8 Best Bagless Vacuum Cleaners Under $500 (2025 Guide)

The Kenmore DC5070 500 Series isn’t just another canister vacuum—it’s a full-home cleaning powerhouse wrapped in sleek white engineering. With its dual-motor cyclonic technology, this vacuum delivers relentless suction across carpets, hardwood, and stairs, while the standout Hair Eliminator brushroll self-cleans with zero manual intervention—no more scissors or finger-picking pet hair. Add in true HEPA filtration that traps 99.97% of allergens down to 0.3 microns, and you’ve got a machine built for allergy sufferers and pet owners who demand clean air and spotless floors.

In real-world testing, the DC5070 excels at deep-cleaning medium-pile carpets, lifting embedded pet dander and fine dust with ease. The 24-foot auto cord rewind is a game-changer—no more tedious winding—and the telescoping wand extends to 9 feet, making ceiling corners and high shelves accessible without a ladder. It transitions smoothly from floor to furniture, and the 3.5L transparent dust cup is large enough to avoid mid-clean emptying in most homes. However, the unit can feel slightly top-heavy when using the wand vertically, and its canister drag across thick rugs requires a bit more effort than ultra-light stick models.

Compared to the Shark NV356E, the Kenmore offers superior filtration and a more robust build, but sacrifices some agility and above-floor versatility. It’s not as nimble as a stick vacuum, but it outperforms most uprights in allergen containment and sustained suction. This is the ideal choice for larger homes with multiple flooring types and pets, where consistent, whole-house cleaning matters most. For the investment, it delivers more filtration, more power, and fewer hassles than similarly priced uprights, making it a top contender in the sub-$500 bagless category.

The PKUYIE SL159 redefines what a budget-friendly canister vacuum can achieve, launching into the sub-$500 arena with 32KPa of suction power—a figure that rivals far more expensive models. Driven by a 1600W brushless motor, it generates hurricane-force cyclonic suction that obliterates pet hair, fine dust, and debris from both carpets and hard floors. What truly sets it apart is the dual H13 HEPA filtration system, which captures 99.97% of microscopic particles, making it a breath-of-fresh-air upgrade for allergy-prone households. The smart dust full indicator eliminates guesswork, lighting up when the bin needs emptying—ensuring suction never drops mid-clean.

During testing, the PKUYIE proved remarkably efficient on low-pile rugs and hardwood, where its 3.7-quart (3.5L) dust cup allowed for extended cleaning sessions without interruption. At just 68dB, it’s one of the quieter canisters in its class, perfect for early-morning or late-night use. The lightweight body and 360-degree swivel steering make it glide under sofas and around furniture with precision. However, its power cord isn’t auto-retracting, and while it handles most carpets well, it struggles slightly on high-pile shags where maximum airflow is critical.

Against the Bissell 2156A, the PKUYIE dominates in suction, filtration, and capacity—offering twice the performance at a modest price bump. It’s not as compact as stick vacuums, but it delivers canister-level cleaning with near-upright convenience. This is the perfect pick for families with pets and allergies who want hospital-grade air filtration without paying a premium. When you factor in the 2-year warranty and washable filters, it offers exceptional long-term value compared to pricier but less-equipped competitors.

If pet hair is your household’s kryptonite, the Shark NV356E Navigator is your superhero. This upright doesn’t just pick up fur—it deep-extracts it from carpets, upholstery, and crevices with a specialized Pet Power Brush that agitates and lifts even the most stubborn tangles. Its Lift-Away functionality lets you detach the pod and convert it into a portable vacuum, making it effortless to clean stairs, car seats, and furniture without lugging the whole unit. Combine that with Swivel Steering, and you’ve got a vacuum that dances around furniture legs and tight corners like it’s on a mission.

In performance tests, the NV356E shines on medium to high-pile carpets, where its 0.87L dust cup and anti-allergen complete seal trap 99.9% of dust and dander. The brushroll shutoff is a subtle but brilliant feature—flip it, and the vacuum instantly transitions to bare floors without scattering debris. It’s powerful, but not the quietest, and the cord rewind requires manual effort, which feels outdated at this price point. Still, for homes with shedding pets, the included upholstery tool and crevice nozzle make spot-cleaning accidents a one-step process.

Pitted against the Kenmore DC5070, the Shark trades whole-home filtration for superior above-floor agility and pet-specific tools. It’s not a canister, so it lacks the extended reach and low-profile maneuvering, but it wins in immediate usability and pet-targeted engineering. This is the go-to for pet owners who need a do-it-all upright that transitions from floor to furniture in seconds. For its feature density and pet-focused design, it offers more targeted power and flexibility than pricier canisters—without the learning curve.

The Shark Rocket HV301 is a game-changer for agility and convenience, weighing in at under 9 pounds—lighter than most hand vacuums—and yet packing enough corded power to deep-clean carpets. Its ultra-lightweight design makes it perfect for quick cleanups, upstairs bedrooms, or anyone with limited strength or mobility. The swivel steering gives it laser-like precision, allowing it to pivot effortlessly around coffee tables and baseboards, while fingertip controls let you switch between carpet and hard floor modes without bending down.

In real-world use, the HV301 excels at daily maintenance cleaning rather than whole-home deep cleans. The convertible design—go from stick to handheld in seconds—makes it ideal for stairs, car interiors, and ceiling cobwebs. The corded power ensures zero drop in suction, unlike battery models, and the easy-empty dust cup keeps mess to a minimum. However, its small dust capacity (0.3L) means frequent emptying during larger jobs, and the cord storage isn’t automatic, requiring manual wrapping. It’s not built for wall-to-wall carpeting, but for spot cleaning and light-duty tasks, it’s unmatched in its class.

Compared to the Eureka NEU10AE4, the Shark offers better steering, more tools, and a more premium feel, though at a higher price. It’s not as powerful as full-sized uprights, but for quick cleanups and hard-to-reach areas, it’s the most nimble, responsive vacuum under $500. If you value effortless handling and instant cleanup readiness, this is the lightweight champion—outperforming bulkier models where speed and accessibility matter most.

The Bissell 2156A Zing punches above its weight as the most affordable canister vacuum in this lineup, proving you don’t need to spend big for reliable performance. At under eight pounds, it’s incredibly easy to carry up stairs or maneuver under furniture, and the 15-foot retractable cord offers decent reach for small to medium homes. Its 9-amp motor delivers cyclonic suction that handles everyday dust, crumbs, and light pet hair with surprising efficiency—especially on hard floors and low-pile rugs.

In testing, the Zing performed admirably for light cleaning tasks, with washable filters that maintain suction over time and a 2L dust cup that reduces emptying frequency. The flip-switch for floor type makes transitioning between surfaces quick, though the suction isn’t strong enough for deep carpet cleaning. It lacks advanced features like HEPA filtration or auto cord rewind, and the build feels more utilitarian than premium. Still, for renters or those with minimal cleaning needs, it’s a no-fuss, reliable workhorse.

Against the Amazon Basics B0BN5F6MJY, the Bissell offers true canister versatility and better suction, making it a smarter choice for hardwood-heavy homes. While it can’t compete with high-end models on power or filtration, it delivers solid performance where budget and portability matter most. If you need a simple, no-frills vacuum for small spaces, this is the most cost-effective entry into bagless canister cleaning—offering more flexibility and reach than uprights at nearly half the price.

The Amazon Basics B0BN5F6MJY is the definition of no-nonsense value—a lightweight, functional upright that gets the basics right without fluff. Weighing 8.4 pounds, it’s easy to push and carry, and the 25-foot power cord gives you unmatched reach across large rooms without constant outlet switching. The 1.7L dust cup is spacious for its class, allowing longer cleaning sessions, and the quick-release button makes emptying fast and clean. With 720W of corded power, it maintains strong suction on both carpets and hard floors.

In practice, it performs well on low to medium-pile carpets and excels at picking up surface debris on tile and hardwood. The detachable handle doubles as a handheld unit, useful for stairs and furniture, and the included crevice and upholstery tools add versatility. However, it lacks advanced filtration—no HEPA—so it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers. The build is plastic-heavy, and while sturdy, it doesn’t feel as durable as pricier models. It’s not powerful enough for deep carpet cleaning, but for daily maintenance, it’s impressively capable.

Compared to the elezon F800, it offers larger capacity and longer reach, but less suction power and filtration. It’s not flashy, but for first-time buyers or secondary vacuums, it’s a reliable, affordable solution. If you want a simple, effective upright for light cleaning, this delivers more utility per dollar than nearly any other model—proving that basics can still be brilliant.

The elezon F800 is a hard-floor specialist that delivers 18KPa of focused suction in a compact, wall-mountable design—perfect for apartments, kitchens, and homes dominated by hardwood or tile. Its 2-in-1 brush head automatically adjusts bristles for optimal pickup, gliding smoothly over marble, laminate, and linoleum while lifting fine dust, cereal crumbs, and pet hair with ease. The 6-stage double-cyclone HEPA system captures particles as small as 0.1 microns, making it a hidden gem for allergy sufferers who prioritize air quality.

In real use, the F800 shines in quick cleanups and tight spaces. The telescoping wand extends to 28 inches, letting you dust ceiling fans or clean under cabinets, and removing the wand turns it into a lightweight handheld for car seats or couches. The 23-foot cord covers most rooms, and the one-click start means no holding down a trigger. However, it’s not designed for thick carpets—the manual warns against use on shag rugs—and the 1.2L dust cup fills fast during whole-home cleaning.

Against the Amazon Basics model, the elezon offers better filtration and smarter design, though less capacity. It’s not a whole-house vacuum, but for hard-surface homes, it’s more specialized and efficient. If your floors are mostly tile, wood, or vinyl, this delivers smarter suction, cleaner air, and smarter storage than bulkier uprights—making it the best-focused performer for hard floors under $500.

The Eureka NEU10AE4 is the king of compact design, tipping the scales at just 7.7 pounds—one of the lightest uprights available—yet packing a 700W motor that handles both carpets and hard floors with ease. Its featherweight build makes it ideal for upstairs cleaning, small apartments, or users with limited mobility. The 10.5-inch cleaning path ensures efficient coverage, and the quick-release handle lets you snap on the included crevice tool or dusting brush for instant above-floor cleaning—no extra attachments needed.

In testing, it performed well on low-pile carpets and hardwood, with consistent suction and a washable filter that requires no replacement costs. The compact footprint allows it to fit in closets or tight storage spaces, and the onboard tools are always within reach. However, the dust cup is small (0.6L), requiring frequent emptying, and the cord rewind is manual, which feels outdated. It’s not built for deep cleaning thick rugs, but for daily touch-ups and small spaces, it’s incredibly efficient.

Compared to the Shark HV301, it’s cheaper and more compact, but lacks swivel steering and convertible handheld functionality. It’s not the most powerful, but for space-conscious buyers, it offers unbeatable portability and ease of storage. If you need a no-fuss, ultra-light vacuum for quick cleanups, this delivers maximum convenience at minimum size—outshining bulkier models where compactness is king.