The best cheap vacuums will make you feel like a cleaning pro without having to take out a mini loan. (Wyze, Bissell, Kenmore)
On the hunt for a quality vacuum that can *finally* help whip your home into shape? Wish it wasn't so difficult to find one that you could rely on, without having to blow a big chunk of your savings along the way? Enter the best budget vacuums of 2025, a trio of powerful, agile and versatile Bissell, Wyze and Kenmore vacs that give designer vacuums a run for their money.
As one of Yahoo's resident home writers, I've spent the past two years evaluating 60+ vacuums to find these less-spendy suckers (meant in the best way possible). I focused on the best vacuums I could find around $100, prioritizing stick models and upright and canister vacuums, which are the most popular categories. I tested them against different floor surfaces and materials (like kitty litter and Cheerios) to gauge their suction strength. I created obstacle courses to see how well they could bob and weave. I used them to tackle pet fur and leaned on their attachment tools to get into nooks and crannies.
Update, July 7, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for the best budget vacuum remains unchanged.
Size: 13"L x 14"W x 46"H | Weight: 15 pounds | Bin capacity: 1 liter | Vacuum type: Corded upright | Filter: Yes | Power: 1,800 watts
Topping my list is Bissell's CleanView Swivel, which offers power and agility, plus some very hard-working accessories, for just over one Benjamin.
How it works: The CleanView Swivel consists of a cleaner head, a bagless canister, an extendable hose and a wand with a handle.
To operate it, you plug in the cord and choose one of five surface settings on the cleaner head base. There are two foot pedals in the back of the vacuum, one for releasing the wand and one for turning the vacuum on.
Why it's great: This well-rounded warrior aced both my "carpet course" and "kitchen sink" tests, sucking up every item in its path right up to the edges of furniture and cabinets. It also picked up most of the fur in my pet-hair test, with just a few rogue strands caught in a second pass.
The back foot pedals and swivel steering make maneuvering a breeze, while adjustable cleaner head settings let you optimize cleaning for various floor types and carpet thicknesses.
Where the CleanView Swivel really stands out, however, is with its suite of attachments — a 2-in-1 dusting brush, a crevice tool and, setting it apart from most competitors, a TurboEraser tool for tackling embedded hair and pet fur. The dusting brush and crevice tool proved handy for surfaces and hard-to-reach spots, while the TurboEraser tool is one of the few attachments I've tested that gently yet effectively removed deeply matted cat fur from an embroidered couch. And no need to pause cleaning to grab more tools — each attachment clips onto the vacuum for quick access.
If you have pets and/or an extra $30ish to spend, there's also a pet-friendly version of this vacuum with an extra "corner" attachment, plus an automatic cord rewind for easily wrapping up post-cleaning jobs or navigating around the house. As a heartwarming bonus, you can take comfort in knowing a portion of the proceeds from either purchase will go toward the Bissell Pet Foundation to help save homeless pets.
Size: 28.5"L x 13.7"W x 5.3"H | Weight: 2.8 pounds | Bin capacity: 0.68 liters | Vacuum type: Cordless stick | Filter: Yes, HEPA | Power: 300 watts
Ready to cut the cord? Consider this snazzy stick vacuum from Wyze, which features a lot of the same bells and whistles typically reserved for high-end models but at a mere fraction of the price.
How it works: The Wyze S Cordless Vacuum is made up of three main pieces — a vacuum head upper, a long tube and a brush cleaner head — and can be assembled in just as few clicks.
You can use the "S" in its entirety or attach the vacuum head upper, with or without the long tube, to the included crevice tool to tackle upholstery or hard-to-reach areas.
This vacuum has a run time of 40 minutes, comparative to other sticks in its price category, as well as many above, and the battery can be charged by plugging the vacuum head upper right into an outlet.
Why it's great: Putting the "s" in scrappy, my Wyze stick managed to get every last material from my "kitchen sink" and "carpet course" tests and, while not as effective as some of the Dyson and Shark models I've tried, fared on par with other budget-friendly sticks in my "passenger pet" test.
Unlike some of the other budget-friendly sticks I've tried, this "wyze"-ly crafted appliance has headlights for added visibility and, unlike most of them, has an extra motor for added strength and three suction settings — Eco, Med and Turbo — for customized power. A clever LCD screen displays not only the selected suction mode, but battery life percentage so you know how much time you have left to get your job done.
Another distinguishing feature is the vacuum's three-stage filtration system, including a cyclone for separating debris, a metal screen for filtering larger particles and a washable HEPA filter (which, according to Wyze, traps 99.99% of what's remaining for cleaner air quality). Like the HEPA filter, the dust cup is both removable and reusable, meaning less maintenance and money spent on replacement products.
Despite its robust hardware and strong suction power, the "S" is compact and incredibly lightweight — only 2.8 pounds — for configuring, storing and pushing around. It's also remarkably quiet — only 65 dB(A) — so it's not likely to startle a sleeping baby, WFH partner or any guests you may have staying over.
Size: 11.4"L x 12.2"W x 28.8"H | Weight: 15.21 pounds | Bin capacity: 0.45 liters | Vacuum type: Bagless canister | Filter: Yes, HEPA | Power: 120 watts
In a canister vacuum, the dust bin trails behind the wand and cleaner brush head or accessory tool, the benefit being that the wand is more nimble and you're not pushing the entirety of the appliance the whole time. The Kenmore Canister Vacuum is among the most agile and comprehensive of the budget-friendly options I've tried.
How it works: This Kenmore Canister Vacuum is designed with a 0.45-liter dust cup; a long, swiveling hose; an adjustable wand and two bases — a rotating brush cleaner head for carpets and a bare floor cleaner head for hard surfaces. It also comes with an attachment that doubles as a dusting brush and a crevice tool for getting into narrow areas.
Setup is simple: Attach the hose to the canister and wand, then click the wand into your chosen cleaner head or attachment. An on-board holder is a nice feature that keeps all of the tools at your fingertips.
There's a push button on one side of the canister for powering the motor and another one on the other side for automatically rewinding the vacuum when you're finished.
Why it's great: Both vacuum heads allow for agile cleaning and make it easy to reach tight spaces. The rotating brush cleaner head navigated smoothly and lifted debris effectively during the "carpet course" test. With the bare floor cleaner head attached, I effortlessly cleared Cheerios, kitty litter and sand from the kitchen floor, right up to the molding.
Using the wand and attachment tool to tackle shallow and high areas felt freeing compared to a traditional upright. The adjustable pole let me reach closer when needed or extend farther for spots like under beds. With a comfortable ergonomic handle, nothing felt out of reach.
There's a HEPA system for trapping dirt and debris, and both the reusable filter and bagless dust cup are easy to clean.
The wheels on this Kenmore canister are nimble — not squeaky — and trailed behind me without much fuss or maneuvering (the canister body also has a handle for easy carrying for those who'd prefer to maneuver it manually). It sort of reminded me of R2 D2 when in the vertical position … like having a little robot as a cleaning companion.
Size: When I mention height, I'm referring to how tall the vacuums are assembled; length and width reflect how long and, respectively, how wide the cleaner heads are. This is also referred to as a vacuum's cleaning path, or what's covered in one sweep. Taller vacuums generally mean longer tubes (or wands) and greater reach, which is particularly helpful for tall users or for tackling larger shallow areas, like beneath platform beds. While the added height may keep you farther from your target mess, extendable or flexible tubes improve maneuverability, and longer or dual brush rolls reduce the number of passes needed.
Weight: Lightweight vacuums are easier to lift and steer and generally glide across hardwood floors with ease, but they often offer less grip on thick carpets. They tend to be paired with smaller dust cups and fewer tech components, like LCD screens, which can sometimes contribute to a top-heavy design. Swivel cleaner heads and dust cups improve maneuverability, especially with heavier models.
Bin capacity: Larger cups house more dirt so you don’t have to take as many trips to the trash can. Aside from capacity, look for dust cups that release forcefully with the help of a lever so you don't have to manually unclip the cup lids and reach your fingers in.
Vacuum type:
Stick vacuums consist of a cleaner head, a long tube or wand, which the dirt travels through, and a vacuum head upper (or "brain" that features power controls and any LCD screens). The upper also houses the dust cup and can typically be detached and used as a handheld vacuum with attachments. Cordless stick options allow for more freedom and flexibility when vacuuming, but require charging.
Upright vacuums consist of a cleaner head, a dust cup, a hose and a wand. In this case, dirt travels to the dust cup via the hose and the dust cup sits above the cleaner head, with the wand behind it and handle up top. Detachable hoses (and wands) can be paired with attachment tools, but canisters usually remain in place. If you don't want to have to carry an entire vacuum up the stairs, for example, you may want a "lift-away"-style canister, which can be detached from the vacuum while cleaning. Also helpful: longer cords for greater reach, plus cord-rewind options so you don't have to wrap up the cord manually.
Canister vacuums, also called cylinder or barrel vacuums, feature a body that sits on the floor, containing the motor and dust cup. The body trails behind the hose, which is attached to a hand-held wand and a cleaner head for floors or an attachment for upholstery and hard-to-reach areas.
Filters: Vacuum filters trap pollutants and improve air quality, with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters considered the gold standard. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HEPA filters "theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns," with larger or smaller particles "trapped with even higher efficiency." Follow instruction manuals for how and when to replace or clean filters for optimal results. Many, like Dyson, now use washable filters for cost efficiency.
Wattage: A higher wattage often correlates to greater suction power. High-voltage batteries generally have a longer shelf life, or run time, so you can tackle more space or several vacuum jobs in one go without recharging.
Brushes and attachments: Most vacuums come with a detangling-style brush roller (in many cases, customizable or auto-adjusting) that can be used for multiple floor types. Brush cleaner headlights offer more visibility in low lighting and beneath furniture, while mini roller attachments help tackle tighter spaces (such as inside your car; they’re also great for getting stubborn pet fur from couch interiors). Attachment tools aid in detailing and spot-treating things like cushions and curtains, whereas crevice tools are a must for navigating ceilings and wall corners.
Docking and storing: Upright vacuums typically stand on their own, but are bulkier for storing. The bodies of canister vacuums are shallow enough for stashing at the bottom of a coat closet. Stick vacuums often need to be propped up, disassembled or mounted to a wall when not in use, but are typically the most ideal for transporting.
I set up several obstacle courses to test these vacuums against materials with varying shapes, textures and densities on different surfaces like carpet and hardwood. I also tested their respective attachments on upholstered furniture, curtains and hard-to-reach areas. Then we put the vacuums through their paces in real-life scenarios, prioritizing homes that needed a good cleaning and/or had pet inhabitants. The nitty gritty:
"Carpet course" test: I spaced out materials — faux fur, rice, Cheerios, kitty litter and sand — across a plush carpet to see if the vacuums managed to cut through the clutter.
"Kitchen sink" test: I poured rice and Cheerios on a hardwood kitchen floor to gauge how well the vacuums could get a grip — especially against trims and in cabinet crevices.
"Passenger pet" test: I asked family and friends to avoid vacuuming for a week, then used car mats to collect the fur their pet companions had shed and attempted to vacuum it up in pursuit of the best suction.
"Vacs gone wild" test: I didn’t stop there! I've clocked countless hours testing vacuums in different houses and settings to assess how they rise to different occasions.
Kenmore Featherlight Lift-up ($135): The Kenmore Featherweight zipped through my "kitchen sink" test. It was comparable to the Bissell CleanView in my "carpet course" and "passenger pet" tests, and I like how the dust cup lifts away to easily tackle stairs and other isolated areas. It doesn't come with as many attachments, doesn't have automatic cord rewind and the smaller brush cleaner head means more passes. But I'd consider it a good bet for someone with a cozier space or who prefers a lighter weight (in this case, 12.4 pounds).
Eureka PowerSpeed ($80): This upright vacuum comes pretty much ready to go and is easily powered on and relaxed via foot pedals. It's lightweight (only 10 pounds) and the dust cup is massive (at 2.6 liters, it's the largest of this testing segment). Though, it doesn't swivel quite like — and wasn't quite as effective as — the Bissell CleanView, in the "passenger pet" test. Plus, you'll need to wind up the cord yourself.
Hoover Complete Performance, Bagged ($154): Hoover's Complete bagged upright vacuum is straightforward and cost-efficient, with four surface settings, a long hose and three attachments. It did great in my "kitchen sink" and "carpet course" tests, and sufficient in the "passenger pet" evaluation. A few snags: It doesn't have headlights or swivel steering and the bag will need replacing.
Hoover WindTunnel Pro ($155): The WindTunnel Pro is more expensive than the Bissell CleanView and doesn't come with as many accessory tools. Though, it offers slightly more dust cup capacity (1.29 liters) and proved comparable from a performance standpoint. It also has a cord rewind feature, plus headlights for low-light cleaning, making it a worthy alternative.
Kenmore Elite Cordless Stick Vacuum ($114): The "Elite," which weighs less than 6 pounds, is among the budget-friendly stick vacs to beat. An impressive 40 minutes of run time, two suction modes, a generous 1-liter dust cup, LED lights and a flexible tube for reaching shallow areas without bending earned it a place in my list of best stick vacuums. It navigated my "carpet course" and "kitchen sink" tests with ease and got close to edges. The Wyze is slightly lighter and cheaper, especially considering its bells and whistles, but the Elite is substantial for someone who could benefit from the added agility and bin capacity.
Homeika Pro Cordless Stick Vacuum ($128): This stick vacuum has two filters, brush cleaner headlights and an LCD screen that displays its battery life. It’s lightweight (only 3 pounds when using the handheld version), has a retractable tube, ideal for traveling, vacation homes and college dorms. In my tests, Homeika traction was on par with, or just slightly below that of, the Kenmore Elite, with similar scores for hardwood floors. Though, Kenmore and Wyze offer more tech components and a longer run time.
Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum ($79): The Bissell Zing is the most affordable canister vacuum on my list, with the largest dust cup capacity (2 liters). The wheeled canister is swift and incredibly easy to empty. Alas, it doesn't have customizable settings or multiple brush cleaner heads like other canister vacuums I've tested — it also didn't fare as well on carpets and I didn't find the cleaner head or wand as flexible.
What is the average price for a vacuum?
One can typically expect to pay in the $100-$200 range for a budget-friendly vacuum, $200-$400 for a mid-range vacuum and upwards of $700 or higher for something more high-end, such as you'll find with Dyson. Prices can range depending on factors like power (or suction) battery life (if cordless), cup size, filter style and tech components (such as sophisticated LCD screens and air quality reads). Consider accessories that add value — whether included or affordably purchased separately — as well as warranties when shopping for a vacuum.
How long does a cheap vacuum last?
According to our research, cordless vacuums tend to have a rechargeable battery life of around 30-70 minutes, with more affordable options often falling in the 30-50 minute range and higher-end models between 40-70. As for how long cheap vacuums last as a whole, it's realistic to expect at least a few years out of your vacuum with thoughtful use and maintenance. We suggest opting for vacuums with cleanable, removable parts that can be easily maintained and replaced, if needed, as well as trial offers and warranties that allow you to get a feel for your vacuum before making a longer-term commitment.
How often should I clean my vacuum?
To help keep your vacuum in tip-top shape, many brands, such as Dyson, advise cleaning washable filters at least once a month with regular use. We recommend consulting your vacuum instructions for machine-specific tips, including when to wash and/or replace filters and brush rollers. Look for dust cups that have levers for forcefully ejecting dirt into the trash can. And, because vacuums are often at the center of the action, plan to wipe yours down regularly to reduce the amount of dust and dirt that can emanate.
Size | Weight | Bin capacity | Vacuum type | Filter | Power | |
Bissell CleanView Swivel Vacuum with Automatic Cord Rewind | 13"L x 14"W x 46"H | 15 pounds | 1 liter | Corded upright | Yes | 1,800 watts |
Wyze S Cordless Vacuum | 28.5"L x 13.7"W x 5.3"H | 2.8 pounds | 0.68 liters | Cordless stick | Yes, HEPA | 300 watts |
Kenmore Canister Vacuum with Retractable Cord | 11.4"L x 12.2"W x 28.8"H | 15.21 pounds | 0.45 liters | Bagless canister | Yes, HEPA | 120 watts |
We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.
