8 Best Vacuum Cleaners Under $200 to Buy in 2025

Unleashing serious cleaning muscle, the Kenmore 81214 stands out as a powerhouse in the under-$200 vacuum arena. With a dual-motor system and HEPA filtration that traps 99.97% of allergens, this canister vacuum doesn’t just clean—it transforms air quality. Its 120-watt motor delivers consistent suction across surfaces, while four height adjustments let you fine-tune for carpets or glide effortlessly over bare floors. If you’re battling pet hair or allergy triggers, this model tackles both with surgical precision, making it a top contender for homes that demand deep, healthy cleaning without compromise.

In real-world use, the 81214 shines in versatility. The 24-foot retractable cord and 9-foot hose reach mean fewer outlet changes and easier access to garages or second-floor landings. On plush carpets, the adjustable nozzle maintains strong airflow, while the included bare floor tool prevents scratching. However, its performance dips slightly on ultra-thick rugs where suction can feel constrained despite the dual motors. Maneuvering is smooth thanks to its sub-20-pound frame, but the canister’s glide isn’t quite as fluid as higher-end models—expect minor resistance on tight turns.

Compared to the Eureka 3670M, the Kenmore offers superior filtration and more precise surface control, justifying its higher price within the budget bracket. While the Eureka wins on portability, the Kenmore dominates in allergen containment and sustained cleaning power. It’s ideal for pet owners and allergy sufferers who prioritize air quality and thoroughness over ultra-lightweight design. When weighing features against value, it strikes one of the best balances in the segment—outperforming most rivals with engineering that feels premium, not budget.

Raw power meets smart design in the PKUYIE SL159, a bagless canister vacuum that redefines what’s possible under $150. Boasting a 1600W brushless motor and 32KPa of cyclonic suction, it obliterates embedded pet hair and fine dust with ease—deep-cleaning carpets like a much pricier machine. The dual H13 HEPA filtration acts like a microscopic net, capturing 99.97% of allergens and releasing cleaner air, a rare feat at this price. For pet owners and households with mixed flooring, this vacuum delivers hospital-grade filtration with beast-mode suction, solving the all-too-common “just pushes debris around” frustration.

During testing, the PKUYIE proved relentless on low-pile carpets and hardwood, maintaining consistent suction even as the 3.7-quart bin filled—thanks to its smart dust full indicator that alerts you before performance drops. The 68dB noise level is impressively quiet for its power class, making daytime cleaning non-disruptive. It glides well under furniture with its flexible steering, though the hose connection occasionally loosens during aggressive use. On high-pile rugs, it requires slower passes to avoid re-scattering debris, revealing a slight limitation in airflow optimization.

Against the Kenmore 81214, the PKUYIE trades HEPA-sealed bagged containment for larger capacity and stronger suction, making it better for homes with heavy debris loads. While the Kenmore wins on allergen sealing, the PKUYIE dominates in raw cleaning force and user convenience—especially with its bagless, washable design. It’s perfect for pet-heavy homes needing high-capacity, low-maintenance cleaning. In the battle of power versus purity, this model chooses power—and wins decisively.

Lightning-fast and laser-precise, the Shark Rocket HV301 redefines agility in corded vacuums. Weighing under 9 pounds, it floats from floor to ceiling with fingertip control, making it a dream for quick cleanups and stair battles. The swivel steering is its secret weapon—navigating around table legs and baseboards with surgical ease—while the never-loses-suction promise holds up across both carpets and tiles. With direct suction from motor to brushroll, it maintains strong pickup without the lag common in lightweight designs, solving the “featherweight but weak” paradox.

In daily use, the HV301 excels at spot cleaning and multi-surface transitions. The instant toggle between floor types lets you switch from hardwood to rug without breaking stride. The easy-empty dust cup minimizes mess, though its 0.6-liter capacity demands frequent emptying during whole-home sessions. On thick carpets, it struggles slightly—lacking the motor power to deep clean shag or high-pile rugs effectively. However, for low-to-medium pile and hard floors, it delivers nimble, responsive cleaning with zero downtime.

Compared to the AIRDIYA VG3, the Shark offers more reliable suction and better build quality, though it lacks cordless freedom. The AIRDIYA wins on runtime flexibility, but the Shark dominates in maneuverability and instant power delivery. It’s ideal for renters, pet owners, and anyone who values speed and versatility over battery operation. When it comes to corded agility versus cordless convenience, this model proves that wires don’t mean weakness—just relentless, tangle-free performance.

Silent but deadly, the AIRDIYA VG3 cordless vacuum punches far above its price with 40KPa of upgraded suction—the highest in its class under $80. This 2025-motor upgrade annihilates pet hair, cat litter, and fine dust from low-pile carpets and hardwood, all while operating at a whisper-quiet 65dB. Its 6-layer HEPA filtration captures particles as small as 0.2 microns, making it a stealthy ally for allergy sufferers. With 35 minutes of runtime in standard mode, it handles apartments and small homes with ease—perfect for users who want power without cords or noise.

Real-world testing confirms its strength on hard floors and short carpets, where it glides smoothly and empties debris efficiently. The self-standing design and 2.8-pound handheld unit make overhead cleaning effortless—ideal for blinds, ceilings, or car interiors. However, max mode drains the battery in 15–20 minutes, limiting whole-home use on high power. The sponge noise-reduction body helps, but the motor can overheat during extended pet-hair sessions if the brush roll isn’t cleared regularly.

Against the MHRMHR KP1108, the AIRDIYA delivers stronger suction and better filtration, though both share similar battery specs. The MHRMHR wins on ergonomic bendable wand, but the AIRDIYA dominates in cleaning intensity and air quality. It’s best for small-space dwellers, pet owners, and noise-sensitive households. When comparing cordless power to runtime, this model chooses force—and does so brilliantly, offering flagship-level suction at a fraction of the cost.

Budget-savvy without being bare-bones, the Eureka 3670M proves you don’t need luxury to get real cleaning power. Its 12-amp motor delivers continuous suction that outperforms many pricier uprights, especially on carpets where it pulls up deeply embedded dirt. Weighing just 8.6 pounds, it’s one of the lightest canisters available—effortless to carry upstairs or into the car. With two extension wands and specialty tools, it reaches under seats, into crevices, and over upholstery with ease, solving the “can’t reach” problem common in budget vacuums.

In practice, the 3670M handles whole-home cleaning with surprising grit. The 2.5-liter bag capacity reduces emptying frequency, and the bagged system keeps dust contained, a major plus for allergy sufferers. However, the lack of HEPA certification means it doesn’t filter ultrafine particles as effectively as rivals. On hard floors, it performs adequately but lacks a dedicated hard-floor setting, requiring manual height adjustment. The cord rewind is manual, which feels outdated compared to auto-retract models.

Versus the Kenmore 81214, the Eureka sacrifices HEPA filtration and dual motors for lower cost and lighter weight. It’s not as refined, but it’s perfect for renters or second-home use where simplicity and affordability matter most. For those who want no-fuss, reliable cleaning without tech overload, this model delivers. When balancing cost against core performance, it stands as the most sensible entry-level bagged vacuum—proving that basic doesn’t mean broken.

Ergonomic genius meets smart engineering in the MHRMHR KP1108, a cordless vacuum built for comfort and hard-floor dominance. Its 180° bendable wand is a game-changer—letting you clean under sofas and cabinets without bending or kneeling, a rare win for users with back pain. The touch screen interface adds a modern flair, displaying mode and battery status with clarity. With a 180W motor and dual cyclone filtration, it captures dust and pet hair effectively, maintaining strong suction across hardwood and tile.

In real use, the vacuum’s self-standing design and one-button dust ejection make storage and emptying hassle-free. The 6-layer filtration system traps fine particles, though not quite at HEPA 0.3-micron levels. Runtime is solid: 30–35 minutes in low mode, enough for 800 sq ft homes. On low-pile carpets, it performs well in max mode, but runtime drops sharply. The safety stop feature prevents motor burnout when the brush tangles—smart, but it means frequent checks during pet-hair cleanup.

Compared to the AIRDIYA VG3, the MHRMHR trades raw power (40KPa vs 30KPa) for superior ergonomics and ease of use. The AIRDIYA sucks harder, but the MHRMHR is easier to live with daily. It’s ideal for older adults, apartment dwellers, and anyone prioritizing comfort over brute force. When judging design versus power, this model chooses accessibility—and earns its place as the best hard-floor specialist under $70.

A budget beast with no strings attached, the Vazone R6X delivers 30,000Pa of relentless suction for under $45—making it the ultimate value pick. Its corded design ensures infinite runtime, so you can clean the whole house without pausing to recharge. At just 3.3 pounds, it’s featherlight and perfect for one-handed use, whether you’re vacuuming stairs or cleaning car interiors. The HEPA cyclone system captures 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns, rivaling vacuums twice its price in air purification.

In testing, the R6X excelled on hard floors and low-pile rugs, lifting pet hair and crumbs with authority. The 16-foot cord covers large rooms without outlet-hopping, and the storage base keeps it tidy. However, the lack of suction control means it runs at full blast—overkill for light dusting. The floor brush lacks a shutoff, so it spins even on delicate surfaces. Build quality is basic: durable enough for regular use, but plastics feel thin compared to pricier models.

Against the Amazon Basics upright, the Vazone wins on suction power and filtration, though the Basics model has a larger dust cup. For those who want maximum cleaning for minimum cash, this vacuum is unbeatable. It’s perfect for students, small apartments, or as a secondary cleaner. When measuring performance per dollar, the R6X doesn’t just lead—it laps the competition.

Simple, sturdy, and shockingly capable, the Amazon Basics upright is the entry-level workhorse that gets the job done without drama. At 8.4 pounds, it’s one of the lightest uprights available, and the 25-foot power cord gives you massive coverage per outlet. The 1.7L dust cup holds more than most budget models, reducing how often you need to empty it—ideal for quick daily sweeps. With a washable filter and included tools, it offers full-home cleaning without nickel-and-diming.

In real use, it performs well on low-to-medium pile carpets and hard floors, though suction isn’t strong enough for deep cleaning thick rugs. The detachable handle lets you convert it into a handheld for stairs or car cleaning—a rare feature at this price. However, the lack of height adjustment means you must manually lift it over thresholds, and the plastic build feels flimsy on impacts. Filtration is decent but not HEPA-grade, so it won’t help much with allergies.

Compared to the Eureka 3670M, it’s lighter but less powerful—trading amps for convenience. The Eureka has better suction, but the Basics wins on ease of storage and tool versatility. It’s perfect for first-time buyers, college dorms, or as a spare vacuum. When evaluating simplicity versus strength, this model chooses accessibility—and delivers exactly what budget buyers need: no frills, no failures, just cleaning.