Compare Black+Decker Dustbuster Cordless Hand Vacuum vs DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum

The included crevice and brush tools plus an expandable nozzle cover common small-mess jobs, but one review notes the attachments can feel insecure and may fall out during use.

The built-in nozzle and integrated hose are widely seen as practical, and one roundup highlights a wide accessory selection. However, multiple reviewers note the bare tool ships without extra tips/brushes, and some users may need third-party kits or an adapter for standard attachments.

The design is repeatedly described as slim and straightforward, with a clean look that can blend into a small-space setup.

Strong exhaust airflow is a recurring theme; one test says it can blow debris around on bare floors, and another notes powerful airflow that may push crumbs deeper into rugs.

Setup is minimal: install a charged battery, confirm the tank and filter are seated, and start cleaning. Reviewers frame it as ready-to-use with little fuss.

The charging base keeps it ready for quick use; however, one tester notes there is no clear full-charge indicator beyond a basic light.

Battery performance is described as ample for typical cleanup sessions, with one test completing two vehicle interiors on a 4.0Ah pack with charge remaining. Compatibility with different DeWalt pack sizes is highlighted, but bare-tool buyers must supply their own battery/charger.

Emptying is generally described as easy via a twist-off bin.

The 1/2-gallon tank and latch system are described as easy to remove, empty, and reattach, with sealing elements that help keep debris contained. Capacity is inherently small, so bigger messes may require more frequent emptying.

Build quality feedback is mostly positive, citing sturdy latches, gaskets, and a durable hose that holds up to jobsite-style cleanup. Long-term impressions (including a one-year update) remain favorable.

High-pile carpet pickup is reported as very weak for this style of handheld.

Low-pile rugs and thin carpets are a weak point; reviews describe crumbs being pushed or pickup failing once debris starts to sit in the fibers.

Medium-pile carpet performance is reported as poor, especially for hair and stubborn dirt.

Filter clogging is a known issue in one hands-on test, suggesting debris management depends on regular filter cleaning.

A tank flap/seal design is mentioned as helping keep debris from escaping if the vacuum tips over. No widespread clogging complaints appear, but the 1-1/4 inch intake naturally limits very large debris.

When compared directly, a more pet-focused Dustbuster with a motorized tool is reported to outperform it, especially on carpets and upholstery.

Compared with larger corded or higher-capacity cordless vacs, it trades raw suction and capacity for portability and convenience. Several reviewers prefer it specifically because it reduces friction for small cleanup tasks.

Controls are minimal (typically just on/off) with no suction modes, and one review flags the lack of a true battery life indicator.

Controls are simple, with a large on/off switch that is easy to hit while holding the handle. There are no complex modes or screens to manage.

Cordless grab-and-go convenience is a major reason people like it, especially for small spaces and frequent messes.

Cordless, grab-and-go cleanup is one of the most praised benefits, especially for cars, small shop messes, and remote spaces without outlets. Users like avoiding cords and dragging out full-size vacs.

Tight-space cleanup is a strength: it can pull debris from cracks, shelf edges, and baseboard gaps, though it may leave some fine dust behind.

Crevice reach is a strength when using the pull-out hose, enabling cleaning between seats, corners, and grooves that the main nozzle cannot comfortably access.

Ease of use is a highlight: minimal setup, one-hand operation, quick emptying, and a docked home base make it simple to reach for daily.

Day-to-day usability is praised for quick cleanups and one-handed operation, especially in cars and shops. A minority find the wide-nozzle grip awkward and prefer using the hose for better control.

Edge and baseboard cleaning is rated favorably in one source, but another notes it does better on larger debris than lingering dust along edges.

An angled head and hose-based approach are praised for guiding along baseboards and edges, helping clean fine debris that collects against walls.

Keeping mess controlled is helped by straightforward emptying and a dock that can catch stray debris, but you still need to empty after quick cleanups to avoid leftovers.

Filtration is not positioned as HEPA-grade in one review; the washable filter is convenient but not aimed at allergy-level containment.

Several reviews emphasize a washable HEPA wet/dry filter and strong dust containment for fine particles. Maintenance is framed as simple rinsing/tapping clean, though one reviewer cautions about managing the filter correctly for wet pickup.

The expandable, wide nozzle is highlighted as a practical design feature that increases cleaning path width for larger messes.

For small liquid spills, reviewers describe it as a convenient, fast solution compared with towels or larger vacs. There is limited evidence on large-volume liquid pickup, and users caution against expecting flood-level capability.

Pet hair on hard floors can be a decent use case, with one test calling results favorable, but performance varies depending on surface and how embedded the hair is.

Fine dust pickup on hard floors is described as imperfect; it can miss some dust even when it grabs larger debris well.

On hard floors, it can handle fresh spills and even larger bits (for example grains or rice), but blowback can hurt real-world pickup in some situations.

The integrated hose is generally seen as long enough for car detailing and tight spots, with one review describing extension up to several feet. Some users may still prefer a longer hose for more reach without moving the unit.

Maintenance is modest but frequent: emptying after use and cleaning the washable filter matters, and filter clogging is reported to reduce performance.

Maintenance is framed as easy: empty the tank, twist off the filter, and rinse or tap it clean. The washable filter reduces consumable waste and keeps upkeep simple.

Handling is generally described as light and well balanced, but some users find the main nozzle grip awkward and note the unit can feel heavier than smaller car vacs. Using the hose improves reach and control in tight areas.

Noise impressions are split: one source calls it pretty quiet, while another measured it as loud for a handheld (around mid-70 dB).

Noise is a recurring complaint, with at least one reviewer calling it loud compared with other vacs. A minority describe it as only moderately quiet, so overall expect a louder handheld experience.

Storage is well thought out when using the dock, which can keep attachments together and reduce clutter.

Onboard storage of the hose and having a built-in nozzle reduce loose parts and make it easy to grab quickly. Multiple reviewers still wish DeWalt bundled additional tips (brush/crevice tools) in the box.

Ongoing costs are modest for users with existing DeWalt batteries, but the bare-tool package can raise the effective price if you need to buy a battery and charger. Replacement filters are noted as readily available.

Overall sentiment skews strongly positive, with multiple reviewers recommending it for quick cleanup and one reporting continued satisfaction after a year. A more critical review still acknowledges it performs on typical shop debris, just with limitations.

Value is generally framed as strong for the price when used as a quick-clean handheld, but less compelling if you expect carpet and upholstery performance.

Value is strongest for owners already invested in DeWalt 20V batteries, especially when the bare tool is priced under typical kit bundles. Some buyers question the cost once you factor in a separate battery/charger and add-on accessories.

Reported runtime is short but usable for quick jobs, commonly cited around 11 to 14 minutes depending on the source.

Reviewers repeatedly call the unit compact and easy to store, including keeping it in a toolbox or car. Its small footprint supports grab-and-go use in tight workspaces.

Suction feels strong for quick pickups on hard floors and countertops in one review, but another describes the unit as not very powerful overall, especially on soft surfaces.

Most reviews describe strong pickup for small debris (dust, chips, car carpets), with some calling it surprisingly powerful. A consistent caveat is that it cannot match a larger shop vac’s suction and can struggle with bigger chunks unless you get very close.

It performs best as a powerful mini for targeted messes, not as a primary shop vac or whole-jobsite solution. Reviews repeatedly position it as a supplement for quick, localized cleanup.

Its slim profile and docked storage make it well-suited to small homes, apartments, and feeling unobtrusive on a counter or in a closet.

Its compact body and hose access make it well suited to cars, cabins, and tight shop corners where larger vacuums are annoying to deploy.

Tool changes are simple (slot-in style), though the lack of a firm locking mechanism can make attachments feel less secure for some users.

Switching between the front nozzle and pull-out hose is generally quick and intuitive. One review notes the hose can be tricky to pull free if it is pushed in too tightly.

Upholstery pickup is repeatedly described as poor without a powered tool, especially for pet hair on soft chairs and fabric surfaces.

Car seats and in-between upholstery areas are a common use case, and the hose makes above-floor pickup more practical than relying on the wide front nozzle alone.

The wet/dry design plus dual pickup modes makes it useful for car detailing, edge cleanup, and small spills. Reviews still warn it is not intended for big jobsite cleanups or major water events.

Several reviews call it super light for a wet/dry handheld, while one roundup notes it can feel heavier than some competing car vacs. Most still consider the weight manageable given the convenience and power.