaller battery capacity than the average vacuum cleaner (2200 mAh vs 2500 mAh).
What it is: The total amount of energy or charge the battery can store before recharging is needed.
When it matters: When you want a rough idea of how much stored energy the battery pack holds.
Importance: MEDIUM
Tristar SZ-1980 has a smaller battery capacity than the average vacuum cleaner (2200 mAh vs 2500 mAh).2200 mAh vs 2500 mAh
433 mm deeper body
Tristar SZ-1980 is deeper than the average vacuum cleaner (698 mm vs 265 mm).
What it is: The front-to-back measurement of the vacuum body or main assembly.
When it matters: When front-to-back size affects where the vacuum can be stored or parked.
Importance: LOW
Tristar SZ-1980 is deeper than the average vacuum cleaner (698 mm vs 265 mm).698 mm vs 265 mm
35 mm wider body
Tristar SZ-1980 is wider than the average vacuum cleaner (300 mm vs 265 mm).
What it is: The side-to-side dimension of the vacuum body or main cleaning head.
When it matters: When the vacuum must fit specific storage spaces or move around tight furniture layouts.
Importance: LOW
Tristar SZ-1980 is wider than the average vacuum cleaner (300 mm vs 265 mm).300 mm vs 265 mm

Graphic comparison of Tristar SZ-1980 and other vacuum cleaners

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Tristar SZ-1980?

Convenient 2-in-1 design that easily converts from a stick vacuum to a handheld unit
Cordless portability makes it highly maneuverable and excellent for cleaning cars, stairs, and tight spaces
Hygienic, touch-free dustbin emptying mechanism with a simple button push
Features a removable HEPA filter which helps trap fine particles and allergens
Includes a motorized brush and an integrated LED light to illuminate dark or hidden areas

What customers dislike about Tristar SZ-1980?

Relatively short runtime of around 25 to 30 minutes on a full charge
Long charging time, requiring approximately 5 hours to fully recharge the battery
The 100W motor provides limited maximum suction power (7.5 kPa) compared to premium cordless models
Struggles on deep-pile carpets or with heavy pet hair accumulation

Expert reviews

taenk.dk

24/01/2023

Summary of the review

Review: Tristar SZ-1980 - Danish Consumer Council Tænk

Forbrugerrådet Tænk is an independent Danish consumer protection organization offering extensive product evaluations and financial guidance for over 90,000 members. A primary advantage of the platform is its objective database featuring over 200 annual product tests across multiple categories alongside complimentary debt counseling, while a notable disadvantage is the heavy paywall restricting full access to premium rankings and magazine editions without a subscription.

tweakers.net

27/03/2019

Summary of the review

Tristar SZ-1980 - Decent - Product reviews - Tweakers

The Tristar SZ-1980 is described as a functional yet flawed budget vacuum cleaner, praised for its integrated LED lighting, versatile handheld mode, large dustbin, and effectiveness on pet hair. However, the reviewer highlights significant drawbacks, including a heavy, unbalanced design, a high-pitched operating noise, a non-integrated charger for the wall mount, and poor performance on high-pile carpets.

consumentenbond.nl

N/A

Summary of the review

Tristar SZ-1980 - Test, Reviews & Prices - Consumentenbond

The Tristar SZ-1980 is a bagless cordless stick vacuum featuring a 1.24-liter dust container, an integrated handheld unit, two suction speeds, and an illuminated floor nozzle. Key advantages include its functional 2-in-1 design and a front headlight, while disadvantages involve the absence of specialized attachments like a crevice or furniture nozzle and the lack of a dedicated charging dock.

stofzuiger-informatie.nl

08/01/2026

Summary of the review

Top 3 Tristar cordless stick vacuum models 2026 - Best vacuum cleaner

The Tristar SZ-1980 is identified as a top-performing budget cordless vacuum, featuring integrated LED headlights, a 1.5-liter bin, strong pet hair pickup, and a 30-minute runtime. While the Tristar SZ-1918 and SZ-1926PR are noted for their lightweight design and HEPA filters, common cons across the reviewed models include a short 5-meter cord, high noise levels, and reduced suction over time.

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Vacuum Cleaners

Vacuum Cleaners

Vacuum Cleaners

Vacuum Cleaners

Ultenic U11 Pro

Vacuum Cleaners

Cecotec Conga Rockstar 3500 Storm Flex Animal

Vacuum Cleaners

Vacuum Cleaners

Vacuum Cleaners

Vacuum Cleaners

Polti Forzaspira SLIM SR90B

Vacuum Cleaners

Taurus Ideal 948990000

Vacuum Cleaners

Rowenta X-Pert 6.60 Allergy

Vacuum Cleaners

Compare Tristar SZ-1980 with other vacuum cleaners

Compare