A handheld vacuum cleaner includes a cyclonic separating unit and a body that includes a suction generator, a battery and a handle by which the vacuum cleaner is supported during use. The handle is provided with an actuator in the form of a finger-operated trigger for actuating the vacuum cleaner and a trigger guard disposed below the trigger. The battery is disposed below the trigger guard such that the center of gravity of the vacuum cleaner is located below the trigger guard.