Updated on August 3, 2023
Cleaning the house can be stressful. Can you imagine all the dust and fur from your pets that will eventually end up stuck in your carpet? This can often be the cause of health problems if you are not careful, leading to problems like asthma and other breathing-related issues. To make things easy for those in need of a quick and compact solution around the house, one of the tools that you want to consider is a handheld vacuum cleaner. Unlike the traditional canister or upright vacuums, a handheld is perfect for homes that have limited spaces.
A handheld vacuum cleaner can make a huge difference in maintaining your house. Unfortunately, making things tricky for the consumer, not all models, features and brands are the same. There are some things that make some handheld vacuums better than others. Here are some things that you want to check and compare if you plan on buying yourself one of the best handheld vacuums on the market.
- Bissell Cleanview Deluxe – Best Corded
- Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 33A – Best For Pet Hair
- Black and Decker CHV1410L – Best Dustbuster
- Black and Decker BDH2000PL – Best Cordless
- Dirt Devil Classic – 20ft Power Cord
- Dirt Devil Scorpion – Small Hand Vac
- Dyson DC34 – Best Handheld Vacuum For Stairs
- Dyson V6 Trigger – Powerful Handheld Vacuum
- Eureka EasyClean – Weighs <5 lbs
- Shark Pet Perfect II – Best Cyclonic
Handheld Vacuum Reviews
To give you the lowdown about some of the best handheld vacuum cleaners, below are the top 10 for sale right now.
Bissell Cleanview Deluxe Corded Handheld Vacuum
Bissell vacuums are among some of the best small vacuums on the market. The Bissell Cleanview Deluxe corded handheld vacuum cleaner is one of those top-rated devices; well known for its lightweight design and overall great performance. It does its job using a 4 amp motor that can get rid of dust and small debris with ease. The curved handle allows users to have an easier time when cleaning different surfaces around the home or when used in cars. It also offers a multiple filtration system in order to make sure that it vacuums even the smallest particles.
This handheld vacuum cleaner is unlike any other in the market because included are different accessories including a 2-foot hose and crevice tool that help facilitate the cleaning of hard to reach areas. There is an 18-foot power cord and comes with a 1-year limited warranty for added peace of mind.
- Designed with a specialized rubber nozzle that attracts hair and pulls out dirt, making it ideal for pet owners.
- Its 4-amp motor ensures strong suction, providing effective cleaning for a handheld model.
- The 18-foot power cord offers a good range, enabling you to clean larger areas without having to switch outlets.
- Comes with a HEPA media filter that helps in trapping fine particles, enhancing the air quality.
- Being corded, it may limit mobility in some situations compared to a cordless handheld vacuum.
- The relatively small dust bin might require frequent emptying, especially during larger cleaning tasks.
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Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum Corded 33A1
Made specifically for homeowners that have pets, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser has a 16-foot power cord and a 4amp motor that allows the device to take care of different surfaces including your couch and car seats. What makes it unique from different handheld vacuums for pet hair is its specialized rubber nozzle that gets hair and pulls out dirt. It also makes use of cyclonic cleaning system which allows hard to remove dirt get collected with ease. In addition to this, it also makes use of a multiple filtration system to ensure that the air which gets in your home is fresh once it has circulated through the machine.
- Powerful suction for effective pet hair removal.
- Compact and handheld design allows for easy maneuverability and portability.
- Specialized rubber nozzle attracts pet hair and debris effectively.
- Multi-layer filtration system helps trap allergens and dust particles.
- The corded design limits mobility and range.
- Small dustbin capacity requires frequent emptying during extended use.
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Black and Decker CHV1410L 16V Cordless Hand Vac
This cordless handheld vacuum cleaner is known for its powerful yet energy-efficient design. Aside from the fact that the long life 16-volt lithium ion battery can hold a charge for the next 18 months, the Black and Decker vacuum consumes 50% less energy than other products in the market.
In terms of cleaning performance, the device has a cyclonic action to help get rid of the dirt inside your home or car without a problem. It also has a washable canister consisting of a bagless design, not to mention a translucent body to let the user see whether it is already full or not. The CHV1410L also features a washable filter to ensure maximum performance. Comes with a limited 2-year warranty.
- Cordless design provides excellent mobility and freedom of movement.
- Strong suction power for effective cleaning of various surfaces.
- Lithium-ion battery offers longer runtimes and faster charging compared to traditional batteries.
- Translucent dirt bowl makes it easy to see when it needs to be emptied.
- The dirt bowl capacity might be relatively small for extensive cleaning tasks.
- Over time, the battery performance may degrade, affecting the runtime and overall usage.
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Black and Decker BDH2000PL MAX Lithium Pivot
Black and Decker make some of the best handheld vacuums which come with a compact design yet remaining powerful, and the BDH2000PL is among their top rated. It makes use of a 20-volt lithium-ion battery in order to maximize suction power. It is easy to carry and lightweight (3.8 pounds), making it one of the most ergonomic cordless handheld vacuum cleaners from Black and Decker.
In terms of its performance, it cleans using cyclonic action spins in order to suck up dust and eliminate debris. The BDH2000PL also makes use of a 3-stage filtration system and a superior motor that can keep up with extreme cleaning tasks. When the canister is already full, you can easily get rid of dirt without a problem and wash the entire bowl in your sink.
- Lithium-ion battery provides strong and consistent suction power.
- The pivoting nozzle design allows for easy cleaning in tight and hard-to-reach areas.
- Compact and portable design for convenient storage and use.
- The three-stage filtration system helps capture fine dust and debris effectively.
- Some users may find the noise level relatively high during operation.
- Although the pivot feature enhances maneuverability, it might require extra effort in some cases.
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Dirt Devil Classic 7 Amp Corded Bagless
If you are looking for a 20-foot power corded handheld vacuum cleaner that can meet some of the toughest cleaning requirements, then you have the Dirt Devil Classic 7 to help you. It makes use of a powerful 7 amp motor that facilitates the cleaning of different parts of your home including your upholstery, and carpet.
In order to facilitate the removal of dirt collected in your couch and other hard to reach areas, it has a motorized brush that can help dislodge dust particles and relatively large debris. There is a 5 piece tool set which helps with the stairs, car, and almost anywhere else you fancy. This becomes the perfect handheld vacuum for pets too. Overall a great device for the money.
- 7-amp powerful motor provides strong suction for efficient cleaning.
- Bagless design eliminates the need for replacement bags, saving money in the long run.
- Compact and lightweight for easy handling and storage.
- Transparent dirt container allows you to see when it’s time to empty it.
- The corded design might limit mobility and reach.
- Some users may find the dustbin capacity relatively small for extended cleaning sessions.
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Dirt Devil SD20005RED Scorpion Quick Flip Corded Bagless
The Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip is a popular bagless option for cleaning work stations, house, and even your car. It has the ability to pick up even the finest mess such as sand and can be used as the perfect solution for cleaning upholstery too. What makes this little Dirt Devil a good purchase is its lightweight design (3.75 pounds) which integrates a powerful 7 amp motor allowing the machine to pick up dirt with ease.
Included is a 16-foot power cord that allows you to have the freedom to maneuver around different locations. And lastly, included is an integrated quick flip crevice tool that allows you to access tight spaces such as your couch and car seats.
- Powerful suction with a quick flip crevice tool for versatile cleaning.
- Bagless design reduces ongoing maintenance costs and is more eco-friendly.
- Lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry and store.
- Long power cord provides extended reach for cleaning larger areas without frequent plug changes.
- The corded design may limit mobility and require access to power outlets.
- Some users may find the dustbin capacity relatively small for heavy cleaning tasks.
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Dyson DC34 Handheld
Quite similar to the Dyson V6 is the Dyson DC34 handheld vacuum. For starters, it has an ergonomic design that provides a firm grip for users. It is considered by many critics as one of the highest suctioning handheld vacuum cleaners on the market which has no loss of suction. One of the most interesting things with the Dyson DC34 is that it is operated by a digital motor. What makes digital motors unique is the fact it spins three times more than your typical motor.
And of course, it is power efficient. The battery is a 22.2-volt lithium-ion battery that releases charge evenly in order to maximize the vacuum’s performance.
- Powerful suction with Dyson’s patented digital motor for effective cleaning.
- Cordless design provides excellent mobility and convenience during use.
- Hygienic bin emptying system prevents direct contact with dirt and debris.
- Includes a combination accessory tool for versatile cleaning on different surfaces.
- The battery life might be relatively shorter for extended cleaning sessions.
- Higher price point compared to some other handheld vacuums on the market.
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Dyson V6 Trigger Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Most Dyson vacuums are considered ahead of their time, such is their bagless and cordless V6 Trigger. The V6 can easily be considered as one of the best cordless handheld vacuums in the market today. It offers 2 tier radical cyclone feature which allows the user to capture fine dust with little effort. It allows up to 20 minutes of fade-free continuous suctioning when used on normal mode, and when operating in max power mode the lithium-ion battery can last for 6 minutes of continuous suctioning. With a smart and efficient design, the battery is conserved and only used when it starts cleaning i.e when the trigger is activated.
Aside from performance, it is also worth mentioning that the Dyson V6 Trigger is also ergonomic in terms of its overall design; a clever balance in the center of gravity has made it easy to hold and use.
- Powerful suction with Dyson’s V6 digital motor for efficient cleaning performance.
- Cordless design offers excellent maneuverability and ease of use.
- Includes a combination tool and crevice tool for versatile cleaning on various surfaces.
- Hygienic bin emptying system for easy and mess-free disposal of dirt and debris.
- The battery runtime might be relatively limited for extended cleaning sessions.
- Higher price point compared to some other cordless handheld vacuums in the market.
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Eureka EasyClean Corded Handheld Vacuum
The Eureka EasyClean Corded Handheld Vacuum is another item that can be considered as one of the best products in its niche. Powered by a 5.5 amp motor and featuring a lightweight design, it offers convenience in cleaning whilst weighing only around 4.8 pounds. One motor powers the revolving brush, while the second is meant for suctioning which eats dirt and debris up the 6-inch wide spout.
It is the type of hand vac that offers stretch hose in order to clean not only the upholstery in your home but even the stairs. The Eureka EasyClean also has a 20-foot cord that gives you the liberty to move around with ease. Comes with a limited 1-year warranty and is competitively priced too.
- Powerful motor delivers strong suction for efficient cleaning.
- The Riser Visor feature allows for vertical cleaning of stairs and upholstery.
- Long power cord provides extended reach and reduces the need for frequent plug changes.
- Comes with a crevice tool for reaching tight spaces and corners.
- The corded design may limit mobility and require access to power outlets.
- Some users may find the dust cup capacity relatively small for extensive cleaning tasks.
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Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II Hand Vac (SV780)
Another good handheld vacuum cleaner for pets is the Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II. Made in the US, it is a powerful cordless machine that can deal with different types of surfaces. Reviewed as one of our top 10 favorite Shark vacuums of 2023, it makes use of cyclonic technology that delivers strong suction to meet the different needs of its users. It has an XL motorized pet brush in order to give owners the easiest time picking pet hair from different surfaces including your carpet, stairs, car seats and couch.
The Shark Cordless Pet Perfect 2 is considered by some as the most powerful 18-volt cordless vacuum cleaner in the market today. And also, it has an easy-to-empty dust cup which allows you to get rid of the collected dirt without a problem.
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7 Tips On Choosing The Best Handheld Vacuum
1. Filtration
It is not enough that you are getting rid of bits of food and debris that are stuck in between the couch and under your bed. It is also important to get rid of small particles that can trigger allergies and even other respiratory ailments. One of the best features of modern-day handheld vacuum cleaners is a HEPA filter, not to mention multiple layers of filtration. This ensures that you are going to breathe clean air once the air has circulated through the machine. Always look for a device that pays much attention to the type of filtration; if it’s HEPA, then even better.
2. Washable Filter
Over time, even the best handheld vacuum cleaner will no longer be as efficient as it was once it is clogged by dirt, debris, and dust bound together with human and pet hair. Sounds nasty right? Well, you’ll be able to view all of this in the collection bin (dust tank). It is imperative that the filter is washable in order to save a huge amount of money in the long run. It is a common scenario wherein the filter needs to be cleaned at least once every few months of continuous use.
3. Capacity
How much dirt and dust can the mobile device collect? A larger tank can obviously hold much more, but will also likely weigh more. Additionally, it is important to visualize just how much dirt can be stored in the tank before it requires emptying. In some instances, the collection bin is clear in order for you to see if it is already full or not. This allows you to clean continuously around the entire house without the nuisance of having to empty halfway through your chores. Even a small house or apartment which is regularly cleaned can quite easily fill up a dirt tank on every use.
4. Does it come with a long cord?
It is quite frustrating to be using an innovative handheld device which is small, light, and powerful, only to be spoilt by a short cord. You want to have the liberty to move around freely if you are going to use a handheld vacuum cleaner. Therefore, look for something with a long power cord. Better yet, in some scenarios, there are some cordless models that are battery powered which allow users not to worry about an available outlet or cord length restriction, which is great when it comes to vacuuming vehicles. One disadvantage of the cordless type, however, is the battery life. They often need charging for several hours only to work for short periods of time.
5. Weight
It is important that your purchase is something designed to be ergonomic and lightweight. This can provide comfort for its users especially when you are cleaning for extended periods of time whether it be indoors or outdoors in your vehicle. Some people believe if it weighs too less it’s cheap and flimsy. This isn’t the case. Quite often manufacturers go to great lengths to search for lightweight materials
6. Motorized Brush
A feature that can make the cleaning process faster and easier than before, a motorized brush on your handheld vacuum cleaner can get rid of hard to remove dirt found in your couch. Rather than relying on the momentum of your movement, the motorized brush will spin fast and powerful, picking up anything that stands in its way.
7. Price
The last consideration that you will have to look at is price. However, keep in mind that a cheap vacuum cleaner may not be the worst item out there. The same goes for the most expensive. Always judge according to the different factors that we’ve mentioned and not just the price.
Conclusion
Using a hand-held portable device is a good way to get through any mess in hard to reach and awkward places. Your housekeeping chores can be made easier by choosing the right device. Each review above outlines a perfectly good machine, after all, they’re our top picks and among the elite in their niche. But, recommending just one would be difficult.
There are various options to take into account. Do you want a corded or cordless style? Perhaps something that tackles just dry, or handles wet mess too? Does cord length or bin capacity matter? These are all questions you must ask yourself before choosing to buy.
Ash is our resident tech guru. He has spent many years studying vacuum cleaners, so writing up expert reviews and recommendations are like second nature to him. He loves gadgets, and travelling with his wife.
