Best Cheap Vacuum Cleaners Under $100 in 2023

Vacuum cleaners are a big purchase, and pricier higher-end models can cost a fortune. But what about cheaper vacuums for less than $100?

Are they effective enough at removing pet hair and cleaning stairs? Or are they a waste of money?

It turns out you don’t need to pay a huge price for a good vacuum cleaner. Whether you want one with bags or an easy-empty dust bin, there’s something for everyone.

In this handy guide, we’ll talk you through everything you need to know about the best inexpensive vacuums.

What Should You Expect From a Budget Vacuum?

The overall look and feel of a cheaper vacuum won’t be as good as a more expensive model. But you can still expect decent performance from it.

What else is different?

• Corded: A lot of cheap vacuums are corded, as cordless ones can cost up to twice as much.
• Plastic: Many of the parts are made from plastic rather than metal, as it costs less to produce.
• Motors: Budget vacs typically use a universal motor with carbon brushes. Whereas newer and more expensive vacuums have brushless motors that cost 5-9 times more.
• Filters: You should also expect less-effective filters. While they still work, they tend to release more dust and germs back into the environment ⁽¹⁾.
• Louder: Cheap vacuums are often louder due to the cheaper parts. You need more expensive materials to muffle sounds.
• Accessories: You won’t get as many accessories. The pricier the vac, the better the range of tools, especially if you want motorized attachments.
• Design: The design isn’t as well thought out on a budget vacuum. That takes years of research and development, which costs money.

So overall, the look and feel won’t be as good with a cheaper vacuum cleaner. But performance isn’t necessarily going to suffer.

A report from Energystar shows that cleaning performance and power aren’t always linked. So you can still have an efficient vacuum without spending a fortune.

And that also means you can opt for the best cheap vacuum for your needs and still enjoy a clean house.

What to Look for in a Cheap Vacuum Cleaner

Here are the main things to consider when shopping for the best budget vacuum cleaner.

The Best Budget Vacuums for Under $100 in 2023

We’ve spent hours looking into the best budget vacuums, so you don’t have to. We’ve researched expert advice and real user reviews, as well as using our own experience from years of cleaning.

So let’s get into the list of the best vacuums you can get for under $100 in 2023.

1. Shark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Handheld vacuums are all about convenience, and it doesn’t get more convenient than this Shark cordless model.

It’s inexpensive, lightweight and compact with a powerful lithium-ion battery, so you can use it anywhere. Simply grab and go to clean cobwebs or dust bust down the back of the sofa.

And it comes with a crevice tool and brush attachment to make it more versatile. They’re handy tools that help with all kinds of mess and spills around your home.

Plus, the XL dust cup means you can clean for longer without needing to empty it. So it can save you time and also handle bigger jobs than other handheld vacs.

There’s even a CleanTouch dirt ejector for hygienic and easy emptying when you’ve finished. Say goodbye to worrying about the hassle of cleanups!

2. BISSELL CleanView Upright Bagless Vacuum

There’s nothing better than that fresh feeling of carpets that have been deep cleaned. And that’s where this affordable Bissell upright vacuum comes in.

It has a triple action brush roll that digs deeper into your carpets to remove all the embedded dirt. It’s ideal if you want a vacuum for deep cleaning, or if you need to keep on top of pet hair.

Pet owners will also love the mini turbo pet tool. You can use it to clean pet hair from your sofa and other hard-to-reach areas they like to nest in.

And the one-touch emptying system means you don’t need to come into contact with the messes you’ve picked up. It’s hygienic and makes it easier to keep on top of dirt and dust.

It’s not just good for carpets, though. The anti-scatter floorhead is super convenient for hard floors, too.

3. Eureka WhirlWind Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner

A canister vacuum is a great choice if you want the power of an upright with the lighter weight of a cordless. And this Eureka Whirlwind canister vacuum is packed full of handy features for a low price point.

First, the 2.5 liter dust capacity is a great size. You can cover an entire house without needing to stop and empty it.

Plus, there’s a telescopic metal extension wand and 2-in-1 crevice tool/dusting brush. So you can get into hard-to-reach places and clean your ceiling without needing to stretch and strain yourself.

You even get a switch for airflow control and three power settings. It’s super simple to glide across different surfaces without making complicated adjustments.

When you’re finished, there’s an automatic cord rewind that stores inside the vacuum body. It’s convenient to store and means the cord isn’t a trip hazard.

4. VARSK 4-in-1 Car Vacuum Cleaner

If keeping your car looking fresh is your thing, this wallet-friendly handheld vacuum is the one for you.

Simply plug it into the cigarette lighter adapter to power it, and you’ve got a handheld vacuum and air compressor in one. You can keep your car interior tidy while also having a tire inflator at the ready.

The touch buttons make it straightforward to inflate tires. Just set the pressure you want, and the Varsk does the rest for you.

When it’s time to vacuum, there’s a handy LED light to help you see dirt under seats and in other small spaces. And the powerful suction will clear out any debris lingering in there.

There’s even a HEPA filter, which is the best filter to trap allergens and fine dust. So it’s a great choice for allergy sufferers.

Check our list about Car Vacuum Cleaners.

5. BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum

We love our pets, but they’re a nightmare to clean up after. From muddy paw prints to fur that gets everywhere, you need a vacuum that can handle it all.

And it doesn’t necessarily cost the earth. This Black + Decker Dustbuster is a handheld cordless vacuum cleaner that you can use anywhere around the home. Or even in the car!

There’s a motorized pet tool that uses hygienic rubber bristles. They agitate fibers and pull out embedded pet hair while being easy to clean afterward.

You also get different nozzles for multi-surface cleaning. So you can tackle pet hair on beds or cat litter on the kitchen floor.

And there’s a useful Powerboost button for stubborn pet messes. Simply press it down when you need an extra burst of power.

At last, an easy way to clean up after your furry friends.

6. TOPPIN Bendable Stick Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner

The stick vacuum market is crowded with some huge price differences. But this Toppin proves you can get a decent stick vac without breaking the bank.

It’s lightweight and easy to move around, with plenty of features to make your life easier. Especially if you suffer from mobility issues.

The Toppin has a bendable wand that folds the whole tube to a 90 degree angle. Basically, it bends so that you don’t have to.

It’s ideal for getting under beds, sofas, and any other furniture. You can also convert it into a handheld vacuum to make it more versatile.

And although it’s a corded vacuum, the generous 23-foot cord gives you plenty of freedom to move around. It can cover a whole studio apartment without you needing to swap plugs.

7. Pyle Pure Clean Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums take the effort out of cleaning your hardwood floors. Simply set them up and leave them to get on with it.

They’re mostly expensive. But not this one.

Plus, this Pure Clean robot vacuum goes one further. You can mop your hard surfaces as well as vacuum them thanks to the different cleaning modes.

The low profile design means it can fit into small gaps, so it’s great for getting the dust from under furniture. And it has various sensors to stop it from bumping into objects, or falling off stair edges.

The upgraded Lithium-Ion battery provides a long 90 minute run time. So it can handle a whole cleaning session without you worrying about battery life.

When you’re finished, simply empty the dirt and plug it in to charge. It will fully charge in four hours, ready and raring to go again.

8. Dirt Devil Scorpion Corded Hand Vacuum

Sometimes, you just need something to grab and go for quick spills. And this low-priced handheld vacuum cleaner is much easier than dragging your main vacuum out.

It’s a great solution for a bit of spot cleaning when those inevitable spills happen. Or if you want something to clean the pet hair off your sofa at the end of the day.

It comes with a detachable 2.5 foot hose, which extends the reach and versatility of this nifty hand vac. You can use it to clean curtains or even the staircase.

It’s not bulky like a big vacuum, but it still offers impressive suction power. And the bagless dust cup holds a surprising amount for such a compact cleaner.

The washable filters are easy to maintain, too. With some basic upkeep, you can keep your hand vacuum running for years to come.

When is the Best Time to Get a Cheap Vacuum?

For the best chance of a bargain, wait for a special sale.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times to find yourself the best cheap vacuum cleaner. Or, keep an eye out on Amazon and Walmart’s special sales.

Household appliances are often marked down at both of these places. And you can use different vouchers and promotions to make it even cheaper!

But it’s still worth looking at the manufacturer’s website, as they also have regular promotions. And if you subscribe to their newsletter, they often give you a further discount.

So keep your eyes peeled to find the best cheap vacuum!