10 Best Cheap Vacuums 2026 in the United States

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away NV356E, offers a blend of functionality and affordability, making it well-suited for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable cleaning tool. Its Lift-Away feature allows you to detach the pod for above-floor cleaning, making it versatile for various tasks such as cleaning stairs and furniture. The vacuum boasts a powerful suction and an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with a HEPA filter to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens, which is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers. Its brushroll shutoff feature lets you switch between carpets and hard floors easily, enhancing its usability across different surfaces.

For pet owners, the vacuum excels in picking up pet hair and deep cleaning dander from upholstery and other surfaces. The swivel steering enhances maneuverability, allowing you to navigate around furniture and tight spaces with ease. The vacuum also includes a crevice tool and dusting brush for more detailed cleaning tasks. It's relatively lightweight at 13.7 pounds, which aids in portability, although some users might find it slightly cumbersome for prolonged use.

The XL dust cup with a capacity of 0.87 liters means fewer interruptions to empty it during cleaning sessions. However, the Shark NV356E is a corded model, which may limit your range of movement compared to cordless alternatives. Additionally, its noise level of 80 dB might be a bit loud for those seeking a quieter operation. Despite these minor drawbacks, this vacuum stands out with its robust performance, especially considering the price point, making it a solid choice for those looking for an effective and affordable vacuum.

The Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum offers strong suction power, thanks to its HYPERVELOCITY SUCTION feature, making it effective for everyday messes and high-traffic areas. With a 40-minute runtime, it provides a decent amount of cleaning time before needing a recharge, which should be sufficient for small to medium-sized homes.

Its cordless design adds convenience and flexibility, allowing you to move freely without being tethered to a power outlet. The vacuum can easily transition from floors to carpets, making it versatile for different surfaces in your home. The removable hand vacuum is a notable feature, providing lightweight, above-floor cleaning for places like furniture and stairs. Additionally, the LED headlights help reveal hidden debris, enhancing your cleaning efficiency.

The vacuum is also lightweight, weighing only 6.89 pounds, which contributes to its easy maneuverability, and the low-profile design is useful for cleaning under furniture. The XL dust cup with CleanTouch Dirt Ejector ensures hassle-free emptying of debris. As for filtration, it includes HEPA and foam filters, which are effective in trapping dust and allergens. However, the noise level is at 80 dB, which might be considered loud for some users. The 240-minute charging time might be a downside for those needing frequent use. Despite these minor drawbacks, the vacuum’s performance and features make it a good choice for pet owners and those looking for an affordable, versatile cleaning solution.

The Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum offers several strengths that make it a strong contender in the cheap vacuum category. It boasts up to 40 minutes of fade-free suction power, which is impressive for a cordless model and beneficial for extended cleaning sessions. The vacuum's lightweight and cordless design enhances maneuverability, making it easy to use in various spaces, including cars and stairs.

The advanced whole-machine filtration system, which traps 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, ensures cleaner air, which is particularly valuable for allergy sufferers. The vacuum also comes with multiple attachments, including a Motorbar cleaner head and a Hair screw tool, that enhance its versatility, especially in homes with pets. The two power modes are useful for adjusting suction power based on the task at hand, and its ability to convert to a handheld vacuum adds to its flexibility.

However, there are some weaknesses to consider. The dustbin capacity is relatively small at 0.14 gallons, which means frequent emptying during larger cleaning tasks. Additionally, while the noise level is standard at 70 dB, it may still be somewhat loud for users sensitive to noise. The battery life, while decent, limits longer cleaning sessions, and the need for recharging can be inconvenient. Despite these drawbacks, the Dyson V8 Plus offers strong performance, making it suitable for users looking for a versatile and effective cordless vacuum, especially those with pets or small spaces to clean.