Hand vacuum cleaner test 2022 • The 9 best hand vacuum cleaners in comparison

What is a handheld vacuum and how does it actually work?

In the test, many different factors were taken into account, which were important for choosing the best handheld vacuum cleaner. Nevertheless, the question should also be answered, what exactly is a handheld vacuum cleaner? The functional principle of this small and practical vacuum cleaner is similar to that of its big brother in household appliances. A very robust plastic housing surrounds the battery and the other components that are necessary for smooth operation.

It is a bagless vacuum with a rechargeable battery. If you want to vacuum up smaller dirt from time to time, a handheld vacuum cleaner is a good choice. Tests by objective bodies showed that such a small and practical vacuum cleaner can be found in almost every household. A big advantage is that you can also reach places that are difficult to access due to the compact design and the low weight.

As mentioned, the functionality is very similar to that of a conventional vacuum cleaner. However, you must check the filter at regular intervals and clean it if necessary. However, the suction power cannot be compared to a vacuum cleaner that is powered by electricity. Even the best hand vacuum cleaner does not achieve the performance of a standard vacuum cleaner with electricity.

Proscenic cordless handheld vacuum cleaner P10 Pro in the test - on the touchscreen you can see the battery status, working mode and error code directly

Upright vacuum price-performance ratio chart

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The areas of application – handheld vacuum cleaners in use

These little household helpers are very flexible when it comes to use. Whether in the kitchen, anteroom, bedroom or in the children's room, the devices can all easily remove minor dirt. If you first have to get the power-driven vacuum cleaner out of the closet, that will certainly annoy you quickly.

When the battery is charged, you can do the cleaning work with this vacuum cleaner.

However, you can not only clean floors with it. The hand vacuum cleaners are also very suitable for vacuuming a couch or a table. Do you have pets? Then you will be able to confirm that there is hair everywhere in the premises. With a hand-held vacuum cleaner, you can vacuum up pet hair relatively easily and without any effort. If you want to remove the bread cumin in between, the use of such a cordless vacuum cleaner is a good idea. Many current models already have different attachments, so that cleaning can be carried out even more effectively.

Proscenic cordless hand vacuum cleaner P10 Pro in the test - a strong suction power of up to 25,000 Pa

What types of hand vacuum cleaners are there?

Before you look around the Internet or in specialist shops, you should get to know the different types. In the tests of the objective experts, all types were of course checked and compared very precisely. If you have never dealt with a handheld vacuum cleaner, you will almost be overwhelmed by the diverse selection. To prevent this from happening, you should obtain all relevant information from a test. The results from Stiftung Warentest in particular provide a very good overview of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

You can choose from these types when purchasing:

All of these types have their advantages and disadvantages. In many cases, the multiple cyclone technology in the vacuum cleaners has its price. The simple hand vacuum cleaners are significantly cheaper. However, all models have one advantage, they are quickly ready for use and reach hard-to-reach places.

In view of the fact that there is a rechargeable battery in the device, the suction power was able to convince all experts in the test.

This should be clearly mentioned again at this point. Depending on the model, you also have to reckon with different battery runtimes. The best handheld vacuum cleaner is not automatically the one with the longest battery life.

Testing the Proscenic cordless handheld vacuum cleaner P10 Pro – with anti-tangle technology

Brief information on the 7 leading manufacturers/brands

There are vacuum cleaners in various designs and also with many labels. In the tests, however, only the best-known providers, or rather their vacuum cleaners, were subjected to a test. Do you want sufficient power, lots of accessories and a long battery life? Then you are in good hands with the products of the following brands:

The manufacturer Dyson has been active on the market for over 25 years and was able to achieve a top position in the test with its vacuum cleaners. Dyson vacuum cleaners are known for their sometimes very striking design. The Dutch company Philips pays attention to quality and low prices. Founded in 1981, Philips has a long history of success. The very stylish suction cups and the good performance are simply convincing. Finally a manufacturer from Germany. AEG belongs to the lower class in terms of price, but can easily keep up with the big companies in terms of performance. Dirty Devil comes from the USA and is of course well represented there. The brand, which was founded in 1905, celebrated its breakthrough in Germany only a few years ago. Clatronic is another supplier from Germany. The range only includes handheld vacuum cleaners with a powerful lithium-ion battery. Cleanmaxx immediately catches the eye with its low prices. In the comparisons, however, the performance of the Sauer was also convincing. Bosch is probably one of the best-known manufacturers in the test. Robert Bosch AG is not only known for tools, because the range also includes household appliances. In the last tests of the vacuum cleaner, Bosch was able to catch up significantly compared to the last results.

Proscenic cordless hand vacuum cleaner P10 Pro in the test - scope of delivery: 1x vacuum cleaner, 1x 2-in-1 floor brush, 1x extension tube, 1x power supply, 1x crevice nozzle, 1x upholstery nozzle, 1x mini electric brush, 1x installation package of the wall bracket, 1x knife brush for cleaning, 1x operating instructions

This is how hand vacuum cleaners are tested

In an extensive test run and in a comprehensive analysis, experts took a close look at the individual models. Below you will find out which test criteria were important in these comparisons.

These points had a great deal of significance as to which placement was ultimately achieved for the individual devices. All brand vacuum cleaners were able to convince in most test criteria. However, some models also had deductions in terms of performance or battery life.

Proscenic cordless handheld vacuum cleaner P10 Pro in the test - in the auto mode, the P10 Pro cordless vacuum cleaner can automatically recognize the carpet and the suction power increases automatically

The comparisons have already confirmed a long-standing assumption that the information provided by the manufacturers is not always entirely correct.

Some providers tend to exaggerate, especially when it comes to mileage or suction results. However, you will not find these teats and if a defect does appear, but otherwise the other test criteria were met, you will be informed sufficiently and honestly about the weak points in the tests. However, since hardly any branded vacuum cleaner has many defects or weak points, you can opt for a model from the brand manufacturers briefly presented above.

Proscenic cordless handheld vacuum cleaner P10 Pro on test – detachable 8-cell lithium battery

Common shortcomings and weak points - I have to pay attention to this when buying a handheld vacuum cleaner

You are guaranteed to have bought something from Amazon or Ebay before. If that's the case, you'll also have read some customer reviews before actually making a purchase. You will not be able to deny that there is actually no single product that has always been rated with the highest number of points. There are always some points that do not make the end user completely happy.

That's actually a good thing, because it stimulates competition. If all consumers would opt for the same device, the countless tests would have been in vain. However, you should also be aware that the negative reviews are not always to be taken so seriously.

Proscenic cordless hand vacuum cleaner P10 Pro in the test - multi-stage filter system

Of course, you should take a closer look at some of the reviews, but the brand labels' teats are very good and will satisfy you.

Nevertheless, it would not have been a proper test of the many recognized bodies if the numerous negative reviews had been ignored. These points are often criticized for handheld vacuum cleaners and referred to as weak points:

You should be aware that a handheld vacuum cleaner can never replace a powered vacuum cleaner. You should use the small teats for in between. The handling was not difficult in the tests with a single suction cup and there were no reasons for a point deduction in terms of weight either. The best hand vacuum cleaner will also not be able to fully satisfy some buyers.

Proscenic cordless hand vacuum cleaner P10 Pro in the test - filter system has the metal filter, sponge filter and Hepa filter

Internet vs. specialist shops: where is the best place to buy my cordless vacuum cleaner?

You have now definitely decided on a specific brand. Now it's all about actually buying the handheld vacuum cleaner. You can drive to the nearest specialist shop, get an idea for yourself and try the hand vacuum cleaner on site. You will see whether it fits your hand well and whether the weight is not too high.

However, if the specialist trade means a long journey and it is not even certain that the respective brand or model is in stock, it would most likely be a waste of time. In the online shops, you cannot try out the handheld vacuum cleaner immediately or get a personal impression, but you will find the device you want right away and you will also find that the prices are cheaper than in stores.

Enjoy these advantages when shopping online:

Because of the numerous advantages, you will now ask yourself why you should actually go to a specialist retailer? Even the experts cannot answer this question. The hand vacuum cleaners, which had to pass a test run, were bought online and were delivered to the delivery address within two to three working days.

Proscenic cordless hand vacuum cleaner P10 Pro in the test - with a removable extension tube, the cordless vacuum cleaner can be used as a portable hand vacuum cleaner

Useful information & advice

After the summary and evaluation of the tests have already provided you with a lot of information, a few more details about the handheld vacuum cleaners will now be given on this point. The first vacuum cleaners were developed over 100 years ago, but they cannot be compared with today's designs. Neither visually nor in terms of performance. The first vacuum cleaner with an integrated bag was introduced in 1876. What can still be seen from time to time was still widespread a few decades ago.

It was the central vacuum. These were integrated into large buildings via a pipe and hose system. However, they were fixed and therefore not particularly flexible. It was not until the 1950s that the first handy and therefore somewhat more flexible vacuum cleaners were produced. Cordless vacuums became popular in the 1980s.

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At that time, however, a battery life of over 60 minutes could only be dreamed of. The first hand vacuum cleaners were also relatively heavy. It is also very interesting that in 1967 Stiftung Warentest carried out the first detailed report and test with the handheld vacuum cleaner. At that time, 12 pages were used for the comparison. At that time, the devices from Miele, AEG and Philips were able to convince the experts. As you can see, not much has changed in the brands from the first test in 1967 to today.

Proscenic cordless handheld vacuum cleaner P10 Pro in the test - with unique, powerful cyclone technology, all the micron dust effect in the dust container can be instoled to let fresh air out

Stiftung Warentest hand vacuum cleaner test - the results

Stiftung Wartentest has carried out a comparison with the current vacuum cleaners several times in the last few decades. Stiftung Warentest is now known in Germany for its long and very strict tests. Anyone who is interested in a product will look for a test by Stiftung Warentest in advance. Of course, as usual, some test criteria were determined in these comparisons. The suction cups had to pass an endurance test, so to speak. Attention was paid to every little detail.

Suckers that showed only the slightest weakness were discarded immediately. However, it can be confirmed that there was hardly a vacuum cleaner with a lack of performance. Since they were handheld vacuum cleaners from well-known labels, they can hardly afford weak points.

A vacuum cleaner from Bosch or Dyson must have good suction power and easy handling, so to speak.

Testing the Proscenic cordless handheld vacuum cleaner P10 Pro – the detachable design of the battery allows the service life to be extended with a spare battery

The evolution of handheld vacuums over time

As you learned in one of the previous points, handheld vacuums have been around for many years. Of course, the first models could not convince with sufficient suction power and the first devices with a battery were also rather weak. The battery was empty after just a few minutes and the floor was still dirty. That is unimaginable in today's world. The modern handheld vacuum cleaners have a battery that lasts over 60 minutes and the suction power is also very good.

Today, even larger dirt and impurities can be vacuumed up with the bagless hand vacuum cleaner. Due to the high suction power, many choose a handheld vacuum cleaner. However, you should also make sure that the capacity of the collection container is relatively large. You will be annoyed if you have to empty the collection container after each room.

Especially when it comes to power and battery life, there is no reason to complain today. You can also expect a number of other improvements and additions to be made in the near future. However, if you look at developments over the last few years, your eyes will widen. 20 years ago it was unimaginable that hand vacuum cleaners would become so popular.

Proscenic cordless hand vacuum cleaner P10 Pro in the test - the cordless vacuum cleaner has 3 working modes

Numbers, data, facts about handheld vacuum cleaners

A few years ago there was an extensive evaluation which showed that the number of vacuum cleaners sold in Europe has again increased significantly. In the Federal Republic of Germany alone, the various manufacturers generate annual sales of over 900 million euros.

This number shows that the hard work of the manufacturers is paying off and that the end users have complete confidence in the handheld vacuum cleaner. In nine years, over 24 million vacuum cleaners have been sold worldwide. These numbers are impressive. Due to new guidelines in recent years, which are very much concerned with performance and environmental compatibility, manufacturers have had to improve or change their devices again.

Today, only vacuum cleaners with a maximum output of 1,600 watts may be sold. That was not always the case and since many end users are spoiled with significantly higher performance, the manufacturers had to improve other components in order to achieve the suction power they are used to. However, not all vacuum cleaners are affected by this new regulation. If you have a vacuum cleaner with more power in operation at home, you can of course continue to use it. The following teats are not covered by the new regulation:

In addition, the manufacturers must guarantee that the installed motors will last at least 500 hours. This is of course very important and interesting for you as a consumer.

Proscenic cordless hand vacuum cleaner P10 Pro in the test - due to the special design of the floor nozzle, all hair can be efficiently vacuumed, you can easily clean the brush

7 tips for care & maintenance

In order to be able to exceed the prescribed minimum running time of 500 hours, careful handling and regular maintenance and care are required. With the following tips and advice, you will ensure that the handheld vacuum cleaner will last for many years.

tip 1

Clean housing and filter after vacuuming

tip 2

Do not constantly recharge the battery

tip 3

Observe the manufacturer's operating instructions

tip 4

Protect the handheld vacuum cleaner from getting wet

tip 5

pay attention to careful and professional handling

tip 6

Do not clean with a wet cloth

tip 7

Store hand vacuum cleaners safely

The new handheld vacuum cleaners last significantly longer than 500 hours. Of course, this value is already very good. If you follow the 7 tips and advice above, the vacuum cleaner will still give you satisfaction in more than 10 years. An important piece of advice before using it for the first time is to take a quick look at the user manual.

The manufacturers give very useful tips and tricks for handling and regular use.

If the vacuum cleaner does not work properly, there is usually only a small cause that can be quickly remedied. Of course, this was also taken into account in the tests and defects could be quickly remedied with the tips from the operating instructions.

Impressions from our hand vacuum cleaner test

Proscenic cordless hand vacuum cleaner P10 Pro in the test - a long operating time of up to 50 minutes in eco mode