The 8 Best Handheld Vacuums, Tested and Reviewed (2025)

WIRED reviewer Brenda Stolyar liked this newest addition to the Dyson lineup (7/10, WIRED recommends), a handheld vacuum designed specifically for sucking up dirt and debris from your car and boat, plus bedding, furniture, and other awkward spaces. it's small, but has a powerful suction, with a spin speed of 110,000 RPM (comparable to other bigger, more expensive Dyson models) and a crevice tool that made it easy to suck up crumbs in hard-to-reach places like in between seats and in upholstery crevices.

However, unlike Dyson's standard vacuums, it only comes with two cleaning modes, and it doesn't have a digital display or power button. Instead, flip the switch between the two modes—standard and max—and press the trigger. This handheld also has a long battery life to get you through multiple cleans without having to remove it from your car or wherever you mostly use it.

This vacuum means business. It’s very similar to our other Ryobi pick, but has a mini motorized beater bar that’s excellent for hair, a crevice tool, a dust brush, and LEDs for increased visibility while cleaning. (See? Powerhorse.) Like the other Ryobi model, it sits on a rechargeable 18-volt battery with a charging indicator light and easily attaches and detaches to the end for less bulky charging. As an added bonus, the battery is compatible with other Ryobi tools.

The crevice tool worked great for hard-to-reach places and the brush was gentle enough to brush and vac debris (it worked excellently on my air vents). The mini motorized beater bar packs a lot of power and the head pivots to keep extra close to various surfaces and angles. The cover of the beater bar can be opened with a small slotted tool (I used a coin), and the brush slips out for even easier cleaning. I used the vacuum on concrete to suck up cat litter, fabrics with pet hair, carpet with pine needles, and even tough items like wood chips were sucked up without issue.

It’s probably the most powerful on the list, but I don’t think it’s the one best for most people, simply because it’s such a workhorse. It’s a bit heavier and bulkier than others on the list, and is pretty loud—and bright with an LED light that ensures you can clean in any condition.