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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, Lightweight, Floor Detect Technology, Anti-Hair Wrap Technology, Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, Flexible, Handheld mode, Navy Metallic, IZ380UK

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,180
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
10.0
Chosen by1,180
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.
#2

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

Rating
10.0
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
10.0
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.
#3

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

Rating
9.4
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
9.4
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.

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.