There’s a universal moment of dread that every homeowner or apartment dweller knows: the realization that the floors need a deep clean. For years, my reality was wrestling a heavy, cumbersome vacuum out of the closet. It was a machine that felt like it weighed a metric ton, snagged on every corner, and made cleaning feel more like a full-body workout. I needed something for quick clean-ups, for tackling the pet hair tumbleweeds in the corner, and for reaching the cobwebs mocking me from the ceiling. The challenge was finding a machine that didn’t compromise on suction power for the sake of being lightweight. The market is flooded with options that are either powerful but heavy, or light but frustratingly weak. This endless search for a balanced, affordable, and effective cleaning tool is what led us to test the Amazon Basics Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Lightweight, a machine that promises powerful performance without the back-breaking effort.
- POWERFUL SUCTION: Featuring a 720W motor with 12kPa suction power, great for carpets, rugs, hardwood floors, and various surfaces
- EASY MANEUVERABILITY: At only 8.4 lbs and with an 25-ft power cord, this lightweight vacuum cleaner for home offers easy movement and convenient clean-up.
What to Consider Before Buying an Upright Vacuum Cleaner
An upright vacuum cleaner is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for maintaining a clean and healthy living space. Its primary benefit lies in its ability to provide powerful, deep cleaning for carpets, agitating the fibers to lift embedded dirt, dust, and allergens that stick vacuums often leave behind. They are the workhorses of home cleaning, designed for large areas and regular, thorough maintenance. A good upright vacuum can dramatically improve air quality and prolong the life of your carpets, making it an essential investment for anyone with significant carpeted areas, pets, or allergy sufferers in the household.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenge of cleaning medium-to-large living spaces, particularly those with a mix of carpeting and hard floors. Families with kids and pets, who generate a constant stream of messes, will find the power and capacity of an upright indispensable. However, it might not be suitable for those who live in very small apartments with limited storage space, or for individuals with mobility issues who may find even a lightweight upright difficult to maneuver on stairs. For those users, a compact canister vacuum or a high-end cordless stick vacuum might be a more fitting alternative, though often at a higher price point for comparable power.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Weight: Pay close attention to the vacuum’s physical footprint and weight. A lighter model, like the 8.4 lbs of the one we’re reviewing, is significantly easier to carry up and down stairs and maneuver around furniture. Consider where you will store it; a slim, upright design can fit into narrow closets, which is a major advantage over bulkier models.
- Capacity & Performance: Suction power, often measured in watts (W) or kilopascals (kPa), is paramount. A motor around 720W and 12kPa is surprisingly robust for a budget model. Also, look at the dust cup capacity; a larger bin (1.7L is quite generous) means less frequent trips to the trash can, allowing you to clean more efficiently without interruption.
- Materials & Durability: Most modern vacuums are constructed from durable plastics like ABS to keep them lightweight. While some may initially feel less premium than their metal-heavy predecessors, this is a deliberate design choice for user convenience. The key is to look for solid construction, tight-fitting components, and a well-designed, washable filter system that indicates a focus on long-term performance.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a long power cord (25ft is a good standard) reduce the need to constantly switch outlets. Look for intuitive controls, easy-to-empty dust cups, and washable filters. A washable cartridge filter, for instance, saves you money on replacements and is simple to maintain—just rinse, dry, and reuse—ensuring the vacuum maintains peak performance over time.
Considering these factors will help you choose an upright vacuum that not only cleans effectively but also fits seamlessly into your lifestyle and home.
While the Amazon Basics Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Lightweight is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Easily clean around furniture and other obstacles with Swivel Steering
- Upgraded Cyclone System: The Eureka PowerSpeed is now upgraded with new cyclone technology to handle larger debris, smaller dirt, and even microscopic dust.Specific uses:hard floor,carpet,dual action
- Light as It Is Capable: At just 7.7 lb, this canister-style upright glides across hard floors and low-pile carpets without strain, ideal for multi-level homes or small-space living.
First Impressions: A Deceptively Light Package with a Powerful Secret
Upon unboxing the Amazon Basics Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Lightweight, our initial reaction was one of skepticism. It’s incredibly light. At just 8.4 pounds, you can genuinely lift it with one hand, a feat impossible for most traditional uprights. Assembly was refreshingly simple, clicking together in under five minutes without needing to consult the manual. The plastic construction is the source of this featherlight feel, and as some users noted, it can initially give the impression of being a toy. The black and white color scheme is functional and clean, if not particularly stylish.
However, any doubts about its capabilities vanished the moment we hit the power button. The 720W motor roars to life—and it is undeniably loud—but the resulting suction is immediately noticeable. This isn’t the gentle hum of a weak stick vacuum; it’s the sound of a machine ready to do serious work. The simple, single-button operation is a welcome feature in a world of overly complicated appliances. It’s clear from the first few seconds that this vacuum was designed with a singular focus: delivering maximum suction power in the lightest possible frame. You can see the full specifications and design details online to get a better sense of its straightforward build.
Advantages
- Extraordinarily lightweight at only 8.4 lbs, making it easy to carry and maneuver.
- Surprisingly powerful 12kPa suction that rivals more expensive models.
- Generous 1.7L dust cup for extended cleaning sessions.
- Versatile attachments and a detachable handle for above-floor cleaning.
Drawbacks
- Very loud during operation (rated at 82 dB).
- Plastic construction can feel less durable than heavier, premium vacuums.
A Deep Dive into the Amazon Basics Vacuum’s Performance
A vacuum’s true worth is proven not on the spec sheet, but on the floors of a real, lived-in home. We put the Amazon Basics Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Lightweight through a series of tests, from fine dust on hardwood to ground-in pet hair in a high-pile rug, to see if its performance could live up to its initial promise. Over several weeks, we evaluated its core functions, pushing it to its limits to understand where it excels and where it falls short.
The Suction Power Surprise: Punching Far Above Its Weight Class
Let’s be direct: the suction on this vacuum is its standout feature. It’s shockingly powerful for a machine in this price range and weight class. The 720W motor, generating 12kPa of suction, is more than just a number; it translates into tangible, visible results. Our first test was on a living room rug that had been vacuumed just the day before with a popular cordless stick vacuum. We were genuinely floored—and a bit disgusted—by the amount of fine dust and dog hair the Amazon Basics Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Lightweight pulled from the carpet fibers. The 1.7L dust cup was a quarter full after cleaning a seemingly clean 8×10 rug. This experience was echoed by numerous users, one of whom noted, “I literally vacuumed yesterday and this is what the Amazon Basics vacuum sucked up after the fact.”
This raw power makes it incredibly effective on low-to-medium pile carpets. It digs deep to pull up debris that other vacuums leave behind. We tested it on a high-traffic hallway, and it effortlessly lifted tracked-in dirt and embedded hair. The transition to hard floors is smooth, effectively sucking up everything from spilled coffee grounds in the kitchen to dust bunnies under the couch without scattering debris. We even took on a challenging task mentioned by another user: a pile of clay kitty litter on a mat. Using the crevice tool on the detachable handle, the vacuum devoured the litter without clogging or losing suction, a test that has choked more expensive machines we’ve used in the past. It’s this level of reliable, brute-force suction that makes this vacuum a truly remarkable value.
Featherlight Agility and Maneuverability
The second major win for this vacuum is its weight. At 8.4 pounds, cleaning is no longer a chore you have to mentally prepare for. We could easily carry it up and down two flights of stairs with one hand, a game-changer for multi-level homes. This lightness, combined with its slim profile and four smooth-gliding wheels, makes maneuvering around furniture a breeze. You don’t have to fight the machine; it glides with you. This ease of use was a common theme in feedback, with one user stating, “I can pick it up with one hand! Our old vacuum cleaner was heavy, unwieldy and very difficult to use.” This accessibility makes it a fantastic option for older users or anyone who finds heavy appliances challenging.
The 25-foot power cord provides a generous cleaning radius. In our test apartment, we could clean two entire rooms from a single, centrally located outlet. While it lacks a retractable cord winder—a premium feature we didn’t expect at this price—the two hooks on the back provide a simple and effective storage solution. The combination of the long cord and the vacuum’s low weight means less time spent unplugging and replugging, and more time actually cleaning. The freedom of movement it provides is a significant quality-of-life improvement that cannot be overstated.
Versatility Beyond the Floor: Tools and Detachable Handle
A great vacuum needs to clean more than just floors, and the Amazon Basics Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Lightweight delivers commendable versatility. The key to this is its detachable handle system. With the press of a button, the main handle and extension tube release, allowing you to attach the hose directly for handheld cleaning. Connecting the included crevice tool or upholstery tool turns it into a potent machine for detailed tasks. We used the crevice tool to clean along baseboards, deep into couch cushions, and in the tight spaces of our car’s interior. As one user happily reported, “I used it to vacuum out my van (yay for not lugging around a giant shop vac!).”
The upholstery tool was effective at removing pet hair from furniture and cleaning fabric curtains. The detachable handle is also long enough to help you reach high corners and ceiling fans without needing a stepladder. However, one critique we share with a user who is 5’2″ is that the flexible hose itself is quite short. This means when you’re using the tools for floor-level tasks, you do have to bend over or carry the lightweight main unit with you. It’s a minor ergonomic issue but one worth noting. Despite this, the overall utility offered by the onboard tools makes this a comprehensive cleaning solution for small to medium-sized homes, and it’s a feature that really enhances its overall value.
Living With It: Maintenance, Noise, and Durability
Long-term ownership is where practicality truly matters. The Amazon Basics Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Lightweight is designed for simple maintenance. The 1.7-liter dust cup is massive for a vacuum of this size and detaches with a single button press. Emptying it is straightforward and hygienic, with a bottom-release flap that drops debris directly into the trash. The real star of the maintenance show, however, is the washable cartridge filter. Instead of buying costly replacements, you simply rinse the filter under cool water, let it air dry completely for 24 hours, and pop it back in. This not only saves money but also ensures you’re always getting maximum suction power, as a clean filter is crucial for performance.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the noise. This vacuum is loud. At 82 decibels, it’s comparable to a busy city street. We wouldn’t recommend using it late at night in an apartment with thin walls. However, most users, and we agree, see this as an acceptable trade-off for the incredible suction and low price. As one person aptly put it, “It is a bit louder than what I’m used to but the weight and efficiency overlooks this completely!” Finally, regarding durability, the plastic construction is the reason for its “toy-like” feel. While it doesn’t feel like a premium, indestructible machine, the components fit together securely, and during our rigorous testing, it held up perfectly without any signs of stress or weakness. It’s built for function over form, and it delivers on that promise.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user feedback strongly aligns with our findings. The most common point of praise is the shocking discrepancy between its lightweight, almost “cheap” feel and its immense suction power. One user perfectly captured this sentiment: “So light I was thinking that is was Goin to be a piece of crap. Well it proved me wrong!! Just get it.” Another was impressed by its ability to outperform a much more expensive model on a stubborn pile of kitty litter, highlighting its value proposition.
Many reviewers who live in apartments or smaller homes call it the “perfect size,” praising its small storage footprint and maneuverability. The fact that it consistently picks up shocking amounts of dirt from carpets that appeared clean is a recurring theme, with many sharing pictures of their full dustbins in disbelief. For those on a budget, it’s hailed as a game-changer. As one person stated, “if you’re on a budget, this is the one!” The main criticisms are equally consistent: the noise level is frequently mentioned, with one user bluntly stating, “Loud asf! But it definitely gets the job done.” A few shorter users also noted the short length of the hose, which can make using the attachments cumbersome, requiring them to bend down. But even with these drawbacks, the overwhelming consensus is that the performance and value far outweigh the negatives.
How Does It Compare to the Alternatives?
The Amazon Basics Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Lightweight shines in the budget-friendly category, but how does it fare against competitors with different features and price points? Let’s take a look at three notable alternatives.
1. Bissell PowerClean Turbo Pet XL Carpet Cleaner
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
- CLEAN MORE CARPET TO SAVE TIME. This machine is designed to save cleaning time and help you get back to your everyday life faster.
The Bissell PowerClean Turbo Pet XL isn’t just a vacuum; it’s a dedicated carpet cleaner. This is the crucial distinction. While the Amazon Basics model is a dry vacuum for everyday debris, the Bissell uses water and cleaning formula to shampoo carpets, removing deep-set stains and odors. If your primary concern is pet accidents, spilled drinks, or revitalizing dingy, stained carpets, the Bissell is unequivocally the superior choice. However, for daily vacuuming of dust, hair, and dirt, it’s the wrong tool for the job. You would choose the Bissell for quarterly deep cleans, not for a quick sweep of the kitchen floor.
2. Shark Rotator LA502 Vacuum Lift-Away Duo Clean
- DUOCLEAN POWERFINS: A PowerFins brushroll and a soft roller combine on all floors. Continuous cleaning contact to dig deep into carpets, directly engage floors, and pick up more in every pass. (vs....
- SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: for powerful pet hair pickup with no hair wrap.
The Shark Rotator LA502 represents a significant step up in features, technology, and price. Its signature features are the DuoClean PowerFins, which use a dual-brush roll system for superior pickup on both carpets and hard floors, and the Lift-Away technology, which allows the main pod to detach for portable canister-style cleaning. It also includes a HEPA filter, making it a better choice for allergy sufferers. You would opt for the Shark if you have a higher budget and prioritize advanced features like superior filtration, quieter operation, and the enhanced versatility of the Lift-Away mode for cleaning stairs and cars. The Amazon Basics vacuum competes on raw power and simplicity for a fraction of the cost.
3. Kenmore Elite Upright Bagged Vacuum
- BAGGED UPRIGHT VACUUM: Remove pet hair, dust and more with this multifloor, multi-surface designed vacuum for use in your home, den, or kitchen with a wide sweeper path
- PET HANDIMATE: Air driven turbine spins roller brush to high RPM easily removing dander, stubborn pet hair and other debris off furniture, stairs, car and van seats and out of your vehicle
The Kenmore Elite offers a fundamentally different approach with its bagged system. While the Amazon Basics model is bagless for convenience and zero ongoing cost for bags, the Kenmore uses HEPA bags that trap 99.97% of dust and allergens. This makes it an excellent choice for households where air quality is the absolute top priority, as the sealed bag system prevents dust from escaping back into the air when emptying. The trade-off is the recurring cost of replacement bags. Choose the Kenmore if you want the highest level of filtration and are willing to manage the cost and logistics of disposable bags. The Amazon Basics vacuum is for those who prefer the one-time purchase and wash-and-reuse convenience of a bagless design.
The Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Value for Pure Power
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Amazon Basics Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Lightweight is one of the best values in home cleaning today. It is a no-frills machine that channels all of its engineering into two things: powerful suction and a lightweight frame. It forgoes premium features like quiet operation and high-end materials to deliver exceptional deep-cleaning performance at an astonishingly accessible price point. It’s not trying to be a luxury product; it’s a workhorse designed to get the job done effectively and without fuss.
We wholeheartedly recommend this vacuum to students, first-time homeowners, apartment dwellers, and anyone who needs a powerful, lightweight secondary vacuum for a multi-level home. If you have pets, you will be amazed at how much hair it pulls from your carpets. While it may be too loud for some, and the plastic feel might not impress your guests, its ability to clean will leave you, and your floors, deeply satisfied. If you value raw performance over bells and whistles and want the most cleaning power for your dollar, your search is over. Check the latest price and discover for yourself why this budget-friendly vacuum is earning such rave reviews.
Last update on 2025-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API