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10 Best 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 Cleanview XR Pet 300W Cordless Vacuum with Removable Battery, 3797V

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,404
Suction Power
Weight
Dust Capacity

Most important from
108562 reviews

Suction Power
Powerful suction that surprises with the amount of dirt it picks up, even after one use.
Weight
Super lightweight and easy to use with a very small footprint when stored away.
Dust Capacity
The dirt cup is fairly decent in size and the filter is easy to wash and replace.
Attachments and Accessories
The detachable features and bagless functionality add to its convenience and ease of use.
Filter Type
The dirt cup is fairly decent in size and the filter is easy to wash and replace.

The Bissell Cleanview XR Pet handheld vacuum is designed with pet owners in mind, offering notable power and convenience. With a 300W motor, it boasts 60% more power than its Shark counterpart, ensuring robust suction for deep cleaning tasks. The vacuum is particularly effective for picking up pet hair from various surfaces like upholstery, stairs, and cars, thanks to its specialized fur brush attachment. Weighing 5.9 pounds, it's reasonably lightweight, making it easier to maneuver around the house.

The removable 24V MAX lithium-ion battery supports up to 40 minutes of runtime, providing sufficient time for most cleaning jobs without needing a recharge. This is ideal for those who prefer the freedom of cordless operation. The dust capacity is 0.3 liters, which is on the smaller side and may require frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions. The vacuum includes several useful attachments such as a dusting brush, crevice tool, and a wall mount for convenient storage.

The foam filter is straightforward to maintain but may not be as efficient at trapping fine particles as HEPA filters. BISSELL’s initiative to support homeless pets through purchases can be a compelling factor for pet lovers. This vacuum is best suited for pet owners looking for a powerful, cordless cleaning solution for various surfaces.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,404
Suction Power
Weight
Dust Capacity

Most important from
108562 reviews

Suction Power
Powerful suction that surprises with the amount of dirt it picks up, even after one use.
Weight
Super lightweight and easy to use with a very small footprint when stored away.
Dust Capacity
The dirt cup is fairly decent in size and the filter is easy to wash and replace.
Attachments and Accessories
The detachable features and bagless functionality add to its convenience and ease of use.
Filter Type
The dirt cup is fairly decent in size and the filter is easy to wash and replace.
#2

BLACK+DECKER dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum (HNVC215B10)

Rating
9.6
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
41402 reviews

Suction Power
Great price! With kids, I buy portable vacuums often, and this one has great suction and speed. Very easy to use, my kids help clean up.
Battery Life
It charges quickly and holds enough battery life to handle multiple small tasks before needing a recharge.
Weight
The BLACK+DECKER dustbuster QuickClean is a game-changer for small messes around the house. Lightweight, cordless, and super easy to use—perfect for cleaning up crumbs, pet hair, or dust on furniture and in tight spaces.
Dust Capacity
The suction power is impressive for its size, and the dustbin is easy to empty without making a mess.
Filter Type
It only comes with one built-in filter, so extras need to be bought separately. After a couple of cleans, you're going to want to change the filter.
Noise Level
Not very noisy either.

The BLACK+DECKER dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum (HNVC215B10) is a lightweight and portable cleaning tool, perfect for quick clean-ups around the house and in vehicles. Weighing only 1.4 pounds, it is easy to handle and maneuver. The lithium-ion battery provides decent suction power, making it effective on various surfaces like carpets, furniture, and car interiors.

With a runtime of only 9 minutes, it may not be suitable for longer cleaning tasks without frequent recharges, which take about 600 minutes (10 hours) to complete. The dust capacity is 0.09 gallons, which is relatively small but adequate for minor clean-ups and easy to empty thanks to the bagless design and translucent dirt bowl. The built-in crevice tool helps reach tight spots, adding to its convenience.

The washable cloth filter ensures that the vacuum maintains strong suction over time, but regular maintenance is necessary to keep it at peak performance. The noise level is on the higher side at 84 dB, which might be disruptive in quiet environments. Despite these limitations, the vacuum's compact size and ease of use make it an excellent choice for quick, everyday cleaning jobs.

Rating
9.6
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
41402 reviews

Suction Power
Great price! With kids, I buy portable vacuums often, and this one has great suction and speed. Very easy to use, my kids help clean up.
Battery Life
It charges quickly and holds enough battery life to handle multiple small tasks before needing a recharge.
Weight
The BLACK+DECKER dustbuster QuickClean is a game-changer for small messes around the house. Lightweight, cordless, and super easy to use—perfect for cleaning up crumbs, pet hair, or dust on furniture and in tight spaces.
Dust Capacity
The suction power is impressive for its size, and the dustbin is easy to empty without making a mess.
Filter Type
It only comes with one built-in filter, so extras need to be bought separately. After a couple of cleans, you're going to want to change the filter.
Noise Level
Not very noisy either.
#3

Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum with XL Dust Cup, LED Headlights, Removable Handheld Vac, Crevice Tool, Portable Vacuum for Household Pet Hair, Carpet and Hard Floors, 40min Runtime, Grey, IX141

Rating
9.5
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
43021 reviews

Suction Power
The suction power is impressive, especially on high mode, effectively picking up dirt, lint, and pet hair from carpets and mats.
Battery Life
Battery life is better than expected, even on high suction mode, making it suitable for multiple cleaning tasks before needing a recharge.
Weight
It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it convenient for quick clean-ups and reaching tight spaces.
Attachments and Accessories
The vacuum is easy to use with simple attachments and a straightforward dust bin emptying process.
Noise Level
The vacuum is fairly quiet, which is less disturbing for pets compared to other models.

The Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum (model IX141) is designed to tackle pet hair and household messes efficiently, making it a solid choice for pet owners and those needing a lightweight vacuum for quick clean-ups. One of its standout features is the hypervelocity suction, which provides robust cleaning performance on both carpets and hard floors. With a respectable battery life of up to 40 minutes, you can cover a good amount of space before needing to recharge. The removable hand vacuum adds versatility, allowing you to reach above-floor areas easily, and the LED headlights help spot hidden dirt in darker corners.

Weighing just under 7 pounds, this vacuum is quite portable, especially when compared to traditional vacuums, making it easy to maneuver around furniture and tight spaces. The XL dust cup is another plus, offering a decent capacity of 0.34 quarts, and its CleanTouch Dirt Ejector feature simplifies disposal without mess.

However, there are a few drawbacks worth considering. The noise level is on the higher side at 80 dB, which might be bothersome in quieter settings. Additionally, while the vacuum is generally well-reviewed, some users have mentioned that it may not be powerful enough for larger homes or heavy-duty cleaning tasks. The 240-minute charging time may also be a bit long for those who prefer quicker recharges.

Rating
9.5
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
43021 reviews

Suction Power
The suction power is impressive, especially on high mode, effectively picking up dirt, lint, and pet hair from carpets and mats.
Battery Life
Battery life is better than expected, even on high suction mode, making it suitable for multiple cleaning tasks before needing a recharge.
Weight
It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it convenient for quick clean-ups and reaching tight spaces.
Attachments and Accessories
The vacuum is easy to use with simple attachments and a straightforward dust bin emptying process.
Noise Level
The vacuum is fairly quiet, which is less disturbing for pets compared to other models.

Buying Guide for the Best Handheld Vacuums

Choosing the right handheld vacuum can make a big difference in how effectively and efficiently you can clean your home, car, or any other space. Handheld vacuums are designed for quick clean-ups and are perfect for reaching tight spaces that larger vacuums can't. When selecting a handheld vacuum, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the main specs to look at and how to navigate them.
Suction PowerSuction power is a measure of 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) might suffice. For more demanding tasks, such as pet hair or deep cleaning, look for higher suction power (above 20 AW). Consider your cleaning needs and the types of surfaces you'll be cleaning to determine the right suction power for you.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the vacuum can run on a single charge. This is crucial for cordless handheld vacuums. Battery life can range from 10 minutes to over 30 minutes. If you need the vacuum for quick, small tasks, a shorter battery life might be acceptable. However, for larger areas or more intensive cleaning sessions, look for a vacuum with a longer battery life. Consider how long you typically spend cleaning and choose a vacuum that can match or exceed that duration.
WeightThe weight of the handheld vacuum affects how easy it is to maneuver and use for extended periods. Lighter vacuums (under 3 pounds) are easier to handle and less tiring to use, making them ideal for quick clean-ups and reaching high or awkward spots. Heavier models (over 3 pounds) might offer more power or larger dust capacities but can be more cumbersome. Think about how and where you'll be using the vacuum and choose a weight that you can comfortably manage.
Dust CapacityDust capacity refers to the amount of dirt and debris the vacuum can hold before needing to be emptied. Smaller capacities (around 0.3 liters) are fine for quick, light clean-ups, while larger capacities (over 0.5 liters) are better for more extensive cleaning tasks. If you don't want to frequently stop to empty the dust container, opt for a vacuum with a larger capacity. Consider how often you clean and the amount of debris you typically collect to determine the right dust capacity for you.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of your handheld vacuum. Common attachments include crevice tools for tight spaces, brush tools for upholstery, and motorized brushes for pet hair. The more attachments a vacuum has, the more versatile it will be. Think about the specific cleaning tasks you'll be performing and choose a vacuum with the appropriate attachments to meet those needs. If you have pets, for example, a motorized brush attachment can be very useful.
Filter TypeThe filter type affects the vacuum's ability to trap dust and allergens. HEPA filters are the most effective, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. Standard filters are less effective but may be sufficient for general cleaning. Consider your sensitivity to dust and allergens when choosing a filter type. If you or someone in your household has allergies, a vacuum with a HEPA filter is a better choice.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration if you prefer a quieter cleaning experience. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB), with lower numbers indicating quieter operation. Handheld vacuums typically range from 60 to 80 dB. If you are sensitive to noise or plan to use the vacuum in a noise-sensitive environment, look for models with lower noise levels. Consider where and when you'll be using the vacuum and choose a noise level that won't be disruptive.

FAQ