12 Best Handheld Vacuums [Tested and Reviewed]

In our recent testing, the UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ by Shark emerged as the handheld vacuum closest to our ideal product according to mybest's criteria.

A standout feature is its exceptional suction power, earning high praise from our testers. The inclusion of a motor-driven tool designed for fabrics further enhances its versatility. With a single sweep, it effortlessly tackles debris on various surfaces, from hard floors to short-pile carpets. Whether it's a desk or a cushion cover, this device excels in swift and effective cleaning, leaving no trace of dirt or hair.

Throughout our testing in four different spaces, the UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ showcased its adaptability, effortlessly handling every challenge with its innate suction power. The covered filter design allows for easy disposal of garbage with a single touch, minimizing the effort required for regular maintenance.

Despite its impressive suction power, the operation time stands at an average of about 13 minutes. However, its efficient cleaning process compensates for this, making operation time less of a concern.

On the downside, the device requires approximately 6 hours for a full charge and lacks a dedicated stand. While the aesthetic appeal during charging may not be impressive, it remains a top choice for those prioritizing function over design.

BLACK+DECKER’s Dustbuster 20V MAX Flex Handheld Vacuum With Pet Hair Brush boasts a distinctive design setting it apart from conventional vacuum cleaners – a long hose connecting the dust canister and the nozzle.

During cleaning, you hold the dust canister in one hand while maneuvering the suction nozzle with the other. Although this may seem inconvenient with both hands occupied, it contributes to a surprisingly large dust collection capacity of 0.64L, a notable feature for a handheld vacuum.

In our tests, it showcased impressive suction power, efficiently clearing all visible debris in a single round trip on various flooring types. The angle-cut suction nozzle, providing a secure fit to the floor, appears to be a key factor in its successful performance. However, the high suction power might make it feel overly adherent to carpets and cushion covers, posing a challenge when trying to hold fabric in place with one hand occupied.

Despite its handheld, lightweight nature, it offers the convenience of reaching elevated areas, such as the top of stairs and curtain rails, resembling the functionality of an upright vacuum cleaner. With its sizable dust canister, disposing of waste becomes a seamless task with just one touch. While it requires both hands for operation, its versatility and power make it a commendable choice for users who prioritize these features.

The Shark WANDVAC Cordless Handheld Vacuum combines functionality and aesthetics, featuring a sleek body without a protruding dust canister and a convenient charging stand with accessory storage. Weighing in at a mere 1.32 pounds, it offers a lightweight experience with minimal fatigue during use.

While the dust collection capacity is modest at around 0.1L, necessitating more frequent emptying for daily cleaning, the disposal process involves a single-touch mechanism. However, the presence of tiny protrusions, like the button to empty the dust canister, can be a minor inconvenience as debris may get caught in these crevices.

When testing for suction power, the vacuum earned top marks with its nozzle that contoured perfectly to the floor, effortlessly clearing scattered sand on surfaces. Its strong suction power creates a sensation of adherence to the floor, even on various flooring types. Switching to the fabric tool enhances gripping, especially on carpets.

Despite its impressive suction power, operation time is relatively short at 8 minutes and 39 seconds. Nonetheless, the quick 2.5-hour full charging time is a positive aspect. Charging when not in use helps mitigate the limitation of the shorter operation time.

Concerned about losing extra nozzles? Fear not! The BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Cordless Handheld Vacuum simplifies your cleaning experience. When you extend the primary cleaning nozzle, a crevice nozzle and brush tool emerge seamlessly, eliminating the need for attachment swaps or storage.

Despite its convenient design, the distinctly separate handle contributes to a slightly heavy overall weight of 2.58 pounds. This weight, particularly in the handle, creates a sense of instability, shifting the center of gravity during cleaning. Additionally, the operational noise surpasses the average, reaching 75.4dB, producing a notable and somewhat muffled roar that permeates even divided rooms.

On the positive side, the device excels in suction power, swiftly restoring the smooth state of surfaces with a single back-and-forth motion, eliminating any lingering grittiness caused by sand.

Post-cleaning, the waste disposal process requires removing the filter instead of just pressing a button. However, the wide mouth of the dust canister ensures a smooth disposal process without any hitches. The covered filter design adds to its appeal by minimizing the likelihood of sand or dust clogging the filter.

ThisWorx's Cordless Car Vacuum lives up to its name, being specifically tailored for efficient car cleaning.

With an impressive operating time, a full 2.5-hour charge allows close to 25 minutes of usage, providing ample cleaning time for various car types. The inclusion of a cigarette plug for in-car charging adds to its convenience, ensuring worry-free usage while on the go.

Its suction power is decent, but due to the rounded design of the nozzle, it's difficult to align it with flat surfaces. Attempting to clean flat areas like desks may not yield optimal results, especially with gritty sand particles. Cleaning certain areas of a car without attaching the nozzle may result in a less satisfying experience.

The lack of power to compensate for the nozzle's shape is a notable concern. However, with an operating noise of 60.7 dB, it is relatively quiet, so it should reduce cleaning stress even when used in the confined space of a car.

On the downside, the absence of an AC adapter and USB cable means users must purchase a separate charger for non-car use. While not recommended for home use, it stands out as a commendable option for those seeking a dedicated car vacuum.

Tineco's Pure One Mini S4 Smart Cordless Handheld Vacuum stands out for its notably quiet operation compared to other vacuum cleaners, registering at a manageable 65.3dB, making it suitable for closed-room use without causing much stress.

However, the suction power in quiet mode is not particularly high. In testing on window sashes, we observed that there was still a fine residue of sand after use, indicating some limitations to the product. The presence of red felt on the nozzle for fabric surfaces seems to contribute to a dragging effect during cleaning, leaving behind crumbs from snacks on carpets.

On a positive note, the product offers a relatively extended operation time of about 25 minutes, thanks to its reduced suction power. The inclusion of a charging stand that can store the nozzle adds to its convenience, allowing users to keep it charged in the living room without compromising the interior's atmosphere. Weighing approximately 1.34 pounds, its lightweight design allows for easy accessibility whenever needed.

Despite its slim and stylish appearance, the vacuum has a low dust collection capacity of only 0.23L, coupled with a dust canister that has a small mouth. This results in frequent waste disposal being required, and the process of disposal itself can be challenging.

The Handheld Vacuum from VacLife features a well-defined grip that's easy to hold. Although it's slightly larger, its lightweight design at 1.48 pounds and its 18-minute runtime on a single charge make it convenient for multiple uses throughout the day. The quick 2.5-hour full charging time adds to its user-friendly features.

The spacious dust canister, coupled with a thin filter, provides a dust collection capacity of 0.34L. While this may require frequent waste disposal, it's not overly burdensome. Also, the ability to wash the dust canister and filter with water contributes to easy maintenance.

On the other hand, aligning the suction nozzle with the debris you are cleaning can be tiring due to a somewhat steep angle, and the vacuum's lower suction power leads to limitations. Coarse sand particles are ignored, leaving behind fine dirt that may not be visible to the naked eye.

On the positive side, features like a crevice nozzle and LED light enhance cleaning ability in dark spaces. Nevertheless, the suction power proves insufficient for areas beyond the reach of the suction nozzle. In tests conducted on window frames, the crevice nozzle struggled to reach dirt, leaving sand remaining at the edges.

The Dustbuster AdvancedClean Pet Cordless Hand Vacuum from BLACK+DECKER stands out as a handheld cleaner with an integrated stand and crevice nozzle. Its flat bottom allows it to stand on its own without relying on the wall, and extending the main nozzle transforms it into a slim crevice nozzle, complemented by a small motor head for versatile cleaning both indoors and outdoors.

However, the combined stand and nozzle contribute to a slightly heavy main body at 2.69 pounds. On the positive side, the larger battery provides an impressive operation time of close to 30 minutes, nearly three times that of other handheld cleaners. The trade-off is a 4-hour charging time, requiring frequent recharging when not in use.

While ease of use is impeccable, suction power received a lower rating. Upon closer inspection, the presence of a bump on the back of the nozzle hinders alignment with the floor, resulting in it missing fine debris like sand, regardless of the flooring material.

Additionally, the crevice nozzle, compared to other products, isn't very narrow, making it less effective in cleaning tight spaces such as window sashes. Despite these drawbacks, if suction power is the main concern, we can still recommend this product highly, especially for those not obsessively pursuing a perfectly clean room.

Bissell’s Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Pet Hand Vacuum features a small motor head with a forward-moving motor brush, specifically designed to efficiently dislodge and clean pet hair from sofas and beds.

Boasting a large dust canister with a reliable capacity of 0.53L, the vacuum makes waste disposal less frequent, despite the need to remove the filter. The substantial motor contributes to a heavier body, weighing 2.58 pounds, but its impeccable suction power ensures efficient cleaning, effortlessly picking up gritty sand with fewer back-and-forth motions.

However, the strong suction power has a downside—it tightly clings to carpets and cushions, dragging trash along. In tests on fabric, it slightly missed suctioning fine debris due to excessive adherence to the surface.

Setting the suction nozzle at a sharp angle becomes crucial for proper adherence to the floor. The larger main body poses challenges during cleaning, making it less maneuverable and potentially obstructive in narrow gaps, catching on furniture and shelves.