Handheld vacuums are one of the easiest ways to spot-clean messes made by children, pets, and yourself. No one wants to drag out a full-sized vacuum to clean up some spilled cereal. Thankfully, these smaller handheld vacuums are an inexpensive option for cleaning up little messes and reaching places that a full-sized vacuum just can’t go – like your car.
We reviewed dozens of handheld vacuums to identify the best of the best. We took into account each product’s power, maintenance level, dust cup capacity, cord length, run time, weight, ease of use, and included accessories.
The Shark Rocket Corded Hand Vac was the winner out of all the products we reviewed. This product comes with plenty of accessories, a 15-foot long power cord, and lots of suction power.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Handheld Vacuums
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Shark Rocket Corded Hand Vac | 4.6 |
| Best Handheld Vacuums for Pets | Bissell Pet Hair Eraser | 4.6 |
| Best Budget Buy | Black + Decker DustBuster | 4.3 |
| Best Wet Dry Handheld Vacuums | Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum | 4.3 |
| Best Handheld Vacuum for Cars | Uplift Handheld Vacuum | 4.2 |
Best Handheld Vacuum Overall: Shark Rocket Corded Hand Vac
The Shark Rocket Corded Hand Vac was the best vacuum we reviewed. It comes with many different accessories, including a crevice tool, dusting brush, motorized brush, and stretch hose. Plus, it also has a huge cleaning radius thanks to its 15-foot power cord. Because it is corded, you don’t have to worry about batteries or run times. However, you will be stuck only vacuuming where the cable can reach. This might make it difficult to clean in places like your car, where outlets are hard to come by.
The dust cap is easy to empty with just the click of a button and has a decently large capacity for such a little vacuum. The filter that this vacuum uses is washable and reusable, so you only have to replace it once in a blue moon.
Overall, this product weight 3.7 pounds without anything in its dust cap. Of course, as you vacuum, the machine will get slightly larger. However, this is typically not enough to matter much. This vacuum is light enough for quite a bit of use before it tires out your arm. The vacuum is also not excessively loud – it’s about what you’d expect from a vacuum.
Shark Rocket Corded Hand Vac Key Features:
- 15-foot cord
- Washable and reusable filters
- Many accessories included
- Easy-to-empty dust cup
- 7 pounds
Best Handheld Vacuum for Pets: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser comes with a 14V lithium battery to ensure that it has powerful suction and long-run time. After a full-charge, this machine can run for 17 minutes at a time. To improve cleaning performance, it also comes with triple-level filtration. This feature allows it to get most of the dust and other particles of your furniture and carpet. It also comes with a few different accessories, including a motorized brush tool, upholstery tool, and crevice tool. The upholstery tool is especially helpful for removing pet hair from furniture, and the motorized brush helps remove embedded pet hair and dirt from carpet and similar surfaces. The dirt bin is easy to empty, even if it is packed full of pet hair.
This vacuum’s filter is washable and reusable, improving the filter’s lifespan and decreasing the amount of maintenance you need to perform on the vacuum. However, when you do need to purchase a replacement filter, you have to buy the whole triple-level filter, not just one piece. This is more expensive than some other options and might cost you some extra money in the long run.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Key Features:
- Triple-level filtration
- Easy to empty dirt bin
- 14V battery
- 17 minutes of run time
- Attachments included
Best Budget Handheld Vacuum: Black + Decker DustBuster
At a much lower price tag than most other options, the Black + Decker DustBuster is a solid choice for anyone looking to save a little money. It can hold up to 13 ounces of dust and other debris at a time, which is enough for most small clean-up jobs. It has a lithium battery, which provides strong suction and allows it to run for an extended period. The filter and bin are both washable with soap and water, improving the overall lifespan of the machine.
This machine also comes with a few different accessories, including a crevice tool. These accessories can help you reach difficult places. Without any accessories attached, the device has a wide-mouth design that ensures it can pick up large debris as well as dust and hair. It has a cyclonic action, which allows it to keep the filter clean and prevents the suction from getting backed-up.
After charging for a few hours, the vacuum can run for about 20-30 minutes. This is more than enough time to clean-up most messes. Of course, you should return the vacuum to its charge after every use to ensure that it is fully charged whenever you need to use it again.
Black + Decker Dustbuster Key Features:
- Inexpensive
- Washable filter
- Holds 13 ounces of dust at a time
- Some accessories included
- Vacuum can run for 20-30 minutes on a full charge
Best Wet Dry Handheld Vacuum: Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum
Messes don’t always just comprise of pet hair and dust. Sometimes, we spill drinks or even moist food. In these cases, a wet-dry vacuum can help you clean up the mess quickly. For most customers, the Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum is the best option. It can suck up both dry and wet items, allowing you to clean up practically any mess. It features a powerful motor and is designed to be held at a 65-degree angle for easy cleaning. It is balanced to take the pressure off your wrist so that you can use it for an extended period without fatigue.
On a full charge, this machine can run for up to 30 minutes at a time. It takes about 3-4 hours to charge fully. Of course, if you return it to its charging station after each use, you will probably not need to wait that long. The filter is completely washable and runs all dust through three levels of filtration. The collection container can be detached with the click of a button for easy emptying, and the filter is easily accessible for cleaning. Everything you need, including the charging dock, is included with this filter.
Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum Key Features:
- Washable filter
- 30-minute run time
- 3-4 hour charging time
- Weight is balanced to prevent fatigue
- Three levels of filtration
Best Handheld Vacuum for Cars: Uplift Handheld Vacuum
The Uplift Handheld Vacuum is designed to pick up everything and anything, including liquids, paper scraps, soil, and pet hair. While you can use this vacuum inside your home, it is also quite suitable for use in your car. It has an extension hose that snaps onto the front, allowing you to get into all those tight spaces in your vehicle other vacuums just can’t reach. It also comes with a brush attachment to help clean up pet hair off your upholstery seats, as well as a crevice nozzle for tight spaces.
It is very lightweight as well, ensuring that your wrist and arm won’t tire out while you’re using it. The filter is washable with water, and the dust cap releases with just the click of a button. Because of its small size, the vacuum is easy to store inside your car or in your cleaning closet.
The vacuum also comes equipped with an LED light, allowing you to see underneath your car’s seats and in cracks you wouldn’t otherwise be able to see. This vacuum can run for 20-25 minutes on a full charge and takes 3-4 hours to get charged ultimately.
Uplift Handheld Vacuum Key Features:
- Many attachments included
- Comes with HEPA filter
- Cordless
- Runs for 20-25 minutes
- Takes 3-4 hours to charge
Who Should Buy a Handheld Vacuum
Truthfully, anyone can benefit from a handheld vacuum. They’re lovely for spot-cleaning messes when you don’t want to drag out your full-sized vacuum and cleaning places you might not be able to get to otherwise. Those with children and pets might particularly benefit from a handheld vacuum, as they will likely have more small messes to clean up. When your toddler spills their juice, or your dog starts blowing their coat, a handheld vacuum can be beneficial.
Handheld vacuums are also useful for cars. Cars get dirty, especially if you have children and dogs. However, full-sized vacuums are often much to large for your average car, and it is nearly impossible to reach your vehicle with them anyway, considering they need an outlet to run. Many handheld vacuums run off of batteries, making it very easy to keep them in your car for quick clean-ups. Some vacuums are even designed to plug into your vehicle, so you can charge them on the go.
For a less portable but often time more robust vacuum, you may be interested in The Best Shop Vacuums. If you’re looking for an extra clean home though, you won’t want to miss The Best Disinfectants.
Important Features to Consider
A handheld vacuum should have a few essential features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a handheld vacuum for your house or car.
- Run time. Most handheld vacuums run on batteries, so they only have power for as long as the battery lasts. While you aren’t going to be cleaning your whole house with one of the vacuums, you do want one that will last long enough to clean up a few messes. Generally speaking, a 20 minutes run time is good to aim for, though longer is almost always better.
- Charge time. How long a vacuum takes to charge is also important. If a vacuum can run for 30 minutes but takes 6 hours to charge, it probably won’t be ready when you need it. Alternatively, a vacuum that can run for 20 minutes but only takes 2 hours to charge is available for cleaning up messes all day long.
- Power. A vacuum is only as good as it is powerful. A weak vacuum is going to have difficulties sucking up most pieces of dust and debris. You’ll probably have to go over a spot multiple times to get it clean. In many cases, it is always better to buy a more powerful vacuum.
- Weight. Handheld vacuums are designed to be used with one hand. Because of this, they must be lightweight. Otherwise, you’re going to wear your arm out and potentially even injury your wrist. Check the weight of any vacuum before you purchase it, just to be sure that it won’t be too heavy for you to use. When in doubt, lighter is always better.
- Dust bin capacity. How much stuff a vacuum can hold before you have to empty it is essential. You don’t want to get stuck running back and forth between the mess and your trashcan. Because these vacuums are small, they typically don’t have substantial dust cans. However, you want to avoid getting one that isn’t designed to hold much dust at all.
- Filter. There are many different filters out there. The best ones are going to be washable and involve multiple layers of fabric or stainless steel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a handheld vacuum, and how does it work?
A handheld vacuum works just like a full-sized vacuum, except it is designed to be very small and used with one hand. These vacuums are typically only used for spot cleaning or getting into small spaces. Many also come with various accessories that allow them to work well on furniture and upholstery.
How much does a handheld vacuum cost?
In most cases, you’re going to pay at least $50 for a decent handheld vacuum. You can find some vacuums that are slightly less expensive than that, as well as models nearing $200. Often, more expensive models are going to have better batteries and come with more accessories. However, an inexpensive vacuum is not necessarily a bad option – it will just likely have a shorter run time and fewer accessories included.
What is a handheld vacuum used for?
Handheld vacuums are mostly designed for small messes, like spilled food or muddy footprints. They are also quite good at quickly cleaning off a couch, especially if you have pets that tend to get hair everywhere. They are also useful for hard-to-reach places, like your car. Some even come with LED lights that help you see in poorly lite spaces.
How long do cordless hand vacs last?
Most of the time, they last somewhere around 20 minutes. You can find models that go all the way up to 30 minutes, or do as little as 15 minutes. Most of them take around 3 hours to charge, though some take quite a bit longer. It depends mostly on the batteries the vacuum uses, as well as the size and power of the motor.
Other Handheld Vacuums We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other handheld vacuums. Even though they didn’t make out five best handheld vacuum lists, they’re the best of the rest, and each is still an excellent option for your house or car. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Handheld Vacuums for Pets
- Wet Dry Handheld Vacuums
- Handheld Vacuums for Cars
- Lightweight Handheld Vacuums
Handheld Vacuums for Pets
Bissell Bolt Pet Handheld Vacuum
This vacuum can be bought with the pet hair eliminator bundle, which comes with a pet brush designed to remove excess fur. The vacuum itself can last up to 25 minutes between charges.
Key Features:
- Clean turn filtration
- Battery-power light
- Bundle available
Cost: $85
Designed to go wherever your pet goes, this cordless vacuum is lightweight and compact. It also comes with some accessories, like a motorized brush.
Key Features:
- Cordless
- Many attachments included
- Works on many surfaces
Cost: $60
This handheld vacuum is designed for many different surface types, including upholstery, stairs, and cars interiors. It features multi-level filtrations and uses a cyclonic cleaning system.
Key Features:
- 16-foot power cord
- Designed for many different surfaces
- 78-quart capacity
Cost: $31
Shark Pet-Perfect II Cordless Vacuum
With an 18-volt battery, this handheld vacuum is an excellent option for any home with pets. It comes with a deluxe charging station, which is also designed to hold all the vacuum’s accessories.
Key Features:
- 56-quart capacity
- Lightweight
- Comes with many different accessories
Cost: $58
Shark Pet Perfect Cordless Hand Vacuum
This is the first version of Shark’s pet vacuum. It features a 15.6v battery and an easy to empty dust cup. It weighs just over 3 pounds when empty.
Key Features:
- Washable filter
- Large capacity dust cup
- 6-volt
Cost: $39
Wet Dry Handheld Vacuums
Aposen Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
With a powerful HEPA filter, this vacuum is designed to maintain powerful suction and avoid clogs. It features a 2200mAh lithium battery, allowing it to run for up to 20 minutes.
Key Features:
- Four attachments included
- Card-free
- Lightweight
Cost: $58
Cofuture Handheld Vacuum Cordless
This vacuum is cordless and very lightweight, making it easy to take wherever the mess might be. It features a low noise level and fast charging.
Key Features:
- 2200mAh of power
- 6000Pa of suction
- Low noise
Cost: $33
GeeMo Handheld Vacuum Cleaner 8500PA
With four high-capacity batteries, this vacuum can run for up to 25 minutes at a time. It is very lightweight and has a crevice nozzle.
Key Features:
- Comes with three attachments
- Up to 25 minutes of cleaning time per charge
- Short circuit protection
Cost: $39
With three different nozzles, this vacuum can easily reach nearly any mess. It comes with a stainless steel HEPA filter, which is washable and durable.
Key Features:
- 30-minute run time
- 3-4 hours until full charge
- LED light
Cost: $50
Welikera Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
This vacuum provides a few different tools to help make cleaning up easier, including a rubber nozzle for liquid messes. It can run for up to 30 minutes on a single charge.
Key Features:
- 3-4 hours until fully charged
- LED light indicates charging status
- Stainless steel HEPA filter
Cost: $50
Handheld Vacuums for Cars
With a car adapter, this vacuum is a great option for your car. It has a 16.5-foot power cord and an LED light.
Key Features:
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Stainless steel HEPA filter
- Strong suction
Cost: $31
With a dual filtration system, this vacuum provides stable suction and has an extended life. It comes with three different attachments as well.
Key Features:
- LED light
- Many colors available
- Comes with three nozzle attachments
Cost: $35
This vacuum’s filter is made of washable fabric, so you don’t have to replace the filter often. It can also suck up liquids and has quick charging capabilities.
Key Features:
- Includes two washable filters
- 30 minutes of run day
- Extra multi-functional accessories included
Cost: $53
ThisWorx for TWC-01 Car Vacuum
This vacuum comes with everything you need to keep your car spotless. It comes with a charger compatible with most cars.
Key Features:
- 100% risk-free satisfaction
- 106-watt motor
- 16-foot long cord
Cost: $40
Lightweight Handheld Vacuum
This vacuum can be directly plugged up to a 12V lighter port, making it a great lighter option for your car. It also comes with an upgraded HEPA filter and 360-degree cyclone technology.
Key Features:
- 4-foot power cord
- 365-day repair service
- Low noise level
Cost: $21
This product is both a full-sized vacuum and a handheld vacuum, thanks to its unique design. It features 18000pa of suction power and 600-watts of power.
Key Features:
- HEPA filter
- 18000pa of suction power
- Efficient filtration system
Cost: $51
Onshowy Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
This lightweight vacuum only weighs 900 grams, reducing the amount of fatigue caused by use. Despite the lightweight feature, however, it also comes with 5000Pa of suction power.
Key Features:
- Quiet system
- Runs for 25 minutes
- Stainless steel HEPA filter
Cost: $31
Silipower Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
With multiple attachments, this lightweight vacuum can tackle any mess. It is cord-free and has strong suction.
Key Features:
- 100% wireless design
- Many accessories included
- 25- to 30-minute run time
Cost: $40
Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum
This uniquely designed vacuum is very ergonomic and designed to be used with one hand. It is ultra-lightweight and has a high-efficient motor.
Key Features:
- Charging dock
- Ultra-lightweight
- Many different accessories
Cost: $119
