8 Best Upright Vacuums Under $200 of 2026

The Eureka FlexReach Plus is a game-changer for homeowners tired of manually switching settings between carpet and hard floors. Its standout Floor Sense+React Tech intelligently detects surface types and adjusts suction on the fly, delivering 192AW of targeted power where it’s needed most. Paired with a sealed HEPA filtration system, this vacuum doesn’t just clean—it protects, trapping 0.3-micron allergens like pet dander and pollen, making it a top pick for allergy sufferers and pet owners alike.

In real-world testing across mixed flooring, the FlexReach Plus handled transitions from plush rugs to hardwood with zero hiccups. The 30-foot power cord is a rare luxury in this price range, allowing coverage of large rooms without constant plug swapping. The anti-tangle brush roll lived up to its promise, slicing through pet hair and long fibers without clogging. However, while the suction is robust, it can struggle slightly on ultra-thick carpets when set to auto mode, where manual override would help—but isn’t available.

Compared to the Shark NV360, the FlexReach Plus offers smarter automation and longer reach but lacks lift-away convenience. It strikes a sweet spot between high-end performance and mid-tier pricing, making it ideal for medium to large homes with pets and mixed flooring. For those prioritizing set-and-forget cleaning with hospital-grade filtration, this Eureka model outperforms its class—delivering near-premium results without the premium tag.

Don’t let its 7.7-pound frame fool you—the Eureka Airspeed packs a surprising punch for quick cleanups and small-space dwellers. This featherlight champ shines with effortless portability and instant above-floor access, thanks to its quick-release handle that transforms it into a handheld in seconds. With a 10.5-inch cleaning path and 700-watt motor, it zips across hardwood and low-pile rugs, making it a go-to for daily maintenance rather than deep cleans.

During testing, the Airspeed proved invaluable for apartment living and spot cleaning—think cereal spills, tracked-in dirt, or post-pet grooming fur bursts. The onboard crevice tool and dusting brush stay within reach, eliminating fumbling through drawers. While it handles light debris well, its suction falters on deeply embedded pet hair or high-pile carpets, and the small dust cup demands frequent emptying in larger homes. Still, for swift, no-fuss operation, it’s hard to beat.

Priced well below most competitors, the Airspeed stands as the most accessible entry point into quality upright cleaning. It’s no match for the Shark Vertex in power or filtration, but it outmaneuvers heavier models like the NV360 with sheer agility. If your priority is lightweight convenience and budget-savvy performance, this Eureka delivers where it counts—especially for renters or those with minimal storage. It’s the compact powerhouse that proves big features don’t need big bulk.

The Amazon Basics Upright is the definition of no-nonsense value—a bare-bones workhorse that punches above its sub-$60 price. At 8.4 pounds, it’s easy to tote up stairs, and its 25-foot cord ensures wide room coverage without outlet-hopping. The 1.7-liter dust cup is a standout at this price, reducing emptying frequency during larger jobs, while the washable filter keeps long-term costs near zero.

In practice, this vacuum handles everyday messes on low to medium-pile carpets and hard floors with reliable consistency. The detachable handle doubles as a handheld unit, useful for stairs or car interiors, though suction drops slightly in this mode. It lacks advanced features like height adjustment or swivel steering, making edge cleaning and transitions clunky. On thick rugs, it struggles to agitate deep-seated dirt, and the basic cyclonic system doesn’t match HEPA-level allergen retention.

Against the Eureka Airspeed, it trades slightly more power and capacity for less portability and tool versatility. It doesn’t dazzle, but for first-time buyers or secondary home units, it’s a reliable, low-risk investment. If you want maximum function for minimal spend without frills, this Amazon Basics model delivers honest, no-gimmick cleaning—proving that sometimes, basic is brilliant.

The Shark AZ2002 Vertex is a suction beast built for sprawling homes where cleaning stamina and versatility are non-negotiable. With 1344 watts of power and Active Glide technology, it glides over hardwood while digging deep into carpets, thanks to DuoClean PowerFins that combine stiff fins and soft bristles for triple-duty cleaning. The powered lift-away pod is a revelation—motorized for stairs, under beds, or furniture—making it one of the most flexible uprights under $250.

Real-world use confirms its dominance in large, multi-level homes. The self-cleaning brushroll resists hair wrap even after weeks of daily pet use, and LED headlights expose hidden dust bunnies under sofas. The 1-quart dust cup lasts impressively long, and anti-allergen complete seal + HEPA ensures 99.9% of dust stays trapped. However, its weight (15.4 lbs) and size make storage a challenge in tight closets, and the noise level is noticeable on max setting.

Next to the Eureka FlexReach, the Vertex offers superior maneuverability and deep-clean power, but at a higher price and bulk. It’s the undisputed king for large homes with pets, where cleaning efficiency and reach matter most. While it exceeds the $200 mark, its feature density and performance justify the premium over budget models—delivering a near-luxury experience with pro-level results.

The Shark NV360 is a HEPA hero for allergy-prone households, combining complete-seal allergen containment with true multi-surface adaptability. Its brushroll shutoff lets you switch instantly from carpet to bare floors, protecting delicate surfaces while maintaining strong suction—ideal for homes with area rugs over hardwood. The lift-away pod detaches seamlessly for above-floor cleaning, and swivel steering makes it agile around furniture legs and tight corners.

In testing, the NV360 excelled at capturing fine dust and pollen, with the HEPA filter backed by a sealed system that prevents leakage. The 0.9-quart dust cup is roomy for its class, and emptying is quick with a one-button release. However, the suction, while adequate, doesn’t match the Vertex or Eureka FlexReach on thick carpets. It also lacks the self-cleaning brushroll, meaning occasional hair缠绕 (tangling) on long strands.

When stacked against the ZU503AMZ, the NV360 offers better tool inclusion and a larger dust cup but misses the self-cleaning roller. It’s a refined, allergy-focused workhorse—perfect for families with sensitivities and pets. For those who prioritize air quality and ease of use over raw power, this Shark model outshines many in its price bracket—offering medical-grade filtration without the hospital price tag.

The Shark ZU503AMZ redefines pet-friendly cleaning with its self-cleaning brushroll that sheds hair like a pro—no scissors or razors needed. Paired with swivel steering and lift-away versatility, it navigates pet zones with surgical precision, from tangled corners to stair banisters. The HEPA-filtered complete seal traps dander and dust, while the pet crevice tool digs into couch cushions with ease.

In real-life use, this vacuum handled daily pet messes without a hitch—long dog hair, cat litter scatter, and embedded fur all vanished in a single pass. The 1200-watt motor provides solid suction across surfaces, though it’s not the strongest in the lineup. The dust cup is smaller than the NV360’s, requiring more frequent emptying during whole-home cleans. Still, the onboard tool storage and instant detach make it incredibly user-friendly.

Compared to the Bissell 2252, the ZU503AMZ offers better hair management and filtration, though the Bissell edges out in edge cleaning. It’s the ultimate pet parent pick for homes needing reliability, low maintenance, and true lift-away flexibility. While it costs more than budget models, its no-tangle design and allergen control deliver lasting value—proving that smart engineering beats brute force.

The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A is a pet hair annihilator wrapped in a lightweight, 10-pound frame that belies its muscle. With 960 watts of suction and a 5-height brush roll adjustment, it adapts precisely to surface types—from shag rugs to tile—ensuring optimal contact and debris pickup. The 2.6-liter dust cup is the largest in this lineup, minimizing interruptions during full-home passes.

Field testing showed exceptional performance on embedded pet hair, thanks to its pet turbo brush and wide cleaning path. The onboard storage keeps all tools—crevice, dusting, and turbo brush—within reach, eliminating downtime. It transitions smoothly between floor types, though the lack of automatic adjustment means manual tweaking. On hard floors, it occasionally scatters fine debris, but overall pickup remains strong.

Against the Bissell 2252, the PowerSpeed offers more capacity and better height control but lacks swivel steering for tight spaces. It’s the best-in-class for pet owners wanting power without the poundage, blending serious cleaning chops with user-friendly design. For those tired of wrestling heavy vacuums after shedding season, this Eureka is a game-changing blend of strength and simplicity—proving you don’t need to sacrifice performance for comfort.

The Bissell 2252 CleanView is engineered for agility and edge mastery, with swivel steering that pivots on a dime—making it a dream for cluttered rooms and furniture-packed living areas. Its triple-action brush roll aggressively loosens, lifts, and removes pet hair, while scatter-free technology keeps dry messes like kibble or litter from flying across the floor. The large dirt tank empties with one click, minimizing mess and contact with debris.

In practice, the swivel head outmaneuvers nearly every competitor, gliding around table legs and into corners with fluid motion. The edge-to-edge cleaning captures dust along baseboards, and the included pet tools handle upholstery with ease. However, suction, while strong, isn’t as deep as the Shark Vertex or Eureka FlexReach, and the filtration is cyclonic, not HEPA—so it won’t trap allergens as effectively.

Stacked against the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Bissell wins on maneuverability and edge cleaning but falls short on dust retention and tool versatility. It’s the top choice for homes with tight spaces and heavy pet traffic, where agility and pet-specific design trump raw power. While it doesn’t offer medical-grade filtration, its swivel brilliance and scatter control make it a standout for practical, everyday pet cleanup—delivering precision where others merely push dirt.