10 Best Budget Vacuum Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable, versatile vacuum under $300. Its cordless design offers freedom of movement without being tied to an outlet, backed by a decent 40-minute runtime to clean most homes on a single charge. The vacuum features strong suction power, branded as Hypervelocity suction, which performs well on both hard floors and carpets, making it suitable for everyday messes and pet hair. The included removable hand vacuum and pet-specific attachments like the Pet Multi-Tool and crevice tool add convenience for above-floor and tight-space cleaning. The HEPA and foam filtration system helps capture fine dust and allergens, a plus for pet owners.

At around 7 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight and has a low-profile design that fits under furniture easily, but it may still be a bit bulky for some users during extended cleaning sessions. Noise level is moderate at about 80 dB—not the quietest but typical for this type of vacuum. While the XL dust cup is handy for less frequent emptying, the 4-hour charging time is on the longer side. This vacuum is best suited for pet owners and households with mixed flooring who want a cordless, budget-friendly option with decent cleaning power and useful accessories, though those needing very quiet operation or ultra-lightweight gear might want to consider other models.

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away NV356E, is a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly vacuum cleaner, particularly pet owners. One of its standout features is the Lift-Away functionality, allowing you to detach the pod to clean stairs and furniture, which adds versatility. The vacuum includes a HEPA filter with an anti-allergen complete seal technology, which is effective in trapping 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it suitable for those with allergies. In terms of maneuverability, its swivel steering feature helps navigate tight spaces and furniture easily.

The vacuum is designed to handle pet hair effectively, thanks in part to its Pet Power Brush and additional attachments like the dusting brush and crevice tool, which are included for more specialized cleaning tasks. It offers a brushroll shutoff feature for switching between carpet and bare floor cleaning, enhancing its adaptability across different surfaces.

However, the vacuum isn't cordless, which might restrict its range of operation due to dependence on power outlets. At 13.7 pounds, it's relatively lightweight for an upright vacuum, but some users may find it a bit heavy for extended above-floor cleaning. The noise level of 80 dB is on the higher side, which could be a concern for those sensitive to noise.

Its extra-large dust cup capacity of 0.87 liters supports longer cleaning sessions without needing frequent emptying, although it might be smaller for those with larger homes. Its effectiveness in cleaning pet hair and allergens, combined with a range of useful attachments, makes it a strong contender in the budget vacuum cleaner category.

The Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean is a powerful upright vacuum designed especially for larger homes with pets. It features very strong suction thanks to Dyson’s Radial Root Cyclone technology, which helps pull dirt and allergens from both carpets and hard floors. Its advanced HEPA filtration traps allergens inside, making it a good choice for allergy sufferers. The vacuum is bagless and includes a self-adjusting cleaner head that adapts automatically to different floor types, ensuring thorough cleaning.

Maneuvering is made easier by Dyson’s ball technology, allowing smooth turns around furniture and obstacles. It comes with eight useful attachments, including tools dedicated to removing pet hair and cleaning stairs, mattresses, and delicate surfaces. The vacuum weighs around 17 pounds, which may feel heavy for some users, especially when carrying it between floors. It is also corded, so you will need access to power outlets and manage the cord length during use.

While not the lightest or cordless vacuum available, its strong suction, advanced filtration, and pet-friendly accessories make it a solid option for those prioritizing deep cleaning and allergen control over portability.