Exploring the Best Vacuum Cleaners Under $200
Finding a reliable vacuum cleaner that fits a tight budget can be challenging, but there are excellent options under $200 that deliver impressive performance. These models combine powerful suction, user-friendly designs, and versatile features to tackle everyday messes, pet hair, and various floor types. This guide dives into top-rated vacuum cleaners, their pros and cons, real-world testing insights, and a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed choice.
Top Picks for Budget Vacuum Cleaners
1. Kenmore DU2015 Upright Vacuum
Of all the vacuums under $200 that we’ve tested, the Kenmore DU2015 is one of the best. Despite its budget-friendly price, it packs a serious punch in terms of suction, creating a tight seal for efficient cleaning on hard floors and carpeting. It easily picked up debris of all sizes during testing, and we love that it transitions smoothly from rugs to hard floors and vice versa. Plus, you can turn off the brush roll as needed if you’re vacuuming debris like cat litter. This vacuum isn’t as easy to maneuver as other more expensive picks, but it’s still manageable. It would work well in households with pets, as hair doesn’t tangle up the brush roll, and overall, it’s a well-priced option that will deliver a deep clean in your home. After six months of testing this Kenmore vacuum, we’re still impressed with its suction power and reliable brush roll. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Strong suction, smooth floor transitions, pet-friendly brush roll, reliable after long-term use.
- Cons: Less maneuverable compared to pricier models.
2. Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Stick Vacuum
I simply cannot stop raving about this vacuum. The Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Stick Vacuum is just as good as (if not better than) more expensive and high-tech models from innovative brands, such as Dyson or Tineco¡ªit just lacks the smart features that you don’t totally need. In other words, it’s the full package. My household vacuums daily¡ªand sometimes multiple times per day to pick up my toddler’s snack leftovers¡ªand every time I use this vacuum for a whole-house clean, the dust bin is packed full afterwards. It humbles me, a vacuum expert and avid cleaner, and wraps up each 30- to 45-minute clean with battery life to spare. I can usually clean my house completely twice before needing to plug it in to charge, which is also a quick and easy process since the battery pack pops right out; you don’t need to plug in the entire vacuum. Weighing just 3.2 pounds, the Levoit LVAC melds great cleaning performance with lightweight convenience. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Lightweight (3.2 lbs), powerful suction, up to 45-minute battery life, easy-to-remove battery.
- Cons: Lacks smart features, middling performance on larger debris.
3. Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Vacuum
Bissell’s Cleanview Swivel Vacuum is your classic corded upright vacuum. As restrictive as the cords can be on these vacuums, Bissell builds in many thoughtful design features to compensate for the inconvenience. The large, square cleaner head has a brush roll that effectively lifts and removes small and large debris, passing all of our cleaning tests with flying colors. It comes with attachments to pick up pet hair and clean hard-to-reach spots. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Powerful brush roll, effective on pet hair, includes specialized attachments.
- Cons: Corded design limits mobility, bulky for small spaces.
4. Tineco GO Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum
Most cordless stick vacuums that cost less than $200 are terrible. The Tineco GO Pet (often on sale for around $150) is a rare exception. It rivaled our top picks in pickup power, efficiently and reliably sucking up sand, Cheerios, birdseed, and dust. This vacuum includes a single cleaner head, so it eliminates the hassle of having to switch heads when you’re transitioning from bare floors to rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting. However, the Tineco Pro Pet seizes on certain lightweight rugs. With a generous, 34-ounce dustbin, the GO Pet is designed with bulky fur in mind. It quickly transforms into a handheld vacuum, and it comes with several useful tools, including a mini power brush, for tackling fur on upholstery, and a combination brush tool, for dusting and getting crumbs off of above-floor surfaces. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Strong pickup power, large dustbin, versatile handheld mode.
- Cons: May seize on lightweight rugs, battery life varies by setting.
5. Eureka QuickShift OmniVerse
For those looking to spend less without giving up cleaning performance, the Eureka QuickShift OmniVerse is a top budget pick in our upright vacuum review. At around $200, it’s a great match for smaller homes, apartments, or anyone who wants a lighter, compact upright. While it skips the bells and whistles of high-end models, it excels where it matters most: cleaning ability¡ªdelivering strong results on hard floors and low-pile carpet that rival vacuums twice its price. The OmniVerse stood out in testing for its ability to handle everything from fine dirt to large debris like cereal¡ªsomething many budget vacuums struggle with. Instead of pushing messes around, the vacuum head uses wide openings to let larger debris reach the brush roller, while at the other end of the spectrum, the bristles help loosen and lift difficult material like sand. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Compact and lightweight, strong cleaning on hard floors and low-pile carpets, handles large debris well.
- Cons: Limited features, less effective on high-pile carpets.
Comparison Table of Top Vacuum Cleaners Under $200
| Model | Type | Weight | Key Features | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenmore DU2015 | Upright, Bagged | 14 lbs | Strong suction, pet-friendly, brush roll on/off | $150 |
| Levoit LVAC-200 | Cordless Stick, Bagless | 3.2 lbs | Lightweight, 45-min battery, easy battery swap | $150 |
| Bissell CleanView Swivel | Upright, Bagless | 15 lbs | Pet hair attachments, powerful brush roll | $140 |
| Tineco GO Pet | Cordless Stick, Bagless | 7 lbs | Large dustbin, handheld mode, pet tools | $150 |
| Eureka QuickShift OmniVerse | Upright, Bagless | 10 lbs | Compact, strong on hard floors, large debris pickup | $200 |
Testing Scenarios and Performance Insights
Kenmore DU2015 Testing
In testing, the Kenmore DU2015 excelled at picking up debris of all sizes, from fine dust to larger particles like cat litter. It was tested on medium-pile carpets and hardwood floors, where it transitioned smoothly without scattering debris. The ability to turn off the brush roll proved useful for bare floors, preventing scratches and improving efficiency. After six months of regular use, the suction remained consistent, and the brush roll showed no significant hair tangles, making it ideal for pet owners.
Levoit LVAC-200 Testing
The Levoit LVAC-200 was tested in a split-level home with a toddler, tackling daily messes like snack crumbs and pet hair. It easily picked up flour, sugar, and rice on carpets and hard floors, though larger debris like cereal required extra passes. The brush roll’s rubber fin design prevented hair tangles, and the vacuum’s lightweight build made it easy to carry between floors. Battery life lasted up to 45 minutes in eco mode, sufficient for whole-house cleaning.
Bissell CleanView Swivel Testing
The Bissell CleanView Swivel was put through standardized tests on hardwood and carpet, where it efficiently lifted small and large debris, including pet hair. Its large cleaner head covered wide areas quickly, and attachments like the pet hair tool performed well on upholstery. The corded design was a limitation in larger homes, but the swivel steering improved maneuverability around furniture.
Tineco GO Pet Testing
The Tineco GO Pet was tested on sand, Cheerios, birdseed, and dust across carpets and bare floors. It matched higher-end models in pickup power, collecting debris in one or two passes without snowplowing. The large 34-ounce dustbin was a standout for pet owners, reducing the need for frequent emptying. However, it struggled with lightweight rugs, occasionally pulling them up during cleaning.
Eureka QuickShift OmniVerse Testing
The Eureka QuickShift OmniVerse was tested on hard floors and low-pile carpets, where it handled fine dirt, sand, and large debris like cereal effectively. Its vacuum head design with wide openings and long bristles prevented debris from being pushed around. While it lacked advanced features, its compact size and ease of use made it a favorite for small apartments.
Buying Guide for Budget Vacuum Cleaners
Key Factors to Consider
- Floor Type: If you have beautiful hardwood floors or other noncarpeted surfaces (such as tile, laminate, or vinyl), look at canister vacuums, which do well on that type of flooring. If you have a lot of carpet in your bedrooms, an upright vacuum cleaner or canister with a rotating brush roll will do the best job, whereas a vacuum cleaner with soft bristles or a brush roll that can be turned off is better suited for hardwood floors.
- Portability: Carrying a heavy vacuum up and down stairs is a pain and a bit risky. If you have only one vacuum, a canister is the best choice because its two-part design lets you distribute the weight more evenly. But opt for a smaller second vacuum if you have the storage space and budget.
- Pet Hair: Each vacuum we test goes through a special pet-hair pickup test. Models that do well on carpet do well at removing pet hair, but so do the top-rated canisters and sticks.
- Maintenance Costs: Long-term maintenance also matters: bagless vacuums save on ongoing costs but can be messier to empty, while bagged models are cleaner but require ongoing purchases. Washable filters help cut down on replacements, making them more budget-friendly over time.
Types of Vacuums
- Upright: For large, messy homes, upright vacuums offer powerful suction and large dustbins, and they’re generally plug-in models, which means you have unlimited runtime.
- Stick: Stick vacuums are the most nimble, lightweight, and easy-to-use vacuums out there. The caveat is that their runtime is limited and can range anywhere from 10 minutes to more than an hour per charge.
- Canister: If you have staircases or bare floors, you may want to consider canister vacuums for their portability and range.
Tips for Choosing
- Cleaning Modes: Consider a vacuum with various cleaning modes if you like the option to fully customize your cleaning experience or you’re looking for one product that can clean multiple floor types. Plus, different cleaning modes (like Eco) have longer or shorter battery run times with less or more powerful suction.
- HEPA Filters: A HEPA filter is a special high-performance filter that traps 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size ¡ª too small to see with the naked eye, but not too small to be felt by allergy sufferers. A HEPA filter on a vacuum cleaner is best located on the exhaust, where the air blows out of the vacuum and back into the room.
- Sales and Discounts: Just about anytime. Vacuum cleaners are featured in almost every holiday sale, including Presidents Day and Black Friday. If you miss one sale, another is likely to be coming right behind it. So unless you’re in dire need of a replacement, you can avoid paying full price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best vacuum under $200 for pet owners?
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Vacuum is a top choice for pet owners due to its specialized pet hair attachments and tangle-free brush roll. The Kenmore DU2015 also performs well, with strong suction and a brush roll that resists hair buildup.
Are cordless vacuums under $200 reliable?
Yes, models like the Levoit LVAC-200 and Tineco GO Pet offer reliable performance with strong suction and decent battery life (up to 45 minutes). However, they may require more frequent charging for larger homes and lack the unlimited runtime of corded models.
How long do budget vacuums last?
With proper maintenance, budget vacuums can last 5-7 years. Regular filter cleaning, emptying the dustbin, and checking for blockages can extend their lifespan. Bagged models like the Kenmore DU2015 may require ongoing bag purchases, while bagless models like the Levoit LVAC-200 reduce long-term costs.
Can budget vacuums handle high-pile carpets?
Some budget vacuums, like the Bissell CleanView Swivel, perform well on high-pile carpets due to their powerful brush rolls. However, models like the Eureka QuickShift OmniVerse are less effective on high-pile carpets and better suited for low-pile or hard floors.
Where can I find deals on these vacuums?
Check major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or Target, especially during holiday sales like Black Friday or Presidents Day. Online platforms often offer discounts, and you can compare prices across sites to find the best deal.