The 7 Best Cheap Vacuums That Still Tackle Big Messes—Starting at $34
Updated: Feb. 08, 2024
Whether it's time to replace a primary vacuum or you're looking for a secondary vacuum to have on hand, these best cheap vacuums get the job done.
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Whether you find vacuuming to be one of the most tedious household chores or one of the most satisfying, you deserve a quality vacuum cleaner. But with many newer models running well over $1,000, the thought of buying a brand new machine can be downright stressful. Thankfully, it’s possible to get a reliable vacuum that won’t break the bank.
If you’re looking for a quality vacuum at an affordable price, you’re in luck. We’ve done the research and rounded up the best cheap vacuums that get the job done time and time again. Whether you prefer a traditional upright vacuum or handheld vacuum, these options are each under $330.
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Best overall cheap vacuum
Shark Wandvac Cordless Self-Empty System + HEPA
Shark makes undeniably powerful vacuums, and that’s why our pick for the best overall cheap vacuum is this Shark cordless vacuum. This lightweight machine boasts powerful suction and a cordless design that makes cleaning high areas and tough corners a breeze. It comes with a self-cleaning PowerFin brush roll, duster crevice tool, pet multi-tool and self-empty charging base. The vacuum empties itself when it returns to its base, so you never have to get your hands dirty again.
A washable high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter seals the base and traps over 99.97% of dust and allergens to significantly reduce the dust exposure in your home. David Blackman, a five-star reviewer on Amazon, writes, “As seniors, who over the years find it difficult to do daily house chores and cleaning, this lightweight vac is far superior to the handheld vacs. The unit empties the filter by itself and I can go two months before I have to empty the main filter on the unit. At 2 pounds, this is for anyone who has trouble with full-size vacuum cleaners.” P.S. To get the most out of this vacuum, also consider these Shark vacuum accessories.
Pros
- Works on various surfaces
- Comes with different cleaning tools
- Weighs just under 14 pounds
- Automatically empties into the HEPA-sealed base after every use
- Base holds up to 30 days worth of dust and debris
- Available on Shark, Walmart, Amazon and Wayfair
Cons
- The self-empty process is noisy, but can be disabled
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Best value cheap vacuum
Bissell Featherweight Stick Vacuum
Over 64,700 shoppers have given this cheap vacuum a perfect five-star rating on Amazon for its suction power, ease of use and affordable price point. And at 3 pounds, the Bissell Featherweight stick vacuum lives up to its name. This powerful tool functions as a stick vacuum, handheld vacuum and stair vacuum in one. It comes with a crevice tool for cleaning those places you’re not vacuuming but should be, as well as a floor nozzle that’s ideal for stairs. It comes in four colors to make vacuuming both easy and fun. It’s no wonder that dozens of verified Amazon users refer to this compact machine as the best $34 they’ve ever spent.
Pros
- Most affordable option on our list
- Three functions in one
- Weighs just 3 pounds
- Works on hard floors, upholstery, area rugs and low-pile carpets
- Offered in four different colors
- Available on Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair
Cons
- Not designed for high-pile carpet
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Best cheap vacuum for carpets and upholstery
Bissell Little Green Machine
Bissell’s Little Green Machine is a TikTok favorite and might’ve already made an appearance on your feed. At just under 10 pounds, this viral vacuum is small enough to carry between rooms, as well as up and down stairs. But don’t let its small size fool you! This little machine packs a powerful cleaning punch. A strong motor and stain tool suck up all kinds of marks from just about any upholstered fabric. The large water tank holds 48 ounces to cover a decent area size before stopping to refill. Unlike some other carpet and upholstery cleaners, this one gets the job done with little to no elbow grease.
“It’s hard to tear your eyes away from the gross, yet satisfying, tank of dirty water that gets magically suctioned from every corner of the couch, carpet, car seats and more,” writes our tester in her Bissell Little Green Machine review. “It’s easy to understand why so many people leave glowing Bissell Little Green reviews, including myself after I gave it a whirl.”
Pros
- Designed to remove spots and stains
- 48-ounce water tank capacity
- Portable design
- Weighs under 10 pounds
- Includes a trial-size bottle of cleaning solution
- Available on Amazon, Bissell and Walmart
Cons
- Not cordless
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Best cheap handheld vacuum
Black+Decker Furbuster Handheld Vacuum
Not everyone needs a full-size vacuum. If a handheld vacuum is better suited to your needs, the Black+Decker Furbuster is a tiny powerhouse that sucks up dirt, debris and pet hair. An extra-long crevice tool gets into those hard-to-reach places, and it’s also a smart vacuum for cars. A motorized pet brush has anti-tangle bristles and is ideal for cleaning couch cushions, stairs, pet beds and more. When you’re finished, the vacuum’s one-touch, easy-empty design allows you to dump the extra-large dustbin without getting your hands dirty.
“This is the handheld vacuum cleaner I’ve been looking for,” writes verified purchaser, Cynthia Nill. “This vacuum cleaner is easy to empty, clean the filter, open and close the canister part. It is cordless, which makes it easy to use. It has great suction. The carpet brush is easy to attach. Works great on stairs, for easy cleanup on kitchen crumbs. Also perfect for cleaning car interior.”
Pros
- Lightweight handheld vacuum
- Includes an extra-long crevice tool
- Pet brush has rubber bristles
- 23.7-ounce dustbowl capacity
- One-touch, easy-empty design
- Available on Amazon and Walmart
Cons
- No HEPA filter
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Best cheap stick vacuum
Shark Navigator Lift Away Deluxe
If you’re looking for the best cheap stick vacuum, the Shark Navigator Lift Away Deluxe is it. This full-size machine has powerful suction, easy steering and lift-away functionality to use on stairs. It features a large capacity dust cup to clean the whole house without stopping to empty it before you’re finished. A completely sealed system with a washable HEPA filter traps over 99.9% of dust and allergens. It includes an upholstery tool that picks up pet hair while the crevice tool gets into those hard-to-reach places. You can scoop up this Amazon vacuum cleaner for a reasonable price.
“I’ve had many cheap vacuums in the past, never finding value in spending all the money for something expensive, but after my last one broke, I decided to buy something nice,” writes Heather, a five-star reviewer. “There was so much dust in my carpet, the whole bucket filled up with one passing of just my dining room and office and a large area rug.”
Pros
- Easy-to-push stick model
- Full-size vacuum with a large capacity dust cup
- Cleans stairs and high, hard-to-reach areas
- Swivel steering cleans around furniture and in corners
- Completely sealed HEPA system traps over 99.9% of dust and allergens
- Available on Amazon and Walmart
Cons
- Doesn’t have a self-cleaning brush roll
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Best cheap vacuum-mop combo
Tineco iFloor 3
You’d be surprised at how dirty a traditional mop can leave your floors. A vacuum-mop combo, on the other hand, will leave your floors squeaky clean. The Tineco iFloor 3 is a cordless machine with clean and dirty water tanks, so you know you’re not pushing dirty water around your floors. It’s oddly satisfying to actually see all of the murky water after a cleaning session. It also features an advanced digital display that lets you know if the vacuum has blockage or needs to be charged. When you’re finished washing floors, a self-clean cycle keeps the machine ready for the next use.
“I used to think I could get my floors to a perfectly clean state, but now I know I have to just keep on charging the iFloor 3,” writes our executive editor, Megan Wood, in her Tineco iFloor 3 review. “After years of consistent use, and the welcome addition of a baby to my home, the vacuum mop works as well today as it did straight out of the box.”
Pros
- Vacuums and mops in one step
- Has clean and dirty water tanks
- Features a digital display
- Has a self-clean cycle
- Available on Amazon and Walmart
Cons
- Not for use on carpets or upholstery
- Roller needs to be cleaned manually
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Best cheap robot vacuum
Eufy RoboVac 11S
While some robot vacuums can cost hundreds of dollars, you don’t have to spend big bucks to get one of these handy helpers in your home. The Eufy RoboVac 11S is one of the most affordable robot vacuums that’s sure to make life easier. It quietly cleans hard floors and medium-pile carpets with an ultra-slim design that allows you to maneuver it underneath furniture. It has a run time of 100 minutes, an infrared-sensor for evading obstacles and drop-sensing technology to avoid falling down stairs. Still wondering if it’s worth buying a robot vacuum? Over 45,200 five-star Amazon ratings say this one is.
“I am shocked with how well it cleans the house,” writes five-star reviewer, Nickolas P. Walker. “It covers all of our rooms on the first floor and even gets into a lot of low/tight areas that I would normally have trouble vacuuming without moving furniture!”
Pros
- Slim design to fit under furniture
- Run time of 100 minutes
- Features an infrared-sensor
- Has drop-sensing technology
- Available on Amazon and Walmart
Cons
- Not Wi-Fi-enabled like other robot vacuums
FAQ
Are cheap vacuum cleaners any good?
There are plenty of reputable brands that make inexpensive models. When properly cared for, these cheaper models get the job done just as effectively as expensive vacuum cleaners. You can even score a vacuum deal to save more money.
Are cheap robot vacuums worth it?
Yes! Cheap robot vacuums may not have all the bells and whistles that their expensive counterparts do, but they can actually be more user-friendly.
How long should a cheap vacuum last?
With proper care and storage, a cheap vacuum can last for years. To extend the life of your machine, avoid vacuuming these things.
Why you should trust us
When it comes to cleaning products, our editors aren’t just testers — they’re users, too! We all have homes to keep tidy, and when a product impresses us, we bring it home and make it a part of our regular cleaning routine. In addition to cleaning products, we’ve had our hands on every type of vacuum you can think of, from upright vacuums to vac-mops to car and robot vacuums. We’ve tested the best vacuums and vac-mops on a variety of different surfaces, like hardwood, tile, carpet and stairs, and to clean up after pets as well. We also consult with professional cleaners, organizers and industry insiders to get their opinions, and find out which brands they turn to time and time again. With more than 20 rounds of testing under our belts, we’re more than familiar with the best vacuum brands.
Source:
- Pam Clyde, house cleaning expert and owner of BritLin Cleaning
Originally Published: June 13, 2023
