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What to Buy Appliance Reviews Vacuums

The 10 Best Cheap Vacuum Cleaners of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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

Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum displayed on a geometric patterned rug in front of a beige couch

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

First Things First

We’ve got you. The best inexpensive vacuum is the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Vacuum Cleaner, or the Shark NV360 for short. We have been using this vacuum for four years, and it performs exactly as we want it to; it’s powerful, cleans carpets and hard floors quickly and efficiently, and has a lift-away canister for hard-to-reach areas. 

After rolling up our sleeves and testing more than 300 vacuums in The Lab, we have found a few inexpensive gems that rival the cleaning power of some of the priciest models on the market. We've tested vacuums that range from $20 up to $1,600, with with an average of about $282. With that in mind, we define inexpensive or cheap vacuums as $200 or less.

To make it to this list, a vacuum had to perform well and have a more wallet-friendly price tag. These are not the vacuums that are going to feel cheap from the moment you unbox them—these are the machines that will get that cleaning job done, as proven by our rigorous and thorough testing. We’ve assessed these models on their effectiveness at picking up everyday household messes like coffee grounds, cereal, rice, and hair on both hardwood floors and three different types of carpet, and rated their portability, maneuverability, and ease of emptying

If you’re looking for a reliable vacuum cleaner that won’t deplete your savings, you’ve come to the right place. 

Editor's Note: This review was revised in March 2024 with updated buying considerations for our 10 favorite cheap vacuum cleaners.

Our Favorite Cheap Vacuums

Under $200

Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum

Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    4/5
  • Portability
    4.8/5
  • Noise Level
    2.5/5

Oh, Shark Navigator, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways. This vacuum has been a favorite of ours since we originally tested it in 2021, and then again in 2023. It remains a true staple in one of our editor’s homes, and it’s the top pick out of all 300 vacuums we’ve tested. Because it is an older model, it has slowly decreased in price over the years, landing squarely on our under-$200 list, and—most importantly—giving you an excellent bang for your buck. 

What Our Editor Says

"I’ve had this vacuum for four years and counting, and it still works like it did on day one. It’s truly the best at getting into the fibers of your carpet and pulling dust, hair, and more out with one or two pulls. Is my arm tired after using it? Yes, but the filled dust bin speaks for itself." —Marisa Viglione, senior editor

As a corded, upright vacuum, the Shark NV360 brings powerful suction and versatility. It’s very effective on hard floors and carpet, although carpet is where it really excels. The 0.9-quart dust bin means you can likely clean your entire home without having to pause to empty it, and there’s also a HEPA filter, which traps tiny dust particles and potential allergens as small as 0.3 microns (which is great for households where someone has allergies).

By design, upright vacuums are bulky and hardy machines. This one has swivel steering so it’s more agile than you might expect just from looking at it—however, it’s still not quite as nimble as a stick vacuum (more on those in a bit). The Shark Navigator NV360 also has a lift-away canister so you can extend your reach when using the wand. We’re big fans of this vacuum and think you’d be hard-pressed to find a better machine when it comes to price and performance. 

Weight: 16.96 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet | Attachments: Crevice tool, upholstery tool

Hoover Complete Performance Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner

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

Another upright vacuum, the Hoover Complete Performance Vacuum is practically the complete package, pun intended. We like it for many of the same reasons we like the Shark Navigator; it’s powerful, durable, and packs a cleaning punch. 

Among the differences, however, is the fact that this vacuum is bagged, which means instead of emptying or dumping your canister of dirt into the trash (which can result in a cloud of dust), all collected debris remains contained in a bag, which you throw away and replace with a new one. This means keeping a supply of replacement bags on hand is a necessity, and an expense you’ll need to factor in. They range from under a dollar per bag, or up to a few dollars per bag, depending on if you buy from Hoover or a separate brand.

The frequency you’ll change your bag will depend on your cleaning habits and household (pets, for example, come with lots of hair you’ll likely pick up). But, you can expect to get through multiple rooms or even multiple cleaning sessions, before needing to make a swap.

The other difference with this vacuum is it’s about five pounds heavier than the Shark NV360, so it’s not a great option for homes with lots of stairs—unless you like to combine your vacuuming with your arm workouts. But, if you like the idea of having a bagged vacuum, it’s a great, budget-friendly pick, costing just over $150 at time of publish.

Weight: 22.4 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet | Attachments: Upholstery tool, crevice tool, extension wand

Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro Complete Upright Vacuum

Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro Complete Upright Vacuum

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4.5/5
  • Maneuverability
    3.5/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    4/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Noise Level
    5/5

Also from Shark’s Navigator line, and another long-time favorite, the Shark Swivel Pro Complete is super lightweight for an upright vacuum, at roughly 13 pounds (about half of what the Hoover weighs). It still manages to bring Shark’s powerful cleaning prowess, too. The main difference with this vacuum, which goes hand-in-hand with the lighter design, is that it doesn’t have a lift-away canister. A wand you attach to the hose gives you a generous reach of 11 feet for spot-cleaning and clearing any cobwebs, but you’re still tethered to the vacuum head. (In contrast, the lift-away canister can be carried totally on its own.)

Both Shark upright vacuums (and the Hoover Complete Performance Vacuum, too) have 25-foot power cords, so you can expect to cover the same area without having to unplug or switch outlets. Some of our other favorite features are still here, too, including swivel steering and a HEPA filter.

This vacuum includes two of the same attachments (a crevice tool and upholstery tool, which also overlap with the Hoover Complete Performance Vacuum), but also has a unique third accessory in its box: the pet power brush. This attachment is designed to tackle fur and fuzz from dogs or cats on your furniture and flooring. Along with the lightweight design, it differentiates this vacuum from the other picks and makes it a great vacuum for pet owners.

Weight: 13.1 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet | Attachments: Crevice tool, pet power brush, and upholstery tool

Under $150

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

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

If you have your eyes on a stick vacuum and your budget, the Kenmore Elite Cordless Stick Vacuum is ideal. It’s the only stick vacuum that we’ve named to this list, since that elusive combination of value and performance is rare for this type of vacuum. 

Cordless stick vacuums are lightweight (this one is just shy of 6 pounds total), and tend to be easier to maneuver and store than upright and canister-style vacuums. This model takes it one step further by having a wand that bends, so you can reach further underneath tables and furniture. We were pleased with the weight distribution, too, which made it comfortable to use (so your arm isn’t likely to feel tired after just a few minutes of cleaning). This may sound nit-picky, but after testing 300 vacuums, we notice the small things! This machine is also relatively quiet when it runs. 

The cordless element is another major difference from other styles of vacuums; instead of managing cords and plugs, you’re free to zip freely around your home when cleaning. The brand promises that the rechargeable battery will last up to 40 minutes, and that’s close to what we found in the lab, too—we saw it go to 50 percent power after 17 minutes of usage. 

Note that with cordless vacuums, you’ll typically see more compact dust bins, since they’re found on the handle versus at the base. This vacuum’s dust bin is one liter large, which is usually enough to vacuum a few rooms, an apartment, or even a small house, depending on your cleaning routine (pets that shed or dining areas with lots of crumbs mean it’ll fill up more quickly). All in all, this pick offers all our favorite features of a cordless stick vacuum, though—it’s super maneuverable, easy to use, and great for quick rounds of spot-cleaning.

Weight: Under 6 pounds | Battery Life: 40 minutes | Attachments: Combination crevice and dusting tool

Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering

Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Maneuverability
    4/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    4/5
  • Portability
    2/5
  • Noise Level
    3/5

The only upright vacuum on our list to fall below the under-$150 threshold, the Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum is one that we keep coming back to again and again. We’ve tested multiple iterations from the Bissell CleanView line over the years, and while we don’t necessarily think you can go wrong with this line, we particularly like the Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum for being a great whole-house vacuum (and one of our editors still has hers, despite having tested and used far more expensive brands in her home). 

What Our Editor Says

"I've tested multiple vacuums since I started working at The Spruce in 2022 (a perk of the job), and I still can't bring myself to part with my Bissell 2252. I've been tasking it with some pretty intense jobs (like cleaning around our guinea pig habitat) and it's been holding strong and keeping up with machines more than two and three times the cost." —Dena Ogden, associate editor

As an upright vacuum, this machine has robust cleaning abilities, a large capacity, and corded power that’ll get you through all your chores. In fact, the 27-foot cord even gives you a bit more reach than the other three upright vacuums we’ve featured. The swivel steering makes it fairly easy to maneuver, but it’s worth noting that, compared to some of the pricier brands and models, it can feel a bit looser. But once you’re used to it, we think you’ll find it comfortable to use.

It’s also worth noting that this vacuum does well with wall edges and baseboards, too, thanks to the subtle but effective bristles that are on the side of the vacuum head. If you’re buying your first vacuum (or you’re shopping for someone who might need one), we think it’s a great basic, “starter” vacuum. 

Weight: 15 pounds | Cord Length: 27 feet | Attachments: Pet TurboEraser tool, crevice tool

Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach Vacuum Cleaner by dog bed

Spruce / Rachel Marek

Kenmore 10701 Compact Bagless Canister Vacuum

Amazon Kenmore 10701 Compact Bagless Canister Vacuum

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4.8/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    4.8/5
  • Portability
    4.8/5
  • Noise Level
    4.5/5

If comparing some of these vacuum types to one another has you feeling a bit like Goldilocks (one is too small, one is too big), then allow us to introduce you to canister vacuums. The wand and head of this style of vacuum will be connected by a hose to the canister, which houses the dust bin and is usually situated on wheels, so you can steer and maneuver it independently.

The Kenmore Compact Bagless Canister Vacuum 10701, in particular, proved exceptionally agile and powerful when we tested it in the lab against machines three and four times its cost. The canister itself is much smaller than many other similar styles, and while it has wheels for smooth maneuvering around your home, we thought it was simple to use when holding the canister, too.

The 16-foot cord is fairly short for a vacuum, so you might find yourself unplugging and replugging it in multiple times for each cleaning session. This potential downside, and the logistics of handling two pieces, would be the main downsides we see for this vacuum. If potentially bending over, lifting, or maneuvering the pieces a lot aren’t deal-breakers for you, though, then it’s a great option. 

Weight: 10 pounds | Cord Length: 16 feet | Attachments: Dusting brush, crevice tool, floor brush

Black + Decker RoboSeries Robot Vacuum

Black + Decker RoboSeries Robot Vacuum

HSN

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    3/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Noise Level
    4/5
  • Maneuverability
    4.8/5
  • Features
    4/5

Very few robot vacuums dip below $150, and even fewer are worthy of our recommendation. The Black+Decker RoboSeries Robot Vacuum is the one exception. If you’ve always wanted the satisfaction of watching a disc-shaped robot cruise over your floor and do your cleaning for you, but you didn’t want to break the bank to do it, then today is your day. 

It’s normal to approach a robot vacuum of this price with some skepticism, and while this one isn’t perfect, we’ve been overall pleased with it. The pros are that it’s effective (it picks up hair, crumbs, and other grime in its path), consistent (we noticed no dips in performance during our extended, six-month period of home testing), and offers useful conveniences like scheduled cleaning and app control. Though, it also comes with a remote control so you don’t need a smartphone to control it. 

The potential downsides are that, while it certainly gets the job done, it doesn’t offer the same bells and whistles that many other robot vacuums have, and if you’re used to fancier or more robust machines, it’ll likely feel pretty basic in comparison. While our experience has been very consistent, we did see some user reports that claimed the opposite, too. 

While not unique to this particular model, programming limitations rarely make a robot vac a full replacement for handheld or manual vacuums. In other words, you’re not able to steer it for spot-cleaning or spills. Robot vacuums also can’t navigate up stairs. Still, in our experience, it will leave your floors better than when you started and extend the time in between deep cleans. For these reasons alone, we think it’s well worth it.  

Weight: 10 pounds | Battery Life: 120 minutes | Cleaning Path Width: 12.5 inches

Under $100

Shark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Shark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    5/5
  • Portability
    4.8/5
  • Noise Level
    3/5
  • Setup
    5/5

While a handheld vacuum for under $100 may not be as rare as some of the other selections on this list, the Shark UltraCyclone Pro Handheld Vacuum offers a caliber of cleaning that feels worthy of a higher price tag. In fact, it’s our favorite handheld vacuum, but still manages to cost less than three of the other four picks on the list, making it a very good deal in our eyes.

Handheld, or dustbuster-style, vacuums like this one, are meant for spot-cleaning and surface cleaning, and they’re not suitable for whole-home cleaning. But for grabbing tufts of pet hair, collecting countertop crumbs and coffee grounds, and quick clean-ups in the most trafficked areas of your home, they can do wonders. 

The Shark UltraCyclone Pro Handheld Vacuum checked all the important boxes during our testing; the suction rivaled that of a larger machine, it had a suitable design for reaching into tight corners and cup holders, and the roomy dust bin didn’t require nearly as many empties as its competitors did. The potential downsides were that the suction is strong enough to tug on some materials (like cushions), and the vacuum did spill a bit when we inverted it.

Weight: 2.2 pounds | Battery Life: 15 minutes | Attachments: Crevice tool, scrubbing brush

Shark VM252 Vacmop Pro Cordless Wet/Dry Stick 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

Another non-traditional option, the Shark Vacmop Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum manages two chores at once: light vacuuming and mopping. It’s just the tool you would want on hand to clean up around your dining table after a dinner party, or to freshen up the floor after your dog tracked in a trail of mud. Now, to be clear, it’s only suitable for hard flooring, so this is not the vacuum to get if your home has lots of carpets and rugs. But for kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, and any high-traffic, hard floor area, it’s a great grime-buster. 

The shape and size of this machine rival a stick vacuum, but the head uses disposable mop pads to collect and capture debris, and to soak up wet or liquid messes. The replacement pads mean that there’s an extra cost for maintaining this vacuum (each pad is a little more than a dollar, at time of publish), but we can accept that given its one-two punch of cleaning abilities (and thanks to the endorsement of one of our editors who owns and uses it in her own home for daily maintenance). 

When you use it, you’ll do a round of dry vacuuming first, and then you can spritz the floor with a cleaning solution from the built-in sprayer container and complete the mopping step. (Shark does include a bottle when you buy the Vacmop, but you’ll need to buy more down the road, too. It’s roughly $9 for a 68-ounce bottle). Ultimately, if you like the idea of checking two chores off your list at once, we highly recommend it. 

Weight: 3.34 pounds | Battery Life: 20 minutes | Attachments: None

Honorable Mention

Bissell Zing Bagless Canister Vacuum

Bissell Zing Bagless Canister Vacuum

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4.3/5
  • Maneuverability
    3.5/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    4.3/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Noise Level
    4/5

While we experienced a few more hiccups with the Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum than the other picks on this list, the value of a fully functioning canister vacuum for less than $80 is hard to pass on. If your priorities are a machine that will get the job done for under $100 (or less!) then it’s one of the best options out there. It offers powerhouse-level suction that’s suitable for carpet and hard floors, a retractable albeit short cord at 15 feet, and a roomy, 2-liter dust bin

The basic design of this vacuum also means that it’s straightforward to use, too. There are two brush levels for hard floors and carpet, and a simple switch on the head of the vacuum to adjust for them. As expected, it lacks the bells and whistles of pricier models, but in this case, we’re fine with the simplicity, because it delivers when it comes to suction. Even the canister is simple to remove and empty, with one latch to lift it from its position on the head of the vacuum, and another to release dirt.

Now, did we have some hair wrap on the head of the machine? Yes. And did we experience the handle and wand coming apart, and needing to be popped back together? Also, yes. But, we were satisfied enough to trade a bit of extra effort for powerful cleaning and a lower price tag. 

Weight: 10 pounds | Cord Length: 15 feet | Attachments: Dusting brush, crevice tool

How to Shop for a Cheap Vacuum

Here at The Spruce, we like to think we’re experts on which vacuums to buy and use for any occasion, including when you’re buying on a budget. These are the top tips to ensure you’re getting the exact machine you need, for a price you’re comfortable with.

Only Buy The Features That You Need

There are some snazzy vacuums out there and if you wanted to splurge, we would point you toward powerful cordless picks and high-tech robot vacuums that clean with the press of a button. But, those bells and whistles come at a cost, and at the end of the day, a vacuum doesn’t need to self-empty (when the dust bin in your vacuum automatically empties into a larger container) or have a fancy LED readout to get your home clean.

If you zero in on the exact settings that are important to you, you’ll be able to more easily rule out pricier models. Not sure where to start when it comes to key settings and features? Try these.

Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro Complete Upright Vacuum vacuuming along a shelf

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Corded or Cordless Design

A corded vacuum will offer you consistent, powerful suction, but the downside is that you’ll be tethered to your outlets as you vacuum (though, some vacuums have cords up to 25 to 30 feet to give you lots of room to roam). On the other hand, a cordless model will be easier to move around your home, but the battery has a finite amount of power, and the suction isn’t as strong. 

Bagless or Bagged Design

While bagless options are more popular these days, bagged vacuums still have their place. If you or someone in your home has allergies, bagged vacuums contain the dirt and grime you’ve collected, so you don’t have to come in contact with it as you empty your machine. You will need to buy compatible replacement bags, however. Bagless vacuums instead will have a canister or container where dirt is collected, that you’ll empty or pour directly into your trash. We have just one bagged vacuum on our list, the Hoover Complete Performance Vacuum.

The Included Attachments and Settings

Sometimes, one machine can do the work of many. Most vacuums come with attachments (like an upholstery brush, which you can use on couches and other upholstered furniture), so factor those in as you’re shopping. It’s also common for machines to be adjustable, like the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright (which has a lift-away pod), or to come with additional accessories.

Hand using handheld attachment Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum to clean a striped rug

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

Think Beyond Category

Think of vacuums like cars; there are multiple makes and models to choose from, though they all serve the same or similar purposes. Just like minivans and convertibles, upright vacuums and robot vacuums offer a different user experience, but will still take you from point A to point B (in this case, a dirty home to a clean home!). 

Now, there may be a specific reason why a certain style works better for you than others (like when the mobility and weight of the machine is a factor), but if you’re flexible on the type of vacuum, we recommend looking across categories to score the best deal. Here’s a rundown of the main types that appear on our list.

  • Upright: Typically the most powerful, these vacuums are among the bulkiest designs out there. They’re almost always corded, too. But, if you’d like to clean your entire house in one go, they’ll get the job done. 
  • Stick: Light and agile, stick vacuums are great for touch-ups and light, ongoing maintenance. They’re easier to store and are smaller in design than upright vacuums, but often don’t hold as much dirt or offer as much suction power.
  • Canister: A cross between upright and stick vacuums, canister vacuums have a slim stick and head, but the container that captures debris is at the end of a hose, so you can move the head on its own. The downside, however, is that you’re lugging around both pieces, instead of one.
  • Robot and Handheld: An inexpensive robot vacuum is still a bit of a unicorn these days, but there are some worthy choices out there. Robot vacuums have a motor that will move them over your floor without any effort from you, but they still require ongoing maintenance and may pose challenges with obstacles, too (you don’t want to leave socks or cat toys around most). Handheld vacuums, also called dustbusters, are like a reverse hair dryer; you hold them with your hand and move them over surfaces for short and sweet cleaning spurts.

The Best Time to Buy a Vacuum

While we’ve picked this list of vacuums based on their full price (as well as their effectiveness and features), you can often find even lower prices on vacuums around the peak holidays and major shopping events, such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. (Don’t forget that many competitors will match Amazon prices, too!) 

Other good times to watch for sales are long weekends (like Memorial Day or Labor Day) and ahead of gift-giving holidays (like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day). We can never quite predict what the sales will be exactly, but our favorite Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum was down to $150 during Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days in October 2023. The Spruce keeps track of these sales for you, but if you want to stay on top of potential discounts, you can always set a reminder on your phone, too. 

Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ Handheld Vacuum

The Spruce / Tamara Staples

How We Tested the Vacuums

We've tested over 300 vacuums in The Lab and at home since 2021. Each round of testing includes a thorough assessment of multiple categories, where we pose and answer dozens of questions about each product’s overall performance, and to establish a baseline of takeaways for the product category. Here’s a sampling of what those questions might be.

  • Setup: How involved was the process of setting up your vacuum? How long did it take? We’ll come away with an understanding of what’s normal, as well as what vacuums are more labor-intensive to set up than their peers.
  • Effectiveness: What sort of messes did the vacuum pick up? How did it handle hair, cereal, or coffee grounds? In other words, did the vacuum meet our expectations for how much and how well it can clean? 
  • Noise Level: Does the noise level seem appropriate? Can you have a conversation over it? We expect some noise with any vacuum, but this is where we determine whether the noise level is reasonable for a particular model. 
  • Portability and Maneuverability: Did the weight of the model make it easier or more difficult to handle? Did any specific design features, like a long cord or clever wand, improve the way you handled this vacuum? Since no one ever stays in one spot to vacuum, this set of questions allows us to assess how it feels to move the machine around, and to switch flooring types.   
  • Ease of Emptying: Describe the process of emptying the dust bin. Clearing out a vacuum is often an afterthought, but we always check to ensure that there are no surprises here.
  • Overall Value: Would you pay the listed price for this product? Why or why not? We want to make sure that the price matches the performance and features you're getting, and determine if each vacuum is priced fairly compared to the average price for vacuums like it as well.

Once testing is complete, we boil down the results and identify the best-performing vacuums based on our in-person experience, both at home and in the lab, and overall vacuum expertise. 

A person vacuums the Bissell Zing Bagless Canister Vacuum, 2156A

The Spruce Home / Grant Webster

Why Trust The Spruce?

Dena Ogden is an associate editor for The Spruce who’s been writing professionally since 2016, and with The Spruce since August 2022. She specializes in our appliances, cleaning, home tech, and organization topics, and has written about everything from baskets and bins to carpet shampoos and robot vacuums. 

For this story, she referenced testing data from The Lab and our home testing, where we take our favorite vacuums home to see how they hold up for months. She also consulted with our editors to determine the best inexpensive and cheap vacuums based on The Spruce’s testing expertise and real experience. Ogden has had the Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum for years, and while she’s tested multiple other vacuums and cleaning machines, she can’t bear to part with it.

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? United States Environmental Protection Agency.