Whether you have smaller spaces to clean, or you're tackling pet hair in the carpet, there are times when wrestling the hoover out of the cupboard just isn't worth it.
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Having a handheld vacuum is often a huge help, particularly for smaller cleaning jobs around the home. Some have specific attachments for those hard-to-reach areas, or turbo boosts for especially stubborn dirt.
We've found the most practical and budget-friendly pleasing ones on the market right now.
Best handheld vacuum cleaners
Gtech Multi MK2 handheld vacuum cleaner
As the most expensive vacuum on this test, did this sleek, green, cleaning machine live up to expectations? This powerful vacuum comes with a crevice tool, dusting brush and power head, which is great on carpets and wood.
After a four-hour charge the Gtech powers up and, boy, it means business! The suction is impressive, and runs for 20 minutes.
Check how much power is left on the LED display – never be caught out with a low battery again. There’s a handy light, too, so you can rummage around in your darkest corners. An investment, but worth it.
Dunelm handheld vacuum
Although this vacuum is the cheapest, it’s surprisingly good. It’s great at sucking up crumbs from tables and chairs, but isn’t quite powerful enough to tackle pet hair on carpets.
With a run time of 10 minutes, it’s best for short bursts around the house. It takes seven hours to power up, so don’t forget to charge it after use. It feels fairly lightweight and easy to manoeuvre.
If you need to get into small spaces, it also comes with a pointed nozzle to tackle those crevices. It’s an excellent choice and good value if you need something small for a quick pick up.
Beldray BEL0944RD Revo cordless handheld vacuum
If you’re looking for a stylish handheld vacuum, this sleek, cordless unit is it. It comes with a neat non-slip charging base, with slots to hold all three tools: crevice, upholstery and brush.
Weighing just 1.5kg, this vacuum is easy to use throughout the home and the car, and has a HEPA filter which is ideal for allergy sufferers. Charging takes approximately 5 hours and the battery will last for about thirty minutes.
This vacuum also has a turbo boost function which works well on particularly stubborn carpets. It can be placed neatly in its stand on a worktop or can be stored away in a small cupboard.
Shark cordless HandVac CH950UKT handheld vacuum
Lightweight and stylish, this vacuum earns its price tag. The motorised turbo tool is great at picking up pet hair off the carpet and sofa. However, some longer hair got stuck in the bristles and was a little tricky to pull out.
It has a run time of ten minutes on a four-hour charge, so remember to plug it in after use. The washable filter is great for getting rid of allergens and dusts with a simple rinse under the tap. We would have liked this vacuum to have a dock for neat storage and charging, but it performs well and is worth the spend.
Beldray wet and dry handheld vacuum cleaner
Weighing less than 1kg, this cordless vacuum makes light work of cleaning up dust and debris around your home. Great on skirting, coving and shelves, it will return them to sparkling condition with the crevice and brush attachments, which you can use on wet spills as well.
On a full charge, the vacuum lasted for about 20 minutes and was quiet too, though the suction could have been stronger as it took a few attempts to pick up dirt from a woollen rug. The storage stand included also doubles up as a handy wall mount.
Black & Decker PD1200AV-XJ 12 V Flexi Auto Dustbuster
With a 1.5m long flexible hose, this vacuum makes light work of cleaning out nooks and crannies. However, as you have to plug it into a cigarette lighter this is for car cleaning only.
The 5m cable means you can get under seats and even the boot – and while it doesn’t have the same suction as a mains-power vacuum, it was great at picking up pet hair and general crumbs and dirt. It also has a crevice nozzle and a flip up brush to really get into consoles and fans. Once you’ve meticulously cleaned your motor, the vacuum (and its attachments) can be stored in its handy mesh bag.
Find more car vacuum cleaners in our guide to the best models you can buy online.
Still undecided? Browse our ultimate guide to the best vacuum cleaners to see our picks of everything from cordless to robot vacuums!
