Vacuuming isn’t exactly a fun task, but the promise of a cleaner home does offer some motivation. If you find yourself dreading turning on the vacuum to suck up tumbleweeds of pet hair, crumbs from long-forgotten midnight snacks, and dust bunnies scampering across the room, maybe a new, fancy vacuum could help make cleaning feel less like a chore and more like a fun game. How quickly can you get the whole house done, and how much can you pick up in that time?
Vacuum cleaners are an investment though, with the most hi-tech offerings costing upwards of $500. While those expensive models (*cough, cough* Dyson) do have a ton of bells and whistles (like dust particle size sensors that adjust the suction power), you can find similar options for much cheaper — and anything is an upgrade from the canister vacuum you inherited from your parents years ago. (Hint: Your vacuum cleaner isn’t supposed to smell like burning rubber or squeal so loudly your eardrums hurt.)
Shopping for a new vacuum isn’t as easy as heading into a department store to watch an employee vacuum up sand from a carpet sample, although we do miss those days (nothing like a test drive before you buy!). If you’re on the hunt for a new vacuum but aren’t willing to spend a small fortune, here are the best budget vacuum cleaners under $200 — they won’t break the bank, but will still get the job done.
Affordable Dyson Vacuum Cleaner Alternatives
Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Vacuum 3837
Walmart
Honestly, don’t consider this vacuum unless you’re OK with seeing how much dust, lint, and hair is hiding in your carpet and the corners of your home. Made to suck up anything in its path, this upright vacuum will do just that, making it great for weekly deep cleanings or homes with pets.
It also has a HEPA filter, which helps reduce dust released back into the air while you’re cleaning, so you won’t be stuck sneezing and wheezing with each pass of the machine. If you really want to get into all the nooks and crannies in your home, it comes with a dusting brush, crevice tool, and special pet tool designed to pick up fine hairs.
Shark VM252 VACMOP Pro Cordless Hard Floor Vacuum Mop
QVC
If you have hard floors, you know the struggle of a two-step mopping and vacuuming process. Thankfully, this machine does both at once. Unlike a normal vacuum cleaner that uses bags or a canister to collect debris, this one actually stores crumbs in a compartment in the mop pad, which you dispose of after you’re done cleaning.
To use the device, you pull a trigger to spray cleaning solution on the floor, and swipe it back and forth like a regular vacuum or mop. With each stroke, you’ll pick up dust and debris while also cleaning stuck-on dirt off the floor.
Tineco A20 Cordless Stick/Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Amazon
Having both an upright and a handheld vacuum cleaner is smart if you frequently clean couch cushions and other hard-to-clean spots. So, why not buy a model that can do both? The Tineco A20 is a stick vacuum that can turn into a hand vacuum — plus, it’s ergonomically designed with two handles, so your hand won’t cramp as you maneuver it around.
It also comes with a crevice tool and an extra-large dustbin for big cleaning jobs. That’s good news, since the battery will last about 20 minutes with the suction maxed out, giving you plenty of time to vacuum the whole house.
Black+Decker POWERSERIES+ Cordless Stick Vacuum BHFEA520J
Walmart
Stick vacuums have a bad reputation for lacking in the suction department, but the truth is, they keep getting better and better. As opposed to older models, many newer ones are outfitted with strong motors and large canisters that hold a ton of debris.
This cordless vacuum from Black+Decker has enough power to be super effective on carpets, which isn’t always the case with similar models. Plus, you can use it as a handheld vacuum for tricky areas like stairs and blinds, making it a versatile tool for all kinds of households.
Bissell 3-in-1 Turbo Stick Vacuum 2610
Walmart
This ultra lightweight stick vacuum may be small, but it packs a punch. Despite weighing under four pounds, it benefits from a turbo motor that works to pick up dust, crumbs, and hair without complaint. You can even pop off the motorized brush roll head to use it as a powerful handheld dustbuster. The best part? It costs less than $40.
Hart 20-Volt Cordless Stick Vacuum
Walmart
Everything about cordless vacuums is designed to make your life easier, from their lighter weight to their lack of a power cord. This model from Hart is super easy to push around, plus it has a runtime of up to 40 minutes, which is plenty of time to tackle your living room, kitchen, and bedrooms. The battery is removable for easy charging, and it comes with a wall-mount storage kit, so you can charge and stow away the vacuum at the same time.
Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum
Amazon
Big messes are no problem for this large-capacity vacuum. While it does require an outlet to use, you’re sure to appreciate the 25-foot cord, which makes it easy to travel from room to room — especially if you live in an apartment or condo.
While most upright vacuums feel a bit unwieldy, this model benefits from the lift-away pod, which acts like a canister vacuum. It’s fairly lightweight to carry and comes with a flexible hose that offers up to 5 feet of reach for those hard-to-get spaces. At 16 pounds, it’s a little heavier than the other vacuums on this list, but the powerful 1200-watt motor makes up for the added weight.
Kenmore Compact Bagless Canister Vacuum 10701
Amazon
Speaking of canister vacuums, there are tons of affordable options out there that are way better than the clunky canisters of the past. This Kenmore model is small and lightweight, with strong suction power that’s ideal for carpeted homes. The HEPA filter ensures that dust and debris won’t escape, while the telescoping wand can extend up to nine feet for easy access to every corner of your space. Honestly, this vacuum is (dare we say) cute, and the bright blue color is much more fun than the gray or black color schemes you typically see.
