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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
10.0
Chosen by1,329
Suction Power
Weight
Dustbin Capacity

Most important from
95827 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
10.0
Chosen by1,329
Suction Power
Weight
Dustbin Capacity

Most important from
95827 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 V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum, 185AW, 3 Power Modes, Up to 60 Minutes,² Deep Cleans Hard Floors and Carpets, Detangles pet Hair, Converts to Handheld

Rating
9.7
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
2663 reviews

Suction Power
Great suction power typical of Dyson vacuums.
Battery Life
Battery life is sufficient for most users' needs, despite some concerns.
Weight
Lightweight design makes it easy to use, especially for those with back problems.

The Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum offers strong performance for a compact handheld vacuum. It boasts impressive suction power, making it suitable for deep cleaning across various floor types. The battery life is commendable, offering up to 60 minutes of runtime, which is ideal for extended cleaning sessions without frequent recharges. The vacuum is relatively lightweight at 6.6 pounds, enhancing its portability and ease of use for different tasks like cleaning stairs, cars, or upholstery.

However, the dustbin capacity is somewhat limited at 0.2 gallons, which means it might require frequent emptying during larger cleaning jobs. The vacuum is equipped with multiple attachments, including a Motorbar cleaner head and Hair screw tool, which are particularly effective for picking up pet hair and long hair. Its HEPA filtration system is excellent for trapping fine particles, ensuring cleaner expelled air and making it suitable for homes with allergy sufferers. The noise level, rated at 70 dB, is moderate and should not be overly disruptive.

One of the standout features is the LCD screen that provides real-time information on power modes, maintenance alerts, and remaining runtime. The Dyson V11 Origin also supports three power modes, catering to different cleaning needs from everyday tasks to intensive spot cleaning. The vacuum's cordless design further adds to its convenience, allowing for unhindered movement throughout the home. While it comes with a higher price tag, the robust build quality, advanced features, and strong performance make it a valuable investment for those seeking versatile and efficient cleaning solutions.

Rating
9.7
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
2663 reviews

Suction Power
Great suction power typical of Dyson vacuums.
Battery Life
Battery life is sufficient for most users' needs, despite some concerns.
Weight
Lightweight design makes it easy to use, especially for those with back problems.
#3

Shark Clean & Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum – Lightweight Cordless Vacuum with Auto-Empty System, HEPA Filter, Portable, Rechargeable, Exclusive Motorized Hand Tool for Pet Hair, BU3523

Rating
9.7
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
13948 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum’s suction power adjusts seamlessly to different surfaces, delivering strong performance on both low-pile rugs and heavy-duty mats.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, often lasting longer than needed for typical cleaning sessions, allowing uninterrupted vacuuming without frequent recharges.
Weight
Lightweight and easy to maneuver across multiple floor types including tile, wood, and carpet, making it a versatile choice for whole-home cleaning.
Dustbin Capacity
The automatic emptying system truly elevates the cleaning experience by eliminating the hassle of manually emptying the dustbin and preventing dust clouds.
Attachments and Accessories
Detaching the handheld component adds great versatility for cleaning window sills and other hard-to-reach areas.
Filter Type
Filters require maintenance roughly every month and a half, which is manageable and keeps the vacuum running efficiently.
Noise Level
The vacuum’s quiet mode and smooth operation ensure a less disruptive cleaning process, even when charging on the base.

The Shark Clean & Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum is designed to make cleaning easier with its automatic emptying system, which means you don’t have to touch the dirt or create dust clouds when disposing of debris. Weighing about 11 pounds, it is lighter than some other models, making it easier to carry around and handle. It offers up to 40 minutes of runtime on a single charge, which is enough to clean most homes in one go, although the charging time of 5 hours is a bit long. The dustbin holds 1.3 liters, a good size that won’t require frequent emptying thanks to the base’s auto-empty feature.

It has a HEPA filter that traps tiny dust and allergens, making it a solid choice for allergy sufferers. The vacuum adjusts its brushroll speed automatically for carpets or hard floors, ensuring efficient cleaning without manual settings. It also comes with useful attachments like a motorized hand tool especially good for pet hair, and a crevice tool for tight spaces. LED headlights help spot hidden debris in darker areas. Noise level is managed by a quiet mode, which lets you dock and charge without disturbance.

While it weighs about 11 pounds, which might feel heavy compared to ultra-light models, the suction power is decent for everyday cleaning though it might not match heavier, corded vacuums for very deep cleaning. This vacuum suits those who want a hands-off cleaning experience with pet hair and allergen control, but those needing something ultra-light or very powerful for heavy-duty messes might want to consider other options.

Rating
9.7
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
13948 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum’s suction power adjusts seamlessly to different surfaces, delivering strong performance on both low-pile rugs and heavy-duty mats.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, often lasting longer than needed for typical cleaning sessions, allowing uninterrupted vacuuming without frequent recharges.
Weight
Lightweight and easy to maneuver across multiple floor types including tile, wood, and carpet, making it a versatile choice for whole-home cleaning.
Dustbin Capacity
The automatic emptying system truly elevates the cleaning experience by eliminating the hassle of manually emptying the dustbin and preventing dust clouds.
Attachments and Accessories
Detaching the handheld component adds great versatility for cleaning window sills and other hard-to-reach areas.
Filter Type
Filters require maintenance roughly every month and a half, which is manageable and keeps the vacuum running efficiently.
Noise Level
The vacuum’s quiet mode and smooth operation ensure a less disruptive cleaning process, even when charging on the base.

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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