Does the thought of a sparkling clean home feel like a distant dream because your wallet feels a little too light? You’re not alone! Finding a vacuum cleaner that actually works without costing a fortune can feel like searching for a unicorn.
We all want a home free of dust bunnies and pet hair, but the price tags on many vacuums can be shocking. It’s tough to know which affordable option will actually get the job done and which will leave you frustrated. You want good suction, easy handling, and something that won’t break after just a few uses.
But what if we told you that a great clean doesn’t have to empty your bank account? In this post, we’re diving into the world of inexpensive vacuums. We’ll show you what to look for, highlight some fantastic budget-friendly picks, and give you the confidence to choose a vacuum that makes your home shine without making your wallet weep.
Our Top 5 Inexpensive Vacuums Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Inexpensive Vacuums Detailed Reviews
1. Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with Crevice Tool
Rating: 9.0/10
Tired of lugging around a heavy vacuum? The Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with Crevice Tool, 2033M, Black is here to make your cleaning life easier. This sleek black vacuum is designed for quick cleanups and tackles dirt on various surfaces with its powerful suction.
What We Like:
- It’s super lightweight, making it a breeze to carry around your home.
- This vacuum is incredibly convenient and simple to use.
- Its powerful suction picks up messes quickly and efficiently.
- It’s a versatile cleaner, working on hard floors and even low pile carpets.
- You get three machines in one: a stick vacuum, a handle vacuum, and a stair vacuum.
- The included crevice tool is perfect for reaching tight spots on furniture.
- It also comes with a floor nozzle specifically designed for stairs.
- This vacuum handles sealed hard floors, countertops, and even surface dirt on carpets and area rugs.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dirt cup capacity is a bit small at 0.67 liters, meaning you might need to empty it often for larger messes.
- While great for light cleaning, it might not be powerful enough for deep cleaning thick carpets.
This Bissell Featherweight vacuum is an excellent choice for everyday messes and quick tidying. Its ease of use and versatility make it a handy tool for maintaining a clean home.
2. Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum
Rating: 9.3/10
Are you living in a dorm or a small apartment and need a vacuum that won’t take up a lot of space? The Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, model 3508, is a fantastic option. It’s designed to be lightweight and easy to move around. This vacuum packs a punch with its powerful suction, making cleaning up messes a breeze. Plus, it comes with a handy removable extension wand to help you reach those tricky spots.
What We Like:
- Saves Pets: Every purchase helps the BISSELL Pet Foundation save homeless pets, which is a really great cause.
- Scatter-Free Cleaning: It has special technology that stops messes from scattering on your hard floors.
- Powerful Suction: Despite its small size, this vacuum offers strong suction for effective cleaning.
- Lightweight and Easy to Use: Weighing less than 8 pounds, it’s super easy to carry and maneuver around your living space.
- Simple Dirt Disposal: Emptying the dirt container is a cinch with just the push of a button.
What Could Be Improved:
- Corded Operation: This is a corded vacuum, meaning you’ll need to be near an outlet and manage the cord while cleaning.
- Bagless Convenience: While easy to empty, bagless vacuums can sometimes kick up dust when the container is being emptied.
Overall, the Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum is a smart choice for small living spaces. It offers effective cleaning power in a compact and user-friendly design.
3. Dirt Devil Endura Lite Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of lugging around heavy vacuums? The Dirt Devil Endura Lite Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is here to make cleaning your home a breeze! This powerful yet lightweight vacuum tackles dirt on both carpets and hard floors with ease. Its advanced filtration system means you get no loss of suction, so every clean is a worry-free clean. It’s designed for busy homes and makes quick work of messes, big or small.
What We Like:
- Compact Power: It’s lightweight and easy to carry, making cleaning different rooms a lot simpler.
- No Loss of Suction: The Endura filtration system keeps the vacuum working powerfully.
- Whole Home Cleaning: The multi-floor brush roll works on carpets and hard floors. Its compact size helps you reach every corner.
- Easy Reach and Tools: The extension wand lets you clean high places. On-board tools help you clean around furniture and tight spots.
- Simple Dirt Disposal: The dirt cup empties with one touch. Rinsing the filter is easy for maintenance.
- Versatile Cleaning: Dirt Devil provides tools to help you clean faster and better.
What Could Be Improved:
- Corded Operation: Since it’s corded, you need to unplug and replug it when moving between rooms.
- Noise Level: Some users might find the vacuum a bit noisy during operation.
This Dirt Devil vacuum is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and effective way to keep their home clean. It’s a smart pick for everyday cleaning tasks.
4. Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, NEU10AE4, in a vibrant green! This vacuum is designed to make your cleaning tasks easier and faster.
What We Like:
- It’s super light, weighing only 7.7 pounds. This makes it easy to carry around your house.
- The quick-release handle lets you clean floors above the ground easily.
- You can attach the crevice tool or dusting brush to the handle. This helps you clean furniture, windows, and tricky spots.
- It works well on both hard floors and carpets. It sucks up dirt and hair effectively.
- The 10.5-inch wide cleaning path helps you clean rooms quickly.
- It’s compact and featherweight, so it fits in small spaces and is easy to store.
- It comes with one washable filter. You just rinse it and let it dry, so you don’t have to buy new filters.
- The crevice tool and dusting brush snap right onto the vacuum. They are always ready when you need them.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt motor might not be as powerful as some larger vacuums for very deep carpet cleaning.
- While it’s great for quick cleanups, it might not be ideal for cleaning an entire large house in one go.
This Eureka vacuum is a fantastic option for anyone who wants a lightweight and easy-to-use cleaner. It’s perfect for everyday messes and makes reaching those tough spots a breeze.
5. Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor
Rating: 8.9/10
The Eureka PowerSpeed, a new model in a striking blue and black, is a powerful yet lightweight upright vacuum designed to tackle messes on both carpets and hard floors. Its upgraded cyclone system means it can grab everything from big chunks of dirt to tiny dust particles, making it a versatile helper for keeping your home clean.
What We Like:
- It has an upgraded cyclone system that handles all kinds of debris, from large pieces to microscopic dust.
- The vacuum is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver around your home.
- It powerfully picks up dirt and dust, even what’s deep in your carpets.
- With 5 height settings, it works great on carpets, shag rugs, and smooth hard floors without scratching.
- It comes with helpful accessories like a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool that store right on board.
- The vacuum traps 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens, which is great for allergy sufferers.
- It can be used for above-floor cleaning with its quick-release handle and stretch hose.
- You can use it to clean pet hair and freshen up areas like cars, curtains, and ceilings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The floor brush might get clogged with hair and dirt over time.
- Regular cleaning of the roller brush and belt (every 2 weeks) is recommended to prevent potential issues.
Overall, the Eureka PowerSpeed is a solid choice for everyday cleaning. It offers great suction power and versatility at a good value.
Finding the Best Inexpensive Vacuum: Your Guide to a Cleaner Home
Having a clean home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Inexpensive vacuums can be powerful tools to tackle dust, dirt, and pet hair. This guide will help you find a great vacuum without breaking the bank.
Key Features to Look For
Powerful Suction
Good suction is the most important thing. It pulls dirt from carpets and floors. Look for vacuums that clearly state their suction power or have good reviews about it.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Bagless vacuums have a bin you empty. They save money on bags. Bagged vacuums trap dirt in a bag. This can be better for people with allergies because the dirt is sealed away.
Filtration System
A good filter traps tiny particles like dust and allergens. HEPA filters are the best. They capture 99.97% of particles.
Attachments and Tools
Crevice tools help clean tight spots. Upholstery tools clean furniture and stairs. Pet hair tools are great for homes with furry friends.
Weight and Maneuverability
A lighter vacuum is easier to move around. Swivel steering makes it simple to turn corners and navigate around furniture.
Cord Length
A longer cord means you can clean more without unplugging. Aim for at least 20-25 feet.
Important Materials
Most inexpensive vacuums are made of durable plastic. Look for strong, thick plastic that won’t crack easily. Metal parts in the wand or brush roll can make the vacuum last longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Vacuum Better:
- Strong motor for good suction.
- Well-designed brush roll that lifts dirt.
- Good seals to prevent air leaks.
- Easy-to-clean filters and bins.
What Can Make a Vacuum Worse:
- Cheap plastic parts that break.
- Weak suction that doesn’t pick up dirt.
- Poorly designed attachments that don’t work well.
- Filters that clog easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
Inexpensive vacuums are great for everyday cleaning. They work well on hard floors and low-pile carpets. Many are lightweight and easy to use for quick cleanups.
For Homes with Pets:
Look for vacuums with good pet hair attachments. Strong suction is also key to removing fur from carpets and furniture.
For Small Apartments:
Compact and lightweight models are best. Stick vacuums or small uprights are easy to store and use in smaller spaces.
For Allergy Sufferers:
A bagged vacuum with a HEPA filter is highly recommended. This helps keep allergens out of the air.
Remember to read reviews and compare features to find the best inexpensive vacuum for your needs. Happy cleaning!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the average price range for an inexpensive vacuum?
A: Inexpensive vacuums typically range from $50 to $150.
Q: Do inexpensive vacuums really work well?
A: Yes, many inexpensive vacuums offer great cleaning power for their price. They might not have all the bells and whistles of high-end models, but they can effectively clean your home.
Q: How often should I clean or replace the filters?
A: Check your vacuum’s manual. Usually, you should clean washable filters every few weeks and replace disposable filters every 6-12 months.
Q: Can I use an inexpensive vacuum on thick carpets?
A: Some inexpensive vacuums work well on low-pile carpets, but they might struggle with very thick or shag carpets. Look for models specifically mentioning carpet cleaning ability.
Q: Are inexpensive vacuums noisy?
A: Noise levels can vary. Some are quieter than others. Reading reviews can give you an idea of how loud a specific model is.
Q: What’s the difference between a stick vacuum and an upright vacuum?
A: Stick vacuums are lightweight and good for quick cleanups. Upright vacuums are generally more powerful and better for larger areas and deeper cleaning.
Q: Can I use an inexpensive vacuum for a whole house?
A: For larger homes, you might need a vacuum with a longer cord and a larger dustbin/bag. Some lightweight models can be used for whole-house cleaning if you don’t mind emptying them more often.
Q: What if the vacuum loses suction?
A: This usually means the dustbin is full, the filter is clogged, or there’s a blockage in the hose or brush roll. Check and clean these parts.
Q: Are there any maintenance tips for inexpensive vacuums?
A: Yes, regularly empty the dustbin, clean or replace filters, and check the brush roll for tangled hair or debris. This keeps your vacuum working its best.
Q: Where is the best place to buy inexpensive vacuums?
A: You can find them at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Amazon, and Best Buy. Keep an eye out for sales!
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!