Small spills, stairs, car detailing—these are scenarios where a full-size vacuum is time consuming, clunky, or not the best choice for the job. Handheld vacuums, on the other hand, make dust bunnies run for cover. These small, portable vacuums are perfect for the occasional spill and touch ups in between regular vacuuming.
Hand vacs reach into tight spaces with powerful suction that works on pet hair, dirt, and dust. They come in both corded and cordless models and may include accessories for greater versatility. How you plan to use the vacuum can help you decide which type will work best for you. We’ve reviewed five of the best handheld vacuums available and included a shopping guide to help you decide which model ideally suits your needs.
5 Best Handheld Vacuums of 2024
Best Handheld Vacuum Overall:
Dirt Devil Scorpion Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
The Scorpion’s strong suction, light weight, and ease of use make it a classic favorite. It’s easy to empty and features a quick-flip crevice tool to clean hard to reach places.
$39.98 from Amazon.comBest Handheld Vacuum Overall: Dirt Devil Scorpion Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Best Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum
Best Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum: DEWALT Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum
Handheld Vacuum with Best Battery Life: Dyson V7 Trigger
Best Handheld Vacuum for Car Detailing: ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner
Best Handheld Vacuum Overall:
Dirt Devil Scorpion Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
- Built-in quick-flip crevice tool for tight spaces
- 16-foot power cord provides better reach and access
- 3-year warranty
The Dirt Devil Scorpion doesn’t mess around. The powerful suction quickly cleans up both large and small debris, including fine dust. A built-in crevice tool provides an easy way to reach between couch cushions or car seats. The best part is the crevice tool is always with the vacuum. You can’t lose it and don’t have to find it when it’s needed.
This model includes a long, 16-foot power cord, providing the length to clean a car or stairs. A .45L dust cup holds debris and is incredibly easy to empty. This model also makes our top picks because of its reasonable price. You won’t break the bank, and you get a handheld vacuum supported by a three-year warranty.
Tip: Handheld models typically have small dust cups. They may need to be emptied after each use, depending on the size of the mess.
Best Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair:
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum
- Multi-layer filtration that captures pet hair and dander
- Large, .78L dust cup capacity
- Rubber nozzle to attract and hold pet hair
Pet hair finds its way onto everything from the couch to the curtains and stairs. It can cling to upholstery and carpets, which is why Bissel’s Pet Hair Eraser has a rubber nozzle designed to attract pet hair with each pass. The vacuum’s suction then pulls the hair inside.
This model features a short crevice tool that reaches into cracks and concentrates the vacuum’s suction power. The 16-foot cord provides plenty of length, so you change electrical outlets less often. Keep in mind that this model is specifically designed for pet hair. The side vents put out a lot of air, which can blow away other kinds of debris.
Tip: Hand vacuum accessories easily get misplaced. Built-in tools and accessories may add weight to the vacuum, but they don’t get lost and are right on hand when you need them.
Best Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum:
DEWALT Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum
- Washable HEPA wet/dry filter removes allergens
- .5 gallon tank for large spills
- Includes a built-in extension hose
DEWALT means business with their wet/dry vacuum, making this model one of the best options for both wet and dry messes. This hand vac contains a washable HEPA filter that removes pet hair and dander. It’s washable, so you can run it under plain tap water to clean it.
The DEWALT includes dual cleaning modes with a front utility nozzle or an extension hose to reach areas in between furniture or engine parts. Considering its .5 gallon capacity, it’s relatively lightweight and runs on a powerful 20V lithium-ion battery. Once it’s time to empty, it’s easy to remove and rinse the dust bin.
Tip: The DEWALT Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum weighs 4.5 pounds, making it heavier than non-wet/dry vacuums
Handheld Vacuum with the Best Battery Life:
Dyson V7 Trigger
- 30-minute battery life
- 3 nozzle options, including a brush head and crevice tool
- 2 power levels
The Dyson V7 Trigger boasts one of the longest run times, 30 minutes, of any cordless handheld vacuum on the market. However, that’s 30 minutes at the lower of its two power levels. If you need some extra suction, switch it to MAX mode for tough messes.
The Dyson’s accessories provide a wide range of uses. A motorhead tool acts as a pet hair brush to pull hair and debris out of upholstery and off of floors. The combination tool has bristles for cleaning blinds but also extends to focus the suction. Finally, the crevice tool reaches into snug spaces.
The V7 contains 15 radial cyclones, creating cyclonic action that pulls dirt into the vacuum. The quick-release dust cup isn’t as easy to empty as some other designs, but it has a good capacity.
Tip: HEPA filters remove particles down to .03 microns. They remove pet dander, pollen, and dust mites, making them a good option for allergy sufferers.
Best Handheld Vacuum for Car Detailing:
ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner
- Accessory tools designed specifically for car cleaning
- Carrying/storage bag
- Connects directly to the car through the lighter port
Car detailing just got easier and more portable. This model includes a brush head, extension tube, and flathead hose in sizes and lengths that are perfect for a car interior. The strong suction pulls through a HEPA filter to remove allergens, too.
This model can be stored in the car, and at a lightweight 2.4 pounds, you’re less likely to get wrist or arm fatigue. The dust cup can handle small messes, and there’s enough power for pet hair.
Corded vs. Cordless
| The corded versus cordless handheld vacuum debate all comes back to power. Today’s lithium-ion batteries provide impressive power and suction. However, you’re limited by their run times. On average, cordless hand vacuums have 15 to 30 minutes of battery power. That run time may change based on the settings. For example, it takes more power to run a motorized brush or power boost feature. Most batteries are now designed to operate at full power up until they run out of juice. But there will be models that begin to lose suction as their battery gets drained. Yet, it’s hard to beat the maneuverability and portability of a cordless vacuum. You’re not limited by a cord, which makes vacuuming stairs, detailing a car, or reaching into tight spaces that much easier. Corded vacuums have the same features as cordless models, except they can run continuously. Of course, then you’re limited by the length of the power cord. You’ll have to decide if power or portability is more important. |
Handheld Vacuum Features to Consider
| Weight | One of the best things about handheld models is their light weight. Weights typically range from 1.5 to 5 or 6 pounds. Cordless models tend to weigh more due to their added battery weight. However, the lightest models on the market are cordless, tube-like vacuums. |
| Tools and Accessories | Extendable hoses, extra long crevice tools, extendable crevice tools, motorized brushes, and upholstery brush tools add value and utility to the vacuum. Built-in tools are easier to keep track of, but they add weight. As far as accessories, wall-mountable charging bases and carrying bags that store extra tools are generally the most useful. |
| Battery Life | Rechargeable batteries provide power for about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the battery type and vacuum design. Lithium-ion vacuums offer longer runtimes. However, if you want the portability of a cordless vacuum but use that vacuum for longer than the vacuum’s run time, consider buying a model with a removable, rechargeable battery so you can buy a backup battery. Look for a battery that runs at full power until the battery goes dead. Otherwise, the vacuum will slowly lose power as it nears the end of its runtime. |
| Cord Length | Corded vacuums are limited by their cord length. Look for the longest cord possible, which is usually somewhere between 14 to 18 feet. Retractable cords are also a nice feature since they store the cord in the body of the vacuum. |
| Dust Bin Capacity & Emptying Ease | Most handheld vacuums have a dust bin rather than a bag. Their capacities range from .3L to .5 gallon for a wet/dry vacuum. Of course, larger dust bins clean large messes and need to be emptied less often. Some dust bins are difficult to remove and replace. You may have to hold the filter while you empty it or take apart several pieces to access it. Other designs empty without taking the dust bin off of the vacuum. They usually have a lever or trigger that opens the bottom of the dust bin directly into a garbage can. |
| Charging Time | Charging times vary from model to model. But once the vacuum is in the charging station, it typically takes anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours to completely charge. However, there are some models that take up to eight hours to charge. |
| Charging / Docking Station | Handheld vacs don’t take up much floor space, but if you want to maximize the use of your square footage, look for a battery-powered model with a wall mount. It uses vertical space and charges while storing the vacuum. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What features does a handheld vacuum need to pick up pet hair?
Manufacturers use different designs to pick up stubborn, staticky pet hair. Some models have rubber nozzle heads and trim that attract the hair while others have nobs and finger-like extensions on the nozzle to capture more hair. Any model that has anti-static technology will do better, too. Once the hair’s attached to the nozzle or nobs, the suction pulls it into the vacuum.
Anti-tangle or tangle-free brush rolls also help because they prevent clogs. Anti-tangle technology comes in handy when dealing with human hair, too.
How do I choose the right handheld vacuum?
The best place to start is to decide how you’d like to use the vacuum. Are you going to use it on the stairs, to detail your car, or for quick spill clean up in the kitchen? Animal hair, hardwood floors or bare floors, area rugs, and other features unique to your house may clean better with a certain type of hand vac.
Then look at the kind of attachments that will make the vacuum most useful. Combination tools, extension hoses, crevice tools, and upholstery attachments that help with the type of spot-cleaning you most often do should be on your list of must-haves.
Corded or cordless is also an important consideration. If you decide on cordless, look for a vacuum with a good battery life of 20 minutes or more. Premium models should provide maximum suction up to the point that the battery dies.
What features are helpful when cleaning a car?
Handheld vacuums bring maneuverability to detailing. Low weight, the right accessories, and a car charger make the biggest difference in car detailing. For that reason, many people prefer a cordless model. If you want a longer run time, there are some car handheld vacuums that plug into the car’s lighter port.
Useful accessories and tools also make a big difference in car detailing. The best handheld vacuum cleaners for cars have at least one, but probably more than one, crevice tool to reach in between and under seat cushions and seats. They may also have upholstery or dust brushes to better clean seats and remove dust from the dashboard.
Models designed specifically for car use usually have a storage/carrying bag to keep all the accessories together. And, they’re often small enough to be stored in the car’s trunk.
Final Advice
Quick jobs don’t need a heavy, full-size vacuum. Small vacuums do a great job in small spaces, tight spots, and window sills. Ergonomic designs and flexible hoses let you do more than pick up dust particles. They target tough, hard to reach messes while being easy to hold and maneuver. Hand vacs are great for everything from quick cleaning of cookie crumbs to tackling spots on pile carpets and stairs. These models add power to your cleaning and don’t take up much storage space, making them a good investment in the long-term care of your home.
