9 Best Least Expensive Vacuum Cleaners 2025

The Eureka WhirlWind is a game-changer for small-space dwellers who refuse to compromise on cleaning power. With a 960-watt motor and integrated airflow control right on the handle, it delivers consistent, adjustable suction across carpets, hardwood, and upholstery—no guesswork needed. Its swivel steering and telescoping metal wand make it a nimble navigator under furniture and up stairs, solving the age-old problem of bulky vacuums that fight you every step of the way.

In real-world testing, this canister vacuum excels on mixed flooring, effortlessly transitioning from plush rugs to tile without scattering debris. The 2.5L bagless dust container means fewer trips to empty, while the washable filters eliminate recurring costs—a major win for budget-conscious users. However, the hose isn’t self-retracting like the cord, and the lack of onboard attachment storage means tools can get misplaced. Still, for a corded canister under $60, it punches well above its weight in performance.

Compared to stick vacuums like the Bissell Featherweight, the WhirlWind offers deeper clean potential thanks to its stronger motor and larger capacity, though it sacrifices some portability. It’s ideal for renters, pet owners with light shedding, or anyone who values true multi-surface performance without the upright bulk. While not as compact as stick models, it delivers canister-grade cleaning at a fraction of the cost—a rare feat in this price range.

Don’t let its barely-there weight fool you—the Bissell Featherweight packs a surprisingly robust punch for instant cleanups. At just 2.6 pounds, it’s practically weightless in hand, making it perfect for quick spills, countertop crumbs, or car detailing. The instant-on trigger keeps power active only when needed, preserving motor life and giving you total control. For users tired of lugging heavy vacuums for small messes, this stick-to-handheld chameleon is a revelation.

In daily use, the Featherweight shines on sealed hard floors and low-pile rugs, where its dual-action brush roll agitates and lifts dirt efficiently. The 0.67L dirt cup fills quickly on larger jobs, but it’s easy to empty with a one-touch release. While it struggles with embedded pet hair or thick carpets, it’s never meant for whole-home deep cleans—instead, it thrives as a spot-cleaning specialist. The built-in crevice tool is handy, though the lack of a dusting brush onboard limits versatility.

When stacked against the Amazon Basics 2-in-1, the Featherweight feels more refined and responsive, though it lacks HEPA filtration. It’s best for apartment dwellers, college students, or busy parents who need a vacuum within arm’s reach for daily touch-ups. For the price, it offers unbeatable convenience and agility, outperforming most handhelds while costing less than many cordless stick vacuums.

The Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo is a masterclass in efficient design, delivering full-size suction in a featherlight 10-pound frame. Its scatter-free technology is a silent hero, preventing debris from bouncing ahead on hard floors—a common flaw in budget uprights. The quick-release wand transforms it into an above-floor cleaner in seconds, making it a true all-in-one for dorms, studios, or small apartments. For users tired of juggling multiple tools, this vacuum simplifies cleaning with smart, integrated features.

During real-world testing, it handled cereal spills, tracked-in dirt, and pet hair on low-pile rugs with impressive consistency. The compact footprint fits easily in closets, and the ergonomic handle reduces strain during extended use. However, the dust cup is small (0.7L), requiring frequent emptying during larger jobs, and the cord isn’t self-retracting. While it lacks HEPA filtration, its direct-air path ensures minimal suction loss over time.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, it’s lighter and more compact but offers slightly less power and no height adjustment. It’s ideal for urban renters, college students, or minimalist households who prioritize space-saving design without sacrificing core performance. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of pricier models, but for small-space cleaning, it delivers maximum impact with minimal footprint—a true standout in the sub-$70 category.

The Amazon Basics 2-in-1 is the definition of smart budget engineering—a no-frills, high-value vacuum that punches above its price tag. At just 3.9 pounds, it’s effortless to wield, yet its 300W motor delivers reliable suction for daily messes on hard floors and thin rugs. The washable HEPA filter is a rare gem at this price, capturing 99.97% of allergens down to 0.3 microns, making it a strong contender for allergy sufferers on a tight budget.

In practice, it excels at quick cleanups—think breakfast crumbs, tracked-in dust, or pet hair on stairs. The self-standing design and built-in cord wrap make storage a breeze in tight closets or under sinks. However, it bogs down on high-pile carpets, and the 0.5L dust cup fills fast during whole-room cleaning. The convertible handheld mode works well for car seats and upholstery, but the attachments feel slightly flimsy compared to premium models.

Against the FUNCCUBE MC607C, it offers better filtration and sturdier build, though with slightly less suction power. It’s perfect for first-time buyers, renters, or secondary vacuums in small homes. For those who want HEPA-level air quality without spending $100+, this vacuum is a no-brainer upgrade from basic handhelds—offering essential features with zero fluff.

The Eureka PowerSpeed is a pet owner’s dream—a 10-pound powerhouse that deep-cleans carpets while gliding over hardwood with precision. Its 960-watt motor and 5-height brush roll adjustment let you tune the cleaning depth for any surface, from shag rugs to tile, eliminating the one-size-fits-all frustration of most budget vacuums. The onboard pet turbo brush is a game-changer, lifting embedded fur from sofas and stairs with ease.

Real-world testing showed exceptional pet hair pickup, even on dark upholstery where lint is most visible. The 2.6L dust cup allows for longer cleaning sessions, and the flip-to-empty bin keeps hands mess-free—a small detail that makes a big difference. However, the cord is only 19 feet, requiring frequent outlet changes in larger homes. While it’s not HEPA-rated, the sealed system with washable filters still traps most allergens effectively.

Compared to the Shark NV356E, it lacks lift-away functionality and HEPA certification but costs less than half and is lighter to maneuver. It’s ideal for households with shedding pets, kids, or mixed flooring who want deep-cleaning power without the premium price. For pet-focused performance at a budget price, it’s hard to beat—offering smart features where they matter most.

The Shark Navigator NV356E is the gold standard for upright HEPA vacuums—a feature-rich powerhouse that dominates in allergen capture and versatility. Its lift-away pod lets you detach the canister and clean ceilings, stairs, or car interiors like a handheld, while the anti-allergen complete seal traps 99.9% of dust and dander, making it a must-have for asthma and allergy sufferers. The swivel steering ensures laser-precise maneuvering around furniture and tight corners.

In testing, it handled pet hair, fine dust, and cereal spills with ease, maintaining strong suction across thick carpets and hardwood. The brushroll shutoff is a brilliant touch, switching from aggressive carpet cleaning to gentle bare-floor mode with a button press. However, it’s heavier (17.4 lbs) than rivals, and the dust cup is smaller (0.87L) than some budget models. The HEPA filter is washable, but drying takes time, temporarily limiting use.

Versus the Eureka PowerSpeed, it offers superior filtration and lift-away convenience but at nearly double the price. It’s best for large homes, pet owners with allergies, or anyone who wants hospital-grade air cleaning without sacrificing performance. While not the cheapest, it delivers exceptional long-term value through durability, filtration, and flexibility—a true investment in home health.

The FUNCCUBE MC607C is a hidden gem in the budget 2-in-1 category, blending strong suction, HEPA filtration, and ultra-lightweight design into one sleek package. Weighing just 3.8 pounds, it’s effortless to carry from room to room, while the corded power ensures zero downtime—a major advantage over battery-limited models. The washable HEPA filter captures fine dust and allergens, making it a smart pick for sensitive households on a budget.

In real use, it handled everyday debris, pet hair, and floor dust with surprising efficiency, especially on hardwood and low-pile rugs. The 2-in-1 conversion is smooth—just detach the pod for handheld cleaning of stairs, furniture, or car seats. The long power cord covers multiple rooms, but the dust cup is small (0.5L) and requires frequent emptying. While it lacks height adjustment, its consistent suction compensates on most surfaces.

Compared to the Amazon Basics 2-in-1, it offers similar features with slightly better suction and build quality, though at a marginally higher cost. It’s ideal for pet owners, families, or anyone wanting a reliable, corded 2-in-1 without overspending. For daily cleaning with allergen control, it strikes a perfect balance of power, portability, and price—a standout in the sub-$30 vacuum market.

The Eureka Airspeed is a steal under $40, offering 700-watt cleaning power in a feathery 7.7-pound frame—making it one of the lightest uprights on the market. Its 10.5-inch cleaning path covers ground quickly, while the quick-release handle lets you clean baseboards, blinds, or upholstery without dragging the whole unit. For users with back strain or limited storage, this vacuum is a space-saving, low-effort solution.

In testing, it performed well on hard floors and thin carpets, pulling up dust and light debris with ease. The washable filter and bagless design keep maintenance costs near zero, and the onboard crevice tool and dusting brush are always within reach. However, the suction isn’t strong enough for deep carpet cleaning, and the cord is short (19.7 ft), limiting room coverage. It’s best for spot cleaning and small apartments, not whole-home deep cleans.

Against the Eureka WhirlWind canister, it’s less powerful but more compact and easier to store. It’s perfect for college dorms, small condos, or as a secondary vacuum. For under $40, it delivers exceptional value, offering core functionality without fluff—a true budget champion for light-duty cleaning.

The Eureka NES100 is the lightest corded vacuum in its class at just 2.75 pounds, making it effortless to wield for quick cleanups. Its 3-in-1 design transforms from stick to handheld to stair vacuum in seconds, with a crevice tool included for tight spaces. The corded power means uninterrupted cleaning, a major plus over battery-dependent models that quit mid-job. For pet owners needing a ready-at-a-moment’s-notice cleaner, this is a no-nonsense workhorse.

In daily use, it handled pet hair, dust bunnies, and floor crumbs effectively on hard floors and low-pile rugs. The self-standing design and wrap-around cord hooks make storage simple in closets or under counters. However, the suction is modest, and it struggles with embedded dirt or thick carpets. The dust cup is small, requiring frequent emptying during larger tasks.

Compared to the Bissell Featherweight, it offers similar portability with better conversion flexibility but lacks a dusting brush. It’s ideal for apartment dwellers, pet owners, or car cleaners who want a lightweight, always-ready vacuum. For under $30, it delivers unmatched convenience and reliability, making it a top pick for fast, frequent cleanups—not deep cleaning.