I swapped my Dyson handheld vacuum for this budget-friendly Gtech alternative — this is why I love it

This review puts the Gtech ProLite Cordless Handheld Bagged Vacuum to the test, to see how it stacks up against some of the best handheld vacuums out there.

After two weeks of daily use, I think it could be one of the best-value options on the market. Here are all the juicy details.

In a nutshell

When it comes to the best vacuum cleaners, Gtech is already a strong player in the field. The ProLite Cordless Bagged Vacuum is the brand's cheapest handheld model, designed to be as lightweight, compact, and fuss-free as possible – and at almost half the price of some big-name rivals, it’s firmly in the affordable camp.

Over the last two weeks, I've been using the Gtech ProLite in place of my regular handheld vacuum, and it's safe to say that I'm impressed. I’ve used it to clean skirting boards, tackle awkward gaps in the kitchen, freshen up furniture and curtains, and vacuum the stairs leading up to my flat.

It has two power modes (eco and turbo) and two attachments to cover different vacuuming chores. What I love most about the ProLite, though, is how compact it is. The lightweight design makes it perfect for grab-and-go jobs, which (for me at least) are what handheld vacuums are made for.

Admittedly, bagged vacuums aren't for everyone, and I've previously stayed away from them myself because of the ongoing cost of replacement bags. But, I've found the bagged design of the ProLite to be tidy and low-fuss, and I'm expecting one bag to last me around a month. Fortunately, replacement bags are reasonably priced, and when you couple this with the ProLite's budget-friendly RRP, it still feels like great value for money.

How I tested

Katie Sims

I'm Katie, a regular freelance contributor here at Ideal Home, and I've tested a variety of home appliances over the past three years, including dehumidifiers, air purifiers, coffee machines, and of course, vacuums.

I tested the Gtech ProLite Handheld Bagged Vacuum for two weeks in my flat in Leeds. As part of how we review vacuum cleaners at Ideal Home, I used this model for any handheld vacuuming chores, including refreshing furniture, cleaning skirting boards, room edges, stairs, and general floor maintenance. I also performed the flour test to get a clear visual of the Gtech ProLite's pick-up capabilities.

Specifications

• Max. run time: 30 minutes
• Charge time: 2 hours
• Bagged or bagless: Bagged
• Bag/ bin capacity: 0.5L
• Weight: 0.97kg
• Dimensions: (H)16.5cm x (W)35.7cm x (D)10cm
• Modes: 2
• In the box: handheld vacuum unit, dust brush, crevice tool, spare bags (x2), battery, charger
• RRP: £129.99

Unboxing, set-up and first impressions

The Gtech ProLite arrives in a box that's even more lightweight than I was expecting. It’s compact and easy to carry, and upon opening it, I could see that all the components were neatly packaged inside. The charger and battery both come in their own little boxes, which makes everything feel organised from the get-go.

In the box is the handheld vacuum unit, a dust brush, a crevice tool, two spare bags, the battery, and the charger. There’s also a bag fitted inside the vacuum already, meaning there's little to no faff involved in the set-up process.

I will say that I was disappointed to see an unnecessary amount of single-use plastic in the box. The two attachments and the charger were all wrapped in ‘04’ plastic – this is recyclable at larger supermarkets, but I know that many of us (myself included) are more likely to throw it away with the rest of our household waste. I’ve tested plenty of home appliances that arrived in perfect condition using nothing more than cardboard – so I know that recyclable packaging does work.

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Once everything was unwrapped, though, the ProLite made a good first impression. It’s smaller and more lightweight than my current handheld vacuum (the Dyson Car+Boat), and I'm also a fan of the black-and-white colourway, with the lime green accents.

One of my pet hates is appliances that feel difficult to set up. I'm not the most patient person when it comes to user manuals, so I love it when a device is so straightforward that I don't even need to refer to the instructions. This was exactly the case with the Gtech ProLite. I simply needed to slot the battery into its designated space, then connect the charger to the battery’s port. After a couple of hours, the vacuum was fully charged and ready for action.

What's it like to use?

Since testing the Dyson Car+Boat, it’s been my go-to for all handheld vacuuming jobs – whether that’s tackling hard-to-reach areas, sprucing up the skirting boards, refreshing furniture, or (when I'm feeling particularly generous) giving my partner’s car a once-over. My regular vacuum (the Hoover HFX Cordless) does convert into handheld mode, but for ease, I usually grab the Dyson. So, it's safe to say that the Gtech ProLite had a lot to live up to.

From my first time using the Gtech model, I could tell that it was simple in design - but I didn't exactly see that as a bad thing. In fact, the Gtech's simplicity made it really easy to use, which is always a win. I just attached the crevice tool, pressed the power button, and the vacuum sprang into life. No fiddling with modes or settings – it’s the kind of plug-and-play simplicity I appreciate in a household appliance.

To start, I did a quick lap of my flat to get a feel for the device. And for something so small and lightweight, the Gtech ProLite was surprisingly capable. The suction is impressive, and it picks up visible debris with ease. Using the crevice tool, I went along the edges of each room and the skirting boards.

Because the nozzle is so slim, it’s perfect for this job, and it's really easy to get into awkward spots. I have a couple of kitchen gaps that are the bane of my life for keeping clean (particularly the ones on either side of the oven), but the ProLite was able to reach a good portion of the way in and lift out fallen crumbs.

To further test the vacuum's pick-up power, I did my usual flour test, scattering about 10g worth across my kitchen floor (which, for reference, is vinyl). While the Gtech picked it all up in one glide, I did need to run it side to side a few times to clear the whole area. But that's purely down to the size of the nozzle, not suction.

Next, I repeated the test on my living room carpet. As expected, I did need to press the vacuum a little more firmly here to help it pick up the flour, but it still managed to get the bulk of it out. I was using turbo mode here, which has proved handy when tackling stubborn debris that had really worked its way into the carpet fibres. The only trade-off is battery life: you drop from 30 minutes of run time in eco to 20 minutes in turbo.

Comfort-wise, the Gtech ProLite Handheld was a dream to use. The ergonomic handle fits naturally in the hand, and the grip feels secure without being heavy or clunky. Because it’s so lightweight, I could easily reach ceilings and corners where cobwebs like to lurk.

The other attachment included is the soft brush head, which is designed for upholstery and car interiors. I used this to vacuum my mattress (something I aim to do once a month), and freshen up my sofa and pouffe. Again, the ProLite lifted away dust with ease, and because it's so light, it made the job feel quick and fuss-free. I even gave my curtains a once-over, a job I've been putting off for some time. The weight of the vacuum (or lack of it) made this super easy to do, and there was no arm ache in sight.

Vacuuming the stairs up to my flat was another win for the ProLite. I used the crevice tool again here, which let me get right into the edges and corners of each step. Its small size meant I could manoeuvre it easily without feeling like I was constantly readjusting my grip. Because it’s so lightweight, moving up the staircase with it was straightforward, and I had the whole lot done in just a few minutes.

There is also a small LED light that illuminates the area being cleaned, which is always a handy feature.

Finally, I always consider the noise levels of a vacuum during testing. As someone who's quite sensitive to noise, an appliance that makes a racket rarely holds favour with me. Fortunately, the ProLite makes a pretty standard sound at not too high a volume. According to the app I used, it reached 78.5dB in eco mode, and in turbo, it climbed to 83.7db. The noise itself isn't unpleasant either – more of a steady hum than a high-pitched whine, which makes it much easier on the ears during longer cleaning sessions.

Cleaning and maintenance

The Gtech ProLite Cordless Handheld is the first bagged vacuum I've tested, so I'm used to emptying a vacuum's contents straight into my kitchen bin. One thing that I have been apprehensive about when it comes to bagged vs bagless vacuums is the storage capacity – and I assumed the bags would fill up faster than a regular dust bin and need replacing more often (at an extra cost).

But, after using my ProLite solidly for two weeks, I’ve still not had to change the bag. Based on my usage – mostly a mixture of dust, crumbs, and the occasional piece of food from the kitchen floor – I’d estimate a bag would last around a month. Of course, that will vary depending on how much you’re vacuuming and what you’re picking up. One reviewer on Gtech's website does say that they had to change the bag after only a couple of uses, but this wasn't my experience.

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Two spare bags are included in the box, and a pack of 15 costs £12.99, which is reasonable and will last you a while. While committing to an ongoing cost (even a small one) is a little annoying, I can see the appeal of a bagged model. There’s no messy dust cloud when you empty it, and everything is kept neatly contained. I’ve tested plenty of vacuums where emptying didn’t quite go to plan – cue sweeping up the contents that missed the bin entirely – so this feels like a much tidier alternative.

It's super easy to remove and re-insert the bag as well. A sliding button unlocks the bag chamber door, and the bag simply lifts out. There's also a handy light above the main unit’s window to tell you when the bag is full, so there’s no guesswork involved.

I haven’t experienced any jams or blockages so far, but if that happens, the battery indicator will show a solid amber light for five seconds. I also make a habit of checking the attachments for anything lodged inside before starting, which helps keep things running smoothly.

Thanks to its compact size, storing the ProLite is a breeze. Mine lives in my kitchen cleaning cupboard, and because it’s so easy to grab, I’ve been using it daily.

Lastly, the charge and run time can be make or break when it comes to the best cordless vacuums. As mentioned, the Gtech ProLite will last up to 20 minutes on turbo mode and 30 on eco mode. For a handheld vacuum of this size, this is decent, and while there are definitely models with a longer battery life out there, I haven't found the Gtech's run time to be an issue during testing.

How does it compare to similar models?

The Dyson Car+Boat currently holds the top spot in our handheld vacuum buying guide – and as I've made clear, I’m a big fan. It’s powerful, thorough, and leaves everything looking spotless. That said, after putting the Gtech ProLite through its paces, I honestly haven’t noticed a huge difference in cleaning results. Considering the Dyson’s RRP is £249.99 and the Gtech’s is £129.99, that’s a big price gap for what, in everyday use, feels like pretty similar performance.

With the Gtech, you still get a turbo mode for extra suction, but it lacks the mini motorhead attachment for deeper cleaning, which the Dyson model comes with. You can buy the ProLite accessory kit separately for £50, which includes a power brush head, flexible power hose, and a 2-in-1 wall mount and caddy – though this does make the ProLite feel less budget-friendly.

Compared to the Car+Boat, I'd say Gtech's model is easier to store and noticeably more lightweight, which makes it less of a faff to grab and use. So, if you're stuck between Dyson vs Gtech and budget is a deciding factor, I’d be seriously tempted to save the money and go for the ProLite.

The Gtech AIRAM Multi Platinum (in handheld mode) is another of our favourites here at Ideal Home. That model impressed our reviewer with its cleaning power, generous battery life, and large dust canister. However, it’s bulkier than the ProLite, and costs a fair bit more. The ProLite’s compact design and affordable price tag could easily sway those who want something light, nimble, and capable.

Should you buy the Gtech ProLite Handheld Vacuum?

If you’re after a lightweight, easy-to-use handheld vacuum that won’t break the bank, the Gtech ProLite is a brilliant option. It might not have the same brand prestige or included attachments as pricier alternatives, but in everyday use, it holds its own. Its turbo mode is great for lifting stubborn debris, it’s compact enough to store in the smallest of cupboards, and the ergonomic design means it’s comfortable to use for longer jobs.

The bagged design won’t be for everyone, but personally, I've enjoyed the tidy, contained emptying process – no dust clouds or spillage to deal with. Bags are reasonably priced, and with my usage, I can see each one lasting around a month. Add in the fact that it’s genuinely easy to grab for speedy clean-ups, and it’s quickly become a go-to in my kitchen after cooking.

I’d particularly recommend the ProLite for anyone in a smaller home or flat, as well as those who want something ultra-lightweight for spot cleaning, or anyone who’s fed up with messy emptying systems on bagless vacuums. It’s not a pet-hair specialist and it doesn’t come with a motorised head for deep carpet cleaning (though this is available to purchase separately) – but as a versatile everyday handheld, I think it's great value for money.