Armor All AA255W vs BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL
The short answer
BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL comes out ahead overall with 7.5/10 against 7.4/10 for the Armor All AA255W. Armor All AA255W is stronger on cleaning performance, runtime & power supply and value. BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL is stronger on reach & car-specific tools, ease of use and filtration, safety & repairability. At current verified prices, the Armor All AA255W costs about $25.71 less.
- Choose the Armor All AA255W if: Owners with a garage or driveway outlet who need maximum suction for sand, salt and wet spills, and accept that it's a shop vac, not a handheld.
- Choose the BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL if: Anyone who has to clean seat tracks, footwells and third rows without contorting around a vacuum body.
Scores by criterion
| Criterion | Armor All AA255W | BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning performance | 8.5Capped. Its 66 in. water lift is the best suction data in the pool, but there is no model-specific pickup test. | 8.0CR rates it highly on pet hair, tight spaces and floors, and The Drive found strong pet pickup. It can shut down on fine dust. |
| Reach & car-specific tools | 7.0Hose and crevice nozzle. The Drive found the hose shorter than expected, and the canister is bulky in footwells. | 9.2Class-leading reach: a 4-ft hose, crevice tool and pet brush. |
| Runtime & power supply | 8.0Unlimited, but only near an outlet. | 6.0Up to 15 min (B&D claim, not lab-measured). Battery is not swappable. |
| Ease of use | 4.5Bulky canister and cord, and loud at 82 dB (The Drive). | 7.03.2 lb. Attachments store in the dock (CR). Loud. |
| Value | 8.8Strongest suction here at $64.29. | 7.8About $90-106 across retailers for a hose-equipped cordless. Amazon price pending API check. |
| Filtration, safety & repairability | 5.5Reusable cloth and foam filters and no battery to wear out. Not HEPA. | 6.0Washable filter with replaceable PVF110 filters and a 2-year warranty. Not sealed or HEPA, and the exhaust can blow dust. |
Specifications
| Spec | Armor All AA255W | BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | Corded 120V AC | Cordless (20V MAX lithium-ion) |
| Battery voltage (max) | — | 20 V |
| Runtime (tested where available, else manufacturer max) | — | 15 min |
| Removable / platform battery | No | No |
| Suction rating (as stated) | 2 peak HP; 66 in. water lift (Vacuum Wars measured) | — |
| Dust bin capacity | 9,460 ml | — |
| Weight | — | 3.2 lb |
| Flexible hose | Yes | Yes |
| Motorized brush included | No | — |
| Filter type | Reusable cloth filter + foam wet filter | Washable filter (PVF110 replacement) |
| HEPA or sealed filtration claimed | No | No |
| Washable filter | Yes | Yes |
Armor All AA255W
Pros
- 66 in. of measured water lift (Vacuum Wars)
- Wet and dry pickup, plus blower
- Unlimited runtime on AC power
- No lithium-ion battery to wear out
- Low price
Cons
- Needs an outlet or extension cord
- Hose is shorter than expected (The Drive)
- Fairly loud, 82 dB as measured by The Drive
- Bulky and awkward in tight footwells
A strong choice for a garage or driveway deep clean, especially for sand, salt and spills. It isn't a handheld, and it's less convenient for quick jobs.
Full Armor All AA255W review →BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL
Pros
- 4-ft flexible hose for seat tracks and footwells
- The Drive's most maneuverable test vacuum
- Highly rated for tight spaces and pet hair (Consumer Reports)
- Washable filter with replacements available
- Mid-priced
Cons
- Runtime rated at up to 15 minutes by B+D
- Battery is not swappable
- Loud, and the side exhaust can blow debris when the filter is dirty
- Can shut down on large amounts of fine particles
The best choice for reaching where other vacuums can't. It trails the Dyson in runtime and filtration, but it is cheaper and better at tight spots.
Full BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL review →Both products are part of our guide The Best Car Vacuums of 2026, where you can see every pick, how we score and current prices from each retailer.