Average score
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
3.8
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.1
Edge and Baseboard Cleaning (Hard Floors)
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
1.5
Baseboard cleaning is weak, with one test leaving enough debris that a broom seemed better.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.8
Baseboard and edge cleaning evidence was positive from one reviewer who said the angled head guided well along baseboards.
Runtime
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
2.0
Runtime is a consistent limitation at roughly ten to eleven minutes.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.5
Runtime feedback was positive overall, ranging from decent to solid and more than the reviewer ever needed for routine cleanup.
Maintenance requirements
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
2.3
Maintenance is a recurring caveat because filters need cleaning and the manual/filter guidance is confusing.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.5
Maintenance feedback was favorable, with easy cleaning, washable filter benefits, and simple reassembly after emptying.
Controls and UI
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
2.8
Controls are mixed: the trigger does not bother every reviewer, but another found it a convenience problem.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.7
The large on/off toggle received positive feedback for being easy to flick while holding the top handle.
Support and Reliability
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
3.0
Reliability evidence is mixed, from robust at-home performance to broader concerns about convenience and consistency.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.8
Reliability evidence was positive but limited to one one-year update saying life with the vacuum was still very good.
Floorhead design
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
2.5
The inlet/nozzle design can hold back pickup, with one comparative test linking the large inlet to weak suction on a mat.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.0
The built-in nozzle was viewed positively as a convenient floorhead/nozzle feature, though the same review noted efficiency limits elsewhere.
Hard Floor — Fine Dust Pickup
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
3.0
Fine-dust pickup is mixed: it lifts some dry debris cleanly but can leave a flour film.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.3
Fine dust and sawdust pickup was generally positive, including drywall dust, sawdust, and project debris cleared quickly.
Noise level
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
2.0
Noise is a downside, with one review calling it loud enough to make normal conversation difficult.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
3.2
Noise feedback was mixed: one reviewer called it loud, another considered it tolerable for quick tasks, and one described it as moderately quiet in offices or homes.
Emptying and Mess Control
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
3.4
Emptying and mess control are inconsistent: some demos are clean, while other reviews report mess, leaks, or spill-back.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.6
Emptying and mess control were strong positives, with several reviewers describing the tank or dust container as easy to empty and clean.
Battery and Charging
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
3.9
Charging feedback is split between praise for the hanger/charger and criticism of weak battery/recharge performance.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
2.8
Battery and charging evidence centered on bare-tool caveats: reviewers noted missing batteries/chargers, although existing DeWalt users may already have compatible packs.
Ongoing ownership costs (bags, filters, batteries)
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
4.0
Ownership costs look manageable because replacement filters or inserts can be bought cheaply.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
2.9
Ongoing ownership cost evidence was negative to mixed because batteries, chargers, and at least one adapter may need to be purchased separately depending on the kit and use case.
Hard Floor — Large Debris Intake
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
2.7
Large-debris intake is inconsistent, handling some larger pieces but struggling with oversized or awkward debris.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
3.7
Large debris intake was mixed: one review praised debris pickup, while others said large chunks were out of scope or required close contact.
Overall durability/longevity
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
4.0
Durability impressions are positive for the plastic body, with one reviewer not expecting cracks or breaks from normal use.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
5.0
Longer-term ownership evidence was strongly positive from the one-year update, where the reviewer still loved the vacuum after continued use.
Crevice / Groove Pickup (Hard Floors)
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
3.3
Crevice and groove pickup is mixed, with strong sand/kennel cleanup but weak sealing on narrow uneven tracks.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.3
Crevice performance was mostly positive thanks to the detachable hose, though one reviewer said the body itself could not easily reach tight corners.
Tool-change simplicity
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
4.5
Tool changes are easy, with accessories sliding in and out of the mouth without fuss.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
3.6
Tool changes were mixed, with one reviewer struggling to free the hose, another liking the no-loose-attachments design, and one finding reassembly easy.
Upholstery / Above-Floor Pickup
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
3.8
Above-floor and upholstery pickup is useful for crumbs and car seats, though it is not flawless on couch debris or pet hair.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.7
Above-floor and upholstery-style cleanup evidence was positive for rugs, seats, and between-seat areas.
Comparative performance
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
3.3
Comparative performance is mixed: it underperforms stronger models in lab testing but does well against budget peers on pet hair.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.1
Comparative performance was context-dependent: it ranked as a favorite and matched a ShopVac for one cleanup, but lagged larger corded/larger DeWalt options in suction or capacity.
Suitability for heavy-duty use
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
2.0
Heavy-duty suitability is poor because reviewers say it should not replace a regular vacuum or clean large areas.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
2.8
Heavy-duty suitability was the clearest tradeoff: it can handle some job debris but is not a shop-vac replacement, whole-jobsite cleaner, or major water-emergency tool.
Carpet — Low-Pile Pickup
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
3.8
Low-pile carpet pickup ranges from excellent for light messes to weak on embedded flour or final dust.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.5
Low-pile carpet and rug pickup was positive in car-carpet, carpet, rug, and seat-cleaning contexts.
Price and Value
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
3.5
Value is generally good for the price, though reviewers note the low price brings real performance compromises.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
2.8
Value evidence was limited and cautious, with one reviewer questioning whether the bare tool cost too much for what was included.
Bin and Bag
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
3.5
The bin is easy to inspect, but its small size limits capacity.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.1
The bin/tank was usually easy to empty and clean, but capacity was context-dependent and one reviewer felt it looked small for wet/dry work.
Suction and Airflow
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
3.6
Suction impressions are split: several demos and one review praise quick pickup, while lab-style testing criticizes low lift and weaker deep-cleaning.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.2
Reviewers generally found suction strong for small debris, dust, sawdust, car carpets, and routine cleanup, while noting it trails larger corded vacs and may need close contact on heavier debris.
Clogging and debris prevention
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
3.5
Debris prevention is mixed: one demo avoided clogging, while larger cereal pieces wedged in the intake in testing.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
3.0
Debris handling had a limitation: one reviewer said the vacuum can struggle with larger objects compared with a larger corded vacuum.
Overall opinion
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
4.4
Overall opinion is polarized: short demos highly recommend it, while lab testing calls it limited and far from high-performing.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.9
Overall opinion skewed very positive, with reviewers calling it a favorite, really liking it, and giving it a five-out-of-five one-year update.
Maneuverability and Handling
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
4.3
Handling is strong because the vacuum is light and comfortable, though tight-space performance is less consistent.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
3.8
Handling was split: multiple reviewers found it light, balanced, compact, or easy to tote, while others found it heavy or awkward in some positions.
Weight
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
4.7
Weight is a clear strength, with reviewers repeatedly calling it light or not heavy.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.4
Weight feedback was mixed but leaned positive: one review called it heavier than other models, while others found it light, balanced, or super light.
Build quality and durability
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
4.0
Build quality is acceptable for the price, with one reviewer saying the plastic parts still felt sturdy.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.3
Build feedback was positive around the heavy-duty latch, positive feedback lockup, and secure locking feel.
Cordless convenience
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
5.0
Cordless use is strongly praised for grab-and-go cleaning without dragging a cord.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.8
Cordless convenience was one of the strongest positives, with reviewers valuing no cords, no big vacuum, portability, and quick on-the-fly cleanup.
Suitability for small spaces
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
4.5
Small-space suitability is good because reviewers found it compact and easy to store in smaller homes.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.7
Small-space suitability was very strong, with reviewers repeatedly framing it as ideal for small stuff, quick jobs, compact carrying, and minimal-hassle cleanup.
Fresh Liquid Pickup Speed
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
4.5
Fresh liquid pickup is a strong point for thin spills, which it removed quickly and easily.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.7
Fresh liquid pickup evidence was positive for small household spills, with a knocked-over water mess described as easy to clean.
Storage footprint and upright-stand stability
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
4.8
Storage is a strength thanks to the compact body and wall-hanger/charger setup.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.9
Storage feedback was positive because the compact body could be thrown in a toolbox without lugging a larger vacuum.
Ease of use
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
4.5
Ease of use is generally strong, with praise for intuitive setup, simple controls, and grab-and-go operation.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.4
Ease of use was generally strong for small cleanup, car cleaning, and spills, but one reviewer found the holding position awkward.
Versatility
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
4.5
Versatility is strong for small wet and dry messes around the home and car.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.6
Versatility was praised through wet/dry use, compact design, car/shop cleanup, and flexible small-mess applications.
Accessories and Tools
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
3.3
The built-in crevice tool is appreciated, but accessory reach and included extras are limited.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
3.4
Accessories drew mixed feedback: one review praised the variety, while others wanted included brush/nozzle tools or noted a separate adapter/no extra goodies.
Aesthetic design and finish
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
3.8
Design feedback favors a practical, portable, lightweight shape over premium styling.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable VacuumNo score yet
Assembly and Setup
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
5.0
Setup is a clear strength, with assembly described as quick and simple.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable VacuumNo score yet
Convertible handheld design
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickCleanNo score yet
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.7
Reviewers liked the convertible design, especially the built-in nozzle and pull-out hose for switching between broad pickup and tighter areas.
Filtration / Dust Containment
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
2.5
Dust containment and filtration need upkeep, with the sponge insert getting grimy quickly.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable VacuumNo score yet
Floorhead Seal on Hard Floors
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
2.0
Seal quality is weak on narrow or uneven hard surfaces, where the nozzle failed to seal well.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable VacuumNo score yet
Hair-removal channel issues
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
2.0
Hair removal is inconvenient because snagged hair has to be pulled from bristles manually.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable VacuumNo score yet
Hair Pickup — Carpets
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
2.5
Pet hair pickup is only fair, especially on fuzzy car surfaces and stranded hairs.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable VacuumNo score yet
Hair‑Wrap / Tangle Resistance
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
2.0
Hair tangle resistance is weak because hair wrapped into the brush bristles.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable VacuumNo score yet
Hose length
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickCleanNo score yet
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
4.5
Hose reach was praised for helping with harder-to-reach areas and awkward spots where the main nozzle could not reach.
Low-profile design
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
2.0
Low-clearance access is limited because the stout body and short crevice tool restrict reach.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable VacuumNo score yet
Onboard tool storage
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
2.0
Onboard storage is weak because loose tools have nowhere to live on the vacuum body.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable VacuumNo score yet
Packaging quality
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
4.0
Packaging drew a simple positive impression in one short unboxing review.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable VacuumNo score yet
Pet-Ready Features
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
2.0
Pet readiness is limited because the vacuum lacks a roller brush and struggles to remove pet hair from upholstery.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable VacuumNo score yet
Streaking / Residue
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
2.5
Residue control is limited on thicker wet messes, which can smear rather than fully suction away.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable VacuumNo score yet
Under-Furniture Pickup
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
1.5
Under-furniture reach is poor because the short crevice tool and stout body limit access.
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable VacuumNo score yet
Water tank
Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickCleanNo score yet
DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum
3.4
Wet capacity was mixed: one reviewer found the half-gallon capacity fine for normal spills, while another questioned how much liquid it could really hold.