7 Best Vacuum Cleaners Under $250 to Buy in 2025

This canister powerhouse redefines what you expect from a sub-$250 vacuum, blending 32KPa of cyclonic suction with a brushless 1600W motor that obliterates embedded pet hair and fine debris. The dual H13 HEPA filtration doesn’t just trap dust—it captures 99.97% of microscopic allergens, making it a breath of fresh air for allergy sufferers. With a 3.7-quart bagless dust cup and a smart full indicator, it eliminates guesswork and keeps suction strong throughout your clean—no more mid-session clogs or power drops.

In real-world use, the PKUYIE SL159 glides across carpets and hardwood with equal confidence, thanks to its 68dB quiet operation and flexible steering that dives under sofas and beds without resistance. The large capacity means fewer trips to empty—ideal for homes with pets or multiple rooms. However, while it handles high-pile rugs well, extremely thick carpets can slightly strain the motor, and the hose reach is modest compared to premium models. Still, the washable filters and tangle-free design make maintenance a breeze.

Against competitors, this vacuum outguns most stick models in raw power while offering greater filtration and capacity than budget canisters. It’s a clear step above entry-level options like the Bissell Featherweight or Amazon Basics, trading some portability for deep-cleaning dominance. Perfect for pet owners and families who prioritize air quality and thoroughness, it delivers near-premium performance without the premium tag—punching far above its weight class in suction, filtration, and build.

The Vazone R6X is a suction monster in a budget shell, unleashing a staggering 30,000Pa of cyclonic power—one of the highest in this price range—making it a pet hair annihilator on hard floors and low-pile rugs. Its corded design ensures nonstop runtime, and the one-touch high-power mode skips complicated settings, delivering instant, relentless suction that pulls up crumbs, cat litter, and fine dust with zero lag. For homes battling daily messes, this vacuum feels like a pressure washer for floors.

During testing, the 16-foot power cord allowed full-room coverage without outlet hopping, and the 3.3-pound body made overhead cleaning and stairs effortless. The HEPA cyclone system captured 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns, a rare feat at this price. It transitions smoothly from stick to handheld for furniture and car interiors, but struggles on medium to high-pile carpets where the brush roll lacks agitation. The floor nozzle also lacks a height adjustment, limiting surface adaptability.

Compared to the Shark HV301, the R6X wins on raw suction and filtration, but loses on ergonomic finesse and swivel steering. It’s a no-frills brute best suited for apartments, kitchens, and pet zones where speed and power trump versatility. While not as polished as mid-tier models, it delivers elite-level suction at a fraction of the cost—a steal for mess-prone homes that want pro-grade pickup without the markup.

The Shark HV301 is a masterclass in lightweight agility, tipping the scales at under 9 pounds while still delivering corded-level power that transitions seamlessly from carpet to hardwood. Its swivel steering is nothing short of brilliant—navigating tight corners and furniture legs with surgical precision—making it a joy to push around cluttered living spaces. With fingertip surface controls and a quick-release handheld mode, it’s engineered for floor-to-ceiling flexibility, effortlessly tackling baseboards, stairs, and upholstery.

In daily use, the never-losing-suction promise holds up, thanks to a reliable 10-amp motor that maintains consistent power across surfaces. The included tools—crevice, dust brush, and upholstery nozzle—click on securely and stay put during use, and the easy-empty dust cup minimizes mess when dumping. However, the dust bin is on the smaller side (0.67L), requiring frequent emptying in larger homes, and the cord is only 15 feet, forcing outlet changes in bigger rooms. Still, the 5-year warranty signals long-term confidence rarely seen at this price.

When stacked against the Bissell Featherweight or Amazon Basics, the Shark dominates in maneuverability and durability, trading some suction power for superior ergonomics and build quality. It’s the ideal pick for renters, seniors, or anyone with mobility concerns who wants a responsive, no-hassle vacuum. While not the strongest on paper, it balances performance, weight, and versatility better than any other corded stick under $250—a true daily driver.

The Bissell Featherweight 2033 is the quintessential quick-clean warrior, built for lightning-fast pickups on sealed floors and low-pile rugs. At just 4.4 pounds, it’s effortless to carry up stairs or use one-handed, making it perfect for spot cleaning spills, crumbs, or post-meal sweeps. The dual-action nozzle adapts to both hard floors and surface-level carpet messes, while the included crevice tool handles tight gaps around cabinets and furniture—ideal for kitchen and bathroom touch-ups.

Performance-wise, it excels in short bursts but falters on larger jobs—the 0.67L dust cup fills quickly, and the 15-foot cord limits range, requiring frequent plug changes. It lacks HEPA filtration, so allergen control is minimal, and the suction, while adequate for light debris, struggles with embedded pet hair or fine dust. On thick rugs, it barely makes a dent, clearly designed for surface cleaning, not deep dives. Yet, its instant-on trigger and compact storage make it a go-to for on-the-fly messes.

Compared to the Amazon Basics or ECOVORTEX, the Featherweight offers similar portability but less filtration and power. It’s not a whole-home solution, but for dorms, small apartments, or as a secondary vacuum, it’s ultra-convenient and intuitive. If you need a no-fuss, grab-and-go cleaner for daily crumbs and light debris, it delivers simplicity without surprises—just don’t expect deep-cleaning chops.

Don’t let the price fool you—the Amazon Basics 2-in-1 packs a surprising punch for under $30, combining a washable HEPA filter, 19.7-foot cord, and 3.9-pound body into a no-nonsense cleaning machine. Its 300W motor delivers steady suction on hard floors and low-pile rugs, and the HEPA filtration captures 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and up, making it one of the best air-purifying budget vacuums available. The self-standing design and built-in cord wrap make storage a breeze in tight closets or under sinks.

In real use, it handles daily dust and pet dander well, and the handheld mode shines on stairs, car seats, and upholstery. The 19.7-foot cord is a standout, allowing full-room coverage without outlet changes—longer than even the Shark HV301. But the 0.5L dust cup fills fast, and the suction isn’t strong enough for deep carpet cleaning or heavy debris. The build feels light-duty, and the crevice tool is basic, but for quick cleanups and allergen control, it overdelivers for the price.

Against the ECOVORTEX or Bissell Featherweight, it wins on filtration and cord length, though it lags in suction power. It’s the smart pick for allergy sufferers on a tight budget who want HEPA performance without compromise. While not built for heavy-duty jobs, it offers exceptional value—cleaner air, longer reach, and reliable daily function—making it the most responsible choice under $30.

The Eureka WhirlWind NEN110A is a nimble canister contender that brings true multi-surface versatility to the sub-$70 market, with 960W of reliable suction and a telescoping metal wand that extends reach without sacrificing durability. Its integrated airflow control on the handle lets you switch between carpet and hard floor modes instantly—no nozzle swaps—while the swivel steering ensures smooth navigation around furniture. The 2.5L bagless dust container strikes a sweet spot between capacity and portability, reducing emptying frequency without adding bulk.

In practice, it cleans low to medium-pile carpets effectively and glides quietly over hardwood, though it lacks the power to deep-clean high-pile rugs. The built-in crevice tool and dusting brush are cleverly stored in the hose handle—always within reach and never lost—and the one-button dust cup release keeps cleanup mess-free. The automatic cord rewind is a rare luxury at this price, saving time and frustration. However, the suction trails behind PKUYIE and Vazone models, and the plastic build feels less premium despite solid function.

Stacked against the PKUYIE canister, the WhirlWind sacrifices power for convenience and ease of use, making it better for lightweight, frequent cleaning than deep weekly sessions. It’s ideal for small homes, apartments, or older users who want a no-drama canister with smart design touches. While not the strongest, it balances usability, storage, and multi-surface performance better than most budget canisters—a sensible, well-thought-out workhorse.

The ECOVORTEX 600W is a micro-budget marvel, packing 20,000Pa suction, HEPA filtration, and a 20-foot cord into a 4-pound stick vacuum that costs less than most lunch bills. Its upgraded 600W motor delivers punchy suction for a vacuum at this price, easily handling pet hair, dust, and cat litter on hard floors and low-pile rugs. The 6-in-1 design lets it morph into a handheld, stair vac, or car cleaner, and the built-in crevice tool and dusting brush mean no lost accessories—perfect for quick, targeted cleanups.

In testing, the 20-foot cord provided unmatched range, letting you clean an entire apartment without switching outlets. The swivel steering made it agile under furniture, and the HEPA cyclone system captured 99.99% of 0.1-micron particles, a rare feature under $30. However, the suction drops slightly on thicker debris, and the 1L dust cup lacks a full indicator, leading to occasional overfills. The plastic housing feels thin, but for the price, it’s shockingly capable.

Compared to the Amazon Basics, it offers more suction and tools, though with less refined ergonomics. It’s the best pick if you want HEPA, long cord, and multi-mode cleaning for under $30—ideal for college students, renters, or as a garage/car vac. While not built to last a decade, it delivers extraordinary functionality for the cost, proving you don’t need to spend big for smart, effective cleaning.