ConsFirst / Handheld & car vacuums / Compare
Black+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet Hand Vacuum vs DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Wet/Dry Hand Vacuum
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Black+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet Hand Vacuum ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on battery life, attachments & reach. DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Wet/Dry Hand Vacuum wins on durability.
The biggest complaint about the Black+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet Hand Vacuum is units die within a year; battery not replaceable; for the DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Wet/Dry Hand Vacuum it's no battery or charger in the box. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Black+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet Hand Vacuum | DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Wet/Dry Hand Vacuum | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in handheld & car vacuums | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$$ |
| Type | Cordless handheld | Tool-battery handheld |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 14% | 7% |
| Overall score | 3.9 | 3.8 |
| Suction | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Battery life | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Bin & filter | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Attachments & reach | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Durability | 3.0 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $60 · $$ $60–150 · $$$ over $150. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Black+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet Hand Vacuum
- Units die within a year; battery not replaceable
Amazon's review summary says durability is concerning, with units stopping within a year, and battery-life feedback is mixed, with some owners reporting short battery life. Wirecutter notes the battery isn't replaceable, though filters, belt, beater bar and charger are.
- Heavy, and side vents scatter debris
Good Housekeeping weighed it at 4.2 pounds and says air from the side vents blew light debris out of the cleaning path, which testers found annoying.
- Loose parts; some owners find it loud
Wirecutter says the pull-out crevice tool sometimes slid back in tight spaces and the filters tumbled out too easily when emptying. Amazon's summary says some owners describe it as abnormally loud, though both Wirecutter (75 dB) and Good Housekeeping (three-star Quiet Mark) found it quieter than most.
DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Wet/Dry Hand Vacuum
- No battery or charger in the box
Good Housekeeping lists 'battery not included' as a con and says to factor it into the price if you don't own DeWalt tools. The Amazon listing is 'Bare Tool Only'.
- Bulky and heavier
Good Housekeeping says it's heavier than sleeker models (3.2 lb), making it harder to maneuver. Wirecutter calls it a bulky vacuum that's overkill for most day-to-day tasks.
- Clogs on bigger debris; mixed owner reports
Car and Driver says its DeWalt 20V handheld handled small debris but struggled with bigger stuff, and the crevice tool clogs. Amazon's summary says battery life, suction and durability get mixed reviews, with some units breaking after minimal use.
Who should pick which
Pick the Black+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet Hand Vacuum if
Pet hair on upholstery and car seats
Fewer trips to the trash (large bin)
Longer cleanups on one charge
Skip it if: You want a light hand vac (4.2 lb); You want a replaceable battery; You need it to last many years without a battery swap
Pick the DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Wet/Dry Hand Vacuum if
People who already own DeWalt 20V batteries
Garage, workshop and car messes, including wet spills
Allergy-conscious users (HEPA filter)
Skip it if: You don't own DeWalt batteries (adds cost); You want a light, compact everyday hand vac; You mostly vacuum big chunks with the crevice tool
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