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10 Best Hand Held 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

BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum, Compact Home and Car Vacuum with Crevice Tool (CHV1410L)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,286
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
106232 reviews

Suction Power
This vacuum is perfect for light-duty tasks around the house and car, with integrated attachments that prevent losing parts.
Battery Life
The battery on this handheld vacuum lasts impressively long, often outlasting the user during cleaning sessions.
Weight
It's lightweight and easy to use in awkward spaces, thanks to the built-in extension tip.
Dust Capacity
Emptying the vacuum chamber is straightforward, and the reusable filter is easy to wash under running water.
Attachments and Accessories
The extension makes crevices a breeze to vacuum, and the rotating nozzle adds to its convenience.
Filter Type
Emptying the vacuum chamber is straightforward, and the reusable filter is easy to wash under running water.

The BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum (CHV1410L) is designed to be a convenient, portable, and efficient cleaning tool for both home and car use. With its 16V MAX lithium-ion battery, it delivers strong suction power, which is essential for picking up dirt, pet hair, and debris from various surfaces, including carpets, furniture, and car interiors. The vacuum is lightweight at 2.6 pounds, making it easy to handle and maneuver during use, and its compact design allows for straightforward storage.

The dust capacity of 1.3 pounds should suffice for routine cleaning, and the easy-view dirt bowl ensures you can quickly see when it needs emptying. Additionally, the washable dirt bowl and filter contribute to hassle-free maintenance. The included attachments, such as the rotating slim nozzle, pull-out crevice tool, and flip-up brush, enhance its versatility, enabling users to clean tight spaces and upholstery effectively.

However, the battery life might be a drawback for some, offering approximately 11 minutes of runtime with a 240-minute charging time, which may limit extended cleaning sessions. The noise level stands at 78 dB, which is relatively standard but might be considered loud by some users. The vacuum utilizes a cartridge filter, which is efficient but may need regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance. This vacuum is particularly suitable for those looking for a quick and easy solution to clean small messes around the house or in their vehicles. It may not be ideal for large-scale cleaning tasks due to its limited runtime and dust capacity.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,286
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
106232 reviews

Suction Power
This vacuum is perfect for light-duty tasks around the house and car, with integrated attachments that prevent losing parts.
Battery Life
The battery on this handheld vacuum lasts impressively long, often outlasting the user during cleaning sessions.
Weight
It's lightweight and easy to use in awkward spaces, thanks to the built-in extension tip.
Dust Capacity
Emptying the vacuum chamber is straightforward, and the reusable filter is easy to wash under running water.
Attachments and Accessories
The extension makes crevices a breeze to vacuum, and the rotating nozzle adds to its convenience.
Filter Type
Emptying the vacuum chamber is straightforward, and the reusable filter is easy to wash under running water.
#2

Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum, Cleans Hard Floors and Carpets, Detangles, Converts to Handheld, 115AW, 2 Power Modes, Up to 40 Minutes¹

Rating
8.8
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
3540 reviews

Suction Power
Incredible suction power that makes cleaning hardwood floors a breeze. You can feel it suction to the floor, especially when switching from low to high.
Battery Life
Easy to charge and comes with a useful wall charging mount. The battery life is decent, allowing you to clean multiple rooms before needing a recharge.
Weight
The lightweight design and maneuverability make it easy to clean under furniture and in tight corners. It's very easy to move around.
Attachments and Accessories
Great versatility with included accessories that are easy to swap in and out. Perfect for cleaning difficult areas like cat towers and car interiors.
Noise Level
The vacuum is quieter compared to traditional uprights and very easy to empty, making the cleaning process more enjoyable.

The Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a robust choice for those seeking a convenient and powerful hand-held vacuum. Its strong suction power is ideal for quick and efficient cleaning, especially in homes with pets. The de-tangling Motorbar cleaner head effectively tackles pet hair and long hair, making it a great option for pet owners. Weighing just 5.6 pounds, it's lightweight and easy to maneuver, which makes cleaning less of a chore.

The vacuum offers up to 40 minutes of run time, which should be ample for most cleaning tasks, though it does require a 5-hour charge time, which might be long for some users. The 0.14-gallon dust capacity is modest, so frequent emptying might be necessary for larger cleaning jobs. It converts into a handheld vacuum, adding to its versatility for cleaning cars, stairs, and upholstery.

Four Dyson-engineered accessories enhance its functionality, and the advanced HEPA filtration system is effective at trapping dust and small particles, beneficial for allergy sufferers. Noise levels at 80 dB are moderate but could be a bit loud for some. With a 2-year warranty and lifetime support from Dyson, users can expect reliable service. The relatively high noise level and the longer charge time might be minor setbacks for some users.

Rating
8.8
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
3540 reviews

Suction Power
Incredible suction power that makes cleaning hardwood floors a breeze. You can feel it suction to the floor, especially when switching from low to high.
Battery Life
Easy to charge and comes with a useful wall charging mount. The battery life is decent, allowing you to clean multiple rooms before needing a recharge.
Weight
The lightweight design and maneuverability make it easy to clean under furniture and in tight corners. It's very easy to move around.
Attachments and Accessories
Great versatility with included accessories that are easy to swap in and out. Perfect for cleaning difficult areas like cat towers and car interiors.
Noise Level
The vacuum is quieter compared to traditional uprights and very easy to empty, making the cleaning process more enjoyable.
#3

Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum, Lightweight at 1.4 Pounds with Powerful Suction, Charging Dock, Single Touch Empty and Detachable Dust Cup,Graphite, Slate

Rating
8.5
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
19358 reviews

Suction Power
This handheld vacuum is very effective and powerful, especially for short-time use, even though it has a small dust cup capacity that needs frequent emptying.
Battery Life
The vacuum's operational time is limited, typically ranging from 3 to 10 minutes, but it performs exceptionally well within this timeframe.
Weight
The vacuum is impressively lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for quick clean-ups.
Dust Capacity
This handheld vacuum is very effective and powerful, especially for short-time use, even though it has a small dust cup capacity that needs frequent emptying.
Attachments and Accessories
The charging station is compact and holds two nozzle accessories, enhancing the vacuum's versatility.

The Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum is impressively lightweight at just 1.4 pounds, making it easy to handle and maneuver for various cleaning tasks. Its powerful suction is driven by a high-speed, brushless motor, which makes it effective for quick clean-ups, especially on carpets. With a battery runtime of about 10 minutes and a charging time of 150 minutes, it's best suited for short, targeted cleaning sessions rather than extensive cleaning.

The vacuum features a 0.08-quart dust cup, which is relatively small, meaning you'll need to empty it frequently during use. However, the single-touch empty feature makes it convenient to discard debris without getting your hands dirty. It also comes with washable fabric filters, which is a cost-saving benefit over time.

The included attachments, like the Multi-Surface Pet Tool and Duster Crevice Tool, enhance its versatility, making it useful for pet owners and those needing to clean tight spaces, such as cars. One downside is the noise level, which at 80 dB, can be quite loud. Additionally, the dust capacity might not be sufficient for larger cleaning jobs, and the limited battery life can be a drawback if you have a lot of ground to cover. This handheld vacuum is a great option for those needing a lightweight, easy-to-use device for quick and targeted cleaning tasks, especially in homes with pets.

Rating
8.5
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
19358 reviews

Suction Power
This handheld vacuum is very effective and powerful, especially for short-time use, even though it has a small dust cup capacity that needs frequent emptying.
Battery Life
The vacuum's operational time is limited, typically ranging from 3 to 10 minutes, but it performs exceptionally well within this timeframe.
Weight
The vacuum is impressively lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for quick clean-ups.
Dust Capacity
This handheld vacuum is very effective and powerful, especially for short-time use, even though it has a small dust cup capacity that needs frequent emptying.
Attachments and Accessories
The charging station is compact and holds two nozzle accessories, enhancing the vacuum's versatility.

Buying Guide for the Best Hand Held Vacuums

When choosing a hand-held vacuum, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Hand-held vacuums are great for quick clean-ups, reaching tight spaces, and cleaning upholstery or car interiors. 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 lower suction power (around 15-20 AW) may suffice. For more demanding tasks, such as pet hair removal or deep cleaning, look for higher suction power (above 20 AW). Consider your cleaning needs to choose the right level of 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 10-20 minutes may be adequate. For more extensive cleaning sessions, look for models with 20-40 minutes of battery life. If you plan to use the vacuum frequently or for larger areas, a longer battery life will be more convenient and reduce the need for frequent recharging.
WeightThe weight of the hand-held vacuum affects its portability and ease of use. Lighter models (under 3 pounds) are easier to maneuver and less tiring to use, making them ideal for quick clean-ups and reaching high or awkward spaces. Heavier models (over 3 pounds) may offer more power and larger dust capacities but can be more cumbersome to handle. Consider your strength and how long you plan to use the vacuum at a time to choose a weight that is comfortable for you.
Dust CapacityDust 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 (under 0.5 liters) are suitable for light, quick clean-ups but will require more frequent emptying. Larger capacities (over 0.5 liters) are better for more extensive cleaning tasks and reduce the frequency of emptying. Think about how often you want to empty the vacuum and the size of the areas you'll be cleaning to determine the right dust capacity for you.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories enhance the versatility of the hand-held vacuum. Common attachments include crevice tools, brush tools, and pet hair tools. Crevice tools are great for tight spaces, brush tools are useful for upholstery and delicate surfaces, and pet hair tools are designed to effectively remove pet hair. Consider the types of surfaces and areas you'll be cleaning to determine which attachments will be most useful for you. A vacuum with a variety of attachments can handle a wider range of cleaning tasks.
Filter TypeThe filter type affects the vacuum's ability to trap dust and allergens. HEPA filters are highly effective at capturing small particles and are ideal for allergy sufferers. Standard filters may be sufficient for general cleaning tasks. Washable filters are convenient and cost-effective, as they can be reused after cleaning. Consider any allergies or sensitivities in your household and the level of filtration you need to choose the right filter type.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration if you prefer a quieter cleaning experience. Noise levels are usually measured in decibels (dB). Quieter models typically operate at around 60-70 dB, while louder models can exceed 80 dB. If you have young children, pets, or prefer a quieter environment, look for models with lower noise levels. Consider where and when you'll be using the vacuum to determine the acceptable noise level for your needs.

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