Sometimes it just isn’t convenient to pull out a large upright or canister vacuum when you have a mess to clean. Anyone who has been parenting for years knows that strewn cereal all over the floor is best vacuumed up with a smaller, more compact vacuum versus the larger ones.

Smaller, dirty jobs are best done by a handheld vacuum. These smaller vacuums are excellent for tackling the backseat of your car, the stairs in your house, and soil that spilled behind your television stand from a tipped-over plant.

A handheld vacuum can be used in the car, to clean up breakfast crumbs, or to suck up scattered cat litter. Once you have one, you'll wonder how you lived without it. Take a look at our roundup of best handheld vacuums to find one that's right for you!

The Bissell Lightweight Cordless Hand Vacuum and Car Vacuum 1985 is a nice-looking and hardworking hand vac. Designed with a high-performance cordless technology that is made to tackle any area of your home, you will love the versatility of this hand vac. The multiple specialized tools will help you clean anything and anywhere with ease. These tools come with a store board that is quick and easy to access in times of need.

The motorized brush roll will lift away the deeply entrenched dirt on your carpets, furniture, tiled or hardwood floors along with your car with little to no effort on your part. You will be able to tackle even the smallest particles from pet hair and dander to deeply embedded soil out of your floors.

The design of this hand vac is made for convenience. It is lightweight and has an ergonomic design that is comfortable with soft grips for complete control.

Overall, the Bissell Lightweight Cordless Hand Vacuum and Car Vacuum is a great little vacuum that looks just as good as it performs.

The lithium batteries provide you up to 15 minutes of fade-free power with a dirt cup that is easily emptied without getting your hands dirty.

Key Features
  • Engineered for ease of use and versatility that includes the cordless design for portability
  • The brush roll is powerful and motorized for cleaning even fine particles
  • The powerful professional-grade lithium battery allows for up to 15 minutes of continuous cleaning
Specifications
  • Weight: 3.5 lbs
  • Vacuum Type: Handheld
  • Cord Length: Cordless
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Brand: BISSELL
Pros
  • Very versatile on any surface and across all nooks and crevices in your home or vehicle
  • The suction does not lose power after many uses and charges
  • The dust bin is easy to clean and hand-free
Cons
  • The battery does not hold the charge as long as it says it will

The Dyson V7 Trigger Cord-Free Handheld Vacuum cleaner is the ideal little vacuum. The suction power is comparable to full-sized vacuum cleaners and allows you to tackle any mess you desire. The cordless portable unit looks like a mini canister vacuum and works just as powerfully.

If you hate getting your hands dirty, you will love the hygienic dirt ejector that allows you to empty the dust bin quickly and efficiently without any fear of your hands coming into contact with the dirt inside. Additionally, the filter is great for preventing allergens from spreading into the air.

Overall, the Dyson V7 Trigger Cord-Free Handheld Vacuum is the ideal hand vac for just about anything. The 30 minutes of fade-free vacuuming ensures that you can vacuum up any dirt quickly and efficiently without worry that the battery will start losing power. Finally, the numerous attachments that come with this hand vac allow you to reach any crevice or nook.

Key Features
  • Cordless and lightweight design for portability
  • Powered by the unique V7 motor that is comparable to an upright vacuum
  • Hygienic Dirt Ejector allows for hassle-free emptying of the dust bin
Specifications
  • Weight: 3.77 lbs
  • Vacuum Type: Handheld
  • Cord Length: Cordless
  • Warranty: 2 years
Pros
  • Comes with an assortment of tools
  • Long-lasting battery life with fade-free power
  • Easy to maneuver and get into every nook and cranny of your home
Cons
  • A little bit bulky compared to other handhelds
  • Clogs easily if you're picking up large messes

The HoLife Handheld Cordless Vacuum, Hand Car Cleaner Vac Portable Vacuum is a great choice for you if you are looking for a decent handheld vacuum without all the bells and whistles. The suction of this vacuum isn’t as comparable to full-sized vacuums the way other handhelds are, but it does the job with simplicity.

The wet/dry vacuum is accurate though you don’t want to suck up too much liquid or it can get into the motor housing. However, this vacuum is easy to carry around, and the lithium battery provides you with plenty of life for tackling your car and household stairs.

Overall, the HoLife Handheld Cordless Vacuum is suitable for those who don’t want the fanciest tool on the market. The attachments allow for adequate cleaning of various nooks and crannies along with the messes they acquire. This vacuum is washable, performs decently, and is versatile enough to get the messes cleaned without any fanfare.

Key Features
  • Long-lasting battery life with quick charging technology
  • Dry/wet functionality with the versatility to go anywhere and clean anything
  • Excellent suction power that will pick up even the finest particles from any surface
Specifications
  • Weight: 3 lbs
  • Vacuum Type: Handheld
  • Cord Length: Cordless
  • Warranty: 1 year
Pros
  • The suction power is amazing and continues to stay strong after multiple charges
  • The battery holds power for up to 30 minutes of continuous use
  • Easy-to-clean storage bin and filter
  • Can be used on wet messes
Cons
  • Loud compared to other handhelds
  • Might not be as durable as others

The Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip HV 7A Vacuum SD20005RED is an incredible little vacuum that highlights versatility and agility in handling hard-to-reach messes. The bagless, corded design allows for straight suction that is comparable to a full-sized upright vacuum.

The Quick Flip crevice tool is what makes this hand vac stand out. You will be able to handle crevice cleaning that will allow you to detail-clean your car and home. If you don’t mind being tethered to the 17 feet of cord, this vacuum is ideal for carrying around as it is lightweight and effortless to use.

Overall, the Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip HV 7A Vacuum is powerful and agile, allowing you to tackle hard messes with ease. The various attachments make tackling messes of any kind of mess a breeze and allow you to extend the reach of your nozzle by up to 12 inches. In short, it's a great vacuum packed in a small package.

Key Features
  • This handheld vacuum puts the power of an upright unit into your hands
  • This corded vacuum is bagless, saving you time and money
  • Fingertip on and off switch for ease and convenience
Specifications
  • Weight: 3 lbs
  • Vacuum Type: Handheld
  • Cord Length: 17 feet
  • Warranty: 3 years limited
Pros
  • Comes with many accessories for achieving optimal cleaning performance
  • The quick-flip nozzle is convenient and easy to use
  • The power button is near your fingertips for easy on/off
Cons
  • Corded to 17 feet so you are tethered when using
  • Louder than you might want a handheld to be

The Black & Decker BDH2020FL 20V Max Lithium Flex Vac with Pet Hair Brush – Cordless is ideal for any mess you encounter in your home. From pets to cereal, you will be able to tackle localized messes with ease using an impressive suction power that compares to full-sized vacuums.

The filter and the dust bin are both washable, saving you time and money with a quick rinse underwater. The three-stage filtration system keeps allergens from spreading around your home and allows for a quick clean up that isn’t spread into the air.

Overall, this compact vacuum is the perfect little vac for your home, car, cottage, or any other space. The pet hair brush helps to keep shedding at bay, and the other accessories allow you to reach crevices and nooks both vertically and horizontally without losing any power. When looking for the ideal mini vacuum, the Black & Decker BDH2020Fl 20V Max Lithium Flex Vac with Pet Hair Brush – Cordless is a great choice.

Key Features
  • Exceptionally strong suction power comparable to upright vacuums
  • Three stage filtration system that keeps dust and dirt trapped inside
  • Washable, reusable filter
Specifications
  • Weight: 3.2 lbs
  • Vacuum Type: Handheld
  • Cord Length: Cordless
  • Warranty: 2 years
Pros
  • Agile enough to handle any mess in any crevice or nook
  • Lightweight and easy to carry around from your home to your car
  • Comes with an assortment of cleaning tools, including a pet brush
Cons
  • The filter clogs easily when vacuuming clingy particles
  • Is a bit noisy compared to other handhelds

This little Black & Decker may be small, but it is certainly powerful. The suction is ideal for any mess, of any size or kind. The rechargeable lithium battery is ideal for those who want to use their handheld vacuum for vacuuming out their car without stopping to recharge.

You will fall in love with the cute design that is sleek and modern. The lightweight makes it easy to carry around with you while going about your cleaning. The rotating and slim nozzle is ideal for getting into hard-to-reach places that your standard vacuum can’t get to. Additionally, the filter is washable, and the dust cup holds plenty of dirt so that you don’t have to constantly stop and empty it.

Overall, the Black & Decker Dustbuster Cordless Vacuum 16v (CHV1410L) is the ideal little vacuum when you are looking for the perfect addition to your cleaning arsenal. You will enjoy the fact that the battery will last so long that you may tend to get carried away with cleaning. The suction power will attack any type of mess with ease.

Key Features
  • Long-lasting lithium no-fade battery for longer cleaning times between charging
  • Comes with cyclonic action that is powerful and helps keep your filter clean
  • The rotating slim nozzle can perform a variety of functions for a deeper clean
Specifications
  • Weight: 2.6 lbs
  • Vacuum Type: Handheld
  • Cord Length: Cordless
  • Warranty: 2 years
Pros
  • A long extendable reach for difficult areas
  • Battery last longer than you would expect from a handheld
  • Handles any type of mess
Cons
  • Base charger is not wall mounted
  • The battery is difficult to replace once it dies completely

For an awesome modern and sleek-looking hand vac, the Welikera 12V 100W Cordless Handheld Vacuum with Stainless Steel Filter has it all, from power to futuristic design. The high-quality motor and suction power allows you to tackle any messes from big to small with the same vigor you would get with a larger unit.

This rechargeable handheld vacuum has a stainless steel filter that is durable and resistant to corrosion. Additionally, the filter works harder than your standard filter as it is designed to work 20 times harder. You will have the right protection of your motor against foreign particles that could damage it as you clean your home without being tethered to a cord.

Overall, the portability of the Welikera 12V 100W Cordless Handheld Vacuum with Stainless Steel Filter is ideal for anyone who wants a vacuum that isn’t cumbersome but just as powerful as a full-sized high-end vacuum cleaner. You will surely love the strength, suction power, and durability of this vacuum.

Key Features
  • Headlamp for easy cleaning in dark areas with appropriate tools
  • Stainless steel filter that is easy to clean and guards agains corrosion
  • Quick charging and up to 25 minutes of fade-free battery life
Specifications
  • Weight: 3 lbs
  • Vacuum Type: Handheld
  • Cord Length: Cordless
  • Warranty: 1 year
Pros
  • Great suction power to handle even the finest particles
  • Washable filter that keeps dust and debris from entering motor area
  • Excellent to use on pet hair without clogging
Cons
  • Louder than you might want in a handheld vacuum
  • Not as versatile as other handhelds, but does the job

The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light with TruePet Mini Motorized Brush and 15-foot Power Cord Hand Vacuum HV292 is a great little corded handheld vac. You will be able to tackle messes with a deep cleaning that compares to any other vacuum. The Mini Pet Brush gives you control over your pet's fur and shedding without stressing them out.

Furthermore, you will love how lightweight this hand vac is. At just under 4 pounds, the portability of this vac is astounding as you can carry it around with ease. With dirt accumulating in the rather large dust cup, you will be able to empty it with the push of a button without having to dirty your hands. For additional convenience, the brush head bends backward allowing you to reach difficult areas without frustration.

Finally, the Shark Rocket Ultra-Light with TruePet Mini Motorized Brush is a great handheld vacuum that allows you to tackle just about any mess. The only hassle you get with this vacuum is the 15-foot power cord that makes you feel tethered to the location you are vacuuming in.

Key Features
  • Very portable and ultra-lightweight for convenience
  • True Pet Motorized brush for deep cleaning
  • Strong suction power for continuous cleaning
Specifications
  • Weight: 3.8 lbs
  • Vacuum Type: Handheld
  • Cord Length: 15 feet
  • Warranty: 2 years
Pros
  • The dust bin holds plenty of debris and is easy to clean without touching dirt
  • Strong suction from start to finish without interruption
  • Comes with any tool necessary to handle any type of mess or floor
Cons
  • Corded so you are limited on your portability
  • Not an elegant design but does the job

The Makita XL C02R1B LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Cordless Vacuum Kit is a great choice when you are looking for a portable vacuum. Though the primary function of this vacuum is a handheld one, some attachments allow you to use it as an upright vacuum as well. The best thing about this hand vac is that it is super lightweight and easy to store.

You will love how much dust, dander, and even pet fur this little vac accumulates in a short period of time. You will notice how much work this vac does when you go to empty the bin that can be done with a push of a button.

You can easily move this handheld vacuum around your home without any hassle as it is designed for just about any surface with any attachment needed to tackle every nook and cranny of your home or car. Overall, the Makita XL C02R1B LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Cordless Vacuum kit is the ideal alternative to a larger, more complicated vacuum, and it provides you just much power.

Key Features
  • The floor nozzle is redesigned for agility and maneuverability
  • The suction power is strong and allow for up 15 minutes of continuous cleaning
  • Bagless cleaning with 2 stages of filtration
Specifications
  • Weight: 2.7 lbs
  • Vacuum Type: Handheld
  • Cord Length: Cordless
  • Warranty: 3 years
Pros
  • Can be used as an upright as well as a handheld
  • Very versatile and can clean just about anything with ease
  • Large dust bin that doesn't require constant emptying.
Cons
  • Can be cumbersome as the design is a bit bulky
  • The blue plastic isn't as durable and you would want it to be

If you are looking for the perfect handheld vacuum that is ideal for both wet and dry messes, then you will love the Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless, Powerful Cyclonic Suction Vacuum Cleaner for both wet and dry messes. The strong suction is perfect for whatever mess you are tackling, from spilled cereal to dropped juice on the floors. This ideal, easy-to-carry handheld vacuum allows you to get to difficult-to-reach places without strain or frustration. You will love the ease with which you can carry this powerful vacuum around your home.

No matter what kind of floor you have or how many pets are in your household, this vac will stand up to the test of time and strength. The capacity of the lithium batteries allows you to deep-clean messes for up to 30 minutes without losing suction strength or power.

Overall, for the best wet-dry handheld vacuum, you can find, you will love the Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner. You will get a deeper clean that is unstoppable no matter what type of mess you are dealing with or area you are trying to clean.

Key Features
  • Allows you to have all-around cleaning with no dead angles
  • Latest generation of fast-charge technology for longer battery life and faster charge
  • Utilizes 100W for powerful suction and deep cleaning action
Specifications
  • Weight: 3.2 lbs
  • Vacuum Type: Handheld
  • Cord Length: Cordless
  • Warranty: 3 years
Pros
  • Strong suction that lasts longer than the standard cordless
  • Quieter than you would expect from any other vacuum
  • Easy to handle and carry around
Cons
  • Not ideal for deep cleaning smaller particles or embedded pet hair
  • Simplistic in design without any bells and whistles

Most handheld vacuums today can be dispatched quickly and efficiently to clean up small messes that happen in an instant and need immediate attention.

With a handheld vacuum, you can get to smaller, more localized messes in less time than it takes to pull out your upright. They're truly a great tool for every type of household.

Types of Handheld Vacuums

There are a number of types of handheld vacuums. You can get cordless ones that run on batteries that are rechargeable and generally hold a charge of up to 2 hours.

The corded ones come with varying cord lengths that are either retractable or coiled. The most common cord length of a hand vac is between 16 and 20 feet.

Furthermore, many of the newer models come complete with the right attachments to tackle those sudden messes.

What to look for in a Hand Vac

Most handheld vacuums are not designed to deep clean your home. Therefore, you need to adjust your expectations when purchasing a hand vac versus a full-sized upright or canister one.

Other things to consider when looking for a handheld vacuum include:

Tank capacity in order to determine how much dirt it can accumulate and how often the tank needs to be emptied. Depending on your general day-to-day needs, you will want a hand vac with a good tank capacity.

The weight is another factor to consider. You don’t want a handheld that is difficult to hold. A nice lightweight one is easy enough to pull out at a moment's notice. Your hand vac is supposed to be convenient. Therefore, you don't want one that is difficult to pull out.

Another consideration is the filter. Especially if you suffer from allergies, you want to be sure the filter is a good one. Also, look for how often you need to change the filter and if it is washable.

The suction power is a great determination of how effective your handheld vacuum will be. You want it to contain enough power to suck up those quick and very dirty messes without having to spend a lot of time re-vacuuming.

Finally, the accessories are another thing to think about before purchasing one. Depending on what you are going to use your hand vac for, you want to be sure it comes with the right accessories to get in the crevices of your car or the nooks behind your television stand.

Choosing a Hand-Held Vacuum

There are many different brands of hand vacs in today's market, with a wealth of new and innovative features. Therefore, choosing one that will suit your needs perfectly can quickly get overwhelming. You don’t want to be flustered before you make your purchase.

Therefore, we have narrowed down the list for you. Here you will find the best handheld vacuums on the market today. Each vacuum is rated to help you narrow down your choice in a way that will make it easier for you to make your final decision.

Resources— B Villa Homes, Best Handheld, MSN

FAQ

Q: Why should I aim to get a lithium-powered handheld vacuum?

Lithium batteries are a great option for handheld vacuums, as this battery type is designed to last longer, which means you’ll likely be spending less time charging your vacuum and will be able to use it more often. Lithium batteries are also great for withstanding low temperatures, so if you have to take your cordless vacuum out to clean the inside of your car in the winter, it’ll be sure to serve you well.

If you can help it, look for models that have lithium-ion batteries, as this is the rechargeable version of a lithium battery, meaning that your model won’t end up being disposable after a few months of use.

Q: Is it better to have a cordless handheld vacuum or a corded one?

Depending on your needs, you may lean more towards cordless vacuums than the corded ones, or vice versa. The main perk of having a cordless vacuum is the freedom it gives you to move about your space and clean any corner you can get to, without being restricted by the cord’s limited reach. Cordless vacuums are also typically lighter in weight, can be used for cleaning car interiors, or the stairs, and they’re typically smaller and easier to store.

But because they are cordless, they might have a more limited battery life than a corded model, they might have a smaller dust/dirt capacity, and charging the battery may prove to be a tad bit more difficult than a simple wall plug. Depending on what you can handle, it all lies in your preference.

Q: Why should I get a handheld vacuum with a HEPA filter?

HEPA filters are one of the best kinds of high-quality filters you should get, as they’re a mechanical air filter that works by filtering air particles (or dust particles) through a mesh that will trap those undesired particles such as pollen, dust mites, dander, and more. Because of this, HEPA filters are great if you have allergies or sensitivities to some airborne particles. Finding a vacuum with these types of filters works great to limit the threat of allergens in your home, as well as providing a bit more relief for those who have asthma.

Q: What do I do if my vacuum suction is weak?

If you find your handheld vacuum’s suction is not up to par, or starts weakening, it can be related to a few things, such as the vacuum’s airflow, the fullness of the dirt canister or bag, dirtied filters, or even the motor. The first thing you can always check is the canister or bag. Make sure it’s emptied regularly, and move on to the mouth of your vacuum or hose. Something could be obstructing it, and if not, move on to the filter if there’s nothing wrong with the bag or the canister. Most filters are washable, so be sure to clean it or replace it if they’re disposable.

If all else fails, it could be a motor problem, which may create a loud sound. These are typically not DIY jobs, so you can try to get it checked, or consider replacing your vacuum.

Q: How long will it take my cordless vacuum to charge?

This answer can vary from model to model, but generally, a cordless handheld vacuum can take from a quick 60 minutes to upwards of 18 hours to charge fully. This long charging time can be a pain, as it might only last for less than 30 minutes of cleaning, so it’s always best to compare your potential options’ run times to their charging times to avoid the battery dying on you at a bad time.

The type of battery used can also affect the charge time, and lithium batteries are typically best to hold out longer while charging for a shorter amount of time. It’s also important to note whether or not your battery can be replaced. If it can’t, then your vacuum is disposable, and should be replaced once it dies out completely.

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