7 Best Cheap Upright Vacuum Cleaners to Buy in 2025

This compact powerhouse redefines what you expect from a budget upright vacuum. Weighing under 8 pounds, the Bissell CleanView 3508 delivers impressive suction for its size, tackling embedded dirt on low-pile carpets and capturing fine debris on hardwood with its Scatter-Free Technology. Its removable extension wand transforms it into an above-floor cleaner in seconds—perfect for quick dusting or reaching behind furniture—making it a rare find in this price range that balances lightweight agility with real cleaning muscle.

In real-world testing, it handled cereal spills, pet hair, and tracked-in dust across tile and bedroom rugs without clogging or losing suction. The 1.2L dirt container fills fast during whole-room cleans, requiring mid-session emptying, but the one-touch disposal makes that hassle-free. While it struggles slightly on high-pile rugs—where deeper agitation is needed—it excels in small spaces like apartments and dorms, where maneuverability and storage matter most. The short 15-foot cord means more plug swaps in larger homes.

Compared to bulkier budget models, the CleanView 3508 stands out as the most apartment-friendly upright in this lineup. It’s not built for whole-house marathons, but for students, renters, or anyone with limited space, it’s an ideal match. It matches the Eureka NEU10AE5 in weight and ease of use but adds the versatility of an extension wand, giving it an edge in functionality—despite a similar price tag.

Meet the silent budget champion—a vacuum that punches way above its price with zero-frills efficiency. The Eureka NEU10AE5 weighs just 7.7 pounds and glides over floors with a 10.5-inch cleaning path that covers ground fast, making it one of the most nimble performers for quick daily sweeps. Its bagless design and washable filter eliminate ongoing costs, while on-board tools—crevice nozzle and dusting brush—snap right into place for instant access when pet hair hides behind baseboards or under couches.

During testing, it pulled up tracked-in dirt from linoleum and pulled fur from area rugs with surprising consistency. The cyclone-style bin keeps suction stable, though fine dust can stick to the sides, requiring occasional wiping. It handles transitions between carpet and hard floor smoothly, but the lack of height adjustment means it doesn’t optimize for plush rugs, sometimes dragging slightly. The 19-foot cord is generous for its class, reducing outlet hopping in medium-sized homes.

When stacked against the Bissell 3508, it trades the wand for simpler, tool-first design, making it better for users who prioritize speed and maintenance savings over reach. It’s the best pick for pet owners on a tight budget who want eco-friendly, low-cost upkeep without sacrificing core performance. It delivers nearly the same power as models $20 more, making it the smartest entry-level buy for no-nonsense cleaning.

Don’t let the name fool you—this Amazon Basics model is anything but basic. With a massive 1.7L dust cup, it’s built for longer cleaning sessions without constant emptying, a rare win in the budget upright category. The 720W motor delivers solid suction across both low-pile carpets and hardwood, while the 25-foot power cord is the longest in this lineup, drastically reducing plug changes in larger apartments or split-level homes. Its detachable handle doubles as a handheld unit, adding surprising versatility without inflating the footprint.

In practice, it handled mixed debris—crumbs, lint, pet hair—without strain, and the washable foam filter maintained airflow even after several uses. The swivel steering is smooth, though the 8.4-pound body feels slightly less agile than the Eureka or Bissell compacts. It lacks specialized features like height settings or scatter control, so fine dust can bounce on hard floors if you push too fast. Still, for whole-home cleanups, its large capacity and long reach make it a stamina king.

Compared to the Bissell 3508, it sacrifices wand convenience for endurance and storage efficiency. It’s the clear choice if you hate stopping to empty the bin or constantly rewind the cord. While it doesn’t have flashy tech, it offers the best balance of power, reach, and capacity for the price—making it the most practical “set it and forget it” upright for everyday homes.

The Eureka PowerSpeed is a carpet-crushing beast in a featherlight frame. With five height settings, it adapts seamlessly from plush shag to bare hardwood, and its upgraded cyclone system generates enough suction to pull out deeply embedded dirt that cheaper models leave behind. The 99.9% dust and allergen capture makes it a standout for allergy sufferers, while the on-board accessory suite—including crevice tool, brush, and upholstery nozzle—extends its range to cars, stairs, and furniture with zero setup lag.

Real-world tests showed it outperformed peers on thick carpeting, where its rotating brush roll dug deep without jamming—though the manual warns of potential belt strain if hair isn’t cleared every two weeks. The 7-foot stretch hose is a game-changer for cleaning under beds or above cabinets, and the 22-foot cord keeps you moving. However, at nearly 11 pounds, it’s heavier than other “lightweight” models, and the bin release requires two hands to avoid spills.

Next to the Vacmaster UC0501, it trades a smaller dust cup for superior carpet performance and precision control. It’s the best choice for homes with mixed flooring and heavy carpet use, where deep cleaning matters more than bin size. It delivers mid-tier price performance with near-premium results, especially on textured floors where most budget vacuums falter.

This is big suction in a small body—a vacuum that promises “full-size power” and actually delivers. The Bissell 3437F packs a 10-pound frame with a motor that rivals heavier models, making quick work of cereal spills, tracked-in dirt, and pet messes on both carpet and tile. Its scatter-free tech keeps debris contained on hard floors, while the quick-release wand detaches in one motion for instant above-floor cleaning—no fumbling with clips or hoses. It’s the most balanced blend of power and portability in the sub-$70 category.

In testing, it maintained consistent suction across rooms, though the 1.3L bin required emptying halfway through a full apartment clean. The cord is a modest 18 feet, meaning more outlet changes than the Amazon Basics model. It transitions smoothly between surfaces but lacks height adjustment, so it’s less effective on high-pile rugs. Still, for dorms or studios, its compact footprint and push-button dirt disposal make storage and cleanup effortless.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, it sacrifices carpet-depth cleaning for lighter weight and easier storage. It’s not the best for homes with wall-to-wall carpet, but for urban dwellers who value quick, no-fuss cleaning, it’s unmatched. It offers the same core tech as pricier Bissell models but in a space-saving design that doesn’t compromise on essential performance.

If you hate stopping to empty your vacuum, the Vacmaster UC0501 is your endurance hero. Boasting one of the largest dust cups in this category—over 2 liters—it’s engineered for deep cleans across multiple rooms without interruption. The efficient cyclone system maintains suction across carpet and tile, while the 7-foot flexible hose and 3-in-1 tool make above-floor cleaning surprisingly effective for a budget model. At under 11 pounds, it’s easy to carry up stairs or maneuver around furniture.

In real use, it handled pet hair, sand, and crushed crackers with minimal clogging, though the 17-foot cord is the shortest in this group, forcing frequent plug swaps in larger homes. The suction is strong but not elite—fine for daily messes, but it requires multiple passes on heavily soiled carpets. The bin is easy to remove, but the latch can feel flimsy over time. It excels in multi-surface homes where capacity and reach outweigh raw power.

Against the Amazon Basics model, it trades cord length for larger bin and better hose flexibility. It’s ideal for pet owners who clean weekly rather than daily and need to vacuum stairs, cars, or furniture without switching devices. While not the lightest or most powerful, it offers the best sustained cleaning runtime in its class—making it a top pick when less emptying = more convenience.

This vacuum reinvents convenience with one revolutionary feature: automatic cord rewind. With a single button press, the 20-foot cord coils itself neatly—no more hand-winding or tangles. Paired with the 10-foot Active Wand, it becomes a full-home cleaning system, effortlessly reaching ceiling cobwebs, under sofas, or car interiors. The OnePass Technology ensures deep carpet cleaning in a single sweep, while Scatter-Free Design keeps hard floors tidy during quick pickups.

In testing, the motor delivered strong, consistent suction across low and medium-pile carpets, though it lagged slightly on thick rugs compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed. The 1.5L bin is mid-sized—enough for a studio, but not a 3-bedroom home. The wand locks securely and extends smoothly, but the overall unit weighs 12.5 pounds, making it the heaviest here. Still, the rewind feature alone saves minutes per session, a game-changer for busy households.

Compared to the Bissell 3437F, it trades some portability for next-level convenience and reach. It’s the best choice for users who hate cord management and want premium features without stepping into high-end pricing. While it costs more than others, it delivers the most refined user experience—where time and ease matter as much as cleaning power.