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The 5 Best Handheld Vacuums and Dustbusters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These picks left the competition in the dust

Person using the Shark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum to clean food from a blue chair

Dera Burreson

Tackling dust and debris without having to haul out a full-sized vacuum or broom is the number one convenience of owning a handheld vacuum, also known as a dustbuster; those lightweight and easy vacuums you can use for spot-cleaning dry messes around your home. If your handheld vacuum isn’t markedly easier to use and maintain than these other cleaning methods, though, you will find it gathering dust—and not in a good way. To find the best vacuums out there that really do make life easier, we've tested over 30 dustbusters and handheld vacuums in The Lab and at home from top brands like Black+Decker (who tends to dominate the handheld vacuum space), Shark, and Hoover.

In our tests, we’ve maneuvered the vacuums around high chair covers, couch cushions, and car seat cupholders to see how they handle hard-to-reach areas. We’ve paid attention to battery life, since that’ll affect how long you can clean for each time, and noted how easy a vacuum is to operate, hold, and store. We’ve used copious amounts of mess-makers like cereal, crumbs, raisins, and hair to see if these picks have the suction power and capacity to keep up with the busiest households.

Editor's Note: This review was revised in February 2024 to include updated buying considerations for our five favorite handheld vacuums and dustbusters.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Shark UltraCyclone Pro Handheld Vacuum

Shark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    5/5
  • Portability
    4.8/5
  • Noise Level
    3/5
  • Setup
    5/5
What We Like
  • Impressive suction power

  • Generously sized dust bin

  • Effective attachments

  • Reliable battery

What We Don't Like
  • Some debris spilled when vacuum was inverted

  • Suction is too strong for some soft surfaces

The Shark UltraCyclone Pro Handheld Vacuum will take a bite of messes in its path. If you’re familiar with Shark’s expansive line of powerful vacuums, it probably comes as no surprise that this model is a top pick. With suction that rivals a much larger machine, this handheld vac also comes with useful attachments (a crevice tool and scrubbing brush) that make quick work of cleaning tasks. The crevice tool is particularly convenient, reaching into nooks and crannies of a car seat with ease in our testing. 

The 12-minute battery life lasted the entirety of our lab testing, and the 14.4-ounce bin, though on the smaller end of our favorites, only needed to be emptied three times (the majority of handheld vacuums had to be emptied seven or more times). This bodes well for the machine’s ability to collect and contain your messes. With this option, you can zip through cleaning tasks without having to stop and empty it a bunch of extra times.

Other small details proved to be convenient, too, such as the comfort of the handle and the sleek design. At 2.2 pounds, this model is almost tied for the lightest machine on our list (that honor goes to our best value pick, the Black+Decker Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum, which is less than a tenth of a pound lighter).  

One quirk we encountered was that the Shark UltraCyclone proved almost too strong for parts of a high chair; it got stuck on the fabric. However, we didn't encounter any issues with suction on an upholstered chair. Another minor quirk of this machine is that it might spit out some debris if you shake it or turn it upside down, so watch its positioning when you're using it. However, the battery life is consistent and reliable, making this a seemingly long-lasting buy. After using it for two months at home, we still saw it lasting closer to 18 minutes on one charge than 12 minutes (which is what we clocked in the lab).

Weight: 2.2 pounds | Battery Life: 15 minutes | Attachments: Crevice tool, scrubbing brush

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Black+Decker Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Hand Vacuum

Black+Decker Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Cordless Hand Vacuum

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    5/5
  • Portability
    4.8/5
  • Noise Level
    2/5
  • Setup
    5/5
What We Like
  • Easy-to-empty dust bin

  • Crevice tool is part of the design

  • Vacuum head fits into cupholders

What We Don't Like
  • Certain angles may blow hair and debris

  • Can be noisy

From Black+Decker, the AdvancedClean+ Cordless Hand Vacuum really shines when it comes to the smaller details. For starters, the built-in extension nozzle is especially convenient, and we love how it gives you the ability to get into small corners and crevices like cupholders, all without the extra hassle of separate attachments.

Another perk is that the dust bin is super easy to open; there's just one button. Perhaps what’s even more impressive is that we only had to empty it twice during our lab tests (the average was eight times). Most of the dirt and debris fell right out when we did, with the exception of a small bit of hair that we could remove with our fingers. 

This model also does well across different surfaces like carpet, a high chair, a car seat, and an upholstered chair—though, like any handheld vacuum, you wouldn’t want to use it to clean an entire room. We did notice that some hair blew around a bit when we were vacuuming, but we could work to correct that with how we positioned the vacuum.

Overall, we had no major issues with this handheld vacuum, and it was only edged out by the Shark UltraCyclone Pro Handheld Vacuum because of its noise level (although it’s worth noting that there is a low setting on this pick that’s pleasantly quiet). It's an especially good choice for a household that doesn't want to fuss with or store extra attachments, and performed consistently well in a home with two kids and two pets for six months (and counting).

Weight: 2.5 pounds | Battery Life: 15 minutes | Attachments: Built-in crevice tool

Best Value

Black+Decker Dusbuster Handheld Vacuum

Black+Decker Dusbuster Handheld Vacuum

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Noise Level
    4/5
What We Like
  • Great performance at half the price of other models

  • Lightweight design

  • Comes with a wall mount

What We Don't Like
  • No power indicator light

The Black+Decker Dusbuster Handheld Vacuum is a tried and true pick that has been a favorite of ours for a few years running. In fact, it's one of our top-rated inexpensive vacuum cleaners, because it’s hard to beat the overall value and performance of this sleek machine. When we tested this vacuum, we used it to smoothly suck up cereal, pet food, dirt, and kitty litter, and noticed that it’s particularly effective on hard surfaces—like under kitchen cabinets and on hardwood stairs. 

The 31.8-ounce capacity is more than twice the size of our best overall pick, but it manages to be just a touch lighter in weight (0.09 pounds, to be exact). The suction strength isn’t quite as powerful though, which is something to keep in mind if you’re comparing the two and ultimately need a vacuum that can get debris in one or two passes max. The brush tool and crevice tool can definitely help you get more efficient cleaning from this machine, but you may find yourself bending and adjusting the angle more than you would with some of the more robust models. 

We do also love that this dustbuster comes with an included wall mount for seamless charging and storage, which isn’t a given among handheld vacuums. The one other note we have is that, while using it, we found ourselves wishing there was an indicator light for the battery status. Of course, no handheld vacuum or dustbuster is perfect, and we still happily recommend it. 

Weight: 2.11 pounds | Battery Life: 12 to 15 minutes | Attachments: Brush tool, crevice tool

Best for Pet Hair

Black+Decker Flex Handheld Vacuum

Black+Decker Flex Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Pet hair attachment

  • Flexible, 4-foot hose

  • Convenient design for storage

What We Don't Like
  • Requires two hands to operate

  • Shorter battery life

While you might not think of a hose when you first imagine a dustbuster, the Black+Decker 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum is worth considering—especially if you’re constantly cleaning fur and fluff around your home. It comes with a pet hair attachment that proved to be an absolute game-changer, cleaning fur from all four surfaces we tested on (hardwood, and low, medium, and high-pile carpet). Even better, that fur didn’t clog the machine, either. 

Unlike our other picks, you'll need to use two hands to operate this vacuum (one to hold the motor and one to steer the hose). The 4-foot hose can get into all of those hard-to-reach spots in your home, like behind your couch or in between cushions. Still, even with the hose, it feels fairly compact thanks to the flexible design. While it’s the heaviest on our list, at 3.2 pounds, it’s still within a few ounces of the others, which range from 2.11 to 3 pounds. All in all, it performs similarly to a standard-sized vacuum, but with greater portability and efficiency. 

When you're done using it, the hose wraps around the machine for easy, compact storage. We did find that the battery is fairly short, at 8 minutes. And, since it requires the use of two hands, it won't be an ideal fit for everyone—but if you could benefit from a handheld vacuum with a hose, it's an excellent choice.

Weight: 3.2 pounds | Battery Life: 8 minutes | Attachments: 2-in-1 nozzle brush, pet hair attachment

We Still Recommend

Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    5/5
  • Portability
    4.5/5
  • Noise Level
    4/5
What We Like
  • Powerful suction

  • Large dust bin is easy to empty

  • Tapered nozzle fits into most spaces

What We Don't Like
  • Battery pack adds weight

We love the Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner because it’s easy to use, reliable, and it’s so powerful that it seems to inhale everything in its path. Plus, the detachable battery pack is super-convenient if you're short on space (and can be installed in compatible Hoover ONEPWR products). It was, dare we say, even fun to test this dustbuster and, after a long day in the lab, we used it to reach over and pick up what other handheld vacuums left behind.

On top of its reliable performance, the 12.8-ounce dust bin is easy to empty and mess-free. We also love that the crevice tool can be conveniently stored right on the body of this dustbuster. Still, while we were blown away by its performance, we also recognize that this dustbuster is one of the more expensive options out there, and you can find other high-performing options at lower price points. And, the detachable battery pack adds convenience, but also a little bit of weight. However, its performance was so top-notch that even with these notes, we’re still big fans. 

Weight: 3 pounds | Battery Life: 15 minutes | Attachments: Battery pack, crevice tool

Compare

Effectiveness Ease of Emptying Portability Noise Level Setup
Shark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum
Best Overall:
Shark UltraCyclone Pro Handheld Vacuum
5 5 4.8 3 5
Black+Decker Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Cordless Hand Vacuum
Best Overall, Runner-Up:
Black+Decker Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Hand Vacuum
5 5 4.8 2 5
Black+Decker Dusbuster Handheld Vacuum
Best Value:
Black+Decker Dusbuster Handheld Vacuum
4 5 5 4 5
Black+Decker Flex Cordless Handheld Vacuum
Best for Pet Hair:
Black+Decker Flex Handheld Vacuum
5 5 5 4 5
Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
We Still Recommend:
Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
5 5 4.5 4 5
Final Verdict

The best overall handheld vacuum is the Shark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum. Its powerful suction and tapered nozzle allow for easy and efficient cleaning. Also consider the Black+Decker Cordless Lithium Hand Vacuum, our best value pick. In our experience, this vac is extremely lightweight, easy to use, and a great value.

Person using the Black+Decker Flex Cordless Handheld Vacuum to vacuum hair from car seat

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

How We Tested the Handheld Vacuums and Dustbusters

We've tested over 30 dustbusters in The Lab and at home. Our testing process has grown and evolved over the years, and we’ve narrowed down our handheld vacuum and dustbuster tests so we can pay close attention to these key traits.

  • Setup: We evaluate how long it takes to unbox, assemble, and charge the vacuums. Handheld vacuums and dustbusters that are ready to use immediately get extra marks over those that are wrapped in excessive plastic with confusing instructions.
  • Effectiveness: We put the handheld vacuums and dustbusters through a series of tests on hardwood and carpet, evaluating how quickly they suck up debris like Cheerios and hair. In some cases, we test their performance on upholstered seating, high chairs, and car seats.
  • Maneuverability: Dustbusters are maneuverable by design, but we make observations and comparisons between models, noting details like nozzle angles and handle grips that can also help them reach into tight areas, like cupholders.
  • Portability: We also rate their weight and portability as we’re cleaning, and see if their performance changes as their battery life dwindles. 
  • Noise Level: We evaluate each machine’s noise level to see if we could comfortably hold a conversation over it, or not.
  • Ease of Emptying: We empty each handheld vacuum and dustbuster, and note how easy, or messy, each process is. 
  • Overall Value: At the end of our testing, we compare each price point to each respective vacuum’s overall performance.
Seated woman removing Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner from box

The Spruce / Tamara Staples

What to Look for in a Handheld Vacuum or Dustbuster

Weight and Design

Most handheld vacuums and dustbusters are relatively lightweight (around 2 to 3 pounds), but some may be a little heftier and uncomfortable to hold, so you'll want to consider that when shopping. Attachments and battery packs are often sources of added weight, so keep that in mind if you're interested in a vacuum with these features. The lightest pick on our list is the Black+Decker Dusbuster Handheld Vacuum, our best value pick, which comes in at 2.11 pounds.

Attachments

If you're hoping to clean tight crevices, furniture, or overhead areas with your vacuum, make sure you choose one with the proper attachments. Upholstery brushes and crevice tools are common attachments that will make your machine much more versatile. For example, the Shark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum, our best overall pick, comes with a crevice tool that was able to reach into the nooks and crannies to clean a car seat in our testing. 

We're also fans of extendable nozzles that allow you to get into tight crevices, without the extra effort of using an attachment. Our best overall, runner-up pick, the Black+Decker AdvancedClean+ Cordless Hand Vacuum, is an example with a built-in crevice tool. Certain models, like our best for pet hair, the Black+Decker 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum might also include pet hair tools, which can be a super easy way to clear fur and fuzz from your surfaces.

Power Source

All of the handheld vacuums and dustbusters on this list are battery-powered, rechargeable models, which we prefer (and recommend) for their overall convenience. Though, there are corded models on the market, too. With those, you'll need to be close to an outlet to operate it, but you won't have to stop and charge it. In contrast, cordless models can clean virtually anywhere, which is why we like them, but usually need to be recharged after about roughly 10 to 18 minutes of use.

Seated person holding the hose of the Black+Decker Flex Cordless Handheld Vacuum on a rug

The Spruce / Tamara Staples

FAQ
  • How do I clean a handheld vacuum or dustbuster?

    Every vacuum cleaner should be cleaned regularly, and a handheld vacuum or dustbuster is no exception. To clean yours, start by emptying the dust bin. If your model uses a permanent filter, remove it during that step, and plan to clean it on its own. While some filters can be rinsed under water, others should not get wet, so refer to your owner's manual for any specific filter-cleaning instructions. You can wipe out the interior of the vacuum with a dust rag or, if the manufacturer allows, wash it with soap and water. Let all parts dry before reassembling the vacuum and using it again.

  • How often should I change a handheld vacuum’s filter?

    How often you need to change your handheld vacuum or dustbuster's filter will depend on how much you use it, but one good rule of thumb is to change it out every six months if you use it often. However, if you notice any loss of suction before then, you might need a new filter. "If there is damage to the filter, a musty smell, or too much dust or hair, then it must be changed immediately to keep it working at maximum capacity," adds Dr. Denise Ferastraoaru, M.D., an allergist at Montefiore Health System.

  • How do you replace a dustbuster's battery?

    A loss of suction may also indicate a dying battery that needs replacing. Check your manual to learn what type of battery you should order for replacement. Some models might require professional battery replacement, while others might not offer replacement batteries at all.

    Once you have a new battery ready to install, run your vac until the current battery completely loses its charge. Then, depending on the model, either slide the battery away from the body of the appliance or open the housing area for the battery, and gently pull it loose. Put the new battery in its place, close up the housing area, and recycle the old battery.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Dena Ogden is a lifestyle and home writer who’s been writing professionally since 2016, and with The Spruce since August 2022. She specializes in home tech, appliances, cleaning, and organization topics, and has written about everything from baskets and bins to carpet shampoos and robot vacuums. For this story, she utilized extensive testing data from The Lab and our home testing, reviewing top-tested dustbusters and handheld vacuums to determine the best of the best.

Her personal testing experience also includes products from Shark, Bissell, and Hoover (her current favorite being the Hoover CleanSlate XL Deep Clean Spot Cleaner), and she will gladly tell you all the reasons why adjustable vacuums (like those that can go from an upright to a handheld model) are the best of both worlds, if you have a few spare minutes.

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