10 Best Affordable Vacuums 2025 in the United States

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away NV356E, is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable yet versatile vacuum cleaner. Its lift-away functionality allows you to detach the pod for easy above-floor cleaning, making it convenient for stairs and furniture. The HEPA filter combined with the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal ensures that 99.9% of dust and allergens are trapped inside the vacuum, ideal for allergy sufferers.

With a powerful suction, it excels in picking up pet hair and deep-cleaning carpets, while the brushroll shutoff feature makes it gentle on bare floors. This vacuum is also highly maneuverable thanks to its swivel steering and relatively lightweight design at 13.7 pounds, allowing for easy navigation around furniture and tight spaces. The extra-large dust cup can hold up to 0.87 liters of debris, which means fewer trips to empty it during long cleaning sessions.

It also comes with useful attachments such as a pet power brush, dusting brush, and crevice tool, enhancing its versatility for various cleaning tasks. However, being a corded model, it might not be as convenient as cordless options and the noise level at 80 dB can be considered loud for some users. Despite these minor drawbacks, its strong performance, especially for pet owners and those with allergies, coupled with a five-year limited warranty, makes it a solid choice in the affordable vacuum category.

The Shark Upright Vacuum NV360 stands out in the affordable vacuum category with its versatile design and powerful suction. It combines strong cleaning capabilities on both carpets and bare floors using a multi-surface suction feature. One of its key strengths is the Lift-Away functionality, allowing users to detach the pod for easier access under furniture and above-floor areas, making it adaptable for various cleaning tasks. The inclusion of a HEPA filter coupled with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology is a significant benefit, especially for allergy sufferers, as it efficiently traps dust and allergens.

The vacuum is specifically well-suited for pet owners, as it features dedicated attachments like the upholstery tool for effective pet hair removal. Its large dust cup capacity means fewer interruptions for emptying, and the swivel steering ensures easy maneuverability around furniture and tight spaces. However, being a corded model, it may limit the freedom of movement compared to cordless alternatives.

Weighing approximately 16 pounds, it is relatively lightweight for an upright vacuum, making it manageable for most users. The brushroll shutoff feature seamlessly transitions from carpet to bare floor cleaning, adding to its ease of use. Although it includes useful tools like the crevice and upholstery tools, some users might miss advanced attachments found in higher-end models. Noise levels are typical for an upright vacuum but may be noticeable in quieter environments. Assembly is required, yet users find it straightforward. Its five-year limited warranty offers additional peace of mind. For those seeking an affordable, efficient vacuum with pet-friendly features, the Shark NV360 is a compelling choice, though those needing cordless convenience might look elsewhere.

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is a versatile and affordable choice for those in need of a reliable cleaning tool. As an upright vacuum with lift-away functionality, it allows you to easily clean stairs, furniture, and other above-floor areas. Its powerful suction capability ensures deep cleaning of carpets and effective handling of bare floors. The vacuum includes a HEPA filtration system paired with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, making it an excellent option for homes with allergy sufferers.

This model is bagless, which means you don't have to worry about replacing bags, though you'll need to empty the dust cup regularly. Weighing just 12.5 pounds and equipped with swivel steering, the NV352 is easy to maneuver around furniture and into tight spaces. The inclusion of attachments like the wide upholstery tool and 12-inch crevice tool adds to its versatility, making it suitable for pet owners dealing with hair and dander.

However, at 80 dB, it might be a bit noisy for some users. Additionally, this vacuum is corded, so you'll need to manage the power cord while cleaning. With a 5-year limited warranty and strong customer reviews, this upright vacuum is a dependable choice for comprehensive home cleaning.