The Best Handheld Vacuums
How many times did you knocked out something from the kitchen counter or a coffee table and become frustrated because you have to wrestle with a vacuum out of the closet just to clean that little mess?
You need to get the vacuum out, assemble it, vacuum everything and get it back in a closet again.
It can be a time-consuming process and you’re usually in a hurry.
This is where the handheld vacuum kicks in.
Handheld vacuums are lightweight, portable devices.
They can help with taking care of everyday messes without the need of busting out a regular vacuum.
These vacuums are not designed to be heavy-duty cleaning devices.
Instead, they aim to be handy and easy to operate.
However, modern handheld vacuums have much more to offer than just portability.
They have strong suction power, many additional cleaning tools and even a wet mode in some cases.
A quality handheld vacuum will cut down the time you need to get your living space neat on a daily basis.
Besides indoor use, a handheld vacuum can be…well, handy for car interior cleaning.
You can even vacuum some light dust in a workshop.
There are numerous models with a wide range of features on the market.
Therefore, picking the perfect one for your household may seem tricky.
That’s why we did some research and come with a list of the best 10 handheld vacuums for you to choose from.
Highest Rated Handheld Vacuums (by Customer Reviews)
- 1Dyson V7 Trigger Cord-Free Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
- 2BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Handheld Vacuum, Cordless, Black (BDH2000L)
- 3BLACK+DECKER HNV215B10 1.5 Ah Compact 7.2V Lithium Hand Vac Cordless, White
- 4EUREKA EasyClean Lightweight Handheld Vacuum Cleaner, Hand Vac Corded, 71B
- 5Shark Pet-Perfect II Cordless Bagless Hand Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor with Twister Technology and Rechargeable Battery (SV780), Lavender
- 6Bissell, 1782 Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand and Car Vacuum
- 7BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Handheld Vacuum, Cordless, Grey (BDH2000PL)
- 8WELIKERA 12V 100W Cordless Handheld Vacuum, Powerful Portable Vacuum Cleaner, Rechargeable Vacuum with Stainless Steel Filter and A Carrying Bag, Black
- 9Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum, Corded, 33A1
- 10BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Handheld Vacuum, Cordless, 16V (CHV1410L)
1
Dyson V7 Trigger Cord-Free Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Dyson V7 handheld vacuum is a perfect model for those of us craving that modern, futuristic design.
This is a cordless vacuum with a 15-gallon capacity.
It comes with a lithium-ion battery that powers up to 30 minutes of vacuuming without losing suction power.
Dyson V7 handheld vacuum also has a crevice tool, a mini motorized tool, and a combination tool.
This handheld vacuum works great when it comes to cleaning the car interior or getting rid of the pet hair.
The dirt bit is easy to empty and completely hygienic.
You won’t have to touch debris while operating it.
Dyson V7 handheld vacuum comes with a 2 years warranty on all of the parts.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Lightweight
- Large bin capacity
- Long working time
- Cordless
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Dirt bin tends to fall off mid-vacuuming after a few months of use
Dyson V7 handheld vacuum can help you cover a lot of space due to long battery life.
You can clean up the entire kitchen, a carpet or a car in just one charge.
It also comes in futuristic design, which is a plus for people who like their devices modern and unusual looking.
However, at this price point, it’s surprising that the vacuum has a pretty annoying malfunction.
Many customers reported that the dirt bin starts falling off after a few months.
Than can possibly leave you covered from head to toes in all you just vacuumed.
As it turns out, it`s a gamble because not all pieces of this model have this habit.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Handheld Vacuum, Cordless, Black (BDH2000L)
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster handheld vacuum is a cordless model that offers up to 30 minutes of a stabile suction power.
It has a lithium-ion battery that will charge fully in only 4 hours.
This model uses a VF110 washable filter that keeps all the dust in and away from other parts of the device.
Besides that, BLACK+DECKER dustbuster handheld vacuum comes with a crevice tool for tight places and a brush tool for pet hair and chunkier debris.
All of the additional cleaning tools have their place on the unit, so they are always at the reach of your hand.
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster handheld vacuum has a slim design that keeps it elegant and practical when it comes to picking up debris from under the kitchen elements and furniture.
It also has a translucent dirt bin that comes off easily for quick emptying and washing up.
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster handheld vacuum has a 3 years warranty.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Slim nozzle
- Additional cleaning tools
- Cordless
- Ultra-lightweight
Cons
- The battery is not replaceable
- The charging base is unstable
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster handheld vacuum is significantly cheaper than the previous model but still offers great features.
This is a good option if you’re on the budget.
It will help you get rid of any spills and chunkier debris.
Also, it will suck the pet hair pretty well.
However, the BLACK+DECKER dustbuster handheld vacuum is not made of high-quality plastic.
Therefore, if you drop it, there will be significate damage.
Also, there is no option of swapping batteries.
This means that once the battery is dead completely and won’t hold a charge, you’ll have to buy a completely new device.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
BLACK+DECKER HNV215B10 1.5 Ah Compact 7.2V Lithium Hand Vac Cordless, White
If you need a portable, convenient device to help you handle everyday spills and kitchen accidents, but don’t want to make it an investment, BLACK+DECKER HNV215B10 handheld vacuum is a perfect choice for you.
This extremely budget-friendly vacuum is weighted 2 pounds and comes with a wall mount that charges and stored the device out of your way.
Both translucent dirt bin and the filter are washable and easy to detach.
BLACK+DECKER HNV215B10 handheld vacuum has a lithium-ion battery that’s fast-charging and can power up to 15 minutes of work.
The unit is cordless, so it`s a good option for tidying up around the house, a car, or even as a helping hand on a camping trip.
BLACK+DECKER HNV215B10 handheld vacuum is capable of holding a charge for a long time, so you can take it with you whenever you need it.
It has a 2 years warranty on all parts.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight
- Long charge holding
- Cordless
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- No additional cleaning tools
- Shorter running time than most of the other models
BLACK+DECKER HNV215B10 handheld vacuum is a somewhat travel-friendly model.
With not too much weight and long charge holding, you can take it with you on an RV or a regular camping trip.
It’s also convenient for a quick clean-up of a car interior.
However, if you need a handheld vacuum that can clean the entire room in one charging, you may want to pass this one.
BLACK+DECKER HNV215B10 handheld vacuum is designed to help you get rid of on-spot spills and messes.
The running time is too short for heavier tasks.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
EUREKA EasyClean Lightweight Handheld Vacuum Cleaner, Hand Vac Corded, 71B
EUREKA EasyClean handheld vacuum is a corded model with modern, functional design.
Its 20-foot long cord gives a wide cleaning range and ultimate suction power.
This unit is lightweight, with less than 5 pounds, and you’ll be able to carry it around and reach every place you need.
Powerful suction will allow you to clean up carpets, pet hair, and car interior.
EUREKA EasyClean handheld vacuum has two separated motors, one for the brush alone and one for the entire device.
The brush has its own on and off switch for you to add it when you need a deep cleaning and picking up chunkier debris.
EUREKA EasyClean handheld vacuum has an integrated hose with a crevice tool for vacuuming furniture and corners.
This handheld vacuum comes with a 1-year money-back warranty.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Strong suction
- Integrated hose
- Motorized brush
- Long power cord
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Vacuum tends to overheat and shut down
- Brush may stop rolling from time to time
EUREKA EasyClean handheld vacuum is a good option for a household in need of a portable, lightweight device to get rid of spills and pet mess, but has not too much space to cover.
Minding the long power cord, corded models work their best in apartments or smaller houses.
Still, you can use this vacuum while cleaning your garage or a car interior, as long as you have an outlet near enough.
EUREKA EasyClean handheld vacuum is quite a money-saver.
However, it tends to malfunction from time to time.
If the unit overheats, it will shut off and stay that way until its cooled down completely.
Also, the brush motor may fail to rotate the brush during the extensive use.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
5
Shark Pet-Perfect II Cordless Bagless Hand Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor with Twister Technology and Rechargeable Battery (SV780), Lavender
Shark Pet-Perfect II handheld vacuum is a cordless model specially design for pet owners to get rid of hair and mess much easier.
This unit comes with a large detachable motorized brush that will go deep into carpets and upholstery and get all of the dust, hair, and debris out with fast rotating.
Shark Pet-Perfect II handheld vacuum weighs under 5 pounds and has a running time of over 30 minutes, so you can cover a lot of space.
It also has additional cleaning tools for you to clean multiple surfaces, like kitchen counters, car interiors or RVs.
Besides motorized brush, the Shark Pet-Perfect II handheld vacuum comes with a dust brush, a crevice tool, and a washable filter.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Lightweight
- Motorized brush for pet hair
- Long running time
Cons
- Long charging time
Shark Pet-Perfect II handheld vacuum is a great option for a busy household.
If you have kids running around and pets shred all over the place, this is a handheld vacuum for you.
It has a decent running time for you to clean everything up and portability that allows you to get to the tightest places.
However, this device took over 16 hours to get fully charged.
Therefore, you may be limited to use it only once daily, depending on a mess.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
6
Bissell, 1782 Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand and Car Vacuum
Bissell 1782 handheld vacuum is another cordless model designed to help you remove all of the annoying pet hair from carpets or car seats.
It has a lithium-ion battery that can hold a charge for a long time and power the unit for up to 30 minutes of working.
Bissell 1782 handheld vacuum comes with a motorized foot with a rotating brush to get all of the dust and hair out of even the thicker surfaces.
Besides the brush, this vacuum has a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, and a telescopic extension wand to give you a full cleaning range.
Bissell 1782 handheld vacuum has a double filtration system that saves the filter from damaging and keeps all of the dirt into a bin.
Dirt bin is easily detachable and washable.
The device is also ultra-lightweight with just 3.2 pounds, you won’t have a problem carrying it around the house.
Bissell 1782 handheld vacuum comes with a 2-years warranty.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Cordless
- Ultra-lightweight
- Motorized brush
- Extension wand
Cons
- The battery tends to lose charge after a few months
Bissell 1782 handheld vacuum is an ultra-lightweight vacuum you can keep at the reach of your hand and vacuum after pets or take care of kitchen spills.
It has a powerful brush that can go deep into the carpets and get all of the dust and hair out.
However, some customers reported it to lose charge after a few months and that affect the power of the suction.
This is a curious problem since the lithium-ion batteries are popular for not losing power through drainage.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
7
BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Handheld Vacuum, Cordless, Grey (BDH2000PL)
BLACK+DECKER 20V Max handheld vacuum is a powerful device with modern design.
It has a pivoting nozzle that will cover more space at once concentrating the suction power right where you need it.
You can easily adjust it to reach the tricky places like high bookshelves or that impossible spot in your car.
The device weighs only 3 pounds, so you can lift it and operate without getting tired.
This cordless vacuum has a charging base that doubles as a storage unit. Lithium-ion battery charges fast and giver power for 35 minutes of vacuuming.
BLACK+DECKER 20V Max handheld vacuum has a 3-layers filtration system and a dirt bin that are both detachable and washable.
The device also has an onboard crevice tool and a brush.
BLACK+DECKER 20V Max handheld vacuum has a 2-years warranty.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Pivoting nozzle
- Lightweight
- Additional cleaning tools
- 3-layers filtration system
Cons
- Buttons tend to get stuck
- Chunkier debris may get stuck in a joint of a nozzle
BLACK+DECKER 20V Max handheld vacuum really stands out from the competition with a pivoting nozzle you can adjust to the angle needed to vacuum all of the tricky places.
Also, the nozzle is flat and perfect for getting under the kitchen elements or furniture.
On the other hand, many customers had issues with stuck buttons that need to be hammered in order to be pushed properly or released.
Also, the adjustable nozzle may become noisy is you’re vacuuming some bread crumbs or a send.
This kind of debris gets stuck in a joint.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
8
WELIKERA 12V 100W Cordless Handheld Vacuum, Powerful Portable Vacuum Cleaner, Rechargeable Vacuum with Stainless Steel Filter and A Carrying Bag, Black
WELIKERA handheld vacuum is a device that will give you a variety of cleaning methods with a compact design.
Cordless and lightweight, the WELIKERA vacuum offers a powerful suction that eliminates dust, pet hair and heavier debris.
This vacuum has a lithium-ion battery that takes only 3-4 hours to fully charge and allows more than 25 minutes of constant vacuuming.
WELIKERA handheld vacuum has a washable stainless steel filter that will last for years. Both filter and a dirt bin are easy to detach from the unit.
Besides the vacuum itself, you’ll also get a crevice tool, a brush, a soft pipe, and a convenient travel bag.
This vacuum also has a LED light that makes it easy to operate in dark or under the furniture.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Lightweight
- Additional cleaning tools
- LED light
- Stainless steel filter
Cons
- The battery starts to lose charge after a year
WELIKERA handheld vacuum comes with a lot of additional cleaning tools.
This is also one of the cheapest models on our list.
Therefore, it’s not surprising that many customers complained about it losing a charge after a year or so of using.
With a stainless steel filter, you would expect the rest of the unit to last at least a bit longer.
However, it that year, this model will provide a decent suction and easy maintaining.
Still, if you’re looking for a durable model that will serve you daily for years, you may want to pass this one.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
9
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum, Corded, 33A1
This corded model from Bissell comes with a slightly shorter power cord of 16 feet.
It’s a perfect option for smaller houses and apartments with pets.
Bissell handheld vacuum has a specialized rubber nozzle that will pick up any hair from the surface.
The nozzle is also designed to fit and vacuum stairs, upholstery, and car interior.
Bissell handheld vacuum uses a multilayered filtration system to keep all of the dirt inside the bin and away from other vacuum components.
This vacuum is lightweight and you can easily clean it up thanks to washable filter and easily detachable dirt bin.
Besides rubber nozzle, Bissell handheld vacuum comes with two more specially designed nozzles for you to control the suction power concentrated exactly where you need it.
This vacuum has a 1-year warranty.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Rubber nozzle for pet hair
- Lightweight
- Multilayered filter
Cons
- The air outlet on the unit tends to blow the dirt around the surface you want to vacuum
Bissell handheld vacuum is a budget-friendly option made for pet owners.
Its nozzle is specially designed to attract and collect the hair from the surfaces.
As a corded model, this vacuum is more suitable for a smaller household, where you don’t have to worry about the position of the outlets.
On the other hand, many customers complained that the air outlets on the unit are too wide and that they just blow everything away, which makes the vacuuming longer.
One solution to this is to use some duck tape to direct the air that exits the vacuum.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
10
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Handheld Vacuum, Cordless, 16V (CHV1410L)
Finally, we have another model from the brand we reviewed a little earlier.
This BLACK+DECKER dustbuster handheld vacuum has a fast-charging lithium-ion battery that’s capable of holding a charge for up to 18 months.
It takes only 4 hours to charge fully and you can vacuum for up to 30 minutes with a constant suction power level.
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster handheld vacuum is lightweight and compact, with a rotating slim nozzle that allows you to get to all of the tricky places.
Both filter and a translucent dirt bin are removable and washable.
Besides that regular nozzle, you’ll get a crevice tool and a brush nozzle that’s perfect for cleaning keyboards.
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster handheld vacuum comes with a 2-years warranty.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Lightweight
- Additional cleaning tools
- Fast charging
Cons
- The battery is not replaceable
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster handheld vacuum is a mid-range model for people on the go.
You can easily take it with you on camping or in your RV since it holds a charge impressively long.
Also, a variety of nozzle models allows you to clean all type of surfaces, from the kitchen to the car and to pich up all of the debris equally good.
However, once the battery is dead for good, you won’t be able to replace it with the new one.
The sealed battery in BLACK+DECKER dustbuster handheld vacuums demands that you throw away the entire device and buy a whole new one.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Handheld Vacuums Buying Guide
Every online purchase comes with a certain dose of risk.
You never know what you’re going to end up with since there’s no way to try the product beforehand.
However, if you’re aware of the features and their impact on the performance of the product, you can have a pretty good idea of the quality.
Finally, the amount of satisfaction highly depends on your exact needs.
The same goes for handheld vacuums.
Every house has a different amount of dirt needed to be clean off and each of us has different cleaning routines.
Still, a handheld vacuum is a device that can fit in everyday cleaning just perfectly and even cut down the time you need to get your house spotless.
To buy a handheld vacuum you’re going to be happy with, you’ll need to consider some features.
As we’re about to discuss, these devices come in many shapes and sizes, followed by features that can make a big difference in performance.
Therefore, here’s what you need to keep in mind while choosing the handheld vacuum.
What Do You Need a Handheld Vacuum For?
As we already established, a handheld vacuum is dominantly made for handling easy everyday cleaning tasks.
Most of these devices are designed for quickly getting rid of spills and on-spot messes.
They are lightweight and portable enough for you to quickly pull them out and get them out of the way.
However, for heavier tasks, such as cleaning carpets or large house areas, you’ll need a more powerful model.
Some handheld vacuums can`t do these kinds of cleaning.
Their suction is not powerful enough and battery capacity is too low.
Therefore, if you’re aiming for a device to help you do some heavy-duty cleaning, you should go for corded models that can run unlimited with battery life.
Basically, you should choose a handheld vacuum model that can withstand the amount of cleaning you want without getting you frustrated mid-work.
Consider Cleaning Radius of the Handheld Vacuum You Want
When it comes to the reach you want to have with a handheld vacuum, you can choose between corded and cordless models.
Some of them even give you both running options in one device.
Cordless vacuums are powered with a battery with a certain working time.
They give you unlimited cleaning radius.
You can use them both indoors and outdoors, wherever you need.
With the cordless handheld vacuum model, you don’t have to worry about the outlets, but you’ll have a limited time for cleaning and a bit less suction power.
On the other hand, corded handheld vacuums are stronger and suitable for sucking up heavier debris.
They will also limit your cleaning radius, due to the length of the cord.
If you go for a corded model, try to pick one with a longer power cord possible, to allow yourself to be more movable while using the vacuum.
Think About Your Furry Friends
If you have pets, you surely know what struggle it is to vacuum their hair from the carpet.
Most vacuums can’t pick up that hair at all and you`re left with even more additional work needed after vacuuming.
Also, our furry friends usually make a mess with their food and water and tend to get it all around.
Overall, you’ll need a powerful suction to clean after your pets.
When it comes to handheld vacuums suitable for this kind of cleaning, you should go for corded models.
They will provide enough power to get all of the hairs out of the carpet fibers.
The spinning brush is ideal for this job.
If you choose a cordless one, look for specialized technology for vacuuming pet mess.
You can also get a vacuum with a rubber tool for getting rid of stains and liquids.
Most handheld vacuums, both corded and cordless, have additional pet tool for vacuuming hair.
Be Careful With The Weight
In order to fully enjoy the conveniences, the handheld vacuum will bring along, you have to be able to operate it with ease.
This means you’ll need to choose a model that will not be too heavy in your hand.
You will be carrying it around and reach for tight places.
Therefore, your ideal handheld vacuum is lightweight enough for you to maneuver for some time and still powerful enough to get the job done.
This especially goes if you already suffer from some hands of wrists problems.
In this case, you don’t want to add on unnecessary weight and limit the time for cleaning even more.
Many models of handheld vacuums are made of particularly light materials.
Also, they come with an ergonomically designed handle that will make operation more comfortable while preventing wrist pain.
In comparison, cordless models are usually much lighter than corded ones.
Battery Is The Essential Part Of This Vacuum
Full movability and practical aspects of a handheld vacuum come with a cordless model.
Cordless vacuums are powered with a battery. Most modern models come with lithium-ion batteries.
They are lightweight, fast-charging and the power of the suction doesn’t drop when they drain.
Also, lithium-ion batteries hold the charge for months, so you don’t have to worry about if you didn’t used the vacuum for a while.
Batteries in handheld vacuums have different running times.
When purchasing a model that you like, keep an eye on those numbers.
They can vary from several minutes to more convenient 30 minutes.
You need to consider the space you need to clean with this device.
Overall, when it comes to running time, more is always better.
Also, powerful motors require more electricity, so you need a model that pairs it with a long-running battery.
Another thing to be careful about is if a handheld vacuum you want has a removable or replaceable battery.
Those with one will have a theoretically unlimited life.
Models with unreplaceable battery are not usable when the battery dies for good and you’ll need to purchase a whole new one.
Keep An Eye On The Features
Besides basic things like battery and weight, there are few more features that can differ a handheld vacuum you’ll be satisfied with from one that will frustrate you over and over again.
First of all, you should look for a model with a bin that doesn’t require too much emptying during the cleaning.
Bins on handheld vacuums are usually much smaller, which makes a device more portable.
However, too small of a bin may force you to stop every few minutes to empty it.
On that note, if the bin is translucent, it will make it easy for you to monitor the level of debris inside and acknowledge when its time for a trip to a trach can.
Next, consider the filtration system.
Handheld vacuums don’t have bags.
Therefore, they need an efficient filter to keep all the dust in.
Most modern handheld vacuums use HEPA filters that keep even the smallest particles in a bin and away from the motor.
Also, you should always go for a washable filter system, since it will last much longer than ones you would have to change every now and than.
Most handheld vacuums come with additional cleaning tools.
Most important among them is a hose extension.
It will allow you to reach tight places and give you a wider cleaning range.
Furthermore, there can be an upholstery tool, specialized one for wet stains, tools for cleaning a car interior, pet tool and so much more.
Consider your cleaning needs and evaluate what tools you’ll use the most.
This way, you’ll save some money on unnecessary features.
Finally, let’s talk about price.
Overall, handheld vacuums are not that pricey.
This cleaning device is usually pretty affordable.
However, corded models are cheaper than cordless ones.
If you’re on the budget, you may forget the portability and lightweight in order to get heavier, bulkier, but cheaper corded model.
In this case, you will be just partly satisfied.
The best option is to save up for a quality cordless handheld vacuum and spare yourself frustration and regret.
It all comes down to giving a few more bucks for a longtime quick and easy everyday cleaning device.
When you experience the convenience for the first time, it will be worth the money.
Conclusion
With the right model of a handheld vacuum, you can completely transform your everyday cleaning routine and make it quicker and easier.
However, making a good choice takes some time and evaluating many different options.
With this list and a brake-down of a handheld vacuum market, it should be easier for you to make a purchase and remain care-free.
With a handheld vacuum, features determine the price.
It`s always better to spend a bit more in order to be completely satisfied than to save a few bucks and end up with a weak suction or broken plastic parts.
Whatever your budget is, these devices will dot break it.
They will even save you time and nerves around the busy home.
Therefore, buying a handheld vacuum could be one of the best investments in your household that you ever made.
What's your take on Handheld Vacuums? You think they're just a luxury or a must-have item? Don't hesitate to share your comment below with your opinion!