8 Best Bargain Vacuums of 2025

Don’t let its featherlight frame fool you — the Eureka Airspeed packs a punch where it counts. With a 700-watt motor and a 10.5-inch cleaning path, this upright slices through surface debris on both carpet and hard floors with surprising authority for its size. Its standout feature? The quick-release handle that transforms it into an above-floor cleaning tool in seconds, making it a game-changer for cluttered homes or quick cleanups between deeper sessions. If you’ve ever struggled with clunky vacuums that dominate your closet space, this one answers with effortless portability and smart design.

In real-world use, this vacuum shines on low-pile carpets and sealed hardwood, where its direct suction and compact brushroll avoid scattering debris. While it won’t deep-clean shag rugs or pull out embedded pet hair like premium models, it handles daily dust, crumbs, and light messes with ease. The 7.7-pound body makes it a breeze to carry up stairs or store in tight spaces — a lifesaver for apartment dwellers or older users. However, its small dust cup means more frequent emptying during whole-room sessions, and the lack of brushroll shutoff limits bare floor finesse.

Compared to pricier uprights like the Shark NV356E, the Eureka Airspeed trades advanced filtration and lift-away versatility for raw affordability and simplicity. It’s not built for allergy sufferers or pet owners with constant shedding, but for those who need a no-fuss, grab-and-go vacuum under $40, it’s hard to beat. When stacked against budget stick vacuums, it offers better sustained suction and floor coverage, making it a smarter long-term buy than disposable-feeling competitors.

The Shark Navigator NV356E doesn’t just clean — it conquers. With lift-away mobility, HEPA-sealed filtration, and swivel steering, this upright is built for households that demand whole-home performance without compromise. Its 0.87L dust cup and powerful 12-amp motor deliver sustained suction across carpets and hard floors, while the brushroll shutoff lets you glide over hardwood without scattering debris — a rare and valuable feature at this price. If your vacuum struggles with stairs, furniture, or allergens, this one solves those headaches with surgical precision.

In testing, the lift-away pod proved invaluable for cleaning couches, drapes, and car interiors, turning a bulky upright into a nimble handheld. The anti-allergen seal captured visible dust and fine particles alike, with exhaust air noticeably cleaner — a win for asthma or allergy sufferers. On thick carpets, the deep-cleaning power pulled out embedded dirt, though the weight (16.5 lbs) made upstairs cleaning slightly tiring. It handles transitions well, but the cord (25 ft) can snag on doorframes, and the dust cup, while large, requires careful alignment to reattach.

Against the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Shark trades a smaller dust cup for superior filtration, versatility, and pet-specific tools. It’s not as lightweight, but the maneuverability and lift-away function make it far more adaptable. Compared to cordless models like the KARDV, it offers uninterrupted runtime and stronger consistent suction, though it lacks battery freedom. For families needing allergy control, pet hair removal, and multi-surface mastery, this is the gold standard in mid-range uprights — a complete package that outperforms its price tag.

The KARDV 500W cordless vacuum is a power-packed performer that punches above its price class. With 40Kpa of max suction, a 60-minute runtime in eco mode, and a smart LED display, it brings premium features to the mid-tier market. The V-shaped anti-tangle roller is a revelation for pet owners — long hair slides right through instead of wrapping, and the green LED headlights expose dust bunnies under the couch like a forensic investigator. If you’re tired of cordless vacuums that choke on pet hair or die mid-clean, this one delivers real-world reliability with high-tech flair.

During testing, it handled low to medium-pile carpets, hardwood, and tile with confidence, maintaining strong suction even as the battery dipped. The 2-speed settings let you balance power and runtime — eco for daily touch-ups, max for post-shedding blitzes. The 8-in-1 attachments made cleaning car interiors, mattresses, and ceiling corners effortless, and the wall-mounted charging station keeps it organized and always ready. However, the weight distribution feels slightly front-heavy in handheld mode, and while the 1.5L dust cup is generous, it’s not quite as easy to empty as some rivals.

Stacked against the Shark HV322, the KARDV offers longer runtime and stronger suction, though the Shark wins on ergonomic balance and build refinement. Compared to budget corded sticks, it’s in a different league — freedom, power, and smart features all in one. For pet owners or tech-savvy users who want cordless convenience without sacrificing performance, this is the best-value cordless vacuum in the $100 range — a rare blend of power, runtime, and innovation.

The Amazon Basics 2-in-1 stick vacuum is the definition of no-nonsense efficiency — a barebones but brilliant tool for fast cleanups. Weighing just 3.9 pounds, it’s the lightest vacuum in this lineup, making it perfect for quick spills, countertop crumbs, or stair messes. Its 300W motor delivers consistent suction on hard floors and low-pile rugs, and the washable HEPA filter traps 99.97% of dust and allergens — a rare find at this price. If you need a vacuum that’s always ready, weighs nothing, and cleans without fuss, this one delivers where it matters most.

In daily use, it excels at spot cleaning and small spaces — think kitchens, offices, or dorm rooms. The 2-in-1 design lets you pop off the handheld unit and attack upholstery or car seats in seconds. The 19.7-foot cord eliminates range anxiety, and the self-standing base with cord wrap makes storage a snap. But it’s not for whole-house cleaning — the 0.5L dust cup fills fast, and the suction struggles on medium-pile carpets. It lacks brushroll shutoff, so dust can scatter on hardwood if you’re not careful.

Compared to the Bissell Featherweight, it offers better filtration and a more stable base, though both are featherlight. Against pricier cordless models, it can’t match runtime or power, but it never needs charging and costs less than most replacement batteries. For renters, seniors, or anyone who values ultra-lightweight, always-ready cleaning, this is the most practical budget pick — a minimalist tool that does the basics exceptionally well.

The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A is a heavy-duty cleaner in a lightweight shell — an upright that combines 10-pound portability with heavyweight performance. Its 960-watt motor delivers robust suction across carpets and hard floors, while the massive 2.6-liter dust cup means fewer trips to the trash, a huge win for large homes or pet owners. The 5-height brushroll adjustment lets you fine-tune cleaning from plush rugs to bare wood, and the flip-to-empty bin makes disposal fast and mess-free. If you’re tired of emptying tiny bins every few rooms, this vacuum ends that frustration with one smart design move.

In real-world testing, it handled area rugs, tile, and low-pile carpeting with confidence, maintaining consistent pickup without clogs. The onboard pet turbo brush made quick work of embedded fur on couches and stairs, and the overall build felt sturdier than other sub-$70 vacuums. However, the lack of a HEPA filter limits its appeal for allergy sufferers, and the cord rewind is manual, which feels outdated. It’s also louder than average, which might bother noise-sensitive users.

Against the Shark NV356E, it trades allergen filtration and lift-away convenience for larger capacity and simpler operation. Compared to the KARDV cordless, it offers unlimited runtime and lower maintenance, though it lacks battery freedom. For families with pets or large floor plans who want a powerful, low-maintenance upright with fewer emptying stops, the PowerSpeed is the best large-dust-cup value on the market — a workhorse that balances size, power, and price perfectly.

The Shark HV322 Rocket Pet Plus is a pet hair assassin disguised as a stick vacuum. With LED headlights, XL dust cup, and two dedicated pet tools, it’s engineered to hunt down hidden fur and dander in every corner of your home. The powerful suction grabs embedded hair from upholstery and stairs, while the ultra-lightweight body makes overhead and under-furniture cleaning effortless. Its convertible design turns it into a handheld in seconds, and the LEDs on the nozzle reveal dust you didn’t know was there — a game-changer for homes with shedding pets.

In testing, it outperformed most stick vacuums on carpet edges, baseboards, and furniture, thanks to its aggressive brushroll and pet multi-tool. The 0.68-quart dust cup allowed extended cleaning without emptying, and the corded design meant no power drop-off. However, the plastic build feels less durable than higher-end Sharks, and the attachments lack tool storage on the body, so they’re easy to misplace. It also lacks a HEPA seal, limiting its allergy-fighting potential.

Compared to the KARDV, it offers better ergonomics and pet-specific tools, though the KARDV wins on runtime and suction power. Against the Eureka WhirlWind, it’s more agile on stairs and furniture, but the canister offers better reach and swivel control. For pet owners who need fast, focused cleaning on fur-heavy surfaces, this is the most effective corded stick in its class — a specialized tool that does one job exceptionally well.

The Eureka WhirlWind NEN110A is a canister vacuum that redefines affordability — a swivel-steering, bagless powerhouse that glides under furniture and tackles stairs with ease. Its telescoping metal wand and integrated crevice tool make it ideal for tight spaces and multi-level homes, while the 2.5L dust container reduces emptying frequency. The 960-watt motor delivers solid suction across carpets and hard floors, and the one-touch empty system keeps cleanup mess-free. If you’ve avoided canisters due to cost or complexity, this one proves high maneuverability doesn’t have to be expensive.

In real use, the swivel steering made navigating around coffee tables and legs a breeze, and the airflow control on the handle let us adjust suction on the fly — perfect for switching between rugs and hardwood. The washable filter saves long-term costs, and the automatic cord rewind is a luxury rarely seen at this price. However, the suction isn’t as strong as uprights, and it struggles with deep carpet cleaning. The hose is also shorter than ideal for whole-home reach.

Compared to the Shark HV322, it offers better floor maneuverability and larger capacity, though the Shark wins on pet hair tools and portability. Against uprights like the Eureka Airspeed, it provides superior reach and filtration, but lacks the direct carpet agitation. For apartment dwellers or those with stairs and furniture, this is the best-value canister vacuum — a nimble, low-maintenance cleaner that brings premium features down to budget levels.

The Bissell Featherweight 2033M is the lightest lift of all — a stick vacuum so slim and simple, it feels like an extension of your arm. At just under 4 pounds, it’s built for quick pickups and daily touch-ups, not deep cleans. Its dual-action design lets you use it as a stick, handle-only, or stair vacuum, making it ideal for spot cleaning counters, cars, or couch crumbs. With 0.67L capacity and a crevice tool, it handles small messes with speed, and the bagless design keeps ongoing costs near zero. If you need a no-hassle, always-ready cleaner for light-duty jobs, this is the most accessible option on the list.

In practice, it’s perfect for kitchen spills, pet food scatter, or dusting baseboards, but it’s not built for wall-to-wall cleaning. The suction is adequate for surface dirt, but struggles with embedded debris or pet hair. The floor nozzle is small, so cleaning large rooms takes time, and the dust cup is tricky to empty without spilling. Still, for its sub-$20 price, it’s remarkably functional.

Compared to the Amazon Basics stick, it’s slightly lighter but less stable, and lacks HEPA filtration. Against full-sized vacuums, it’s not a replacement — but as a secondary or supplemental cleaner, it’s unbeatable for cost and convenience. For students, renters, or anyone who wants a disposable-vacuum alternative that actually works, this is the best ultra-lightweight pick-up tool — a minimalist marvel for micro-messes.