8 Best Vacuum Cleaners for Carpets Under $100 2025

The Eureka WhirlWind redefines what an affordable canister vacuum can do—delivering serious suction, precision airflow control, and effortless agility in a sub-$60 package. With a 960-watt motor and an intuitive handle-mounted airflow dial, this vacuum transitions smoothly between carpet depths and hard floors without losing momentum. It’s a game-changer for homes with mixed flooring, solving the common pain point of having to swap machines or struggle with clunky adjustments. The swivel steering and telescoping wand make it feel almost surgical when navigating tight corners or stairs.

In real-world use, the WhirlWind shines on low- to medium-pile carpets, pulling up embedded dust and debris with consistent power. Its 2.5L bagless dust container minimizes emptying frequency, while the washable filters keep maintenance costs near zero. The integrated crevice tool and dusting brush are always within reach—no more fumbling through a toolbox of attachments. However, it lacks a powered brush roll, so it struggles slightly on high-pile rugs or with pet hair. The 8.15-pound weight makes it easy to lug around, but the canister design requires some coordination when cleaning upstairs.

Compared to upright models like the Eureka PowerSpeed, the WhirlWind trades raw carpet-penetrating power for greater versatility and maneuverability. It’s ideal for apartment dwellers or those with mostly hard floors and area rugs who still want deep-cleaning capability. While it doesn’t have pet-specific tools, its all-surface agility and low maintenance make it a strong contender in the budget canister category. Against similarly priced uprights, it offers smoother handling and smarter storage, though it can’t match the deep-cleaning intensity of a motorized roller brush.

The Amazon Basics Upright is the definition of no-frills efficiency—a lightweight, reliable workhorse that punches above its price tag with thoughtful design and solid carpet performance. At just 8.4 pounds and powered by a 720-watt motor, it’s easy to push across large rooms and up stairs, making it perfect for quick daily cleanups. The 25-foot power cord eliminates constant outlet hopping, a rare luxury at this price point. For budget-conscious buyers, it solves the biggest pain points: heaviness, short cords, and messy emptying, all while maintaining strong suction on low-pile carpets.

During testing, the vacuum handled short-pile rugs and hardwood transitions with ease, though deeper carpet cleaning required slower passes to lift stubborn debris. The 1.7L dust cup holds a decent amount, reducing trips to the trash, and the one-touch release makes emptying quick and relatively clean. The detachable handle and included tools add flexibility for above-floor cleaning, but the hose is short and the attachments feel flimsy. It lacks height adjustment, so on plush carpets, the brush roll can drag, reducing effectiveness. Still, for light to moderate use, it’s impressively capable.

When stacked against the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Amazon Basics model is less powerful but more affordable and lighter—a clear win for those prioritizing simplicity and value. It’s best suited for small homes, apartments, or secondary vacuums where deep cleaning isn’t a daily need. While it doesn’t offer pet-specific features or advanced filtration, its washable filter and low maintenance make it a smart pick for basic carpet care. Compared to pricier models, it sacrifices power and adjustability but delivers essential performance without fluff.

The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A is a pet owner’s dream—a 10-pound powerhouse with 960 watts of relentless suction and a pet-tuned brush roll that annihilates embedded fur and dander. Its standout feature? The onboard Pet Turbo Brush, which agitates deep into carpet fibers to lift even the most stubborn pet hair without tangling. With five height settings, it adapts seamlessly from tile to shag rugs, solving the common frustration of one-size-fits-all vacuums that either float over carpets or grind on hardwood. This is precision cleaning made simple.

In real-world testing, the PowerSpeed dominated on medium- to high-pile carpets, extracting tracked-in dirt and fur with minimal passes. The 2.6-liter dust cup is one of the largest in its class, allowing for whole-home cleanups without mid-job emptying. The flip-to-empty bin is genuinely mess-free—no touching debris. The crevice tool and dusting brush are securely stored onboard, but the hose reach is limited. While the suction is excellent, the vacuum can be noisy at full power, and the cord is shorter than ideal at 20 feet. Still, for homes with shedding pets, it’s a performance leader.

Compared to the Kenmore DU1275, the PowerSpeed lacks the automatic hair-removal system, but it matches in suction and offers better height adjustability. It’s heavier than ultra-light sticks like the Shark Rocket, but that extra weight brings superior carpet agitation and stability. Ideal for pet households with wall-to-wall carpeting, it balances power, capacity, and convenience. Against similarly priced models, it delivers stronger deep-cleaning performance and more thoughtful pet-specific features, making it a top-tier choice for fur-filled homes.

This newer Eureka PowerSpeed model brings next-gen cyclone tech to the budget upright game, delivering exceptional debris separation and 99.9% allergen capture—a rare feature under $70. With a 960-watt motor and 5-height adjustment, it’s engineered for maximum surface adaptability, from delicate hardwoods to plush Berber carpets. The standout is its dual-action cleaning path, which combines cyclonic suction with a sealed HEPA-like filtration system to trap dust and dander—ideal for allergy sufferers. It solves the common issue of cheap vacuums that kick dust back into the air.

In testing, it outperformed older Eureka models with deeper carpet penetration and reduced clogging, thanks to improved airflow dynamics. The stretch hose and 7-inch crevice tool make above-floor cleaning far more effective than most budget uprights. However, the roller brush still requires bi-weekly maintenance to prevent hair wrap—a real drawback for pet owners. While the wheels glide smoothly on hardwood, the vacuum is slightly heavier than competitors, and the cord rewind is manual, not automatic. Still, for homes needing allergy-friendly deep cleaning, it’s a standout.

Against the original PowerSpeed (NEU181A), this model adds better filtration and cyclone efficiency but keeps the same core performance. It’s heavier than the Eureka Airspeed, but that trade-off brings more powerful carpet cleaning and allergen control. Best for families with allergies or mixed flooring, it bridges the gap between budget and performance. Compared to the Amazon Basics, it offers superior filtration and deep-cleaning ability, making it worth the extra cost for health-conscious users.

The Eureka Airspeed is the lightest heavyweight in the room—a 7.7-pound featherweight with 700 watts of focused suction that punches above its price tag. Its 10.5-inch cleaning path zips across rooms quickly, and the ultra-compact design slips into closets or under furniture with zero hassle. For small apartments or quick cleanups, it solves the biggest pain point: bulky, hard-to-store vacuums that get ignored. The washable filter and bagless bin keep running costs at zero, and the integrated crevice tool and dusting brush are always ready.

In real use, it excels on low-pile carpets and hard floors, making fast work of surface dust and crumbs. However, it lacks height adjustment, so on thicker rugs, it struggles to agitate deeply. The suction is adequate but not intense—fine for light debris, but not for embedded pet hair or ground-in dirt. The cord is only 17 feet, requiring frequent outlet changes in larger homes. Still, for daily maintenance cleaning, it’s impressively agile and easy to handle, especially for seniors or those with mobility issues.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, it’s less powerful but far lighter and more compact—a clear win for portability. It’s not a replacement for deep cleaning, but as a secondary or quick-touch vacuum, it’s unmatched under $40. Ideal for studio apartments, dorms, or car cleaning, it prioritizes convenience over brute force. Against the Amazon Basics, it’s lighter and more compact, though it sacrifices dust cup size and cord length for that advantage.

The Kenmore DU1275 is a game-changer for long-haired homes, thanks to its patented Hair Eliminator brushroll that automatically ejects缠绕 hair—no more scissors or weekly de-tangling. With 4 height settings and a 6-foot hose, it adapts to every surface and reaches into high corners, under furniture, and even into cars. The extra-large dust cup holds 3X more debris than most budget vacuums, reducing emptying frequency during whole-home cleanups. For households drowning in pet or human hair, it solves the #1 frustration: constant roller maintenance.

In testing, it dominated on medium-pile carpets, lifting fur and fine dust with minimal effort. The Pet HandiMate tool is a standout—designed to vacuum up hair from upholstery and pet beds with precision. The swivel steering makes it agile around furniture, and the 7-foot extended reach is perfect for ceiling fans or window tracks. However, at under 11 pounds, it’s one of the heavier models here, and the filters aren’t washable, increasing long-term costs. It also lacks a powered handheld mode, limiting versatility.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Kenmore wins on hair management and tool versatility, but loses on filter maintenance and portability. It’s best for homes with long-haired pets or people, where hair clogs are a daily battle. Against the Shark Rocket, it’s less portable but more powerful on carpets. With features typically found in $150+ models, it delivers exceptional value for its niche, making it the top pick for hair-heavy households despite its weight and filter limitations.

The Eureka NES100 is a 2.75-pound cleaning dynamo—a corded stick vacuum that transforms into a handheld or stick model in seconds, making it perfect for spot cleaning, stairs, and car interiors. With continuous corded power, it never fades like battery models, delivering stable, high-intensity suction exactly when needed. The 3-in-1 versatility solves the pain point of owning multiple devices—no more lugging a full-sized vacuum for a quick spill. It’s incredibly easy to store, standing upright on its own with integrated cord wrap.

In real use, it excels at above-floor tasks: pet hair on couches, crumbs in car seats, or dust on blinds. The crevice tool and dusting brush snap directly onto the handle, and the lightweight design makes overhead cleaning effortless. However, it lacks a motorized brush, so on carpets, it relies on suction alone—fine for light debris but not for deep cleaning. The dust cup is small, requiring frequent emptying during larger jobs. Still, for quick cleanups and targeted messes, it’s unbeatable at this price.

Compared to the Shark Rocket, it’s lighter and cheaper, but lacks swivel steering and a sealed filtration system. It’s not a primary vacuum, but as a supplemental tool, it’s brilliant. Ideal for apartments, RVs, or pet owners needing a go-to spot cleaner, it offers maximum convenience for minimal cost. Against handheld-only models, it delivers greater reach and conversion flexibility, making it the best budget 3-in-1 stick under $30.

The Shark Rocket HV301 is a corded marvel of engineering—an under-9-pound stick vacuum that converts to handheld in a flash, offering floor-to-ceiling agility with zero power loss. Its swivel steering makes it feel like an extension of your arm, gliding around furniture and into tight spaces with surgical precision. With fingertip surface controls and never-losing-suction technology, it maintains full power on both carpets and tile, solving the common issue of weak stick vacuums that falter on rugs.

In testing, it outperformed most budget uprights on low- to medium-pile carpets, thanks to its sealed suction path and anti-allergen filtration. The easy-empty dust cup and included upholstery, dust brush, and crevice tools make it a complete cleaning system. The handheld unit detaches cleanly and can be hung from the wand for storage—brilliant design. However, the charger base isn’t included, and the cord is only 20 feet, requiring outlet changes in larger homes. Still, for versatile, whole-home cleaning, it’s unmatched.

Compared to the Eureka Airspeed, it’s more powerful and maneuverable, though slightly heavier. It’s the best lightweight corded option for those who want one vacuum for everything. Ideal for allergy sufferers, pet owners, and multi-surface homes, it combines power, portability, and filtration in one package. Against the Kenmore DU1275, it’s lighter and more agile, though it sacrifices dust cup size and hair-elimination tech.