14 Best Handheld Vacuum Cleaners (Review) In 2022
- The Best Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
- 1. BLACK+DECKER Dusbuster Handheld Vacuum
- 2. ThisWorks for Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner
- 3. BISSELL Pet Hair Handheld Vacuum
- 4. Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum
- 5. VacLife Handheld Vacuum
- 6. Homasy 8Kpa Portable Handheld Vacuum
- 7. Dyson V7 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
- 8. Dirt Devil Scorpion Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
- 9. BLACK+DECKER AdvancedClean+ Handheld Vacuum
- 10. GeeMo Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
- 11. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum
- 12. Audew Cordless Handheld Vacuum
- 13. BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum
- 14. Holife Handheld Vacuum Cordless Cleaner
Standard vacuum cleaners are great for regular cleaning jobs around the home but when you need to access more difficult areas, clean up some stubborn pet hair or clean out your car or RV, you need a specialist device to help you out, like a shop vac or a robot vacuum. The best handheld vacuums will have all the features you need to keep your stairs and car clean and to spot-clean those annoying messes that pet owners have to endure.
You can choose a corded model or you may prefer the cordless vacuums - both offer super maneuverability and are lightweight enough use in tight spots. Despite their small size, these powerful and popular little devices come with a range of useful attachments and impressive run times. Here, we help you choose a suitable model and consider some of the features that you should look out for as well as answering some of the most frequently asked questions.
The Best Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
1. BLACK+DECKER Dusbuster Handheld Vacuum




Key Features
Dust bowl is 1.5 times larger than previous Black+Decker models
Translucent dust bowl with a 31.8-ounce capacity
Fully washable filter and dust bowl to maintain efficiency
Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Optional wall-mounted storage
1.5 amp hours cleaning time
Featuring a translucent dust bowl that is 1.5 times larger than previous models and lightweight, compact design, the Black+Decker Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum is one of the best handheld vacuums for busy people. The 31.8-ounce dust bowl capacity allows you to get the whole cleaning job done before it needs emptying. To maintain efficiency and cleanliness, both the bowl and filter are fully washable in between cleaning tasks.
Benefiting from the strong suction provided by the lithium-ion rechargeable battery, the cyclonic action makes light work of cleaning jobs at home and in the car and will keep going for up to 1.5 amp-hours. It will be recharged and ready to go again in 10 hours and can be wall-mounted so that it will not take up too much space in your home. The crevice tool and brush push-in attachments on this Black+Decker vacuum make it easy to use in tight spaces around the house. When you need to pick up large debris, you have the option of using the wide mouth and you can be confident that it will have enough suction power.
Pros
Useful wall-mounted storage
Large dust bowl
Easy to see when it needs emptying
Washable filter
Easy to empty dust bowl
Cons
No way to neatly store attachments
Battery will deteriorate if charged for too long
2. ThisWorks for Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner



Key Features
Lightweight and compact design for ease of use
Powered by a 16-foot cord
Plugs into vehicle 12-V power supply
Three interchangeable attachments
Powerful 106Watt, 8.8 amp motor
Spare filter included
Designed to clean the interior of your vehicle to professional standards, this ThisWorx for 105-Watt Handheld Vacuum for cars can tackle anything from pet hair to liquid spills inside your car. Despite measuring just 13 inches in length and weighing only 2.4 pounds, it delivers significant suction power thanks to the 8.8 amp motor coupled with a metal turbine.
It comes with a 16-foot cord and plugs into the vehicle 12-V supply socket ensuring that you never run out of power but are able to reach every nook and cranny. These car vacs feature easily interchangeable attachments provided in a storage bag. These include a flat head hose for hard to reach areas, an extension tube for reaching under seats and into crevices, and a brush for upholstery and carpets. It even comes with a spare filter and a cleaning brush so that you can keep it working at its maximum efficiency.
Pros
Plugs into power when in use
Long cord provided
Extension tube attachment for tight spaces
Powerful suction
Able to suck up wet patches and liquids
Cons
Not as powerful as commercial vacuums
Storage bag is fiddly to use
3. BISSELL Pet Hair Handheld Vacuum


Key Features
Specifically designed to remove pet hair
Powered by a 14V lithium rechargeable battery
Upholstery tool for removing hair from soft surfaces
Crevice tool for hard to reach areas
Motorized brush for embedded hair
Large dirt bin
Use this specifically designed pet hair vacuum to clear your home of unsightly pet fur and dander. With the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, you are provided with triple filtration to get the job done quickly and effectively. This great handheld vacuum is powered by a 14V lithium-ion battery for sustained cleaning power and extended run periods.
The included upholstery tool attracts pet hair when you are cleaning soft surfaces whilst the crevice tool makes it easy to clean out hard to reach places. Most importantly for pet owners, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser comes with a motorized brush that can remove embedded pet hair from soft furniture. When the job is done, the large dirt bin makes it easy to dispose of the debris.
Pros
Cordless so can also be used in the car
Powerful suction
Long battery life
Three attachments offer versatility
Motorized brush for embedded hair
Cons
Too large to fit into very tight areas
Can drop debris when held at an angle
4. Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum




Key Features
Ultra-lightweight design weighs just 1.4 pounds
Reaches into awkward corners
Cleaning path of 3.6 inches wide
High-speed brushless motor
Crevice tool for reaching into tight spots
Rapid ion charger
Winner of the iF Design Award for 2019, the Shark WV201 WANDVAC is the best handheld vacuum choice for householders who need an ultra-light yet powerful vacuum. Weighing just 1.4 pounds, this hand vac offers excellent maneuverability, allowing you to reach awkward corners around the house and in the car but has a cleaning path of 3.6 inches for fast and efficient cleaning.
Suction performance is not compromised by the compact design thanks to the high speed, brushless motor, and the tapered nozzle. It comes with a crevice tool for tight spots and corners and a pet tool for removing pet hair from upholstery and carpets. The canister empties into your garbage container with just one touch of a button. In between jobs, you can expect rapid charging at the ion charging dock which also stores all the accessories so you will always be able to find them when you need them!
Pros
Light enough for anyone to use
Mess-free dirt box emptying mechanism
Includes tool for pet hair
Rapid charging
Fits into small spaces
Cons
Attachments are a little flimsy
Motor is quite loud
5. VacLife Handheld Vacuum




Key Features
Wet and dry suction vacuum
Powered by a 2,500 mAh Li-ion battery
Charges within three or four hours
Bright LED light for dark corners
Crevice tools for chairs and sofas
Rubber jar tool for liquids
A lightweight wet and dry handheld vacuum with a run time of 30 minutes and a range of attachments to tackle all cleaning tasks in the home or car. The VacLife Handheld Vacuum is cordless and powered by a 2,500 mAh Li-ion battery that charges in three to four hours and can produce enough suction to deal with liquids, pet hairs, and cigarette butts. For low light conditions and for when you are cleaning under furniture or in awkward spaces, it features a bright LED light.
A crevice tool is included for sofas and corners and there is a dust brush tool for door and floor mats. This handheld vacuum cleaner model also includes an extension hose to increase your reach and a rubber jar tool that is used for absorbing liquids but will not damage delicate surfaces. These handheld vacuums feature HEPA filters with innovative wraps to maximize cleaning efficiency and which are highly durable and can be washed to extend their life. The detachable dust cup makes it easy to dump the debris once your cleaning job is complete.
Pros
Sucks up wet and dry debris
LED light useful for poorly lit areas
Charges within four hours
Deep cleaning action
Ideal for stairs
Cons
Tricky to reassemble after cleaning
No storage bag for attachments
6. Homasy 8Kpa Portable Handheld Vacuum


Key Features
30 minutes of running time
Recharge time of three to four hours
Will suck up tiny dust particles
Three-stage filtration
Ergonomic 65-degree design
Only 78dB noise levels
For running time, it’s hard to beat the Homasy 8Kpa Portable Handheld Vacuum that delivers up to 30 minutes of run time thanks to the high capacity 4x2200mah Lithium batteries. The recharge time is between three and four hours but there is no need to fully drain the battery before charging. These cordless vacuums also benefit from 8Kpa of suction power provided by an ultra-high power motor that can tackle animal fur and even paper debris. This is the best handheld vacuum for you if you have concerns about tiny dust motes in soft furnishings and mattresses. Further reassurance is provided by the 3-stage filters which can be washed in water.
The capacity of the 600ml dust collector is big enough to cope with a deep clean and it detaches for emptying with just a push of the button. The ergonomic 65-degree sloping design makes it comfortable and easy to maneuver. Despite its considerable suction power, it operates at a noise level of just 78dB to cause a minimum disturbance in the home whilst you get the job done. For versatile cleaning, there are three attachments including a crevice tool, a brush, and a rubber jar attachment for sucking up 100ml of liquids.
Pros
Battery can charge when not fully drained
Can suck up small spillages of liquid
Rubber jar attachment to protect surfaces
Available in two colors
Large dust collector
Cons
You need both hands to clean out the dirt
The 3.26 pounds weight may be a bit heavy for some users
7. Dyson V7 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner




Key Features
Powerful V7 digital motor
100 Air Watts suction power
30 minutes of fade-free suction
12V charging plug
Combination crevice tool
Motorized dusting brush for dog and cat hairs
Packed with Dyson technology and powered by a V7 digital motor, you can expect superior cleaning power from this Dyson V7 Handheld Vacuum for the car and boat. It’s designed to provide hassle-free cordless cleaning and is one of the best handheld vacuums around in terms of power and functionality.
Our premium pick hand vacuum is powered by lithium-ion batteries and delivers reliable, fade-free 100 Air Watts of suction for up to 30 minutes. You can charge up on the move using the 12V socket in your vehicle. These hand vacuums are packed with design features to make car and boat cleaning as easy as possible. The unit will come with a combination tool for crevices and dashboards and an extension hose for hard to reach areas. For hard-to-remove dirt or pet hairs, there is a motorized dusting brush. After cleaning, dirt is ejected in a mess-free single action.
Pros
Mess-free dirt ejection
High-speed cleaning
Useful attachments
Can be charged at home and in the car
Comfortable to use
Cons
Suction falls away without extension tool
Battery has to be fully drained before charging
8. Dirt Devil Scorpion Handheld Vacuum Cleaner



Key Features
Striking red design with fingertip controls
16-foot quick-release power cord
Flip-up crevice tool for awkward areas
2.5-foot long flexible hose
Strong 7 Amp motor
Bagless dirt container with 0.45-liter capacity
This compact and attractively designed bright red handheld vacuum comes with a 16-foot quick-release power cord so that you can reach all over your home and into your car. It would be the best handheld vacuum for you if you need a bagless vacuum that is lightweight and easy to use with complete control at your fingertips.
The simple design of the Dirt Devil Scorpion features a built-in crevice stick similar to something you would find on a stick vacuum cleaner tool that will reach into all areas of your home and office without the need to change attachments. When you no longer need it, you just flip it back up but for those hard-to-reach areas – you also have the option of a 2.5-foot long flexible hose attachment. The 7 Amp motor is powerful enough to pick up anything from sand to small pebbles and crushed cookies. Thanks to the 0.45-liter dirt container built into these handheld vacuums, there is no fiddly bag to empty and you can go longer in between trips to the trash can to clear it out.
Pros
In-built crevice attachment
Strong and robust design
16-foot cord makes it easy to move around
Comfortable grip handle
Large dirt container that’s easy to clean
Cons
3.75 pounds may be a bit heavy for some customers
Motor is quite loud
9. BLACK+DECKER AdvancedClean+ Handheld Vacuum





Key Features
Four times more suction than previous Black+Decker models
PowerBoost feature for difficult jobs
Longer running time for cleaning larger areas
Light to indicate charging
Crevice tool for awkward areas
Large dust bin for efficient vacuuming
The Black+Decker AdvancedClean+ Cordless Handheld Vacuum has been designed to provide you with four times more suction power than previous models. The ‘PowerBoost’ function delivers even more suction by just pressing a button giving you two speeds to choose from. The power of this great handheld device is matched by the impressive 90% improved running time which means that you can use it for multiple surfaces in the home including the carpet and high traffic areas.
The battery charges to a maximum of 12/4 volts and there is a useful light to indicate when charging is taking place. There’s a long crevice tool provided with the Black+Decker vacuum to reach inaccessible areas and the dust bin is enlarged to fit in more debris.
Pros
Great for hard to reach areas
Long running time
Indicates when it is charging
Dust bin doesn’t require frequent emptying
Filter is easy to clean
Cons
Suction fades towards the end of the job
Construction is a little flimsy
10. GeeMo Handheld Vacuum Cleaner




Key Features
Quiet operation at just 75dB
Lightweight and easy to handle
Transparent and washable dirt collector
Capable of sucking up both fine dirt and animal fur
Crevice nozzle with brush attachment
25 minutes of running time
Our pick of the handheld vacuums with the lowest noise emissions operates at just 75dB which prevents the whole family from being disturbed when you are using it. GeeMo Handheld Vacuum Cleaner weighs just 0.91kg making it highly portable and easy to use all over the home. The dirt collector is made from transparent material making it easy to spot when one of these vacuums needs to be emptied. Both the filter and dirt collector can be cleaned out with just water.
When it comes to suction capability, these handheld vacuums deliver 8Kpa which is easily sufficient to deal with animal fur and dander and bread crumbs. However, these hand vacs can also pick up tiny dust particles and liquid spills. It comes with a crevice nozzle (with a brush attachment) which both allows you to access awkward areas and increases suction power. The GeeMo Vacuum Cleaner 8500 contains one 4x2200mAh Li-ion battery with enough capacity to power a run time of up to 25 minutes of cleaning. It comes with a charging lead and has a red/blue light to indicate charging status. Customer safety is protected by the temperature and electrical protection systems including short circuit protection.
Pros
Quiet and smooth operation
Very easy to clean after use
Powerful suction
Useful charging indicator
Short circuit protection
Cons
Accessories do not attach to main device for storage
Takes around five hours to charge
11. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum




Key Features
Weighs only five pounds
16-foot power cord
Dirt container with a capacity of 0.78 liters
Cord wrap system for safety
Powerful cyclonic cleaning system
Contour nozzle for embedded pet hair
Able to tackle tough cleaning jobs on stairs, upholstery, and in the car, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser can help pet owners out with messes and hair in areas that cannot be reached easily with a regular vacuum. These hand vacs have a 16-foot long power cord with a cord wrap system and a dirt container with a capacity of 0.78 liters. The bagless design makes it easy and quick to empty.
As it weighs just five pounds and measures only eight inches by ten inches, this machine is comfortable to handle – even in confined spaces. These handheld vacuums have been cleverly designed for maximum efficiency when it comes to picking up pet hair and dry debris. The powerful cyclonic cleaning system has a power rating of 4 Amps and it comes with a contour nozzle that is able to pull out embedded hair. Alternatively, you just snap on the suction nozzle for clearing up cat litter or dry food.
Pros
Bagless and easy to empty
Efficient filter
Attracts pet hair on upholstery
Nozzle for cat litter and dry food
Sucks litter from between floorboards
Cons
Air coming out of vents blows the dust around
Loud operating noise
12. Audew Cordless Handheld Vacuum



Key Features
Charges in three to five hours
Half hour run time
Picks up dust and animal hair
Crevice nozzle for narrow gaps
Brush nozzle for embedded fur
Easy-release dirt container
Capable of charging in just three to five hours and with a running time of up to 30 minutes, the Audew Cordless Handheld Vacuum is just what you want for quick cleaning tasks in the kitchen, office, or car. The rechargeable 2200mAh lithium-ion battery provides enough power to pick up small stones and liquid but it will also suck up tiny dust motes, animal hair, and pollen and remove them using its washable HEPA filter.
As is the case with all the best handheld vacuums, it comes with a range of useful attachments. You’ll find a crevice nozzle for accessing narrow gaps and corners and this can also be used for liquids. The special brush nozzle is useful for hair embedded in carpets, so you can use this device as a carpet cleaner, and the flexible tubes give you the ability to reach into awkward spaces. The dirt container releases with just a press of a button for easy cleaning. The safety protection of this device is a stand out feature – it includes voltage, current, and temperature protection as well as a short-circuit cut out.
Pros
Useful light to indicate charging
Run time long enough for most jobs
Great at removing pet fur
Useful range of attachments
Flexible hose
Cons
Charging plug can be tricky to insert
Suction power may not be enough for some tasks
13. BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum



Key Features
4-foot flexible hose
20V Lithium-ion battery
20.6-ounce capacity dirt container
Useful charging base
Crevice nozzle for tight spaces
Three-stage filtration system
For cleaning stairs and ceilings, the Black+Decker Max Flex Handheld Vacuum has a 4-foot flexible hose that allows you to reach inaccessible areas with ease. The cordless power is provided by one 20V lithium-ion battery and debris is sucked into a 20.6-ounce capacity dirt container.
The dirt container and filter are washable and when not in use, it fits neatly onto its charging base. The strong cyclonic suction is powerful enough to pick up embedded animal hairs when used with the pet hair brush. It weighs just 3.2 pounds and is easy to empty. Thanks to a three-stage filter, dust is not recirculated into the air.
Pros
Flexible hose very useful for high-level cleaning
No power fade
Lightweight and easy to hold
Pet hair brush for stubborn fur
Large dust container
Cons
Suction is a bit limited
Filter requires regular washing
14. Holife Handheld Vacuum Cordless Cleaner



Key Features
Lightweight and highly portable
Rechargeable 2200mAh lithium-ion battery
Half hour running time
Easy to empty dust container
Rubber jar tool for wet spillages
Recharges within five hours
Holife Handheld Vacuum Cordless Cleaner is a highly portable hand vacuum for car and house cleaning. The cyclonic 100 Watt motor gives you up to 6.5 Kpa of suction. With a rechargeable 2200mAh lithium-ion battery, this is one of the best handheld vacuum devices in terms of running time, giving you a full half hour to get the job done and recharging within five hours.
There’s an auto shut off to prevent the motor from burning out from excessive use and charging is automatically stopped to prevent overcharging. It weighs just 3.4 pounds to prevent fatigue when cleaning and the dust container is easy to empty. The range of attachments includes a rubber jar tool for wet spillages, a brush tool for animal hair and upholstery, and a crevice tool for keyboards and hard-to-reach areas.
Pros
Superior burn-out protection
Impossible to over-charge the battery
Easy to move around
Useful crevice tool
Can be used on liquids
Cons
No wall mount
Cannot be plugged into a car
Features To Consider With Handheld Vacuum Cleaners
You will have a considerable range of appliances to choose from when you are searching for the best handheld vacuum for your needs. Every household is different and you will have particular requirements depending on your budget, lifestyle, and available space. To get you started, we've listed here some of the main features that you may want to consider.
Size
When it comes to maneuverability and storage, size matters! Larger models can be cumbersome if you often have to clean in tight spots and will take up more space in your home. Buying one that comes with a wall-mounting unit can mitigate this problem. On the other hand, smaller units may not deliver a cleaning path that is big enough for your needs and if you need to clean larger areas is will take a lot longer. Check out the size of products given in the product information before you make a purchase.
Weight
Your perception of how heavy the device is will depend on your own physical strength and is subjective. If you have any limitations to your physical ability to use a handheld device, you need one that is lightweight. Reviewers will often comment on how physically demanding it is to use a device so have a good read of these.
Capacity
This is another important feature and one that can be hard to tell from the product photo. Instead, find the actual stated volume on the seller's or manufacturer's web site. A larger dust container is always a positive feature. It means that you will not have to stop halfway through a job to empty it!
Hose
Some devices come with a hose that can flex and reach into awkward areas. If you like to use a vacuum to clean out under car seats, for example, this would be a useful feature. It makes the vacuum more versatile and useful for a wider range of cleaning jobs.
Power
Vacuums are usually assessed in laboratory tests to determine their power in terms of KPa. The higher the value, the greater the suction power. The test may give different suction powers for different types of debris because the heavier the particle the more difficult it is to suck up! However, in battery-operated devices, you should also search for information about 'fade off'. This is the tendency for the device to get less powerful as the charge drains from the battery and is very frustrating as you get to the end of a job.
Attachable Heads
The best handheld vacuums come with a range of attachable heads to enable you to tackle different cleaning tasks. A crevice tool is always useful for tight spaces but for pet owners, a motorized brush head for removing embedded hair will also be a great feature.
Other Features
Run time is an important consideration. There is no point in buying a device with a run time of 15 minutes if you need to carry out cleaning jobs that last 30 minutes. Ease of emptying the dust containers should also be considered as should the filtration. If you are concerned about allergies from pet hair and dander or dust, you may want to look closely at the filtration provided by the vacuum and how you clean it.
You May Also Like: HEPA Vacuums
Types Of Handheld Vacuum Cleaners
Cordless
Cordless devices offer you the ultimate freedom to use them wherever you want. They are the best option for spot cleaning around the home, cleaning out your car or boat, and cleaning areas where it is harder to cope with a cord such as on the stairs. They have rechargeable lithium batteries and this presents some limitations - the most important being that they will not work if the battery is drained! If you need them in an emergency, this can be a problem as they can take up to five hours to charge. They also have limited run times which means that they are not suitable for cleaning large areas.
Corded
A corded model offers you longer run times and they will always be ready to use. However, you will have to plug them into electricity supply and keep them plugged in for the whole time that you are using them. This does not make them the best option if the area that you want to clean is nowhere near a power source.
Handheld Vacuum Cleaner FAQ
Q: What are handheld vacuum cleaners?
A hand vacuum is an electronic suction device used for spot-cleaning small areas or places that are hard to reach with a regular vacuum. They are compact and lightweight and can be corded or cordless.
Q: Are handheld vacuums any good?
A handheld vacuum is best reserved for smaller cleaning tasks. They are not designed for cleaning larger areas. Most customers get one for cleaning stairs and ceilings in the home, for cleaning RVs, cars, and boats or for spot cleaning pet fur.
Q: What handheld vacuum has the best suction?
In terms of suction, the best vacuum is the Black+Decker AdvancedClean+ cordless handheld vacuum. One of the best features of this the 'PowerBoost' function that delivers even more suction. It also has an impressive running time.
Q: How long do handheld vacuums last?
The best cordless models have a running time of up to half an hour which is plenty of time to get most jobs done. In terms of durability, you can expect one of these devices to last for several years if you look after it.
Q: How often should you vacuum hardwood?
Hardwood floors will get damaged by dust and small stones which can cause small abrasions on the surface therefore it is best to vacuum them every other day. However, if you are one of those households that have pets, it is best to do it at least once a day to keep on top of the animal fur and dander. If you have a parquet floor, steam cleaners and steam mops are also great options.
Q: What is the best handheld vacuum for pet hair?
The best choice for pet hair is the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser which offers triple filtration, a powerful 14V lithium-ion battery, and a large dirt bin. The most relevant feature is the motorized brush - designed specifically for removing stubborn pet fur and dander from upholstery.