The Miele HX3 cordless vacuum arrived at IFA 2026 in Berlin with a redesigned build and a first-ever mopping attachment, addressing several complaints that dogged the brand’s previous cordless model. A hands-on session at the Miele Experience Center in Manhattan revealed meaningful upgrades over the outgoing HX2, which struggled in sand tests on low and midpile carpet, felt finicky compared to lightweight rivals from Dyson and Shark, and carried a steep EUR 950 full price.
The HX3 and HX3 Plus Aqua use a three-in-one configuration, letting users reposition the motor and waste bin depending on how the nozzles attach. That flexibility means you can choose where the weight sits, tilting it top-heavy for cleaning ceiling corners and high spots, or converting the unit back into a self-standing vacuum, a traditional stick vac, or a handheld.
Redesigned Weight Balance and Everyday Features
Rather than a full overhaul, Miele rebalanced the weight distribution toward the bottom to reduce strain on the upper arm during vacuuming. The company added quality-of-life tweaks including push-button controls, easier dustbin emptying, finer particle capture, automatic flooring-type detection, and the ability to stand upright.
Battery life reaches 70 minutes of runtime, which Miele says is enough to clean 1,700 square feet on a single charge. Some models ship with an extended battery for additional runtime.
Performance Gains and Boost Mode
The biggest changes come in cleaning power. The HX3 delivered notably better pickup on both carpet and hard flooring during the hands-on test. Miele provided condiments to mimic sand and pet hair on carpet, and the vacuum removed most or all of the simulated pet hair in a single back-and-forth motion, while the imitation sand posed no challenge on hardwood.
A powerful Boost mode pushes suction beyond the highest standard setting, but it drains the battery quickly and is limited to 10 seconds of use.
HX3 Plus Aqua Adds Mopping
The HX3 Plus Aqua matches the standard HX3 but adds Miele’s first mopping accessory, the Aqua Twister Floorhead. It features dual spinning mop pads that are machine washable, a 300-milliliter water tank, and a 360-degree light. In testing across different modes on hard flooring, the attachment handled stains and dirt effectively, with fully adjustable water dispensing for larger messes and spills. When the mopping head is attached, Boost mode dispenses additional water.
