DEWALT DCV501HB Review — 20V Cordless HEPA Handheld
Overview: This cordless vacuum is built for U.S. job sites, delivering powerful suction to cut cleanup time. It produces 65 Air Watts with a 5.0Ah DCB205 battery pack (sold separately) for reliable, battery-powered performance.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Clean faster with 46 CFM suction for quicker debris pickup.
- Capture fine dust using HEPA filtration for safer cleanup on concrete and drywall.
- Keep tools accessible with a belt hook that frees both hands.
- Store accessories neatly in included drawstring bag to prevent loss.
- Empty quickly with an easy-empty canister to minimize dust exposure.
- Illuminate dark spaces using a bright LED light for precise clean-up.
$127.00
Description
Intro
This is a compact, cordless cleaning tool aimed at light-to-medium jobsite and workshop cleanups. It’s built to clear dust, debris, and small rubble from tight spaces without the tether of a cord, offering convenient portability for tradespeople, renovators, and DIYers who move around jobsites frequently. Quick features include a bright LED for dark corners, HEPA-level filtration for fine dust, and a small, easy-empty canister that minimizes contact with collected debris.
Quick verdict: If you need a portable, no-fuss vacuum for quick spot cleaning on jobsites, this cordless jobsite vacuum balances suction, portability, and useful accessories—though you’ll need to supply the battery separately.
What’s in the Box
- 6 accessory cleaning solutions (Not specified — listing says 6 accessories)
- Drawstring accessory bag
- Easy-empty canister (attached to the unit)
- HEPA filtration element (installed or included — Not specified)
- Bright LED light (integrated)
- Belt hook (integrated)
- Battery: Not included (requires a 5.0Ah DCB205 battery pack or compatible battery; sold separately)
If any specific hoses, nozzles, or tool adapters are important to you, check the seller’s details—the listing names six accessories but does not itemize them individually.
Design & Build
This unit is designed with portability and jobsite durability in mind. Materials aren’t spelled out in the listing, but the form factor emphasizes a compact body with an easy-access canister and a belt hook for hands-free carrying. The canister empties quickly to reduce contact with dust and debris, which is a sensible design choice for dirty work environments.
Because the listing doesn’t give weight or dimensions, you should assume this is a light to moderately weighted handheld or small backpack-style unit (Not specified). Ergonomics focus on quick maneuvering: a belt hook frees hands and a bright LED helps with visibility in cabinets, crawl spaces, and under vehicles. The drawstring accessory bag keeps nozzles and small attachments together, so you’re less likely to lose pieces on a busy site.
Key Features
46 CFM airflow — what it does for you
The vacuum offers 46 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air movement. That level of airflow helps move loose debris and dust into the canister efficiently, making quick cleanups much faster than sweeping alone (source: listing, checked 2025). On a renovation site, 46 CFM is useful for clearing plaster dust, sawdust, and small drywall chunks from benches and floors before finishing.
Where it helps: clearing sawdust from portable miter saw stands, tidying up under workbenches, and quickly cleaning small spills of gravel or grit.
65 Air Watts with a 5.0Ah DCB205 battery pack — performance note
The listing states the unit reaches 65 air watts when paired with a 5.0Ah DCB205 battery pack (sold separately). That metric indicates usable suction power at the tool’s nozzle and gives a practical sense of cleaning strength (source: listing, checked 2025). Because the battery is not included, keep in mind runtime and power will depend entirely on the battery you choose.
Where it helps: A 65 Air Watts rating can translate to improved pickup of heavier debris or slightly embedded dust compared with smaller, less powerful cordless units—useful when cleaning compact sawdust clumps or bits of plaster.
HEPA filtration — cleaner air, less mess
This vacuum includes HEPA filtration, which captures very fine particles such as concrete and drywall dust. That’s a meaningful feature for anyone sensitive to fine dust or anyone working in environments where silica dust or other respirable particles are a concern (listing mentions HEPA Filtration). HEPA-level capture reduces recirculated dust and keeps the immediate work area cleaner.
Where it helps: After cutting drywall or grinding concrete, the HEPA filter captures fine particles that ordinary filters would pass through, making the cleanup safer and reducing cleanup iterations.
Easy-empty canister — less exposure to debris
The canister is designed for quick emptying to minimize exposure to dust and debris. Instead of disassembling multiple parts or handling dust directly, you can eject and empty the canister with minimal contact. That’s a practical convenience on dusty jobsites and worksites where time and cleanliness matter.
Where it helps: Fast change-outs between tasks, reducing the mess when dumping collected debris into waste bins on-site.
Bright LED light — find the mess in low light
An integrated LED illuminates dark corners and under-vehicle spaces. Rather than dragging an additional work light, the built-in light helps locate debris in shadowed areas. It’s a small but useful convenience for electricians, plumbers, and carpenters who often work in cramped, low-lit spaces.
Where it helps: Inspecting cabinets, cleaning behind appliances, and working in crawl spaces or basements.
Accessory set & drawstring bag — stay organized
The vacuum ships with six accessory cleaning items and a drawstring accessory bag to keep them together. While the listing does not itemize each attachment, having a compact accessory kit typically includes crevice tools, brush heads, and short extension nozzles. The bag reduces the chance of losing small pieces between jobs.
Where it helps: Switching quickly between tasks like vacuuming benches, reaching corners, and cleaning upholstery or vents.
Belt hook — hands-free mobility
A belt hook allows you to move around with the vacuum attached to your belt, freeing both hands for work or to stabilize yourself while cleaning hard-to-reach areas. For workers who regularly climb ladders or move around confined jobsite areas, this adds convenience and reduces trips back to a central tool station.
Where it helps: Working on ladders, accessing wall cavities, and moving from station to station without dropping the unit.
Performance & Use
Practical setup
- Battery: The unit requires a compatible battery; the listing mentions optimal performance with a 5.0Ah DCB205 battery pack (sold separately). Choose a battery with sufficient capacity for your typical session length—larger Ah ratings generally give longer runtime but add weight (source: listing, checked 2025).
- Accessories: Lay out the accessory bag contents before starting to know which nozzle suits which task—crevice tools for tight joints, brush heads for grills and vents, and broad nozzles for general pickups.
Daily use tips
- For fine drywall or concrete dust, allow a short pause after vacuuming and then run the vacuum again; this catches settled dust you missed the first pass.
- Use the LED to verify seals or filter seats; a poorly seated filter can reduce suction performance.
- When carrying on a belt, confirm the hook is engaged securely before climbing or moving across uneven surfaces.
Maintenance
- Filter care: The listing indicates HEPA filtration but doesn’t specify whether the HEPA element is washable or replaceable (Not specified). Treat HEPA filters as consumables: check them regularly and replace per the manufacturer’s guidance or when performance drops.
- Canister: Empty the canister into a sealed bag or waste container—doing so outside or in a well-ventilated trash area reduces dust exposure.
- Inspect attachments: Check crevice tools and brush heads for clogs or damage from sharp debris; replace or clean as needed.
- Battery care: Because the battery is sold separately, follow battery manufacturer recommendations for storage and charging to preserve lifespan.
Real-world performance notes
- Suction and airflow numbers (46 CFM and 65 air watts with the recommended battery) suggest solid spot-cleaning capability rather than continuous heavy-duty pickup. It’s optimized for mobility and quick pickups, not for continuous heavy extraction on large porous surfaces.
- The HEPA filter makes this vacuum better suited than many handhelds for fine dust cleanup, though professional-grade dust collection for extensive silica-producing tasks should still rely on dedicated, certified equipment.
Pros vs Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Portable, cordless design for quick spot cleaning | Battery sold separately (adds to initial cost) |
| 46 CFM airflow for efficient debris pickup (source: listing, checked 2025) | Runtime depends on battery size; runtime figures not listed |
| 65 Air Watts with a 5.0Ah DCB205 battery pack for stronger suction (source: listing, checked 2025) | Weight and dimensions not specified—hard to assess carry comfort |
| HEPA filtration helps capture fine drywall/concrete dust | HEPA filter serviceability (washable vs replaceable) not specified |
| Bright LED for working in low-light areas | Accessories are listed as six, but individual items are not detailed |
| Drawstring accessory bag and belt hook for jobsite convenience | Not a replacement for full-size, continuous-duty dust extractors |
Who Should Buy
- Tradespeople (carpenters, electricians, plumbers) who need a lightweight, portable vacuum for daily spot cleaning and light debris pickup on jobsites.
- Renovators and DIYers who work in small spaces and want HEPA-level dust capture for cleaner air around the work area.
- Anyone who values quick setup and a minimal tool footprint—if you require mobility and short, frequent cleanups rather than long continuous operation.
Who Shouldn’t Buy
- Professionals who need continuous, high-capacity dust extraction for prolonged use or for certified silica dust control—this unit is optimized for portability, not continuous heavy-duty extraction.
- Buyers who expect the battery to be included—this listing requires a compatible battery purchase (5.0Ah DCB205 recommended) and doesn’t include runtime figures.
- People who need full spec transparency before purchase: weight, dimensions, and filter serviceability are not detailed in the listing.
Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Airflow | 46 CFM (source: listing, checked 2025) |
| Air Watts | 65 AW with a 5.0Ah DCB205 battery pack (battery sold separately) (source: listing, checked 2025) |
| Battery | Requires compatible battery; 5.0Ah DCB205 recommended (sold separately) (source: listing, checked 2025) |
| Accessories | 6 accessory cleaning solutions (not itemized) |
| Accessory storage | Drawstring accessory bag (included) |
| Filtration | HEPA Filtration (listing states HEPA Filtration) |
| Light | Integrated bright LED |
| Canister | Easy-empty canister (design note from listing) |
| Belt hook | Integrated belt hook |
| Weight | Not listed |
| Dimensions | Not listed |
| Run time | Not listed |
| Filter replaceable/ washable | Not listed |
| Model number | Not listed |
| Warranty | Not listed |
Closing CTA
If you need a nimble cordless jobsite vacuum for fast spot cleans—with HEPA-level dust capture and a compact accessory kit—this tool is worth considering. Remember to budget for a compatible battery (the listing references the 5.0Ah DCB205) and check the retailer’s accessory list if you require specific nozzles. For quick, efficient cleanups on the move, this cordless jobsite vacuum offers a practical balance of portability and performance.
Keywords used: cordless jobsite vacuum (x4); HEPA filtration (x1); DCB205 battery pack (x1).
DEWALT DCV501HB Review — 20V Cordless HEPA Handheld Prices
Price History
Additional information
Specification: DEWALT DCV501HB Review — 20V Cordless HEPA Handheld
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Ricardo H –
Works very well and the use of the DEWALT batteries makes it easy to swap packs for longer use time.
Only gripe is that I wish it had 2 speeds so I could choose to conserve battery or use max performance.
proctor164 –
great product
cynthia –
So handy, no cord! Cleaned auto carpets, window sills, curtains with ease. Very pleased but would go ahead and purchase the extra filters because the vac really works. My filter trapped so much material it did not readily clean out so I installed another.
It’s me –
It kinda bugs me how happy I am about this thing. I had a hand vacuum die out on me, and this has completely outclassed my previous by a wide margin. It’s powerful, has great tools/attachments that are easy and effective to use.
This thing is straight up cool, and my excitement over this thing just makes me realize that I’m getting older. I value how much easier this makes cleaning the house with 1 tool.
Peter Marques Van der Put –
Não conheço outros mas com certeza esse que é profissional é a melhor escolha mesmo para uso doméstico. Aqui vamos usar no lugar da vassoura diária de casa. Já tenho baterias para furadeira então não precisei gastar com baterias.
Cris Rodriguez –
Muy potente y práctica
Henrique Ferreira –
great product
Mikaela Laughlin –
I gotta qualify this review by saying I’m a devout “yellow tool” man AKA DeWalt! Love their products. Which is why I decided to drop the bucks for their vacuum. No complaints on the portability, being able to use my batteries, compactness and especially the POWER. This thing hold a punch for such a small device. I had to vacuum up broke tempered glass and this thing disintegrated the chunks and sucked in the pieces no problem. I used every accessory in one day so these are made to accommodate all situations. DeWalt love ya…but you really have to move the release button for the filter space some where else! It’s so easy to accidently open it and “proosh”…all the dirt spills all over the place! Put a lock on that button or move it somewhere less accessible on the device please. Otherwise, I love it!
alex –
This is a great little vacuum. Works really well. Picks up everything and its easy to empty. Comes lots of attachment. It’s very convenient and easy to use. It well made and tough. I like the design. As far as Dewalt cordless tools go it was a great price.
It’s me –
I purchased this vacuum kind of as an impulse purchase because I have a lot of Dewalt 20v tools and the vacuum was on a limited time deal for the typical Dewalt 99.00 bare tool sales price.
I have a 20v impact and a 20v tire inflator that I keep in my SUV at all times for roadside emergencies and thought if this was compact enough, I would just throw it in the back for when I wanted to clean up the SUV if I hauled anything dirty of when the floor mats built up dirt etc.,
I’ve had the vacuum for a few weeks now and I find myself using it multiple times a week! It has really good suction with plenty of power a comfortable weight and feels solidly built.
The design of the tool is well thought out. A simple thumb press release lets you remove the canister, and the filter simply pulls out so you can empty the canister and shake out the filter. I am using 5Ah batteries and I am able to vacuum the full interior on one battery.
The included accessories give you pretty much all the things you will want/need to get to every part of the interior. As an added bonus, the extension wand and floor sweep will turn this into a cordless portable “stick vac” My wife plans to try this function the next time we take our camper out for a weekend. This “impulse” purchase has been a great addition to my 20v collection and I’m happy I decided to purchase one. I’m considering ordering one of the “micro cleaning kits” available in 1-1/4″. The adapter will slide onto this vacuum and would give the ability to get to even the smallest areas to clean if you really want to get detailing. Here is a reference link to one such kit.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7RG1HVT?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
Mikaela Laughlin –
So handy, no cord! Cleaned auto carpets, window sills, curtains with ease. Very pleased but would go ahead and purchase the extra filters because the vac really works. My filter trapped so much material it did not readily clean out so I installed another.
Ducks –
The DEWALT 20V Cordless Handheld Vacuum is an absolute game-changer! I originally purchased it for my husband to add to his tool collection, but I find myself borrowing it all the time—it’s just that good.
Although it doesn’t come with batteries, it’s compatible with all DEWALT batteries, which is super convenient if you already own other DEWALT tools. This vacuum is so easy to use and perfect for quick cleanups, whether you’re working on a home improvement project, cleaning up a small mess mid-activity, or detailing your car (it gets into all those tight nooks and crannies with ease).
The dust collection is powerful, and the vacuum itself is durable, powerful suction and well-made—everything you’d expect from DEWALT. It’s a great value for the quality, especially if you snag it on sale. Especially love the convenience of not having to plug this into a power source, battery operated makes it that much easier to grab and use in a pinch ! Highly recommend this for anyone who wants a reliable, versatile handheld vacuum. It’s quickly become an essential tool in our house. Couldn’t recommend it more!
Amazon Customer –
Muy potente y práctica
Diyguy1971 –
Muy potente y práctica
Champ’s buddy –
I gotta qualify this review by saying I’m a devout “yellow tool” man AKA DeWalt! Love their products. Which is why I decided to drop the bucks for their vacuum. No complaints on the portability, being able to use my batteries, compactness and especially the POWER. This thing hold a punch for such a small device. I had to vacuum up broke tempered glass and this thing disintegrated the chunks and sucked in the pieces no problem. I used every accessory in one day so these are made to accommodate all situations. DeWalt love ya…but you really have to move the release button for the filter space some where else! It’s so easy to accidently open it and “proosh”…all the dirt spills all over the place! Put a lock on that button or move it somewhere less accessible on the device please. Otherwise, I love it!
Henrique Ferreira –
Out of all the Dewalt cordless vacuums, this one has the most suction. Still not as much as a regular vacuum, but it’s still quite effective. Didn’t think i’d like the design, but I do. It’s ergonomic, heavy duty, and the included tools makes this vacuum quite universal and useful. It’s great for cleaning the vehicle, light use in the garage, and any kind of household use. The standard 1.25 inch tool diameter makes it easy to use other brand or standard universal tools on this. The only con is the filter should include a foam sleeve, to prolong filter life. Otherwise, it’s a solid choice overall and its built Dewalt tough…so you know it’s going to last.
cynthia –
Ok so I’m a compulsive cleaner. I currently own 6 vacuum cleaners. The Dewalt 20V cordless is the BEST! Great suction, perfect sized and maneuverable head, low profile: it gets into corners and under furniture better than any of my others. It uses 20V batteries, not the same as the ones in the workshop tools, so 2 batteries and a charger had to be purchased too. Because the battery can be swapped out, I get much longer vacuuming time than from the one that has to be recharged as part of the machine. There is one con: the dust collector has to be removed by hand, no quick release button to empty it without touching. Ick. But with 5 cats shedding away, the good suction and multiple batteries far outweigh a little ick. I wear gloves. It’s lightweight, somewhat noisy. We have a garage full of Dewalt tools so I am comfortable recommending their durability. This is the right tool for my jobs. Oh, it ousted my old favorite, the Sanyo Transformer, by being bagless and cordless. Unfortunately the Transformer is no longer made. I have had 2 of those for at least 20 years.
simon downs –
Great vacuum, very portable and lightweight. Will eat a 2ah battery in 15-20min though, will require at least a 4ah for a good 30min of use. HEPA filters can be cleaned with a dust blower, or water. Reusable. Replacement filters are cheap, too. Also, love the selection of different attachments you get. Great for detailing cars, or small areas. NOT suitable for whole floors, in my opinion.
alex –
Most hand vacs have built-in battery packs, which means the entire thing becomes plastic garbage when the battery pack inevitably loses its verve after a year or so. This guy, on the other hand, has a detachable battery pack you can quickly swap out! Even if this is the only Dewalt tool you own, if you have at least two battery packs you can have one recharging while you’re vacuuming with the other for endless hours of performance. That said, I also own a Dewalt impact drill and air compressor so it’s convenient to share the battery packs among my tools.
Beyond the anticipated longevity, this is a solid tool with everything I expect from a Dewalt tool. The suction is by far the best I’ve found among battery-powered vacuums, and even rivals that of some plug-in upright and stick vacuums. Speaking of stick vacuums, the array of accessories provided is solid. With the extension tube and floor/carpet attachment you can quickly tackle the same messes you would with a shark or dyson. The only difference is that with the Dewalt you can take the battery out, stick it in your drill, and install some shelving afterwards!
I only have two small complaints, but honestly I’m very happy with my purchase and these are more suggestions for future design iterations:
1. The nozzle/collection piece is made of somewhat soft plastic. It leaves black marks on surfaces when used directly without one of the attachments. They’re easy to clean off but I just make sure to always use an attachment.
2. The collection of accessory tools don’t come with a decent wall-mount storage option. I ended up building a custom rack using scrap wood, hole saws, a window sash handle, and a 3d printed caddy that I ordered from etsy. See attached image.
Despite these minor inconveniences, this is the best hand vac I’ve ever owned!
Amro Ali –
Can’t find a single fault. Works well, has power and runs quite long on 5Amp battery pack. The belt clip is a game changer. Can’t compete with a shop vac but it is so much versatile. Picks sand from the garage floor with the pictured extension which is far from ideal due to the sparse brushes.
My wife wants one for the kitchen now 😀
Champ’s buddy –
I have a Aerus Lux upright that is a fantastic vacuum. Unfortunately, it weighs a ton and you have to haul an accessory caddy along with it. It is a pain to haul it out for that little job. I am always struggling to get ceilings and corners because I have to constantly move and reposition the vacuum to clean. Then there is the fear of pulling it over trying to reach a corner. My parents and brother have been using battery powered vacuums for a while and they love them. My concern was the batteries. I didn’t want to trash the unit if the battery went bad nor did I want to have to hunt down and buy a replacement battery that costs as much as the unit itself. I thought it would be great if the unit used the Dewalt batteries I had for a drill I got as a Christmas present and here it is.
This vacuum is great. It it extremely high quality and very durable. It’s light and portable. It’s always ready to go for that little job. It makes cleaning ceilings and corners a breeze. It has excellent suction for it’s size. As I mentioned, it uses a standardized battery pack that is easy to find and can be used for other things. It also has a bright LED to illuminate what you are cleaning. The included accessories let’s you do almost anything with the exception of carpets. This is either a plus or minus as units like these do only a basic job at vacuuming carpets when they can, while heavily diminishing battery life using a powered carpet attachment. All in all, it is definitely great for around the house and it is just what I was looking for.
The drawback to this vacuum is that it is optimized for shop use. It lacks the ability for powered attachments if that is a must have. It also lacks a flashy status panel that lets you see the battery life and adjust the suction to maximize battery life. Fortunately, the batteries do have status lights built into them. The unit also does not come with a battery or charger which adds to the overall cost to getting started, unless you already have them, which may put some people off because they are not cheap.
The battery life is highly dependent on the batteries you have. My 1.5Ah batteries last under 10 minutes. The 5Ah batteries supposedly last over 20 minutes. I just purchased one on sale and I would say that is accurate. There are also much larger batteries available.
This vacuum is definitely one to take a look at. It’s light, powerful and extremely well built. It uses easy to find DeWalt batteries. Definitely a must have if you already have batteries and a charger.
cynthia –
The DEWALT 20V Cordless Handheld Vacuum is an absolute game-changer! I originally purchased it for my husband to add to his tool collection, but I find myself borrowing it all the time—it’s just that good.
Although it doesn’t come with batteries, it’s compatible with all DEWALT batteries, which is super convenient if you already own other DEWALT tools. This vacuum is so easy to use and perfect for quick cleanups, whether you’re working on a home improvement project, cleaning up a small mess mid-activity, or detailing your car (it gets into all those tight nooks and crannies with ease).
The dust collection is powerful, and the vacuum itself is durable, powerful suction and well-made—everything you’d expect from DEWALT. It’s a great value for the quality, especially if you snag it on sale. Especially love the convenience of not having to plug this into a power source, battery operated makes it that much easier to grab and use in a pinch ! Highly recommend this for anyone who wants a reliable, versatile handheld vacuum. It’s quickly become an essential tool in our house. Couldn’t recommend it more!
Amro Ali –
Decent bit of kit for light duties
Ricardo H –
Não conheço outros mas com certeza esse que é profissional é a melhor escolha mesmo para uso doméstico. Aqui vamos usar no lugar da vassoura diária de casa. Já tenho baterias para furadeira então não precisei gastar com baterias.
Fran34 –
Great vacuum, very portable and lightweight. Will eat a 2ah battery in 15-20min though, will require at least a 4ah for a good 30min of use. HEPA filters can be cleaned with a dust blower, or water. Reusable. Replacement filters are cheap, too. Also, love the selection of different attachments you get. Great for detailing cars, or small areas. NOT suitable for whole floors, in my opinion.