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When you have a small mess in a hard-to-reach spot or simply can't be bothered to haul out a full-size vacuum for a quick clean-up, reaching for a lightweight handheld vacuum is definitely the move. Among the best vacuums, a good handheld vacuum cleaner can quickly and easily clean crevices, countertops, car interiors, and the various nooks and crannies of your home as well as high-up spots for reaching cobwebs and more — just a few spots where robot vacs can't go and more portable than cordless sticks vacuums.
We tested 10 portable handheld vacuums to see how they cleaned up Cheerios, flour, coffee grounds, cat litter, and dog and cat hair on hardwood floors, carpeting, and in a car. Our top choice overall of the best handheld vacuums and the most affordable too is the Black+Decker Dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum. We most recently tested the Shark Cyclone Pet (CH701) and were impressed with its lightweight design and versatile use cases.
Find out more about how Insider Reviews tests and reviews home products.
Our top picks of the best handheld vacuums in 2024
Best overall: Black+Decker Dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum (model HHVI315JO42) - See at Amazon
Best for pet hair: Black+Decker Dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum (model CHV1410L) - See at Amazon
Best for cars: Shark Cyclone Pet (CH701) - See at Amazon
Most versatile: Black+Decker 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum (model BDH2020FL) - See at Amazon