9 Best Stick Vacuums Under $250 to Buy in 2025

This cordless powerhouse redefines what’s possible under $250. With a 580W brushless motor delivering 48KPa of suction, the VBUOO TV105S doesn’t just compete—it dominates. Its standout feature? A tapered cyclone system that maximizes dust collection and prevents clogging, paired with a massive 1.8L dust cup, making it ideal for large homes or pet owners who hate constant emptying. For anyone tired of vacuums that stall on thick carpets or choke on pet hair, this model delivers real-world reliability with intelligent safety shutdowns to protect the motor.

In real-world testing, the VBUOO shines across plush carpets and hard floors alike, lifting embedded pet hair and fine dust with ease. The 70-minute runtime in low mode is legit—enough to clean a 3,200 sq ft home on a single charge. The LED touch screen isn’t just flashy; it gives real-time feedback on battery, filter status, and dust level, which is incredibly useful for maintenance. However, while it handles most debris effortlessly, long strands of pet hair can still tangle the roller if not cleaned regularly, triggering the auto-shutoff—a minor annoyance but easily avoided with routine upkeep.

Compared to the LEVOIT LVAC-200, the VBUOO offers significantly more suction and runtime, making it better suited for larger homes and deep cleans. While it’s heavier than some competitors, the ergonomic telescopic handle and wall-mount charging make storage and use seamless. It’s the go-to choice for users who want maximum performance without stepping into premium $400+ territory. If you need long runtime, high capacity, and powerful suction in one robust package, the VBUOO outperforms most stick vacuums under $250.

Meet the daily cleaning whisperer—the LEVOIT LVAC-200. Designed for pet owners who hate hair tangles, this vacuum features a tangle-resistant brush roll that actually works, slicing through fur like butter. With 50 minutes of runtime in eco mode and three LED headlights, it’s built for quick, no-fuss cleanups under furniture or after dinner crumbs. Its standout trait? A 99.9% five-stage HEPA filtration system that traps particles as small as 0.3 microns—ideal for allergy sufferers who want clean air, not just clean floors.

In real-world use, the LVAC-200 excels at spot cleaning and daily maintenance. The lightweight body (under 5 lbs) makes it easy to carry up stairs or maneuver around couches. On low-pile carpets and hardwood, it pulls up pet hair and dust efficiently, though it struggles slightly on high-pile rugs where suction dips. The one-click dustbin ejection keeps hands clean, and the dual-function 2-in-1 pet tool is perfect for sofas and car seats. However, turbo mode only lasts 12 minutes, so it’s best saved for small messes rather than whole-home cleaning.

When stacked against the Tikom V500, the LEVOIT trades raw power for refined usability and filtration. It doesn’t have the highest suction, but its tangle-free design and superior air quality output make it a smarter pick for homes with shedding pets. It’s the ideal vacuum for apartment dwellers, pet parents, or anyone who values convenience over marathon cleaning sessions. For daily upkeep with minimal hassle, the LVAC-200 offers better long-term ease than more powerful but high-maintenance models.

Don’t let the price fool you—the Tikom V500 punches way above its $80 weight class. With 40KPa suction from a 450W motor, it delivers performance that rivals vacuums twice its cost. The 6-in-1 convertible design turns it into a handheld, stair vacuum, or car cleaner in seconds, making it one of the most versatile budget builds on the market. Add in a color LED touch screen showing battery, suction level, and error codes, and you’ve got a feature set that feels premium.

In real-world testing, the V500 handles low-pile carpets and hardwood with confidence, lifting pet hair and cat litter without issue. The 6 LED headlights are a game-changer for spotting dust under beds, and the 180° horizontal swivel lets you clean tight corners without bending. Battery life is solid—up to 45 minutes in low mode—though it drops fast in max. The one-touch empty system is hygienic, but the 1.3L dust cup fills quickly during whole-home cleans. While it can’t match the VBUOO’s runtime, it’s more than capable for apartments or quick cleanups.

Compared to the MHRMHR KP1108, the Tikom offers better suction, longer runtime, and a superior filtration system (7-stage HEPA vs 6-layer). It’s the best value if you want features, power, and flexibility without breaking $100. For college students, small homes, or budget-conscious pet owners, it’s the ultimate do-it-all stick vacuum. With more power and smarter design than most sub-$100 models, the Tikom V500 offers the best bang-for-buck versatility in this lineup.

The AIRDIYA VG3 is the budget warrior of cordless vacuums—light, simple, and surprisingly effective for quick cleanups. With 40KPa suction and dual power modes, it tackles pet hair, crumbs, and dust on hardwood, tile, and low-pile carpets without breaking a sweat. The 2.8-pound handheld unit is feather-light, perfect for aging parents or kids helping with chores. Its 6-layer filtration system captures 99.99% of particles down to 0.2 microns, making it a solid pick for allergy-sensitive homes.

In practice, the AIRDIYA shines in short bursts—ideal for kitchen spills, post-dinner crumbs, or car detailing. The 35-minute max runtime is adequate for small spaces, but drops to just 15–20 minutes in high suction, limiting whole-home use. The extendable wand and 2-in-1 brush let you clean ceilings and crevices, though the lack of LED lights makes dark corners a guessing game. It’s not built for thick carpets or pet-heavy homes, and like others, it shuts down if the brush tangles, requiring frequent maintenance.

When compared to the MHRMHR KP1108, the AIRDIYA trades bendable wand convenience for slightly better suction and filtration. It’s best suited for studio apartments, dorms, or secondary cleaning rather than primary use. For ultra-light cleaning on a tight budget, it’s a no-frills solution. While it lacks the smart features of pricier models, the AIRDIYA delivers basic, reliable performance where it counts, making it the most affordable entry point into decent cordless cleaning.

The MHRMHR KP1108 is engineered for one thing: cleaning under furniture without back pain. Its 180° bendable wand is a game-changer, letting you lie flat and glide under sofas, beds, and cabinets without crouching. This ergonomic marvel is perfect for older users or anyone with mobility issues. With 180W motor and dual suction modes, it delivers solid performance on hard floors and low-pile rugs, and the one-button dust ejection keeps cleanup mess-free.

In real-world use, the KP1108 excels at targeted cleaning—think under the couch, behind the fridge, or under kitchen cabinets. The 6-cell 2200mAh battery gives up to 35 minutes in low mode, enough for spot cleans, though high mode dips below 20 minutes. The 8-in-1 attachments include a crevice tool and 2-in-1 brush, making it useful for cars and upholstery. However, suction is modest compared to 40KPa models, and it struggles on thicker carpets, where it quickly drains and overheats.

Versus the Tikom V500, the MHRMHR sacrifices raw power and runtime for unmatched under-furniture reach. It’s not a whole-home vacuum, but it’s the best tool for hard-to-reach areas. For seniors, pet owners with shedding furniture, or anyone tired of crawling, this is the ultimate helper. While it doesn’t match high-end specs, its bendable wand and lightweight design make it the most accessible vacuum under $70. For ergonomic advantage over brute force, it’s unmatched in its class.

The Shark HV322 is a corded beast built for pet owners who demand relentless suction. With unlimited runtime and no battery decay, it’s always ready for deep cleans. Its powerful motor digs deep into carpets, extracting embedded pet hair and dander like few cordless models can. The LED headlights reveal hidden dust, and the XL 0.68-quart dust cup means fewer trips to empty. Best of all, it converts to a handheld in seconds, making it perfect for stairs, furniture, and car interiors.

In testing, the HV322 dominates on carpets and upholstery, outperforming most cordless vacuums in pet hair pickup. The corded design eliminates range anxiety, and the lightweight build (under 10 lbs) makes it easy to carry. However, the 16-foot cord can be limiting in large homes, requiring outlet changes. While it handles hardwood well, it’s clearly optimized for carpeted pet homes. The pet multi-tool and crevice tool are excellent for furniture, but the lack of HEPA filtration is a letdown for allergy sufferers.

Compared to the Shark HV371, the HV322 offers similar power but lacks swivel steering, making it less agile under furniture. It’s best for pet-heavy homes where suction and runtime trump maneuverability. For deep cleaning after shedding season or multi-pet households, it’s a workhorse. While cordless models offer convenience, the HV322 wins on sustained power and pet-specific tools, making it the top corded pick for pet hair under $250.

The Shark HV371 is the agile cousin of the HV322, trading some pet-focused tools for superior maneuverability. Its Advanced Swivel Steering lets it pivot effortlessly around table legs and under low furniture, a feature most corded vacuums lack. With the same 500W motor and XL dust cup, it delivers deep carpet cleaning and strong pet hair pickup, but now with greater control. The low-profile nozzle enhances under-furniture access, making it ideal for cluttered homes.

In real use, the HV371 glides over carpets and hard floors with precision. The easy-release foot pedal lets you detach the wand instantly, speeding up transitions. The anti-allergen dust brush is a nice touch for sensitive users, though it still lacks true HEPA filtration. The 16.4-foot cord is slightly longer than the HV322, reducing outlet swaps. However, like all corded models, it’s tethered and less convenient than cordless alternatives for quick pickups.

Against the HV322, the HV371 wins on steering and under-furniture reach, but loses points for fewer pet-specific tools. It’s the better choice for homes with furniture clutter or tight spaces. For users who value agility and deep clean over pet tool variety, it’s the smarter buy. While both deliver strong corded performance, the HV371’s swivel steering gives it the edge in usability, making it the best corded option for maneuverability under $250.

The Intercleaner 12-in-1 is the Swiss Army knife of budget vacuums—ultra-light, ultra-quiet, and packed with 11 attachments for every cleaning need. Weighing just 3 lbs, it’s effortless to carry upstairs or hand to kids. With a 16.4-foot cord and 15KPa suction, it’s perfect for hardwood, tile, and short carpets, delivering consistent power without noise. The one-button dust ejection and 0.8L dust cup make cleanup quick and clean.

In testing, it excels on smooth floors, lifting dust and crumbs with ease. The 4-in-1 handheld mode is great for car interiors and keyboards. However, suction is modest, and it struggles on thick carpets. The 3-layer HEPA system is washable and cost-effective, but not as refined as 5-stage models. Its quiet operation is a win for homes with pets or babies, but it lacks LED lights and swivel steering.

Compared to the ECOVORTEX, it offers more accessories and lighter weight, but less suction. It’s best for hardwood-focused homes on a tight budget. For quiet, lightweight cleaning with maximum versatility, it’s unbeatable under $30. While not powerful, its 12-in-1 design and portability make it the best value for light-duty, multi-surface cleaning.

The ECOVORTEX 600W is a barebones powerhouse—20KPa suction and a 20-foot cord in a 4-lb frame. It’s built for users who want raw power without bells and whistles. The cyclone HEPA system captures 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns, making it surprisingly effective for air quality. The built-in crevice and dusting tools are convenient for quick jobs, and the swivel steering improves maneuverability.

In real use, it cleans hard floors and low-pile rugs well, but its bulkier design makes storage awkward. The 1L dust cup is large, but the nozzle isn’t motorized, limiting carpet performance. It’s loud compared to others, but the unlimited runtime is a major plus. It’s not stylish or smart, but it gets the job done for under $30.

Versus the Intercleaner, it offers more suction and a longer cord, but fewer attachments and less portability. It’s best for users who prioritize power and filtration over convenience. For deep cleaning on a shoestring, it’s a no-nonsense workhorse. While basic, its 20KPa suction and HEPA filtration make it the strongest budget corded option under $30.