Best vacuums under $200: tried and tested cleaners with a smaller price tag

Aspiron Cordless Vacuum Cleaner being tested
(Image credit: Future)

Maintaining a clean home is a task that never seems to end and can be made more manageable with the right tools. One of the most crucial tools for keeping floors free of dust, dirt, and debris is a good vacuum cleaner. However, many of the more expensive high-end models can be difficult to justify the investment. Fortunately, there are several vacuum cleaners available for under $200 that still provide powerful cleaning capabilities without breaking the bank.

The Top Ten Reviews team has compiled a list of top-notch vacuums that are both budget-friendly and effective. This list includes traditionally pricier models and more affordable alternatives, so whether you need a lightweight stick vacuum for quick cleanups or a powerful upright vacuum for deep cleaning, we've got you covered.

Don't forget to watch for key events like Black Friday appliance deals, where you can find even better prices on the best vacuum cleaners. You can also visit our Black Friday vacuum deals page to stay updated on the latest offers. With so many great options, you will surely find a budget-friendly vacuum that meets your needs.

Vacuum deals under $200

Below are fantastic vacuums that have had their price discounted for Black Friday, meaning you can grab a bargain on a more expensive model.

Shark IX141 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum | was $259.99

Shark IX141 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum | was $259.99, now $196 at Amazon (save $63.99)

The Shark IX141 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is on sale for $196 at Amazon, down from $259.99, saving you $64. It's a lightweight vacuum that runs on batteries, perfect for quick and easy cleaning. It's great for pet hair and has up to 40 minutes of powerful suction. You can use it as a handheld vacuum by changing the nozzle attachment, and the LED headlights make it easy to clean hard-to-reach areas.

Price Check: Lowe's $199.99; Best Buy $199.99

Alternative Pick: Shark UZ365H Anti-Allergen Pet Plus Cordless Stick Vacuum (renewed)

Shark NV360 Navigator | was $199.99

Shark NV360 Navigator | was $199.99, now $159.99 at Target (save 20%)

The Shark NV360 Navigator is available at Target for $159.99, a huge 20% discount from its original price of $199.99. This vacuum cleaner has received a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Amazon thanks to its powerful suction and useful attachments. However, its small size means it has a small dustbin, which may or may not be a dealbreaker for some users.

Price Check: Home Depot $198.78; Best Buy $170.99

Alternative Pick: Shark ZU503AMZ Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum

iRobot Roomba i4 EVO Robot Vacuum | was $399.99

iRobot Roomba i4 EVO Robot Vacuum | was $399.99, now $199.99 at Amazon (save $110)

The iRobot Roomba i4 EVO is a well-rated robot vacuum with excellent cleaning and mapping abilities. While it has minor drawbacks, such as a small dustbin and no way to cancel a job, it effectively cleans multiple floors and picks up pet hair. Plus, with a $110 discount, it's a steal at just $289.95 on Amazon (originally $399.99).

Price Check: iRobot Out of Stock

Alternative Pick: Shark AV753 ION Robot Vacuum

The best vacuums under $200: tried and tested

Shark Vertex Bagless Corded Canister Vacuum being tested

(Image credit: Future)
Best canister vacuum under $200

Specifications

Type: Canister
Cleaning path width: 10.2"
Bin capacity: 1.7 litres
Runtime: N/A
Weight: 17.8lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Good at removing ground-in dirt from carpets
+
Washable filters and bagless dust bin
+
Great bin capacity

Reasons to avoid

-
Less portable due to weight and power cord

The Shark Vertex Bagless Corded Canister Vacuum with DuoClean Powerfins is a fantastic vacuum cleaner that's perfect for busy homes with carpets that require regular deep cleaning. It's got a long 25ft power cord, so you won't have to keep switching outlets when you're vacuuming. It's easy to assemble and use, and the instruction manual is mostly pictures, so you won't have to spend hours reading through it.

The vacuum looks great, too, with a black body and gold accents that give it a premium feel. It's well-made and feels sturdy, and the floorhead is high-quality and designed to clean deep into carpets without damaging hard floors. The handle has a rubber grip and a control panel, so you can switch the vacuum on or off, adjust the power level, and switch between floor types, all from the handle. The canister is lightweight and has four wheels for easy maneuverability, and the handle doubles as the handle for the dust bin, which is easy to remove.

Regarding performance, the Shark Vertex vacuum cleaner doesn't disappoint. It can remove deep-down dirt from carpets and long pile area rugs with ease, and the upholstery tool is great for cleaning furniture. It's also perfect for hard floors, and the controls on the handle make it easy to transition between different floor types and adjust power.

Cleaning and maintaining the vacuum is a breeze, too, thanks to its bagless dust bin that's easy to use and maintain. The washable filters are a great feature that saves money on replacements, and they only need to be washed every three to 12 months. 

Aspiron Cordless Vacuum Cleaner being tested

(Image credit: Future)
Best cordless vacuum under $200

Specifications

Type: Cordless
Cleaning path width: 8.4"
Bin capacity: 1 litres
Runtime: up to 50 minutes
Weight: 4.5lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight and easy to handle
+
Great bin size
+
Good suction power

Reasons to avoid

-
Accessories feel a little flimsy
-
No separate brush head for carpets
-
Hard to find replacement parts

If you're looking for an affordable, lightweight, and efficient vacuum cleaner to clean pet hair and dust, the Aspiron Cordless Vacuum would be a great pick. This cleaner looks great with its clever use of orange coloring and is super easy to assemble. Plus, it can be used everywhere in the home, from floors to dusty drapes, stairs, and ceiling cobwebs.

The Aspiron Cordless Vacuum doesn't disappoint in performance, either. It picks up pet hair, kibble, crumbs, and general detritus from floors with ease. The vacuum head is pretty great, too, as it vacuums fine particles and larger crumbs from the carpet with no issues. However, it struggles a bit on hardwood floors, so keep that in mind.

The vacuum offers two speed settings, low and high, but doesn't provide information on the speed of these settings and their impact on battery life. The manufacturer claims the vacuum runs for 35 minutes on a full charge, and recharge takes 4-5 hours. At around $150, the Aspiron Cordless Vacuum is a great option for those on a budget.

More of the best vacuums under $200

Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Stick Vacuum | was $199.99

Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Stick Vacuum | was $199.99, now $149.99 at Target (save $50)

With $50 off, this Shark stick vacuum is a great option if you're looking for an affordable, compact model for a smaller space. It has swivel steering for easy maneuverability, a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, and a dusting brush to clean every inch of your home. 

Price Check: Home Depot $169.99; Best Buy $160.99

Alternative Pick: Dyson V8 Origin Cordless Stick Vacuum

Tineco PWRHERO 10S Cordless Stick Vacuum | $199.99 at Target

Tineco PWRHERO 10S Cordless Stick Vacuum | $199.99 at Target

The Tineco PWRHERO 10S cordless stick vacuum cleaner comes with a 350W motor that delivers up to 105W of suction power, making it perfect for general or spot cleaning around the house. With LED headlights, HEPA filtration, and a pre-filter cleaning tool, it's got all the premium features you need to make cleaning a breeze. Plus, it easily converts to a hand vacuum for those hard-to-reach places.

BISSELL CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Vacuum Cleaner | $154.49 at Amazon

BISSELL CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Vacuum Cleaner | $154.49 at Amazon

The BISSELL CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Vacuum is a lightweight and maneuverable cleaner that is engineered with swivel steering and comes with specialized pet tools to help you clean up pet hair and debris, including in hard-to-reach places. With Multi-Cyclonic Suction and an Automatic Cord Rewind Button, this vacuum cleaner is not only powerful but also convenient to use. And the best part? It won't break the bank.

Choosing the best vacuum cleaner for under $200

When buying a vacuum cleaner, it's important to consider your budget and needs. First, think about whether you want a corded or cordless option. While cordless vacuums may be more convenient, they are more expensive than corded models. However, corded vacuums can save you money in the long run because you don't have to replace the batteries.

Stick and cylinder models are typically less expensive than uprights. They also tend to be more lightweight and easier to maneuver, which makes them a good option for smaller spaces. If you want to save even more money, a handheld vacuum may be a good choice for lighter cleaning duties. These vacuums are usually less expensive than other types and are great for quick cleanups or for reaching tight spaces.

Ultimately, the key to finding an affordable vacuum is to research and determine what features are important to you. You can find a vacuum that fits your needs without breaking the bank by considering your budget, your cleaning needs, and the various types of vacuums available.

Is Black Friday the best time to buy a vacuum?

According to Geoff Johnson, sales director of Roidmi, taking advantage of discount events such as Black Friday, Prime Day, and January sales to grab a deal on older or end-of-line models is a smart move. However, it's important to consider whether new and improved floor care features are on the horizon before purchasing. Also, keep in mind that prices may be artificially raised just before a sales event to make discounts appear more significant. 

You can head to our full guide to read more about the best time to buy a vacuum.

How much should you spend on a vacuum cleaner?

When shopping for a vacuum cleaner, if your budget is limited, you can almost certainly find a good-quality appliance during sales events like Black Friday. 

Laurie Billson, SDA and floorcare Marketing Manager for Miele says: when choosing a vacuum cleaner, it is important to consider whether you want a corded or cordless model. You should also check whether it comes with attachments or has the flexibility to meet all your cleaning needs. If you have pets, it is recommended that you invest in a model with a floorhead specifically designed to pick up pet hair. If you opt for a cordless model, make sure to check the battery run time and if a separate battery can be purchased to extend its use.

For more advice on how much to spend on a new vacuum cleaner, head to our guide to how much vacuums cost.

Caroline Preece
Deputy Editor

Caroline is the Deputy Editor of Top Ten Reviews. Joining Future at the start of 2021, she has since served her time across all of the company’s home titles, including Real Homes, Ideal Home, Livingetc, and Homes & Gardens. Caroline has spent years testing out products for the home, which she trials in her cozy one-bedroom basement apartment in Suffolk, UK. She’s passionate about helping people choose the very best appliances, tech, and anything else that might make their lives easier, more cost-efficient, or just more fun.