On the surface, shopping for the best handheld vacuums can seem challenging. Not due to a lack of options available, but more the fact that there’s such a huge market for handheld vacuums all claiming to be the best.
Whether your priority is the most powerful handheld available, a handheld with attachments for all purposes or a budget handheld that’s as lightweight as possible, you’ll find hundreds of options to choose from. Knowing where to start can be tricky enough, but even then, you need to ensure you’re taking home a quality handheld vacuum cleaner you can count on to get the job done.
The good news being that irrespective of your preferences and priorities, shopping for an affordable yet exceptional vacuum cleaner can be quite simple. For the most part, picking up the best handheld vacuums money can buy within any price range is as simple as consulting real handheld vacuum reviews before buying.
10 Best Handheld Vacuums
- Best Overall: Black & Decker HHVI320JR02 Handheld Vacuum
“A great all-purpose hand vacuum, convenient, extensive warranty” - Best Splurge: Dyson V7 Trigger Handheld Vacuum
“Value for Money, Lightweight, easy to use, pet-friendly” - Best Portable: Hoover ONEPWR BH57005 Handheld Vacuum
“Innovative, powerful cleaning, Exceptional Power” - Best Budget: Homasy HM207A Handheld Vacuum
“Customers love the glossy industrial design, and technology” - Best Corded: Dirt Devil Scorpion SD20005RED Handheld Vacuum
“Affordable handheld vacuum sucks and removes pet hair and dirt” - Best Cordless: Holife 8000PA Handheld Vacuum
“Convenient power, Lightweight and convenient to use” - Best Bagless: Dirt Devil Plus BD30025B Handheld Vacuum
“Fade-free cleaning, high-powered turbo tool, easy to use” - Best Bagged: Oreck BB880-AD Handheld Vacuum
“Best-selling, uniquely designed, innovatively designed” - Best Lightweight: VacLife Handheld Vacuum
“Weighing 2 pounds, this small-but-mighty vacuum meets messes wherever they fall.” - Best Design: Shark WANDVAC WV201 Handheld Vacuum
“Solidly-built and well-designed, Compact, elegant.”
Best Handheld Vacuums
By shopping exclusively for a top-rated vacuum on a site like Amazon, you know exactly what to expect for your money. Cheap or otherwise, you can rest assured that the highest-rated handhelds on sites like these are unlikely to disappoint. Manufacturers’ claims are one thing, but it’s something else entirely for consumer reviews to paint a positive picture about a vacuum cleaner.
With this in mind, what follows is a brief overview of some of the best handheld vacuum cleaners of 2021 available on Amazon right now. All of which are backed by dozens (or even hundreds) of positive handheld vacuum reviews, submitted by verified buyers from all over the world
1) Black & Decker HHVI320JR02
Black & Decker HHVI320JR02
With its unique shape and design, the Black & Decker HHVI320JR02 is capable of reaching into more corners and crevices. It also features a convenient easy-empty dust cup, and a long life battery for maximum convenience.
First up, the Black & Decker HHVI320JR02 puts a unique twist on the classic vacuum cleaner design. The device in its entirety has been meticulously engineered with convenience and versatility in mind, enabling it to get into corners and crevices that would usually be out of reach. A firm contender for the best cordless handheld vacuum for tackling cars, boats and other vehicles.
Features and Benefits
The primary feature of the Black & Decker HHVI320JR02 is its super slim nozzle design, which quickly and conveniently targets dirt in tight and tight spaces. Along with getting to grips with everyday cleaning around the home, this convenient cordless cleaner is also perfect for tackling the car, the garage, the caravan and so on. Pretty much anywhere that needs sprucing up from time to time.
There’s also a translucent dirt collection chamber that’s easy to clean and empty, without having to touch the contents. The filter can be removed and refreshed between cleans for a breath of fresh air, while the cyclonic action of the motor delivers powerful suction of up to 16AW. This significantly outperforms many handheld cleaners in its class – particularly at its current low price.
Along with the vacuum itself, the kit comes complete with an extendable crevice tool, a flip up brush and a convenient wall mounted charger for discreet storage. As an added bonus, the Black & Decker HHVI320JR02 isn’t nearly as noisy as many comparable cleaners and the whole thing comes backed by an extensive warranty from the manufacturer for total peace of mind.
Read Full Review: Black+Decker HHVI320JR02 Review
Pros
- Innovative and convenient design
- Charges quickly from flat
- Excellent suction power
- Ships with additional accessories
- Good sized dust collection chamber
- Removable filter
- Extensive manufacturer’s warranty
- Superb overall value for money
Cons
- Battery life isn’t the best
2) Dyson V7 Trigger
Dyson V7 Trigger
Exceptional cleaning power and consistent performance delivered by one of the most prestigious and premium cordless vacuums. Lightweight, easy to use and capable of giving the entire home a thorough clean.
By a considerable margin, the Dyson V7 Trigger is considered to be the best cordless handheld vacuum money can buy in 2021. It may sell for a comparatively high price, but what you take home in terms of cleaning power, versatility and overall value for money is simply out of this world.
Features and Benefits
Everything about the Dyson V7 Trigger simply screams quality and performance. Powered by Dyson’s latest digital V7 motor, this compact and lightweight handheld cleaner delivers the most powerful suction of any handheld in its class.
Despite tackling even the most difficult dirt and grime with extraordinary suction, the V7 also boasts a fade-free runtime of up to 30 minutes from a single charge. More than enough to tackle the average home in its entirety.
The hygienic dirt ejector system effectively empties the collection chamber at the touch of a button, which can hold considerably more dirt and dust than the average dustbuster. Along with the super-powerful cleaner itself, the kit comes complete with a convenient crevice tool, a combination tool and a fantastic mini motorised tool for dealing with embedded pet hair. Quite simply, there isn’t a more capable handheld cleaner on the market right now for pet-friendly households.
As always, the Dyson V7 Trigger comes complete with a two-year warranty from the manufacturer as standard. Having seen a series of price reductions over recent months, this almighty cordless cleaner is currently up for grabs at its lowest price to date. Try it once and you’ll never look at a generic vacuum cleaner the same way again!
Pros
- Astonishing power and performance
- Outstanding for pet friendly households
- Huge 30-minutes runtime from a single charge
- Exceptionally versatile and easy to use
- Very impressive filtration performance
- The ultimate cordless vacuum
Cons
- One of the more expensive handheld cleaners
3) Hoover ONEPWR BH57005
Hoover ONEPWR BH57005
Part of the innovative ONEPWR product range, the Hoover ONEPWR BH57005 is a cutting-edge battery powered handheld with a super convenient replaceable battery.
Next in line comes the Hoover ONEPWR BH57005, which boasts not only the convenience of a rechargeable handheld, but also a replaceable battery. A welcome addition to the ONEPWR collection from Hoover, which continues to go from strength to strength.
Features and Benefits
Right off the bat, the most immediate standout feature of the Hoover ONEPWR BH57005 is (of course) its replaceable battery. At this point in time, it’s hard to believe that more cordless dustbusters don’t come with this same feature as standard.
A replaceable battery means the opportunity to extend both the run time and the overall life of the device significantly, given how all batteries across the board can only be recharged a certain number of times.
Aside from this, the Hoover ONEPWR BH57005 also happens to be a powerful and practical cleaner of enormous versatility. The main unit has been designed with a seriously useful crevice tool built-in, which is great for reaching into cramped and confined corners around the home and in the car. There’s also an oversized dust collection chamber to reduce trips to the bin during bigger cleaning jobs.
If all this wasn’t enough, the Hoover ONEPWR BH57005 offers a superb 30 minutes of powerful cleaning from a single charge. The battery has also been designed to hold a charge indefinitely, meaning it won’t run flat if you don’t use it for a while.
The replaceable battery is perhaps the most important feature of the Hoover ONEPWR BH57005, but this impressive all-round cleaner is by no means the proverbial ‘one trick pony’.
Read Full Review: Hoover ONEPWR BH57005 Review
Pros
- Removable and replaceable battery
- Very impressive suction power
- Convenient built-in crevice tool
- Good battery life from a single charge
- Lightweight and relatively quiet
- Decent filtration and large dust cup
- Very good value for money
Cons
- Charging times could be improved slightly
4) Homasy HM207A
Homasy HM207A
An innovative and exceptionally capable cleaner that’s suitable for the vast majority of wet and dry spills around the home and elsewhere. The Homasy HM207A combines powerful cleaning with extensive versatility.
From top to bottom, the Homasy HM207A has been designed to outperform every comparable wet dry hand vac by a considerable margin. In terms of cleaning power, versatility, battery life and overall design, the Homasy HM207A is a firm contender for the best portable handheld vacuum for dealing with wet and dry spills alike.
Features and Benefits
Delivering the kind of cleaning power and performance you’d expect from a much larger vacuum, the Homasy HM207A boasts a 100W ultra-high power motor to provide suction of up to 8Kpa. This makes it suitable for dealing with even the most difficult dirt and embedded pet hair, while getting into difficult corners and crevices around the home and car.
The latest lithium battery technology has been used to reduce charging times, while at the same time providing up to 30 minutes of powerful cleaning from a single charge. The oversized 600ml dust collection chamber is also great for dealing with longer and more difficult cleaning jobs, while the rubber jar attachment makes light work of minor liquid spills.
Ideal for pet friendly households and allergy sufferers, the Homasy HM207A features cutting-edge filtration technology to remove particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air it emits. Backed by an extensive warranty for total peace of mind, the Homasy HM207A has an impressive lifespan of up to five years, with its state-of-the-art battery supporting up to 500 charging cycles. All of which adds up outstanding overall value for money.
Read Full Review: Homasy Handheld Vacuum Review
Pros
- Impressive cleaning power
- Consistent performance at all times
- Very lightweight and easy to use
- Supplied complete with additional tools
- Excellent filtration efficiency
- Reduced charging times
- Battery life of up to 30 minutes
Cons
- A little noisier than some comparable cleaners
5) Dirt Devil Scorpion SD20005RED
Dirt Devil Scorpion SD20005RED
Everything you’d expect from a market leading manufacturer, delivered in a compact, convenient and affordable package. The Dirt Devil Scorpion SD20005RED takes cleaning power to an entirely higher level.
It’s been around for some time, but the Dirt Devil Scorpion SD20005RED continues to top the table as one of the best corded handheld vacuums on sale right now. As verified by thousands of satisfied customer reviews, the Dirt Devil Scorpion SD20005RED delivers the ultimate in powerful and consistent cleaning performance for all purposes.
Features and Benefits
The basic idea behind the Dirt Devil Scorpion SD20005RED is relatively simple. All the cleaning power and performance of a corded cleaner, combined with the convenience of a lightweight handheld. If you can cope without the total portability of a cordless, this thing performs like a dream.
Weighing in at less than 4lbs, the Dirt Devil Scorpion SD20005RED is exceptionally easy to carry with no aches or fatigue involved. The 15-foot power cord makes it easy to reach all corners and crevices around the home, giving surfaces and furnishings a deep clean with masses of consistent cleaning power.
It’s also received rave reviews for dealing with embedded pet hair and general pet-related mess, which is where some cordless cleaners fall short.
The Dirt Devil Scorpion SD20005RED also features a removable and rinsable filter, helping keep things fresh and hygienic between uses. The exterior has been designed with a super-convenient built-in crevice tool, which can simply be flipped into place when required.
As an added bonus, the fact that it’s a corded cleaner means it’s always ready when you need it and isn’t going to run out of juice halfway through clearing your home. An impressive all-round cleaner at an even more impressive price.
Read Full Review: Dirt Devil SD20005RED Review
Pros
- Outstanding suction power
- Removable and washable filters
- Extremely lightweight and versatile
- Convenient 15 foot cord
- Excellent dust and allergen reduction
- Convenient crevice tool
- Superb overall value for money
Cons
- Not as convenient as a cordless
6) Holife 8000PA
Holife 8000PA
The ultimate in cordless cleaning power and performance, with the versatility to tackle the vast majority of everyday jobs at home and in the car. The combination of extended lithium battery life and consistent performance.
The Holife 8000PA is the perfect representation of just how far cordless vacuum cleaner technology has come over the years. Despite being exceptionally lightweight and perfectly compact, the cleaning power this thing delivers is simply extraordinary. It may be priced slightly higher than most generic dustbusters, but there really is nothing generic about the Holife 8000PA.
Features and Benefits
This cutting-edge cleaner boasts 8KPA cyclonic suction to confidently outperform the vast majority of everyday handhelds on the market. Along with sucking microscopic dirt and dust particles clean out of carpets, it also has a state-of-the-art filtration system to reduce allergens in the air. The heart of which is a removable and replaceable filter, ensuring long-term filtration efficiency of an entirely higher calibre.
For maximum convenience and versatility, the Holife 8000PA features the latest lithium ion battery technology for up to 30 minutes of powerful cleaning. It’s also one of the fastest charging vacuum cleaners of its kind on the market, as an added bonus.
Shipped complete with a handful of convenient tools for reaching all corners of the home, the Holife 8000PA is covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee of unbeatable aftercare.
It may be priced higher than many competing dustbusters, but what the Holife 8000PA delivers in terms of value for money is beyond compare. You need only check out a handful of satisfied customer reviews to understand the ‘wow’ factor this impressive piece of engineering brings to the table.
Pros
- Outperforms most comparable cleaners
- Excellent 30 minute battery life
- Super-fast charging from flat
- Exceptional cleaning power and performance
- Outstanding filtration efficiency
- Removable and washable filter
- Lightweight and convenient to use
- Ships complete with additional tools
- Unbeatable overall value for money
Cons
- Not suitable for wet spells
7) Dirt Devil Plus BD30025B
Dirt Devil Plus BD30025B
Another excellent outing from one of the most iconic names in the business, combining superior cleaning power. The kit comes complete with high-end accessories, including a fantastic powered stair for a deep and hygienic clean.
The Dirt Devil Plus BD30025B is clearly going for the title of best bagless handheld vacuum for less than $50. And it has to be said that after putting it to the test, it’s hard to think of anything that gets the job done better. With its superb suction power, perfect portability and assortment of high-quality attachments, this thing really does redefine value for money.
Features and Benefits
One of the biggest selling points of the Dirt Devil Plus BD30025B is its 2X faster battery charging technology, which really does make a big difference. The latest lithium ion battery circuitry ensures fade-free cleaning from start to finish, with a convenient power indicator letting you know when it’s time to recharge your dustbuster.
The tools included in the kit are particularly impressive – none more so than the stair and upholstery cleaner. This is a fantastically designed, high-powered turbo tool for tackling embedded dirt and pet hair in carpets and on soft furnishings.
Quality filtration also does a great job of removing dust particles and allergens from the air, keeping things clean and fresh with every use. As an added extra, the crevice tool built into the vacuum itself is simply fantastic for getting into tighter corners around the home and car.
Now up for grabs at its lowest price to date, the Dirt Devil Plus BD30025B represents an excellent purchase from a manufacturer with a reputation that speaks for itself. As promised, the Dirt Devil Plus BD30025B really does deliver all the cleaning power and performance of a corded vacuum, with the convenience and versatility of a cordless.
Pros
- Impressive cleaning power
- 2X faster battery charging
- Very lightweight and easy to use
- Outstanding stair and upholstery tool
- Excellent built-in crevice tool
- Good filtration performance
- Superb value for money
Cons
- Battery life (runtime) isn’t the best
8) Oreck BB880-AD
Oreck BB880-AD
One of the best-selling canister vacuum cleaners on the web, designed to deliver the ultimate in practicality and versatility. Supplied complete with a range of accessories and doubling as a powerful blower.
The Oreck BB880-AD is, in every respect, an entirely different breed of dustbuster. Practical and versatile in the extreme, this uniquely designed canister vacuum cleaner is designed to do it all. From cleaning every corner of the home to keeping chaos at bay in workshops and commercial spaces, the Oreck BB880-AD is a true all-action and all-purpose cleaner that’s currently up for grabs at its lowest price to date.
Features and Benefits
Right off the bat, the cleaning power and performance of the Oreck BB880-AD really is something else. This thing is perfectly capable of lifting a 16lb bowling ball clean off the ground, without so much as a hiccup. This makes it the ideal cleaner for dealing with more challenging jobs around the home, the garage, the workshop or even the office.
Weighing in at just under 5lbs, the whole thing is surprisingly lightweight considering how much of a punch it packs. Supplied with an array of accessories for added convenience (including a turbo sweeper brush), the Oreck BB880-AD also features a ‘blow’ setting which is relatively self-explanatory. Blow leaves, remove debris in your workshop – endless practical applications from a seriously versatile cleaner.
For added freshness and hygiene, this innovative canister vacuum cleaner uses Oreck sanitary hypo-allergenic disposable dust bags – a couple of which are included in the kit as standard. If you’re on the lookout for a true multipurpose device that’s about more than simply sprucing up your interiors on occasion, the Oreck BB880-AD is well worth checking out
Pros
- Innovative design
- Lightweight and comfortable to carry
- Enormous and consistent cleaning power
- Also doubles as a blower
- Oversized dirt tank for convenience
- Suitable for a variety of environments
- On sale at a surprisingly low price
Cons
- Flexible hose is a little short
9) VacLife Handheld Vacuum
VacLife Handheld Vacuum
A high power mini vac that continues to set the highest possible standard for comparable cleaners, with extended battery life, faster charging and the versatility to clean every corner of the home.
If you’re on the lookout for a premium handheld vacuum cleaner that performs on an entirely higher level, this could be it. Light years ahead of its closest counterparts in terms of quality, performance and value for money, the VacLife Handheld Vacuum is packed with cutting-edge technology inside and out.
Features and Benefits
Despite having been designed for quick clean-ups around the home, the VacLife Handheld Vacuum is capable of cleaning the average house in its entirety from a single charge. The latest lithium ion battery technology also reduces charging times by as much as 50%, ensuring the VacLife Handheld Vacuum is always ready to use when you need it.
Supplied complete with three high-quality attachments for reaching all areas of the home and the car, the VacLife Handheld Vacuum also features a powerful LED for illuminating darker corners and crevices. Robust, durable and built to last, this powerful cordless cleaner is fitted with an advanced stainless steel HEPA filter, which can be removed and washed on a regular basis for a fresh and hygienic clean.
Lightweight, easy to use and a steal at its current purchase price, the VacLife Handheld Vacuum accommodates buyers looking for something that goes beyond the basics of cordless cleaning. Backed by an extensive warranty for total peace of mind, everything about this premium handheld vacuum cleaner adds up to outstanding value for money.
Pros
- Up to 30 minutes battery life
- 50% reduced charging times
- Powerful fade-free suction
- Includes multiple tools
- Advanced removable HEPA filter
- Perfect for the home and car
- Exceptional value for money
Cons
- Slightly loud when in use
10) Shark WANDVAC WV201
Shark WANDVAC WV201
Compact, elegant and exceptionally lightweight, this ultra-modern dustbuster combines super-fast charging with fade-free suction and several custom accessories for maximum versatility.
Last but not least comes the Shark WANDVAC WV201, which you can’t deny is one of the most gorgeous-looking handheld vacuums on the market right now. Boasting an exquisite exterior unlike any dustbuster in existence, the Shark WANDVAC WV201 is as much about elegance and exclusivity as it is extreme cleaning power and performance.
Features and Benefits
Make no mistake about it – the Shark WANDVAC WV201 isn’t a case of ‘form without function’. It may be one of the most beautifully designed handhelds in existence, but it also delivers the kind of raw cleaning power that exceeds most comparable cleaners. All from an ultra-lightweight and beautifully balanced vacuum that tips the scales at a slender 1.4 lbs.
The docking station is as elegant as the vacuum itself, providing discreet and convenient storage for both the device and its accompanying accessories. A touch of a button is all it takes to empty the dirt chamber, while super-fast charging ensures it’s always ready to use when you need it.
A high-speed, brushless motor provides unbelievable suction power for such a compact device, easily getting to work on embedded dirt and pet hair at home and in the car.
In short, this is the kind of futuristic handheld vacuum cleaner you simply have to experience to believe. Far from just a gimmick with a pretty exterior, the technology this thing packs under the hood is no less than remarkable. It’s doesn’t have the longest runtime, but it’s a small price to pay for the way it performs when put to the test.
Read Full Review: Shark Wandvac Review
Pros
- Stunning exterior design
- Extraordinary cleaning performance
- Elegant docking station
- Advanced filtration system
- Includes multiple tools
- Unbelievably lightweight
- Accelerated charging times
Cons
- Battery life could be improved
If you would like to get reviews of other popular vacuum cleaners, kindly visit our Guide page.
Handheld Vacuum Buying Guide
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, picking up the best handheld vacuum cleaner for any purpose is all about verifying its quality, performance and value for money. All of which can be achieved by simply checking out a handful of real life customer reviews.
Nevertheless, it’s also important to know what to look for when buying a vacuum cleaner to suit your requirements. After all, just because a handheld vacuum has outstanding feedback doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right cleaner for you.
In this brief handheld vacuum buying guide, we’ll be covering what to look for when buying a vacuum cleaner for any purpose. Whatever your preferences, priorities and budget, it’s important to focus on the following five considerations before placing your order for a cordless cleaner:
How and Where You Intend to Use It
First and foremost, take the time to consider where you intend to use your handheld vacuum cleaner and for what types of purposes. Everyday cleaning around the home, or heavy duty use in your garage or workshop? Periodic spruce ups, or something that can clean your entire home from top to bottom on a regular basis? This is where things like portability, power and battery life come into the equation. All of which should be considered before selecting a handheld vacuum cleaner.
General Cleaning Power and Performance
Irrespective of how and where you intend to use your handheld cleaner, power and performance matters. There’s really nothing more frustrating than a low-grade handheld cleaner that doesn’t seem to be able to pick up anything heavier than a grain of rice.
Unless you want to waste your time going over the same surfaces time and time again, it’s vital that you pick something up that’s capable of picking things up. Anything that lacks the power to get the job done is a guaranteed recipe for frustration.
Cordless Vs Corded Handheld Cleaners
If you thought cordless handheld cleaners were naturally ‘better’ than corded cleaners, think again. On one hand, it’s true to say that the portability and practicality of a cordless is beyond compare. On the other, it’s also true to say that cordless handheld cleaners have a limited runtime, need to be charged between uses and aren’t quite as powerful as their corded cousins.
There’s no right or wrong choice – it’s entirely up to you as to where your priorities and preferences lie. If you can live with a cord, there are some excellent (and affordable) corded models out there to consider.
Pet Hair and Filtration Efficiency
Anyone with pets at home (or in the car) needs to think carefully about the removal of embedded pet hair. Not to mention, dealing with all kinds of everyday pet mess in general. Along with the ability to remove embedded pet hair from all kinds of surfaces, the best handheld cleaners on the market also boast impressive filtration efficiency.
Some removing as much as 99.9% of allergens and dust particles from the air they emit. Particularly if you have allergy sufferers at home, it’s important to prioritise pet hair removal and allergen filtration.
Tools and Accessories
Last up, most cordless cleaners these days come with at least a couple of accessories included in the kit. However, the usefulness of these accessories is ultimately up to you to decide. Just as there’s no point buying a kit with a bunch of accessories you’ll never use, it’s wise to avoid buying a kit that doesn’t cover all your requirements.
Always check what kinds of accessories are included in the kit, in order to ensure they’re suitable for your cleaning requirements. If not, perhaps set your sights on something else, or at least research which additional accessories you can purchase, before placing your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Which is the Best Handheld Vacuum to Buy?
Hoover ONEPWR BH57005 is a highly effective handheld vacuum cleaner. It comes with a replaceable battery and extremely versatile features. This vacuum can clean any kind of messes while also accessing crevices and corners with specialized tools. The dust collection chamber is built to hold more and make cleaning efficient.
2) Which Handheld Vacuum has the Best Suction?
Dyson V7 Trigger, with its cutting-edge digital V7 motor, has the best suction a handheld can offer. It is extremely powerful and built to deal with stubborn messes. Not to mention, this vacuum comes with a fade-free runtime of 30 minutes with just a single charge. As a result, you can easily use it for smaller spills or your entire household cleaning.
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