Eufy Looking for a convenient and portable way to quickly tackle messes in your home? Handheld vacuums are the perfect solution for quick cleanups and getting into tight spaces that your regular upright vacuum just can’t reach. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which model is right for your needs and budget.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll be reviewing the top 4 best handheld vacuums available and providing tips for choosing the ideal model for your home. Whether you need to clean up pet hair on furniture, get the stairs looking fresh, or tidy up the car, we’ll help you find your perfect handheld vacuum match.
An Overview of the Benefits of Handheld Vacuums
Before we dive into the top models, let’s discuss why a handheld vacuum deserves a place in your cleaning toolkit:
- Convenience:Handheld vacuums are extremely portable and easy to maneuver into tight spaces. Just grab it and go for quick cleanups.
- Compact size:These vacuums are small and lightweight enough to store in a closet, pantry or even under a vehicle seat.
- Affordability:Quality handheld vacuums can be purchased for much less than full-sized upright vacuums.
- Versatility:Use handheld vacuums on stairs, upholstery, windowsills, vehicles and more. They can tackle all sorts of surfaces.
- Power:Many compact handheld vacs provide surprising suction power and run time for their small size.
Now that you know the advantages of owning a handheld vacuum, let’s look at the top models in more detail.
Top Handheld Vacuum Reviews
After extensive research and hands-on testing, we narrowed down the options to the top 4 highest-rated handheld vacuums:
1. Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ Cordless Handheld Vacuum
The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ leads the pack when it comes to handheld vacuums. This little workhorse is optimized for picking up pet hair and delivers fade-free suction and a good runtime.
Key features:
- Cordless convenience and portability
- Up to 15 minutes of constant runtime
- Motorized brushroll specifically designed to grab pet hair
- Washable filter helps keep air purified
- Charging stand for easy storage
- Crevice tool, brush and holder attachment included
This handheld stands out for its specialized pet hair cleaning abilities. The motorized brushroll and cyclonic technology work together to remove embedded fur and allergens from upholstery. Customers love it for tackling pet messes in cars, on furniture and in hard-to-reach areas.
Pros:
- Strong suction for a handheld model
- Runtime sufficient for most quick jobs
- Easy to empty dust cup
- Thorough cleaning on fabrics and carpets
Cons:
- Heavier than some other handheld options
- Price is on the higher end
Price: $130
2. Black + Decker Dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum
For a budget-friendly option packed with useful features, the Black + Decker Dustbuster AdvancedClean is a great choice. This versatile hand vac tackles crumbs, dust and dirt on a variety of surfaces.
Key features:
- Cordless and bagless for portability and easy waste disposal
- Up to 24 minutes of runtime with fade-free suction
- Ergonomic grip makes it easy to hold and maneuver
- Crevice tool, brush, and charging base included
- Washable bowl and filter for maintenance convenience
Customers praise this little vacuum for its long battery life, affordable price and ability to tackle everyday messes. The suction may not be as powerful as a full-sized vacuum, but it gets the job done for quick cleanups.
Pros:
- Excellent runtime for the price
- Comfortable easy-grip handle
- Onboard tool storage
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Not specialized for pet hair removal
- Suction could be stronger
Price: $50
3. Dyson V7 Trigger Handheld Vacuum
For raw suction power in a compact handheld, the Dyson V7 Trigger tops the charts. With up to 30 minutes of fade-free runtime, this mighty vacuum packs a punch.
Key features:
- Cordless convenience with excellent battery life
- Hygienic one-touch bin emptying
- Multiple attachments included
- Up to 30 minutes of consistent, powerful suction
- Engineered for deep cleaning on surfaces and in tight spaces
This Dyson model stands out for its unmatched suction capabilities, HEPA filtration, and assortment of useful attachments. It’s a smart choice if you need to deep clean messes in your home and vehicle. Keep in mind it comes with a higher price tag.
Pros:
- Amazing suction power for a handheld
- Hygienic dust ejector design
- Numerous attachments for varied cleaning tasks
- Long battery runtime
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some users report battery life decreasing over time
Price: $260
4. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Hand Vacuum
As the name suggests, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is engineered specifically for pet owners. From taming fur in the car to removing embedded dander from furniture, this handheld excels at pet mess cleanups.
Key features:
- Specialized rubber nozzle grabs and pulls out pet hair
- Lithium-ion battery provides up to 15 minutes of fade-free power
- Cyclonic action helps trap fine debris
- Washable filter and bin for quick maintenance
Pet owners say this vacuum is a must-have for keeping upholstery and hard-to-reach areas fur-free between regular cleanings. It may not have as long a runtime as some models, but the specialized pet hair cleaning nozzle sets it apart.
Pros:
- Unrivaled pet hair picking-up power
- Easy-empty dustbin
- Affordably priced
Cons:
- Shorter battery runtime than some models
- Not as effective on non-pet messes
Price: $35
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Handheld Vacuum
Now that you’re familiar with the top-rated options, let’s discuss the key factors to consider when choosing a handheld vacuum for your needs:
- Weight– Look for a model that isn’t too heavy, especially if you have mobility issues. Handhelds weigh anywhere from 2 to 5 pounds.
- Power source– Cordless handhelds offer great portability but may have shorter runtimes. Corded models provide unlimited runtime but less mobility.
- Suction strength– Prioritize proper suction strength for the messes you need to clean up. Motorized brushrolls also improve cleaning performance.
- Runtime– Cordless models provide 5 to 30 minutes of fade-free suction. Choose a battery life adequate for your quick cleaning tasks.
- Attachments– Crevice tools, small brushes and pet hair attachments allow you to clean more surfaces.
- Capacity– Look for an easy-to-empty dust cup with sufficient capacity for your mess size.
- Filtration– HEPA filters improve air quality by trapping allergens and fine debris.
- Specialization– Some handheld vacs are optimized for pet hair, wet messes or other specific cleaning needs.
By keeping these criteria in mind as you shop, you’ll be able to select the perfect handheld vacuum for your household.
Frequently Asked Questions About Handheld Vacuums
We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions about handheld vacuums:
What is the best handheld vacuum for pet hair?
If pet hair removal is your top priority, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser and Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ are excellent choices. Their specialized nozzles grab and pull out embedded pet hair.
How long should the battery life be on a cordless handheld vacuum?
Look for a minimum of 15 minutes of consistent suction, but 20-30 minutes is ideal if you have larger areas to clean. Extended runtimes allow you to finish more cleaning tasks per charge.
Can handheld vacuums be used on carpets?
Handheld vacuums excel at quick cleanups on bare floors, stairs, furniture, and in vehicles. Most lack the suction power needed for deep cleaning carpets or rugs. They’re best for surface-level jobs on carpeting.
What’s the difference between a handheld vacuum and a stick vacuum?
Handheld vacuums are compact and lightweight, designed for portability and small jobs. Stick vacuums are corded or cordless, with the motor and dust bin in the main wand, allowing for floor cleaning.
How do I maintain a bagless handheld vacuum?
- Empty the dust cup after each use.
- Tap or brush out any dirt or hair stuck in the filter.
- Check manufacturer instructions for rinsing or washing filters when needed.
- Remove trapped hair from the brushroll or suction inlet.
- Replace filters at recommended intervals.
Following simple maintenance steps will keep your handheld vacuum running effectively.
Choose the Perfect Handheld Vacuum for Your Home
Handheld vacuums are a cleaning must-have for tackling quick messes in hard-to-reach spots and keeping your home fresh between deep cleanings. Whether it’s a budget-friendly Dustbuster or a top-of-the-line Dyson, a quality hand vac makes cleaning so much easier.
Hopefully this guide gave you a comprehensive overview of the best handheld vacuum options and buying considerations. Think about your cleaning needs, budget and how you plan to use a handheld vac. With the right model, you’ll be ready to whisk away dust, debris and pet hair anytime it appears.
