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10 Best Hand Vacuums

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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#2
Dyson Car+
Available on
£249
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with Pet Tool, Crevice Tool & Dusting Brush, 80 W, 0.45 liters, 10 Minute Run-Time, Washable Filter, Black & Yellow, CH950UKT

10.0  score

27% OFF
Available on
£58
27% off
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Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,100
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight and Ergonomics
Suction Power
Unbelievable suction power, better than some home vacuums costing four times as much.
Battery Life
Battery life sufficient for vacuuming two cars on a single charge.
Weight and Ergonomics
Lightweight and easy to handle, even in tight spaces.
Dustbin Capacity
Emptying the vacuum is easy and keeps it at peak performance.
Attachments and Accessories
Motorized hair device works well, though some stubborn hairs may remain on fabric sofas.

The Shark Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (model CH950UKT) is a compact and lightweight option, weighing just 1.2 kg, making it easy to handle for quick cleanups. Its powerful 80-watt motor ensures effective suction, especially useful for homes with pets, thanks to the included motorized pet tool.

The vacuum also comes with a dusting brush and crevice tool, adding versatility for different cleaning tasks. Its 0.45-liter dustbin capacity is decent for a handheld vacuum, with a one-touch easy empty feature for convenient disposal of debris. A washable HEPA filter is included, which can be rinsed and reused, saving on replacement costs.

However, the battery life is limited to just 10 minutes, which might be insufficient for larger cleaning jobs. The noise level of 80 dB may also be a bit loud for some users. This vacuum is best suited for quick and targeted cleanups rather than extensive cleaning sessions. With a 2-year guarantee upon registration, Shark offers good after-sales support. The Shark Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is ideal for pet owners and those needing an efficient tool for sporadic, small-scale cleaning tasks.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,100
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight and Ergonomics
Suction Power
Unbelievable suction power, better than some home vacuums costing four times as much.
Battery Life
Battery life sufficient for vacuuming two cars on a single charge.
Weight and Ergonomics
Lightweight and easy to handle, even in tight spaces.
Dustbin Capacity
Emptying the vacuum is easy and keeps it at peak performance.
Attachments and Accessories
Motorized hair device works well, though some stubborn hairs may remain on fabric sofas.
#2

Dyson Car+Boat handheld vacuum cleaner (Silver)

9.7  score

Available on
£249
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Rating
9.7
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight and Ergonomics
Suction Power
A small, compact, and powerful vacuum that easily replaces older models with improved performance.
Battery Life
Charging is quick, but the battery life on high power is short, lasting under 10 minutes in intensive mode.
Weight and Ergonomics
Lightweight design makes it comfortable to use even for those with arthritis, despite a somewhat awkward shape.
Dustbin Capacity
The dust collector is easy to empty and the vacuum is simple to handle and switch attachments.
Attachments and Accessories
The included crevice tool is effective for tight spots like cars, though a second battery would be a valuable addition for extended cleaning sessions.

The Dyson Car+Boat handheld vacuum stands out for its impressive suction power, thanks to a digital motor that spins up to 110,000rpm and delivers 115AW of suction. This makes it well-suited for deep cleaning cars, boats, and other tight spaces like upholstery, stairs, and pet beds. It runs cordless, with a strong battery life offering up to 50 minutes of continuous use in Eco mode, which balances power and runtime.

The vacuum is lightweight at about 1.9 kg and compact, making it easy to handle and carry around during quick or detailed cleaning sessions. The dustbin holds 0.54 liters, which is decent for a handheld but might require frequent emptying if used on larger areas. It comes with basic attachments like a crevice tool, useful for reaching narrow spots. Users appreciate its portability and power, though the noise level is moderately high at 82 dB, which might be noticeable during use. With two power settings, it adapts well to everyday cleaning or more intensive jobs.

The price and limited included accessories could be a consideration if you need specialized tools. This vacuum suits people looking for a powerful, versatile, and portable cleaning device primarily for vehicles and small spaces.

Rating
9.7
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight and Ergonomics
Suction Power
A small, compact, and powerful vacuum that easily replaces older models with improved performance.
Battery Life
Charging is quick, but the battery life on high power is short, lasting under 10 minutes in intensive mode.
Weight and Ergonomics
Lightweight design makes it comfortable to use even for those with arthritis, despite a somewhat awkward shape.
Dustbin Capacity
The dust collector is easy to empty and the vacuum is simple to handle and switch attachments.
Attachments and Accessories
The included crevice tool is effective for tight spots like cars, though a second battery would be a valuable addition for extended cleaning sessions.
#3

Akitas V8 3-in-1 Cordless Hoover Vacuum Cleaner Handheld & Upright Lightweight 22.2 V 150 W, Rechargeable Lithium Battery for Floors Carpets and Pet Hair

9.4  score

Available on
£42.49
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Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight and Ergonomics
Suction Power
It impressively holds its charge, efficiently cleaning a 3-bedroom house with its powerful suction.
Battery Life
It impressively holds its charge, efficiently cleaning a 3-bedroom house with its powerful suction.
Weight and Ergonomics
This vacuum excels in ease of use, boasting simple assembly, effective charging, and lightweight handling.
Attachments and Accessories
The vacuum's versatile attachments make it ideal for reaching corners and cleaning small areas, even in a car.

The Akitas Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (AKV8) is designed to be lightweight and easy to handle, making it a great choice for users who prioritize convenience. Weighing only 2.4 kg, it is easy to maneuver around the house. Its 150W motor provides good suction power, capable of efficiently cleaning carpets and pet hair, which is a plus for pet owners. The 22.2V lithium-ion battery offers a respectable 40-minute run time, giving you ample time for thorough cleaning sessions without needing frequent recharges.

The cordless design enhances its portability and ease of use, freeing you from the hassle of tangled cords. The vacuum comes with a motorized turbo brush head that includes an LED light, helping you spot and clean hidden dirt in darker areas. It also features an energy-efficient Eco Mode and a more powerful Max mode for tougher cleaning tasks. The dustbin capacity of 0.8 liters is standard for most hand-vacuums, though it might require more frequent emptying for larger homes or heavy cleaning needs. The inclusion of a HEPA filter is a significant advantage for those concerned about allergens, as it traps fine particles effectively.

The provided attachments, including an adaptor, dusting brush, and crevice tool, increase its versatility, making it easier to clean various surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. However, at a noise level of 80 dB, it might be a bit loud for some users. The 2-year warranty offers peace of mind, ensuring support if any issues arise. This vacuum cleaner is ideal for smaller to average-sized homes, pet owners, and anyone looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use cleaning tool with solid performance.

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight and Ergonomics
Suction Power
It impressively holds its charge, efficiently cleaning a 3-bedroom house with its powerful suction.
Battery Life
It impressively holds its charge, efficiently cleaning a 3-bedroom house with its powerful suction.
Weight and Ergonomics
This vacuum excels in ease of use, boasting simple assembly, effective charging, and lightweight handling.
Attachments and Accessories
The vacuum's versatile attachments make it ideal for reaching corners and cleaning small areas, even in a car.

Buying Guide for the Best Hand Vacuums

When choosing a hand vacuum, it's important to consider your specific cleaning needs and the environment in which you'll be using it. Hand vacuums are versatile tools that can help you clean small messes quickly and efficiently, but selecting the right one involves understanding various features and specifications. By focusing on the key specs, you can find a hand vacuum that best suits your lifestyle and cleaning requirements.
Suction PowerSuction power is a measure of how effectively a vacuum can pick up dirt and debris. It's important because stronger suction means better cleaning performance, especially on carpets or when dealing with pet hair. Suction power is often measured in air watts (AW) or volts. For light cleaning tasks, a lower suction power might suffice, but for more demanding jobs, such as cleaning up after pets or in high-traffic areas, a higher suction power is preferable. Consider your cleaning needs and the types of surfaces you'll be cleaning to determine the right level of suction power for you.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long a hand vacuum can operate on a single charge. This is crucial for ensuring you can complete your cleaning tasks without frequent recharging. Battery life is typically measured in minutes. For quick, occasional clean-ups, a shorter battery life may be adequate. However, if you plan to use the vacuum for extended periods or in larger spaces, look for models with longer battery life. Consider how often and for how long you'll use the vacuum to choose the appropriate battery life.
Weight and ErgonomicsWeight and ergonomics refer to how comfortable and easy the vacuum is to handle. A lighter vacuum is easier to maneuver and less tiring to use, especially for extended periods. Ergonomics involves the design of the handle and controls, which should be intuitive and comfortable to use. If you have limited strength or plan to use the vacuum frequently, prioritize a lightweight and ergonomically designed model. Consider your physical comfort and the ease of use when selecting a hand vacuum.
Dustbin CapacityDustbin capacity is the amount of debris the vacuum can hold before needing to be emptied. A larger capacity means less frequent emptying, which is convenient for larger cleaning tasks. Dustbin capacity is usually measured in liters or ounces. For small, quick clean-ups, a smaller dustbin may be sufficient. However, for larger areas or more frequent use, a larger dustbin is beneficial. Think about the size of the areas you'll be cleaning and how often you want to empty the dustbin to decide on the right capacity.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories enhance the versatility of a hand vacuum by allowing it to tackle different cleaning tasks. Common attachments include crevice tools, brushes, and pet hair tools. These are important for reaching tight spaces, cleaning upholstery, or removing pet hair. If you have specific cleaning needs, such as dealing with pet hair or cleaning car interiors, look for a vacuum with the appropriate attachments. Consider the types of surfaces and areas you'll be cleaning to determine which attachments are necessary for you.