8 Best Stick Vacuums Under $300 to Buy in 2025

This beast of a stick vacuum redefines what’s possible under $300, combining 48KPa of crushing suction with a 580W brushless motor that spins at 200,000 RPM—numbers usually reserved for premium models twice the price. What sets it apart is how it tackles pet hair on plush carpets without choking, thanks to its ultra-high-power brush and tapered cyclone system that prevents clogs and maintains airflow. It’s engineered for real homes: the 1.8L dust cup reduces emptying frequency, while the smart touch screen delivers instant feedback on battery, filter status, and dust level—no guesswork, just precision cleaning.

In real-world testing, this vacuum handled a 2,000 sq ft home on a single Min mode charge (65–70 minutes), effortlessly transitioning from hardwood to thick rugs and even tackling baseboards and ceiling corners with the telescopic wand. The inclined cyclone filtration kept suction strong throughout, and the wall-mount charging dock made storage and charging seamless. However, like many high-suction models, it struggles slightly when the dust cup exceeds the 2/3 mark—airflow drops noticeably, so frequent emptying is a must for peak performance. It’s also a bit heavier than ultralight rivals, making overhead cleaning tiring over time.

Compared to the Tikom V500 and LEVOIT LVAC-200, the VBUOO is the powerhouse pick for large homes, trading some portability for unmatched runtime and deep-cleaning capability. It’s ideal for pet owners with mixed flooring who prioritize long runtime and high suction over featherweight maneuverability. While pricier than budget options, it delivers near-premium performance at a mid-tier price, outperforming the LEVOIT in suction and the Tikom in battery life—making it the best overall stick vacuum under $300 for serious cleaning demands.

The Tikom V500 punches far above its price tag, offering 40KPa suction from a 450W motor in a sleek, intelligent package that feels like it should cost twice as much. Its standout feature? A color LED touch screen that doesn’t just look futuristic—it delivers real-time updates on battery, suction level, and even error alerts, making it one of the most user-friendly stick vacuums in this range. The 6-stage HEPA filtration captures 99.99% of particles down to 0.3 microns, a rare find at this price, making it ideal for allergy sufferers and pet owners alike.

During testing, the vacuum excelled on hard floors and low-pile carpets, lifting pet hair, litter, and cereal crumbs with ease. The 6*2000mAh battery provided solid performance—around 40 minutes in mid mode—enough for a 1,500 sq ft apartment. The 90° vertical and 180° horizontal swivel made it incredibly agile under furniture and around tight corners, while six LED headlights revealed dust bunnies hiding under the couch. However, on thick rugs, suction dropped slightly, and the 1.3L dust cup needed emptying after two medium-sized rooms, which can interrupt longer cleaning sessions.

When stacked against the VBUOO and LEVOIT, the Tikom V500 is the best value contender, offering premium features like wall-mount charging, multi-mode suction, and a full toolset for less than $80. It’s perfect for small to medium homes where smart features and versatility matter more than marathon runtime. While it doesn’t match the VBUOO’s raw power or the Shark’s corded reliability, it delivers exceptional bang for the buck, making it the smartest budget upgrade for tech-savvy cleaners.

If pet hair is your arch-nemesis, the LEVOIT LVAC-200 is your new best friend. Engineered with a tangle-resistant brush roll, this vacuum glides through fur-laden carpets without constant stoppages—no more pulling out hair strand by strand. Its lightweight design (under 6 lbs) and 180° flat-folding wand let it slide effortlessly under couches and beds, while three LED lights on the nozzle expose hidden dust like a forensic investigator. With up to 50 minutes in Eco mode, it’s built for daily touch-ups and quick cleanups, not just deep sessions.

In real use, the LEVOIT proved incredibly efficient for pet owners, picking up embedded dog hair from area rugs and hardwood with minimal passes. The 5-stage filtration system captured fine dander and dust, and the one-click dustbin release made emptying fast and mess-free. However, in Turbo mode, runtime drops to just 12 minutes—too short for whole-home cleaning—and suction, while strong, doesn’t match the 48KPa beasts like the VBUOO. It also lacks a wall dock, so storage is less streamlined than competitors.

Compared to the Tikom V500 and MHRMHR, the LEVOIT stands out as the most pet-hair-optimized model in this lineup, sacrificing raw power for smart ergonomics and anti-tangle engineering. It’s ideal for apartments, pet-heavy homes, or anyone who cleans daily rather than weekly. While it doesn’t offer the longest runtime or highest suction, its focus on pet-specific pain points makes it a standout—outperforming the Tikom in hair handling and the Shark in convenience for on-the-go pet messes.

Don’t let the $80 price tag fool you—the AIRDIYA stick vacuum packs a 40KPa punch with a 2025-upgraded motor, delivering suction that rivals models costing three times as much. It’s optimized for low-pile carpets and hard floors, where its dual-power modes let you balance runtime and intensity—up to 35 minutes in standard mode is impressive at this price. The 6-layer filtration system traps 99.99% of particles down to 0.2 microns, a rare spec for budget vacs, making it a solid pick for homes needing cleaner air without breaking the bank.

In testing, it handled daily debris like crumbs, dust, and short pet hair with ease, and the 8-in-1 toolset allowed for cleaning cars, curtains, and tight crevices. The 2.8-pound handheld unit felt comfortable during prolonged use, and the self-standing design made storage easy. However, runtime in max mode drops to just 15–20 minutes, and the suction noticeably weakens on thicker rugs, where it’s simply not designed to perform. Also, the battery requires 2–3 full charge-deplete cycles to reach peak performance—a minor hassle for new users.

Against the MHRMHR and Tikom V500, the AIRDIYA holds its own as the best budget-friendly option for small spaces, offering strong suction and solid filtration at a rock-bottom price. It’s perfect for dorms, studios, or renters who need basic, reliable cleaning without bells and whistles. While it lacks the smart screen of the Tikom or the bendable wand of the MHRMHR, it delivers core performance where it counts, making it a smarter buy than the Amazon Basics for cordless convenience.

The MHRMHR stick vacuum is a game-changer for under-furniture cleaning, thanks to its 180° bendable wand that lets you lie flat and clean under beds, sofas, and cabinets without bending or kneeling—a true win for anyone with back pain. This ergonomic brilliance is paired with a touch screen interface, rare at this price, that displays suction mode and battery life, adding a premium feel. With a 180W motor and dual suction modes, it delivers solid performance on hard floors and low-pile rugs, lifting dust and pet hair with quiet efficiency.

In real-world use, the flexible wand proved invaluable for reaching behind dressers and under kitchen islands, and the one-button dust ejection kept cleanup hygienic. The removable 2200mAh battery charged in 4.5 hours and lasted 30–35 minutes in MAX mode, enough for a 1,000 sq ft space. However, like others in this class, it struggles on high-pile carpets, where runtime plummets under 10 minutes. The 6-layer filtration works well but requires regular cleaning to maintain performance, and the suction, while adequate, can’t match higher-wattage rivals.

Compared to the AIRDIYA and LEVOIT, the MHRMHR wins on ergonomics, not power—it’s the best for under-furniture access, outperforming even the Shark in low-profile reach. It’s ideal for apartment dwellers, older adults, or anyone with mobility issues who prioritize comfort and reach over brute force. While it doesn’t offer the longest runtime or strongest suction, its unique bendable design justifies its place—making it a smarter pick than the AIRDIYA for those who clean under furniture daily.

The Shark HV371 Rocket Pro DLX is a corded powerhouse that laughs at battery anxiety—500W of uninterrupted suction means it never slows down, no matter how long you clean. Its removable handheld unit transforms it into a versatile cleaning beast, perfect for stairs, upholstery, and car interiors, while the Advanced Swivel Steering makes it glide around furniture like it’s on ball bearings. With an XL 0.68-quart dust cup, it goes longer between emptying than most cordless models, and the LED headlights on both nozzle and handheld unit expose every speck of hidden dust.

In testing, it dominated on deep carpet cleaning, lifting embedded dirt and pet hair with a single pass—something even high-end cordless models struggle with. The easy-release foot pedal lets you detach the wand instantly, and the low-profile nozzle slips under furniture with ease. However, the 19.7-foot cord can be cumbersome in large homes, requiring frequent outlet changes, and while it’s ultra-lightweight for a corded model, it still lacks the freedom of cordless. Also, the dust cup, while large, isn’t as easy to empty as one-touch systems on cordless rivals.

Next to the Shark HV322 and Amazon Basics, the HV371 stands out with better swivel steering and LED lights, making it the best corded performer for deep cleaning. It’s ideal for homes with carpets and pets where consistent power matters more than portability. While it doesn’t offer the convenience of cordless, it out-suctions every battery-powered model under $300, making it the top pick for those who prioritize cleaning power over mobility.

The Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro is a pet owner’s dream machine, engineered from the ground up to extract embedded pet hair from stairs, furniture, and carpets with relentless efficiency. Its 500W motor delivers unyielding suction, and the included pet-specific tools—like the motorized pet multi-tool—dig deep into fabric to pull out fur and dander. The LED headlights on both nozzle and handheld unit make hidden messes visible, while the XL dust cup minimizes interruptions during long cleaning sessions.

In real use, it excelled on upholstery and stairs, where its convertible design and lightweight build made overhead cleaning manageable. The crevice tool and pet crevice tool reached into tight spaces behind radiators and under couch cushions, pulling out clumps of fur other vacuums miss. However, like all corded models, the 19.7-foot cord limits range, and the lack of a self-standing feature means it needs to be propped up when not in use. Also, the filter access isn’t as user-friendly as on cordless models.

Compared to the HV371, the HV322 is nearly identical but tuned for pet cleaning, with specialized attachments that give it an edge in fur-heavy homes. It’s the best choice for multi-level homes with pets, outperforming the LEVOIT and Tikom in deep stain removal and fur pickup. While pricier than other Sharks, it justifies its cost with pet-focused engineering, making it the ultimate corded pick for pet owners who clean stairs and furniture daily.

The Amazon Basics 2-in-1 is the lightest corded vacuum on the market at just 3.9 lbs, making it the easiest to carry up stairs or use overhead—ideal for quick cleanups and spot jobs. With a 300W motor and washable HEPA filter, it captures 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, offering solid air quality benefits without the premium price. The 2-in-1 design lets it switch from stick to handheld in seconds, perfect for cleaning car interiors, countertops, or stairs, and the built-in cord wrap ensures tidy storage in small spaces.

In testing, it performed well on hard floors and low-pile rugs, handling crumbs and dust with ease, but struggled on deep carpet cleaning due to lower suction. The 0.5L dust cup fills quickly, requiring frequent emptying during extended use, and the lack of LED lights means you’re cleaning in the dark under furniture. Still, for its $29 price point, it delivers surprisingly reliable performance and durability, especially for renters or college students.

Against the Shark models, it’s no match in power or capacity, but it wins on weight, price, and simplicity. It’s the best lightweight corded option for small spaces where portability trumps deep cleaning. While it lacks the features of premium models, it outperforms expectations for under $30, making it the smartest basic buy for occasional cleaning needs.