The 8 Best Car Vacuums of 2021

Best Overall: Hotor Corded Car Vacuum

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While you should not expect a lot of suction and power out of a car vacuum compared to traditional household options, the best car vacuums will not leave you hanging when it comes time to clean the car. In fact, a good car vacuum balances power, suction consistency, and portability so you can weave your way around a car’s interior effortlessly anytime you need or want.

Weighing less than three pounds, the Hotor 4th Gen Car Vacuum takes the top spot for the portability and reliability it offers when you need to clean the car quickly anytime, anywhere. The vacuum comes with a small but powerful motor capable of a 4.5kPa suction level and a trio of attachments that will take care of most dust and small debris. Using the car’s 12V plug, you can plug this corded vacuum in and use it anywhere, even on the road. 

Best for Pet Hair: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum

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While it may be nice to have a pet beside you during a drive, your car’s interior may suffer from more hair and dirt. Pet hair can be a challenge to remove for most vacuums, but Bissell's Pet Hair Eraser is a powerful handheld vacuum with a specialized array of accessories to clean up after your furry friend. While the motorized brush tool dredges up embedded messes, the upholstery tool cleans up your car's seats, and the crevice tool removes pesky messes in between seats and in corners.

In addition to its attachments, this cordless vacuum is equipped with a lithium ion battery, which keeps it running for up to 17 minutes at a time. With unwavering suction and a three-level filtration system, this model from Bissell can handle messes from even the most excessive shedders.

Best Budget: IonVac Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

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Saving money on a vacuum can mean sacrificing suction and battery life for the sake of a bargain. But IonVac's handheld vacuum comes at a fair price and runs for an intense 20 minutes before needing a recharge. This model features a sleek appearance, USB-chargeable battery, and relatively high-capacity dust cup given its diminutive size. Clocking in at less than three pounds and 13 inches long, this car vacuum is small but mighty, with surprising suction power.

This model's slight design allows it to reach tight spaces around your car's interior. And anything it can't reach on its own is made accessible with the help of the included crevice tool. It also comes with a soft hose and dust brush attachment, so the areas under and around your seats won't go uncleaned.

Best High End: Hoover ONEPWR Dust Chaser Cordless Mini Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

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With twice the suction power as Hoover's regular ONEPWR dustbuster and a battery life of 35 minutes, this little vacuum is an unexpected workhorse. It's a great pick if you're willing to spend a little more money on your next car vacuum.

The Hoover ONEPWR Dust Chaser comes with an extendable nozzle and a 2-in-1 crevice and dusting brush, allowing it to efficiently clean narrow spaces, floor mats, and upholstery. Plus, it weighs less than three pounds, so even longer cleanups won't feel like chores. The dual stage HEPA media filter captures 97.9 percent of dust, dirt, and allergens and the 3.84-ounce dirt cup releases and empties with ease. This model's suction won't fade with use and its filter can be rinsed and reused. If you're looking for a high-quality car vacuum that's built with small spaces in mind, this option from Hoover is a worthy investment.

Best for SUVs: BLACK+DECKER Flex Car Vacuum

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SUVs present a unique challenge when cleaning since they have larger interiors and more space to cover. The main challenge with many car vacuums and SUV interiors is the cord. A limited cord length means you only have a small range to clean unless your SUV has multiple 12V outlets in the back rows. This is where a vacuum with an extra long cord comes in handy, like the 16-foot cable that comes with the Black+Decker Flexi Automotive Vacuum.

This model takes a unique approach to vehicle vacuum design. Featuring cyclonic suction often found on larger vacuums, this option creates a consistent and continuous air suction that is not affected by larger dust and debris. The included hose and pivoting nozzle make it easy to reach in between seats and into cracks when necessary as well. Despite its power and wide array of accessories, this car vacuum remains relatively lightweight, clocking in at slightly over three pounds.

Best Compact: Bissell AeroSlim Hand Vacuum

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Those who want to be ready to pick up a mess at a moment’s notice may be best served by keeping a smaller vacuum right in their car. Bissell’s AeroSlim model is a handy, compact option that’s small enough to fit in the trunk, back seat, or glove compartment. The two-in-one crevice tool and brush attachment stores alongside the vacuum for maximum space efficiency and reaches dirt and dust under, around, and even in the car’s seats.

Despite this model’s diminutive size (it weighs less than a pound and a half), it boasts powerful suction and a 12-minute battery life. Users can charge it through a regular power outlet or a USB port if they’re on the go.

Best With Accessories: ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner

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With the right attachments, you can clean every corner of your car, not just the mats and seats. The ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner provides users with all the necessary tools to clean their vehicle’s interior from top to bottom, with a 16-foot power cord and maneuverable weight (less than two and a half pounds) to make it happen. Its flathead nozzle creates a small profile for cracks and under the seats. Its extension tube reaches deep under the seats. Finally, its brush head is perfect for getting clinging hairs and larger debris out of the seats and mats without needing a full-size vacuum.

In addition to its attachments, ThisWorx’s model empties cleanly into the trash and comes with a filter-cleaning brush, plus an extra HEPA filter when the time comes to replace the current one.