The best cheap vacuum 2024: clean up without getting cleaned out

best cheap vacuum
(Image credit: Shark / Future)

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 quick list

The best cheap vacuum overall

Shark Stratos Corded vacuum in reviewer's living room

(Image credit: Future)
The best cheap vacuum cleaner overall

Specifications

Type: Corded stick
Weight: 8.68lbs (HZ3002) / 4.6kg (HZ3000UKT)
Bin size: 0.75L (HZ3002), 0.3L (HZ3000UKT)
Max runtime: N/A
Charge time: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Versatile design
+
Powerful suction
+
Odor neutralizing

Reasons to avoid

-
Cord may be annoying

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

Shark WandVac cleaning flour from a kitchen floor

(Image credit: Future)
The best cheap lightweight vacuum cleaner

Specifications

Type: Handheld/stick cordless
Weight: 5.9lbs / 3kg
Bin size: 0.13qt / 0.13L
Max runtime: 16 mins (AU version 20 mins)
Charge time: 3.5 hours

Reasons to buy

+
Very lightweight 
+
Easy to empty
+
Handheld transforms into floor vac

Reasons to avoid

-
Not much battery life
-
Small dust cup
-
Not for whole-house cleaning

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

Dyson V8 vacuum cleaner in use

(Image credit: Future)
The best cheap Dyson vacuum cleaner

Specifications

Type: Handheld/stick cordless
Weight: 5.58lbs / 1.58 kg
Bin size: 0.5qt / 0.54L
Max runtime: 40 mins
Charge time: 5 hours

Reasons to buy

+
Cheap for a Dyson 
+
2-in-1 design
+
Impressive suction

Reasons to avoid

-
Slow to recharge
-
Short battery on Max

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 small homes

The Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Vacuum cleaning a rug

(Image credit: Future)
The best cheap vacuum for small homes

Specifications

Type: Handheld/stick cordless
Weight: 10.36lbs / 4.7kg
Bin size: 0.74qt / 0.7L
Max runtime: 40 mins
Charge time: 3 hours

Reasons to buy

+
Straightforward to use
+
Flexible hose
+
Compact and easy to store

Reasons to avoid

-
A little short on power
-
Not many tools
-
Limited handheld functionality

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. Note, however, that this model isn't available in the US; the Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum IX141H is similar, but lacks the flexible wand.

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 IZ202UK review

Best cheap vacuum for allergy sufferers

Henry Quick vacuuming a rug

(Image credit: Future)
Best cheap vacuum for allergy sufferers

Specifications

Type: Handheld/stick cordless
Weight: 3.2kg
Bin size: 1 litre
Max runtime: 70 min Low / 16 min High
Charge time: 2.5 hours

Reasons to buy

+
Dust-free bag system
+
Good running time
+
Great for allergy sufferers

Reasons to avoid

-
Not available in the US
-
Tricky to attach brush head
-
Cost of replacement pods

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

Proscenic Floobot X1 robot vacuum

(Image credit: Future)
Best cheap robot vacuum

Specifications

Type: Robovac
Weight: 22.5lbs / 10.2 kg
Bin size: 2.6qt / 2.5L
Max runtime: Average 45 mins
Charge time: 5 hours

Reasons to buy

+
Cheap for a robot vacuum
+
Self-emptying dustbox
+
Good battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
Navigation can be erratic
-
Limited remote operation

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.

Tom May

Tom May is a freelance writer and editor specialising in tech, design and sleep products. Over the years he's tested a number of mattresses, duvets and pillows, and as a back pain sufferer, has a keen interest in finding ones that offer maximum support. Plus, in running a successful Airbnb business, sleep hygiene and providing the right bedding for guests has become a big part of his day-to-day life. He is author of Great TED Talks: Creativity, published by Pavilion Books.

With contributions from