We spend a lot of time in our cars, so it is only natural that they will get dirty and require a good cleaning from time to time. Whether it is a deep clean or touch-up on the go, the best portable car vacuums have the power to complete the job with the right tools and accessories to ensure no dirt or grime is left behind.
We did the research for you to find the best portable vacuums for your car.
Features: 120V7 lbs 95W
When you want serious power, the Armor All AA255 Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleanercertainly delivers. Dressed in the trademark orange and black of a wet/dry vacuum, it is a corded electric vacuum, but it comes with a convenient 10ft cord to allow for extended reach. For better suction, there is a 2-horsepower motor, and there is also an auto shut-off feature, which can come in handy for home use. This Armor All AA255 Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaneralso has the dual purpose of a blower, with easy transition between functions. Despite this, it is surprisingly quiet, with a built-in air and noise diffuser to minimize volume.
There is a 2.5-gallon polypropylene tank, so there is plenty of cleaning that you can do without having to stop to empty your vacuum. However, all that power does come with serious heft, with this particular vacuum weighing seven pounds.
View now at AmazonFeatures:7.4V 1.37 lbs 12 minutesof battery
BISSELL is a popular provider of home products, and their vacuums are a reliable choice for a variety of purposes. When you need a solid but compact car vacuum, BISSELL offers the AeroSlim Lithium-Ion Cordless Handheld Vacuum. Designed for a life on the go, it features a sleek, compact design that is also easy to store in your car, office, or dorm.
The AeroSlim handheld car vacuum has a 7.2V lithium-ion battery. There are up to 12 minutes of cordless cleaning power before you need to charge via the included USB charging cable or traditional wall charger. Either way, your vacuum will let you know when it's time for a battery boost with the built-in battery indicator lights. Charging time lasts between 2.5 and 3.5 hours. Also incorporated are special features designed for effective cleanings, like dual-level filtration with a washable filter and BISSELL's signature Easy Empty Dirt Bin. Your vacuum comes with a 2-in-1 Crevice Tool & Dusting Brush that conveniently stores right on the handheld device. Plus, this is a purchase that you can feel good about, with a portion of sales going to support the Bissell Pet Foundation for homeless pets.
View now at AmazonFeatures:20V 3 lbs 35AW
The Black and Decker Dustbuster Pivot Vacuum is an Amazon's Choice product, which features a three-stage filtration system. Its key feature is the exclusive nozzle that pivots a full 200 degrees to really get into nooks and crannies. With a wide-mouth design, it combines power and detail so that it can handle even your bigger jobs. This handheld vacuum is ideal for dry surfaces and upholstery with a bagless dirt bowl and 35AWsuction power. It comes with extra tools to help you get the job done, like an onboard brush and onboard crevice tool.
It takes four hours to charge, and users generally report 10-12 minutesof use before requiring a charge again.
View now at Amazon View now at Walmart more buying choicesFeatures:12V2.44 lbs 106W
With the Hotor Portable Car Vacuum, you don't have to worry about battery or charging because it's corded. That cuts down on portability, but that also means lasting power that never runs out and always goes at full strength. The Hotor Portable Car Vacuum is powered by 8.8A with 12V and 106W. At about 1.3lbs, this mini vacuum is also super lightweight and designed for easy use. An LED light shines an extra light during nighttime cleaning sessions with a detachable dust cup head for easy use.
With a stainless steel exterior, its design integrates a HEPA filter with washable and durable materials that are backed by a free lifetime replacement guarantee. You will also receive three different nozzles to help you get the job done.
View now at Amazon View now at Walmart View now at eBay more buying choicesFeatures: 12V 2.4 lbs 110W
Despite its small and lightweight build, the Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner by ThisWorx has 110Wof suction power at over 9A. Its thoughtful design incorporates a clear, flat bottom for an easy-to-see dirt collection, and there is a built-in LED light for better visibility. Maintenance is simple with a washable double filter that uses industry-leading double HEPA filter technology. Plus, the ergonomic design is lightweight, weighing 2.4 lbs.
This vacuum is corded but includes an extra-long 16-foot power cord that plugs into a 12V outlet. Overall, it is a miniature vacuum that is both lightweight and compact. Your purchase includes a complete vacuum kit with multiple attachments, a filter cleaning brush, an extra filter, and a travel bag. The ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner is available in your choice of black or white with its signature orange accents.
View now at AmazonFeatures:16V 2.55 lbs 15.2W
The VacLife Handheld Vacuum with High Power (VL188) also has a stainless steel HEPA filter, similar to other models on our list. Still, as a cordless vacuum, it is lightweight and portable at about 2.5 lbs. Its handheld, the cordless design gives you greater freedom to move around; there is a built-in LED light so you can still see in dark corners. Designed for carpet, it has three different attachments with included brush and crevice nozzle tools, in addition to an extension soft pipe, adapter, and carry case.
Most impressive, however, is the 20-minute runtime, the longest on our list by nearly double. There is a battery indicator light that goes from red to green when fully charged, and it takes about 2 to 3.5 hours to charge from empty. The VacLife Handheld Vacuum with High Power (VL188) is available in orange, silver, and white.
View now at Amazon View now at VacLife View now at eBay more buying choicesThe best car vacuum is the Armor All AA255 Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner. It was the most capable car vacuum we tested, with plenty of power for vacuuming wet and dry and it even has the ability to blow.
Car vacuum | Price | Cordless | Power rating | Weight | Watts/Air Watts | Battery | Charge time |
Armor All AA255 Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner | $50 |
| 120V | 7.0 lbs | 95W | N/A | N/A |
BISSELL AeroSlim Lithium-Ion Cordless Handheld Vacuum | $41 |
| 7.4V | 1.37 lbs | Not available | 12 minutes | 2.5 - 3.5 hrs |
Black and Decker Max Lithium Pivot BDH2000PL Vacuum Cleaner | $75 |
| 20V | 3.0 lbs | 35AW | 10-12 minutes | 4 hours |
Hotor Portable Car Vacuum | $28 |
| 12V | 2.44 lbs | 106W | N/A | N/A |
ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner | $15 |
| 12V | 2.4 lbs | 110W | N/A | N/A |
Vaclife Cordless Handheld Vacuum with High Power | $45 |
| 16V | 2.55 lbs | 15.2W | 20 minutes | 2.5 - 3 hours |
While any of these car vacuums are great options, it ultimately comes down to what size you want, how much you'd like it to weigh, how much power it has, and what price you're willing to spend.
Choose this car vacuum... | When you want... |
Armor All AA255 Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner | Serious power for big jobs |
BISSELL AeroSlim Lithium-Ion Cordless Handheld Vacuum | Detailed jobs, like pet hair or debris |
Black and Decker Max Lithium Pivot BDH2000PL Vacuum Cleaner | Powerful suction |
Hotor Portable Car Vacuum | When you prefer a wire over constant charging |
ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner | A great buy that is corded |
Vaclife Cordless Handheld Vacuum with High Power | More time in between charging sessions |
When searching for the best portable car vacuums, there are a few different factors to consider that can help you make the best decision for your car.
It may be corded or cordless but still gives the option to move around your vehicle to clean all of the nooks and crannies.
The Black and Decker Max Lithium Pivot BDH2000PL Vacuum Cleaner has one of the most powerful suction capabilities on our list at 35AW.
Experts suggest using a portable vacuum with a minimum of 15AW or a battery of 16V or more.
When searching for the best portable vacuum for your car, it is important to consider size and weight to ensure that you can manoeuvre around your vehicle comfortably. It is also important to consider other factors like cost, battery length, and controls.
Here are a few other options to look into: