Best vacuum cleaner under $200 – on top of the middle class

Vacuum cleaner prices vary widely, ranging from a hundred to more than a thousand dollars. Manufacturers will often attach unbelievably high price tags to some models claiming they are of higher quality. While there are products that become better with the price increase, it’s usually a different case with vacuuming machines. A costly model may perform poorly while a cheaper one can work superbly. So, is it advisable to buy an expensive vacuum? To answer that question, let’s look at why some manufacturers inflate prices and why vacuums under a couple of hundreds will clean just as well.

As I will show you here, there are units that cost around $200 and that perform at the level of pricey ones, sometimes even better. You will see how it’s possible to get a vacuum under 200 dollars that has a decent suction power and maneuverability. Not only that, but one that can even steam, or convert from one vacuum type to another.

Top 11 vacuums under $200

Here’s a list with my favorite vacuum cleaners under 200 (or at least very close to this number, as the prices vary daily), updated in May, 2020:

Appearance	Product name	Price	Type	Weight	Suction Power	Warranty	Last updated
	Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away NV501	$184.95	Upright	15.5 lbs	240 AW	5 years	2020-05-28
	Shark Navigator Pet Pro	$211.49	Upright	16 lbs	240 AW	5 years	2020-05-28
	Shark Navigator LiftAway Deluxe NV360	$159.99	Upright	12.5 lbs	240 AW	5 years	2020-05-28
	Shark Navigator Zero-M	$234.49	Upright	13.4 lbs	180 AW	5 years	2020-05-28
	Shark ION F80	$319.90	Cordless	8.7 lbs	130 AW	5 years	2020-05-28
	Oreck Commercial U2000RB1	$179.99	Upright	9.1 lbs	180 AW	1 year	2020-05-28
	Bissell PowerGlide Pet Hair	$159.99	Upright	17 lbs	200 AW	5 years	2020-05-28
	Hoover Power Drive Bagless UH74210PC	$149.99	Upright	16 lbs	210 AW	3 years	2020-05-28
	Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max Performance	$149.00	Upright	18 lbs	240 AW	5 years	2020-05-28
	Eureka NEU202 PowerSpeed	$144.99	Upright	10.1 lbs	180 AW	2 years	2020-05-28
	MOOSOO Cordless Vacuum Cleaner	$159.99	Cordless	2.84 lbs	100 AW	2 years	2020-05-28

When buying a vacuum, many people use price to gauge quality. Vacuum companies know that all too well, so they increase the cost of almost every new series. The truth is, higher price tags shouldn’t mean better quality, at least not always. Granted, expensive models often have more features, components, and an array of accessories. Some may even look more stylish in the way they’re designed.

However, there’s one thing vacuum companies won’t reveal to you – that a majority of the extras do not increase the effectiveness of the vacuum. Some are just there for visual appeal, other unnecessary add-ons. It’s the reason why two vacuums, one high-end and another low-priced, will have similar suction levels, filtration, and different abilities. Sometimes, a budget vacuum will be more usable than the price model, seeing that it comes with fewer controls and settings.

But does that mean that you should choose the cheapest vacuum models? Not at all. While high prices are mostly just rip-offs, I wouldn’t advise you to choose the lowest priced vacuum either. There’s something about quality issues when it comes to cheap products. Instead, I would recommend mid-range prices. This is where you will find an excellent vacuum cleaner that doesn’t strain your budget. Many mid-priced models offer impressive cleaning abilities. Some even perform better than most costly models.

And no, it isn’t about whether you can afford it or not. There’s always that reason to save on the money you spend on purchases, regardless of whether you can afford the price or not. It’s about being prudent with your investments. Most of the expensive vacuums on the market are popular brands. Less known companies sell their vacuums for much less but without lowering quality. Still, you can opt to purchase a famous brand, but the low price model. That’s what most people are doing today, as you will see in the following sections.

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Why do mid-price vacuums make the best bet?

As you can see from the graph I’ve built myself, based on a survey I’ve conducted offline, most consumers are shopping for mid-level appliances. What I’ve got is not an average bell-shaped Gaussian distribution, but it gets pretty close to that:

From the research I conducted both online and offline, it appears that most buyers are going for mid-level vacuums. Why? It could be that people just realized that low-cost machines are also capable of efficient vacuuming. So they’re learning to be more prudent and basing choices on cleaning requirements rather than price tags. Or, they may have come across a friend or relative who bought an expensive vacuum but which ended up performing horribly. If you’re planning to get a vacuum cleaner, you may want to go for a low-cost machine that’s within your budget yet suitable for your needs. Whichever model you go for, here are some of the reasons why you can’t get it wrong with a vacuum under 200.

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Common features

Statistics indicate that many buyers are going for moderately priced models. There’s a reason for that. Such vacuums often come with all the essential features and capabilities, leaving out the unnecessary additions. Let’s discuss these here in more detail.

Many mid-level uprights are commonly heavy, so it is necessary to have a sound steering system that will help you guide the product to those hard to reach places. One good feature you can find in most models listed bellow is the swivel steering capability. Another feature you may get within this budget is suction power adjustment. This ensures that you get all the dust and fine debris from both your bare floors and carpeted areas.

One good idea is to buy a vacuum cleaner with a brushroll that can be turned on or off, depending on the surface you are working on. Some of my top picks also come with an extensive set of attachments that can handle various areas, not only flooring. Speaking of attachments, some mid-level vacuum cleaners even offer a pet hairbrush to help you with all those stubborn pet hairs (such as the Pet TurboEraser tool from Bissell PowerGlide). Such features are not commonly found in vacuums under 100 dollars.

In an effort to increase the usability of their products, many brands offer particular features, such as comfortable grip handles or very long electrical cords. A 40 ft. power cord (which you can get with the Oreck Commercial) ensures that you have a large cleaning radius, with plenty of distance between the power outlet and the vacuuming unit. LED headlights work well with dark places, and you can get these for 200 bucks or more (see Shark models).

Another excellent reason to purchase mid-level vacuum cleaners is their ability to conserve space. Although some machines are bulky, they have features that will help significantly in utilizing storage space. Such features include wall mounts and docking stations.

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Some features in costly vacuums may not be of much use

You may have heard about overly priced vacuums that performed poorly, or about owners who could not find any use for some of the features on their machines. Before making a purchase, it’s good to understand that some functionalities are just cosmetic and don’t add to the performance of the device. All vacs will usually come with the basic features expected of floor cleaning machines. Depending on your needs, the only features you may want to consider are the ones that affect the vacuum’s efficiency, such as suction power, design, head size, ease of use, and so on.

Most mid-level vacuums come with adequate power to lift dirt off a variety off floors, are not overly bulky, and only feature the necessary attachments. If your home isn’t a high traffic one, or if the floor is easy to clean, you may not need the extra power and features of higher-priced models. Also, if you don’t have pets in the house and stuck hair or pet mess isn’t a problem.

Here are the main reasons to choose a mid-level vacuum cleaner:

Great Savings

Buying a budget vacuum saves you a considerable amount of money. The good thing is that you will not miss a lot – just the cosmetic additions that characterize expensive models. There are even situations where cheaper vacuums perform better, especially if you choose your brand and features well. You can put the extra cash into good use, perhaps even to purchase an extra vacuum for specific needs – a handheld for quick clean-ups, for example.

Mid-price vacuums perform well

While they may not have the extra features expensive vacuums are hyped to come with; budget models clean just as well. Often, what matters is that a vacuum cleaner can suck up dirt efficiently; it’s only a clean floor you want, after all. If your vacuum can work on a variety of floors and excellent results, that could be all you need. The other fancy functionalities are not worth paying dearly for. Besides, they may cause the machine to be more challenging to operate.

Budget vacuums are less costly to repair or replace

Your vacuum will eventually break down regardless of the amount of money you paid to acquire it. A pricey model will cost more to fix compared to a vacuum under 200 whose parts would be easy to obtain. It would also pain more if you had to replace a damaged vacuum that cost you several hundreds of dollars than if you had to discard a budget one. Because you cannot tell how long your new vac will last, it’s always advisable to choose a model that will not be hard to replace or one that will not cost you a lot of money to just repair. Mid-level vacs make the best choice; they serve you better, and for long, plus, they will not cost you a lot to fix or replace.

You can own more than one

While most vacuums are marketed as do-it-alls, the fact is that they often don’t perform as well as dedicated vacuums for specific tasks. You may find them unsatisfactory if you have a more demanding need, which would require you to buy a specialized vacuum for each type of flooring. Because of their low price, you can own several of the mid-level vacuums for your different cleaning needs. You can get one for your carpet, another for your hard floor, and another for removing pet hair. And all at a cost that equals the price of an expensive do-it-all vacuum.

They have the same level of filtration as the expensive ones

A vacuum under $200 usually comes with a HEPA filter. The high filtration is essential if there’s a family member who suffers from seasonal allergies. HEPA filters ensure allergens don’t pass through the vacuum to return to the air in your home after being sucked up. When buying your budget vacuum, ensure the filtration is truly high. Look out for indicative terms like “Certified HEPA”, or “True HEPA”, while avoiding terms like “HEPA quality” or ambiguous words like “HEPA-like”. Remember, vacuums under 100 are not likely to come with these types of filters.

While HEPA is the level of filtration to look for, do not forget about the body of the vacuum, that does not have to have openings. The vacuum should be a sealed system to prevent allergens from escaping. You don’t need to pay dearly for this feature, either. Most mid-range models are sealed units. However, you need to confirm that before making a purchase.

They are generally quieter

A vacuum mid-price vacuum won’t run many parts or have a big motor. The result is that it won’t produce much noise. Levels will range from 60 to 70 dB, which is tolerable. It means you will hear the ringing of your phone or doorbell while going about your cleaning work. This makes these vacuums a good choice if you want a machine that’s quiet enough but still cleans efficiently.

Budget vacuums are adequately durable

Despite their low price, mid-level vacs will last for long. They’re usually constructed from sturdy materials that feature a level of stability comparable to that of expensive ones. Often, manufacturers increase the price of new models for added features or functionalities, and rarely for increased lifespan. When buying your vacuum under 200 dollars, ensure it’s made to be durable by looking out for the following:

• Smooth and flawless finish and edges
• Parts that fit well with a solid feel
• Components that open and close with a solid click and with ease
• Properly sealed edges
• A decent length for the warranty

They usually have large enough dirt bins

The capacity of a vacuum’s bin is important. It determines the number of times you’ve to stop the vacuum from emptying it. If you have a large home or if there’s high traffic, a small bin can be frustrating. Mid-level vacuums usually have a bin that can store an amount of dirt and debris that’s no different from that of an expensive model. You will, therefore, get an adequate capacity for vacuumed dirt without breaking the bank for it.

Fewer Costs to Maintain

Vacuum parts, especially the moving ones, are prone to breaking down. When you have an expensive vacuum, it means higher costs to replace broken components. Sometimes, the parts may not even be available locally. You don’t experience that with a low-cost vacuum. Every component will be affordable. Available too, even at your local store. Besides the costs to buy spares, the amount you pay a technician to fix a broken vacuum usually varies according to its purchase price.

Decent Lifespan

Because both the high-end and budget vacuums are made from the same materials, none will be more durable than the other. Modern vacuums feature plastics parts and only a few that are metal. Motors come with different lifespans, though, which can make a difference between a high-cost vacuum and a cheap one. However, moderate price models usually use durable body parts and motors. And if they’re cordless, long-life batteries. The filters are also usually washable and reusable.

$200 Vacuums come with the necessary attachments

While you may not need all the extra tools or attachments those pricey vacuums come with, the less expensive ones usually feature cleaning tools that are most necessary. They include pet hair removing brushes or crevice tools. It means guaranteed efficiency but at a lower cost.

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What to look for when buying a vacuum under $200

The best vacuum under 200 dollars will come with almost every feature needed for the cleaning needs of any home. However, not all models will have functionalities, plus different manufacturers will have different ideas for the various vacuuming requirements. Knowing what to look for would provide you with a clearer picture and result in a better decision. Here are some things to consider.

Suction Power

Suction is what lifts dirt and debris off surfaces and into the vacuum. Low suction can mean a vacuum that leaves streaks of dirt or one that cannot remove stuck debris. On carpets, a low-power vacuum would be useless. It will not remove debris that’s stuck in the depths of the pile. For better cleaning results, choose a model whose suction is adequate for your type of floors. A high-power vacuum suits a heavily carpeted home. The fibers need a strong airflow to dislodge the dirt embedded in them. Carpets also tend to harbor a lot more debris than hard floors. They require powerful cleaning devices, while bare floors need moderate suction.

Ease of use

A vacuum’s ease of use is one of the most critical factors when choosing a cleaning device for $200 or less. You don’t want an appliance that you struggle to use or one that members of your family don’t find to user-friendly. Many features can make a vacuum to be usable. Low weight, for example. Depending on the type of vacuum, choose a model that you will not have to haul around.

For a vacuum that will be effortless to maneuver, a fully swiveling neck is a necessity. Choose a vacuum whose nozzle lies low enough to go under furniture. Accessible controls allow you to press buttons on the go. Prefer a vacuum that comes with settings for cleaning power, brush roll control, and others on the handle.  Other features to consider include maintenance requirements. A self-cleaning brush roll is better than one that you have to take out to clean.

While still on the level of usability, comfort is an essential factor. Choose a vacuum that provides a comfortable and firm grip. You can easily tell a handle that was designed with ergonomics in mind. You need that type of handle, especially if you will be using the vacuum for extended periods. Avoid cleaning devices that force you to bend too much. They can cause you back problems if you use them for long hours.

A dust bin that’s easy to empty makes a vacuum usable. Choose a dust cup that can be detached- and easily at the touch of a button or a twist of the assembly. To discard dirt, some vacuums use a button that opens a bottom lid. It’s one of the best mechanisms to ensure you don’t soil your hands when emptying your vacuum. You want to ensure that in the model you intend to buy.

Some vacuums come with wall mounts for storage. If space is a problem, consider such features. Some can stand on their own. They are the easiest to store as you can leave them in the corner of a room, on the floor. Small-sized vacuums fit in most spaces, including tight ones such as shelves and closets. Choose compact models, especially if looking for an average vacuum to clean small spaces.

Apart from storing the vacuum itself, the accessories that come with it need to be kept in a secure and accessible place. You don’t want to lose them or spend time looking for an attachment that you need to use urgently. Vacuums that use onboard storage for tools and attachments are more convenient to use. Others come with a hook that you can mount on the wall. When looking for a vacuum to buy, these storage methods are worth considering.

Grip and height comfort

The level of comfort you achieve with your vacuum is important. It will determine the length of time you can operate it without feeling a numbness in the hands or pain in the wrists. Not all vacuums come with a grip that’s easy on your hands. You need to look closely to determine how ergonomic the handle is. Look, too, for a vacuum that will not require you to bend, especially if you have a problem with your back.

Adjustable suction

You will likely need to use your vacuum cleaner on different surfaces. You will, therefore, need a model that transitions from a hard floor to carpet easily. Also, one that allows you to adjust the power at which it sucks up dirt to suit the different situations. The ability to change suction power also means effective cleaning of the hard-to-remove messes.

Other than cleaning power, adjustable suction is an important factor to consider. Some floor types cannot withstand high suction. It can lead to damage, especially if the flooring is the delicate kind, such as hardwood. If you have carpets and hard surfaces to clean, being able to control suction is a necessity. It allows you to move from carpets to sensitive surfaces without worrying about damage.

Adjustable suction also lets you clean different messes with the required level of airflow. You get to use low power when the debris is light and high-speed setting when removing stuck or heavy debris. Some vacuums come with a rotary dial for that, others touch buttons. It doesn’t matter, provided the controls are easy to access. Most are located on the handle. Choose a vacuum with such controls so you can adjust cleaning power on the go.

Ability to remove pet hair

This is essential if you have a pet in your home. You can not assume that every model will be efficient at sucking up all the pet hair it encounters. Some vacuums will come with attachments or a pet hairbrush, which helps to remove hair that’s stuck or is in hard-to-reach areas.

Safety attachments

Some budget vacuums come with accessories for specific cleaning needs. Requirements vary, so you will need to identify yours to decide what attachment you need. If you have a sensitive floor type such as hardwood, you would need to protect it by opting for a vacuum that offers a microfiber attachment.

Cord length

Choose a vacuum that features a power cord of decent length. You don’t want to unplug and replug the machine every time you move to another room. It’s tedious and time-consuming. Some models will come with a cord that’s as long as 40 feet, allowing for uninterrupted cleaning. I would advise that you choose a long enough cable so you don’t regret later when you cannot get your vacuum to reach various places without unplugging it.

Battery Cleaning Time

For cordless vacuums, the feature to consider is the battery’s runtime. Half an hour and above is enough to see you finish most cleaning tasks. If you can’t find a budget vacuum that cleans for that long, consider those with a removable battery. You will be able to extend the runtime considerably by buying a spare battery or two. Most vacuums in the $200 price range will have one of these features.

Ability to convert

Combo vacuums can transform from one type to another, allowing you to accomplish different cleaning tasks. It’s their versatility that makes them a favorite with many buyers. These vacuums are also easier to maintain. The different vacuums the unit can transform into share the same filtration system, which means you will not service various components. It means fewer maintenance costs for the extra vacuuming capabilities. You may want to purchase a combo-vac and benefit from the additional utilities the units offer. You can choose a 2-in-1 or even a 3-in-1 depending on your cleaning requirements.

On and off brush roll

I would advise that you choose a model that comes with an on and off feature for the brush roll. This is because some floors such as hardwood may require that you stop the spin of the brush roll. In addition to adjusting suction, the on/off button allows you to stop the spinning brush when cleaning hard surfaces. It ensures sensitive flooring remains protected from the abrasive bristles and that dirt doesn’t fly around. When vacuuming carpets, switching on the brush enhances the cleaning action by helping to agitate debris. Having this capability in the vacuum you buy ensures you don’t need it later only to find it not available.

LED lights

There are times when you may need to use your vacuum in poor lighting. LED headlights would come in handy during such situations to help you carry out the cleaning with ease. Choose a model that features these lights. There are plenty of them for not more than $200, and you only need to pick the right one based on the other cleaning features.

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Best vacuum cleaners under $200 explained

Here are my favorite uprights, canisters, cordless vacuums, handhelds, and hybrids, which match the $200 price tag:

Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away NV501

The NV501 is usually a bit more expensive, but with the introduction of the latest NV752, the Shark Lift-Away is sometimes reduced to the upper limit of our targeted budget. Before I mention some key points of this vacuum cleaner, I’d like to remind you that I had already covered this model a while ago, so if you want the full story, make sure to check it out. If you’re in a hurry, here’s what you need to know:

• It uses cyclonic technology to protect its filters. Suction is not fading in time, as in the case of standard vacuum cleaners.
• It’s a 3-in-one system: an upright, a lift-away, and a canister (if used with the caddy).
• It’s bagless, with a large bin (0.775 gallons).
• HEPA filtration and Complete Seal Technology ensure nothing, but clean air gets out of this baby.
• It comes with lots of attachments: a premium pet power brush, a dusting brush, a crevice tool, a wide pet upholstery tool, and a straight suction nozzle.
• The brushroll can be turned on or off.
• It’s quiet enough to enjoy it.
• It has a 5-year warranty.

Shark Navigator Pet Pro

The Pet Pro is Shark’s latest upright from the Navigator family. These vacuum cleaners are sturdy, powerful, and efficient. They have large bins and good filtration. They offer a great price/quality ration. That is why you see so many Navigators in this top. Pet Pro is a model that comes with the following perks:

• Large 0.8 gallons bin
• 16 lbs, a bit heavy (considering there is not LiftAway)
• Zero-M anti-tangle technology
• Powerful suction measured by me at 240 AW, made available by an 1150 watts / 9.5 amps motor
• 12″ cleaning path
• Complete Anti-Allergen Seal and HEPA filtration
• Decent cord length (25 ft) + a 12 ft hose sum up to a cleaning radius of 37 ft, more than enough for most mid-sized US homes
• 3 attachments: a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, and a dusting brush
• 5 years of warranty
• Awesome price, just above the threshold

Shark Navigator Professional NV360

The Navigator NV360 is another Shark model praised by many. I am often asked to compare it with the Rotator. Although it is a less expensive model, it is still a very good machine. Being cheaper didn’t prevent Shark from deploying their best:

• It’s a 2-in-1 machine, featuring a lift-away pod. You can take this pod away and use it anywhere you like (stairs, car, and so on)
• The cyclonic technology ensures you never lose suction.
• Filters 99.9% airborne particle bigger than 0.3 microns, thanks to the HEPA + Anti-Allergen Complete Seal.
• Accessories included: Pet Power Brush, Dusting Brush, and a 5.5-inch Crevice Tool.
• It has a very large bin.
• Swivel steering.
• 25 ft. of power cord.
• Cleaning path of 9.5 inches.
• It is approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute for all carpet types.
• With a 5-year warranty.
• Make sure you check out this Shark Navigator offer.

Shark Navigator Zero-M

This model has the LiftAway setup, as well as the anti-tangle tech. It’s a perfect blend between the Pet Pro and the Professional NV360. What’s even more interesting about this upright is that although it is lighter than the previous models, it can accommodate a lot of debris in its spacious bin. Here’re some details:

• It’s a Lift-Away, with a pod weighing less than 7 lbs. The whole machine only weighs 13 lbs, which is great for a full-sized upright. This means it can be used by people with back problems, kids, or elders.
• 25 ft of a power cord
• Large bin
• Depending on which model you buy, you’ll get a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, and a hair removal tool
• Powerful suction, rated at 180 AW
• Perfect for cleaning stairs, hard floors, and low-pile carpets
• It’s completely sealed and features a HEPA filter. You and your loved ones will be protected by allergens and other airborne particles.
• With a cost in the focused ballpark

Shark ION F80

One of the best cordless vacuum cleaners you can get, just slightly above the focused budget, comes from Shark and it’s titled the ION F80. This is already a hit, one of the most successful Shark models on the market. F80 comes with the proprietary DuoClean technology. Long story short, it can suck. This happens thanks to a 25V battery which lasts around 10-40 minutes (depending on the cleaning mode) and recharges in around 3h. The best thing about the battery, however, is that it’s replaceable. The package already contains 2 batteries which can be used consecutively, thus increasing the autonomy to 20 mins (Boost Mode) / 120 mins (Standard Mode). If you have a bigger home, my advice for you is to buy an additional battery, which can be used during vacuuming if the firsts ones get depleted. By the way, you can check the status of the battery at any time by looking at the power indication.

One the downsides, the dust bin is pretty slim at 0.3 dry quarts. The filters are not its strongest point but are washable and pretty decent. The weight is 8.7 lbs, a bit much for a cordless.

Shark offers a 5-year limited warranty for both the vacuum and its battery & recharger. The price of this machine dropped a lot (almost 50%) since the first models were introduced.

Oreck Commercial U2000RB1

When it comes to Oreck’s, I always appreciated their Commercial line of uprights. I was positively impressed by their XL2100RHS. But the U2000RB1 is even better. For starters, the 6500 rpm high-speed motor is powerful and reliable. And that’s just the beginning, let’s see what else is there for us:

• Classic design
• LEED Compliant
• The Endurolife permanent belt is guaranteed to last decades.
• 40 ft. of power cord allows you to cover more floors. And the usability features don’t stop here: you’ll get a low profile design backed by two side edge brushes, surrounded by a strip of the non-marring bumper which is meant to protect furniture pieces.
• It’s lightweight, at only 9.1 lbs.
• The bags are humongous (2.75 gallons). At almost $4/piece (/pack of 8), you can get hypo-allergenic bags with 4-layers of Celoc Charcoal.
• It comes with a 1-year warranty (5 years for the belt).
• It is built in the USA
• At the moment, it’s being sold with a nice discount.

Bissell PowerGlide Pet Hair

I really like what Bissell made with this vacuum cleaner. A while ago, I made a complete review of an older version of the Bissell PowerGlide. Now I’ll just cover the key points of this new one:

• It comes with one of the most advanced cyclonic technology, with 9 cyclones circularly disposed to accommodate the SuctionChannel technology, which ensures edge to edge suction.
• The air filtration is ensured by a washable multi-level filter. Not the HEPA filtration we were expecting, but still pretty good.
• Has a redesigned brushroll which works well on both carpets and hard floors.
• It’s bagless, with a medium-sized bin of 0.26 gallons, a little less than the average bagless upright.
• Has an on/off brushroll button so that you can clean both bare floors and carpeted areas.
• It weighs 17 lbs. and come with 27 ft. of power cord.
• The electric TurboEraser tool helps you tackle pet hair. The unit also comes with a crevice tool and an expandable hose.
• It has a 5-year warranty.
• Well under our budget – this unit has a great price/quality ratio.

Hoover Power Drive Bagless UH74210PC

I’m fully aware that this Hoover is like a mouth of fresh air for your budget. This is a wonderful vacuum cleaner, which is worth every penny and which definitely deserves a spot on my $200 list. Here’s why:

• Great futuristic look
• Pretty compact full-sized upright
• You can turn on or off the brushroll
• Intuitive swivel steering
• A quick-release wand allows you to reach up 13 ft in any direction
• Completely sealed and with a HEPA filter
• Automatic height adjustment
• 30 ft of a power cord
• 12.5 inches nozzle
• It has a powerful 1320 W /11 amps motor which provides strong suction. The airflow travels through an aluminum telescopic wand to reach the bin. Thanks to state-of-the-art tech, the unit maintains a consistent airflow.
• See what others have to say about this upright

Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max Performance

The Max Performance product name means just that – it delivers the ultimate cleaning performance. This model was built over the years of experience resulted from the first series of WindTunnel uprights. The result is a vacuum that excels in many chapters:

• HEPA filtration
• 15 ft long reach with the hose, wand and other attachments
• Speaking of attachments, it comes with a solid set: a pet turbo tool, a pivoting dusting tool, a crevice tool, and an extension wand
• You can switch from hard floors to carpets with a touch of a button, thanks to its multi-floor nozzle
• Extra-wide 15 inches nozzle.
• 30 ft power cord
• A bit heavy at 18 lbs
• 7 levels of height adjustment
• A 5-years warranty
• I’ve found a good deal for this product

Eureka NEU202 PowerSpeed

If you made it this far, that means you’re into a powerful lightweight corded vacuum cleaner. That’s the exact feature sheet of the latest Eureka PowerSpeed, the NEU202. PowerSpeed models are known t this upright outperforms most of them. Here’s what you’ll get with this unit:

• a great looking 12.3 lbs. purple unit with a powerful motor that produces enough suction to please even the pickiest people
• 25 ft of power cord that automatically retracts when needed, a feature that is not common to even more expensive uprights
• 5 levels of height adjustment
• a wide nozzle measuring 12.6 inches
• a bin that can store 1 gallon of debris
• a good set of accessories: a crevice tool, a dusting brush, an upholstery tool, and a pet tool
• powerful LED lights
• 2 years of limited warranty.
• A very good price point

MOOSOO K17

MOOSOO cordless vacuum cleaners are relatively unknown to the US market. However, the K17 model launched a year ago and already registered a great success. This cordless vacuum is a great performer and unlike other premium Chinese cordless vacuums, it’s not way over our budget; in fact, it’s just slightly above $100. Here are some of its highlights:

• weight and incredible 3 lbs
• 10 inches cleaning path
• powerful brushless motor, delivering up to 17 kPa
• decent autonomy, raging between 15 and 30 minutes (with 4 hours charging time)
• HEPA filtration
• 13.5 oz bin capacity
• operates quietly at a maximum of 70 dB
• great set of accessories: a charging base + wall mount, a 2-in-1 cleaning brush, a 2-in-1 square brush, a crevice tool, a flexible hose, and a mini-motorized head
• It comes with a 2-year warranty and a price that matches our budget.

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Final Thoughts

Contrary to what you may have thought all along, you do not need to spend a fortune to get a quality vacuum. There are many mid-level machines that come with features meant to make your cleaning easy and efficient. With a few considerations, you can find a vacuum under 200 that fully meets your cleaning requirements. Use the ones in my list of $200 vacuums to start you off. I selected them based on the features you will find necessary for the cleaning of a wide range of floors and will save you from spending a huge amount of money on a vacuum. Start by identifying your cleaning needs. These include considerations like if you have pets, multiple floors, allergy problems, and more. Next, determine features that match your home’s cleaning needs, such as self-cleaning brush roll, quiet operation, variable suction, and others. Use those points as the guide to find the best inexpensive vacuum.

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Jason Roberts

Founder and executive reviewer at Vacuums Guide

I'm Jason Moe Roberts, an appliances expert and blogger. I've worked at Walmart for more than 15 years, in the house appliance department. I love to use home equipment and I spend a lot of time testing the best products and reviewing them. My family and friends also recommend me as a caring person, a great dad and a loving husband.

Latest posts by Jason Roberts (see all)

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