Best Handheld Vacuums : Review & Buying Guide 2023

Let me show you how easy it is to find the perfect handheld vacuum cleaner for your home. It just takes only three steps to find the best dustbuster on the market.

For a quick cleanup around the house, you no longer need a full-sized vacuum cleaner. No need to spend money on an upright vacuum cleaner when you can get the same level of performance from a handheld model.

Handhelds or cordless models are convenient for small cleanups. An upright would be overkill for such jobs. These are small, powerful, and efficient. We are living in the future, and from here on out, it's handheld vacs and stick- models that take the cake.

If you are reading this article, that means you are eyeing for a dustbuster. With so many to choose from, the problem comes when you want the right one.

First, determine what kind of cleaning you do most. Second, choose the power type. Do you want a battery-powered/cordless or a corded model? Third, choose what features you want in your vac.

Follow these three simple steps, and you will be well on your to finding the right dustbuster to buy.

If you want a more in-depth buying guide, there is a complete how-to guide at the end of this article. You can use our filtering/sorting process their whenever you feel like shopping for one.

Editor's Recommendation: Top Handheld Vacuums in 2023

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  Preview
  Product
  Rating
• Bestseller No. 1
  
  BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Handheld Vacuum, Cordless, Grey (BDH2000PL)
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• Bestseller No. 2
  
  BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum (CHV1410L)
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• Bestseller No. 3
  
  Brigii Mini Vacuum, Air Duster and Hand Pump 3 in 1, Small Cordless Handheld Vacuum, USB...
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• Bestseller No. 4
  
  Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum, Lightweight at 1.4 Pounds with Powerful Suction,...
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• Bestseller No. 5
  
  Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum, Purple
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• Bestseller No. 6
  
  ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner - Car Accessories - Small 12V High Power Handheld Portable...
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• Bestseller No. 7
  
  BLACK+DECKER Furbuster Handheld Vacuum for Pets, Cordless, AdvancedClean+, Gray...
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• Bestseller No. 8
  
  ODISTAR Desktop Vacuum cleaner,Mini table dust sweeper Energy Saving with auto power-off...
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If you want the best most powerful handheld vacuum, Dyson V10 is the one. The performance on this one is top-notch.

Check Out these articles Also:

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• Best Vacuum For Husky Hair
• Top 10 Best Vacuum Cleaner Under $200

Top 7 Best Handheld Vacuum Reviews

1. Best Overall: BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Handheld Vacuum - Link

The Black & Decker CHV1410L 16V is a cordless handheld vacuum that is affordable, small, and perfect for quick cleanups. It's the ideal cleaner for budget-oriented people. This model has been a best-selling product for Black & Decker for years, and it still is. It's really hard to beat a model like this because of the simplicity, reliability, and affordability.

The handheld vac is suitable for occasional tidy-ups. It can reach every nook and cranny around your house and does a great job of cleaning up everyday household debris. This compact vac is powered by a 16-volt Lithium-Ion battery. This battery is powerful and has a long run time. The no-fade runtime of 12 minutes is a decent feature of this tool.

The charging time is a lot faster on this one. There are very powerful for a hand vac and outperform other similar tools at this price point. Powerful 15.2 Watts suction power is enough to suck up to your everyday dust pile. A visible bagless dirt bowl is simple to clean and see.

When it comes to choosing a handheld vac, the process of cleaning up the dirt bowl and the filter can be a deal-breaker for a lot of people. For the CHV1410L model, it is very easy to empty. For cleaning the air filter, you can take the back part off, dump the dirt and clean up or you can do the same and take the front portion off.

The filter is easy to remove and washable. The same goes for the dirt bowl. If you want amazing battery life, simple cleanups, and maintenance, and don't want to break your bank, the Black & Decker CHV1410L dustbuster is a tough competitor to beat.

2. Best Corded Vacuum: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum - Link

The handheld vacuum is from Bissell is designed specifically to eliminate pet hair. However, it can be used as a general vacuum and can handle other debris types as well. The design is fairly simple and straightforward. A power button on top and a press and release button in front of that. It doesn't have any high-low button, but the suction power is better than most tools in this list.

The front unit which holds the filter and dustbin is easily removable. It is also very easy to clean. It has a long and slender shape which is sometimes not ideal for cleaning around tight corners and tight spaces. This cleaner is powered by a 14.4V battery and weighs only 3 lbs.

The battery lasts 15 minutes and takes 2 to 3 hours to charge fully. The vac includes a handful of accessories. Given all the accessories included with the machine, cleaning becomes a lot easier around corners. The slide and pull mechanisms are fairly straightforward.

As far as maneuverability goes, as with most handheld vacuums, it really is what you make of it. But it does have quite a few benefits. As I have said before, it weighs only 3 pounds which is definitely towards the lighter end of the handheld vacuums we've seen. With the extendable nose, you do have quite a bit of reach. You can really get into some pretty tight spots.

I also like the overall tube-like design. It is great for as far as just being able to carry around. And again, also for reaching back and providing a little bit more extension as you are trying to get into those harder to reach spots. The only major tasks required to maintain this tool are emptying the dustbin and replacing the filter.

3. Best Motorized Brush: Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Hand Vacuum - Link

The Shark Rocket handheld vacuum is a little bit different than what you have seen so far. First of all, it's a corded model. Which means you have to constantly keep it connected to a power outlet. The best part is, you don't have to worry about runtime. It won't handicap your movement because it comes with a 15-foot long power cord.

The whole unit weighs less than 4 lbs. Which means it is ultra-lightweight and very portable. You won't get total freedom of mobility but the long cord makes up for it, and the length is sufficient enough for all your household cleaning chores. This tool features TruePet motorized brush for deep cleaning.

The suction performance on this one is on par with most high-end upright vacuums. It also comes with powerful accessories that make cleaning fast and easy. Up till now, this is by far the most powerful handheld device on this list. 400 watts powerful motor can generate powerful section cleaning upholstery, floor surfaces, the interior of your car, etc.

It has the lowest maintenance cost because the dust filter is reusable and washable. The large dust cup is easy to clean and empty. The most noticeable feature of this vac is perhaps the accessories that come with it. A motorized brush provides powerful deep clean while the 12" crevice tool can reach into tight spaces.

In the box, you will also get an extended-reach stretch hose and a dusting brush. The Shark Rocket is the ideal cleaner for those that own a large apartment or house and needs to do frequent cleanups on a daily basis.

4. Best Lightweight Stick Vacuum: Dyson Cyclone V10 - Link

Dyson Cyclone V10 is the vacuum cleaner that made Dyson decide that designing new upright vacuums, which were absolutely what they were known for, no longer makes any sense because of the V10 packs so much power. This product is the result of over five years of development. The V10 motor that is inside this cleaner is the smallest and lightest motor that they ever made.

Despite those two facts, it is also the most powerful. In fact, it is over 40% lighter than previous Dyson motors, yet can spin at up to 125,000 rpm. The great thing about this unit is that it makes it super easy when you are cleaning. It is nice and lightweight while remaining balanced in your hand. And it has the power of a full-sized vacuum, making those upright models feel like they are relics from the past.

Dyson Cyclone V10's powerful performance results in stronger suction and longer running time. And again, this is cordless. So, you have complete freedom, and the battery runs for a really long time. In the box, you've got a few accessories that make this vacuum super versatile.

The soft roller does a great job at cleaning hardwood floors. If you want to clean the carpet, you just swap out the soft roller for the torque head instead. Dyson did a great job keeping the Dyson V10 balanced in your hand while you use it. So, whether you're standing up and vacuuming, or getting underneath furniture, or reaching up to grab stuff from the corners of your ceiling, it always feels easy to hold.

When you don't need the long hose, you can remove it, and the V10 becomes a powerful hand vacuum. And speaking of those accessories, if you are the owner of a previous V7 or V8, those accessories for those vacuums are completely compatible.

5. Best Deluxe Corded: Bissell Cleanview Handheld Vacuum - Link

The Bissell Cleanview Deluxe is a small handheld vacuum that has some serious suction power for cleaning pet hair. This dustbuster is lightweight and is powered by a powerful 4-amp motor. The curved handle design is ideal for holding this cleaner properly. This is a corded machine which means you are never going to run out of power.

You are not losing mobility because the power cord is 18-foot long. The length is sufficient enough to reach every corner of your house. The visible dust cap is perfect for seeing what you have vacuumed and when it is time to empty the cap. The front cap snaps right in place and vice versa. To reduce household allergens, this machine features a multi-level filtration process.

The accessories that come with the Cleanview Deluxe make it highly versatile too. Enough power to clean your home and car. It is compact and lightweight enough for quick cleanups. The bagless dustbin is easy to clean and maintain.

The crevice tool that comes with this tool makes cleaning hard to reach edges and crevices very easy. To clean larger areas quickly, you simply swap out the crevice tool with the wide mouth tool. Also, it comes with a long hose to clean hard to reach areas easily.

Whether you are cleaning stairs, sofas, carpets, rugs or the interior of your car, the slim design of the BISSELL Cleanview Deluxe makes it look very effortless. Multi-Cyclonic Technology provides enough power to do all of your household cleaning chores.

6. Best Lightweight: Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum - Link

Shark ION W1 is a handheld vac that combines portability with surprising power. This high-power suction comes from a high-speed brushless motor. It also comes with a number of accessories designed to handle all your cleaning needs. This is an ultra-lightweight model that has a perfect center of gravity that improves maneuverability and easy cleaning.

Attach the multi-surface pet tool to remove pet hair from upholstery and other delicate surfaces. It also picks up larger messes quickly and easily. Attach the duster crevice tool to clean hard to reach places including tight corners, high ceilings, under appliances, and along baseboards. The Tapered nozzle can easily pick up fine dust and large debris.

The mattress tool is designed to clean mattresses and other upholsteries. Attach the scrubbing brush to pick up debris and safely scrub carpets and floor mats. Attach the soft dusting brush to gently remove dust from surfaces like shelves, baseboards, window frames, and more. The unique ION charging dock not only features fast charging but is also a convenient spot to keep the handheld vac stored.

You can empty the dust cap with a single touch of a button. No more getting your hands dirty. As you can see, it is not like your traditional vacuum. The whole concept of designing a handheld model has been revolutionized. The ergonomic handle shape with its long sleek body provides heightened control and comfortable cleaning.

Maintenance is also very simple. It has a detachable dust cup that is easy to clean and the filter housing is also easily removable. This machine features a brushless motor that does a great job of keeping the internal parts cool. Overall, this is a well-thought product from Shark with a modern flare.

7. Best Handheld Vaccum: BLACK+DECKER 20V Cordless Vacuum - Link

Ending this list with a Black & Decker Pivot Review. This is a 20V cordless handheld vacuum cleaner. The most notable design of the Black & Decker Pivot is the pivotable head itself. The head can be completely closed for compact storage, or it can be opened to a variety of cleaning angles allowing it to reach harder to reach spots.

To pivot the head open and close, you simply push down the top button which unlocks the pivotable feature allowing you to slide the head in and out at your desired direction. It only weighs 3 pounds, and in my book, it is pretty lightweight.

Along the side of the unit, you have access to open up the dust bin allowing it to access the container. On the other side, you have the filter. Press the button on the side of the pivotable head to access the filter. The filter easily pops out, and it is washable.

This vacuum cleans using cyclonic suction and is powered by a 20V battery. Of course, you get the accessories as well including the dusting brush and the crevice tool as well, which helps to get into harder to reach spots or to different types of cleaning you need to do at your home. One thing I really like about this vacuum is that all of the accessories are built-in to the vac itself.

Along the nose of the vacuum, you will see the dusting brush which simply slides into position. In addition, you have the extendable nozzle which extends to reach tighter spots. It just slides out as well. As far as handheld vacs go, this is definitely on the lighter side so maneuverability shouldn't be a problem.

Choosing the Dustbuster Vacuum - A Comprehensive Buying Guide

Let's start from the basics. As you have already seen, dust busters come in all shapes and sizes. They are also available in a few different categories, each having their own pros and cons. Since it is a widely used product, the industry relating to this is huge.

Don't believe me? Go to any online store or even your local mart and see all the different brands that are available. Now, not all of them will work for you. Some have reliability issues while others are too expensive.

It's really hard to find the sweet spot between value and performance. And that's the very reason why I have included this guide. This will not only help decide which one to pick, but you will also be able to use this as a checklist when you go buying a dust buster vacuum.

Battery Type and Watt

A minimum 16V battery or 15 air watts power is needed to give you the required run time to get your work done. The industry-standard measurement for suction power is measured in Air wattage. You will see something like KPA written in the specification on the box of the vacuum.

However, the measurement isn't always accurate, and it varies from device to device. But a minimum of 15 air watts is necessary for the cleaner to function properly. Anything below that will be a waste of money.

More is better, but this wattage is enough to deal with regular cleanups around the house or inside the car. Some manufacturers don't even bother to mention the wattage of their product. If you don't see anything like that, look at the battery voltage instead.

The 16V battery is the industry standard. More is good but not below 16. Most cordless dustbuster nowadays will either use a 16V battery or an 18V one. It doesn't guarantee that you will get more cleaning power, but it is a minimum requirement for a battery-operated tool. And a reasonable baseline for getting decent suction out of your vac.

You should also consider the type of battery. Most of the cordless vacs nowadays will have lithium-ion batteries. The best part is that they can maintain a steady suction power throughout the entire period. They can also sit idle for days or months without being used.

Run Time

With a corded handheld vac, you won't have any problems with runtime because you will have constant power via the power cord. But the topic of this discussion is regarding cordless models. So, pick one that will have plenty of power for running for more than 15 minutes. This will be more than enough for occasional quick cleanups.

Cleaning Attachments

You need to be able to pick up different types of dirt and debris. From visible cleanups like breadcrumbs, pet hairs, cereals, and small food items to dirt hidden beneath the carpet and sofas. Some devices will allow us to do a deep cleaning. From larger pebbles to fine dust, the dustbuster should be able to clean them all.

Also, take a look at what accessories will come with the vacuum. Some popular attachment options are a crevice tool, dust brush, pet hair brush, motorized brush, hose, etc.

Flexible Hose

A must-have feature if you want to reach into tight spaces like under car seats, above head cleaning, or awkward high-low angle spots. Keep in mind that if the vacuum doesn't have enough suction capacity, the longer airflow pathway might reduce the suction capability of the device.

Power Cord Length

If you decide to buy a corded model, you should consider the length of the power cord. Usually, a long cord that has a length of 15-foot or 20 will be ideal. This length will allow you to reach into multiple corners without unplugging the vacuum. The longer the cord is, the better the mobility of the tool.

But it also has some drawbacks. It is a bit of a hassle to rewind and store. If you don't have a proper hook to keep all the cords in place, it can be a mess. Also, longer cords are more susceptible to wear and tear because they have thin wires. Usually, shorter cords are less likely to sustain damage because they are thicker.

Weight

Another important factor to consider is the weight. It is correlated to portability and maneuverability. These are the primary reasons why you will buy one. Nowadays, almost every handheld vac is nice and lightweight. They are easy to move around. However, that doesn't mean that all of them will do a good job of cleaning.

For example, if you want to do some overhead cleaning, you should probably look for lighter vac with suitable cleaning heads. If you prefer a stick model, the weight of the cleaner won't really matter.

Noise Level

It is often an overlooked feature, but if you have kids or pets around, you might consider getting a tool that has a low noise level. You will often see the noise level on the product specification page. It's is decibels or DB for short. It is how noise levels are measured and the lower it is, the quieter the tool will be. Since you will be using a dustbuster inside your car, you should look for a cleanser that has a noise level of 72DB or less.

If you decide to use it in your home, the noise level won't matter, and you can get something louder as an alternative.

Handling

The design and shape of the model is also a key component to consider. If your vac has a slender shape, it will be easier to clean around tight spaces are corners. However, some vacuums will have an even better option. For example, the pivotable handheld vac from Black and Decker.

The pivot or the head is rotatable, and all the accessories are attached to the unit. You can pivot the head to your desired angle to clean those awkward overhead areas.

Cleaning Capacity

Dustbusters are usually small unit, and so is the dustbin size. But too small a bin will be a problem because you would have to empty the cap frequently. Having a properly sized dust cap will mean that you can finish your cleaning chores without having to stop for emptying the dust cap.

Most of the vacs featured here are bagless which means you will only need to empty the cap - no need to replace bags.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a handheld dustbuster cost?

These small units are designed to tackle small messes, and they usually cost somewhere between $35 to $200 depending on what features you are looking for. Most of the products in this list averages out at a 100 dollars price point. Any more than that and it won't be worth the investment because you will be targeting small messes with this type of vacuum.

You also don't need a ton of suction power because most of the time, you will be cleaning up a bit of breadcrumb, breakfast cereals that the children spilled, or coffee/milk stains.

What is the most powerful handheld vacuum cleaner?

So far, out of all the vacuums that I have reviewed, the Dyson V10 takes the cake. It scored pretty high on our cleaning test, and the suction power can easily rival that of an upright vacuum.

How long can you expect your dustbuster to last?

There is no specific lifespan duration. There was a survey done by Consumer Reports, and according to them, the general lifespan of vacuum is around eight years. But this is just a median number because there are different vacuum types not all of them are built the same or have the same build quality.

The real answer to this question would depend on maintenance. How you treat your cleaner will determine how long it will last. Every vac will have some flaws, but you can certainly increase the lifespan with proper maintenance.

Should I buy replacement batteries?

You should only replace them when you notice your cordless vac is losing charge faster than usual. However, depending on the model you choose, the price of these batteries may vary. And some even cost as much as the whole unit. So, it is not generally recommended to replace a battery.

HEPA filter - is it necessary?

For those of you with asthma and allergies, it is very important that you pick a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Because when you vacuum, you stir up dust and if the filter doesn't properly do its job, most of the dust will remain floating in your house.

If your vac doesn't have a good filtration system, it can actually release dust and allergens back into the air in your house. That's why you should consider buying a vac with a HEPA filter. It can filter up to 99.97% and even the fine dust.

Buy on Walmart

THISWORX Car Vacuum Cleaner - Portable, High Power, Handheld Vacuums w/ 3 Attachments, 16 - Walmart Link

Shockflo Car Vacuum Cleaner, 6000Pa Lightweight Portable Vehicle Handheld Vacuum with - Walmart Link

beyond by BLACK+DECKER Cordless dustbuster - Handheld Vacuum Cleaner - Cordless, Icy Blue - Walmart Link

BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Handheld Vacuum, Cordless, 16V (CHV1410L) - Walmart Link

BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum, Cordless, White (HNVC215B10) - Walmart Link

Handheld Vacuum Cordless, Rechargeable Hand Vacuum, Lightweight at 1.5 Pounds with Strong - Walmart Link

VacLife Handheld Vacuum, Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum, Pink (VL106) - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

THISWORX Car Vacuum Cleaner - Portable, High Power, Handheld Vacuums w/ 3 Attachments, 16 - eBay Link

Shockflo Car Vacuum Cleaner, 6000Pa Lightweight Portable Vehicle Handheld Vacuum with - eBay Link

beyond by BLACK+DECKER Cordless dustbuster - Handheld Vacuum Cleaner - Cordless, Icy Blue - eBay Link

BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Handheld Vacuum, Cordless, 16V (CHV1410L) - eBay Link

BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum, Cordless, White (HNVC215B10) - eBay Link

Handheld Vacuum Cordless, Rechargeable Hand Vacuum, Lightweight at 1.5 Pounds with Strong - eBay Link

VacLife Handheld Vacuum, Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum, Pink (VL106) - eBay Link

Conclusion

So far, it's been a long journey and ironically, I've said that the process of buying the top-rated dustbuster would be very simple, but it turned out to be a huge guide.

Well, most of the info is pretty straightforward. And, if you took the time to go through the entire guide, this process of buying the right handheld vacuum will become very easy.