When cleaning around the house, we often run into tasks that require a vacuum; but those tasks don’t always warrant a full-size vacuum. Nobody wants to deal with tangled cords and heavy contraptions to clean up a mess that only requires a minute or two to address. If you have come to this realization on your own, you may already be looking for the best handheld cordless vacuum. If so, you’re in the right place!
We have compiled a list of the ten best handheld cordless vacuums. After we’ve filled you in on the features and specifications of each, we’ll tell you which one we found to be the best of the best handheld cordless vacuums.
The Best Handheld Cordless Vacuum FAQs
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Before we begin our list of the best handheld cordless vacuums, we’ll take a moment to answer some frequently asked questions.
1. What Are the Benefits of Handheld Cordless Vacuums?
There are many benefits of handheld cordless vacuums. These vacs tend to be very lightweight and ergonomically designed, so they are comfortable to use. The lack of a cord means you can wander around cleaning unencumbered by the length of your power cord. Additionally, these little devices can be a great alternative for vacuuming stairs and furniture, and many come with attachments for those tasks, specifically. You can even use these vacs for table tops and counter surfaces—some can even take care of liquid spills.
Because they are small and handheld, they are highly effective at cleaning small hard-to-reach places. Many models are suitable for cleaning your car, boat, or recreational vehicle. These vacuums are also nice in instances where you don’t want or need to drag out your full-size vacuum, as they are small and can sit connected to their charging base in an easily accessible area, such as a countertop or wall mount.
2. Are There Any Drawbacks of Handheld Cordless Vacuums?
These vacuums do have their limitations and are not meant to replace the traditional full-size vacuum. The lack of a cord is convenient for many reasons, but it means you have limited time to vacuum before your charge runs out. These vacuums also tend to have less suction power because they run on batteries. We have included a couple of models on our list that are corded but still handheld. They offer the suction and power of your traditional full-size vac, but the convenience of a handheld design.
3. How Long Will the Best Handheld Cordless Vacuums Run with a Full Charge?
The best handheld cordless vacuums will run for no less than 15 minutes on a full charge. Some models on our list will run for up to 30 minutes, which is very impressive. With the corded options we included on our list, of course, this is not a problem.
4. How Long Do the Best Handheld Cordless Vacuums Have to Charge?
This varies. The range of charging time for the vacuums on our list is anywhere between 3 and 8 hours. Models with a longer charging time will usually have a longer run time.
5. Where Can I Buy These Vacuums?
These vacuums can be found in your local department stores, big-box stores, and appliance stores. All the vacuums on our top ten list can also be found on Amazon.com.
How We Reviewed
The following products were reviewed based on the following features, price, and warranty. We evaluated each one thoroughly and took into account how they performed against their competitors as well as general customer satisfaction. We are confident that our research has resulted in a list of the ten best handheld cordless vacuums that offer a variety of options for anybody in the market for this versatile household tool.
Overall Price Range of the Best Handheld Cordless Vacuums
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We wanted to offer options for consumers that are budget-conscious as well as those looking for all the bells and whistles. As a result, the price range is wide, beginning at around $35 and going up to around $220. The more expensive models will have stronger motors, stronger suction power, and accessories not commonly offered with less expensive models.
What We Reviewed
- BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Cordless Vacuum
- Shark Rocket Corded Ultra-Light Hand Vacuum
- Dyson V7 Car+Boat Cord-Free Handheld Vacuum
- Fuller Brush Mini Maid
- Eureka EasyClean Lightweight Handheld Vacuum
- BISSELL Lightweight Cordless Hand Vacuum
- HoLife Handheld Vacuum
- Dirt Devil 16V Quick Flip Pr
- Shark Pet-Perfect II Cordless Bagless Hand Vacuum
- BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum
BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Cordless Vacuum
- MULTI-SURFACE USE – Removes hair, dirt, and debris from carpets, car interiors, furniture,...
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE – Easy to carry and maneuver, even in tight spaces. Has a charging...
Features
The first on our list of the best handheld cordless vacuums comes from the trusted brand of Black and Decker. Perhaps the best feature of this lightweight, 16V model is its impressive 19-minute run time after a full four-hour charge. It contains a lithium-ion battery and will hold a charge for up to 18 months.
The dust bowl capacity is respectable for a handheld vacuum at 20.6 ounces and is transparent so you know when it needs to be emptied. Both the bowl and the filters can be removed and washed. Another nice feature of this model is that it is extremely quiet. The slim, rotating nozzle makes it easy to get into tight spaces, including the car.
It can clean up messes big and small with a suction power of 15.2 AW, but you may not find it adequate for keeping pet hair at bay. However, that is a job best done by a corded vacuum and doesn’t really take anything away Black and Deckers’ model.
Where to Buy
Warranty
This vacuum comes with a two-year limited warranty.
Image via Unsplash
Shark Rocket Corded Ultra-Light Hand Vacuum
- Portable and ultra-lightweight. Less than 4 pounds in total
- True Pet Motorized Brush for handheld deep cleaning
Features
Shark is well-known for delivering quality vacuums. This hand vacuum from Shark doesn’t technically belong on this list, because it is corded with a 15-foot power cord. However, it is a handheld vaccum, and we decided to include it for those wanting a hand vacuum to keep pet hair and dander at bay. In this regard, the Shark Rocket is superior to others on our list.
It comes with a TruePet motorized brush to get pet hair that is deep in your upholstery or carpet. The Rocket is lightweight, weighing in at four pounds, and low-maintenance thanks to its bagless design and washable filters. If the cord isn’t a deal-breaker and you want something for deep-cleaning, especially if you’re a pet owner, this is the hand vacuum for you.
Where to Buy
Warranty
The Shark Rocket hand vacuum comes with a limited one-year warranty.
Dyson V7 Car+Boat Cord-Free Handheld Vacuum
- Capacity (volume) - .15 gallon; Cord free; Hassle free; No cord to unravel, plug in, drag...
- Tools included: car charger, mini motorized tool, extension hose, combination tool; Suction...
Features
This vacuum from Dyson was designed with your car or boat in mind and looks kind of like a futuristic space gun—in a good way. This vac from Dyson is powered by the Dyson digital motor V7 and is touted as the most powerful handheld vacuum out there—a claim that just may be true with a suction power of 100 AW. This model uses fade-free lithium-ion batteries, so the 30-minute run time will provide suction of the same power throughout.
The Dyson V7 comes with a ton of helpful accessories, including a car charger, a miniature motorized tool for getting rid of ground-in dirt and debris, an extension hose, and a combination tool that comes in handy for hard-to-reach crevices. Another thoughtful touch is Dyson’s hygienic dirt ejector that allows you to discard of collected dirt and dust in a single action and without making any contact with it.
Where to Buy
Warranty
Dyson offers a two-year warranty covering parts and labor.
Image via Unsplash
Fuller Brush Mini Maid
- 600 Watt Motor
- Quick-Release Dust Cup with Washable Filter
Features
The Fuller Brush Mini Maid is a nice affordable hand vacuum, though it does come with a 15-foot power cord. It has a 600-watt motor and a quick-release dust cup containing a washable filter for easy maintenance. The Mini Maid comes with accessories including an upholstery brush, dusting brush, crevice tool, and a flexible hose. This is another good model for pet owners as it has great suction, but it is a more affordable option than the Shark Rocket.
Where to Buy
Warranty
The Mini Maid comes with a 90-day warranty.
Eureka EasyClean Lightweight Handheld Vacuum
- Portable, lightweight handheld vacuum for home, car or garage; Weighs less than 5 pounds
- Motorized brush with on/off switch for thorough cleaning of carpets, Integrated filter with...
Features
This hand vacuum from Eureka operates with two motors; one for its brush and one for suction. The motorized brush can be turned on or off while cleaning. This is another corded hand vac, but the 20-foot cord will give you a great range of motion and makes it especially great for stairs, as does its exclusive Riser Visor system, designed for vacuuming stairs or vertical upholstery.
The EasyClean is lightweight at less than five pounds, and you can use it on carpets, vinyl, hardwood, laminate, or even on your countertops. The hose features a crevice tool for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
Where to Buy
Warranty
Eureka offers a one-year manufacturer’s warranty and a money-back guarantee.
Image via Pixabay
BISSELL Lightweight Cordless Hand Vacuum
- Equipped with high performance cordless technology and engineered for versatile cleaning in...
- Includes multiple specialized tools, including built-in extension hose, stored on board for...
Features
This cordless hand vacuum from Bissel is a little pricier than most on our list, but it is extremely versatile. It contains a professional-grade, 22V lithium-ion battery that will give you up to 15 minutes of run-time. The lightweight (under four pounds) and ergonomic design, which includes soft grips, will allow you to clean with ease and comfort. The dirt cup capacity is just under half a liter and can be easily emptied thanks to Bissel’s Easy Empty lid. The included dusting brush, extension hose, wand, and motorized brush roll ensure that you can tackle any household task.
Where to Buy
Warranty
This Bissel vacuum comes with a limited two-year warranty.
HoLife Handheld Vacuum
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Features
This model from HoLife has earned its place on our list of the best handheld cordless vacuums, with numerous features and benefits. The 100-watt motor and strong cyclonic suction are strong enough to pick up coins, and this handy vac will run constantly for 30 minutes without a charge. Charge time is pretty quick at 3-4 hours.
This model is incredibly quiet, ergonomically designed, and lightweight at a mere 3.27 pounds, making this hand vac comfortable to use all around. The clear, bagless dirt bowl is easy to check and clean as are the two included washable filters. The three included nozzles allow you to clean a variety of messes; including liquids!
Where to Buy
Warranty
Warranty information can be requested from the manufacturer.
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Dirt Devil 16V Quick Flip Pro
- 2X FASTER CHARGING: The power of the 16 Volt Lithium Ion battery provides fade free and longer...
- STAIR AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANER: Attach the powered turbo tool to quickly clean stairs and...
Features
This model from Dirt Devil is another affordable option on our list of the best handheld cordless vacuums. This bagless hand vac has a battery life of 15 minutes and a 16V lithium-ion battery. The powered turbo tool is easy to attach and ideal for cleaning stairs and upholstery. A crevice tool is also included for all the hard-to-reach areas in your home. This vacuum is very lightweight at 2.2 lbs.
Where to Buy
Warranty
This vacuum comes with a limited one-year warranty.
Shark Pet-Perfect II Cordless Bagless Hand Vacuum
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Features
Shark gets another spot on our list of the best cordless handheld vacuums with the Pet-Perfect II. This 18V hand vac has an extra-large detachable motorized brush ideal for deep cleaning, including pet hair, as the name suggests. The Pet-Perfect II weighs in at just under 5 pounds and can be an ideal solution beyond the home when cleaning your car boat or RV.
The filter is washable making this a low-maintenance hand vacuum. The included motorized brush head and crevice tool are held by the deluxe charging stand that can be mounted on your wall or sit on a countertop.
Where to Buy
Warranty
The Shark Pet Perfect II comes with a limited one-year warranty.
Image via Pixabay
BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum
- Buy Bissell, save pets; Bissell will donate 5 dollars for each pet hair eraser Li Ion purchase,...
- Remove more embedded dirt and pet hair with a motorized brush tool and lithium ion battery,...
Features
Last on our list of the best handheld cordless vacuums is the Bissel Pet Hair Eraser. This model from Bissel features a 14V lithium-ion battery and a dirt cup capacity of .7 liters. Included with this hand vac are a motorized brush tool, upholstery tool, and a crevice tool. Its triple-level filtration system ensures a thorough clean.
This model from Bissel was designed with the pet owner in mind. One great thing about purchasing this model is that Bissell will donate $5 to a charity for animals for each one they sell.
Where to Buy
Warranty
A manufacturer’s two-year warranty is offered on this product.
The Verdict
So, now you have it: our top ten best handheld cordless vacuums. We hoped to include a good variety of options so no matter what you are looking for in a handheld vacuum, you found one that checked all your boxes on this list. We have our favorites, however.
Best of the Best
The title of the best of the best goes to the HoLife Handheld Vacuum. There was nothing we didn’t like about the HoLife Handheld Vacuum. It is incredibly light at 3.27 pounds. It has a 100-watt motor and suction strong enough to pick up coins, which is very impressive in a cordless handheld vac! The filters are washable and reusable and this model is bagless, so you won’t have to run out and buy bags or filters at any point with this handheld vac. We were in love with the fact it can clean up liquid messes using one of its three included nozzles.
One of the most impressive things about this vac is its charge time versus its run time. The HoLife can be fully charged in three to four hours but still has a 30-minute run time and maintains impressive suction. We’re not even sure how the folks at HoLife pulled that off, but we’re glad they did. We didn’t find another cordless hand vac with such an impressive run time to charge time ratio. With everything it has going for it, you’d think the HoLife would have a $$$ rating for price, but it doesn’t. The HoLife Handheld is mid-range in price, and lower-mid range at that.
Honorable Mentions
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We do have a couple of honorable mentions. If you are looking for a cordless handheld vac for your car, boat, or RV, the Dyson V7 is second to none. It has great suction power and comes with many useful accessories. It will be able to handle more heavy-duty messes than most of the hand vacs on our list, though you will definitely pay more it. If you are looking for a budget option that will get the job done without any bells or whistles, considered the Dirt Devil Quick Flip Pro.
If you’re more interested in a handheld vac and a cord isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, the Shark Rocket is a great option, giving you the power you would expect of a corded vacuum but the convenience of a handheld design. If you have a pet, you will especially love this vacuum as its TruePet motorized brush is designed to remove stubborn pet hair from carpet and upholstery, and since it’s corded, you never have to worry about battery life slowly running down.
Whichever handheld vac you choose, if it’s on this list we’re sure you’ll be happy with it.
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With a degree in engineering, Kathryn Hansen loves to write about how things work. Having her own dilemmas on how to pick the best vacuum cleaner for her large family (with a handful of furry four-legged members as well), Kathryn decided to help others in the same situation. After all, vacuum cleaners are critical to a healthy lifestyle and people have a hard time choosing the best one for their needs.
