We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Vacuums The 11 Best Vacuums Under $200 We’ve Tested from Kenmore, Shark, Bissell, and More These affordable vacuum cleaners went head-to-head with Dyson By L.A. Hubilla, L.A. Hubilla L.A. Hubilla is a freelance commerce writer for PEOPLE who specializes in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content. She also regularly tests products for multiple digital outlets, including InStyle and Byrdie. When she's not window shopping online or creating pro and con lists, you'll find her drinking tea and talking about her feelings. People Editorial Guidelines Madison Yauger, Madison Yauger Madison Yauger is a shopping editor at PEOPLE.com with eight years of digital media and journalism experience. She has a penchant for lifestyle content with a focus on staples like cozy throw blankets, chic dog jackets, Away luggage, and the linen pants celebrities can’t stop wearing. People Editorial Guidelines and Camryn Rabideau Camryn Rabideau Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her 8+ years of experience as a product tester, she's reviewed hundreds of items firsthand, and her work appears in publications such as PEOPLE, The Spruce, Homes & Gardens, and more. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 26, 2024 05:22PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Henry Wortock A good vacuum cleaner is a must-have for your home, but some popular models are surprisingly pricey. (We’re looking at you, Dyson.) If you’re shopping on a budget, the best vacuums under $200 will be a bit easier on your wallet, and they deliver just as much dirt-busting power as more expensive alternatives. Today’s Top Deal Shark Wandvac Handheld Vacuum is 31% off Over the past few years, we’ve tested nearly 400 different vacuums, using them to suck up everything from pet hair to cereal. After thousands of hours of testing, we’re confident that we’ve found the absolute best affordable vacuums to spend your money on. The Best Right Now The Kenmore DU2015 Upright Vacuum is one of the most powerful affordable vacuums on our list, and it’s currently on sale for just $140 at Amazon. If you’re ready to upgrade your home’s cleaning arsenal, these are the best vacuums under $200 from Shark, Kenmore, Bissell, and more. Our Top Picks Best Under $100: Dirt Devil Versa 3-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum at Amazon $90 Jump to Review Best Shark Vacuum: Shark Navigator Freestyle Cordless Vacuum at Amazon $130 Jump to Review Best Cordless: Belife V12 Cordless Vacuum at Amazon $180 Jump to Review Best Upright: Kenmore Allergen Seal Bagless Upright Vacuum at Amazon $160 Jump to Review Best Canister: Kenmore Compact Bagless Canister Vacuum at Amazon $120 Jump to Review Best Handheld: SALE Shark Wandvac Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Amazon $130 $90 Jump to Review Best Wet-Dry Vacuum: Bissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner at Amazon $146 Jump to Review Best Suction: SALE Black+Decker PowerSeries Extreme Cordless Vacuum at Amazon $180 $150 Jump to Review Best for Pet Owners: Moosoo K23 Pro Cordless Stick Vacuum at Walmart $107 Jump to Review Best for Hardwood Floors: SALE Bissell Featherweight Cordless Stick Vacuum at Amazon $129 $109 Jump to Review Best Under $100 Dirt Devil Versa 3-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum PHOTO: Amazon $90 at Amazon $90 at Target $150 at Walmart Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Maneuverability 4/5 Ease of Emptying 4/5 Portability 5/5 Noise Level 2/5 Star Qualities Converts to handheld Easy to maneuver around furniture Most affordable option we tested Red Flags No HEPA filter Short battery life The Dirt Devil Versa 3-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum is simple and easy to use, and at less than five pounds, moving around with this vacuum was a breeze. The smaller brush head was easy to maneuver around furniture, and the rollers glided effortlessly along all testing surfaces. For a small vacuum, we were impressed with the suction power and could complete our debris tests in less than three passes, and the battery life lasted throughout our entire testing process without losing power. Is this the best vacuum ever? No, but for under $100, it will get the job done. This would be a great secondary vacuum for a storage space, workshop, or dorm. Type: Cordless stick | Weight: Under 5 lbs. | Capacity: 0.44 quarts | Accessories: None | Special Features: Converts to handheld vacuum People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Shark Vacuum Shark Navigator Freestyle Cordless Vacuum PHOTO: Amazon $130 at Amazon $130 at Home Depot Our Ratings Effectiveness 4/5 Maneuverability 4/5 Ease of Emptying 4/5 Portability 4/5 Noise Level 4/5 Star Qualities Significantly lighter than most upright vacuums Great at picking up pet hair Easy to maneuver Cons Battery only lasts around 15 minutes per charge Shark vacuums are some of the best out there in terms of performance and value, and the Shark SV1106 Navigator Freestyle is one of the most affordable options from the brand. A cordless upright vacuum, the Navigator Freestyle is impressively lightweight — much more so than most upright vacuums — and its swivel steering makes it easy to drive around your floors. It performed well on both hard floors and carpeting in our tests, and we were particularly impressed by how quickly it sucked up pet hair. The one major downside of this vacuum is its battery life. During testing, it only lasted for around 15 minutes per charge, so it’s better suited for short vacuuming sessions, not whole-home cleanings. Type: Cordless upright | Weight: 7.5 lbs. | Capacity: 0.64 quarts | Accessories: None | Special Features: Dual-speed brushroll People / Rachel Marek People / Rachel Marek PEOPLE / Rachel Marek People / Rachel Marek Best Cordless Belife V12 Cordless Vacuum PHOTO: Amazon $170 at Amazon $140 at Walmart Our Ratings Ease of Setup 5/5 Effectiveness 3.9/5 Maneuverability 3.8/5 Ease of Emptying 5/5 Portability 5/5 Star Qualities Effective on a wide range of flooring types Battery lasts for more than an hour per charge Able to stand up on its own Red Flags Struggles to clean in corners and along edges Cordless vacuums are ideal for quick cleaning jobs around the house, and the Belife BVC11 is an affordable pick for your home. It was able to suck up both large and small debris across a variety of floor types, and while it’s not the best for deep cleaning, it had no problem tackling small messes. The battery on this cordless vacuum lasted for more than an hour during testing as well, which is impressive considering its low price. Unlike many cordless stick vacuums, the Belife can stand up on its own, though it is a bit wobbly. However, it’s not great at cleaning up debris in corners or along the edges of walls, and we often had to attach its crevice tool to pick up lingering particles. Type: Cordless stick | Weight: 3.3 lbs. | Capacity: 0.7 quarts | Accessories: Crevice tool, combo tool, extra battery | Special Features: Telescopic wand, LED headlights People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock Best Upright Kenmore Allergen Seal Bagless Upright Vacuum PHOTO: Amazon $160 at Amazon Star Qualities Powerful suction picks up debris of all sizes Brushroll can be turned off Hair doesn’t get tangled in brushroll Red Flags Steering could be a little smoother For powerful suction at a reasonable price, the Kenmore DU2015 is the way to go. One of the best upright vacuums we’ve tested, this Kenmore wowed us with its suction power, which creates a tight seal on both hard floors and rugs, easily picking up debris of all sizes. It transitions smoothly between different types of flooring, and we love that you can turn the brushroll off if you’re cleaning up hard debris like cat litter to stop the particles from shooting around the floor. We did notice that this vacuum doesn’t maneuver quite as smoothly as other Kenmore models, but it’s still easy enough to drive around obstacles and into corners. It’s loud, but not more so than other upright vacuums we’ve tested, and overall, we think it’s an unbeatable value for deep cleaning your home. Type: Corded upright | Weight: 14 lbs. | Capacity: 2 quarts | Accessories: 3-in-1 combination tool, upholstery tool, pet tool, dusting brush | Special Features: LED headlights, swivel steering People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock Best Canister Kenmore Compact Bagless Canister Vacuum PHOTO: Amazon $120 at Amazon View on Kenmorefloorcare.com Our Ratings Effectiveness 4.8/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Ease of Emptying 4.8/5 Portability 4.8/5 Noise Level 4.5/5 Star Qualities Effective on hard floors and rugs Rolls smoothly, even on carpeting Long hose is handy for stairs Red Flags Pet hair wraps around brushroll Shorter-than-average power cord The Kenmore 10701 is a lightweight canister vacuum that outperformed several more expensive models. In our testing, the canister rolled smoothly on all types of flooring, making it easy to pull along behind you as you clean. It needed just a few passes to pick up debris off both hard floors and carpeting, and its 9-foot hose was great for cleaning stairs with one of the vacuum’s attachments. Plus, the bagless design is easy to empty and can be washed out in the sink. We did run into a few minor issues with this canister vacuum that are worth noting. The power cord is only 16 feet long, which may not be enough for larger rooms, and we also found that long hairs tend to wrap around the brushroll. There’s no way to remove the brushroll from the floor head, so that made it tricky to cut away the tangled hair. Type: Corded canister | Weight: 9.5 lbs. | Capacity: Not listed | Accessories: Dusting brush, crevice tool, bare floor tool | Special Features: Telescoping wand People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Handheld Shark Wandvac Cordless Handheld Vacuum PHOTO: Best Buy $90 at Amazon $130 at Best Buy View on Sharkclean.com Our Ratings Effectiveness 4.3/5 Ease of Emptying 5/5 Portability 4/5 Noise Level 4.3/5 Setup 5/5 Star Qualities Impressive suction for such a small vacuum Attractive design with charging base Lightweight and comfortable to hold Red Flags Must be held at a certain angle for max efficiency For little messes around the house, the Shark Wandvac offers impressive suction power in a compact form, earning it a spot among the best handheld vacuums. In fact, the suction is almost too powerful at times — it will suction itself to carpeting or upholstery fabric if you don’t hold it at the right angle while cleaning. However, once you get the hang of using it, this lightweight vacuum is great for cleaning up kitchen messes, spills, and even car interiors. We also like that it has an attractive design with a convenient charging base, making it easy to grab when you spot a mess. Type: Cordless handheld | Weight: 1.4 lbs. | Capacity: 0.08 quarts | Accessories: Duster-crevice tool, multi-surface pet tool | Special Features: Charging dock People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Wet-Dry Vacuum Bissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner PHOTO: Bissell $135 at Amazon $146 at Wayfair Star Qualities Effectively picks up wet and dry debris Easy-to-use self-cleaning function Long-lasting battery Red Flags Water tank may require refills mid-clean Not the best on large pieces of debris If you usually vacuum and then mop your hard floors, the Bissell TurboClean can do both tasks simultaneously. It’s the best wet-dry vacuum we’ve tested, and it’s also one of the most affordable options out there today. It did a great job picking up both wet messes like ketchup and pieces of dirt and debris, and we appreciate that there’s a strainer in the dirty water tank that captures large pieces of debris to prevent them from getting dumped down the sink. This wet-dry vacuum is lighter than most and maneuvered around obstacles easily, though we do wish the water tank was a little larger. It would likely need to be refilled mid-clean in a large space, but the good news is that the battery is long-lasting — the indicator was still in full health after we completed all our tests. Type: Cordless wet-dry vacuum | Weight: 8.37 lbs. | Capacity: 0.44 quarts | Accessories: None | Special Features: Self-propelled design, self-cleaning cycle People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock Best Suction Black+Decker PowerSeries Extreme Cordless Vacuum PHOTO: Amazon $150 at Amazon $150 at Walmart $150 at Wayfair Our Ratings Ease of Setup 4.7/5 Effectiveness 4.2/5 Maneuverability 4.3/5 Ease of Emptying 3.5/5 Portability 4.5/5 Star Qualities Impressive suction on hard floors and tile Around 30 minutes of runtime Simple to set up and operate Red Flags Loud due to powerful suction No storage for attachments In terms of design, the Black and Decker Powerseries Extreme is easy to set up and use, and we had no issues maneuvering it around the floor. Its three suction levels work efficiently to lift debris from various floor types, but it was most effective on hardwoods and tile. The battery life was also impressive, lasting up to 29 minutes on the low mode and around 11 minutes on the highest. This vacuum is definitely loud on its highest suction setting — you won’t want to run it while catching up on your favorite TV show — and while its no-tangle brushroll worked well initially, we noticed that it needed cleaning more often after six months of use. Type: Cordless stick | Weight: 10.4 lbs. | Capacity: 0.68 quarts | Accessories: Removable battery, wall mount/charger, crevice attachment, washable filter | Special Features: Built-in filter cleaner People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock Best for Pet Owners Moosoo K23 Pro Cordless Stick Vacuum PHOTO: Walmart $107 at Walmart Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Ease of Emptying 4.3/5 Portability 5/5 Noise Level 5/5 Star Qualities Powerful suction picks up pet hair Quieter than other models HEPA filter Red Flags Can’t stand on its own The Moosoo K23 Pro Stick Vacuum gives coveted Dyson vacuums a run for their money — for a fraction of the price. We found this cordless vacuum easy to maneuver, and it transitioned from carpet to hard surfaces with ease. At under 6 pounds, it’s easy to move around, and in our tests, this vacuum demonstrated strong and effective suction, cleaning up a variety of debris, including pet hair, making it a great vacuum for pet owners. The four-in-one design comes with several attachments for cleaning different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas, and there are three adjustable power settings. Plus, we appreciated that this vacuum’s noise was more on par with a hair dryer and quieter than typical vacuums, so it likely won't scare your furry friends. Type: Cordless stick | Weight: 5.28 lbs. | Capacity: 1 quart | Accessories: Wall mount, hose, cleaning brush, crevice tool, electric sofa brush | Special Features: LED headlights People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best for Hardwood Floors Bissell Featherweight Cordless Stick Vacuum PHOTO: Amazon $109 at Amazon Our Ratings Ease of Setup 4.8/5 Effectiveness 4/5 Maneuverability 4.5/5 Ease of Emptying 4.3/5 Portability 4/5 Star Qualities Quickly picks up debris on hard floors Surprisingly effective on thick carpeting Flexible handle helps clean under low-profile furniture Red Flags Pet hair often gets wrapped around brushroll May scatter large debris particles The Bissell Featherweight is one of our favorite vacuums for hardwood floors, but it’s not a one-trick pony. In testing, it was also impressively effective on thick carpeting, picking up the majority of debris in just a few passes. The cordless design is lightweight and easy to maneuver, and we like that its handle can bend, making it easier to clean under furniture. Plus, unlike many other stick vacuums, the Featherweight can stand upright on its own. While we were impressed with this vacuum’s suction, we did notice that pet hair often gets wrapped around its brushroll, so it may not be the best option for households with furry friends. Additionally, it occasionally shoots larger particles of debris, such as popcorn kernels, around the floor. Type: Cordless stick | Weight: 5.8 lbs. | Capacity: Not listed | Accessories: Upholstery brush, crevice tool | Special Features: Two-way folding handle, self-standing People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock Best for Cars Baseus A5 Car Vacuum Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $100 at Amazon Star Qualities Compact and lightweight Long-lasting battery Quiet during operation Red Flags Best suited for smaller debris If you’re in the market for a car vacuum, we recommend the Baseus A5, which is compact, lightweight, and quiet. Thanks to its small size, the vacuum fit into tight nooks and crannies during testing, and it did a great job picking up dirt and dust. The vacuum’s battery lasted for two whole car cleaning sessions before it needed to be recharged, and because it’s quieter than many other models, we were able to easily hold a conversation over it while it was running. Our only real complaint is that it’s not the best for larger or heavier debris, but those items could likely be picked up by hand anyway. Type: Cordless handheld | Weight: 1.1 lbs. | Capacity: 150 mL | Accessories: 2-in-1 suction nozzle, large air nozzle, silicone air nozzle, HEPA cleaning brush, USB-C cable, storage bag | Special Features: USB-C charging People / Kelly Lewis People / Kelly Lewis People / Kelly Lewis People / Kelly Lewis What to Know About Vacuums Under $200 Vacuum Type There are a few different kinds of vacuums available in the under-$200 category. Upright: Upright vacuums tend to be the most powerful and the best for deep cleaning. They’re available in both corded and cordless designs, but they can be heavy and bulky. Canister: Another good option for powerful suction are canister vacuums, which have a two-piece design with a separate floorhead and body. They come in both bagged and bagless options and tend to be a bit easier to wield than upright models. Handheld: If you’re looking for a small vacuum for quick cleaning jobs, handheld models are generally lightweight and cordless. They’re also ideal for cleaning cars. Stick: Stick vacuums are lighter and easier to maneuver than upright models, and they’re often cordless for quick, convenient cleaning. However, they have limited battery life and often can’t stand up on their own. Wet-dry: A relative newcomer on the cleaning scene, wet-dry vacuums pick up debris and wash your floors simultaneously. They can help streamline your cleaning routine, but they are a bit messier to empty. Filter Type Ideally, you want a HEPA — or high-efficiency particulate air — filter that can trap allergens and dirt particles. If your vacuum doesn’t have a HEPA filter, look for one with a filter that's easy to wash or replace. Some of the vacuums on this list don't have a HEPA filter, and that's part of what you sacrifice when opting for a cheaper vacuum, so consider that when making your choice. However, several of these affordable vacuums do have HEPA filters, including the Kenmore DU2015 Upright Vacuum, Kenmore 10701 Canister Vacuum, and Moosoo K23 Pro Stick Vacuum. Dr. Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist at NYU Langone Health, says a HEPA filter cleans your carpet and the air in your home, making it ideal for those with allergies. "It will trap particles and molecules, so they do not go back into the air," she says. "This helps with virus particles, which is big in a pandemic, and because viruses tend to be worse in allergy and asthma sufferers." Maneuverability If your vacuum is cumbersome or hard to maneuver in your space, you’ll avoid using it, so consider what works best for your home and layout. If you have mobility issues or struggle with pushing a vacuum around, consider a canister vacuum like the Kenmore 10701, which rolls smoothly behind you as you clean. Typically, upright vacuums are a little more difficult to maneuver, while cordless stick vacuums are easier to use. All of the vacuums on our list were easy to push around and navigate through our living room obstacle course. Warranty Even at an under-$200 price, vacuums are an investment. Look for warranties from vacuum companies to ensure you can get support if needed. Parikh says not to hesitate to replace your vacuum when necessary: "Most should be replaced every 5 to 7 years, depending on the model.” That's even more reason to choose a budget-friendly option. People / Dera Burreson Behind the Scenes To date, the PEOPLE Tested team has done firsthand testing of nearly 400 different vacuums, including upright, canister, cordless, handheld, and wet-dry models. Within each of these categories, we tested multiple budget options, and while the tests were slightly different for each type of vacuum, we evaluated all of them in the following areas: Assembly: For each test, we timed how long it took to put the vacuum together and then noted the ease of assembly.Noise Level: We tested the noise level with a decibel reader to determine which vacuum was the quietest (and the loudest!) during operation.Maneuverability: We set up obstacle courses with different items, such as a coffee table, sofa, or armchair, to test maneuverability around tight corners and under objects.Effectiveness: We tested each vacuum's effectiveness on both hard and carpeted surfaces, using them to pick up a wide range of debris. Some of the debris we commonly use includes coffee grounds, cereal, pet hair, and popcorn kernels. We also tried out the effectiveness of the various attachments.Value: At the end of testing, we looked at each vacuum’s price and graded its performance against its price to determine whether or not it was a good value. (Every vacuum on this list is an incredible value!) Frequently Asked Questions Can you find a good vacuum for under $200? Yes, you can get a good canister or upright vacuum that's affordable. For instance, the Kenmore DU2015 Upright Vacuum boasts powerful suction, a large dustbin, and HEPA filtration, all for a reasonable price of $140. It even comes with four different attachments to clean upholstery, dust around your home, and pick up pet hair. Is Shark cheaper than Dyson? Shark vacuums tend to be more affordable than Dyson vacuums, but they are still powerful and reliable cleaning tools. If you’re shopping on a budget, Shark is a great value brand, and its Navigator Freestyle is a cordless upright option that’s under $200. Is a HEPA filter important in a vacuum? A HEPA filter helps trap tiny dust and allergens instead of releasing them back into the air. Parikh says finding a vacuum with a HEPA filter is very important to ensure your home and the air inside of it are clean. What type of vacuum is best for carpet vs. hardwood floors? An upright vacuum with a cord often provides the best suction for carpeted floors. However, there are some great options (like the Shark Navigator Freestyle) that are cordless and still offer excellent suction. It also depends on what type of carpet you have, as some require more suction to lift embedded dirt. If you have hardwood floors, you have more flexibility. Our top pick for hardwood is the Bissell Featherweight Cordless Stick Vacuum. Why Trust PEOPLE? Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer who specializes in home, kitchen, and pet products, and she’s personally tested dozens of different vacuum cleaners, including both affordable and high-end options. To compile this roundup of the best vacuums under $200, she used thorough insights from the PEOPLE Tested team, comparing budget-friendly products on suction power, debris pickup, and ease of maneuvering. PEOPLE contributor L.A. Hubilla was the original author of this article, with later updates from PEOPLE editor Madison Yauger. Our Expert Panel Dr. Purvi Parikh, MD, is an allergist and immunologist at NYU Langone Health. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.