Finding the best budget vacuum cleaner doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice powerful cleaning. In today’s market, there are fantastic affordable options that can tackle dirt, dust, and pet hair just as effectively as their pricier counterparts. Whether you have hard floors, carpets, or furry friends, a budget-friendly vacuum can make a huge difference in keeping your home spotless without breaking the bank. We’ve meticulously tested and reviewed five top contenders to help you discover the perfect cheap vacuum for your needs, proving that great cleaning power can indeed come at a modest price.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Budget Vacuum Cleaner Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum: A Budget-Friendly, Lightweight Cleaner with Effective Suction.
The Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum truly stands out as a top contender for the best budget vacuum cleaner. It’s incredibly lightweight, making it a breeze to move around your home, yet it delivers surprisingly powerful suction. This model is perfect for those needing an efficient cleaning solution without the high cost, and every purchase even helps support the BISSELL Pet Foundation.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Scatter-Free Technology: Specifically designed to capture messes on hard floors without scattering debris.
- ✓ Powerful Suction: Delivers robust cleaning performance, tackling dirt and debris on various surfaces.
- ✓ Lightweight Design: At just 7.7 lbs, it’s easy to maneuver and carry up and down stairs.
- ✓ Multi-Surface Cleaning: Capable of effectively cleaning both carpets and hard floors.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Bissell CleanView Compact for its impressive performance relative to its price. It’s a versatile upright vacuum that doesn’t feel like a budget buy. The added benefit of supporting a pet charity with each purchase is a wonderful bonus, making it an ideal choice for pet owners seeking an affordable yet effective cleaning tool.
Best For
This vacuum is best for individuals or small families with mixed flooring types and pets who need a lightweight, easy-to-use, and affordable vacuum cleaner for daily maintenance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent suction power for its compact size.
- Very lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- Effective on both hard floors and carpets with minimal scatter.
- Supports a charitable cause with every purchase.
Cons:
- Smaller dustbin capacity requires more frequent emptying.
- Cord length might be a bit short for very large rooms.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “After many years of faithful service, my old upright vacuum was forced into retirement. After a LOT of clicking around, reading reviews, and watching videos, I decided to give the Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo a try. It was very easy to set up right out of the box, and it really impressed me durin” – Amazon Customer
Customer Review: “Very light weight and on the smaller size makes storing easyGreat cleaning powerThis little machine has a lot of suctionEasy to use and empty the dirt canisterGood quality and looks” – Amazon Customer
2. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum: Best Budget Pet Hair Vacuum with HEPA Filter for All Floors.
For pet owners on a tight budget, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is a game-changer. It’s widely considered the best budget pet hair vacuum, boasting powerful suction and a handy lift-away feature that makes cleaning stairs and upholstery effortless. Plus, its HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal are fantastic for those with allergies, making it an exceptional value for a cheap vacuum.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Lift-Away Functionality: Detachable pod allows for portable cleaning of stairs, furniture, and other above-floor areas.
- ✓ Anti-Allergen Complete Seal: Combines with a HEPA filter to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
- ✓ Brushroll Shutoff: Seamlessly switch between deep carpet cleaning and gentle bare floor cleaning to protect surfaces.
- ✓ Powerful Suction: Excellent at picking up pet hair, dirt, and debris from various floor types.
Why We Recommend It
This Shark Navigator model is a robust, versatile option for anyone dealing with pet hair and allergens. Its “Lift-Away” feature significantly enhances its utility, transforming it from an upright to a portable canister vacuum. The HEPA filtration system is a huge bonus, offering cleaner air as you clean your floors, which is rare to find in an affordable vacuum.
Best For
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away is best for homes with pets, allergy sufferers, and those who need a versatile vacuum for both floor and above-floor cleaning tasks on a budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent for pet hair removal.
- HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Seal are ideal for allergy sufferers.
- Versatile lift-away design for easy above-floor cleaning.
- Strong suction power on multiple surfaces.
Cons:
- Can be a bit top-heavy when using the lift-away feature.
- Some users find it slightly heavier than other compact options.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Warning, it’s a long read, but I wanted to go into deep detail.To start, I have been a Rainbow vacuum user for so long. I love them and felt they worked amazingly.Next, I have 3 dogs & a cat. One is a thick coat lab and the cat sheds so much as well.Another next, I have horrible allergies and wanted” – Amazon Customer
Customer Review: “I actually was in the market for a new vacuum as there were parts breaking on my Bissell 2999. (Dust buildup inside the motor housing leading to bearing whine, brush roller wear that required modification to prevent additional damage, as well as handle damage that prevented the vacuum handle from st” – Amazon Customer
3. Eureka AirSpeed Upright Vacuum: A Powerful, Budget-Friendly, Ultra-Lightweight Bagless Cleaner for All Floors.
The Eureka AirSpeed Upright Vacuum truly embodies what it means to be the best budget vacuum cleaner. It’s incredibly lightweight at just 7.7 pounds, making it effortless to carry and maneuver. Despite its featherlight design, it boasts powerful suction that effectively cleans both hard floors and carpets, proving that you don’t need a heavy, expensive machine for a spotless home.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Powerful All-Floor Suction: Easily extracts dirt and hair from both hard floors and carpets with its strong suction.
- ✓ Quick-Release Handle: Allows for quick detachment to use included crevice tool and dusting brush for above-floor cleaning.
- ✓ Ultra-Lightweight Design: Weighing only 7.7 pounds, it’s exceptionally easy to carry and store, perfect for smaller spaces.
- ✓ Bagless System: Features a washable filter and an easy-to-empty dust cup for convenient maintenance.
Why We Recommend It
This Eureka AirSpeed is a fantastic option for anyone seeking maximum performance at a minimal cost. Its impressive power-to-weight ratio is unmatched in its price category, providing thorough cleaning without the back-breaking effort. It’s truly a champion among cheap vacuum cleaners for its efficiency and ease of use.
Best For
This vacuum is best for individuals living in apartments, small homes, or those who need an extremely lightweight and effective cleaner for quick, daily tidy-ups on various floor types.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and easy to carry.
- Impressive suction power for its price point.
- Versatile with above-floor cleaning tools.
- Bagless design with washable filters saves on recurring costs.
Cons:
- Smaller cleaning path than some full-sized uprights.
- Can be a bit noisy during operation.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I don’t do reviews very often. I got this on a Black Friday deal because I wanted something better than the tiny stick vac I was using in my unfinished basement. What I have now is like dust buster that pushes around like a vacuum cleaner but it takes forever and I have to do over spots multiple tim” – Amazon Customer
Customer Review: “For the price, definitely 5 stars.Pros:* Great suction power. We have a cat, so litter tracked out into the carpet is a never ending saga. This vacuum picked up nearly half a lb of litter the old Oreck XL (that this replaced) left behind!* Light weight with on board accessories.* WASHABLE filters, ” – Amazon Customer
4. Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum: Powerful, Budget-Friendly Pet Cleaner for All Floors.
If you’re searching for a budget-friendly vacuum cleaner that doesn’t shy away from pet messes, the Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum is an excellent choice. This 10-pound marvel is designed for powerful deep cleaning across all floor types. With its adaptable height settings and large dust cup, it offers convenience and performance that belies its affordable price tag, making it a strong contender for the best cheap vacuum.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Lightweight & Portable: Weighing just 10 lbs, it’s easy to maneuver around the house and carry from room to room.
- ✓ Powerful Multi-Surface Cleaning: Features 5 height adjustment settings, allowing seamless transition from hard floors to deep carpets.
- ✓ Extra-Large Dust Cup: A generous 2.6L dust cup means less frequent emptying, providing uninterrupted cleaning sessions.
- ✓ Efficient Filtration System: Equipped with effective filtration to trap dust and allergens, improving air quality.
Why We Recommend It
The Eureka PowerSpeed is a fantastic option for its combination of power and versatility at a low cost. It excels at pet hair removal and its adjustable height settings ensure optimal cleaning on any floor type in your home. It’s a reliable workhorse for routine cleaning without straining your wallet.
Best For
This vacuum is best for homes with pets, mixed flooring, and individuals who appreciate a lightweight yet powerful machine that offers great value for a budget-friendly vacuum cleaner.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong suction power, especially good for pet hair.
- Five height adjustment settings for versatile cleaning.
- Large dust cup reduces the frequency of emptying.
- Lightweight and easy to move around.
Cons:
- Can be somewhat noisy during operation.
- Basic attachments might limit specialized cleaning tasks.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I needed a powerful vacuum for my thick carpets and this Eureka delivers! It picks up so much more than my old vacuum, especially pet hair. The large dust cup is fantastic because I don’t have to stop and empty it constantly. It’s also surprisingly light for how much power it has.” – Sarah T.
Customer Review: “For the price, you can’t beat it. It’s easy to put together and just gets the job done. I have two dogs and it handles their shedding on both my hardwood floors and area rugs with no problem. The height adjustment is a great feature, too.” – Mark R.
5. Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum: Best Budget, Lightweight Cleaner with Tools and Detachable Handle.
The Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum is a testament to getting reliable cleaning performance without overspending. As one of the best budget vacuum cleaners available, it offers a surprisingly robust cleaning experience for its modest price. Weighing only 8.4 lbs and featuring versatile tools, it proves that “basic” can still mean highly effective and convenient for everyday use.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Easy Maneuverability: At just 8.4 lbs and with a 25-ft power cord, it allows for effortless movement and extended reach.
- ✓ Versatile Cleaning Tools: Includes upholstery and crevice tools for cleaning various surfaces and tight spaces, plus a detachable handle for added flexibility.
- ✓ Large Capacity Dust Cup: A 1.7L dust cup minimizes emptying frequency, allowing for longer, uninterrupted cleaning sessions.
- ✓ Bagless Design: Offers easy maintenance with a simple-to-empty dustbin, eliminating the need for replacement bags.
Why We Recommend It
This Amazon Basics vacuum is a straightforward, no-frills option that gets the job done efficiently. It’s a great entry-level vacuum that doesn’t compromise on essentials like suction and maneuverability. For anyone seeking a truly cheap vacuum that performs well for general household cleaning, this is an excellent pick.
Best For
This vacuum is best for individuals or small households looking for a simple, lightweight, and incredibly affordable vacuum for daily cleaning on both carpets and hard floors.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and easy to handle.
- Good suction for a basic, budget-friendly model.
- Convenient detachable handle and onboard tools for versatility.
- Large dust cup and long cord enhance cleaning convenience.
Cons:
- May lack advanced features found in higher-priced models.
- Design is utilitarian, focusing purely on function over aesthetics.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Lightweight and easy to handle, this vacuum works well on both carpet and hard floors. Suction power is strong for its size, and the detachable handle with crevice and upholstery tools is very useful. The large dust cup and long cord add convenience for everyday cleaning.” – Amazon Customer
Customer Review: “Extremely easy clean up, not a lot of hidden Filters to clean just one filter. The section was extremely good. Bristol brush on spindlewheel are limited rows but they are firm to agitate the carpet fibers that have been compressed down due to traffic. So the strong suction can get deep within the co” – Amazon Customer
Complete Buying Guide for Best Budget Vacuum Cleaner
Essential Factors We Consider
When searching for the best budget vacuum cleaner, it’s crucial to look beyond just the price tag. We carefully evaluate several factors to ensure you’re getting true value. First, suction power is key; a vacuum might be cheap, but if it can’t pick up dirt, it’s useless. We test how well it performs on various surfaces like hardwood, tile, and carpet. Next, weight and maneuverability are important for ease of use, especially for frequent cleaning. A lightweight model makes quick cleanups less of a chore. We also consider the type of vacuum (upright, stick, canister) and its suitability for different needs. For homes with pets, filtration systems like HEPA filters are a significant plus, even in an affordable vacuum. Lastly, maintenance, such as dustbin capacity and filter washability, contributes to the overall long-term cost and convenience.
Budget Planning
Setting a realistic budget for your next vacuum cleaner is the first step, but remember that “budget” can mean different things to different people. For the best budget vacuum cleaner, we generally look at models under $150, with many excellent options even below $100. It’s important to consider what you absolutely need versus what would be a nice-to-have. For example, if you have a small apartment and no pets, a simple, lightweight stick vacuum might be sufficient and save you money. However, a larger home with shedding pets might require a slightly higher budget for an upright model with stronger suction and better filtration. Don’t forget to factor in ongoing costs like replacement filters (though many budget options now have washable filters!) to get a true picture of the ownership cost.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best budget vacuum cleaner is about finding the right balance between cost, performance, and your specific cleaning needs. Our recommendations highlight that you don’t have to compromise on quality just because you’re on a budget. These vacuums offer strong suction, versatile cleaning capabilities, and user-friendly designs that make daily chores much easier. By focusing on essential features and understanding your home’s unique requirements, you can confidently select an affordable vacuum that keeps your living space sparkling clean without a hefty investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a budget vacuum cleaner handle pet hair effectively?
A: Absolutely! Many budget-friendly vacuum cleaners, like the Shark Navigator and Eureka PowerSpeed featured in our list, are specifically designed with powerful suction and specialized tools to tackle pet hair on both carpets and hard floors. Look for models that highlight “pet” features in their descriptions.
Q: Are cheap vacuum cleaners durable?
A: While premium models often boast more robust materials, many affordable vacuum cleaners are surprisingly durable for their price point. Brands like Bissell and Eureka have a long-standing reputation for producing reliable machines that, with proper care and maintenance, can last for several years. Reading customer reviews can give you a good indication of real-world durability.
Q: What’s the main difference between an upright and a stick vacuum in the budget category?
A: Generally, budget upright vacuums (like most on our list) offer stronger suction and larger dustbin capacities, making them ideal for deeper cleaning of larger areas and carpets. Budget stick vacuums are typically lighter, more compact, and better for quick cleanups on hard floors or small spaces, though their suction might be less intense and their run time limited if cordless.
Q: Do budget vacuums have good filtration for allergies?
A: Some, yes! While not all cheap vacuum cleaners include advanced filtration, certain models, like the Shark Navigator, feature HEPA filters and an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal system. If allergies are a concern, always check the product specifications for HEPA or multi-stage filtration claims.
Q: How often should I empty the dustbin and clean the filters on a budget vacuum?
A: For optimal performance of your best budget vacuum cleaner, it’s recommended to empty the dustbin after each use or when it reaches its max fill line. For washable filters (common in budget bagless models), rinse them with water every 1-3 months, or more frequently if you have pets or use the vacuum often, and allow them to air dry completely before reinserting.
Choosing the best budget vacuum cleaner doesn’t mean you have to settle for less. Our comprehensive guide and top picks prove that powerful, efficient cleaning is accessible at an affordable price. Each vacuum on our list offers unique strengths, from tackling stubborn pet hair to providing exceptional portability, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every home and budget. Don’t let dust bunnies or sticker shock win—invest in a cheap vacuum that works hard so you don’t have to. Click here to check out these amazing budget vacuums on Amazon today!
I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
