Are you tired of hauling around a huge, heavy, and annoying vacuum cleaner for every little mess that occurs? The time has come for you to do yourself a favor and get a portable vacuum. But how do you know which has the best suction power, battery life or technology? We have plowed through countless models to find the best cordless handheld vacuum cleaners of the whole year. Now, all you have to do is browse the cream of the crop below and take your pick!
Best Cordless Handheld Vacuum 2018
Name | Dimensions (inches) | Weight (pounds) | Capacity (liters) | Battery (volts) | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
WELIKERA Dust Buster | 13 x 2 x 3 | 2.76 | N/A | 12 | CHECK NOW |
BLACK+DECKER HNVB115J10 | 4 x 4 x 14 | 1.35 | 0.36 | 3.6 | CHECK NOW |
HoLife Handheld | 17.1 x 7.5 x 6.1 | 3.27 | 0.6 | 14.8 | CHECK NOW |
Bissell 1985 | 5.4 x 10 x 14.6 | 3.9 | 0.4 | 22 | CHECK NOW |
Dyson V7 Trigger | 3.11 x 12.45 x 5.17 | 3.77 | 0.5 | N/A | CHECK NOW |
BLACK+DECKER Flex BDH2020FLFH | 14.9 x 10.7 x 6.5 | 3.2 | 0.5 | 20 | CHECK NOW |
Shark Pet Perfect II (SV780) | 4.6 x 15.7 x 6.1 | 4.25 | N/A | 18 | CHECK NOW |
Dirt Devil Quick Flip Plus (BD30025B) | 14.5 x 4 x 6 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 16 | CHECK NOW |
Dyson Cyclone V10 Motorhead | 9.8 x 10.2 x 48.9 | 5.5 | 0.54 | N/A | CHECK NOW |
BLACK+DECKER CHV1410L | 17.2 x 5.5 x 7.8 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 16 | CHECK NOW |
10. WELIKERA Dust Buster – Best Cordless Handheld Vacuum for Homes
While some customers shop for the best cordless handheld vacuum for interior car maintenance, others want them specifically for home use. If you’re tired of pulling a heavy vac around your home, you may want to consider the WELIKERA Dust Buster. The unit weighs less than 3 pounds, has a sleek profile, and comes with a few accessories so you can vacuum even the tightest spaces. At the time we were reviewing the WELIKERA model, it had a price of about $55 on Amazon.
Specifications
- 12V / 100W power
- Integrated LED
- Cyclonic suctioning system
- HEPA filtration
- Soft pipe, crevice nozzle, and brush attachments
Design & Usability
With a seamless, compact design, the WELIKERA Dust Buster is a versatile cordless vacuum for homes of all sizes. Aside from the unit, you receive a crevice nozzle, brush, and soft pipe, all highly useful for vacuuming behind objects or hard-to-reach places. You can use the WELIKERA model for vacuuming pet hair or crumbs from leftover food, and even if you spill liquids on hard surfaces. The carry bag that the vacuum comes with makes it easy to store when not in use.
Quality & Performance
Although you get a pretty good deal with the WELIKERA, there are some functionality issues that we have to address. A number of users complained about the poor suctioning power of the unit, as well as its inability to keep all the dust in the dirt cup. The battery also appears to degrade in time. However, the Dust Buster makes up for these aspects through benefits like a washable HEPA filter, battery life display or LED for increased visibility.
- Multiple accessories for all spaces
- Washable filter
- Displays battery status
- Carry bag included in your package
- Terrific customer service from WELIKERA
- Weak suction
- Leaves dust
- Poor battery
9. BLACK+DECKER HNVB115J10 – Best Cordless Handheld Vacuum on a Budget
Generally speaking, handheld vacuum cleaners shouldn’t be all that expensive. Be that as it may, some customers want to get the best deal possible on their mini-vac. If you’re on a restricted budget, we warmly recommend the BLACK+DECKER HNVB115J10 model. With a current price tag of around $19 on Amazon and a best-seller spot in its category, it’s definitely one of the best value cordless vacuums you can purchase right now.
Specifications
- 4 AW suction power
- 6V power rating
- Twist-off bowl removal
- Lithium battery
- Washable dirt cup and filter
Design & Usability
If you need a small, compact vacuum cleaner, the HNVB115J10 is a dream come true. The model measures 4” x 4” x 14” and weighs just a bit over 1 pound. It’s obviously not designed for vacuuming large areas, but the unit is perfect for minor messes. The handle was designed to fit comfortably in your palm, no matter how large or small your hands are. We also love that you can use the HNVB115J10 for cleaning up debris like oats, cat litter or cornflakes, not just dirt, dust or pet hair.
Quality & Performance
BLACK+DECKER is a company known for making some of the best vacuum cleaners on the market, especially in the handheld niche. As a result, you can expect quality and value from all of their models, including the HNVB115J10. For its small build, it’s a fantastic little vac that’s easy to use and also boasts a terrific battery life. Nevertheless, the major issue with it seems to be the lack of replacement filters available on the market.
- Most affordable vacuum on our list
- Very lightweight (only 1.35 pounds)
- Easy to maneuver
- Great battery life
- 9th best-selling Handheld Vacuum on Amazon
- Low power compared to competitors
- Short product life
- Replacement filters not available
8. HoLife Handheld – Best Wet / Dry Cordless Handheld Vacuum
We’re accustomed to using vacuums for cleaning up miscellaneous residue. All the same, not all remains are dry. If you want to use the best cordless handheld vacuum for taking care of spills, you should look into the HoLife Handheld. Currently priced at approximately $60 on Amazon, the HoLife model not only has a huge customer rating of 4.4 stars, but it’s also the #1 top-selling item in the Commercial Indoor Handheld Vacuums category.
Specifications
- V lithium-ion battery
- Cyclone suction technology
- 6 KPA suction power
- Less than 78dB sound
- 30 min. battery life
Design & Usability
The HoLife vacuum was cleverly designed for user convenience. The one-piece construction is easy to maneuver and is available in various colors – dark gray, brown, dark blue or black. We particularly recommend the model for the ability it possesses to clean both dry and wet surfaces, with a capacity of 100 ml. for the latter aspect. The filter, however, is reported to be poorly designed, enclosing pet hair in the folds. You also have to be careful when cleaning the filter – using soap will deteriorate it.
Quality & Performance
Unfortunately, like with most cordless handheld vacuums, the HoLife model doesn’t appear to have a very long product life. Still, in the first few months, you should be able to benefit from its advantages. For example, the unit is said to have a longer battery life than the majority of competitors, with about 30 minutes of use on a single charge. After that, you’ll enjoy a quiet vacuum that won’t scare your pets or children every time you turn it on.
- Can be used on wet and dry surfaces
- Considerably quiet
- Vertical position in charging stand
- 2 washable filters included
- #1 Commercial Indoor Handheld Vacuum on Amazon
- Sub-par suction power
- Won’t hold a charge in time
- Poorly designed filters
7. Bissell 1985 – Best Handheld Vacuum for Cars
One of the most common reasons for getting the best cordless handheld vacuum is for cleaning the interior of vehicles. Any avid driver knows how frustrating it can be to get rid of crumbs or dog hair in the tiny seams of car seats. The situation completely changes when you have the Bissell 1985, though. Yes, with a current Amazon list price of $150, you will be paying quite the amount for the unit. Still, you can imagine how much users approve of the model from its 4.2-star average rating.
Specifications
- Motorized brush
- 22V battery
- 4-liter capacity
- 2-stage filtration
- On-board extension hose, dusting brush, and crevice tool
Design & Usability
At a glance, the 1985 seems to have an almost awkward design, at least if you set it side by side with most other competing models. However, it will only take one use for you to realize that it’s all about ergonomics with this Bissell. All of the tools you need are incorporated into the design, from the motorized head to the dusting brush, crevice tool, and extension hose. The brand’s trademark Easy Empty dirt cup also eases the overall process.
Quality & Performance
Founded well over a century ago, Bissell has succeeded in becoming a genuine market leader with quality products. The situation is no different for their 1985 vacuum, with relatively low complaints regarding its performance. Even though a few customers reported that its power tends to wear off, the majority of users agree that the 1985 really is a beast. Thanks to the abundance of built-in attachments, you can use the Bissell 1985 to clean your car adequately.[/su_note]
Pros & Cons
- Versatile cleaning for cars
- Ergonomic design
- LED headlights
- Long-lasting battery
- Broad range of accessories
- Notably expensive
- Suction power decreases in time
- Hose extension is rather short
6. Dyson V7 Trigger – Best Quality Cordless Handheld Vacuum
There’s no doubt that Dyson is the #1 player in the vacuum game in terms of quality. The company has built its reputation on sophisticated, luxurious household appliances designed to outshine any competition. As part of their handheld series, the Dyson V7 Trigger dazzles as a top-selling, top-performing, top-quality unit that you can count on for years to come. Don’t let the approximately $200 price tag scare you – the V7 Trigger will not disappoint.
Specifications
- 100 AW power
- 2-tier, 15-cyclone technology
- Up to 110,000rpm
- 2 power modes
- Hygienic dirt ejector
Design & Usability
Dyson models are among the few handheld vacuums that can truly be appreciated as state-of-the-art. The pistol-style silhouette of the V7 Trigger makes it one of the coolest vacs to use, while still maintaining comfort and convenience as priorities. If you struggle with allergies, you can use the V7 for getting rid of fine particles, even as tiny as 0.5 microns. The motorized brush bar, hygienic ejector, combination, and crevice tools also drastically improve your cleaning experience.
Quality & Performance
There’s no room for debate when it comes to the quality of the Dyson V7 Trigger. It features an incredibly powerful motor that reaches speeds of 110,000rpm for unparalleled suction. The motor has a 2-tier Radial system with 15 cyclones that work together to create outstanding power. In addition, you can use the V7 Trigger in Powerful mode to consistently clean for up to 30 minutes or in MAX mode to get extreme power for several minutes.
- Exceptional product quality and life
- Captures even the finest particles
- Extreme suction power
- Washable lifetime filter
- 8th best-selling item on Amazon in Handheld Vacuums category
- Very expensive model
- Battery performance may not as advertised
- No wall mount included in the price
5. BLACK+DECKER Flex BDH2020FLFH – Best Handheld Cordless Vacuum with Hose
No matter how attractive Dyson models are, not everyone can afford to spend so much on the best cordless handheld vacuum. If you long for amazing quality but don’t want to break the bank, the BLACK+DECKER Flex BDH2020FLFH is probably the best alternative you can find. At around $110 on Amazon with frequent discounts, it’s almost half the price of the Dyson V7 Trigger. If that’s not enough, the extra-long hose may seal the deal for you.
Specifications
- 4-foot extension hose
- 20V battery
- 24 AW suction power
- 3-stage filtration system
- Pet brush included
Design & Usability
There are ups and downs when it comes to the design of the BLACK+DECKER Flex. Despite the seemingly clunky design, it’s actually pretty easy to use. One aspect to consider is that the BDH2020FLFH is a successor of the BDH2000FL model with significant improvements. Not only is the charging base more convenient, but the new model is also lighter and easier to maintain. You can now remove the filter and dust cup for cleaning, even though you might fumble with them a bit at first.
Quality & Performance
The super long, 4-foot hose is a definite advantage that the new Flex features. You can effectively reach even the hardest spots, whether they’re the corners of your ceilings or behind a stubborn piece of furniture. Moreover, the pet brush actually works The motor is very powerful, a pro that also doubles as a minor con due to the noise the vac produces. We regret that the floor attachment is of inferior quality, though.
- Very long hose
- Powerful motor
- Long, fade-free battery life
- Easily interchangeable attachments
- Radical improvements over predecessor
- Design flaws
- Remarkably loud
- Filter may clog due to small residue
4. Shark Pet Perfect II (SV780) – Best Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair
Pets are a wonderful addition to any family and home. However, they do come with a series of responsibilities, particularly when your four-legged friend tends to shed. To ease the painstaking process of cleaning after them, we recommend getting one of the best cordless handheld vacuum cleaners for pet hair, namely the Shark Pet Perfect II (SV780). You can currently purchase it for as little as $60 new on Amazon, with the added benefit of free shipping.
Specifications
- TruePet motorized pet brush
- 18V battery
- Twister cyclonic technology
- Rubberized hand grip
- Wall mount included
Design & Usability
If you have one or more adorable bundles of fur in your house, you’re going to need a handheld vac that can effectively remove their persistent hair from floors, upholstery or cars. As you can guess from the name, Shark’s Pet Perfect II was specifically designed for the task, with a clever motorized pet brush. The model is a fantastic upgrade from its predecessor, with improvements regarding power (18V instead of 15.6), accessories (extra dusting brush), and charging stand availability.
Quality & Performance
Regretfully, quality isn’t a strong point for this handheld Shark. There seems to be an ongoing problem with the unit’s battery, an issue that the company appears to be ignoring entirely. Nevertheless, one customer (an electronic technician) recommends realigning the transistor on the circuit board and soldering the connections again as a solution. Aside from that, we also recommend that you buy a few extra washable filters to prolong the product life of your Pet Perfect II.
- Best cordless handheld vacuum for dog and cat owners
- Strong suction and motor
- Simple to use and clean
- Great attachments
- Reputed company
- Numerous reports of battery charging problems
- Poor quality control
- Terrible customer service
3. Dirt Devil Quick Flip Plus (BD30025B) – Best Cordless Handheld Vacuum for Quick Cleans
Let’s be honest – nobody shops for the best cordless handheld vacuum with the purpose of cleaning a whole multi-floor home. The main aim is to have a compact and lightweight unit handy for quickly cleaning up small messes. For this purpose, we’re happy to recommend the Dirt Devil Quick Flip Plus (BD30025B). The unit is designed by the trusted brand Dirt Devil and can be purchased on Amazon for the fair price of about $50 right now.
Specifications
- 16V battery
- QuickFlip crevice tool attachment
- Motorized stair and upholstery tool
- Battery power indicator
- Fingertip controls
Design & Usability
You can instantly tell that this handheld Dirt Devil was expertly designed for cleaning convenience. The model gets its name from the on-board crevice tool, which quickly flips so you can get into narrow areas. In addition, attaching the motorized tool takes just a few seconds, so you can rapidly clean floors, stairs or upholstery. Crumbs, cat litter or pet food don’t stand a chance against it, regardless of the surface they’re on.
Quality & Performance
The Dirt Devil Quick Flip Plus features a 16-volt battery, which is more than enough for your everyday needs. Furthermore, the model is reported to charge twice as fast as its competitors, meeting all of the time-related standards you could hope for. One major downside for some users is that you can’t mount the Quick Flip Plus on any walls. Also, replacement filters are really difficult to find. Otherwise, this Dirt Devil carries out the performance advertised.
- Perfect for spot cleaning
- Switching attachments is effortless
- Fast charging
- Effective rotary brush
- Lightweight model
- Impossible to mount on walls
- Long-term faulty functioning
- Replacement filters are hard to obtain
2. Dyson Cyclone V10 Motorhead – Best Innovative Cordless Handheld Vacuum
It’s no secret that Dyson is an authentic visionary in the appliance industry. The company is so keen on innovation that it’s started to approach electric vehicle development. With that fact in mind, you can only imagine how cutting edge their vacuums are. The most impressive of all the best cordless handheld vacuum cleaners on our list is, without a doubt, the Dyson Cyclone V10 Motorhead. In spite of its tremendous price of around $500, the model is truly a work of art in terms of technology.
Specifications
- V10 motor, ASTM F558 tested
- 14-cyclone motor
- Fully-sealed filtration
- 3 power modes
- Engineered for vibration absorption
Design & Usability
The V10 is a diamond among cordless handheld vacuum cleaners. It’s a successful hybrid between a traditional stick vacuum and a handheld one, bringing in the benefits of both worlds. With a total length of 48.9 inches, the V10 Motorhead makes reaching literally any space a breeze. The design specs for the unit are outstanding, from the 14-cyclone motor to the point-and-shoot mechanism for cleaning the cup, to the three power modes available.
Quality & Performance
Quality has never been an issue with Dyson products, and we tend to believe it never will be. They have extreme prices, but their vacuums are worth every penny. The V10 Motorhead specifically is top-notch, from the battery to all-around performance. As opposed to most handheld vacs, you can clean a full, +1,500 sq. ft. house on a single charge (using the low setting). The only aspect that seems to truly bother users is that the advertised battery life doesn’t apply to the two other modes.
- Greatest suction available for cordless vacs
- Up to 60 minutes runtime
- Pioneering technology through digital V10 motor
- Point-and-shoot dirt cup cleaning
- Stick detaches easily
- Most expensive model on our list
- Power button needs to be pushed at all times to run
- Long battery life only when on low setting
1. BLACK+DECKER CHV1410L – Best Cordless Handheld Vacuum of 2018
Initially, it seemed that picking the absolute best cordless handheld vacuum of the year would be a laborious process. However, it became effortless when we found the BLACK+DECKER CHV1410L. The tiny workhorse checked off every standard on our list, from versatility to suction power, consumer feedback, and, of course, price. The CHV1410L momentarily has a list price of approximately $60 on Amazon, where it’s also the #1 top-selling product in the Handheld Vacuums category.
Specifications
- 2 AW suction power
- 16V battery
- Cyclonic action technology
- 4-hour fast charging base
- Extendable crevice tool and flip up brush
Design & Usability
Similar to the Dirt Devil vacuum, the BLACK+DECKER CHV1410L features useful on-board attachments. The extendable crevice tool is incorporated into the vac’s base design, whereas the brush easily flips up for fast use. Additionally, the CHV1410L has a conveniently large dust cup with a 0.6-liter capacity that you can easily pop out and wash. The filters are also washable, but we encourage you to spend a few more bucks on a pack of 5 replacement filters for long-term use.
Quality & Performance
The performance of the CHV1410L is stellar. Customers adore it for eating up all the debris you can imagine, from chunks of food to cat litter, and even bugs. Although some units have faulty battery chargers, the majority are highly praised by users. We also appreciate that you benefit from features that high-end cordless vacuums have without spending a fortune. These include a 16V battery, cyclonic action, ergonomic design, and much more.
Bottom Line
- Best value handheld vacuum
- Great suction power
- Simple to maneuver
- Fully removable and washable cup
- #1 best-selling Handheld Vacuum on Amazon
- No wall mount
- Reports of defective battery chargers
- No dying battery alerts/ signs
Final Verdict
To sum everything up, the best cordless handheld vacuum will ultimately be different for each consumer. When you have to decide on yours, we strongly recommend that you review your purpose, budget, and desired features. After that, do your best to invest in a handheld vac with significant suction power, compact design, decent battery life, and proper attachments. Which cordless mini-vac won your heart over? Let us know in a comment below!
Welikera Dust Buster has eased me the stress of carrying vac around my house. This cordless cleaner have a good operation standard at my convenience.
Usage at will is my topmost fun here.
Jude,
Thanks for your thoughts! We agree, a handless vac like the Welikera saves you loads of time and energy.
Enjoy using it!
The Welikera Dust Buster handheld vacuum cleaner may be easy to use but the suction is somewhat weak. I hope the manufacturers can improve the strength because it really is a user-friendly handheld vacuum cleaner more so than the others I have tried in the past.
Hi, Brinny!
We found that the suction was subpar too, but we’re sure that the company will work on improvements in the near future. In the meantime, you can try the Shark Pet Perfect II as an alternative in a similar price range. It’s known for having amazing suction power.
Have a great day!
Black and Decker is great and their handheld vacuums are probably just as good as their other products. I have not used this vacuum but I have many of their other products and I am quite happy with the make.
Hi, Rob,
Thanks for the feedback! Black and Decker is a terribly good choice, recommended by the quality of their products and also plenty of positive reviews.
Have a great day!
I love the WELIKERA Dust Buster because I have small kids that create messes and crumbs everywhere. All I can do is whip it out and clean the crumbs that they leave on the table. It is so easy and a must-have for parents of small kids.
Hello,
Thanks a lot for the feedback. We’re glad you liked our picks :).
Have a nice day!
Between having a dog that sheds and drools, and having a baby that crawls and spits up on the floor, I have been relying heavily on the HoLife Handheld because it works so well. This is the only cordless handheld vacuum that cleans literally everything up.
Hi, Violet!
We completely agree. The HoLife is amazing for wet and dry vacuuming. We’re glad that you’re satisfied with your purchase.
All the best!
I would not bother with the Bissell handheld vacuum cleaner because it is insanely expensive and the suction is not strong, nor is it long lasting. As far as I see it the cons outweigh the pros with this one.
Hello, Ariel,
Indeed, the Bissell is rather expensive, but it’s a good choice for those who want to keep their cars spotless. If you want a budget-friendly cordless vacuum, we recommend a BLACK+DECKER, like the HNVB115J10 or the CHV1410L models.
Have a lovely day!
I have little kids and a dog. The dog sheds and my kids are constantly dropping crumbs. I am so glad that I got the WELIKERA Dust Buster handheld vacuum because it removes all of the crumbs and debris so well and fast.
My sister got me the HoLife Handheld cordless vacuum for my birthday and I really love it. She got me the best gift that anyone could give! I love using it and my home is more spotless thanks to this nifty thing!
I’m looking at handheld vacuum cleaners and I am deciding which one to get. I don’t have pets and my kids are older so I don’t have messes to clean up usually. But regardless dust accumulates and I am going to have to make a decision.
Hi, Jess!
Thanks a lot for the feedback! We think that the best pick for your needs would be the Dirt Devil, number 3 in our top. Let us know how it goes!
I am looking for a handheld vacuum as they are so super easy and convenient. Two friends of mine talked about the ones that they had. One swears by the Black and Decker brand, and the other swears by Bissell. I am not sure which is best for me.
To clean up spills, the handheld vacuum that is ideal is the HoLife Handheld one. With many of these vacuums, they seem to work the best if the mess that it needs to suck up is dry. This one is good for wet spills as well.
This is a very interesting review, I mean because I really did not put a lot of thought into what makes the best handheld vacuum. If it sucks up dust and spillage, then it must be in good working order, depending on the make. Right?
My daughter got me the WELIKERA Dust Buster for my birthday and I have to say it has been a handy little friend to me. It picks up every little piece of dust and crumb. I really love it and I love her for getting this for me.
Of all of the handheld cordless vacuums I have used, I have to say the winner is WELIKERA Dust Buster. It is more user-friendly then so many of the older ones that I used to have. And, it is powerful so you can’t go wrong.
Thank you for sharing your experience with the Welikera vacuum cleaner, Eliana!
I have heard many people complain about Back and Decker by saying it is cheap and not all that durable. Well, the make has been around for a while. I don’t have a B and D vacuum but I have other appliances made by them and I find that they work okay.
I have the WELIKERA Dust Buster and it is quite effective and keeps my house clean. Not to mention, it is very easy to use and I highly recommend this handheld vacuum to anyone because it keeps everything nice and clean.
Hello, Renee! The WELIKERA Dust Buster is indeed a nice and quiet handheld vacuum cleaner, but because of its modest suction power, we don’t recommend it for heavy duty use. We’re glad that you are happy with your purchase and that the Dust Buster works so well for you.
How powerful suction can be? need advice, a little confused, will this site help?
Suction power largely depends on the model. The only problem is that manufacturers do not use a universal standard when rating suction. They use either watts, volts, amps, or cubic feet per minute (CFM), so it extremely difficult to compare models. As a rule of thumb, corded handheld vacuums’ suction power is rated in watts (rarely) or amps. The suction of cordless handheld models is usually rated in volts.
The good news is that you can convert amps into watts and the other way around via a simple mathematical formula: amps x 120 = watts. For instance, a unit described as having a 1400-watt motor has a suction power rated at 11.67 amps because 1400 watts/120 equals 11.67 amps.
However, suction power is not influenced by watts alone. Its build and the motor also have a say on its suction power. Also, air watts are better than watts at describing a model’s suction. So, that conversion formula can be oftentimes useless.
As a general guideline, look for corded models within a 2 to 10-amp range. Between 4 and 6 amps, you have a decent corded handheld vacuum. Between 6 and 10, you have a powerful vacuum. Cordless vacuums fall on a scale from 12 to 22 volts. A 15-volt vacuum is a decent unit, while a vacuum within the 18-20-volt range is powerful.
Nevertheless, the air watts or CFM is the most reliable way to rate suction power when comparing different models. Hope this helps!