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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 Stratos Cordless Pet Pro Stick Vacuum Cleaner with Anti Hair Wrap Plus, Clean Sense IQ, DuoClean, 60min Run-Time, Removable Battery, 4 Attachments, Anti-Allergen, White/Navy IZ402UKTSB

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,451
Suction Power
Weight and Maneuverability
Attachments and Accessories
Suction Power
Its suction power is perfectly balanced—not too weak to require multiple passes, nor too strong to damage rugs or mats.
Weight and Maneuverability
Despite being a bit heavier than some cordless vacuums, its flexible wand and maneuverability make it easy to use around furniture and under beds.
Attachments and Accessories
The vacuum includes a thoughtful selection of accessories, including a pet-specific FurFins tool and a crevice tool, enhancing versatility.

The Shark Stratos Cordless Pet Pro Stick Vacuum is a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile, cordless vacuum under a budget. Its standout feature is the Anti Hair Wrap Plus technology, which automatically removes hair from the brush roll while you clean—this is especially handy for pet owners dealing with fur. The DuoClean floorhead works well on both carpets and hard floors, with motorised brush-rolls and LED lights to catch dust hidden in corners. The Clean Sense IQ tech detects dirt you might miss and adjusts suction power accordingly, making cleaning more efficient without you having to lift a finger.

The vacuum uses a HEPA filter and an anti-allergen complete seal, so it’s good at trapping dust and allergens, helping improve air quality in your home. It’s cordless with a removable battery providing up to 60 minutes of run-time in eco mode, which means you can clean larger areas without plugging in. It weighs about 5.1 kg, which is a bit heavier than some other stick vacuums, but still manageable thanks to a flexible wand and good maneuverability. The vacuum comes with useful attachments like a crevice tool, multi-surface brush, anti-allergen brush, and a pet-specific FurFins tool, making it adaptable for different cleaning needs.

One possible downside is the weight, which might tire some users during extended cleaning sessions. Also, while it has a good suction power of 309 watts, it might not match the strongest uprights in deep carpet cleaning. The dustbin capacity of 0.7 litres is decent but may require frequent emptying in larger homes or heavy use. For those seeking a cordless vacuum that handles pet hair well, cleans multiple floor types, and offers a good balance between power and convenience, the Shark Stratos is a worthy option within the affordable vacuum category.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,451
Suction Power
Weight and Maneuverability
Attachments and Accessories
Suction Power
Its suction power is perfectly balanced—not too weak to require multiple passes, nor too strong to damage rugs or mats.
Weight and Maneuverability
Despite being a bit heavier than some cordless vacuums, its flexible wand and maneuverability make it easy to use around furniture and under beds.
Attachments and Accessories
The vacuum includes a thoughtful selection of accessories, including a pet-specific FurFins tool and a crevice tool, enhancing versatility.
#2

Shark Anti Hair Wrap Plus Upright Corded Pet Vacuum, 2.5L, Powered Lift-Away, Anti-Allergen Seal, Hard Floor & Carpet Mode, 750W, 8m Cord, Multi-Surface & Pet Hair Tools, Smoky Grey, NZ780UKT

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Filtration System
Bagged vs. Bagless
Suction Power
Delivers strong suction that picks up fine dust effortlessly, creating an instant clean feeling with fewer passes.
Filtration System
Innovative dust collection design allows easy disposal without reaching deep inside, making maintenance hassle-free.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Bagless design and detachable components make it convenient and adaptable for pet owners dealing with hair and allergens.
Weight and Maneuverability
Despite being a bit heavy, it remains maneuverable and easy to handle during cleaning sessions.
Noise Level
The vacuum operates much quieter than comparable models, enhancing the cleaning experience.
Cord Length and Cordless Options
Electric cord length provides sufficient reach, reducing the need for frequent unplugging in typical home settings.

The Shark Anti Hair Wrap Plus Upright Pet Vacuum is designed to handle homes with pets and mixed floor types, making it a solid choice for users on a budget who want reliable cleaning. It offers strong suction powered by a 700W motor, which is effective for both carpets and hard floors thanks to its easy mode switch. Its large 2.5L dust cup means fewer stops to empty, which is convenient for bigger cleaning tasks. The vacuum uses a HEPA filter combined with an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal that traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, helping keep indoor air cleaner—a big plus for allergy sufferers. It’s a bagless model, which means you don’t have to buy bags but you’ll need to empty the dust cup regularly.

Weighing about 6.5 kg, it’s a bit heavier than some lightweight vacuums, so it might feel bulky when carrying around, but the Powered Lift-Away feature lets you detach the canister to clean stairs or furniture more easily. Included accessories like a pet hair remover brush, crevice tool, and multi-surface tool add versatility, especially for pet owners. The 8-meter cord provides decent reach without frequent unplugging but it’s not cordless, so you’ll be limited by the cord length.

This vacuum performs strongly for pet hair and multi-floor cleaning with good allergen control, though its weight and corded design might not suit those wanting ultra-light or cordless convenience.

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Filtration System
Bagged vs. Bagless
Suction Power
Delivers strong suction that picks up fine dust effortlessly, creating an instant clean feeling with fewer passes.
Filtration System
Innovative dust collection design allows easy disposal without reaching deep inside, making maintenance hassle-free.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Bagless design and detachable components make it convenient and adaptable for pet owners dealing with hair and allergens.
Weight and Maneuverability
Despite being a bit heavy, it remains maneuverable and easy to handle during cleaning sessions.
Noise Level
The vacuum operates much quieter than comparable models, enhancing the cleaning experience.
Cord Length and Cordless Options
Electric cord length provides sufficient reach, reducing the need for frequent unplugging in typical home settings.
#3

Numatic NRV240-11 Henry Vacuum Cleaner 620W 9L Commercial Dry Red + 5 Freshener Sticks

Rating
8.5
Suction Power
Attachments and Accessories
Cord Length and Cordless Options
Suction Power
The suction power is so strong it can actually lift carpets, proving its effectiveness beyond typical cleaning.
Attachments and Accessories
The pet attachment with wheels excels at removing pet fur effortlessly, outperforming expensive brands like Dyson and Shark.
Cord Length and Cordless Options
The long cord allows cleaning multiple rooms without unplugging, and the built-in handle makes cable storage quick and tidy.

The Numatic NRV240-11 Henry Vacuum Cleaner is a sturdy, bagged vacuum designed with commercial use in mind but also fits well for home users looking for reliable daily cleaning. Its 620W motor provides solid suction power suitable for typical dust and debris, though it may not match the strength of higher-end vacuums. The 9-liter bag capacity is generous, meaning less frequent bag changes, and the bagged system helps keep dust contained, which is great if you want cleaner exhaust air. The filtration system is standard for bagged models but doesn’t specify advanced HEPA filters, so it may not be ideal for allergy sufferers needing top-notch filtration.

In terms of weight and maneuverability, it weighs about 8.9 kg, which is on the heavier side for a vacuum but balanced by large front wheels and a bumper ring that protect the unit and make movement smoother on uneven floors. It’s not cordless, but the long 12.5-meter cable gives you plenty of reach without changing plugs frequently. Plus, the automatic cable rewind and wand docking system make storage neat and hassle-free. Noise level is moderate at 76 decibels, which is typical but might be a bit loud in quiet environments.

The included accessory kit is comprehensive with a floor tool, dusting brush, crevice tool, and hose, allowing for versatile cleaning from floors to tight corners. Additionally, the 3-year warranty adds peace of mind regarding durability. This vacuum is a strong option if you want a durable, easy-to-store machine with decent suction and a large bag capacity, particularly for commercial or heavy home use. However, if you prefer lightweight, cordless options or require very quiet operation, this might not be the best fit.

Rating
8.5
Suction Power
Attachments and Accessories
Cord Length and Cordless Options
Suction Power
The suction power is so strong it can actually lift carpets, proving its effectiveness beyond typical cleaning.
Attachments and Accessories
The pet attachment with wheels excels at removing pet fur effortlessly, outperforming expensive brands like Dyson and Shark.
Cord Length and Cordless Options
The long cord allows cleaning multiple rooms without unplugging, and the built-in handle makes cable storage quick and tidy.

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.