The best handheld vacuums we tested
Best cordless handheld vacuum: Black+Decker Dustbuster 16-Volt Max CHV1410L32
Best handheld vacuum for pet hair: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 2390
Best handheld vacuum for the car: Black+Decker Flex BDH2020FL
Compact, cordless handheld vacuums are perfectly suited for light-duty cleaning tasks. This is because it’s often not practical to use a bulky, full-size vacuum or shop vac for small everyday messes. Handheld vacuums have relatively low capacities and limited run times, so they’re not likely to be your primary vacuum. Even so, they are extremely convenient for those inevitable kitchen spills, the endless car clutter and any mounting pet hair and dander around your home.
We tested 13 top-rated handheld vacuums, evaluating how well they tackle a variety of debris sizes and types — from small kitchen spills on tile to car floor mats and upholstery to pet hair on carpet and wood floors. After our comprehensive testing was complete, we found three handheld vacuums that will help you keep things clean in your home and car.
The Black+Decker Dustbuster 16-Volt Max is the easiest to use, charge and empty of all the handheld vacuums we tested. We liked its large-capacity canister and built-in attachments that made it convenient and versatile enough for all our small cleanups.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser has a motorized brush that picks up more pet hair than any other option we tested, plus an upholstery brush and long crevice tool that lets you take care of pet messes anywhere.
The compact Black+Decker Flex features a 4-foot hose and an abundance of attachments — including a soft brush for delicate surfaces like your radio — making it perfect for detailing your car or truck.
Best handheld vacuum: Black+Decker Dustbuster 16-Volt Max CHV1410L32
Unsurprisingly, since “Dustbuster” is synonymous with “handheld vacuum” for many people, this handy machine beat the competition with a balanced combination of size, function and convenience. It was the easiest to use, charge and empty of all the models we tested. Right out of the box, it had a comfortable, well-balanced feel, making it easy to orient whichever way we wanted. The controls are simple to figure out — just a slider to power it on and a single button to dislodge the canister when it’s ready to be emptied.
Our favorite feature of the Black+Decker Dustbuster is that all its accessories and tools are built into the machine itself. The long crevice tool is integrated into the main nozzle and easily extends out when you’re ready to use it. Similarly, the brush element flips up to cover the nozzle when you need to brush it over cushions or get into those corners and stairs. Without any loose pieces to keep track of, you’ll never have to search for the tool you need. The Dustbuster’s only drawback was that it lacked a flat upholstery attachment, although that certainly wasn’t a deal breaker.
Since it doesn’t have any loose tools to organize, the Dustbuster is also able to use a small charging station. Measuring a little over 5 inches in diameter, this charging base takes up minimal space, and since the corresponding connector on the unit itself is a ring, it can be set onto the base in any orientation. Other vacuums we tested were a lot more fiddly, taking time to line up their connections just right.
The Dustbuster’s motor provided the necessary power to successfully retrieve all our test debris and had no trouble sucking up Cheerios without clogging issues. The dust canister was the easiest of all the tested vacuums to remove and dump out without a mess, and the filter was simple to remove and clean as well.
Its bulbous body is large enough to house a 20.6-ounce dust canister (only one other vacuum we tested had a larger one), and since the air vent is located on the rear of the unit, it never had the chance to inadvertently blow air into our work area. (The location of the air vent was a common issue we found with some of the vacuums we tested, with some units ending up blowing air into the exact spot we were trying to clean, which just added more time to our process.) When you take the affordable price into account, the Dustbuster is a no-brainer.
Best handheld vacuum for pet hair: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 2390
Thanks to a motorized brush head and extra-large canister, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser (which is now sold in a lithium ion-powered, purple design) is the best option we tested when it comes to wrangling pet hair from a variety of materials. It’s a hefty machine, weighing 3 pounds and measuring 17 inches long, but it still has a balanced feel to it and doesn’t feel unwieldy or uncomfortable to use.
The unit itself felt nice and sturdy, and neither the canister nor the filter felt flimsy or unstable in any way. The motorized pet hair brush slides securely into the nozzle and tested extremely well in our pet hair test — especially getting at dog hair embedded deep in our test Jeep Wrangler’s carpeting. It easily pulled dog hair from home carpeting, rugs and couches as well, and the extra-large 23.6-ounce canister — the largest among the options we tested — could hold an impressive amount of hair before needing to be emptied. The long crevice tool and flat upholstery brush make it even more versatile when it comes to pet hair cleanup.
It’s worth noting that the large number of attachments could easily allow the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser to function as your primary handheld vacuum as well. It was also convenient to use in the car, although its bulky size might be less convenient to maneuver within a smaller vehicle. The only possible downside we found in our testing was the fact that the nozzle was too narrow to suck up Cheerios, which makes it a little less versatile and perhaps not the best option for those with small children (or who just tend to get messy themselves). Other than that, it handled the other small debris we tested — flour and kitty litter — just fine.
The 17-minute battery life was on the higher end among our test group — the longest-running options topped out at 20 minutes — and should be sufficient for most quick tasks. It doesn’t have a charging base, however, which we found less convenient. You’ll have to just plug in its wall-wart-style power adapter when you want to charge it, so you’ll have to find your own solution to keeping accessories organized and dedicate some floor or shelf space to storing the unit itself.
Best handheld vacuum for the car: Black+Decker Flex BDH2020FL
If cleaning the dust, crumbs, dirt and pet hair that build up in the seats, dashboard crevices and floor mats of your car is your priority, look no further than the Black+Decker Flex. This compact vacuum was a breeze to use during the car-cleaning portion of our testing, thanks to its small size and various attachments that made it easy to reach anywhere in our test vehicles.
The 4-foot hose separated this vacuum from the rest of the pack, and when combined with the long crevice tool, brush head nozzle and pet hair attachment, we easily could clean tiny nooks and crannies as well as upholstery. We were most impressed with the pet hair attachment, which utilizes a round, rubber head to grab and pull hair even from challenging surfaces like the thick, nearly Velcro-like carpeting in the Jeep Wrangler. The long brush head was also convenient when cleaning areas that required a gentle touch, like across the dashboard and radio controls, which could otherwise get scratched from a standard plastic nozzle. The 17-ounce canister was large enough to capture a decent amount of debris and hair, and was simple to dump out when it became full.
We recommend this vacuum for use inside the home as well. The long hose makes it easy to carry the vacuum in one hand and an attachment in the other, allowing you to reach elevated shelves and surfaces, like kitchen cabinets. It’s almost like a miniature canister vacuum.
The Black+Decker Flex even includes the pieces necessary to create a long-handled stick vacuum, making it useful as a full-length floor vac — the only in our testing pool to do so. This versatility could conceivably make this a primary vacuum for a small space or studio apartment. All these attachments and accessories will require you to get creative with storage and organization, but if you need them, this hassle could be worth the effort.
How we tested
After researching and sourcing the most popular handheld vacuums on the market — making sure to include a wide range of sizes, types and specialties — we landed on a group of 13 options. We then ran each model through a range of tests, evaluating each one’s ability to effectively vacuum and contain a variety of debris types, as well as its overall build and quality of the construction, how easy it was to use and ease of cleanup. Once completed, we compared and contrasted our results, and used this information to confidently declare our top three best-tested picks.
Design and build quality
- Size and shape: We paid close attention to whether or not the size and shape of the handheld vacuum affected its ability to handle a wide range of tasks.
- Capacity: A larger dust canister will reduce the amount of times you’ll need to empty it. We noted each handheld vacuum’s canister capacity and used that data to compare with similar models, which tended to help tie-breakers.
- Tools and attachments: We used and evaluated any and all attachments, tools and accessories that came with each handheld vacuum, judging them not just on quantity but on how well they actually worked. We carefully assessed how useful any specialized attachments like pet hair brushes and wet/dry tools were.
Ease of use
- Controls: Handheld vacuums should be simple and easy to use, and we paid close attention to how straightforward the controls were and if they utilized any confusing or frustrating components.
- Ease of emptying: The action of disconnecting and emptying the dust canister and filter varied on nearly all the handheld vacuums, so we made sure to carefully review and evaluate how easy or difficult this process was, and whether doing so was likely to make a mess or not.
- Noise and suction power: These were taken into account, as well as the location of the air exhaust vent. The location and orientation of this vent can play a big part in the overall operation of a handheld vacuum, and when it blows downward toward the floor, it can blow dust and debris around as you work.
Performance
- Small-debris test: To assess each handheld vacuum’s ability to pick up small debris, we dropped a tablespoon of three different types of debris (flour, kitty litter and Cheerios) on the kitchen floor and set a 10-second timer as we attempted to clean up as much as we could. We then weighed each vacuum’s canister after cleaning each debris type to see how much it picked up. This process gave us a good evaluation of power, suction and storage capacity across the board.
- Vehicle test: We used each handheld vacuum to clean two vehicles (a compact Jeep Wrangler and a more spacious Subaru Forester) and used all included tools and attachments. We paid close attention to charging capabilities — a USB charger would let you keep the vacuum in your car at all times, for example — as well as canister size. We also noted each vacuum’s overall ability to maneuver into awkward spaces like underneath seats and tight crevices.
- Pet-mess test: To make sure these handheld vacuums could handle pet messes, we used each one to clean up dog hair on a couch and indoor rugs, as well as carpeting inside the two vehicles. In addition to the ability to pull up and remove hair, we also noted how much hair the canister could contain without needing to be emptied. Although we paid close attention to the models that are specifically designed and advertised for pet hair removal, we performed the same tests on all the other options as well.
Warranty
- Length and coverage: Finally, we noted the length and specifics of each vacuum’s warranty and the type of coverage it offers. Most of the models advertise a one-year warranty, while a couple of them offer a two-year limited warranty, for example.
How to choose a handheld vacuum
If an upright vacuum is too bulky or using a full-size cordless stick vacuum or shop vac to take care of a relatively small spill is overkill, you’ll likely benefit from owning a handheld vacuum.
Handheld vacuums are more portable and maneuverable than their bigger aforementioned cousins. Handheld vacuums can easily get inside kitchen drawers and cabinets, up on shelving or underneath car seats. And since they’re small and cordless, they are much more convenient to use in a pinch.
A handheld vacuum is part of an overall vacuuming strategy, though, not a be-all-end-all solution. Rather, when it comes to keeping your house clean, it’s a great complement to a full-size model, in the same way a toaster oven complements a full-size convection oven. This way you’ll have your handheld vacuum available for small spills, car cleaning and quick upholstery jobs; a robot vacuum or cordless stick vacuum for daily maintenance; and a full-size upright vacuum or canister vacuum for bigger jobs and weekly house cleaning.
If you live in a small space and don’t have room for multiple units, then you might want to consider a cordless stick vacuum instead of a handheld vacuum altogether. Many models will let you detach the stick and use the vacuum unit similarly to a handheld vacuum. But keep in mind you’ll lose some of the convenience of not having to worry about a bunch of extra parts to keep track of.
Other handheld vacuums we tested
The main drawback of the Bissell AeroSlim 29869 handheld vacuum was the fact that Cheerios were unable to fit through the primary nozzle, and the limited 3.3-ounce canister capacity was just a little too small.
If a small footprint is what you’re after, then the Bissell AeroSlim 29869 handheld vacuum could be the perfect choice. It was one of the top ultra-compact models we tested and was surprisingly powerful compared to the bigger models. We appreciated the fact that the crevice tool featured an integrated brush attachment, making it versatile enough for lots of jobs without making us keep track of extra accessories. This single attachment — combined with its compact size and USB-charging capability — made the AeroSlim convenient for cleaning out our car. Its brush made it possible to quickly run it over the dashboard and instrument panel without worrying about scratches, and the primary nozzle was wide enough to pick up sand, dirt and other debris on our floorboards. This vacuum was also extremely easy to clean, with a detachable canister and a filter cover that was simple to wash under the faucet.
The Black+Decker Dustbuster 12-Volt Advanced Clean HLVC315B10 handheld vacuum wasn’t particularly powerful. It had trouble picking up kitty litter during our testing.
The straightforward controls and convenient storage base of the Black+Decker Dustbuster 12-Volt Advanced Clean HLVC315B10 handheld vacuum make it easy to use and convenient for light-duty cleaning. The retractable extra-wide nozzle was interesting to use during testing, but the unit itself didn’t seem to have the power for it to be particularly effective.
During our kitty-litter testing, it had trouble picking up the small pieces. The crevice tool and brush attachment worked well, though, and the removable canister was one of the easiest models to clean out. Its 11-minute run time is pretty short compared to the other handheld vacuums we tested, but it would be fine for the occasional quick cleanup.
The Black+Decker Pivot BDH2000PL handheld vacuum was able to fill up its nozzle with Cheerios during our testing, but ultimately, it wasn’t able to contain them inside the canister, which was disappointing.
We loved the convenience of the Black+Decker Pivot BDH2000PL handheld vacuum, particularly the fact that all the attachments were built into the unit itself. With no extra pieces to organize or keep track of, this was a breeze to use and store, and the small charging base made it easy to keep out of the way.
It did a fine job during our flour and kitty-litter testing, although the Cheerios did clog up the nozzle and, ultimately, failed at containing them inside the canister. Other than that, the power and wide nozzle of this vacuum made it fun to use, especially in the car. The pivoting nozzle was also useful when we accessed overhead cabinetry, though its durability remains to be seen.
The lack of additional attachments — particularly a soft brush tool — made the Dirt Devil Quick Flip Plus BD30025B handheld vacuum noticeably less versatile for a variety of cleaning tasks. We were frustrated while testing soft debris like flour, which was frequently blown around due to the downward orientation of the air vent.
The powerful 20-volt battery and heavy weight of the Dirt Devil Quick Flip Plus BD30025B handheld vacuum gave it a nice, sturdy feel, and its motorized pet hair brush also made it nearly as good as our top pet hair pick, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser. And we appreciated that the long crevice tool was permanently attached to the canister, which reduces the chances of it being lost — always a big plus in our book. Its nozzle was too small for Cheerios, so keep that in mind if you plan on using it for larger debris. The lack of a dedicated charging base was also a drawback, although depending on your storage situation, that might not be a dealbreaker.
The Eufy HomeVac H30 Venture T2522T11 handheld vacuum handled most of our tests well, except for the Cheerios test. Unfortunately, the flap that prevents debris from falling back out of the canister was too sturdy to allow the Cheerios inside, and it wasn’t able to suck them up.
This sleek, stylish vacuum has solid build quality and well-constructed attachments and was simple to use right out of the box. Its charging base is nice and sturdy, and the attachments — a long crevice tool with a brush and flat upholstery tool — were great at their jobs and made this vacuum very versatile. The vent on the sides of the unit blew air out and up, which reduced the chances of our debris piles blowing around. Eco and Max power modes let you choose if you want to sacrifice a bit of power to extend the battery life.
This vacuum handled most of our tests well, except for the Cheerios one. Unfortunately, the flap that prevents debris from falling back out of the canister was too sturdy to allow the Cheerios inside, and it wasn’t able to suck them up. Removing the canister and filter was a bit of a hassle, and the quantity of plastic and rubber components made us a little concerned that one could snap or wear down with frequent use.
Just like the Hoover Onepwr Dust Chaser, the Hoover Onepwr Cordless BH57400V handheld vacuum uses an external battery pack — like a power drill does — which makes it a bit less convenient than a handheld vacuum that uses an internal battery.
Overall, the Hoover Onepwr Cordless BH57400V handheld vacuum was easy to use, and thanks to its 20-volt battery, it was one of the most powerful options we tested. This model uses an external battery pack, which made it a bit less convenient than other vacuums we tested that used an internal battery. But if used as part of a larger Hoover Onepwr tool collection, its external battery pack could be a benefit, as it could be used with other Onepwr tools (including carpet cleaners, upright vacuums, leaf blowers and sprayers).
Its battery was powerful and allowed the Hoover Onepwr Cordless BH57400V to power through all our debris tests with ease. Also, since the crevice tool is stored on the unit itself, it was always easy to find and install when we needed it. If you’ve got the room to easily store it and the battery charger, and the need for the raw power it provides, this vacuum could be a great choice.
Disappointingly, the dust canister on the Hoover Onepwr Dust Chaser BH7010 handheld vacuum was inexplicably small and filled up almost immediately during our testing.
The Hoover Onepwr Dust Chaser BH7010 handheld vacuum’s long length was uniquely suited for reaching cobwebs and dust in ceiling corners, though it is inconvenient for storage and fitting into tight areas. This Hoover’s power tool-style battery pack needed to be charged on an external charger, which was also inconvenient, and since the charger lacked storage for the vacuum itself as well as the accessories, there were a lot of pieces to organize and keep track of. But like the other Hoover we tested, this vacuum — and its battery pack — could be a useful addition if you already own other Hoover Onepwr tools.
We were ultimately let down by the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus CH951 handheld vacuum’s low productivity. Its rubber flaps — as opposed to the brush head used by other pet hair attachments — just weren’t able to pull up much hair. The large size of the unit also made it a challenge to use inside the car.
We had high hopes for the unique pet brush attachment of the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus CH951 handheld vacuum but were ultimately let down by its low productivity and inability to pick up much pet hair. Instead of featuring a brush head like other vacuums’ pet hair attachments, this model featured rubber flaps, which simply weren’t able to pull up as much hair as any other pet-focused option we tested. Also, the large size of the unit took up a lot of room when storing, especially since it lacked a charging base. But we did appreciate how sturdy and robust the unit felt overall, and the canister and filter were easy to remove and clean when we were finished.
The main drawback to the Shark Wandvac WV201 handheld vacuum was its relatively small 2.56-ounce canister, which filled up quickly and was a bit inconvenient to dump out cleanly.
The Shark Wandvac WV201 handheld vacuum has a modern, sleek look and enough attachments to be useful for a range of jobs. The 16.5-inch length also let us reach the ground without bending over too much, although the Wandvac is large enough that it was difficult to reach into tight spaces or awkward areas. The nozzle head was able to form a nice tight seal on the floor, though, making it useful for sucking up flour and other soft debris from between kitchen tile cracks.
Unfortunately, the orientation of the air vent in the Dirt Devil Quick Flip Wet-Dry BD30225 was extremely frustrating during our testing. If we turned the vacuum even a few degrees, then dust and debris were blown around, creating an even bigger mess.
The addition of a unique squeegee attachment makes the Dirt Devil Quick Flip Wet-Dry BD30225 handheld vacuum well suited for anyone who needs to clean up wet spills quickly. Build-wise, this vacuum was nice and sturdy, and we never felt like it was flimsy or in danger of being damaged if we dropped or accidentally banged it into anything. It also featured a two-year limited warranty — most others advertised a one-year warranty — and a large 17-ounce canister that was both simple to detach and convenient to clean out after we were finished. In addition to the squeegee, it also features an integrated long crevice tool that you won’t have to worry about misplacing.
FAQs
What is a handheld vacuum?
Is a handheld vacuum powerful enough?
How long is the battery life on a handheld vacuum?
Can I use a handheld vacuum for my entire home?
Do you need to change the filter on a handheld vacuum?
Why trust CNN Underscored
CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test all the products we cover and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have an experienced team of writers and editors with many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to make certain we are testing each product accurately and speaking about the pros and cons of each.
For this guide, writer Alex Rennie leaned on his years of testing expertise to thoroughly assess each handheld vacuum featured. Rennie is a frequent contributor to CNN Underscored and has written other guides on the best shop vacs and the best paper shredders, among many others in the home improvement, tools and outdoors verticals.