Best Cordless Handheld Vacuum for Multi-Surface Floors

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Handheld cordless vacuums are known for their ease of use and adaptability for cleaning various surfaces. They have the advantage of being lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport and do not occupy much storage space. They function on batteries, hence there is no dependency on electric power. In recent times, these handheld cordless vacuums boast of stronger batteries that operate for extended periods and are capable of picking up more debris.

Some of these vacuums work well with bare floors, some with pet hair, carpets and some work with different floor surfaces. Below are the best handheld vacuum reviews of some of the best cordless handheld vacuums in the market and a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Best Cordless Handheld Vacuum

1. Shark WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum

Sale
Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum, Lightweight at 1.4...
  • POWERFUL CORDLESS SUCTION: High-speed, brushless motor delivers...
  • ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT: At just 1.4 lbs., the hand vacuum is designed...
  • EASY TO MAINTAIN: Hand vacuum maintenance is simple with a...
  • FILTRATION TECHNOLOGY: Filtration technology captures dust and...
  • ALWAYS CHARGING: Sleek charging dock designed for quick access...

Shark Wandvac is one of the best handheld vacuums suitable for doing quick clean-up jobs, spot cleaning, or cleaning the car because it is super lightweight, weighing a mere 1.4 pounds, and compact. The cordless vacuum's narrow design makes it easy to get between your car seats, around, and behind your furniture. The hand vacuum features an accessory bank that attaches to the charging dock, which keeps the duster crevice tool and the pet tool accessible when you need them. It performs exceptionally well in picking up pet hair using the multisurface pet tool, although most of the hair gets caught up in the tool.

Shark Wandvac handheld vacuum makes it among the favorites because it has the best slimline, and the bin is emptied with the touch of a button so you won't get dusty when cleaning out. However, the handheld vacuum Shark bin fills up often because it is small and holds about 2.6 ounces. The hand vacuum has a runtime of about 10 minutes and recharges quite fast with a recharge time of about 2.5 hours. This handheld vacuum model is suitable for all your spot cleaning needs, and the vacuum filter is cleaned by running it under water and leaving it to dry.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and well balanced
  • The bin is easy to empty.
  • Ergonomic and comfortable to hold.
  • High-speed motor.
  • Easily cleans tight spots and crevices.
  • The vacuum cleaner has a charging dock with an LED light indicator.
  • Quite powerful for the size

Cons:

  • Small dust cup and has difficulty sucking small debris like crumbs.
  • The battery life could be better.
  • Expensive

2. Black+Decker 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum

Sale
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Flex Handheld Vacuum, Versatile...
  • CORDLESS, PORTABLE, & ULTRA COMPACT - 20V MAX Lithium Hand Vac...
  • FOUR FOOT FLEXIBLE HOSE - Clean floor to ceiling
  • WASHABLE BOWL AND FILTER - Easy-to-clean 17 oz. capacity dirt...
  • QUICK CHARGING - Charging station and base keeps the unit charged...
  • PET BRUSH - Clean stubborn pet hair from carpets, stairs, and...

Black Decker handheld vacuum is a solid vacuum that one can use one hand because of how lightweight. With only 3 pounds, you can use it for extended periods without getting tired, and it is easy to empty and clean.

The handheld vacuum Black Decker features a rubber nozzle that pivots around the base, making it easy to clean at whichever angle and in hard-to-reach spaces like behind your washer or under your car. The nozzle collects large debris because of the extra-wide mouth. It also comes with a pull-out crevice tool and a flip-up dusting brush used for exceptional cleaning. Black Decker Max vacuum cleaner comes with a charging stand that is set or mounted on the wall.

Another worthy mention from the handheld vacuum Blacker Decker is the Black Decker DustBuster Handheld Vacuum which is among the best budget-friendly handheld vacuums. The vacuum Black Decker DustBuster model, while giving you the best value for your money, is the best heavy-duty wet/dry handheld vacuum.

Pros:

  • This model comes with a charging stand.
  • Lightweight
  • Features several add-ons like rubberized brush, crevice tool, and a stick attachment
  • Capable of collecting oversized debris because of the wide mouth.
  • Suitable for cars because of the clip-on tools.
  • Decent suctionLong built-in hoseIt can easily convert to a stick vac.

Cons:

  • Quite loud.
  • Expensive.

3. BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Cordless Vacuum

Sale
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand...
  • Buy Bissell, save pets; Bissell will donate 5 dollars for each...
  • Remove more embedded dirt and pet hair with a motorized brush...
  • 14V lithium ion battery for lithium powered cleaning; Dirt cup...
  • Large, easy to empty dirt bin to help get rid of pet hair easily....
  • Set of specialized pet tools includes: Motorized brush tool,...

BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser handheld vacuum is a bagless vac designed with pets in mind and ideal for picking up pet hair and small messes without denting your savings. It features a lithium battery, unlike the previous models that used the NIMH. This best lightweight handheld vacuum comes with a three-stage system that provides excellent cleaning performance and helps extend the vacuum's durability and filters and protect it from engine damage.

Bissel handheld vacuum packs three additional tools that clean pet hair from upholstery and furniture. They include a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, and a motorized brush tool that perfectly cleans furniture. The dust bin clean-up is straightforward and features a vacuum that splits in the middle separating the motor base from the bin. The lightweight handheld vacuum also has an average runtime of 15 minutes to finish up small cleaning jobs.

Pros:

  • Compact and easy to use.
  • Very efficient at removing pet hair.
  • Works on multi-surface floors.
  • Cost-effectiveIt uses a three-stage filtration system.
  • The handle is comfortable.
  • It comes with useful attachments.

Cons:

  • The handheld vacuum does not work very well with carpets.
  • The vac has a long recharge time and a short battery life.
  • The head angle is awkward.

4. MOOSOO Pro Handheld Vacuum Cordless

MOOSOO Pro Handheld Vacuum Cordless 12KPa, 1.1LB...
  • 【2020 More advanced Brushless Motor】: The 2020 upgraded...
  • 【56% More Suction Power than others】: The suction of ordinary...
  • 【More Lightweight and Portable】: Handheld vacuum cordless is...
  • 【2020 More advanced H13 HEPA Filter】: MOOSOO handheld vacuum...
  • 【More User-friendly Design】: This lightweight hand vacuum...

Moosoo Pro handheld vacuum is one of the best lightweight weighing precisely 1.1 pounds. The cordless mini vacuum allows you to choose between two suction speeds and comes with a crevice tool or pet hair tool, depending on the messes you have to deal with. This model allows customers to switch from the upright stick vacuum with a powerhead and LED lights to a handheld model with a dusting brush for removing pet hair from stairs or furniture.

Moosoo is one of the best handheld vacuum models because it has an upright charging dock, although it can also work with a car charger. The cordless vacuum runs at an average of 20 minutes to 35 minutes on a single charge and can perform on various surfaces, including upholstery, carpets, hard floors, or draperies. Moosoo Pro handheld vacuum has a washable HEPA filter that traps up to 99.99% of pet dander particles and microscopic dust.

Pros:

  • Powerful suction powerIdeal for tiny spaces because of the mountable holder.
  • Quickly picks up dirt in tight spaces.
  • Operates silently.
  • Lightweight product.
  • Portable.
  • Best budget for picking hair.
  • An impressive HEPA filtration system

Cons:

  • Short battery life but better than some on this list.
  • Long charging time

5. Dirt Devil Scorpion Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Dirt Devil BD10050RED Scorpion Cordless Hand Vacuum
  • Lightweight portable design is easy to carry
  • Wall mount included for convenient storage Easy empty dirt cup...
  • Weighs 1.7 pounds Set includes one vacuum, product manual,...
  • Rechargeable battery lets you work without the hassle of a cord...
  • Plastic and metal materials make this vacuum lightweight and...

Dirt Devil is one of the best handheld vacuums that performs exceptionally well on bare floors but has quite a hard time cleaning carpets. The price is the same as the Dirt Devil Scorpion corded handheld vacuum, although this model outperforms its sibling. The vacuum cleaners provide a lot of power within your hands with a powerful suction of 4.8 volts. Being a small and lightweight hand vac, the Dirt Devil handheld vacuum model is very portable. It comes with an easy-to-clean dust cup and a quick-flip crevice tool that moves from flat floors to tight spaces.

The Dirt vacuum model comes with a charging stand, and it can also be wall-mounted, ensuring easy storage. Again, this vacuum works excellent with steps, so you don't have to use the big vacuum to clean messes. However, the run time is brief, and the battery could do better.

Pros:

  • Perfect for removing dirt from bare floors.
  • Best handheld vacuum for quick pick-ups.
  • Lightweight.
  • Budget-friendly.
  • Customer reviews say it is easy to use.
  • Portable.
  • Easy to store and maintain

Cons:

  • The hand vacuum does not work well with carpets.
  • Short runtime It is challenging to hang the hand vacuum in its wall holster blindly.

What to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Cordless Handheld Vacuum

1. Suction

The higher the suction ability, the more the handheld vacuum will pick up messes efficiently. Depending on how much cleaning power you need to attend, get a vacuum with mighty suction power.

2. Battery Life

Batteries with higher voltages of 18V and higher perform better, with the common ones being the Nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion batteries. Long battery life will ensure you use the cordless vacuum for more extended periods, as the higher the battery life, the longer you can last between charges.

With good battery life, you can manage to finish your chores without having to recharge. Lithium batteries are the best for long battery life and shut off immediately; they are full so and therefore don't waste energy while still plugged in.

3. Ease of Use

Some bonus features are not necessary but would be very handy for an easy time with your handheld vacuum. Some of them are:

  • A power trigger that helps you hold down the power button when you are cleaning and save battery life,
  • A battery life indicator light to show you how much time is remaining before the battery dies,
  • LED lights on the floorhead to illuminate dark corners and
  • Self-standing capabilities enable the handheld vacuum to stand alone without being strategically positioned when put against a wall.

4. Quick Charging

A battery's charging time must be considered to determine if the cordless handheld vacuum is worth it. For quick charging time, use cordless hand vacuums that use lithium-ion batteries, which take around four hours to charge. If you vacuum often, or find the charging time unbearable, get yourself a replacement battery to use when charging. A low charge time also allows you to continue working as soon as possible.

5. Runtime

The run time is how long the cleaner runs on a single charge before running out of battery. Most cordless vacuums are powered with a rechargeable lithium battery that runs for approximately 30 minutes per charge which needs to be recharged when the battery is running low.

You need one of the best handheld vacuums ranging between 7 and 12 volts; however, you should go with a 20-volt cordless vacuum if you want a quick cleaning speed. Before you decide which one you want, check its specifications online, find out how long it holds the charge, and consider if it's enough time to handle your chores.

6. Weight and Size

Cordless vacuums are generally lighter in weight when compared to standard vacuums, and they have an outstanding balance. Any handheld vacuum over three kgs can feel heavy after prolonged use, but for most cordless designs, the weight is mostly centered around the floor head instead of the handle making it easier on the arms.

It would be better to physically go into a store to see how comfortable the handheld vacuum is on your hand.

7. Dust Container Capacity

Waste containers come in different sizes and shapes, but you should pick large containers as they need to be emptied less. However, most cordless hand vacs have a small dust capacity of 0.6 liters and are bagless. The suction power reduces when the dust bag is almost full, so you should occasionally empty it. Consider an easily removable container and a clear one that you will quickly see when full.

8. Attachments

It is essential when shopping to always look for bonus attachments like rotating brushes which work great on carpets to pick up pet hair. Other attachments can be a crevice tool, dusting brushes, short accessory hoses that stretch too hard to reach places, to name but a few.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best handheld vacuum on the market?

According to our review, the best handheld vacuum is the Shark WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum.

2. How long should a handheld vacuum last?

Handheld vacuums last up to 20 years, like with the Mielle brand, but generally, any vacuum's longevity depends on some things. They include brand, usage, and maintenance.

For maintenance, if you take care of your vacuum well, you will most likely get more use out of it. Some brands have better quality than others, and therefore they guarantee durability. To ensure you get the best of durability, go for the vacuums with a warranty. When it comes to usage, it's evident as the more you use your vacuum, the lesser lifespan you will get, mainly if you are cleaning large spaces.

3. Which is better bagless or bagged vacuums?

Both work well, but bagged vacuums hold more dirt; however, emptying them releases the dust into the air. On the other hand, bagless vacuums are more environmentally friendly because the dust won't fly to the atmosphere.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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