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The 9 Best Cheap Vacuum Cleaners of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

After extensive testing, we've confirmed these picks rival pricier models

Person using BLACK+DECKER HSVB420J POWERSERIES 2-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum to clean carpet under couch

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

Who doesn't want to enjoy a clean, fresh home with fluffed and dust-free rugs and sparkly wood floors? The problem is, dipping into your savings account to purchase a quality vacuum might not be feasible. No worries, there are plenty of budget-conscious options out there—and after putting so many vacuums to the test, we think we've found a few that can even rival the cleaning power of pricier models.

We've rolled up our sleeves and tested more than 230 vacuums in The Lab and at home, including upright, stick, handheld, robot, and wet-dry vacuums. In our rigorous tests, we rate vacuums on their effectiveness at picking up multiple types of debris on various surfaces, as well as their portability, maneuverability, and ease of emptying. To find the cheapest, but most effective models, we combed through our vacuum testing data to find the best options for any household and compiled them below!

You'll find that there are plenty of good vacuums under $250 with multi-surface cleaning ability, attachment storage, quiet operation, and convenient features that rival higher-end models.

Editor's Note: This review was revised on October 2023 with updated testing findings and further research.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Dirt Devil Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

Dirt Devil Versa 3-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    4/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    4/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Noise Level
    2/5
What We Like
  • Easy to maneuver around furniture

  • Extremely lightweight

  • Basic, simple-to-use design

  • Can pick up a variety of debris

What We Don't Like
  • Loud

  • Must be lifted when transitioning from hard flooring to carpet

  • No attachments provided

In our testing experience, 3-in-1 stick vacuums often disappoint with their lack of suction power and overall design misses, but the Dirt Devil Versa 3-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner took us by surprise. If you're looking for a basic vacuum model that can tackle everything from large debris like popcorn kernels to fine particles like coffee grounds, the Dirt Devil Versa is our top recommendation. (We even named it our best budget option in our best vacuum story!) Although it certainly has a few quirks, it's well worth the under $100 price tag and has plenty of easy-to-use features.

The lightweight design and smaller floor head make it easy to maneuver around furniture. And this vacuum's suction, while not adjustable, easily picked up various debris we spread across our testing lab. Throughout the total testing time, it worked efficiently. Two minor downfalls: It's surprisingly loud for such a compact unit. In fact, we noted it would be difficult to carry a conversation over it. Second, its floor head has too low of a clearance to easily transition from hard flooring to carpet, so it must be picked up when moving between surfaces. We don't think these design flaws are major drawbacks, but they're worth pointing out if you're looking for a vacuum with quiet operation and seamless transition abilities.

While it can transform into a handheld unit for smaller cleaning tasks, this cordless vacuum doesn't come with any attachments, so you may be slightly limited, depending on the surfaces you need to clean. The lack of attachments also meant we could not complete half of our testing process for upholstery and stairs, which made the overall testing time very short (under four minutes of use). The manufacturer lists this model's run time as 12 minutes. While we cannot speak to this vacuum's full battery life, we still think it's a great basic option for everyday cleaning. Plus, we found that the lack of attachments, hoses, and cords made it even easier to handle and maneuver in our testing.

Dimensions: 42.5 x 10 x 7 inches | Weight: Less than 5 pounds | Cord Length: Cordless | Battery Life: 12 minutes | Bin Volume: 0.42 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 10 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hardwood, tile, carpet, laminate, vinyl

Best Wet-Dry

Shark Vacmop Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum

Shark VM252 Vacmop Pro Cordless Wet/Dry Stick Vacuum

Target

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Setup
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    5/5
  • Noise Level
    5/5
What We Like
  • Easy-release button

  • Cordless, lightweight design

  • Glides over surfaces

What We Don't Like
  • Not suitable for carpets

  • Need to purchase replacement pads

If your space only has hardwood, tile, laminate, or vinyl flooring, we recommend opting for a wet-dry vacuum that's equipped to tackle two cleaning tasks at once: suctioning up debris and mopping. Featuring a solution tank and disposable cleaning pads, the Shark Vacmop garnered perfect scores across the board in our testing—landing it on our list of top-rated Shark vacuums.

It only took us two minutes to set up this cordless vacuum-mop, plus we didn't even crack open the instructions. Everything just clicked into place during assembly. In our tests, we tried it on hardwood flooring, noting that it was lightweight and easy to use.

To release the cleaning solution onto a floor, you simply press the "spray" button. While it's not ideal that you need to continuously hold down the trigger, we found that the vacuum is comfortable and easily glides over hard surfaces. We were thoroughly impressed by this vacuum, and we gave it a perfect rating for every single attribute, including noise level and ease of emptying. To switch out the pad, press an easy-release button while holding the product over your trash can. Because the product only weighs 5 pounds, this process is fairly simple. Just keep in mind that you'll need to purchase additional mop pads when you run out.

Dimensions: 47.87 x 9.5 x 5.3 inches | Weight: 3.34 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Battery Life: 20 minutes | Bin Volume: 0.03 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 10 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hardwood, tile, laminate, vinyl

Person using Shark VM252 Vacmop Pro Cordless Wet/Dry Stick Vacuum to clean wood floor

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

Best Upright

Hart Pro Bagless Upright Vacuum

Hart Pro Bagless Upright Vacuum with HEPA Media Filter

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    5/5
  • Portability
    4.5/5
  • Noise Level
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Picks up debris on most floor types

  • Easy to empty

  • Transitions well from different floor types

What We Don't Like
  • Hair wraps on brush head

  • Only one power level

This one comes from a brand we didn't recognize, but this corded model from Hart impressed us in testing with its suction power and easy-to-detach nozzle for detail jobs. We appreciated the vacuum's swivel head, which offers optimum maneuverability around corners and under furniture, and we had no issue transitioning from different floor types. Plus, its HEPA filter ensures that 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns (including allergens) stay trapped, rather than being released back into the air while vacuuming.

What is a HEPA filter?

HEPA is an acronym for "high-efficiency particulate air." HEPA is a type of filter that traps very small particles that other vacuum cleaners may recirculate back into the air. We think HEPA vacuums are best for controlling dust, dander, and other common allergens.

Assembly was straightforward with this model, which had a detailed instruction manual with pictures. We'll note, however, that the manual indicated this vacuum has two suction levels (a low and high setting)—but if it indeed has a second setting, we could not figure out how to adjust it. Still, this vacuum excelled at cleaning all of our testing surfaces, despite the lack of adjustable suction power. We noticed this vacuum was most difficult to maneuver across high-pile carpet, which is typical for upright models with higher suction power. Although it did a great job of sucking up hair in just a few seconds, we used a seam ripper to remove hair from the brush roller. Alternatively, you can remove the entire brush from the vacuum with a Phillips screwdriver.

We opted to use the detachable handheld nozzle to clean around the corners and joints on stairs. The handheld tool was also useful to pick up debris that the vacuum didn't initially catch. Still, the floor head picked up at least 90 percent of debris across our different surface tests, so we can confirm it's certainly effective even without using the attachments.

We had to empty this vacuum once before finishing our entire cleaning test, but the process is very simple. The canister releases with the push of a button, then you simply hold it over a trash can and push another button to empty the contents. We did not have to reach in to remove any stuck debris, which was a huge win in our book. We think this upright model is a worthy investment compared to similar models made by bigger brands.

Dimensions: Not listed | Weight: 16 pounds | Cord Length: Not listed | Battery Life: Not applicable | Bin Volume: Not listed | Cleaning Path Width: Not listed | Compatible Floor Type: Hard floors, carpet, upholstery

Best Bagged Upright

Hoover Complete Performance Vacuum

Hoover Complete Performance Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    3.8/5
  • Maneuverability
    3/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    5/5
  • Portability
    2.5/5
  • Noise Level
    2.5/5
What We Like
  • Powerful suction

  • Cleans upholstery

  • Bag is easy to empty

What We Don't Like
  • Heavy design

  • Noisy operation

Cordless stick and handheld vacuums can be handy around the house, but sometimes you want a traditional, reliable upright vacuum to clean your dirty floors. In our tests, this bagged, corded vacuum excelled at picking up debris and hair from carpet. It only took two passes to clean the floor completely! This stellar performance earned it a perfect rating for effectiveness. The vacuum performed just as well on upholstery, too. We were in awe of this vacuum's power, and its powerful suction and affordable price allowed us to look past the fact that it was noisy and heavy.

We found the vacuum's upholstery and crevice attachments were very helpful in our tests. We appreciate that because this is a bagged vacuum, you don't have to come in contact with any of the debris when you're done vacuuming. Just dispose the bag, and go about your day.

If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, it can be satisfying to run an upright vacuum back and forth to create clean, freshly vacuumed lines. If this sounds like your dream cleaning day, we think the Hoover Complete Performance Bagged Upright Vacuum is an excellent choice.

Dimensions: 47 x 15 x 15 inches | Weight: 9.28 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet  | Battery Life: Not applicable | Bin Volume: Not applicable | Cleaning Path Width: 15 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hard floors, carpet, upholstery

Best Lightweight

Kenmore Elite Cordless Stick Vacuum

Kenmore Elite CSV Max 21.6V Cordless Stick Vacuum With EasyReach Wand

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    3.5/5
  • Portability
    4.5/5
  • Noise Level
    5/5
What We Like
  • Swivel head

  • Quiet operation

  • Clear instructions

What We Don't Like
  • Difficult to empty

  • Not great for vacuuming hair

Vacuuming for extended periods of time can result in arm fatigue—especially if the weight of the vacuum isn't distributed evenly. If you're searching for a well-balanced, lightweight vacuum, consider the Kenmore DS4095 Brushless Cordless Stick Vacuum. This easy-to-use vacuum weighs less than six pounds, and we found that it outperformed some of the pricier cordless vacuums—and even some corded models—in our testing.

The swivel head made it easy to maneuver the vacuum around our testing lab obstacles, and we appreciated the clear instruction manual that was included in the box. Besides being a lightweight powerhouse, this vacuum was also one of the quietest ones we tested. While it sucked up most of the debris in our lab, this vacuum ended up dragging the hair behind it instead of vacuuming it up. It was also a little difficult to empty because we had to dig out the hair from the bin. With this in mind, it might not be ideal for homes where cleaning up pet or human hair is an ongoing challenge.

Dimensions: 21.46 x 5.71 x 15.75 inches | Weight: Less than 6 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Battery Life: 40 minutes | Bin Volume: Not listed | Cleaning Path Width: Not listed | Compatible Floor Type: Hard floors, carpet

Best for Pet Hair

Hoover Onepwr Evolve Pet Vacuum

Hoover Onepwr Evolve Pet Cordless Vacuum

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    3.5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    5/5
  • Portability
    4.8/5
  • Noise Level
    3.5/5
What We Like
  • Picked up pet hair in one pass

  • Easy to empty

  • Self-standing

What We Don't Like
  • No attachments

  • Noisy operation

We love our pets, but if you have a dog or cat that's prone to shedding, selecting the right vacuum cleaner is key to maintaining a tidy living space. When we used the Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Cordless Vacuum to suck up most of the pet hair we laid in its path in one single pass during testing, we knew we had found a great budget-friendly vacuum for pet owners. We found that it's particularly effective at suctioning debris from carpet.

On top of easily cleaning pet hair from our lab flooring, this vacuum was incredibly easy to use and empty. All parts of the vacuum are clearly labeled, and there is even a button labeled "trash" that you push for simple emptying. When the vacuum is not in use, it stands on its own, so you can walk away and give Fido some love before coming back to your task.

This vacuum can be pretty noisy on certain settings, but we were still able to have a conversation while using it. The only major downside to this powerful pet hair cleaner is that it doesn't come with any attachments, so you'll likely need another cleaning device (like a handheld vacuum) to get into the crevices and hard-to-reach places in your home.

Dimensions: 44 x 11 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Battery Life: 35 minutes | Bin Volume: 1.05 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 11 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hard floors, carpet

Hoover Onepwr Evolve Pet Cordless Vacuum cleaning fur from tile floor

The Spruce / Rachel Marek

Best for Carpet

BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Rewind Upright Vacuum

BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Rewind Upright Vacuum 2256

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Maneuverability
    4/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    5/5
  • Noise Level
    5/5
  • Setup
    3/5
What We Like
  • Sturdy design

  • Dust bin is easy to empty

  • Has a triple-action brush

What We Don't Like
  • Assembly process is complicated

  • Can't get under low-sitting furniture

Homeowners with lots of carpeted floors need a vac that's reliable and ready to face any pile height. The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Vacuum Cleaner is just that, and it was effective at picking up all debris in just one or two passes on the hardwood, low-pile carpet, and high-pile carpet during our tests. We found that it needed a bit more elbow grease on the medium-pile carpet, but it was still able to suck everything up in about three passes. We docked its effectiveness and maneuverability ratings slightly because the dust bin also prevents this corded vacuum from easily reaching under low furniture.

Emptying this vacuum is a total breeze and can be done with one hand. This is ideal for pet owners who may make many trips to the trash can to dump fur and other bin contents. In addition, this vac operates quietly, so it won't be a major disruption in your household. One downside of the vac is that it's a pain to set up. It took us over ten minutes to assemble the vacuum because the manual was unclear and we needed a screwdriver that was not provided. However, once assembled, you'll also notice that it feels quite sturdy and well-made.

Dimensions: 13 x 14 x 46 inches | Weight: 13.65 pounds | Cord Length: 27 feet | Battery Life: N/A | Bin Volume: 1 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 13.5 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hard floors, carpet

BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Rewind Upright Vacuum 2256 displayed on carpet in front of couch

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

Best Handheld

Black+Decker Dusbuster Handheld Vacuum

Black+Decker Dusbuster Handheld Vacuum

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Noise Level
    4/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight

  • Can handle larger debris

  • Easy to empty

What We Don't Like
  • No battery indicator light

  • Not great for carpet

The Black & Decker Cordless Lithium Hand Vacuum previously held the best overall spot in our best handheld vacuums story because of its compact design and powerful suction in our testing. It has since been replaced by a pricier model in that category, but we still think this model is a great handheld vacuum that excels at picking up debris of all sizes. Hands down, it's still one of the best dustbusters on the market.

This vacuum is surprisingly powerful, making quick work of cleaning up cat litter, cereal, and even sand in our tests. We love its lightweight design, which isn't tiring to hold for an extended period of time, especially when cleaning hard-to-reach areas under furniture. This model excelled at taking care of hard flooring, but it could also handle low-pile carpet. Mid- and high-pile carpets were a bit too dense for this vacuum to effectively pick up debris. However, we found its two attachments—a brush and crevice tool—helpful when cleaning inside a car and along the edges of stairs. This vacuum also comes with a wall mount, so you can keep it within reach in a closet, pantry, or kitchen alcove.

There was very little assembly required when unboxing this Black + Decker model—just be sure to charge it before your first use. The battery life is short with only about 15 minutes of power, but that should be enough for everyday cleanups. While we wish this model had a battery indicator light to let us know when it's low and done charging, the lack of this feature did not negatively impact our overall experience with the appliance. Overall, we think this vacuum's cordless and lightweight design make it a great cleaning tool for unexpected messes and quick clean-up jobs.

Dimensions: 7.5 x 13.5 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 2.11 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Battery Life: 12 to 15 minutes | Bin Volume: 31.8 ounces | Cleaning Path Width: Not applicable | Compatible Floor Type: Hard floors, low-pile carpet

Best Robot

ILife V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner

ILife V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    2/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Noise Level
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Features
    4/5
What We Like
  • Excellent object avoidance

  • Easy to use

  • Low profile design

What We Don't Like
  • Struggles on uneven surfaces

  • No smart features

If you're looking to try out the world of robot vacuums, but you aren't ready to drop a large sum of money, we recommend the ILIFE V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner. We still enjoy using this robot vacuum, even after six months in a real-world setting. This model may not have all the smart features of more expensive options, such as room mapping, a compatible app, or self-emptying. However, it is a reliable option based on our experience. We were also impressed by its object avoidance. It avoided piles of pudding in our tests, while higher-end models just ran through the mess.

We also really enjoy the lower profile of this vacuum, allowing it to navigate under beds, dressers, and chairs. It has an impressive 90-minute battery life and it will automatically dock to recharge. While it wasn't great at cleaning out Cheerios from a corner and seems to struggle on uneven flooring in general, we appreciated this vacuum's ability to clean up dog hair from unnoticeable areas. This model even comes with a remote control, so you can set it on a schedule or turn it on whenever you need a quick cleaning. It may not be the most impressive model in terms of smart features, but we think the ILIFE V3s is a pretty solid choice, especially given how well it has performed in our long-term testing.

Dimensions: 3.19 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches | Weight: 4.85 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Battery Life: 90 minutes | Bin Volume: 10.1 ounces | Cleaning Path Width: 11.8 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hard floors, carpet

Compare

Effectiveness Maneuverability Ease of Emptying Portability Noise Level
Dirt Devil Versa 3-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Best Overall:
Dirt Devil Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
5 4 4 5 2
Shark VM252 Vacmop Pro Cordless Wet/Dry Stick Vacuum
Best Wet-Dry:
Shark Vacmop Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum
5 5 5 5
Hart Pro Bagless Upright Vacuum with HEPA Media Filter
Best Upright:
Hart Pro Bagless Upright Vacuum
5 4.5 5 4.5 4.5
Hoover Complete Performance Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Best Bagged Upright:
Hoover Complete Performance Vacuum
3.8 3 5 2.5 2.5
Kenmore Elite CSV Max 21.6V Cordless Stick Vacuum With EasyReach Wand
Best Lightweight:
Kenmore Elite Cordless Stick Vacuum
4 5 3.5 4.5 5
Hoover Onepwr Evolve Pet Cordless Vacuum
Best for Pet Hair:
Hoover Onepwr Evolve Pet Vacuum
3.5 5 5 4.8 3.5
BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Rewind Upright Vacuum 2256
Best for Carpet:
BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Rewind Upright Vacuum
4 4 5 5
Black+Decker Dusbuster Handheld Vacuum
Best Handheld :
Black+Decker Dusbuster Handheld Vacuum
4 5 5 5 4
ILife V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Best Robot :
ILife V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner
4 5 5 5
Final Verdict

It can be tricky to find an inexpensive vacuum that still delivers impressive suction power across all surfaces in a home. Our best overall pick, the Dirt Devil Versa 3-in-1 Stick Vacuum Cleaner is easy to pull out for any quick cleaning task around your home. Plus, it's surprisingly powerful with enough suction to clean both hardwood floors and carpet. For our best upright model, we recommend the Hart Pro Bagless Upright Vacuum HZUV01, which quickly picks up debris without being too noisy.

Dirt Devil Endura Reach Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner cleaning hair from wood floor

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

Other Options We Tested

We've tested hundreds of vacuums in the lab and at home. While we can't include them all in this article, the following are some notable models that didn't make our best-of cut.

Tineco PWRHERO11 Snap Cordless Lightweight Stick Vacuum: Although one member of our testing team said they would consider buying this vacuum, they weren't as impressed by it as other models they tested. Its suction power was average at best, and it struggled to pick up debris if it was not centered in front of the head. The dust bin also felt clumsy to empty because the release button and empty button are located in two different places. It's certainly more affordable than other vacuums out there, but we think you could find a higher-performing model at a similar price.

Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum: This vacuum may be one of the least expensive upright vacuums on the market, but that price also reflects its overall poor suction power, especially with larger debris on carpet. We found that it took about 50 passes to pick up the Cheerios and popcorn kernels we laid in its path on carpet, and this vacuum also had a tendency to spit out the debris. While it performed fairly well at picking up debris off of upholstery, the attachment hose is pretty short, so it's difficult to work the body of the vacuum around large pieces of furniture.

Dirt Devil Vibe 3-in-1 Corded Stick Vacuum with Removable Hand Held Vacuum: While we had no issue setting up this vacuum, it otherwise did not perform well during testing. It did not perform well on carpet and struggled to suck up hair, which eventually became so tangled on the brush bar that it stopped rotating. Larger debris also fell out of the nozzle after being sucked up. We were excited by this vacuum's lightweight and convertible design but overall were very disappointed in its suction power.

Fabuletta FSV001 6-in-1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner: This vacuum is one of the lightest and quietest vacuums we tested; however, its suction power left us wishing for better performance. Although it performed well on both tile and carpet, we found that it picked up debris better when pushed forward and dragged the debris when pulled. This vacuum also could not handle long strands of hair, which quickly clogged its dust bin and required us to empty it several times throughout the 16-minute testing phase. We had high hopes for this vacuum, especially at its affordable price point, but it didn't compare to the other models that truly stood out during testing.

How We Tested Cheap Vacuum Cleaners

We've tested over 230 vacuums in the lab and at home over the course of multiple vacuum tests. There are a few features we look for:

  • Setup: During lab testing, we typically start with the unboxing and setup of each pick, noting how clear the instructions are.
  • Effectiveness: We evaluate each vacuum's effectiveness on different hard flooring and carpeted surfaces. To do so, we spill measured amounts of hair, popcorn kernels, and Cheerios. (For some vacuum categories, such as handheld, wet/dry, or robot models, our testing process and attributes can differ slightly, based on what surfaces the models are designed to clean.) As we test, we note how well each vacuum moves, how many passes are needed to clean up the materials, and if hair is tangled in the beater bar.
  • Maneuverability: At this stage, we take the opportunity to use any vacuum attachments for additional cleanup. We then challenge the vacuums’ maneuverability by running them through a living room-inspired obstacle course to see how they perform in tight areas and around corners.
  • Ease of emptying: Additionally, we evaluate how well each pick transitions from hard floors to carpeting. We also change the bags and empty the bins, noting the ease of emptying, and take note of how long cordless models stay charged.
  • Noise level: Throughout all of the tests, we rate the noise level of each product.
  • Overall value: Lastly, we consider our entire experience with the product to rate the overall value. In real-world testing, we then take the vacuums home and use them in our everyday cleaning routines, evaluating the same attributes we consider in lab testing. Our editors analyze the testing data to find the best inexpensive vacuums.

What to Look for in a Cheap Vacuum Cleaner

Type

The best vacuum cleaner for you will depend on the type of cleaning you're trying to complete, and where.

  • Upright vacuums are most suitable for whole-home cleaning, and typically offer a lot of suction power for picking up larger items, as well as dust.
  • Stick vacuums are typically made for lighter cleans or smaller living spaces, because they often run on battery power or aren't quite as compatible with a range of surfaces.
  • Handheld models help you get into the tight areas of your home, garage, or car, and pick up tiny spills.
  • Wet-dry vacs are only for hard floors, but will complete two jobs at one time. This makes them a particularly great option for someone with a smaller living space who doesn't want to store multiple cleaning tools.

Before buying a vacuum, consider your living space, the types of surfaces you have, and all the types of messes you'd be cleaning up with your purchase. This will help you decide what type of vacuum is best for you.

Bagged vs. Bagless Design

You can keep recurring costs low by looking for a vacuum with a dust bin instead of bags, which will need to be replaced over time. While a majority of models are bagless, opting for a bin will also make the process of emptying your vacuum in between cleans a lot easier. If you do opt for a dust bin, be sure to clean and maintain it well so you can also help extend your vacuum's lifespan. Dump all the debris before the cup reaches maximum capacity to prevent a loss of power and performance. If you do opt for a bagged model, we love the Hoover Complete Performance Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner, our best bagged upright pick. Just know that the major perk with this model is that debris is trapped away after it's captured. You don't have to see or handle what you picked up, which can be a perk for those with allergies.

Along the same lines, look for a model with washable filters. This will not only reduce ongoing costs, since they can be rinsed clean and used over and over again, but could be considered a more eco-friendly approach to your cleaning routine, too.

Corded vs. Cordless Design

There are benefits to corded and cordless models. A corded vacuum, for example, allows you to clean nonstop, without any fear that you'll run out of power halfway through your task. However, you're more limited in terms of maneuverability and where you can use your vacuum. Cordless vacs are more expensive than corded ones, and limit how much you can clean at once, but typically offer better maneuverability. For example, we're fans of the Dirt Devil Versa 3-in-1 Stick Vacuum Cleaner, our best overall pick. We love how easy it is to pull out for any quick cleaning task around the home. It's also lightweight and has a smaller floor head, so it's easy to maneuver around furniture.

If you're looking to cut the cord, but also keep the price tag of your purchase in check, check the battery life of the vacuum and make sure it's adequate for your cleaning needs, or find one with interchangeable batteries.

Person using the NEQUARE S180 Corded Lightweight Vacuum with Self-Standing to clean under a sofa

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

FAQ
  • How often should I replace a vacuum?

    Generally, you can expect a vacuum to last for about eight years. Several factors can affect its lifespan, including how much you use it, what you do to maintain it, and what style of vacuum it is. (A sturdy upright vacuum may last longer than a robotic model.) If your vacuum is on the less expensive side, that may also come at the cost of a few additional years of functionality.

    Katie Berry, The Spruce's Cleaning Review Board member, also notes that your vacuum's lifespan can be affected by the battery if you opt for a cordless pick. "With cordless vacuums, batteries often give out long before the vacuum does," she notes. "To get the longest life out of a cordless vacuum, look for models with replaceable batteries."

  • How do I clean a vacuum?

    When it comes to cleaning a vacuum, your first step should always be to empty your vacuum, either by throwing away its dust bag or releasing the dust bin contents into the trash. Next, use a microfiber cloth to wipe any remaining fine debris from the vacuum's interior. Depending on your model, you may be able to wash out the inside with soap and water, and even rinse out the filter. However, some vacuums have replaceable filters or can't get wet at all, so make sure to refer to your vacuum's manual before starting to clean it. Your last step should be checking the wheels and cleaner head for tangled hair. If you do use water to clean your vacuum, be sure to let everything air-dry before reassembling.

  • What should I expect from a budget vacuum?

    Vacuums that have a lower price tag may lack some of the bells and whistles you'd find on high-end models, like a wide array of attachments, powerful suction, and a spacious dust bin. There are plenty of vacuums that'll cover your cleaning needs at a budget-friendly price, but if you're looking for a more specialized machine that'll recognize the layout of your home or do deeper cleaning, you may need to adjust your desired price point.

Cordless vacuum testers unboxing vacuums on wood floor

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

Why Trust The Spruce?

Emma Phelps is an associate editor for The Spruce. She researched and updated this vacuum story to note the latest inexpensive models we tested and others that didn't quite make our final list. Phelps has over two years of experience researching products and recommending the best designs to consumers.

Our Experts:

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. What is a HEPA filter?. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

  2. How Long Do Vacuum Cleaners Last? Consumer Reports.

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