The 9 Best Cheap Vacuum Cleaners of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Dirt Devil Versa 3-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  4/5
• Ease of Emptying
  4/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Noise Level
  2/5

In our testing experience, 3-in-1 stick vacuums often disappoint with their lack of suction power and overall design misses, but the Dirt Devil Versa 3-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner took us by surprise. If you're looking for a basic vacuum model that can tackle everything from large debris like popcorn kernels to fine particles like coffee grounds, the Dirt Devil Versa is our recommendation. Although it certainly has a few quirks, it's well worth the under $100 price tag and easy-to-use features.

The lightweight design and smaller floor head on this model made it easy to maneuver around furniture and corners of our testing area. This vacuum's suction, while not adjustable, easily picked up the various debris we spread across our testing lab, and it did not dull throughout the total testing time. Two minor downfalls to this vacuum: It's surprisingly loud for such a compact unit—we noted it would be difficult to carry a conversation over it—and its floor head has too low of a clearance to easily transition from hard flooring to carpet, so it must be picked up when moving between surfaces. We don't think these design notes are major drawbacks, but they're worth pointing out in case you're looking for a vacuum with quiet operation and seamless transition abilities.

While it can transform to a handheld unit for smaller cleaning tasks, this cordless vacuum doesn't come with any attachments, so you'll be slightly limited when it comes to the surfaces you can clean. The lack of attachments also meant we could not complete half of our testing process for upholstery and stairs, which made the overall testing time very short (under four minutes of use). The manufacturer lists this model's run time as 12 minutes. While we cannot speak to this vacuum's full battery life, we still think it's a great basic option for everyday cleaning. Plus, we found that the lack of attachments, hoses, and cords made it even easier to handle and maneuver in our testing.

Price at time of publish: $90

_{Dimensions: 42.5 x 10 x 7 inches | Weight: Less than 5 pounds | Cord Length: Cordless | Battery Life: 12 minutes | Bin Volume: 0.42 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 10 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hardwood, tile, carpet, laminate, vinyl}

Best Wet-Dry

Shark VM252 Vacmop Pro Cordless Wet/Dry Stick Vacuum

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Ease of Emptying
  5/5
• Noise Level
  5/5

If your space only has hardwood, tile, laminate, or vinyl flooring, we recommend opting for a wet-dry vacuum that's equipped to tackle two cleaning tasks at once: suctioning up debris and mopping. Featuring a solution tank and disposable cleaning pads, the Shark VACMOP garnered perfect scores across the board in our testing—landing it on our list of top-rated Shark vacuums.

It only took us two minutes to set up this cordless vacuum-mop, and we did not need to refer to the instructions because everything clicked into place. From there, we used it on hardwood flooring, noting that it was very lightweight and easy to use. When you want to release the cleaning solution onto a floor, you simply have to press the "spray" button. While it's not ideal that you need to continuously hold down the trigger, we found that the vacuum is comfortable and easily glides over hard surfaces.

We were thoroughly impressed by this vacuum, and we gave it a perfect rating for every single attribute, including noise level and ease of emptying. To switch out the pad, you just need to press an easy-release button while holding the product over your trash can. Because the product only weighs 5 pounds, this process is fairly simple. Just keep in mind that you'll need to purchase additional mop pads when you run out.

Price at time of publish: $70

_{Dimensions: 47.87 x 9.5 x 5.3 inches | Weight: 3.34 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Battery Life: 20 minutes | Bin Volume: 0.03 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 10 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hardwood, tile, laminate, vinyl}

Best Upright

Hart Pro Bagless Upright Vacuum with HEPA Media Filter

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  4.5/5
• Ease of Emptying
  5/5
• Portability
  4.5/5
• Noise Level
  4.5/5

While it comes from a brand we didn't recognize, this corded model from HART impressed us in testing with its suction power and easy-to-detach nozzle for detail jobs. We appreciated the vacuum's swivel head, which offers optimum maneuverability around corners and under furniture, and we had no issue transitioning from different floor types. Plus, its HEPA filter ensures that 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns (including allergens) stay trapped, rather than being released back into the air while vacuuming.

Assembly was pretty straightforward with this model, which had a detailed instruction manual with pictures. We will note, however, that the manual indicated this vacuum has two suction levels (a low and high setting)—but if it indeed has a second setting, we could not figure out how to adjust it. Still, this vacuum still excelled at cleaning on all of our testing surfaces, despite the lack of adjustable suction power. We noticed this vacuum was most difficult to maneuver across high-pile carpet, which is typical for upright models with higher suction power. Although it did a great job of sucking up hair in just a few seconds, we did have to use a seam ripper to remove hair from the brush roller. Alternatively, you can remove the entire brush from the vacuum with a Phillips screwdriver.

We opted to use the detachable handheld nozzle to clean around the corners and joints on stairs. The handheld tool also came in handy for picking up debris that the vacuum didn't initially catch—although the floor head picked up at least 90 percent of debris across our different surface tests, so we can confirm it's certainly effective even without using the attachments

We had to empty this vacuum once before finishing our entire cleaning test, but the process is very simple. The canister releases with the push of a button, then you simply hold it over a trash can and push another button to empty the contents. We did not have to reach in to remove any stuck debris, which was a huge win in our book. For just $120, we think this upright model is a worthy investment compared to similar models made by bigger brands like Shark and Dyson.

Price at time of publish: $119

_{Dimensions: Not listed | Weight: 16 pounds | Cord Length: Not listed | Battery Life: Not applicable | Bin Volume: Not listed | Cleaning Path Width: Not listed | Compatible Floor Type: Hard floors, carpet, upholstery}

Best Bagged Upright

Hoover Complete Performance Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness
  3.8/5
• Maneuverability
  3/5
• Ease of Emptying
  5/5
• Portability
  2.5/5
• Noise Level
  2.5/5

Cordless stick and handheld vacuums can be great, but sometimes you want a traditional, reliable upright vacuum to clean your dirty floors. In our tests, this bagged, corded vacuum excelled at picking up debris and hair from carpet. In fact, it only took two passes to clean the floor completely. This stellar performance earned it a perfect rating for effectiveness. The vacuum performed just as well on upholstery, too. We were in awe of this vacuum's power, and its powerful suction and affordable price allowed us to look past the fact that it was noisy and heavy.

We found the vacuum's upholstery and crevice attachments were very helpful in our tests, and we appreciate that because this is a bagged vacuum, you don't have to come in contact with any of the debris when you're done vacuuming. Simply dispose of the bag, and go about your day.

If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, it can be satisfying to run an upright vacuum back and forth to create clean, freshly vacuumed lines. If this sounds like your dream cleaning day, we think the Hoover Complete Performance Bagged Upright Vacuum is a great choice for you.

Price at time of publish: $155

_{Dimensions: 47 x 15 x 15 inches | Weight: 9.28 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet  | Battery Life: Not applicable | Bin Volume: Not applicable | Cleaning Path Width: 15 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hard floors, carpet, upholstery}

Best Lightweight

Kenmore Elite CSV Max 21.6V Cordless Stick Vacuum With EasyReach Wand

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Ease of Emptying
  3.5/5
• Portability
  4.5/5
• Noise Level
  5/5

Vacuuming for extended periods of time can result in arm fatigue—especially if the weight of the vacuum isn't distributed evenly. If you're searching for a well-balanced, lightweight vacuum, consider the Kenmore DS4095 Brushless Cordless Stick Vacuum. This easy-to-use vacuum weighs less than six pounds, and we found that it outperformed some of the pricier cordless vacuums—and even some corded models—in our testing.

The swivel head made it easy to maneuver the vacuum around our testing lab obstacles, and we appreciated the clear instruction manual that was included in the box. Besides being a lightweight powerhouse, this vacuum was also one of the quietest ones we tested. While it sucked up most of the debris in our lab, this vacuum ended up dragging the hair behind it instead of vacuuming it up. It was also a little difficult to empty because we had to dig out the hair from the bin. With this in mind, it might not be ideal for homes where cleaning up pet or human hair is an ongoing challenge.

Price at time of publish: $180

_{Dimensions: 21.46 x 5.71 x 15.75 inches | Weight: Less than 6 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Battery Life: 40 minutes | Bin Volume: Not listed | Cleaning Path Width: Not listed | Compatible Floor Type: Hard floors, carpet}

Best for Pet Hair

Hoover Onepwr Evolve Pet Cordless Vacuum

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness
  3.5/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Ease of Emptying
  5/5
• Portability
  4.8/5
• Noise Level
  3.5/5

We love our pets, but if you have a dog or cat that's prone to shedding, selecting the right vacuum cleaner is key to maintaining a tidy living space. When we used the Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Cordless Vacuum to suck up most of the pet hair we laid in its path in one single pass during testing, we knew we had found a great budget-friendly vacuum for pet owners. We found that it's particularly effective at suctioning debris from carpet.

On top of easily cleaning pet hair from our lab flooring, this vacuum was incredibly easy to use and empty. All parts of the vacuum are clearly labeled, and there is even a button labeled "trash" that you push for simple emptying. When the vacuum is not in use, it stands on its own, so you can walk away and give Fido some love before coming back to your task.

This vacuum can be pretty noisy on certain settings, but we were still able to have a conversation while using it. The only major downside to this powerful pet hair cleaner is that it doesn't come with any attachments, so you'll likely need another cleaning device (like a handheld vacuum) to get into the crevices and hard-to-reach places in your home.

Price at time of publish: $210

_{Dimensions: 44 x 11 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Battery Life: 35 minutes | Bin Volume: 1.05 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 11 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hard floors, carpet}

Best for Carpet

BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Rewind Upright Vacuum 2256

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Maneuverability
  4/5
• Ease of Emptying
  5/5
• Noise Level
  5/5
• Setup
  3/5

Homeowners with lots of carpeted floors need a vac that's reliable and ready to face any pile height. The BISSELL CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Vacuum Cleaner is just that, and it was effective at picking up all debris in just one or two passes on the hardwood, low-pile carpet, and high-pile carpet during our tests. We found that it needed a bit more elbow grease on the medium-pile carpet, but it was still able to suck everything up in about three passes. We docked its effectiveness and maneuverability ratings slightly because the dust bin also prevents this corded vacuum from easily reaching under low furniture.

Emptying this vacuum is a total breeze and can be done with one hand. This is ideal for pet owners who may make many trips to the trash can to dump fur and other bin contents. In addition, this vac operates quietly, so it won't be a major disruption in your household. One downside of the vac is that it's a pain to set up. It took us over ten minutes to assemble the vacuum because the manual was unclear and we needed a screwdriver that was not provided. However, once assembled, you'll also notice that it feels quite sturdy and well-made.

Price at time of publish: $160

_{Dimensions: 13 x 14 x 46 inches | Weight: 13.65 pounds | Cord Length: 27 feet | Battery Life: N/A | Bin Volume: 1 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 13.5 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hard floors, carpet}

Best Handheld

BLACK+DECKER Dusbuster Handheld Vacuum

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Ease of Emptying
  5/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Noise Level
  4/5

The Black & Decker Cordless Lithium Hand Vacuum previously held the best overall spot in our best handheld vacuums roundup because of its compact design and powerful suction in our testing. It has since been replaced by a pricier model in that category, we still think this model is a great affordable handheld vacuum that excels at picking up debris of all sizes—it's still one of the best dustbusters on the market.

This vacuum is surprisingly powerful, making quick work of cleaning up cat litter, cereal, and even sand in our tests. We love its lightweight design, which isn't tiring to hold for an extended period of time, such as while vacuuming a car or in hard-to-reach areas under furniture. This model excelled at cleaning hard flooring, but it could also handle low-pile carpet. Mid- and high-pile carpets were a bit too dense for this vacuum to effectively pick up debris. However, we found its two attachments—a brush and crevice tool—helpful when cleaning inside a car and along the edges of stairs. This vacuum also comes with a wall mount, so you can keep it within reach in a closet, pantry, or kitchen alcove.

There was very little assembly required when unboxing this BLACK+DECKER model—just be sure to charge it before your first use. The battery life is short with only about 15 minutes of power, but that should be enough for everyday cleanups. While we wish this model had a battery indicator light to let us know when it's low and done charging, the lack of this feature did not negatively impact our overall experience with the appliance. Overall, we think this vacuum's cordless and lightweight design make it a great cleaning tool for unexpected messes and quick clean-up jobs.

This vacuum may still be a bit too expensive, especially as a handheld model. If you're looking for something even cheaper, we recommend also checking out the Tzumi Ion Vac Handheld Vacuum Cleaner, which is half the price and great for small cleanups.

Price at time of publish: $86

_{Dimensions: 7.5 x 13.5 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 2.11 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Battery Life: 12 to 15 minutes | Bin Volume: 31.8 ounces | Cleaning Path Width: Not applicable | Compatible Floor Type: Hard floors, low-pile carpet}