This Editor-Loved Handheld Vacuum on Amazon Is on Sale for Less Than $20 (2024)

A vacuum cleaner's aesthetic is probably the least important thing about it, but a nice-looking build never hurt anyone! Case in point: this sleek Shark vacuum that looks like something out of the future. It's not just stylish, though. It really works. In fact, it comes with a HEPA filter that can trap more than 99 percent of dust and allergens. If you want to use it on difficult-to-reach spots, just lift the detachable pod and do your thing. We're not the only ones who are obsessed.

A reviewer said, "It transitions between the floor types with a quick click, and the wand and attachments are well stored and quickly accessible to make transitioning from floors to ceilings quick (when you find that giant cobweb and go OMG and need the wand like NOW.)"

"I got this Roomba for my brother after he had his first baby—weird baby gift, I know—and he and his wife loved it so much that I ended up getting one for myself," Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner admits. "I've been using it for about four months and am obsessed with it."

Not only does this robotic vacuum work well, but it's easy to use: Either program it according to your options on the app or connect it to your Alexa device and use your voice to instruct it. "I will say that it is big, so if you live in a small apartment, this may not be the best vacuum for you because it won't be able to sneak into the nooks and crannies," Cherner adds. That said, the new-and-improved sensors let the Roomba navigate under and around furniture.

"This handheld vacuum has been a huge space-saver for my storage needs," Commerce Editor Nashia Baker says. Thanks to its petite size, this vacuum is an ideal pick to clean all the dirt that makes its way to your car seats and floor. Don't let its compact size fool you, though. Baker says "it packs a ton of power to clean every nook and cranny around the house." It's designed with a rotation speed of almost 36,000PM and has a rechargeable battery to keep it ready for cleaning sprees.

"I love that this vacuum is cordless, so I can zoom it across surfaces without feeling tied down to one spot," Baker adds. "Whenever I'm ready to clean, I always make sure it's been plugged into its charging outlet since it takes a few hours to regain power." Once it's full, simply take the suction part of the vacuum apart and toss out built-up debris. FYI: The filter is washable. Just make sure to let it air-dry before putting it back in the vacuum to preserve its quality.

If you've been pushing off getting a quality new vacuum, consider this your sign to upgrade. Our Associate Shopping Editor Janae McKenzie can relate: "I’ve been using the same hand vacuum since my freshman year of college, and its battery life has seen better days," she says, adding that this multi-functional Black + Decke pick is her new go-to. It packs double duty with a stick floor head to pick things up underfoot and a long hose that can help clean your ceiling. If you're like McKenzie who prefers "the precise experience of a handheld vacuum," but gets "annoyed by the loss of range compared to a full-size vacuum," you'll also love its cordless design for easier maneuvering.

"Also, as a serial over-packer and a bit of a hoarder, vacuum space bags are a staple in my home, and most handhelds are not compatible with the valve," McKenzie adds. "This vacuum combines the Black + Decker power I’ve come to love with an extendable hose that not only vacuums out bags, but allows me to get into the dust filled areas under my bed and dresser without needing to move furniture."

There is nothing more gross than a vacuum cleaner bag. Think about it: It's full of the dirt, hair, and crumbs that have been accumulating for at least a few days. And when you empty the bag into the trash, some of the bag's contents always spill onto the floor, creating yet another mess. That's why we love this Bissell vacuum. There's no bag, so emptying the tank is mess-free. Onto the vacuum itself: It may look a bit bulky, but it has serious swivel capabilities, making it easy to maneuver.

One reviewer notes, "I have six cats and three dogs and a lot of messy humans in my home. I have to vacuum daily just to keep all the humans from getting hairballs so I was excited to try this one...Seriously fantastic."

This may not be the most advanced vacuum on our list, but depending on your home's needs, this affordable find may be more than enough. Not only is it a vacuum, but it's also a floor mop. For small spills and particles too small to dust, attach one of the super-soft pads to the bottom of the vacuum and simply push it around the floor.

"I have all hardwood floors. I was using a standard broom and mop before and this saves so much time!" a reviewer said. "I love the ease of use and the ability to vacuum and mop at the same time. It's lightweight and has a light that makes corners easy."

This may look a bit too industrial to work (or store) in a home, but hear us out: It's good. And we aren't the only ones who think so. One reviewer agreed, "I purchased this Eureka vacuum for my home cleaning businesses specifically because it has the metal parts. It is phenomenal!" It comes with integrated airflow controls on the handle that can be easily switched from carpet to upholstery to wood floors.

The reviewer added, "The best feature is the little brush attachment—it can quickly vacuum and dust baseboards." It can also reach under pretty much any piece of furniture.

Vacuum cleaners aren't usually cheap, so before you make a big investment do some research to figure out which one will work best. Here are a few things to consider.

Jessica Cherner is House Beautiful's Associate Shopping Editor and is an admitted neat-freak, so you know she spent hours researching the best vacuums available.

Nashia Baker is a Commerce Editor at Hearst Magazines covering the latest and greatest products across the home and lifestyle categories. Throughout her career, she has interviewed fellow editors and experts to learn about top trends in the home industry and has also personally tested a handful of vacuums.