![Eufy clean homevac H20 cordless best handheld vacuum](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/06/19/09/Eufy%20clean%20homevac%20H20%20cordless%20best%20handheld%20vacuum.jpg)
The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?
These small but mighty handheld vacuum cleaners give the big guns a run for their money
Whether you’re hoovering up crumbs in the car, muddy footprints in the hall or dust and cobwebs that seem to get everywhere, vacuuming can feel like a right chore. It can be hot, heavy work, too, but the best handheld vacuum cleaners are at, well, hand, to help you make light work of quick clean-ups.
More often than not, handheld vacuum cleaners are designed to be cordless, making them perfect for tackling the stairs, annoying hard-to-reach areas and even the car. Being wire-free can make cleaning quick and easy, and as brands constantly strive to improve their handheld vacuums, the gadgets are getting lighter and more versatile.
Don’t be fooled by their smaller size, either, as handheld models can still pack a punch, holding their own against more comprehensive vacuums. Suction power and functionality – it’s all there. The mini marvels are ideal for sorting out spills and everyday messes, such as the daily post-dinner crumb situation. Being lightweight, they’re super easy to flick about for a quick spruce up.
Some of the best cordless vacuum cleaners on the market come with a detachable handheld unit, meaning you can clean crumbs and mud off the car floor without having to heft the entire vacuum cleaner outside. For this review, we’ve focused on standalone handheld models, which are usually cheaper than two-in-one cordless vacs, but we’ve also paid attention to the best dual-purpose machines.
The battery power and bin capacity on most handheld vacuums mean they’re not capable of taking on a whole house (although some are – more on that later). Some are designed for workshops and sheds especially, and there are even ones for the garden. With all that in mind, keep scrolling to find the best handheld vacuum cleaner to suit your needs.
We spent three weeks testing handheld vacuums in a busy family house where crumbs are a real mainstay, as well as in the car (crumbs there too – thanks, kids), and we tested in the garden where appropriate, too.
Factors we looked at were how much debris the vacuums were sucking up, how long they worked for before running out of juice, the weight and ease of use. Other things we liked to see were handy attachments and a decent docking station. As ever, value for money was a big factor in weighing up the vacuums, too. Here are the best handheld vacuum cleaners that blitzed the competition.
Zoe Phillimore is a freelance journalist and editor who specialises in tech and home interiors. She has been rigorously testing and reviewing products for IndyBest since 2021.
Alex Lee is The Independent’s tech writer. He joined the title in 2021 and has reviewed everything from wireless headphones and soundbars to all kinds of home appliances.
Eufy absolutely smashed it here with its HomeVac H20, the vacuum cleaner looks like a little hairdryer. It’s slim, powerful and comes with a bunch of accessories, and the torch is super useful for shining underneath car seats. Plus, it’s not even that expensive (relatively speaking).
If you’re looking for something more for a quick whizz around the kitchen surfaces, the Shark CH950UK really impressed us – the battery life of 10 minutes gave us enough time to “dust” a whole room.
We’ve also found the best cordless vacuum cleaners for hassle-free hoovering