4 Best Handheld Vacuums of 2023, Tested and Reviewed by Experts
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1
Best Overall Handheld Vacuum
Worx Power Share Portable Vacuum Cleaner
1
Best Overall Handheld Vacuum
Worx Power Share Portable Vacuum Cleaner
$99 at Amazon$99 at Walmart$120 at QVC
Credit: WORX
Pros
- Battery can be used in other Worx products
- Three-star Quiet Mark rating for quiet performance
- Has a washable HEPA filter
Cons
- Some pet hair clung to the brush attachment in testing
This portable vacuum from Worx doesn’t look like any we’ve tested before and eked out a win over the Black & Decker by a fraction of a point to snag the highest overall score in our handheld vacuum category test. It easily picked up all the debris and most of the pet hair we put down in our Lab tests, even without using the max power setting. Though some pet hair clung to the brush tool during use, its pick-up still impressively rivaled that of vacs with rotating brush attachments. Its 4-foot hose made it easy to reach into tight spaces, especially in the car, and it ran for 23 minutes at standard power on one charge. Our tester called this hand vac “very comfortable to use,” giving it perfect scores in six of the seven ease-of-use evaluations, including for handle comfort and for the thoroughness of the owner’s manual.
Although it’s a little heavier than other handheld vacuums, you don’t need to hold the entire vacuum while you are using it, as its boxy shape allows it to stand on its own. All you do is use the hose to reach where you need to. The dust cup is large and empties from the bottom, but isn’t removable, so cleaning it can be a bit cumbersome.
Other notable features on the Worx include a removable battery that fits into other Worx tools, a washable HEPA filter and a top handle that also holds the hose for easy toting.
Its crevice and brush tools store right on board and Quiet Mark gave it a top score of three stars, meaning it’s among the quietest vacuums in our test.
| Weight | 3 lbs |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 23 minutes |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.18 L |
| Filter | Washable HEPA filter |
| Attachements | Crevice nozzle, brush attachment |
2
Best Value Handheld Vacuum
Bissell AeroSlim Lithium Ion Cordless Handheld Vacuum
2
Best Value Handheld Vacuum
Bissell AeroSlim Lithium Ion Cordless Handheld Vacuum
$41 at Amazon$41 at Walmart$44 at Wayfair
Credit: Bissell
Pros
- Extra compact
- USB charging cable
Cons
- Small dust cup
The compact and lightweight AeroSlim is ideal for quick pick-ups on hard surfaces and comes with a two-in-one brush and crevice tool that takes care of crumbs on your laptop, in your car’s cup holders or in between the sofa cushions.
This isn’t a model we’ve tested in our Lab yet, but we’ve tested many vacuums from Bissell and trust the brand’s performance. Almost 10,000 of the 15,000+ ratings it has on Amazon are five-star reviews so we think that it’s a bargain at this price.
Its filter is washable and reviewers were impressed with its suction, especially given its small size, but many noted that with a three-and-a-half-hour charge time, they wished it could run for longer than just 12 minutes. You likely won’t be able to clean very much on one charge given its short runtime and very small dust cup, but it can be charged on the go from your laptop or in your car thanks to its USB charger.
This extra-compact handheld vacuum has a storage stand that holds the vacuum upright — and it stores the accessory tool, too, so it’s always where you need it. Its slim design means it’s easier than bulky models to tuck into your car’s cargo or trunk area to more quickly attack messes when they happen for a cleaner ride.
| Weight | 1.4 lbs |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 12 minutes |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.1 L |
| Filter | Dual-level filtration system |
| Attachments | Two-in-one crevice tool and dusting brush |
3
Best Cordless Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair
Black + Decker AdvancedClean+ Pet Hand Vacuum
3
Best Cordless Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair
Black + Decker AdvancedClean+ Pet Hand Vacuum
$91 at Amazon$95 at Walmart$85 at Home Depot
Credit: Black+Decker
Pros
- Powered pet brush has rubber bristles to lift pet hair off furniture and stairs
- Large dust cup
- Three-star Quiet Mark rating for quiet performance
Cons
- Side vents blow light debris out of the cleaning path
In our category test of handheld vacuums, this Black + Decker AdvancedClean+ virtually tied for first place with our pick from Worx.
And true to its Furbuster name, this model aced our pet-hair-pickup test, earning it a spot on our list of the best vacuums for pet hair. It did well with other messes too – even without using the Power Boost setting. Thanks to its motorized pet brush attachment with rubber bristles, it lifts pet hair off upholstered furniture and stairs quickly and easily
Two standout features on this model that we didn’t see on many others are an extra-long pullout crevice tool — attached to the vacuum so you’ll never lose it — and an extra-large bottom-emptying dust bin that makes cleaning up after pets even easier. The filter is washable, and we like that the vacuum stands upright on its own for charging or storage. Plus, like the Worx and Eufy, it got a three-star rating from Quiet Mark meaning it’s quiet compared to others we tested.
The whole device must be plugged in for 4 hours as the battery is not removable, but in our Lab tests, we found that it had one of the longest run times of all the models we reviewed, clocking in at up to 32 minutes.
Our testing expert noted that air coming out of the side vents on the main body of the vacuum did cause some debris to be blown away instead of being picked up, which can be a bit annoying.
| Weight | 4.2 lbs |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 32 minutes |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.75 L |
| Filter | Washable filter and pre-filter |
| Attachments | Motorized pet brush |
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4
MOST VERSATILE HANDHELD VACUUM
eufy HomeVac h40 Infinity
4
MOST VERSATILE HANDHELD VACUUM
eufy HomeVac h40 Infinity
$200 at Home Depot$130 at Walmart
Credit: eufy
Pros
- Very slim and lightweight
- Comes with a motorized pet hair tool
- Converts to a stick vacuum and mop
Cons
- Small dust cup
Eufy’s HomeVac h40 Infinity is an ultra-lightweight choice for cleaning up furniture, carpeted stairs and car seats.
With its bevy of attachments, it is really a whole home cleaning tool. In combination with its mini motorized pet hair brush, a rubber seal around the filter removes pet hair from the device as you remove the dust bin, so no hair is left behind after cleaning.
Vacuuming the floor with a handheld vac isn’t very practical, but Eufy took care of that, too. Pop on the extension wands and it turns into a lightweight stick vac or — with the mopping pads attached — a handy tool for removing sticky messes from the floor. Our Cleaning Lab Reviews Analyst was a big fan of this vacuum’s lightweight stick vac abilities saying, “This hand vacuum has attachments to clean floors, like a stick vac, without the weight of a full-size model,” though she did find it a little difficult to detach all of the pieces after using it as a stick vac.
Like many of the other vacuum models we’ve tested from eufy, the h40 Infinity has great suction, swallowing up our heavy screws and bolts without a hiccup.
But the dust cup is on the smaller end of the spectrum of the models we tested. It has a runtime of up to 20 minutes on eco mode and has a replaceable filter that can be washed between cleanings. In Lab tests, we found this model easy to use and especially liked that the charging dock has space to hold the attachments (though not the wands).
| Weight | 1.8 lbs |
|---|---|
| Runtime | 20 minutes |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.25 L |
| Filter | Washable filter |
| Attachments | Mini motorized pet brush, hard floor attachment and two-in-one crevice tool |
How we test handheld vacuums
In our last test of handheld vacuums, the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab tested 19 models from 14 different brands. We test all handheld vacuums on bare floors and low-pile carpets for how well they pick up fine, gritty debris like sand and baking soda and light and medium-weight particles, like dry oatmeal and orzo pasta and even fluffy pet hair.
We also test pick-up ability with heavy items, like screws and nuts (pictured).
Carolyn Forte/Good Housekeeping
In addition to performance, we record the weight and judge how easy the filter is to access, change and clean, how easy the dust cup is to empty and how comfortable the vacuum is to hold and use. Any special features or attachments are also assessed. For cordless models, we monitor the run time and for models being considered for our Cleaning Awards, we ask real consumers to use and rate each vacuum before we determine our award winners. After completing 246 tests and amassing almost 1,000 data points, we chose the top-scoring hand vacuums.
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What to look for when shopping for a handheld vacuum
✔️ Corded vs. cordless: Corded and cordless vacuums each have their pros and cons. With corded handheld vacuums, you’ll never have to worry about the battery running out no matter how long you are using it.
However, you’ll be limited in your range of motion. Cordless handheld vacuums give you the freedom to take the vacuum wherever it’s needed, but you run the risk of the battery running out.
✔️ Size and weight: Consider the size and weight of the handheld vacuum and, if possible, try it out to make sure it feels comfortable to hold. You want to make sure the vacuum is well-balanced and does not strain your hand or wrists. If you can’t try it out before buying it, make sure it is returnable if you aren’t satisfied.
✔️ Attachments: If you’ll be using the handheld vacuum for more than just a quick pass over hard surfaces, you may want to consider attachments such as a crevice tool to get into corners or brushes to help vacuum upholstery or pick up pet hair. Those with brushes make it easy to remove dust from draperies, window sills, door frames, mattresses and other out-of-the-way spots that may be awkward for a larger vacuum to reach.
✔️ Storage: Of course, you’ll need to consider how much space you have. Slim vacuums with attachments onboard or housed in the charging base are the easiest to store neatly, especially if your space is limited. Models with removable batteries mean you can keep only the battery plugged in and store the body and attachments out of sight.
✔️ Features: Other innovations across both cordless and corded models include comfortable grips, easy-to-empty dust cups, washable filters, multiple speeds and more. Some pick up wet messes and remove stains, too.
What is the best handheld vacuum for dusting furniture?
The best handheld vacuum for dusting furniture is one that comes with the right attachments. For removing dust from hard furniture and countertops, look for a model with a soft dusting brush with bristles to help gather and whisk dust and crumbs off hard surfaces without scattering them. To clean upholstered furniture and even curtains and drapes, you’ll need either a flat rectangular tool or one with a rotating brush.
If pet hair is your issue, the rotating brush is a game-changer!
Is a handheld vacuum worth it?
Yes! Sometimes it just isn’t necessary or worth the time to pull out a full-size vacuum to clean up a small dry spill. By the time you lug out and plug in a big vacuum, a handheld vacuum would have finished the job. They are often small so they take up very little storage space and can be used to clean tight spaces like your car or between stair rails. Many options, like our picks above, offer powerful suction and tools that help you clean across many different surfaces. Some, though none we tested here, can even pick up wet spills.
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Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Carolyn Forté has tested and reviewed hundreds of vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, mops and other major (and minor) home appliances as executive director of the Home Care Lab. She oversees all testing done in the Cleaning Lab and recently tested all of the handheld, stick, upright and canister vacuums that were submitted for consideration in the most recent Cleaning and Organizing Awards.
She is an active member of the ASTM Committee on vacuum cleaners and chairman of the consumer information sub-committee.
Three of the four models included in this story were tested by Lynn Redmile, Contributing Product Analyst. Redmile conducted the testing for our latest handheld vacuum test and has tested dozens of other vacuums across many different categories including robot vacuums and beyond.
Carolyn Forté
Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
Lynn Redmile
Contributing Product Analyst
Lynn Redmile (she/her) is a contributing product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she’s been evaluating beauty, textiles, home, pet and cleaning products since 2012. She brings over 30 years of data analysis experience to the role. When she’s not managing testing data, you’ll find Lynn photographing jazz musicians, dancing and traveling to experience new cultures and food.
The 4 Best Handheld Vacuums – Spring 2023: Reviews
- Table of Contents
- Intro
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Best Vacuum
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Best Mid-Range
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Best Budget
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Best For Allergies
- Notable Mentions
- Recent Updates
- All Reviews
- Discussions
Updated May 24, 2023 at 11:19 pm
By Evan Jakab
Handheld vacuums are a great option if you’re looking to clean small spills around the home.
They’re lightweight and portable, and due to their small size, they’re handy when tackling more difficult or uneven terrain, like inside your car or on your stairs. Some stick or canister vacuums also have a handheld configuration, making them even more versatile if you need to clean larger areas. Unfortunately, handheld vacuums tend to have small dirt compartments. If they’re cordless, they may also have a shorter continuous battery life than non-handheld vacuums.
We’ve tested over 130 vacuum cleaners, and below are our recommendations for the best portable vacuums with a handheld design to buy. These picks are selected based on their performance on different surfaces and their feature set, battery life, and price. For more options, see our lists of the best lightweight vacuums, the best vacuums for stairs, the best car vacuums, the best Dyson vacuums, and the best cordless vacuums.
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Best Handheld Vacuum
Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+
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Bare Floor
8.
1Low-Pile Carpet
8.2
High-Pile Carpet
8.2
Pets
7.0
Stairs
9.2
Cars
8.3
Workshop
6.0
Vacuum Type
Handheld
Bagless
Yes
Cordless
Yes
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
No
Wet Compatible
No
See all our test results
The best handheld vacuum we’ve tested is the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+.
This compact vacuum does an excellent job of clearing away solid debris on bare surfaces like countertops and shelves, and it’s powerful enough to draw out debris from rugs and carpets. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to bring wherever you need it in your home, and while it’s on the larger side for a handheld vacuum, it’s still small enough to stow away in most cupboards and closets. Its dirt compartment is also quite large for a vacuum of this type, so it won’t need emptying at the end of every single spot-cleaning job. For attachments, the CH951 variant has a crevice tool, a hard-bristle brush, and a miniature turbo brush with a self-cleaning brushroll. Unfortunately, the latter is somewhat unwieldy and ineffective in removing pet hair from upholstered surfaces; you’re better off using the hard bristle brush to clean furniture.The vacuum’s 10-minute battery life is poor, even by the low standards of other handheld vacuums, so you’ll need to work fast when cleaning larger messes.
Worse yet, the battery isn’t designed for replacement, so you can’t pop in a new unit if it doesn’t hold a charge as well as it used to. It also does a terrible job of sealing in particles like pet dander or fine dust, so it isn’t the best option if you suffer from allergies.See our review
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Best Mid-Range Handheld Vacuum
Black+Decker dustbuster Hand Vacuum
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Bare Floor
8.1
Low-Pile Carpet
7.3
High-Pile Carpet
7.4
Pets
6.6
Stairs
8.
7Cars
8.1
Workshop
5.9
Vacuum Type
Handheld
Bagless
Yes
Cordless
Yes
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
No
Wet Compatible
No
See all our test results
The best cordless handheld vacuum at a mid-range price point we’ve tested is the Black+Decker dustbuster Hand Vacuum. Compared to the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+, it feels noticeably less sturdy and takes up more room when not in use, but it has a few advantages aside from its lower price tag. Its dustbin is even bigger and won’t need emptying as often. Replacement filters are also cheaper than for the Shark, resulting in lower ownership costs.
It excels when clearing away debris on hard surfaces like countertops or hardwood floors and does a good job of dealing with debris in cracks and crevices, thanks to a built-in crevice tool, but it does have a harder time with debris embedded in carpet fibers.The selection of attachments is very limited, with only the aforementioned slide-out crevice tool and a flip-out hard-bristle brush; there’s no upholstery tool or miniature turbo brush to make cleaning fabric furniture easier. It can only run for a little over 10 minutes on a single charge, which is short, even by the standards of other handheld models, and takes over three hours to recharge. Even worse, you can’t remove its battery, so you can’t swap in a new pack if the current unit’s performance degrades over time.
See our review
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Best Budget Handheld Vacuum
BISSELL AeroSlim/TurboSlim
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Bare Floor
7.
0Low-Pile Carpet
7.5
High-Pile Carpet
7.3
Pets
7.0
Stairs
8.9
Cars
8.6
Workshop
5.0
Vacuum Type
Handheld
Bagless
Yes
Cordless
Yes
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
No
Wet Compatible
No
See all our test results
The best cordless handheld vacuum at a budget-friendly price that we’ve tested is the BISSELL AeroSlim/TurboSlim.
It’s a different proposition than larger handheld vacuums like the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ and Black+Decker dustbuster Hand Vacuum, with a highly compact body a little smaller than a two-liter bottle of soda. It makes it remarkably portable, but the flip side is a small, weak suction motor that struggles with lifting heavier debris and a tiny dirt compartment that fills quickly. Bulky debris can also clog its suction nozzle or fall out of the dustbin if it’s overfilled, so you’ll need to look elsewhere if you frequently find yourself cleaning things like large pieces of cereal. That said, this vacuum is ideal for quick cleanups on hard surfaces like countertops, shelves, or tile and hardwood tile floors, where it easily clears away lightweight debris like rice or pet hair.It can run for about 15 minutes on a single charge, which is normal for a vacuum of this size and intended use. Unfortunately, recharging via its included adapter takes over three hours, so you’ll be waiting for a while if you need it for more than a few spills.
Its battery also isn’t removable or replaceable, so you can’t just pop in a new pack when the current one runs dry. While there’s no wide-aperture upholstery nozzle or miniature turbo brush tool for cleaning larger fabric surfaces, this vacuum comes with a crevice tool that you can use to extend your reach in tight spots. It also comes with a slide-on soft-bristle brush for cleaning dust off delicate surfaces.See our review
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Best Handheld Vacuum For Allergies
Shark WANDVAC
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Bare Floor
7.7
Low-Pile Carpet
7.9
High-Pile Carpet
7.
3Pets
7.4
Stairs
9.0
Cars
8.7
Workshop
5.5
Vacuum Type
Handheld
Bagless
Yes
Cordless
Yes
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
No
Wet Compatible
No
See all our test results
If you suffer from allergies and want a vacuum that’s effective at sealing fine particles like dust or pet dander, check out the Shark WANDVAC. It’s more expensive than the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ and has a tiny dirt compartment, even by the standards of other handheld vacuums.
However, it does a much better job sealing in allergens with the standard filter, which isn’t even HEPA-rated. If you want to increase its filtration performance even more, several third-party manufacturers sell compatible HEPA-rated filters. It’s also very small, with dimensions similar to the highly-compact BISSELL AeroSlim/TurboSlim, making it easier to stow away in a drawer or cupboard when not in use. You’ll want to go for the slightly pricier WV201 variant over the base WV200 variant, as the former comes with a sleek charging dock with room for its two included attachments, so you won’t have to find another place to tuck them away.While there’s no miniature turbo brush for cleaning carpeted or fabric surfaces, the provided straight suction upholstery tool is still effective in dealing with messes on furniture. Unfortunately, the Shark’s battery performance is poor, even for a handheld vacuum, as it can only run for about 10 minutes on a charge. Like many other handheld vacuums, its battery isn’t designed to be removed or replaced, so you can’t swap in a freshly charged pack when it runs out of power or buy a replacement pack if the current unit’s performance degrades over time.
See our review
1
This compact vacuum does an excellent job of clearing away solid debris on bare surfaces like countertops and shelves, and it’s powerful enough to draw out debris from rugs and carpets. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to bring wherever you need it in your home, and while it’s on the larger side for a handheld vacuum, it’s still small enough to stow away in most cupboards and closets. Its dirt compartment is also quite large for a vacuum of this type, so it won’t need emptying at the end of every single spot-cleaning job. For attachments, the CH951 variant has a crevice tool, a hard-bristle brush, and a miniature turbo brush with a self-cleaning brushroll. Unfortunately, the latter is somewhat unwieldy and ineffective in removing pet hair from upholstered surfaces; you’re better off using the hard bristle brush to clean furniture.
Worse yet, the battery isn’t designed for replacement, so you can’t pop in a new unit if it doesn’t hold a charge as well as it used to. It also does a terrible job of sealing in particles like pet dander or fine dust, so it isn’t the best option if you suffer from allergies.
7
It excels when clearing away debris on hard surfaces like countertops or hardwood floors and does a good job of dealing with debris in cracks and crevices, thanks to a built-in crevice tool, but it does have a harder time with debris embedded in carpet fibers.
0
It’s a different proposition than larger handheld vacuums like the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ and Black+Decker dustbuster Hand Vacuum, with a highly compact body a little smaller than a two-liter bottle of soda. It makes it remarkably portable, but the flip side is a small, weak suction motor that struggles with lifting heavier debris and a tiny dirt compartment that fills quickly. Bulky debris can also clog its suction nozzle or fall out of the dustbin if it’s overfilled, so you’ll need to look elsewhere if you frequently find yourself cleaning things like large pieces of cereal. That said, this vacuum is ideal for quick cleanups on hard surfaces like countertops, shelves, or tile and hardwood tile floors, where it easily clears away lightweight debris like rice or pet hair.
Its battery also isn’t removable or replaceable, so you can’t just pop in a new pack when the current one runs dry. While there’s no wide-aperture upholstery nozzle or miniature turbo brush tool for cleaning larger fabric surfaces, this vacuum comes with a crevice tool that you can use to extend your reach in tight spots. It also comes with a slide-on soft-bristle brush for cleaning dust off delicate surfaces.
3
However, it does a much better job sealing in allergens with the standard filter, which isn’t even HEPA-rated. If you want to increase its filtration performance even more, several third-party manufacturers sell compatible HEPA-rated filters. It’s also very small, with dimensions similar to the highly-compact BISSELL AeroSlim/TurboSlim, making it easier to stow away in a drawer or cupboard when not in use. You’ll want to go for the slightly pricier WV201 variant over the base WV200 variant, as the former comes with a sleek charging dock with room for its two included attachments, so you won’t have to find another place to tuck them away.
Notable Mentions
- Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet:
The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet is a cordless handheld vacuum with superior battery performance to the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ and has a larger dirt compartment. It feels less well-built and doesn’t perform as well on any surface type.
See our review - Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Hand Vacuum:
The Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Hand Vacuum is a bulkier handheld vacuum that delivers inferior suction performance to the similarly-priced Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+. That said, unlike the Shark, it’s part of an interconnected product ecosystem that uses swappable batteries, so you can easily replace the pack if you run out of charge or if its runtime degrades over time.
See our review - Wyze Handheld Vacuum:
The Wyze Handheld Vacuum is a great option if you’re looking for a compact handheld, as it offers a relatively lengthy 30-minute runtime and has a HEPA filter. However, its availability is currently quite limited. In addition, like the BISSELL AeroSlim/TurboSlim, it has difficulty dealing with bulky debris.
See our review - iRobot h2:
The iRobot h2 is a premium handheld vacuum with a two-stage filtration system. While it has a considerably larger dirt compartment than the Shark WANDVAC and a longer battery life, it’s also significantly heavier and pricier.
See our review
However, its availability is currently quite limited. In addition, like the BISSELL AeroSlim/TurboSlim, it has difficulty dealing with bulky debris.Recent Updates
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May 24, 2023:
Verified that all main picks are still available and represent the best fit for user needs. -
Apr 28, 2023:
Minor in-text alterations to improve legibility and clarity. -
Mar 29, 2023:
Verified that all main picks still represent the best fit for user needs and preferences.
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Mar 03, 2023:
Ensured all main picks are still available and represent the best option for user needs. -
Feb 02, 2023:
Ensured all main picks are still available and represent the best choice for users.
All Reviews
Our recommendations are based on what we think are currently the best portable vacuums to buy. We don’t just base our results on overall performance, but also factors like availability, price, and reader feedback.
If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of all our handheld vacuum reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no vacuum is perfect for every use, most are good enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.
Which cordless vacuum cleaner to choose for your home?
Once upon a time, cordless vacuum cleaners appeared in addition to corded ones. They were used for light daily cleaning and cleaning up spontaneous mess in the kitchen or in the hallway. Over time, the battery capacity has increased, which allowed portable models to confidently compete with classic ones. All thanks to their main advantage – autonomy from the electrical network. What types of manual cordless vacuum cleaners are there and what is better to choose for the home?
What are handheld vacuum cleaners?
Cordless models include upright, manual and hybrid vacuum cleaners.
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The main components of the vertical monovac are a brush attachment, a pipe, a cyclonic dust collection system, a battery and a filter.
The electric motor creates a powerful air stream that picks up dust and small debris and sends them straight to the dust collector pipe.
Further, the dirt enters a voluminous plastic container – a cyclone filter. It appeared as an alternative to the dust bag and gained a strong position in the market with its practicality. The cyclone works like this: a powerful vortex is formed inside, which twists the contents of the container and scatters it along the walls due to centrifugal force. Large debris remains in the intermediate compartment. As a result, the collected dust is compacted, and at the end of the cleaning it remains to throw it into the trash can.
The advantages of the cyclone are the absence of consumables and no loss of suction power due to a clogged dust bag. The downside is your contact with dust while cleaning the container. The air blown out by the vacuum cleaner is cleaned by the filter. -
The second type of cordless vacuum cleaners is compact manual . It is not equipped with a long nozzle, so it is not suitable for cleaning the floor. Such a vacuum cleaner is needed to clean up the creative mess after a master class with children or to clean the interior of the car from crumbs. A birdcage, narrow gaps between furniture, the remains of cat food on the windowsill – all this is his profile.
- The Hybrid Handheld Vacuum Cleaner combines the capabilities of an upright and handheld vacuum cleaner. Need a long brush to clean the floor – use a dust pipe with a nozzle. You need to remove the crumbs from the sofa – disconnect the portable unit. Hybrid vacuum cleaners are multifunctional and allow you to get by with fewer household appliances in the house.
It appeared as an alternative to the dust bag and gained a strong position in the market with its practicality. The cyclone works like this: a powerful vortex is formed inside, which twists the contents of the container and scatters it along the walls due to centrifugal force. Large debris remains in the intermediate compartment. As a result, the collected dust is compacted, and at the end of the cleaning it remains to throw it into the trash can. 
A birdcage, narrow gaps between furniture, the remains of cat food on the windowsill – all this is his profile. How to choose a cordless vacuum cleaner for your home?
When choosing a cordless vacuum cleaner, you should pay attention to its suction power, battery life, weight, convenient design and equipment, as well as the volume of the dust container.
Suction power
The more powerful the vacuum cleaner, the better it draws dust. The suction power range for budget devices is from 20 to 160 watts. For smooth surfaces, the value can be any, but for carpet cleaning it is better to choose a more powerful device.
In some models, it is possible to choose the suction power.
Battery life
The larger the battery capacity, the longer it can work without recharging. Battery life for different models ranges from 25 minutes to an hour. The more, the less haste. It will take you about 30 minutes to clean a two-room city apartment. If you buy a cordless vacuum cleaner in addition to the usual one, you can not chase after a long battery life.
Keep in mind: manufacturers indicate the battery life of the vacuum cleaner at minimum engine speed. When working at high power, this figure is reduced by 2-3 times.
Filtration system
For best cleaning results, choose a cordless vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Such a filter consists of randomly intertwined fibers and traps dust particles of different sizes. Large ones get stuck in it, like in a sieve, and smaller ones stick firmly to the threads. As the HEPA filter becomes clogged, its throughput deteriorates.
At some point, you may notice a significant drop in the suction power of your vacuum cleaner. This is a signal: the filter needs to be replaced.
Weight and construction
Before buying, evaluate the dimensions and weight of the vacuum cleaner. Is the tube length suitable for your height? Can you withstand such a load on the muscles of the arm? With Polaris vacuum cleaners, the weight problem is partly solved thanks to WALK by ITSELF technology. The electric drive on the brush pushes the appliance forward and it feels lighter.
Dust container volume
On average, cordless vacuum cleaners are able to collect from 0.3 to 0.8 liters of dust and debris. The larger the dust container, the less often you have to clean it. For long continuous cleaning, it is better to choose an upright vacuum cleaner with a large dust container.
turbo brush
This is a nozzle with a rotating roller and a separate electric drive. She well removes hair, dust and threads from the floor, pushes them closer to the dust collector pipe, combs the wool out of the pile of carpets.
The turbo brush does a good job of picking up dirt, and its only drawback is the need for regular cleaning. However, servicing a turbo brush is usually easy: just remove the roller, cut off the hair and threads from it, and then install it back. Another important characteristic of a turbo brush is the type of attachment to the pipe. It is most convenient if it is hinged – this gives the nozzle maneuverability.
Total
If you buy a cordless vacuum cleaner in addition to the main one, it makes no sense to overpay for a large dust collector and high suction power. And vice versa: for full-fledged cleaning, it is better to choose a model with top characteristics. But you need to pay attention to the weight and maneuverability of the product in both the first and second cases, otherwise it will be inconvenient to use the vacuum cleaner.
what you need to know in order to choose a good one and not be disappointed?
Upright vacuum cleaners (hand sticks) are used both for quick cleaning and daily maintenance of cleanliness, and as a main household vacuum cleaner – for example, if the apartment is small and there is simply no place to store a full-sized device.
In this case, it is especially important to choose an upright vacuum cleaner that will cope not only with everyday tasks (collecting spilled cereals or earth from a flower pot), but also with thorough cleaning of a wide variety of surfaces. The number of “weak points” in such a vacuum cleaner should be minimal, otherwise the quality of cleaning will be mediocre, and the user will get something opposite instead of convenience and speed of work and will be forced to buy another vacuum cleaner. We tell you what technical solutions in upright vacuum cleaners cannot be called successful – and what are (if any) alternatives.
Bottom motor design
Sticks are designed either in the image and likeness of Dyson (motor, dust collector and handle are located above the telescopic tube), or in the model of Electrolux ErgoRapido with a motor above the main nozzle and with a removable portable vacuum cleaner for cleaning furniture and cars.
engine top
bottom motor
The first option has a number of advantages.
Such vacuum cleaners crawl under furniture on low legs – the engine and dust container do not interfere; The center of gravity of these models is located at the handle, so it is convenient to lift them up to clean high-lying surfaces. The suction pipe can be simply removed and put on any nozzle – not only for crevices and computer keyboards, but also, for example, motorized floor and furniture brushes: the vacuum cleaner turns into a portable one without losing any of its capabilities. This type of vacuum cleaner also has a drawback: they do not stand without support if you need to pause during cleaning. But models with a lower engine location still have more disadvantages.
For example, a portable vacuum cleaner in such hand sticks is removable, and not all nozzles are suitable for it – in most cases, only crevice and combined for furniture / equipment, but the connection of motorized brushes for floor and furniture is not provided. The low-mounted motor and dust collector do not allow the vacuum cleaner to pass freely under furniture and into some hard-to-reach places.
Yes, and not everyone can lift such a vacuum cleaner to clean the ceiling or upper corners.
Briefly: not suitable for everywhere, not suitable for cleaning high surfaces, portable vacuum cleaner is limited in its capabilities, and sometimes it is not available at all.
NiMh battery
Although this is already a rarity, there are still sometimes vacuum cleaners equipped with inexpensive nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMh) with a “memory effect” – loss of capacity if the rules for operating and charging such a battery are not followed. So, if the entire battery charge is not used up, it cannot be put on recharging, otherwise the next time you turn on the vacuum cleaner, the operating time will be equal to the time that the battery had before recharging in the previous cycle. The memory effect is reversible: the battery can be discharged and recharged, but in the daily pace of life it is inconvenient to remember such a feature, and the vacuum cleaner may suddenly refuse to work at the most inopportune moment.
Another disadvantage of NiMh batteries is a high percentage of self-discharge: the battery loses up to 10% of its charge per day even without operation. To be always ready for cleaning, such a vacuum cleaner must always be on charge. And if a vacuum cleaner with a NiMh battery is not used for a long time, it is recommended to fully charge the battery first, and then remove it (if possible) and store it separately. Who keeps all this? Unless very meticulous and technically advanced users, and the rest simply put up with the inevitable deterioration of the vacuum cleaner (well, or they write negative reviews about it).
Briefly: it is better not to take a vacuum cleaner with a NiMh battery today.
Short battery life
How long does it take to vacuum a standard kopeck piece? At least forty minutes, and if you need to vacuum not only the floor and upholstered furniture, then more. This is what should be taken into account when choosing.
The characteristics of the device always indicate the maximum operating time without recharging, but it should be borne in mind that most often it means working at minimum power. The higher it is, the faster the battery drains. Therefore, the standard “40 minutes of battery life” most often means “40 minutes for a lightly soiled smooth floor.” If you use such an average model at an average power (subject to its availability), then it will work without recharging for 20-25 minutes. And if you turn on the turbo mode (maximum power and motorized brush), then 7-8 minutes.
In recent years, there have been many models on the market with replaceable batteries: while one is working, the second can be charged. This solution allows you to double the operating time of the vacuum cleaner or more if the charging time is minimal.
Briefly: if an additional battery is included in the kit, this is very good.
Non-replaceable battery
Pay attention to the possibility of self-replacing the battery: if it is not available, and it fails or simply “gets old” and loses its capacity, then the entire vacuum cleaner will either turn into a monument to human shortsightedness, or be subject to expensive repairs.
The qualifications of the average user to replace a non-replaceable battery, as a rule, are not enough, so you will have to pay not only for the spare part, but also for the workshop.
Briefly: when buying, it is better to clarify whether self-replacement of the battery is allowed.
Low power
Usually, when people want to praise a vacuum cleaner, they say “powerful”, but then there are purely marketing tricks: for example, an indication of the power consumption from the mains in the characteristics. Does this figure give at least some idea of the actual suction power? In our experience, it’s very approximate.
With suction power, too, everything is not very clear: there is no single, common method for measuring it, so even if the manufacturer indicates this parameter in the characteristics of the device, it is not entirely clear what he measured and how. For example, we know the case when the suction power was indicated as the power developed by the “naked” motor unit – with the filters removed, without the pipe and nozzle.
It is clear that in real conditions this value will be much lower.
Manufacturers of full-sized models usually list power consumption (eg 2000 W) and suction power (eg 400 W). For cordless vacuum cleaners, power – neither consumed nor suction – is sometimes not indicated at all: it looks very unprofitable against the background of the usual power parameters of corded vacuum cleaners.
If the suction power is indicated in the characteristics of the stick (this is already a good sign!), And if we assume that the manufacturer does not deceive us much, then in this case we need to focus on the following figures:
- approx. 150 W – excellent
- in the region of 100 W – good
- in the region of 60-80 watts – still quite acceptable for most cases
- approx. 40 W – suitable for cleaning lightly polluted rooms
- less than 30 W is an “electric broom” and not a full-fledged vacuum cleaner
Briefly: if the suction power is not written or given in small print on the last page of the instructions, this means that you have an electric broom that will cope with a simple quick cleaning, but not with a general one.
Unsuitable main nozzle
In some vertical models, this nozzle is designed to clean only smooth floors. Inside such a nozzle is a roller covered with soft synthetic material. As planned by the manufacturers (again, Dyson with a Fluffy nozzle was the first), such nozzles collect fine dust more thoroughly than ordinary brushes and turbo brushes, it is easier to remove wound hair from this roller than from a turbo brush roller. But keep in mind that such nozzles do a poor job of cleaning carpets – even with very small pile. Therefore, if you have carpets or carpet, such a nozzle may be additional, but not the only one.
By the way, if the nozzle has a built-in turbo brush roller (motorized brush with its own drive), then it is worthwhile to understand in advance the system for removing coiled hair and wool from it. In some models, you need to pull out the roller (and this is not always easy to do) – it is better if a groove is provided on the turbo brush roller, along which you can cut the wound with scissors.
And finally, about motorized brushes. What it is? The nozzle has a mini-motor that rotates the roller, pushing the debris to the suction hole and winding animal hair, hair, threads around itself. Super? Yes, but there is a nuance. A nozzle with a rotating roller is supposed to be moved in only one direction – forward, and not in the way that many are used to – back and forth. If you do not follow this rule, then part of the debris when moving the nozzle back simply spills out.
In short: choose the basic nozzle according to the types of flooring, pay attention to the ease of use of the nozzle and how to care for it.
Contact with waste during disposal
All upright vacuum cleaners are bagless, i.e. with a plastic dust container. On the one hand, it is convenient – you do not need to buy bags, the level of filling the dust container is always visible. On the other hand, throwing out the contents of the container “at the touch of a button”, “with ease”, etc.