Top 15 Best Portable Vacuums for Car Reviews in 2020

If you are asking yourself why you should check out the best portable vacuum for car reviews, you are asking the wrong question.

The correct one would be – are you the type of person who enjoys driving a crystal clean car? Maybe, you are using your car every day and you hate when you see lots of dust on the board.

So, using the car often means lots of crumbs, dirt, and dust that build everywhere in the car. As such, the result will be a dirty interior, that can make you sometimes feel disgusted. However, there is good news.

As soon as you will have a performant portable vacuum for the car, you will be able to perfectly clean the car interior.

This article will give you the best information about choosing the top models of portable vacuum cleaners for cars, as well as full reviews of the best products on the market.

Why Buy A Portable Vacuum for Your Car?

If you are not sure about buying a portable vacuum for you, then you should know some of the advantages of this product. Keep on reading to find more.

Stay Healthy

Being all the time in a car full of dust and debris is not good for your health. Living in an environment where the air you breathe is polluted is not healthy at all.

Moreover, food particles can grow mold during the time, which will also pollute the air. So, keeping your car clean with a portable car vacuum is essential for retaining more valuable air.

More Value For Your Car

If you will always have lots of crumbs, dirt, and dust building in your car, it means all the upholstery and carpets will get older and scruffy. But not if you are using the proper portable vacuum. Your car’s interior will last longer and retain its value for much more time.

Safer Road Trips

It might seem a cliche, but the truth is that grime can build also on the windows and other vertical surfaces. As such, all this dirt will reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and likelihood.

Save Money

Imagine how much money you will save by quitting the professional cleaning service. From now on, you will be able to vacuum the car in your garage, and maybe do a better job than others.

Even if you will go to those self-wash services, you will still spend lots of coins, more than you would spend buying one of the portable vacuum cleaners I will talk about.

Versatility

Buying a portable vacuum for the car does not mean you can use this product only for cleaning the vehicle.

A great reason for having a portable vacuum cleaner is that you can use it for cleaning the house, maybe the garage, and all those tight corners a larger vacuum cleaner cannot reach.

Types Of Portable Vacuums for Car

Before deciding on anything else, you will need to figure out what kind of vacuum cleaner you prefer. In order to do so, you will need to know which are the models available on the market from which you can choose.

Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

This model is the most common one when talking about portable vacuum cleaners for cars. They are lightweight and easy to be carried with you in the car. Most of the time, they are cordless, but that does not mean it is an absolute fact.

There are many great corded handheld vacuum cleaners that offer much more suction power. These have long power cords, so you won’t even notice they are plugged in.

Multipurpose Vacuum Cleaner

These are models that are part of a bigger device. Usually, there are also handheld vacuum cleaners but don’t come as stand alone. They come with stick vacs that can be used for the floor part of your cars.

These are more difficult to always have in your car, but if you take good precautions and charge the device before you go on a journey, they can be very helpful portable friends.

Wet And Dry Vacuum Cleaner

I am sure that you know how much pain is to deal with wet spills in your car. Luckily, these can be resolved if you go with a wet and dry vacuum cleaner for your car. There is a very wrong misconception that these models need to be bulky.

Of course, you can find portable shop vacs that are in the shape of toolboxes, are cordless and very efficient to have with you. However, there are also small, handheld models that can also deal with wet problems.

Corded Vs. Cordless

Another criteria you need to consider when talking about portable vacuum for car types is regarding the power supply. Let’s check them both to see what each has to offer.

• Corded

The corded vacuum cleaners do not offer the same portability, however, you do not have problems with a possible lack of power. There are some types of corded vacuum cleaners you can plug directly in the car, in that power socket.

As you might already know, the corded vacuums have all those power cords that can be annoying while you clean the car’s interior.

• Cordless

When cleaning the interior of your vehicle, you need great mobility. Therefore, the portable vacuum is the proper one, and will not annoy you with all those cables. Nevertheless, based on all my expertise, the cordless car vacuum cleaner will be the option.

Which Are The Best Portable Vacuums for Car To Buy?

The best portable vacuums for cars are from brands such as Blac+Decker, VacLife or Shark because they offer great cordless experience. Furthermore, brands like HOTOR, ThisWorx or Armor All are also good since they can be used for both wet and dry purposes.

But better than wasting your time, let’s check out the highlights for all the products of the day.

• Best Overall: BLACK+DECKER Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
  “Long battery life; smart charge technology; cyclonic action; translucent bagless; rotating slim nozzle; 2 year limited warranty.”
• Best Budget: HOTOR Portable Handheld Corded Vacuum Cleaner
  “Strong suction; low noise; upgraded motor; Dry & Wet application; extended cord; well-equipped attachment.”
• Best Cordless: Audew Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
  “Long time use; powerful suction; charging protection; quick charge tech; complete accessories; durable filter.”
• Best for Detailing: ThisWorx Portable Handheld Corded Vacuum Cleaner
  “Handheld; corded; all-purpose nozzles; ergonomic design; ultimate suction power; wet and dry.”
• Best Corded: BLACK+DECKER Portable Flex Car Corded Vacuum Cleaner
  “12V adapter; patented technology; cyclonic action; flip up brush; ultra compact; long crevice tool.”
• Best Handheld: VacLife Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
  “Powerful suction; deep cleaning; no blind corners; HEPA filters; lightweight; cordless; LED light.”
• Best with Attachments: Vaclife Portable Handheld Cordless Black & Orange Vacuum Cleaner
  “HEPA filters; cordless; lightweight; LED light; low noise; crevice nozzle tool; extension soft pipe; carry case.”
• Best with HEPA Filter: Winjoy Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
  “Dry and wet hand vac; advanced cyclone filtration system; lithium battery; washable HEPA filter; 3-in-1 multifunctional.”
• Best Battery Life: Holife Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
  “HEPA filters; widely applicable; cordless; handheld; lightweight; powerful suction; stainless steel filter.”
• Best for Pets: ZesGood Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum
  “Powerful suction, low noise; quick charge; quick empty dust cup; long use time; wet & dry vacuum.”
• Best with Replaceable Battery: NOVETE Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
  “Replaceable battery; extremely powerful hand vacuum; cordless; multiple nozzle attachments; LED lights.”
• Best with Anti Hair Wrap: Shark Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
  “2 ultra-powerful cyclonic air streams; long-lasting filter; incredible suction; Lithium-ion technology; CleanTouch tech.”
• Best without Beater Bar: BLACK+DECKER Portable Dustbuster Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
  “ONE-TOUCH easy empty system; extra long crevice tool; anti-tangle rubber bristles; 2 speeds; cordless.”
• Best for Home: SIMBR Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
  “Cordless; lightweight; LED lights; portable; extension hose; SIMBR handheld; HEPA filter.”
• Best Wet & Dry: Armor All Portable Wet/Dry Corded Vacuum Cleaner
  “Corded; wet & dry; 2.5 gallon; blower function; 10 ft. cord; detail brush; deluxe car nozzle.”

Portable Vacuums for Car – Comparison Chart

I have created the best portable vacuum for car comparison chart so you can see what are the similarities and differences between the devices you will be reading about today.

Top 15 Best Portable Vacuums for Car in 2020 – Specific Reviews

It is finally time for the best portable vacuum for car reviews. Stay tight and read the pros, cons and personal opinion for each selected model

1. BLACK+DECKER Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Overall)

As you already know, my overall favorite of the day is from Black+Decker. One of the main reasons for my decision is regarding its very long life battery. I know that this might sound extraordinary but a charge can last for almost 18 months.

Even though it is a lightweight handheld vacuum, it is powerful and has a generous dirtbin. The filters use cyclonic action that will do a great job containing the dirt and allergens.

Finally, both the filter and the bowl are washable.

Key Features:

• Cyclonic action
• Lithium Ion battery
• Rotating slim nozzle

Product Specifications:

Personal Experience:

I think that having a 2 years warranty is just another statement of its great quality. However, if you want a video representation of what I just said, check out the one below:

2. HOTOR Portable Handheld Corded Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Budget)

This next model that I want to present has amazing features and all of them come at an amazing price. I will start by saying that it makes so little noise when it works that you won’t disturb anyone around you.

Even though the decibel level is low, the suction is strong. More so, it can work as a wet & dry vacuum cleaner, making it a versatile choice.

Yes, one might argue that this is a corded vac but its cord is more than decent – 16 ft. And you can use it without waiting for the battery to charge.

Lastly, you can enjoy the 4 accessories received in the package.

Key Features:

• Extended Cord
• Dry & Wet application
• Extended tube

Product Specifications:

Personal Experience:

I love the fact that regardless of fact that this is a corded model it is so portable and easy to use. Check out the next unboxing video to have a better understanding of what you just read.

3. Audew Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Cordless)

Cordless vs corded will always be a never ending discussion. This is why I will present the best model for each category of people, starting with cordless fans.

For this category, I have selected a model from Audew. Why you might ask. Well for many reasons actually.

It has a very powerful suction and it needs only 3-5 hours to charge. When charged, you can use it for 30 minutes without stopping. Furthermore, it is equipped with HEPA filters, locking up almost 100% of the dirt and allergens.

Lastly, it is very easy to clean. All you have to do is to push a button and empty the dust bin.

Key Features:

• Quick charge tech
• Durable filter
• 2200mAh lithium-ion battery

Product Specifications:

Personal Experience:

For me having one of the best vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters is a very important aspect regardless of what I clean and I am sure the same thing applies to most people.

4. ThisWorx Portable Handheld Corded Vacuum Cleaner

(Best for Detailing)

Don’t let the size of this tiny model fool you. This very powerful handheld vacuum cleaner is perfect for cleaning your car of any dirt, dust or crumbs you might have.

With a 8.8 amps motor but also due to its metal turbine, this vac provides the ultimate suction power. The ergonomic design makes sure that you won’t have any trouble cleaning with it even when it comes to very hard to reach spaces.

Since it is a corded model, you won’t have to worry about keeping it charged.

Key Features:

• Metal turbine
• 8.8 amps motor
• 16 ft power cord

Product Specifications:

Personal Experience:

As you can imagine, I appreciate all of its features, but the one that I truly love is its capacity of charging it using the car’s lighter port.

For more details, I have prepared a video below:

5. BLACK+DECKER Portable Flex Car Corded Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Corded)

Since I presented the best cordless vacuum cleaner, it is only natural that I talk about the best corded one.

This handheld vacuum cleaner has the capacity of being charged straight from the car’s cigarette lighter socket. This means that you won’t need to worry about where to plug it in.

You can use it to clean all the car. Need to vacuum underneath your seats or between them? Worry not. This device has you ready for any job.

Lastly, it is ultra compact and comes with a patented technology known as motor in the filter.

Key Features:

• Cigarette lighter adapter
• Cyclonic action
• Long Crevice Tool

Product Specifications:

Personal Experience:

Good vacuum cleaner at a great price. Should I say more? Better check out the next unboxing video:

6. VacLife Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Handheld)

Moving on, I want to present the first VacLife model of this list. It is a cordless one and can be used for cleaning your house or car.

It comes with 3 different nozzles that will let you reach very hard to reach areas such as between the car seats or under your couch.

To make sure you don’t miss anything, the vacuum cleaner comes with LED lights. Speaking of not missing any piece of dirt, this model also has HEPA filters that will keep the allergens away from your house.

Key Features:

• LED lights
• 3 different nozzles
• Long lasting battery

Product Specifications:

Personal Experience:

This lightweight vacuum cleaner is perfect to have for every day cleaning. After only 3 hours of charging, you can use it for 30 minutes.

7. Vaclife Portable Handheld Cordless Black & Orange Vacuum Cleaner

(Best with Attachments)

The second Vaclife of the day is in this list due to its amazing attachments mostly, but they are not the sole reason for its existence here.

This cordless vacuum cleaner comes with a great HEPA filtration system that will last for a very long time. Since it is a stainless steel model you can wash it and reuse it as many times you want.

Now, because it has so many attachments, you can clean not only your car but also your house.

Key Features:

• LED lights
• Stainless steel HEPA filter
• 3 different attachments

Product Specifications:

Personal Experience:

As a personal opinion, I like to add the fact that I very much appreciate its bright LED lights that don’t let you miss any dust or debris behind.

8. Winjoy Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

(Best with HEPA Filter)

I have presented many HEPA filter vacuum cleaners today, but let me talk about the one that I consider to be the best. Of course, this is just my opinion.

This being said, this Winjoy vac has a very impressive motor power (8000PA). Due to this fact, it actually can provide a suction that goes up to 8 KPA.

What is even more impressive is that this little fellow has wet & dry capacities. This means that it plays in the best wet & dry vacuum cleaner league.

Looking at its filtration system, it is very easy to see that it not only is equipped with washable HEPA filters but works using an advanced cyclone filtration system.

Key Features:

• 2200mAh Lithium Battery
• 3-in-1 multifunctional
• Large dust bin

Product Specifications:

Personal Experience:

I heard lots of people saying that this vacuum doesn’t have enough suction, but I want to remind you that this is an everyday portable vac and not a commercial one.

9. Holife Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Battery Life)

Next on the list you can see a handheld vacuum from Holife. This one has a very user friendly starter switch. But UX is not its only quality. It actually enhances reliability when talking about the power supply.

Furthermore, it protects the device against possible electrical overloads. By doing so it actually keeps the vacuum cleaner ‘alive’ for much longer.

The suction power is continuous and can be measured at 7 KPA. Due to this fact it will remove the dust, dirt or food particles with ease.

When it comes to the filter system, it comes equipped with HEPA filters. So, again, the best possible solution.

Key Features:

• Soft starter switch
• Stainless steel filter
• 2200mAh lithium battery

Product Specifications:

Personal Experience:

I really like this vacuum cleaner. I like the fact that even though it might seem to have less runtime than others, it doesn’t lose suction along the way and that is a very important aspect for me.

For e video representation of what I’ve said, check out the one below:

10. ZesGood Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum

(Best for Pets)

People with furry friends are always looking for the best handheld vacuum cleaner for pets regardless of what they need to clean.

This is why I want to talk about this next model. The ZesGood handheld vacuum cleaner is powerful but not noisy. Its cyclonic motor can provide a suction up to 7 KPA, meaning you can use it for your car, house or office space.

After only 2 hours of charge, the device is ready for continuous 25 minutes cleaning. Another great feature is its built-in LCD screen that shows you exactly the status of your battery.

Finally, it is a wet & dry hand vacuum that will permit you to clean even spilled liquids.

Key Features:

• LCD screen
• 3 2200mAh lithium-ion batteries
• Wet & Dry cleaning

Product Specifications:

Personal Experience:

Not much left to say. This is a great vacuum cleaner that will make your life easier each day, one vacuum at a time.

11. NOVETE Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

(Best with Replaceable Battery)

There are many models of vacuum cleaners that need to be thrown away simply because the battery doesn’t work anymore. However, there are others, such as this one from NOVETE that give you the possibility to simply replace that battery.

But let’s start with the beginning. This lightweight model has a powerful motor that comes with an advanced cyclone technology. These two combined offer a powerful 7 KPA suction power.

As I’ve said at the beginning of this review, the battery is replaceable. Even so, you should know that the one you get is a 2000 mAh Li-ion battery that will let you use the vac for 30 minutes before it will need a recharge.

Key Features:

• Replaceable battery
• Multiple nozzle attachments
• LED lights

Product Specifications:

Personal Experience:

As final words on the topic, I want to add that this handheld vacuum has a good size dust cup but also HEPA filters. So, yeah, say goodbye to allergens.

12. Shark Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

(Best with Anti Hair Wrap)

Shark is one of the most popular brands today and it is a very good reason for that. They provide great products. So, naturally, I had to present you with a Shark model today.

The incredible suction of this handheld vacuum is provided by 2 extremely powerful cyclonic air streams. Furthermore, these streams make sure both the filter and the motor have a longer life.

Speaking of the filter, it is a washable model that will let you spend less and have an environmentally friendly approach.

Key Features:

• 2 ultra-powerful cyclonic air streams
• XL dust cup
• CleanTouch dirt ejector

Product Specifications:

Personal Experience:

Yes, this vacuum cleaner may be a little more expensive than others, but it is worth every penny. For some visuals, check out the next slideshow:

13. BLACK+DECKER Portable Dustbuster Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

(Best without Beater Bar)

Yes, this is another Black+Decker vacuum cleaner, but truth be told, they are really great when it comes to handheld models.

This device has the capability to clean your dirt from your car but also your house. Moreso, it returns great results when used on carpets.

Another important aspect that is worth mentioning is its anti-tangle rubber bristles that are motorized and that can pick up even the most stubborn pet hair.

Finally, you can choose from one of the 2 speeds, depending on what area you need to clean.

Key Features:

• ONE-TOUCH easy empty
• XL Dustbin
• 2 Speeds

Product Specifications:

Personal Experience:

If you have a pet with long hair and need to clean more than one surface this is the vacuum cleaner you want to have.

14. SIMBR Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

(Best for Home)

If you want a vacuum cleaner that goes well with taking care not only of your car but also of your house, why not check this SIMBR one out?

The first reason I will give you for this is its high power suction 7000PA. The next one I will add to the list is regarding the great stainless steel HEPA filter. Furthermore, it is equipped with LED lights, so you won’t miss any particle.

After no more than 3 hours of charge, you can use it for even 30 minutes. All this is possible due to its 2500 mAh lithium-ion battery.

Last but not least, it is very lightweight and therefore portable, so it can be used even if you have the other hand busy.

Key Features:

• 7000Pa high power suction
• 2500 mAh lithium-ion battery
• LED light

Product Specifications:

Personal Experience:

Good battery life, good suction, good price. What can you want more? Don’t believe me? Check out the next testimonials and see other people’s opinion:

15. Armor All Portable Wet/Dry Corded Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Wet & Dry)

I have left for last the most heavy duty model. This Armor All shop vac is a wet and dry model that will come very handy to have around the house.

With a capacity of 2.5 gallons and a 2 HP peak motor, this model can turn into a blower if needed and clean your porch or alley.

Even though it is a corded vacuum, it comes with a long cord of 10 ft that even has a cord wrap.

Key Features:

• 2 peak HP motor
• Blower function
• On-board accessory and hose storage

Product Specifications:

Personal Experience:

If you live in a house and not in a small flat, then please consider this vacuum cleaner. It will make your life so much easier.

Check out the video below and see the unboxing of this product:

Best Portable Vacuum for Car Buying Guide

If you are a person who pays attention to the quality of the air you are breathing, especially if you travel a lot by car, then it is crystal clear that you need the best portable vacuum for car.

However, if you have never used one so far, it might get overwhelming when you see the multiple options on the market.

This is the moment when you should follow an easy buying guide to help you out. Keep on reading to know the main features to look for when purchasing a portable vacuum cleaner for cars.

Type

The first thing on the list when you start creating your buying guide is to decide which type of portable vacuum cleaner you want for your car. Do you prefer a handheld one? Or maybe do you need a wet and dry model.

Think of your needs and choose one according to them.

The Power Supply

The next thing to consider when choosing the portable vacuum cleaner is the type of power supply. So, as discussed, these vacuums come in two categories. You can either pick a corded or a cordless one.

Portability

This feature is strongly connected to the one above. So, when it comes to portability, it is needless to say that the cordless vacuums get a better grade. Trust us, portability is one of the essential features when it comes to cleaning the car.

However, if you previously ended up purchasing a corded vacuum, you may know how annoying it is to mess with all those cables.

A cordless vacuum will help you reach even the tightest corners of the car, and avoid the dirt accumulating. However, if you do not plan to vacuum frequently, then you can go with a corded vacuum cleaner.

Suction Power

One of the main features to look at is the power of the vacuum. The suction power dictates the efficiency and performance of your vacuum cleaner. How fast and easy can it suck all the dust and dirt?

Look for a powerful motor, that will deliver great suction. Actually, this is the biggest challenge of a vacuum cleaner for cars.

Usually, the cordless vacuum cleaner comes with a small battery pack, meaning it can lose power during the cleaning process. So this, in turn, will reduce the efficiency of the cordless vacuum cleaner.

Duty

This is an essential feature to keep in mind. As such, portable vacuum cleaners are classified into three categories: low duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty. So think about the quantity of mess your car usually has.

So if you are a person that owns a very small car, that doesn’t get dirty too fast, then you should look for a medium-duty car vacuum cleaner. If you own a big car, a minivan, or a truck, consider buying a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner.

Dust Capacity

Also known as the sump capacity, this is a feature every vacuum cleaner has. So every car vacuum cleaner has this space where all the dirt and dust are sucked in. The storage space should be enough for every cleaning session.

If you take your time to check the market today, you will find different sizes and different sump capacities. So, for instance, if you have a large passenger vehicle, look for a vacuum cleaner that has a large tank capacity.

On the other hand, if you want a lightweight vacuum, then the tank should be little.

Power Rating

If you want to be sure that you can clean all the mess in the car, look at the power rating of your vacuum. The best portable vacuum cleaner for cars should have at least a 12-volts power rating. This supply may be a power supply line or a battery pack inbuilt.

FAQs

You might still have some questions regarding the best portable vacuum for car. Here are some quick answers.

My Top Pick

Needless to say that portable vacuums for cars are really helpful, especially for those who enjoy having an always clean vehicle.

My top pick is BLACK+DECKER Portable Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner because I think it combines everything a portable vacuum for a car should have. Furthermore, if you charge it and not use it, it will stay charged for 18 months before it runs out of battery.

What do you prefer best when looking into a portable vacuum cleaner for your car? Is it weight, power suction or runtime? Let me know in the comment section below.