A vacuum cleaner is an essential household cleaning appliance. However, they can be quite pricey.
So you're probably looking for wallet-friendly options without missing out on important features.
To help you make sense of the endless number of reviews and options available, here's our list of the best budget vacuum cleaners in the market. We’ve covered a wide range of vacuum cleaners, reviewing them based on the type -- robot vacuum, cordless, etc. and function, for example, a vacuum for pet hair.
How to Choose the Right Type of Budget Vacuum:
Thanks to the advancement of technology, these days budget vacuums can just be as powerful as their corded variants. But with so many available in the market, it's important to know which one suits you as each has its own set of pros and cons.
Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of each vacuum type + which one is the right one for you in terms of sticking to your budget:
Stick vacuums
These types are some of the most flexible, full-fledged vacuum cleaners for your house. In the past, most were only able to have a runtime of only up to 20 minutes. Today, say if you have a budget of between RM250 to RM400, you can aim to find a cordless vacuum that'll give you a minimum of 40 minutes runtime. In our test, that's at least 1000 square feet worth of space coverage.
Pros:
- Easy to manoeuvre around with. Most are lightweight between 1.5kg to 2.5kg. They are ideal for quick or regular cleanups and hard-to-reach areas.
- Many are available with several attachments, such as crevice tools, which makes them versatile and adaptable to different cleaning needs. Aim for those that come with at least a crevice and dust mite tool if possible.
- They are better suited for house cleaning and sometimes car cleaning when compared to a small handheld vacuum
Cons:
- Decent suction strength is compared to upright or canister vacuums. Therefore, they are not as effective at cleaning heavily soiled or high-pile carpets. This will depend on suction efficiency which can be affected by design and motor.
- Their dustbin capacity usually ranges from 0.5ml to under 1L. Compared to canister vacuums which have 1L worth, cordless vacuums need to be emptied more frequently.
Handheld vacuums
You will want to go for these types if your main priority is to vacuum tight spaces such as your work desk, cupboard and car. Most options in the market will typically offer 20 to 30 minutes' worth of runtime. However, many new ones do recommend not running the vacuum past 30 minutes as it can lead to quick damage to the motor.
Overall, you can aim to look for a good handheld small vacuum between RM50 - 80 in Malaysia.
Pros:
- The most obvious reason to go for them would be their small and lightweight design. You can easily store them in your car or even your bag if possible.
- They are best for quick cleanups or spot cleaning in small areas such as cars, stairs, and upholstery.
- Due to their affordability, it's easy for everyone to get a good one.
Cons:
- As they are usually small in size, their motors may not be strong enough for deep cleaning.
- Their smaller dustbin capacity means they need to be emptied more frequently.
- With their shorter runtime than most vacuums, they will need to be recharged often (counter this by going for vacuums with modern charging methods such as via USB car port).
Corded & Canister Vacuums
A product born from the previous decades; corded and canister vacuums require a power outlet and a power cord to function. If you would like a product for deep cleaning once in a while or for professional purposes, these vacuums often give the best suction power and are flexible in deep cleaning multiple surfaces such as hard floors and carpeted areas. They also offer the most value-for-money factor when it comes to power.
The only reason to not go for them is if you want to do quick cleaning often as these vacuums can be difficult and tiring to move around with. Strategising is key when it comes to cleaning using these vacuums due to the length of their cords and the weight of the products which limits mobility.
Pros:
- You can easily budget for a powerful vacuum in this category. Compared to cordless variants, you can easily get a good one below RM400.
- Corded and canister vacuums typically have stronger suction power than cordless vacuums, making them more effective at cleaning multiple surfaces including upholstery.
- Unlike cordless vacuums, you do not need to worry about limited runtime. Runtime is usually important due to the fact that you may be influenced to clean faster (and thus, being less detailed) in order to reach that runtime window.
- Most have quite a large dustbin capacity than cordless vacuums, which means you can clean more before needing to empty the bin.
Cons:
- Due to their corded feature, they have more limited mobility means it can take you quite some time to clean + figure out how to reach areas that are far from the plug.
- Especially for canister vacuums; they are usually bulkier. Together with the cord, it can weigh down your wrist energy and cause fatigue quickly.
Overall, aside from the pricing, each type of vacuum will depend on your specific cleaning needs and preferences. Together with our recommended budget mentioned and the pros and cons of each type, you should be able to easily identify which type of vacuum is the best for you.
How We Do Our Tests Here in Malaysia:
Just like every other Malaysian, we want to have the best value and of reasonable quality overall. While we might be willing to spend on a good product, what matters most is that they work reliably and for a good amount of time; enough to not annoy us into buying another too soon.
For a long time, we understood that numbers are not everything. Thus, everyone's opinions, thoughts and arguments are carefully considered when we curated our list here today.
At ProductNation, we've been privileged to use various vacuum cleaner types, whether at an event or in our family and friends' lives. We've also gotten the chance to review many vacuums. No matter what, we will always question everything about the product, from its design and pricing to its practicality and ease of use.
Specifically speaking, each product we were able to review for an extended period, goes through repetitive live tests at home or in our office, where mess is made daily. It is all of these collective experiences that helped us to recognise a good quality vacuum cleaner.
Some of our must-have features in a good vacuum cleaner? We place emphasis on the efficiency of the vacuum's suction, battery life and overall build quality.
Under our belt, we've managed to experience many vacuum cleaner brands in Malaysia, such as Xiaomi, Dyson, Corvan, Rusell Taylors, Airbot, Dreame and more.
Top 10 Budget Vacuum Cleaners in Malaysia
- Our Tried & Tested Choices
Table of Contents
Overview
Standing out among its competitors, the Airbot Hypersonics Pro has several powerful features up its sleeve. For starters, the cordless vacuum cleaner boasts 27000Pa of suction power, which works more effectively with the infrared sensor to adapt the motor power to the optimum level depending on the dust size. There’s a brush roller you can use to prevent suction loss for more efficiency points.
Speaking of efficiency, there are two modes you can choose– Eco and Boost– both with substantial running times, often not filling the large 0.8L dust cup capacity to its limits. Utilising a more advanced 6-Stage Cyclone Filter with HEPA, it can capture 99.97% of small duet particles ranging from 0.3 microns and above.
Details
- Suction power: Up to 27,000Pa
- Power: 110W ~ 240W (max)
- Operating time: 45 mins in Eco mode, 10-15 mins in Boost mode
- Battery capacity: 2200mAh Li-Ion
- Filter: E13 grade HEPA, remove 99.97% small dust particles
- Dust cup capacity: 0.8L
- Weight: 1.1kg
Who is this for?
The Airbot Hypersonics Pro, an improved version of its predecessor, delivers significant enhancements while maintaining a more budget-friendly price tag.
If you seek enhanced cleaning experience, the floor brush LED light, designed for eyes-friendly illumination, reveals dirt even in dim spaces, while the LED touch control panel allows for easier control inputs and more extensive information displays such as battery level, dust levels, and vacuum modes.
Overview
Car vacuums are underrated; if you try to use most full-fledged vacuums for cars, you'll understand how difficult it is to navigate between tight spaces. Not to mention, these vacuums sometimes don't give us satisfactory performance, are pretty bulky and, at most times, not great in terms of battery power.
While the Russell Taylors Cordless Vacuum Cleaner VC-22 isn't advertised as a car vacuum, it is small enough to use in your car and in your house. The VC-22 is designed to have 19000Pa suction power with a 45 minutes battery life. It also has a good 500ml bin capacity which means you won't need to empty it too often. With 2 speed modes available, the VC-22 is a promising portable vacuum you can use whenever and wherever.
Details
- Has a powerful 150-watt suction in MAX mode, sucking up dust, pet hairs on hardwood floor within minutes.
- Comes with a floor brush and a crevice tool for accessing small spaces
- Power: 130W
- Battery: 2200mAh ( Non Removable Battery )
- Rate Voltage: DC 22.2V
- Suction: 19Kpa
- Weight of Product: 2Kg
- Speed: 2 Speeds
- Cable: Wireless ( Rechargeable )
- Charge Time: 4-5 Hours ( Full Charged, Can use for 30 – 45 minutes )
- Plug: 2 Pin Plug
- Dust Container: 500ml
"In Our Experience" - Live ProductNation Review
At first glance, the VC-22 wouldn't be an obvious choice to have as a portable vacuum But largely due to its suction and decently durable build quality, the VC-22 is a worthy choice for most people. Although weighing 2kg, it's still light enough to use for a while and is easy to move around too.
Another plus point for Rusell Taylor is that they've made the VC-22 with an extendable hose to which you can attach the floor brush, enabling you to clean smaller spaces like your car comfortably or extend it to clean your floor. Note that the product is shorter than usual, so tall people might not find it as comfortable for the floor.
For its price, the vacuum's operating noise is alright. Not too annoying loud but definitely not quiet. It's also important to mention that the brush head doesn’t utilise microfibre material to trap dirt efficiently. Still, the suction is good enough to clear away most dirt.
Other features we liked were the point and shoot bin which makes it easy to throw away rubbish.
Who is this for?
For the 500ml bin size and 45 minutes of run time, you can keep it in your car for several short runs before you'll need to empty the bin and charge it again. Compared to other smaller or mini vacuums for cars, the VC-22 offers double the time usage. Thus, it is the main reason why we highly recommend it as a good portable vacuum if you want it to be budget-friendly.
Overview
The PerySmith Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Kaden Pro K3 Max is designed to be efficient from head to toe. In terms of suction as well as in intended use, it is powered with a smart inverter motor rated with 19000Pa suction as well as fitted with LED lights to see tiny debris.
Weighing 2.3kg, the K3 Pro is surprisingly easy to move and nice to swivel around with, helping to ease any wrist fatigue you might expect from it. Aside from its multi-stage HEPA filter which is entirely washable and can capture 99.5% of dust and mites, the vacuum also has a premium build quality, so rest assured that it can last you a few years. Everything's detachable too, making parts replacement easy as pie.
Details
- Rated Power: 120W - 250W Max
- Rate Voltage: 22.2V
- Charging Voltage: 220-240V ~ 50/60Hz
- Motor Speed: 76000 RPM
- Suction Power: 19,000 PA
- Packaging Weight: 2.38 kg
- Packaging Size: 685x125x275 (mm)
- Battery Type: Detachable Lithium-ion
- Operation Time: up to 45 mins
"In Our Experience" - Live ProductNation Review
For us, we were delighted to find that the product was easy to manoeuvre with, as it goes onto hard flooring pretty decently and smoothly. We could also say the same for its strong suction and 45 minutes battery life, which was consistent in our tests.
Something unexpectedly well and is just as important? Its parts were all easy to attach and detach despite the materials used feeling premium. Now that's a plus in our books when choosing a durable vacuum for your home. Not to forget, we found the LED lights at the motorised head brush to be of good illumination without being overpowerful; we could see little debris that would be difficult to notice.
Who is this for?
There's very little to complain about the Pro K3 Max vacuum. Overall, we highly recommend the vacuum for your home cleaning. If there's one thing we think you should consider before buying this, is that we find the filter to be tricky to clean.
While we appreciate its efficiency in clearing dust and dirt without triggering any allergies and sneezes, dust seems to get stuck in the filter. Is this a design flaw? We don't know. But it's a fault that you can easily overlook as long as you are consistent in clearing the 500ml bin after each use.
Overview
When you're looking to get a vacuum solely for cleaning up all the fallen hair and fur in your home, your vacuum cleaner's head brush should be a motorised one and equipped with hair detangle technology, if possible. This combination will cause any hair and fur to get sucked up directly instead of being trapped in between dust bunnies.
Bossman Kaden's Cordless Vacuum Pro K3 is fitted with a smart Inverter Motor that's aimed at optimizing airflow due to its ultrasonic welded airfoil blades which have an operating high speed of 76,000rpm. With those, the vacuum is able to generate a suction rating of 19,000pa, overall contributing to higher energy efficiency.
Other highlights like a motorised floor brush, 45 minutes run time, washable HEPA filter and various detachable brushes such as a crevice and dustmite tool are what make the Bossman Kaden Cordless Vacuum Pro K3 seemingly a worthy buy.
Details
- Suction power: 19,000 PA
- Motor RPM: Inverter, 76,000Rpm
- Power: 150W ~ 250W (max)
- Operation Time: Up to 45 Minutes
- Weight: 1.3kg (product only)
- Filter: Multi-stage, HEPA Filter with up to 99.5% filter efficiency
- Battery: 22.2V HD Lithium Ion Removeable Battery
"In Our Experience" - Live ProductNation Review
At first look and feel, this vacuum is built well and sturdy. We are confident that it can withstand some wear and tear. Because of its premium-like build, the product can feel heavier than expected.
When cleaning with it, the weight was still bearable, with the handheld part feeling comfortable to grip. Plus, weight was liberated thanks to the moving motorised floor brush which helps the vacuum to move forward. This, however, might make it difficult to attempt reverse vacuuming.
Thus, we won't be able to sing praises for its manoeuvrability. For some reason, while the nozzle's neck feels smooth if felt by hand, once the motorised brush hits the floor, movements felt unnatural.
For us, the light tool seems to be a tad too bright. At times, we couldn't see any left-out debris on the floor as well.
Other than those, we found the suction to be pretty good. Plus, it isn't too loud to clean with.
Who is this for?
Being one of the softer-sounding yet powerful vacuums, this vacuum is great for not just tackling long-hair cleaning but also for stubborn fur that might get caught in the legs of furniture. As you are able to detach the brush from its motorised head, you should be able to clean off trapped hair easily.
- Other Top Budget Vacuums in Malaysia To Consider
Overview
A 3-in-1 multifunctional machine, the Samu Giken RVCOB8(S) can sweep, mop, and vacuum. With 1200PA of suction power, it defeats all kinds of garbage stains and can be used on vinyl, marble, and tiled floors as well as carpets. For water stains and small dust debris, it has a large rag at the bottom to perform the job with ease.
Equipped with 360° seamless cleaning, the robot vacuum cleaner cleverly changes direction to avoid obstacles while doing rounds and can be controlled remotely via the SDJ application. Being ultra-thin, it can easily get the bottom of the bed, sofa and other dead corners with a larger cleaning coverage.
Details
- Suction power: 1200PA
- Power: 3W
- Operating time: 70 mins
- Charging time: 150-180 mins
- Noise: <40dB
- Weight: 565g
Who is this for?
With 70-100 minutes of battery life, its run time is pretty decent. Given that it isn’t as heavy-duty as its higher-end counterparts, it might not work as well on thick carpets. Nonetheless, it ticks nearly all boxes for a smart little housekeeper and its cleaning power is satisfactory especially given its price.
Overview
Bagless vacuum cleaners have been gaining popularity since they are easier to use, clean, and maintain as there is no need to replace any bags. The Midea MVC-V12K-GR Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is an example of one such vacuum cleaner. Built with a 5kg, lightweight body that’s compact and easy to manoeuvre, it glides across various surfaces, reaching even the most challenging corners.
With a robust suction power of 130W, it may not be designed for deep cleaning, but its performance is far from lacking. It has HEPA filters to help protect your house from harbouring dust particles and 1.5L capacity makes sure you have more than enough space for just one round of vacuuming.
Details
- Weight: 5kg
- Power: 1000W
- Suction power: 130W
- Operating time: 30 mins
- Cord length: 5m
Who is this for?
Although this bagless vacuum has a bulky appearance, many users have praised how lightweight it is, making it easier to manoeuvre around. You know it’s a keeper when it’s also eco-friendly, ensuring your bills do not exceed your budget.
Overview
Even more agile with a cordless design, this mini vacuum cleaner from Xiaomi is great to keep your home clean while on a budget, and it’s sure to reach every nook and cranny. It features a powerful brushless motor to tackle dirt with precision and offers two suction modes: strong and standard, which might come in handy depending on the cleaning task at hand.
Besides that, it incorporates a secure cup lock mechanism that prevents accidental openings, as well as a ABS hard dust shield to ensure that dust stays contained. Slimmer than a flask, you can place it anywhere, with a beautiful, unobtrusive design that might even go with your minimalistic home decor.
Details
- Weight: 500g
- Power: 120W
- Suction power: 1300PA
- Motor speed: 88,000rpm
- Run time: 30 minutes
Who is this for?
If you’re looking to try a vacuum cleaner for your desk or car, you can do so with the Xiaomi Mi Vacuum Cleaner Mini which comes with a crevice and brush nozzle, both of which can be used in combination.
The crevice nozzle is ideal for cleaning corners and other hard-to-reach areas, while the brush nozzle is good on keyboards and soft surfaces like sofas and car seats.
As expected, the vacuum's dust bin has a small capacity of 0.1 litres, filling up rapidly and requiring frequent emptying. That said, thankfully, the canister slides out effortlessly, making the task easy to handle.
Overview
Should you need a reliable vacuum cleaner that excels at cleaning large floor areas and goes easy on your back, this might be it. The MVC-Cyclone 60 has the maximum suction power of 8kPA, which is relatively good, and comes equipped with high-quality brush to remove more dust particles and hair from carpet.
Furthermore, it can be converted to a handheld stick vacuum cleaner so that you can easily clean fabric surfaces as well as tight spaces. This is supported by its crevice tool that effortlessly cleans small and tight places. However, do note that it’s quite heavy, which means that it’s better suited for cleaning floors.
Details
- Weight: 4kg
- Power: 120W
- Suction power: 8kPa (High speed), 4-5kPa (Low speed)
- Run time: 35 minutes
Who is this for?
Users say its build is of good quality and love how easy it is to handle. According to one review, its suction power is strong and the battery lasts longer despite fast charging. The only minor drawback noted is its noise level, which, while a bit loud, becomes acceptable once you're in the midst of using it.
Overview
Cylinder vacuums are usually bagless and upright, and they normally come in a transparent casing so you can see the dirt building up inside them. The Sharp 1.0L Bagless Vacuum Cleaner ECNS16, a cylinder vacuum, comes with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter that traps harmful particles like dust mites, smoke, pet dander, and pollen.
It’s also extremely easy to disconnect the dust tank and empty the contents; all you need to do is push a button. On the flip side, it has a rather small dust tank, with only a capacity of 1.0L. Thus, you’ll need to empty the dusk tank rather frequently.
Details
- Weight: 5.3kg
- Power: 1600W
- Cord length: 5m
- Power control: Yes (stepless)
Who is this for?
Users love its adjustable suction power and how easy it is to carry around while cleaning. According to reviews, it's not very noisy despite how powerful it is.
Overview
Boasting a capacity of 17L, this is the perfect vacuum for heavy-duty usage. It can handle demanding cleaning tasks for an extended time anywhere, such as outdoor areas and workshops, and is capable of efficiently picking up large volumes of liquid. With a power consumption of just 1000W, it's energy-efficient too.
The vacuum cleaner also comes with a floor nozzle (ideal for cleaning carpets and smooth surfaces) and a suction hose for effective cleaning. When vacuuming is not ideal, which is true for outdoors, there is a blowing function to supplement your cleaning process. Furthermore, its ergonomic carrying handle makes it easy to carry around.
Details
- Weight without accessories: 5.5kg
- Noise: 75dB
- Power: 1000W
- Suction power: 200 Air Watts
- Power cable: 4m
Who is this for?
The Karcher WD3’s high suction power and excellent cleaning performance have been praised by users. Besides, its "pull & push" lock system allows for easy opening and closing of the container. This vacuum provides multi-purpose cleaning and is good value for money.
FAQ:
- What are different types of budget vacuum cleaners?
When it comes to budget vacuum cleaners, the range of options isn't all that different from the choices you'll find in mid-range or high-end categories.
Just like their more expensive counterparts, budget vacuum cleaners offer a variety of models tailored to different cleaning needs. Meanwhile, high-end vacuums might boast additional bells and whistles, budget-friendly options often incorporate similar essential features, albeit in simpler designs and with fewer add-ons.
With that said, the common types include:
- Upright
- Canister
- Handheld
- Bagged (or bagless)
- Robot vacuum cleaner
Among them, handheld vacuum cleaners are typically the cheapest option. These portable and compact devices are designed for quick cleanups and small spaces, making them more affordable than larger upright or canister vacuum cleaners.
- Are budget vacuum cleaners worth considering?
Budget vacuum cleaners are definitely worth considering. While they might not come with all the flashy features, they are still incredibly effective at their primary job: cleaning.
Plus, it’s not everyday you’ll get to use it so why spend a fortune on unnecessary add-ons you might not really need?
In that regard, choosing the right budget vacuum cleaners is as important as making sure you don’t go above and beyond for the expensive ones. It’s about finding that sweet spot between practicality and cost-effectiveness.
- You want a vacuum cleaner that suits your specific cleaning needs, not those designed for heavy-duty use or specialised cleaning needs that the average homeowner just doesn't require.
- Some of the brands you might find worthy of your attention are Airbot, Midea, Khind and Sharp. Even within their budget range, they bring innovative designs and reliable performance.
- Then there’s Xiaomi and ILIFE, brands that often offer smart and affordable options, especially in the robotic vacuum cleaner category.
- What is the price range for budget vacuum cleaners?
- There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to this. But generally, budget vacuum cleaners could start from around RM150 to RM500 for basic models, such as handheld or entry-level stick vacuum cleaners.
- If you explore e-commerce platforms, you can find even lower prices, sometimes as affordable as RM50 to RM100.
- On that note, as tempting as it looks to have the ones lower than RM50, it’s not recommended to do so.
- Not only because the very low-priced models might compromise on essential features and build quality, but also because they can be counterfeit products.
- Counterfeits can potentially be dangerous and do not offer the same genuine experience as the brands they are counterfeited from.
- What to look for in a cheap vacuum cleaner?
If you’re looking for a vacuum cleaner but aren’t sure which one is best for you, think about the sort of flooring you have at home. This is because some vacuums are only good for certain types of floors, such as hardwood or laminate.
Besides, there is a range of vacuum cleaners for your every need, including robotic vacuums, upright vacuums, canister vacuums, stick vacuums, and portable vacuum cleaners. Every vacuum has a different application for each of them.
Apart from that, checking the product specifications such as features, noise, power, size, and filters can assist you in determining which vacuum is right for you. It would also be good to look out for ones with a warranty so you won’t have to worry should any technical difficulties pop up.
List of things to consider in a cheap vacuum cleaner:
- Battery life - Many budget vacuum cleaners will feature a battery life per charge of up to 40 minutes. So if you find something with a battery life beyond that, put that on your list.
- Bag vs Bagless - After researching, it turns out that this will be up to your preference. For those who are sensitive to allergens and dust, it's better to have a vacuum fitted with a bag.
- Filter - Most vacuums today are fitted with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. These filters have 99.97% efficiency and are considered the standard and best filters to have since they can filter microdust as small as 0.3 microns.
- Durability/Warranty - Vacuums shouldn't be something you want to skim on, to be honest. So at least have a budget model that can last you about 3 to 5 years of use. A good indicator of durability is the length of the warranty given.
- Noise level - If you'll be vacuuming often, it'll do you and your sanity good to get a vacuum with a tolerable noise level. Most vacuums will have a noise level of 70db (decibel; noise rating). Whereas good ones will go as low as 60db. To give you an idea, 60db would sound like a normal conversation in a restaurant whereas 70db is the sound of a shower.
- Attachments -
- How long should a vacuum last?
To be clear, vacuum cleaners do not last forever. You can regularly deep clean it, but eventually, you’ll have time to toss it out and buy a new one.
Vacuum cleaners have an average lifespan of eight years. Some will last a few years less, while others will endure for longer. Not only does the lifespan differ among brands but also depends on the usage and how well you maintain it.
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