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10 Best Cheap Vacuums

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark PowerPro Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, Anti Hair Wrap, FloorDetect Tech, Anti-Allergen, Up to 50min Runtime, XL Dust Cup, Handheld Mode, Crevice & Upholstery Tool, Silver/Mauve IZ370UK

10.0  score

Available on
£182.46
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Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,486
Weight and Maneuverability
Suction Power
Bagged vs. Bagless
Weight and Maneuverability
Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry up and down stairs, even for those who aren’t strong.
Suction Power
Daily use is hassle-free thanks to its strong suction and convenient cordless operation.
Bagged vs. Bagless
The vacuum is very easy to use and maintain, with a dust cup that’s simple to empty and keep clean.

The Shark PowerPro Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner is a strong contender in the affordable vacuum category, especially for those looking for a versatile, cordless option. Its suction power is enhanced by FloorDetect technology, which automatically adjusts the brush speed depending on whether you're cleaning carpets or hard floors, maintaining effective cleaning performance across different surfaces. Equipped with a HEPA filter combined with an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, this vacuum is effective at trapping dust and allergens, making it a solid choice for allergy sufferers. The Anti Hair Wrap feature is convenient for homes with pets or long hair, as it helps keep the brush-roll clear.

Weighing about 3.45 kg, the vacuum is relatively light and easy to maneuver around the house, and it converts easily into a handheld unit for cleaning upholstery, car interiors, or tight spaces. It features an XL dust cup capacity to reduce the frequency of emptying, and offers up to 50 minutes of runtime when used in eco mode, which is competitive for cordless models in this price range. Runtime will be shorter at full power, so very large homes might require recharging during use. The vacuum comes with useful attachments, including a crevice tool, upholstery tool, and an accessory bag, enhancing its versatility.

Although it does not have a bag, the dust cup is straightforward to empty and clean. Noise levels are typically moderate for Shark vacuums, and as a cordless model, cord length is irrelevant, adding to convenience but requiring consideration of charging time. This Shark vacuum delivers strong cleaning features, ease of use, and effective filtration at an accessible price point, making it well suited for small to medium homes with mixed floor types and pets. It may be less ideal for very large areas without breaks for recharging.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,486
Weight and Maneuverability
Suction Power
Bagged vs. Bagless
Weight and Maneuverability
Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry up and down stairs, even for those who aren’t strong.
Suction Power
Daily use is hassle-free thanks to its strong suction and convenient cordless operation.
Bagged vs. Bagless
The vacuum is very easy to use and maintain, with a dust cup that’s simple to empty and keep clean.
#2

Shark PowerPro Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, Lightweight, Floor Detect Technology, Anti-Hair Wrap Technology, Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, Flexible, Handheld mode, Navy Metallic, IZ380UK

9.4  score

Available on
£244.9
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Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Weight and Maneuverability
Bagged vs. Bagless
Suction Power
Suction power is impressive, effortlessly picking up dust, hair, and animal fur in seconds.
Weight and Maneuverability
Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry up and down stairs, even for those who aren’t strong.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Easy to empty and maintain, keeping the vacuum clean with minimal hassle.
Cord Length and Cordless Options
Cordless freedom allows use in any room or even for cleaning the car without being tethered by a power cable.

The Shark PowerPro Cordless Stick Vacuum is a strong choice if you want a lightweight, easy-to-use cleaner for different floor types without breaking the bank. Its Floor Detect Technology automatically adjusts brush speed between carpet and hard floors, helping it clean deeply and efficiently. The Anti-Hair Wrap feature is handy for pet owners, as it prevents hair from tangling around the brush roll. It also has a HEPA filter with an anti-allergen seal, which is great if you want to keep dust and allergens from escaping back into the air.

Being cordless with up to 50 minutes of runtime means you can clean without worrying about plugging and unplugging, and the removable battery lets you charge it conveniently anywhere. It’s flexible too, with a wand that bends to clean under furniture and a handheld mode for stairs or upholstery. At just 3.45kg, it’s relatively light and easy to move around. The dust cup is a decent 0.7 litres, so you won't need to empty it constantly.

It’s not the quietest vacuum, and while 181 watts is good for a cordless, it’s not as powerful as some corded models. Also, it’s bagless, so emptying the dust cup can be a bit messy compared to bagged vacuums. The included tools cover basic needs like crevices and upholstery, but if you want more specialised attachments, you may need to buy them separately. This Shark vacuum is well suited for those who want a versatile, allergen-conscious, cordless cleaner that works well on multiple surfaces and offers practical convenience without a high price tag.

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Weight and Maneuverability
Bagged vs. Bagless
Suction Power
Suction power is impressive, effortlessly picking up dust, hair, and animal fur in seconds.
Weight and Maneuverability
Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry up and down stairs, even for those who aren’t strong.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Easy to empty and maintain, keeping the vacuum clean with minimal hassle.
Cord Length and Cordless Options
Cordless freedom allows use in any room or even for cleaning the car without being tethered by a power cable.
#3

Shark PowerPro Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, Lightweight, Floor Detect Technology, Anti-Hair Wrap Technology, Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, Flexible, Handheld mode, Java Metallic, IZ380UKT

9.1  score

Available on
£244.9
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Rating
9.1
Suction Power
Filtration System
Weight and Maneuverability
Suction Power
Delivers strong suction and effective cleaning performance, especially impressive for a cordless model.
Filtration System
HEPA filtration combined with an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal helps trap dust and allergens for cleaner air.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight design and flexible wand make it easy to maneuver and reach under furniture with minimal effort.
Attachments and Accessories
Includes useful attachments like a motorized pet tool, crevice, and upholstery tools for versatile cleaning.
Noise Level
The vacuum is well-made and quiet, offering excellent value for the price, especially when purchased on discount.
Cord Length and Cordless Options
Runs up to 50 minutes on a single charge, sufficient for cleaning a typical three-bedroom house in one go.

The Shark PowerPro Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is a strong pick for an affordable yet powerful vacuum, especially for pet owners. With 181 watts of suction and FloorDetect Technology, it automatically adjusts brush speed for carpets and hard floors, helping to clean deeply without extra effort. Its Anti-Hair Wrap system effectively removes pet hair from the brush-roll, saving time and frustration. The HEPA filtration and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal work together to trap dust and allergens, making it a smart choice for cleaner air.

Weighing around 3.45 kg, it is light enough to carry around the house without strain, and its flexible wand design allows you to reach under furniture and store it easily. The vacuum also converts into a handheld unit, ideal for cleaning upholstery, car interiors, or tight spaces. It runs up to 50 minutes on a single charge, which is quite good for cordless models, although this runtime is best in eco mode and with non-motorized tools, so heavy cleaning might drain the battery faster.

Attachments include a motorized pet tool, crevice, and upholstery tools, providing versatile cleaning options out of the box. The dust cup holds 0.7 liters, which is decent but may require frequent emptying during bigger jobs. This vacuum suits pet owners who want a lightweight, cordless, and allergy-friendly device without spending too much. It is easy to maneuver and has practical features for everyday cleaning, though heavy-duty users might find the battery life and dust capacity somewhat limiting.

Rating
9.1
Suction Power
Filtration System
Weight and Maneuverability
Suction Power
Delivers strong suction and effective cleaning performance, especially impressive for a cordless model.
Filtration System
HEPA filtration combined with an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal helps trap dust and allergens for cleaner air.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight design and flexible wand make it easy to maneuver and reach under furniture with minimal effort.
Attachments and Accessories
Includes useful attachments like a motorized pet tool, crevice, and upholstery tools for versatile cleaning.
Noise Level
The vacuum is well-made and quiet, offering excellent value for the price, especially when purchased on discount.
Cord Length and Cordless Options
Runs up to 50 minutes on a single charge, sufficient for cleaning a typical three-bedroom house in one go.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Vacuums

Choosing the right vacuum cleaner can make a big difference in how effectively you clean your home. When looking for a vacuum, especially a budget-friendly one, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are some important specs to look at and how to navigate them.
Suction PowerSuction power is a measure of how effectively a vacuum can pick up dirt and debris. It's important because stronger suction means better cleaning performance, especially on carpets and rugs. Suction power is often measured in watts or air watts. For general home use, a vacuum with moderate suction power (around 200-300 air watts) should suffice. If you have pets or thick carpets, you might want to look for higher suction power.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system in a vacuum cleaner determines how well it can trap dust and allergens. This is crucial for maintaining air quality, especially if you have allergies or asthma. HEPA filters are the gold standard, capturing 99.97% of particles. If you don't have specific allergies, a standard filter might be sufficient, but for those with sensitivities, a vacuum with a HEPA filter is recommended.
Bagged vs. BaglessVacuum cleaners come in bagged and bagless varieties. Bagged vacuums use disposable bags to collect dirt, which can be more hygienic and better for allergy sufferers as they trap dust more effectively. Bagless vacuums use a canister that you empty, which can be more convenient and cost-effective since you don't need to buy replacement bags. Consider your preference for convenience versus hygiene when choosing between these types.
Weight and ManeuverabilityThe weight and maneuverability of a vacuum cleaner affect how easy it is to use, especially if you have multiple floors or need to carry it around. Lightweight vacuums (under 10 pounds) are easier to handle and store, while heavier models might offer more stability and power. If you have a large home or physical limitations, a lighter vacuum might be more suitable.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of your vacuum cleaner. Common attachments include crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and pet hair tools. These are important for cleaning different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. If you have pets, look for vacuums with specialized pet hair attachments. For general use, a basic set of attachments should be sufficient.
Noise LevelThe noise level of a vacuum cleaner can be an important consideration, especially if you live in an apartment or have young children. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). Quieter vacuums typically operate at around 60-70 dB, while louder ones can exceed 80 dB. If noise is a concern, look for vacuums specifically marketed as quiet or with lower dB ratings.
Cord Length and Cordless OptionsCord length affects how far you can move from the power outlet while vacuuming. Longer cords (20-30 feet) offer more flexibility, while shorter cords might require frequent unplugging and replugging. Cordless vacuums offer maximum mobility but are limited by battery life, usually ranging from 15 to 60 minutes. If you have a large area to clean, a longer cord or a high-capacity cordless vacuum might be more suitable.