Need to know
- Our experts have reviewed more than 50 stick vacuums from popular brands such as Dyson, Hoover, Kmart, Miele and Bosch
- Our testing revealed cheaper models that performed well against models costing hundreds of dollars more
- We rate performance on key factors such as cleaning corners and edges, pet hair removal, noise and battery life
For those annoying little messes in life that don't require the heft of a barrel vacuum but do need more than a dustpan and broom, the stick vacuum tidily fills the void.
A high-end stick can cost more than $1500, but it's possible to get a great vac for not much cash
Some of them don't come cheap, though: a high-end stick can cost more than $1500. That's a lot when you consider that, for most homes, you'll also need a regular vacuum for deeper cleans in between the quick whip-arounds with your stick vac.
But it is possible to get a great vac for not much cash. Our experts will explain what you need to know about budget stick vacs, plus, exclusively for CHOICE members, we'll reveal which sticks will deliver the best clean for the least coin.
If you just want to get straight to the best products, you can jump to the results now.
How much should you spend on a stick vacuum?
With price tags ranging anywhere from $1000 or more for a top-of-the-line Dyson to less than $100 for some Kmart models, it's worth considering how much you're prepared to pay.
After all, not everyone can afford to spend a grand for what is essentially a dirt-sucking stick.
As technology has improved, prices have also increased: the median price of a stick vacuum is now $599
Just bear in mind that as stick vacuum technology has improved, prices have also increased: the median price of a stick vacuum is now $599, up from $299 five years ago.
The downsides of a cheaper stick vac
Almost all of the stick vacuums recommended by our experts cost $800 or more, so if you're on a budget you may need to resign yourself to a lower level of performance: a $250 stick vac won't necessarily deliver the same results as one of our recommended $1000+ models.
And if your budget stick vac has a problem or failure, it's often harder and much less cost effective to replace spare parts – if they're even available.
If you're on a budget you may need to resign yourself to a lower level of performance
Also, cordless stick vacs have rechargeable batteries, but with cheaper brands, they may not be removable, which means you can't replace the battery when it finally dies or stops holding a charge for long – once the battery is dead, the whole appliance becomes unusable.
Premium brands are more likely to have removable batteries, which means that when the battery reaches the end of its life you can just buy a new one instead of a whole new vacuum. Plus, you also have the option to buy a second battery to double your vacuuming time.
Bargains are possible if you do your research
It is possible to pick up a cheap stick vacuum that will do a pretty good job, but you need to shop carefully and keep your expectations in check.
We've tested many models that come in at significantly lower price points than premium brands, and some are better than others.
To help you find a stick vac that'll give you the best suck for your buck, we've compiled the best bargain buys under $250 based on our test results.
What to look for when buying a stick vacuum
Our testing team thoroughly measures the performance of stick vacs in a range of areas, including ability to suck up pet hair, manoeuvre into corners, and clean both hard floors and carpet.
When buying a stick vac, CHOICE vacuum expert Adrian Lini says to take special note of the cleaning head design and suction power, as many models do a poor job of cleaning carpet.
Our expert testers put more than 50 stick vacuums through their paces in our labs.
However, Adrian warns that this can also be true of the more expensive machines.
Even if you are spending at the lower end of the budget, it's worth taking a look at our stick vacuum reviews to get the dirt on the best and worst performers.
"Stick vacs in general are best for a quick and efficient house clean," says Adrian.
"If you only have hard floors, then a cheaper stick vacuum that performed well in our tests would be a satisfactory choice."
If you only have hard floors, a cheaper stick vacuum that performed well in our tests would be a satisfactory choice
Adrian Lini, CHOICE vacuum expert
Look for a model with a soft or fluffy roller attachment for hard floors: this will provide the best contact with the floor surface to suck up dirt, and will also help prevent damage to hard floors.
What are the best stick vacuums under $250?
If the convenience of a stick vacuum appeals, but you don't want to part with a lot of cash, check out these six options that represent the best performance for the least money.
We independently test and review dozens of new stick vacs each year in our onsite labs, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.
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