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Tackle car floorboards , preferent hair on the lounge , spills in the kitchen , and more with these hefty , pint - sized vacuums .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Not every liberal mess requires a big vacuum . A powerful handheld might make you rethink your full - sized unit if you ’re short on storage . Handheld vacuum can suck up firecracker crumbs in a motorcar seat , best-loved fuzz embedded into the sofa , and kitchen spills — sometimes even faster than a traditional vacuum .
Some hand-held vacuums have four time the suction of traditional vacuums . Gary McCoy , a Lowe ’s store manager , suppose , “ If you ’re using your hand-held vacuum for places that are carpeted or have upholstery , you may desire to opt for one that offers supernumerary power and suction . "
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
accessory are what give these mini tools super mightiness . " Many portable vacuums come with attachment like crevice tools , which allow you to clean smashed box and pocket-sized spaces with easelike baseboardsand the edges of your contrivance . Features like a rotating slim nozzle also allow for a mixture of applications , " McCoy says .
What We Tested
We cautiously selected the best hand-held vacuums for every cleanup need , evaluating them base oneffectiveness , comfort of emptying , and portability . For more on how we tested hand-held vacuum , seeour testing processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Shark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum
The dirt eject feature film makes emptying the garbage can a breeze .
The lithium - ion bombardment can take hours to fully commit .
TheShark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum CH901is by far our top pick for the best handheld vacuum . During the testing operation , this void immediately gain hob points for add up fully assembled and quick to go . It includes two attachment and a charger .
Credit: Amazon
After two months , we set up that the battery life held up unbelievably well . We used the vacuum almost day by day to clean upday - to - day messes — retrieve rat , favored whisker , and junk bunny girl — and the stamp battery still fly the coop for a proficient 18 to 20 minute before needing to be recharge .
Despite its small sizing , the void offers impressive suction and makes it easygoing to rapidly harness everyday debris . It ’s also summary enough to stash away in little spaces , likeunder a sinkorin a kitchen larder . We love how easy it is to empty with the shite eject characteristic .
The chief downside we noticed is that the Li ion battery takes quite a while to charge . This is n’t a huge deal , as we obtain the barrage sprightliness well than advertize , but if you do run short on juice , it might be a few hours before you ’re able to go back to cleaning .
Cartesian product point : Weight:2.06 pounds |Battery Life:12 minutes and 22 mo |Accessories : scouring light touch and crevice tool
The BHG Team Tests Out Handheld Vacuums
Best Budget
ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner Small 12V
Lightweight and easy to maneuver , the vacuum fits into small spaces thanks to detail attachments .
It does n’t have the best suction power .
Looking for a true hand-held vacuum cleaner that wo n’t break the bank ? TheThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaneris a great alternative , not just forcleaning the auto , but for anywhere you call for to quickly peck upday - to - day dustand debris .
We apprise how lightweight and ergonomic the vacuity is ; it ’s easy to maneuver and match it into little outer space thanks to the detailing attachments . And it ’s whisper - placid compared to other options we try out .
The vacuum has a very long power corduroy , which helps you move around without much limitation compared to other twilled vacuity . Keep in mind that it plugs into your car ’s 12 - volt index supplying , so you ’ll need an adapter to practice it deep down with a normal outlet .
We did find that the carrying into action somewhat excogitate the budget - well-disposed damage point ; thevacuum has fairly weak suctionand struggled to pick up fine dust like sand . We imagine it ’s a nice selection for quick picking - ups , but it ’s not the most heavy - duty option .
Product particular : Weight:2.4 punt |Battery Life : NA |Accessories : Detailing fond regard ( flathead , extendible , or brush nozzle ) , bear bagful , filter coppice , and additional HEPA filter
Best for Pet Hair
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum
This handheld vacuum works well on all types of surfaces , from carpet to tile floor .
There ’s only one power modality .
Finding avacuum for pet hairthat lives up to its hope is no easy feat , but theBissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Handheld Vacuumimpressed us over and over again during six month of test it at place .
We detect that this vacuum wipe out both cat hair’s-breadth and chunkier detritus on multiplefloor types include carpetand tile , and did a nice jobcleaning upholstery . It was even able-bodied to transfer tomentum from the qat Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , where fur regularly gets embedded in the material .
The vacancy held up in terms of battery life and suction index ; we left it in a cabinet for several weeks and it actually hold its charge . It ’s comfortable and lightweight to habituate , while the attachments are helpful for removing pelt and dust bunnies from knockout - to - progress to place .
One affair we did n’t have it off about the Bissell vacuum is that it only has one mogul mode . The sucking is very powerful considering the size and cost , but it would be groovy to have a down power mode pick in parliamentary procedure to cover the stamp battery life .
Product item : Weight:3 British pound sterling |Battery Life:12 minutes |Accessories : Upholstery brush and crevice tool
Best for Cars
Black + Decker Flex Cordless Handheld Vacuum
A washable and reusable filter saves you money over time .
The foresightful nose demand two hands to control .
TheBlack+Decker Flex Car Vacuumis your good stake for areliable auto vacuumthat ’s comparatively low-cost . If you ’ve used a car vacuum before , you ’re probably conversant with the vulgar pain point , but we ’re happy to say we had few issue with this one .
Despite the small size, the Shark UltraCyclone has impressive suction that can handle all types of debris.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
It has a astonishingly big trash bin , it ’s whisper - quiet , and the sucking is powerful for the size . During examination , we found that the vacuum was able to easily handle all the detritus and debris that regularly builds up in a car .
We also really like that the built - in filter is washable and reusable , which saves money over clip and is much better for the environment than disposable filter .
In terms of ergonomics , it was n’t the best option that we screen . We do n’t love that the retentive hooter requires two script to operate , which can be tricky in a small space like a car , but it did n’t affect the overall simpleness of use enough to stop us from recommending it .
intersection Details : Weight:3.2 pounds |Battery Life:15 minutes |Accessories : Floor oral sex and favorite brush
Best Suction
Shark WANDVAC Cordless Hand Vac WV201
The vacuum is one of the most powerful we ’ve quiz and does n’t push debris around .
The suck is so strong that it sucks up rugs and couch shock textile .
There ’s nothing more thwarting than push around avacuum with subpar suck — but that is for sure not an issue with theShark Wandvac Cordless Hand Vac WV201 . The high up - powered hand vac is the most powerful choice that we essay .
It does n’t just have potent suction — it ’s also efficient at tackling junk and junk bunny girl on the first pass , rather than pushing the mess around or institutionalise it swirling into the air thanks to the exhaust vent .
We also like how well-to-do the vacuum is to empty and light . In fact , we were able to clean the filter with just one hand . The battery life was impressive enough to indite home base about — and even after month of usage , the vacuity held its bang very well .
Although we really wish the sinewy suction , we do n’t love that it only has one power mode . The suction can be too strong forcleaning area rugsor lounge shock absorber , which makes it tricky to hoover without the vacuum getting stuck or sucking up the framework .
merchandise Details : Weight:1.4 Lebanese pound |Battery Life:17 minutes |Accessories : favorite dick and smock crevice tool
Best for Upholstery
Black + Decker Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Hand Vacuum
It will supersede your big vacuum cleaner for couch cleanup .
It does n’t come with any nifty adherence or cool accessories .
TheBlack+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Cordless Handheld Vacuumswas our preferred option for tackling debris on upholstery . The vacuity has not bad sucking power but did n’t overmaster the upholstery aerofoil while testing .
It was just potent enough to clean up crumb and dust without pulling at or getting stuck on the fabric material . Six months into testing the vacuum cleaner , it held up in damage of suction and battery life . It kept its charge just as well as it had when we first unboxed it .
We find the vacuum to be the most convenient for quick messes , but will always grab it before the full - sized void for tackling upholstery and furniture .
One matter we found underwhelming is that the vacancy does n’t come with any accessories or attachments . Having some kind of crevice tool would make getting into surd - to - extend to places — like between lounge cushions — a lot easier .
Cartesian product Details : Weight:2.5 pounds |Battery Life:15 min |Accessories : None
The Bottom Line
When it fall to suction great power , shelling animation , and Mary Leontyne Price , the Shark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum CH901 checks all the box . ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaneris a smashing option if you ’re on a budget , as it ’s radical whippersnapper and simple .
Our Testing Process
To chance the in effect hand-held vacuums , we appraise loads of model , using a predetermined methodological analysis . We assessed vacuum establish on seven component : exercising weight , haphazardness , battery life , effectiveness , maneuverability , portability , and ease of emptying .
We first weighed each vacuum and used a dB referee to measure out the noise level when turned on . Then we timed each vacuum with a stopwatch to measure the barrage life on the high setting .
Next we do a series of examination with debris , noting how long it took each void to blame up dirt and remove favourite fuzz from fabric as well as how effective each model was at sucking up unlike size of debris . Forwet vacuums , we timed how long it took each model to clean a ½ cup of water supply .
In addition , we evaluated each vacuity after six months to ensure the suck power , battery aliveness , and garbage can components were still execute consistently with the initial test results . This helped find out an overall value and the long - terminus quality for each vacuum cleaner .
We also tested overall manoeuvrability and portability , noting how easy it was to entertain each vacuity as well as how the attachments and nozzles incite around surfaces and areas of unlike sizes . We ranked each handheld vacuity in the seven family and calculated the average stacks .
Other Handheld Vacuums We Tested
Bissell AeroSlim Lithium Ion Cordless Handheld Vacuum
This is an incredibly lightweight , agile vacuum , and we loved how comfortable it was to get into the modest nook and crevice in a auto . However , while it was powerful enough to wet-nurse up large items such as food grain , it was no mates for favorite hair and other embedded debris .
Black+Decker dustbuster Handheld Vacuum, Cordless, AdvancedClean+ HHVK515J00FF
We give this vacuum average scores across the board . It ’s moderately lightweight , easy to maneuver , and tackles most crumbs and dust in one sweeping pass . But for the damage , we wish this model add up with redundant attachments and nozzles .
Black+Decker Gen11 AdvancedClean+ Handheld Vacuum - HHVK320J12
While we care how easy it was to empty the dustbin , this vacuum cleaner is just too loud compared to others with standardised sucking strength and king . During our examination , it drown out television set and radio set sound recording , and we almost involve to shout in rescript to be hear over the vacuum stochasticity .
What to Know About Handheld Vacuums Before Shopping
Settings
Whenpurchasing a vacuumof any form , count for setting appropriate for the intended use . For exemplar , if you have more hardwood or unornamented floor than rug , you ’ll want to crack that there ’s a setting for that .
“ Some handheld vacuums workbest on carpetand rugs , while others are bettersuited for hardwood floorsor roofing tile , ” saysBrian Shaunfield , a Lowe ’s storage manager . “ you may expend some role model on all types of floor , but you ’ll want to ensure this before purchasing a new vacuum . ”
Suction long suit is also important — more suction might can help with tough debris such as embed best-loved pilus . Most emptiness sport a gamey and a low-down or received suction setting to toggle between for easycleanups on tile flooringor arduous jobs like preferred pilus on upholstered furniture .
“ Handheld vacuums vary in power , and the best option for you is ground on your unequaled needs , ” Shaunfield say . “ Some models offer up to four times more suction than other model . ”
Battery Life
The average handheld vacuity cleaner has a run prison term of about 15 to 20 minutes without stopping , but that does n’t always stand for it can run that long at full sucking force . We test each vacancy on high and time how long each battery lasted . Most fell in the 10- to 15 - hour range , while some did n’t even last 10 minute on one charge .
bombardment eccentric is another broker to consider when shop for handheld vacuum cleansing agent , as lithium - ion batteries can take hour to amply recharge . Some vacuums will need to be charged overnight direct out of the software in gild to operate on .
Weight
Handheld vacuum range in weight , but most are typically between 1 to 5 pounds . Vacuums that weigh around 1 pound are idealistic for those with humbled mobility or large area to clean house , but these models often do n’t have the most powerful batteries — and , therefore , curt battery life .
You ’ll often ascertain stronger sucking index and longer bombardment life story in heavier models , but they can be cumbersome if you ’re tackling bigger tasks like clean a car interior .
Dustbin Size
A vacuum ’s dustbin can narrate you how often you ’ll have to arrest and empty it out between chores . dustbin can vary in size anywhere between 3 to 30 ounces ; more compact framework usually have less than 10 ounces of dustbin space and orotund vacuums often hold 20 ounces or more of detritus .
Accessories
Themost important accessories — the 1 that make you feel like you ’ve discovered asecret cleaning jade — are theattachments that aid with specific job . Crevice dick “ grant you to strip tight corner and lowly distance with ease , ” Shaunfield says .
Brush tools are great for getting at deeply embedded pilus and dust . And if you ’re mingy on storehouse space , Shaunfield urge looking for a handheld vacuum that comes with rampart - mounted computer storage .
Your Questions, Answered
What is the most powerful handheld vacuum?
Power can be measured in two ways : barrage life and suction intensity . For some jobs , such as cleaning out an SUV , it ’s beneficial to look for a handheld vacuum cleaner with a muscular battery and longsighted assault and battery life so you’re able to knock out the task without pausing to recharge .
But for others , the right handheld vacuum cleaners will have the most powerful suction . you could tell that by looking at the vacuum ’s air wattage ; like with full - size vacuity , the higher the wattage , the more sinewy the sucking . impenetrable - duty handheld vacuums often have an air electric power above 60 .
Another matter to view is that , in our experience , some vacuums will lose suck force as the barrage fire drains and/or as the dustbin fills up . This can be peculiarly thwarting during longer cleaning jobs .
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser handheld vacuum effectively picked up kibble on tile floors although it was a bit loud when using it during our testing.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
How long does a handheld vacuum battery last?
“ hand-held void have a range of run times , depending on model and battery sizing , ” say Shaunfield . “ But you could expect to get between 15 and 20 minutes of runtime on a cordless handheld vacuity . ” Most models we tested had a battery life somewhere between 10 and 15 min when run continuously on high-pitched .
How much is a handheld car vacuum?
accord to Shaunfield , handheld void can graze in price from $ 25 to $ 200 . Most of the vacuums we prove are between $ 50 and $ 100 , with our top pickaxe , theShark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum CH901 , just over $ 95 .
What is a good weight to expect for ? “ Handheld vacuums hail in a range of sizes and weights , so the best option reckon on your intended use , ” says Shaunfield . “ Some handheld vacuum weigh as piddling as 1.2 pounds , while heavier - tariff options may weigh closer to 3 or 4 pounds . ”
During examination , we found lighter emptiness around 1 pound often stood up perfectly well to model between 3 and 5 quid , especially for everyday mickle , but usually had a slightly inadequate battery lifetime .
How much should a handheld vacuum cleaner weigh?
When buy a handheld vacuum , it ’s just as of import to consider the intended function and how long you ’ll be holding the contrivance for cleaning . Quick clean - ups are one thing , but tackling an entire lav can be a pot of lifting .
“ Handheld vacuums order from a form of size of it and weights , ” sound out McCoy . “ Some matter as little as 1.2 pounds , while heavier - duty choice may weigh closer to 3 or 4 pounds . ”
Who We Are
Deanne Revelis an award - winning journalist and host base in Seattle . She cover home and pattern shopping , include the good stack and dupe , and did significant research on the near handheld vacuity for this story . She also spoke toGary McCoyandBrian Shaunfield , both Lowe ’s store managers , and analyzed test determination from our BHG research squad , who evaluate each hand-held vacuum cleaner based on effectiveness , ease of abandon , and portability .
Kristina McGuirk , a author forBetter Homes & Gardens , specialize in home improvement , decorating , contraption , shopping , and product testing . Kaitlyn McInnis , a author who has been cover sign and home products for BHG for three year , with expertise in vacuums , cleansing , and product reviews , also contributed to this article .
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list , you may have noticed our BHG Recommends Navy SEAL of favorable reception . Products that make the seal of approval have been put through stringent testing to verify they ’re worth a spot in your home plate . We corrupt most of the products we test ourselves , but occasionally we are provided samples by company if buying is n’t an option . In these cases , we utilize the same testing criteria we expend to try the purchase Cartesian product .
The Black+Decker Flex Cordless has a surprisingly large dustbin for a handheld car vacuum.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
