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Bissell

Bissell AeroSlim Cordless Handheld Vacuum: the downsides first

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#7 of 8
$Cordless handheldScore 2.6/5
10%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)

Good Housekeeping's pick for the car in two separate guides: slim, 1.3 lb, USB-charged and under $50. But the dust cup is tiny, there's no pet-hair tool, and both Car and Driver and many Amazon owners say it can't handle anything but small crumbs.

Top complaints

What owners love

Good for
  • Keeping in the car and charging over USB
  • Crumbs on counters, desks and cupholders
  • A tight budget

Scores (tap for why)

What experts say

  • Good Housekeeping (handheld vacuums): Best for the car (published 2026-05-04): ideal for quick pickups on hard surfaces, USB charging, 15 minutes. Cons: small dust cup, no pet-hair attachment.
  • Good Housekeeping (car vacuums): Best portable (updated 2025-09-22): good suction at a great price, but a tiny dust cup.
  • Car and Driver: Other tested (updated 2026-07-01): impressive size, power and battery for a foot-long vac, but it couldn't measure up on the floor mat and can't handle larger chunks.
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If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked handheld & car vacuums whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in handheld & car vacuumsBlack+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet Hand Vacuum

The pet-hair pick at both Wirecutter and Good Housekeeping, with a motorized brush, a big bin and 24-32 minutes of runtime. But at 4.2 pounds it's heavy for a hand vac, the battery can't be replaced, and Amazon owners report units dying within a year.

Its catch: units die within a year; battery not replaceable#2 in handheld & car vacuumsDeWalt 20V Max Cordless Wet/Dry Hand Vacuum

Good Housekeeping's best car vacuum, with top lab pickup, wet/dry use and a HEPA filter, and the lowest Amazon low-star share here. But the battery and charger cost extra, it's bulky and heavier than sleek models, and its crevice tool clogs on bigger debris.

Its catch: no battery or charger in the box#3 in handheld & car vacuumsRyobi 18V ONE+ Performance Hand Vacuum Kit

Wirecutter's top handheld: exceptional suction and airflow, an extra-large bin, an 18-minute runtime and a three-year warranty. But it's clunky, the battery under the handle can strain wrists, replacement batteries are pricey, and it's sold only at Home Depot.

Its catch: awkward weight balance; pricey batteries

See all 8 handheld & car vacuums ranked →