8 Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners Under $150 (2025 Guide)

This powerhouse performer redefines what you can expect from an upright vacuum under $150. With swivel steering, lift-away functionality, and a HEPA filter system that captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, it’s engineered for real homes with real messes. If you’re tired of wrestling with clunky vacuums that can’t transition from carpet to hardwood—or fail to tackle pet hair—this model delivers a game-changing blend of agility and deep-cleaning power. It solves the all-too-common frustration of needing multiple tools by integrating versatile attachments and seamless above-floor cleaning.

In real-world testing, the Shark NV356E excels across surfaces, gliding effortlessly from plush carpets to tile with the simple flip of the brushroll shutoff switch. The 0.87-quart dust cup holds impressive debris volume, reducing emptying frequency during whole-home cleanups. On thick carpets, the suction digs deep into fibers to extract embedded dust and pet dander, while the swivel neck makes navigating around coffee tables and tight corners feel intuitive. However, it’s slightly heavier than budget models, and the hose reach is modest—fine for furniture and stairs, but stretching for high ceilings requires repositioning the base unit.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, this Shark offers superior filtration and versatility, making it ideal for allergy sufferers and pet owners who want one vacuum to do it all. While the Bissell CleanView models offer strong pet hair pickup, they lack the true lift-away convenience and allergen-sealing performance of this Shark. It’s not the lightest or cheapest, but for those seeking balanced performance across suction, filtration, and maneuverability, it stands out as the most complete package in its class—offering near-premium features without the premium tag.

Don’t let its featherlight frame fool you—this Eureka PowerSpeed packs a seriously potent punch for small spaces and quick cleanups. Engineered with an upgraded cyclone system, it captures everything from cereal crumbs to fine dust without clogging, all while weighing in at under 10 pounds. For apartment dwellers or anyone who dreads hauling a heavy vacuum up stairs, this model is a breath of fresh air, turning tedious chores into swift, one-minute touch-ups. It directly tackles the pain point of underpowered budget vacuums that skitter over debris instead of sucking it up.

Testing reveals the PowerSpeed handles low-pile carpets and hard floors with ease, thanks to its 5 height settings and smooth-rolling wheels that won’t scratch hardwood. The onboard storage keeps the crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool within reach, and the stretch hose is surprisingly effective for cleaning car interiors or baseboards. Suction remains strong even as the bin fills, a rare win in this price range. That said, it struggles slightly on high-pile rugs where deeper agitation is needed, and the lack of a HEPA filter means it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers despite trapping 99.9% of dust and dander.

When stacked against the Bissell 3508 Compact, it offers better height adjustability and stronger cyclonic action, making it more versatile for mixed flooring. But compared to the Shark NV356E, it sacrifices allergen sealing and lift-away cleaning for sheer portability and value. It’s the perfect pick for renters, dorm rooms, or secondary vacuums where lightweight operation and low cost matter most—delivering disproportionate power for its price, even if it doesn’t match premium features.

If pet hair is your daily nemesis, the Bissell 2252 is your new best friend. Its triple action brush roll doesn’t just pick up fur—it aggressively loosens, lifts, and removes it from deep within carpet fibers, a feature that shines in homes with shedding dogs or cats. Backed by swivel steering and edge-to-edge cleaning, it nimbly navigates around furniture legs and grabs dirt right up to baseboards, solving the common issue of missed spots in high-traffic areas. Add in scatter-free technology for messes on tile or hardwood, and you’ve got a vacuum built for the chaos of real pet life.

In performance tests, the 2252 maintains strong suction across both carpet and hard floors, thanks to its multi-cyclonic airflow system that prevents clogs and maintains power. The large dirt tank minimizes emptying frequency, a huge plus for larger homes or multi-pet households. Emptying is genuinely mess-free with the one-touch release, and the included pet tools make quick work of couch cushions and car seats. However, the handle lacks a wand release, so above-floor cleaning requires more setup than Shark’s lift-away models, and the unit can feel top-heavy when tilted back.

Against the Shark NV356E, it trades HEPA filtration and lift-away convenience for a more aggressive pet hair system and lower price. It’s not the best for allergy sufferers, but for pet-focused households that need reliable, no-nonsense hair pickup, it’s unmatched in its range. It delivers maximum pet performance with minimal fuss, making it the go-to for families where fur flies daily—even if it doesn’t match the all-around versatility of pricier models.

Meet the ultimate defense against pet hair tangles—Shark’s ZU503AMZ with self-cleaning brushroll technology that virtually eliminates hair wrap, a game-changer for long-haired pets. Backed by a 1200-watt motor and HEPA filtration, it combines hospital-grade allergen capture with relentless pickup on carpets and hard floors. The lift-away pod detaches in seconds, transforming into a portable unit for stairs, upholstery, or car interiors, solving the universal struggle of switching between floor and above-floor cleaning. For allergy-prone pet owners, this vacuum delivers a truly sealed system that keeps dust and dander locked inside.

In real-world use, the swivel steering makes tight turns around furniture feel effortless, while the brushroll shutoff ensures delicate hardwoods stay scratch-free. The pet crevice tool is a standout—narrow enough to dig between couch cushions where fur accumulates. Suction is powerful and consistent, even as the bin fills, thanks to Shark’s cyclonic design. However, at nearly 15 pounds, it’s not the lightest, and the dust cup capacity is smaller than some Bissell models, requiring more frequent emptying during deep cleans.

Compared to the Bissell 2252, it offers superior allergen control and tangle-free performance, but at a slightly higher price point. Against the NV356E, it improves on brushroll technology but sacrifices a few accessories like the dusting brush. It’s the best choice for pet owners who prioritize low maintenance and air quality, offering cutting-edge anti-hair wrap engineering in a market where most still rely on manual de-tangling.

The Hoover WindTunnel Cord Rewind Pro is a corded convenience champion, built for users who hate wrapping cords. With a single button press, its 25-foot power cord retracts automatically, eliminating the tedious wrap-and-tuck ritual that plagues most uprights. Powered by WindTunnel technology, it delivers strong, consistent suction that lifts embedded dirt from carpets while maintaining performance on hard floors—no drop-off even after 20 minutes of continuous use. For families with large homes, the 5-level height adjustment ensures optimal contact across all surfaces, solving the one-size-fits-all flaw of cheaper models.

Testing shows it cleans deeply on medium-pile carpets, with the multi-cyclonic system preventing clogs and maintaining airflow. The 10-foot extension wand stored onboard extends reach for stairs and drapes without needing to lug the whole unit. It handles pet hair decently, though not as aggressively as Bissell’s triple brush roll. The lack of a lift-away pod means above-floor cleaning is more cumbersome, and the unit feels bulkier than Shark or Bissell alternatives. Still, for those who value cord management and reliability, it excels where others fall short.

Set against the Bissell 3197A, it offers similar rewind convenience but with stronger carpet agitation and a more durable build. Compared to the Shark NV356E, it trades maneuverability and HEPA filtration for automated cord storage and robust suction. It’s ideal for homeowners who prioritize ease of storage and consistent cleaning power over ultra-lightweight design—delivering old-school reliability with modern convenience, even if it’s not the most agile.

This ultra-compact dynamo is tailor-made for tight spaces and minimalist lifestyles. Weighing under 8 pounds, the Bissell 3508 is a dream for college students, apartment dwellers, or anyone with limited storage. Don’t underestimate its size—the powerful suction and scatter-free technology make quick work of cereal spills, tracked-in dirt, and light pet messes on hard floors. It solves the core problem of bulky vacuums in small homes, offering effortless portability without sacrificing cleaning effectiveness.

In action, it’s nimble and responsive, zipping under beds and into corners with ease. The removable extension wand is a smart touch, allowing you to clean baseboards or ceilings without dragging a full-sized unit. The push-button dirt disposal keeps hands clean—always a win. However, the smaller dirt tank means frequent emptying during larger jobs, and it lacks the height adjustment needed for deep carpet cleaning. It’s not designed for whole-home deep cleans, but for spot cleaning and daily maintenance, it’s perfectly tuned.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, it’s lighter and more compact, but with less cyclonic power and fewer height settings. Against the Shark models, it sacrifices filtration and versatility for sheer portability. It’s the go-to for dorm rooms, studios, or as a secondary vacuum, delivering maximum convenience in a minimalist package—ideal for those who clean small spaces fast and often, even if it doesn’t tackle heavy-duty messes.

This sleek, smartly-designed upright blends pet-focused power with effortless cord management, making it a standout for convenience-driven households. The automatic cord rewind is a luxury rarely seen under $150, and the quick-release wand stays attached and ready—no fumbling with storage clips. Powered by scatter-free tech and a triple action brush roll, it’s built to handle pet messes on any surface, from kibble on tile to fur on shag carpet. For pet owners tired of juggling tools and cords, this vacuum delivers streamlined cleaning with zero setup time.

Performance-wise, it glides smoothly thanks to swivel steering and maintains strong suction across carpets and hard floors. The lightweight build reduces fatigue during extended cleaning sessions, and the onboard tools are easy to access. However, the dustbin is mid-sized, requiring more frequent emptying in pet-heavy homes, and the lack of a HEPA filter limits its appeal for allergy sufferers. It also doesn’t offer lift-away cleaning, so cleaning under furniture is less convenient than with Shark models.

Next to the Hoover Cord Rewind Pro, it offers similar cord convenience but with better pet hair tools and lighter handling. Compared to the Bissell 2252, it adds automatic rewind but loses some edge-cleaning precision. It’s the best pick for pet owners who want quick, cord-free cleanup with minimal hassle, offering smart ergonomics and reliable pet performance—even if it doesn’t match the filtration or deep-clean power of premium rivals.

When height and reach matter most, the Bissell 3536 with active extension wand takes the crown. Capable of extending up to 10 feet, it effortlessly cleans ceiling fans, top shelves, and window blinds—tasks that usually require a ladder and a separate tool. The one-pass technology ensures deep carpet cleaning in a single sweep, while the 2-liter XL dirt container reduces emptying frequency, a major plus for larger homes. For users with high ceilings or cluttered rooms, this vacuum eliminates the need for multiple devices, solving the “out of reach” cleaning dilemma with grace.

In testing, the wand deployment is smooth, and suction remains strong even at full extension. The scatter-free tech works well on hard floors, and the lightweight body makes maneuvering manageable despite the larger bin. However, the wand isn’t motorized, so it relies solely on airflow—fine for dust but less effective on embedded pet hair. The lack of swivel steering makes tight turns more cumbersome, and it doesn’t offer height adjustment for different carpet depths.

Compared to the Bissell 3508 Compact, it trades portability for reach and capacity. Against the Shark ZU503AMZ, it loses tangle-free cleaning and HEPA filtration but gains superior vertical reach. It’s ideal for tall homes, lofts, or multi-surface cleaning where high-reach capability trumps agility, delivering unmatched extension performance—even if it’s not the most agile or pet-optimized.