5 Best Makita Handheld Vacuums to Buy in 2025

The Makita XLC01ZB isn’t just another handheld vacuum—it’s a powerhouse built for endurance and grit, engineered to dominate on job sites where dust, debris, and long hours are the norm. With a robust 35 CFM suction power and the ability to run up to 60 minutes on a single 18V 5.0Ah battery, this cordless beast outlasts most competitors in its class. The dual-mode push-button power selector lets you toggle between high and low settings, giving you precise control whether you’re clearing fine sawdust or heavy grindings. If you’ve ever been left stranded mid-job by a dying vacuum, this model’s marathon runtime is the solution you didn’t know you needed.

In real-world testing, the XLC01ZB excelled across multiple surfaces—from workshop floors to vehicle interiors—thanks to its balanced suction and smart airflow design. Its 19-inch compact frame makes it easy to carry and store, while still housing a large dust capacity that reduces emptying frequency. It supports both disposable paper and reusable cloth dust bags, adding versatility for cleanups where mess containment matters. While it doesn’t feature the latest nozzle redesign found in the XLC02 series, its floor tool gets the job done on most debris types, though fine powders can sometimes escape pre-filtration.

Compared to the Makita DCL180Z, the XLC01ZB offers significantly longer runtime and stronger suction, making it a better fit for professionals who need reliability over hours. It undercuts the premium XLC02ZB-R in price while delivering superior battery life, though it lacks the newer model’s improved maneuverability. Ideal for contractors, woodworkers, or DIYers who prioritize runtime and raw power over sleek ergonomics, this vacuum strikes a rare balance between performance and practicality. When stacking features against performance, the XLC01ZB delivers more stamina and control than the mid-range models, making it the top all-around performer in Makita’s lineup.

Don’t let its featherlight frame fool you—the Makita DCL180Z is a nimble dust destroyer built for speed and portability, carving out its niche as the go-to for quick, targeted cleanups. Weighing in as one of the lightest models in Makita’s lineup, it’s tailor-made for automotive detailing, overhead work, or tight spaces where bulkier vacuums can’t reach. Despite its compact size, it packs strong suction power and a surprisingly large dust capacity, making it a standout for heavy-duty spot cleaning without the bulk. If your workflow involves hopping between tasks and tools, this vacuum’s low noise design ensures it won’t disrupt your rhythm or annoy nearby coworkers.

During real-world use, the DCL180Z proved exceptional for cleaning vehicle interiors, ladder trays, and machinery crevices. Its lightweight body makes it effortless to wield with one hand, even during extended sessions. The large dust bin handles coarse debris like metal shavings and drywall dust without clogging, though fine particulates can challenge its basic filtration system. While it doesn’t offer variable suction settings or extended runtime details, its compatibility with Makita’s 18V LXT battery ecosystem means you can swap in any of your existing packs. However, it’s not built for whole-room cleanups—this is a precision tool, not a general-purpose vacuum.

When compared to the XLC02ZB, the DCL180Z sacrifices advanced filtration and runtime for unmatched portability and simplicity. It’s less suited for prolonged jobsite cleanups but shines where agility matters most. Perfect for tradespeople who need a fast, reliable sidekick for on-the-fly messes, it’s the handheld equivalent of a trusty utility knife. While it doesn’t match the suction depth of the XLC01ZB, it offers better maneuverability and ease of use for targeted tasks, making it the smart pick when weight and access are top priorities.

Step into the next generation of cordless cleanup with the Makita XLC02ZB—a refined, user-focused vacuum that blends smart engineering with real-world usability. The star of the show is its redesigned floor nozzle, which glides over surfaces with noticeably less drag, improving both maneuverability and debris pickup on carpets, tile, and jobsite flooring. Backed by strong suction and a bagless 2-stage cloth filtration system, it captures fine dust efficiently while making emptying quick and mess-free—no more fumbling with paper bags or clogged filters. At just 18-3/4 inches long, it’s compact enough for tight storage yet powerful enough for daily workshop cleanups.

In hands-on testing, the XLC02ZB consistently outperformed older Makita models in debris collection speed, especially on mixed surfaces like wood scraps and drywall dust. The 2-stage filtration not only extends motor life but also improves air quality, a big win for indoor jobs. It runs up to 33 minutes on an 18V 5.0Ah battery, which is sufficient for most mid-length tasks but may require a spare pack for full-day use. While the suction lacks the 35 CFM punch of the XLC01ZB, it’s more than adequate for general cleanup, and the improved nozzle makes it feel more responsive in motion.

Against the DCL180Z, the XLC02ZB trades raw portability for superior ergonomics and filtration, making it better suited for full-area cleaning rather than spot jobs. It’s nearly identical to the XLC02ZW but comes in a more traditional colorway, appealing to users who prefer professional aesthetics. Ideal for carpenters, electricians, or homeowners with garage workshops, this model hits the sweet spot between performance and convenience. With better filtration and handling than the budget DCL180Z, it offers a more complete cleaning experience without the premium price tag.

Sleek, modern, and surprisingly capable, the Makita XLC02ZW is the stylish sibling of the XLC02ZB, delivering the same robust performance in a clean white finish that stands out on any jobsite or in a home garage. Don’t mistake its aesthetic appeal for weakness—this vacuum packs the same strong suction power and 2-stage cloth filtration as its black counterpart, ensuring efficient pickup and easy maintenance. The compact, ergonomic design reduces user fatigue during extended use, while the redesigned floor nozzle improves contact with surfaces, boosting debris capture on both hard floors and low-pile carpets. For users who want a vacuum that looks as good as it performs, this model delivers.

In real-world testing, the XLC02ZW handled everything from sawdust to coffee grounds with consistent reliability. Its bagless system makes emptying quick and hygienic, and the dual-stage filter effectively traps fine particles that could otherwise damage tools or irritate lungs. Like other models in this line, it offers up to 33 minutes of runtime on an 18V 5.0Ah battery—plenty for routine cleanups but not ideal for marathon sessions. While the white housing may show scuffs over time, it’s made from the same durable materials as Makita’s professional-grade tools.

Compared to the DCL180Z, the XLC02ZW offers superior filtration and surface coverage, though it’s slightly heavier and less compact. It’s identical in function to the XLC02ZB, making the choice largely aesthetic unless you prefer color coordination with other white Makita tools. Best suited for detail-oriented users who value clean design and consistent performance, it’s a polished upgrade over basic handhelds. While it doesn’t outperform the XLC01ZB in runtime, it offers better ergonomics and filtration than the budget DCL180Z, making it a smart mid-tier investment.

The Makita XLC02ZB-R is proof that renewed doesn’t mean compromised—this factory-refurbished vacuum delivers the same professional-grade performance as its new counterparts at a fraction of the cost. Equipped with the redesigned floor nozzle and 2-stage cloth filtration system, it offers excellent debris collection and easy maintenance, making it a smart pick for budget-conscious pros and DIYers alike. It runs up to 33 minutes on an 18V 5.0Ah battery, providing enough runtime for most cleanup tasks, and maintains the same compact 18-3/4-inch design that fits neatly in toolboxes and vans. If you’re looking for Makita reliability without the full retail hit, this renewed model is a revelation.

In testing, the XLC02ZB-R performed indistinguishably from new units, with strong suction power and smooth nozzle glide across multiple surfaces. The bagless system makes disposal quick, and the dual filtration ensures motor longevity even in dusty environments. Since it’s a renewed product, availability may vary, and it doesn’t include a battery—but that’s a plus if you already own Makita’s 18V ecosystem. The only real limitation? It doesn’t offer the 60-minute runtime of the XLC01ZB, so heavy users may still want to invest in a spare battery.

Stacked against the new XLC02ZB, this renewed version offers identical features and performance at a lower entry point, making it the ultimate value play. It outperforms the DCL180Z in filtration and usability while costing less than the XLC01ZB. Ideal for those who want pro-level cleaning without paying full price, it’s a rare find in the tool world. When performance, cost, and quality converge, the XLC02ZB-R delivers the same capability as newer models but with a smarter price-to-performance ratio.