The 9 Best Cordless Vacuums for Your Car in 2021
Do you struggle to remove dust, food crumbs, and pet hair from your car’s interior?
If so, you might want to consider getting a cordless car vacuum as it can make quite a difference in how you clean your car.
Take some time to discover a few impressive models and their pros and cons. You’ll also find a detailed buyer’s guide to help you choose the best handheld vacuum for car cleaning.
In case you’re short on time, here’s our quick list of best picks:
- Our Top Pick: Vaclife Handheld Vacuum
- Long-Lasting Battery: BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Car Vacuum, 16V (CHV1410L)
- Best Wet/Dry Car Handheld: LOZAYI 7KPA Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum
- Best Versatile Option: Fujiway Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
- Best Choice for Cars and Boats: Dyson V7 Car+Boat Cord-Free Handheld
| Product Name | Run Time | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Vaclife Handheld Vacuum | 30 min | 1.94 lbs |
| BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Handheld Vacuum, 16V (CHV1410L) | holds a charge up to 18 months | 2.6 lbs |
| LOZAYI 7KPA Cordless Handheld Vacuum Rechargeable Hand Vac | 30 min | 2.84 lbs |
| Fujiway Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner | 30 min | 1.7 lbs |
| Dyson V7 Car+Boat Cord-Free Handheld | 30 min | 3.77 lbs |
| Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless | 25 min | 3.26 lbs |
| AUELEK Cordless Vacuum Cleaner | 20-30 min | 1.1 lbs |
| Audew Cordless Handheld Vacuum | 30 min | 862 g |
| BISSELL AutoMate Lithium-Ion Cordless Handheld car Vacuum | 20 min | 4.79 lbs |
Best Cordless Car Vacuums on the Market
Vaclife Handheld Vacuum
(Our Top Pick)
Vaclife car vacuum is small and compact, but powerful enough to tackle both large and smaller debris. One of the best things about it is its stainless steel HEPA filter that’s durable and easy to wash anytime.
While it’s ideal for car use, it’s also useful to have around the house. It’s practical, so you can easily vacuum any small mess on your carpet, hard floor, stairs, and other areas.
When it comes to keeping your car clean, this portable vacuum stands out thanks to its suction power and attachments. It picks up pet hair, food crumbs, cigarette ashes, paper scraps, and other similar dirt and debris.
It comes with a crevice nozzle, an extension soft pile, a brush tool, a carry case, and an adapter. Another thing worth noting is the LED light that allows you to clean all the nooks and crannies in low-light conditions.
Pros
- Stainless steel HEPA
- Suitable for pet hair
- Low noise
Cons
- It may lose some suction over time
BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Car Vacuum, 16V (CHV1410L)
(Long-Lasting Battery)
This battery-powered Black+Decker vacuum is lightweight and easy to use in your car as well as the house. It comes with a long-lasting lithium-ion battery that holds a charge for up to 18 months.
It takes some four hours to recharge, providing approximately 20 minutes of runtime. It’s powerful and ergonomically-designed, so it’s comfortable to use at all times.
This Black+Decker vacuum features cyclonic action that helps to keep its suction strong and its filter clean. However, keep in mind that all its filters, and dirt bowl, are washable and easy to remove.
It features a rotating slim nozzle that’s ideal for most places in your car. Still, it’s a bit wide, so you might struggle to reach tight spaces. This Black+Decker weighs less than 3 pounds, so you won’t have any issues carrying it around.
Specifications
- Runtime: holds a charge up to 18 months
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
- Dimensions: 17.25 x 5.5 x 7.75 in
Pros
- Easy to maintain
- Lightweight (2.6 pounds)
- Powerful suction
Cons
- Not for tight areas
LOZAYI 7KPA Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum
(Best Wet/Dry Car Handheld)
Lozayi wet-dry handheld comes with a 3014 stainless steel filter and a powerful motor. It provides 7KPA strong cyclonic suction, picking up food crumbs, cigarette ash, and other similar dirt and debris. It features LED lights, allowing you to clean remote areas in low-light conditions.
This one comes with a three high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack, providing thirty minutes of runtime. The vacuum requires four hours to recharge.
It’s quiet, which makes it suitable for at-home use as well. Also, it’s important to note that this is a wet-dry vacuum. It comes with four attachments, including a crevice nozzle and a dusting brush.
This wet-dry vacuum is safe to use as it features short circuit, temperature, input voltage, and input current protections. It comes with a washable stainless steel filter that’s easier to maintain than paper ones.
Specifications
- Runtime: 30 min
- Weight: 2.84 lbs
- Dimensions: 15.2 x 5.9 x 4.8 in
Pros
- Powerful suction
- Long-lasting, reusable filter
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Not for pet hair
Fujiway Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
(Best Versatile Option)
This Fujiway is one of the best vacuum cleaners thanks to its weight, suction power, and versatility. It features a 120W high-performance motor and a long-lasting lithium-ion battery as well.
Its battery lasts for about 30 minutes, requiring up to four hours to recharge. It’s a high-efficiency lithium-ion battery that easily withstands up to 500 recharging cycles.
Still, one of the best things about it is its versatility. It works as a wet-dry vacuum, allowing you to keep your car clean regardless of the type of mess. It also comes with three attachments, including a brush, soft pipe, and a crevice attachment.
This one features a built-in LED light that allows you to pick up all the mess in the hard-to-reach places and low-light areas. On top of that, it weighs only 1.5 pounds in total.
Specifications
- Runtime: 30 min
- Weight: 1.7 lbs
- Dimensions: 14.96 x 4.33 x 3.94 in
Pros
- For wet-dry cleaning
- HEPA filter
- Up to 30 minutes
Cons
- It tends to lose suction at times
Dyson V7 Car+Boat Cord-Free Handheld
(Best Choice for Cars and Boats)
Dyson is one of the most notable names in the industry, and its V7 cord-free handheld vac is quite popular for a reason. It’s small, compact, versatile, and allergy-friendly.
This best car vacuum comes with a .15 gallon dirt bin that’s easy to clean. It features a hygienic dirt ejector that allows you to empty the bin without touching any of the dirt and debris. This can make cleaning easier for allergy-prone people.
The package includes a car charger, a hose, a mini motorized tool, and a combination tool. Also, it offers up to 30 minutes of runtime. Its suction power is unlikely to fade thanks to its lithium-ion battery pack that keeps it strong at all times.
Dyson V7 is somewhat heavier than most handhelds, weighing nearly four pounds. Still, this shouldn’t be too heavy for keeping your car clean.
Specifications
- Runtime: 30 min
- Weight: 3.77 lbs
- Dimensions: 12.45 x 5.17 x 8.11 in
Pros
- Hygienic emptying
- Strong suction
- Two suction modes
Cons
- Reduced runtime with motorized tools
Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless
Homsay Portable Handheld is strong and easy to use. It picks up everything from pet hair and paper debris to food crumbs and cigarette ash. Also, it can remove particles that are as small as 0.3 microns, so it’s suitable for allergy-prone people.
This portable vacuum features four 2200mah lithium batteries that provide about 30 minutes of runtime. It takes three to four times to recharge, holding a charge for a long time so that it’s always ready for use.
Its dirt cup has a capacity of 600ml in total, which means that you won’t have to empty it as often. Also, it comes with three attachments, including a brush attachment, crevice nozzle, and a rubber jar attachment.
It’s equipped with protection against input voltage, input current, short circuit, and temperature, so it’s safe to use at all times.
Specifications
- Runtime: 25 min
- Weight: 3.26 lbs
- Dimensions: 6.1 x 7.48 x 17.13 in
Pros
- Two washable filters included
- Up to 30 minutes
- Low-noise operation
Cons
- Weighs almost four pounds
AUELEK Vacuum Cleaner
If you’re looking for a simple and easy-to-use cord-free vacuum cleaner, you might want to check this Auelek for wet-dry cleaning. It features a 120W powerful motor along with a radial cyclone, providing 4500PA strong cyclonic suction.
Also, it’s ergonomically-designed, so it’s comfortable to use at all times. Since it weighs a little over a pound, the car vacuum is easy to use for an extended time.
It’s battery-operated, providing about 30 minutes of runtime. However, it’s important to note that it takes nearly four hours to recharge. Luckily, it has a battery indicator, letting you know when it’s fully charged.
Auelek comes with a crevice attachment, a brush attachment, and a soft pipe. The three tools allow versatile use, making it easy to get to all the nooks and crannies of your car interior.
Specifications
- Runtime: 20-30 min
- Weight: 1.1 lbs
- Dimensions: 12.95 x 5.04 x 4.02 in
Pros
- LED light
- Works as a wet-dry vacuum
- Stainless steel HEPA
Cons
- Not for larger debris
Audew Cordless Handheld Vacuum
This Audew cord-free vacuum cleaner features cyclone technology, providing continuous suction and efficiency. It’s ideal for deep-cleaning pet fur in your car, as well as paper scraps and dirt, but also liquids and small stones.
Its battery lasts twenty to thirty minutes, which should be enough to keep your car clean. The battery included is the high-efficiency 2200mAh lithium-ion battery that takes three to five hours to recharge.
It features three attachments, including a crevice attachment, a brush, and a long soft tube. It’s a versatile handheld that’s suitable for both floors and upholstery of your car.
Another thing worth mentioning is its filtration system. Audew features washable and reusable stainless steel and sponge filters that trap all the particles and allergens inside. All you have to do is remove the filters to clean them with a brush or water.
Pros
- Washable HEPA
- Carrying bag included
- Lightweight (1.9 pounds)
Cons
- It’s loud
BISSELL AutoMate Cordless Handheld car Vacuum
Bissell AutoMate is a handy vacuum cleaner that you can carry in your car at all times. It features a 14V lithium-ion battery that holds a charge pretty well, so it’s always ready for use.
The vacuum cleaner features a 0.7-liter dirt bin that’s easy to remove and clean. It’s not the largest bin, but you probably won’t have to empty it as often during a single cleaning session.
It comes with a motorized brush tool that’s ideal for pet owners. It removes pet fur from carpets and every car seat regardless of the material, which is perfect if you like to ride with your pet.
Also, this one features an LED crevice attachment for deep-cleaning in low-light conditions. A flexible crevice tool is also included, but this one is a bit more suitable for hard-to-reach areas.
Pros
- Suitable for pet owners
- LED crevice tool
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Only 15 minutes of runtime
Buying Guide
Handheld vacuums may all seem similar, but you should still pay attention to some key differences. Finding the best cordless car vacuum cleaner isn’t the simplest task.
However, you can make the search easier by knowing the important buying factors. This way, you’re reducing the chances of ending up with a vacuum cleaner that doesn’t fit your needs.
Check the buyer’s guide below to discover all the most critical things you should consider before choosing the ideal vacuum cleaner for you.
Battery Life
All cord-free car vacuums are battery-operated. For this reason, battery life is probably the most important thing to consider when choosing a cordless car vacuum.
As you noticed, most hand vacuums provide approximately 30 minutes of runtime. Some best car vacuums offer more or less, but half an hour is an average time. Although it might not seem like a lot, it’s usually enough to clean car interiors.
Another thing you should think about is charging time. You don’t want a vacuum cleaner that you’d have to charge for six hours before each use regardless of its battery life. For this reason, think about how long its battery can hold the charge when not in use.
Bag / Bagless
Nearly every vacuum cleaner for cars is bagless, especially if it’s handheld. Bagless hand vacuums are easier to work with because they don’t require bags. However, they aren’t always the best choice for allergy-prone people.
Bagged vacuum cleaners are more suitable for allergy-prone people and pet owners, but they aren’t as eco-friendly and cost-efficient as bagless hand vacuums.
Still, choosing between the two depends on your needs and preferences. The matter doesn’t affect suction power or anything else except convenience.
Warranty
Warranty is always essential to check before you choose any particular handheld. Best car vacuums come with a year-long warranty, although many brands offer a two-year warranty as well. Either way, check what your two-year deal includes by reading all the fine print.
Accessories
The most critical attachments for handheld vacuums are crevice and brush tools. Many handheld vacuums come with a few more attachments, but try not to settle for anything less than these two.
If you’re riding with your pet, you should look for some pet tools as well. Some vacuums for cars come with motorized tools.
Maneuverability & Ease of Use
Every car has a lot of tight spaces, which is why you want a vacuum that’s easy to use and maneuver with.
The first thing you should think about is weight. Nearly every best car vacuum cleaner is lightweight, but you should still check whether the weight would fit you. You should be able to hold the vacuum cleaner for ten to twenty minutes. Plus, things like a long hose can make maneuverability somewhat easier.
It’s equally as critical that you can maneuver it in tight spots. In most cases, attachments can help you with this, so look for a crevice tool and possibly a pivoting nozzle.
Maintenance
Nearly every hand vacuum cleaner is easy to maintain. Most models come with washable filters and dirt bins that are easy to empty. In most cases, emptying the bin and washing the filter is all the maintenance the vacuum cleaner requires.
Filtration
Hand vacuum cleaners come with washable filters that usually last a long time. Some car vacuums feature sponge or stainless steel filters, while others come with both types for an enhanced filtration system.
However, keep in mind that HEPA is still the best choice for allergy-prone people and pet owners.
Weight
We’ve already mentioned the importance of weight when it comes to car vacuum cleaners. Lightweight vacuum cleaners are easier to use, so look for a model that doesn’t weigh more than 3 to 4 pounds.
A lightweight vacuum cleaner is easier to use in tight spaces and for a prolonged time.
Cleaning Performance
Nearly all car vacuum cleaners can pick up dirt, sand, and food crumbs. Shop vac and handheld models are usually suitable for wet-dry cleaning and can also pick up small pebbles.
If you’re looking for a powerful vacuum to use in your car, you should choose the one that has strong suction power as well as several attachments.
Vacuum Types
Many people picture a handheld vac when they first think about buying a car vacuum cleaner. Still, other types are also available and can be used in deep-cleaning car interiors.
Some are better for tight spaces, while others are more powerful, which is why you should consider each type before making a decision.
Upright
Uprights are a good choice if you’re looking for a powerful vacuum. However, they’re large, bulky, and usually impossible to clean a car with.
The only way an upright vacuum cleaner would work for car interior is if it came with the right attachments. If you’re looking for an upright, make sure that it has an extension hose, a long crevice tool, and a dusting brush.
Read more: Top Rated Upright Cleaners
Handheld
As we said, these vacuum cleaners are the most popular options for car use. They’re lightweight, easy to use, and powerful enough to tackle most messes. Also, a wet-dry vacuum provides an even more versatile use.
Most models come with some accessories, cleaning everything from dust, dirt, pet hair, and sand to food crumbs and small pebbles. Still, make sure to choose a handheld that’s easy to clean and can get to all the tight spots.
More info: Our Selection of the Top Hand Vacuums
Stick
Stick vacuums are modern, powerful, and easy to maintain. However, they aren’t the most convenient to clean a car because they feature a long body.
Although they typically don’t come with accessories, almost every stick vacuum cleaner converts into a handheld. This makes it a versatile choice as you can use it at home, as well as in your car.
Stick vacuum cleaners have powerful batteries, reliable filters, and easy-to-empty dirt bins.
Related Post: 9 Highest Rated Cord-Free Sticks
Robot
A robot vacuum would have no space to move inside the car, so it would probably stay stuck in one place. Not only it wouldn’t get the job done, but it might even overheat and break.
A robot has all the traits of a car vacuum, being that it doesn’t have a power cord and uses a battery. However, its body and performance aren’t suitable for cleaning car interiors.
Read more: Top Automatic Vacuums Reviews & Guide
Why Choose a Cordless Vac for a Car?
Using a corded handheld vacuum to clean your car isn’t impossible, but it’s far from convenient. Not only you’d have to use extension hoses in order to plug the vacuum, but you’d also have to deal with a tangling cord. A power cord would tangle and get in your way, which makes cleaning annoying.
This is why choosing a cordless vac is a much better option when it comes to cleaning your car. These car vacuums have a battery that powers them and requires recharging. In some cases, a vacuum has two batteries.
You’d still get the same suction power and cleaning abilities, but without the hassle of a power cable. On top of that, once you charge your cord-free car vacuum cleaner, you can bring it along on a trip to use whenever you need a quick clean.
What Are the Downsides of a Cordless Vac?
The biggest benefit of a cord-free vacuum cleaner is also its downside. In other words, the lack of a cord allows more maneuverability and an extended reach. However, it also limits its runtime.
A quality car vacuum has some thirty minutes of runtime, but that tends to vary depending on the accessories you use. Its power might also change when using long accessories such as an extension hose.
Another downside of cordless car vacuums is that they’re somewhat pricey. Regardless of whether you want a stick or handheld, you’ll probably have to pay more than for a corded vacuum.
Difference Between Corded and Cordless Vacuums
The main difference between the two is how they’re powered. Corded car vacuums have a power cord, while cordless models have at least one battery.
Corded car vacuums have unlimited runtime. You plug it in and can vacuum for as long as you need without worrying that you’d run out of time. However, even with unlimited runtime, corded vacuums aren’t the most convenient for car use because of the lack of power sockets.
Cordless models have an unlimited reach and are more suitable for cars because they’re battery-operated. However, they have a limited runtime.
How to Properly Vacuum a Car
The first thing you should do is open all the doors and windows. You want to create a natural airflow so that you can safely work with chemicals later on. Plus, having all doors opened gives you more space to move around.
Collect all the large dirt and debris that you have lying around. This includes candy wrappers, pieces of leaves, and other similar things. Remove all interior accessories so that they don’t end up in your vacuum.
Vacuum everything from top to bottom before you switch between accessories. Use all the attachments you have so that you can pick up even the most embedded dirt and particles.
It doesn’t matter where you start or finish as long as you clean every part of your car. If you notice any loss of suction power, make sure to empty the vacuum and clean its filters before you proceed.
Further reading: Our Guide to a Pet Hair-Free Car
Conclusion
Car cleaning can be a bit tricky if not done regularly. For this reason, you should commit to cleaning your car at least once a week, or more often if needed.
When done regularly, cleaning doesn’t take a lot of time or effort. More so, having a cordless car vacuum makes even more difference.
Think about which type would work the best for you in terms of convenience and ease of use. Also, consider the battery, how long it lasts, and how long it takes to recharge. Suction power is equally as critical, so try not to compromise it for anything else.
At this point, we’re sure you found the best cordless car vacuum that matches your needs and preferences. If not, take some time to return to our vacuum reviews and buyer’s guide. The information about suction power, battery life, and accessories can help you choose the best car vacuum with ease.
Sources and Resources
- How to Clean Every Part of Your Car’s Interior
– https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/cleaning-more-rooms/best-car-interior-cleaning-tips
- How to clean your car interior
– https://www.today.com/home/how-often-clean-inside-your-car-right-way-do-it-t115450
