8 Best Vacuum Cleaners Under $300 to Buy in 2025

Blazing suction meets whisper-quiet operation in the AIRDIYA cordless stick vacuum, a standout in the sub-$300 arena. With 40Kpa of max suction power, this lightweight powerhouse obliterates pet hair, cat litter, and fine dust across hardwood and low-pile carpets. Its 6-layer HEPA filtration traps 99.99% of particles down to 0.2 microns, making it ideal for allergy sufferers who demand clean air without noise pollution—thanks to a sound-dampening sponge body that keeps operation at a mere 65dB. For homes battling daily messes with minimal fuss, this vacuum delivers serious cleaning authority in a featherlight 2.8-pound frame.

In real-world testing, the AIRDIYA shines on hard floors and short-pile rugs but stumbles on thicker textures where suction drops and runtime plummets. The 35-minute standard mode is generous for quick cleans, though max mode drains the battery in under 20 minutes. The detachable 2200mAh battery charges fully in 4.5 hours and can be swapped or charged separately—a rare plus at this price. Tools like the 2-in-1 brush and crevice nozzle handle baseboards, ceilings, and car interiors with ease, but tangled pet hair around the brush roll can trigger automatic shutdowns if not cleared promptly.

Compared to the MHRMHR’s bendable wand or the Bissell Cleanview XR’s 40-minute runtime, the AIRDIYA trades flexibility for raw power and superior filtration. It’s best suited for small to medium homes with mostly hard flooring and pet owners who prioritize high-efficiency particle capture and strong suction over extended reach or carpet depth. While it doesn’t match the runtime of pricier models, its performance-to-noise ratio makes it a smarter pick than many in the $70–$100 range—offering more suction punch and quieter operation than the ECOVORTEX 600W, despite a slightly shorter run time.

Don’t let the no-frills name fool you—the Amazon Basics 2-in-1 corded stick vacuum punches far above its weight, delivering reliable cleaning with zero battery anxiety. At just 3.9 pounds, it floats across hardwood and low-pile carpets with effortless glide, powered by a steady 300W motor that maintains consistent suction without fade. The washable HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it a stealthy ally against dust mites, pet dander, and seasonal allergens—perfect for renters or minimalists who want simplicity without sacrifice.

During hands-on use, the vacuum transitions smoothly from stick to handheld mode, proving especially adept at cleaning stairs, upholstery, and kitchen counters. The 19.7-foot power cord offers ample reach, eliminating outlet-hopping in average-sized rooms. While it lacks advanced features like LED headlights or cyclonic separation, its 0.5L dust cup is easy to empty with a one-click release, and the built-in crevice tool ensures quick access for spot cleaning. However, the suction falters on embedded debris in medium-pile carpets, and the cord, while long, can snag on doorways.

Stacked against the ECOVORTEX 600W, this model trades power for portability and ease of storage. It’s not built for deep carpet cleans or pet-heavy homes, but for apartment dwellers or quick daily sweeps, it’s nearly unbeatable. Compared to pricier stick vacuums, it delivers essential functionality at a fraction of the cost, proving that sometimes, basic really is better—especially when it outperforms expectations without asking for more.

Raw power in a budget shell—the ECOVORTEX 600W corded stick vacuum delivers 20,000Pa of unrelenting suction for under $30, a jaw-dropping value for deep cleaning on a dime. With a 600W motor and 1L dust cup, it devours crumbs, pet food, and fine dust with ease, making it a go-to for high-traffic zones and homes with shedding pets. The 20-foot power cord ensures uninterrupted cleaning across large rooms, while the cyclone HEPA filtration captures 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns—outclassing many vacuums twice its price in air quality protection.

In practice, the ECOVORTEX excels on hard floors and low-pile rugs but struggles on plush carpets where its fixed suction can’t adapt. The 4-pound body is easy to steer, and the swivel neck glides under sofas and tables with precision. Built-in tools—crevice nozzle and dusting brush—are always within reach, eliminating fumbling through drawers. However, the lack of a self-cleaning brush roll means hair wraps quickly, and the dust cup release isn’t as smooth as competitors’, requiring a firm press to eject debris.

When compared to the Amazon Basics 300W model, the ECOVORTEX offers double the motor power and larger capacity, making it a clear upgrade for homes needing serious suction without cordless complexity. It’s not as quiet or refined as premium models, but for those who prioritize deep cleaning over finesse, it’s a powerhouse that outmuscles expectations. While it lacks runtime concerns, it trades convenience for brute force—making it a better value than the Bissell Cleanview XR for hard-floor dominance, despite fewer modes.

Pet hair has met its match in the Shark HV343AMZ Rocket, a corded stick vacuum engineered for no-hassle pet cleanup with its signature self-cleaning brushroll. This clever design automatically detangles long hair and fur, eliminating the dreaded “hair wrap” that plagues most vacuums. Combined with LED headlights that expose hidden dust under furniture and a swivel steering neck for tight corners, it transforms tedious cleaning into a fast, almost satisfying ritual—especially for homes with cats, dogs, or shedding humans.

In real-world testing, the Shark transitions seamlessly from floor to handheld mode with a single button press, making it effortless to tackle stairs, car seats, and upholstery. The 0.68-quart dust cup is easy to empty with one hand, and the powerful motor lifts pet hair from low-pile carpets and hard floors alike. While it’s not the lightest at 5.5 pounds, the balanced design reduces arm fatigue during extended use. That said, the 18-foot cord is shorter than competitors’, requiring outlet changes in larger spaces.

Against the Bissell Cleanview XR, the Shark wins on pet-specific engineering and tool versatility, though it falls short in runtime (being corded). For allergy-prone pet owners, it strikes a sweet spot between performance and maintenance—outperforming the AIRDIYA in hair pickup and beat the ECOVORTEX in usability. It’s more specialized than the Amazon Basics, but for homes where pet mess is daily reality, it offers smarter engineering and real-world convenience that justifies the price gap.

The Eureka WhirlWind redefines what an affordable canister vacuum can be, blending old-school reliability with modern convenience in a sleek, 8.15-pound package. Its 960W motor delivers consistent suction across carpets and hard floors, while the integrated airflow control on the handle lets you switch surfaces without bending down—ideal for homes with mixed flooring. The 2.5L bagless dust container means fewer trips to empty, and the automatic cord rewind is a small luxury that saves time and frustration.

During testing, the WhirlWind glided smoothly over rugs and hardwood, with telescoping metal wand and swivel hose enabling easy navigation around furniture and under cabinets. The 2-in-1 crevice tool and dusting brush are built into the hose handle—no more lost attachments. While it lacks HEPA certification, its washable filters still trap fine dust effectively. However, the suction isn’t as intense as higher-wattage models, and the hose can kink if not fully extended.

Compared to the PKUYIE canister, it’s less powerful but far more user-friendly for daily use. It doesn’t match the PKUYIE’s 32KPa suction or smart dust indicator, but it wins on ease of storage and one-touch emptying. For those who appreciate simple, durable design over high-tech bells and whistles, the WhirlWind offers better ergonomics and smarter tool storage than the Amazon Basics stick, making it a top pick for multi-surface homes that want reliability without complexity.

Ergonomic genius meets cordless freedom in the MHRMHR vacuum, where the 180° bendable wand redefines what’s possible in under-the-furniture cleaning. No more crouching or awkward angles—this vacuum bends down while you stand tall, making it a game-changer for users with back or joint pain. The touchscreen interface adds a modern flair, displaying power mode and battery status, while the 8-in-1 tool kit covers everything from car interiors to ceiling fans. At just 2.8 pounds, it’s a joy to carry from room to room.

In practice, the 180W motor delivers solid suction on hard floors and low-pile carpets, though it can’t match the 40Kpa fury of the AIRDIYA. The 35-minute runtime in MAX mode is competitive, and the removable 2200mAh battery allows for spare packs or wall charging—ideal for larger homes. The 6-layer dual cyclone system keeps airflow strong, and the one-button dust ejection ensures mess-free emptying. However, like many budget cordless models, it shuts down automatically if the brush roll jams, requiring frequent hair checks.

Against the AIRDIYA, it trades raw power for unmatched flexibility and comfort. While the AIRDIYA sucks harder, the MHRMHR wins in accessibility and ease of use, especially for aging adults or those with mobility issues. It’s not the best for deep carpet cleaning, but for homes prioritizing convenience and reach, it offers a unique advantage over rigid-stick competitors like the Bissell or Shark, proving that sometimes, how you clean matters more than how hard.

Endurance meets pet-focused power in the Bissell Cleanview XR, a cordless vacuum that boasts up to 40 minutes of runtime—a major leap in a category where 20–30 minutes is standard. Its removable 24V MAX lithium-ion battery not only extends cleaning sessions but allows for hot-swapping or off-unit charging, eliminating downtime. With 60% more power than the Shark IX141, it tackles pet hair on stairs, furniture, and cars with a dedicated Deep Cleaning FurBrush, making it a top contender for multi-pet households.

Real-world use confirms its stamina: it handled a full 1,200 sq ft apartment on a single charge in standard mode, with suction remaining strong throughout. The three cleaning modes let you balance power and runtime, and the ergonomic design reduces fatigue during overhead or stair cleaning. However, the dust cup is smaller than expected, requiring mid-clean emptying in fur-heavy homes, and the build feels slightly less durable than Shark or PKUYIE models.

Versus the AIRDIYA, it offers longer runtime and better pet tools, though less suction (300W vs 40Kpa). Compared to the Shark HV343AMZ, it wins on battery flexibility but loses on brushroll self-cleaning. For pet owners who clean large areas daily, it’s a more practical choice than corded models, offering better runtime than the MHRMHR and smarter pet tools than the ECOVORTEX, even if it doesn’t match the AIRDIYA’s peak suction.

Allergy relief meets industrial-grade suction in the PKUYIE SL159 canister vacuum, a powerhouse that unleashes 32KPa of cyclonic force from its 1600W brushless motor—strong enough to rip dust from deep within carpets and upholstery. Its dual H13 HEPA filtration captures 99.97% of ultrafine particles, making it a top-tier choice for asthmatics and allergy sufferers. The 3.7-quart bagless dust cup reduces emptying frequency, while the smart dust full indicator alerts you before suction drops—no guesswork involved.

In testing, the PKUYIE glided effortlessly over thick carpets and hardwood, with a low noise profile (68dB) that won’t disrupt naps or Zoom calls. The lightweight design and flexible steering made it easy to maneuver under beds and around furniture. Attachments handled pet beds and car interiors with ease, and the washable filters cut long-term costs. However, the hose is shorter than expected, and the unit, while light, feels slightly less balanced than Eureka’s model.

Up against the Eureka WhirlWind, it’s in a different league—more power, better filtration, and smarter alerts. While the Eureka wins on convenience, the PKUYIE dominates on cleaning depth and air quality. For homes with severe allergies or multiple pets, it offers superior filtration and capacity compared to the Shark or Bissell, even if it lacks cordless freedom. It’s the most complete package for health-focused cleaning under $300, blending power, intelligence, and peace of mind.