The best cheap vacuums are what you need if you want to keep your home clean but don't have a huge budget, and we've picked out the leading options for you. Our expert reviewers have tested all manner of vacuums across multiple price points – budget (under £200 / $250), mid-range (£200-£400 / $250-$500), and premium (over £400 / $500) – and in this guide, we'll focus on the budget bracket, with some options extending into the lower mid-range category.
Our reviewers have tested all the vacuum cleaners on this list extensively, putting them through a series of standardized tests 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 best cheap vacuum overall
The Cordless Pro is our pick for the best cheap vacuum around – provided you can buy it during one of its regular discounts (more on that in a sec). It's not the best Shark vacuum by specs or features, but it delivers strong performance and an impressive range of features for the price. For starters, you'll get automatic suction adjustment based on dirt levels – something you wouldn't expect at this price. It's also well-built and comes with a range of useful features, such as an excellent anti-hair wrap brushroll, and the ability to store it freestanding.
The suction will be good enough for most people's needs – on test, it cleaned up most debris on hard floors in just one to two passes while in its lowest Eco mode, and our reviewer was genuinely impressed with the auto mode. It also did a decent cleaning job on carpet, although if you have a lot of carpet and/or are dealing with high levels of dust or dirt, you might need to opt for something a little more heavy duty (and invest a bit more). It delivers good maneuverability, although we missed the forward-bending wand that features with most Shark stick vacs.
Buying notes
The Shark Cordless Pro is only available via Amazon in the US, where the price fluctuates fairly dramatically. It'll regularly drop to around $310 (and occasionally even lower), and it's excellent value for that price.
This price fluctuation is common with Shark vacuums, so it might be that another model is a better buy, depending on when you shop. It's worth checking pricing on the Shark Detect Pro in particular. This vacuum has recently been attracting hefty discounts – if it's a similar price or cheaper than the Cordless Pro, the Detect Pro is a better buy.
The best cheap corded vacuum
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.
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 (consult our best vacuums for pet hair guide to see all your options there). And all this for a such a low price means this vacuum cleaner offers superb value.
Note: in the UK, the equivalent model is the HZ3000UKT. This is similar but not exactly the same – the dust cup is smaller, for instance.
Read our full Shark Stratos Corded stick vacuum review
The 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.
It has two power modes, Standard and Max, controlled by a toggle switch. Our reviewer found the vacuum to be lightweight and versatile – like many of the models on this list, you can use it as a floor vacuum, or remove the wand to turn it into a handheld.
While you will sacrifice some of the fancier features of today's very best Dyson vacuums – there's no automatic suction adjustment, LCD info screen or laser floor illumination – it's still an excellent cleaner. You're still getting that high Dyson quality, meticulous engineering and well-designed accessories for different cleaning tasks. The design is functional and user-friendly, with an extremely easy-to-maneuver floorhead.
Buying notes
If you're after a budget Dyson, there are a couple of other options worth knowing about. The model up from this one is the Dyson V11. It's all-round a better vacuum than the V8, and like that model, also attracts semi-regular discounts. See exactly how the two compare in our Dyson V8 vs V11 article. It's worth checking around to see how much V11 costs before buying a V8.
Dyson has also launched a new Digital Slim cordless vacuum. This is a pared-back option rather than being a flagship, and when it's available, can be quite budget-friendly.
Read our full Dyson V8 review
The best cheap robot vacuum
If you're looking for a low-effort option, we rate the Narwal Freo X Plus as the best cheap robot vacuum around. A robovac is quite a different prospect to a manual option, so we'll start by making a few things clear. First, you'll need to pay a bit more – we consider anything under <£400 / $500 to be 'budget' for a robovac, whereas the bracket for manual models is lower. Second, they're designed for a different type of clean. Robot vacuums tend not to be powerful enough for deep cleans, can struggle with edges and corners, and can't do stairs or furniture at all. What they are great at is regular, light vacuuming, so you can stay on top of the cleaning with minimal effort or disruption.
Now that's out of the way, let's take closer look at the Freo X Plus. It's powerful for a budget robovac, and on test coped impressively well with the accumulated dust and hair in our reviewer's busy home (four adult humans and two French Bulldogs). There are two side brushes rather than the usual one, widening this bot's vacuuming range.
Like many robovacs, it can mop as well as vacuuming. This function is good enough for light cleans, although not as effective as a manual mop. When it's low on battery it'll return to its dock to charge, so you won't have to worry about it running out of juice. While it won't empty its own dust into a larger bin in the base station, it does have a compression system in the onboard dust cup that means you should have to empty it too regularly.
Compared to other, pricier bots, there are a few concessions – the main one being that it didn't always do as it was told, and struggled to follow specific instructions. If you just want to schedule regular, whole floor cleans, though, it'll be just fine. To see what you can get if you invest a bit more, head to our guide to the best robot vacuums in general.
Read our full Narwal Freo X Plus 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 review
The best budget vacuums in the UK
We've tested a number of excellent budget vacuums that are only available in the UK. Read on for a quick rundown...
The best budget vacuum in the UK
In the UK, we think the best budget vacuum is 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 very 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 (this is a common issue with modern stick vacuums, with many brands sacrificing weight in favor of longer battery life and more powerful suction). Additionally, the faff of the replaceable bags may be a concern for some users – especially because it's difficult to tell when yours is getting full. But overall, the Henry Quick's performance and innovative features make it a compelling option, and an especially for those who prefer bagged systems or have allergies.
Read our full Numatic Henry Quick review
The best budget upright vacuum in the UK
The Shark Stratos Pet Pro Upright Vacuum is a versatile, affordable corded vacuum that delivers excellent pickup power. Because it's an upright, it's heavier and bulkier than the stick vacuums in this list. However, Shark has cleverly designed to make it as flexible as possible; the dust canister and motor section can be removed and held in the hand, to use the wand and floorhead more like a stick vac, or you can add cleaner heads to the end of the flexi-hose for getting into tight corners.
There are three suction levels to choose from, designed for different floor types. It's great at picking up hair, and the anti-hair wrap floorhead does exactly what it says on the tin. The dust cup is generously sized, and there's an anti-odour cartridge designed to neutralize potential bad smells, even if you don't empty it as regularly as you should. All this makes it a great choice for those looking for the best vacuum for pet hair.
It's corded, so you'll never run out of juice – although you will have to content with being tethered to a wall. We also felt the eight-meter power cord could have been a little longer. However, for outright suction at an affordable price, this vacuum is an excellent choice.
The best budget vacuum for small homes
This cordless vacuum is one of Shark's cheapest models, and while the Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Vacuum doesn't deliver the performance or features that you'll find in more expensive options, we think that it's a good choice for smaller homes or for daily cleans.
It's a little short on accessories, but you'll get enough to get the job done. It standard IZ202UK model comes with an anti hair wrap floorhead with LED headlights, plus a crevice tool for hard-to-reach areas and an upholstery tool for keeping your furniture spick and span, while the IZ202UKT option also features a mini motorized pet tool for picking up pet hair. It also boasts a flexible wand to make it easier to clean under furniture.
In tests, our reviewer found that the Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Vacuum did a good job of picking up surface dirt on carpets and rugs, but didn't seem to do so well on finer, ground-in dust. On hard floors it picked up most visible dust and debris, although it struggled with debris between floorboards and on uneven slate tiles, however switching it to boost mode delivered better results.
Downsides included a fiddly dirt cup that's tricky to replace, and a flexible wand that feels a little wobbly. This isn't really a vacuum for larger, busier homes with a lot of carpet, and the basic accessories can feel a little limiting, but if your cleaning requirements aren't too extensive, this Shark is well worth a look.
Read our full Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Vacuum review
The best cheap robot vacuum in the UK
Vacuum cleaners that do the work for you will generally cost more than manual options, but if you want something to take care of regular, light cleaning while you're out, we rate the Proscenic Floobot X1 as the best budget robovac in the UK.
The sleek, puck-shaped design has a low enough profile that it can sneak under furniture, it offers light mopping as well as just vacuuming. It'll return to its dock to charge when it starts to run out of battery, and said dock also houses a large dust bin into which the bot's small dust cup will auto-empty, meaning you won't need to deal with constant manual emptying.
There are 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. However, 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.
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.
