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10 Best Handheld Vacuums 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bissell Cleanview XR Pet 300W Cordless Vacuum with Removable Battery, 3797V

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,263
Suction Power
Weight
Dust Capacity

Most important from
111698 reviews

Suction Power
Powerful suction that surprises with the amount of dirt it picks up, even after one use.
Weight
Super lightweight and easy to use with a very small footprint when stored away.
Dust Capacity
The dirt cup is fairly decent in size and the filter is easy to wash and replace.
Attachments and Accessories
The detachable features and bagless functionality add to its convenience and ease of use.
Filter Type
The dirt cup is fairly decent in size and the filter is easy to wash and replace.

The Bissell Cleanview XR Pet handheld vacuum is designed with pet owners in mind, offering notable power and convenience. With a 300W motor, it boasts 60% more power than its Shark counterpart, ensuring robust suction for deep cleaning tasks. The vacuum is particularly effective for picking up pet hair from various surfaces like upholstery, stairs, and cars, thanks to its specialized fur brush attachment. Weighing 5.9 pounds, it's reasonably lightweight, making it easier to maneuver around the house.

The removable 24V MAX lithium-ion battery supports up to 40 minutes of runtime, providing sufficient time for most cleaning jobs without needing a recharge. This is ideal for those who prefer the freedom of cordless operation. The dust capacity is 0.3 liters, which is on the smaller side and may require frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions. The vacuum includes several useful attachments such as a dusting brush, crevice tool, and a wall mount for convenient storage.

The foam filter is straightforward to maintain but may not be as efficient at trapping fine particles as HEPA filters. BISSELL’s initiative to support homeless pets through purchases can be a compelling factor for pet lovers. This vacuum is best suited for pet owners looking for a powerful, cordless cleaning solution for various surfaces.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,263
Suction Power
Weight
Dust Capacity

Most important from
111698 reviews

Suction Power
Powerful suction that surprises with the amount of dirt it picks up, even after one use.
Weight
Super lightweight and easy to use with a very small footprint when stored away.
Dust Capacity
The dirt cup is fairly decent in size and the filter is easy to wash and replace.
Attachments and Accessories
The detachable features and bagless functionality add to its convenience and ease of use.
Filter Type
The dirt cup is fairly decent in size and the filter is easy to wash and replace.
#2

Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with Crevice Tool, 2033, One Size Fits All, Blue

Rating
9.6
Suction Power
Weight
Dust Capacity

Most important from
111698 reviews

Suction Power
For $33, it's a steal, especially with its powerful suction.
Weight
Super lightweight and easy to use with a very small footprint when stored away.
Dust Capacity
Fairly decent sized dirt cup and easy-to-wash filter.
Attachments and Accessories
The detachable features are incredibly convenient.
Filter Type
Fairly decent sized dirt cup and easy-to-wash filter.

The Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum is a versatile and user-friendly option for quick clean-ups around the house. It boasts powerful suction, making it efficient for picking up surface dirt on hard floors, low-pile carpets, and area rugs. This vacuum is lightweight at just 2.6 pounds, which makes it easy to maneuver and use, especially for quick tasks.

Its compact size and the fact that it is a 3-in-1 machine (stick vacuum, handheld vacuum, and stair vacuum) make it very versatile for various cleaning needs. Additionally, it comes with a crevice tool for cleaning furniture and a floor nozzle for stairs, which adds to its practicality. With a dust capacity of 0.67 liters, it can hold a reasonable amount of dirt before needing to be emptied.

The vacuum features a disk filter type, and while it’s not the quietest at 80 dB, it is within an acceptable noise range for most users. However, it is not cordless, which limits its range of use to areas near power outlets. The power cord is 15 feet long, which provides some flexibility but may not be sufficient for larger spaces. It is perfect for those looking for a reliable and lightweight vacuum for everyday use, though it may not be ideal for those needing a vacuum with a larger dust capacity or those who prefer cordless models.

Rating
9.6
Suction Power
Weight
Dust Capacity

Most important from
111698 reviews

Suction Power
For $33, it's a steal, especially with its powerful suction.
Weight
Super lightweight and easy to use with a very small footprint when stored away.
Dust Capacity
Fairly decent sized dirt cup and easy-to-wash filter.
Attachments and Accessories
The detachable features are incredibly convenient.
Filter Type
Fairly decent sized dirt cup and easy-to-wash filter.
#3

Shark | Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner | LED Headlights | Removable Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair | Crevice Tool & Pet Multi-Tool Included | 40min Runtime | For Carpet & Hard Floors | Grey | IX141

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
10927 reviews

Suction Power
The suction power is impressive, especially on high mode, effectively picking up dirt, lint, and pet hair from carpets and mats.
Battery Life
Battery life is better than expected, even on high suction mode, making it suitable for multiple cleaning tasks before needing a recharge.
Weight
It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it convenient for quick clean-ups and reaching tight spaces.
Attachments and Accessories
The vacuum is easy to use with simple attachments and a straightforward dust bin emptying process.
Noise Level
The vacuum is fairly quiet, which is less disturbing for pets compared to other models.

The Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum (model IX141) is designed to tackle pet hair and household messes efficiently, making it a solid choice for pet owners and those needing a lightweight vacuum for quick clean-ups. One of its standout features is the hypervelocity suction, which provides robust cleaning performance on both carpets and hard floors. With a respectable battery life of up to 40 minutes, you can cover a good amount of space before needing to recharge. The removable hand vacuum adds versatility, allowing you to reach above-floor areas easily, and the LED headlights help spot hidden dirt in darker corners.

Weighing just under 7 pounds, this vacuum is quite portable, especially when compared to traditional vacuums, making it easy to maneuver around furniture and tight spaces. The XL dust cup is another plus, offering a decent capacity of 0.34 quarts, and its CleanTouch Dirt Ejector feature simplifies disposal without mess.

However, there are a few drawbacks worth considering. The noise level is on the higher side at 80 dB, which might be bothersome in quieter settings. Additionally, while the vacuum is generally well-reviewed, some users have mentioned that it may not be powerful enough for larger homes or heavy-duty cleaning tasks. The 240-minute charging time may also be a bit long for those who prefer quicker recharges.

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight

Most important from
10927 reviews

Suction Power
The suction power is impressive, especially on high mode, effectively picking up dirt, lint, and pet hair from carpets and mats.
Battery Life
Battery life is better than expected, even on high suction mode, making it suitable for multiple cleaning tasks before needing a recharge.
Weight
It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it convenient for quick clean-ups and reaching tight spaces.
Attachments and Accessories
The vacuum is easy to use with simple attachments and a straightforward dust bin emptying process.
Noise Level
The vacuum is fairly quiet, which is less disturbing for pets compared to other models.

Buying Guide for the Best Handheld Vacuums

Choosing the right handheld vacuum can make cleaning quicker and more convenient, especially for small areas, cars, upholstery, or quick spills. Your main goal is to find a model that easily matches your daily tasks without adding too much weight or complexity. Before you buy, think about where and how often you’ll use the handheld vacuum, such as for pet hair, car interiors, or just light crumbs around the house. With the right features, it should save you time and hassle, making cleaning almost effortless.
WeightWeight refers to how heavy the handheld vacuum is. This is important because you’ll often be holding the vacuum with one hand and possibly reaching into tight or overhead spaces. Lighter vacuums are easier to handle, especially for longer cleaning sessions or for people with wrist or shoulder concerns. Most handheld vacuums range from about 1 to 5 pounds. If you plan to use the vacuum often or for longer stretches, a lighter model is usually more comfortable. If it will mainly stay in one area or be used briefly at a time, a slightly heavier model with more features might be manageable.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long you can use a cordless handheld vacuum before it needs to be recharged. This is crucial if you don’t want your cleaning to be interrupted or if you have larger spaces or multiple tasks in one go. Battery life for handheld vacuums typically ranges from 10 to 45 minutes. Shorter battery life is fine for quick spot-cleaning, but if you need to clean a car, stairs, or several rooms at once, look for a model with longer runtime. Base your choice on the size of the spaces and the frequency of your cleaning tasks.
Suction PowerSuction power describes how forcefully the vacuum can pick up dirt and debris. This is important for ensuring effective cleaning, especially for pet hair, larger crumbs, or cleaning in car crevices. Handheld vacuums show suction in different ways, like air watts or volts. Generally, a lower power is suitable for light dust and basic jobs, while stronger suction is better for tough messes or thick materials like carpet and upholstery. Think about your main cleaning needs: more power is better for challenging messes, but may use the battery faster.
Dustbin CapacityDustbin capacity means how much dirt and debris the vacuum can hold before it needs to be emptied. This matters because frequent emptying can interrupt your cleaning. Dustbins are usually quite small in handheld vacuums, ranging from about 0.2 to 0.7 liters. For quick pick-ups or spot cleaning, a smaller bin is sufficient. If you plan to handle larger messes or do extended cleaning sessions, a bigger bin will require less frequent emptying.
AttachmentsAttachments are extra tools that come with the vacuum, like crevice tools, brushes, or pet hair tools. These help you clean specific surfaces such as upholstery, car seats, or tight corners. More attachments add versatility but can make storage more complicated. If you mostly need the vacuum for simple tasks, you might not need many extras. If you have pets, cars, or varied surfaces, look for a model with specialized attachments matching your cleaning habits.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system refers to how well the vacuum traps dust and allergens. Good filtration is important if you have allergies, pets, or young children, as it can keep fine dust and allergens from escaping back into the air. Filtration ranges from basic single-layer filters to HEPA filters, which capture much smaller particles. For basic, everyday use, a standard filter might be fine. If you are concerned about air quality or have allergies, look for advanced or HEPA filtration.
Charging TimeCharging time tells you how long it takes to fully recharge the vacuum’s battery. Fast charging is useful if you use the vacuum often or forget to charge it ahead of time. Charging times for handheld vacuums can vary from under an hour to several hours. If you use the vacuum frequently or for bigger jobs, a shorter charging time is more convenient. For occasional use, a longer charge time might not be an issue.

FAQ