I Tried All the New Handheld Vacuums. They’re Smaller (and Better) Than Ever.

Whatwe’relookingfor

Weight:1.4 lbs |Bin capacity:0.025 gal |Battery life:10 mins |Replaceable battery:Yes |Attachments:Upholstery, crevice/brush |USB-C charging:No |Warranty:2 years

Of all the handheld vacuums I tested, the Shark offered the best-overall cleaning and emptying experience. It sits at the ready in its plastic cradle — which also stores the crevice and brush attachments — charging until you need it. Then there’s one big button to turn it on and another that empties the bin directly into the trash can. You can press either with your thumb without adjusting your grip. There are no secondary switches or locks to fiddle with, nor are there different modes to choose between; it simply sucks, drops, and goes home. Just as important, it is among the quieter-seeming models I tested — the tone is a bit more melodious and less screechy than many of the larger, more powerful vacuums.

The Wandvac has only a single high-suction mode that lasts about ten minutes between charges. This sounds short, but it’s no problem for the quick messes it’s meant to clean. Besides, it feels more honest than including an underpowered low-suction mode for the sole purpose of extending the battery-life figures. If you’re going to run it for more than a couple of minutes at a time, a stick vacuum would likely be the better tool for the job. However, I would like to see a more easily replaceable battery and an option for USB-C charging on a future update (the Wandvac battery is removable, but it needs to be pried out with a flathead screwdriver). Other similar vacuums offer both of these features, but the Shark’s easier emptying makes it the better choice for most people.

Weight:1.3 lbs |Bin capacity:0.05 gal |Battery life:10 mins |Replaceable battery:Yes, swappable |Attachments:Upholstery, crevice/brush |USB-C charging:Yes |Warranty:2 years

The Ryobi Compact Hand Vacuum is a better value than the Shark and its multiple suction modes and swappable batteries make it more capable, too. But the Shark’s single-handed operation makes it much more pleasant to use overall. That said, if you want a wall-mountable dock (that also works on the counter) and don’t mind its somewhat more industrial aesthetic, the Ryobi performs similarly well and is usually cheaper. Like the Shark, it has a large power button, and you can toggle between low and high suction modes with a second, smaller button. However, the dust cup lacks a hinged release mechanism and must be unlocked, then pulled off with both hands for emptying. I was initially excited by the prospect of USB-C charging because I’d envisioned having it plugged into the phone charger we keep by the couch anyway. But in reality, this requires removing both battery packs and charging each separately with individual cables — hardly practical.

Weight:2.8 lbs |Bin capacity:0.11 gal |Battery life:10 mins |Replaceable battery:No |Attachments:Motorized roller brush, crevice, brush |USB-C charging:No |Warranty:2 years

Handheld vacuums of this size are a dying breed. But this one stands apart for its motorized roller brush. There’s no more effective tool for getting fur out of upholstery, and at $100, this is one of the most affordable ways to get one. Its ergonomic design is easy to use, and empty, it holds four times as much dust as the Shark Wandvac and is much quieter and lighter thansimilar vacuumsI tested. That said, most of ourcordless stick vacuum picks(such as theDyson V15 DetectandRyobi ONE+) come with a motorized upholstery attachment and can also clean floors. This is a fine pick if you already have a corded vacuum you like and just want something for upholstery, but otherwise, a more versatile stick vacuum would be the better buy.

Weight:1.1 lbs |Bin capacity:0.03 gal |Battery life:15 mins |Replaceable battery:No |Attachments:Upholstery, precision nozzles, crevice, brush, hose, cleaning brush |USB-C charging:Yes |Warranty:1 year

While the other handheld vacuums I wrote about are meant to be stored on their docks for easy access, the Fanttik charges via USB-C and is even slimmer, so it can be tucked away in a drawer. I keep it beneath my espresso setup with the brush attachment on and use it exclusively for sucking up all the inevitable coffee dust that arises from using a grinder. It’s actually quite powerful on both low and high suction modes, but the dime-size suction opening is too small to handle larger objects like Cheerios. It’s definitely more of an accessory vacuum than the slightly larger ones I tested. But it’s nice for handling countertop coffee dust or bread crumbs. I also like it for detailing windowsills, trim, and the deep seams of car upholstery. It comes with a whole bag’s worth of accessories, including precision nozzles and an extension hose, which honestly feels like too much, given its relatively small capacity. Like the Shark, it has a convenient, hinged dust cup, but the latch button is at the opposite end of the handle — not the most convenient design. Overall, though, it’s a neat little tool that I’ve genuinely come to enjoy using the more I get to know it.

Weight:2.6 lbs |Bin capacity:0.13 gal |Battery life:13 mins |Replaceable battery:No |Attachments:Upholstery, 2x brushes, hose with crevice tip, tip extender |USB-C charging:Yes |Warranty:1 year

If you want a vacuum that lives in your car, it should be able to charge there as well. The Fanttik Fold checks that box with its USB-C charging port and is also a competent cleaner. Its eponymous folding mechanism allows you to direct suction in any direction to reach the countless crevices that make up a modern vehicle, and it stows the cleaning tip for easier storage. It also includes two brushes, an upholstery tool, and an extension hose with a crevice tip to reach those truly inaccessible alcoves underneath and around the front seats — it even has a built-in LED to light the way. Unlike the other vacuums I tried, its large dust cup opens to the side, which might take some getting used to. Because it supports USB-C charging, this is also the handheld vacuum I’d recommend to anyone looking for something to keep by a sofa who doesn’t want to deal with a charging dock.

Weight:2.9 lbs |Bin capacity:0.16 gal |Battery life:16.5 mins |Replaceable battery:No |Attachments:Foldout brush, crevice|USB-C charging:No |Warranty:2 years

If you are looking for a classic “Dustbuster”-type hand vacuum, Black + Decker’s latest entry to the lineup addresses many of the complaints people had about the previous versions. Most important, the sound it produces is less harsh and grating. And at 2.6 pounds, it’s twice as heavy as the truly handheld vacuums, but it’s still a pound lighter than its predecessor. Its 16-minute battery life is much less limiting than the ten-to-12 minutes found on older models. I also was a bit surprised by how handy I found the LED headlight for getting at dust bunnies in dark corners and under furniture — especially in combination with its convenient, fold-out brush attachment. However, it doesn’t come with an upholstery tool. At $60, it’s not a bad choice for sucking up cat litter and escaped dryer lint, or if you’re on a really tight budget. Still, the other vacuums on this list are better overall if you can spend a bit more.

Weight:6.5 lbs |Bin capacity:1 gal |Battery life:depends on battery |Replaceable battery:Yes, swappable |Attachments:Crevice, 5 ft hose |USB-C charging:No |Warranty:2 years

Another tip from the parents of the Strategist’s Slack was to keep a portable wet-dry vacuum nearby for spills so you can suck them up before they soak into the rug or carpet. I tested Ryobi’s one-gallon model on a recommendation from senior editor Jen Trolio and found it exceptionally powerful for the price and size. It’s slightly smaller than a compact microwave and fits comfortably under a kitchen sink. It’s definitely too loud to use regularly around pets and small children, and at 6.5 pounds, it’s not something you’d want to use for detailing your entire home, but you’ll be glad you have it when you need it for bigger, tougher messes that a regular vacuum can’t help with — like spilled soup or spaghetti bolognese. Trolio also says it’s the perfect tool for sucking up all the residual pine needles after Christmas. Conveniently, since it uses Ryobi’s standard ONE+ 18v battery system with a standalone charger, the vacuum can stay in storage while the battery charges. (If you already have a battery and charger, you can get thevacuum alonefor a significant discount.)