Which portable vacuum is best for compact spaces?

Choosing the best compact portable vacuum

Whether you have limited space or need to tackle small areas, a compact portable vacuum is perfect for keeping your home clean. These machines are lightweight and small enough to tackle hard-to-reach places, such as underneath the furniture, in corners or even inside a car. This makes them a great alternative to traditional vacuum cleaners, especially for small cleaning tasks.

This article was reviewed and approved by Ketia Daniel, the BestReviews Cleaning Expert.

What to know before you buy a portable vacuum for a compact space

Uses

Portable vacuums are designed to keep your home or vehicle clean. Unlike regular vacuum cleaners, which tend to perform well in larger spaces, they’re more efficient at getting into nooks and crannies. These compact devices are also great at:

Type

There are many types of portable vacuum cleaners, but the main ones are:

Suction

Corded vacuum cleaners usually have more powerful suction than cordless options. However, both can be used to effectively clean up spills and remove debris. The best portable vacuums have 10 volts or more of power.

Bin capacity

The larger the dustbin, the more it can hold before needing to be cleaned out. Most compact vacuums have small dustbins that require frequent emptying. If you’re tackling a heavily trafficked area or a larger spill, prepare to empty the bin after every use. But if you’re doing touchup work or are cleaning small areas, such as behind a table or sofa, plan to empty it after every couple of uses.

Filter

Portable vacuum cleaners usually come with filters that collect and trap dander, pet hair, dirt and other allergens. For homes with pets, choose a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Regardless of filter type, replace it every few months to keep down on allergens in the home.

Corded or cordless

Both corded and cordless vacuums have their advantages.

Accessories

Depending on the type of portable vacuum you get, there are a few helpful accessories that can make it more effective without taking up much space:

Best portable vacuums for compact spaces

This powerful compact device can effectively cover up to 1,500 square feet, making it ideal for both single-family homes and apartments. It has an internal navigation system that keeps it from bumping into objects. It’s also self-emptying and low maintenance.

Slim and compact, this stick vacuum is versatile, easy to maneuver into tight spaces and powerful. The battery lasts up to 60 minutes with constant use, and there’s no cord to deal with. It can also be converted into a handheld device.

Compact and lightweight, this cordless vacuum cleaner comes with several accessories, including a combo brush, soft action brush, crevice tool and flex tool. It’s highly versatile and is powerful enough to collect everything from pet hair to crumbs to dust.

Designed for tight spaces, this portable apparatus is cordless, lightweight and versatile. It’s especially effective at getting into the crevices, corners and around furniture.

Convenient for small spaces, this portable vacuum can hold a lot of dust, dirt and pet hair before emptying. It’s powerful enough for light messes.

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Angela Watson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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