The 8 best cheap vacuum cleaners of 2026: Budget options under $200 that don’t compromise on performance

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While we’ve tested all kinds of the best vacuums, including premium splurge models that retail for nearly $2,000, we’ve found that a modest threshold of $200 can get you a solid and reliable vacuum. Suction power and ease of use are the most important factors for any type of vacuum. Those after the best cheap vacuum can rest easy knowing we’ve tested various budget-friendly models that are up to whatever mess you throw at it.

Though we use the word “cheap” throughout, we’re referring to the best value vacuums — the most performance and utility you can get for the least amount of money. They may lack some of the exciting bells and whistles like advanced particle detection, auto-adjusting suction or LED displays, our picks for the best cheap vacuums deliver an effective clean, and that’s what really matters.

Out of the best budget vacuums we’ve tested, our long-standing favorite cheap vacuum is the Bissell Cleanview Swivel Vacuum, a classic upright that gets the job done quickly. For a cordless option that is working to compete with household vacuum names, the Levoit LVAC-200 is lightweight and cleans great on both hard floors and carpets. It’s ideal for quick clean ups on hard floors and smaller homes.

Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches home products.

Our picks for the best cheap vacuums:

Best upright: Bissell Cleanview Swivel Pet Vacuum – See at Amazon

Best cordless: Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Stick – See at Amazon

Best under $100: Tikom V500 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner – See at Amazon

Best for pet hair: Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Vacuum Cleaner – See at Amazon

Best robot: Shark Ion Robot Vacuum – See at Amazon

Best handheld: Black+Decker Dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum – See at Amazon

Best upgrade, upright: Shark Navigator Deluxe Liftaway – See at Amazon

Best upgrade, cordless: Bissell Powerclean FurFinder – See at Amazon

Best upright

This is your classic corded upright vacuum. As restrictive as the cords can be on these vacuums, The Bissell’s Cleanview Swivel Vacuum builds in many thoughtful design features to compensate for the inconvenience. 

• Read more about the best upright vacuums

It passed all of our cleaning tests with flying colors. The large, square cleaner head has a brush roll that effectively lifts and removes small and large debris. From whole Cheerios to fine flour, the vacuum sucked up all the particles cleanly and quickly. It worked well with pet hair as well. 

It has five settings for different floor types, which you must bend down and adjust at the top of the cleaner head. But turning on the vacuum is as easy as pressing a lever at the base with your foot. There’s also a separate foot pedal to tilt the vacuum and allow it to swivel in different directions. 

The 0.26-gallon dust bin is generous. It’s easy to remove by clicking the release button at the top. The contents empty out at the bottom so you’ll have minimal or no direct contact with all the dirt and dust. The bin has a handle on top to easily carry the vacuum up and down stairs or to different rooms. 

The vacuum is already a great deal for its consistent, powerful suction and easy maneuverability. Even better, it comes with a few attachments, which you affix to the 6-foot-long hose to clean upholstery or get into crevices. We might still prefer a cordless handheld vacuum for these cleaning tasks, but it’s nice to have the option here. We love that the attachments are stored directly on the vacuum, so you’ll never lose them.

Best cordless

The Levoit LVAC-200 is effective at cleaning everyday messes and pet hair from a variety of surfaces. It retails at the $200 mark and is frequently on sale. It’s exceptionally lightweight (just over six pounds) and features user-friendly design elements like the ability to stand on its own and LED headlights. For a value-price cleaner, it doesn’t feel cheap.

• Read more about the best cordless vacuums.

In our cleaning tests, it easily picked up flour, sugar, and rice on carpets and hard floors. Larger debris like cereal took a few extra passes but was eventually suctioned up. Even better, we didn’t encounter hair tangling or clogging in the brush roll, which incorporates a rubber fin style on the brushroll to send strands directly into the dustbin. The accompanying pet tool and crevice tool were great for cleaning upholstery and along floorboards, respectively.

The Levoit LVAC-200 has three power settings. It’s easy to toggle through with a press of a button and offers up to 50 minutes of cleaning time when used on its lowest power setting. We preferred cleaning on the medium setting, which averaged about 25 minutes, while Turbo mode, which is great for carpets, lasted about 16 minutes.

The vacuum uses a five-part filtration system, which includes a metal filter, pre-motor filters, and a post-motor filter. The system captures 99.9% of 0.3-micron particles, but it is not HEPA-rated.

Read our full Levoit LVAC-200 review for more information.

Best under $100

Tikom is giving the top brands a run for their money. Our senior commerce director was on the hunt for the cheapest cordless vacuum that that could keep up after his shedding cat and maneuver around his city apartment. The almost-to-good-to-be true $100 price tag intrigued him with higher rated suction power than any other comparably priced models, and generally favorably reviews. It’s even features a 7-stage HEPA filtration system that captures 99.99% of microscopic dust particle

It’s quite effective. It’s a very maneuverable roller head and has had no problems picking up loose hair, crumbs, cat litter, and kibble on hard floors, carpeted areas, and rugs. He’s noticed minimal hair wrap or clogs around the brush roll. The LED lights on the roller also help show smaller debris and the telescoping wand is also useful to accommodate the comfort of people of varying heights.

The 1.3 liter dustbin is actually bigger than our top recommendations from Shark and Dyson. However, our reviewer thought it was on the small side. Hair clings to the filter inside quite easily, but this did not seem to hamper suction performance in regular or turbo modes. The battery actually exceeded the 32 minute, running for 34 minutes in normal mode, or 19 on turbo. It was enough to clean a small apartment. Charging takes roughly five hours from empty.

The Tikom V500 isn’t capable of free-standing, and is very top-heavy. It does come with a wall mount, and the white design keeps it simple to display without being distracting, but it is available in other colorways too like orange and black or blue and white.

Best for pet hair

The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Vacuum Cleaner (model 2254) comes with a dedicated pet hair tool. It is extremely similar to our best corded pick, the Bissell CleanView Swivel (model 2252), except it is about $30 more with a retractable power cord and the addition of a pet hair corner tool for sucking up fur that’s collected deep in corners.

• See more of the best vacuums for pet hair

It excelled at picking up all of the pet hair. We tasked it through long strands of hair on carpeting, hardwood, and on upholstered furniture without the brush getting tangled.  The Bissell 2254 also did especially well on hardwood, though it struggled to collect flour on every surface.

We particularly liked how easy it is to maneuver thanks to the swivel head. Using just one hand, we could move it to the spot we wanted. The retractable cord stayed out of our way as we cleaned, and we tackled messes in elevated areas effortlessly with the detachable hose. 

Unfortunately, we struggled to empty the dustbin without sending debris outside the trash can. Before releasing it, make sure you position the dustbin’s trapdoor mechanism within your trash can.

Best robot

For a basic robot vacuum that does exactly what you want need it to do. The Shark Ion impressed us with its cleaning performance both on carpets and hard floors. Even better, the Shark Ion can frequently be found on sale for around $150.

• See more of the best robot vacuums

The Shark Ion is a bump-and-roll style robot vacuum. At this price point however, don’t expect upgrades like smart home mapping, obstacle avoidance auto-adjusting suction, and auto-empty stations. It can be scheduled via the Shark app as to when it runs, but you will not be able to clean by room or set no-go zones. It does have an extremely long lasting battery, lasting up to three hours on the low setting, which was more than enough time to cover our testing area.

For those interested in the best affordable robot vacuum and mop that are starting to dominate the market, we’ve yet to find a great combo that fits under our $200 threshold for this story, but when on sale, the iRobot Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo Robot comes pretty close — it had mighty scrubbing power.

Best handheld

Among the best handheld vacuums, the Black+Decker Dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum (model HHVI315JO42) was both the most affordable and our overall top pick. 

It was one of the best at cleaning on every surface in our tests, especially hardwood. While most of the vacs struggled with flour and Cheerios, the Dustbuster was the best at picking up both of these materials. It also was quieter than most of the models we tested, but it was still about as loud as a noisy restaurant.

The Dustbuster couldn’t be easier to use. It only weighs about 2 pounds, is well-balanced, and operates using two buttons: an on/off button and a dustbin-release button. Once you release the dustbin, you pull out the filter to empty debris. The filter is washable in soap and warm water. 

Our guide to the best handheld vacuums has more recommendations.

Best upgrade, upright

The Shark Navigator has a loyal user following and is one of Shark’s most long-standing designs. The Navigator employs Shark’s signature Lift-Away functionality where the dust-bin and motor separate from the base to be carried like a pod. It brings extra versatility to an upright design for above-floor cleaning tasks, from stairs to upholstery and everywhere in between. 

For general cleaning, the Navigator performed well at pulling up the dust bunnies. However, its size and weight may make it cumbersome to maneuver and swivel for some. During testing, however, it also failed to pick up large quantities of our test material — which included flour, sugar, and kibble — and streaks of flour were left on the carpet and hardwood. Everything was suctioned up, but it did take multiple passes. There’s also a brushroll shut-off feature that can be engaged when cleaning on hard floors, and the vacuum is HEPA rated. 

The Shark Navigator is frequently sold across various retailers with subtle differences. We tested the NV360 model. It retails for $200, but is often on sale for far less.

Our guide to the best Shark vacuums compares its top performing models.

Best upgrade, cordless

The Bissell PowerClean FurFinder just exceeds our $200 threshold, but can frequently be found on sale. It offers three cleaning modes, HEPA filtration, super bright LED lights, useful attachments and can stand upright on it’s own. The vacuum’s battery lasts about 40 minutes on Eco, but I preferred using medium power, which was also sufficient on carpet, and lasted about 22 minutes. The battery life on the Levoit is slightly longer, but the build quality on the Bissell feels more substantial.

It’s been great for general cleaning, but struggled with large debris and super fine flour. Whisking it around my house has been a breeze and I noticed an improvement in how clean my floors were. My main gripe compared to some of the higher end vacuums I’ve used is that my long strands of hair did wrap around the brushroll. Putting it through our standardized tests as well, however, I noticed how it was unable to pick up large pieces of cereal and while it was OK at picking up flour, a lot of it ended coating the inside of the cleanerhead as opposed to making its way to the dustbin.

I recommend this vacuum for pet owners. Though my long hair inconveniently wrapped around the brushroll, it had no issue pulling up embedded fur from the carpets. It also comes with a motorized brushroll attachment, what Bissell dubs its FurFinder tool, perfect for small jobs and upholstery.

I have mixed thoughts on the dustbin, too. I’ve grown accustomed to only needing one hand to empty the dustbin, so the act of unscrewing the lid is an extra step that has taken getting used to. The advantage of Bissell’s design however, is that I’ve never once need to reach in to pull out any stuck debris, it just pours out.

What to look for in the best cheap vacuum

Not all cheap vacuums are created equal. Often, shoddy construction results in your vacuum parts or motor breaking down within months of use. Here are some features to look for in a vacuum, even if you’re being budget-conscious:

Motor: The motor is the most important contributor to suction and, thus, cleaning ability. Edward Chudleigh, a former Dyson engineer of 11 years, recommends a brushless motor: “Brushless motors are very efficient and translate much more of the available power from the battery to cleaning the floor. The trouble with brushed motors is that there is more friction in the system, which eats some of the battery power and, among other things, makes the machine less efficient.”

Brush roll: The size, placement, and type of brush on the vacuum affect how much dust is swept up and also whether the brushes can dig into various surfaces to lift up dirt and debris. 

Filter: Look for HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters, which are allergy-friendly. They trap and remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, dirt, mold, bacteria, and other airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns. 

Battery life (if applicable): Cheaper cordless vacuums may not have as long a battery life as more expensive competitors. You may need to charge your battery more often or consider buying a replacement backup battery to keep on hand for longer cleaning jobs. 

Cord and hose length (if applicable): Long cords and hoses reduce the need to hunt around the house for an open outlet. The average cord length of an upright vacuum is 25-30 feet. 

Warranty: Even budget vacuums should come with at least one year of warranty on parts and labor. All our best cheap vacuum picks come warranty that span one to three years. Make sure to register your vacuum to speed up the warranty process later. 

How we test the best cheap vacuums

Vacuuming Performance : We tested each of the vacuums against five materials (flour, ground coffee, cat litter, whole Cheerios, and dog hair) on three different surfaces (carpet/rug, hardwood, and tile). We scattered half a cup of each material on each surface — resulting in 15 tests for each vacuum — and rated each vacuum on its ability to suck up the material powerfully, cleanly, and thoroughly. Our robot vacuum testing also included corner cleaning and obstacle avoidance. If the vacuum came with attachments, we also tested the attachments on appropriate surfaces (e.g., crevice tool on furniture cushions and car seats) and rated their effectiveness. 

Comfort and ease of use: We noted the ergonomics of each vacuum: how tiring it is to hold, how easy it is to maneuver, and the effort required to activate the power button. We also noted whether it could fit under low spaces and any additional helpful features like a headlight to illuminate your cleaning path. 

Disposal method: We evaluated the cleanliness and ease of emptying the dustbin after a cleaning session. How is the bin opened? Do we have to reach inside and touch dirt and dust that didn’t empty out completely? 

Battery life: If the vacuum is cordless, we used it until its battery died and compared the actual battery life to the advertised battery life.

Storage: We noted how the vacuum breaks down into multiple parts and whether it comes with a wall mount or docking station. 

Cheap vacuum FAQs

How long does a cheap vacuum last?

According to data from Consumer Reports, vacuum cleaners can last for a median of 8 years. 

However, it depends on how often you use your vacuum and how well you maintain it. Cheap vacuum motors may not have the same longevity as those of more premium options, costing you more in the long run if you find yourself replacing them sooner than you planned.

What is the average price of a vacuum cleaner?

We’ve tested $50 vacuums all the way up to $1,000 plus options, so the landscape can vary widely. For a cheap vacuum, we set the parameters as under $200 for an upright or cordless and under $250 for a robot vacuum. 

When is the best time to buy a vacuum? 

Vacuum cleaners go on sale frequently throughout the year, especially around the holidays and major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday. Typical discounts range from about 25% to 50% off on top brands, giving you the opportunity to snag a more premium model for less. 

Source: The 8 best cheap vacuum cleaners of 2026: Budget options under $200 that don’t compromise on performance