Compare BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Cordless Pet Handheld Vacuum vs DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum

The built-in extendable crevice tool and the included motorized pet/turbo brush are repeatedly called out as the most useful tools, adding reach for tight gaps and improving hair pickup on soft surfaces.

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.

One ranking-style review notes the side exhaust vents can push air strongly enough to blow debris around if the vacuum is angled poorly, so users may need to be mindful of airflow direction while cleaning.

Setup is minimal: one reviewer reports no assembly required and notes the unit arrived with some charge before the first full charge cycle.

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.

Charging is described as straightforward with a battery indicator, and one written test reports about a 2.5-hour full charge. Battery design is integrated, with at least one review noting there is no user-replaceable option.

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.

The bagless bin design is appreciated, but capacity is a recurring limitation in some coverage (including a cited 75 ml dustbin and reports of filling quickly). Other reviewers find the compartment acceptable for small, frequent pickups.

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 impressions skew positive, with a long-term user reporting satisfaction after about a year and calling it higher quality than expected. No major failure trends are described within these reviews.

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.

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.

In comparative rankings/testing, this BLACK+DECKER model is positioned near the top (runner-up overall), praised for power and bin design, while losing ground to competitors with stronger filtration.

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 simple and intuitive (single-button cycling or two-speed operation), and multiple reviews mention a clear battery indicator. There are no complicated settings, which supports quick, grab-and-go use.

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 convenience is repeatedly highlighted as a core benefit, with users describing it as easy to grab for quick cleanups and easy to store, especially for car interiors and spot cleaning.

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.

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 strong theme: reviewers emphasize simple operation, comfortable handling, and quick deployment for small messes. Minor learning curve notes include a stiff crevice extension at first or slightly fiddly part reassembly.

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.

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

Emptying is consistently praised, especially the bottom-hatch/one-button dump approach, which is described as less clunky than many handhelds. A few reviewers note that hair may occasionally need manual removal after dumping.

Filters are washable and easy to access in several reviews, but comparative testing suggests filtration is not a category leader versus top handheld competitors, making it more of a practical everyday system than a fine-dust specialist.

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.

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.

Carpet hair pickup is mixed across sources: powered pet tools are shown working well on pet beds and some carpeted surfaces, but at least one written review found it was not strong enough to remove cat hair from carpeting.

Hair-wrapping is generally well controlled thanks to the rubberized/anti-tangle style pet brush design; reviewers report little wrapping on the brush in use, though hair can still collect and require periodic cleanup.

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 manageable: filters are washable, and routine cleaning is straightforward. Some users mention needing to clear hair from the powered brush head and note that reassembly can take a bit of practice.

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 generally positive for the category, with reviewers calling it quieter than expected; one source cites a Quiet Mark rating and another measures roughly 82 dB on default and 89 dB on boost.

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.

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 generally low because the vacuum is bagless, but at least one review references guidance to replace filters periodically (around every 6 to 9 months). Replacement filters are described as readily available online.

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.

Packaging quality is positively described in one written review, citing a sturdy box and cardboard inserts (and no Styrofoam), which helped protect the unit during shipping.

Pet-focused features are a standout: multiple reviewers praise the motorized rubber-bristle pet tool for lifting hair from upholstery, pet beds, and some carpets, and one reviewer even uses it to groom a shedding dog.

Value perception is strong overall, especially given the powered pet attachment, strong suction for a handheld, and easy-empty design. The main value drawbacks mentioned are the small bin on some variants and concerns about long-term battery replaceability.

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.

Default/typical-use runtime reports vary, with one long-term user estimating roughly 45 to 60 minutes depending on how actively it is used. Reviews still position it primarily as a quick-clean tool rather than a whole-home vacuum. On high/boost, measured runtime is short: one hands-on test reports about 12.5 minutes with noticeable slowdown near the end, aligning with broader handheld averages in comparative testing.

Compact storage is a consistent advantage, with reviewers noting it fits in cupboards and works well where storage is limited. It is framed as a convenient secondary vacuum rather than a bulky primary cleaner.

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.

Across reviews, suction is described as stronger than expected for a handheld, with a noticeable jump in power on boost/high. It handles quick pickups like crumbs, dust, and litter well, but it is not consistently strong enough for deep carpet hair removal.

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.

Suitability for small spaces is rated highly: multiple reviews recommend it for apartments, dorms, offices, or keeping in a car, where fast, frequent pickups are more common than long sessions.

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 and extensions are generally easy, including quick attachment swaps, but a few reviewers mention parts that can be stiff initially (extendable crevice) or a bit tricky to reseat (filter assembly).

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.

An extendable nozzle/crevice reach is specifically credited with making it easier to get under and around furniture for spot cleaning without dragging out a full-size vacuum.

Above-floor cleaning performance is a key strength, with multiple reviewers showing or describing strong results on couches, cushions, upholstery, pet beds, and car seats, especially when using the motorized pet tool.

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.

Versatility is frequently praised: reviewers use it for car interiors, furniture, corners/baseboards/windowsills, pet beds, and quick kitchen or office cleanups, helped by the long crevice reach and two power modes.

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.

Weight is commonly described as light and easy to maneuver, with one review listing it at 3.5 lbs. Reviewers link the low weight to comfort for quick, above-floor tasks.

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.