10 Best Handheld Vacuums

The Shark Handheld Cordless Vacuum CH950UKT is a strong option for quick cleaning tasks, especially for pet owners. Its 80-watt motor delivers powerful suction that easily picks up dust, debris, and pet hair from various surfaces. The vacuum is lightweight at 1.2 kg, making it comfortable to hold and use for short cleaning sessions. It runs cordless on a lithium-ion battery, but with a relatively short runtime of 10 minutes, it’s best suited for quick spot cleaning rather than extended use.

The 0.45-liter dust cup is larger than many handheld models, meaning fewer interruptions to empty it, and the one-touch easy empty feature makes disposal straightforward. The washable HEPA filter helps maintain suction over time and is convenient to clean. It comes with three useful attachments: a motorised pet tool for stubborn pet hair, a dusting brush for delicate surfaces, and a crevice tool for tight spaces—these add versatility, especially in homes with pets.

The noise level at 80 dB is moderately loud, which might be noticeable in quiet homes. Also, the battery life might feel limiting if you have larger areas to clean. This vacuum suits pet owners or anyone needing a handy tool for quick cleanups on upholstery, car interiors, or small messes, rather than a full deep clean.

The Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute is a powerful cordless vacuum that delivers the strong suction you'd expect from a corded model, making it a solid choice for deep cleaning around the home. Its advanced battery offers up to 60 minutes of consistent cleaning time, which is generous for cordless vacuums, and you can choose from three power modes to balance run time and suction strength depending on the task. Weighing 2.6 kg, it's reasonably light and comfortable to handle for most people, although those seeking the lightest possible stick vacuum might find it a bit on the heavier side. The dust bin holds 0.77 litres, which is a decent size that means you won’t have to empty it frequently during typical cleaning sessions.

Included are two versatile cleaner heads: a motorised bar that works well on both carpets and hard floors while also untangling hair and pet fur as you clean, and a soft roller designed specifically for hard floors, tackling fine dust and dirt even in cracks. Being cordless and bagless adds to its convenience and portability. However, the noise level is moderately high at 87 decibels, which might be noticeable during use. Also, while it is compact, the vacuum's size and weight could be a consideration if you need something ultra-lightweight for quick or very frequent clean-ups.

This vacuum suits UK homeowners who want a versatile, powerful cordless model capable of handling a variety of surfaces and typical household messes with ease.

The Gtech AirRAM MK2 K9 is a lightweight, cordless handheld vacuum that uses patented AirLoc technology to pick up both large debris and embedded dust effectively. Its suction is supported by a rotating brush bar, making it particularly useful for pet owners or those dealing with stubborn dirt. The vacuum weighs 3.2 kg, which is manageable for quick clean-ups but might feel a bit heavy for extended use compared to smaller handheld models.

The 22V lithium-ion battery offers a solid 40 minutes of runtime, enough to clean several rooms before needing a recharge. With a 0.8-litre dust capacity and a bagless design that compresses dirt and pet hair, emptying the bin is straightforward and less messy. The vacuum also includes replaceable scented cartridges to keep your home smelling fresh and comes with a spare HEPA filter, which helps trap fine dust and allergens. It operates at a moderate noise level of 68 dB, so it won’t be too disruptive during use.

It has only one suction speed and no auto shutoff, which may limit control and convenience for some users. Its aluminium reinforcement adds durability without a bulky feel, and the cordless design allows for easy storage and mobility. This vacuum suits pet owners or those needing a versatile cordless cleaner for everyday use, but if you want multiple speed settings or a lighter device for long cleaning sessions, you might want to consider other options.