10 Best Budget Cordless Vacuum 2025 in the United States

The Shark Clean & Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum is a versatile and lightweight option for those seeking a budget-friendly cordless vacuum. One of its standout features is the automatic emptying system, which keeps your hands clean and reduces dust exposure significantly. The HEPA filtration system is another highlight, capturing over 99.97% of dust and allergens, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers.

The vacuum's battery life offers up to 40 minutes of runtime in ECO mode, though this may be less under more demanding conditions. Charging time is relatively long at 5 hours. The vacuum is equipped with an auto-adjusting brushroll that can handle different floor types, making it versatile for various surfaces. Additionally, the removable handvac with a motorized hand tool is excellent for pet owners, as it effectively picks up pet hair.

The unit is 30% lighter than previous models, enhancing its maneuverability and ease of use. However, the 1.3-liter dustbin capacity might require frequent emptying for larger homes. Also, at 11.24 pounds, it is not the lightest option available, which could be a consideration for some users. The included attachments like the motorized hand tool and duster crevice tool add to its functionality, making it a well-rounded package for everyday cleaning needs. The quiet mode is a nice touch for those who prefer a quieter operation. This vacuum is best suited for small to medium-sized homes, particularly those with pets and allergy concerns.

The Shark Freestyle Max is a lightweight cordless vacuum weighing under 7 pounds, making it easy to carry and maneuver around furniture and tight spaces. It offers two brushroll speeds designed to clean both carpets and hard floors effectively, and its suction is the strongest among Shark's cordless uprights in this size range. Battery life lasts about 20 minutes, which suits quick to moderate cleaning sessions but may fall short for larger homes or deep cleans without recharging.

It comes with a compact dock for tidy storage. The dustbin holds 0.74 quarts, which is larger than some similar budget models, reducing the frequency of emptying during use. Its foam filtration system traps dust reasonably well, though it may not be ideal for allergy sufferers needing HEPA-level filtration. The vacuum includes LED headlights that help reveal hidden debris under furniture or in dim corners, a handy feature not always found in budget models.

There is no mention of extra attachments beyond the vacuum and charging dock, so specialized tools like crevice or upholstery brushes may need to be purchased separately. This vacuum is well suited for those looking for a simple, powerful cordless cleaner for daily messes on multiple floor types, especially in smaller to medium spaces. It balances performance and convenience without overwhelming features, making it a solid choice in the budget cordless upright category.

The Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum (IX141) is a budget-friendly cordless vacuum ideal for pet owners and households with mixed flooring. One of its standout features is the HYPERVELOCITY SUCTION, delivering impressive suction power for both everyday messes and high-traffic areas. With up to 40 minutes of runtime, it offers sufficient battery life for medium to large cleaning tasks, though the runtime can decrease when using attachments or higher power settings.

The vacuum's XL dust cup minimizes the frequency of emptying, and the CleanTouch Dirt Ejector ensures easy and hygienic disposal of debris. The vacuum is also lightweight at 6.89 pounds, making it easy to maneuver, and comes with LED headlights to help spot hidden dirt. The removable handheld feature adds versatility for above-floor cleaning and hard-to-reach areas. However, the vacuum has a charging time of 240 minutes, which might be lengthy for some users.

Additionally, its dustbin capacity of 0.34 quarts may require frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions. The included HEPA and foam filtration system is excellent for trapping allergens, but it might need regular maintenance. The vacuum comes with basic attachments like a crevice tool, making it suitable for various cleaning tasks. Despite its strengths, the noise level of 80 dB can be a bit loud for some users. This vacuum is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable, versatile, and efficient cleaning tool, especially for homes with pets and a mix of carpets and hard floors.