Tired of dust bunnies staging a takeover in your home? Do you dream of sparkling floors without breaking the bank? Finding a good vacuum cleaner can feel like a treasure hunt, especially when your budget is under $100. It’s tough because there are so many choices out there, and it’s hard to know which one will actually work well.
We get it. You want a clean home, but you don’t want to spend a fortune. The pressure to pick the *right* vacuum can be overwhelming. Will it be powerful enough? Will it last? Will it just be a waste of money?
That’s where we come in. This post is your secret weapon for navigating the world of budget-friendly vacuums. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for and which vacuums are the best bang for your buck. Get ready to say goodbye to dirt and hello to a cleaner, happier home – all without emptying your wallet!
Our Top 5 Vacuum Under 100 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Vacuum Under 100 Detailed Reviews
1. Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum
Rating: 8.5/10
Tired of bulky vacuums that are hard to move around? The Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum is your solution. This vacuum is designed for small spaces like dorm rooms and apartments. It’s super light, weighing less than 8 pounds, making it a breeze to carry from room to room. Don’t let its size fool you – it packs a punch with powerful suction to tackle messes on both carpets and hard floors. Plus, a neat scatter-free technology means less mess when you’re cleaning hard surfaces. And when you’re done, emptying the dirt bin is as simple as pushing a button.
What We Like:
- Lightweight and easy to move: Weighs under 8 pounds, making it perfect for small spaces and easy to carry.
- Powerful suction: Cleans effectively on various floor types.
- Scatter-Free Technology: Minimizes mess on hard floors.
- Easy to empty: The dirt container empties with a simple button push.
- Helps pets: Every purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation to save homeless pets.
- Removable extension wand: Adds versatility for reaching tricky spots.
What Could Be Improved:
- Corded operation: Requires being plugged in, limiting reach compared to cordless models.
- Bin capacity: For larger homes or very messy cleanups, the dirt bin might need frequent emptying.
Overall, the Bissell CleanView Compact is a fantastic option for anyone needing a lightweight and effective vacuum for smaller living areas. Its ease of use and powerful cleaning capabilities make it a worthwhile addition to your home.
2. Dirt Devil Endura Lite Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of lugging around a heavy vacuum? The Dirt Devil Endura Lite Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is here to make your cleaning days much easier! This vacuum is designed for busy homes, offering powerful cleaning without the bulk. It works great on both carpets and hard floors, so you can tackle messes all over your house.
What We Like:
- Compact Power: It’s lightweight and easy to carry, but still packs a punch with its advanced Endura filtration system that keeps suction strong.
- Whole Home Cleaning: The compact design and special brush roll let you clean everywhere, from floors to ceilings.
- Quick Reach: The extension wand reaches up to 6 feet high, perfect for cobwebs or dusty shelves. It also comes with tools to clean corners and tight spots easily.
- Easy-Empty Dirt Cup: Cleaning out the dirt is a breeze with the one-touch release. Plus, the filter can be rinsed, making upkeep simple.
- Versatile Cleaning: Dirt Devil provides various tools to help you clean faster and better, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time doing what you love.
What Could Be Improved:
- Corded Convenience: While corded vacuums offer consistent power, you do need to stay near an outlet and manage the cord.
- Durability Concerns: Some users have mentioned that the plastic parts might not be as sturdy as those on more expensive models.
Overall, the Dirt Devil Endura Lite is a solid choice for anyone seeking a lightweight, effective vacuum for everyday cleaning. It offers good performance at a reasonable price.
3. Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of pet hair clinging to your floors and furniture? The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum is here to help! This vacuum is designed with pet owners in mind, making it a powerful tool for tackling even the toughest pet messes. Plus, every purchase helps save pets through the BISSELL Pet Foundation!
What We Like:
- Swivel Steering: This vacuum easily maneuvers around furniture and tight spaces, making cleaning a breeze.
- Triple Action Brush Roll: It effectively loosens, lifts, and removes embedded pet hair from carpets.
- Scatter-Free Technology: Clean dry pet messes on hard floors without scattering them everywhere.
- Edge-to-Edge Cleaning: It picks up pet hair and dirt right along the edges and in corners.
- Large Capacity Dirt Tank: Spend less time emptying and more time cleaning.
- Easy Empty: The dirt tank empties with the touch of a button.
- Saves Pets: BISSELL proudly supports homeless pets with your purchase.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has specialized pet tools, the specific types and effectiveness of these tools could be clearer.
- The airflow indicator is a helpful feature, but its sensitivity or any potential for clogging could be a minor concern for some users.
Overall, the Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum offers excellent pet hair pickup and maneuverability. It’s a solid choice for keeping your home clean and helping animals in need.
4. Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum with Quick Release Wand
Rating: 8.8/10
The Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum (model 3437F) is a fantastic option for anyone needing a powerful clean in a small package. It’s designed for apartments and dorm rooms, making it super easy to move around. Plus, every purchase helps save pets through the BISSELL Pet Foundation!
What We Like:
- It’s super lightweight at only 10 pounds, so you can carry it easily.
- It has full-size vacuum power but in a compact design.
- The scatter-free technology keeps messes from flying around on hard floors.
- The quick-release extension wand lets you clean everywhere, from the floor to high places.
- It’s perfect for small spaces like apartments and dorms.
- Your purchase helps BISSELL Pet Foundation save homeless pets.
What Could Be Improved:
- For larger homes, a longer cord might be more convenient.
- While powerful, it might not be as robust as a full-sized, heavy-duty vacuum for deep, extensive cleaning.
This Bissell vacuum offers a winning combination of power and portability. It’s a smart choice for keeping your living space clean without a struggle.
5. Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floors
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of lugging around a heavy vacuum? The Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is here to make cleaning easier. This vacuum is designed for both carpet and hard floors. It comes with handy tools to clean different areas of your home. Its lightweight design and long cord mean you can clean more without stopping. Plus, it’s easy to empty and maintain.
What We Like:
- It’s super light, weighing only 8.4 lbs. This makes it easy to carry and push around your house.
- The 25-foot cord gives you plenty of reach. You can clean large rooms without switching outlets.
- It comes with special tools. Use the crevice tool for tight spots and the upholstery tool for furniture.
- The handle can be detached. This makes it easier to store and use for different cleaning tasks.
- The dust cup is big, holding 1.7L. You won’t have to empty it as often.
- Emptying the dust cup is simple. A quick-release button makes disposal a breeze.
- The filter is washable. This saves you money and keeps the vacuum working well.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for basic cleaning, it might not be powerful enough for very deep carpet cleaning.
- The dust cup, while large, might fill up quickly in very dusty homes.
This vacuum cleaner is a good option for most homes. It makes everyday cleaning feel less like a chore.
Finding the Best Vacuum Under $100: Your Ultimate Guide
Shopping for a vacuum cleaner doesn’t have to break the bank. You can find excellent options for under $100 that tackle everyday messes effectively. This guide will help you choose the right vacuum for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
1. Suction Power
Good suction is crucial for picking up dirt, dust, and pet hair. Look for vacuums with strong, consistent suction. This is usually measured in Air Watts (AW) or Pascals (Pa). Higher numbers generally mean more power.
2. Filtration System
A good filtration system traps tiny particles like dust mites and allergens. HEPA filters are the gold standard. They capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size. This is important for people with allergies or asthma.
3. Dustbin Capacity
The dustbin size matters. Smaller bins need emptying more often. For larger homes or frequent cleaning, a bigger dustbin is more convenient. Most vacuums under $100 have bagless dustbins, which are easy to empty.
4. Attachments and Tools
Different cleaning tasks need different tools. Crevice tools are great for tight spots. Upholstery tools help clean furniture. Brush rolls are good for carpets. Check what attachments are included.
5. Weight and Maneuverability
A lightweight vacuum is easier to carry upstairs and around furniture. Look for vacuums that swivel easily. This makes cleaning around obstacles a breeze.
Important Materials
Most vacuums under $100 are made from durable plastics like ABS. These plastics are lightweight yet strong. The motor components are usually made of metal. The brush rolls often have nylon bristles for effective cleaning.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Strong Motor: A well-built motor provides consistent suction power.
- Good Seals: Well-sealed parts prevent air leaks, improving suction efficiency.
- Durable Construction: Higher-quality plastics and sturdy connections mean the vacuum will last longer.
- Effective Filtration: A multi-stage filtration system, especially with a HEPA filter, significantly improves air quality.
Reducing Quality:
- Cheap Plastic: Flimsy plastic can crack or break easily.
- Weak Motor: Motors that overheat or lose power quickly reduce cleaning performance.
- Poor Seals: Air leaks lead to reduced suction and less effective cleaning.
- Ineffective Filtration: Basic filters may not capture small particles, recirculating dust into the air.
User Experience and Use Cases
Vacuums under $100 are best suited for everyday cleaning tasks. They are great for quick cleanups of spills and general floor maintenance. Many are ideal for smaller apartments or single-room cleaning.
Great for:
- Hardwood floors and low-pile carpets.
- Quick cleanups of crumbs and pet hair.
- Lightweight, portable cleaning.
- Budget-conscious shoppers.
May not be ideal for:
- Deep cleaning thick carpets.
- Very large homes requiring extended cleaning sessions.
- Heavy-duty messes or large debris.
- Users needing advanced features like adjustable suction or self-propulsion.
By considering these features, materials, and factors, you can confidently choose a vacuum cleaner under $100 that meets your cleaning needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a vacuum under $100?
A: The main key features are strong suction power, an effective filtration system (preferably with a HEPA filter), adequate dustbin capacity, useful attachments, and good maneuverability due to its weight.
Q: Can I find a vacuum with a HEPA filter for under $100?
A: Yes, some vacuums under $100 do offer HEPA filtration, which is excellent for trapping allergens and improving air quality.
Q: Are vacuums under $100 good for pet hair?
A: Many vacuums in this price range are effective for light to moderate pet hair on hard floors and low-pile carpets. Look for models specifically mentioning pet hair removal and brush rolls.
Q: What type of flooring are these vacuums best for?
A: Vacuums under $100 are generally best for hardwood floors, tile, laminate, and low-pile carpets. They may struggle with very thick or high-pile carpets.
Q: How important is the weight of a vacuum?
A: The weight is quite important for ease of use. A lighter vacuum is easier to carry and maneuver around furniture and up stairs.
Q: What does “bagless” mean for a vacuum?
A: Bagless vacuums have a dustbin or canister that you empty directly into the trash. This saves you money on buying replacement bags.
Q: What are common attachments found with budget vacuums?
A: Common attachments include crevice tools for tight spaces, upholstery tools for furniture, and sometimes a small brush for dusting.
Q: How long can I expect a vacuum under $100 to last?
A: With proper care and maintenance, a good quality vacuum under $100 can last several years for light to moderate use.
Q: Should I worry about the materials used in vacuums under $100?
A: While they use more plastic, reputable brands use durable ABS plastic. Focus on build quality and customer reviews regarding durability.
Q: Are these vacuums good for whole-house cleaning?
A: They are best for smaller homes, apartments, or for quick cleanups. For larger homes with varied flooring, you might need a more powerful or specialized vacuum.
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!