Looking for the best cheap vacuum available today? We're here to help you find a high-quality cleaning solution that won't break the bank. Our experts have reviewed a range of vacuum cleaners across a range of price points; namely, budget (under £200 / $250), mid-range (£200-£400 / $250-$500), and premium (over £400 / $500). In this guide, we'll focus on the budget bracket, with some options extending into the lower mid-range category.
Our expert reviewers have tested all the vacuum cleaners on this list extensively, putting them through their paces in a range of environments to see how they perform. We don't just focus on technical specs but find out what they're like to use in practice: how easy they are to lug up stairs, what kind of debris they get stuck on, how long the cord stretches and so on.
We've used all this experience to draw up a comprehensive list of the best cheap vacuum cleaners on the market right now. Our selections include some of the best vacuum cleaner options for those on a tight budget, including some that compare well to even the best cordless vacuum cleaners.
The quick list
Best overall
Despite its low price, this vacuum cleaner offers powerful suction on both hard floors and carpets, including edges and corners. It also boasts odor neutralizer technology.
Best lightweight
Weighing just 3kg, this device can function as both a handheld and stick vacuum. An ideal choice for quick clean-ups and small tasks, although not for whole-house cleaning.
Best Dyson
Despite its increasing age (it was launched in 2016), this affordable Dyson offers strong performance with good suction and a 40-minute battery life on standard settings.
Dust-free
Want a cordless vacuum but suffer from allergies? Then check out the Henry Quick, which offers dust-free emptying via its pod system. (Note: not available in the US).
Best robot vac
This robot combines vacuuming and mopping capabilities with features like automatic room mapping, object avoidance, and a self-emptying dustbox.
The best cheap vacuum overall
Despite its low price, the Shark Stratos Corded stick vacuum cleaner offers powerful suction on both hard floors and carpets, including edges and corners. With a modular design that can handle a range of cleaning tasks, from pulling pet hair off upholstery to sucking cobwebs from the ceiling, as well as larger debris, our reviewer found it to be lightweight and versatile.
One of the best Shark vacuum cleaners, this model also boasts an odor neutralizer technology that might seem like a gimmick, but which we found really does leave floors and carpets smelling fresh after use. Other highlights include LED headlights for better visibility, an anti-hair wrap floor head, and a long 10m cord that provides ample reach.
Overall, the Shark Stratos Corded stick vacuum is a strong choice for anyone who don't mind dealing with a cord, and it's particularly suitable for pet owners. And all this for a such a low price means this vacuum cleaner offers superb value.
[Note: the model we tested, the HZ3000UKT, is no longer part of the Shark range in the US, and has been replaced by the Shark Stratos Corded Stick Vacuum HZ3002. The latter is very similar, but with a larger dust cup and no flexible wand.]
Read our full Shark Stratos Corded stick vacuum review
Best cheap lightweight vacuum
The Shark WandVac System, known as the Lightweight 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum in the UK, is a versatile and powerful cordless vacuum cleaner designed for quick clean-ups and small tasks. Weighing just 3kg it's nice and light, making it ideal for tackling high areas and other awkward spaces. And handily, it can function as both a handheld and stick vacuum.
Our reviewer found this vacuum excelled in its intended purpose of handling small spills and quick clean-ups, and offered a surprising amount of power. It features an anti-hair wrap floor head, which stops things getting clogged up as you clean, and there are some useful attachments for various cleaning scenarios. In practice, our reviewer found it easy to assemble, use, and empty.
Be aware, though, that this is not suitable for whole-house cleaning due to its short battery life and small dust capacity. Overall, this vacuum is best seen as an effective tool for specific cleaning needs rather than a comprehensive home cleaning solution.
Read our full Shark WandVac System WS642 / WV361UK review
Best cheap Dyson vacuum
You don't often see the words 'Dyson' and 'cheap' in the same sentence. But the Dyson V8 is surprisingly affordable. And despite its increasing age (it was launched in 2016), this model offers strong performance with good suction and a 40-minute battery life on standard settings.
Our reviewer found the vacuum to be lightweight and versatile, as you can use it as both a stick vacuum and a handheld cleaner due to its 2-in-1 design. It comes with various attachments for different cleaning tasks and has two power modes, Standard and Max, controlled by a toggle switch. In short, while it lacks some features of newer Dyson models, such as dirt sensors and LCD screens, its design is functional and user-friendly.
One of the best Dyson vacuums, this model effectively cleaned various surfaces and edges despite its low price. On the downside, it's not as powerful as newer Dysons and can be noisy at maximum suction. Also, while the battery life was decent on standard mode it was limited to about seven minutes on Max mode, with a long five-hour recharge time. Overall, though, the Dyson V8 is a capable and well-designed vacuum suitable for most cleaning needs, especially in smaller homes.
Read our full Dyson V8 review
Best cheap vacuum for allergy sufferers
Note: while the Henry Quick isn't widely available in the US, you can buy it through NaceCare Solutions but at a much higher price than in the UK, taking it well out of the budget range. However if you like its style and don't object to the price you can find it for $599 at Amazon.
Do you want a cordless vacuum but suffer from allergies? Then check out the Henry Quick, which offers dust-free emptying via its clever pod system. Its 300W motor offers strong suction, and up to 70 minutes of battery life. You also get LED headlights, and a scent-boosting capsule.
Our reviewer found the Henry Quick offered powerful performance on various surfaces, with a good ability to handle larger debris, along with the convenience of dust-free pod emptying. She was also impressed by its flexibility, with the dizzying range of choices including high/low power, brush on/off, handheld/floor level and three nozzle options.
Battery life is impressive, ranging from 14 to 70 minutes depending on power settings, and recharge time is a reasonable 150 minutes. The vacuum comes with various attachments and a wall-mounted storage bracket for convenience.
There were some drawbacks. The vacuum is somewhat top-heavy, which may be challenging for users with weak wrists. Additionally, the ongoing cost and environmental impact of replaceable pods may be a concern for some users. But overall, the Henry Quick's performance and innovative features make it a compelling option, those who prefer bagged systems or have allergies.
Read our full Numatic Henry Quick review
Best cheap robot vacuum
Vacuum cleaners that do the work for you are not generally cheap. But here's the best robot vacuum we can recommend at a budget price. The Proscenic Floobot X1 combines vacuuming and mopping capabilities with features like automatic room mapping, object avoidance, and a self-emptying dustbox, which is pretty impressive at its current price of just $339 / £349.
This clever device has a sleek puck-shaped design that allows it to clean under furniture, and it comes with a charging station that doubles as a dustbin. Our reviewer found its key strengths to be its effective mopping feature, decent battery life of around 45 minutes, and the ability to detect different floor types.
However, there were some limitations. Mapping and navigation can be somewhat chaotic, especially in cluttered spaces, and it works best in open-plan areas where it can clean in efficient rows. The app requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network and can be finicky to set up and maintain connection. And while it offers scheduling and room partitioning options, remote mopping initiation isn't possible if the device is docked.
Overall, the Floobot X1 is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable robot vacuum with mopping capabilities, particularly suited to smaller homes with open layouts. However, be prepared for some limitations in smart features and navigation compared to premium robot vacuum cleaners.
Read our full Proscenic Floobot X1 robot vacuum cleaner review
How to choose the best cheap vacuum
Choosing the best cheap vacuum is all about finding the right balance between price, power and features that suits you best. There are a number of factors to take into account.
The first and probably most important is suction power. Even at lower price points, it's possible to find models with powerful motors so don't settle if you don't have to. Secondly, ensure the vacuum has a decent filtration system. HEPA filters are ideal for trapping allergens, but may increase the overall running cost.
Thirdly, consider versatility. If your house has both carpets and hard floors, look for vacuums that can handle both effectively. Fourthly, pay attention to attachments. Even budget vacuums should include basic tools like crevice nozzles and upholstery brushes for versatile cleaning.
Furthermore, you'll need to make a fundamental choice between corded and cordless models. The former often provide more power for less money, while the latter offers convenience at a higher price. Another decision is bagged vs. bagless. Bagless models save on replacement costs but may require more frequent emptying and maintenance; learn more about the disadvantages of bagless vacuum cleaners. Finally, you'll need to decide on a balance between weight and maneuverability. Choose a vacuum you can comfortably handle, especially if you have stairs or mobility issues.
How we test vacuum cleaners
To test vacuum cleaners, we get hands-on to ensure that the promises made by manufacturers live up to the reality. We evaluate performance on various floor types using fine dust, dirt, and larger items like crumbs and cereal. We assess ease of movement on both carpet and hard floors, and check if dust pickup is even across the cleaning head or concentrated in one area.
When we review vacuums, we also take account how simple it is to empty the vacuum and convert it to different modes, how quiet or noisy they are, and for cordless models, we time battery life. We pay attention to included tools and attachments, and assess how intuitive each vacuum is to use without extensive reading of the manual (which let's face it, none of us has time for).
FAQs
How long do cheap vacuum cleaners last?
The lifespan of cheap vacuum cleaners varies greatly, but typically ranges from two to five years with good maintenance. Some budget brands offer decent warranties, which can be a good indicator of how long they're expected to last.
Factors affecting longevity include how well they're built, how often you use them, and how well you maintain them. To make even a cheap vacuum last for years, be sure to empty the dust container or replace bags regularly, clean or replace filters as recommended, and check for clogs or worn parts.
Will a cheap cordless vacuum be any good?
Even a cheap cordless stick vacuum can be worth using, but this type of vacuum cleaner does come with trade-offs. They offer great convenience and are ideal for quick clean-ups and homes with limited storage. However, cheaper models often have short battery life (typically 15-30 minutes), less powerful suction, and smaller dust capacities compared to corded alternatives. So if you need a vacuum for heavy-duty cleaning or have a larger home, a corded model in the same price range will probably offer better value overall.
What's the difference between a bagged and bagless vacuum cleaner?
Bagged vacuums collect debris in disposable bags , while bagless models use a removable dust cup. The former typically offer better filtration and are better for allergy sufferers, as emptying is less messy. They're also more convenient, as they require less frequent emptying. On the flipside, bagless vacuums are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective long-term, as there's no need to buy bags. However, they may release more dust when emptying and require more frequent filter cleaning. In cheaper models, bagless designs are often more common due to their lower manufacturing costs.
