Armor All AA255W vs BLACK+DECKER HHVK515JP07
The short answer
Armor All AA255W and BLACK+DECKER HHVK515JP07 finish almost level in our scoring (7.4 vs 7.5 out of 10), so the right pick depends on what you value most. Armor All AA255W is stronger on cleaning performance, reach & car-specific tools and value. BLACK+DECKER HHVK515JP07 is stronger on runtime & power supply, ease of use and filtration, safety & repairability. At current verified prices, the Armor All AA255W costs about $15.68 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 HHVK515JP07 if: Budget-minded owners, especially those with pets, who want long runtime and a motorized brush for under $80.
Scores by criterion
| Criterion | Armor All AA255W | BLACK+DECKER HHVK515JP07 |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 7.8TechGearLab pet-hair score of 9.0. Weaker on grit in crevices. |
| Reach & car-specific tools | 7.0Hose and crevice nozzle. The Drive found the hose shorter than expected, and the canister is bulky in footwells. | 5.8TechGearLab found the integrated crevice tool weak in tight car spaces. |
| Runtime & power supply | 8.0Unlimited, but only near an outlet. | 8.529.1 min measured by TechGearLab. |
| Ease of use | 4.5Bulky canister and cord, and loud at 82 dB (The Drive). | 7.2Large 680 ml bin. Weighs 2.4-3.3 lb depending on source. |
| Value | 8.8Strongest suction here at $64.29. | 8.3$79.97 for a motorized brush and the longest measured runtime. |
| Filtration, safety & repairability | 5.5Reusable cloth and foam filters and no battery to wear out. Not HEPA. | 6.5Washable filter and pre-filter, with HHVKF10 replacements sold. No CPSC recall found. |
Specifications
| Spec | Armor All AA255W | BLACK+DECKER HHVK515JP07 |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | Corded 120V AC | Cordless (20V MAX lithium-ion) |
| Battery voltage (max) | — | 20 V |
| Runtime (tested where available, else manufacturer max) | — | 29.1 min |
| Removable / platform battery | No | — |
| Suction rating (as stated) | 2 peak HP; 66 in. water lift (Vacuum Wars measured) | — |
| Dust bin capacity | 9,460 ml | 680 ml |
| Weight | — | 3.3 lb |
| Flexible hose | Yes | No |
| Motorized brush included | No | Yes |
| Filter type | Reusable cloth filter + foam wet filter | Washable filter + pre-filter (HHVKF10) |
| HEPA or sealed filtration claimed | 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 HHVK515JP07
Pros
- TechGearLab's best handheld for pet hair
- 29.1 minutes of measured runtime
- Motorized rubber-bristle brush
- 680 ml bin
- Washable filter and pre-filter
Cons
- Bulky crevice tool is weak in tight spaces
- No flexible hose
- Weight is listed differently by source (about 2.4 to 3.3 lb)
The best-value cordless handheld here. It runs long and handles pet hair well, but it's the wrong tool for narrow gaps.
Full BLACK+DECKER HHVK515JP07 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.