10 Car Vacuums for Every Budget: A Review

April 22, 2024
Updated:
April 22, 2024
10 Car Vacuums for Every Budget: A Review
Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum (Illustration by The Epoch Times, Amazon)
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Are you looking for easier ways of cleaning your car? Are you tired of doing it with traditional vacuum cleaners? Then what you need is a portable car vacuum. These vacuums are exclusively designed for cleaning car interiors or other small cleanups.
They often have a light and compact design. Most of them are cordless for easier access.
Bear with us as we check out some of the best car vacuums. Take your time to compare these models to find what best suits your needs.
Apart from that, most car vacuums use a battery or a vehicle’s 12V outlet. They don’t have a power source availability problem like the traditional vacuums.
In addition, they are effective and easy to use. There are no better ways to remove the dust or debris in your car than to use a vacuum cleaner.

Auto Joe ATJ Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner

Auto Joe ATJ Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner Auto Joe ATJ Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner
We’re going to start our first item with Auto Joe ATJ-V501 portable vacuum. Firstly, this model has the color green in its style to give a more engaging look. Apart from that, it has an overall likable and portable design.
Auto Joe is the cheapest option on our list. However, it comes with many useful accessories. For instance, The packaging has an extension hose, brush attachment, storage bag, extra filter, and a filter cleaning brush.
Besides, They’ve included a crevice nozzle in the package to make sure you can reach the tightest corners.
Auto Joe’s powerful motor can produce 90 watts. Although it isn’t cordless, it runs on 12 volts. So you can easily connect it to your vehicle’s power outlet and reach anywhere in your car with its 16 inches cable.
Auto Joe’s noise level is at 70 decibels. Moreover, it only weighs 1.6 pounds and has a dust capacity of 1.5 pounds. It is suitable for almost any surface in your car.
Pros
  • Lightweight design: Auto Joy only weighs 1.6 pounds. The light and portable design allows for more convenience.
  • 6-piece accessory kit: The pack includes an extension hose, crevice tool, brush attachment, carry bag, replacement filter, and filter cleaning brush.
  • Good capacity: Auto Joy has 1.5 pounds of dust capacity. You can clean your car for longer without worrying about emptying the dustbin.
  • Affordable price: Auto Joe has the lowest price range among other portable vacuums. However, it shows an acceptable performance.
Cons
  • Does not have a battery: This model doesn’t include an onboard battery like the cordless models.
  • Lower suction power: Its suction power isn’t as good as other models. It might be a little more challenging to use it.
$18.70 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand and Car Vacuum

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand and Car Vacuum Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand and Car Vacuum
Next, we have Bissell’s portable vacuum. This model is a versatile vacuum that you can use anywhere. Bissell recommends using this model mainly for hard surfaces, carpets, upholstery, and car interior surfaces.
This model is cordless. Its onboard battery allows you to take this vacuum wherever you want. It also has good suction with a 14.4 voltage power rate.
Bissell comes with practical accessory tools. Namely, it has a motorized brush to help remove embedded hair or debris. Besides, they include an upholstery tool for soft furniture surfaces and a crevice tool for cleaning the hard-to-reach angles.
The whole vacuum weighs 3 pounds. The compact design allows for easier carry around. It also has a dustbin with a 0.18-gallon capacity that comes with a cloth filter.
Altogether, Bissell is a fine choice that gives you exactly what you expect from a cordless portable vacuum. You can order it in different colors for more variety. Lastly, its noise level is 78 decibels, which is not as impressive as Auto Joe’s sound level. But it is quieter than most vacuums.
Pros
  • Onboard battery:  They’ve made this model cordless to add to its portability. It uses a battery as its power source.
  • Practical accessories: This model includes helpful tools. For instance, it has a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, and a motorized brush.
  • 0.18-gallon capacity: It has a 0.18-gallon dustbin capacity. In addition, the vacuum itself weighs 3 pounds.
  • Great suction: Bissell has a powerful motor. It produces an excellent amount of suction.
Cons
  • Short battery life: This model doesn’t have a long battery life. The battery dies fast for extended use.
$68.99 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Black & Decker Handheld Vacuum

Black & Decker Handheld Vacuum Black & Decker Handheld Vacuum
For the next item on our list, we will check out one of the most well-known companies in the US. The Fortune 500 Black & Decker company has a significant background in manufacturing household appliances. Now, we will review one of their best handheld vacuums.
Firstly, the Black & Decker dustbuster has the cordless advantage. You can recharge it effortlessly whenever you want. Along with a lightweight design, you can carry it everywhere with you.
Black & Decker had a washable cloth filter for more convenience during usage. You can wash the dirty filter instead of replacing it, which costs you more money.
Moreover, This model comes with a built-in crevice tool. It gives you access to clean the tight corners. At the same time, it is more compact than additional accessories.
Black & Decker has a bagless dirt bowl. This design is a lot more convenient when it comes to emptying the bowl. The dirt bowl is also translucent, which shows you when to empty the bowl for more efficient use.
This vacuum runs on 8 volts. It also includes a lithium-ion battery that provides more energy for better suction. Despite the adequate power, it only weighs 1.4 pounds. Lastly, it is suitable for almost any surface.
Pros
  • Cordless and rechargeable: This vacuum has a lithium-ion onboard battery, which is easily rechargeable. This feature allows for more portability.
  • Bagless dirt bowl: The bagless dirt bowl is much more convenient when emptying. It is also translucent.
  • Built-in crevice tool: This model includes a built-in crevice tool that allows you to reach tight spaces.
  • Washable filter: Its cloth filter and the dirt bowl are washable. You don’t need to replace the filter every time it gets dirty.
Cons
  • Short battery life: This model has a short battery life. The battery dies after less than nine minutes of use.
$30.58 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Worx Car Vacuum

Worx Car Vacuum Worx Car Vacuum
Let’s continue with the fourth item on our list. Worx is a company specializing in manufacturing garden equipment and power tools. They design their tools in Italy. We want to check Worx’s WX030L compact vacuum, one of the company’s best models.
WX030L has a cube-shaped design. This square shape makes it much easier to store and carry around. Additionally, the lightweight design adds more to its portability. WORX only weighs 3 pounds.
Moreover, Worx comes with practical accessories. It includes a crevice nozzle and a brush tool for more convenience. It also has a 4-foot flexible hose that allows you to reach any point you want to clean.
Worx is a powerful vacuum. It runs on a 20-volt battery. In addition, you can share the same 20V battery with any Worx tool. The vacuum is compatible with the battery as well.
You can effortlessly empty the dustbin. There is a button on the vacuum that, if you press it, it'll unload the trash. Along with that, there’s another button that offers two speeds. The higher speed maximizes the suction power.
Lastly, the Worx vacuum has a washable triple HEPA filter. It also has 6 ounces of capacity and a noise level of 78 decibels.
Pros
  • Same battery for every tool: This vacuum runs on the same 20V battery that WORX uses for its other tools. You can share their batteries.
  • Two-speed power: WORX offers two levels of speed. Each level gives you a different amount of suction.
  • The square design: The cube-shaped design of this vacuum makes it easier to store and carry around.
  • 4-foot flexible hose: It has a 4-foot-long flexible hose that allows you to reach any corner you want.
Cons
  • Short battery life: The battery life could be better. It’s not suitable for extended use.
$99 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum
For the fifth item on our list, we’ve picked Shark’s HandVac. SharkNinja is a home appliances manufacturer with almost 30 years of history. This model is one of the company’s best handheld vacuum cleaners.
This vacuum is cordless. It runs on a lithium-ion battery for maximum power output. It also has a 10-minute run time. Compared to other models, its run time could be better.
Shark comes with practical extras as well. Namely, the motorized pet hair attachment lets you collect your pet’s hair more efficiently. Apart from that, it includes a crevice nozzle for reaching the tight corners and a dusting brush.
Shark is a lightweight vacuum that only weighs around 3 pounds. It also has a capacity of 0.12 gallons. You can effortlessly empty the dust container by pushing one button. The bagless container opens up and unloads the trash.
The Shark’s motor runs on 10.8 volts. Meanwhile, it makes 84 decibels of noise. The noise level isn’t as quiet as other portable vacuums. However, it produces enough power and suction.
Lastly, This model comes with a two-year warranty and after-sales services.
Pros
  • A cordless vacuum: Shark has a built-in battery. You can recharge it and use it wherever you want.
  • Extra accessories: This model includes a motorized pet hair attachment, a dusting brush, and a crevice nozzle. All these accessories let you clean any surface more effectively.
  • Two-year warranty: This handheld vacuum offers the manufacturer’s two-year warranty. It ensures you of after-sales services.
  • Easy emptying: This model has a bagless dust container. You can empty its container only with a touch of a button.
Cons
  • Being too noisy: This vacuum produces 84 decibels of sound. It is more noisy than the usual small portable vacuums.
  • Short battery life: This model’s maximum run time is ten minutes. Therefore, it is not suitable for more extended use.
$89.95 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Atrix Ergo Backpack Vacuum

Atrix Ergo Backpack Vacuum Atrix Ergo Backpack Vacuum
For the next item, we will look at a different type of vacuum. Founded in 1981, Atrix has been one of the leading brands in producing industrial vacuums. We’ve chosen the Atrix’s VACBP1 Ergo HEPA backpack vacuum.
As the name suggests, this model is a backpack vacuum. Therefore, it’s not as light and portable as our previous models. However, it gives you a lot more power and more efficient suction.
Atrix backpack vacuum has a powerful 1,400-watt motor that runs on a 120V power source. It produces an output of 106 CFM (cubic feet per minute). This model not only works as a vacuum but also as a blower.
You can convert it between these two functions at any time.
Its unique design is a comfortable fit for daily use. The Atrix’s vacuum weighs about 10.3 pounds, which you can easily carry on your back. Besides, it has a 6-foot flexible hose to ensure you can reach any point.
Moreover, this model is packed with many helpful accessories. For instance, it includes a blower adapter, an extension wand, multiple nozzle sets, a crevice tool, and several brushes. Also, it has four levels of filtration. The filtration consists of a HEPA pre-motor filter, exhaust filter, HEPA bag, and a washable shake-out bag.
Pros
  • Strong output power: This model has a powerful 1,400-watt motor that can produce an output of 106 CFM.
  • Convertible blower: You can convert this vacuum to a blower. The packaging also includes a set of three blower nozzles.
  • Unique design: This model has a portable backpack design. It is also relatively lightweight. It weighs 10.3 pounds.
  • Many helpful accessories: This model includes many sets of nozzles for both vacuum and blowing. Besides, it has filters and hose sets.
Cons
  • Not as portable: If you’re looking for a handheld vacuum for your car interior, this model isn’t your fit. It’s not cordless and light.
  • Low durability: This model isn’t as durable as other models. Its plastic parts can break easily.
$203.45 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

DRECELL Car Vacuum

DRECELL Car Vacuum DRECELL Car Vacuum
Don’t confuse the name with Duracell battery manufacturer. The DRECELL company specializes in producing car accessories, such as handheld vacuums. Their sole purpose is to make car cleaning a more convenient and enjoyable chore.
DRECELL has designed this handheld vacuum exclusively for car interiors. It isn’t a cordless model. However, it runs on a 12V power source. You can easily connect it to your car’s outlet. Besides, with its 16.4-foot long power cord, you can reach any point in your vehicle, like the trunk.
DRECELL comes with accessories as well to make cleaning more practical. For instance, it has a crevice nozzle and a cleaning brush tool. It also has a flexible extension tube that lets you better clean hard-to-reach corners.
In addition, DRECELL has a built-in LED light and can illuminate dark corners.
DRECELL has a washable HEPA filter. Besides, they’ve added two extra filters in case they need replacement. They included a small brush to help you better clean the filter dust.
DRECELL has a lightweight design. This portable vacuum only weighs 1.75 pounds. Besides, it has a low noise level of under 75 decibels. Its dust container has a capacity of around 11 oz.
Pros
  • Practical accessories: This model includes a crevice nozzle, a brush tool, and a flexible hose. They’ve also added two extra replaceable filters.
  • Strong suction power: This vacuum can produce a strong output. Its suction level goes up to 7,000 pa.
  • Portable design: This vacuum has a portable design that only weighs 1.75 pounds. It also has a 16.4-foot cord for better access.
Cons
  • It isn’t cordless: This vacuum doesn’t have a battery, so you need to connect it to a power source. It doesn’t have the convenience of cordless models.
$129.99 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Fanttik Slim V8 Mate Cordless Car Vacuum

Fanttik Slim V8 Mate Cordless Car Vacuum Fanttik Slim V8 Mate Cordless Car Vacuum
Let’s continue with the eighth item on our list. Founded in 2019, Fanttik is a company focusing on making high-quality tool products. This company dedicates itself to bringing high-tech and innovative models. Now, we will check out the company’s V8 Mate car vacuum model.
The Fanttik car vacuum has a unique slim design. Its exceptional tube-shaped structure makes it much more portable and easy to hold. Besides, it is impressively light and only weighs 1.2 pounds.
Despite the small size, Fanttik is capable of producing excellent power. Its 90-watt motor can provide 12,000 Pa of suction.
V8 Mate is a cordless model. It means that it gets its power from an onboard battery. It also has a good run time. On low or eco gear, it runs for 30 minutes, and on high gear for 12 minutes. Besides, you can effortlessly recharge the battery via a type-C USB cable. It takes only two hours for the battery to be fully charged.
Additionally, Fanttik’s V8 Mate comes with many practical accessories. It includes three types of brush: a pet brush, a multi-surface brush, and a push-in brush. It also has a flexible hose and a crevice nozzle.
Lastly, this vacuum has two layers of filtration: a HEPA and a stainless steel filter. Both filters are washable.
Pros
  • Unique slim design: The V8 has a unique slim and tube-shaped design. This structure makes it much more comfortable to hold.
  • Ultra lightweight: This vacuum only weighs 1.2 pounds. You can easily carry it around in your car.
  • Cordless: V8 Mate runs on battery. It has a run time of 12/30 minutes and will be fully charged in two hours.
  • Strong suction: This vacuum’s powerful motor can provide you with 12,000 Pa of suction. 
  • Practical extras: This model includes helpful accessories, such as an extended hose, various brushes, and a crevice nozzle.
Cons
  • Low capacity: Its dust container’s capacity is only 4 oz. This low capacity won’t allow for more extended use.
$79.99 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

AHNR Handheld Car Vacuum

AHNR Handheld Car Vacuum AHNR Handheld Car Vacuum
The ninth item on our list is AHNR’s handheld car vacuum. This model is one of the company’s best portable vacuums. Let’s check out this incredible tool in more detail.
First, this vacuum is a cordless model that runs on a battery. Besides, the battery has a large capacity of 10,000 mAh. It provides an excellent run time of 20 to 30 minutes. Moreover, it only takes 2.5 hours for the battery to charge completely.
AHNR vacuum has a powerful 120W motor that can provide 85,000 RPM. This model has two adjustable suction modes: standard and max modes. The standard mode gives 12,000 Pa of suction. However, this number goes up to an incredible 20,000 Pa of suction in max mode.
This model is a multi-function tool. You can use it both as a vacuum and blower. Besides, you can use the blowing function to inflate balloons or swim rings. You only need to attach the blowing nozzle to its other end.
This model has many useful extra tools. For instance, it includes a floor brush, a long nozzle, and a smaller brush. It also adds accessories for the blower: a blower nozzle and a brush.
This model has two layers of filtration: a steel filter and a washable HEPA filter. It also has a one-touch dust removal. However, its dust container has a low capacity of around 3.4 oz.
AHNR is remarkably light and compact. It only weighs 0.95 pounds and has a length of less than nine inches. You can effortlessly take it anywhere or store it. Besides, this vacuum is quiet. It produces less than 40 decibels of sound.
Pros
  • Strong power: Its powerful 120-watt motor provides 85,000 RPM and 20,000 Pa of suction.
  • Multi-function: You can use this tool as a vacuum and a blower. You can connect the blowing nozzle to its other end.
  • Ultra-light and quiet: This compact vacuum only weighs 0.95 pounds. It also makes less than 40 decibels of sound.
  • Large battery capacity: It has a 10,000 mAh battery. This battery provides 20-30 minutes of run time and will be fully charged in 2.5 hours.
Cons
  • Low container capacity: Its dust container has a capacity of only 3.4 oz. You can’t collect much debris or hair with it.
$69.99 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Armor All Car Vacuum

Armor All Car Vacuum Armor All Car Vacuum
Now, let’s check out the last item on our list. The tenth model is made by Armor All. This company specializes in making car care products. AA255 is a powerful vacuum.
Armor All runs on a 120-volt power source. It doesn’t have an onboard battery. However, it includes a 10-foot-long cord for more access. Like the previous model, this vacuum is also convertible to a blower. You can use this feature to dry your vehicle.
Armor All includes all sorts of accessories that might be useful for cleaning. Namely, this vacuum has a 2-in-1 utility nozzle, detail brush, crevice tool, blower nozzle, and a broader car nozzle. This model also uses a reusable cloth filter.
AA225 has a portable design that weighs 7 pounds. Apart from that, its dust container has a large capacity of 2.5 gallons. You can collect more dust or debris before emptying the container.
Armor All has a cubic shape, which is more convenient for carrying around. It also has a six-foot flexible hose that allows you to reach anywhere in your vehicle.
Altogether, Armor All is a reasonable choice with excellent performance and suction power. It is a lightweight and portable vacuum that is easy to use. However, it is not cordless and makes 82 decibels of sound.
Pros
  • High-capacity container: This vacuum has a large dust container. It can collect up to 2.5 gallons of dust and debris.
  • Powerful suction: Armor All’s vacuum motor can produce a powerful suction. Its motor has an output of 120 watts.
  • Helpful attachments: This model comes with many practical attachments. It includes sets of nozzles, a reusable filter, and a six-foot hose.
Cons
  • Runs on 120V power source: You must plug this vacuum into a 120-volt power source. It isn’t cordless or compatible with the 12V car outlet.
  • Loud noise: This vacuum is louder than other models. It makes 82 decibels of sound.
$71.99 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Car Vacuum Reviews

Now, let’s review each item based on the customers’ comments on the Amazon website.

Auto Joe ATJ Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner

Overall, the customers are satisfied with the Auto Joe ATJ car vacuum. They’ve commented about some advantages points such as ease of cleaning and portability. They also like the cord length and its practical attachments.
However, some customers complain about low suction power. Therefore, they have negative opinions regarding this model’s value.

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand and Car Vacuum

This model has a high score on our list. It is also a more popular choice than the previous model, Auto Joe. Customers like the Bissell’s charging feature. They’ve mentioned it quickly recharges and holds power for a long time. They also appreciate the ease of use and suction power.
However, some customers complain about its short battery life. They wish it had a longer run time.

Black & Decker Handheld Vacuum

This model is the most popular choice on our list, with thousands of purchases worldwide. Along with popularity, it has a high rating score. These statistics show customer satisfaction with the Black & Decker vacuum.
Customers like the ease of use and portability of this model. They’ve mentioned its strong suction power. But like our previous model, people wish it had a longer battery life.

WORX Car Vacuum

Most customers are happy with the WORX vacuum. They have mentioned its ease of use. They say it’s easy to carry it around in the car. Apart from the car interior, they think it’s a good pick for quick cleanups anywhere.
There are some mixed opinions regarding its suction power and battery life.

Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Shark is also another popular option among people. They think it does a good job at small cleanups.
The customers like the vacuum’s performance, lightweight, and ease of cleaning. However, some complain about low suction power and battery life.

Atrix Backpack Vacuum

Most customers are satisfied with Atrix. They appreciate its powerful suction and ease of use. They’ve also mentioned that its attachments come in handy when cleaning.
On the other hand, there are a few complaints regarding Atrix’s durability. Some say that its plastic parts can break easily.

DRECELL Car Vacuum

DRECELL car vacuum might not be the most popular, but it has one of the highest rating scores on our list. There are hardly any drawbacks to this vacuum. Customers are happy with its quality, suction power, storage bag, and weight.
They also think DRECELL’s accessories are effective and helpful. Besides, they’ve mentioned its long cord.

Fanttik Slim V8 Mate Cordless Car Vacuum

Fanttik has a high rating score among other models. Most customers are fond of this vacuum. They like its quality and ease of cleaning. They think it has an acceptable performance.
However, some customers expected that the sucking power and battery life would be better.

AHNR Handheld Car Vacuum

AHNR has the second-highest rating score on our list. It shows that many customers are happy with this vacuum. They like its overall quality and the small and portable design. They also think it has good value and is worth the money. Altogether, it has received many positive feedbacks.

Armor All Car Vacuum

Armor All car vacuum has sold thousands. Besides, most customers are happy with their purchase. They think it has great value and is worth the price. They also like its impressive suction power and portability.
Other positive points customers have mentioned are practical accessories and ease of cleaning.

The Car Vacuum Industry

The car vacuum industry has seen significant growth in recent years. The advancement in technology gives room for more powerful and compact designs. It means that companies can produce more efficient portable vacuums.
In addition, there is a growing trend for cordless vacuums among people. It affects the overall growth of the car vacuum industry. The companies are also trying to make more eco-friendly and energy-sufficient models.
Lastly, experts expect to see increasing growth in the car vacuum market through the coming years.

Is a Car Vacuum Better Than a Normal Vacuum?

It depends on the task you’re expecting from it. Normal vacuums are more efficient if you want powerful suction with unlimited run time. They are also larger and offer more capacity.
However, if you prioritize portability over power or capacity, car vacuums are absolutely a better fit. They are also better at cleaning hard-to-reach places.

Is It Good to Vacuum Your Car?

A car vacuum is the most effective way to get rid of the dust inside of your vehicle. It helps to achieve hygiene and sanitization in your car’s interior.
Regular car cleaning is a necessity, and a car vacuum helps you achieve that.

Can I Use My House Vacuum to Vacuum My Car?

The short answer is yes. You can vacuum your car with your house vacuum cleaner. However, there are some points to keep in mind.
For instance, House vacuums are usually larger and aren’t portable. You can’t easily bring them to your car. Furthermore, house vacuums must have fitting attachments for your car’s surfaces.
Also, remember that house vacuums aren’t as effective as compact car vacuums to reach the tight corners of your car.

How Do I Know If My Vacuum Is Good?

The significant criteria to keep in mind are the amount of your vacuum’s airflow and suction power. You can also check its filtration, design, and noise level. Besides, the accessories that your vacuum provides are noteworthy.

Conclusion

So far, we’ve reviewed some of the best car vacuums based on qualities like portability, power, suction, and capacity. We also considered the accessories that each model offers.
After all, we’ve decided that AHNR is the best fit for a portable car vacuum. It has many advantages that make it such an excellent choice. Firstly, Its compact design is astonishing. AHNR’s weight is less than a pound. Secondly, It is powerful. Despite its small size, AHNR can produce 20,000 Pa of suction power.
Lastly, this vacuum is cordless and runs on a battery. Its large capacity battery can provide up to 30 minutes of run time. Altogether, we think this model has every criterion to be the ideal car vacuum.

FAQ

What are the key features to look for when choosing a car vacuum?
There are some features, such as suction power, filtration, portability, and price, that you can keep in mind.
How long do the batteries of car vacuums typically last on a single charge?
Most car vacuums offer a run time of up to 30 minutes on a single charge. However, this number depends on the model.
What is the price range for quality car vacuums, and are there any budget-friendly options available?
The usual price for car vacuums varies between $25 to $150. However, some affordable models have a price range of less than $20.
How many watts should a car vacuum be?
Most car vacuum models have a power range of 80 to 90 watts. This output for their motor is good enough to ensure a good level of suction.
How many times should I vacuum my car?
There are no definite answers to this question. However, it is advisable to vacuum your car at least once a month or every couple of weeks.
What Is a normal vacuum pressure?
A range between 19,000 Pa to 25,000 Pa is considered to be a good suction power. Most powerful vacuums have a pressure level at this range.