Have you ever found yourself struggling to clean small spaces, such as your car’s interior or tight corners in your home? Traditional vacuum cleaners can be bulky and difficult to maneuver, making it nearly impossible to clean small spaces effectively. That’s where handheld vacuum cleaners come in handy. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Fear not, we have researched and compiled a list of the top 10 handheld vacuum cleaners for small spaces that are sure to make cleaning easier and more effective. Keep reading to find out what you should consider when choosing a handheld vacuum cleaner and which models made our list.
Table of Contents
What to Consider When Choosing a Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
When it comes to choosing a handheld vacuum cleaner, there are several factors one should take into consideration. These devices are perfect for small spaces such as cars, stairs or corners, but choosing the right one can be confusing. From battery life to suction power and dustbin capacity, each feature plays an important role in the effectiveness of a handheld vacuum cleaner. In order to make an informed decision, it’s essential to educate yourself on what to look for before making a purchase. For a more detailed guide on choosing the perfect handheld vacuum cleaner, check out our handheld vacuum cleaner buying guide.
Battery Life
When looking for a handheld vacuum cleaner, battery life is an important factor to consider as it affects the effectiveness and convenience of the device. A handheld vacuum cleaner that can only last for a few minutes will be frustrating to use, especially if you have a large cleaning task ahead of you. On the other hand, a strong and long-lasting battery will ensure that you can get the job done without any interruptions or delays.
Here are some top considerations when it comes to battery life:
Battery power: The power of the battery influences how much cleaning the device can handle before running out of charge. Higher voltage batteries generally deliver more power and last longer.
Charging time: The time it takes to recharge a battery varies from one model to another. Some can recharge in a few hours, while others may take up to 24 hours to fully charge.
Run time: This refers to the period a fully charged battery will last for cleaning. It is essential to look at the run time of any handheld vacuum you’re considering purchasing. Most devices can run for 15-35 minutes, but some models can run for up to an hour or more.
Battery type: Handheld vacuums can have different battery types such as Lithium-ion, Nickel-metal hydride, or Nickel-cadmium. Lithium-ion is the best option as they are lightweight, portable, and durable.
When choosing a handheld vacuum cleaner with excellent battery life, consider top models such as the Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner or the Tineco A11 Hero Cordless Lightweight Stick/Handheld Vacuum Cleaner.
A crucial aspect to consider when choosing a handheld vacuum cleaner is its suction power. The suction power of a vacuum can be measured in various units, including air watts, CFM (cubic feet per minute), and AW (suction power). The suction power of a vacuum cleaner determines how efficiently it can clean up debris and dirt.
The following are the top 5 handheld vacuum cleaners with powerful suction:
Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner: The Dyson V11 has the most potent suction power of any cordless vacuum, with a max suction power of 185 air watts. It provides excellent cleaning performance in small spaces and is perfect for quick clean-ups.
Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner: With 10.6 oz. of suction power, this vacuum is ideal for quick clean-ups and spot cleaning.in small spaces. It comes with two attachments: a crevice tool and a pet tool.
Tineco A11 Hero Cordless Lightweight Stick/Handheld Vacuum Cleaner: This vacuum cleaner comes with a 450W motor that offers 120W of suction power, making it ideal for spot cleaning jobs.
Bissell AutoMate Lithium Ion Cordless Handheld Car Vacuum: With an impressive suction power of 22 air watts, this vacuum cleaner is one of the best for cleaning cars. Its crevice tool and motorized brush tool make it easy to clean tight spaces.
Hikeren Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless: This vacuum cleaner has a 100W ultra-high power motor, providing strong suction power for your daily cleaning routine. It comes with three attachments: a crevice nozzle, a dusting brush, and a liquid nozzle.
It is essential to consider the suction power of a handheld vacuum cleaner while buying one. If you’re looking for a vacuum cleaner for cars or small spaces, you should choose one with sufficient suction power. Do check out our handheld vs stick vacuum or how to choose handheld vacuum attachments guides for more information on vacuum cleaners.
Dustbin Capacity
Dustbin Capacity is an important factor to consider when choosing a handheld vacuum cleaner. The size of the dustbin determines how much dirt and debris the vacuum can hold before it needs to be emptied. A larger dustbin means less frequent trips to the trash can, while a smaller dustbin may require more frequent emptying.
When it comes to dustbin capacity, the Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner takes the lead with a dustbin capacity of 0.2 gallons (0.76 liters). This is larger than most handheld vacuum cleaners on the market, allowing for more cleaning with less frequent emptying. The BLACK+DECKER Flex Car Vacuum also has a respectable dustbin capacity of 0.14 gallons (0.53 liters).
For those who plan to use their handheld vacuum cleaner frequently, it may be worth investing in a model with a larger dustbin capacity. However, if you only plan to use it for quick cleanups, a smaller dustbin may be sufficient.
Here is a comparison chart of the top 10 handheld vacuum cleaners for small spaces and their respective dustbin capacities:
Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Dustbin Capacity
Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
0.2 gallons (0.76 liters)
BLACK+DECKER Flex Car Vacuum
0.14 gallons (0.53 liters)
Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
0.09 gallons (0.34 liters)
Bissell AutoMate Lithium Ion Cordless Handheld Car Vacuum
It is important to note that while a larger dustbin capacity may be convenient, it can also make the vacuum cleaner heavier and more difficult to maneuver. Consider your cleaning needs and preferences when selecting a handheld vacuum cleaner.
Are you tired of lugging a heavy vacuum cleaner around your small apartment or office space? Do you need something that can easily remove dust and debris from tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas? Look no further than our list of the top 10 handheld vacuum cleaners for small spaces. These innovative and powerful tools combine convenience and efficiency to revolutionize your cleaning routine. But before we dive into our top picks, let’s take a closer look at what you should consider when choosing a handheld vacuum cleaner. If you are interested, you can also read about the interesting history of handheld vacuum cleaners or get some useful tips and tricks for using them on hardwood floors in our other articles.
1. Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
The Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a powerful handheld vacuum that is perfect for cleaning small spaces. One of the standout features of this vacuum is its powerful suction power, which is stronger than many other handheld vacuums on the market. Additionally, it has a long battery life, which is essential for cleaning large areas without needing to recharge.
The dustbin capacity of the Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is also impressive. It has a large bin that can hold a lot of debris, which is great for cleaning up messes without needing to stop and empty the bin frequently.
Another great feature of the Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is its ability to convert into a handheld vacuum. This means that you can easily take it apart and use it to clean upholstery, stairs, and other hard-to-reach areas.
Additionally, the Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner comes with a range of accessories, including a crevice tool, a combination tool, and a mini motorized tool for removing pet hair and dirt from upholstery.
Despite its many features, the Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver, which makes it a great choice for anyone who needs a powerful and versatile handheld vacuum.
The BLACK+DECKER Flex Car Vacuum is a great choice for those looking for a powerful and versatile handheld vacuum. This vacuum has a sleek and modern design with strong suction power, making it perfect for cleaning up small spaces like cars, stairs, and tight corners.
One of the standout features of the BLACK+DECKER Flex Car Vacuum is its strong suction power. It has a powerful motor that provides up to 24 air watts of suction power, making it effective in picking up dirt, debris, and pet hair. The vacuum comes with attachments that make it easier to clean anything from upholstered surfaces to car interiors. Its cyclonic action keeps the filter clean and suction strong, ensuring optimum performance every time you need to clean up.
In addition to its suction power, the BLACK+DECKER Flex Car Vacuum is also very flexible. Its 4-foot flexible hose, combined with the crevice tool and pet hair brush attachments, make it easy to reach and clean tight corners and hard-to-reach areas. This vacuum also comes with a convenient onboard crevice tool and pet hair brush that are stored directly on the unit, making them easily accessible and ready to use whenever you need them.
Another great feature of this vacuum is its dustbin capacity. It can hold up to 17 oz of dirt and debris, which is perfect for small space cleaning without needing to empty it frequently. It also has a washable bowl and filter that save you money long term and ensure the vacuum lasts for longer. The vacuum’s cordless design and with a long-lasting battery life of up to 20 minutes of run time, also make it easy to use anywhere without worrying about cords.
The BLACK+DECKER Flex Car Vacuum is a powerful and versatile handheld vacuum that combines convenience and efficiency in its design. It is suitable for cleaning all kinds of small spaces, from cars to stairs and tight corners. With its flexible hose, crevice tool, pet hair brush, and strong suction power, this vacuum will make your cleaning jobs much easier and quicker.
Below is a detailed summary of the features that make the BLACK+DECKER Flex Car Vacuum an excellent choice:
Features | Details
— | —
Suction Power | Up to 24 air watts
Attachments | Crevice tool, pet hair brush
Dustbin Capacity | 17 oz
Battery Life | Up to 20 mins
Flexible Hose | 4-foot
Cordless | Yes
Washable bowl and filter | Yes
3. Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
The Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is a highly popular and well-rated option among users. As a lightweight and cordless vacuum, it provides great versatility and is suitable for cleaning small spaces such as cars, stairs, and upholstery. Here are some key features of the Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner:
Powerful suction: Despite being a compact vacuum, the Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner boasts strong suction power, making it highly effective at picking up dirt, debris, and pet hair.
Extended runtime: This vacuum features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to 10 minutes of continuous cleaning, making it a great option for quick cleanups around the house.
Ergonomic design: Its lightweight and well-balanced design make it easy to hold and maneuver, ensuring that you can comfortably clean even hard-to-reach spaces.
Easy to maintain: The Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner has a washable filter and dustbin, making it easy to maintain and keep clean.
Accessories included: This vacuum comes with a crevice tool and a pet hair tool, giving you greater cleaning flexibility and making it easier to remove stubborn dirt and pet hair from upholstery, stairs, and other surfaces.
The Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is a reliable and effective option for those who are looking for a lightweight and versatile handheld vacuum to clean their small spaces. Its powerful suction, extended runtime, and ergonomic design make it a top-performing option among its competitors.
4. Bissell AutoMate Lithium Ion Cordless Handheld Car Vacuum
If you’re looking for a powerful handheld vacuum that is specifically designed for cleaning cars, then the Bissell AutoMate Lithium Ion Cordless Handheld Car Vacuum is an excellent choice. Here is a breakdown of its features:
Feature
Description
Battery Life
With a 14.4V lithium ion battery, this vacuum offers up to 20 minutes of continuous run time before needing to be recharged.
Suction Power
The powerful motor provides 40AW of suction power, making it easy to pick up dirt, debris, and pet hair from your car’s upholstery and floors.
Dustbin Capacity
The dustbin can hold up to 0.7 liters of dirt and debris before needing to be emptied.
Filtration System
The vacuum features a multi-layer filtration system that captures dust and allergens, ensuring that your car’s air stays clean and fresh.
Attachments
The vacuum comes with a crevice tool, dusting brush, and extension hose, making it easy to clean even hard-to-reach areas in your car.
Weight
At just 3.5 pounds, this vacuum is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for cleaning your car.
The Bissell AutoMate Lithium Ion Cordless Handheld Car Vacuum is a powerful and efficient tool for keeping your car clean and free of dirt and debris. With its strong suction power, long battery life, and multiple attachments, it’s easy to see why this vacuum is a popular choice for car owners.
5. Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
The Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is a great choice for those who are looking for a small yet powerful device to clean small spaces. Here are some of the features that make this vacuum cleaner stand out:
Powerful Suction: With a 100W ultra-high power motor and an advanced cyclonic suction system, the Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner provides up to 8KPa of suction power, making it capable of cleaning even the most stubborn dirt and debris.
Multiple Attachments: The vacuum cleaner comes with 3 different attachments – a crevice nozzle, a brush nozzle, and a liquid nozzle – that allow you to clean different types of surfaces and spills. The crevice nozzle is great for cleaning tight spaces and corners, the brush nozzle is perfect for cleaning carpets and upholstery, and the liquid nozzle can be used to clean up spills.
Long Battery Life: The Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is equipped with a 2200mAh lithium-ion battery that provides up to 30 minutes of continuous cleaning time on a single charge. This is more than enough time to clean a small space.
Easy to Clean: The vacuum cleaner’s dustbin is easy to remove and clean, which makes it convenient for daily use. Simply open the dustbin, empty the contents, and rinse it under running water.
Portable and Lightweight: Weighing just 2.1 pounds, the Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is remarkably lightweight and easy to carry around. It’s also small enough to store in a closet or on a shelf, making it a great choice for those who live in apartments or small homes.
The Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is a versatile and powerful device that can help keep your small space clean and tidy. Whether you need to clean up a spill, remove pet hair from your furniture, or vacuum your car, this vacuum cleaner is up to the task.
The Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip Corded Bagless Handheld Vacuum is a budget-friendly option for those who need a reliable handheld vacuum cleaner. It features a powerful 7-amp motor, which provides strong suction power for cleaning small spaces. The vacuum also has a bagless design, which means you don’t have to worry about the cost of replacement bags.
One of the standout features of the Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip is its Quick Flip Crevice Tool. This tool allows you to easily clean tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas, making it ideal for cleaning car interiors or upholstery. The vacuum also comes with a dusting brush attachment, which is perfect for cleaning delicate surfaces like curtains or lampshades without damaging them.
In terms of usability, the Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip is lightweight and easy to maneuver, thanks to its compact design. It also has a long power cord, which provides a decent amount of reach without the need for an extension cord. The dustbin capacity is not as large as some other models, but it’s still adequate for cleaning small spaces.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip Corded Bagless Handheld Vacuum:
Pros:
Powerful 7-amp motor
Quick Flip Crevice Tool for cleaning tight spaces
Bagless design saves money on replacement bags
Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Long power cord for decent reach
Cons:
Small dustbin capacity
Corded design limits mobility
Not as powerful as some other models
The Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip Corded Bagless Handheld Vacuum is a solid choice for those on a budget who need a reliable handheld vacuum cleaner for small spaces. While it may not be as powerful or as feature-packed as some other models on this list, it gets the job done without breaking the bank.
The MOOSOO Handheld Vacuum is an excellent choice for those who prioritize portability and compactness. This ultra-lightweight vacuum weighs only 1.1 pounds, making it easy to use for extended periods without any discomfort. Despite its lightweight design, the MOOSOO vacuum packs a powerful suction of 12KPa, which is more than enough for picking up dirt, dust, and even pet hair.
One of the standout features of the MOOSOO vacuum is its long battery life, which can last up to 30 minutes. With a battery runtime of 30 minutes, users don’t have to worry about running out of power during use, which makes cleaning a hassle-free task. The vacuum is also cordless, which provides an added level of convenience, with no need for power outlets or tangled cords.
The MOOSOO vacuum has a 1-liter dustbin capacity, which is ideal for small spaces, meaning emptying it is less frequent. The vacuum is also equipped with a washable filter, making it a cost-effective solution in the long run, as users do not need to replace the filter frequently.
Here is a breakdown of the key features of the MOOSOO Handheld Vacuum in a table format:
Feature
Description
Battery life
Lasts up to 30 minutes per charge
Suction power
12KPa suction for maximum cleaning power
Dustbin capacity
1-liter capacity for an extended cleaning session
Filter
Washable filter for cost-effective maintenance
Weight
Weighs only 1.1 pounds for easy portability
Cordless
No cords or power outlets necessary for added convenience
The MOOSOO Handheld Vacuum is a great choice for those looking for a lightweight, compact vacuum with impressive suction power for small spaces. Its extended battery life and washable filter make it a cost-effective option in the long run, while its cordless design adds convenience and flexibility to any cleaning task.
When it comes to finding a versatile, yet powerful handheld vacuum cleaner, the Tineco A11 Hero Cordless Lightweight Stick/Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is definitely a top contender. This vacuum cleaner offers a lot of features that make it a great option for small spaces, especially if you’re looking to get into those hard-to-reach areas.
One of the key highlights of this vacuum cleaner is its high-powered suction of up to 120 watts. This, combined with its 350W brushless motor, ensures that it effectively cleans even the smallest debris, like pet hair and other small particles. It comes with a 450W digital motor that can quickly shift between different modes depending on what you’re cleaning, allowing you to get the most out of your vacuum cleaner.
Another benefit of the Tineco A11 Hero is its lightweight design. Weighing in at only 2.87 pounds, it’s one of the lightest vacuum cleaners on our list, making it easy to maneuver and transport for extended periods of time. Plus, its long-lasting detachable lithium-ion battery gives you up to 50 minutes of continuous runtime, so you won’t have to worry about running out of power mid-cleaning.
This vacuum cleaner also has a multi-stage filtration system, which helps to trap dust and allergens, making it a great option for those with allergies or asthma. Its dustbin capacity of 0.6L is also larger than most other handheld vacuums, meaning you can use it for longer before having to empty it out.
Here’s a summary of the Tineco A11 Hero’s main features:
Suction Power
Up to 120 watts
Motor Type
350W brushless motor and 450W digital motor
Battery Runtime
Up to 50 minutes
Battery Type
Detachable lithium-ion battery
Weight
2.87 pounds
Filtration System
Multi-stage filtration system
Dustbin Capacity
0.6L
The Tineco A11 Hero Cordless Lightweight Stick/Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is a great choice if you’re looking for a powerful, yet lightweight option that can handle a variety of cleaning tasks. Its suction power, long battery life, and multi-stage filtration system make it a standout option on our list.
9. Hikeren Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless
Are you on the lookout for a cordless handheld vacuum cleaner that can clean your small space quickly and efficiently? Consider the Hikeren Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless.
This device is lightweight and easy to handle, making it perfect for cleaning your home, car, or office. It’s also equipped with a powerful motor that delivers 120 watts of suction power, enough to pick up dirt, debris, and pet hair from any surface, including carpets and upholstery.
One of the most notable features of this handheld vacuum cleaner is its rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides up to 30 minutes of continuous use time. This means that you can clean your entire home without worrying about the battery life of your vacuum cleaner.
The Hikeren Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless also comes with a detachable dustbin that is easy to clean and can hold up to 500 ml. This is particularly useful when cleaning larger areas, as it eliminates the need to empty the dustbin frequently.
In addition to its suction power and battery life, this handheld vacuum cleaner also features multiple attachments that can be easily attached or removed. These attachments include a crevice tool, dusting brush, and liquid nozzle tool, making it suitable for cleaning different areas and surfaces.
The Hikeren Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless is an affordable and efficient option for those looking for a simple and effective cleaning solution. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
The Eureka EasyClean Lightweight Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is a top choice for those looking for an affordable, yet effective option for cleaning small spaces. Here are some reasons why:
Powerful suction: Despite its small size, the Eureka EasyClean packs a powerful punch with its 5.5 amp motor. This allows it to easily pick up dirt and debris from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors.
Crevice tool: This vacuum cleaner comes with a crevice tool that allows you to reach those tight spaces that other vacuums can’t, such as between couch cushions and under car seats.
Bagless design: The Eureka EasyClean is bagless, which means you won’t have to worry about buying replacement bags. Instead, you can simply empty the dust cup when it’s full.
Lightweight: Weighing in at just 4.8 pounds, this vacuum cleaner is easy to maneuver and won’t cause strain on your arms or back.
Riser visor: The Eureka EasyClean also features a unique riser visor that allows you to easily clean stairs and vertical surfaces such as upholstery and curtains.
The Eureka EasyClean Lightweight Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is a great choice for those on a budget or looking for a secondary vacuum cleaner for small spaces. Its powerful suction, crevice tool, bagless design, lightweight construction, and riser visor make it a versatile and efficient choice for any cleaning task.
Conclusion
After reviewing the top 10 handheld vacuum cleaners for small spaces, it’s clear that there are several factors to consider when choosing the right one for you.
Battery life is an important consideration for those who plan on using their handheld vacuum for extended periods of time. The Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner has the longest battery life at up to 60 minutes, making it a great option for those with larger homes or more cleaning needs.
Suction power is also a key factor to consider when it comes to handheld vacuums. The MOOSOO Handheld Vacuum 12KPa Cordless has powerful suction at 12KPa, making it a great choice for those who need to clean up more stubborn messes.
Dustbin capacity may be an essential feature for those who don’t want to empty their handheld vacuum too frequently. The Eureka EasyClean Lightweight Handheld Vacuum Cleaner has a larger dustbin capacity than most, at 0.4 liters, making it a great option for those with more debris to clean up.
Overall, all of the vacuum cleaners we reviewed offer great features for small spaces, and it really comes down to personal preferences and individual cleaning needs. However, if we had to choose one, we would recommend the Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner for its long battery life, strong suction power, and overall performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can handheld vacuum cleaners replace traditional vacuums?
No, handheld vacuum cleaners are designed for small spaces and quick clean-ups. They are not suitable for deep cleaning or cleaning large areas.
2. Are cordless vacuums more powerful than corded ones?
No, corded vacuums generally have more suction power than cordless ones. However, cordless vacuums offer more convenience and portability.
3. How important is battery life when choosing a handheld vacuum cleaner?
Battery life is crucial, especially if you need to clean larger areas. Look for a vacuum with at least 20-30 minutes of battery life.
4. Are bagless vacuums better than those with bags?
Both types have their advantages and disadvantages. Bagless vacuums are more convenient and economical in the long run, but they require more maintenance.
5. How often should I clean the filters in my handheld vacuum cleaner?
You should clean the filters after every use to maintain optimal performance. Some models have washable filters, while others need to be replaced every few months.
6. Can I use my handheld vacuum cleaner for pet hair?
Most handheld vacuum cleaners are designed to remove pet hair, but some models are more effective than others. Look for a vacuum with strong suction power and specialized pet hair tools.
7. Is it safe to vacuum wet surfaces with a handheld vacuum cleaner?
No, most handheld vacuum cleaners are not suitable for wet cleaning as they can get damaged. Look for a vacuum that specifically mentions wet cleaning or use a separate wet vacuum.
8. Are accessories important when choosing a handheld vacuum cleaner?
Yes, accessories such as crevice tools, brushes, and extension wands can enhance the versatility and functionality of the vacuum.
9. Can I use my handheld vacuum cleaner for my car?
Yes, handheld vacuum cleaners are perfect for cleaning car interiors. Look for a vacuum with a flexible hose, long cord, and specialized car cleaning accessories.
10. How much should I spend on a handheld vacuum cleaner?
Handheld vacuum cleaners range in price from $20 to $300. The price depends on the brand, features, and quality of the vacuum. Generally, mid-range vacuums offer the best value for money.
