Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Compare our picks
Others we tested
Photo: Molly Higgins
Riccar Gem Handheld Vacuum with Tools for $70: This model is very similar Simple wire model Above, although it’s portable and handheld, this big boy still needs to be plugged into power. I like how simple it is: it just has an on/off top switch, and a button on top to release the dust tray, which is on the front of this model rather than the back. Once disconnected, you just need to pull out the aspherical fabric mesh filter and empty the debris. Unfortunately, a lot of fur and dust sticks to the filter, so you’ll need to make sure to wipe it with a semi-damp cloth to clean it. It comes with several attachments, including a bendable hose, long crevice nozzle with detachable brush, upholstery brush, and dusting brush. Instead of twisting or snapping, each accessory fits snugly into the opening, making it easier for those with fine motor issues. I liked that the long, flexible hose easily reaches tight spaces like between the counter and the refrigerator and behind the refrigerator Automatic litter box. The corded machine is loud and heats up quickly due to its sheer power. While I don’t think this is the best portable vacuum for everyone, it is a solid option with plenty of power.
Photo: Molly Higgins
Tineco Go Mini Cordless Vacuum for $200: A lightweight, fairly straightforward vacuum that charges all the way to the end of the handle, the Tineco Go should be charged for five to six hours before use, giving you a usage time of 10 to 20 minutes. The main things I wanted to focus on cleaning in my daily life were cat litter and pet hair. This vacuum spit out nearly 80 percent of the trash it tried to suck up, and the pet hair was rolling around on the carpet instead of being sucked back into the vacuum. (I’m not sure if it was the angle or shape of the mouth that helped with both of these problems.) The suction wasn’t as strong as others tested, and it tended to work better on hard surfaces. This vacuum wasn’t bad per se, but others on this list at similar price points worked more effectively on a lot more varied surfaces (with multiple head attachments) than it seems capable of doing.
Photo: Molly Higgins
BISSELL AeroSlim Handheld Vacuum for $45: Not the strongest I’ve tested, but it’s lightweight and very easy to maneuver. It comes with a multi-tool attachment that combines a long, slim crevice tool with a moving brush (the brush moves up and down the tool as needed), but you can also use the vacuum without the slim attachment for more general surface cleaning. The small 0.1L front section of the vacuum can be twisted until empty, and the small double filter can also be removed for cleaning/replacement. When testing, I wasn’t able to successfully pick up larger items like wood splinters or litter, and it only picked up a small portion of pet hair like some more powerful models with a rotating brush, but I didn’t expect that — that’s not a job this gentle. It’s light, simple and easy to use, making it a great lightweight portable option (don’t expect it to handle a big mess).
Photo: Molly Higgins
Hoto AutoCare Duster and Vacuum for $60: Are you looking for a lightweight vacuum cleaner (0.78 lbs) that can also blow away debris/dust, inflate, deflate, and vacuum seal? Hoto might be a good fit. It has lots of accessories: crevice nozzle, dusting brush, dust cup nozzle, air nozzle, and swim ring nozzle. It can hold just over 3 ounces, has 20,000 Pa suction, and each attachment comes on and off easily. I’ve found that the head of the shaving brush tends to push the fur/hair around rather than sucking it up. Like many of the gadgets we’ve tested here at WIRED, this one fell into the pitfall of trying to do too many things, rather than doing one thing really well. This is great for a device with so many capabilities (if that’s what you need), but if you’re just looking for a really great portable vacuum, there are others that are even more effective.
Photo: Nina Farrell
Black & Decker Dustbuster Flex, $74: Wired reviewer Nina Farrell I thought this handheld vacuum was great for cars and hard-to-reach places because of its 4-foot hose. It has a crevice tool and pet hair brush attachments for a variety of messes, and runs on a 20V lithium-ion battery that provides high suction power. Additionally, it has a handy charging stand into which accessories are clipped. However, we’re not fans of the short 15-minute battery life.
Frequently asked questions
I’ve factored the actual charge and power time into the overall value and rating, keeping in mind that some charge for four hours and last less than half an hour of playback time – that won’t be practical for some people. Since most come with attachments for specific needs, I made sure to test each one on a myriad of surfaces, such as carpet, rugs, hardwood, stairs, counters, crevices, inside my car, on furniture, and even between air vents and curtains. I also tested different types of messes (although without liquids), focusing in particular on my main personal gripe with messes – cat litter and pet hair.
Definitely pay attention to specifications such as charging and usage time, as well as power (such as voltage) and available accessories. If you work in construction and need a portable vacuum to remove debris, I’d recommend something like the Ryobi, while if you’re looking for a lightweight portable travel vacuum, the AeroSlim may be a better fit for you. It’s also important to consider charging versus time of use. Some last less than 15 minutes and have a very small waste capacity, so if you have a larger project, you’ll need to take this into consideration.
Enjoy unlimited access to Wired. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe today.
