10 Best Handheld Vacuums

The Shark PowerPro Cordless Vacuum Cleaner offers strong suction power, which is enhanced by its Floor Detect Technology for optimized cleaning on different surfaces. This makes it ideal for both carpets and hard floors. The Anti-Hair Wrap Technology is a standout feature, preventing hair from tangling in the brush-roll, which can be beneficial for households with pets. Additionally, the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal is great for trapping dust and allergens, improving air quality in your home.

With a runtime of up to 50 minutes on a single charge, it provides ample time for thorough cleaning without frequent recharging. The vacuum's removable battery adds convenience for charging anywhere. Weighing 3.45 kg, it is relatively lightweight, and its ergonomic design with flexible features, like the ability to bend the wand, aids in reaching under furniture and makes storage easy.

The handheld mode and included accessories (such as the crevice tool and upholstery tool) enhance versatility for cleaning various surfaces and tight spaces. However, the dust capacity of 0.7 liters might require more frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions. The vacuum's size and dimensions are manageable for home use, but it might not be the most compact option available. Despite minor drawbacks, like the dust capacity, the Shark PowerPro provides a powerful, flexible, and convenient cleaning solution for a variety of household needs.

The Dyson V8™ Advanced cordless stick vacuum offers strong suction power with its digital motor spinning up to 110,000 rpm, providing 130 Air Watts—making it very effective at picking up dirt and debris quickly. It comes with two power modes: an Eco mode that balances cleaning strength and battery life for everyday use, and a Max mode for tougher spots. Speaking of battery, it runs up to 40 minutes on a single charge, which is good for most cleaning sessions, though heavier use in Max mode will reduce that time. Weighing 2.5 kg, it’s relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver, which helps during longer cleaning tasks or reaching tricky spots. The dustbin capacity is 0.54 liters, meaning you won't need to empty it constantly, but it’s not the largest, so very heavy cleaning might require multiple empties.

Included accessories like the Motorbar cleaner head, combination tool, and crevice tool add versatility for different surfaces and tight spaces. It also features a washable HEPA filter, which is great for trapping fine dust and allergens. On the quieter side for a vacuum at 82 dB, it won’t be too disruptive during use. This vacuum is well-suited for those wanting a powerful yet lightweight cordless option for daily cleaning around the home, especially if you value ease of use and decent battery life. However, if you need longer runtime or larger dust capacity for big jobs, this might require more frequent recharging or emptying.

The Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute is a powerful cordless vacuum that delivers the strong suction you'd expect from a corded model, making it a solid choice for deep cleaning around the home. Its advanced battery offers up to 60 minutes of consistent cleaning time, which is generous for cordless vacuums, and you can choose from three power modes to balance run time and suction strength depending on the task. Weighing 2.6 kg, it's reasonably light and comfortable to handle for most people, although those seeking the lightest possible stick vacuum might find it a bit on the heavier side. The dust bin holds 0.77 litres, which is a decent size that means you won’t have to empty it frequently during typical cleaning sessions.

Included are two versatile cleaner heads: a motorised bar that works well on both carpets and hard floors while also untangling hair and pet fur as you clean, and a soft roller designed specifically for hard floors, tackling fine dust and dirt even in cracks. Being cordless and bagless adds to its convenience and portability. However, the noise level is moderately high at 87 decibels, which might be noticeable during use. Also, while it is compact, the vacuum's size and weight could be a consideration if you need something ultra-lightweight for quick or very frequent clean-ups.

This vacuum suits UK homeowners who want a versatile, powerful cordless model capable of handling a variety of surfaces and typical household messes with ease.