Best Handheld Vacuum of 2017: Top 5 Reviews
Best Handheld Vacuum Comparison
If you have small jobs around the house, you need a good handheld vacuum. Whether you have kids, pets or just you, we all make a mess on occasion. Rather than dragging out the big upright, it’s nice to have a little machine you can grab quickly before those crumbs or that dirt gets dragged throughout the rest of you home. Whether you choose a cordless or corded hand vac, either is a wonderful convenience to have, and 2017 offers some new and interesting options.
#1. Dyson V7 Trigger
Video Review
Quick Stats
- 20 minutes run time
- Digital motor
- Max power mode
- Ergonomically designed
Specs
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 16.3” x 10” x 6.1”
- Run Time: About 20 minutes
- Recharge Time: About 1 hour
- Battery Voltage: 21.6 volts
- Charger Volts: 110
- Warranty: 2 years
Accessories Included
- Crevice tool
Pros
- Lightweight
- Picks up fine dust
- Great for cat litter
- Good run time
Cons
While the Dyson V7 Trigger has a better battery life than any other handheld cordless vacuum on the market today, it also comes with a power boost feature if you have tough spots to clean. Unfortunately, if you run it on power boost mode, the battery will only last about 6 minutes, so be sure to use it sparingly.
The only other thing users complain about in their reviews is that you need to keep the trigger depressed to keep it running. Dyson does this to save battery life so it’s only on when you need it. While the trigger pull is light, it’s something you’ll need to get used to.
How do I store it?
How to take care of the battery?
Does it pick up cat litter?
Can I use upright Dyson attachments?
Can I use it outside?
Will it work on carpeted stairs?
Does it work on mattresses?
Can I vacuum plants with it?
Will it suck up water?
Will it scratch hardwood?
Final Verdict
The Dyson V7 Trigger is among the Rolls Royces of hand held vacuum cleaners. It is powerful enough to suck up everything from cereal and crumbs to fine dust. Overall, while it is on the pricier side, the cost is well worth it for the job it does.If you’re looking to buy one, we found the absolute best price on Amazon.
#2. Bissell 1985 Multi Cordless
Video Review
Quick Stats
- 14 minutes run time
- LED lights
- Extension hose
- Onboard tools
Specs
- Weight: 3.9 pounds
- Dimensions: 5.4” x 10” x 14.6”
- Run Time: About 14 minutes
- Recharge Time: About 5 hours
- Volts: 110
- User Manual
- Warranty: 2 years
Accessories Included
- Extension Hose
- Crevice Tool
- Dusting Brush
- Motorized Brush
Pros
- Lightweight
- Powerful suction
- Versatile attachments
Cons
One of the few pains of this handheld is that it doesn’t have a charging base to sit in. In reviews, users think it would be much more convenient. As it is, there is just a portal where you insert the cord from the battery charger.
While it is more convenient, the on / off switch is static. Unlike the Dyson above, you don’t need to keep it pressed down, but this could mean its left running using up battery power as you walk from place to place.
What filter does it use?
What battery does it use?
Will it clean carpets?
What tools are included?
Final Verdict
The Bissell 1985 Multi Cordless is a great handheld vac if you don’t want a cord getting in the way. It has good power and comes with some handy tools. One thing it has up on the competition is its LED lights, which make it much easier to see what you’re cleaning. Overall, it gets a very high rating and is a good value for the money. If you’d like to pick one up, we found that Amazon.com has the best price around.
#3. Black & Decker Max Lithium Pivot
Video Review
Quick Stats
- 3 stage filtration
- Pivoting head
- Fade free power
Specs
- Weight: 3.8 pounds
- Dimensions: 18” x 6.9” x 6.8”
- Run Time: About 15 minutes
- Recharge Time: About 4 hours
- Volts: 110
- User Manual
Accessories Included
- Crevice tool
- Dusting brush
Pros
- Good suction
- Compact
- Easy to clean
Cons
While this little machine is a work horse, its one fault is that the opening of the vacuum head is small. Nothing larger than breakfast cereal is going to fit. So, if you have smaller crumbs or dust to pick up you’ll be fine, but if you have to pick up anything larger you’re out of luck.
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How to store it?
Is there a battery indicator?
Will it suck up large crumbs?
Will it work for car cleaning?
Does it work for miniblinds?
Is it quiet?
Is it a wet/dry vac?
Is it good for pet hair?
How many speeds?
Final Verdict
The Black and Decker Max Lithium Pivot is essentially the Black and Decker CHV1410L on steroids. It has many of the same features but has much more power, making it our top pick for the best dustbuster type hand vac. While it doesn’t have an extension hose or fancy tools, the few it does have are great for most any small job. If this sounds like a good deal to you, Amazon has a great discount right now.
#4. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless
Video Review
Quick Stats
- Motorized cleaning head
- Dual filtration
- Designed for pet hair
Specs
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Dimensions: 4.5” x 16” x 6.8”
- Run Time: About 10 minutes
- Recharge Time: About 4 hours
- Volts: 110
- Warranty: 1 year
Accessories Included
- Crevice Tool
- Upholstery Tool
- Motorized brush
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good for pet hair
- Good attachments
Cons
The biggest complaint about this one is that it only runs about 10 minutes, and then it takes a long time to charge. The best thing to do if this is a concern for you is to just keep it on the charger when it’s not in use so it’s always ready to go. However, if you need more than 10 minutes of cleaning power at a time, it might be best to choose a different model or one with a cord. The Dyson (#1 pick for best handheld vacuum) runs for 14 minutes and has less recharge time. If you don’t need the bells and whistles, the Scorpion (below) is a good corded choice.
What battery does it have?
Is it good for rugs?
Is it good for the car?
How do I store it?
Does the suction fade?
Cordless vs corded Pet Hair Eraser?
Does it work on cat litter?
Is the filter washable?
Final Verdict
Overall, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is a good cordless model whether or not you have pets. There is also a model available with a cord, but this one provides much more freedom and versatility in spite of its shorter run time. If you have small pickup jobs around the house or just need to get the dog and cat hair off the sofa, this is a good one to choose. Amazon has this one on sale right now for less than you’ll find it anywhere else.
#5. Dirt Devil Scorpion
Video Review
Quick Stats
- Powerful motor
- Quick flip crevice tool
- Corded
Specs
- Weight: 3.8 pounds
- Dimensions: 12” x 5” x 7”
- Cord Length: 16 feet
- Motor: 7 amps
- Volts: 110
Accessories Included
- Quick Flip Crevice Tool
- 2.5’ Hose
Pros
- Great suction
- Never loses power
- Flip out crevice tool
- Long cord
Cons
The only complaint with the Scorpion seems to be that the dirt bin is on the small side. For this reason, it’s probably not the best choice if you have a pile of scattered debris to clean up or larger clumps of pet hair, as you will need to empty it out more often.
The only other con is that it’s a little on the loud side compared with others of its kind. However, reviews still give it high ratings because of its powerful suction and constant corded power.
How about cat litter?
Will it clean the car?
Is it loud?
What about the filter?
How is it on stairs?
How about pet hair?
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a good overall dustbuster type handheld, this one is a good choice. Users who’ve had it for a long time say they love that they don’t have to deal with charging batteries, the power is good, and it’s ready to go all the time. While some prefer a cordless model, this is certainly one of the best handheld vacs when it comes to overall performance. This is the cheapest vacuum on our top 5 list, and Amazon has a great sale on it right now.