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Best Handheld Vacuum Cleaners in 2023

Generally, handheld vacuum cleaners make vacuuming a little easier and more convenient. You probably remember your mother or grandmother grabbing her trusty Dustbuster to clean up kitchen spills and after-dinner messes. Vacuum technology has come a long way from where it was 30-plus years ago. Modern handheld vacuums are lightweight and have a slimmer nozzle, and they are designed with aesthetics in mind. Their batteries are also stronger, safer and more efficient, and the suction noise is much quieter.

Bissell 2133 Bolt Pet
Bissell 2133 Bolt Pet

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Even if you’ve used the same handheld vac for 5 years or have a bare-bones model, you may be surprised to learn about the variety of features and the high performance you can get at from a hand vac within an affordable price range.

Our Recommended Handheld Vacuums in 2023

5. VacLife Handheld Vacuum

The VacLife Handheld Vacuum weighs under two-pounds and offers a variety of different vacuuming tools. By using this handheld vacuum, you can not only vacuum with incredible ease, but you can vacuum surfaces and spaces you wouldn’t normally be able to.

In the box, you will find a dust brush tool, crevice tool, rubber jar tool, and an extension hose. By using these tools, you can easily vacuum their respective surfaces and in spaces that are more difficult to access.

On a single charge, this handheld vacuum gives you thirty-minutes of battery-life. More often than not, this is enough for a thorough vacuuming.

4. Black+Decker BDH2000PL

From Black+Decker, we have the BDH2000PL Model Handheld Vacuum. What sets this handheld vacuum apart from many others is the unique pivoting nozzle that it uses and its excellent motor.

On the front of this handheld vacuum, there is a pivoting nozzle. By using this pivoting nozzle, you can pivot the nozzle into small and tight spaces that other nozzles can’t reach. Vacuuming in very small spaces is much easier.

Within this handheld vacuum, there is a very powerful motor. Because of this motor, the entire vacuuming process is much easier, since you have all of the suction power that you need. Removing dirt, dust, and small pieces of debris is effortless.

BLACK+DECKER dustbuster PIVOT VAC Cordless...
  • #1 BRAND IN HAND VACS**
  • OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE - 20V MAX* lithium ion battery provides high power suction and...

3. Black+Decker HHVI315JO42

The Black+Decker HHVI315JO42 is an excellent handheld vacuum. It’s very affordable, yet it offers plenty of vacuuming power.

To use this handheld vacuum, all you need to do is charge it, turn it on, and move it across any surface that needs cleaning. It is extremely easy and simple to use this vacuum, yet the suction power it contains is excellent.

As a result of the suction power that this handheld vacuum offers, you can easily vacuum on soft and hard surfaces. If you need to clean your couch or a table – to name a soft and hard surface – then you won’t have any problems using this handheld vacuum to do so.

BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Cordless Handheld...
  • MULTI-SURFACE USE – Removes hair, dirt, and debris from carpets, car interiors,...
  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE – Easy to carry and maneuver, even in tight spaces.

2. Black+Decker Dustbuster Cordless Vacuum, 16V (CHV1410L)

Instead of loose tools that will disappear, Black+Decker integrated a flip-up dusting brush and extendable crevice wand into the handheld vac’s nozzle, which rotates 180 degrees. The 2.6-pound vacuum is equipped with a non-tiresome sliding power switch, and the 20.6-ounce bowl as well as the dual filtration media are washable, saving you money.

BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Cordless Vacuum

Thanks to its 16-volt lithium-ion battery, the Dustbuster CHV1410L produces 15.2 airwatts of cyclonic suction, which means it lifts cat litter and relatively heavy household debris. The handheld vac recharges in just 4 hours, and it boasts Black+Decker’s Smart Charge Technology that cuts down on energy waste by half to maximize the cleaning time of each battery cycle.

BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean...
  • MULTI-SURFACE USE – Removes hair, dirt, and debris from carpets, car interiors,...
  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE – Easy to carry and maneuver, even in tight spaces. Has a...

BLACK+DECKER CHV1410L vs BDH2000L vs BDH2000PL

1. Shark WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum

Form and Function. Arguably the most lightweight handheld vacuum to date at 1.4 pounds, the Shark WANDVAC‘s sleek hand vac’s tapered nozzle is slim and balanced, and it comes with a crevice/brush attachment and a pet-centric tool. Although the dust cup is removable for a quick rinse, you can empty it while still attached by using the one-touch slider.

Shark WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum

Inside the WANDVAC, there is a washable filter and a 120-amp brushless motor. To power on the handheld vacuum, all you need to do is press a button. When the 10.8-volt lithium-ion battery needs to be recharged, the space-saving tabletop dock/accessory storage combo gets the job done lightning fast – 2.5 hours tops.

Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum,...
  • POWERFUL CORDLESS SUCTION: High-speed, brushless motor delivers unbelievable suction...
  • ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT: At just 1.4 lbs., the hand vacuum is designed for maneuverability and...

Alternative is a 2-in-1 Stick Vacuum

Dyson Cyclone V11
Whole-House Vacuuming. The furniture, the ceiling, the floor, the car – you can vacuum anywhere with the Dyson V11. The 5-pound stick/handheld combo’s direct-drive brushroll cleans along a 10-inch path, and the lay-flat pole gives you 50 inches of above-head reach. For close-up cleaning, just replace the pole and floorhead with one of the several hand vac tools.

A straight-line suction path, the sealed HEPA filtration system and 14 mini dust-separating cyclones reduce the likelihood of clogs. You have a choice of three trigger-controlled suction levels to meet the demands of any task. The lithium-polymer battery lasts for 20 to 60 minutes, and you can charge the battery on the caddy-equipped wall dock.

Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum...
  • Dyson's most intelligent, powerful cordless vacuum. Twice the suction of any cordless...
  • Dyson technology helps create a cleaner, healthier home - Our vacuums and purifiers are...

Why Buy a Handheld Vacuum?

Handheld vacuums are portable and convenient, giving you a way to quickly remove small amounts of dust and debris without having to drag out your heavy, bulky upright vacuum. There are some jobs that hand vacs are well-adept at handling. From piles of hair to a flight of stairs, there are a few ways that handheld vacuums can simplify your life.

Animal Fur
Pets love to find comfortable, cushy places to take a nap. Unfortunately, this leaves your beds and sofas covered in clingy fur. It’s simply not time effective to use an upright for daily upholstery cleaning regardless of how many attachments it has.

Some handheld vacuum models are geared toward pet owners, coming with motorized brushes and other tools that simplify the arduous task of pet-hair pickup.

Automobiles
Save a trip to the coin-operated air and vacuum machines at your local self-serve car wash or gas station. A handheld vacuum lets you keep those quarters in your pocket. If you like the idea of not leaving home to make your car’s interior spotless, you’ll need a hand vac with attachments that can dust and get into tight, awkward spaces.

Small Messes
Whether your children just tracked dirt on your spotless floor or you spilled some coffee grounds, a handheld vacuum is extremely useful. Within moments, the dirt disappears. To make it as easy as possible to clean small messes, look for an ultra-lightweight model. One with a charger you can attach to the wall will keep the vacuum within arm’s reach.

Stairs
If your house has a staircase, you and your family probably spend a lot of time trekking up and down it all day. This means dirt and other particles accumulate in a short amount of time. Uprights are too heavy for staircase cleaning, and stick vacs are much larger than handhelds. With a handheld vacuum, you can knock out messes on your staircase in a matter of minutes.

best handheld vacuum

What About Whole-House Cleaning?

Their size and weight make handheld vacuums easy to carry and maneuver. However, uprights are better suited for large messes and total-floor vacuuming. Even the most powerful handheld vacs do not have the dirt-collection capacity of a stick and the suctioning force of an upright.

When it comes to thorough floor vacuuming and mid-week floor touch-ups, leave these tasks to a full-size vacuum cleaner.

How Do Corded and Cordless Hand Vacs Compare?

Corded and cordless – They both have their benefits. Handheld vacuum cleaners with a cord must be plugged into an electrical outlet or a DC outlet in your car, according to what model you buy. In terms of working time, corded handheld vacs win. You don’t have to worry about run time because the vacuum will work continuously as long as it’s plugged into an outlet.

On the other hand, cordless hand vacs have a limited working time that depends on the strength of the battery. However, this type of vacuum is the clear victor when it comes to portability because it’s not limited by the length of the power cord, and you don’t have to worry about the cord getting tangled while the vacuum is in use or in storage.

How Do Cordless Hand Vacuums Recharge?

Since you’ll be recharging your handheld vac on a regular basis, you want one with a charging system that is the most convenient for you to use. There are two charging choices – an adapter and a dock. With an adapter, all you have to do is plug the cord into an electrical outlet – it’s a straightforward process.

With a dock, you’ll either put the entire vacuum on it or just the battery, which you’ll remove by pressing a release button of some sort. If the dock is for a battery only, this means you can purchase an additional battery to double the run time. However, if the dock is designed for cradling the entire vacuum unit, the dock acts as a storage spot for your hand vac.

What Are Other Ways to Store a Hand Vac?

Handheld vacuums are all about convenience, and you want that convenience to last from start to finish. Some cordless vacuums that come with a charging dock also have wall-mounting hardware that allows you to secure the charger to the wall. You can even find hand vacs with docks that have storage space for accessories, which is helpful for keeping up with all your vacuuming tools.

Cordless vacs that recharge via an adapter may be extremely simple to plug and unplug, but they don’t offer an exclusive storage spot for your vacuum.

Best Handheld Vacuums

Do These Vacuums Come With a Lot of Attachments?

With uprights, consumers want a full suite of attachments, and manufacturers tend to oblige to stay competitive. However, it’s not uncommon for handheld vacuums to be accessory-free. For those that do come with attachments, you can expect it to at least have a narrow crevice tool for getting into gaps between couch cushions or floorboards.

Hand vacs may also have a brush for removing dust from decorative objects, window sills and random hard surfaces. Some of these vacuums may even have an extension wand for cleaning staircases and high areas.

Can Hand Vacs Clean up Wet Messes?

Some handheld vacuums are specifically designed to suction dry and wet messes. The versatility of wet-dry hand vacs can’t be beat. Many are even strong enough to remove moisture from carpeted surfaces, which comes in handy when you accidentally spill your drink. Depending on the model, you may or may not have to toggle a switch or change the collection cup to use it in wet vac mode.

Keep in mind that handheld vacuums are small, so those that can suction liquid won’t be able to lift it by the bucket full. On average, wet-dry vacs have a fluid capacity that ranges from 150 to 300 milliliters.

How Easy Is It to Clean a Handheld Vacuum?

Usually, hand vac maintenance is limited to emptying the dust bin. Most bins are transparent, so you can see how full they are, and a lot of them only require one button touch to open. On occasions, you may need to deep clean dirt buildup from the dust bin. To perform this maintenance task, you may be able to completely remove the bin, allowing you to rinse it with plain water.

When it’s completely dry, simply reattach the bin to the vacuum. If it’s not removable, you’ll have to wipe the inside with a damp cloth.

Best Handheld Vacuum Options

Do They Come With a Filter?

Almost every handheld vacuum on the market has at least one filter inside of it. The filter’s job is to keep dust away from the motor and out of the surrounding air. However, not all filters are made equal. The most desirable type of vacuum cleaner filter is a high efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filter due to its ability to capture minute particles that trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.

What Features Comprise a Reliable, Efficient Handheld Vacuum?

Great handheld vacuums are not hard to come by. You just have to know what features separate the high-quality hand vacs from the subpar ones. From the core features like weight and suction to the extras such as an LED light and an extendable hose, this guide will tell you all you need to know about the features offered on handheld vacuum cleaners.

Weight
The definition of lightweight differs according to the type of vacuum cleaner. For example, 10 or 15-pound upright vacuum is considered lightweight. However, a handheld vacuum over 5 pounds does not equate to a featherlight appliance. To prevent arm fatigue, look for a hand vac in the 2 to 3-pound range.

Nozzle
Hand vac nozzles are slim on their own, and often they are tapered. Still, there are many places that a bare nozzle can’t go. To get into extremely tight spaces, you need a handheld vacuum with a crevice tool. For stair treads, a wide brush makes the job faster. A hand vac with attachments of all sizes will help you vacuum as thoroughly and quickly as possible.

Handle
Comfort is important. That’s why you should pay careful attention to how the vacuum’s handle is built. While comfort is subjective, you want one with a textured or soft grip as a slick one will be harder to hold. In terms of the shape, it’s preferable to have a handle that is looped instead of straight. Like a slick plastic handle, a straight handle is also difficult to hold.

Capacity
Since handheld vacuum cleaners are small, you shouldn’t expect the vacuum’s bin to collect large amounts of liquid or debris. An average bin can hold about 0.5 liters of debris or 100 milliliters of liquid.

Other debris collection features to consider are if the bin is transparent and easy to open. Bins that open from the bottom as opposed to the top make for a mess-free emptying experience.

Controls
The ability to start and stop the hand vac’s suction should not add to the effort you must put forth. Trigger and thumb-hold buttons only require you to hold and let go of the button to start and stop vacuuming. Other button styles include a switch or one-touch button, neither of which you have to hold to operate; however, not every model situates the power button within a fingertip’s reach.

Best Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Suction
Air watts and pressure both play big parts in the effectiveness of a vacuum’s suction. For strong suction, you want a handheld that has about 15 watts or more of suction power and at least 4 kilopascals of pressure. For unwavering suction, a hand vac with cyclonic suction can keep the vacuum’s internals running smoothly.

Noise
Nothing is more aggravating than a loud vacuum cleaner. Of course, it’s not reasonable to think you can find a fully silent vacuum. However, you don’t have to put up with ear-splitting noise. A vacuum with a decibel output of 80 or lower will be quiet enough to save your ears from sustaining permanent damage.

Filter
Filters may not cost much, but the monthly expense does add up over time. Many handheld vacuums have filters that are washable, so you can reuse them. Those that aren’t rinsable can often be shaken out or brushed off regardless of whether they are pleated or cloth.

Stainless steel filters can last through hundreds of washes, making them durable money-savers. There are even some hand vacs that contain a pre-filter, which lengthens the lifespan of the main filter.

Visibility
It’s impossible to vacuum in areas you can’t see without leaving dirt and debris behind, especially when cleaning cars or couches. Unless you want to hold a flashlight in one hand while you maneuver the vacuum with your other hand, you need a hand vac with an integrated light source. Some models are equipped with an LED light on the nozzle to give you the visibility you need.

Reach
Handheld vacuum cleaners may be portable, but they do not always offer enough reach. That’s where hoses and extension wands come into play. Hoses are typically several feet in length, and they all bend for cleaning in awkward places. Unlike the hose, an extension wand is not flexible. However, it comes in handy for reaching ceiling fans, fireplace mantles and tall bookshelves.

Buy a Handheld Vacuum

Power
As far as the vacuum’s power supply goes, what you need to look for depends on whether you want a corded or cordless model. For corded handheld vacs, the longer the power cord, the better off you are. If you’re leaning more toward a cordless handheld vacuum, you want one with a long working time of at least 20 minutes and a short charging time of no more than 6 hours.

Handheld Vacuum Buying Guide

Handheld vacuums have come a long way from the vintage Black + Decker and Dirt Devil models from the 1970s and 1980s. Today’s handheld vacuums have more efficient batteries. These vacuums are less bulky, and they produce stronger suction. Learn about the features you’ll find in the latest handheld vacuums by reading our buying guide.

BLACK+DECKER HHVI315JO42

Types of Power Supplies

Handheld vacuums come in either corded or cordless versions. Corded handheld vacs aren’t as popular as their cordless counterparts because they have a limited reach. However, they do offer unique benefits. Namely, there is no downtime when recharging a battery.

Cordless vacuums usually contain a nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion battery. Between the two, lithium-ion batteries are preferable since they weigh less and have a higher energy capacity. Some handheld vacs use a nickel-cadmium battery, but manufacturers are phasing them out due to environmental toxicity and lack of efficiency.

Runtime and Cycles

Obviously, corded handheld vacuums don’t have a limited runtime. For cordless handheld vacs, the runtime varies from about 15 to 60 minutes while the recharge time can take approximately 3 to 6 hours. Several factors impact the runtime and recharge time, such as the vacuum’s milliamperes (the battery’s capacity).

Another consideration is the battery cycle. One cycle equals one full recharge plus one complete discharge. When the battery reaches its maximum number of cycles, it needs to be replaced. Lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride batteries typically last 500 to 1,000 cycles.

Filtration Media

Every handheld vacuum has a filtration system. The most common type of filter is a cloth bag. Cloth bag filters have a standard allergen efficiency, but they are inexpensive and often washable. Other handheld vacs contain a pleated high-efficiency filter. Some vacuums have a plastic or stainless-steel mesh pre-filter – stainless-steel is more durable.

Shark WV201 WANDVAC

Related Post: Best Black+Decker Handheld Vacuums

Suction Strength

While handheld vacuums cannot produce as much suction as full-size vacuum cleaners, you certainly don’t want any vacuum you have to create weak suction. A handheld vacuum’s suction is measured in either pascals, which measure pressure, or airwatts, which measure airflow and water lift.

The higher the number of pascals/airwatts, the stronger the suction. Light-duty handheld vacuums are ideal for removing crumbs, dust and hair from various surfaces while medium-duty/heavy-duty handheld vacs can handle heavier debris, including cat litter and small clumps of dirt.

Detailing Attachments

Even tapered nozzles aren’t thin enough to reach into tight spaces; therefore, attachments are must-haves. Any decent handheld vacuum will come with a dusting brush and a crevice wand. Some models also come with extra accessories such as a flexible hose and an upholstery brush.

Suction Control Mechanism

A handheld vac either has a trigger or button on its handle to stop and start the suction. With a trigger, it’s easier to stop the suction as you move from task to task, saving battery juice in the process. Conversely, a button prevents the hand fatigue that occurs when holding down a trigger.

Some handheld vacuums also allow you to adjust the level of suction. This function is controlled by an on-handle sliding switch or a push-button. Suction adjustment is useful when you need more power to lift concentrated dirt or less power to vacuum delicate upholstery.

Dry Debris and Liquid Pickup

The setup of the dirt cup is basically the same from one handheld vacuum to the next. They are detachable, and most of them are see-through. Many have a fill line marked on the cup to prevent overfilling, and some handheld vacs are rinsable.

Dyson V8

Due to handheld vacuums’ overall size, you shouldn’t expect any of them to have a huge debris capacity. However, there are plenty that can hold 20-plus ounces of dirt. If you plan to use a handheld vac regularly, you’ll want the biggest capacity as possible.

While the dirt cup is designed to hold dry debris only, there are handheld vacuums that can suction liquid spills. To use this feature, you must connect the included rubber cup to the vacuum’s main nozzle. A collection cup can only hold a couple of ounces of liquid, but this feature comes in handy for small spills.

Handheld/Stick Vacuum Combos

Some handheld vacuums are attached to stick vacs. These combo vacuums are usually cordless, but some are corded, and they are a great solution for those who want the ability to clean their entire home with one vacuum. To detach the handheld portion, push one button to remove the floorhead and another button to take off the pole.

Related Post: Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum Guide

FAQs

What Company Made the First Cordless Handheld Vacuum?

When it comes to handheld vacuums, cord-free operation dominates consumer demand. Bissell, Dirt Devil, Hoover, Shark – Virtually every major vacuum cleaner brand makes cordless handheld vacs. However, we have Black + Decker to thank for these lightweight, portable appliances.

Black + Decker was the first manufacturer to offer cordless handheld vacuums, starting in 1974 with the Spot-Vac from the brand’s power tool Mod 4 series. Five years later, the popular Dustbuster was born, weighing 1.4 pounds and lasting 10 minutes per charge.

Is It True That the First Handheld Vacuum Was Used by NASA?

Not exactly. In preparation for the 1971 Apollo 15 mission, NASA contracted with Black & Decker to make cordless tools to efficiently collect core samples from the moon. Black & Decker’s Lunar Surface Drill was battery-operated, eliminating the danger of cord entanglement, and it was strong enough to drill through the moon’s hard surface.

This lunar drill was also equipped with a battery-saving magnetized motor. A few years later, Black & Decker refined this cordless technology and implemented it into an array of home appliances, including the Mod 4 Spot-Vac that launched the well-known Dustbuster.

What Was the Precursor to the Handheld Vacuum?

One of the benefits of a handheld vacuum is the ability to use it almost anywhere, especially if the vacuum is cordless. Before Black & Decker invented the Mod 4, different people and companies were developing and experimenting with vacuum cleaner technology.

While the first carpet sweeper was patented in 1858 and a more efficient electric version was invented in 1900, there are two vacuums that blazed the path to the Mod 4 and its modern-day successors.

The first model was built in 1905 by Walter Griffiths. This vacuum cleaner was portable. It came with nozzle attachments, and the suction was generated via a foot-powered pump. In 1936, Hoover released the Model 150, which had a hose plug that allowed for easy tool conversion.

When Were Filters Added to the Handheld Vacuum?

Handheld vacuum cleaners always had a filtration component. We’ll use Black & Decker as an example since the company invented the first handheld vacuum. The Mod 4 Shop-Vac came with four battery-operated power tools and was designed for sawdust pickup. Although many women found it convenient to use, the Mod 4 wasn’t a top-seller.

Therefore, Black + Decker chose to take the concept of the Mod 4 Shop-Vac and revamp it, creating the Dustbuster. The filter bag was among the many changes made. Instead of a disposable bag, the Dustbuster had a reusable filter bag, which was easy to empty. Today, most handheld vacuums are bagless and contain a cloth or pleated filter.

How Do You Empty a Handheld Vacuum?

Bagged handheld vacuums are a rarity. If you do have one of these vacuum cleaners, the basic concept of emptying it may involve removing the bowl and detaching the bag at its inlet, which is usually a cardboard sealing apparatus. From there, you either replace the bag (if it’s disposable) or clean the bag per the manufacturer’s instructions.

For bagless handheld vacs, the process is much easier. You push a button to pop off the bowl and dump the dirt into the garbage cans. Some models further streamline the way you empty them, letting you press a button to open a door instead of making you take off the entire bowl.

What Can I Clean With a Handheld Vacuum?

You shouldn’t expect a handheld vacuum to deep clean plush carpeting, but these vacuums effortlessly remove small spills from hard floors. They are also efficient at suctioning debris off low and medium-pile carpet if the debris aren’t ground into the floor, and they are great for vacuuming stairs and cars.

As far as types of debris, crumbs, dry pet food and cereal, dirt and sand are no match for a handheld vac. Pet hair can be problematic, but not impossible, to clean if it’s clinging to an upholstered surface unless you have brush attachment. Those with a liquid cup are able to suction small spills of water or juice.

How Do I Know When the Battery Is Charged?

One of the not-so-great aspects of cordless handheld vacuums is the downtime that occurs while they recharge. Basic, economical handheld vacs usually don’t provide any visible indication that the charge cycle is complete. You have to read the manual to find the recharge time and keep track of the hours the vacuum has been on the charger.

If you spend a few extra bucks, you can forgo that cumbersome tracking and get one with a battery indicator. Located either on the dock or the vacuum itself, the backlit indicator lets you know when the handheld vac’s battery is recharged. Many of these vacuums have several bars/colors to give you a general idea of their charge level.

How Easy Are Handheld Vacuums to Use?

Handheld vacuums are literally pick-them-up-and-go appliances (as long as the battery is charged, of course). Most weigh under 3 pounds and all are designed with simplicity in mind, making them lightweight enough for anyone to use. Young children often find these vacuums appealing, which means they too can help, and will want to help, clean up after themselves.

People who have arthritis find handheld vacuums to be user-friendly. To make vacuuming as easy to use as possible for those who have arthritis, we recommend getting a handheld vac with a looped/D-shaped handle and a touch-to-start button.

How Do I Maintain a Handheld Vacuum?

Handheld vac maintenance doesn’t vary much from full-size vacuum cleaner care. Besides keeping the battery charged, your main objective is to prevent clogs. Empty the dirt bowl when it’s full – Don’t wait until the dirt level surpasses the fill line.

Also, clean the filter regularly by shaking dust loose. If the filter is washable, give it a rinse periodically. Finally, wipe down the interior of the bowl when you notice a thin film of dirt and dust that won’t fall out when you empty the vacuum.

Do Handheld Vacuums Clean Pet Messes?

The right handheld vacuum can be a lifesaver for pet owners. By “right,” we mean a handheld vacuum that comes with a brush, a crevice wand and a liquid collection cup. As you know, pet hair has the innate ability to stick to fabric, which means removing pet hair from cloth and carpeting is an aggravating chore.

Ideally, you should get a vacuum with a motorized brushroll to remove pet hair; however, a dusting brush can do the trick with a tad bit of elbow grease. A crevice wand makes easy work of suctioning cat litter and pet food from wall edges, and a liquid collection cup allows you to tidy up around the water bowl.

Do Handheld Vacuums Have Onboard Storage?

Some stick-handheld hybrid vacuums do provide a place to keep the attachments onboard, but the majority of handheld vacs don’t offer onboard accessory storage. If there is one tool you favor over others, you can opt to keep it connected to the nozzle or hose (assuming the vacuum has one) when you aren’t using the vacuum.

Although on-vacuum storage is not the norm, many cordless handheld vacuums come with a charging dock as opposed to a direct-plug adapter. It’s not uncommon for these docks to have a few spots where you can house the vacuum’s accessories, so you won’t misplace them.

Can Handheld Vacuums Damage Hardwood and Tile Floors?

As long as you’re careful, handheld vacuums are perfectly safe to use on hardwood and tile floors. You should avoid scraping the nozzle on the flooring as doing so may result in scratches, especially on hardwoods. A brush attachment with soft bristles will help you avoid this mishap.

The grooves between the wood planks and the grout between the tiles are often where dirt, hair and crumbs migrate. Again, this is where a soft-bristled brush tool comes in handy. The bristles can reach into the grooves and along the grout, allowing you to suction up debris quickly.

Handheld Vacuums: Are They Worth the Money?

From the moment the first Dustbuster hit the market 50 years ago, midday cleanups became significantly easier. The convenience of pulling out a small, lightweight handheld vac instead of a behemoth full-size one for light-duty jobs is undeniable. Handheld vacuums are affordable to the masses and reach places full-size vacuums don’t, and we can’t imagine life without one.

Our Recommended Handheld Vacuums


Best of the Best!
For Tight Spaces
Popular Option
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean...
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster PIVOT VAC Cordless...
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Cordless Handheld...
B+D CHV1410L
B+D BDH2000PL
B+D HHVI315JO42
• 2.6 lbs
• Suction Power 15.2 AW
• Dustbowl 20oz
• 17.25 x 5.5 x 7.75 in
• 3 lbs
• Suction Power 35 AW
• Dustbowl 15oz
• 18 x 6.88 x 6.75 in
• 2.11 lbs
• Suction Power 16 AW
• Dustbowl 13oz
• 13.9 x 7.9 x 5.3 in
This CHV1410L model is about average in weight and isn't fatiguing to carry around in a single hand for most people. We found the integrated tools to be very convenient and it is very easy to empty the dust container.
The Black+Decker BDH2000PL struggles on hardwood flooring, but it had impressive suction on most other tests, and the rotating head makes it easy to reach difficult spots.
The Black+Decker HHVI315JO42 is a well-built handheld vacuum. It is about average in size, weighing in at just over two pounds. It did lose some points by being particularly noisy, registering 81.5 dBa on the meter.
Best of the Best!
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean...
B+D CHV1410L
• 2.6 lbs
• Suction Power 15.2 AW
• Dustbowl 20oz
• 17.25 x 5.5 x 7.75 in
This CHV1410L model is about average in weight and isn't fatiguing to carry around in a single hand for most people. We found the integrated tools to be very convenient and it is very easy to empty the dust container.
For Tight Spaces
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster PIVOT VAC Cordless...
B+D BDH2000PL
• 3 lbs
• Suction Power 35 AW
• Dustbowl 15oz
• 18 x 6.88 x 6.75 in
The Black+Decker BDH2000PL struggles on hardwood flooring, but it had impressive suction on most other tests, and the rotating head makes it easy to reach difficult spots.
Popular Option
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Cordless Handheld...
B+D HHVI315JO42
• 2.11 lbs
• Suction Power 16 AW
• Dustbowl 13oz
• 13.9 x 7.9 x 5.3 in
The Black+Decker HHVI315JO42 is a well-built handheld vacuum. It is about average in size, weighing in at just over two pounds. It did lose some points by being particularly noisy, registering 81.5 dBa on the meter.


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Last Update: 2024-03-29 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About the author

Hi I’m Alex, founder of HouseholdMe.com and I’d like to say thank you for dropping by. Like most of you, the first thing I look at before buying something online is reviews or buying guides. By reading what other people say will help me gauge whether or not a product is good or not.  I am trying to help people find answers, solve problems, and get inspired.

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