We Tested 7 Handheld Vacuums for Cars and Picked Our Favorites

We then measured the airspeed of each vacuum by attaching it to our sealed wind tunnel with an anemometer to compare airflow. The Wandvac did quite poorly, only registering an airspeed of about 827 feet per minute , which is very low compared to the group’s average measurement of 1300 fpm. It can take a while to get used to the location of the on/off button.

The crevice tool also focuses the Flex’s airflow, offsetting the weaker suction to some degree. In addition, this vac has a rubber-nubbed pet-hair attachment—not a motorized brush as with the Dyson—that gets the job done and doesn’t require maintenance. In our tests, however, it did take a little while to pick up all the hair. shark dustbuster All of the tools lock into place on the hose, so you won’t have to worry about losing them. For models with comparable cleaning ability and comfort, we used battery life as a tiebreaker. Although most handheld vacuums have plenty of juice for quick, occasional cleanups, the best ones last long enough to clean an entire car.

shark dustbuster

Both run on batteries that are easily replaceable and interchangeable with other Ryobi and Worx products, respectively. Some other review sites recommend the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 33A1B, but in testing it, we didn’t see anything special about it. It’s bulky even though it’s smaller than our picks; it’s also uncomfortable to handle and the loudest vacuum we’ve tested so far. The exhaust vents scatter the debris you’re trying to pick up, and the filter isn’t easy to replace after you take it out. Thanks to the lithium-ion battery, it maintains steady power throughout the charge cycle.

You simply place the vacuum on it to charge and can then quickly remove it when it’s time to clean up a mess without dealing with any cables. Clean tight spaces and in the car with the Duster Crevice Tool and use the Multi-Surface Tool for upholstery, carpets, and pet hair. And when cleaning is complete, one-touch debris emptying means you won’t have to get your hands dirty. Maintenance is also simple with a washable dust bin and filter. Our final tests focused on how easily the vacuums could clean up after our furry friends.

Lastly, when determining the overall value of each product, we considered our entire experience with the product in comparison to the price. Our editors took all of the consistently applied testing data that was gathered at The Lab and at home, and boiled it down to the Shark vacuums we believe are the very best. If you’re tired of running to the car wash every time you need the inside of your vehicle cleaned out, a handheld vacuum can be a handy tool to have around. However, it can also help you clean up those occasional household messes. Instead of pulling out the vacuum cleaner or grabbing a broom and dustpan, you could use a handheld vacuum to quickly clean up that pool of food under your baby’s high chair or suck up some spilled pet food from the floor.

All in all, the maneuverability of the Pet Perfect 2 is more beneficial than derogatory, but there are a few items I would have liked to see done differently. Therefore, shark robotic vacuums you do not have to worry about swapping between power modes after turning the unit on. Simply flip the switch one time and you’re ready to rock and roll.

The suction starts to drop off only in the last minute or so of battery life, or if the filter isn’t clean. If you’re going to spend a lot of time cleaning your car, you need a hand vacuum with an extendable hose and useful attachments. The Black+Decker 20V Max Lithium Flex BDH2020FL is the best example of this type and has different strengths and weaknesses. It’s usually well-priced and has a longer, more flexible hose that you can use with one hand. The main downside, as with most Dustbuster-style models, is that the CHV1410L can’t clean upholstery very effectively.

Extra accessories allow for multiple cleaning styles to be utilized. Does a great job of removing pet hair from most indoor surfaces. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. We also test performance when picking up larger debris, including common household residues such as cereal and biscuit crumbs. Check your manufacturer’s guide for specific instructions on clearing the filter, and do this as often as your guide recommends. A few lower-voltage Flex vacs are available from Black+Decker.

Before investing in a handheld model, check your current vacuum’s functionalities as some cordless designs double up as handhelds, so you may have one already. Equally, buying a multi-tasking stick vac may be a better fit for your home, particularly if you’re tight on space. It’s generally easy to empty but hair and fluff can get stuck, meaning the washable filter has to be removed. It’s sturdy, thanks to suction cups on the base, and there’s no need to hold down the power switch.