7 Best Upright Vacuums Under $50 to Buy in 2025

This Shark Navigator Lift-Away is a game-changer for pet owners and allergy sufferers alike, boasting a self-cleaning brushroll that truly lives up to its promise—no more hair wrap after every use. Its 1200-watt motor delivers serious suction power across carpets and hard floors, while the HEPA filter and complete seal technology lock in 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a breath-of-fresh-air upgrade for sensitive households. The swivel steering turns tight corners like a dream, effortlessly gliding under furniture and around cluttered living rooms.

In real-world testing, the detachable pod transforms this upright into a portable vacuum, perfect for stairs, car interiors, and above-floor cleaning—no awkward dragging required. The 1.2-liter dust cup fills slowly, reducing emptying frequency, and the anti-allergen seal holds up impressively during repeated use on high-pile rugs and pet-heavy zones. However, the full unit weighs 14.5 lbs, which can feel hefty during prolonged sessions, and the hose reach is modest compared to canister-style models, limiting overhead cleaning flexibility.

Compared to the Bissell 2252 and Eureka PowerSpeed, the Shark ZU503AMZ strikes a sweet balance between versatility and filtration performance, outshining budget models with its lift-away design and superior allergen containment. It’s ideal for multi-pet homes, allergy-prone users, and anyone who values deep cleaning without switching machines. While it lacks the ultra-lightweight ease of sub-$60 vacuums, its feature-rich build and real engineering innovation make it the most complete package under $200—especially when pet hair and air quality are top concerns.

Don’t let the no-frills name fool you—the Amazon Basics Upright punches well above its price tag with impressive suction for light-duty cleaning, especially on hard floors and low-pile carpets. At just 8.4 pounds, it’s one of the lightest full-size uprights available, making it a dream for quick cleanups and elderly users who dread lugging heavy machines. The 25-foot power cord grants exceptional reach, eliminating constant outlet hopping, while the 1.7-liter dust cup is a standout at this price—large enough to handle whole-room sessions without mid-job dumps.

Powered by a 720-watt motor, it handles everyday dust and cereal spills with ease but struggles on deep carpet stains or pet hair embedded in plush rugs. The detachable handle doubles as a handheld tool, adding unexpected versatility for a budget model, though the hose is non-stretch and accessories are basic. On shag carpet, the suction falters, and the sole height setting means you’ll need to manually lift the front to avoid dragging—a real limitation for mixed-floor homes.

When stacked against the Eureka NEU10AE5 or Bissell 3508, this Amazon Basics model wins on capacity and cord length, but loses on specialized features like edge cleaning or scatter control. It’s best suited for apartments, dorms, or secondary homes where cleaning demands are minimal and budget is king. For a fraction of the cost of premium uprights, it delivers solid core functionality—proving you don’t need bells and whistles for dependable, no-hassle cleaning.

Meet the Eureka AirSpeed NEU10AE5—a featherweight champion that redefines what an entry-level upright can do. Weighing a mere 7.7 pounds, it’s the easiest upright to carry upstairs or store in a closet, yet it packs a 1000-watt motor that delivers snappy pickup on both hardwood and medium-pile carpets. The 10.5-inch cleaning path covers ground quickly, and the onboard crevice tool and dusting brush snap into place for instant access—perfect for last-minute spot cleaning or dusting ceiling fans.

In testing, the direct-air suction design minimizes airflow loss, keeping suction strong even as the bin fills, and the washable foam filter holds up after multiple rinses without degrading. It excels in small apartments and tile-heavy homes, where speed and portability matter most. But on high-pile rugs, the single-height setting causes the front to lift, reducing contact and leaving behind fine debris—a clear trade-off for its ultra-light frame.

Versus the Amazon Basics B0BN5F6MJY, the NEU10AE5 feels more refined, with better tool integration and a slimmer profile, though it has a smaller 1.1L dust cup. It’s the go-to pick for renters, seniors, or college students who need lightweight power without complexity. While it won’t replace a high-end vacuum in a pet-filled home, its nimble design and true portability make it the best value for light cleaning loads—especially when effortless storage and handling are top priorities.

The Eureka PowerSpeed B08MF9HQVX is a carpet-cleaning beast in disguise, leveraging an upgraded cyclone system to separate fine dust, large debris, and allergens with remarkable efficiency. Its five height settings let you fine-tune the floor contact from plush shag to bare wood, ensuring maximum agitation and pickup without scratching surfaces. The triple-layer filtration traps 99.9% of dust and dander, making it a silent hero for allergy sufferers—and the 7-inch crevice tool and upholstery brush stored onboard mean no more lost accessories.

In real-world use, the powered brushroll digs deep into carpet fibers, pulling out weeks-old pet hair and tracked-in dirt that cheaper models leave behind. The stretch hose adds serious reach for stairs and furniture, and the lightweight 8.8 lb body keeps fatigue at bay during full-home sessions. However, Eureka’s own warning about roller maintenance is no joke—neglecting brushroll cleaning can lead to smoke or belt failure, which underlines a critical need for regular upkeep.

Compared to the Bissell 2252, the PowerSpeed offers superior carpet penetration and more precise height control, though it lacks scatter-free tech for hard floors. It’s tailor-made for homes with wall-to-wall carpeting, pet owners, and those prioritizing deep clean over speed. With better cyclonic performance than similarly priced rivals, it delivers serious carpet care at a fraction of premium costs—just don’t skip the maintenance.

The Bissell CleanView 3508 is a compact powerhouse designed for tight spaces and minimalist lifestyles, where every inch of storage counts. At under 8 pounds and with a slim, vertical profile, it slips behind doors or under sinks with ease—ideal for dorm rooms, studios, or RVs. Despite its size, it doesn’t skimp on power: the scatter-free technology keeps debris contained on tile and wood, preventing the puff-of-dust mess common in budget vacuums, and the removable extension wand doubles as a handheld tool for blinds, shelves, or car seats.

In practice, the direct suction path maintains strong airflow, and the one-touch dirt ejection is genuinely satisfying—no messy hand contact. It handles light carpeting and area rugs well, but on thick pile, the lack of height adjustment limits deep cleaning ability. The small 0.9L bin needs frequent emptying in larger homes, making it less practical as a primary vacuum for families.

When compared to the Amazon Basics or Eureka NEU10AE5, the 3508 stands out with its smart scatter control and clean-empty system, though it falls short on capacity and tool variety. It’s the top pick for singles or couples in compact living spaces who want strong suction without bulk. While not built for whole-house marathons, its space-saving design and mess-free emptying make it the most thoughtful compact upright under $60—perfect when size and simplicity rule the decision.

If you’re battling daily pet hair avalanches, the Bissell CleanView Swivel 2252 is engineered to end the war—equipped with a triple-action brushroll that aggressively loosens, lifts, and extracts fur from carpets and corners. Its edge-to-edge cleaning ensures no stray clumps hide along baseboards, while swivel steering makes it uncannily agile around coffee tables and pet beds. The large dirt tank holds significantly more than rivals, reducing emptying frequency during multi-room cleanups—a small win that adds up fast in fur-heavy homes.

Powered by a 12-amp motor, it delivers consistent suction across both carpet and tile, and the scatter-free nozzle keeps kibble and litter from exploding across the floor. The included pet tools—especially the motorized pet tool (on some variants)—are game-changers for couches and car interiors. However, the unit weighs 15.4 lbs, making it one of the heavier options, and the filter replacement schedule can add long-term costs if not managed.

Stacked against the Shark ZU503AMZ, the Bissell 2252 focuses harder on pet-specific performance, with better edge cleaning and hair pickup, though it lacks the lift-away convenience. It’s the ultimate weapon for multi-pet households, shedding season, and homes with mixed flooring. With best-in-class pet hair removal and smart design touches, it justifies its cost as the most dedicated pet vacuum under $130—especially when fur is non-negotiable to eliminate.

The Kenmore DU1275 brings serious anti-tangle innovation to the budget space with its Hair Eliminator brushroll—a self-cleaning roller that automatically cuts and removes hair, eliminating the dreaded scissors-and-yank routine. This feature alone makes it a lifesaver for long-haired pet owners, and paired with four height settings, it adapts seamlessly from tile to thick carpet. The 7-foot extended reach via a 6-foot hose and onboard tools lets you clean ceilings, car interiors, and high shelves without breaking a sweat.

With a 1200-watt motor and extra-large 2.5L dust cup, it outclasses most sub-$110 vacuums in capacity and sustained suction, minimizing interruptions during deep cleans. The swivel steering enhances maneuverability, and the Pet HandiMate tool is perfect for upholstery and car seats. However, the 11-pound weight feels solid but not ultra-light, and the hose trigger lock requires constant pressure—a minor but annoying flaw during overhead use.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Kenmore DU1275 offers superior tangle resistance and larger bin size, though it lacks cyclonic filtration. It’s ideal for homes with multiple shedding pets, busy families, and anyone tired of cleaning brushrolls weekly. With best-in-class anti-tangle tech and strong all-surface performance, it delivers premium features at a mid-tier price—making it the smartest choice when pet hair and convenience are non-negotiable.