If you need something simple for quick cleanups, this affordable cordless handheld vacuum will get the job done. One thing to note when it comes to handheld vacuums is that they’re often best for tackling spills and spot cleaning, and not necessarily for removing irritants or allergens from your home. If that’s a priority for you, you may want to consider another type of vacuum better-suited for allergies.
Speaking of batteries, we also recommend that you pay attention to the charge time of a cordless handheld vacuum, which can vary from a few hours to up to 10 hours. Using a handheld vacuum is a hands-on process, requiring you to lift, turn, push, and pull to clear debris from floors, furniture, stairs, car upholstery, and more. As a result, the weight of the vacuum bissell handheld vacuum can become quite noticeable if you’re using it for an extended period of time, or holding it overhead. We gathered insights on each vacuum’s maneuverability around our living room-inspired obstacle course, and on the ease of emptying their bins. We also tested each model’s portability by holding each one above our head during use to see how tiring it was.
That’s why I was excited to get my hands on the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser. You can use one of three different attachments, including a powerful motorized brush roll to really get into carpet and upholstery, making it a solid choice for pet owners in homes with at least two floors. We considered the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ but were put off by its poor airflow and suction, as well as its six-hour charge time.
During all of the testing, the vacuums were also rated on their noise levels. Some picks were also tested at home and were put through real-world environments and situations. Our editors and writers took the testing data and additional research and boiled it down to the handheld vacuums we believe are the best. This Black+Decker handheld vac, while on the pricier side bissell handheld vacuum when compared to other handheld vacuums, was effective and satisfying to use. If you’re looking to invest in your handheld vacuum, this is definitely a sleek and efficient choice that’s great for both household messes or car cleanup. We especially liked how the crevice tool is a built-in piece that slides out, so no dealing with or storing extra pieces and parts.
However, can the popular pet hair remover really handle the tough task of removing embedded pet hair from upholstery? Is it up to the challenge of picking up strewn litter—without making even more of a mess? We wanted to see if it was as good as it claims, so we put it to the test over the course of a few weeks in a multi-pet home, where there were no shortage of messes.
You likely won’t be able to clean very much on one charge given its short runtime and very small dust cup, but it can be charged on the go on your laptop or in your car thanks to its USB port charger. This extra compact handheld vacuum has a storage stand that holds the vacuum upright — and it stores the accessory tool, too, so it’s always where you need it. The weight of a handheld vacuum mainly depends on its size and battery. An average handheld vac weighs around three pounds, but more compact versions weigh as little as one pound. Our best lightweight pick, the Iris USA Handheld Vacuum, weighs just 1.1 pounds but still manages to pack a punch in suction power. The trade-off is that lightweight, handheld vacuums may have small dustbins that require frequent emptying.
Lithium-ion batteries can also sit for long periods of time without losing their charge. To charge the vac, you simply plug one end of the adapter into your wall and the other into the unit. There are two other versions of the Pet Hair Eraser on the market, the corded model and the alternate cordless version with the same name. Neither of the alternate models have the same functionality or battery life of this version, however, and are not as highly rated. Per the instructions, I used it on soft fabric surfaces such as blankets and bedspreads. The tiny bristles that lined the tool certainly filled with hair, but there was no clear way to get that hair off aside from picking it free with my fingers.