From the 75 vacuums we've tested here at Homes & Gardens, one thing we've learned is: budget vacuum cleaners rarely get the job done, but there is one brand that's an exception, and two of our favorite models are now on sale.
Ultenic is the only budget vacuum brand that I can confidently recommend. The Ultenic U12 Vesla is on offer for just $129.99, and the more advanced Ultenic U16 Flex is on offer for $179.99. These affordable vacuums clean impressively well, and come with features that are in the same league as other vacuums that cost three times as much.
These are two of the best Dyson alternatives we've ever tested, and there isn't a single better budget vacuum out there at this price point, especially now that they're discounted for a short time only. You'll want to act fast on this one.
Ultenic U12 Vesla | was $219.99, now $129.99 at Ultenic (save $90)
The U12 Vesla is the first budget vacuum we tested at Homes & Gardens that we felt confident recommending to consumers. Its strong cleaning and useful features are perfect for small homes and hard floors.
Read more in our full Ultenic U12 Vesla review.View Deal
Ultenic U16 Flex | was $219.99, now $179.99 at Ultenic (save $40)
The U16 Flex surpasses the U12 Vesla's cleaning power, and on test it cleared small powders, large debris and pet hair much faster. It's honestly a breeze to use, especially with its bendable wand that reaches under furniture for you.
Read more in my full Ultenic U16 Flex review.View Deal
Why I swear by Ultenic's budget vacuums
One of the most incredible features of Ultenic's affordable vacuums is the green laser light. Just like the best Dyson vacuums, it illuminates dust, debris and hair that your eyes normally can't pick up, showing truly whether the floor is completely clean.
And similar to the best Shark vacuums, the Ultenic U16 Flex bends at the wand allowing you to clean under furniture without straining your back:
During testing, both the U16 Flex and the U12 Vesla seriously impressed us. Up until these two vacuums, we had never reviewed any below $200 that could actually clean our floors.
But when talking about value for money, the Ultenics are now two of the best cordless vacuums out there. They can easily clean hard floors, furniture and rugs, and they're some of the best lightweight vacuums if you're looking for easy, agile cleaning.
Granted, they're not as powerful as the best we've ever tested (enter: the Dyson V15 Detect), and if your home has a lot of carpet, these won't be the best options. But if your home has mostly hard floors, as many modern homes do, a discounted Ultenic might just be all you need.
Buy the Ultenic U16 Flex or the Ultenic U12 Vesla, on offer at Ultenic.
What to shop
Not quite what you're looking for? Spend a little extra and you can take home one of the most powerful cordless vacuums on the market.
Another great affordable pick
Only a little more expensive than the Ultenic U16 Flex, this is one of Bissell's most affordable models. Although it's by no means perfect, it's still worth considering for light cleaning across your home, perhaps paired with one of the best robot vacuums.
Read more in our full Bissell CleanView XR Pet 300W review.
One of our favorites
The latest cordless stick from Shark boasts some of the most thorough cleaning in any cordless vacuum we've tested, deep cleaning hard floors and carpets easily. Like the Ultenics, it has a flexible wand for more mobility when cleaning. You can also enjoy a 10% discount if you sign up to Shark's newsletter, saving yourself $45.
Read more in our full Shark Cordless PowerDetect review.
The best
If you're prepared to splash out, you won't find better cordless cleaning than the Dyson V15 Detect. It completely banishes dust, dirt and hair from even the thickest of carpets, and as the green laser clearly illuminates any remaining dust, you can see that nothing is ever left behind.
Read more in my full Dyson V15 Detect review.
For more expert advice from our vacuum tests, check out our guides to the best vacuums for pet hair and the best vacuums for carpet.