Inside: A comprehensive guide to the best inexpensive vacuum cleaners. From classic upright models to robot vacuums, these affordable models help you banish dust without breaking the bank. (This post may contain affiliate links. You can read our disclosure policy here.)
Is your old vacuum falling apart? Too noisy? About as effective as using a leaf blower in a windstorm?
A great vacuum will make your life cleaner and easier. And it doesn't have to cost hundreds of dollars, either - you can buy a powerful, high-quality vacuum for under $100.
To help make your decision on which affordable vacuum cleaner you should buy, I've rounded up the best inexpensive vacuum cleaners on the market.
From canisters to robot vacuums and everything in-between, read on to find the best affordable vacuum for your family.
Our Top Picks
Upright
BISSELL Cleanview Bagless
Canister
Eureka Mighty Mite
Handheld
BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster
Robotic vacuum
Pure Clean Robot Vacuum
for carpets
BISSELL Cleanview Swivel
for hard floors
BISSELL Zing Lightweight
What to Look For in an Inexpensive Vacuum Cleaner
A low price doesn't have to mean low quality. But, with hundreds of affordable vacuum options readily available, what exactly should you look for? Here are the most important factors to consider:
The Type You Need
The general types of vacuum cleaners include:
- Canister vacuums have a separate unit for the motor and bag (or dust bin). They're bulkier but powerful and versatile.
- Upright vacuums use a motor-powered brush and suction. The motor, bag/dust compartment, and rotating brush are all mounted on the same piece.
- Stick vacuums have an upright construction but are lighter than the upright vacuums and are battery-powered. Being the middle ground between uprights and handheld models, they are perfect for quick cleanups.
- Handheld vacuums are lightweight and easy to maneuver. Handhelds are ideal for cleaning hard-to-reach places, and they barely take up any space in storage.
- Robot vacuums are completely hands-free and use sensors to navigate around the house and clean the floors for you. Robots are the ultimate way to save time and energy. However, these vacuums can't reach everywhere. and they generally won't give you as deep of a clean.
Suction Power
How do you know if a vacuum cleans well? Look at the suction power.
The higher the power, the better your vacuum will be at getting rid of the dust and grime in your carpets.
When comparing vacuum cleaners, look at the motor input watts - the higher the number, the better the clean.
Ease of Use
What are your cleaning habits like? Do you usually rely on quick cleanups? How about vacuum storage - how much space do you have for a vacuum? Consider your entire cleaning routine when you’re choosing a vacuum:
- Can you store your vacuum in an easy-to-reach place? You shouldn't have to move heavy items or dig deep in your garage to find it.
- How big is your house? For larger areas, make sure the vacuum comes with a large dust bin or bag.
- Do you want to use the vacuum in other areas like your car? If so, consider getting a handheld model.
Your vacuum should make cleaning easier - make sure it doesn’t create more problems than it solves.
Vacuum Weight
You'll have to push, pull, and carry your vacuum around the house, so double-check your vacuum's weight. A lightweight model makes cleaning a breeze, and it prevents health problems like back pain.
As a rule of thumb, look for a vacuum that weighs less than 15lbs. But, if you have a lot of hard-to-reach spots, try to get one under 10 lbs.
The Vacuum's Lifespan
Just because a vacuum cleaner is affordable doesn’t mean it can’t be sturdy. The best inexpensive vacuum cleaners are the ones you can rely on for years to come.
Buying a vacuum is an investment - you expect to use it for many years.
On average, vacuum cleaners last around eight years.
To prolong the life of your vacuum, here are a few things you can do:
- Choose the right type of vacuum for the job. Canisters are great for big houses and deep cleaning, while hand-held models are perfect for dorm rooms, apartments, or cars.
- Change the filter/bag regularly. With the right maintenance, your vacuum will not only clean better, but it will last longer.
- Use gently and store right. Unplug and replug (rather than tugging on the cord), don't push or pull excessively, and make sure you’re storing the vacuum in a dust-free space.
- Don’t discard at the first sign of wear-and-tear. Vacuum parts can be replaced, and most scratches are purely cosmetic.
- Consider a corded vacuum. While cordless models are convenient, the battery might eventually need replacement. A corded vacuum, on the other hand, is always ready to use.
All of the vacuums I recommend in this guide are solid and sturdy - with proper maintenance, they can last you many, many years.
Best Inexpensive Vacuum Cleaners: Overall Best
This vacuum checks all the boxes:
- OnePass Brush Roll for deep cleaning carpets
- Gentle on hard floors
- Large capacity dust bin that empties at the push of a button
- A washable filter that saves money
- Lightweight and easy-to-store
- Multiple accessories to make cleaning different surfaces a breeze
The BISSELL model is easily the most versatile vacuum you can purchase. It’s lightweight, compact, and surprisingly powerful.
The brush function is perfect for sucking out all the grime and dust from your carpets. At the same time, the BISSELL is gentle on hard floors, leaving no scratches or marks. At well under $100, it’s truly a bargain.
Upright, Canister, or Stick Vacuum? Which is Best?
The best affordable vacuum is the one that fits your needs. Before committing to a purchase, consider the pros and cons of each vacuum type.
Upright Vacuum Cleaners
Upright models are easily the most popular type of vacuum on the market.
Pros
- Compact + lightweight
- Easy-to-use + store
- Typically cheaper
- Better at deep cleaning carpet
Cons
- Noise - uprights are usually louder than other vacuum cleaners
- Pushing + pulling a heavy machine
Canister Vacuum Cleaners
Pros
- Very powerful
- Sturdy
- Typically will last longer than other types of vacuums
- Quieter than uprights
Cons
- Bulkier
- Require more storage space
Stick Vacuum Cleaners
Pros
- Most models are battery-powered
- Easy to store anywhere
- Most sticks can convert to handheld vacuums
Cons
- Not intended for deep cleaning - the stick models generally can't handle embedded dirt like canister and upright models can.
Now, let’s look at the best inexpensive vacuum cleaners in each category.
Related: How to Deep Clean Your House Fast
Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners
The BISSELL Cleanview is not only one of the best upright models, but it’s also the best affordable vacuum overall. Lightweight, easy-to-use, and effective on all surfaces, the BISSELL model has it all.
The Eureka model is both powerful and versatile.
At 10lbs, it's easy to carry and maneuver. The height adjustment and wide nozzle help you clean all corners quickly and efficiently. The PowerSpeed also comes with crevice and upholstery tools, a dusting brush, and a stretch hose for above-floor areas.
The extra-large dust cup can handle several whole house vacuums without having to be emptied.
This is easily one of the best inexpensive vacuum cleaners for pet owners.
With triple-action brush and accessories like a pet hair corner tool, this BISSELL model banishes pet hair even from hard-to-reach areas.
The dust bin is easy to empty and extra-large to reduce your exposure to allergens (like pet hair.)
Best Canister Vacuum Cleaners
The Mighty Mite truly lives up to its name.
It packs 10 amp of power in a lightweight body, plus it's easy to store and carry around.
The bag holds up to 2.5 liters of dust, dirt, or pet hair - much more than bagless dust cans. With the power-touch handle, you can control the vacuum with the tips of your fingers.
Overall, the Mighty Mite is not only an efficient way to deep clean your home, but it's also easy and convenient to use.
The BISSELL Zing is a sturdy bagged canister that tackles deep cleaning effortlessly.
Compact and lightweight, the Zing is easy to maneuver and store, without compromising on suction.
The vacuum packs a lot of cleaning power, and it comes with several tools and accessories for hard-to-reach areas. Overall, this is one of the best inexpensive vacuum cleaners for cleaning up heavy cleaning work on all surfaces and corners.
The OVENTE ST2620B has two significant perks that set it apart from other vacuum cleaners in the same price range:
- The gold standard HEPA filter traps 99.7% of dust mites and allergens, keeping your home clean and healthy.
- It comes with floor-to-ceiling accessories. The multi-angle and crevice brushes allow you to reach virtually every corner, while the furniture nozzle is perfect for deep cleaning sofas and armchairs.
The OVENTE banishes dust particles from all surfaces, and it's one of the best affordable vacuum cleaners for people with allergies or asthma.
Best Stick Vacuum Cleaners
If slim, lightweight, and stylish are your type, then these affordable stick vacuum cleaners are the right choice for you.
The Featherweight packs three machines in one body. It converts from stick to hand-held vacuum in a minute. Add the floor nozzle, and it’s perfect for vacuuming the stairs. And, since it’s compact and ultra-lightweight, virtually anybody can use it without effort.
Equipped with a multi-task power brush, the NEQUARE packs the best of both worlds. It's light and easy-to-use, but it's also powerful enough to banish deep-set dust and pet hair.
The all-in-one set converts from stick vacuum to a hand-held cleaner in little time with little effort.
With the adjustable-range flexible tube and the LED light on the brush head, you can reach and clean anywhere in your house.
The NEQUARE also comes with a soft dusting brush for easy-to-scratch surfaces, a roller cleaner, and a hand bristle roller, among other useful accessories.
This small stick/hand-held vacuum packs a lot of suction power in a compact and lightweight body.
The dust container is easy to remove and clean, and it holds a lot of dust. Chances are, you'll only have to clean it out every other week. Just make sure you clean out the filter, too, or you might lose suction power.
Best Handheld Vacuum Cleaners
This Black+Decker vacuum might be compact, but it can handle some pretty heavy-duty cleaning.
With a cyclonic action technology, your filter stays clean, and suction remains powerful.
Thanks to the lithium battery and smart charge technology, the vacuum gets charged in 4 hours and stays ready-to-go for up to 18 months!
This is easily the best hand-held vacuum for pet owners.
The motorized brush tool helps you suck out pet hair, dust, and grime from your carpets and furniture.
With accessories like the upholstery and crevice tools, you can reach every corner of your home or car. And, since a lithium-ion battery powers the vacuum, the charge can last for weeks or even months!
A vacuum that cleans up liquid spills? Sign me up!
The Holife hand-held vacuum comes with a rubber jar tool that sucks up to 100 ml of liquid at a time. You also get a crevice and brush tools, which are perfect for cleaning tight corners and spaces.
Best Affordable Robot Vacuum Cleaners
The Pure Clean is a small but powerful robot vacuum. With dual rotating brushes and an automatic air filter, it cleans up dust, debris, and pet hair efficiently.
While robots are best for hard floors, this one also works well on rugs and carpets.
The battery charge is 90 minutes, enough to clean smaller spaces in one go, and it only stops if the dust bin is full. It’s a great “set it and forget it” solution for small homes, especially if you have pets.
With a triple filter and a brush-free motor, the Yeedi K600 is another solid option for pet owners. While it’s a bit pricier than the Pure Clean and than the rest of our affordable vacuum cleaners in this list, it has a few distinctive perks:
- Docking station - the robot automatically returns to the charging station when it runs out of power.
- Turbo mode - double the suction power for deep cleaning floors.
- 110 minutes of runtime - enough to cover a larger area.
The Yeedi is quieter than most robots (about as loud as a microwave), and it has a scratch-proof surface.
At around $200, this is the priciest vacuum in my round-up. But, this is still one of the best affordable vacuum cleaners in the category, since it packs a lot of value - high-power suction, automatic recharging, and advanced anti-drop technology, among other features.
Most importantly, it has a cleaning schedule function - set it to wake up and clean while you sleep in, enjoy brunch, or catch up with other chores.
Now that's the life.
Best Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
Cordless vacuums are convenient and easy to maneuver. But, you want to make sure that the battery is reliable or you'll constantly find yourself running for the charger.
The best inexpensive vacuum cleaners feature a lithium-ion battery that holds the charge for weeks or even months:
The BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum charges quickly and stays ready-to-use for up to 18 months.
The BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium-Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum is perfect for keeping your car neat (and pet-hair free).
The GeeMo Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a powerful cordless stick vacuum. The battery holds 35 minutes after charging, and it can be recharged 800+ times before it starts losing charge early.
Best Bagless Vacuum Cleaners
Bagless vacuums save money, but cleaning them up can get messy.
That's why my favorite bagless options have an easy-empty function. This way, you can rest easy knowing that you won't be inhaling any dust particles when you clean them out:
The BISSELL Cleanview Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is my #1 choice when it comes to cheap vacuum cleaners that aren't actually cheaply made. It comes with an extra-large dust can that empties at the push of a button, which makes cleanup and cleanout simple.
The BISSELL Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum is lightweight and versatile, easily converting from stick vacuum to handheld or stair cleaner. The dust compartment is large enough to handle a deep clean and empties from the bottom, without releasing dust back into the air.
The Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum gives you floor-to-ceiling cleaning options, and cleaning out the large-capacity dust can is a breeze.
The Best Inexpensive Vacuum Cleaners for Carpet
Carpets can accumulate a lot of dust and grime that gets ground deep into the rug. These robust vacuum cleaners will suck out embedded dirt and pet hair while protecting the carpet material:
The BISSELL Cleanview Swivel Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner was created with pet owners in mind. It can tackle even deep-set hair and dust on the first pass.
The Eureka Mighty Mite 3670G Corded Canister Vacuum Cleaner is easy-to-use and can hold a large amount of dust without it affecting the suction power.
The OVENTE ST2620B Bagless Canister Cyclonic Vacuum comes with a HEPA filter, which banishes allergens and small dust particles. It’s perfect if somebody in your family has asthma or allergies.
The Best Inexpensive Vacuum Cleaners for Hard Floors
Cleaning hard floors comes with its own set of challenges. How do you make sure they’re dust-free without risking any scratches?
Choose a vacuum cleaner with a removable brush and an adjustable suction setting. The best inexpensive vacuum cleaners in this category include:
With the BISSELL Zing Lightweight, you can go from cleaning a carpet to a hard-wood floor at the flip of a switch.
The Yeedi K600 Robot Vacuum Cleaner is easily the best inexpensive robot vacuum for hard floors. The brush-free motor protects your floors from scratches and handles dust and pet hair like a pro.
The NEQUARE 4-in1 Upright Corded Stick Vacuum is versatile and easy to use. It comes with accessories that will help you tackle all surfaces and especially those hard-to-reach places.
The Best Inexpensive Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Hair
While many vacuums on this list handle pet hair impressively, BISSEL pet products stand out as the best vacuum cleaners for pet owners, and they're affordable.
For your home, use the BISSELL Cleanview Swivel Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner. It’s lightweight, reliable, and powerful at banishing pet hair (as well as deep-set dirt and grime).
For smaller spaces like your car (or an apartment,) try the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium-Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum. It’s small, powerful, and reliable - the lithium battery will last you for weeks/months.
The Best Inexpensive Vacuum Cleaners: Conclusion
Vacuum cleaners are one of the most essential cleaning appliances for any home.
The good news is, you don't need to spend a fortune to get a reliable, effective, long-lasting vacuum, but you do need to know what you're looking for in a vacuum cleaner to get a good one.
To choose the right one for you:
- Consider your cleaning style and your space. Stick vacuums can handle small apartments just fine, but larger areas need a heavier duty appliance.
- Look at the specifications - suction power, the size of the bag or dust compartment, as well as the weight.
- Choose a sturdy vacuum and take care of it. This way, it can last you for ages.
And there you have it - your full guide to the best inexpensive vacuum cleaners. Do you have any thoughts, questions, or ideas? Feel free to share them in the comments below!
