You made it through another week. You spent most of the time in your car – traveling to and from work, grabbing your curbside groceries, and conducting all your errands by way of drive-thru. Now you need to clean up your car to do your weekly podcast.
Car vacuums are designed to make cleaning your car more effective by providing multiple attachments for those places that are fairly hard to reach. They’re also designed to be easy to use, and many vacuums plug right into your car’s 12V lighter port.
To make life even easier, we did the research for you to find the best car vacuums online through Amazon. We looked at the typical car vacuum that plugs into your car, but we also checked out other models, such as cordless, heavy-duty, high suction, and more.
We chose the ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner as our top overall choice for car vacuums because of its high-power motor, HEPA filter, and variety of attachments. Never miss a spot in your vehicle.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Car Vacuums
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| The Best Car Vacuum Overall | ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner | 4.1 |
| The Best Car Vacuum with Powerful Suction | ZesGood 7000Pa Rechargeable Cordless Hand Vacuum Cleaner | 4.4 |
| The Best Budget Car Vacuum | Banaton Car Vacuum Cleaner | 4.1 |
| The Best Cordless Car Vacuum | VacLife Handheld Vacuum, Mini Vacuum Cleaner | 4.4 |
| The Best Heavy-Duty Car Vacuum | Vacmaster Professional - Professional Wet/Dry Vac | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
The Best Car Vacuum Overall: ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner
The ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner tops our list of best car vacuums thanks to its overall high rating given by happy customers. With the power of a metal turbine, the motor can handle almost any mess in your car, wet or dry. Pick up dirt, fur, and more with the multiple attachments that are included. Get all the crannies and crevices with a flathead hose or extension tube, or choose the brush head to clean your car’s carpet and upholstery interior. The 16-foot power cord plugs into your car’s 12V lighter port and will reach just about anywhere so you can get every corner of your vehicle.
The ThisWorx vacuum uses a HEPA filter and includes an extra one with your purchase. Also included is a filter brush to help you clean the filters for additional use. Your car vacuum features a clear container so you can easily tell when it needs emptying, and comes with a cap to place on the end so dirt doesn’t fall back out. The unit only weighs a couple of pounds and is paired with a convenient carrying bag so you can keep everything together and portable.
ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner Key Features:
- 16-foot power cord for 12V port
- Available in black or white
- Comes with an extra filter
- Multiple attachments included
- Comes with carrying bag
The Best Car Vacuum with Powerful Suction: ZesGood 7000Pa Rechargeable Cordless Hand Vacuum Cleaner
When you need a vacuum that will suck up just about anything, look for a vacuum with a high pascal measurement. We like the ZesGood 7000Pa Rechargeable Cordless Hand Vacuum Cleaner as the best car vacuum with powerful suction on Amazon since it registers up to 7000 pascals. This translates to picking up larger debris or debris that’s deep in the carpet, such as crumbs or mites.
Keeping your car clean just got easier. Powered by three lithium-ion batteries, you can run the vacuum for up to 25 minutes on one charge. It takes about two to three hours to charge the device. The battery can be charged up to 1,500 times. The cleaner also features a double LED lamp so you can see anywhere in the car.
The ZesGood vacuum works for both dry matter, such as dirt, small debris, and fur, and liquids. The container can hold up to 550mL, and the HEPA filter is washable for longevity. Use the long brush nozzle to pick up pet hair or scattered cereal from the seats, the short brush nozzle for in between the seats, and the crevice nozzle for all the other hard-to-reach areas.
ZesGood 7000Pa Rechargeable Cordless Hand Vacuum Cleaner Key Features:
- Lithium-ion batteries
- For wet and dry use
- Multiple attachments and 550mL container
- Washable HEPA filter
- Up to 1,500 charges
The Best Budget Car Vacuum: Banaton Car Vacuum Cleaner
When money is tight, or you just don’t want to spend much on a car vacuum, consider the Banaton Car Vacuum Cleaner. Our pick for the best budget car vacuum, this cleaner plugs in to your car’s 12V port so you can leave it in the car for when you need it. Use the device on both wet and dry matter, and reach just about anywhere in your car with the 16.4-foot power cord. It also features an LED light, which helps to see the darker corners, or shadowed under-seats.
With the variety of attachments that are included, your car will be spotless. Use the different nozzles for cleaning the floor, between the seats, or in the trunk. The Banaton vacuum features a transparent container, which allows you to see the amount of space available before emptying it. The unit uses a stainless steel washable filter. The company offers a 1-year warranty, and are sure of a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee.
Banaton Car Vacuum Cleaner Key Features:
- Wet and dry use
- 16-foot power cord
- Includes carrying bag
- 1-year warranty
- Comes with attachments and dust hood
The Best Cordless Car Vacuum: VacLife Handheld Vacuum, Mini Vacuum Cleaner
Most car vacuums are handheld and convenient to use, but if you prefer to not have a cord wrapped around the inside of your car, check out the VacLife Handheld Vacuum, Mini Vacuum Cleaner. It’s cordless and easy to use. With multiple attachments to choose from, including one for glass top and leather surfaces, cleaning the inside of your car is a snap. Use the dust brush, crevice tool, extension hose, or rubber jar tool. The built-in LED light can help you see in every corner of your car or under your seats.
Just charge the unit for three to four hours, and receive up to 30 minutes of run time, thanks to the lithium-ion batteries. The VacLife handheld vacuum features HEPA filters, lengthening the life of your vacuum. These filters come with a washable wrap to help extend the life of the filter. The vacuum’s container is clear so you can tell when it needs emptying. The vacuum comes in a few different accent colors to choose from: silver, red, or black and white.
VacLife Handheld Vacuum, Mini Vacuum Cleaner Key Features:
- Available in multiple accent colors
- Washable HEPA filter
- Includes LED light
- 30 minutes of run time
- Charges in three to four hours
The Best Heavy-Duty Car Vacuum: Vacmaster Professional – Professional Wet/Dry Vac
For heavy-duty messes and those times when your car needs a deep clean, check out the Vacmaster Professional – Professional Wet/Dry Vac. It’s our pick for the best heavy-duty car vacuum. It features a 5-gallon tank that can hold a host of things like mud, dirt, nuts, bolts, cereal, ice, and more. This unit isn’t picky – it’ll pick up dry stuff such as fur, crumbs, and leaves, as well as liquids such as spilled coffee, lost ice, and even vomit.
The Vacmaster Professional offers you a wide assortment of attachments for all your cleaning needs. Choose from a crevice tool, utility nozzle, extension wand, and more. The hose diameter is almost 2 inches, and the hose itself is 7 feet. And with the 18-foot power cord, you have a 25-foot reach. The long hose wraps around the unit for storage, and the top features a solid grip handle for on-the-go. Convert the unit into a blower, and quickly clear your driveway of leaves.
Vacmaster Professional – Professional Wet/Dry Vac Key Features:
- Almost 2-inch hose diameter
- 18-foot power cord
- Converts to blower
- Comes with multiple attachments
- 7-foot hose
Who Should Buy a Car Vacuum
Everyone’s car needs cleaning at some point. And who wants to lug a heavy home vacuum from the house to the driveway? Unless you have an outdoor outlet, chances are high the vacuum won’t reach your car anyway. A car vacuum is made to vacuum your car. They’re typically lightweight and portable, and many of them plug into your car in order to work. It doesn’t get much more convenient than that.
Our vehicles are often our second homes, or maybe you just feel like you live there. After a while, pet hair, dirt from shoes, remains of snacks, and scattered leaves litter the floor of your car, and many times the seats. Storing a car vacuum in the back of your trunk or cargo area is a great way to stay on top of keeping your vehicle clean and tidy.
Important Features to Consider:
A car vacuum should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting a car vacuum:
- Performance. What can the car vacuum do? Many brands describe their vacuums using measurements, such as amps, watts, or pascals. Others speak to speed and energy. For instance, the higher the pascals, the more powerful the vacuum is. However, other measurement numbers factor into the end result of your vacuum as well. Take into consideration all of the performance measurements a manufacturer lays out to determine the best vacuum for you.
- Power source. Does it need to be plugged in? How is your car vacuum being powered? The typical car vacuum plugs into your car’s 12V outlet and is attached to a long power cord, in order to reach the entire interior of your vehicle. Some brands offer a cordless version that runs on rechargeable batteries so you don’t need a power cord draping all over the seats or getting caught in the console. Other brands are made for the heavy-duty messes, and you’ll need an outdoor outlet for the larger vacuums.
- Attachments and other functions. Does anything come with the car vacuum? Does it have any special functions? Pretty much all vacuums come with extra attachments to make cleaning easier. However, they don’t all come with the same attachments. Consider which ones you might need for your specific vehicle. Perhaps you’re always dropping something in between the seat and console. A flat attachment might suit you best. Likewise, consider what other functions the car vacuum may offer. We ran across brands that offered other tools to help maintain your car, a carry bag to store your device, and LED lighting for seeing in the dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you vacuum your car with a regular vacuum?
You can vacuum your car with a regular vacuum if you choose to, but you might find it’s not that easy. Large, upright vacuums are not very flexible and are made for covering large spaces. The hose is often not long enough to reach the full inside of a vehicle. You’re better off selecting a vacuum that’s equipped to handle the small space and tight spots of a car.
What vacuum has the strongest suction?
Vacuum companies compete for the best or most powerful suction. And many claim to have that title. So how do you know if a vacuum really does have strong suction? Certain performance measurements can guide you on the power of a vacuum. Look for features such as airspeed, airflow, suction pressure, and motor power. These measurements are noted as mph, cfm, pascals, and watts.
How often should you vacuum your car?
There is no set law or rule for how often you should vacuum your car. If you eat or do office work in your car, or use your car to transport your kids, your kids’ friends, or the neighborhood doggie daycare, then you might want to consider vacuuming your car more often than the person who uses their car once a week for a quick trip to the corner store. Other than that, vacuum your car when it appears to need it.
Does vacuuming really clean the carpet?
Vacuuming only lifts surface dirt. It does not clean the carpet in the way you envision when you hear the word ‘clean.’ Vacuuming gets rid of things like dirt, fur, hair, and small debris. Some models even claim to pick up mites and deeply embedded allergens. But unless you use something specific for getting rid of bacteria, it won’t be the clean you associate with washing. For heavier jobs that require more heft, check out our favorite shop vacuums.
Other Car Vacuums We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other car vacuums. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best car vacuums list, they’re the best of the rest, and are still great options for cleaning your car. The information you need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Budget Car Vacuums
Car Vacuum, ANKO DC 12V 120W High Power Portable Handheld Car Vacuum Cleaner
This car vacuum comes with multiple attachments and plugs right into your car’s 12V lighter.
Key Features:
- For liquids and dry debris
- 15-foot power cord
- Includes two filters and a carry bag
Cost: $24
Car Vacuum, GALSOAR 8000Pa Auto Portable Lightweight Car Vac
A car vacuum that plugs into the car’s 12V lighter, and features a washable and removable filter. It also features an 800mL capacity container.
Key Features:
- For liquids and dry matter
- Comes with three attachments
- 15-foot power cord
Cost: $27
Car Vacuum, Hantun Portable Handheld Auto Vacuum Cleaner 6000Pa
This handheld vacuum plugs into your car’s 12V lighter and features a 16-foot cord so you can reach your entire vehicle. Use it for wet or dry messes.
Key Features:
- Two HEPA filters
- Multiple attachments
- 800mL capacity container
Cost: $24
PHYSEN Car Vacuum Cleaner 5500Pa
With multiple attachments, high power, and the use of your car’s 12V port, you’ll have your vehicle clean in no time. Use the 4-gallon bags that are included to give your car a good once-over.
Key Features:
- Comes with a carry bag
- For wet or dry use
- 16-foot power cord
Cost: $24
Reserwa [5th Gen] Car Vacuum Car Vacuum Cleaner 4500Pa
The Reserwa handheld vacuum offers you the opportunity to clean up both liquids and dry matter.
Key Features:
- 16-foot power cord
- Comes with carrying bag and cleaning brush
- Multiple attachments
Other Car Vacuums
Car Vacuum, CHERYLON Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner 7500Pa
This powerful car vacuum delivers RPM up to 32,000 with a 150W motor and features two filters.
Key Features:
- For wet or dry use
- 14-foot power cord
- Comes with multiple attachments
Cost: $30
Car Vacuum, HOTOR Corded Car Vacuum Cleaner
This car vacuum comes with multiple attachments for better cleaning and a carry bag for on-the-go convenience.
Key Features:
- Multiple accent colors available
- Includes LED light, and washable filters
- 16-foot power cord
Cost: $30
Car Vacuum, Uleete 2 in 1 Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner with Air Compressor Pump
This vacuum offers 5500 pascals, a washable HEPA filter, and cooling system. The accompanying air compressor is made with durable plastic and stainless steel.
Key Features:
- 14-foot power cord
- Comes with a tire inflator
- Comes with multiple attachments
Cost: $32
The Enpro handheld vacuum is for wet and dry use, features a 13-foot power cord, and has multiple attachments for deep cleaning.
Key Features:
- Comes with a searchlight, tire pressure gauge, and car inflator
- 120 watts and 6500 pascals
- Includes LED light
Cost: $40
SONRU Car Vacuum Cleaner 7000Pa
Reach anywhere in your car with the four different attachments and lengthy power cord.
Key Features:
- Dual washable filters
- Includes carrying bag
- 2-year warranty
Cost: $30
ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner High Power Handheld Vacuum
For use on all types of messes – liquid and dry, the ThisWorx handheld vacuum features a 16-foot long cord, which plugs in to your car’s lighter. It also comes with a flathead hose, extension tube, and brush head.
Key Features:
- Includes LED light
- Available in black or white
- Double HEPA filter
Cordless Car Vacuums
Aveloki Wireless 4500Pa Car Vacuum Cleaner
This cordless car vacuum can charge via the car’s 12V port or through a USB port.
Key Features:
- Up to 20 minutes of run time
- Charges in 3.5 hours
- Comes with multiple attachments
Cost: $35
Equipped with two charging cables, this cordless vacuum runs for up to 20 minutes on one full charge. The unit charges in roughly 2.5 hours, and can be used for wet or dry debris.
Key Features:
- 4800 pascals
- 1-year warranty
- Washable filter
Cost: $46
Handheld Vacuum, LOZAYI 7KPa Hand Vacuum Cordless
This cordless car vacuum runs up to 30 minutes on a full charge of three to four hours, and features double filtration.
Key Features:
- For both dry matter and liquids
- Includes LED light
- Comes with multiple attachments and carry bag
Cost: $45
HONITURE Handheld Vacuum, Car Vacuum 9000Pa
The Horniture cordless vacuum for your car runs up to 30 minutes on a full charge of three to four hours.
Key Features:
- For liquids and dry debris
- Includes LED light
- Multiple attachments for better cleaning
Cost: $51
MEG Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless
The MEG handheld vacuum runs for 20 to 24 minutes on a charge up to 2.5 hours. It comes with multiple attachments and a carrying bag.
Key Features:
- Aluminum fan
- Two adapter charging cables
- Up to 5800 pascals
Cost: $55
Vaclife Handheld Vacuum, Hand Vacuum Cordless with High Power
The Vaclife handheld vacuum comes with three separate attachments so you can reach all points of your vehicle. Available in multiple accent colors, this vacuum features a stainless steel filter.
Key Features:
- Includes LED light
- 30 minutes of run time
- Charges in 2.5 to 3 hours
Cost: $50
VACPOWER Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless, Portable Hand Vacuum
Use this cordless vacuum anywhere with the three attachments included.
Key Features:
- Stainless steel filter
- Charges in three to four hours
- Up to 30 minutes of run time
Heavy-Duty Car Vacuums
Armor All, 2.5 Gallon 2 Peak HP Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum
The Armor All heavy-duty vacuum works on your toughest liquid or dry spills, and features a 2.5-gallon durable tank. It comes with five different attachments.
Key Features:
- Can convert to blower
- Built-in storage for accessories
- 10-foot power cord
Cost: $45
BISSELL Garage Pro Wall-Mounted Wet Dry Car Vacuum/Blower with Auto Tool Kit
The BISSELL heavy-duty vacuum, which comes with a kit to mount on the wall, has a 4-gallon tank and double filtration.
Key Features:
- Seven attachments
- Hose extends to 32 feet
- Converts to blower
Cost: $219
