5 Best Handheld Vacuums of 2024, Tested by Cleaning Experts
Easily clean hard to reach spots with these convenient picker-uppers.
Tested by Lynn RedmileContributing Product Analyst
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A full-size vacuum can zap dirt and dust off your floors, but long wires and heavy machines are not the most ideal for certain situations. A powerful and portable handheld vacuum is a champ when it comes to cleaning the stairs, hard to reach corners, couches, cars and more. A great handheld car vacuum makes cleaning the cracks and crevices of our auto easier too.
To find the best handheld vacuum, the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab tested 19 models in in our last comprehensive test of handheld vacuums. Our experts considered factors like how well they clean bare floors and low-pile carpets and pick up pet hair. We also rated them for ease of use, battery life and more. Since then, we’ve tested additional small vacuums, including some submitted for our annual Cleaning and Organizing Awards.
For more small vacuum recommendations, check out the best vacuums from Bissell, the best budget-friendly vacuums and our favorite stick vacuums.
Worx Power Share Portable Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Battery can be used in other Worx products
- Three-star Quiet Mark rating for quiet performance
- Has a washable HEPA filter
- Attachments store on board
Cons
- Some pet hair clung to the brush attachment in testing
- Heavier than other handheld models
You've likely never seen a square vacuum before, but this little cube from Worx is worth a second look. In our test, it easily picked up all the debris and most of the pet hair we put down, even without a rotating brush attachment or selecting the max power setting. Its 4-foot hose reaches into tight spaces, and it ran for 23 minutes at regular power. Our tester called this hand vac "very quiet and comfortable to use."
The Worx is a little heavier than other handhelds but it stands on its own during use. The large dust cup empties from the bottom, though isn't removable, so we found cleaning it out to be a bit cumbersome.
Other notable features include a removable battery that fits into other Worx tools, a washable HEPA filter and a top handle that also cradles the hose for easy toting.
| Weight | 3 lbs |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 23 minutes |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.18 L |
| Filter | Washable HEPA filter |
| Attachements | Crevice nozzle, brush attachment |
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Easy to store
- Comfortable to hold
Cons
- Runs for only up to 10 minutes
- No pet hair attachment
You can count on Dirt Devil to make simple, no-nonsense vacuums at a great price and this easy-to-use, powerful little handheld vacuum is no exception. That's why we named it a Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning & Organizing Award winner and our best value pick here.
Weighing in at just over 1 pound, it's extremely lightweight and portable. And because it stands upright in its charging caddy (that also has a spot to stash its brush/crevice tool) storage is simple too.
Though it has only one speed and you won't get a pet hair attachment, it ran for almost 10 minutes on a single charge, and we found it comfortable to hold. One consumer tester said, "I loved this for easy clean-up in the kitchen while cooking!"
| Weight | 1.1 lbs |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 10 minutes |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.1 L |
| Filter | Mesh and pleated filter assembly |
| Attachments | Two-in-one combination crevice tool and brush |
Bissell AeroSlim Lithium Ion Cordless Handheld Vacuum
Pros
- Comfortable to hold
- USB charging cable
- Has a stand to hold the vacuum and accessory tool
Cons
- Small dust cup
- No pet hair attachment
In the GH Cleaning Lab, we're seeing many new lightweight, sleek hand vacs so this slim Bissell is definitely on trend. The AeroSlim is the ideal small vacuum for quick pick-ups on hard surfaces, and it comes with a two-in-one brush and crevice tool to nab crumbs stuck in your car's cup holders or between seat cushions. Its trim design also makes it easier to tuck into a car's trunk to handle messes on the go, and it recharges via USB, so there's no need to find an outlet. Over 10,000 of the 16,000+ ratings on Amazon are five-star reviews.
Its filter is washable, and we were impressed with its suction, despite its small, size. And with 15 minutes of run time, you should be able to do the whole car. All it's missing is a pet hair attachment.
| Weight | 1.4 lbs |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 15 minutes |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.1 L |
| Filter | Dual-level filtration system |
| Attachments | Two-in-one crevice tool and dusting brush |
BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet Handheld Vacuum
Pros
- Powered brush has rubber bristles to lift pet hair
- Large dust cup
- Three-star Quiet Mark rating for quiet performance
Cons
- Side vents blow light debris out of the cleaning path
Black+Decker literally invented the handheld vacuum, and this Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ model does the brand proud. It virtually tied for first place in our tests with our best overall pick and aced our pet-hair pickup test, earning it a spot here and on our list of the best vacuums for pet hair. It did well with other messes too — even without using the Power Boost setting.
Two standout features are an extra-long pullout crevice tool — attached to the vacuum so you'll never lose it — and an extra-large bottom-emptying dust bin that makes cleaning up after pets easy. The filter is washable, and the vacuum stands upright for charging or storage.
The battery had one of the longest run times at up to 32 minutes, though air coming out of the side vents caused some debris to be blown away which was a bit annoying.
| Weight | 4.2 lbs |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 32 minutes |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.75 L |
| Filter | Washable filter and pre-filter |
| Attachments | Motorized pet brush and built-in crevice tool |
Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Onboard crevice tool
- Removeable battery
Cons
- Battery is pricey if you need to replace it
This Hoover is a little powerhouse, with a 2-in-1 crevice tool and dusting brush that makes it easy to clean hard-to-reach places, like in the corners of your stairs, that full-size vacuums have a hard time getting to. Our experts rated it highly on pickup of small and large debris on both carpets and bare floors, but not so great for battery run and charge time (with a ONEPWR 20V battery). We love how simple it is to empty the dust cup and remove the filter to clean. It even did well with pet hair and with a decent sized dust cup and the ability to increase the runtime by using it with a higher capacity battery, it makes for easy clean up without any interruptions.
The removable rechargeable battery is compatible across other ONEPWR System indoor and outdoor cleaning devices, so if the battery runs out on your hand vacuum, you can borrow the battery from, say, your ONEPWR leaf blower, upright vacuum or carpet cleaner. Our Cleaning Lab Reviews Analyst says vacuums with replaceable batteries are more sustainable, since, "when your vacuum's battery dies, you don't have to throw it away — you can just replace the battery." Keep in mind that the replacement battery is a bit expensive to buy alone ($40), but it will be more money-efficient than buying an entirely new vacuum when it dies.
| Weight | 2.2 lbs |
|---|---|
| Run time | 19 minutes (with 3Ah battery) |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.4 L |
| Filter | Washable filter |
| Attachments | On-board crevice tool |
How we test handheld vacuums
In our last test of handheld vacuums, the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab tested 19 models from 14 different brands. We test all handheld vacuums on bare floors and low-pile carpets for how well they pick up fine, gritty debris, like sand and baking soda, and light and medium-weight particles, like dry oatmeal and orzo pasta, and even fluffy pet hair. We also test pick-up ability with heavy items, like screws and nuts.
In addition to assessing performance, we record the weight of each vacuum and judge how easy the filter is to access, change and clean; how easy the dust cup is to empty and how comfortable the vacuum is to hold and use. Any special features or attachments are also assessed, and models are evaluated by Quiet Mark — an organization we partner with — to measure and score them for sound. One Quiet Mark star is poor, two is average and three is good.
For cordless models, we monitor the run time, and for models being considered for our Cleaning Awards, we ask real consumers to use and rate each vacuum before we determine our award winners. After completing 246 tests we chose the top-scoring hand vacuums.
What to look for when shopping for a handheld vacuum
✔️ Corded vs. cordless: Corded and cordless vacuums each have their pros and cons. With corded handheld vacuums, you’ll never have to worry about the battery running out no matter how long you are using it. However, you'll be limited in your range of motion. Cordless handheld vacuums give you the freedom to take the vacuum wherever it's needed, but you run the risk of the battery running out. Most handheld vacuums come cordless, and run times of 20 minutes or more are best for the biggest jobs.
✔️ Size and weight: Consider the size and weight of the handheld vacuum and, if possible, try it out to make sure it feels comfortable to hold. You want to make sure the vacuum is well-balanced and does not strain your hand or wrists. If you can't try it out before buying it, make sure it is returnable if you aren't satisfied.
✔️ Attachments: If you’ll be using the handheld vacuum for more than just a quick pass over hard surfaces, you may want to consider attachments such as a crevice tool to get into corners, brushes to help clean delicate surfaces or powered attachments to vacuum upholstery or pick up pet hair. Those with attachments make it easy to remove dust from draperies, window sills, door frames, mattresses and other out-of-the-way spots that may be awkward for a larger vacuum to reach.
✔️ Storage: Of course, you'll need to consider how much space you have. Slim vacuums with attachments onboard or housed in the charging base are the easiest to store neatly, especially if your space is limited. Models with removable batteries mean you can keep only the battery plugged in and store the body and attachments out of sight.
✔️ Features: Other innovations across both cordless and corded models include comfortable grips, easy-to-empty dust cups, washable filters, multiple speeds and more. Also consider the size of the dust cup. If you typically pick up large messes, a larger dust cup means less frequent emptying. Some pick up wet messes and remove stains too.
What is the best handheld vacuum for dusting furniture?
The best handheld vacuum for dusting furniture is one that comes with the right attachments. For removing dust from hard furniture and countertops, look for a model with a soft dusting brush with bristles to help gather and whisk dust and crumbs off hard surfaces without scattering them or damage, like our Best Value pick, the Dirt Devil Grab & Go+. To clean upholstered furniture and even curtains and drapes, you'll need either a flat rectangular tool or one with a rotating brush. If pet hair is your issue, a rotating brush, like on our Best for Pet Hair pick the Black & Decker Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet, is a game-changer!
Is a handheld vacuum worth it?
Yes! Sometimes it just isn’t necessary or worth the time to pull out a full-size vacuum to clean up a small dry spill. By the time you lug out and plug in a big vacuum, a handheld vacuum would have finished the job. They are often small so they take up very little storage space and can be used to clean tight spaces like your car or between stair rails. Many options, like our picks above, offer powerful suction and tools that help you clean across many different surfaces. Some, though none we tested here, can even pick up wet spills.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Carolyn Forté has tested and reviewed hundreds of vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, mops and other major (and minor) home appliances as executive director of the Home Care Lab. She oversees all testing done in the Cleaning Lab and recently tested all of the handheld, stick, upright and canister vacuums that were submitted for consideration in the most recent Cleaning and Organizing Awards. She is an active member of the ASTM Committee on vacuum cleaners and chairman of the consumer information sub-committee.
Lynn Redmile, Contributing Product Analyst, conducted the testing for our latest handheld vacuum test and has tested dozens of other vacuums across many different categories including robot vacuums and beyond.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
Lynn Redmile (she/her) is a contributing product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she's been evaluating nutrition, fitness, beauty, textiles, home, pet, and cleaning products since 2012. She brings over 30 years of data analysis and project management experience to the role.
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