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.  

Armor All AA255 Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner

Best car vacuum overall

Amazon Pros & Cons Pros

• Auto shut-off feature
• 2.5-gallon tank
• Dual use as a blower

Cons

• Heavy
• Bulky, restrictive compared to cordless models
• Pricey

More Details

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. 

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BISSELL AeroSlim Lithium-ion Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Best compact car vacuum

Bissell Pros & Cons Pros

• Lightest model on our list
• High wattage
• Affordable

Cons

• Corded vacuum
• The lowest power rating on our list
• Small storage compartment

More Details

Features: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.

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Black and Decker Dustbuster Pivot Vacuum

Best car vacuum for suction

BLACK+DECKER Pros & Cons Pros

• 200-degree pivoting nozzle
• Cordless use
• Up to 4 hoursof battery life

Cons

• Most expensive option on our list
• Heavy, bulky design
• Average power rating

More Details

Features: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.

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Hotor Portable Car Vacuum

Best car vacuum for lasting power

Amazon Pros & Cons Pros

• Wet and dry use
• Affordable
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Mediocre suction
• Corded vacuum
• Low power rating

More Details

Features: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.

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ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner

Best corded car vacuum

Amazon Pros & Cons Pros

• Affordable
• Dual wet/dry function
• Extra long cord

Cons

• Corded option offers limited mobility
• Average suction power
• Not recommended for pet hair

More Details

Features: 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.

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VacLife Handheld Vacuum with High Power (VL188)

Best car vacuum for battery life

Amazon Pros & Cons Pros

• Longest run time on our list
• Built-in LED light
• Wet and dry use

Cons

• Complicated to clean
• The filter requires regular maintenance
• Takes a few hours to charge

More Details

Features: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.

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What is the best car vacuum?

The 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

Which car vacuum is right for you?

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

How did we choose these car vacuums?

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. 

• Cords: There are both corded and cordless options for car vacuums, and there are pros and cons to both. While a cordless vacuum gives you greater freedom of movement, it can be more restrictive than corded options when it comes to the length of use and battery life.
• Power: When you buy a car vacuum, one of the most basic things you need is the power to get the job done. A good car vacuum should have at least 15 air watts or a battery of 16V or higher.
• Design: The best car vacuums have a comfortable, lightweight design that does not place too much strain on your arms and wrists. Ergonomics are important to consider for longer jobs to ensure your comfort.  
• Battery life: While your car vacuum must have a lot of power, it will not matter if the battery is constantly running out of charge. A corded option ensures that you will never lose power as long as you have access to an outlet, but that is not the case with cordless options. The best cordless vacuums for cars can run anywhere from 10 minutes to 20 minutes, depending on the model you choose.

What is a portable car vacuum?

It may be corded or cordless but still gives the option to move around your vehicle to clean all of the nooks and crannies. 

Which car vacuum has the strongest suction?

The Black and Decker Max Lithium Pivot BDH2000PL Vacuum Cleaner has one of the most powerful suction capabilities on our list at 35AW. 

How powerful should a portable car vacuum be?

Experts suggest using a portable vacuum with a minimum of 15AW or a battery of 16V or more.

What type of vacuum is best for cars?

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. 

Are there alternative car vacuums worth considering?

Here are a few other options to look into:

Shark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum

$80 at Amazon

Bissell Cleanview Deluxe Corded Handheld Vacuum

$50 at Amazon

ANKO Car Vacuum

$22.49 at Amazon

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