The 6 Best Handheld Vacuums of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The Bottom Line

When it comes to suction power, battery life, and price, the Shark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum CH901 checks all the boxes. The IonVac Lightweight Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a great option if you’re on a budget, and it's an ultra lightweight vacuum that might be ideal for those with low mobility or longer cleaning projects.

Our Testing Process

To find the best handheld vacuums, we evaluated dozens of models over using a predetermined methodology. We assessed vacuums based on seven factors: weight, noise, battery life, effectiveness, maneuverability, portability, and ease of emptying.

We first weighed each vacuum and used a decibel reader to measure the noise level when turned on. Then we timed each vacuum with a stopwatch to measure the battery life on the highest setting. 

Next we performed a series of tests with debris, noting how long it took each vacuum to pick up dirt and remove pet hair from fabric as well as how effective each model was at sucking up different sizes of debris. For wet vacuums we timed how long it took each model to clean ½ cup of water. 

In addition, we evaluated each vacuum after six months to ensure the suction power, battery life, and dustbin components were still performing consistently with the initial test results. This helped determine an overall value and the long term quality for each vacuum. 

We also tested overall maneuverability and portability, noting how easy it was to hold each vacuum as well as how the attachments and nozzles moved around surfaces and areas of different sizes. We ranked each handheld vacuum in the seven categories and calculated the average scores.

Other Handheld Vacuums We Tested

Bissell AeroSlim Lithium Ion Cordless Handheld Vacuum

This is an incredibly lightweight, nimble vacuum, and we loved how easy it was to get into the smallest nooks and crannies in a car. However, while it was powerful enough to suck up larger items such as cereal, it was no match for pet hair and other embedded debris.

Black+Decker dustbuster Handheld Vacuum, Cordless, AdvancedClean+ HHVK515J00FF

We gave this vacuum average scores across the board. It’s fairly lightweight, easy to maneuver, and tackles most crumbs and debris in one sweeping pass. But for the price, we wish this model came with extra attachments and nozzles.

Black+Decker Gen11 AdvancedClean+ Handheld Vacuum - HHVK320J12

While we liked how easy it was to empty the dustbin, this vacuum is just too loud compared to others with similar suction strength and power. During our testing, it drowned out TV and radio audio, and we almost needed to shout in order to be heard over the vacuum noise.

What to Know About Handheld Vacuums Before Shopping

Settings

When purchasing a vacuum of any kind, look for settings appropriate to the intended use. For example, if you have more hardwood or bare flooring than carpet, you’ll want to check that there’s a setting for that.

“Some handheld vacuums work best on carpet and rugs, while others are better suited for hardwood floors or tile,” says Brian Shaunfield, Lowe's store manager. “You can use some models on all types of flooring, but you’ll want to ensure this before purchasing a new vacuum.”

Suction strength is also important—more suction power can help with tough debris such as embedded pet hair. Most vacuums feature a high and a low or standard suction setting to toggle between for easy cleanups on tile flooring or harder jobs like pet hair on upholstered furniture.

“Handheld vacuums vary in power, and the best option for you is based on your unique needs,” Shaunfield says. “Some models offer up to four times more suction than other models.” 

Battery Life

The average handheld vacuum cleaner has a run time of about 15 to 20 minutes without stopping, but that doesn’t always mean it can run that long at full suction power. We tested each vacuum on high and timed how long each battery lasted. Most fell in the 10 to 15 minute range, while some didn’t even last 10 minutes on one charge. 

Battery type is another factor to consider when shopping for handheld vacuum cleaners as lithium ion batteries can take hours to fully recharge. Some vacuums will need to be charged overnight straight out of the package in order to operate. 

Weight

Handheld vacuums range in weight, but most are typically between 1 to 5 pounds. Vacuums that weigh around 1 pound are ideal for those with low mobility or large areas to clean, but these models often don’t have the most powerful batteries—and, therefore, shorter battery life.

You’ll often find stronger suction power and longer battery life in heavier models, but they can be cumbersome if you’re tackling bigger tasks like cleaning a car interior. 

Dustbin Size

A vacuum’s dustbin can tell you how often you’ll have to stop and empty it out between chores. Dustbins can vary in size anywhere between 3 to 30 ounces; more compact models usually have less than 10 ounces of dustbin space and larger vacuums often hold 20 ounces or more of debris. 

Accessories

The most important accessories—the ones that make you feel like you’ve discovered a secret cleaning hack—are the attachments that help with specific jobs. Crevice tools “allow you to clean tight corners and small spaces with ease,” Shaunfield says.

Brush tools are great for getting at deeply embedded hair and dust. And if you’re tight on storage space, Shaunfield recommends looking for a handheld vacuum that comes with wall-mounted storage.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the most powerful handheld vacuum? 

Power can be measured in two ways: battery life and suction strength. For some jobs, such as cleaning out an SUV, it’s beneficial to look for a handheld vacuum cleaner with a powerful battery and longer battery life so you can knock out the task without pausing to recharge.

But for others, the best handheld vacuum cleaners will have the most powerful suction. You can tell that by looking at the vacuum’s air wattage; like with full-size vacuums, the higher the watts, the more powerful the suction. Heavy-duty handheld vacuums often have an air wattage above 60. 

Another thing to consider is that, in our experience, some vacuums will lose suction power as the battery drains and/or as the dustbin fills up. This can be especially frustrating during longer cleaning jobs.

How long does a handheld vacuum battery last? 

“Handheld vacuums have a range of runtimes depending on model and battery size,” says Shaunfield. “But you can expect to get between 15 and 20 minutes of runtime on a cordless handheld vacuum.” Most models we tested had a battery life somewhere between 10 and 15 minutes when run continuously on high.

How much is a handheld car vacuum?

According to Shaunfield, handheld vacuums can range in price from $25 to $200. Most of the vacuums we tested are between $50 and $100, with our top pick, the the Shark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum CH901, just over $95. Our budget option, the IonVac Lightweight Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, is under $25.

What is a good weight to look for? “Handheld vacuums come in a range of sizes and weights so the best option depends on your intended use,” says Shaunfield. “Some handheld vacuums weigh as little as 1.2 pounds, while heavier-duty options may weigh closer to 3 or 4 pounds.”

During testing, we found lighter vacuums around 1 pound often stood up perfectly well to models between 3 and 5 pounds, especially for everyday messes, but usually had a slightly shorter battery life.

How much should a handheld vacuum cleaner weigh?

When buying a handheld vacuum, it’s just as important to consider the intended use and how long you’ll be holding the appliance for cleaning. Quick clean-ups are one thing, but tackling an entire bathroom can be a lot of lifting. 

“Handheld vacuums range from a variety of sizes and weights,” said McCoy. “Some weigh as little as 1.2 pounds, while heavier-duty options may weigh closer to 3 or 4 pounds.”

Who We Are

Deanne Revel is an award-winning journalist and host based in Seattle. She covers home and design shopping, including the best deals and dupes, and did significant research on the best handheld vacuums for this story. She also spoke to Gary McCoy and Brian Shaunfield, both Lowe's Store Managers.

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.