Miele Triflex HX1 vs. HX2 vs. HX3: Which Cordless Vacuum Is Right for You?
Miele's Triflex line is the brand's flagship cordless vacuum — a "3-in-1" design that reconfigures between an upright, a stick vacuum, and a handheld. Since its 2019 debut, Miele has released three generations: the original HX1, the upgraded HX2, and the current HX3. Each generation kept the clever 3-in-1 body but made real improvements to battery life, noise, and features. Here's how they stack up.
Quick Overview
| HX1 | HX2 | HX3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Released | 2019-Current | 2022-Current | 2026- Current |
| Battery | 25.2V, 2,500 mAh (single) | 25.2V, 2,500 mAh (single or dual on Pro models) | 25.2V, 2,500 mAh (single or dual on Plus models) |
| Runtime | Up to 60 min | Up to 120 min (Pro, with 2nd battery) | Up to 70 min (140 min on dual-battery Plus) |
| Noise | 80 dB | 77 dB | 74 dB |
| Weight | 3.6 kg (~8 lbs) | 3.64 kg (~8 lbs) | 3.6 kg (~8 lbs) |
| Power consumption | ~170–185 W | ~272 W | Similar class, more efficient motor |
| Charge time | 4 hours | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| Dustbin | 0.5 L | 0.5 L | 0.5 L |
Battery Power & Run Time
The battery is really where each generation earns its upgrade.
HX1 ships with a single 25.2V, 2,500 mAh removable battery. On the lowest power setting with no electric brush attached, you'll get up to 60 minutes. Attach the electric brush and that drops to around 30 minutes, and running at max power with the brush shrinks it further to roughly 17 minutes. For a small apartment this is fine; for a larger home, you'll likely be swapping batteries mid-clean.
HX2 kept the same battery chemistry and voltage but paired it with a more efficient motor, and — critically — Miele started bundling a second battery and external charger with the Pro and Cat & Dog variants. That combination pushes total runtime up to about 120 minutes, effectively doubling what the HX1 could do, since you can charge one battery while running the other.
HX3 refines things again with a "FloorDetect" system that automatically matches power to the floor type, so the vacuum isn't burning battery on max suction when it doesn't need to. On the base model, that yields up to 70 minutes on the lowest power setting solo, or about 38 minutes with the electric brush attached. The HX3 Plus models come with two batteries as standard, stretching total runtime to roughly 140 minutes — the longest of any Triflex to date.
Bottom line: if runtime is your top priority, look at a dual-battery HX2 Pro or HX3 Plus rather than a base single-battery model in either generation.
Noise Level
This is one of the clearest generational improvements:
- HX1: ~80 dB
- HX2: ~77 dB
- HX3: ~74 dB
Decibels are logarithmic, so that six-decibel drop from HX1 to HX3 is a noticeably quieter machine in practice — meaningful if you're vacuuming around sleeping kids, video calls, or pets that startle easily.
Weight & Handling
All three generations land in almost exactly the same place: about 3.6 kg (8 lbs) for the full stick configuration. Miele hasn't tried to make the Triflex dramatically lighter each generation — instead, the 3-in-1 design itself is what keeps handling comfortable, since you can shift the motor unit to the top, middle, or bottom of the wand depending on the task (reach mode for ceilings and stairs, comfort mode for long floor sessions, compact mode as a handheld). Reviewers consistently note the Triflex feels well-balanced and maneuverable regardless of generation, so weight isn't really a differentiator here — build quality and ergonomics matter more, and those stayed strong across all three.
Accessories & Features
| Feature | HX1 | HX2 | HX3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric brush | Standard wide electrobrush | Multi Floor XXL SEB 435 with BrilliantLight | Multi Floor XXL SEB 430 |
| Automatic floor detection | No (Pro/Cat & Dog only) | Available on Pro/Cat & Dog | Yes, standard (FloorDetect) |
| Filter cleaning | Manual | ComfortClean system | ComfortClean, improved |
| Display | None | None | Yes — shows remaining time and settings |
| Boost mode | No | No | Yes |
| Dust container emptying | Standard | Standard | Twist2open (hygienic one-hand empty) |
| Mopping option | No | No | Yes, on select HX3 Aqua models |
| Included tools | Crevice nozzle, upholstery nozzle, suction brush, wide electrobrush | Crevice nozzle, dusting brush, upholstery nozzle, XXL electrobrush, spare battery + charger (Pro) | Crevice nozzle, dusting/relief brush, upholstery nozzle, MultiFloor XXL brush, accessory storage dock |
| HEPA filtration | 99.99% | 99.999% | 99.999% |
The HX3 is the first Triflex generation to offer a built-in display, a dedicated boost mode for stubborn messes, and — on select "Aqua" variants — an actual mopping function, something neither the HX1 nor HX2 offered at all. It's also the first to come with a proper accessory storage dock built into the wall mount.
Which One Should You Buy?
- Budget-conscious or light cleaning needs: The HX1, where still available secondhand or on clearance, is the cheapest entry point and still performs solidly on carpets and hard floors.
- Best value for most people: The HX2 struck a strong balance and was a Stiftung Warentest test winner in its category — if you can still find one, particularly a Pro model with the dual battery, it remains a great pick.
- Best overall / buying new today: The HX3 is Miele's current flagship, and it's the one you'll actually find in stores now, since Miele officially discontinued the HX2 in 2026. It's quieter, has the smartest floor detection, includes a display, and (on Plus models) delivers the longest runtime of the three.
If you want the absolute longest runtime and don't mind paying more, go with a dual-battery HX3 Plus. If you mainly clean hard floors, the HX3 Hardfloor variant with its dedicated Hardfloor Care Tool is worth a look too.
