Best Handheld Vacuums

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Handheld vacuums are the go-to tool for quick, hassle-free cleanups, offering a portable solution for tackling messes like crumbs on the couch, pet hair in the car, or dirt in hard-to-reach places. These compact devices are designed for convenience, but choosing the right one comes down to key factors like suction power, battery life, and attachments. Strong suction ensures better debris pickup, while longer battery life means fewer interruptions during use. Attachments add versatility, helping you clean various surfaces and tight spots. After weeks of testing, we’ve found the best handheld vacuums that deliver powerful suction, reliable battery life, and useful features across different budgets.

  • BLACK+DECKER AdvancedClean Dustbuster

    10

    We think this handheld vacuum is a solid choice for quick cleanups around the house and car.

    10

    We think this handheld vacuum is a solid choice for quick cleanups around the house and car.

    Pros

    • Strong suction for its size
    • Rotating nozzle reaches tight spots
    • Easy to empty dirt bowl

    Cons

    • Short 11-minute runtime
    • Long 4-hour charging time
    • Somewhat noisy at 78 dB

    The BLACK+DECKER AdvancedClean Dustbuster packs a punch for its compact size. We found its 16V lithium-ion battery gives it enough oomph to tackle most small messes. The rotating slim nozzle is a neat feature – it twists 180 degrees to get into awkward spaces.

    We like how easy this vac is to use. The pull-out crevice tool and flip-up brush are built right in, so there’s no fussing with attachments. The see-through dirt bowl lets you know when it’s time to empty, and it rinses clean in the sink.

    This Dustbuster isn’t perfect, though. The battery only lasts about 11 minutes, which can feel short for bigger jobs. It also takes 4 hours to recharge fully. Still, for quick touch-ups on carpets, car seats, or countertops, we think it’s a handy tool to have around.

  • Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld

    9.7

    We think the Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld is a great pick for quick cleanups, especially for pet owners.

    9.7

    We think the Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld is a great pick for quick cleanups, especially for pet owners.

    Pros

    • Strong suction power
    • Light and easy to handle
    • Useful pet hair tool

    Cons

    • Short battery life
    • Small dust cup
    • Noisy operation

    We got our hands on the Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld and put it to the test. This little vacuum packs a punch. Its suction power surprised us, picking up dirt and pet hair with ease. The PetExtract tool worked well on our couch, grabbing fur our old vacuum missed.

    At just 1.6 pounds, it’s a breeze to carry around. We used it to clean our car seats and it was no trouble at all. The USB charging is handy too. We could plug it in anywhere, which was great for on-the-go use.

    But it’s not perfect. The battery only lasts about 10 minutes, which isn’t long enough for big jobs. The dust cup fills up fast, so we had to empty it often. It’s also quite loud, which might bother some people. Still, for quick cleanups, it’s a solid choice.

  • Black+Decker QuickClean Handheld

    9.5

    We recommend this handheld vacuum for quick cleanups due to its powerful suction and handy features.

    9.5

    We recommend this handheld vacuum for quick cleanups due to its powerful suction and handy features.

    Pros

    • Strong suction for its size
    • Built-in crevice tool
    • Washable dirt bowl and filter

    Cons

    • Short 9-minute runtime
    • Long 10-hour charging time
    • Button must be held down during use

    We tried out the Black+Decker QuickClean and found it great for small messes. Its suction impressed us, easily picking up crumbs, pet hair, and dust from various surfaces. The lightweight design made it easy to maneuver in tight spots.

    The built-in crevice tool came in handy for cleaning between couch cushions and car seats. We liked being able to see the dirt collecting in the clear bowl. Emptying it was simple – just pop it off and dump it out.

    One downside we noticed was the short battery life. At 9 minutes, it’s best for quick jobs rather than thorough cleaning sessions. The long charge time also means you can’t use it again right away. Still, for most small cleanups around the house or in the car, we found the QuickClean to be a useful tool.

  • Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Hand Vac

    9.4

    We recommend this handheld vacuum for pet owners looking for a powerful, cordless solution to tackle fur and messes.

    9.4

    We recommend this handheld vacuum for pet owners looking for a powerful, cordless solution to tackle fur and messes.

    Pros

    • Strong suction for pet hair
    • Versatile attachments
    • Easy-to-empty dirt bin

    Cons

    • Short battery life
    • Long charging time
    • Somewhat heavy for extended use

    We put the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser through its paces in our home filled with furry friends. This little powerhouse impressed us with its ability to suck up pet hair from furniture and car seats. The motorized brush tool was a standout feature, digging deep into upholstery to remove stubborn fur.

    The vacuum’s triple-level filtration system caught fine dust and dander, leaving surfaces noticeably cleaner. We appreciated the large, see-through dirt bin, which made it easy to know when it needed emptying. The bin popped off with a simple click, allowing for mess-free disposal.

    Battery life was a bit short at 17 minutes, but we found it sufficient for quick cleanups. The vacuum took about 8 hours to fully charge, so we made sure to plug it in after each use. While it’s on the heavier side for a handheld, the Bissell’s cleaning power made up for the extra weight.

  • BLACK+DECKER Pet Dustbuster

    9.3

    We think the BLACK+DECKER Pet Dustbuster is a solid choice for quick cleanups, especially for pet owners.

    9.3

    We think the BLACK+DECKER Pet Dustbuster is a solid choice for quick cleanups, especially for pet owners.

    Pros

    • Strong suction with PowerBoost mode
    • Cordless and lightweight design
    • Helpful attachments for pet hair and tight spaces

    Cons

    • Battery life could be longer
    • Noisy operation
    • Dust bin needs frequent emptying

    We tested this handheld vacuum and found it handy for small messes. The 20V battery gives it good power, and we liked the boost button for tough spots. It picked up pet hair well from furniture and car seats.

    The extendable crevice tool was great for reaching tight corners. We got into nooks in the car that are usually hard to clean. The motorized pet brush did a nice job on upholstery too.

    One drawback is the short 20-minute runtime. We had to recharge it often during bigger jobs. It’s also pretty loud, which might bother some users. The dust bin is small, so we had to empty it a lot. But for quick pickups, this vacuum works well.

  • BLACK+DECKER Pivot Vac

    9.1

    We think this handheld vacuum is a great choice for quick cleanups around the home and car due to its strong suction and versatile design.

    9.1

    We think this handheld vacuum is a great choice for quick cleanups around the home and car due to its strong suction and versatile design.

    Pros

    • Strong suction power
    • Pivoting nozzle reaches tight spots
    • Lightweight and easy to use

    Cons

    • Short battery life
    • Long charging time
    • Small dust bin capacity

    The BLACK+DECKER Pivot Vac impressed us with its powerful suction. We found it easily picked up crumbs, pet hair, and even small pebbles from our car seats. The pivoting nozzle is a standout feature. It let us get into tight spots like between car seats and along baseboards without awkward maneuvering.

    We liked how light and easy to handle this vacuum is. At just 3 pounds, we didn’t get tired using it to clean our whole car. The flip-up brush and extendable crevice tool are built right in, so we didn’t have to keep track of separate attachments.

    On the downside, the battery only lasts about 10-15 minutes. This was enough for most quick cleanups, but not for deep cleaning sessions. It also takes 4 hours to fully charge, which felt slow. The dust bin is on the small side too. We had to empty it after each use. Still, for its strong performance and handy design, we think this vacuum is a solid pick for many homes.

  • DRECELL Mini Car Vac

    9

    We think this compact car vacuum is a solid choice for quick cleanups, thanks to its strong suction and versatile design.

    9

    We think this compact car vacuum is a solid choice for quick cleanups, thanks to its strong suction and versatile design.

    Pros

    • Very lightweight at just 1.2 pounds
    • Powerful 14000Pa suction with two speeds
    • Versatile attachments for different surfaces

    Cons

    • Short 12-14 minute runtime on max power
    • Small 0.7 liter dust capacity
    • No wall mount included for storage

    We were impressed by how light this DRECELL vacuum felt in our hand. At only 1.2 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver in tight spots. The ergonomic handle gave us a comfortable grip for cleaning our car’s interior.

    The suction power surprised us for such a small device. We easily picked up crumbs, pet hair, and dust from our car seats and floor mats. The two-speed settings let us dial up the power when needed or conserve battery for longer cleaning sessions.

    We liked the 2-in-1 attachment that comes with this vac. The crevice tool helped us get into narrow spaces between seats. When we switched to the brush nozzle, it worked well for cleaning upholstery. The built-in LED light came in handy for seeing under dark seats too.

    Battery life is decent but not amazing. We got about 25 minutes of cleaning on the low setting. On max power, it only ran for about 12 minutes before needing a recharge. The USB-C charging is convenient though – we could easily plug it in while on the go.

    This vac runs pretty quietly compared to others we’ve tried. The noise reduction system keeps it around 65 decibels, so it won’t disturb others nearby. We also appreciate that the filters are washable, which should help them last longer.

  • Shark WANDVAC Handheld

    8.7

    We think the Shark WANDVAC is a solid choice for quick cleanups, thanks to its powerful suction and ultra-lightweight design.

    8.7

    We think the Shark WANDVAC is a solid choice for quick cleanups, thanks to its powerful suction and ultra-lightweight design.

    Pros

    • Very lightweight at 1.4 pounds
    • Strong suction for its size
    • Comes with useful attachments

    Cons

    • Short 10-minute runtime
    • Small dust cup needs frequent emptying
    • Long 2.5-hour charging time

    The Shark WANDVAC feels great in hand. Its 1.4-pound weight makes it easy to use for extended periods without arm fatigue. We found the ergonomic handle comfortable to grip during our cleaning sessions.

    Suction power impressed us for such a small vacuum. It picked up crumbs, pet hair, and dust with ease from various surfaces. The tapered nozzle helped us reach tight spots around furniture and in car seats.

    We liked the included attachments. The multi-surface pet tool worked well on upholstery and carpets. For crevices and car detailing, the duster crevice tool came in handy.

    Battery life is short at about 10 minutes. This limits the WANDVAC to quick spot cleaning rather than whole-house jobs. The dust cup is also tiny, needing frequent emptying.

    Charging is simple with the sleek dock, but it takes 2.5 hours for a full charge. We appreciated the LED indicator showing battery status.

    Maintenance is straightforward. The dust cup detaches easily for emptying, and the washable filter is simple to access and clean.

  • BLACK+DECKER FlexiVac

    8.7

    We recommend this handheld vacuum for its strong suction and versatile design that tackles messes in homes and cars alike.

    8.7

    We recommend this handheld vacuum for its strong suction and versatile design that tackles messes in homes and cars alike.

    Pros

    • Powerful suction for quick cleanups
    • Versatile attachments for various surfaces
    • Long-lasting lithium-ion battery

    Cons

    • Relatively short runtime per charge
    • Noisy operation
    • Dust bin could be larger

    The BLACK+DECKER FlexiVac packs a punch in a small package. We found its 20V lithium-ion battery delivers impressive suction power. It made short work of crumbs, pet hair, and dust in our tests.

    We like the rotating slim nozzle. It lets us reach tight spots with ease. The flip-up brush works well on upholstery and car seats. For crevices and corners, the extendable tool comes in handy.

    Emptying the dustbowl is a breeze. We just pop it off, dump it out, and rinse the filter. It’s see-through, so we always know when it’s full. The compact size makes storage simple too. It fits neatly in a closet or car trunk.

    While the battery life is good, we wish it lasted a bit longer for bigger jobs. The noise level is also higher than we’d like. But for quick cleanups, it’s a solid choice. We think it’s a great tool for keeping homes and cars tidy between deep cleans.

  • BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster

    8.6

    We think the BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster is a solid choice for quick cleanups, offering good suction in a lightweight package.

    8.6

    We think the BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster is a solid choice for quick cleanups, offering good suction in a lightweight package.

    Pros

    • Strong suction for its size
    • Lightweight and easy to handle
    • Convenient wall-mount charger

    Cons

    • Short battery life
    • Small dirt capacity
    • Noisy operation

    We tested the BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster in our home for several weeks. Its suction power surprised us, easily picking up crumbs, pet hair, and dust from various surfaces. At just 1.4 pounds, it’s light enough to use one-handed for extended periods.

    The wall-mount charger is a nice touch. We hung it in our pantry, keeping the vacuum out of sight but easy to grab when needed. The built-in crevice tool came in handy for tight spots like car seats and couch cushions.

    Battery life is a bit short at around 15 minutes. We found this okay for quick jobs but not enough for thorough car cleaning. The dirt bowl fills up fast too. It’s see-through, which helps, but we had to empty it often. The Dustbuster is also pretty loud, which might bother some users.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a handheld vacuum, we recommend considering several key factors:

Suction Power

Look for models with strong suction to effectively pick up dirt and debris. Higher wattage often correlates with better performance.

Battery Life

For cordless models, check the runtime. We suggest aiming for at least 15-20 minutes of continuous use.

Weight and Ergonomics

A lightweight, comfortable design is crucial for easy maneuvering. We prefer vacuums under 4 pounds.

Attachments

Versatile tools like crevice nozzles and upholstery brushes expand cleaning capabilities. More attachments generally mean greater flexibility.

Dust Capacity

Larger bins require less frequent emptying. We recommend looking for at least 0.5 liters of capacity.

Filtration

HEPA filters trap tiny particles, which is great for allergy sufferers. This feature is worth considering for improved air quality.

Noise Level

Quieter models (around 70 decibels or less) are more pleasant to use, especially for frequent cleaning.

Wet/Dry Capability

Some handheld vacuums can handle liquid spills. This feature adds versatility but isn’t essential for everyone.

By weighing these factors against your specific needs and budget, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right handheld vacuum for your home.