9 Best Upright Vacuums Under $300 to Buy in 2025

This beast of a vacuum doesn’t just clean—it dominates. With Powered Lift-Away technology, the Shark NV752 lets you yank the pod clean off for true above-floor versatility, all while the brushroll keeps spinning to power through pet hair on stairs or under couches. The HEPA-sealed system traps 99.9% of allergens, making it a lifesaver for allergy sufferers, and the LED headlights expose every speck of dust hiding in shadows. If you’ve ever battled pet hair that clings like Velcro or missed spots under furniture, this machine is built to erase those frustrations.

In real-world testing, the NV752 shines on both carpet and hardwood thanks to fingertip mode switching and swivel steering that glides around table legs like a pro. The 0.88-quart dust cup holds more than most in its class, letting you clean a full 3-bedroom home without emptying. On thick carpets, the Perfect Pet Power Brush digs deep, lifting embedded fur and dirt with authority. However, the weight—just over 15 lbs—can feel hefty during prolonged use, and the hose isn’t stretchable, limiting reach when cleaning cars or high corners.

Compared to the Eureka FlexReach, the Shark offers more specialized pet tools and continuous brushroll power in lift-away mode, giving it an edge for pet owners who need real reach and sustained suction. While pricier than budget picks like the Bissell 2252, it delivers a premium feel with pro-level features that justify the cost for households with pets and allergies. It’s the most complete package under $300 for those who want powerful, flexible cleaning without stepping into cordless luxury territory.

Don’t let the modest price fool you—this workhorse punches way above its weight. The Bissell 2252 is a pet hair annihilator, thanks to its triple-action brush roll that loosens, lifts, and pulls embedded fur from carpets like magic. With edge-to-edge cleaning, it nabs debris hugging baseboards, and the scatter-free technology keeps kibble and litter from flying across the kitchen floor. For pet parents tired of chasing messes, this vacuum delivers no-nonsense, reliable performance at a fraction of the cost.

In testing, the 2252 handled mixed flooring with ease, transitioning smoothly from tile to medium-pile carpet. The multi-cyclonic system maintains strong suction throughout cleaning, though fine dust can sometimes escape the filter. The large dirt tank is a win—emptying is quick via the one-touch release—but the lack of a HEPA filter is a drawback for allergy sufferers. It’s also louder than premium models, and the cord rewind requires manual effort. Still, for homes with shedding dogs or cats, it consistently picks up more than expected for its class.

Against the Kenmore DU1275, it trades lightweight agility for slightly better deep-cleaning power and a larger debris bin. While it doesn’t offer lift-away convenience like Shark models, it delivers core pet-cleaning performance with zero fluff. For budget-conscious buyers who prioritize pet mess mastery over bells and whistles, this is the smart, no-compromise pick that outperforms its price tag.

Meet the featherweight champion of deep cleaning—Kenmore’s DU1275 proves you don’t need bulk to battle dirt. Weighing under 11 pounds, this upright floats from room to room, up stairs, and into tight closets without strain, making it perfect for older users or anyone with mobility concerns. The Hair Eliminator brushroll is a game-changer: it automatically ejects tangled hair, so you’re never stuck cutting gunk off with scissors. Add 7 feet of extended reach via hose and tools, and you’ve got a vacuum that cleans like a full-sized model without the fatigue.

Real-world use confirms its agility—swivel steering pivots effortlessly around furniture legs, and the 4 height settings let you fine-tune for plush rugs or bare floors without scattering debris. The 3x larger dust cup means fewer trips to empty, and onboard tools keep pet messes in check. However, the suction, while adequate, can’t match heavier-duty models on high-pile carpets. It also lacks LED lights, so dark corners remain hidden, and the hose could be longer for ceiling cleaning.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, it offers better tangle resistance and more thoughtful storage, but with slightly less raw power. It’s not the strongest on deep stains, but for daily maintenance in pet-friendly homes where ease of use is king, it’s unmatched. If you value lightweight design and hassle-free hair removal over brute force, this Kenmore is the best-balanced performer under 300 for effortless cleaning.

This pocket rocket redefines budget cleaning. At just 7.7 pounds, the Eureka NEU10AE5 is one of the lightest full-sized uprights available, making it a dream for quick cleanups or homes with multiple floors. Don’t mistake its size for weakness—the 10.5-inch cleaning path and strong cyclonic suction handle both dust and pet hair with surprising efficiency. The washable filter slashes long-term costs, and the onboard crevice and dusting tools mean you’re always ready for spot jobs. For renters or minimalists, it’s a no-fuss, eco-conscious solution that doesn’t sacrifice core functionality.

In testing, it excelled on hard floors and low-pile rugs, picking up cereal crumbs and tracked-in dirt without scatter. The compact design stores easily in closets or under sinks, and the quick-release handle lets you clean blinds or car seats in seconds. However, on high-pile carpet, suction dips noticeably, and the small dust cup requires frequent emptying in larger homes. The lack of height adjustment limits versatility, and the plastic build feels less durable than pricier models.

Against the Amazon Basics model, it’s lighter and more portable but offers less capacity and weaker edge cleaning. Still, for under $70, it’s a rare blend of portability and performance. If you need a simple, lightweight vacuum for small spaces or supplemental cleaning, this Eureka delivers maximum convenience at minimum cost—a true stealth performer in the sub-$300 lineup.

Amazon Basics doesn’t play around—this no-frills powerhouse punches above its price. At 8.4 pounds, it’s featherlight, yet packs a massive 1.7L dust cup—the largest in this group—meaning you can clean a whole house without stopping. The 25-foot cord grants exceptional reach, eliminating constant outlet changes, and the detachable handle doubles as a portable cleaner for stairs or car interiors. With washable filters and onboard tools, it’s built for low-cost, high-efficiency cleaning that lasts. For anyone who hates emptying mid-clean or wrestling with short cords, this is a game-changing value.

In practice, the suction is consistent across hardwood and low-to-medium carpet, though it struggles slightly with deeply embedded pet hair. The swivel steering is smooth, and the wide nozzle covers ground fast. But the plastic housing feels thin, and the lack of height adjustment means it can push debris on hard floors. It also lacks LED lights, so you’re guessing where dust hides. Still, for a vacuum under $60, the build quality and capacity are impressive.

Compared to the Eureka NEU10AE5, it trades a bit of portability for vastly superior dust capacity and reach. It doesn’t have the brand flair of Shark or Kenmore, but it delivers core functionality with reliability. If your priority is long runtime, minimal maintenance, and maximum floor coverage, this Amazon Basics model is the smartest value under $300 for practical, everyday cleaning.

This pet hair specialist is built for battle. The Eureka PowerSpeed now features an upgraded cyclone system that captures everything from gravel to invisible dust, making it a top-tier performer for homes with shedding pets. The 5 height settings dial in perfect contact—from delicate hardwood to shag rugs—without scratching or skipping. With 99.9% dust and dander trapping, it’s a breath of fresh air for allergy-prone households, and the included upholstery, crevice, and dusting tools mean no pet mess goes untouched. If your floors are a fur minefield, this vacuum is your best line of defense.

Field testing showed excellent pickup on both carpet and tile, especially with dry pet food or tracked-in dirt. The stretch hose extends reach for car interiors or ceiling fans, and onboard storage keeps tools handy. However, the warning about roller brush maintenance is serious—neglecting cleaning can lead to smoke or belt failure. It also lacks LED lights and a true lift-away pod, limiting versatility for above-floor cleaning.

Against the Shark ZU503AMZ, it offers more height settings and better value, but misses the self-cleaning brushroll and lift-away convenience. Still, for pet owners who want strong, adjustable cleaning without overspending, the PowerSpeed strikes the perfect balance of performance and practicality. It’s the most capable pet-focused vacuum under $300 that doesn’t cut corners on suction or filtration.

This commercial-grade gem is built to last. At just 9 pounds, the Oreck Commercial XL is incredibly light, yet delivers high-speed brushroll agitation that pulverizes dirt in carpets and along edges. The automatic height adjustment senses floor type instantly, so you never need to tweak settings—just push and go. With side edge brushes and a durable build, it’s designed for hotels, offices, and homes that demand industrial power without industrial weight. If you hate adjusting settings or lugging heavy vacuums, this is your effortless, high-performance solution.

In real use, it excels on hard floors and low-to-medium pile carpets, slicing through dust and debris with surgical precision. The bagged system means no dust clouds when emptying, and the ergonomic handle and cord guard protect walls and furniture. However, it struggles on thick, plush carpets where deeper agitation is needed. It also lacks onboard tools and doesn’t convert for above-floor cleaning, limiting versatility.

Compared to the Shark NV752, it’s lighter and simpler but far less flexible—no lift-away, no LED lights, no pet tools. Yet for those who prioritize hard floor performance and ease of use, it’s unbeatable in its niche. If you want a durable, lightweight vacuum that masters bare floors and low-pile rugs, the Oreck delivers pro-level results with home-friendly convenience—a rare find under $300.

This allergen-destroying ninja is engineered for sensitive homes. The Shark ZU503AMZ combines HEPA-sealed filtration with a complete anti-allergen system that traps 99.9% of dust, pollen, and dander, making it the gold standard for allergy sufferers. The self-cleaning brushroll eliminates hair wrap, so pet owners spend zero time with scissors. With lift-away functionality, you can clean under beds or carry the pod upstairs like a portable vacuum, and swivel steering makes tight corners a breeze. If airborne irritants or pet dander keep you up at night, this vacuum is your silent guardian.

In testing, it performed flawlessly across surfaces—no loss of suction, no clogging, and no mess left behind. The pet crevice tool is perfect for couch seams, and the upholstery tool handles drapes and car seats with ease. However, the dust cup is smaller than the NV752, requiring more frequent emptying. It also lacks fingertip carpet/hard floor switching, so transitions aren’t as seamless.

Against the Eureka FlexReach, it offers better allergen containment and a proven self-cleaning brushroll, but with less powerful suction (1200W vs 192AW). For those who value air quality and pet hair removal over raw power, this Shark is the smartest choice under $300. It’s not the strongest, but the cleanest—a precision instrument for health-focused homes.

This flagship lifter redefines versatility. The Eureka FlexReach isn’t just another upright—it’s a suction powerhouse with 192AW of no-loss performance, driven by a 960W motor that bulldozes through heavy messes. The one-step lift-away pod detaches instantly, letting you clean under beds or up high without cords or hoses. Add 10 LED headlights that illuminate every hidden crumb, and you’ve got a vacuum that sees and destroys dirt like no other. If you need maximum reach, max suction, and zero tangles, this is the ultimate hybrid under $300.

In real use, the anti-tangle brushroll handled thick pet hair with ease, and the swivel base made furniture navigation effortless. The large dust cup held debris from two full floors, and the onboard tools stayed secure and accessible. However, the purple design won’t suit all decors, and the weight (13 lbs) makes prolonged overhead cleaning tiring. It also lacks auto-height adjustment, requiring manual changes.

Compared to the Shark NV752, it offers stronger suction and better lighting, but no continuous brushroll in lift-away mode. For users who want the most powerful, feature-rich lift-away experience, the FlexReach is unmatched in performance and innovation. It’s the most advanced budget-friendly upright that dares to challenge premium models—raw power meets smart design.