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10 Best Cordless Handheld Vacuums of 2024

Updated
Enjoy untethered, quick vacuuming.

If you’ve been wondering whether cordless vacuums are up to the challenging task of cleaning your home, you’re not alone. These bad boys can do some serious damage when collecting dirt and debris. But how can you choose when there are so many options available?

That’s where we come in. We’ve reviewed 10 of the best cordless handheld vacuums for your convenience.

Whether you want to quickly clean your home or spring clean your car, these vacuums are up to the challenge.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Shark WandVac Vacuum
Most Lightweight
Shark WandVac Vacuum
  • Only weighs 1.4 pounds
  • Fast charging time
  • Comes with charging dock
Product Image of the Bissell AutoMate Vacuum
Best for The Car
Bissell AutoMate Vacuum
  • Includes LED crevice tool
  • 30 minutes charging
  • Triple-level filtration
Product Image of the Dyson V7 Trigger Vacuum
Best for Allergies
Dyson V7 Trigger Vacuum
  • Two-tier radial cyclone technology
  • Trigger for control
  • Two power modes
Product Image of the Dewalt Hand Vacuum
Best for Dry & Wet Messes
Dewalt Hand Vacuum
  • Cleans dry & wet messes
  • Dual clean-up mode
  • Easy to store
Product Image of the Hoover Cordless Handheld Vacuum
Most Ergonomic
Hoover Cordless Handheld Vacuum
  • Only weighs 3 pounds
  • Easy to use
  • Washable filters
Product Image of the Shark UltraCyclone
Best Emptying Mechanism
Shark UltraCyclone
  • Dual cyclonic air streams
  • 2.8 pounds and versatile
  • Self cleaning pet power brush
Product Image of the VacLife Handheld Vacuum
Easiest To Use
VacLife Handheld Vacuum
  • 20 minutes continuous runtime
  • LED light system
  • Easy-to-empty canister
Product Image of the Black+Decker Dustbuster
Most Compact
Black+Decker Dustbuster
  • Automatic charging
  • Extendable crevice tool
  • Nozzle rotates 180 degrees
Product Image of the Shark Perfect II Vacuum
Best for Pets
Shark Perfect II Vacuum
  • Motorized brush-roll
  • Wall-mountable charging stand
  • Transparent dust canister
Product Image of the VacLife Handheld Vacuum
Best for Cleaning In Dark Areas
VacLife Handheld Vacuum
  • LED lights for seeing dirt
  • Lots of cleaning accessories
  • Washable filter

Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, we provide a thorough analysis and assessment of the best cordless handheld vacuums, ensuring you can trust our findings and recommendations. Our experienced professionals conduct hands-on tests, evaluate each vacuum’s performance, and measure key factors such as suction power, battery life, and user-friendliness. We carefully compare and rank the vacuums based on criteria like design, durability, and effectiveness. Our data-driven approach allows us to share valuable insights and real-life evidence, so you can easily identify the vacuum that sets itself apart from its competitors. By focusing on the most important decision-making factors, we ensure that you make the best choice for your cleaning needs.



The Best Cordless Handheld Vacuums of 2024

Here are the top 10 cordless handheld vacuums.

Shark WandVac Handheld Vacuum

Best Lightweight Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Are you looking for an easy-to-use handheld vacuum? Allow us to introduce the WandVac from Shark. It weighs in at only 1.4 pounds — the most lightweight model on our list.

We love how this one looks, with a contemporary and sleek style that you can show off. It even won a design award this year. Plus, its cool charging dock allows for easy access when you want to clean up a mess quickly.

It’s powered by a 115-watt lithium-ion battery, providing good suction for almost 10 minutes. The charging time is fast at 2.5 hours.

We also like the multiple attachments provided. It has a tapered nozzle, to begin with, but also includes a crevice tool for corners and small spaces. It has a cleaning path of 2.3 inches for nooks and crannies.

What We Like

Multi-Surface Pet Tool

Are you ready to capture your furry friend’s hair from upholstery or carpet? The pet tool attachment is just what you need. It has a cleaning path of 3.6 inches to ensure quick and efficient cleaning.

Easy to Empty Dust Canister

When you’re ready to empty the dust canister, press a button. That’s it! The button is conveniently found under the off switch. You won’t have to get your hands dirty since it has a spring-loaded design.

The filter is also washable too. This means you can reuse it time and time again.

Features a Charging Dock

We like the compact charging dock provided with this model. It looks good and won’t take up a lot of space on a counter. You can also store the attachments on the back. Plus, it makes it easy to grab and go when you need it.

What We Don't Like

Short Runtime

Unfortunately, although this handheld vacuum has a fast charging time, it only runs for around 9.5 minutes on a full charge. You may not have a lot of time for cleaning large spaces.

Product Specs

Battery Lithium-ion
Charge Time 2.5 hours
Runtime 9.5 minutes
Charging Dock Yes
Extras Included Crevice tool, multi-surface pet tool, and charging dock

User Experience

Love the Shark WandVac! I've had it for a while now, and it's become an essential tool in my cleaning routine. The powerful suction quickly picks up pet hair, crumbs, and small debris, making it perfect for quick cleanups. The sleek design and lightweight build make it easy to handle and store. Although it doesn't replace a full-size vacuum, it's a fantastic supplemental cleaning device that I can't live without.

Bissell AutoMate Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Best Cordless Handheld Vacuum for the Car

If there’s one thing that cordless handheld vacuums are popular for, it’s cleaning cars. After all, you probably can’t use an upright or canister easily for this job due to the lack of power outlets in your driveway. Well, this task is made easy with this model.

It has unique car-detailing accessories. For example, the motorized brush tool is designed to clean material on your seats, car mats, and trunk carpet. It can loosen and lift dirt, crumbs, and debris.

There’s also a cool LED crevice tool. This isn’t just your standard, narrow crevice tool. Instead, it has a neat design to get into nooks and crannies, as well as an attached LED light. This can help you see clearly into poorly lit areas.

What We Like

Flexible Crevice Tool

There is a secondary crevice tool that is slightly flexible. The bendy structure lets you get into difficult and narrow spots where dust and dirt can gather.

30 Minutes Full Charge

A highlight of this model is that it seems to be fast at charging. Customer reviews say it only takes around 30 minutes to achieve a full charge. This is a lot faster than some that take three or four hours.

Once fully charged, it provides around 20 minutes of continuous cleaning time. That’s very generous for how quickly it recharges!

Triple-Level Filtration

Triple-level filtration may be just what you need to remove dust and other small particles from your car. This could relieve allergy symptoms and ensure no pathogens linger in your vehicle.

Transparent Dust Canister

We like this design because it allows you to see everything you’ve collected. It helps you know when to empty the canister, which results in fewer clogs.

What We Don't Like

It’s Quite Long

We noticed that some customers commented on the design of this handheld vacuum. They said that with a cleaning tool attached, it was quite long. This might make it difficult to maneuver around a small vehicle.

Product Specs

Battery Lithium-ion
Charge Time 30 minutes
Runtime 20 minutes
Charging Dock No
Extras Included LED crevice tool, flexible crevice tool, and motorized brush tool

Personal Perspective

I've been using the Bissell AutoMate Cordless Handheld Vacuum primarily for keeping my car and home clean, and I must say it has exceeded my expectations. The powerful suction and power brush work wonders on both my car's interior and my carpeted stairs, making it a versatile and efficient cleaning tool. The vacuum is lightweight and easy to use, even when compared to my larger vacuum cleaner. Cleaning the bristles is a breeze, as the head disassembles quickly and easily. The only downside is the lack of a small hose or carry bag, but overall, I am highly satisfied with this cordless vacuum's performance and quality.

Dyson V7 Trigger Cord-free Handheld Vacuum

Best Cordless Handheld Vacuum for Allergies

This Dyson vacuum can capture dust and particles as small as 0.5 microns with two-tier radial cyclone technology. This may help remove pathogens and relieve allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itchiness, and watering eyes.

The filter is also washable, so it can be cleaned between vacuuming sessions for better efficiency.

The Dyson digital V7 motor provides excellent suction for capturing everything from dust to debris. It delivers 110,000 repetitions per minute, and it’s powered by lithium-ion batteries.

There are two power settings — Max Mode and Powerful Mode. Max Mode may be best for deep cleaning, with a suction power of 100 air watts for up to six minutes.

On the other hand, Powerful Mode might be best for everyday cleaning. It delivers a suction power of 28 air watts and lasts longer, with a maximum runtime of 30 minutes. Bear in mind, though, that full charge can take around three and a half hours to complete.

What We Like

Three Cleaning Attachments Included

For a deeper clean of hard-to-reach spots in your home, you’ll appreciate the included attachments. Use the mini motorized tool for upholstery. The combination and crevice tool are great for narrow spots and corners.

Trigger for Control

The vacuum suction is user-controlled. You can simply press the trigger, conveniently located on the handle. This may help you conserve charge too so that you can vacuum for longer.

3.77 Pounds Lightweight

Being only 3.77 pounds, this is a convenient and lightweight design. It’s suitable for maneuvering around your entire home and carrying to other locations.

What We Don't Like

It’s Very Loud

One thing we did notice customers saying was that it was very loud. This might not be ideal for your household if you’ve got young children or pets.

Product Specs

Battery Lithium-ion
Charge Time 3.5 hours
Runtime 30 minutes
Charging Dock No
Extras Included Mini motorized tool, combination tool, and crevice tool

Community Feedback

I'm really happy with the cord-free handheld vacuum for quick cleanups around my home. It's perfect for picking up dog fur on the couch and cleaning up litter scatter near the cat's box. I also find it useful for cleaning my car, as I live in an apartment and don't have access to a shop vac. However, the battery life is best suited for small jobs, and I noticed that if I hold the vacuum any way other than horizontally, the contents rattle around inside the dust receptacle. Despite these minor issues, this vacuum is great for added convenience and helps me keep my space cleaner more easily.

Dewalt DCV517B Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Best for Dry and Wet Messes

The great thing about this handheld vacuum is that it can deal with both dry and wet messes around the home. This may be ideal if you’ve got young children — you can clean up crumbs and liquid spills in only a few minutes.

It has good suction, with high-speed spinning motors. This has a strong yet compact battery.

The runtime is estimated to be at around 20 minutes, which is the average time you’d expect for a handheld. This may be enough to make it around a few rooms in your house. What’s more, its battery weighs 18 percent less than the previous unit.

We like its washable filter. This may help to filter away a significant amount of dust and allergens, and it’s extremely durable as well.

What We Like

Only Need to Charge the Battery, Not Whole Unit

The great thing about this vacuum is that you can buy spare batteries. You only need to charge the batteries, not the whole unit.

Buy a couple of spare batteries, and you can have a more continuous cleaning experience.

Easy to Clean HEPA Filter

The highly effective and washable HEPA filter can help capture allergens and particles in the air. It’s made of hard-wearing material, which you can wash and reuse for a while before replacing. This might save you money.

Easy to Store

This vacuum doesn’t have to take up a lot of room when it’s not in use. You can bring it anywhere you like.

What We Don't Like

Inconveniently Placed Vacuum Vents

Customers passionately dislike where the air vents are placed on this vacuum. Since they’re on the sides, they can end up blowing debris and dust around while you’re vacuuming. This defeats the purpose of the HEPA filter in some instances!

Product Specs

Battery 20V MAX
Charge Time N/A
Runtime 20 minutes
Charging Dock No
Extras Included Vacuum unit only and battery

First-Hand Impression

If you're in need of a convenient and powerful handheld vacuum, the Dewalt DCV517B is a fantastic option. As a DIY enthusiast, I've found it perfect for cleaning up debris like sanded drywall plaster dust, and it's also versatile enough for spot cleaning in my travel trailer. I highly recommend purchasing a 1 1/4" vacuum accessories bundle to enhance its capabilities. While some users have mentioned the exhaust blowing dust around, I've found that using hose attachments easily solves this issue.

Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Most Ergonomic Cordless Handheld Vacuum

When we say this is the best ergonomic option, that’s all down to the easy-to-grip handle. This shape makes it super easy to hold and maneuver without any hassle.

This handy vacuum has a removable battery pack which can be quickly released with a one-click button. When you run out of charge, you just put the battery on the charger, and you can store the vacuum separately, out of sight. Or you can borrow the battery from other compatible ONEPWR Hoover products, and you can return to cleaning.

It has an extra-large dirt bowl with an easy-empty design. Its nozzle is capable of cleaning up difficult-to-reach areas.

What We Like

Only Weighs 3 Pounds

This lightweight vacuum only weighs 3 pounds. This allows for easy maneuvering or even vacuuming one-handed, which is perfect for busy moms, especially when your baby wants to be held, but your floors also want to be cleaned.

Washable Filter

The washable filter can limit dust and other allergens from circulating back into the air. This is an awesome feature allowing you to save a few bucks for filter replacements.

Easy to Use and Powerful

This vacuum is straightforward to use, and emptying the dust bin has never been this convenient. The powerful suction takes away some of the stress of cleaning. Plus, you can quickly clean up messes on the go.

What We Don't Like

No HEPA Filter

This does not come with a HEPA filter. Thus, they are not guaranteed to trap 99.9 percent of dust and particles, like genuine HEPA filters.

Product Specs

Battery ONEPWR
Charge Time Not stated
Runtime 11 minutes
Charging Dock Yes
Extras Included Crevice tool, battery, charger

User Experience

My experience with the Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Handheld Vacuum has been pretty great so far. This vacuum is lightweight and easy to use, with solid suction power that makes cleaning a breeze. I love the replaceable external battery and the modern design, but the on/off button could be more comfortable. Despite a few minor drawbacks, like the accessory nozzle falling off easily, this vacuum is a reliable choice for quick cleanups around the house.

Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus

Best Emptying Mechanism

I cannot tell you the difference when we got a vacuum with an easy emptying mechanism. There’s not much grosser than getting all the gunk and dirt you’ve just collected all over your hands. With the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus, you can empty the dust cup super quickly and hygienically.

The patented CleanTouch Dirt Eject design allows you to quickly empty the dust cup with a touch of a button. You don’t need to touch the mess at all. It forcefully empties into the trash, so you’re ready to use the vacuum again immediately.

You’ll also enjoy the fact that this is super lightweight at only 2.8 pounds. Combined with the cordless design, it’s easy to use anywhere. Take it out to the car, transport it all around the house, maybe even get your kids involved in cleaning chores!

What We Like

Dual Cyclonic Air Streams

More suction means a cleaner home. The two super-powerful cyclonic air streams increase the suction power and collect more dust and dirt. These air streams also ensure a long-lasting filter and a more durable motor life so that the vacuum can last for years to come.

2.8 Pounds and Versatile

The vacuum is lightweight and compact, making it an excellent option for transporting anywhere and everywhere. So if your car is looking a little dirty, take this out and enjoy a blissful and easy clean.

Self Cleaning Pet Power Brush

This is one of the most innovative additions to this vacuum. The self-cleaning brush removes hair as it wraps around the brush. This improves suction and makes it maintenance-free for users to enjoy.

The Pet Power Brush picks up pet hair quickly and effectively from the floor, furniture, and other areas.

What We Don't Like

Poor Battery Life

While some customers experienced a good battery life of around 25 minutes, other customers experienced 10 minutes of run time before the battery needed to be charged again. 10 minutes isn’t a lot of time to finish all the tasks at hand.

Not Good for Embedded Hairs

Although this has fantastic suction, it’s not enough compared to some of the more expensive vacuums on the market. When it comes to pet hairs embedded on fabric couches, this vacuum doesn’t have quite enough power to remove it.

Product Specs

Battery Lithium-ion
Charge Time 6 hours
Runtime 10-25 minutes
Charging Dock No
Extras Included Crevice tool, scrubbing brush, and pet power brush.

Our Ratings

Battery Life
3.5 / 5
Suction Power
4.5 / 5
Portability & Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Accessories & Attachments
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

I recently purchased the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus and have been extremely pleased with its performance on various surfaces, including upholstery and hard floors. The CH-951's suction power is impressive, effectively picking up pet hair and scattered litter, but it would be even better if it had an extension attachment for reaching tight spots. The battery life is decent, lasting about 10-12 minutes on a full charge, but I wish there were power indicator lights and a replaceable battery option for added convenience.

VacLife VL189 Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Easiest to Use

Do you want a simple cordless handheld vacuum for around the home? We don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this one.

There’s a range of tools included for various jobs. The crevice tool, for instance, may be used to clean sofas and corners. Then you’ve got a brush tool as well.

It runs with a 2000 mAh lithium-ion battery. We’d say the suction is enough to collect mold, pollen, pet hair, and even cigarette ash.

Included are two extra filters to capture contaminants from around your house. These are easy to remove and maintain — just wash them by hand and let them dry out.

After you’re done cleaning, just hit the button to release the transparent dust canister.

What We Like

20 Minutes Continuous Runtime

We like that you can use this vacuum continuously for 20 minutes. This is a reasonable amount of time for cleaning, especially if you’ve got to spring clean a few rooms.

While it might not be suitable for larger homes, it’s great for small apartments and houses.

LED Lights for Illuminating Dirt

This isn’t just an ordinary vacuum capturing dirt, crumbs, and hair. You can also use it to clean up messes at night or when trying to reach hard surfaces that are not easily accessible by light.

Easy-to-Empty Canister

You only have to press one button to release the dust canister from the vacuum. The base opens, and you can empty the contents straight into the trash. There’s no need to get your hands dirty.

What We Don't Like

Three Hour Charging Time

Between uses, you have to factor in a lengthy three-hour charge time. This is a lot for 20 minutes of run time.

Product Specs

Battery Lithium-ion
Charge Time 2.5 to 3 hours
Runtime 20 minutes
Charging Dock No
Extras Included Crevice tool, brush tool

Our Ratings

Battery Life
4.5 / 5
Suction Power
4 / 5
Portability & Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Accessories & Attachments
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

As a frequent user of handheld vacuums, I found the VacLife VL189 Cordless Handheld Vacuum to be a handy tool for various cleaning tasks. It effectively picked up flour from my sofa and dust from surfaces, but struggled a bit with dried mud in my car interior. The battery life could be improved, as I occasionally needed to recharge before completing a task. Though the suction power isn't as strong as I had hoped, it still manages to get the job done when given some extra time.

Black+Decker Dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Best Compact Cordless Handheld Vacuum

This one is slightly different since the cleaning tools are attached to the vacuum. The tools include a flip-up brush and an extendable crevice tool. With the accessories joined to the machine, this choice may be more compact for storage.

Of course, the cleaning accessories are good for vacuuming too. You may be able to clean more narrow, hard-to-reach spaces.

When you choose this model, you can expect a lithium-ion 16-volt battery. This can provide you with 15.2 air watts of suction power for vacuuming your living room, kitchen, or bedrooms.

The runtime on this one is around 11 minutes. A full charge takes about four hours, and you can use the charging base for this task. While it’s charging, there will be a flashing blue light, and it’ll stop when it’s done.

What We Like

Automatic Charging With 18 Month Hold

This dustbuster shuts off when it’s fully charged, so it doesn’t affect the battery’s health. You can store it on the charging station too.

An excellent thing about this model is that the battery can hold its charge for up to 18 months. This is due to being a long-life lithium-ion battery. So you can just put it away and bring it out whenever you need it — it’ll be ready to go.

Lightweight With Large Dust Canister

This model only weighs 2.6 pounds — pretty lightweight compared to some handheld vacuums. The dust canister holds 0.58 liters of dirt and debris, which should do for quick cleaning sessions. The canister is transparent, so you know when it’s full.

To empty, click the release button over a trash can. So easy!

Nozzle Rotates 180 Degrees

Cleaning can be more efficient with the rotating nozzle. You can maneuver it into small spaces to vacuum out dirt. It’s able to rotate 180 degrees.

What We Don't Like

Charging Base Requires a Horizontal, Flat Surface

To charge the vacuum, you have to place it on the charging base. This may not be suitable if you don’t have a surface to place it on in your laundry room or kitchen. It also doesn’t snap in so that it may knock out of place, especially on a non-horizontal surface.

Product Specs

Battery Lithium-ion
Charge Time 4 hours
Runtime 11 minutes
Charging Dock Yes
Extras Included Crevice tool, charging base, and flip-up brush

Our Ratings

Battery Life
3.5 / 5
Suction Power
3.5 / 5
Portability & Ease of Use
4 / 5
Accessories & Attachments
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

First-Hand Impression

Great cordless handheld vacuum for small tasks! I was impressed by its strong suction and easy-to-clean canister. The extendable reach and on-board brush attachment are convenient features. However, the vacuum's battery life isn't the best for larger jobs, and I'm concerned about the device's longevity as the battery isn't replaceable.

Shark Perfect II Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Best Cordless Handheld Vacuum for Pets

Do your pets shed a lot? Perhaps it’s time to invest in a Shark handheld cordless vacuum. It comes with a special motorized brush-roll accessory. This can work out stubborn dirt and pick up loose hairs.

There’s also a dusting brush you can attach to this model. It may be useful for worktops, shelves, and underneath furniture. For narrow spots, use the crevice tool provided. We love that it has slots for accessories to keep everything together.

It’s run by an 18-volt lithium-ion battery which you can recharge by placing on the charging stand. We like this charging stand because it can be used on a table or wall-mounted. The vacuum also lights up when it’s charging, so you know it’s plugged in at a glance.

What We Like

Ergonomic Shape for Comfortable Use

The ergonomic shape is an enjoyable feature. It’s easy to hold this vacuum and maneuver it around. The on/off switch is conveniently placed on the handle within reach.

Twister Cyclonic Technology

Thanks to this high-powered technology, blast away dust and debris from any surface. The suction power is impressively strong so that you can achieve a cleaner home.

Transparent Dust Canister

You won’t have to guess when the dust canister is full — you’ll be able to see it. This one is clear plastic, so you can empty the dust and dirt only when you need to.

It’s also easy to empty; just hold down the button. There’s an included filter for cleaning the air in your home, too. The filter is washable so that you can clean and dry it yourself once a month.

What We Don't Like

Very Long Charging Time

It takes a full 16 hours to reach a full charge with this vacuum. This is incredibly long and not convenient for a quick clean. This is even worse, considering it only has around 12 minutes of runtime.

Product Specs

Battery Lithium-ion
Charge Time 16 hours
Runtime 12 minutes
Charging Dock Yes
Extras Included Motorized pet hair brush, crevice tool, and dusting brush

Our Ratings

Battery Life
4 / 5
Suction Power
4 / 5
Portability & Ease of Use
4 / 5
Accessories & Attachments
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

My experience with the Shark Perfect II Cordless Handheld Vacuum has been fantastic, especially with pet hair cleanup. The motorized brush-roll accessory effectively removes stubborn dirt and pet hair, while the dusting brush and crevice tool are great for tight spaces and surfaces. The 18-volt lithium-ion battery provides ample power, but it does have a long charging time.

VacLife VL706 Handheld Rechargeable Vacuum

Best Cordless Handheld Vacuum for Cleaning Dark Areas

Have trouble spotting dirt in dark places? This handheld vacuum features an LED light to illuminate the surface in front of you. It might help capture debris you couldn’t spot and whatever else is hidden in the shadows.

We like the arrangement of cleaning attachments included with this model. You’ve got the brush tool, which offers carpets and blankets protection from dust. Meanwhile, you may use the versatile crevice tool on anything.

What We Like

20 Minutes Run Time

This is one of the vacuums that gives a midrange runtimes from the vacuums on our list. A 2000 mAh lithium-ion battery powers it. A recharge takes around 3-4 hours on the provided adapter.

Super Lightweight at 2.49 Pounds

This is one of the lightest vacuums on our list. At 2.49 pounds, this is super lightweight and easy to maneuver. It’s great for getting the kids involved in chores, too.

Washable Filter

A washable filter won’t break your bank and may be better for the longevity of your vacuum. The dual layered filter is made of a nylon and a paper HEPA filter. You can wash it many times before it has to be replaced.

What We Don't Like

Difficult to Clean

We saw a trend with customer reviews that this one may not be the best for removing the filter should you want to clean it since you first have to remove the strainer and swivel the filter out so that you can manually remove the dirt. The good thing is that it comes with an extra filter so you can use the other as an alternative while waiting for it to be cleaned.

Product Specs

Battery Lithium-ion
Charge Time 3–4 hours
Runtime 20 minutes
Charging Dock No, but it comes with a charger
Extras Included Dust brush tool and crevice tool

Our Ratings

Battery Life
3.5 / 5
Suction Power
3 / 5
Portability & Ease of Use
5 / 5
Accessories & Attachments
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

I've been using the VL706 handheld vacuum for a while now and it's been pretty good for small cleanups. The suction is strong enough to handle cat litter and hair, but the battery life could be better. It's a bit loud and can be tricky to clean, but the built-in light is surprisingly useful.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Battery Charge Time Runtime Charging Dock
Shark WandVac Most Lightweight Lithium-ion 2.5 hrs 9.5 min Yes
Bissell AutoMate For the Car Lithium-ion 30 min 20 min No
Dyson V7 Trigger For Allergies Lithium-ion 3.5 hrs 30 min No
Dewalt Handheld For Dry & Wet Messes 20V MAX N/A 20 min No
Hoover Cordless Most Ergonomic ONEPWR N/A 11 min Yes
Shark UltraCyclone Emptying Mechanism Lithium-ion 6 hrs 15-30 min No
VacLife Handheld Easiest to Use Lithium-ion 2.5 – 3 hrs 20 min No
Black+Decker Most Compact Lithium-ion 4 hrs 11 min Yes
Shark Perfect II For Pets Lithium-ion 16 hrs 12 min Yes
VacLife VL706 For Cleaning in Dark Areas Lithium-ion 3–4 hrs 20 min No

Why Buy a Cordless Handheld Vacuum?

Are you wondering what benefits a cordless handheld vacuum can offer you? We’ve outlined them below so you can find out.

Portability

One of the main reasons families invest in a cordless handheld vacuum is its portability. Being cordless means you aren’t restricted to parts of the room with a power outlet. Instead, you’re free to vacuum anywhere.

You can even use it to clean the car or take it to events. There are no limits — just recharge it later.

The other advantage that adds to its portability is that it is handheld. These vacuums are designed to be held with one hand and are lightweight for quick and easy cleaning. As a result, many areas that were once off-limits are now easy to vacuum.

You can clean upholstery, shelves, and sofas. Plus, you can vacuum tabletops and a plethora of other surfaces with ease.

More Hygienic

Although we don’t like to think about it, there are a lot of germs and bacteria living in our homes. This includes mold, salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus (1).

So, when we vacuum, we trap these nasty germs inside our devices. If you’ve got a bagged vacuum, you may have to touch bacteria to chuck it into the trash.

Therefore, the good thing about bagless ones is that you don’t have to touch anything. Typically, you can remove the dust canister and empty it into the trash with the push of a button.

Quick to Use

If guests are on their way over, you may not have time to whip out the big upright vacuum.

A cordless handheld vacuum is compact enough to store somewhere accessible, and it can clean away messes from any surface fast.

Use Less Electricity

Since a cordless handheld vacuum features a rechargeable battery, you may use less electricity. This might be appealing if you’re environmentally conscious or want to save some money on your energy bills.

How to Choose (Buying Guide)

We’ve found some fantastic features to transform your cleaning experience with a cordless handheld vacuum.

Runtime

Your runtime is controlled by battery power. Although the charge won’t last forever, good models can give you around 20 to 40 minutes of runtime. This should allow you to cover quite a bit of ground.

We also think it’s handy if a vacuum has a light indicator for battery life. This way, you know how much cleaning time you have left before you need to recharge the vacuum.

Weight

Since you’re holding this vacuum with one hand, you want it to be lightweight. That will make it easy to handle and more comfortable to maneuver. You won’t have to worry about fatigue or tension in your hand.

You can expect some models to be as light as 1.4 pounds. But this can range up to six pounds, depending on the shape and size. Our opinion is, the lighter, the better. Then the kids have no excuses for not doing their chores!

Attachments

Many vacuum models may provide you with extra cleaning attachments, which are great for eliminating different types of dirt.

For example, we like brush tools since they have soft bristles. This can be good to remove pet hair and is suitable for upholstery and carpet.

A crevice tool can be good for tight and narrow spots, such as down the side of car seats. It’s long and thin with a small cleaning path — just what you need for corners, edges, and hard-to-reach spots.

Dust Canister Capacity

The dust canister stores the dirt and debris during vacuuming. A handheld vacuum will never have the same capacity as an upright one. But they can still be adequate for quick cleaning jobs.

If you want to avoid regular trips to the trash can, choose a larger capacity. This may increase the weight of your vacuum slightly while you’re cleaning. But you might find it worth it.

LED Light

Have you ever had trouble seeing the dirt and dust under the sofa or along the back of the fridge? Believe us when we say there’s probably plenty of debris back there.

You can check yourself by looking for a handheld vacuum that features an LED light. This is attached to the head and will help light up the area in front of you.

Wet and Dry Cleaning

When you’ve got young children, it’s more than just crumbs that fall on the floor. Sometimes, it can be large pieces of food or even liquids.

Some models can deal with liquid spills, as well as dirt. If you’ve got a busy household, you may want to find one that can clean up both wet and dry messes. Remember that you shouldn’t attempt this if it doesn’t explicitly say so in the user manual.

Charging Dock

Do you just want to grab your vacuum and go? You may want to look out for one that comes with a charging dock.

Chances are, you don’t want to dig through your cupboard to find your vacuum when it’s an emergency. You need something that’s right there.

A charging dock can make using your handheld vacuum more convenient since it’s on hand when you need it. The idea is also that you can charge it in plain sight between uses.

Warranty

A warranty can be an excellent way to see if a manufacturer has faith in its product. It also offers you peace of mind, and you can feel confident in your purchase. Of course, if something goes wrong, you can get a replacement.


FAQs

Are Handheld Vacuums Worth It?

Handheld vacuums are worth it if you want to clean up small spills. They also get into tight spots that larger vacuum cleaners struggle to reach. They are also handy for vacuuming the interior of your car.

How Long Do Handheld Vacuums Last?

Handheld vacuums last approximately two to five years. They are typically battery-operated, and you will need to replace the entire vacuum when the battery wears out.

How Long Should a Cordless Vacuum Battery Last?

A cordless battery should last two to five years, depending on how often it gets used and charged. The battery may not last as long if you use your handheld for heavily soiled areas.

Which Handheld Vacuum Has the Longest Battery Life?

The handheld vacuum with the longest battery life is the Tineco Cordless. It is technically a stick that converts into a handheld but has a runtime of 80 minutes. Compare that to some handheld vacuums with just 17 minutes of power, and it wins hands down.

What Cordless Vacuum Has the Best Suction?

The cordless vacuum with the best suction is the Black and Decker BDH200L Lithium Handheld. It has a 20V lithium-Ion battery that generates powerful suction.


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About the Author

Amy Anthony

Amy Anthony is a cleaning expert, author, and contributing writer for Oh So Spotless, a leading online resource for all things related to cleaning, organizing, and maintaining a spotless home. With over 15 years of experience in the cleaning industry, Amy has gained extensive knowledge and expertise that have made her a trusted authority on best practices, efficient techniques, and innovative cleaning solutions.