The 8 Best Handheld Lightweight Vacuums of 2025, According to Real Users

Our top pick for the overall best handheld vacuum is the efficient, moderately-priced Black+Decker 20V Max Handheld Vacuum. It features a genius pivoting nozzle that makes reaching difficult corners and crevices a breeze in a compact size. The dustbowl boasts a 15-ounce capacity for impressive pick-up powered by a high-performance motor. Cyclonic suction spins dust and debris away from the three-stage filter, keeping suction power strong.

“I’ve now had this vacuum for five years,” writes Melissa Wilson, a verified Amazon purchaser. “The longevity alone should earn it five stars, but here’s what I truly love about it. The charging stand is life-changing and not something I’ve seen on other cordless vacs. The flip-up brush is genius. I can go from vacuuming up the dirt from sweeping to getting the fur out of the corners of our couch or a weird corner of tile which somehow gathers fur from our two dogs.”

Pros

• Versatility; works on everything from dust to dog hair
• Lightweight and ergonomic
• Easy wall mounting
• 15-ounce dustbowl capacity
• 26,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.5-star average
• Available at Walmart and Amazon

Cons

• Frequent filter cleanings are necessary and take two to three minutes each

The Dirt Devil Scorpion Handheld Vacuum tops our list of best handheld vacuums thanks to its strong motor, continuous power and extremely affordable price. The high-value aspect comes from never having to worry about charging a battery again because of the corded design with 120 volts of power. It’s a tinier-than-average model with a simple dustbin-emptying mechanism that reviewers say is never finicky. Forgetting to charge handheld models is one of the easiest cleaning mistakes to make, which is exactly why a corded model is so useful.

“Holy smokes, do yourself a favor and get this,” shares Keeks, a verified Amazon purchaser who awarded this model a full five stars. “This little guy gets the job done. I used it to clean out my car that transports two active, filthy children who apparently cannot manage to get french fries in their mouths, and one long-haired Nordic dog whose only response to anything is ‘shed immediately.’ It did better than any vac at a car wash. The crevice tool even got all the crumbs out of the gear shift spot.”

Pros

• Continuous power thanks to the corded design
• Affordable price point
• 120 volts of powerful suction
• Easy-to-empty dustbin
• Over 12,000 Amazon ratings with a 4.4-star average
• Available at Amazon and Walmart

Conss

• There is no option to plug into a vehicle’s aux outlet
• The cord is not retractable

Slim design and on-trend colors are part of the luxury packaging you get with this handsome Hoover Dust Chaser Hand Vacuum. The all-white encasement and lightweight, sleek design earn it high marks with customers. It features a high-performance digital motor, intense suction for chunkier debris and a full 15-minute run time. It’s a smart home device that works as great as it looks.

It also boasts a dual filtration system with HEPA technology that captures over 99% of dust, pet dander and allergens. The best part? It’s powered by the removable and rechargeable ONEPWR 2.0 battery that works with other pieces in the Hoover lineup.

Bissell does it again with the brand’s bestselling Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum. Reviewers can’t stop raving about how clean it leaves couches, carpets and upholstery. It has over 30,000 Amazon ratings and a high 4.6-star average rating. This sleek model is easily the best handheld vacuum for pet hair thanks to its clever motorized brush design.

Our Deputy Shopping Editor reviewed the Pet Hair Eraser and was wowed by the suction power of the little vacuum, especially when using the motorized brush attachment. But she’s not the only one who’s impressed.

“Holy crap, this thing is amazing. Well worth the money,” raves verified purchaser Kenzie. “I have three cats and a dog, all of whom shed something fierce. I didn’t have high hopes for this since pet hair is so hard to suck up. This little baby blew me out of the water! It takes like 10 minutes to vacuum my whole sectional, throw pillows, and chair. I love it so much I’ll be purchasing a second one so I have one on each floor of my house. Don’t hesitate, just buy it!”

Pros

• Motorized brush attachment sucks up all sorts of pet hair without bunching or tangling
• Easy to handle
• Powerful lithium-ion battery
• Moderate price point
• Also cleans messes like cat litter and dust
• Over 30,000 Amazon ratings with a 4.6-star average
• Available at Amazon, Target and Walmart

Cons

• Not designed to manage or treat wet pet stains, so you’ll need a separate tool for that

Cars and trucks of all types should always keep a ThisWorx Handheld Car Vacuum stashed in their trunk for impromptu cleanups. This compact wonder certainly lives up to its name. It “works” on dust, sand, crunched-up leaves and even dried-up bits of snacks kids may leave behind in the car seats.

Plus, it features a clever corded system that works with 12-volt aux outlets so you’ll never run out of power. The 16-foot cord gives plenty of room to reach the corners of even the longest trucks and SUVs. It’s truly the best handheld vacuum for cars.

“This thing is awesome,” says Sally, a verified Amazon reviewer. “I own three dogs and it is just a nightmare pulling out my extension cord to vacuum my truck. I can now just plug this little guy into my car outlet and I’m good to go! The power in this vacuum is as good as it’s going to get for a car vacuum, so if you want extreme suction—buy a shop vac.”

Pros

• Brilliant tiny design that’s easy to stash in cars
• 16-foot cord plugs into 12-volt aux outlets (or cigarette lighters in older cars)
• Offers plenty of power
• Easy-to-hold package that’s ideal for hands of all sizes
• Over 254,000 Amazon reviews and a 4-star average
• Available at Amazon and Walmart

Cons

• The motor mostly puts out medium suction force and is best suited for smaller messes and dry debris

Another model that made our list of the best handheld vacuums; this budget-friendly Bissell Little Green machine. It removes hair, dirt and stains from carpets and upholstery with ease thanks to a narrow brush nozzle. The powerful suction and ability to get into tight spaces also make it an ideal choice for car interiors and furniture.

Best of all, it’s an exceptionally affordable option that has garnered over 58,000 Amazon ratings and an impressive 4.6-star average. For more cordless action, check out the editor-loved Sharp VacMop Pro.

Our tester loves her Bissell Little Green. “Fair warning though—the addictive nature of this device will have you cleaning things you never expected to clean” she writes in her Little Green review. “Before you know it, a whole hour will go by and all of your car’s upholstery will look factory fresh.”

Pros

• Budget-friendly model doesn’t skimp on power or design
• Removes dirt and stains from carpet, upholstery and other fabrics
• Easy to maneuver
• Over 58,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.6-star average
• Available at Amazon, Bissell and Walmart

Cons

• Meant for spot cleaning, not covering large areas

You don’t need to have superhero strength to use the Shark Wandvac Handheld Vacuum. It’s one of the best Shark handheld vacuum options for those with weak grip strength thanks to its nimble 1.4-pound weight and narrow structure. Cyclonic high-performance suction leads debris to a dustbowl with a massive 15-ounce capacity.

Considering how narrow and lightweight this model is, that’s one of the best dust capacity options we’ve seen yet. It also fits neatly into compact corners, shelves and utility closets without taking up much room at all.

Pros

• Weighs only 1.4 pounds
• Ideal for most grip strengths
• Narrow footprint works best in small spaces
• Large-capacity dustbowl
• Versatile, nimble handling that is ideal for couch cushions and tight corners
• Available in several colors
• Available at Amazon and Walmart

Cons

• Pricier than other models on the market
• No HEPA filter, so it’s better for larger particles

Power up and clean just about anything from anywhere with this cute IonVac Cordless USB Vacuum that’s a cinch to use anywhere you go. Never worry about whether or not you have the right outlet again—just charge it from any USB-friendly outlet. Even your computer can juice this affordable hand vacuum up.

It comes in four smile-worthy colors and offers a crevice nozzle that allows you to clean hard-to-reach places. This model is perfect for the base of walls and in corners, gaps in car seats and sandy vacation luggage.

Pros

• Clever USB charging means you can travel just about anywhere with it
• Relatively lightweight
• Available in four fun colors
• Two attachments make this an excellent choice for several types of debris ranging from dust to sand and dirt to dried leaves
• Very affordable
• Available at Walmart

Cons

• No HEPA filter
• Powerful, but not as strong as other models on our list so this one is best reserved for on-the-go types

With additional reporting by Bryce Gruber.