5 Best Cheap Vacuum Cleaners of 2023

We updated this article in November 2022 to eliminate any models with price increases, and to ensure the information reflected current prices, features and more. Our top picks, based on testing notes from the Good Housekeeping Institute, remain the same.

While it’s true that the old adage “you get what you pay for” can apply to vacuum cleaners, it is possible to get a good one for $100 or less. Cheaper vacuums can be great options on their own or as secondary vacuums to keep on a top floor or lower level. With a cheaper vacuum, you can expect to find more plastic parts and fewer upscale features (like adjustable suction, cord rewind, telescoping wands or extra attachments) and it may not be as durable as a more expensive model. But, if you’re not looking to make a major investment in a vacuum or one that will last forever, cheaper vacuums can certainly get the job done sans bells and whistles and keep you on budget.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab regularly tests all kinds of vacuums — hundreds over the years — to see how well it picks up different types of debris, from sand to pet hair from both carpeting and bare floors. We also assess the maneuverability across different types of flooring, around common household obstacles and up and down stairs. We look for ease of use in everything from the intuitiveness of the controls to the process for changing bags, emptying dust bins or cleaning filters. Here are the best budget vacuum cleaners for under $100 in 2022.

Our top picks:

We selected these best inexpensive vacuums based on both in-house testing of these models or similar ones from the same brands and categorical expertise. The picks below stood out in our assessment as models offering great value. As you read along, you’ll find out more details about each of our cheap vacuum cleaner picks and how we test vacuum cleaners along with what to consider when buying one and why you should trust our recommendations.