Handheld Vacuums vs. Cordless Stick Vacuums: Which is Right for You? 2025

Although not our top-rated choice, the Shark WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum impresses with its lightweight design that makes quick cleanups a breeze. Ideal for cars or tight spots, its maneuverability is hard to beat. However, we found its short 16-minute battery life and tiny 0.08-liter dustbin limit extended cleaning sessions. Still, for $89.99, it’s a good option for tackling light messes, just keep in mind it may need frequent emptying.

In our experience, the Dirt Devil Hand Vacuum proves advantageous for quick, small messes with its lightweight build, scoring 5.5/10. The $71.19 price makes it an affordable and convenient go-to, but its short 10-minute battery and moderate 16V suction power are limiting. While we found it handy for minor cleanups, you might want a model with more power and longer battery life for extensive or larger debris tasks.

The BLACK+DECKER dustbuster FLEX is a handy tool for reaching those difficult spots, thanks to its flexible hose. However, during our review, we noted high noise levels and a modest 20-minute battery life, which might be restrictive for extended use. Its notable 6.5/10 score reflects its practicality despite these drawbacks, making it a reliable option for quick, targeted clean-ups.

When focusing specifically on mattress and upholstery cleaning, the Jimmy Bed Vacuum Cleaner shines with its powerful suction and UV light feature, which effectively fight allergens. Our experience, however, highlights its limited mobility due to the cord and reports of inconsistent performance. Despite its score of 6.5/10, it serves as a niche tool for those prioritizing hygiene and allergen reduction on soft surfaces.

The eufy HomeVac H30 Mate stands out with its lightweight frame, strong 80 AW suction, and versatile attachments that make cleaning a pleasant task. We found the dust canister a bit tricky to handle, and the chunky handle may reduce comfort during long sessions. While not the highest scorer at 7/10, it offers a convenient solution for handy domestic tasks, with a design optimized for maneuverability.

Offering budget-friendly utility, the Eureka Blaze 3-in-1 impressed us with its lightweight design and swivel steering, perfect for quick, small cleanups. Its 5.5/10 score reflects its limitations, such as insufficient power for thick carpets and frequent filter maintenance requirements. For those seeking an inexpensive, basic vacuum for hard floors and low-pile rugs, it remains a practical choice despite its simpler features.

The Dustbuster AdvancedClean Handheld Vacuum from BLACK+DECKER is a solid choice for quick clean-ups, particularly in tight spaces, thanks to its powerful suction and built-in crevice tool. In our experience, it's lightweight and easy to maneuver, though its loud operation and frequent filter maintenance can be drawbacks. Charging it requires some patience, taking 3-4 hours. If noise and upkeep don't deter you, it's certainly a handy tool at $59.99.

The BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Hand Vacuum stands out with its motorized brush tool, making it particularly effective for pet owners. Although its battery life may disappoint, only lasting 10-15 minutes in some cases, its ability to tackle embedded pet hair and easy bin maintenance are points in its favor. During our review, the noise and extended charging time were notable downsides. At $75.99, it remains a practical option for targeted cleaning sessions.

The Jimmy WB81 Mattress Vacuum Cleaner makes mattress cleaning more manageable with its strong suction; however, users have noted the UV light feature can be hit or miss. Heavier than anticipated, it may prove cumbersome over extended periods, but it's easy to operate and clean. Although it’s primarily for mattress use, it can tackle pet hair effectively, priced at $179.99, it’s a niche tool for allergen reduction.

For a highly portable cleaning solution, we found the Bissell AeroSlim Handheld Vacuum delivers on compact convenience. While its short 12-minute battery life and small dust capacity are limitations, its lightweight design and USB charging capability make it ideal for quick touch-ups. At $41.19, it's a budget-friendly choice, but best suited for minor tasks rather than extended cleaning sessions.

The BLACK+DECKER dustbuster shines in tackling pet hair and debris with strong suction power, though its lack of a HEPA filter means frequent maintenance. Scoring a 6/10, this model is ideal for quick clean-ups across tight spaces, despite the occasional filter clog. At $69.84, it offers solid performance for animal lovers or those needing swift intervention, provided the regular upkeep doesn’t deter you.

For an affordable handheld option with strong suction, consider the Powools Handheld Vacuum. In our testing, its versatile attachments and washable HEPA filter proved invaluable for quick clean-ups in cars and tight spots. However, the relatively short 20-minute battery life and flimsy plastic construction may limit extended use. While not our top scorer at 6.5/10, it’s a practical choice for smaller messes, especially when budget is a concern, although attachment storage could be improved.

Earning the highest score of 9.5/10 in our review, the Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum is a premium powerhouse designed for whole-home cleaning. Its impressive 185 AW suction and versatile attachments clean various surfaces with ease. While its $559 price point is high, the 60-minute battery life and ability to convert to a handheld vacuum offer unmatched flexibility. Consider this top pick if you're looking for exceptional cleaning performance across different floors.

The Dyson V10 Animal+ stands out with its strong 151 AW suction and HEPA filtration that captures 99.99% of particles, making it perfect for allergy sufferers. With an 8.5/10 score, it's slightly overshadowed by its high price and decreased battery life at max power. However, its performance on both carpets and hard floors speaks for itself, ideal for those with pets and various surface types to clean. This model is a solid mid-range choice in Dyson's lineup.

During our testing, the Shark IZ362H Cordless Vacuum demonstrated effective cleaning with HEPA filtration, earning it a 7.5/10. Pet owners will appreciate the self-cleaning brushroll that prevents hair wrap. While some users reported missing attachments, the vacuum’s solid suction and anti-allergen technology shine. Its 40-minute battery life could be better for larger spaces, but for $269.99, it's a satisfying mid-range option for tackling carpets and hard floors alike.

Offering a perfect blend of power and practicality, the Dyson V11 Extra ranks high with an 8.5/10 score. Its 185 AW suction ensures thorough cleaning on multiple surfaces, while a 60-minute runtime allows extended, uninterrupted sessions. Although it requires constant trigger engagement causing potential fatigue, and the price is relatively steep, this model's intelligent design makes it a top choice if you’re pursuing a reliable powerhouse that easily adapts across floor types.

The POWERSERIES Extreme Stick Vacuum offers versatility at a reasonable price of $179.99, earning a 7/10. It's highly effective at pet hair removal and is easy to maneuver across different surfaces. However, regular filter maintenance and a somewhat tricky dustbin emptying process can be drawbacks. Despite these concerns, its 55-minute battery life and cordless convenience make it a solid contender for everyday household cleaning challenges.

We found the Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum & Auto-Empty System to be notably lightweight and easy to use. It features strong suction and an auto-adjusting brushroll that works wonders across different floors, ranking it at a welcome 7/10. However, its reliance on multiple charges due to a 40-minute battery can be a limiting factor in larger homes. Priced at $299.99, this vacuum is great for smaller spaces needing reliable, adaptable cleaning efficiency.

The Bissell ICONpet Edge Vacuum’s unique tangle-free brush is a standout feature, but its top-heavy design and smaller dustbin diminished its convenience, scoring 6/10. Ideal for managing pet hair on various surfaces, you can trust it to not disappoint in hair cleanup, while not entirely flawless due to its tricky storage potential. At $384.42, it's a specialized tool for pet owners seeking a focused, albeit slightly restrictive, cleaning option.

The Shark Vertex Pro Cordless Stick Vacuum impressed us with its powerful 281 AW suction, comparable to pricey models, and its flexible wand that makes cleaning under furniture a breeze. However, our experience shows that it requires regular maintenance, as several parts need frequent cleaning. It's heavier than some rivals and lacks a brushroll on/off switch, which might affect performance on rugs. Still, for those who need strong, versatile cleaning, it remains a solid contender in its price range.

In our testing, the Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum excelled in removing pet hair and tackling tricky spots under furniture. However, its peculiar dustbin shape complicates cleaning, and the battery life is notably short on high power. While not the top scorer, its 7.5/10 rating reflects its strong performance in specific areas, making it a reasonable choice for pet owners needing a powerful yet maneuverable vacuum.

During our review, the Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty System outperformed others with its powerful suction and innovative auto-empty system, earning it a commendable 8.5/10. However, the loud operation of the emptying system and shorter-than-promised battery life on maximum power modes were noticeable downsides. Overall, it's an excellent choice for those seeking a powerful and convenient cleaning solution with advanced features for whole-home coverage.

The POWERSERIES Extreme MAX Stick Vacuum provides reliable performance with strong suction and an anti-tangle feature, making it effective across surfaces. While it earned a 7/10 in our evaluations, its long battery charge time and weight may decrease maneuverability and convenience. Ideal for tackling household messes, it offers a balanced mix of power and versatility, despite some potential drawbacks.

Earning a high rating of 9/10, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim excels in cleaning performance with its advanced tech and lightweight, maneuverable design. However, the small dustbin means more frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions. If you're looking for an effective tool to reveal and tackle hidden dust, this model offers innovative solutions combined with dependable Dyson power, justifying its premium price and top score.

The Tineco PURE ONE S11 Vacuum impressed us with its powerful 450W motor and detachable battery offering up to 40 minutes of runtime, ideal for thorough cleans. While its slightly top-heavy design can lead to fatigue, its cordless convenience enhances maneuverability across surfaces. The controls, while not flawless, are paired with strong suction and helpful attachments, making it a worthy competitor. Priced at $209, it’s a practical option for comprehensive cleaning sessions.

In our testing, the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute received high praise for its innovation and performance, scoring a 9/10. The green laser is a clear game-changer, revealing hidden dust for spotless cleaning. While its higher cost might be a hurdle, the impressive suction power and HEPA filtration justify the investment. The dustbin might need frequent emptying, but for those seeking a high-tech and highly efficient cleaning tool, it’s a solid choice.

Our experience with the Dyson Outsize Vacuum highlights its exceptional suction power and large dustbin capacity, effectively reducing the time spent on maintenance. While the device is heavier than typical cordless models, making it tiring for prolonged use, its flexibility on both carpets and solid floors is commendable. Priced at $398.02, it's a more affordable option than some Dyson models, providing robust performance despite some weight and price concerns.

Our testing with the Samsung Jet 90 Stick Vacuum reveals impressive suction and enduring 60-minute battery life, making it a viable option for holistic home cleaning. Its HEPA filtration system is slightly more efficient than competitors, perfect for allergy sufferers. While its smaller dust bin can prompt frequent emptying, it handled various surfaces adeptly in our review. For $474.69, it offers cordless convenience with strong performance across modes.

If you're dealing with a larger home, the Dyson Gen5outsize is a great contender with its exceptional 250 AW suction and expansive 1.89-liter dust capacity, reducing the frequency of emptying. Earning an 8/10, it excels in cleaning power but loses points due to its hefty weight and high price of $1049.99. While some attachments aren’t as durable, the Dyson's numerous tools and long-lasting 140-minute battery make it a worthy choice for tackling extensive messes.