10 Best Lightweight Handheld Vacuums 2025 in the United States

The Dyson V11 Origin is a powerful and versatile cordless vacuum suitable for anyone seeking a lightweight handheld vacuum capable of whole-home cleaning. Weighing about 6.6 pounds, it is light enough to carry around easily yet still feels sturdy. Its strong suction power of 185 AW is excellent for deep cleaning carpets and hard floors, featuring three power modes including a Boost mode for tougher spots, although Boost mode runs for about 5 minutes only. The battery life can last up to 60 minutes on Eco mode, supporting longer cleaning sessions without the need for recharging.

The dustbin has a capacity of about 0.2 gallons, which is a decent size for a handheld vacuum, reducing the frequency of emptying during regular use. It includes several useful attachments such as a motorized cleaner head that detangles pet and long hair, a hair screw tool for tight spaces, a crevice tool, and a soft dusting brush, facilitating cleaning on various surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. The included HEPA filter captures 99.99% of tiny particles, helping to improve air quality, which benefits allergy sufferers. An LCD screen displays battery life and maintenance alerts, enhancing user-friendliness.

While it is lightweight compared to some vacuums, 6.6 pounds might still feel somewhat heavy for quick handheld use over extended periods. The dustbin could fill up faster if cleaning large areas or heavy debris. Additionally, the price tends to be on the higher side, reflecting its premium features. For those looking for an easy-to-use, cordless vacuum that converts to handheld mode and offers strong suction with smart features, the Dyson V11 Origin represents a solid choice.

The Shark Vertex Ultralight is a versatile stick vacuum that also converts into a handheld model weighing under 3 pounds, making it handy for stairs, furniture, and tight spots. It stands out with strong suction thanks to its DuoClean PowerFins brushroll and self-cleaning pet hair brush, which excels at picking up pet hair without tangling. This makes it a good choice for homes with pets and a mix of carpet and hard floors. Even in low-light areas, the built-in LED headlights help you spot hidden dust and debris easily.

Since it’s a corded vacuum, you don’t need to worry about battery life, but this also means you’re limited by the cord’s reach. At 9 pounds as a stick vacuum, it’s a bit heavier than some lightweight handhelds, which might feel less convenient for quick or extended cleaning sessions. Dust capacity is modest at 0.32 quarts, so frequent emptying is needed in larger spaces. The included attachments, like the crevice tool and dusting brush, add versatility for detailed cleaning.

Filtration uses foam and felt filters, which do a fair job capturing dust but might require regular maintenance for best performance. The vacuum’s swivel steering and slim design help navigate furniture and tight corners, and its easy storage option is useful for small homes. For those seeking powerful suction with effective pet hair cleanup and who are comfortable with a corded design, this model blends stick and handheld styles effectively. However, if a truly lightweight, cordless handheld vacuum is preferred mainly for quick pickups, this model may feel somewhat bulky.

The BISSELL PowerClean 200W is a solid choice for anyone needing a cordless, versatile vacuum that is easy to use around the house. Weighing 7.1 pounds, it’s light enough for handheld cleaning but also works as a stick vacuum, which adds flexibility for different cleaning tasks. Its 200W motor provides strong suction that can handle pet hair, dirt, and debris well, especially considering the price under $200. The vacuum runs up to 40 minutes on a single charge, giving you enough time for most quick cleanups without needing to recharge frequently.

A standout feature is the tangle-free brush roll, which helps avoid one of the most annoying problems—hair wrapping around the brush. This makes it particularly useful for pet owners or anyone with long hair. The dustbin holds up to 0.5 liters, which is decent for a lightweight model but might require emptying during larger cleaning sessions. The vacuum includes helpful attachments like a crevice tool for tight spots and a FurFinder tool designed to pull out embedded pet hair, adding to its cleaning versatility.

Filtration is well taken care of with a HEPA sealed allergen system, which traps dust and allergens inside so they don’t get released back into your air. This is a good feature for allergy sufferers. The vacuum also features bright headlights, making it easier to see dirt in dark corners. While the vacuum’s weight might feel a bit tiring during extended use overhead or on stairs compared to ultra-light handhelds, and its 3-hour charge time requires planning for bigger jobs, the self-standing design is convenient for quickly pausing cleaning without needing to lean it against something. The BISSELL provides strong suction and useful features for a cordless stick vacuum under $200, particularly suitable for pet owners or those looking for a multi-function vacuum with decent battery life and allergen control.