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10 Best Compact Handheld Vacuums 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Car and Auto Detailer, with Exclusive Specialty Tools, Green, 1400B

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,383
Suction Power
Weight
Dustbin Capacity

Most important from
96829 reviews

Suction Power
The powerful suction makes it ideal for cleaning up spills and pet accidents.
Weight
Lightweight and portable design allows easy carrying without issues.
Dustbin Capacity
The 48 oz. tank capacity means fewer refills and extended cleaning sessions.

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner (1400B) stands out for its powerful suction, making it adept at removing tough pet stains and odors from carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. The inclusion of a large 48 oz. tank means you can clean more without frequent refills, enhancing its convenience for extended cleaning sessions.

Additionally, it comes with useful attachments like the HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and a 3-inch Tough Stain Tool, making it versatile for various cleaning tasks. Its weight of 9.65 pounds is a bit on the heavier side for a handheld vacuum, which might make it less ideal for prolonged use. However, since it is corded, you don’t have to worry about battery life, ensuring consistent suction power throughout your cleaning tasks.

The device also supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation, which may appeal to pet owners. One downside is the noise level, as powerful suction often comes with increased noise. Also, being a corded device can limit mobility compared to cordless models. If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful handheld cleaner for pet-related messes and more, this model is worth considering, though its weight and cord might be potential drawbacks for some users.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,383
Suction Power
Weight
Dustbin Capacity

Most important from
96829 reviews

Suction Power
The powerful suction makes it ideal for cleaning up spills and pet accidents.
Weight
Lightweight and portable design allows easy carrying without issues.
Dustbin Capacity
The 48 oz. tank capacity means fewer refills and extended cleaning sessions.
#2

Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
5809 reviews

Suction Power
The Dyson V8 offers awesome suction power, especially noticeable when switching from low to high mode.
Battery Life
Despite a shorter battery life, the performance makes it worth the investment, managing to clean multiple rooms on a single charge.
Weight
This vacuum is lightweight and incredibly easy to maneuver, even under furniture and tight corners.
Dustbin Capacity
Emptying the dustbin is a breeze, much easier than dealing with traditional upright vacuum canisters.
Attachments and Accessories
The included accessories are versatile and easy to swap, enhancing the vacuum's flexibility for different cleaning tasks.
Noise Level
The Dyson V8 is impressively quieter compared to traditional upright vacuums, making the cleaning experience more pleasant.

The Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a lightweight and versatile option for those seeking a convenient handheld vacuum. It offers up to 40 minutes of powerful suction, which is great for most daily cleaning tasks. The vacuum has two power modes: a standard mode for regular cleaning and a MAX mode for more intensive cleaning. Its Motorbar cleaner head efficiently handles all floor types and even detangles hair, making it ideal for pet owners.

The vacuum can be converted into a handheld unit, perfect for cleaning cars, stairs, and upholstery. It comes with four Dyson-engineered accessories that enhance its versatility and reach, and its advanced HEPA filtration system captures 99.99% of particles, improving indoor air quality. However, there are some drawbacks. The dustbin capacity is relatively small at 0.14 gallons, which means it will require frequent emptying. The noise level is 80 dB, which might be a bit loud for some users.

Also, the battery takes up to 5 hours to fully charge, which is quite long. Despite these minor issues, the Dyson V8 provides a strong performance for its category, offering effective cleaning with added convenience and durability.

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
5809 reviews

Suction Power
The Dyson V8 offers awesome suction power, especially noticeable when switching from low to high mode.
Battery Life
Despite a shorter battery life, the performance makes it worth the investment, managing to clean multiple rooms on a single charge.
Weight
This vacuum is lightweight and incredibly easy to maneuver, even under furniture and tight corners.
Dustbin Capacity
Emptying the dustbin is a breeze, much easier than dealing with traditional upright vacuum canisters.
Attachments and Accessories
The included accessories are versatile and easy to swap, enhancing the vacuum's flexibility for different cleaning tasks.
Noise Level
The Dyson V8 is impressively quieter compared to traditional upright vacuums, making the cleaning experience more pleasant.

Buying Guide for the Best Compact Handheld Vacuums

When choosing a compact handheld vacuum, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. These vacuums are designed for quick clean-ups and are perfect for small spaces, cars, or spot cleaning. To find the best fit for you, focus on the key specifications that will impact the vacuum's performance and usability. Here are the main specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Suction PowerSuction power determines how effectively the vacuum can pick up dirt and debris. It's usually measured in air watts (AW) or volts (V). Higher suction power means better cleaning performance, especially on carpets and upholstery. For light cleaning tasks, a vacuum with lower suction power (around 15-20 AW) may suffice. For more demanding tasks, such as pet hair or larger debris, look for higher suction power (above 20 AW). Consider your cleaning needs to choose the right suction power.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the vacuum can operate on a single charge. This is crucial for cordless models. Battery life is typically measured in minutes. For quick, occasional clean-ups, a battery life of 10-15 minutes may be adequate. If you plan to use the vacuum for extended periods or larger areas, look for models with longer battery life (20 minutes or more). Think about how long you usually spend cleaning to determine the appropriate battery life for your needs.
WeightWeight affects the ease of use and portability of the vacuum. Lighter models are easier to maneuver and carry, especially for extended periods. Handheld vacuums typically weigh between 2 to 5 pounds. If you need a vacuum for quick, light tasks, a lighter model (around 2-3 pounds) will be more comfortable. For more intensive cleaning, a slightly heavier model (4-5 pounds) might offer better performance and durability. Consider how long you'll be using the vacuum and your ability to handle its weight.
Dustbin CapacityDustbin capacity refers to the amount of dirt and debris the vacuum can hold before needing to be emptied. It's usually measured in liters or ounces. Smaller capacities (around 0.3-0.5 liters) are suitable for quick, small clean-ups, while larger capacities (0.5 liters or more) are better for extended cleaning sessions. If you don't want to frequently empty the dustbin, opt for a larger capacity. Think about the typical size of your cleaning tasks to choose the right dustbin capacity.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories enhance the vacuum's versatility and effectiveness for different cleaning tasks. Common attachments include crevice tools, brush tools, and pet hair tools. If you need to clean tight spaces, a crevice tool is essential. For upholstery and delicate surfaces, a brush tool is useful. Pet owners should look for models with specialized pet hair tools. Consider the types of surfaces and areas you'll be cleaning to determine which attachments are necessary for you.
Filter TypeThe filter type affects the vacuum's ability to trap dust and allergens. Common filter types include standard filters, HEPA filters, and washable filters. HEPA filters are highly effective at capturing small particles and are ideal for allergy sufferers. Washable filters are convenient and cost-effective, as they can be reused. Standard filters are suitable for general cleaning tasks. Consider any allergies or sensitivities you have, as well as your preference for maintenance, to choose the right filter type.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration if you prefer a quieter cleaning experience. It's usually measured in decibels (dB). Lower noise levels (around 60-70 dB) are more comfortable for prolonged use and less disruptive. Higher noise levels (above 70 dB) might be tolerable for short, quick clean-ups. If you have young children, pets, or prefer a quieter environment, look for models with lower noise levels. Think about your tolerance for noise and the typical cleaning environment to choose the right noise level.

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