This lightweight vacuum makes cleaning up pet messes a quick and easy task.
Packs dual cyclonic airstreams in a lightweight model. Large dirt cup is easy to empty without coming into contact with debris. Self-cleaning brushroll prevents pet hair tangles. Comes with a trio of tools for different cleaning tasks. Offered at mid-range price.
Suction is average. Battery takes up to 6 hours to get a full charge. Noisy.
Besides being a high-value buy, this model earns high marks for its lightweight design.
Transparent dirt bowl lets you know exactly when it's time to empty. Widemouth nozzle covers a fairly large area. Comes with a brush and crevice tool for hard-to-reach areas. Has a wall-mount design and a small footprint for easy storage. Comfortable to hold and operate.
Battery life is much shorter than expected, so it's best for small cleanups.
Versatile and surprisingly powerful little bagless vacuum cleaner, but it does require a cord.
Overall design of this model is less than 4 pounds, which is impressive. Ships with a 16-foot power cord to give you a lot of space when working. Has a 2.5-foot hose and an integrated crevice tool that's easy to use. Collects soils in a canister instead of a bag. Large 7-amp motor.
Doesn't have a battery option, which limits the portability of this style of vacuum.
With 4 times the suction power of its predecessor, this model is a hit with our cleaning expert.
Offers up to 90% more runtime than the brand's other models. Crevice tool is extra long to save you from bending and squatting. Equipped with 2 power speeds, including a power boost mode. Especially popular for cleaning vehicles, including RVs.
Some users felt this model "tired out" after prolonged use at the highest settings.
A space-savvy design, this option is popular for cleaning office desks and keyboards; earns our expert's praise for its sleek design.
Includes a crevice tool and brush that lift debris from tight spaces. Delivers 12 minutes of cleaning on a full charge. Effective at lifting finer debris from keyboards. Comes with a convenient USB charger and a docking station. Equipped with a washable filter.
Given its small size and short battery life, the design has its limitations.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
A jar of glitter that topples during craft time doesn't require dragging out the shop-vac to tidy up. You need a quick and efficient solution like a handheld vacuum, something powerful, but also light and convenient that will clean up the mess in seconds, not minutes.
When considering a handheld vacuum, remember that the key is ease of use. You'll want something that is lightweight, easy to store, has a variety of attachments or accessories, and is powerful enough to do the work you need it to do. A wet/dry vacuum is the most versatile and a cordless model offers the most mobility because it doesn't need to be plugged in to clean.
If you'd like to learn more about specific features, techniques, and tips for using a handheld vacuum, continue reading this article. If you're ready to buy, we've picked a number of reliable models that will make you happy. Just choose one from our short list and you'll be ready to go.
A child spills a bag of chips on the kitchen floor. There's cracker crumbs in the sofa. The family car needs to be cleaned before a big trip. Each of these situations could benefit from a handheld vacuum.
Traditional upright vacuum cleaners are great for large carpeted areas and workshop floors, but they’re not practical for small spills and spot cleaning. It’s far more convenient to reach for a wall-mounted, handheld vacuum, many of which are rated for both wet and dry applications, during minor household emergencies.
Versatility and portability are two strong reasons why you might choose to buy a handheld vacuum cleaner.
But within the handheld vac space, you’ll find yourself faced with even more choices. Corded or cordless? Dry or wet/dry? And how much should you pay?
Both corded and cordless handheld vacuums offer distinct advantages. We encourage you to let your personal cleaning preferences and needs guide your decision.
If you’re thinking of buying a corded vacuum, make sure you have enough outlets in your home to support it, or select a vacuum with a long cord.
A dry vacuum is great for dust bunnies, cookie crumbs, and other dry messes. But there are times when you must clean up both wet and dry materials (think of a spilled bowl of cereal). At such times, a wet/dry vacuum is your weapon of choice.
Of course, both types have their drawbacks, too. Some mid-range cordless vacs exhibit performance issues, and some plug-in models have inconveniently short cords. That’s why we’re here — to provide you with a stringent review of the best handheld vacuums out there.
Perhaps you already know that you want a cordless dry vac or a corded wet/dry model. And beyond that, perhaps you're thinking that all handheld vacuums are about the same.
Although many models share the same design, noticeable differences exist along the “Ease of Use” spectrum. We urge you to consider a vacuum's weight, accessories, and storage tank size before making a purchase.
In order to generate maximum power and performance, many cordless handheld vacuums include heavy battery packs. The trade-off for this extra power is extra weight. Fully loaded, some cordless vacuums weigh five pounds or more. This translates to hand and arm fatigue for the user.
Finding a lightweight model that doesn’t sacrifice performance is key. If you can’t find a lightweight vac for some reason, we advise you to opt for a model that feels balanced in your hands.
An entry-level vacuum might include just one directional nozzle, whereas an advanced model might include brush attachments that agitate dirt, crevice tools to help you reach tough angles, and an extension hose. The choice is yours, and as you might guess, the more you pay, the more you’re likely to get.
First-generation handheld vacuums had tiny storage tanks that needed to be emptied frequently. Today’s vacs sport larger tanks that require less attention. The trade-off for the larger tank, however, is a more complicated assembly and disassembly process.
The ideal handheld vac offers a substantial storage tank and a simple method for removing and cleaning the tank, filters, and accessories.
You should be able to find a basic, corded handheld vacuum in the $25 to $35 price range. A vacuum of this caliber may not include many accessories, but it should suffice for occasional dry spills. If you go the corded route, we advise you to seek the longest power cord available in order to avoid frequent changeovers to new outlets.
Admittedly, you could get a handheld “car vac” for less than $20, but we discourage our readers from purchasing these gadgets. Though cheap, in all probability, they will not have the suction power or the durability to do much good.
A decent wet/dry handheld vacuum may cost $50 or more. The cost exceeds that of a basic corded model, but owners appreciate the versatility it affords. If you want a high-end vacuum from an established brand such as Dyson, Bissell, or Black & Decker, expect to spend at least $60, if not more. These pricier vacuums typically come with an array of useful accessories and the latest motor technology.
The cost of a vacuum cleaner increases with the number of accessories it comes with. Ensure you only buy what you actually need.
Q. Where should I store my handheld vacuum?
A. The kitchen and dining room areas are great for wall-mounting vacuums, as they require frequent cleanups. Many of the handheld vacuum cleaners available today include wall-mounting hardware.
Q. My child just spilled a bowl of cereal on the floor. Can my handheld vacuum take care of both wet and dry spills?
A. Some models are intended for dry use only, but others can tackle both wet and dry cleaning jobs. If you’re not sure, consult your product’s documentation and usage manual first.
Q. On what types of flooring can I use a handheld vac?
A. In general, handheld vacuums work best on hardwood, tile, and non-plush carpeting.
Q. I see lint on my plush carpet. Can I use a handheld vacuum for that?
A. Although handheld vacs are great for cleaning up minor spills and dirt spots, save lint cleanup for your upright vacuum. The rotary feature of a heavy-duty upright can take on lint and similar items far more efficiently than a handheld.
Q. Why is my cordless vac’s performance so anemic compared to a corded model?
A. Perhaps your vacuum is an older model. Older cordless vacuums were made with less-efficient rechargeable battery systems and single motors. Today’s cordless vacs exert a lot more power. Rechargeable batteries pack a bigger punch, and manufacturers frequently boost performance by including a second motor.
Q. Can I use a handheld vacuum to clean my area rugs?
A. A high-end vac can handle carpeted stairs or a welcome mat, but it’s not meant to replace a traditional upright. Cordless models, in particular, have a limited operating time of 5 to 30 minutes. This isn’t enough time to clean an entire room.
Rather than pushing your handheld past its limits, we recommend stepping up to a more powerful cleaning tool for large carpeted areas.
Get emails you’ll love.
Learn about the products you’re wondering if you should buy and get advice on using your latest purchases.