How do I choose a handheld vacuum?

A handheld vacuum lives or dies on three things: suction, battery life, and attachments. RTINGS notes that even a strong handheld like the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ only managed about 10 minutes in testing, which is a reminder that runtime matters more than specs on the box. QVC’s buying guide says suction is the top feature, battery life is crucial, and tools like a crevice tool or upholstery brush make the vacuum far more useful.

So do not buy one as if it were a full-size vacuum in miniature. Buy it for the job you actually have: car crumbs, stairs, pet hair, or quick kitchen spills. If you need a cleaner for the whole house, a larger vacuum will do more work with less annoyance.

If you want a shopping starting point, look at handheld vacuums. Then compare it with how do I choose a vacuum cleaner? and how do I choose an air purifier?.