8 Best Cheap Stick Vacuums for Carpet in 2025

This corded stick vacuum redefines budget-friendly power with its 20KPa suction and high-torque motorized brush — a rare combo in this price range. Unlike most entry-level models that struggle on carpet, this Intercleaner beast tackles low to medium-pile carpets with confidence, pulling embedded pet hair and debris thanks to its dual-bristle roller. The 23-foot power cord is a game-changer, eliminating range anxiety and battery degradation issues common in cordless models — ideal for larger homes or multi-room cleaning marathons.

In real-world use, the vacuum’s two suction modes let you dial in just enough power: low for daily dusting on hardwood, high for deep-cleaning carpet messes like spilled coffee beans or tracked-in dirt. The 1.2L dust cup means fewer stops to empty, and the 3-stage HEPA filtration keeps allergens locked in — a must for pet owners and allergy sufferers. However, the weight climbs slightly when fully assembled, and the LED brush head, while helpful, can feel stiff on thicker rugs. It’s not the most agile on tight corners, but the 180° swivel head helps navigate under furniture.

Compared to the Eureka NES312 and Amazon Basics models, this Intercleaner delivers superior suction and capacity while offering more attachments and smarter storage via wall mount. It’s the clear upgrade if you prioritize deep carpet cleaning over ultra-lightweight design. For those tired of underpowered vacuums that quit mid-clean, this model punches far above its price tag — offering performance closer to premium units at a fraction of the cost.

If you’re after a true budget champion that doesn’t compromise on versatility, this Intercleaner corded vacuum is a quiet powerhouse with a surprising 12-in-1 design. Weighing just 3 lbs (without cord), it’s feather-light, making it perfect for quick cleanups, stairs, or households where mobility matters — seniors, kids, and pet owners will appreciate the effortless handling. The 15KPa suction may not match premium models, but it’s more than capable on hard floors and low-pile carpets, especially for surface-level dust, crumbs, and pet hair.

During testing, the vacuum excelled in handheld mode — removing pet hair from car seats and dust from window sills with ease. The 16.4-ft cord offers solid reach without constant outlet switching, though it falls short of the 23-ft leader in this lineup. The 0.8L dust cup fills up faster during whole-home sessions, requiring mid-clean emptying, but the one-button dump keeps it mess-free. The washable HEPA filter maintains strong airflow over time, and the quiet 400W motor won’t startle pets or sleeping babies — a standout for noise-sensitive homes.

Against the Amazon Basics and Eureka models, this Intercleaner wins on accessories and portability, offering more tools and easier transitions between floor and handheld use. It’s not built for deep carpet cleaning like the 20KPa version, but for lightweight, multi-surface flexibility, it’s unmatched under $30. If you value quiet operation, minimal effort, and maximum adaptability, this vacuum delivers where it counts — making it the best entry-level all-rounder for small homes and apartments.

Don’t let the no-frills branding fool you — the Amazon Basics 2-in-1 is a no-nonsense performer that nails the essentials for under $30. At 3.9 lbs, it’s easy to carry up stairs or maneuver around furniture, and the 19.7-ft cord gives you room to roam without constant plug swaps. The 300W motor delivers consistent suction that’s surprisingly effective on hardwood and low-pile rugs, making it a solid pick for quick daily cleanups or small-space dwellers.

In practice, it shines on smooth surfaces, lifting dust, cereal crumbs, and pet dander with ease. The crevice tool is perfect for baseboards and couch gaps, and the handheld mode works well for car interiors and lampshades. However, it lacks a motorized brush — just a basic roller — so it struggles with embedded debris or pet hair on carpet. The 0.5L dust cup fills up fast, demanding frequent emptying during larger jobs, and the HEPA filter, while effective, needs regular rinsing to maintain airflow. It’s not designed for deep cleans, but for spot maintenance, it’s spot-on.

Compared to the Intercleaner 15KPa model, it’s lighter but less powerful and less versatile. Against the Eureka NES312, it’s cheaper but lacks the same agility and motorized cleaning edge. Still, for renters or minimalists who need a reliable, no-fuss vacuum for light messes, this Amazon Basics model is a value-packed foundation. It’s the vacuum equivalent of a dependable utility knife — not flashy, but always ready when you need it.

The Eureka NES312 is a nimble carpet whisperer — a lightweight stick vacuum that punches above its weight with 350W motorized suction and a high-speed brush roll built for pet hair extraction. At just 4 lbs, it’s effortless to push across rooms or carry up stairs, yet it delivers enough oomph to pull fur from low-pile carpets and car interiors without bogging down. The 180° swiveling head glides around furniture legs and under couches with surgical precision, making it a standout for homes with tight spaces and furry residents.

In real-world testing, it outperformed several heavier models on pet hair pickup, thanks to its rotating brush that actively dislodges trapped fur. The 3-in-1 design transitions smoothly from stick to handheld, ideal for cleaning stairs, upholstery, or car seats. The quick-release dust cup empties in seconds, and the washable filter helps maintain suction over time. However, the cord isn’t the longest (standard length), and the vacuum lacks advanced features like LED lights or HEPA-grade filtration — it captures most dust but may miss ultrafine particles.

Pitted against the Shark HV343AMZ, it’s far cheaper but lacks self-cleaning brushroll and LED lights. Compared to the Intercleaner 20KPa model, it’s lighter and more agile but less powerful on deep carpet grime. For pet owners who want maximum maneuverability and fatigue-free cleaning, the NES312 is a top-tier lightweight contender — especially if you prioritize ease of use over raw power. It’s the kind of vacuum you’ll actually want to grab daily.

The fenhua 450W corded vacuum is a suction-savvy sleeper hit — delivering 18KPa power from a 450W low-noise motor in a package that costs less than most coffee tables. For the price, its raw cleaning force is impressive, easily handling cereal spills, tracked-in dirt, and pet hair on hard floors and low-pile carpets. The one-touch operation keeps things simple, and the multi-layer filtration captures over 99.99% of dust and allergens, making it a strong pick for allergy-prone homes.

During testing, it out-pulled several similarly priced models on carpet tests, thanks to its high-wattage motor. The 16.4-ft cord offers decent reach, though not class-leading, and the 5-in-1 design lets you convert to handheld for stairs or car cleaning — though the tool selection is more basic than the 12-in-1 Intercleaner. The build feels slightly less premium, and the vacuum lacks a motorized brush head, relying on suction alone — which limits deep-cleaning ability on rugs. It’s loud at full power, and the 0.8L dust cup needs mid-clean emptying for larger jobs.

Against the Eureka NES312, it offers stronger suction but less agility and no swivel steering. Compared to the Intercleaner 15KPa model, it has a more powerful motor but fewer accessories. If you want maximum suction per dollar and clean mostly hard surfaces, this fenhua model is a rare budget find — a no-frills brute that cleans like it costs twice as much.

The Shark HV343AMZ is the gold standard for pet owners who refuse to wrestle with hair-clogged brushes. Its self-cleaning brushroll is a game-changing feature, automatically removing long hair and pet fur without manual picking — a nightmare avoided for anyone with shedding dogs or cats. Combined with advanced swivel steering and LED headlights, this vacuum navigates under furniture and exposes hidden debris like a pro, making it exceptionally effective on carpet and hard floors alike.

In real use, it transitions seamlessly from stick to handheld mode with a button press, perfect for car interiors, stairs, or ceiling cobwebs. The 0.68-quart dust cup is easy to empty, and the crevice and upholstery tools add practical versatility. While it’s lightweight and agile, the cord isn’t the longest, and the suction, while strong, isn’t the most powerful in testing — it cleans thoroughly but takes slightly longer on dense carpet messes than higher-KPa models. Still, the build quality and reliability feel premium, a step above budget contenders.

Next to the Eureka NES312, it’s heavier but far more advanced with no-hair-wrap tech and better reach. Against the Intercleaner 20KPa model, it’s pricier but offers smarter engineering and better pet-specific design. If you’re tired of cleaning your vacuum more than your floors, this Shark model justifies its cost with long-term convenience and pet-ready performance — the ultimate high-value investment for fur-filled homes.

The Vacmaster 10.8V breaks the mold for budget cordless vacuums by offering true portability without completely sacrificing performance. With 24 minutes of runtime on carpet, it’s one of the few sub-$70 cordless models that can finish a medium-sized room without dying mid-job. The 2-speed control lets you conserve battery on light messes or boost power for pet hair, and the LED headlight reveals dust under furniture — a rare touch at this price.

Its swivel steering makes it agile in tight spaces, and the detachable hand vac is perfect for car seats, stairs, or boat cabins. The foldable handle enables ultra-slim storage, ideal for apartments or RVs. However, the suction is modest — fine for surface dust and crumbs, but it struggles with embedded debris on carpet. The translucent dust cup is easy to empty, but small, and the lack of HEPA filtration means allergens may recirculate. Battery life degrades faster than premium brands.

Compared to the B0F5WT7Z8W cordless model, it’s less powerful and has shorter runtime, but more compact. Against corded budget picks like the Amazon Basics, it trades consistent power for freedom of movement. For those who value cordless convenience and portability over deep cleaning, this Vacmaster is a smart middle ground — especially for quick cleanups where dragging a cord isn’t an option.

This 40KPa cordless stick vacuum is a suction monster in a sleek, 4.7-lb frame, delivering laboratory-grade power that rivals vacuums twice its price. With 40 minutes of continuous runtime, it can clean an entire home on a single charge, and the self-standing design lets you pause mid-clean without leaning it against furniture. The green LED light is a standout, illuminating dust under beds and in dark corners — a feature even some premium models skip.

In testing, it dominated on hard floors and medium-pile carpets, lifting pet hair, flour spills, and fine dust with ease. The 5-stage filtration captures 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, making it ideal for allergy sufferers. The space-saving design and lightweight build make it easy to carry upstairs, and the S7 PRO-style flexibility lets you clean ceilings, baseboards, and car interiors. However, the battery takes 4+ hours to recharge, and the suction drops slightly in max mode after 15 minutes.

Stacked against the Vacmaster B0DFLNKMX4, it’s far more powerful and longer-lasting, but pricier. Compared to the Shark HV343AMZ, it offers greater runtime and suction but lacks the self-cleaning brushroll. For those who want cordless performance without compromise, this model is the undisputed king of value in the cordless realm — blending power, runtime, and smart design into one irresistible package.