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- The best handheld vacuum in 2025 is the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum Cleaner, which is great for picking up pet hair and other household messes.
- Expect to pay roughly $50 for a handheld vacuum. Our research shows that brand name is the main factor that determines the overall cost of a handheld vac.
- Handheld vacuums work great for small jobs, such as removing crumbs from your couch.
Handheld vacuums work well for sucking up small debris around your home, office, or car. These devices can reach tight corners and spaces that a regular vacuum cannot, making them a great addition to your cleaning supplies. The This Old House team compared several of the best handheld vacuums available. We list our top recommendations below.
Top Rated Handheld Vacuum Cleaners
The top rated handheld vacuum cleaners in 2024 are the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless, BLACK and DECKER DustBuster, BLACK and DECKER FurBuster, ThisWorx Car Vacuum, BISSELL AeroSlim, and Eufy HomeVac H11. Compare key features of these handheld vacuum cleaners below:
Compare Handheld Vacuum Cleaners
| Handheld Vacuum Model | Price | Voltage | Capacity | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless | $72.09 | 14 volts | 0.7 liters | 16 x 4.5 x 5 inches | 3 pounds |
| BLACK and DECKER DustBuster | $59.99 | 16 volts | 0.6 liters | 17.3 x 5.5 7.8 inches | 2.6 pounds |
| BLACK and DECKER FurBuster | $99.99 | 20 volts | 0.75 liters | 15.8 x 7.9 x 6.6 inches | 2.6 pounds |
| ThisWorx Car Vacuum | $37.99 | 12 volts | 1.09 liters | 13.4 x 3.9 x 4.3 inches | 2.4 pounds |
| BISSELL AeroSlim | $41.19 | 3.7 volts | 0.1 liters | 2.5 x 12.6 x 3.6 inches | 1.4 pounds |
| Eufy HomeVac H11 | $59.99 | 7.2 volts | 0.7 liters | 13.2 x 2.9 x 2.9 inches | 1.2 pounds |
| Handheld Vacuum Model | Price | Voltage | Capacity | Dimensions | Weight |
Read on for our team’s picks for the best handheld vacuums on the market:
Best Handheld Vacuum
BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless
- $72.09
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Cordless: Yes
- Capacity: 0.7-liter dustbin
- Voltage: 14-volt
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
What Customers Are Saying About BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless
Many customers praise the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless handheld vacuum cleaner for being easy to clean and use. Many reviewers also note that it had a sufficient runtime. However, negative reviews criticized this model for not having enough suction to pick up large clumps of pet hair.
Best Battery Powered Handheld Vacuum
BLACK and DECKER DustBuster
- $54.51
- $59.99
- 9% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Cordless: Yes
- Capacity: 20.6-ounce dustbin
- Voltage: 16-volt
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
What Customers Are Saying About BLACK and DECKER DustBuster
Positive reviews praise the Black and Decker DustBuster handheld vacuum for its excellent design, especially its rotating nozzle and strong suction. Other reviewers note that it has a long battery life. Dissatisfied customers criticized this handheld vacuum cleaner for not giving them the option to replace its battery after it stopped working.
Most Powerful Handheld Vacuum
BLACK and DECKER FurBuster
- $78.79
- $99.99
- 21% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Cordless: Yes
- Capacity: 750-milliliter dustbin
- Voltage: 20-volt
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
What Customers Are Saying About BLACK and DECKER FurBuster
Satisfied customers praise the BLACK and DECKER FurBuster handheld vacuum cleaner for picking up pet hair, being easy to clean, and being highly maneuverable. Other reviewers note that the attachments are easy to click into place. Unsatisfied customers said that there wasn’t an easy way to cycle through its modes.
Best Handheld Vacuum for Car
ThisWorx Car Vacuum
- $37.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Cordless: No
- Capacity: 1.09 liters
- Voltage: 12-volt
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
What Customers Are Saying About ThisWorx Car Vacuum
Satisfied customers say that this car vacuum was small but mighty. Many also note that it is worth the price, especially considering how many attachments it comes with. Negative reviews primarily criticized this car vacuum cleaner for having weak suction.
Best Budget Handheld Vacuum
BISSELL AeroSlim
- $41.19
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Cordless: Yes
- Capacity: 0.1 liters
- Voltage: 7.4 volts
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
What Customers Are Saying About BISSELL AeroSlim
We found that customers who give the BISSELL AeroSlim a positive review like that it has excellent suctioning power for its size and that it has a sleek design that was easy to use. However, there were a few negative reviews we saw that mentioned that this vacuum often got stuck to objects like furniture or crevices, and others had difficulty getting it to charge properly.
Best Small Handheld Vacuum
Eufy HomeVac H11
- $59.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Cordless: Yes
- Capacity: 0.7 liters
- Voltage: 7.2 volts
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
What Customers Are Saying About Eufy HomeVac H11
Those who left positive feedback for the Eufy HomeVac H11 like that it has a strong power level and is easy to clean. We also saw several reviewers that mention they were impressed with this vacuum’s ability to clean pet hair. However, there were others who said they found this vacuum’s tank was too small and needed to be cleaned frequently, while others said it ran out of charge quickly.
Handheld Vacuum Buyer’s Guide
Read our guide below to learn how to choose a handheld vacuum that is comfortable to use and can pick up a variety of messes.
Corded vs. Cordless Handheld Vacuum
All handheld vacuums are powered by electricity, but some use a cord, while others use a battery.
- Corded: Corded models are usually more powerful than their cordless counterparts, having more suction to pick up debris. The one downside to a corded handheld vacuum is that it can only be used near a wall outlet.
- Cordless: Because cordless vacuums have a battery instead of a cord, you can use them wherever. This makes them especially useful for cleaning vehicles and hard-to-reach spaces in your home. In general, one charge on a cordless vacuum lasts for up to 45 minutes, so you may not be able to get all of your vacuuming done before needing to stop for a recharge.
Types of Vacuums
There are two types of vacuums, handheld vacuums also can be broken down into these two categories. Handheld vacuums can pick up dry particles or dry particles and liquids.
- Dry: This type of vacuum picks up dry messes, such as chip crumbs and dirt. Dry vacuums are quieter and more affordable than wet/dry vacuums.
- Wet/dry: These vacuums are more versatile because they can pick up both wet and dry messes. However, they are more expensive and have less suction than their dry counterparts. You also have to empty the dustbin between every use so that the liquids don’t seep into the rest of the vacuum and cause electrical issues.
Handheld Vacuum with Attachments
Most handheld vacuums come with different nozzles for picking up a variety of messes. Some common nozzles include an extension wand that increases how far the vacuum can reach and a brush head that removes hair or embedded dirt from carpets.
Handheld Vacuum Comfort
Comfort refers to both the weight of the vacuum and how that weight is dispersed. You’ll want a vacuum that’s as lightweight as possible, with the weight being evenly distributed from the handle to the nozzle. This will keep your arms and hands from getting tired during use.
Handheld Vacuum Uses
Handheld vacuums are versatile devices that you can use anywhere thanks to their light weight and portability. Here are some of the best ways you can use your handheld vacuum to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
- Use your handheld vacuum to clean staircases and railings that normal vacuums may be too big for
- Tidy up windowsills, baseboard, and sliding door tracks
- Remove excess pet hair from couches, carpets and other furniture
- Clean window treatments to keep them clear of dust
- Freshen up upholstery and pillows
- Keep your bedsheets and pillowcases clean without washing them by using a vacuum to remove pet hair and other allergens
- Use your handheld cleaner as a car vacuum to clean up the seats and floors of your vehicle
- Wipe away dust and grime from lamp shades or light fixtures
- Maneuver into hard-to-reach areas under appliances to remove built-up dirt and dust
- Keep your books and bookshelf clean by removing dust from them with a cordless vacuum
Best Handheld Vacuum Cleaners: Our Conclusion
The best handheld vacuum cleaners work on a variety of different surfaces, can clean up messes quickly and effectively, yet are lightweight and easy to hold. However, what you personally want from your handheld vacuum may vary from household to household. Due to this, our team recommends a range of different options:
- Best Handheld Vacuum: BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum Cleaner
- Best Battery Powered Handheld Vacuum: BLACK and DECKER DustBuster
- Most Powerful Handheld Vacuum: BLACK and DECKER FurBuster
- Best Handheld Vacuum For Car: ThisWorx Car Vacuum
- Best Budget Handheld Vacuum: Bissell AeroSlim
- Best Small Handheld Vacuum: Eufy HomeVac H11
Handheld Vacuums: FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions about handheld vacuums:
Where should I store my handheld vacuum?
This depends on whether you have a corded or cordless model. Since cordless models have to be plugged into a charger to recharge in between uses, consider storing yours next to an outlet. If you have a corded model, the best place for it is out of the way in a closet or cabinet.
What types of floors will my handheld vacuum work on?
Handheld vacuums don’t have as much power and suction as standard vacuums, so stick to using them on non-plush carpeting, hardwood, or tile.
How loud are handheld vacuums?
Handheld vacuums are quieter than standard vacuum cleaners, with wet/dry models being slightly louder than dry models.
How much do handheld cordless vacuum cleaners weigh?
Most cordless handheld vacuums weigh under five pounds for effortless lifting and maneuvering.
Why Trust The This Old House Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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