Using an anemometer (a tool that measures wind speed), we calculate the raw airflow of each vacuum. Suction is what allows a vacuum cleaner to lift debris off the ground, while airflow helps ferry the debris to the dustbin. The Black+Decker 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum amazed us with its suction power, clever design, and versatility.
Wirecutter software engineer Jasmine Khoury, who owns this vacuum, complained that the extension crevice tool doesn’t stay put, retracting with pressure, but we haven’t encountered this problem during testing. A Black+Decker spokesperson told us via email that this model fully charges in four hours, but in our testing it took less than three hours. It comes with a two-year warranty, which exceeds the coverage of many other handheld vacuum cleaners.
I placed my sound meter approximately 12 inches away from the unit while it was running, and it registered 95 decibels. So, you may not want to do any cleaning when people are sleeping in the next room. Bissell recently sent me its Lightweight Cordless Hand Vacuum and Car Vacuum (model 1985) for free to test.
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Some stick or canister vacuums also have a handheld configuration, making them even more versatile if you need to clean larger areas. If they’re cordless, they may also have a shorter continuous battery life than non-handheld vacuums. Our top pick for a handheld vacuum is the Shark UltraCyclone Pro Handheld Vacuum, thanks to its powerful suction, large dust bin, and reliable battery. If you’re looking to spend a little less, you’ll enjoy the Black+Decker DustBuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum, which is lightweight, powerful, and also boasts a large dust cup. The flexible, 3-foot hose also makes it easy to get into tight spaces like behind cabinets, or in between cushions. This vacuum does require two hands to operate (one to hold the motor, and one to vacuum with the hose), but the portable, cube design makes it easy to carry around.
I’ve been cleaning my home with the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser for a year now, and it’s still the tool I reach for on a weekly basis. The battery power remains consistent, and though the motorized brush attachment has accumulated some hair buildup, I haven’t noticed any weakening in the suction power. My cat is almost 10 years old, which means I have been buying pet hair removers for close to a decade.
Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure that we fully stand behind every product we recommend, and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with bissell cordless vacuum this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all of these products ourselves, though occasionally we get samples provided to us directly by companies.
In our battery tests, the CHV1410L ran for about nine minutes, so it’s best suited for quick tidying rather than deep cleaning. (In contrast, the Ryobi vacuum, our top pick, ran for 18 minutes, and the AdvancedClean+ HHVK515JP07 ran for 25 minutes.) It recharged in about three hours, which is typical for handheld vacuums at this price. The CHV1410L also comes with a convenient charging base that allows the vac to stand upright in storage; we found, however, that it tends to wobble when bumped. Although the CHV1410L suffers from the same hand-heaviness as most handheld vacuums do, we’ve found it comfortable enough to maneuver. At 2.6 pounds, it is comparably light, and its curved, closed handle allows for an easy grip. The slide-out crevice tool and swing-out combo brush, both built into the tip of the vacuum, have limited reach but may come in handy.
Several handheld vacuums also come with warranties, which helps extend the lifespan of your purchase. And rather than replacing an entire machine, you also have the option to replace things like blocked filters, jammed brush rolls, frayed hoses and broken accessories yourself. On an average, a well maintained handheld vacuum from a quality brand should last you a minimum of 6 years.
If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of all our handheld vacuum reviews. While no vacuum is perfect for every use, most are good enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them. The best handheld vacuum for you is one that’s not only high-quality, but also fits your specific needs. I strive to write unbiased, intelligent vacuum cleaner reviews and I provide a score for each and every vacuum I investigate. We updated this guide in February 2023 to confirm all products tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab were in stock, available and correctly priced.