Keeping floors clean shouldn’t break the bank, especially when battling everyday messes like pet hair, tracked-in dirt, or crumb-covered kitchens. Many shoppers struggle to find a reliable upright vacuum under $100 that doesn’t sacrifice suction power, durability, or ease of use—often ending up with bulky, underpowered models that fail to deliver deep cleaning. The best budget upright vacuums solve this by balancing strong performance, smart features, and thoughtful design without exceeding your limit. We analyzed over 50 models, cross-referencing user reviews, expert data, and real-world usability to identify the top performers. Key factors like suction strength, weight, maneuverability, dust cup size, and pet-friendly tools were prioritized to ensure value and effectiveness. Below are our top picks for the best upright vacuum cleaners under $100 that clean like champions—without the premium price tag.
Best Options at a Glance


Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum
Best Budget Friendly
- less than 8 lbs
- Powerful
- Easy Empty
- Lightweight
- Hard Floors

Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Vacuum
Best Lightweight
- 7.7 lbs
- 700 W
- 10.5″
- Washable
- Crevice tool, Dusting brush


Eureka MaxSwivel Pro Upright Vacuum
Best for Pet Hair
- MaxSwivel Pro
- Dual Cyclone
- Carpet\/Hard Floor
- Manual
- Pet Turbo Brush

Bissell CleanView Upright with Wand
Best for Hard-to-Reach Areas
- 10 ft.
- 2 liters
- OnePass
- Hard floors, Carpet
- Scatter-Free

Vacmaster Power Suction Upright Vacuum
Best Suction Power
- 11.5 lbs
- 22 kPa
- 13″
- 20 ft
- Carpet/Hard Floor
Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners Under $100 Review
How to Choose the Right Upright Vacuum Cleaner Under $100
Suction Power & Floor Type
Suction power is arguably the most important factor. A vacuum with strong suction (measured in Air Watts, though not always readily available in this price range) will effectively lift dirt, dust, and debris from both carpets and hard floors. Consider your home’s flooring: if you have mostly carpets, prioritize models emphasizing carpet cleaning performance. Vacuums with adjustable height settings are crucial for carpets, allowing the brushroll to effectively agitate the fibers without getting stuck. For primarily hard floors, look for models advertised with “scatter-free technology” or features designed to prevent pushing debris around. Some vacuums, like the Eureka MaxSwivel Pro, offer manual brushroll control to switch between carpet and hard floor cleaning modes.
Weight & Maneuverability
Upright vacuums can be bulky, so weight is a significant consideration, especially if you have stairs or need to carry the vacuum between floors. Lightweight models (under 10 pounds, like the Bissell CleanView Compact or Eureka Airspeed) are much easier to maneuver. Swivel steering is a game-changer for navigating around furniture and tight spaces, as seen in the Kenmore DU1275 and Eureka MaxSwivel Pro. Without swivel steering, you’ll find yourself constantly lifting and repositioning the vacuum. A long power cord (25ft or more, like the Amazon Basics model) also contributes to maneuverability by reducing the need to frequently change outlets.
Dust Cup Capacity & Filtration
Frequent emptying of the dust cup can be a hassle. Look for models with a larger capacity (like the Kenmore DU1275’s 3X capacity) to minimize interruptions during cleaning. Consider the type of filtration system. While HEPA filters are rare in this price bracket, washable filters (found in the Eureka Airspeed) are a cost-effective alternative to constantly replacing disposable ones. A good filtration system traps dust mites and allergens, improving air quality.
Attachments & Specialized Cleaning
Onboard tools add versatility. Crevice tools are essential for cleaning edges and tight spaces, while dusting brushes are ideal for furniture and delicate surfaces. Pet owners should prioritize vacuums with a dedicated pet hair tool (like the Kenmore DU1275 and Eureka MaxSwivel Pro) to effectively remove hair from upholstery and carpets. An extension wand (Bissell CleanView with Wand) provides extended reach for cleaning ceilings, curtains, and under furniture.
Additional Features
Cord length, LED headlights (Eureka MaxSwivel Pro), and included accessories are all secondary features to consider. A longer cord reduces the need to switch outlets. LED headlights help identify hidden dirt and debris.
Upright Vacuum Cleaner Comparison (Under $100)
Product | Price Range | Weight (lbs) | Dust Cup Capacity | Pet Hair Focus | Swivel Steering | Special Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kenmore DU1275 | $80 – $100 | Under 11 | Extra Large | Yes (Hair Eliminator) | Yes | Extended Reach (7ft), Height Adjustment, On-Board Tools |
Bissell CleanView Compact | $60 – $80 | Under 8 | Standard | Yes (Supports Pet Foundation) | No | Scatter-Free Technology, Powerful Suction |
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight | $60 – $80 | 7.7 | Not Specified | Yes | No | Quick Release Handle, Washable Filter, Compact Design |
Amazon Basics Upright Bagless | $60 – $80 | 8.4 | 1.7L | No | No | 25ft Cord, Upholstery & Crevice Tools, Washable Filter |
Eureka MaxSwivel Pro | $80 – $100 | Not Specified | Not Specified | Yes | Yes | Dual Cyclone Technology, LED Headlights, Pet Turbo Brush |
Bissell CleanView with Wand | $70 – $90 | Not Specified | 2L (XL) | Yes (Supports Pet Foundation) | No | Active Extension Wand (10ft), OnePass Technology |
Vacmaster Power Suction | $70 – $90 | 11.5 | Not Specified | Yes | No | 22kpa Suction, 5 Height Adjustments, Multifunction Operation |
Testing & Data Analysis: Finding the Best Upright Vacuum Under $100
Our recommendations for the best upright vacuum cleaners under $100 aren’t based on subjective impressions, but rigorous data analysis. Given the limited scope for physical product testing within this budget, we prioritize evaluating performance metrics derived from user reviews, independent lab tests (where available – often focusing on comparable models), and detailed feature comparisons.
We analyze thousands of customer reviews across major retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Target) to identify common pain points and consistently praised attributes related to suction power, maneuverability, and durability of each upright vacuum. We cross-reference these insights with specifications like dust cup capacity, cord length, and filter type – factors directly impacting usability as highlighted in our buying guide.
Comparative analyses focus on features like brushroll design (essential for carpet vs. hard floor performance), swivel steering (impacting maneuverability), and the availability of attachments. We assess the value proposition of each vacuum cleaner, weighing features against price to identify models offering the most functionality for under $100. We also track long-term reliability based on reported failure rates and warranty information, focusing on brands known for providing reasonable support within this price segment.
FAQs
What suction power should I expect from an upright vacuum under $100?
While Air Watts aren’t always listed, look for models emphasizing strong suction or “powerful performance.” User reviews are key – prioritize vacuums consistently praised for picking up dirt and debris effectively. Remember, even within this budget, there’s variation; the best upright vacuum cleaners under $100 will offer a noticeable improvement over cheaper options.
Are HEPA filters common in upright vacuums under $100?
HEPA filters are less common in this price range. However, many models feature washable filters, which are a cost-effective alternative for trapping dust and allergens. Focusing on good filtration, even if not HEPA-certified, will improve your home’s air quality.
How important is swivel steering for an upright vacuum?
Swivel steering significantly improves maneuverability. It allows you to easily navigate around furniture and tight spaces without repeatedly lifting and repositioning the upright vacuum. If you have a lot of obstacles in your home, it’s a highly desirable feature.
What should I consider if I have a pet?
If you have pets, prioritize a vacuum with a dedicated pet hair tool. These tools are designed to effectively remove hair from upholstery, carpets, and other surfaces. Models like the Kenmore DU1275 and Eureka MaxSwivel Pro are frequently recommended for pet owners.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, finding the best upright vacuum cleaner under $100 requires prioritizing your specific needs. Consider your flooring type, the presence of pets, and your tolerance for emptying dust cups and changing filters when making your decision.
While no $100 vacuum will match the performance of higher-end models, options like the Kenmore DU1275 and Eureka MaxSwivel Pro offer an excellent balance of features and cleaning power for the price. With a little research, you can find a reliable machine to keep your home clean without breaking the bank.