10 Best Hand Vacuums 2024 in the United States

If you are looking for an easy way to clean small spills, tackle pet hair on the sofa, or vacuum your car, then a handheld vacuum is exactly what you need. Trying to find the best quality model for the best price can leave you frustrated when there are just so many options out there though, and not all handheld vacuums are created equal. Never fear, Comparaboo is here! Not only have we searched the web to find the best-rated products, but we have also put together this handheld vacuum buying guide that includes all the information you need to know to choose the right vacuum for you.

Handheld vacuums differ from each other in that they some are cordless and some are corded, and they are able to handle different spills and surfaces. The main types of handheld vacuums include corded, cordless, wet and dry, and car handheld vacuums. To help you choose the right type of handheld vacuum here is a short explanation of each to compare:

Corded Handheld Vacuums: Without the hassle of having to wait to charge, corded handheld vacuums connect directly to an outlet and can be used wherever there is an outlet. Because of this, they are a powerful option and are particularly helpful for cleaning up stubborn debris such as per hair.

Cordless Handheld Vacuums: Cordless handheld vacuums are fitted with rechargeable batteries and because they are not restricted by a cord, they offer more movement flexibility. Great for outdoor areas and area where an outlet may not be available or handy to take with on a family vacation, cordless handheld vacuums come with three types of batteries, explained here:

NiCad Battery Operated Handheld Vacuums: A cost-effective choice, these vacuums use a heavier nickel-cadmium rechargeable battery.

NiMH Battery Operated Handheld Vacuums: Offering a longer charge, these vacuums have a nickel-metal-hydride battery which provides the convenience of not having to wait until the battery is completely depleted before having to recharge.

Li-ion Battery Operated Handheld Vacuums: Handheld vacuums that come with lithium-ion batteries perform better in cooler areas such as garages and have a much faster charge time.

Wet and Dry Handheld Vacuum Cleaners: Offering the most cleaning options, wet and dry handheld vacuums are able to handle wet spills as well as dry debris. This makes them a handy solution to clean a wide variety of surfaces including carpets, flooring and counters.

Handheld Car Vacuums: Designed specifically to clean vehicle upholster, these handheld vacuums are small and lightweight in order for users to easily maneuver them around the inside of a car or other type of vehicles as well as working well for stairs and other tight spots.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

1. Suction: Suction is the most common reviewing point, and handheld vacuums that offer powerful suction are praised by their owners. However, subpar suction means subpar ratings. When it comes to overall comments, corded vacuum owners review the suction power of their models much better than cordless owners do.
2. Accessories: When it comes to accessories, handheld vacuum owners all view automatic brush rolls to be a big plus, and rate their vacuums better because of it, especially if they are motorized. The more accessories that are included, the more flexibility and cleaning variety the vacuum will have.
3. Build: Build is an important factor when it comes to buyers’ satisfaction, and handheld vacuums that offer quality, useful designs are prized. Whether corded or cordless, vacuums that can hold a good amount of dust before having to be emptied, especially if they are easy and less messy to empty, are tops. And if this can be achieved while still being compact, those models get only praise.
4. Battery Life: A big concern for cordless handheld vacuum owners, the more cleaning vacuums can do before needing to be recharged, the better the comments. However, in the case where a vacuum has maximum suction power and less cleaning time is needed, the time between charges does not affect the rating of the product.

• Where will you be using your handheld vacuum? For outdoors or in vehicles, opt for a cordless handheld vacuum or one specifically designed for the task at hand.
• When choosing your handheld vacuum model, consider the weight of the unit to determine how portable it will be. These vacuums will weigh between 0.7 to 2.3kgs, with 1.5kgs being an ideal weight to power ratio. Pick a weight you will be most comfortable with.
• The attachments of a handheld vacuum will add versatility to your unit and models that include soft brushes, crevice tools, dirt cups, and bendable hoses are much better value for money as they will be able to clean more surfaces.
• What kinds of debris will you be picking up? For kitchen and living room spills and dust, a wet and dry vacuum is best suited. If you need a vacuum to handle stubborn pet hair, look for models that include extendable hoses, brush rolls, and rubber extensions as this will make it easier to clean.
• The most popular allergy-fighting handheld vacuums offer cyclonic technology and high-quality filtration to ensure that debris and dust are kept out of the air when being sucked up by the vacuum.
• Handheld vacuum filters are either disposable, which are replaced once a year when vacuums are used infrequently, washable, which mean lower maintenance costs, or rinsable units that require only a quick rinse between vacuums and mean less cleaning hassle.
• For a better clean, look for a handheld vacuum offering multiple filters that are able to trap different size particles and allergens.
• A handheld vacuum’s suction power will determine how well it cleans and is measured in volts. An efficient model will be no less than 15 volts, and have multiple speed settings to use less power on the smaller jobs to save on battery power.
• Where will you be storing your vacuum? Where you store your vacuum can determine the type and the size of the vacuum you get. With cordless vacuums, you will need to take into account the charging block and where it will be placed.
• Cordless handheld vacuums will last anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour before they need to be recharged, depending on the unit’s power and the type of battery. For bigger areas or areas away from an outlet, opt for a unit that runs for longer times between charges.
• If you are considering a corded handheld vacuum, take note of the cord length - the longer the cord, the more mobility you will have.

Eureka: Eureka was founded in 1909 and specializes in quality vacuums and accessories, winning the coveted 2007 Good Design Award from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design

Dyson: A world-renowned name in vacuum cleaning, Dyson was formed in 1941 and specializes in vacuum cleaners, hand dryers, and bladeless fans.

Shark: Developed by Euro-Pro Operating LLC, Shark’s aim is to provide innovative cleaning solutions that make consumers’ lives easier.

Black & Decker: The king of cordless power tools, Black and Decker handheld vacuums and other kitchen gadgets are among the best rated.