DEWALT 20V MAX Hand Vacuum

The battery runs for around 15-20 minutes of continuous use on a single charge. Most users find this sufficient for quick cleaning tasks around the home.

It delivers strong suction and picks up pet hair, crumbs, and fine dust well. Some users note it may struggle with larger debris or heavily soiled areas.

At 4.5 pounds with a compact design, it's easy to carry and maneuver. The extendable hose and nozzle reach tight spaces and hard-to-access areas around the home.

For pet hair, look for strong suction (roughly 20,000 Pa or more on a robot vacuum, 150 AW or more on a cordless), a tangle-resistant brush roll, a dedicated pet tool, and HEPA filtration, which by definition captures 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns. Dyson, Shark and Bissell all make well-reviewed pet models. Use the Pet Hair Specialist filter on our comparison table to see which ones are in stock and what they cost right now.

Most manufacturers suggest replacing filters every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often you vacuum and whether you have pets. HEPA filters usually last 12 to 18 months if you clean them regularly. Washable foam filters on bagless models should be rinsed every 1 to 2 weeks and dried fully before going back in. Replacements typically run $15 to $50. A clogged filter chokes airflow, so suction drops noticeably well before the filter looks dirty.