10 Best Handheld Vacuum Cleaners UK 2022 | Shark, Vax and More

For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:

1. VacLife - Handheld Vacuum for £42.49
2. Shark - Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner for £99.00
   
3. Gtech - Multi MK2 K9 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner for £169.00
   
4. eufy - HomeVac H11 for £49.99
   
5. Bagotte - Portable Cordless Handheld Vacuum for £62.99

For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of handheld vacuum cleaners available and understand how our ranking was determined.

This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.

1. Look for a Battery Runtime Around 20 Minutes and a Charge Time of 2 - 3 Hours
   
2. Opt for a Minimum Dust Bin Capacity of 500ml for Less Frequent Emptying
   
3. Choose a Handheld Cleaner That Weighs Less Than 1kg for Better Manoeuvrability
   
4. Pick a Vacuum Cleaner With a HEPA Filter if You Suffer From Allergies
   
5. Check for Useful Attachments Such as Crevice Nozzles, Pet Brushes and LED Lights
   

To determine how long you can use the handheld vacuum cleaner once it's fully charged, check the runtime. If it's 30 minutes or above, you'll likely be able to clean your entire home with one charging session. If you live in a smaller house or flat, this type of handheld vacuum cleaner may even serve as a replacement for a mains-powered device. 

If you already have a mains-powered vacuum and are looking for a handheld model as an additional tool to tackle hard to reach spaces, such as furniture crevices and cars, a handheld vacuum with 20 minutes runtime should be sufficient. Do note that the runtime may vary depending on the setting you use. However, for higher spec models, the standard setting is usually more than enough to handle essential daily tasks.

For bigger cleaning tasks, check out our go-to cordless vacuum cleaners!

Handheld vacuum cleaner batteries can take up to 4 and a half hours to be fully charged. So knowing the amount of time it takes for your device to charge can help you to better plan out your cleaning session.

If you're planning to use your handheld vacuum cleaner regularly, a shorter charge time will be more convenient. Opting for a model with a charging time between 2 - 3 hours is ideal as you won't have to wait around every time you want to use it. 

Most handheld vacuum cleaners are bagless, which means the dust compartment is emptied by shaking the collected waste directly into the bin. Of course the bigger the capacity, the more ground you can cover before needing to empty it. So, if you choose a cleaner with limited bin capacity, you will find yourself having to emptying it over and over again, disrupting your cleaning session. 

Handheld vacuum cleaners have dustbin capacities ranging from 100 - 900 ml and everything in between. As a rule of thumb, anything below 500 ml is on the smaller end and will require frequent emptying. 

Just be aware that a large capacity bin will also affect the total weight of the device and how easy it is to empty. To get the right capacity, it's crucial to think about how much cleaning you usually do and buy accordingly.

If you're looking for large capacity bagless vacuum cleaners, check out our top 10!

When compared to more traditional models, handheld vacuum cleaners have the benefit of being lighter for easy carrying and use. However, if your handheld cleaner is excessively heavy, this advantage may somewhat be diminished. Therefore, weight is a crucial consideration!

Handheld vacuum cleaners typically range from 0.5 to 2.0 kg, but anything below 1 kg should be lightweight enough to carry with ease. Of course, heavier models shouldn't be dismissed entirely as it may still be worth considering whether they have features that could benefit your cleaning needs. 

While regular vacuum cleaners are unable to filter allergens, high-efficiency ( HEPA ) air filter vacuums can filter fine particles including dust, mites, pollen and pet dander that are circulating in the air. By capturing allergens, this prevents them from recirculating, releasing clean air back into the room.

HEPA filters are required meet specific performance criteria to earn their designation. For example, they must be tested to ensure they can capture at least 99.7% of particles around the size of 0.3 microns. 

If anyone in your household suffers from allergies or conditions that cause breathing difficulties such as asthma, opting for a HEPA handheld cleaner may help to reduce the chance of irritation. Even if you don't have allergies, a HEPA filter vacuum can still improve your home's overall air quality.

Handheld models typically come with tools and attachments to help you clean better. That's why you should consider the areas you will be cleaning when deciding which accessories you'll need. For instance, will you be cleaning carpeted areas, ceiling corners with mazes of cobwebs, or a car that's always covered in pet fur and crumbs?

A crevice tool is a great attachment if you're primarily using your handheld vacuum cleaner for cars as it can help you to pick up hidden debris. Upholstery or dusting brushes are also useful for keeping seats and carpets fresh and free of pet hair. 

Aside from attachments, you may want to look for a model with an LED light function. This will help illuminate areas where light is limited to avoid missing any dust. A removable and washable filter is another beneficial extra to extend the life and quality of your device. Certain vacuums can even be used to clean up wet messes and spills, tackling the dirt before it has a chance to set!

Browse more car vacuum cleaners here!

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.

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Written and Researched by Audrey Tan