Even if you have a superb full-size vacuum, a powerful and portable handheld vacuum is essential for swiftly cleaning up little messes and getting into tight spots.
While handheld vacuums cannot substitute a full-size vacuum for a thorough cleaning, they are useful for sucking up dry spills, tracked-in debris, and pet hair. Many people have multiple handheld vacuums for convenience: Keep one in your house and one in your car to keep it clean and tidy.
Our top picks:
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BEST CORDLESS HANDHELD VACUUM FOR PET HAIR
Black + Decker AdvancedClean+ Pet Hand Vacuum
The Home Accessoris Institute Cleaning Lab has a long history of testing vacuum cleaners of various varieties,car vacuums, Cordless Stick Vacuums, Vacuum Cleaners, Robot Mops, Robot Vacuums, Cordless Handheld Vacuums, Best Vacuums on Amazon, cheap vacuum cleaners, from canister vacuums to robot vacuums to the best vacuums for hardwood floors. In our most recent handheld Hoover test, we evaluated 19 models for their ability to pick up lightweight and heavy dirt on bare floors and low-pile carpets. We also examined pet hair pickup devices and scored them based on their simplicity of use, cleaning, maneuverability, battery life, and noise level. We’ve done further testing since then, including evaluations for our annual Cleaning and Organising Awards.
Below our selections, you’ll discover information on how we evaluate, what to consider when buying a new vacuum, and more on handheld vacuums. If you want to replace your full-size vacuum, check out our guides to the best Bissell vacuums, the best stick vacuums, and the best budget-friendly vacuums available on Amazon and Walmart.
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PROS
- Very slim and lightweight
- Comes with a motorized pet hair tool
- Converts to a stick vacuum and mop
CONS
- Small dust cup
Weight: 1.8 lbs.
Runtime: 20 minutes.
Dust Cup Capacity: 0.25 L.
Filter: Washable filter.
Attachments: Mini motorized pet brush, hard floor attachment, and two-in-one crevice tool.
The HomeVac H30 Infinity from Eufy is an ultra-lightweight option for cleaning furniture, carpeted stairs, and car seats. It is truly a whole-house cleaning tool with an assortment of accessories. A rubber seal around the filter, in conjunction with its little motorized pet hair brush, removes pet hair from the device as you remove the dust bin, ensuring that no hair is left behind after cleaning.
Vacuuming the floor with a handheld vacuum is inconvenient, but Eufy took care of it as well. With the extension wand attached, it transforms into a lightweight stick vac or a useful tool for clearing sticky debris from the floor. “This hand vacuum has attachments to clean floors, like a stick vac, without the weight of a full-size model,” our Cleaning Lab Reviews Analyst said, though she did find it a little difficult to detach all of the pieces after using it as a stick vac.
The H30 Infinity, like many of the other Hoover models we’ve tried from eufy, has excellent suction, easily eating our hefty screws and bolts. However, the dust cup is at the low end of the size range of the models we evaluated. It includes an eco mode duration of up to 20 minutes and a removable filter that can be washed between cleanings. In lab testing, we found this model to be simple to use, particularly because the charging port offers space for the attachments (but not the wands).
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BEST CORDLESS HANDHELD VACUUM FOR PET HAIR
Black + Decker AdvancedClean+ Pet Hand Vacuum
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PROS
- Powered pet brush has rubber bristles to lift pet hair off furniture and stairs
- Large dust cup
- Three-star Quiet Mark rating for quiet performance
CONS
- Side vents blow light debris out of the cleaning path
Weight: 4.2 lbs.
Run Time: 32 minutes.
Dust Cup Capacity: 0.75 L.
Filter: Washable filter and pre-filter.
Attachments: Motorized pet brush.
In our handheld vacuum category test, this Black + Decker AdvancedClean+ nearly tied for first place with our Worx pick. And, true to its Furbuster moniker, this model performed admirably in our pet-hair-pickup test, earning it a spot on our list of the best vacuums for pet hair. It also handled other messes nicely, even without using the Power Boost preset. It swiftly and simply removes pet hair from upholstered furniture and stairs thanks to its motorized pet brush attachment with rubber bristles.
An extra-long pullout crevice tool — linked to the vacuum so you never lose it — and an extra-large bottom-emptying dust container that makes cleaning up after pets even easier are two outstanding features on this model that we didn’t see on many others. The filter is washable, and we like how the hoover can charge or store itself upright. It also received a three-star rating from Quiet Mark, like the Worx and Eufy, indicating that it is quieter than the others we tested.
Because the battery is not detachable, the entire device must be plugged in for 4 hours, but in our lab tests, we discovered that it had one of the longest run lengths of all the versions we tested, clocking in at up to 32 minutes. Our testing expert saw that air coming out of the side vents on the main body of the vacuum caused some dirt to be blown away rather than cleaned up, which can be bothersome.
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PROS
- Extra compact
- USB charging cable
CONS
- Small dust cup
Weight: 1.4 lbs.
Run Time: 12 minutes.
Dust Cup Capacity: 0.1 L.
Filter: Dual-level filtration system.
Attachments: Two-in-one crevice tool and dusting brush.
The tiny and lightweight AeroSlim is great for rapid pick-ups on hard surfaces and comes with a two-in-one brush and crevice tool that removes crumbs from your laptop, automobile cup holders, and sofa cushions. This is a model we’ve yet to try, but we’ve tested numerous Bissell vacuums and trust the brand’s performance. Over 10,000 of the 16,000+ reviews on Amazon are five-star, so we think it’s a steal at this price.
Its filter is washable, and reviewers were delighted with its suction, especially given its small size, although many wanted it to run for longer than 12 minutes with a three-and-a-half-hour charge period. Given its short duration and small dust cup, you won’t be able to clean much on a single charge, but it can be charged on the go by USB from your laptop or in your car.
This extra-compact handheld vacuum has a storage stand that keeps the vacuum upright — and it also stores the companion tool, so it’s always nearby. Its small form makes it easier to fold into your car’s cargo or trunk space than larger ones, allowing you to handle messes faster for a cleaner ride.
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PROS
- Battery can be used in other Worx products
- Three-star Quiet Mark rating for quiet performance
- Has a washable HEPA filter
CONS
- Some pet hair clung to the brush attachment in testing
Weight: 3 lbs.
Run Time: 23 minutes.
Dust Cup Capacity: 0.18 L.
Filter: Washable HEPA filter.
Attachments: Crevice nozzle, brush attachment.
Worx’s portable vacuum is unlike any we’ve tested before, and it edged out Black & Decker by a fraction of a point to earn the highest overall score in our handheld vacuum category test. Even without utilizing the maximum power setting, it effortlessly gathered up all of the debris and most of the pet hair we laid down in our Lab tests.
Even though some pet hair stuck to the brush tool while in operation, its pick-up rivaled that of vacs with revolving brush attachments. Its 4-foot hose allowed it to reach into confined spaces, particularly in the automobile, and it lasted for 23 minutes at regular power on a single charge. This hand vac was described by our tester as “very comfortable to use,” with perfect marks in six of the seven ease-of-use ratings, including handle comfort and the thoroughness of the owner’s instructions.
Although it is a little heavier than other handheld vacuums, its boxy shape allows it to stand on its own, eliminating the need to carry the full vacuum while using it. All you have to do is use the hose to get to where you need to go. The dust cup is huge and empties from the bottom, but it isn’t removable, making cleaning it a bit difficult.
The Worx also has a replaceable battery that can be used in other Worx equipment, a washable HEPA filter, and a top handle that also holds the hose for easier transport. Its crevice and brush tools are stored neatly on board, and Quiet Mark awarded it three stars, indicating that it is one of the quietest vacuums in our test.
How we test handheld vacuums
The Home Accessoris Institute Cleaning Lab examined 19 models from 14 different brands in our most recent handheld Hoover test.
We put all handheld vacuums through their paces on bare floors and low-pile carpets to see how well they pick up small, gritty waste like sand and baking soda, as well as light and medium-weight particles like dry oatmeal and orzo pasta, and even fluffy pet hair. We also evaluate pick-up ability with heavy things such as screws and nuts (shown).
In addition to performance, we weigh the Hoover and assess how easy it is to access, change, and clean the filter, how easy it is to empty the dust cup, and how pleasant it is to hold and use. Any unique features or accessories are also evaluated.
We monitor the run time of cordless models. For models considered for our Cleaning Awards, we ask real consumers to test and assess each vacuum before determining our award winners. We chose the top-scoring hand vacuums after doing 246 tests and collecting over 1,000 data points.
What to look for when shopping for a handheld vacuum
✔️Corded vs. cordless: Both corded and cordless vacuums have advantages and disadvantages. You’ll never have to worry about the battery running out with corded handheld vacuums, no matter how long you use them. However, your range of motion will be restricted. Cordless handheld vacuums allow you to take the vacuum wherever you need it, but you face the danger of the battery dying.
✔️ Size and weight: Take into account the Size and weight of the handheld vacuum and, if feasible, try it out to ensure that it is comfortable to grip. Make sure the hoover is well-balanced and does not strain your wrists or hands. If you can’t try it before you buy it, be sure it’s returnable if you’re not satisfied.
✔️Accessories: If you intend to use the handheld vacuum for more than a fast run over hard surfaces, you may want to consider accessories such as a crevice tool to reach into corners or brushes to help vacuum upholstery or pick up pet hair. Those with brushes make it simple to clean dust off drapes, window sills, door frames, beds, and other hard-to-reach areas that a larger vacuum would struggle to reach.
✔️Storage: Of course, you’ll want to think about how much space you have. Slim vacuums with accessories onboard or contained in the charging base are the simplest to store neatly, especially if you have a small amount of space. Models with removable batteries allow you to plug in only the battery and store the body and attachments out of sight.
✔️Other advancements include ergonomic handles, easy-to-empty dust containers, washable filters, numerous speeds, and more in both cordless and corded variants. Some clean up wet spills and remove stains as well.
What is the best handheld vacuum for dusting furniture?
A handheld Hoover with the appropriate attachments is the best for dusting furniture. Look for a model with a soft dusting brush with bristles to help gather and whisk dust and crumbs off hard surfaces without spreading them. You’ll need a flat rectangular tool or one with a revolving brush to clean upholstered furniture, as well as curtains and drapes. If you have a problem with pet hair, the revolving brush is a game-changer!
Is a handheld vacuum worth it?
Yes! It’s not always necessary or worthwhile to bring out a full-size Hoover to clean up a minor dry spill. A handheld vacuum would have completed the work by the time you lug out and plug in a large vacuum. They are frequently compact, taking up little storage room, and can be used to clean tight spots such as your car or between stair rails. Many alternatives, including our top picks, have high suction and gadgets to help you clean a variety of surfaces. Some, but not all, of the ones we tested can even clean up wet spills.
Why trust Home Accessoris?
As executive director of the Home Care Lab, Carolyn Forté has tested and assessed hundreds of vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, mops, and other big (and minor) home equipment. She manages all cleaning lab testing and recently evaluated all of the handheld, stick, upright, and canister vacuums submitted for consideration in the most recent Cleaning and Organising Awards. She is a member of the ASTM Committee on Vacuum Cleaners and the chairperson of the subcommittee on consumer information.
Lynn Redmile, Contributing Product Analyst, tested three of the four models featured in this post. Redmile did the testing for our most recent handheld vacuum test, as well as dozens of other vacuums in a variety of categories, including robot vacuums and beyond.
