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But these top-notch picks all fall under our definition for inexpensive or cheap vacuums at $200 or less.
The Spruce
To make it to this list, a vacuum had to perform well andhave a more wallet-friendly price tag.
Oh, Shark Navigator, how do we love thee?
Let us count the ways.
We used the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum to vacuum fluff and hair from a rug.PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
After four years of owning it, it also remains a true staple in one of our editors homes.
Is my arm tired after using it?
Yes, but the filled dust bin speaks for itself."
When testing the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum, we like that you can adjust the attachments' length, but reaching tight-angled corners is still difficult.PHOTO: The Spruce
Its effective on hard floors and carpet, although carpet is where it really shines.
The 0.9-quart dust bin means you canclean your entire homewithout having to pause to empty it.
By design,upright vacuumsare bulky and hardy machines.
(The Shark NV360 is still a prime choice for deep cleaning.)
Our editor was able to clean her whole house twice before charging up.
When you’re done cleaning, emptying the dust bin is also a breeze.
It detaches, too, and even hair wrapped around the filter just quickly falls in the trash can.
(The brand recommends cleaning them once per month and replacing them entirely every three months.)
A cordless design alone makes it easier to use.
Another upright vacuum, the Hoover Complete Performance Vacuum is practically thecompletepackage, pun intended.
It’s the ideal way to empty your vacuum if you or someone else in your home has allergies.
If you have your eyes on a stick vacuumandyour budget, the Kenmore Elite Cordless Stick Vacuum is ideal.
This may sound picky, but after testing over 350 vacuums, we notice the small things!
This machine is also relatively quiet when it runs.
The cordless element is another major perk.
(This is also about the same as Levoit’s LVAC-200.)
Cordless vacuums typically have more compact dust bins, since theyre found on the handle versus at the base.
(Pets that shedand dining areas with lots of crumbs mean itll fill up more quickly.)
Compared to the Levoit we also love, it weighs more but also is more flexible by design.
But once youre used to it, we think youll find it comfortable to use.
This downsideand the logistics of handling two pieceswould be the main reasons we see tonotopt for it.
Very few robot vacuums dip below $150, and even fewer are worthy of our recommendation.
The Black+Decker RoboSeries Robot Vacuum istheexception.
Though, it also comes with a remote control, so you dontneeda smartphone to control it.
In other words, youre not able to steer it for spot-cleaning or spills.
Robot vacuums also cant navigate up stairs.
Still, theBlack+Decker Robot Vacuumwill leave your floors better than when you startedandextend the time in between deep cleans.
“I tasked this vacuum with quick, particularly messy pick-ups under my daughter’s high chair.
For these short bursts of cleaning, the limited battery life actually works out well.
Another non-traditional option, the Shark Vacmop Pro manages two chores at once:lightvacuuming and mopping.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
But for kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, and high-traffic, hard floor areas, its a great grime-buster.
“When I was living in my apartment, this vacuum and spray mop combo was just right.
Its roughly $10 for a 68-ounce bottle).
It’s easy to detach the canister from the rest of the vacuum for above-floor cleaning.PHOTO: The Spruce
The basic design of this vacuum also means that its straightforward to use, too.
There’s one latch to lift it from its position, and another to release dirt.
Now, did we have some hair wrap on the head of the machine?
And did we experience the handle and wand coming apart and needing to be popped back together?
Not sure where to start when it comes to key parameters and features?
Bagless or Bagged Design
While bagless options are more popular these days, bagged vacuums still have their place.
You’ll need to buy compatible replacement bags, however.
We have just one bagged vacuum on our list, theHoover Complete Performance Vacuum.
The Included Attachments and tweaks
Sometimes, one machine can do the work of many.
Heres a rundown of the main types that appear on our list.
(Dont forget that many competitors will match Amazon prices, too!)
How We Tested the Vacuums
We’vetested over 350 vacuumsinThe Laband at home since 2021.
Heres a sampling of what those questions might be.
What to Do With Your Old Vacuum?
If you’re buying a new vacuum to replace a broken one, we recommend recycling your old machine.
Why Trust The Spruce?
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
It took the Hoover Complete Performance Bagged Vacuum just two passes on most messes we made in The Lab.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Kenmore DS4095 Elite is slim, sleek, and easy to store—another perk in our eyes.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: Spruce / Rachel Marek
PHOTO: The Spruce Home / Dera Burreson
The Kenmore 10701 Compact Bagless Canister Vacuum allows for easy access to the filter for maintenance and cleaning.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce Home / Dera Burreson
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The suction power proved efficient on debris of varying sizes, and the dustbin has plenty of room.PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
PHOTO: The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
The Shark VM252 Vacmop Pro uses disposable mop pads that on the underside of the head.The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The roomy canister allows users to capture lots of dust and debris without having to pause for emptying.PHOTO: The Spruce
Different types of vacuums offer different cleaning experiences, including corded upright styles versus cordless stick styles.The Spruce
The many attachments and parts that come with each vacuum can greatly how smoothly and efficiently you can clean.The Spruce
You won’t have to watch your robot vacuum this closely at home, but detailed assessments are a part of our thorough testing process.The Spruce
Suction power on carpet can be a great signal of how good a vacuum is, and how well it’s doing over time as well.The Spruce
