Henry Cordless HVB160 Vacuum vs Hoover H-FREE 500 Cordless Vacuum (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Henry Cordless HVB160 Vacuum

8.4/10 Very Good

4.4★ (4,800 owners)

2-in-1 handheld/stick, 40 min, 0.7L capacity, HEPA, UK icon. The cordless Henry.

Full Review

Hoover H-FREE 500 Cordless Vacuum

8.3/10 Very Good

4.2★ (6,800 owners)

Freestanding, 40 min, 0.7L, lightweight 1.5kg, stand design. Budget Hoover that stands upright.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Henry Cordless HVB160 Vacuum	Hoover H-FREE 500 Cordless Vacuum
247Verdict Score	8.4/10	8.3/10
Owner Rating	4.4★ (4,800)	4.2★ (6,800)
Verdict	Very Good	Very Good
Runtime	40 minutes	40 minutes
Brand	Henry (Numatic)	Hoover UK

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Henry Cordless HVB160 Vacuum: 2-in-1 handheld/stick, 40 min, 0.7L capacity, HEPA, UK icon. The cordless Henry. Hoover H-FREE 500 Cordless Vacuum: Freestanding, 40 min, 0.7L, lightweight 1.5kg, stand design. Budget Hoover that stands upright. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Henry Cordless HVB160 Vacuum

Henry brand recognition — every UK home knows the cheerful red face icon
2-in-1 handheld and stick configuration covers stairs and above-floor cleaning
HEPA filtration captures 99.97% of allergens
Strong suction for a budget cordless — better than generic alternatives
Numatic (Henry's maker) builds to commercial standards even in consumer products

0.7L dust capacity requires frequent emptying on large clean sessions
40-minute runtime is adequate but trails premium alternatives
Less suction than Dyson at similar pricing — the brand premium is heritage, not specification

Hoover H-FREE 500 Cordless Vacuum

Freestanding design — no wall bracket needed, stands independently for storage anywhere
1.5kg is one of the lightest cordless vacuums reviewed
Under £100 — the most affordable name-brand cordless vacuum in this comparison
Hoover's UK brand recognition at entry-level cordless pricing
40-minute runtime adequate for standard UK flat and small home cleaning

Less suction than premium alternatives — basic everyday cleaning only
0.7L bin requires frequent emptying during larger cleans
Freestanding mechanism is less secure than wall-mounted alternatives on uneven surfaces

FAQ

Which is better, Henry Cordless HVB160 or Hoover H-FREE 500?

Is the Henry Cordless HVB160 worth the extra cost?

Yes — Henry Cordless HVB160 Vacuum scores higher at 8.4/10 vs 8.3/10.

Who is the Henry Cordless HVB160 best suited to?

2-in-1 handheld/stick, 40 min, 0.7L capacity, HEPA, UK icon. The cordless Henry.

Who is the Hoover H-FREE 500 best suited to?

Freestanding, 40 min, 0.7L, lightweight 1.5kg, stand design. Budget Hoover that stands upright.

What are the main downsides of each?

Henry Cordless HVB160 Vacuum: 0.7L dust capacity requires frequent emptying on large clean sessions; 40-minute runtime is adequate but trails premium alternatives. Hoover H-FREE 500 Cordless Vacuum: Less suction than premium alternatives — basic everyday cleaning only; 0.7L bin requires frequent emptying during larger cleans.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Henry Cordless HVB160 Vacuum sits at 4.4★ from 4,800 verified Amazon owners, and Hoover H-FREE 500 Cordless Vacuum at 4.2★ from 6,800.

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