Best Handheld Vacuums for All Kinds of Cleaning Jobs

Review & Comparison, Last Update September 16, 2024
How often did you try to clean in between the sofa and armchair or get into the corners behind the furniture with a traditional vacuum and failed? This is where a smaller handheld vacuum will come in handy. This super-smart and compact little helper will get where a full-size vac cannot reach making cleaning easy and hassle-free. Still, don't have one? Choose one of 5 top-rated models we've selected for you. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Operation
Power
Attachments
Usability
Warranty
 
PROS

A 3-step filtration system provides the highest level of air cleaning without dust clogs. A high-capacity battery enables a long-lasting and powerful performance of the cleaner.

CONS

A rubber valve inside the air filter requires regular cleaning from clogs. 

OUR VERDICT

If you've come to the market searching for an effective yet simple-to-use handheld vacuum cleaner, there's hardly a better choice than the BDH2000PL. Cleverly combining high-performance, portability, and well-balanced design, it's one of most powerful handheld models out there.

detailed parameters
Operation
4.4 lbs, cordless
Power
20 V
Attachments
Crevice tool, On-board brush
Usability
Washable filter, Pre-filter, Charging base
Warranty

2 years limited

PROS

This mini vac comes with a generous set of accessories for multisurface cleaning and easy maintenance. The unique jar attachment can even suck up to 3.4 oz of liquid.

CONS

Instructions are not detailed enough. 

OUR VERDICT

The Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum is a perfect option for tough jobs and multi-storey houses. With a large dust cup and numerous accessories, it can clean just everything from your kitchen to your bedroom before its battery runs low.

detailed parameters
Operation

3.26 lbs, cordless

Power

14.8 V

Attachments

Rubber jar tool, Brush nozzle, Crevice tool

Usability

Charging dock, Two washable filters, Cleaning brush, LED battery indicator

Warranty

1 year

PROS

A unique Cyclonic Action technology provides an incredibly powerful suction force no matter how full the dust bowl is. In addition, the Smart Charge technology reduces energy consumption up to 50% and prevents the battery overcharge.

CONS

The unit operation is rather noisy. 

OUR VERDICT

If you need an affordable, easy-to-use yet highly functional little helper for your daily cleaning chores, this handheld vacuum from Black & Decker is the right option to go for. It will be a real find for any pet and car owner.

detailed parameters
Operation

2.6 lbs, cordless

Power
16 V
Attachments
Crevice tool, Flip-up brush
Usability
Removable and washable dust tank, Washable filter, Washable pre-filter
Warranty

2-year limited

PROS

With a built-in LED lamp, you won't miss a single dust particle and easily pick up debris in poorly lit spaces or comfortably do some minor cleaning jobs in the evening.

CONS

It's a bit hard to take it apart to clean. 

OUR VERDICT

Distinguished by a high suction power, long cordless runtime, and versatile accessories, the VacLife handheld vacuum is a great choice for thorough and maximum efficient spot cleans. It will leave dust and dirt in tricky areas no chance. And a practical storage bag will ensure neat and compact storage.

detailed parameters
Operation

2.59 lbs, сordless

Power

~ 18 V

Attachments

Crevice nozzle tool, Brush tool, Extension soft hose

Usability

LED light, Washable stainless steel HEPA filter, Paper filter, Carrying bag, Plug charger

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The dust container has a capacity of 31.8 oz which is quite big, especially for handheld models. However, detaching and emptying it is an easy job and won't take you more than a couple of seconds.

CONS

Charge takes 10 hours, which is longer than usual.

OUR VERDICT

If you seek an affordable yet powerful handheld vacuum, consider the BLACK + DECKER HHVI315JO42. It's portable, lightweight, easy to use and clean, and it does a wonderful job of tacking debris and dirt in tight spots. A set of basic nozzles comes included.

detailed parameters
Operation

2.11 lbs, cordless

Power

10.8 V

Attachments

Crevice tool, Brush nozzle

Usability

Plug charger, Wall mount, Washable filter

Warranty

2 years limited

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Black & Decker BDH2000PL

Decent Power in a Cordless Format

The Black and Decker BDH2000PL vacuum cleaner is one of the best-selling mini vacs available on the modern market and for a good reason. With all the ease of use and maneuverability offered by handheld models, in most cases, they lack suction power and are more appropriate for occasional cleans. Yet, it’s not the case with the BDH2000PL. See for yourself.

The unit boasts a compact size and cordless design that makes it ideal for quick on-the-spot vacuuming. The vac is light in weight and ergonomically shaped to let you handle it conveniently and clean in comfort without excess fatigue. Yet, the feature we love best about this vacuum cleaner is its high-capacity Li-ion battery. Packing 20 volts, it provides up to 17 minutes of continuous operation from a single charge. That's the longest run time as compared to other similar models in the same class. More to that, the recharge time makes only 6 minutes, which means you could easily use the vac for cleaning your whole house without wasting time for long recharges.

Despite its cordless design and compact dimensions, the BDH2000PL stands out for high performance. Fitted with a mighty motor that delivers consistently strong suction power, the vac can pick up all kinds of dust and debris, be it pet food, popcorn, and crumbs or fine particles, lint and hard-to-notice hairs. Furthermore, like other cordless Black & Decker vacs, the BDH2000PL is distinguished by the cutting-edge cyclonic action that spins rubbish away from the filter right into the dust container, thus, ensuring much more efficient cleaning results than other vacs of this kind.

Review of Black & Decker BDH2000PL Handheld Vacuum, Cordless

Thought-out Design Details

What else sets this handheld vacuum cleaner apart from other models is a thought-out design with an exclusive pivoting nozzle created to cope with odd jobs most traditional uprights can’t handle. Unlike any common crevice tool, this one is able to pivot up to 200 degrees, so, it can reach far corners of your house, it is extendable and has a wide mouth allowing it to scoop up large debris. And it folds for a compact storage on a special charging base. Besides, the cleaner features a small flip-up brush that makes it suitable for cleaning delicate surfaces and upholstery. In all, though not very rich in attachments, the package includes a bundle of all tools needed for cleaning not only floors and carpets but also shelves, moldings, stairs, cupboards, beds, couches, car interior, etc. Add to that the power of the vac and what you get is a true workhorse able to tackle almost any cleaning job.

Speaking of usability features, the Black and Decker BDH2000PL features a 3-stage filtration system with a pleated filter designed to prevent clogging. A transparent dust container will let you monitor the amount of dust without opening the appliance and know when it’s time to discard it.

All things considered, if you seek efficient cleaning performance in a compact format, you’ll surely get it with the BDH2000PL handheld vac from Black and Decker.

Black & Decker BDH2000PL Handheld Vacuum, Cordless in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $79.14
Stock In stock
ASIN B00IOEFBKS

VIDEO
Black & Decker 20V MAX Lithium Pivot Hand Vac Review Model BDH2000PL

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight

Also the plastic door feels really cheap and has the cheapest, most light-weight lever to open/secure.

Power

The charge seems to last 15 minutes or so which is adequate for it's needs.

Key Specs

Super quality product and totally happy with it. Rarely get a 5 star item like this.

Features

I decided to buy this product because of its ability to fold and being wireless is also a feature which I enjoyed not only on this model but my other black and decker as well.
 

Homasy VTHMHM207AWUS

Cleans Everywhere

The Homasy handheld vacuum is a very efficient cleaner for daily use. Right off the bat, we would like to tell about its suction power, the biggest concern for most customers. The vacuum is designed with a 100W ultra-high power motor that can deliver fairly strong cyclonic suction to lift light or heavy debris. Once the dirt is sucked, it's filtered by a 0.3-micron cloth media. That means that the vacuum can suck out even unseen dust mites and bacteria hidden in your sofas and mattresses, let alone daily pet hair and other debris. The item has a 600-ml dirt cup and can collect quite a lot of debris per one go. Yet, the tradeoff for that large container is a bit heavyweight.

On the positive side, the Homasy cordless mini vacuum comes with a generous set of accessories. Besides the vac, the package includes 3 different types of attachments, a charging base, cleaning brush, and a pair of spare filters. Take note that even though the filter is washable, the manufacturer has thrown in an extra couple just in case.

With three attachments from a bundle, you'll be able to thoroughly clean upholstery, walls, stairs, corners, and other hard-to-reach areas while a unique rubber jar attachment will allow you to get rid of liquid messes, sucking up to 100 ml., which is a very handy addition.

Review of Homasy VTHMHM207AWUS 8Kpa Portable Handheld Vacuum

Long Battery Life

Yet, the main strength of this mini vac is its incredible run time. It uses a 2200mAh high-capacity lithium-ion battery that provides up to 30 minutes of runtime. This is about the longest run time you can get right now, which coupled with a large dirt cup will let you clean several rooms with ease. Plus, you will be able to do so not only quickly, but also with no cables holding you back.

The most impressive thing is that the battery of this vacuum requires only 3-4 hours for a full recharge, which is much less than many similar models. Thanks to the indicators on the casing, you will know exactly when it is low on charge and it is necessary to recharge it. Also, the battery is armed with all types of protection, including protection against overheating, overcharging, short circuit protection, as well as input voltage/current. Finally, the battery can cycle up to 500 times that is about three times more than other brands.

All this makes the Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum a perfect option for tough jobs and larger areas. It can clean just everything before its battery runs low.

Homasy VTHMHM207AWUS 8Kpa Portable Handheld Vacuum in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $51.97
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B078YPBDST

 

Black & Decker CHV1410L

An Energy Saving Vac

The biggest flaw of all cordless models including the handheld ones is a pretty short operation time due to quick battery discharge. That’s what makes cordless models more appropriate for occasional cleans. However, the Black & Decker CHV1410L is somewhat different at that point.

It’s a brand-new model that has managed to conquer the market in a record amount of time. Like the rest of the models on the list, it is cord-free. Yet, what distinguishes it though, is longer battery life. The continuous runtime this handheld hoover provides per single battery charge is 20 minutes, which will let you complete quite a number of cleaning tasks. And the next thing you’ll appreciate is charging time. It won’t take you more than an hour to juice up the battery to the full. A feature that made such operation time optimization possible is a special Smart Charge technology applied in this model which helps not only to protect the battery from overcharging but also to reduce overall energy consumption by up to 50% and, as a result, prolong the runtime.

Though energy-saving, the CHV1410L comes fitted with a powerful electric motor that yields a voltage of up to 16 V that is quite a good output for a compact appliance. Besides, it maintains a consistent suction power, thanks to the Cyclonic Action technology, which spins all dust and small debris preventing the dust bowl and filter from clogging and ensuring flawless operation and efficient cleaning.

The CHV1410L is very easy to assemble/disassemble for cleaning. Despite the handheld design and overall small dimensions, the vac has quite a large bagless dirt bowl, which is very easy to remove and wash under the water. To ensure superior quality of cleaning, the manufacturer fitted the CHV1410L with a washable filter and pre-filter. By maintaining them clean, you'll ensure long performance and consistent suction power of your little cleaner.

Review of Black & Decker CHV1410L Handheld Vacuum, Cordless

... Ideal for Minor Cleans

When you plan a spring clean, you’ll hardly be able to do without a full-scale vac but when your goal is a spot clean to pick up dust here and there, remove some food spills or something like that, a mighty handheld cleaner like the Black and Decker CHV1410L is a real savior. This small dustbuster is just right for handling cat and dog food, pet litter, dust, some ground around flower pots, small wood chips, ash, etc., all of these making it a versatile tool to use both inside and outside your house.

The vacuum cleaner comes complete with a standard number of functional nozzles to cover the most common cleaning chores. It has a relatively long narrow nozzle with an extendable crevice tool to pick up dust behind the furniture, in between the furniture, on shelves, picture frames, and in other hard-to-reach areas and tight spaces. The nozzle has an attached flip-up brush for cleaning upholstery and delicate surfaces prone to scratches and damages. By attaching this brush, you can use the CHV1410L for cleaning the interior of your car and save money on purchasing a special car vacuum cleaner. Even though there's a whole lot of attachments you could additionally buy for the CVB1410L, most users find the original package pretty much sufficient for regular cleaning jobs they have to handle around the house.

To resume, if an affordable and functional little vac is what you need for minor household cleans, you can’t go wrong with the Black and Decker CHV1410L.

Black & Decker CHV1410L Handheld Vacuum, Cordless in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $59.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B006LXOJC0

VIDEO
BLACK + DECKER CHV1410L 16 volt Lithium Cordless Dust Buster Hand Vac

What customers say about this product

Power

Battery charge has been more than sufficient for our use, we've not had it run out of charge during use, or even hint at being near dying.

Size & Weight

Light enough for the kids to clean up their own messes. They love using it!

Features

Extending snout works well to get in-between seats in truck.

Key Specs

It is very easy to change the filter.
 

VacLife Handheld Vacuum

A Match for Thorough Cleans

Nifty smaller handheld vacs are perfect assistants in minor and on-the-spot cleans. Saving you the need to drag out your bulky canister vacuum, they help maintain multiple home surfaces spic and span. Yet, not all handheld vacs are the same. So, if you need a compact vac that will be capable of thorough cleaning, you can’t go wrong with the VacLife.

Just like pretty much any cordless handheld model, the unit is fairly lightweight. At 2.59 lbs, it will be a breeze to handle and make cleans rather enjoyable than exhausting, especially given its cleaning performance. Packing 18V of power, this little gent will suck up dirt and dust almost like a full-scale beast while a smart bundle of accessories will further contribute to its functionality.

Thus, in the pack, you’ll get three additional attachments. A crevice tool, which is common for all vac types, will easily sneak in between the sofa cushions and into tricky nooks and corners. A dust brush tool is meant for upholstery, rugs, and carpets and will work wonders picking up pet and human hair or other stubborn debris. And a soft extension hose is a great addition for reaching each and every corner of your car or cleaning at heights and on the shelves. That said, with the VacLife, you’ll be able to tackle any medium or light-duty tasks around the house in close to no time.

Some other frills this handheld vac comes complete with include a built-in LED light that will let you conveniently clean in poorly lit spaces and enhance visibility when cleaning in the evening and a storage bag to neatly store the unit with all accompanying tools when not in use.

Review of VacLife Handheld Vacuum Hand Vacuum Cordless

Highly Efficient Filtration

Doing a great job on all sorts of debris, the VacLife handheld vac also gives dust particles no chance to return into the air. One more standout feature of this model is a smartly designed HEPA filter. Made of stainless steel mesh, it will serve you for quite a while and can easily withstand up to 500 washes, with no impact on the filtering performance. In the meantime, it is times more efficient than paper filters. Multiple layers of super-fine mesh trap the dust and allergens to exhaust back relatively clean air. One other good piece of news is that the package comes complete with a bonus filter that will save you the need to buy any replacement parts for a long time.

The only gripe you might have about this vac is that it is somewhat hard to take apart for cleaning. Yet, once you get the hang of disassembly, it will be a quick and easy task next time.

Cutting down to the chase, despite its compactness and lightweight design, the VacLife is a mighty handheld vac that will be perfectly suitable for thorough cleans in spots and spaces where other vacs fail.

VacLife Handheld Vacuum Hand Vacuum Cordless in the use
Last updated price $29.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07XM5F1F3

 

BLACK + DECKER HHVI315JO42

Small but Mighty

What sells the Dustbuster from Black and Decker first and foremost is its portable design. The unit weighs only 2.11 pounds and measures not more than 13.0 x 7.9 x 5.3 inches, which makes it easy to handle without experiencing fatigue or strain in your arm. At the same time, it doesn’t lack power and, despite being rather small, demonstrates strong performance, making an easy job of most light cleaning tasks, such as picking dust, debris, hair as well as dedusting upholstery.

Another highlight of the model is a wide mouth design which makes it much more efficient when it comes to collecting bigger debris like crumbs, cereals, etc. Because of a wider nose, the cleanup will take less time too, something you won’t usually get with most other handheld vacuum cleaners. The list of benefits of this Black + Decker Dustbuster Vacuum doesn’t end here though.

What’s also remarkable about this model is an increased bowl capacity. While the vac looks so lightweight and small, it comes with a 31.8-oz dust bin, which both facilitates the unit’s maintenance and gives more time for cleaning. Besides that, the vacuum provides a very decent run time. It works off a rechargeable battery that provides up to 20 minutes of operation. This is more than many other handheld vacuums offer, and it’s a decent time to tackle the tough cleaning job.

The only culprit of the model is its charging time. After the battery is completely exhausted, you will need to charge it for up to 10 hours, which is objectively long. That said, recharging the thing in advance will solve that problem.

Review of BLACK + DECKER HHVI315JO42 dusbuster Handheld Vacuum

Only Essentials

With regards to the attachments that come included with this vacuum, there aren’t too many of them, especially compared to other entries reviewed on this shortlist. However, you get everything needed for quick clean-ups - a crevice tool that will allow you to clean dirt in tight spots and a dusting brush for vacuuming upholstery and furniture.

It’s worth noting that the BLACK+DECKER dusbuster doesn’t bust dust, which is ironic for a vac with the name like this. Also, due to a wider mouth design, it does seem to miss pet hair sometimes, cleaning only up to 85% of it, which makes it a less suitable option for households with pets. However, all of these aren’t real shortcomings of the unit, that is, unless you are not after a vacuum cleaner intended specifically for removing pet hair. For all the rest, it offers a great value for the money, covering most cleaning jobs around the house.

BLACK + DECKER HHVI315JO42 dusbuster Handheld Vacuum in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $43.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01DAI5BZ2

 

What Is a Handheld Vacuum?

Everybody knows what a vacuum cleaner is - this appliance is used in every home and apartment. However, a conventional corded vac is pretty bulky and quite difficult to get into tight spaces and narrow areas and it appears almost useless when you need to cope with rather tricky cleaning tasks such as cleaning sofas, couches, and armchairs, shelves, in between the furniture, etc. Need an alternative? There is one. It’s a handheld vacuum cleaner. Being a smaller, more compact and portable version of a traditional vac, this handy appliance will make troublesome cleaning in hard-to-reach places as easy as never before. Commonly these are lightweight and easy-to-carry devices with ergonomic design and impressive suction power. Since it can go almost anywhere, the handheld vac is suitable for the whole variety of applications, be it removing dust from ceiling fans and behind TVs, cleaning pet rugs, removing spills, crumbs, and food remnants from any surfaces or cleaning car upholstery.

However, if you need a high-performing vacuum cleaner for cleaning large areas, check our review on canister vacuums that deliver extremely powerful suction and can remove the finest dust.

What Features to Compare

Design

All handheld vacuums fall into two major categories. There are cordless models powered by rechargeable batteries and corded vacs powered from the mains. No need to say, that when you seek a fully independent operation and want to use your dustbuster literary anywhere, a cordless model will be preferable. Along with portability, another good thing about any cordless handheld vacuum is that it is always ready for use. No need to unwrap a cord and look for a power socket. Simply turn it on and start cleaning. Yet, you should always remember to check the battery charge. The main advantages of corded models are powerful performance and continuous operation. The only con is the working area limited by the length of a power cord. Though these models usually feature pretty long cords and you can also use an extension.

Power

It is important to consider the power of an electric motor that a handheld vacuum comes fitted with. The more power the motor generates, the higher suction level it will create and the better overall appliance performance it will deliver at the end. It’s notable that any corded handheld vacuum cleaner will appear more powerful than its cordless rivals.

Attachments

If you are going to clean narrow crevices you must be sure your vac can handle it. To tackle different kinds of surfaces and coatings, mini vacuums usually come packed with a number of handy attachments. Some models feature a special pet hair brush which is a must-have item for any pet owner, especially if you have a long-haired cat or dog or even several pets. Meanwhile, a rubber contour nozzle will help you efficiently clean smooth marble, stone, and glass surfaces and a crevice tool will cope with dirt and dust in places that are too tight for a brush roll.

Usability

For easy and convenient use, almost all models are ergonomically designed and feature comfortable handles ensuring a secure grip for long-term operation without fatigue. On top of that, most modern mini vacs are equipped with efficient filters to capture all the dust and remove it from the airflow to protect you from breathing it in. It’s a highly helpful option, especially for allergy and asthma sufferers.

How to:

FAQ:

Q: Do I really need a handheld vacuum cleaner?
A: No housekeeping arsenal is complete without a vacuum cleaner. No matter whether you live in a large homestead or a city apartment, you're likely to own a full-size vacuum cleaner, be it an upright or canister model. When it comes to handheld models, they aren't designed to replace a tradition vac; the primary purpose of a handheld vacuum is to clean in those spaces and areas where a conventional vacuum cleaner cannot get to. Usually, these are tight spaces between walls, hard-to-reach areas under and in-between the furniture, stairs, corners, picture frames, shelves, air vents, ceiling fans and chandeliers. If you've ever tried to clean in these spaces using a full-sized vac, you know how difficult this may be. That's where having a handheld vac will prove useful. Small and powerful, handheld vacuum cleaners are best suited for performing quick clean-ups around the house and in a car. If you perform clean-ups on a daily basis, and if you do not like an idea of dragging around a bulky vac, purchasing a handheld vacuum cleaner may become a great solution making these chores for you a breeze.

Q: Bagless vs bagged filters
A: Most handheld vacuums apply bagless filtration system. Such systems are easier to clean and maintain and you can easily dispose of the dust and dirt without the need to replace the bags. Eventually, bagless system allows you to save your budget on buying replacement bags. Yet, there is one advantage of bagged models over bagless ones. A bag filter is a more hygienic option securely trapping all debris, dust particles and possibly bacteria and allergens inside. For this reason, bag filters are recommended for allergy sufferers.

Q: How shall I clean the filter unit?
A: Bagless filters require regular cleaning, depending on how often you use the vac and what kinds of debris you use it for. Generally, the filter requires cleaning every 2-4 weeks. As a rule, filters need to be washed manually in cold or lukewarm water and dried well before putting them back into the vac. 

Q: Does a powerful motor mean more suction power?
A: Not necessarily. A final performance and suction power depend not only on the electric motor amperage but also on the overall design, filtration system, and efficient airflow. Thus, to deliver the suction power comparable to that of full-size models, handheld vacuums often use cyclonic technologies to intensify the airflow not only to force the dust into a dust collector but also to increase the suction power.

Q: What shall I do if my vac loses suction power?
A: If you notice that your handheld vac is not that efficient as it used to be, there are several main reasons for that:

  • The dust bin is full and needs emptying. Handheld models are usually equipped with clear dust containers allowing you to see when it’s time to empty it.
  • The filter gets clogged with dust particles or hair and needs thorough cleaning to restore the suction force.
  • The nozzle or other detachable accessories get clogged. Make sure, there are no bit items stuck inside.

Q: Is a handheld vac suitable for sucking up water?
A: Most handheld models are meant for cleaning dry mess. Yet, there are mini vacs designed to tackle both dry and wet messes. Make sure to read the specifications of the vac you've chosen to know for sure whether or not it's suitable for wet cleaning. Picking up water with a dry-only appliance may lead to its breaking. 

Sources:

1. Matthew Knight How to buy the best handheld vacuum cleaner, Which?

2. Chris Barnes Stick and handheld vacuums buying guide, Choice. December 9, 2015.

3. Christina Peterson Shop Smart: Choosing a Handheld Vacuum, Good Housekeeping. June 12, 2014.

4. Handheld Vacuum Buying Guide, ConsumerSearch.

5. Liam McCabe The Best Handheld Vacuum, The Sweethome. December 3, 2015.

6. Kate Halse Top 10 Best Cordless Vacuums, Heavy. May 21, 2015.

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