DEWALT 20V Handheld Cordless Vacuum

4.2

(8)

Bottom Line

Choose this if you already own DeWalt 20V batteries and want strong jobsite-style suction with solid dust control; Skip it if you need a lightweight, quiet carpet-focused hand vac or expect it to handle larger debris without occasional clogging risk.

Best for

DeWalt 20V owners who want a powerful handheld for sawdust, drywall dust, car interiors, workshop debris, and quick punch-list cleanup, especially when belt-clip portability and an LED work light matter.

Not for

Anyone who primarily needs effortless carpet/area-rug cleanup (no brushroll), wants the lightest possible handheld, or frequently vacuums larger chunks that can stress smaller inlets/hoses and increase clogging risk.

Verdict

Across the reviews, this DeWalt handheld stands out as a jobsite-first vacuum: strong suction and airflow, wide-mouth pickup for gritty messes, and a practical accessory kit (hose, wand, floor/brush tools) that makes quick cleanup faster than hauling a shop vac. The washable HEPA setup and easy bin access are recurring wins for dust-heavy work. The tradeoffs are real: it can feel heavy with a battery, it gets loud in some tests, and performance on carpeting is only average without a brushroll. Battery runtime is decent but varies by pack size and can land a bit under optimistic claims.

Pros

Storage footprint & upright-stand stability 4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.7

Stability and storage practicality show up via the stand-up base and included bag for accessories. Reviewers like that it can sit upright without tipping and that attachments can be kept together.
Suitability for heavy-duty use 4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.7

Suitability for heavy-duty use is repeatedly affirmed for workshops and jobsites, especially fine dust cleanup and punch-list messes. It is positioned as a practical alternative to dragging out a larger shop vac for small-to-medium tasks.
Cordless convenience 4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.7

Cordless convenience is a core reason people like it: quick grab-and-go cleanup, belt carry, and easy battery swapping are repeatedly cited as making it faster than hauling larger vacuums for small messes.
Comparative performance 4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.6

In direct comparisons against other handhelds, this DeWalt is positioned near the top tier for power, competing closely with other pro-tool ecosystem vacs and outperforming many consumer hand vacs on demanding tests.
Suitability for small spaces 4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.6

Reviewers frequently describe it as compact and convenient for tight areas, small jobs, and quick cleanup. Belt carry and hose reach are emphasized as major space-and-mobility advantages.
Accessories & Tools 4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.5

Accessory coverage is a recurring strength: multiple attachments (crevice, brushes, floor nozzle, extension/wand, flexible hose) plus storage bag are repeatedly highlighted as practical for cars, corners, and jobsite detail cleanup.
Suction & Airflow 4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.5

Reviews consistently describe strong suction/airflow for a handheld, with several calling it jobsite-strong. It handles fine dust, sand, and mixed debris confidently, and comparative testing places it among the more powerful tools-style handhelds.
Versatility 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.4

Versatility is a standout theme: used as a handheld, car vacuum, near-ceiling tool with extensions, and even as a light-duty dust-extraction companion depending on setup. The belt hook/clip and hose expand real-world use cases.
Overall opinion 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.4

Overall sentiment is strongly positive when used as intended (workshop/jobsite, dust and small debris, car interiors). The recurring cautions are weight, carpet limitations, and occasional clogging concerns with larger debris.
Filtration / Dust Containment 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.4

HEPA filtration and dust containment are repeatedly praised, especially for fine dust. Reviewers emphasize washable HEPA maintenance and generally good retention, though heavy dust loads can dirty the filter quickly.
Headlight & LED lights 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.4

The built-in LED light is repeatedly called useful for dim workspaces, car interiors, and jobsite detail cleanup. Some note it is always-on rather than separately controlled, but the illumination itself is valued.
Emptying & Mess Control 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.4

Emptying is usually described as straightforward (often one-button/quick-release). Fine dust cleanup is easy, but filter cleaning is part of normal ownership, especially after drywall/sawdust sessions.
Ease of use 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.4

Ease of use is strong overall: simple on/off controls, quick attachment swaps, and practical ergonomics get repeated positive mentions. A few minor usability notes appear around technique on certain surfaces and occasional control mishits.
Hose length 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.4

Hose reach is highlighted as a meaningful benefit, with multiple mentions of long stretch (roughly 5–6 feet depending on the reviewer). Lack of swivel is noted in at least one review as a minor handling limitation.
Bin & Bag 4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.3

The dustbin/canister is frequently described as easy to access and dump, with clear, practical layout. Capacity is adequate for handheld workflows but still oriented toward frequent emptying during dusty jobs.
Cyclone performance 4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.3
Battery & Charging 4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.3

Battery-and-charger are often separate, but DeWalt 20V compatibility is a major advantage for existing owners. Runtime varies by battery size; several mentions cluster around ~18–21 minutes on a 5Ah pack, with larger packs extending use meaningfully.
Runtime (Measured, Default) 4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.1

Real-world runtime is commonly reported around ~20 minutes with mid-size packs, with at least one review noting measured time landing below an advertised figure. Larger packs are repeatedly mentioned as the way to extend sessions.
Maintenance requirements 4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.0

Ownership maintenance is mostly filter-centric: washable HEPA cleaning is straightforward but must be done regularly after fine dust. Keeping the filter fully dry before reuse is emphasized by reviewers.
Controls & UI 4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.0

Controls are minimal (primarily on/off), which reviewers generally like for jobsite simplicity. Some wish the light or power behavior were more adjustable, but the straightforward UI is mostly seen as a benefit.
Price & Value 3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 3.8

Value depends on whether you already own DeWalt batteries. The tool price is often seen as reasonable for its power and accessories, but battery costs can rival the tool cost for newcomers; sale pricing improves perceived value.

Cons

Weight 3.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 3.4

Weight is a tradeoff: some users call it manageable, but others describe it as heavy or overbuilt, especially once a battery is attached. Portability improves when used with a belt hook/clip rather than held aloft.
Noise level 3.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 3.4

Noise feedback is mixed by source and context: one comparison test reports high dB readings, while other reviewers describe it as closer to the 70 dB range and comfortable to work next to. Overall, it is not consistently quiet.
Area Rug Handling 3.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 3.2

Carpet/area rug performance is repeatedly described as only okay. Without a brushroll, it can clean carpets with effort and the right nozzle technique, but it is not the smooth, effortless carpet tool some buyers expect.
Clogging & debris prevention 3.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 3.2

Clogging risk is mentioned primarily when attempting larger chunks or thicker debris through smaller inlets/hoses. For fine dust and small particles it behaves well, but bigger pieces can slow airflow and cause stoppages.

FAQ

Does it work well for jobsite dust like sawdust or drywall dust?

Yes. Multiple reviews describe it as excellent for fine dust and jobsite cleanup, with HEPA filtration and strong pickup on hard surfaces.

Is it good on carpets and rugs?

It is serviceable but not ideal. Reviews repeatedly note the lack of a brushroll, which makes carpet work require more effort and reduces the smooth back-and-forth cleaning feel.

How long does the battery last?

Runtime depends heavily on battery size. Several reviews cite roughly 18–21 minutes with a 5Ah pack and around ~20 minutes in typical use, while larger packs are reported to stretch considerably longer.

Is it easy to empty and maintain?

Generally yes. Reviewers frequently mention easy bin access and a washable HEPA filter, though fine dust can load the filter and require regular cleaning.

Will it clog on bigger debris?

It can. One review warns that while it is great for dust and small material, larger pieces (like chunks) can clog a small inlet/hose and slow you down.