How do we test handheld vacuums? First, we considered what makes a good handheld vacuum, asking users what the biggest hurdles are when it comes to using a handheld vacuum. We read through countless manufacturers' marketing claims to find the portable products with the most potential. We purchased those contenders for testing to evaluate and score each product on its cleaning performance, examining everything from easy-to-clean messes, like dust and dirt, to much harder ones, like pet hair. We also compared how easy each one is to use, looking at how well it can clean in problematic areas, how convenient it is to operate, and its battery life. We divided up our tests into six weighted metrics. We've tested some top-notch vacuums over the years, and we were excited to see how this category fared. We outline our complete testing plans and procedures below.
Tough Messes
For our first metric, we start out with the most difficult cleaning challenges. We tested how well each vacuum cleaned up crushed oats from different surfaces and how effectively each handheld vacuum could pick up larger particles. For this test, we picked the most appropriate attachment for the task — whichever one was the perfect balance between cleaning performance and convenience.
In our oatmeal test, we spread out two tablespoons of oats on a couch cushion, then allowed each vacuum 20 seconds to clean it and scored them on how well they did. When determining scores, we took into account the amount collected, the amount remaining, and the amount flung aside. We then repeated this test on the car carpet, averaging the results.
Next, we attempted to suck up a handful of Mini-Wheats cereal with each vacuum, noting if it could suck up the squares and if they could make it past the gate into the collection bin.
Hard-to-Reach Areas
Next, we considered how easy it is to clean cramped areas with each handheld vacuum. We tested how well each vacuum cleaned in small cracks and how far it could easily reach under furniture. Our first test focused on cleaning out the tracks for a sliding window. We sprinkled a bit of oatmeal in each one, then scored the products on how much it effectively sucked up.
For our next test, we scored each product on how far under a nightstand or similar piece of furniture it could clean. We used a shelving rack with a 3" gap at the bottom, then attempted to clean as far as possible underneath.
Our last test for this metric built upon the previous and assessed how well these handheld vacuums could do at cleaning under an underneath an appliance, like a fridge or oven. We reduced the gap from the last test to 1.25" high, then repeated the same procedure, again scoring each vacuum on its maximum reach.
Dusting
For our next set of tests, we compared and scored how well each vacuum did at cleaning up some of the most commonly encountered messes around your home, as well as how well the brushes fit into corners and cracks. We used the bristle brush for each of these tests or the upholstery attachment if the vacuum didn't have a bristle brush but did not use any motorized attachments.
To make a consistent and replicable test for each vacuum, we used sifted flour as dust to easily control the amount of mess each vacuum was expected to clean up. We took a nylon photo screen, statically charged it by rubbing a pair of wool socks over it, then sprinkled sifted flour over it. We shook off the excess and then timed how long each vacuum took to clean it satisfactorily.
We then look to specific areas where dust settles often. We assessed how well the brush for each vacuum cleans along small ledges and corners, spreading coffee grounds on the top of a section of baseboard and a windowsill. We rated how well the bristles fit into the spaces and freed the debris for vacuuming. We also awarded points based on how well each one cleaned the corners of the windowsill, a benefit for the most thorough cleaning.
Battery Life
It's helpful to know how long a vacuum's battery will last—nobody wants to run out of power halfway through the job. To take out the guesswork, we ran each vacuum until it completely died, timing how long it lasted on its maximum power setting. Along the way, we kept an eye out for any drops in suction as the battery drained. We also timed how long each one takes to fully recharge and looked for any smart design touches that make it easier to remember to dock the vacuum—because let's be honest, it's easy to forget.
Convenience
Our next focus was on overall convenience—how comfortable and easy each vacuum is in everyday cleaning. We paid close attention to how much each vacuum weighed and how it felt in hand, especially during longer sessions. We also looked at bin capacity and how easy (or messy) it was to empty. Built-in tool storage was another key consideration—having accessories close at hand makes a big difference when you're moving from floors to furniture. We also measured how noisy each vacuum was while running because a quieter machine can make cleaning a lot less disruptive, especially in busy homes.
We weighed the base of each vacuum without a tool, then with the heaviest tool attached as the main component, and we considered how balanced each vacuum felt to hold during frequent use.
To evaluate how easy each vacuum's bin was to empty, we looked at the design of the release mechanism and how smoothly dirt and debris emptied out—whether it dropped out cleanly on its own or needed a bit of help. We also factored in the size of the collection bin, since a larger capacity means fewer trips to the trash during bigger cleanups.
Finally, we compared the ease of storing and swapping of each product's different attachments. We gave the most points for integrated tools and the least for vacuums that require another whole box to keep all the tools.
Pet Hair
For the last metric, we compared how well each vacuum performed at picking up animal hair. We spread out some donated pet hair from a local groomer on the car carpet and a couch cushion, then rated how well each vacuum cleaned both of these areas using the most appropriate attachment.
