What Is A Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
A handheld vacuum is a convenient tool to have on hand for life’s little messes. These compact vacuums are designed for quick cleanups and can tackle all kinds of dirt, debris, and pet hair in a flash.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the benefits of handheld vacuums and review our picks for the top 4 best models on the market.
Why You Need a Handheld Vacuum in Your Cleaning Toolkit
Handheld vacuums offer a few key advantages that make them a useful addition to any home:
Convenience – Handhelds are ready to grab for quick cleanups anytime, anywhere. Their cordless design and lightweight body make these vacuums highly portable and easy to use.
Power – Don’t be fooled by their small size. Many handheld vacuums pack impressive suction power, making them capable of cleaning up dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris.
Flexibility – The compact size and easy maneuverability of handheld vacuums allow you to clean in tight spaces that regular vacuums can’t reach. Easily clean corners, crevices, upholstery, stairs, cars and more.
Affordability – Handheld vacuums are very reasonably priced, especially compared to full-size models. You can get a high-quality handheld vacuum for under $100.
Perfect for Quick Cleanups – Handhelds are ideal for taking care of sudden spills, pet accidents, and other small messes around the home.
What to Look for in a Handheld Vacuum
There are a few key factors to consider when shopping for a handheld vacuum:
- Weight – Look for lighter models (under 5 lbs) for comfortable extended use. Heavier vacuums become tiring quickly.
- Battery Life – Aim for at least 15 minutes of fade-free power per charge. Quick recharge times are also convenient.
- Suction Power – Strong suction (100 AW or more) ensures the vacuum can thoroughly clean pet hair, fine debris, powders, and more.
- Filtration – HEPA filtration helps capture allergens and fine particles like dust.
- Attachments – Look for accessories like crevice tools, brushes, and upholstery nozzles.
- Capacity – Bagless dirt cups with larger capacity mean fewer trips to empty debris.
- Reviews – Customer reviews provide real-world insight into performance and usability.
Using these criteria, we’ve selected our picks for the top handheld vacuums on the market:
Eufy HomeVac S11 Go – The Best Overall
The Eufy HomeVac S11 Go is our top pick for its excellent balance of power, portability, and value. This handheld vacuum packs an impressive 120 AW of suction power into a slim, lightweight body.
Weighing just 2.6 pounds, the ergonomic design makes the S11 Go easy to maneuver and carry. It delivers up to 40 minutes of fade-free runtime on a full charge – plenty of time to tackle whole-home cleanups.
The bagless dirt cup is mess-free to empty, and the washable filter helps maintain strong suction over time. This handheld vacuum also comes with a handy crevice tool and a 2-in-1 dusting brush.
With thousands of 5-star reviews praising its convenient cordless design, strong suction, and long battery life, the Eufy HomeVac S11 Go is a clear winner for a powerful, portable handheld vacuum.
Shark WANDVAC – Best for Pet Hair
Pet hair can be hard to tackle, but the Shark WANDVAC makes it look easy. This handheld vacuum stands out for its motorized brush roll that actively pulls hair off furniture, stairs, car seats, and more.
The soft brush head attracts pet hair like a magnet, grabbing shed fur that other vacuums leave behind. Weighing just 1.4 pounds, the WANDVAC is extremely lightweight and easy to use anywhere.
Customers love how effortlessly this handheld vacuum cleans pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and tight spaces in cars. With up to 14 minutes of fade-free battery life, the WANDVAC makes pet hair cleanup a breeze.
BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster AdvancedClean – Most Affordable
On a budget? The BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster AdvancedClean delivers strong suction power and convenient cordless use at an affordable price point.
This handheld vacuum provides up to 16 minutes of uninterrupted cleaning power. The lithium-ion battery holds a charge well, so it’s always ready to go when messes strike.
Despite the low price, the Dustbuster AdvancedClean still includes useful attachments like a crevice tool and brush. The lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver into tight spaces and clean stairs, furniture, and more.
For an inexpensive yet powerful handheld vacuum, the Dustbuster AdvancedClean is a great value worth considering.
Dyson V7 Trigger – Best Suction Power
If raw suction power is your top priority, look no further than the Dyson V7 Trigger. This handheld vacuum packs an astonishing 100 AW of fade-free suction.
The powerful V7 makes quick work of ground-in dirt, fine dust, and stubborn pet hair. Its lightweight body and ergonomic handle provide easy maneuverability for cleaning tricky spots like stairs, upholstery, and car interiors.
With up to 30 minutes of runtime per charge, the Dyson V7 Trigger delivers unmatched cleaning performance. While it commands a higher price tag, customers agree the extra suction power is well worth the investment.
Key Takeaways – Choosing the Best Handheld Vacuum
- Look for strong suction (100+ AW) and a battery life of at least 15 minutes per charge. Power and runtime are crucial.
- Lighter handheld vacuums (under 5 lbs) are much easier to use for extended periods. Maneuverability is important.
- Attachments like crevice tools, small brushes, and upholstery nozzles add value for cleaning tight spaces.
- Bagless dirt cups make emptying debris fast and hygienic. Washable filters help maintain suction.
- For pet hair, look for motorized brush rolls that actively pull and remove shed fur.
- Quality brands like Dyson, Eufy, Shark, and BLACK+DECKER make excellent handheld vacuum models.
Keep these tips in mind as you shop for the perfect handheld vacuum. Having a convenient, portable vacuum on hand makes quick cleanups a breeze.
FAQs
Q: How is a handheld vacuum different from a full-size upright vacuum?
A: Handheld vacuums are much smaller, lighter, and more portable. They run on battery power so there are no cords. Handhelds are designed for quick, small cleanups and can’t replace the deep cleaning performance of full-size corded vacuums.
Q: Should I buy a cordless handheld vacuum or a corded model?
A: We strongly recommend choosing a cordless handheld vacuum. Cordless models are much more convenient to use anywhere without being tethered to an outlet. Cordless handheld vacuums run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Q: What’s the best handheld vacuum for pet hair?
A: Look for a handheld vacuum with a motorized brush roll, which helps actively pull and remove pet hair from upholstery. The Shark WANDVAC is a great option designed specifically for pet hair cleanup.
Q: How long does the battery last on a cordless handheld vacuum?
A: Most quality handheld vacuums will provide 15-40 minutes of fade-free power per charge. Runtime can vary based on the suction setting. Quick-charging batteries help minimize downtime.
Q: Can handheld vacuums be used on carpets?
A: Handheld vacuums work well on carpets, especially for surface debris, but cannot replace the deeper cleaning performance of an upright or canister vacuum. Look for handhelds with at least 100 AW of suction for carpets.
Hey, I’m Abdul Manan, a vacuum enthusiast with a knack for simplifying cleaning. I love sharing tips, tricks, and insights to help you get the most out of your vacuum. Let’s tackle cleaning the smart way!
