The best affordable bagless uprights work well with just about any type of vacuumable debris (including pet hair) and floor type (including most carpets, wood, tiles, or anything else). And they should last at least five years without much maintenance (no new belts are required) and with minimal cost (the filters are washable, and these vacs don’t need bags).

On the most common types of flooring (like low- or mid-pile nylon carpeting and most bare floors), great bagless uprights in the $150 range work almost as well as the strongest overall vacuums, often for much less than half the cost. And compared with the total cheapo plug-ins, great bagless uprights last longer and often are easier to steer. Although they aren’t as convenient as cordless models, they cost less and usually clean better, too. They also tend to be better designed than canister vacuums at this price. Read more about the best upright vacuums here.

Consider an affordable bagless upright vacuum if:

You want quality on a budget: The good bagless upright vacs are reasonably priced, have no recurring costs, and should last for at least five years. Getting one is the best way to stretch your dollar when buying a vacuum cleaner.

Skip an affordable bagless upright vacuum if: