7 Best Vacuums Under 300 of 2026

The Wyze Cordless Vacuum punches far above its weight class—literally. At just 2.8 pounds, it’s one of the lightest full-size stick vacuums on the market, making it a dream for quick cleanups or users who dread heavy lifting. What’s truly impressive is how it pairs that featherlight design with 20,000Pa of suction power, especially in Turbo mode, which tackles stubborn pet hair and ground-in debris on low-pile carpets with surprising authority. If you’ve ever struggled with a clunky vacuum that tires your arms before your floors get clean, this is the antidote.

In real-world testing, the Wyze excels on hard floors and short-pile rugs, where its 6,000Pa Eco mode delivers 40 minutes of fade-free runtime—enough to cover a 1,000 sq. ft. apartment without recharging. The 6 LED lights on the brush head are a game-changer, revealing dust bunnies hiding under sofas like a forensic spotlight. However, on thick high-pile carpets, suction drops off noticeably in Eco mode, and while Turbo mode compensates, it cuts runtime to just 10 minutes. The crystal-clear screen keeps you informed about battery and power mode, eliminating guesswork—a small but meaningful touch.

Compared to heavier, pricier models like the UML0 S3P, the Wyze trades raw power and battery for unmatched lightweight agility and simplicity. It’s not built for deep-cleaning wall-to-wall carpeting, but for hard-surface homes with pets or kids, it’s a nimble, no-fuss solution. It outperforms budget models in build quality and feedback features, while costing significantly less than premium rivals—offering smart design and transparency where others cut corners.

The Bissell Cleanview XR Pet isn’t just a vacuum—it’s a pet hair annihilator wrapped in a sleek, thoughtfully engineered package. Boasting a motor 60% more powerful than leading competitors, it generates enough lift to pull embedded fur from stairs, car seats, and medium-pile rugs with ease. Its standout feature? The deep-cleaning furbrush, which actively combs through pet hair without tangling, a rare win in a category where most rollers give up after a few passes.

During testing, the 40-minute runtime held strong across mixed flooring, transitioning smoothly from tile to area rugs without power dips. The removable 24V battery is a major convenience—swap in a spare and keep cleaning, or charge it off-device. On plush carpets, it pulled up weeks of trapped dander and fur, though it struggled slightly on ultra-thick padding where suction could be more aggressive. The three cleaning modes (Eco, Medium, Turbo) offer flexibility, but the lack of an on-screen display means you’re guessing at battery life—a surprising omission at this price.

When stacked against the Wyze or UML0 S3P, the Bissell lands as the most balanced all-rounder, especially for pet owners. It’s heavier than the Wyze but delivers far better deep-cleaning performance. While it doesn’t have LED lights or a large dust cup, its specialized pet tools and fur-focused engineering make it a standout. It delivers near-premium performance with fewer frills, making it the most well-rounded pick under $300.

For those who hate battery anxiety, the Simplicity S60 Spiffy delivers uninterrupted corded power in a featherweight 8-pound frame—making it a hard-floor hero. With a 30-foot power cord, it effortlessly spans large rooms without outlet hopping, and its rubber wheels and squeegee strip glide over hardwood and tile without scratching or scattering debris. The real star is its certified HEPA 4-stage filtration, which captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, a rarity at this price point.

In daily use, the S60 shines in kitchens, hallways, and under dining tables—areas where crumbs and dust accumulate fast. The two-speed motor adjusts seamlessly from light dusting to heavier pet hair cleanup, and the no-slip grip handle makes overhead cleaning (like baseboards or stairs) surprisingly comfortable. While it lacks the swivel steering of a Shark, its slim profile slips under sofas with ease. However, without a motorized brushroll, it struggles on low-pile rugs and can’t dig into carpet fibers like cordless rivals.

Compared to the Shark CS110EM, it offers better filtration and HEPA certification, but less maneuverability and no handheld conversion. It’s not a deep cleaner for carpets, but for allergy-prone homes with mostly hard flooring, it’s a silent workhorse. It trades versatility for consistency and air quality, making it a smarter long-term investment than budget cordless models that lose suction over time.

The UML0 S3P is a suction powerhouse wrapped in a smartly designed, pet-friendly frame. With a staggering 45kPa of suction—the highest in this lineup—and a 300W brushless motor, it obliterates pet hair, cat litter, and fine dust from both carpets and hard floors. Its 55-minute runtime in Eco mode is best-in-class, easily covering large homes on a single charge, while the detachable battery lets you double that with a spare.

Real-world testing confirmed its dominance on medium-pile carpets, where it pulled up weeks of trapped debris without strain. The V-shaped anti-tangle roller lived up to its name, resisting hair wrap even after multiple passes over shedding dog zones. The 6 LED lights and 165° swivel head make it effortless to clean under beds and furniture, while the 6-stage sealed HEPA filtration traps 99.99% of allergens—ideal for homes with asthma or allergy sufferers. The self-standing design and wall-mountable storage add serious convenience.

Against the Bissell Cleanview XR, the UML0 S3P offers longer runtime, stronger suction, and superior filtration, though it’s slightly heavier and less compact. Compared to budget models, it’s a premium-tier performer at mid-range pricing. It’s not the lightest, but for pet owners who need deep, reliable cleaning across all floors, it’s the most complete package under $300—delivering performance that rivals vacuums twice its price.

The Simplicity S20EZM is a no-nonsense allergy fighter built like a tank for homes that demand medical-grade air quality. Its 12-amp motor and continuous brushroll generate deep-cleaning force that pulls grit from carpet fibers, while the dual HEPA media filtration in a sealed bag system ensures zero leakage of dust or allergens—unlike bagless models that recirculate fine particles. For asthma sufferers or homes with multiple pets, this is cleaning with peace of mind.

In testing, it handled thick rugs and area carpets with authority, lifting embedded fur and dust without bogging down. The multi-surface height adjustment smoothly transitions from plush carpet to hardwood, and rubber wheels prevent floor scratches. The 30-foot cord and onboard tools (including an aluminum wand) make whole-home cleaning efficient, while the bagged system means no messy dust clouds when emptying—just seal and toss. However, the lack of a removable handheld unit limits versatility for above-floor cleaning.

Compared to the UML0 S3P or Bissell, it’s less agile and heavier, but for allergy control and deep carpet cleaning, it outperforms all cordless models in filtration and sustained suction. While it costs nearly $300, it’s built to last years with minimal maintenance, unlike budget vacuums that degrade quickly. It’s not flashy, but for health-focused households, it’s the most effective long-term investment in this lineup.

The Shark CS110EM redefines what a budget corded stick vacuum can do—delivering whole-home cleaning power without battery limits. At under 9 pounds, it’s featherlight, yet packs enough suction to transition from hardwood to carpet with ease. The swivel steering is its secret weapon, allowing razor-sharp turns around furniture legs and dining chairs—something most stick vacuums fumble.

In practice, the nonstop corded power means you can clean an entire house without pause, and the handheld conversion makes it easy to tackle blinds, upholstery, and car interiors. The slim design slides under beds effortlessly, and the hook storage keeps it organized. However, it lacks a HEPA filter and has no battery indicator—basic omissions that show where corners were cut. On thick carpets, it performs adequately but doesn’t match the deep agitation of uprights.

Against the Simplicity S60, it offers better maneuverability and versatility, but loses on filtration and hardwood protection. Compared to cordless models, it wins on constant power and price, but loses on convenience. For renters or small-home owners who want a do-it-all vacuum under $100, it’s unbeatable for pure value—proving that sometimes, corded is still king.

The $59.99 Cordless Vacuum G is a budget marvel that defies expectations with 35,000Pa suction and a massive 1.2L dust cup—features usually reserved for pricier models. Its removable handheld design and LED headlights make it surprisingly versatile for cleaning cars, stairs, and kitchen crumbs, while the wall-mounted charging dock keeps everything organized and ready.

In testing, it handled daily debris, pet hair, and even small pebbles with ease in up to 40 minutes of runtime. The large dustbin means fewer emptying trips—ideal for homes with shedding pets. The quiet operation (under 68dB) is a rare perk at this price, making it perfect for early-morning or late-night cleanups. However, build quality feels plasticky, and the motor lacks the refinement of higher-end models, struggling on deep carpet stains.

Compared to the Wyze or UML0, it offers more capacity and lower cost, but less durability and feedback. It’s not built to last years, but for dorms, apartments, or as a secondary vacuum, it’s the best bang-for-buck option—delivering core functionality without fluff. For anyone who wants strong suction and convenience on a tight budget, it’s a no-brainer starter vacuum.