Let’s be real: cleaning can already feel like a chore, and sometimes you don’t want to haul your vacuum cleaner (which is probably just as tall as you) around your home.
Enter handheld vacuums. These powerful, trusty essentials suck up all of the dirt and debris in your home, allow you to target specific areas (like corners near crown molding), and can clean hard-to-reach places such as curtains and underneath your bed frame or for cleaning your car.
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“A handheld vacuum is a smaller version of a traditional vacuum cleaner, and, as the name suggests, is meant to be used by hand,” Brian Shaunfield, store manager at Charlotte area Lowe’s, told the New York Post. “Because it is smaller in size, a handheld can help you clean harder-to-reach areas that a traditional vacuum may not be able to reach” — aka, the selling point for this staple in your cleaning closet.
Sure, you can pick up the cheapest handheld vacuum you can find online. And you may. However, New York Post Shopping put four top-rated models to the test—so you don’t have to. We’ve tested everything from the best Dysons on the market to Sharks and Bissells to see if they lived up to the hype.
Be sure to check out our in-depth FAQ section for more expert-backed shopping tips.
- Best Overall: BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum
- Best for Small Spaces: Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum
- Best Splurge: Dyson Humdinger Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Best Handheld Vacuum Overall
BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum
Pros:
- Most comparable to full-sized vacuums in terms of suction power and efficiency
- Comes with a motorized brush tool
- Features a spacious, easy-to-empty dirt tank
Cons:
- Larger than most other models tested, which may be a dealbreaker for some
From the moment it first powered on, the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum impressed me. It’s the ideal size for a handheld vacuum (though larger than most) but it has essentially the same power and efficiency as my cordless vacuums that cost upwards of $800. I know, total shock factor.
This model is also fairly priced at less than $100 and ideal for any user — whether you’re in college, live in a studio apartment or own a five-bedroom home and want some convenience. This model boasts nearly 32,000 applauding reviews on Amazon alone and helps remove extra dirt and debris. The reason? It’s a pet vacuum, first and foremost, so its ability to pick up pet hair crosses over to the usual bathroom hair, under-bed dust and the like.
I don’t have a pet at home, and the fact that this handheld vacuum has ranked above the pack is telling. Upon purchase, you’ll also receive a motorized brush tool and — one of the best parts — a large, easy-to-empty dirt tank.
Quite literally, I showed everyone in my household this nifty tool and they were impressed. It’s easy to use, easy to clean and does the job greatly. What more can one ask for?
Product details: What’s in the box: Pet Hair Eraser® Lithium Ion Cordless Pet Hand Vacuum, Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool, Motorized Brush Roll Tool | Weight: 3 lbs. | Run time: Up to 17 minutes
Best Handheld Vacuum for Small Spaces
Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum
Pros:
- Excellent miniature size that’s still comparable in suction power to other handheld vacuums tested
- Comes with a handy docking station
Cons:
- Its emptying tank could be more spacious, and its runtime could be longer
The Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum was at the top of my mom’s Christmas list last year (and I ended up buying her one). It’s fairly priced at around $100 and comes with an integrated docking station so she can keep it beside her washing machine.
She really wanted it to clean up kitchen messes — namely, hovering over the kitchen table and floors after my nieces eat in their booster chair and high chair — and it does the job very well. While its dust tank isn’t as spacious as most, meaning, you’ll have less runtime to work with before it may become clogged, and you’ll have to empty it sooner than usual, it’s not a dealbreaker.
This model has garnered a positive following among more than 15,000 satisfied Amazon reviewers, too, and comes with a pet hair cleaning tool and duster crevice tool. I love the duster crevice tool for cleaning my stairs and around my floor’s molding, and its filtration technology is pretty efficient for capturing dirt and large debris.
It’s a solid handheld vacuum to pick up if you need one, and it’s especially great for smaller spaces because it’s the tiniest out of all the models I tested. However, don’t let the size fool you; it takes “small but mighty” to new heights.
Product details: What’s in the box: Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum, Duster Crevice Tool, Multi-Surface Pet Tool, Dual Onboard Accessory Storage, Charging Dock | Dimensions: 2.4″ (H) x 2.5″ (W) x 16.5″ (L) | Weight: 1.4 lbs. | Run time: Up to 10 minutes
Best Budget Handheld Vacuum
BISSELL AeroSlim Lithium-Ion Cordless Handheld Vacuum
Pros:
- Budget-friendly price that does the job
- Comes with an additional crevice tool and brush
- Comes with a two-in-one docking station
Cons:
- Battery runtime could be a bit longer
If you’re on the market for a handheld vacuum that you don’t have to think about storing, grab the BISSELL AeroSlim Lithium Ion Cordless Handheld Vacuum. Though it’s not as powerful as the brand’s Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum, it’s one of the most mindless to use. Simply turn it on, hover over dusty areas and empty.
For less than $50, it’s also great to buy if your traditional vacuum doesn’t have a convertible handheld option. This model boasts more than 16,000 gleaming reviews on Amazon alone and comes with a USB charging cable, crevice tool and brush.
If you love to spend hours cleaning, though, this isn’t the model for you. It only provides 12 minutes of cordless cleaning power for quick clean-ups, and if you’re planning on cleaning two stories of your home and a basement like I did, you’ll find that it may die on you, depending on how quickly you clean.
Additionally, I appreciate how it comes with a two-in-one crevice tool and dusting brush docking station to allow them to stay organized right beside your handheld vacuum.
Product details: What’s in the box: AeroSlim Hand Vacuum – Titanium, Crevice Tool and Dusting Brush | Dimensions: 3.62″ (H) x 2.75″ (L) x 12.6″ (W) | Weight: 1.37 lbs. | Charge Time: 210 min. | Run time: Up to 12 minutes
Best Handheld Vacuum Worth the Splurge
Dyson Humdinger Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Pros:
- Impressive suction power and ability to clean hard-to-reach places
- Lightweight and comes with versatile cleaning parts
- Impressive 25-minute runtime
Cons:
- The price may be unjustifiable to some, especially if they’d rather have a full-sized Dyson vacuum
Ah, Dyson. I’ve reviewed plenty of Dyson vacuums for nearly three years now, so I was excited to get my hands on the brand’s Humdinger Handheld Vacuum Cleaner. Essentially, its the handheld counterpart many of its cordless models come with — but is more of a fitting purchase for those who have smaller spaces or wish to give extra love and attention to harder-to-reach areas.
This model is a splurge, but it’s well worth the cost. Despite its heavy-duty look, it only weighs 2.2 pounds. Its powerful suction, however, is the real deal. The hair screw tool helps suck up any type of hair and random debris, while its anti-tangle conical brush bar removes stickier dust from car seats, stairs, couch cushions, and more.
Its battery life is impressive as well. When I decided to spend hours cleaning my home to see when the battery would die, the suction officially came to a halt after 25 minutes — nearly on the dot. This seemed to be more than enough cleaning time for me, at least.
Oh, and one of the shining features? It doubles as a car cleaner (and after buying an SUV this year, this is one of my favorite tools to ensure my car stays looking good as new).
Product details: What’s in the box: Dyson Humdinger Handheld Vacuum,
Hairscrew Tool, Combination Crevice Tool, Charger, Worktop Tool | Dimensions: 3.39″ (H) x 8.66″ (L) x 11.46″ (W) | Weight: 2.2 lbs. | Charge Time: 3.5 hrs. | Run time: Up to 25 minutes
How we tested
The handheld vacuum cleaners that made the cut, from BISSELL to Shark. Victoria Giardina
I’ve been testing vacuum cleaners for a while (trust me, I’m BFFs with probably every vacuum cleaner brand since I started reporting for New York Post Shopping). Below, find the specific testing criteria I kept in mind while testing each one for at least one month:
- Weight: You don’t want to be lugging around something heavy, or else you’d simply be taking out your full-size vacuum cleaner. I jotted down my first impressions as soon as I held each one in my hand.
- Suction power: Along with its coveted small size, a handheld vacuum should be just as efficient as other high-powered, cordless options you may own. I kept in mind the level of suction from its first use.
- Ease of emptying: Contrary to popular belief, emptying some vacuums can feel like a spaceship maneuver. I took note of how simple the emptying process was with each one when it was time to reset the vacuum.
An FAQ on Handheld Vacuums
Shaunfield gave us the 411 on handheld vacuums, including how they differ from other cleaning tools and what to look for when shopping for one.
What are the benefits of using a handheld vacuum cleaner?
Of course, handheld vacuums are small, lightweight and highly portable — but what really makes them worth the investment?
“They are best for spot-cleaning jobs like dry spills on a countertop, pet hair on upholstery, dust on blinds or dirt on vehicle floor mats,” Shaunfield told The Post. Not to mention, the price is typically justifiable, given their convenience.
How do handheld vacuum cleaners differ from traditional vacuums?
“A handheld vacuum is much more portable than a traditional vacuum and is best for tackling spot-cleaning jobs,” Shaunfield said.
Traditional vacuums often have a higher suction power as well, which can make them ideal when cleaning up larger messes or bigger pieces of debris.
What features do handheld vacuums typically have?
According to Shaunfield, you’ll find that handheld vacuums come with a variety of features dependent on price, brand and other factors.
“One of the most common features is cordless capabilities, meaning you can take your vacuum with you where you need to go without worrying about plugging it in,” he said. “HEPA filters are also found in handheld vacuums and allow for clean and efficient cleanup of fine dust like concrete and drywall.”
Where should I use a handheld vacuum cleaner?
Handheld vacuums are most often used to clean small areas and nooks.
“You can use one to clean in between cushions, underneath car seats, and on couches, tables and countertops,” he said.
What is a good weight for a handheld vacuum?
According to Shaunfield, handheld vacuums vary in weight and size, but the average weight is between one to five pounds.
“Typically, handheld vacuum models that are larger and closer to five pounds will have a longer battery life and stronger suction power,” he said.
What to look for in a handheld vacuum, according to an expert
“I always like to say that the best product for you depends on your specific wants and needs,” Shaunfield said. “For example, you’ll want to consider the battery life and the charging time needed to fully charge your vacuum. If you’re using it frequently, a longer battery life may be important to you.”
Next, consider suction power and size. “Depending on what you intend to use your handheld vacuum for, it is important to understand how suction power and size will impact your ability to clean quick dust bunnies versus larger pieces of debris,” he said.
Lastly, keep in mind if you’ll want different accessories and attachments, which can help to clean specific areas like seat cushions or in between car seats.
How long does the battery typically last on a handheld vacuum?
While actively cleaning, the average handheld vacuum will run for 15 to 20 minutes, per Shaunfield.
How many air watts should a handheld vacuum cleaner have?
“I’d recommend a handheld vacuum with 15 air watts or more,” Shaunfield said. However, air watts isn’t the most important factor when shopping for one, per our expert and testing criteria.
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