Handheld vacuums come in handy way more than we anticipate. From toddler messes and accumulated pet hair to dust-filled corners and unexpected spills, these miniature vacuums are a must in busy households. Handheld vacs are also loved for being lightweight, portable, and super easy to store. No more dragging your 25 lb. vacuum all-over your home. And since vacuums are one of those household necessities that require some research before purchasing, we want to make your search and decision a little easier with the use of our data-driven algorithm. Looking into top-rated and highly-reviewed products according to shoppers just like you, our algorithm is able to ease your shopping pain by bringing you a concise list of only the best of the best. Keep scrolling now to see exactly what we mean and to discover the Top 10 handheld vacuums money can buy. Opening image: @blackanddecker_us
Love our 10 Best Handheld Vacuums? Check out our 10 Best Bath Towels for more top-ranked finds!
June 30, 2020
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Cordless Vacuum Kit
BEST FOR: Small space cleaning and easy storage
WHY YOU NEED IT: It’s lightweight, easy to store, and powerless making it a great solution for small apartments. It also works on carpets and hard floors.
Black & Decker Cordless Hand Vac
WHAT IT DOES: This cordless, handheld vac makes cleaning hard to reach areas like stairs, cars and even curtains a breeze. It also features a POWERBOOST button that amps up the cleaning power for dust-filled corners and cracks.
ABOUT THE BRAND: Black & Decker has been awarded #1 brand in hand vacuums.
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Hand Vacuum
BEST FOR: Households with pets that shed
USERS SAID: “I used this with the hose and small brush attachment to clean my window blinds. It was amazing! The larger brush is fantastic for pet hair. Definitely a great purchase!”
Shark WandVac Cord-Free Handheld Vacuum
LOVED FOR: Easy clean up of toddler spills and pet hair buildup
HELPFUL TIP: To make cleanup even easier, store this small vac in a high traffic area like the kitchen or living room.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Hand Vacuum
BEST FOR: Cleaning couches, stairs, and cars—this one is made for it all!
WHY YOU NEED IT: This handheld vac comes with three interchangeable nozzles including a motorized brush, upholstery tool, and crevice cleaner making it easy to tackle messes anywhere in the house.
Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum
BEST FOR: Wet and dry messes
HELPFUL TIP: For a stronger and longer cleaning session, wash the fabric filters after every 5-10 uses.
Black & Decker 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum
LOVED FOR: This handheld vac doesn’t fail on performance. Don’t let the small size deter you. This do-it-all vacuum is a powerhouse when it comes to cleaning.
USERS SAID: “In 37 years of marriage and family life, we have certainly gone through a few Dirt Devils and Dust Busters over the years, and I can honestly say that this is by far the best hand-held vac we have ever owned. It is common for me to use it for 30 or 45 min at a time, and it has never slowed or faded in suction power. It is an easy grab for all the mis-haps that happen in a house with active children, and it is a convenient car vac.”
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum
WHY YOU NEED IT: The flexible rubber nozzle on this vac lifts matted pet hair and dried crumbs from any surface.
HELPFUL TIP: If you’re cleaning a larger area, remove the rubber attachment and use the wide-mouthed cleaner to suck up crumbs, dirt, and debris.
Dyson V7 Trigger Cordless Hand Vac
BEST FOR: Those looking to invest in a high-quality, top-of-the-line technology vacuum that will last for years to come
USERS SAID: “LOVE this vacuum! Have had a couple hand held vacuums in the past, but none have compared to this one! I first used it at an airbnb while I was cleaning up after a weekend stay, and I immediately went online and bought it for my house! It's amazing to clean tight corners, behind the dog food bowls, the stairs, vents, makeup powder that accumulates at your vanity - I feel like it has just helped keep our home so much tidier!”
Black & Decker Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum
LOVED FOR: The longevity of the lithium battery and strong suction
USERS SAID: “This vacuum is EVERYTHING! The suction is incredibly powerful for a little cordless handheld vacuum. I've owned many in the past and can say that this alleviates many of the problems that give cordless vacuums a bad rep...It holds its charge for longer and maintains its suction power until the very end rather than fizzling out after a few minutes like the cheaper ones.”
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