7 Best Upright Vacuums Under $400 to Buy in 2025

If you’re battling pet hair, allergens, and cluttered furniture, the Shark NV752 isn’t just a vacuum—it’s a deep-cleaning powerhouse built for real homes. Its Powered Lift-Away technology stands out by letting you detach the pod while the brushroll keeps spinning, delivering true versatility for stairs, under-bed zones, and upholstery. Add in HEPA-sealed filtration that traps 99.9% of dust and allergens and LED headlights that expose every hidden speck, and you’ve got a vacuum engineered for obsessive cleanliness without compromise.

In real-world testing, this upright shines across multi-surface transitions, switching effortlessly between hardwood and thick carpet via fingertip controls. The 0.88-quart dust cup holds up well during whole-room cleanups, reducing emptying frequency, while the self-cleaning Pet Power Brush aggressively pulls embedded fur from carpets without tangling. However, its weight—just over 14 lbs—can feel taxing during extended use, especially on stairs, and the hose reach is limited compared to canister-style models.

Pitted against the Kenmore DU4080 or Shark’s own ZU503AMZ, the NV752 pulls ahead with more specialized tools and stronger suction dynamics, making it ideal for pet owners who demand both reach and deep-cleaning muscle. While pricier than budget picks, it justifies its cost with superior engineering, filtration, and cleaning coverage—a rare all-rounder that doesn’t cut corners. For those seeking a high-performance upright under $400, this model sets the benchmark others chase.

Don’t let its size fool you—the Bissell 3508 is a compact dynamo built for small-space warriors who refuse to sacrifice suction for storage. Weighing under 8 pounds, it’s effortlessly portable for apartments, dorms, or quick daily touch-ups, yet delivers surprisingly robust cleaning power on both carpets and hard floors. Its Scatter-Free Technology truly works, minimizing the puff of debris when tackling dry messes—a common pain point with lightweight vacuums—while the removable extension wand extends reach into tight corners without adding bulk.

During testing, the 3508 proved reliable for spot cleaning and small-area maintenance, handling cereal spills, tracked-in dirt, and light pet hair with ease. The dirt container empties with a single button press, keeping hands clean—a thoughtful touch for hygiene-focused users. However, its small dust capacity demands frequent emptying during whole-home sessions, and the lack of a motorized brushroll limits its effectiveness on high-pile carpets or deeply embedded debris.

Compared to the Amazon Basics model or even the Kenmore DU4080, the 3508 trades power and capacity for ultra-lightweight convenience, making it best suited for renters, students, or secondary homes. It won’t replace a full-sized vacuum for pet-heavy or large-floor homes, but for low-maintenance cleaning with zero hassle, it’s unmatched in its class. It delivers bare-essentials performance with smart ergonomic design, proving you don’t need bulk to get clean.

Pet owners, meet your new cleaning ally: the Kenmore DU4080 combines lightweight agility with dual-motor power to tackle fur, dander, and dust in one pass. At under 12 pounds, it’s easy to lug up stairs or maneuver around clutter, yet it packs an 850-watt motor that drives strong suction across both carpets and hard floors. Its Lift-Up Technology lets you detach the pod in seconds for targeted cleaning on stairs or furniture, while the HEPA-sealed system captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns—making it a serious contender for allergy sufferers.

In practice, the DU4080 excels at everyday mess management, especially on pet hair-laden rugs and baseboards. The 9-foot hose offers exceptional reach for an upright, letting you clean ceiling corners or behind doors without repositioning the main unit. However, its brushroll lacks anti-tangle tech, so long human or pet hair can still wrap around it, requiring occasional maintenance. And while the suction is solid, it falters slightly on thick, shaggy carpets compared to higher-wattage rivals.

When stacked against the Shark NV752 or Eureka FlexReach, the Kenmore trades raw power for lightweight practicality and superior filtration, carving a niche for households where pet hair and portability are top concerns. It’s not the most powerful, but it’s one of the most balanced for pet-focused cleaning under 400, blending HEPA performance with real-world usability. For those who prioritize clean air and easy handling, it’s a standout.

The Shark ZU503AMZ is a game-changer for pet owners who dread tangled brushrolls and airborne allergens. Its self-cleaning brushroll is the star—engineered to repel pet hair wrap completely, a common failure point in most uprights—so it keeps spinning cleanly even after hours on fur-covered carpets. Backed by Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology and a true HEPA filter, it traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a top-tier pick for asthma and allergy sufferers.

Real-world use confirms its strength: it transitions smoothly between surfaces, glides around furniture with swivel steering, and the lift-away pod makes cleaning stairs and car interiors effortless. The Pet Crevice Tool digs deep into couch seams, while the upholstery tool handles delicate fabrics without damage. However, the dust cup is smaller than competitors, requiring more frequent emptying during large cleanups, and the build feels slightly less rugged than the NV752.

Versus the Bissell 2252 or Kenmore DU4080, the ZU503AMZ wins on pet hair resistance and allergen control, though it sacrifices some capacity and edge cleaning. It’s ideal for multi-pet homes with mixed flooring where low maintenance and clean air are non-negotiable. It delivers premium features without premium bulk, striking a rare balance between performance and practicality.

The Amazon Basics Upright is the definition of value engineering—a no-frills, high-capacity cleaner that punches above its price tag. With a massive 1.7L dust cup, it can handle whole-house cleanups without constant emptying, a rare feature at this price point. At 8.4 lbs and backed by a 25-foot cord, it’s easy to maneuver and reach distant rooms without outlet-hopping, while the washable filter ensures long-term savings and low maintenance.

In testing, it performed reliably on low-to-medium pile carpets and hard floors, with decent suction for daily debris and light pet hair. The detachable handle doubles as a portable tool, and included crevice and upholstery attachments add versatility. However, it lacks a motorized brushroll, so it struggles with embedded dirt or thick pet hair, and the basic filtration doesn’t capture fine allergens like HEPA models.

Compared to the Bissell 3508 or Eureka FlexReach, it trades power and filtration for raw capacity and affordability, making it ideal for light-duty cleaning in small homes or as a backup unit. It won’t impress power users, but for budget-conscious buyers who clean large areas, it offers unmatched utility. It maximizes function per dollar without fluff, a true workhorse in disguise.

The Eureka FlexReach NEU651PL is built for agility and reach, offering a swivel base and lift-up pod that make tight spaces feel like child’s play. With 192 AW of suction powered by a 960W motor, it delivers no-loss performance on carpets and hardwood, effortlessly lifting crumbs, pet hair, and fine dust. The 10 LED headlights create a brilliant cleaning path, illuminating debris under furniture so nothing escapes notice—a feature even some premium models skip.

In real use, its anti-tangle brushroll lives up to the claim, resisting hair wrap even after multiple pet-heavy sessions. The large dust cup minimizes interruptions, and the one-step pod detachment makes above-floor cleaning fast and intuitive. However, while the suction is strong, the noise level is higher than average, and the plastic build feels less durable than Shark or Kenmore counterparts.

Stacked against the Shark NV752 or Bissell 2252, the FlexReach wins on maneuverability and visibility, though it trails in filtration and brand longevity. It’s perfect for homes with furniture clutter, pets, and dark corners where precision and flexibility matter most. It outmaneuvers rivals while maintaining serious cleaning power, a rare combo in the upright world.

When it comes to edge cleaning, few uprights match the Bissell 2252, which features edge-to-edge suction that pulls dirt from corners and baseboards where most vacuums leave residue. Its Triple Action Brush Roll doesn’t just spin—it loosens, lifts, and removes embedded pet hair with surgical precision, making it a top pick for homes with shedding pets and high-traffic zones. The large dirt tank holds plenty, and the easy-empty design keeps hands clean, addressing two of the biggest pain points in vacuum maintenance.

In practice, the swivel steering makes it incredibly nimble, gliding around table legs and tight hallways with zero drag. It handles multi-surface transitions well and the Scatter-Free Technology keeps hard-floor messes contained. However, the filter isn’t washable, requiring replacements, and the lack of HEPA filtration means it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers despite its pet focus.

Compared to the Shark ZU503AMZ or Kenmore DU4080, the 2252 sacrifices allergen control for superior edge performance and pet hair removal. It’s best for pet owners who prioritize corner-to-corner cleanliness over air filtration. It dominates in precision cleaning, offering professional-grade edge work in a consumer package.