The 7 Best Handheld Vacuums and Dustbusters We Tested for a Quick, Convenient Clean

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Dera Burreson

People / Dera Burreson

To find the best handheld vacuums and dustbusters, we tested 30 models in a range of sizes to discover the best for vacuuming up dirt, crumbs, hair, and much more. We tested these vacuums for 11 hours in our lab, then took them home to try in real-life scenarios. Each vacuum was evaluated for setup, effectiveness, maneuverability, ease of emptying, portability, and noise level.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:SALEShark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$80$49Jump to ReviewBest Cordless:SALEShark Wandvac Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$130$90Jump to ReviewBest for Pet Hair:Black+Decker Dustbuster Furbuster Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$100Jump to ReviewBest Suction:Worx Power Share Cube Vac at Amazon$99Jump to ReviewBest for Cars:SALEBlack + Decker Flex Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$125$100Jump to ReviewBest Small:Bissell AeroSlim Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$42Jump to ReviewBest Battery Life:Black+Decker Gen11 AdvancedClean+ Dustbuster at Amazon$70Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALEShark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$80$49Jump to ReviewBest Cordless:SALEShark Wandvac Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$130$90Jump to ReviewBest for Pet Hair:Black+Decker Dustbuster Furbuster Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$100Jump to ReviewBest Suction:Worx Power Share Cube Vac at Amazon$99Jump to ReviewBest for Cars:SALEBlack + Decker Flex Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$125$100Jump to ReviewBest Small:Bissell AeroSlim Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$42Jump to ReviewBest Battery Life:Black+Decker Gen11 AdvancedClean+ Dustbuster at Amazon$70Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALEShark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$80$49Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALEShark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$80$49

Best Overall:

SALE

Best Cordless:SALEShark Wandvac Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$130$90Jump to Review

Best Cordless:SALEShark Wandvac Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$130$90

Best Cordless:

Best for Pet Hair:Black+Decker Dustbuster Furbuster Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$100Jump to Review

Best for Pet Hair:Black+Decker Dustbuster Furbuster Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$100

Best for Pet Hair:

Best Suction:Worx Power Share Cube Vac at Amazon$99Jump to Review

Best Suction:Worx Power Share Cube Vac at Amazon$99

Best Suction:

Best for Cars:SALEBlack + Decker Flex Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$125$100Jump to Review

Best for Cars:SALEBlack + Decker Flex Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$125$100

Best for Cars:

Best Small:Bissell AeroSlim Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$42Jump to Review

Best Small:Bissell AeroSlim Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$42

Best Small:

Best Battery Life:Black+Decker Gen11 AdvancedClean+ Dustbuster at Amazon$70Jump to Review

Best Battery Life:Black+Decker Gen11 AdvancedClean+ Dustbuster at Amazon$70

Best Battery Life:

Best OverallShark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$80$49 at Amazon$102 at Walmart$80 at WayfairOur RatingsEffectiveness5/5Ease of Emptying5/5Portability4.8/5Noise Level3/5Star QualitiesTwo internal air streams offer double the suctionDustbin held a lot of debrisHigh performance for the priceRed FlagsNo battery-life indicatorThis lithium battery-powered vacuum was a powerhouse when it came to suction, removing crushed-up cereal and tangled strands of hair from carpets and car seats alike with just one pass. The cordless device includes a dual cyclonic air stream system for double the amount of suction compared to a normal vacuum, resulting in faster and more efficient cleans. We were impressed with how quickly this vacuum worked on all the surfaces we tested.We also appreciated the attachment heads that came with it — a crevice tool and scrubbing brush — which were incredibly helpful in accessing hard-to-reach areas. Another perk was the spacious dustbin, which held so much debris that we were able to complete several tests before needing to empty it.But even though its suction is superb, we did notice a few larger morsels fall out of the machine after we’d shut it off. We also wished it had a digital indicator of how much battery was left after use. However, we never ran into the issue of losing power before our tests were complete because of how quickly this strong vacuum worked its magic.How It’s Held UpThis handheld continues to be reliable for cleaning up our day-to-day messes after months of use. We love how little we have to charge it (we can go days with several uses without needing to plug it in), and how easy it is to store because of its small size.Battery Life:15 minutes|Weight:2.2 pounds |Dustbin Capacity:17.28 ounces |Attachments:Crevice tool, scrubbing brush |HEPA Filter:NoPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best OverallShark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$80$49 at Amazon$102 at Walmart$80 at WayfairOur RatingsEffectiveness5/5Ease of Emptying5/5Portability4.8/5Noise Level3/5

Best OverallShark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Best Overall

Shark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum

PHOTO: Amazon

$80$49 at Amazon$102 at Walmart$80 at Wayfair

Our RatingsEffectiveness5/5Ease of Emptying5/5Portability4.8/5Noise Level3/5

Our Ratings

Effectiveness

5/5

Ease of Emptying

Portability

4.8/5

Noise Level

3/5

Star QualitiesTwo internal air streams offer double the suctionDustbin held a lot of debrisHigh performance for the priceRed FlagsNo battery-life indicator

Star QualitiesTwo internal air streams offer double the suctionDustbin held a lot of debrisHigh performance for the price

Two internal air streams offer double the suction

Dustbin held a lot of debris

High performance for the price

Red FlagsNo battery-life indicator

No battery-life indicator

This lithium battery-powered vacuum was a powerhouse when it came to suction, removing crushed-up cereal and tangled strands of hair from carpets and car seats alike with just one pass. The cordless device includes a dual cyclonic air stream system for double the amount of suction compared to a normal vacuum, resulting in faster and more efficient cleans. We were impressed with how quickly this vacuum worked on all the surfaces we tested.

We also appreciated the attachment heads that came with it — a crevice tool and scrubbing brush — which were incredibly helpful in accessing hard-to-reach areas. Another perk was the spacious dustbin, which held so much debris that we were able to complete several tests before needing to empty it.

But even though its suction is superb, we did notice a few larger morsels fall out of the machine after we’d shut it off. We also wished it had a digital indicator of how much battery was left after use. However, we never ran into the issue of losing power before our tests were complete because of how quickly this strong vacuum worked its magic.

How It’s Held UpThis handheld continues to be reliable for cleaning up our day-to-day messes after months of use. We love how little we have to charge it (we can go days with several uses without needing to plug it in), and how easy it is to store because of its small size.

How It’s Held Up

This handheld continues to be reliable for cleaning up our day-to-day messes after months of use. We love how little we have to charge it (we can go days with several uses without needing to plug it in), and how easy it is to store because of its small size.

Battery Life:15 minutes|Weight:2.2 pounds |Dustbin Capacity:17.28 ounces |Attachments:Crevice tool, scrubbing brush |HEPA Filter:No

PHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best CordlessShark Wandvac Cordless Handheld VacuumPHOTO: Best Buy$130$90 at Amazon$100 at Wayfair$130$100 at Best BuyOur RatingsEffectiveness4.3/5Ease of Emptying5/5Portability4/5Noise Level4.3/5Star QualitiesEasy-empty dustbinCrevice tool effectively cleans small openingsRed FlagsHigh suction may stick to some surfacesEveryone knowsShark vacuumsfor their savvy and sleek designs, which is why it was no surprise that we loved the super lightweight and luxe Shark Wandvac. It was easy for this vacuum to pass over all of our surfaces and suck up our messes, though the suction was so strong that it sometimes stuck to the fabric of our high chairs and upholstery. We liked how easy (and clean) emptying the dustbin was — just the click of a button triggered the bin to release the debris we had accumulated during our tests.While it performed well, we do think it is a little overpriced. If you want a more affordable option, theIonVacwe also tested has very similar functions to this more high-end one. However, no one can deny the power of the Shark name, so if you’re itching for the Wandvac, you should go with ol' reliable.How It’s Held UpThough our cleaning spurts have been short, we’ve found ourselves reaching for the Wandvac about four times per week over six months and never had issues with battery life. The suction continued to impress us, though it was hard to get in between cushions and pull up cat hair from fabric surfaces. We liked that it was small enough to get behind a chair but also that its design was attractive enough to have out.Battery Life:10-15 minutes|Weight:1.4 pounds |Bin Capacity:0.08 quarts |Attachments:Duster crevice tool, multi-surface pet tool |HEPA Filter:NoPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best CordlessShark Wandvac Cordless Handheld VacuumPHOTO: Best Buy$130$90 at Amazon$100 at Wayfair$130$100 at Best BuyOur RatingsEffectiveness4.3/5Ease of Emptying5/5Portability4/5Noise Level4.3/5

Best CordlessShark Wandvac Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Best Cordless

Shark Wandvac Cordless Handheld Vacuum

PHOTO: Best Buy

$130$90 at Amazon$100 at Wayfair$130$100 at Best Buy

Our RatingsEffectiveness4.3/5Ease of Emptying5/5Portability4/5Noise Level4.3/5

4.3/5

4/5

Star QualitiesEasy-empty dustbinCrevice tool effectively cleans small openingsRed FlagsHigh suction may stick to some surfaces

Star QualitiesEasy-empty dustbinCrevice tool effectively cleans small openings

Easy-empty dustbin

Crevice tool effectively cleans small openings

Red FlagsHigh suction may stick to some surfaces

High suction may stick to some surfaces

Everyone knowsShark vacuumsfor their savvy and sleek designs, which is why it was no surprise that we loved the super lightweight and luxe Shark Wandvac. It was easy for this vacuum to pass over all of our surfaces and suck up our messes, though the suction was so strong that it sometimes stuck to the fabric of our high chairs and upholstery. We liked how easy (and clean) emptying the dustbin was — just the click of a button triggered the bin to release the debris we had accumulated during our tests.

While it performed well, we do think it is a little overpriced. If you want a more affordable option, theIonVacwe also tested has very similar functions to this more high-end one. However, no one can deny the power of the Shark name, so if you’re itching for the Wandvac, you should go with ol' reliable.

How It’s Held UpThough our cleaning spurts have been short, we’ve found ourselves reaching for the Wandvac about four times per week over six months and never had issues with battery life. The suction continued to impress us, though it was hard to get in between cushions and pull up cat hair from fabric surfaces. We liked that it was small enough to get behind a chair but also that its design was attractive enough to have out.

Though our cleaning spurts have been short, we’ve found ourselves reaching for the Wandvac about four times per week over six months and never had issues with battery life. The suction continued to impress us, though it was hard to get in between cushions and pull up cat hair from fabric surfaces. We liked that it was small enough to get behind a chair but also that its design was attractive enough to have out.

Battery Life:10-15 minutes|Weight:1.4 pounds |Bin Capacity:0.08 quarts |Attachments:Duster crevice tool, multi-surface pet tool |HEPA Filter:No

PHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best for Pet HairBlack+Decker Dustbuster Furbuster Handheld VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$100$94 at Amazon$99 at Wayfair$94 at Home DepotOur RatingsEffectiveness4/5Maneuverability4/5Ease of Emptying4/5Portability5/5Noise Level5/5Star QualitiesGreat at sucking up kibbleQuieter than others we’ve triedSuper light and portableRed FlagsNot the best at removing larger debris from carpetingIf you have a furry friend, you understand the challenge of cleaning up pet hair. When testingpet hair vacuums, we found the best handheld option to be the Black and Decker Furbuster AdvancedClean+, a powerful tool with an extra-long crevice attachment to easily get into nooks and crannies. This high-suction vacuum has 20 volts of power and effectively removed all the fine hairs from our hard floors, carpets, and upholstery. It could even suck up bits of kibble that we’d littered around, making this an even better option for people with particularly messy pets.It did struggle a bit at getting bits of food up from the carpet, but it was entirely effective at cleaning our couches and other miscellaneous floor types that collect our pets’ hair. The canister is smaller than some of the others we tested, which means you will need to empty it more frequently.Battery Life:13 minutes|Weight:2.6 pounds |Bin Capacity:25.3 ounces |Attachments:Crevice tool, motorized pet brush |HEPA Filter:NoPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel Marek

Best for Pet HairBlack+Decker Dustbuster Furbuster Handheld VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$100$94 at Amazon$99 at Wayfair$94 at Home DepotOur RatingsEffectiveness4/5Maneuverability4/5Ease of Emptying4/5Portability5/5Noise Level5/5

Best for Pet HairBlack+Decker Dustbuster Furbuster Handheld Vacuum

Best for Pet Hair

Black+Decker Dustbuster Furbuster Handheld Vacuum

$100$94 at Amazon$99 at Wayfair$94 at Home Depot

Our RatingsEffectiveness4/5Maneuverability4/5Ease of Emptying4/5Portability5/5Noise Level5/5

Maneuverability

Star QualitiesGreat at sucking up kibbleQuieter than others we’ve triedSuper light and portableRed FlagsNot the best at removing larger debris from carpeting

Star QualitiesGreat at sucking up kibbleQuieter than others we’ve triedSuper light and portable

Great at sucking up kibble

Quieter than others we’ve tried

Super light and portable

Red FlagsNot the best at removing larger debris from carpeting

Not the best at removing larger debris from carpeting

If you have a furry friend, you understand the challenge of cleaning up pet hair. When testingpet hair vacuums, we found the best handheld option to be the Black and Decker Furbuster AdvancedClean+, a powerful tool with an extra-long crevice attachment to easily get into nooks and crannies. This high-suction vacuum has 20 volts of power and effectively removed all the fine hairs from our hard floors, carpets, and upholstery. It could even suck up bits of kibble that we’d littered around, making this an even better option for people with particularly messy pets.

It did struggle a bit at getting bits of food up from the carpet, but it was entirely effective at cleaning our couches and other miscellaneous floor types that collect our pets’ hair. The canister is smaller than some of the others we tested, which means you will need to empty it more frequently.

Battery Life:13 minutes|Weight:2.6 pounds |Bin Capacity:25.3 ounces |Attachments:Crevice tool, motorized pet brush |HEPA Filter:No

PHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel Marek

Best SuctionWorx Power Share Cube VacPHOTO: Amazon$99 at Amazon$120 at Target$75 at WalmartOur RatingsSetup5/5Effectiveness5/5Maneuverability5/5Ease of Emptying5/5Portability5/5Star QualitiesEasy to assembleMess-free, button-activated debris disposalCompact and easy to storeRed FlagsShort battery life when used on high settingWhen you’ve got a big mess on your hands, you need a powerful handheld vacuum. This easy-to-assemble model was powerful enough to suck up all of our messes thanks to its two-level power modes and two attachments, plus a hose for more detailed cleaning.We liked how easy it was to carry this vacuum around. It weighs only 3 pounds but has the horsepower of a much bigger machine. The hose and extra attachments allowed for an added layer of versatility with this vacuum, so we could easily get under and around car seats and behind couches without a problem. Just be sure to keep it on the charger when you’re not using it because it can run out of battery pretty quickly when used on the highest setting.Battery Life:10-25 minutes |Weight:3 pounds |Bin Capacity:7 ounces |Attachments:Crevice tool, brush tool, charger |HEPA Filter:YesPeople / Lexi Juhl

Best SuctionWorx Power Share Cube VacPHOTO: Amazon$99 at Amazon$120 at Target$75 at WalmartOur RatingsSetup5/5Effectiveness5/5Maneuverability5/5Ease of Emptying5/5Portability5/5

Best SuctionWorx Power Share Cube Vac

Best Suction

Worx Power Share Cube Vac

$99 at Amazon$120 at Target$75 at Walmart

Our RatingsSetup5/5Effectiveness5/5Maneuverability5/5Ease of Emptying5/5Portability5/5

Setup

Star QualitiesEasy to assembleMess-free, button-activated debris disposalCompact and easy to storeRed FlagsShort battery life when used on high setting

Star QualitiesEasy to assembleMess-free, button-activated debris disposalCompact and easy to store

Easy to assemble

Mess-free, button-activated debris disposal

Compact and easy to store

Red FlagsShort battery life when used on high setting

Short battery life when used on high setting

When you’ve got a big mess on your hands, you need a powerful handheld vacuum. This easy-to-assemble model was powerful enough to suck up all of our messes thanks to its two-level power modes and two attachments, plus a hose for more detailed cleaning.

We liked how easy it was to carry this vacuum around. It weighs only 3 pounds but has the horsepower of a much bigger machine. The hose and extra attachments allowed for an added layer of versatility with this vacuum, so we could easily get under and around car seats and behind couches without a problem. Just be sure to keep it on the charger when you’re not using it because it can run out of battery pretty quickly when used on the highest setting.

Battery Life:10-25 minutes |Weight:3 pounds |Bin Capacity:7 ounces |Attachments:Crevice tool, brush tool, charger |HEPA Filter:Yes

People / Lexi Juhl

Best for CarsBlack + Decker Flex Cordless Handheld VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$125$100 at Amazon$109 at Walmart$116 at Home DepotOur RatingsSetup5/5Effectiveness5/5Maneuverability5/5Ease of Emptying5/5Portability5/5

Best for CarsBlack + Decker Flex Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Best for Cars

Black + Decker Flex Cordless Handheld Vacuum

$125$100 at Amazon$109 at Walmart$116 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesSmall but powerfulEffective on all surfacesComes with a hose for hard-to-reach areasRed FlagsSomewhat loudLess portable than others

Star QualitiesSmall but powerfulEffective on all surfacesComes with a hose for hard-to-reach areas

Small but powerful

Effective on all surfaces

Comes with a hose for hard-to-reach areas

Red FlagsSomewhat loudLess portable than others

Somewhat loud

Less portable than others

The price is undeniably steep, and its two distinct parts make it a bit more of a chore to tote around. It’s also fairly loud given its small size. Overall, it’s a fantastic vacuum, though, and we think it’s perfect for someone who needs a powerful handheld vacuum to deep-clean their car.

Battery Life:15 minutes |Weight:3.2 pounds |Bin Capacity:17 ounces |Attachments:2-in-1 nozzle brush, pet hair attachment |HEPA Filter:No

PHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best SmallBissell AeroSlim Handheld VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$42 at Amazon$42 at Walmart$42 at WayfairOur RatingsSetup5/5Effectiveness3/5Maneuverability5/5Ease of Emptying5/5Portability5/5

Best SmallBissell AeroSlim Handheld Vacuum

Best Small

Bissell AeroSlim Handheld Vacuum

$42 at Amazon$42 at Walmart$42 at Wayfair

Our RatingsSetup5/5Effectiveness3/5Maneuverability5/5Ease of Emptying5/5Portability5/5

Star QualitiesMulti-use attachment cleans tiny nooks and cranniesEasy to maneuverSuper lightweightRed FlagsTended to spit out some debris while vacuumingNeeds frequent emptying

Star QualitiesMulti-use attachment cleans tiny nooks and cranniesEasy to maneuverSuper lightweight

Multi-use attachment cleans tiny nooks and crannies

Easy to maneuver

Super lightweight

Red FlagsTended to spit out some debris while vacuumingNeeds frequent emptying

Tended to spit out some debris while vacuuming

Needs frequent emptying

For those tight corners around your desk and gadgets, this tiny handheld vacuum from Bissell is the way to go. Sleek in appearance, this handheld vacuum has all the capabilities to effectively clean those hard-to-reach areas of your space that larger models can’t quite get to. With its slender, cylindrical shape and extra attachments, this lightweight vacuum can get into the smallest corners of your home. While a tiny vacuum is great for small spaces, it also has small parts, meaning you’ll have to take more trips to the trash to empty the dustbin as you clean.

Battery Life:12 minutes |Weight:1.37 pounds|Bin Capacity:4 ounces |Attachments:2-in-1 crevice tool and dusting brush, USB charging cable |HEPA Filter:No

Best Battery LifeBlack+Decker Gen11 AdvancedClean+ DustbusterPHOTO: Target$70 at AmazonView on Blackanddecker.comView on Instacart.comOur RatingsEffectiveness4.4/5Ease of Emptying4.8/5Portability4.8/5Noise Level2.5/5Star QualitiesPerformed beautifully on medium-to-high-pile carpetingLightweight and portableStrong suction power, even on the lowest settingRed FlagsWasn’t the best at reaching deep crevicesNo need to worry about spilling messy crumbs onto fluffy carpeting when the Black and Decker Gen11 is in your arsenal. Even on its lowest settings, we saw major mess pickup when we passed over everything from hardwood tosoft area rugs. This little vacuum had no trouble at sucking up everything from crushed crackers to raisins in generally one pass (it works best in the “pull” motion rather than “push”). Because cleaning with a dustbuster is often tedious, it’s important to choose a lightweight model, which is why this one’s 2.4-pound body was ideal.While it stood out on carpeting, this vacuum also performed well onhardwood floors, upholstered chairs, car seats, and more. It was a little challenging to navigate the dustbuster gracefully when we attached the crevice tool to get in those smaller nooks and crannies, but in all, it was able to suck up stray crumbs in those hard-to-reach areas.How It’s Held UpThe battery life and suction remained perfectly consistent with its performance when it was fresh out of the box — even going at an hour-long cleaning project without dying or faltering. In fact, we’ve yet to experience this device losing a charge. Our appreciation for this vacuum has gone up since taking it home!Battery Life:15 minutes |Weight:2.4 pounds |Bin Capacity:25.36 ounces |Attachments:Crevice tool |HEPA Filter:NoPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best Battery LifeBlack+Decker Gen11 AdvancedClean+ DustbusterPHOTO: Target$70 at AmazonView on Blackanddecker.comView on Instacart.comOur RatingsEffectiveness4.4/5Ease of Emptying4.8/5Portability4.8/5Noise Level2.5/5

Best Battery LifeBlack+Decker Gen11 AdvancedClean+ Dustbuster

Best Battery Life

Black+Decker Gen11 AdvancedClean+ Dustbuster

PHOTO: Target

$70 at AmazonView on Blackanddecker.comView on Instacart.com

Our RatingsEffectiveness4.4/5Ease of Emptying4.8/5Portability4.8/5Noise Level2.5/5

4.4/5

2.5/5

Star QualitiesPerformed beautifully on medium-to-high-pile carpetingLightweight and portableStrong suction power, even on the lowest settingRed FlagsWasn’t the best at reaching deep crevices

Star QualitiesPerformed beautifully on medium-to-high-pile carpetingLightweight and portableStrong suction power, even on the lowest setting

Performed beautifully on medium-to-high-pile carpeting

Lightweight and portable

Strong suction power, even on the lowest setting

Red FlagsWasn’t the best at reaching deep crevices

Wasn’t the best at reaching deep crevices

No need to worry about spilling messy crumbs onto fluffy carpeting when the Black and Decker Gen11 is in your arsenal. Even on its lowest settings, we saw major mess pickup when we passed over everything from hardwood tosoft area rugs. This little vacuum had no trouble at sucking up everything from crushed crackers to raisins in generally one pass (it works best in the “pull” motion rather than “push”). Because cleaning with a dustbuster is often tedious, it’s important to choose a lightweight model, which is why this one’s 2.4-pound body was ideal.

While it stood out on carpeting, this vacuum also performed well onhardwood floors, upholstered chairs, car seats, and more. It was a little challenging to navigate the dustbuster gracefully when we attached the crevice tool to get in those smaller nooks and crannies, but in all, it was able to suck up stray crumbs in those hard-to-reach areas.

How It’s Held UpThe battery life and suction remained perfectly consistent with its performance when it was fresh out of the box — even going at an hour-long cleaning project without dying or faltering. In fact, we’ve yet to experience this device losing a charge. Our appreciation for this vacuum has gone up since taking it home!

The battery life and suction remained perfectly consistent with its performance when it was fresh out of the box — even going at an hour-long cleaning project without dying or faltering. In fact, we’ve yet to experience this device losing a charge. Our appreciation for this vacuum has gone up since taking it home!

Battery Life:15 minutes |Weight:2.4 pounds |Bin Capacity:25.36 ounces |Attachments:Crevice tool |HEPA Filter:No

What to Know About Handheld Vacuums and Dustbusters

Attachments

You’ll need to decide your desired level of extra bells and whistles when choosing a handheld vacuum. “Choose a quality branded tool that has a variety of attachments to serve all of your cleaning needs — a pet hair brush for upholstery, a crevice tool for between cushions and corners, and a flathead for baseboards and tight spaces,” advisesJessika James-Goern, an IICRC-approved instructor and restoration expert. Knowing the surfaces you’ll need to treat with a handheld vacuum or dustbuster simplifies the search process. If you lack storage space for extra attachments, we loved theBissell AeroSlim Cordless Vacuumfor its handy two-in-one attachment and compact size.

Power Source

Consider whether you prefer cordless models or corded ones. If you want to be closely connected to your machine, a cord may not bother you, and sometimes a corded vacuum translates into more power than a battery-operated one. However, the cordless handheld vacuums on this list are all powerful and effective, so if you want the ability to get to those hard-to-reach places without having to switch outlets, consider opting for a cordless model, like our best cordless pick, theShark Wandvac.

Suction Power

For a handheld vacuum with strong suction power, look for cordless models with a 16-volt (or higher) battery and at least 15 air watts. Corded vacuums are inherently more powerful; just make sure the handheld vacuum you select has at least 4 to 5 amps for adequate suction.

Dustbin and Filters

Look for a vacuum with an easy-open dustbin or a filter compartment that’s easy to access, remove, and subsequently clean. If you have allergies, look for a handheld vacuum with a HEPA filter, such as theWorx Power Share Cordless Cube Vac. Also, note the shape of the machine you’re eyeing: A dustbuster with a large bin means you’ll be cleaning it less often, but it might not be able to tackle those tiny, awkward spaces.

Weight

While cordless vacuums may be convenient, it’s important to note that battery-powered machines can be heavier in some cases and also require time to charge. However, the airyBissell AeroSlimis our lightest vacuum out of all the winners, so this is an exception.

To bring you the best and most up-to-date results on handheld vacuums and dustbusters, we did extensive research on the most popular devices to test and retest in our lab. We tested 30 handheld vacuums and rated each model on a scale of one to five regarding setup, effectiveness, maneuverability, ease of emptying, portability, and noise level.

From there, we gathered our data to compare and contrast which handheld vacuums and dustbusters are worth your hard-earned cash. We put together this list to bring you top-notch recommendations with the help of a home expert and real-life testing, so you don’t have to spend too much money (or time) trying to figure it out yourself.

Our Expert PanelJessika James-Goernis an IICRC-approved instructor and restoration expert with more than 30 years of experience in the cleaning and restoration industry.

Our Expert Panel

Jessika James-Goernis an IICRC-approved instructor and restoration expert with more than 30 years of experience in the cleaning and restoration industry.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com