We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Handheld Vacuums 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

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.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,343
Suction Power
Weight
Dust Capacity

Most important from
108298 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 by1,343
Suction Power
Weight
Dust Capacity

Most important from
108298 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

Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with Crevice Tool, 2033, One Size Fits All, Blue

Rating
9.6
Suction Power
Weight
Dust Capacity

Most important from
108299 reviews

Suction Power
For $33, it's a steal, especially with its powerful suction.
Weight
Super lightweight and easy to use with a very small footprint when stored away.
Dust Capacity
Fairly decent sized dirt cup and easy-to-wash filter.
Attachments and Accessories
The detachable features are incredibly convenient.
Filter Type
Fairly decent sized dirt cup and easy-to-wash filter.

The Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum is a versatile and user-friendly option for quick clean-ups around the house. It boasts powerful suction, making it efficient for picking up surface dirt on hard floors, low-pile carpets, and area rugs. This vacuum is lightweight at just 2.6 pounds, which makes it easy to maneuver and use, especially for quick tasks.

Its compact size and the fact that it is a 3-in-1 machine (stick vacuum, handheld vacuum, and stair vacuum) make it very versatile for various cleaning needs. Additionally, it comes with a crevice tool for cleaning furniture and a floor nozzle for stairs, which adds to its practicality. With a dust capacity of 0.67 liters, it can hold a reasonable amount of dirt before needing to be emptied.

The vacuum features a disk filter type, and while it’s not the quietest at 80 dB, it is within an acceptable noise range for most users. However, it is not cordless, which limits its range of use to areas near power outlets. The power cord is 15 feet long, which provides some flexibility but may not be sufficient for larger spaces. It is perfect for those looking for a reliable and lightweight vacuum for everyday use, though it may not be ideal for those needing a vacuum with a larger dust capacity or those who prefer cordless models.

Rating
9.6
Suction Power
Weight
Dust Capacity

Most important from
108299 reviews

Suction Power
For $33, it's a steal, especially with its powerful suction.
Weight
Super lightweight and easy to use with a very small footprint when stored away.
Dust Capacity
Fairly decent sized dirt cup and easy-to-wash filter.
Attachments and Accessories
The detachable features are incredibly convenient.
Filter Type
Fairly decent sized dirt cup and easy-to-wash filter.
#3

BLACK+DECKER dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum (HNVC215B10)

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
41189 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
9.4
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
41189 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.

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