Bagged vacuums have a ton of hidden benefits – and Halo’s new release is a masterclass in how to do them right

• Halo Capsule XR is a cordless vacuum cleaner in bags
• Uses compostable, sustainably sourced, large capacity bags
• Also boasts HEPA-14 filtration and a tangle-free floor head

These days, bagged vacuum cleaners may seem a little old-fashioned. It certainly seems that most manufacturers focus on bagless designs that proudly display the soiled contents of your carpets.

As a vacuum tester, I’m a little sad to see this – mainly because bagged vacuums have a ton of hidden benefits. Keeping everything neatly in a bag means you won’t be enveloped in a cloud of escaped dust, dirt and allergens every time you empty the bin. The filters need far less frequent cleaning than they would on a bagless vacuum, and they are also generally more durable and reliable.

One of the few brands that continues to produce bagged vacuums is Halo — it’s the brand behind the Capsule X vacuum, which received a perfect five stars in our review. So when news reached my ears that a new model was on the way, I was thrilled.

The new Halo Capsule XR looks even better than its predecessor with stronger suction, increased airflow and an upgraded filter. Because it’s packaged, you get all the benefits I mentioned earlier. Allergy sufferers are particularly well catered for: as well as the effective dust containment offered by the bag, Halo has added HEPA 14 filtration. This is a specialized medical grade filter that can capture even smaller particles than your standard HEPA.

Halo has also gone some way to negate the disadvantages of bagged vacuums. The bags can hold up to 2 liters of dirt, which means they can handle plenty of cleaning before you need to change a new one. They’re also made from FSC-certified sustainable sources and are compostable at the end of their life, to minimize their environmental impact.

The design is a bit unusual and boasts some useful details. For example, it can stand upright by itself, and there is a flexible tube to get right into nooks and crannies where hair and dust can hide.