Let’s be real: cleaning can already feel like a chore, and sometimes you don’t want to haul your vacuum cleaner (which is probably just as tall as you) around your home. Enter the best handheld vacuums on the market.
These powerful, trusty essentials suck up all of the dirt and debris in your home, allow you to target specific areas (like corners near crown molding), and can clean hard-to-reach places such as curtains and underneath your bed frame or for cleaning your car.
“A handheld vacuum is a smaller version of a traditional vacuum cleaner, and, as the name suggests, is meant to be used by hand,” Brian Shaunfield, store manager at Charlotte area Lowe’s, told the New York Post. “Because it is smaller in size, a handheld can help you clean harder-to-reach areas that a traditional vacuum may not be able to reach” — aka, the selling point for this staple in your cleaning closet.
Sure, you can pick up the cheapest handheld vacuum you can find online. And you may. However, New York Post Shopping put top-rated models to the test so you don’t have to. We’ve tested everything from the best Dysons on the market to Sharks and Bissells to see if they lived up to the hype.
Be sure to check out our in-depth FAQ section for more expert-backed shopping tips.
Amazon Pros: Most comparable to full-sized vacuums in terms of suction power and efficiency Comes with a motorized brush tool Features a spacious, easy-to-empty dirt tank Cons: Larger than most other models tested, which may be a dealbreaker for some From the moment it first powered on, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum impressed me. It’s the ideal size for a handheld vacuum (though larger than most) but it has essentially the same power and efficiency as my cordless vacuums that cost upwards of $800. I know, total shock factor.
This model is also fairly priced at less than $100 and ideal for any user — whether you’re in college, live in a studio apartment or own a five-bedroom home and want some convenience. This model boasts nearly 32,000 applauding reviews on Amazon alone and helps remove extra dirt and debris. The reason? It’s a pet vacuum, first and foremost, so its ability to pick up pet hair crosses over to the usual bathroom hair, under-bed dust and the like.
I don’t have a pet at home, and the fact that this handheld vacuum has ranked above the pack is telling. Upon purchase, you’ll also receive a motorized brush tool and — one of the best parts — a large, easy-to-empty dirt tank.
Quite literally, I showed everyone in my household this nifty tool and they were impressed. It’s easy to use, easy to clean and does the job well. What more can one ask for?
Product details: What’s in the box: Pet Hair Eraser® Lithium Ion Cordless Pet Hand Vacuum, Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool, Motorized Brush Roll Tool | Weight: 3 lbs. | Run time: Up to 17 minutes | Filter: a HEPA filter and one at the motor | Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
Meet the BISSELL PowerClean FurFinder Cordless Stick Vacuum, a shape-shifting game-changer for pet owners tired of the never-ending fur tumbleweed situation. This powerhouse cordless vacuum doesn’t just suck (in the best way), it obliterates embedded pet hair with its one-of-a-kind FurFinder Upholstery Tool, which removes up to 95% of the stubborn stuff two times faster than its leading competitor.
Add in the FurFinder Headlights, and suddenly you’re spotting fur you didn’t even know existed (8x more, to be exact). Whether it’s buried in the couch, clinging to area rugs, or coating your car seats, the 200W motor and Tangle-Free Brush Roll make quick, no-fuss work of it. It’s like a full grooming session for your house.
Beyond the raw suction power, the PowerClean FurFinder is all about thoughtful features. It easily converts into a handheld or high-reach vacuum for stairs, curtains, cobwebs, and mystery crumbs in couch corners. The HEPA Sealed Allergen System traps dander allergens to help keep your air cleaner and you breathing easier.
The integrated crevice tool saves time and sanity by eliminating the need for multiple attachments, and the self-standing design means you can pause mid-clean without flinging it onto the nearest wall. If you’ve got pets, you’re going to want this stick-to-handheld vac yesterday.
Amazon Pros: Excellent miniature size that’s still comparable in suction power to other handheld vacuums tested Comes with a handy docking station Cons: Its emptying tank could be more spacious, and its runtime could be longer The Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum was at the top of my mom’s Christmas list last year (and I ended up buying her one). It’s priced around $100 and comes with an integrated docking station so she can keep it beside her washing machine.
She really wanted it to clean up kitchen messes — namely, hovering over the kitchen table and floors after my nieces eat in their booster chair and high chair — and it does the job. While its dust tank isn’t as spacious as most (meaning you’ll have less runtime to work with before it becomes clogged, you’ll have to empty it sooner than usual), it’s not a dealbreaker.
This small handheld vacuum model has garnered a positive following among more than 15,000 satisfied Amazon reviewers, too, and comes with a pet hair cleaning tool and duster crevice tool. I love the duster crevice tool for cleaning my stairs and around my floor’s molding, and its filtration technology is pretty efficient for capturing dirt and large debris.
It’s a solid handheld vacuum to pick up if you need one, and it’s especially great for smaller spaces because it’s the tiniest out of all the models I tested. However, don’t let the size fool you; it takes “small but mighty” to new heights.
Product details: What’s in the box: Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum, Duster Crevice Tool, Multi-Surface Pet Tool, Dual Onboard Accessory Storage, Charging Dock | Dimensions: 2.4″ (H) x 2.5″ (W) x 16.5″ (L) | Weight: 1.4 lbs. | Run time: Up to 10 minutes | Filter: Fabric | Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
Amazon Pros: Budget-friendly price that does the job Comes with an additional crevice tool and brush Comes with a two-in-one docking station Cons: Battery runtime could be a bit longer If you’re on the market for a handheld vacuum that you don’t have to think about storing, grab the Bissell AeroSlim Lithium Ion Cordless Handheld Vacuum. Though it’s not as powerful as the brand’s Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum, it’s one of the most mindless to use. Simply turn it on, hover over dusty areas and empty.
For less than $50, it’s also great to buy if your traditional vacuum doesn’t have a convertible handheld option. This model boasts more than 16,000 gleaming reviews on Amazon alone and comes with a USB charging cable, crevice tool, and brush.
If you love to spend hours cleaning, though, this isn’t the model for you. It only provides 12 minutes of cordless cleaning power for quick clean-ups, and if you’re planning on cleaning two stories of your home and a basement like I did, you’ll find that it may die on you, depending on how quickly you clean.
I do appreciate how it comes with a two-in-one crevice tool and dusting brush docking station to allow everything to stay organized right beside your handheld vacuum.
Product details: What’s in the box: AeroSlim Hand Vacuum – Titanium, Crevice Tool and Dusting Brush | Dimensions: 3.62″ (H) x 2.75″ (L) x 12.6″ (W) | Weight: 1.37 lbs. | Charge Time: 210 min. | Run time: Up to 12 minutes | Filter: Fabric | Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
Amazon Pros: Impressive suction power and ability to clean hard-to-reach places Extended 40-minute runtime, perfect for deep cleaning an entire vehicle Fully sealed HEPA filtration that captures 99.99% of allergens and microscopic particles Cons: Heavier build at 4.2 lbs compared to ultra-light modern handhelds Dyson has a reputation for engineering vacuums that feel more like power tools than appliances, and the Car+Boat is the quintessential example of that philosophy. While many handhelds struggle with the ground-in sand and pet hair found in car floor mats, this model delivers 115 Air Watts of suction to ensure you aren’t passing over the same spot twice. It’s a dedicated powerhouse for those who prioritize raw performance over a featherweight design.
With a 40-minute runtime, you aren’t racing against a dying battery to finish the trunk or the back seats. It’s engineered specifically for those awkward, tight crevices, behind waste bins, under pedals, and between seat cushions where standard vacuum nozzles just can’t reach.
The filtration traps particles as small as 0.3 microns. If you have pets or seasonal allergies, this is uber helpful for maintaining the air quality inside a cramped car cabin or boat cabin.
Product details: What’s in the box: Dyson Car+Boat Handheld Vacuum, Mini Motorized Tool, Extension Hose, Crevice Tool, Stubborn Dirt Brush, Mini Soft Dusting Brush, Car Charger, and Wall Charger | Dimensions: 8.1″ (H) x 13″ (L) x 5.2″ (W) | Weight: 4.2 lbs. | Charge Time: 3.5 hrs. | Run time: Up to 40 minutes | Filter: HEPA | Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
The handheld vacuum cleaners that made the cut, from Bissell to Shark. Victoria Giardina I’ve been testing vacuum cleaners for a while (trust me, I’m BFFs with probably every vacuum cleaner brand since I started reporting for New York Post Shopping). Below, find the specific testing criteria I kept in mind while testing each one for at least one month:
Shaunfield gave us the 411 on handheld vacuums, including how they differ from other cleaning tools and what to look for when shopping for one.
Of course, handheld vacuums are small, lightweight and highly portable — but what really makes them worth the investment?
“They are best for spot-cleaning jobs like dry spills on a countertop, pet hair on upholstery, dust on blinds or dirt on vehicle floor mats,” Shaunfield told The Post. Not to mention, the price is typically justifiable, given their convenience.
“A handheld vacuum is much more portable than a traditional vacuum and is best for tackling spot-cleaning jobs,” Shaunfield said.
Traditional vacuums often have a higher suction power as well, which can make them ideal when cleaning up larger messes or bigger pieces of debris.
According to Shaunfield, you’ll find that handheld vacuums come with a variety of features dependent on price, brand and other factors.
“One of the most common features is cordless capabilities, meaning you can take your vacuum with you where you need to go without worrying about plugging it in,” he said. “HEPA filters are also found in handheld vacuums and allow for clean and efficient cleanup of fine dust like concrete and drywall.”
Handheld vacuums are most often used to clean small areas and nooks.
“You can use one to clean in between cushions, underneath car seats, and on couches, tables and countertops,” he said.
According to Shaunfield, handheld vacuums vary in weight and size, but the average weight is between one to five pounds.
“Typically, handheld vacuum models that are larger and closer to five pounds will have a longer battery life and stronger suction power,” he said.
“I always like to say that the best product for you depends on your specific wants and needs,” Shaunfield said. “For example, you’ll want to consider the battery life and the charging time needed to fully charge your vacuum. If you’re using it frequently, a longer battery life may be important to you.”
Next, consider suction power and size. “Depending on what you intend to use your handheld vacuum for, it is important to understand how suction power and size will impact your ability to clean quick dust bunnies versus larger pieces of debris,” he said.
Lastly, keep in mind if you’ll want different accessories and attachments, which can help to clean specific areas like seat cushions or in between car seats.
While actively cleaning, the average handheld vacuum will run for 15 to 20 minutes, per Shaunfield.
“I’d recommend a handheld vacuum with 15 air watts or more,” Shaunfield said. However, air watts isn’t the most important factor when shopping for one, per our expert and testing criteria.
This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist. Victoria tests the latest and greatest cleaning products to compare the best results from household cleaners, appliances and vacuums (yes, she’s reviewed and ranked nearly every Dyson). Armed with expert recommendations and FAQs, she evaluates formulas, functions and features to determine the very best items on the market – and goes the extra mile to find them on sale. Victoria has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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