Best Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Reviews UK 2023 – Top 8 Comparison

Last Updated On September 15th, 2022

Handheld vacuum cleaners are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to vast improvements in battery life and design. If you often find yourself struggling with your old corded version, treat yourself to the best handheld vacuum cleaner and make light work of household chores with the freedom of cordless cleaning.

To help you choose the best model for your needs, we’ve scoured the market to bring you our top 8 handheld vacuum reviews. Whether you’re looking for power and runtime, or a compact and manoeuvrable model, you’re sure to find your perfect match on our list.

So, what are you waiting for? Read on to find out all you need to know about our top cordless vacuum cleaner picks and what key features to look out for when making your decision.

Our Favourite Handheld Vacuum Cleaners Compared

Editor's Choice
Gtech Multi MK2 K9 | Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner | Reinforced with Aluminium | 22V Li-ion Battery | Powered Brush Bar
Best for Tight Spots
BLACK+DECKER PD1820L-GB PD1820L Handheld Vacuum, 1700 W, Dark Titanium
Most Powerful
Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner [WV251UK] Twin Battery, Grey
Best for Light Tasks
BLACK+DECKER PV1820LGB 18 V Lithium-Ion Compact Pivot Vacuum, Dark Titanium
Gtech Multi MK2 K9
Black+Decker 1700W
Shark WV251UK Cordless
Black+Decker Compact Pivot
Weight
1.5 kg
2.28 kg
0.6 kg
1.38 kg
Runtime & Charging Period
20 mins & 4 hrs
15 mins & 4 hrs
16 mins & 2.5 hrs
10 mins & 4 hrs
Dust Bin Capacity
0.8 litre
0.5 litre
0.25 litre
0.44 litre
Attachments
Extention tube, crevice tool, dusting brush, power brush
Crevice tool, flip-out brush
Crevice tool, pet tool
pivot nozzle & flip out soft brush
Editor's Choice
Gtech Multi MK2 K9 | Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner | Reinforced with Aluminium | 22V Li-ion Battery | Powered Brush Bar
Gtech Multi MK2 K9
Weight
1.5 kg
Runtime & Charging Period
20 mins & 4 hrs
Dust Bin Capacity
0.8 litre
Attachments
Extention tube, crevice tool, dusting brush, power brush
Best for Tight Spots
BLACK+DECKER PD1820L-GB PD1820L Handheld Vacuum, 1700 W, Dark Titanium
Black+Decker 1700W
Weight
2.28 kg
Runtime & Charging Period
15 mins & 4 hrs
Dust Bin Capacity
0.5 litre
Attachments
Crevice tool, flip-out brush
Most Powerful
Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner [WV251UK] Twin Battery, Grey
Shark WV251UK Cordless
Weight
0.6 kg
Runtime & Charging Period
16 mins & 2.5 hrs
Dust Bin Capacity
0.25 litre
Attachments
Crevice tool, pet tool
Best for Light Tasks
BLACK+DECKER PV1820LGB 18 V Lithium-Ion Compact Pivot Vacuum, Dark Titanium
Black+Decker Compact Pivot
Weight
1.38 kg
Runtime & Charging Period
10 mins & 4 hrs
Dust Bin Capacity
0.44 litre
Attachments
pivot nozzle & flip out soft brush

Best Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Reviews – Top 8 Picks

1. Gtech Multi MK2 K9 (Editor’s Choice)

Gtech Multi MK2 K9The Gtech Multi MK2 K9 is one of the most popular handheld vacuum cleaners on the market and our editor’s choice.

Features

It boasts an outstanding 20-minute runtime – much longer than many other vacuums, making it best for larger rooms and dirtier cleanups.

It is also lightweight, weighing just 1.5kg – ideal for the stairs or when carrying it out to clean your car interior. Another great feature is the LED headlight that makes dust and dirt more visible, even in those dark corners and crevices. Compact in size, you’ll have no difficulty finding space to store it or carry it around your home.

The MK2 K9 comes complete with a full set of accessories, including power and dusting brushes, plus a crevice tool. It also includes a 36cm extension tube, a spare filter, and a lightly scented filter cartridge that leaves a pleasant smell after cleaning.

Just remember to take extra care when replacing attachments, as pulling one off the main unit can be tricky. Furthermore, with its relatively long four-hour charge time, you’ll need to make sure that you don’t let it run low when you’re likely to need it.

Despite these minor flaws, its exceptional runtime, low weight, and excellent performance make the Gtech MK2 K9 one of the best handheld vacuum cleaners on the market.

Pros:
  • 20 minutes runtime
  • Lightweight – 1.5kg
  • Easy empty bin
  • LED headlight
  • A full set of accessories included
Cons:
  • Pulling an attachment off the unit can be challenging
  • Charge time may take four hours

2. Black+Decker 1700W (Best for Tight Spots)

BLACK+DECKER PD1820L-GBIf you are looking for a convenient and powerful model, the Flexi Hand Vac by Black+Decker is an ideal choice.

Features

The main advantage of this Black Decker vacuum is its wrap-around 1.5-metre flexible hose. Best for reaching into awkward or tight areas, the Flexi Hand Vac does light work of all of your day-to-day cleaning needs with 15 minutes of fade-free power. Its cyclonic action and strong suction make this an excellent, high-performance model. Furthermore, the triple filtration system ensures that your home remains hygienically clean. As an added benefit, the sizeable 560ml dustbowl is easy to open and empty – reducing any potential for mess.

The main drawback to this Black Decker vacuum cleaner is that it is rather noisy, so it may disturb family members if you like to do your housework in the early morning. The two included attachments are handy. However, you may find that the bristles on the brushes are a little too soft and become misshapen quickly with heavy use. Also, only one space is provided on the base to store a single attachment instead of two.

Aside from these negligible faults, the Black Decker Flexi is an excellent handheld vacuum cleaner for the price. Highly manoeuvrable with excellent cleaning power, we think this innovative tool is a great addition to any home.

Pros:
  • 15 minutes runtime with fade-free power
  • Translucent 560ml dustbowl
  • 1.5-metre flexible hose
  • Strong suction and cyclonic action
  • Triple filtration system
Cons:
  • Can be noisy
  • Brushes may be soft
  • May have a limited attachment storage space

3. Shark WV251UK Cordless (Most Powerful)

Shark WV251UK CordlessIf you are looking for the best cordless vacuum with excellent suction, then take a look at this model by Shark – our most powerful handheld vacuum pick.

Features

Aside from its superior power, this vacuum cleaner is also extremely light. Weighing just 600 grams, it is perfect for reaching higher areas without fatigue. Compact and streamlined, this handheld cleaner has an attractive design, too. Likewise, our best rechargeable handheld vacuum on this list this model can be easily stored on its fast-charging base. Hence, it’ll always be fully charged up and ready for use whenever you need it. The included pet and crevice tools are also fixed to the base, so you won’t have to worry about misplacing them.

Like most handheld vacuums, the dust bin is small and must be emptied frequently. Thanks to its one-touch empty system, doing so is very quick and easy. While this Shark handheld vacuum cleaner is an excellent choice for quick cleans and touch-ups, bear in mind that its 16-minute runtime may be quite restrictive. So you won’t be able to use it to tackle any large areas or replace your main vacuum cleaner. Also, when you return it to its charging base, you will need to remember to remove the attachments first.

This model is one of our favourite handheld picks and is the best dustbuster for small, fast cleaning tasks throughout the day.

Pros:
  • Lightweight – 0.6kg
  • Quick charging storage base
  • Easy empty dust bin
  • Pet and crevice tools included
  • Two-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
  • May only run for 16 minutes per charge
  • May need frequent emptying
  • You may have to remove attachments to charge

4. Black+Decker Compact Pivot (Best for Light Tasks)

BLACK+DECKER Compact PivotIf you are looking for one of that small handheld vacuum cleaners which can get into nooks and crannies, check out the Compact Pivot Vacuum by Black+Decker.

Features

This powerful little vacuum takes up minimal space and comes with a wall-mountable charging dock. The nozzle of this Black+Decker cleaner pivots at an angle of up to 200 degrees, making it an excellent choice for getting dust and dirt out of tight spaces. There is also an integrated flip-out soft brush, ideal for use on your delicate surfaces.

The vacuum’s cyclonic action helps keep the double filtration system working at maximum efficiency for a cleaner and more hygienic home. At the same time, the translucent dust bowl is easy to empty. However, be aware that the clasp to keep the dust bowl door closed doesn’t always align perfectly and can at times open a bit too quickly. Furthermore, with a 10-minute runtime, you may struggle to get all of your cleaning tasks done in one go.

However, the main drawback to this Black+Decker hoover is that it’s extremely noisy. Hence, if you’re looking for a hoover that you can use while your young children nap, this may not be the best handheld vacuum cleaner for you.

That said, we think this is an excellent, compact model with powerful suction – ideal for quick clean-ups around your home or car.

Pros:
  • Nozzle pivots up to 200 degrees
  • Double filtration system
  • Flip out soft brush
  • Wall-mountable charging dock
  • Easy empty translucent dust bowl
Cons:
  • May only have a 10-minute runtime
  • Can be quite noisy
  • Dust bowl clasp may open too easily

5. AivaToba Portable Cordless (Best Value)

AivaToba Portable CordlessIf you are searching for a lightweight and portable handheld vacuum cleaner, take a look at this model by AivaToba – which weighs just 1.26 kg.

Features

This budget vacuum cleaner is a good choice for cleaning up accidental spills, both wet and dry. It benefits from a long 35-minute runtime, so you won’t have to worry about running out of battery power part-way through your chores.

Featuring a quick and easy one-button emptying system, you won’t struggle when it comes to decanting the dust container. There are also two washable filters included with your purchase, so you can be sure your vacuum will maintain efficiency for a long time.

On the downside, this vacuum cleaner has a fairly low suction level. So if you are looking for a vacuum cleaner that can handle more substantial messes, you may be better opting for a more powerful tool. If you have pets, you might also find that this vacuum cleaner struggles to remove fine pet hair from carpets or upholstery.

Lastly, it is rather noisy, although this does not impact its overall performance. All in all, if you don’t mind these minor drawbacks, this model is one of the best cordless vacuums for light cleaning tasks.

Pros:
  • 35-minute runtime
  • Wet and dry cleaning
  • Easy one-button empty
  • Two washable filters included
Cons:
  • Suction may not be as powerful as others
  • Can be noisy
  • May not be ideal for pet hair

6. URAQT Lightweight (Best Lightweight)

URAQT LightweightThis convenient and portable cordless vacuum by URAQT is perfect for picking up extra dust and dirt around the house or in your car. With no cord to worry about, you can easily move from room to room with no restrictions. What’s more, the ergonomically designed handle means that you don’t get exhausted too quickly, either!

Features

The URAQT handheld vacuum features a powerful 120w motor, which ensures that you get excellent suction power. What’s more, the lithium battery delivers up to 30 minutes of cleaning time, with a 3-5 hour re-charge time.

Additionally, the removable filter helps to ensure that you get the most out of every cleaning session, while the unique built-in mechanisms reduce excessive noise. The URAQT is a great way to get fantastic cleaning without a headache.

Not only does this handheld vacuum boast full power, but it’s a versatile and practical tool as well. You can use it for wet and dry vacuuming, and the elastic hose and nozzle set included with the kit ensures that you can reach even the most hard-to-reach spots.

A possible downside for this device is that it does take quite a while to charge between uses. What’s more, some customers say the charger itself is quite flimsy. Another point to note is that although this vacuum is good for quick cleaning sessions, it might not provide the deepest clean for very messy areas or pet hair.

However, with its lightweight design, versatility, and generous runtime, we think this model is the best cheap handheld vacuum on the market.

Pros:
  • Lightweight with an ergonomic handle
  • High-performance motor
  • 30 minutes of cleaning time
  • Wet and dry compatible
  • Low-noise
Cons:
  • May not be ideal for deep cleaning
  • May take a long time to charge
  • Charger quality could be improved

7. Pro Breeze Wet & Dry (Multi-Functional Option)

Pro BreezeThis handheld vacuum by Pro Breeze can be used on both wet and dry spillages. Lightweight at just 1.3 kg, easy to use, and with a long runtime of 25 minutes, this makes it the best handheld hoover for any small space such as vehicle interiors, student accommodation or quick cleans around the kitchen.

Features

With its three nozzle attachments, you can clean a wide variety of areas with little effort, although this vacuum performs less well on upholstery and soft furnishings than it does on hard surfaces. Thanks to its generous dust capacity of 500ml, you won’t have to stop as frequently to empty this model as with some other more expensive handheld vacuums.

It also features a simple to clean HEPA filter to remove allergens from your home. Unfortunately, while this tool is lightweight, it’s fairly bulky in design. Thus, bear that in mind if you’re looking for a hoover that’s easily manoeuvrable. Also, the brush attachment is a little loose, which may reduce suction slightly when attached.

However, given this vacuum’s low price, simplicity, and generous runtime – we think it is a great purchase if you’re looking for a budget model for quick cleanups.

Pros:
  • 25 minutes runtime
  • 500ml dust capacity
  • Easy clean HEPA filter
  • Lightweight, 1.3kg
  • Includes three nozzle attachments
Cons:
  • May be less suitable for upholstery
  • Brush attachment could be a little lose
  • May be fairly bulky

8. Novete Upgraded Hand Vac (Best Battery Life)

Novete UpgradedThe Upgraded Handheld Vacuum Cleaner by Novete is a good choice for quick cleaning jobs around the home, suitable for both wet and dry spills.

Features

It has a long 30-minute runtimeand comes complete with LED battery indicator lights on the handle, so you won’t risk running out of power unexpectedly. The sizeable 600ml dust box is transparent, so you can see when it needs emptying. Complete with three attachments for various areas such as stairs, corners and narrow gaps, this multipurpose handheld vacuum cleaner makes a great choice for day-to-day cleanups.

While this cordless vacuum is easy to use, it lacks suction power, making it less suitable for managing filthy carpets and rugs. For this reason, you may also find that it struggles to pick up pet hair effectively. However, provided that you understand this product’s limitations, you’ll find it quite handy for light cleaning tasks such as dust, crumbs, and dirt.

A two-year warranty is provided with this product as standard. Plus, it has the option to register and increase this by an additional year.

Pros:
  • 30 minutes runtime
  • Large translucent 600ml dust box
  • Includes three attachments
  • LED battery indicator lights
  • Suitable for wet and dry use
Cons:
  • May lack in cleaning power
  • May have poor results on carpet
  • May be unsuitable for pet hair

How to Choose the Best Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

When looking for the best handheld vacuum cleaner for your home, here are the features you should keep an eye out to ensure that you select the right model for your needs.

1. Runtime

vacuuming crumbsRuntime is arguably one of the most important factors to consider, so always pay attention to how long you can expect to use your vacuum for.

Bear in mind that manufacturers often state the maximum expected runtime, which can vary depending upon the level of charge, the surface you are cleaning, and the level of suction. Don’t underestimate the amount of runtime that you will need. Deep-pile carpets and filthy areas may require multiple passes to achieve a thorough clean.

Take into consideration the size of your home and what you expect to use your handheld vacuum cleaner for. If it’s just for quick touch-ups throughout the week, then you can get by with a lower runtime. However, for more extensive cleaning sessions or full house cleans, you will need a longer runtime of at least 20 minutes or more. You may likewise want to consider a corded vacuum.

2. Dust Box Capacity

Some handheld vacuum cleaners have tiny dust boxes that need to be frequently emptied, thus prolonging the time you spend on housework. Others have larger dust box capacity, but this can also lead to a lack of manoeuvrability and excess weight.

In any case, there is a trade-off to be made. Before making your purchase consider how often you intend to be using your handheld vacuum and how much dirt you expect to be tackling with it. For example, if you have pets or young children, you may wish to opt for a bulkier model with a larger dust capacity like an upright vacuum.

3. Dust Box Empty System

emptying a dust canisterBefore you make your choice, pay close attention to how the dust box is emptied. Ideally, you will want a model that opens with a simple one-button touch mechanism. Be careful when choosing vacuums that need to be angled over your bin, as this can sometimes cause the dust box cover to swing closed, meaning you may have to get your hands dirty while holding it open.

4. Weight

For quick cleaning tasks, you’ll need a lightweight handheld tool that is simple and easy to manoeuvre. You’ll also need to be able to carry it upstairs or out to your car easily.

Weights vary considerably from model to model, with some of the lightest weighing in at around 800g. On average, most handheld vacuums are around 1.5-2kg. Too light, and you risk a loss in performance, too heavy, and you won’t see much of an advantage in the freedom of using a cordless tool.

5. Charging Station

Our handheld vacuum reviews show that many smaller models feature a handy charging station. This is ideal for keeping your cordless vacuum charged up and ready to go at a moment’s notice, ideal for cleaning up quickly after mealtimes.

Other options may plug directly into the mains to charge but feature a wall-mountable bracket to keep them safely stored. While most handheld vacuum cleaners are compact and easy to store, you will need to locate them near a plug when not in use so they can charge up for next time.

6. Attachments

When you’re in the market for a new cordless vacuum cleaner, pay close attention to what comes in the box. Ideally, you will need a narrow-edge, crevice nozzle and brush nozzle for delicate areas and upholstery. Long, thin nozzles are also extremely useful, extending your reach and making hard-to-access areas much more manageable.

7. Filtration System

filtration systemBefore you hit buy, double-check what kind of filtration system is available. Are the filters HEPA for better hygiene and allergen removal? Are they easily replaceable or washable?

Purchasing a handheld vacuum cleaner with washable filters can save you quite a bit of money over time, provided you make the extra effort to clean them out regularly. Furthermore, models that offer cyclonic action often have better filtration systems that experience much less clogging and filter wear.

Final Thoughts

Having a handheld vacuum cleaner will make keeping your home spick and span much easier. Not only does this make for a healthier and more comfortable home, but it also means that you’ll have less work to do when it comes around to your weekly deep-cleaning session.

Each of the models in this handheld vacuum reviews would make excellent choices to keep dust, dirt and pet hair under control – but we believe that the Gtech Multi MK2 K9 is a suitable choice for most households. It boasts high-performance, lightweight design, and ease of use.

What’s more, it features 20 minutes of battery life and a set of handy attachments that can tackle all types of hard-to-reach dirt. The kit also comes with an extra filter and a scented filter cartridge to keep your home smelling good every time. The dust bin is also effortless to empty, with just a flick of the latch.

Overall, given its superb quality, we’re sure you’ll agree that the Gtech Multi MK2 K9 is the best handheld vacuum cleaner on the market.

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