8 Best Affordable Bagless Upright Vacuums to Buy in 2025

The Eureka PowerSpeed punches far above its weight class with a rare blend of lightweight agility and heavyweight suction, making it a standout among budget-friendly uprights. At just 10 pounds, it glides effortlessly from room to room, yet its 960-watt motor delivers consistent, high-octane cleaning across carpets, hardwood, and tiles—perfect for homes that demand power without the back strain. The 5-height brush roll adjustment is a game-changer, allowing precise cleaning on plush rugs and delicate hardwood alike, while the 2.6-liter dust cup means fewer trips to the trash mid-clean.

In real-world testing, this vacuum excels at multi-surface transitions, maintaining strong suction whether tackling embedded pet hair on medium-pile carpet or fine dust on tile. The onboard pet turbo brush is a major win for fur owners, lifting hair from upholstery with minimal passes. However, the wide 10.5-inch cleaning path, while efficient, can make tight corners slightly awkward. While it handles most debris with ease, very fine powders sometimes cling near the bin’s edges, requiring a quick wipe—minor cleanup for a machine this effective.

Compared to the Bissell 2252, the PowerSpeed offers similar pet-focused performance at nearly half the cost, trading swivel steering for a more basic pivot design. It’s not as nimble in cluttered spaces as the Kenmore DU1040, but it outperforms most in raw suction and dust capacity for its price. Ideal for small to medium homes with mixed flooring and pets, it delivers a premium feel without the premium tag. For those balancing performance and affordability, the PowerSpeed offers the best overall value in its class.

Meet the Eureka Airspeed, a featherweight dynamo that redefines what an entry-level vacuum can do—proving you don’t need bulk to beat dirt. Weighing in at a mere 7.7 pounds, this is the go-to pick for apartment dwellers, seniors, or anyone who dreads lugging around heavy machinery. Its 700-watt motor and 10.5-inch cleaning path deliver surprisingly robust suction across both carpets and hard floors, making quick work of daily messes. The quick-release handle is a hidden gem, instantly transforming it into an above-floor cleaner for stairs, upholstery, and car interiors.

During testing, the Airspeed shined in small-space efficiency, slipping under furniture and storing in tight closets with ease. It cleared light debris and pet hair competently, though it struggled slightly with deeply embedded carpet grime—no surprise given its compact size. The washable filter is a long-term cost saver, and the onboard crevice and dusting tools ensure you’re never caught unprepared. However, the 1.5-liter dust cup fills quickly during whole-home cleans, requiring more frequent emptying than bulkier models.

When stacked against the Amazon Basics model, the Airspeed is lighter and more agile, but offers less dust capacity and fewer attachments. It’s not built for large homes or heavy pet shedding, but for quick daily touch-ups and small living spaces, it’s unmatched in its price range. It’s the clear choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize portability and simplicity. For those seeking a no-fuss, ultra-affordable vacuum that just works, the Airspeed delivers where it counts.

Don’t let the name fool you—Amazon Basics delivers anything but basic performance in this value-packed upright that balances simplicity and functionality with quiet confidence. At 8.4 pounds, it’s featherlight yet sturdy, and the 25-foot power cord is a rare luxury in this price bracket, eliminating constant outlet-hopping in larger rooms. The 1.7-liter dust cup strikes a smart middle ground—big enough to avoid constant emptying, small enough to keep the unit compact. The quick-release button makes disposal fast and mess-free, a small detail that elevates the entire cleaning experience.

In daily use, this vacuum handles low to medium-pile carpets and hard floors with reliable consistency. The 720-watt motor won’t rival high-end models, but it’s more than capable of removing surface debris, pet hair, and crumbs. The detachable handle doubles as a handheld unit, ideal for stairs or car detailing, and the included upholstery and crevice tools cover most basic needs. However, it lacks height adjustment, so transitioning from thick carpet to hardwood can result in slightly reduced efficiency. It also tends to scatter fine dust on hard floors, requiring a second pass.

Compared to the Eureka Airspeed, it offers similar weight and price but adds greater cord reach and a larger dust cup—making it better suited for multi-room cleaning. While it doesn’t have the pet-specific tools of the Bissell models, it’s a smarter buy for households without heavy shedding. For those who want dependable, no-frills performance with thoughtful touches, this Amazon Basics model is the best value proposition under $60.

If your home is ruled by pets, the Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel is a game-changing ally in the endless battle against fur, dander, and tracked-in messes. Its swivel steering is nothing short of revolutionary, letting you pivot around coffee tables, chairs, and baseboards with surgical precision—no more dragging and repositioning. The triple-action brush roll aggressively loosens, lifts, and extracts deeply embedded pet hair, while Scatter-Free Technology keeps kibble, litter, and dry messes from flying across the floor during pickup.

Real-world testing confirmed its dominance on medium to high-pile carpets, where it pulled out clumps of dog hair that other models left behind. The large dirt tank holds impressive volume, reducing emptying frequency during deep cleans. The edge-to-edge cleaning ensures no dust gathers in corners, and the airflow indicator is a smart touch, alerting you when maintenance is needed. That said, at 15 pounds, it’s heavier than rivals like the Eureka PowerSpeed, and the cord rewind must be done manually, which feels outdated next to Hoover’s automatic system.

Next to the Kenmore DU1040, the Bissell offers superior pet hair removal and maneuverability, but at a steeper price and with more weight to manage. It’s not the lightest or most compact, but for homes with multiple pets and carpeted floors, it’s worth every ounce. When performance on pet messes and agility are top priorities, the 2252 justifies its premium with every pass.

The Hoover WindTunnel Cord Rewind Pro is engineered for large homes and serious cleaning routines, where power, reach, and convenience aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities. Its WindTunnel technology creates a focused airflow that locks in debris, preventing scatter and ensuring deep extraction from carpets without suction loss. The 25-foot cord with automatic rewind is a standout—press a button, and it retracts in seconds, eliminating the tedious wrap-and-tuck ritual. Combined with 5-level height adjustment, this vacuum adapts seamlessly from shag rugs to hardwood, delivering a customized clean every time.

In practice, it dominates on thick carpets and expansive floorplans, where its high-wattage suction and multi-cyclonic filtration keep performance steady over long sessions. The built-in 10-foot extension wand is perfect for cleaning stairs, drapes, and ceiling corners without switching tools. However, at nearly 17 pounds, it’s the heaviest in the lineup, making upstairs cleaning a workout. The dust cup also tends to cling to fine particles, requiring occasional rinsing.

Versus the Bissell 2252, the Hoover trades some maneuverability for greater suction power and automation. It’s not as nimble, but it’s built for whole-house cleans in larger spaces. For busy households with mixed flooring and high traffic, it offers premium features that justify the investment. When you need power, automation, and reliability, the WindTunnel outperforms in endurance and ease of storage.

The Kenmore DU1040 is a masterclass in lightweight engineering, delivering serious cleaning power in a chassis under 12 pounds—making it a dream for upstairs cleaning, small apartments, or anyone with mobility concerns. Its swivel steering system glides around furniture like a pro, while the 4-height adjustment ensures optimal contact on everything from tile to plush carpet. The 7-foot flexible hose is a major upgrade, extending reach for stairs, under beds, and car interiors without straining.

During testing, it handled pet hair and daily debris with impressive efficiency, especially on low to medium carpets. The Pet HandiMate tool is uniquely effective at grabbing fur from upholstery, outperforming generic brushes. However, the suction trails behind high-wattage models like the Kenmore 2-motor version, and it lacks HEPA filtration—making it less ideal for allergy sufferers. While it’s agile and comfortable, prolonged use on thick rugs reveals slight power limitations.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, it’s lighter and more maneuverable, but offers less raw suction and a smaller tool set. It’s not the best for deep carpet cleans, but for quick, frequent cleaning in pet-friendly homes, it’s a top contender. For those who value ease of use and portability over brute force, the DU1040 delivers a refined, fatigue-free experience.

The Kenmore 2-motor upright is a high-performance powerhouse wrapped in a surprisingly lightweight 14-pound frame, making it one of the most compelling choices for allergy-prone households. Its dual-motor system drives both the brush roll and suction fan independently, resulting in industrial-grade pickup on carpets and consistent airflow on hardwood. The HEPA filter traps 99.7% of dust, pollen, and dander, a critical feature for asthmatics or those sensitive to airborne particles. Add a 10-foot hose and swivel steering, and you’ve got a vacuum that cleans thoroughly without triggering symptoms.

In real use, it excelled at removing fine allergens from both floors and upholstery, with minimal blowback. The suction control dial lets you fine-tune power for delicate rugs or high-traffic zones. However, the high 1200-watt draw can trip sensitive circuits, and the green housing shows scuff marks easily. While it handles pet hair well, the lack of a dedicated turbo brush means more manual effort on stubborn fur.

Against the Bissell 2252, it trades some pet-specific tools for superior filtration and suction control. It’s heavier and pricier, but unmatched for health-focused cleaning. For families battling allergies or asthma, this Kenmore model offers the deepest clean with the cleanest air output.

The Bissell CleanView Compact 3508 is tailor-made for dorm rooms, studios, and tiny homes, where space is tight but cleanliness can’t be compromised. At under 8 pounds, it’s one of the lightest uprights available, yet it packs surprisingly strong suction for its size. The removable extension wand doubles as a handheld vacuum, perfect for quick cleanups on couches, car seats, or kitchen counters—no need for a separate device. Its Scatter-Free Technology keeps messes contained on hard floors, a rare win in compact models.

In testing, it handled daily dust, crumbs, and light pet hair with ease, though it struggled with deep carpet grime. The dirt container empties with a single button press, a seamless touch that prevents mess. However, the small bin fills fast, and the fixed handle height limits flexibility on thick rugs. It also lacks onboard tool storage, so attachments must be stored separately.

Compared to the Eureka Airspeed, it’s equally light but more focused on portability and ease of disposal. It doesn’t offer height adjustment or a washable filter, but for ultra-small spaces where storage is key, it’s the smarter pick. For students, renters, or minimalist households, the 3508 maximizes convenience in a minimalist footprint.