Vax ONEPWR Pace Review (2026)
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The Vax ONEPWR Pace is Vax's entry-level stick on its ONEPWR battery platform: a removable 4.0Ah battery, up to 40 minutes claimed runtime and a 0.6-litre bin at a budget price. It is a sensible first cordless for flats and smaller homes, but it gives up some of the carpet muscle and refinement of the pricier Blade range.
Quick answer: Buy the Pace if you want a no-frills cordless for quick daily tidies or a smaller home, and you can get it in the lower half of its price band. Pick the Pace Pet if you have cats or dogs and upholstery to clean. Skip it if you have a large, mostly carpeted house (look at the Blade 4 Dual instead), if you want a light machine, or if you deal with a lot of long hair.
On this page
Key specs
| Spec | Vax ONEPWR Pace / Pace Pet |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless stick, converts to handheld |
| Battery | Removable ONEPWR 4.0Ah lithium-ion |
| Claimed runtime | Up to 40 minutes |
| Charge time | Around 3 hours |
| Bin capacity | 0.6 litres |
| Weight | Roughly 3.1kg as a stick |
| Filtration claim | Up to 99% of fine dust and pet dander, particles to 0.3 microns |
| Typical price band | Usually £120–£200; the Pet version costs a little more |
Runtime is Vax's figure in the lowest mode. Expect roughly half that with the powered floorhead working on carpet. Prices move often, so check the current price rather than relying on the RRP.
Design and handling
The Pace is a conventional stick vacuum: handheld unit with cyclone and bin at the top, metal wand, motorised floorhead. It is not a featherweight. At around 3.1kg it weighs about the same as the Blade 4, so the "Pace" name is about simplicity and price rather than lightness. If you need a genuinely light hoover, our lightweight cordless guide lists models under 2.5kg.
On the floor it glides reasonably and the head turns easily around furniture. Controls are basic, with a power button and limited mode choice; the discontinued Pace Plus added a boost mode, so check which version you are looking at if you see one in a clearance sale. The clip-in battery is the standout design choice at this price: it charges off the machine and can be swapped for a spare.
Cleaning performance by floor type
Carpets
On short-pile carpet and rugs, independent reviews generally rate the Pace as competent for daily maintenance: crumbs, dust and surface hair come up well. On thicker carpet it is less convincing than the Blade 4 and premium sticks, and you will need slower, overlapping passes. If you rely on a cordless for weekly deep carpet cleans, look at our best cordless for carpets picks.
Hard floors
Fine for general debris on laminate, vinyl and tiles, though the bristle brush bar can flick larger bits like cereal before sucking them up. There is no soft roller option, so homes that are mostly hard flooring may be better served by a model with a fluffy head.
Pet hair
The Pace Pet adds a mini motorised tool, which is the right tool for sofas, dog beds and stair treads. Short pet hair is handled well on carpet. Long hair will wrap around the brush bar, as there is no anti-tangle mechanism; budget for regular snipping.
Stairs and above-floor
Detaching the wand gives a handheld for stairs, car seats and shelves. The battery and motor pod make it a little bulky in hand, but it is usable for short stints.
Battery and charging
The 4.0Ah ONEPWR battery is the same pack used by the Blade range and other ONEPWR products. Up to 40 minutes is claimed; 15–25 minutes is a sensible expectation with the floorhead running on mixed floors. That is enough for a one- or two-bedroom flat, or a downstairs in a larger house.
Because the battery is removable, adding a second one is the easiest upgrade if you outgrow the runtime. If you already own a ONEPWR product, you may be able to share batteries rather than buy another. Read more on cordless hoover battery life and how to make a pack last.
Bin, filtration and maintenance
A 0.6-litre bin is large for a budget stick, meaning fewer trips to the bin. Emptying is hygienic enough for most people, though hair and fluff can lodge around the shroud. Filters are washable; rinse them monthly and leave them to dry fully for at least a day before refitting, or suction and runtime will suffer.
The brush bar removes for cleaning. If performance drops, work through our losing suction checklist before assuming the motor or battery has failed.
Variants and UK bundles
| Version | What you get | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Pace | Battery, charger, crevice and combination tools | Best value for pet-free homes |
| Pace Pet | Adds mini motorised pet tool and antimicrobial brush bar protection | Worth the small premium with pets |
| Pace Plus | Adds boost mode | Older/discontinued; only buy if cheaper than Pace Pet |
The Pace and Blade sit side by side in the Vax cordless range. If the price gap is small, the Blade 4 (especially Dual battery) is usually the better buy for larger homes.
Reliability, parts and running costs
Vax is a long-established UK floorcare brand, and parts support for ONEPWR products is good: batteries, filters, brush bars and chargers are sold through Vax's own site and big retailers. That matters more than it might seem, because the battery and filter are the parts that wear first on any cordless. A replacement ONEPWR battery is a sensible fix when runtime fades after a few years, rather than replacing the whole hoover.
Running costs are low. There are no bags, filters are washable and last a long time if dried properly, and a full charge uses only a few pence of electricity. Check the warranty term at purchase; registering the product with Vax can sometimes extend it. Owner complaints, where they occur, tend to centre on brush bars clogged with hair and filters that were refitted damp, both of which are preventable with routine maintenance. For lifespan expectations across brands, see how long cordless hoovers last.
Pros and cons
- Removable ONEPWR battery at a budget price
- 0.6-litre bin
- Good everyday pick-up on short carpet and hard floors
- Pet version adds a useful mini motorised tool
- Around 3.1kg, not a lightweight
- Weaker on deep carpet than the Blade 4
- Long hair wraps on the brush bar
- Basic controls, no soft roller head
Alternatives worth considering
- More power, same battery: the Vax ONEPWR Blade 4, especially the Dual Pet bundle.
- Handheld only: if you mostly need spot cleaning, the Gtech Multi Plus or a model from our best handheld hoover guide may suit better.
- Similar money, more features: compare the Pace with Shark's entry models in our Shark vs Vax guide.
For a wider view of value models, see the best budget cordless hoovers and the best cordless hoovers for small flats.
FAQs
What is the difference between the Vax Pace and Blade 4?
Both use the same ONEPWR 4.0Ah battery and 0.6-litre bin. The Blade 4 is the more powerful, higher-spec model with a longer claimed runtime (up to 45 versus 40 minutes) and Dual battery bundles, while the Pace is the cheaper, simpler option.
Can I buy a spare battery for the Vax Pace?
Yes. Any genuine Vax ONEPWR 4.0Ah battery fits, and they are sold by Vax and major retailers. Avoid unbranded lookalikes, which can have weaker protection circuits.
Is the Vax Pace good for a large house?
On one battery, it suits flats and smaller homes better. A large house with lots of carpet will usually need a second battery or a more powerful model.
Does the Pace stand up on its own?
No. Like most stick hoovers it needs to be propped up or docked. If a self-standing design matters, see our upright cordless picks.