The 8 Best Car Vacuums We Tested for a Pro-Grade Clean

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tried

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Dera Burreson

People / Dera Burreson

Nothing beats the feeling of a clean car. But the vacuums at the car wash can be hard to maneuver and don’t always give you the level of cleanliness you may want. Purchasing ahandheld vacuumnot only makes it easier to get a high-quality clean, but you can also quickly clean up messes as they happen.

The Best Right Now

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Ridgid Cordless Hand Vacuum at Home Depot$60Jump to ReviewBest Overall (Almost):SALEBlack + Decker Flex Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$125$100Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SALELipuws Portable Car Vacuum at Amazon$30$22Jump to ReviewBest Cordless:Baseus A5 Car Vacuum Cleaner at Amazon$45Jump to ReviewBest for Detailing:DeWalt Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Home Depot$149Jump to ReviewBest Corded:Dirt Devil Corded Handheld Vacuum Cleaner at Amazon$57Jump to ReviewBest Battery Life:RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Multi-Surface Handheld Vacuum Kit Model at Home Depot$80Jump to ReviewBest Portable:Auto Joe Corded Car Handheld Vacuum Cleaner at Farmandfleet.com$17Jump to Review

Best Overall:Ridgid Cordless Hand Vacuum at Home Depot$60Jump to ReviewBest Overall (Almost):SALEBlack + Decker Flex Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$125$100Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SALELipuws Portable Car Vacuum at Amazon$30$22Jump to ReviewBest Cordless:Baseus A5 Car Vacuum Cleaner at Amazon$45Jump to ReviewBest for Detailing:DeWalt Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Home Depot$149Jump to ReviewBest Corded:Dirt Devil Corded Handheld Vacuum Cleaner at Amazon$57Jump to ReviewBest Battery Life:RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Multi-Surface Handheld Vacuum Kit Model at Home Depot$80Jump to ReviewBest Portable:Auto Joe Corded Car Handheld Vacuum Cleaner at Farmandfleet.com$17Jump to Review

Best Overall:Ridgid Cordless Hand Vacuum at Home Depot$60Jump to Review

Best Overall:Ridgid Cordless Hand Vacuum at Home Depot$60

Best Overall:

Best Overall (Almost):SALEBlack + Decker Flex Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$125$100Jump to Review

Best Overall (Almost):SALEBlack + Decker Flex Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Amazon$125$100

Best Overall (Almost):

SALE

Best Budget:SALELipuws Portable Car Vacuum at Amazon$30$22Jump to Review

Best Budget:SALELipuws Portable Car Vacuum at Amazon$30$22

Best Budget:

Best Cordless:Baseus A5 Car Vacuum Cleaner at Amazon$45Jump to Review

Best Cordless:Baseus A5 Car Vacuum Cleaner at Amazon$45

Best Cordless:

Best for Detailing:DeWalt Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Home Depot$149Jump to Review

Best for Detailing:DeWalt Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Home Depot$149

Best for Detailing:

Best Corded:Dirt Devil Corded Handheld Vacuum Cleaner at Amazon$57Jump to Review

Best Corded:Dirt Devil Corded Handheld Vacuum Cleaner at Amazon$57

Best Corded:

Best Battery Life:RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Multi-Surface Handheld Vacuum Kit Model at Home Depot$80Jump to Review

Best Battery Life:RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Multi-Surface Handheld Vacuum Kit Model at Home Depot$80

Best Battery Life:

Best Portable:Auto Joe Corded Car Handheld Vacuum Cleaner at Farmandfleet.com$17Jump to Review

Best Portable:Auto Joe Corded Car Handheld Vacuum Cleaner at Farmandfleet.com$17

Best Portable:

Best OverallRidgid Cordless Hand VacuumPHOTO: Home Depot$60 at Home DepotStar QualitiesStrong suction powerComes with four different extensions for more precise cleaningDustbin has a large capacityRed FlagsBulky and difficult to storeCharger sold separatelyIf you feel like you can’t find a handheld vacuum that’s strong enough to efficiently clean your car’s interior, you just may have met your match in this one. The Ridgid Propack is designed for the messiest of cars. The dustbin has a generous capacity, so you don’t have to worry about constantly emptying it while cleaning, and its ergonomic design makes it easy to hold for long periods of time.While it is great for tough messes, it is on the bulkier side and doesn’t store as easily as some of the others we tested. Also, it’s important to note that thebattery and charger are sold separately, so you’ll need to make an additional purchase before this vacuum is ready to use.How It’s Held UpAfter six months of additional testing, the vacuum’s battery life and suction power stayed as strong as the day we took it out of the box, and it easily picked up the rock salt that littered our car mats during the winter. If we could change anything about this vacuum, it would be to make it slightly quieter, as the noise level is a bit loud in small enclosed spaces.Cordless:Yes |Dirt Canister:1.5 pints |Attachments:Extension wand, utility nozzle, crevice nozzle, crevice clipPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best OverallRidgid Cordless Hand VacuumPHOTO: Home Depot$60 at Home Depot

Best OverallRidgid Cordless Hand Vacuum

Best Overall

Ridgid Cordless Hand Vacuum

PHOTO: Home Depot

$60 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesStrong suction powerComes with four different extensions for more precise cleaningDustbin has a large capacityRed FlagsBulky and difficult to storeCharger sold separately

Star QualitiesStrong suction powerComes with four different extensions for more precise cleaningDustbin has a large capacity

Strong suction power

Comes with four different extensions for more precise cleaning

Dustbin has a large capacity

Red FlagsBulky and difficult to storeCharger sold separately

Bulky and difficult to store

Charger sold separately

If you feel like you can’t find a handheld vacuum that’s strong enough to efficiently clean your car’s interior, you just may have met your match in this one. The Ridgid Propack is designed for the messiest of cars. The dustbin has a generous capacity, so you don’t have to worry about constantly emptying it while cleaning, and its ergonomic design makes it easy to hold for long periods of time.

While it is great for tough messes, it is on the bulkier side and doesn’t store as easily as some of the others we tested. Also, it’s important to note that thebattery and charger are sold separately, so you’ll need to make an additional purchase before this vacuum is ready to use.

How It’s Held UpAfter six months of additional testing, the vacuum’s battery life and suction power stayed as strong as the day we took it out of the box, and it easily picked up the rock salt that littered our car mats during the winter. If we could change anything about this vacuum, it would be to make it slightly quieter, as the noise level is a bit loud in small enclosed spaces.

How It’s Held Up

After six months of additional testing, the vacuum’s battery life and suction power stayed as strong as the day we took it out of the box, and it easily picked up the rock salt that littered our car mats during the winter. If we could change anything about this vacuum, it would be to make it slightly quieter, as the noise level is a bit loud in small enclosed spaces.

Cordless:Yes |Dirt Canister:1.5 pints |Attachments:Extension wand, utility nozzle, crevice nozzle, crevice clip

PHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best Overall (Almost)Black + Decker Flex Cordless Handheld VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$125$100 at Amazon$109 at Walmart$116 at Home DepotStar QualitiesWorks quickly and effectivelyLightweight and portable designEasy to clean, with minimal fussRed FlagsLoud while in useEarning perfect scores in nearly all our tests, the Black and Decker Flex Max is built for cleaning cars. The cordless design runs on a lithium-ion battery and promises to last for 15 minutes on a full charge. And thanks to the powerful suction, it only took us eight minutes to vacuum out our entire car.The suction power didn’t falter the entire time, which was impressive considering how lightweight and portable this vac is. With a four-foot hose, a pet hair attachment, and a crevice tool, this vacuum gets into all the nooks and crannies of car seats, dashboards, and floors. The decently sized dirt canister is easy to empty, thanks to a simple pop-out door, and the washable filter was a breeze to clean.Cordless:Yes |Dirt Canister:0.5 liters |Attachments:Pet brush, flexible hose, 2-in-1 nozzle/flip-up brush, crevice toolPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best Overall (Almost)Black + Decker Flex Cordless Handheld VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$125$100 at Amazon$109 at Walmart$116 at Home Depot

Best Overall (Almost)Black + Decker Flex Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Best Overall (Almost)

Black + Decker Flex Cordless Handheld Vacuum

PHOTO: Amazon

$125$100 at Amazon$109 at Walmart$116 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesWorks quickly and effectivelyLightweight and portable designEasy to clean, with minimal fussRed FlagsLoud while in use

Star QualitiesWorks quickly and effectivelyLightweight and portable designEasy to clean, with minimal fuss

Works quickly and effectively

Lightweight and portable design

Easy to clean, with minimal fuss

Red FlagsLoud while in use

Loud while in use

Earning perfect scores in nearly all our tests, the Black and Decker Flex Max is built for cleaning cars. The cordless design runs on a lithium-ion battery and promises to last for 15 minutes on a full charge. And thanks to the powerful suction, it only took us eight minutes to vacuum out our entire car.

The suction power didn’t falter the entire time, which was impressive considering how lightweight and portable this vac is. With a four-foot hose, a pet hair attachment, and a crevice tool, this vacuum gets into all the nooks and crannies of car seats, dashboards, and floors. The decently sized dirt canister is easy to empty, thanks to a simple pop-out door, and the washable filter was a breeze to clean.

Cordless:Yes |Dirt Canister:0.5 liters |Attachments:Pet brush, flexible hose, 2-in-1 nozzle/flip-up brush, crevice tool

PHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best BudgetLipuws Portable Car VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$30$22 at AmazonStar QualitiesLightweight and compactQuiet while in useCrevice tool and brush attachment are good for varied surfacesRed FlagsWeak suction when picking up some debrisNo storage bag for vacuum and attachmentsIf you aren’t looking to make a major investment, we found this hidden gem at Amazon for just under $30. We love how lightweight and compact it is — it’s easy to hold while you’re cleaning, even when you’re dealing with hard-to-reach areas like under and between the seats. It also comes with three attachments that make working on varied surfaces easier and more precise.One thing we noticed during testing was that the vacuum struggled to effectively pick up debris in the grooves of textured floorboards and took several passes on fabric surfaces as well. While the vacuum came out of the bag with a little bit of charge and didn’t lose power while we were cleaning, it took about three hours to get a full charge. The other drawback, although small, is that it doesn’t come with a storage bag for the vacuum and its attachments.How It’s Held UpAfter three months of testing, we found that the Lipuws Portable Car Vacuum works as well as it did on the first day. Although it took a while to charge, it didn’t shut off mid-cleaning and worked effectively on everyday dirt, debris, and sand.Cordless:Yes|Dirt Canister:0.45 liters |Attachments:Crevice nozzle, brush nozzle, flexible hose, USB-C cablePHOTO: People / Kayla KittsPHOTO: People / Kayla KittsPHOTO: People / Kayla KittsPHOTO: People / Kayla KittsPHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts

Best BudgetLipuws Portable Car VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$30$22 at Amazon

Best BudgetLipuws Portable Car Vacuum

Best Budget

Lipuws Portable Car Vacuum

$30$22 at Amazon

Star QualitiesLightweight and compactQuiet while in useCrevice tool and brush attachment are good for varied surfacesRed FlagsWeak suction when picking up some debrisNo storage bag for vacuum and attachments

Star QualitiesLightweight and compactQuiet while in useCrevice tool and brush attachment are good for varied surfaces

Lightweight and compact

Quiet while in use

Crevice tool and brush attachment are good for varied surfaces

Red FlagsWeak suction when picking up some debrisNo storage bag for vacuum and attachments

Weak suction when picking up some debris

No storage bag for vacuum and attachments

If you aren’t looking to make a major investment, we found this hidden gem at Amazon for just under $30. We love how lightweight and compact it is — it’s easy to hold while you’re cleaning, even when you’re dealing with hard-to-reach areas like under and between the seats. It also comes with three attachments that make working on varied surfaces easier and more precise.

One thing we noticed during testing was that the vacuum struggled to effectively pick up debris in the grooves of textured floorboards and took several passes on fabric surfaces as well. While the vacuum came out of the bag with a little bit of charge and didn’t lose power while we were cleaning, it took about three hours to get a full charge. The other drawback, although small, is that it doesn’t come with a storage bag for the vacuum and its attachments.

How It’s Held UpAfter three months of testing, we found that the Lipuws Portable Car Vacuum works as well as it did on the first day. Although it took a while to charge, it didn’t shut off mid-cleaning and worked effectively on everyday dirt, debris, and sand.

After three months of testing, we found that the Lipuws Portable Car Vacuum works as well as it did on the first day. Although it took a while to charge, it didn’t shut off mid-cleaning and worked effectively on everyday dirt, debris, and sand.

Cordless:Yes|Dirt Canister:0.45 liters |Attachments:Crevice nozzle, brush nozzle, flexible hose, USB-C cable

PHOTO: People / Kayla KittsPHOTO: People / Kayla KittsPHOTO: People / Kayla KittsPHOTO: People / Kayla KittsPHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts

Best CordlessBaseus A5 Car Vacuum CleanerPHOTO: Amazon$45 at AmazonView on Aliexpress.us

Best CordlessBaseus A5 Car Vacuum Cleaner

Best Cordless

Baseus A5 Car Vacuum Cleaner

$45 at AmazonView on Aliexpress.us

Star QualitiesCleans up well between usesCompact for easy storageManeuvers well in tight spacesRed FlagsStruggled to suck up heavier debris

Star QualitiesCleans up well between usesCompact for easy storageManeuvers well in tight spaces

Cleans up well between uses

Compact for easy storage

Maneuvers well in tight spaces

Red FlagsStruggled to suck up heavier debris

Struggled to suck up heavier debris

It did great picking up smaller debris on all surfaces, and although the canister is fairly small, we didn’t have to empty it while cleaning. When the canister does get full, it’s fairly easy to empty and clean without getting your hands too dirty. The main drawback with this one is that it struggles with heavier debris, so if you are dealing with bigger messes in your car, you’ll probably have to make multiple passes over each surface.

How It’s Held UpWe reach for this compact vacuum frequently to clean up small messes, and it’s held a charge the entire time we’ve had it. While it’s strong enough to handle typical car messes and debris, we wish the suction was a bit stronger.

We reach for this compact vacuum frequently to clean up small messes, and it’s held a charge the entire time we’ve had it. While it’s strong enough to handle typical car messes and debris, we wish the suction was a bit stronger.

Cordless:Yes |Dirt Canister:0.15 liters |Attachments:Crevice tool, brush nozzle, 2-in-1 suction and air nozzle, USB-C cable

PHOTO: People / Kelly LewisPHOTO: People / Kelly LewisPHOTO: People / Kelly Lewis

Best for DetailingDeWalt Cordless Handheld VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$149 at Home Depot$149 at Farmandfleet.comView on Cpooutlets.comStar QualitiesPowerful suction for tough messesCan clean the entire interior of a car on one chargeIncludes HEPA filterRed FlagsOn the heavier sideBattery sold separatelyFor detailing, we recommend the Dewalt 20V Max. This powerful cordless vacuum comes pre-assembled, though you’ll have tobuy the batteryseparately. It promises to run for over 20 minutes on a full charge and was still going strong after 15 minutes when we finished cleaning the car. Sucking up Cheerios and clumps of hair took only one pass, and the crevice tool was perfect for getting between the seats. It also has a HEPA filter and a larger-than-average dirt canister.Weighing in at a little over seven pounds, we noticed it felt heavy after a few minutes. Still, we found it generally easy to maneuver. The only other thing to note is that it’s pretty loud, but that’s what you’d expect for such a powerful tool.How It’s Held UpWe continued to test the Dewalt vacuum for six months and, thanks to its impressive suction, found ourselves reaching for this vacuum over acordless stick vacuumwhen we really needed a deep clean. The suction remained as powerful as it was the first time, making it one of the best vacuums in our cleaning arsenal.Cordless:Yes |Dirt Canister:0.7 liters |Attachments:Extension tube, flexible hose, crevice nozzle, round brush, gulper brush, floor nozzle, accessory bagPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonExperts SayWe asked the team at MAV’s Mobile Detailing, a New York-based car detailing service, what tips they have for getting that pro-grade clean on your car’s interior. “It’s best to start the vacuuming process working from high to low, such as starting with the center console and seats. After that, you can move onto the floor mats and foot wells,” they said. “If you’re struggling with getting into the nooks of your car, pick up a flexible crevice tool from your local hardware store. You might also find a car cleaning accessories kit to go along with your vacuum.”

Best for DetailingDeWalt Cordless Handheld VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$149 at Home Depot$149 at Farmandfleet.comView on Cpooutlets.com

Best for DetailingDeWalt Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Best for Detailing

DeWalt Cordless Handheld Vacuum

$149 at Home Depot$149 at Farmandfleet.comView on Cpooutlets.com

Star QualitiesPowerful suction for tough messesCan clean the entire interior of a car on one chargeIncludes HEPA filterRed FlagsOn the heavier sideBattery sold separately

Star QualitiesPowerful suction for tough messesCan clean the entire interior of a car on one chargeIncludes HEPA filter

Powerful suction for tough messes

Can clean the entire interior of a car on one charge

Includes HEPA filter

Red FlagsOn the heavier sideBattery sold separately

On the heavier side

Battery sold separately

For detailing, we recommend the Dewalt 20V Max. This powerful cordless vacuum comes pre-assembled, though you’ll have tobuy the batteryseparately. It promises to run for over 20 minutes on a full charge and was still going strong after 15 minutes when we finished cleaning the car. Sucking up Cheerios and clumps of hair took only one pass, and the crevice tool was perfect for getting between the seats. It also has a HEPA filter and a larger-than-average dirt canister.

Weighing in at a little over seven pounds, we noticed it felt heavy after a few minutes. Still, we found it generally easy to maneuver. The only other thing to note is that it’s pretty loud, but that’s what you’d expect for such a powerful tool.

How It’s Held UpWe continued to test the Dewalt vacuum for six months and, thanks to its impressive suction, found ourselves reaching for this vacuum over acordless stick vacuumwhen we really needed a deep clean. The suction remained as powerful as it was the first time, making it one of the best vacuums in our cleaning arsenal.

How It’s Held Up

We continued to test the Dewalt vacuum for six months and, thanks to its impressive suction, found ourselves reaching for this vacuum over acordless stick vacuumwhen we really needed a deep clean. The suction remained as powerful as it was the first time, making it one of the best vacuums in our cleaning arsenal.

Cordless:Yes |Dirt Canister:0.7 liters |Attachments:Extension tube, flexible hose, crevice nozzle, round brush, gulper brush, floor nozzle, accessory bag

Experts SayWe asked the team at MAV’s Mobile Detailing, a New York-based car detailing service, what tips they have for getting that pro-grade clean on your car’s interior. “It’s best to start the vacuuming process working from high to low, such as starting with the center console and seats. After that, you can move onto the floor mats and foot wells,” they said. “If you’re struggling with getting into the nooks of your car, pick up a flexible crevice tool from your local hardware store. You might also find a car cleaning accessories kit to go along with your vacuum.”

Experts Say

We asked the team at MAV’s Mobile Detailing, a New York-based car detailing service, what tips they have for getting that pro-grade clean on your car’s interior. “It’s best to start the vacuuming process working from high to low, such as starting with the center console and seats. After that, you can move onto the floor mats and foot wells,” they said. “If you’re struggling with getting into the nooks of your car, pick up a flexible crevice tool from your local hardware store. You might also find a car cleaning accessories kit to go along with your vacuum.”

Best CordedDirt Devil Corded Handheld Vacuum CleanerPHOTO: Walmart$57 at Amazon$45 at ChewyStar QualitiesReasonably priced yet efficient15-foot cord makes it easy to maneuver around the carIncludes a beater bar headRed FlagsHair can get tangled in the roller brushFor quick cleans, reach for the Dirt Devil Scorpion+. This handheld vacuum has a 15-foot power cord, plus a beater bar head and a crevice tool for tackling various surfaces and textures. We were happy to see that it picked up loose Cheerios and Goldfish crackers in just one pass. And since it’s just three pounds, maneuvering it doesn’t require much effort, which is a game changer for targeting hard-to-reach areas.The main drawback is that it’s pretty loud, so you won’t be able to hear other people talking while it’s running. Also, once we figured out where the release button was, we thought emptying the dirt canister was a piece of cake.How It’s Held UpThis handheld vacuum’s quality stayed pretty consistent throughout our testing. The vacuum’s body showed no signs of wear and tear, and we loved how easy it was to empty the canister and clean the filter. We did have one issue: The motorized roller brush became tangled with hair, which jammed the rolling mechanism and stopped the brush head from working properly.Cordless:No |Dirt Canister:0.45 liters |Attachments:Quick-flip crevice tool, pivoting stair and upholstery toolPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best CordedDirt Devil Corded Handheld Vacuum CleanerPHOTO: Walmart$57 at Amazon$45 at Chewy

Best CordedDirt Devil Corded Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Best Corded

Dirt Devil Corded Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

PHOTO: Walmart

$57 at Amazon$45 at Chewy

Star QualitiesReasonably priced yet efficient15-foot cord makes it easy to maneuver around the carIncludes a beater bar headRed FlagsHair can get tangled in the roller brush

Star QualitiesReasonably priced yet efficient15-foot cord makes it easy to maneuver around the carIncludes a beater bar head

Reasonably priced yet efficient

15-foot cord makes it easy to maneuver around the car

Includes a beater bar head

Red FlagsHair can get tangled in the roller brush

Hair can get tangled in the roller brush

For quick cleans, reach for the Dirt Devil Scorpion+. This handheld vacuum has a 15-foot power cord, plus a beater bar head and a crevice tool for tackling various surfaces and textures. We were happy to see that it picked up loose Cheerios and Goldfish crackers in just one pass. And since it’s just three pounds, maneuvering it doesn’t require much effort, which is a game changer for targeting hard-to-reach areas.

The main drawback is that it’s pretty loud, so you won’t be able to hear other people talking while it’s running. Also, once we figured out where the release button was, we thought emptying the dirt canister was a piece of cake.

How It’s Held UpThis handheld vacuum’s quality stayed pretty consistent throughout our testing. The vacuum’s body showed no signs of wear and tear, and we loved how easy it was to empty the canister and clean the filter. We did have one issue: The motorized roller brush became tangled with hair, which jammed the rolling mechanism and stopped the brush head from working properly.

This handheld vacuum’s quality stayed pretty consistent throughout our testing. The vacuum’s body showed no signs of wear and tear, and we loved how easy it was to empty the canister and clean the filter. We did have one issue: The motorized roller brush became tangled with hair, which jammed the rolling mechanism and stopped the brush head from working properly.

Cordless:No |Dirt Canister:0.45 liters |Attachments:Quick-flip crevice tool, pivoting stair and upholstery tool

Best Battery LifeRYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Multi-Surface Handheld Vacuum Kit ModelPHOTO: Home Depot$80 at Home Depot

Best Battery LifeRYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Multi-Surface Handheld Vacuum Kit Model

Best Battery Life

RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Multi-Surface Handheld Vacuum Kit Model

$80 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesEasy to clean between usesSmall and compact designRed FlagsStruggled to pick up debris on fabric surfaces

Star QualitiesEasy to clean between usesSmall and compact design

Easy to clean between uses

Small and compact design

Red FlagsStruggled to pick up debris on fabric surfaces

Struggled to pick up debris on fabric surfaces

While we did love its long battery life, we did notice that it struggled with suction on cloth textures. While it managed to suck up debris on hard surfaces and leather, it hardly picked up anything when it transitioned to fabric. If you have a larger car with leather interiors that needs a longer battery life for a full clean, this is a great option.

How It’s Held UpOver six months of testing, the Ryobi’s performance didn’t falter. The battery remained strong and long-lasting, and we reached for it whenever our seats required a deep clean. The Ryobi charges quickly and feels super lightweight in hand. We stored it in our garage for easy access, and the vacuum stayed in mint condition.

Over six months of testing, the Ryobi’s performance didn’t falter. The battery remained strong and long-lasting, and we reached for it whenever our seats required a deep clean. The Ryobi charges quickly and feels super lightweight in hand. We stored it in our garage for easy access, and the vacuum stayed in mint condition.

Cordless:Yes |Dirt Canister:2.5 cups |Attachments:Universal nozzle, battery and charger

Best PortableAuto Joe Corded Car Handheld Vacuum CleanerPHOTO: Home Depot$17 at Farmandfleet.comStar QualitiesComes with lots of attachmentsIncludes a carrying case for easy storageRelatively quiet while in useRed FlagsDoesn’t work well on cloth interiorsAlthough this vacuum is cord-operated, it still has lots of features that make it a great addition to your car cleaning kit. Thanks to the three removable cleaning attachments, this vacuum has all the features you need to clean every nook and cranny of your car. Whether you’re picking up dust from your cupholders, leaves from grooved floorboards, or crumbs between the cracks of seats, the customizable attachments allow you to suck up debris in hard-to-reach places.The cord is easily plugged into your car’s auxiliary power outlet, and although this lightweight vacuum has strong suction, it’s relatively quiet. The whole thing packs neatly into a soft-shell zip-up carrying case that, while it wouldn’t fit under a seat, tucks away nicely in your trunk. One thing to note about this vacuum is that it doesn’t perform as well on cloth interiors. While we were still able to clean them, we found that we had to keep going over certain areas.How It’s Held UpAfter six months of testing, the Sun Joe was as good as new. The cleaning attachments worked well to remove crumbs between seats, and the suction remained as strong as it was during our first use. We kept this vacuum in the trunk of our car and reached for it whenever our mats needed a touch-up. We still wish that we had the option to use this vacuum cordlessly, but it’s such a great value for its quality that we can’t complain.Cordless:No |Dirt Canister:Not listed |Attachments:Extension hose, crevice nozzle, brush attachment, carrying bag, filter cleaning brush

Best PortableAuto Joe Corded Car Handheld Vacuum CleanerPHOTO: Home Depot$17 at Farmandfleet.com

Best PortableAuto Joe Corded Car Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Best Portable

Auto Joe Corded Car Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

$17 at Farmandfleet.com

Star QualitiesComes with lots of attachmentsIncludes a carrying case for easy storageRelatively quiet while in useRed FlagsDoesn’t work well on cloth interiors

Star QualitiesComes with lots of attachmentsIncludes a carrying case for easy storageRelatively quiet while in use

Comes with lots of attachments

Includes a carrying case for easy storage

Relatively quiet while in use

Red FlagsDoesn’t work well on cloth interiors

Doesn’t work well on cloth interiors

Although this vacuum is cord-operated, it still has lots of features that make it a great addition to your car cleaning kit. Thanks to the three removable cleaning attachments, this vacuum has all the features you need to clean every nook and cranny of your car. Whether you’re picking up dust from your cupholders, leaves from grooved floorboards, or crumbs between the cracks of seats, the customizable attachments allow you to suck up debris in hard-to-reach places.

The cord is easily plugged into your car’s auxiliary power outlet, and although this lightweight vacuum has strong suction, it’s relatively quiet. The whole thing packs neatly into a soft-shell zip-up carrying case that, while it wouldn’t fit under a seat, tucks away nicely in your trunk. One thing to note about this vacuum is that it doesn’t perform as well on cloth interiors. While we were still able to clean them, we found that we had to keep going over certain areas.

How It’s Held UpAfter six months of testing, the Sun Joe was as good as new. The cleaning attachments worked well to remove crumbs between seats, and the suction remained as strong as it was during our first use. We kept this vacuum in the trunk of our car and reached for it whenever our mats needed a touch-up. We still wish that we had the option to use this vacuum cordlessly, but it’s such a great value for its quality that we can’t complain.

After six months of testing, the Sun Joe was as good as new. The cleaning attachments worked well to remove crumbs between seats, and the suction remained as strong as it was during our first use. We kept this vacuum in the trunk of our car and reached for it whenever our mats needed a touch-up. We still wish that we had the option to use this vacuum cordlessly, but it’s such a great value for its quality that we can’t complain.

Cordless:No |Dirt Canister:Not listed |Attachments:Extension hose, crevice nozzle, brush attachment, carrying bag, filter cleaning brush

Other Car Vacuums We Tried

What to Know About Car Vacuums

Size and Weight

The first thing to consider when buying a car vacuum is the size. You want something compact enough to fit into all the nooks and crannies of your vehicle. If it’s small enough to store in your car or truck, even better. Your car vacuum should also be relativelylightweight and easy to maneuverwith one hand since you’ll be holding it up rather than pushing it like anupright model.

Cordless vs. Corded

There are a few types of car vacuums: handheld vacuums, compact models with hoses, and stick vacuums. After you narrow it down to your preferred type, you’ll want to consider whether you want a corded or cordless model. Cordless handheld vacuums are a popular option, as they’re generally small and lightweight. There are also cordless compact models with hoses, allowing you to reach into tight spaces at various angles. A stick vacuum (cordless or corded) can also work, especially if it has a handheld configuration.

Mint Cleaning co-founderMonika Scottis a fan of corded models, as they won’t die on you midway through. Though you won’t have to worry about the battery dying, you will want to make sure the cord is long enough — 15 to 18 feet should suffice. TheDirt Devil Scorpion Plus, which has a 15-foot cord, is our pick for the best corded model. Battery-powered vacuums are more portable, but they may only run for about 20 minutes before needing to be recharged.

Attachments

Scott also says to look for something with various attachments, like a crevice tool and a pet hair remover — both helpful features for hard-to-reach areas. Crevice tools are the most useful for cleaning cars, as they allow you to get into all the nooks and crannies of your vehicle. A pet hair tool can also come in handy for dog owners, and some handheld vacuums have beater bar heads, which are nice for cleaning the floor and trunk of your vehicle.

Canister Capacity

The canister capacity you need will depend on the size of your car. For example, if you have a larger SUV, you’ll want a vacuum with a bigger canister so you can clean your whole car without having to empty it midway through. If you go too long without emptying the canister and let it get too full, it can impact the suction and ultimately damage its power in the long term. Our top pick, theRidgid 18V Hand Vacuum, has a large (1.5-pint) canister capacity.

Price Range

Car vacuums are available at a range of prices, so consider your budget before shopping around. Handheld models are typically more affordable than standard upright vacuums, though they can still range anywhere from $25 to $150 or more.

People / Kayla Kitts

The car vacuums with the highest average scores were ultimately selected for this story, and we threw in a few honorable mentions on the end that didn’t quite make the cut.

Olivia Avittis a shopping writer for PEOPLE who specializes in thorough, honest product reviews. For this article, she compiled the vacuums on this list based on our detailed lab and real-life testing. She also consulted Monika Scott, co-founder of Mint Cleaning, and the team at MAV’s Mobile Detailing for tips on how to get an expert-level clean in your car and what products they prefer using. This story was recently updated with new products to reflect the ever-changing market and insights on our methodology, so you can know how exactly each product made our list.

Our Expert PanelMonika Scottis the co-founder of Mint Cleaning, a professional cleaning service with its own line of cleaning products.MAV’s Mobile Detailingis a New York-based car detailing service.

Our Expert Panel

Monika Scottis the co-founder of Mint Cleaning, a professional cleaning service with its own line of cleaning products.MAV’s Mobile Detailingis a New York-based car detailing service.

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In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com