Not to sound like I'm answering one of those back-handed job interview questions, but if I had to pick one quality that was both my best and my worst simultaneously, it'd be my need for efficiency. The best handheld vacuums are made for people like me, because if I have to lug out the giant vacuum for one tiny little mess, I just flat-out won't do it. I'll wait until there is a large enough collection of tiny messes, and then I'll drag it out. Don't even get me started on the lack of efficiency surrounding brooms.
These awesome portable vacuums are a total lifesaver for several reasons. For one, they're often lightweight and able to get those hard-to-reach places, like when your dog decides to rip up a pillow underneath your bed. Which brings me to my next point — they're great for pet owners, because despite their small size and portability, they have impressive suction power when it comes to hair, fur, and dirt. Some of them are even cordless, and have long extendable hoses that work just like a full-size vacuum would. So whether you're short on storage space or you prefer efficiency like me, these highly-rated handheld vacuums might just be the best investment you make this year.
1The Highest Rated Hand Vac On Consumer Reports
Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II Hand Vacuum, $50, Amazon
Consumer Reports has placed the Shark cordless Pet Perfect II at the top of their list because it's great on carpets, bare floors, and in hard-to-reach areas. Its twister cyclonic technology has impressive suction for dust, pet hair, and dirt, and its rechargeable battery is extremely convenient when it comes to portability. It's even got a charging stand and wall mount for simple storage.
2The Most Popular Handheld Vacuum On Amazon
BLACK + DECKER Cordless Lithium Hand Vac, $49, Amazon
With more than 12,000 reviews, the BLACK + DECKER cordless vac is one of the most popular models on Amazon. People are obsessing over its convenient and futuristic features, like a long-lasting rechargeable lithium-ion battery, energy-saving technology, cyclonic action design, and translucent bagless dirt compartment. It also has a rotating slim nozzle, and multi-surface cleaning attachments.
3This Vacuum That Is Convenient And Affordable
Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip, $30, Amazon
The Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip is hands down the most affordable option, but it has some surprising power and convenience, too. The integrated quick flip nozzle helps you get hard-to-reach places, while the bagless design makes it easy to empty. It's also got an impressive seven amp motor that reviewers say makes it a "very powerful little vacuum."
4This Must-Have If You Have A Shedding Pet
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum, $29, Amazon
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser also made Consumer Report's list, but even more impressive are the reviews. At the time of publishing, it had an incredible 4.4 star-rating on Amazon because, according to reviewers, "this sucks up your whole freaking life! Pet hair is gone and I have a beagle." It uses multi-layer filtration and a cyclonic cleaning system to suck up pet hair on stairs, upholstery, floors, and even cars. It's also great for kitty litter and pet food spills.
5This Tiny Machine That Has All The Power Of A Full-Sized Vacuum In
Eureka EasyClean Corded Hand-Held Vacuum, $45, Amazon
If you want the power to tackle huge messes, but don't want to lug out the full-sized vacuum, this is it: the Eureka EasyClean corded handheld vacuum. It's the second-highest rated on Consumer Reports because it's "impressive overall" with its "spacious dust bin, onboard tool storage, and an electric rotating brush for vertical surfaces." It also has a wide nozzle to pick up more dust at once, as well as a long hose and extra long cord.
6This Vacuum With A Flexible Four-Foot Hose For Hard-To-Reach Places
BLACK+DECKER Flex Cordless Vacuum, $84, Amazon
According to Consumer Reports, the BLACK+DECKER flex cordless vacuum had all-around solid ratings for bare floors, carpets, edges, noise level, and pet hair. However, the main draw is the flexible four-foot hose for under couches, in crevices, beneath curtains, and for shelves and ceiling fans. It's also rechargeable, and has a three-stage filtration system that prevents dust and debris from escaping.
7This Long-Lasting Rechargeable Lithium Battery Vac That Stays Strong Over Time
HoLife Cordless Lithium Handheld Vacuum, $51, Amazon
The HoLife cordless vacuum is so impressive because of its incredibly powerful lithium battery. It charges in only a few hours and can run for up to 30 minutes straight to blow through your whole house on chore day. The battery also preserves its power over time, and the vacuum itself is lightweight, quiet, works on dry or wet messes, and has "absolutely amazing suction," according to reviewers.
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