Sometimes pulling out your larger vacuum isn’t the best option when you’re attempting to get rid of stubborn pet hair or food crumbs on the couch. A strong handheld vacuum can be a lot simpler option for rapid spot cleaning or difficult-to-reach areas, even though larger and more durable models have a place in your arsenal of house cleaning tools.
When it comes to cleaning your automobile, this vacuum style’s portability might be excellent. However, Kathy Turley, director of marketing at Home Clean Heroes, asserts that handheld vacuums are not intended to replace your more powerful versions; rather, they are meant to supplement them, such as a canister or upright.
SKIP AHEAD | How to purchase a handheld vacuum | Important information on handheld vacuums
The features to consider in a handheld vacuum, including weight, number of attachments, power, and runtime, are discussed below by cleaning experts. We put up a list of the best, most regarded handheld vacuums for cleaning automobiles and homes with the assistance of our specialists. Each of the options listed below has received at least 500 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of at least four stars.
Selected.
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Best overallBlack+Decker AdvancedClean Handheld Vacuum
$undefined$59.00Amazon
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Best for pet hairBissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum
$undefined$72.09Amazon
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Best splurgeDyson Humdinger Handheld Vacuum
$undefined$299.99Target
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Best handheld vacuums to buy in 2025
Black+Decker AdvancedClean Handheld Vacuum
Black+Decker AdvancedClean Handheld Vacuum
- Cordless
- Extendable crevice tool
- Washable filter
- Moderate suction power
This Amazon best-seller’s crevice tool, which extends to give an extra-long reach to reach high areas, is one of Turley’s favorite features. To provide you with the best control, it also has a detachable, slender nozzle that can swivel 180 degrees. According to Turley, both attachments are excellent for cleaning under areas or behind appliances that are inaccessible with a standard vacuum. The extension tool that comes with the attachment also helps you avoid bending over. Turley referred to this compact yet potent machine as The Little Engine That Could. It weighs only 2.6 pounds and has a 16-volt lithium-ion battery that the manufacturer claims can keep a charge for up to 18 months. Debris is safely contained within the vacuum thanks to its one-way flap valve.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum
- Lightweight
- Cordless
- Motorized brush tool
- Moderate suction power
Pet owners need this handheld vacuum, especially if they have a dog or cat that sheds a lot. The vacuum’s primary feature is its ability to effectively remove pet hair that has become lodged in upholstery and furniture, which can occasionally be difficult to remove. The product includes a motorized brush tool to remove particles that stick to fabric surfaces and upholstery and crevice tools to remove hair and debris from tight areas. Additionally, the firm claims that the vacuum’s triple filter technology helps sustain its functionality and improves its capacity to collect material.
Dyson Humdinger Handheld Vacuum
Dyson Humdinger Handheld Vacuum
- 25-minute run time
- Lightweight
- Pricey
Carl Prouty, a tech specialist at Abt Electronics, recommends the Dyson Humdinger because of its size and enormous debris capacity. According to him, it’s excellent for cleaning confined spaces, such as the interior of a car or confined spaces in your house. It also includes a 25-minute battery life and two adjustable settings to aid with more difficult-to-remove material. Along with the hair tool and charger, the device also includes a worktop tool attachment for tables and kitchen surfaces and a crevice tool.
Shark Wandvac WV200 Series Handheld Vacuum
Shark Wandvac WV200 Series Handheld Vacuum
- Lightweight
- Cordless
- Good suction power
- Moderate capacity
According to the manufacturer, it weighs only 1.4 pounds and has a charging base and two attachments: a duster crevice tool for confined areas and a multi-surface pet tool that can clean pet hair, delicate textiles, and furniture. Additionally, it features an LED indication to show you how much battery life is left. According to the firm, the vacuum also features a one-touch debris bag that can be emptied to assist prevent hand contamination. Based on more than 17,000 reviews, the appliance has an average rating of 4.3 stars on Amazon.
Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip Corded Handheld Vacuum
Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip Corded Handheld Vacuum
- Small
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Corded
Dirt Devil’s Quick Flip handheld vacuum is a reasonably priced and small choice that’s convenient to use in confined areas and travel with. Actually, your car’s inside may be thoroughly cleaned using a vacuum. Dust and crumbs that collect beneath chairs, in between cushions, and near doors are accessible. The model includes a hose, dusting brush, and crevice tool. The filthy cup is simple to remove and empty, saving you time worrying about whether you put it on correctly. Based on more than 13,000 reviews, the appliance has an average rating of 4.4 stars on Amazon.
Black+Decker Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum
Black+Decker Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum
- Wall mount
- Decent capacity
- Bagless
- Battery life is fine
This 2.11-pound handheld vacuum cleaner has a dustbin capacity of 0.25 gallons, a 10.8-volt lithium ion battery and a wall mount for charging. It also comes with a brush attachment, crevice tool and two-year limited warranty. The dirt bowl is clear so you can easily see when you need to slide it out for a quick empty. It s also washable, as is the filter. The appliance has a 4.5-star average rating from over 51,000 reviews on Amazon.
Shark Cyclone Handheld Vacuum
Shark Cyclone Handheld Vacuum
- Good for pets
- Cordless
- Battery life is fine
This lightweight handheld vacuum from Shark is also a great option for removing stuck-on pet hair from couches, carpets and other household surfaces. This vacuum has a large dust cup, which means it holds plenty of debris as you clean, so you won t have to empty it too often. Additionally, the model has a washable filter that you can remove and clean easily every few weeks. The appliance has a 4.3-star average rating from over 14,000 reviews on Amazon.
Black+Decker Furbuster Pet Cordless Handheld Vacuum
Black+Decker Furbuster Pet Cordless Handheld Vacuum
- Good for pets
- Cordless
- Large dustbin capacity
- Suction power is fine
As a dog mom, Turley is a fan of this 0.2-gallon-capacity handheld vacuum for its two nozzles that are specifically designed to attract stray hairs, along with its anti-tangle rubber bristles that easily pick up pet hairs, she said. It weighs just 2.6 pounds and has two speeds, along with a Powerboost button that increases performance for tough messes, according to the brand. It also has a one-touch empty feature, a washable filter and a 20-volt lithium-ion battery. Its extra-long crevice tool attachment comes in handy for nabbing that hair under the sofa or in crevices in your car, said Turley.
Dustbuster QuickClean Handheld Vacuum
Dustbuster QuickClean Handheld Vacuum
- Affordable
- Washable filter
- Lightweight
- Battery life is fine
For small dry spills and other little messes, this Black+Decker handheld cordless vacuum includes a built-in crevice tool and brush for upholstered furniture. The 1.4-pound vacuum also comes with a wall mount base and charger, which can be useful if you don t have much space to spare in a closet or kitchen. Its dustbin has a capacity of 0.7 pounds and it comes with a lithium-ion battery and a washable filter. The appliance has a 4.3-star average rating from over 33,000 reviews on Amazon.
How to shop for a handheld vacuum
When you re in the market for a new handheld vacuum, there are multiple factors you should consider. The first is thinking about what your needs are and the benefits of a handheld vacuum.
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Vacuum size
: A handheld vacuum cleaner is a smaller version of the normal household vacuum, says Rachel Decker, co-owner ofQueen Vacuum and Homecare
. It s generally so small and light that it can comfortably be held in one hand, making it handy for use in awkward places like stairs, small spaces like the car or dusty-crummy corners. They also typically take up little space and are faster and more convenient for quick tidying between your weekly deep-cleaning vacuuming routine.
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Corded or cordless
: When shopping, you might notice that handheld vacuums come in two options: corded or cordless, meaning they either have to be plugged into an outlet during use or rely on a battery for power. I prefer cordless because it offers more flexibility in the sense that you don t have to unwind a cord and plug it in before using, said Turley. However, corded handhelds have unlimited runtime as opposed to cordless [versions] that need to be charged.
Since most handheld vacuums are designed to handle only smaller messes, Turley said that most people would benefit from owning both a handheld vacuum and a full-sized one. A real, big vacuum is a must a requirement for every home, regardless of size, in order to clean fully, properly and regularly, she explained.
Related
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Benefits of handheld vacuums
Although handheld vacuums aren t ideal for deep cleaning every inch of your house, they do have some perks. According to the experts we consulted, these include:
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Lightweight
. Handheld vacuums can make cleaning dangerous staircases or high-up places a bit safer, according to Decker. -
Small size
. This comes in handy when it comes to getting into crevices and storing the vacuum between uses. -
Portable
. They easily fit inside your car and a well-equipped one can eradicate rogue french fries, beach sand and dog hair, said Decker.
Many come withhelpful attachments. Powerful handvacs that come with an extension wand and floor-cleaning nozzle eliminate the need to bend down, Decker explained. With just a dusting brush on the end, you can tackle cobwebs and dust on your ceiling fans and moldings.
Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on what you plan to use the handheld vacuum for. As Turley mentioned above, a corded handheld vacuum doesn t rely as much on charging to run for a very long time. A cordless vacuum, however, has to be charged and uses battery life to maintain a decent runtime. Since you typically use a handheld vacuum for a few minutes or even seconds at a time, 20 minutes is a good starting point for runtime.
More power generally equals more suction, Decker explained, so look to see the amperage if corded or volts if battery-operated. Also, take into account what debris you ll be vacuuming the most particles like pet hair can stick to carpet and upholstery firmly. This means it s even more important to look for a handheld vacuum with strong suction power.
Depending on the brand, the warranty on a handheld vacuum is usually one or two years long, with some limitations. Make sure you re familiar with the terms of the warranty before you start using the vacuum. This way, if something does happen to the device, you ll be prepared to have it fixed or replaced without problem.
Once you ve figured out what your needs are, you can start comparing brands. With so many handheld vacuums on the market today Decker suggests figuring out your needs first.
Things to note about handheld vacuums
This category serves as a fantastic, convenient supplement to your cleaning routine, making quick work of crumbs and fur before it tracks-trough and gets ground-in to your flooring, she said. Handvacs are best for quick pickups of food crumbs after dinner (versus traveling through the long, complicated bowels of your big vacuum, where it may also sit and rot after too long a time).
99 percent of the time, these vacuums are bagless as well as cordless and rely on a rechargeable battery, according to Decker. This means that even the best of them are not super powerful and will still require a lot of maintenance to empty and clean them out (often with every use), she said.
Also, because of their smaller size, handheld vacuums dust bins have alower capacityand typically don t hold a ton of dirt. They re also generally of poorer quality, are more fragile, prone to catastrophic electrical problems anddo not last as longas a corded, bagged or full-sized vacuum, she said. Arguably, they are also very expensive for what they are often rivaling or exceeding the cost of a regular vacuum. But that s the price for convenience.
Meet our experts
At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
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Kathy Turley
, director of marketing at Home Clean Heroes, a professional home-cleaning service with franchises across the country -
Carl Prouty
, tech expert at Abt Electronics, retailer of electronics, appliances and home goods -
Rachel Decker
, certified vacuum technician and co-owner of retailer Queen Vacuum and Homecare
Why trust NBC Select?
Lauren Levy is a freelance writer for NBC Select.
Cory Fernandezis a commerce editor at NBC Select, where he covers food, cleaning, wellness and lifestyle content. He updated this story.
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