10 Best Handheld Vacuums 2025 in the United States

The Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum (model IX141) is designed to tackle pet hair and household messes efficiently, making it a solid choice for pet owners and those needing a lightweight vacuum for quick clean-ups. One of its standout features is the hypervelocity suction, which provides robust cleaning performance on both carpets and hard floors. With a respectable battery life of up to 40 minutes, you can cover a good amount of space before needing to recharge. The removable hand vacuum adds versatility, allowing you to reach above-floor areas easily, and the LED headlights help spot hidden dirt in darker corners.

Weighing just under 7 pounds, this vacuum is quite portable, especially when compared to traditional vacuums, making it easy to maneuver around furniture and tight spaces. The XL dust cup is another plus, offering a decent capacity of 0.34 quarts, and its CleanTouch Dirt Ejector feature simplifies disposal without mess.

However, there are a few drawbacks worth considering. The noise level is on the higher side at 80 dB, which might be bothersome in quieter settings. Additionally, while the vacuum is generally well-reviewed, some users have mentioned that it may not be powerful enough for larger homes or heavy-duty cleaning tasks. The 240-minute charging time may also be a bit long for those who prefer quicker recharges.

The Bissell Cleanview XR Pet handheld vacuum is designed with pet owners in mind, offering notable power and convenience. With a 300W motor, it boasts 60% more power than its Shark counterpart, ensuring robust suction for deep cleaning tasks. The vacuum is particularly effective for picking up pet hair from various surfaces like upholstery, stairs, and cars, thanks to its specialized fur brush attachment. Weighing 5.9 pounds, it's reasonably lightweight, making it easier to maneuver around the house.

The removable 24V MAX lithium-ion battery supports up to 40 minutes of runtime, providing sufficient time for most cleaning jobs without needing a recharge. This is ideal for those who prefer the freedom of cordless operation. The dust capacity is 0.3 liters, which is on the smaller side and may require frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions. The vacuum includes several useful attachments such as a dusting brush, crevice tool, and a wall mount for convenient storage.

The foam filter is straightforward to maintain but may not be as efficient at trapping fine particles as HEPA filters. BISSELL’s initiative to support homeless pets through purchases can be a compelling factor for pet lovers. This vacuum is best suited for pet owners looking for a powerful, cordless cleaning solution for various surfaces.

The Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum is a lightweight and powerful option for quick and easy cleaning tasks. Weighing just 1.4 pounds, it is highly maneuverable and easy to use, making it ideal for cleaning tight spaces, cars, and small messes around the home. The high-speed, brushless motor provides impressive suction power, ensuring effective debris pickup, especially on carpets. The dust cup capacity is relatively small at 0.08 quarts, which means it may require frequent emptying during more extensive cleaning sessions. However, the one-touch emptying feature makes this process convenient and hygienic.

The vacuum comes with a sleek charging dock that ensures it's always ready for use, and the LED indicator helps you keep track of the battery life and charging status. The included attachments, such as the Multi-Surface Pet Tool and Duster Crevice Tool, enhance its versatility, making it suitable for pet hair and hard-to-reach areas. Maintenance is straightforward with a detachable dust cup and washable fabric filter. The compact design and user-friendly features make it a practical choice for quick cleanups. However, the small dust capacity and potentially frequent charging may be less suitable for larger cleaning tasks.