Best Upright Vacuums Under £100 UK

Why I Stopped Ignoring Budget Uprights

For years, I thought upright vacuums were one of those “buy cheap, buy twice” items. The big brands with £200+ price tags seemed like the only way to get proper suction and durability. But then I started noticing reviews — and hearing from friends and family — that some budget uprights were quietly doing the job just fine.

It made me rethink. Do you really need a premium machine for everyday mess? Or can a sub‑£100 upright handle muddy shoes, pet hair, and crumbs without falling apart? Turns out, a few models genuinely can.

This article isn’t about flashy extras or marketing hype. It’s about honest performance, what reviewers say, and what real households have found useful.

Why Upright Vacuums Still Matter

Cordless sticks and robot vacuums get all the attention, but uprights remain the backbone of UK cleaning. Here’s why:

Consistent suction: No battery fade halfway through the living room.
Bigger dust bins: Uprights hold more dirt, so you’re not emptying them every five minutes.
Carpet performance: Uprights dig deeper into fibres, which matters in UK homes where carpets are still common.
Value for money: You get more raw cleaning power per pound compared to most cordless sticks.

If you’ve got pets, kids, or just a busy household, an upright under £100 can still be the most practical choice.

What You Can Expect Under £100

Let’s be honest: you won’t get Dyson‑level engineering. But you will find:

600W–820W motors with strong suction.
Bagless designs with easy‑empty bins.
HEPA filters for allergy control.
Lightweight builds that don’t make stairs a workout.

The trade‑offs? Smaller dust bins, fewer accessories, and sometimes louder operation. But if you’re realistic, these machines punch above their price.

The Best Upright Vacuums Under £100

Vax Mach Air Upright Vacuum Cleaner (UCA1GEV1)

The Vax Mach Air is one of the most popular budget uprights in the UK. It’s lightweight but powerful, with multi‑cyclonic suction and a 1.5L dust bin. Reviewers consistently praise its carpet performance and long reach.

My mother has one in her semi‑detached, and she loves not having to constantly switch plug sockets thanks to the extra‑long cord. It’s not whisper‑quiet, but for under £70, it’s hard to beat the balance of suction and practicality.

Pros: Strong suction, long cord, reliable brand. Cons: Smaller dust bin, louder than pricier models.

Hoover Breeze Evo Upright Vacuum Cleaner (TH31BO01)

Compact but effective, the Hoover Breeze Evo is praised for its 3L dust capacity and adjustable height settings. Reviewers highlight its ease of use on stairs and upholstery, thanks to the long hose reach.

A friend swears by this one for her flat — she says it’s reliable, easy to manoeuvre, and doesn’t feel like a compromise despite the low price. If you want a balance of affordability and practicality, this is a safe bet.

Pros: Large dust bin, adjustable height, good reach. Cons: Slightly heavier, basic design.

Hoover Breeze Evo Pets Upright Vacuum Cleaner (TH31BO02)

Designed with pet owners in mind, this version includes a pet turbo brush for tackling hair on carpets and furniture. Reviews note it’s reliable for everyday cleaning and surprisingly effective at lifting stubborn pet hair.

It’s slightly heavier than the standard Breeze Evo, but if you’ve got cats or dogs, the extra tool makes a big difference. One reviewer mentioned it finally solved the issue of embedded hair in their living room rug — something pricier vacuums had struggled with.

Pros: Pet turbo brush, strong carpet cleaning. Cons: Heavier, noisier than some alternatives.

Russell Hobbs RHUV5101 ATHENA2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Russell Hobbs isn’t the first brand people think of for vacuums, but the Athena2 is a solid budget upright. It has a 2.5L dust bin, washable filters, and strong suction for carpets. Reviewers highlight its lightweight design, making it easy to manoeuvre around the house.

It doesn’t have as many accessories as the Hoovers, but for straightforward cleaning, it’s a dependable option. My neighbour picked one up during a sale and was pleasantly surprised by how well it handled everyday dirt.

Pros: Lightweight, washable filters, simple design. Cons: Fewer accessories, smaller dust bin.

Quick Comparison

Model	Price	Weight	Dust Bin	Best For
Vax Mach Air Upright	~£68	5kg	1.5L	Larger homes, carpets
Hoover Breeze Evo Upright	~£68	6kg	3L	Stairs, upholstery
Hoover Breeze Evo Pets Upright	~£75	6kg	3L	Pet hair, carpets
Russell Hobbs Athena2 Upright	~£60	5kg	2.5L	Everyday cleaning

Honest Takeaways

Here’s the truth: none of these vacuums will feel like a £300 Dyson. They’re louder, a bit bulkier, and sometimes less polished. But they do clean well, and that’s what matters.

If you want reach and power, go for the Vax Mach Air.
If you want a bigger dust bin and adjustable height, the Hoover Breeze Evo is a safe bet.
If you’ve got pets, the Hoover Breeze Evo Pets is worth the extra few pounds.
If you just want a straightforward, dependable upright, the Russell Hobbs Athena2 does the job.

✍️ Author Insight

I’ve seen plenty of budget vacuums come and go, and the difference between a bargain and a waste of money usually comes down to how they hold up in real homes. My mother’s Vax Mach Air has been running for years without fuss, while a neighbour swears by her Russell Hobbs Athena2 because it’s light enough to carry upstairs without feeling like a workout. Friends with pets lean heavily on the Hoover Breeze Evo Pets — they say it finally keeps the sofa hair‑free without endless passes.

That’s why I’ve included these models: they’re not just numbers on a spec sheet, they’re machines people actually use day‑to‑day. If you’re weighing up which one fits your household, think about your floors, your pets, and how much hassle you’re willing to tolerate. The right upright under £100 can genuinely make cleaning easier without draining your wallet.

🧹 More Smart Cleaning Guides

If you’re weighing up other ways to keep your home clean and efficient, we’ve got you covered. For households curious about automation, check out Best Robot Vacuums Under £200: Do They Really Work? a deep dive into whether budget robots can actually replace your upright. And if you’re looking to cut costs while staying eco-conscious, 8 Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products That Save Money Long-Term explores simple swaps that reduce waste and bills. Together, these guides build a bigger picture of how UK homes can stay clean without overspending.

Cheap Doesn’t Mean Weak

The idea that budget uprights are “toy vacuums” is outdated. These models prove you can spend under £100 and still get strong suction, practical features, and durability.

For small flats, the Hoover Breeze Evo is a lightweight lifesaver. For bigger homes, the Vax Mach Air offers reach and power. Pet owners will appreciate the Hoover Breeze Evo Pets, while the Russell Hobbs Athena2 is a straightforward, dependable option.

Cheap doesn’t mean weak — these uprights are smart buys for real UK households.

Product Recap List

Want more practical advice on affordable cleaning gadgets, smarter routines and ways to cut waste around the home? Visit the full Home Cleaning Hub to explore every current and upcoming guide in this series.

Written by Andy M. — testing real-world cleaning solutions that reduce waste, save money, and fit busy households.

Best Upright Vacuums Under £100: Cheap but Powerful