Best cheap vacuums for cleaning on a budget in 2024
Clean your home with the top-rated dirt cheap vacuums shoppers ‘highly recommend’ over big name brands.
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Who said you needed to pay a premium price for a clean home? Honestly, keeping your vacuum cleaner well maintained is the easiest way to get the most bang for buck. Getting down and dirty with your appliance helps maintain a strong suction and keeps the vacuum working as efficiently as possible for longer, according to Dyson’s Senior Design Manager of RDD Floorcare, Sallahuddin Mashkuri.
Aside from choosing the right power mode for different tasks, Mr Mashkuri said a ‘mistake’ many people make is not “regularly emptying your vacuums’ bin”.
“It’s essential for your machines health and ensuring you continue to get a deep clean and avoid any kind of blockage,” he told news.com.au checkout.
“Keeping your cleaner heads in good condition is another way to continue to get the most from your machine.
“Cleaning your vacuum filter is also important to ensure you continue to get the best out of your machine. Simply remove the filter, tap excess dust into the bin, wash with warm tap water - no detergent required - then shake off the excess water and leave it to dry for 24 hours. Your filter must be completely dry before being put back in the machine.”
RELATED: Top cordless stick vacuums to buy in Australia
While the saying ‘you get what you pay for’ certainly applies to electronic gadgets, you can still find a cheap vacuum cleaner that can provide just as a satisfying finish as a model that retails for double the price.
More than 11k Amazon shoppers are getting on the wet dry vacuum bandwagon with the Tineco iFloor 3 stick vacuum, with impressed reviewers saying it’s perfect for handling tough deep clean days as well as quick tidy ups.
“The dirty water container was black,” commented one shocked customer.
The eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11s is also one way you can enjoy the convenience of hands-free cleaning without forking out the usual $1000+ price tag. One fan said the $399 robot cleaner was “worth the investment” after seeing how much dirt it collected with basically no elbow grease.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST CHEAP CORDLESS STICK VACUUM UNDER $500
Shark Cordless Vacuum with Self Cleaning Brushroll, $389 (down from $549.99) at Amazon Australia
Shark Cordless Vacuum with Self Cleaning Brushroll
What You Need To Know
Arguably a strong contender for one of the better budget vacuums overall, this Shark cordless stick vacuum is definitely worth checking out. It features a self cleaning brush roll to minimise maintenance and unlike many other vacuums, this stick vac comes with a removable battery which can be charged either with the unit or separately.
“Easy to use vacuum cleaner for a variety of surfaces, with plenty of power available. The one-touch empty (dust bin system) is great and goes straight into the bin with no spill over,” praised one shopper.
“Hairs don’t get caught up in the head. The vacuum is quite large and heavier than most stick vacs. The alternative heads are great for upholstery and skirting boards.”
“Brilliant vacuum, very happy with this purchase. Gets into all the spots and (has) great power,” a second reviewed.
BEST CHEAP ROBOT VACUUM UNDER $500
eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S Robot Vacuum, $189.99 (down from $349.99) at Amazon Australia
eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S Robot Vacuum
What You Need To Know
Want a robot cleaner, but prefer to use a remote control than an app? Take a look at the eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S. This cheap robot vacuum has many of the same features you would expect in a more expensive model, such as multiple cleaning modes, scheduling, drop sensors, obstacle avoidance technology and an 0.6L dustbin capacity.
“This product is fantastic… love it! I cannot believe how much dirt it collects - well worth the money,” praised an Amazon customer, rating the robot vac five stars.
“I had many doubts about getting a robot vacuum. I bit the bullet and had no regrets. (It has) simple function(s), can set a schedule (and) not overly loud – not too annoying considering it’s vacuuming the floor,” another reviewer wrote.
“First schedule cleaning went for 1hr 50mins. Requires to be emptied every time (which is simple and rewarding to know what it picks up). (The robot vacuum) gets up on a medium height rug; and navigates pretty well… Worth the investment and I agree, I should have gotten it sooner.”
BEST AFFORDABLE VACUUM CLEANERS FOR HARD FLOORS
Tineco iFloor3 Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner, $548.99 at Amazon Australia
Tineco iFloor3 Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
What You Need To Know
Stick vacuums are slowly reclaiming their spotlight back from robot vacuum cleaners, with more brands adding a mop function to offer even more flexibility to the already versatile appliance. And for households on the hunt for a budget friendly option, Tineco is a popular pick worth checking out. Just take a look at the 11,600-plus reviews from Amazon customers who purchased the Tineco iFloor 3!
This wet dry cordless stick vacuum features two modes, a brushless digital motor and a digital display which lets you easy switch between speed settings, check the remaining battery time and more.
The cordless stick vacuum additionally has a dual tank system to prevent cross contamination, along with a self-cleaning brush roll to make sure you’re not spreading dirt around.
“I needed something I can use on a heavy cleaning day or on a rainy day to get the dog (paw) prints... This does both. I can mop the kitchen and clean the machine in 10 minutes before bed at night. I don’t dread mopping anymore and I use it more frequently than I thought I would because it’s convenient,” raved a reviewer.
“The best part is you’re not just sloshing around dirty water that smells good — it’s clean.”
“We vacuumed first, but the Tineco iFloor3 (still) collected bits and some hair. There was very little wetness left and the tiles dried in 10-mins... The dirty water container was black,” another impressed shopper posted.
If you want a little more cleaning time, the newer Tineco iFloor 5 cordless wet dry stick vacuum offers up to 35 minutes of cleaning time and is designed to clean edges more effectively than the Tineco iFloor 3.
BEST AFFORDABLE VACUUMS FOR CARPET
Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog Bagless Vacuum, $749 (down from $849) at The Good Guys
Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog Bagless Vacuum
What You Need To Know
Barrel vacuums like the Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog are often the best vacuum cleaners for cleaning carpet and tend to be better at reaching tight spaces and stairs compared to upright vacuums. This particular Miele unit also has a versatile floorhead with retractable bristles to effectively clean carpet and hard floors, and includes a turbo brush to pick up hair and lint.
“I was convinced that nothing could replace my old Dyson. The Miele (vacuum cleaner) does just as good of a job, but is also more convenient (because) I can go right under the beds and (it’s) much easier to carry than my large Dyson,” reviewed a Harvey Norman shopper.
“It is easy to move from carpet and replace the head for vinyl floors. I find that it does a really good job on the fabric couches as well. I love the suction on it and I prefer to have bagless so this works well for me. I would definitely recommend this.”
“It cleans really, really well, even without the Pet Turbohead, which we have found we don’t really need for every use — and we have three dogs. You don’t even need to use it on its highest vacuum power to get a thorough clean. This is (an) A-class appliance and well worth the money. Actually a lot better than our trusty old Dyson,” agreed another.
BEST AFFORDABLE HANDHELD VACUUMS
Shark Cord-Free Ion Handheld Vacuum, $249 at Myer
Shark Cord-Free Ion Handheld Vacuum
What You Need To Know
Sometimes switching cleaner heads to downsize a stick vacuum can still be a little too bulky and heavy for what we need. This is where a true cordless handheld vacuum like the Shark Cord-Free Ion comes in, well, handy.
It packs a 10-minute runtime, similar to some other full-size stick vacuums, and features a super lightweight design that weighs just 0.64kg. The unit includes a duster crevice tool and multi-surface pet tool, allowing you to clean everything from a dusty bookshelf and crumbs on your keyboard to pet hair in the car.
“It’s the most handy tool I’ve ever had. Excellent for window frames, skirting boards, besides the fridge and any other nooks and crannies around the house. Good suction and battery life. I highly recommend this,” praised a shopper.
“(T)his has been super practical for spot cleaning and getting the stairs, mattress as well as harder-to-reach areas vacuumed. It’s really lightweight and is comfortable to handle. The additional tools are fab, too! A wonderfully effective and efficient little gadget - wish I’d purchased this sooner!” a second posted.
“Great addition to the house! Perfect for those annoying little crumb spillages! Great power, easy cleaning and great charging stand!” another reviewed.
Bosch Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Set, $200 at Amazon Australia
Bosch Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Set
What You Need To Know
This “powerful and light” cheap vacuum cleaner only weighs 1.3kg and comes with multiple attachments to clean a variety of surfaces inside and outside the house.
Similar to the three-in-one Bosch AdvancedVac 18V-8 vacuum, you can swap the battery between the gadgets (or always have an extra pack as backup if you want to buy the vacuum with the battery and charger). If you already have a power tool from Bosch’s 18V PowerforAll System, you can save money and opt for a unit without the battery instead.
“Fantastic as a handheld vacuum for small jobs, but definitely not a replacement for a ‘household’ vacuum. I love that it uses the same high quality (and replaceable one day to reduce fire hazards) battery that I can use for lots of other Bosch DIY tools,” an Amazon customer wrote.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING CHEAP VACUUM CLEANERS
TYPE OF VACUUM CLEANER
Handheld vacuum cleaner
Handheld vacuum cleaners are great for cleaning tight and hard to reach areas. They have significantly shorter runtimes compared to other types of vacuums, making them better suited for small quick jobs.
Upright vacuum cleaner
Upright vacuums can cover plenty of floor space in one sweep and typically don’t need to be dragged behind you. These are often more powerful than stick vacuums and robot cleaners, making them ideal if you have carpet.
Barrel vacuum cleaner
A barrel vacuum, otherwise called a canister or cylinder vacuum, is typically less bulky than an upright vacuum. They’re also more lightweight, include a versatile range of cleaner heads and are generally gentle on hard floors.
Robot vacuums
A robot vacuum cleaner can either work as a standalone vacuum or double as a vacuum and mop. The hands-free design and remote controls make it super convenient and allow you to maintain your home while you’re outside. But most models are used with an app and need to be set up using the app, which isn’t for everyone. They’re not the best at getting corners, although more brands are adding extendable brushes that jut out for a more effective clean.
Getting a robot vacuum with an auto station will also mean you’ll have another appliance to deep clean, but can hold much more debris than other types of vacuums (and for longer).
CORDED OR CORDLESS VACUUM CLEANERS
Corded vacuums are generally more powerful than cordless vacuums but always need to be a few metres away from a power outlet. They’re also generally heavier.
SUCTION POWER
When it comes to suction power, you’ll see a few types of measurement units. Two key examples are:
• Watts (W): Just like with any other appliance, watts (W) refers to how much electrical power the motor needs when cleaning. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the motor (and potentially better suction).
• Pascals (Pa): You’ll often see Pa being the measurement unit shown in ads for robot vacuums. This measures air pressure and the amount of force needed to pick up dirt, dust, hair and other debris. The stronger the air pressure, the stronger the suction.
Keep in mind other factors like brushes, filters, floor type, air flow and motor health also make a big difference to how well your vacuum cleaner will work.
DUST BAGS OR DUST BIN (I.E. BAGGED OR BAGLESS)
A dust bin is cheaper to maintain since there are no ongoing costs, although you can get washable bags to help minimise your maintenance spend. Plus, they’re environmentally friendly.
Dust bags heavily reduce your exposure to debris and prevent as much fine particles from blowing back towards your face when emptying the vacuum. This is great if you have allergies.
Check out more pros and cons on bagged and bagless vacuums below.
HEPA FILTER
Many vacuum cleaners use use H-EfP A (HEPA) filters to trap a high portion of airborne particles, which helps ensure any dust, pollen and other tiny particles stay inside the vacuum rather than releasing back into the air. But keep in mind a HEPA-like or HEPA-type filter is not the same as a true HEPA filter and may not be as effective.
PORTABILITY
Aside from weight, it’s a good idea to take into account what you’re planning on using the vacuum for and where. Do you want a vacuum for whole house deep cleaning or quick daily upkeep? Do you have a large house with stairs or a small single floor apartment?
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I CLEAN AND MAINTAIN MY VACUUM CLEANER?
It’s a good habit to deep clean your vacuum 12 to 18 months, or when you notice your vacuum isn’t working as efficiently or if there is a bad smell when you empty the canister or vacuum bag.
Here are a few ways you can keep your vacuum cleaner well maintained.
• Remember to check the instruction manual on how to clean your vacuum correctly.
• Clean the brush and bristles after every use, especially if you have a robot vac.
• Clean or replace filters around every one or two months.
• Use scissors de-tangle any hair wrapped around the roller brush, plus and dust bunnies stuck in the crevices at the end.
• Soak and rinse any washable parts in hot water and mild detergent. Use an old toothbrush to scrub off any stubborn dried-in grime.
• For robot vacuums, make sure to wipe the sensors with a microfibre cloth and scrub the wheels with a brush.
• Always leave any washed parts to air dry completely before re-attaching them to the main body.
ARE BAGGED OR BAGLESS VACUUM CLEANERS BETTER?
Bagged vacuum cleaners are ideal for those with allergies or anyone who wants to make sure any dust, debris and allergens stay trapped inside the bag and don’t escape back into the air when you’re emptying the vacuum. Some vacuum bags also hold more dirt and make maintenance less messy since they’re usually designed with a built-in filter, which makes it easier to maintain the vacuum filter.
Alternatively, bagless vacuum cleaners tend to be cheaper, more environmentally friendly and offer convenient access if you need to retrieve something that has been accidentally sucked up.
BAGGED VACUUM CLEANERS
Pros of having a bagged vacuum cleaner
• Less messy to empty: having all the dust, hair, crumbs and dirt contained in a bag makes it easy to empty. There’s also little chance the debris will blow back into the hair, which isn’t ideal for someone with allergies.
• Doesn’t need to be emptied as often: bagless vacuum cleaners need to be emptied after every clean, while but vacuum bags only need to be disposed once they’re full. You will also need to clean the canister more frequently since it’s constantly in direct contact with all the debris.
Cons of having a bagged vacuum cleaner
• Expensive: you will need to buy replacement bags every few months. The cost can vary from around $5 for a single bag and reach up to $85 for a large pack, depending on what you need. Bagged vacuum cleaners themselves also tend to be pricier than bagless units, too.
• Ongoing maintenance: in addition to regular cleaning, you will also need to replace the vacuum bag once it’s full – which is usually every three months, depending on how often you vacuum and how much dust and dirt it picks up.
BAGLESS VACUUM CLEANERS
Pros of having a bagless vacuum cleaner
• Saves time and money: bagless vacuums don’t require ongoing costs and involve less maintenance.
• Environmentally friendly: bagless vacuum cleaners don’t have the ongoing cost and are environmentally friendly since you won’t need to also throw away a bag. Keep in mind that if you don’t replace the bag, it can impact the effectiveness of the vacuum – similar to how not cleaning the brush head can affect how well it picks up debris.
Cons of having a bagless vacuum cleaner
• They’re tricky to replace: vacuum bags are not always super simple to replace, unless you’re working with a bagged robot vacuum like those from Ecovacs and iRobot which easily slot in and out.
• Requires frequent maintenance: you may need to clean and replace the main filter regularly. All vacuum cleaners should be properly maintained by brushing and washing anyway, but bagless are more high maintenance and need to be freshened up more frequently.
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