Shark ION W1 Handheld Vacuum

Users report strong suction for a compact handheld. It picks up various debris and pet hair on hard floors and low-pile carpets.

This is a corded model, so it has no battery. It plugs into an outlet for uninterrupted suction with no runtime limits.

At 1.4 lb, it's lightweight and comfortable to hold. Users find it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and around furniture, with simple controls for most cleaning tasks.

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.