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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 Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner 1.1L with Lift-Away Technology, LED Headlights, Anti-Allergen, 8m Cord, 750W, Crevice, Multi-Surface Tools, Blue/Black, NV602UK

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,422
Suction Power
Bagged vs. Bagless
Weight and Maneuverability
Suction Power
The vacuum delivers strong suction that makes carpets look like new after just one use.
Bagged vs. Bagless
The bagless bin is simple and hygienic to empty, saving money on replacement bags.
Weight and Maneuverability
Despite being fairly lightweight for an upright, it can feel a bit heavy for some users during extended use.
Attachments and Accessories
Detaching the motor unit allows easy cleaning of stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach spots with one hand.
Cord Length and Cordless Options
The 8-meter cord provides good reach but can sometimes get in the way when moving around.

The Shark Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner NV602UK is a strong contender in the budget vacuum category, delivering solid suction with its 750W motor. It’s designed to be versatile, featuring Lift-Away technology that lets you detach the main unit to clean stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach areas with ease. The vacuum also includes two floor modes for carpets and hard floors, plus adjustable suction control, helping you tailor cleaning power to different surfaces.

Its filtration system stands out with an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal that captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, paired with washable pre- and post-filters, which is a big plus for allergy sufferers looking for cleaner air in their home. The vacuum bags dirt in a 1.1-liter bagless bin, making emptying quick and hygienic without purchasing bags.

Weighing around 5.1 kg, it’s reasonably light for an upright model, making it fairly easy to maneuver around the house, although it may still feel a bit heavy for some users compared to smaller handheld models. The 8-meter cord length offers good reach without frequent unplugging. Included attachments like the crevice and upholstery tools add convenience for detailed cleaning. LED headlights on the brush head improve visibility in dark corners. This model is corded, so it lacks cordless freedom, which might limit mobility if you need to vacuum far from sockets. It is a dependable, feature-packed vacuum for those on a budget who want strong suction, effective allergen control, and versatile cleaning options without paying a premium.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,422
Suction Power
Bagged vs. Bagless
Weight and Maneuverability
Suction Power
The vacuum delivers strong suction that makes carpets look like new after just one use.
Bagged vs. Bagless
The bagless bin is simple and hygienic to empty, saving money on replacement bags.
Weight and Maneuverability
Despite being fairly lightweight for an upright, it can feel a bit heavy for some users during extended use.
Attachments and Accessories
Detaching the motor unit allows easy cleaning of stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach spots with one hand.
Cord Length and Cordless Options
The 8-meter cord provides good reach but can sometimes get in the way when moving around.
#2

Shark Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner 1.1L with Lift-Away Technology, Pet Model, LED Headlights, Anti-Allergen, 8m Cord, 750W, Pet, Crevice, Multi-Surface Tools, Red/Black, NV602UKT

Rating
10.0
Suction Power
Attachments and Accessories
Bagged vs. Bagless
Suction Power
The vacuum delivers impressive suction power that makes carpets look revitalized after just one use.
Attachments and Accessories
Its detachable design allows effortless cleaning of stairs, curtains, and other hard-to-reach spots with one hand.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Being bagless saves money and simplifies maintenance, though the 1.1L dust cup may require frequent emptying during larger jobs.
Weight and Maneuverability
The vacuum is fairly lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, though some find it a bit heavy when carrying the detachable motor unit.
Cord Length and Cordless Options
The 8-meter cord provides reasonable reach but can sometimes get in the way during use.

The Shark Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner NV602UKT offers strong suction with its 750W motor, making it effective for basic cleaning on carpets and hard floors. Its Lift-Away feature lets you easily convert it into a portable vacuum, which is handy for stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach spots. It includes useful attachments like pet, crevice, and upholstery tools, specifically designed to tackle pet hair and tight corners. The HEPA filtration with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal helps capture 99.9% of dust and allergens, improving air quality—a great plus for allergy sufferers.

The vacuum is bagless, so you don’t have to buy bags, and its 1.1L dust cup is a decent size for a budget-friendly model. At 5.1 kg, it’s lighter than many upright vacuums, making it easier to carry and maneuver, although it’s not cordless, so you’ll rely on the 8-meter cord length which provides reasonable reach but might limit mobility compared to cordless options. The LED headlights on the brush help spot hidden dust in dim areas, which is a thoughtful addition. Its 5-year guarantee adds confidence in durability.

If you’re looking for an affordable, reliable vacuum that handles pet hair well and offers solid allergen control without extra bags, this Shark model is a smart choice. However, if cordless convenience or ultra-quiet operation are priorities, you might want to explore other options.

Rating
10.0
Suction Power
Attachments and Accessories
Bagged vs. Bagless
Suction Power
The vacuum delivers impressive suction power that makes carpets look revitalized after just one use.
Attachments and Accessories
Its detachable design allows effortless cleaning of stairs, curtains, and other hard-to-reach spots with one hand.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Being bagless saves money and simplifies maintenance, though the 1.1L dust cup may require frequent emptying during larger jobs.
Weight and Maneuverability
The vacuum is fairly lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, though some find it a bit heavy when carrying the detachable motor unit.
Cord Length and Cordless Options
The 8-meter cord provides reasonable reach but can sometimes get in the way during use.
#3

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

Rating
9.7
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
9.7
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.

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.