Usually, you'll never find me recommending a budget vacuum cleaner. I've tested 29 during my time as Homes & Gardens' home tech editor and the cheap ones never do the trick. That is, except for the small but mighty Ultenic U16 Flex.
And right now, the Ultenic U16 Flex is available for just $139.99 at Amazon with code B0CZNTRLJB. It's cheap, practical, and perfect for dorm rooms and small apartments.
It also has features that you typically only find in Dyson vacuums and the best cordless vacuums, while costing less than a quarter of the premium price they charge for. I'd act fast on this if I didn't already own it myself.
Why I always recommend the affordable Ultenic U16 Flex for dorm rooms and small spaces
The Ultenic U16 Flex is one of the best Dyson alternatives that we've tested, thanks to its Dyson-esque green laser that illuminates dust and fine debris that the naked eye can't see. It isn't a vacuum gimmick whatsoever, it helps show when the floor is completely clean.
And fortunately, this cheap vacuum is powerful enough that you can see the floor become spotless. It's one of the best vacuums for hardwood floors if you're on a budget, as the brushroll is safe on delicate surfaces but thorough enough to pick up debris from between floor panels.
It's also one of the most lightweight vacuums we've tested, weighing just 3.75 pounds, and it takes up hardly any space when storing your vacuum.
The wand can bend to reach under furniture more easily (and snaps back together in quite a satisfying way). And after testing it over two weeks, the brushroll never once wrapped with hair, making it a great pick for one of the best vacuums for pet hair.
The Ultenic U16 Flex is available at Amazon for $139.99 with code B0CZNTRLJB.
More to shop
Still shopping around? We've tested 79 of the best vacuum cleaners at Homes & Gardens and can recommend plenty more for dorms and small spaces. All prices correct at time of publication.
It won't replace a full-sized vacuum in a busy home, but for dorm rooms and tiny spaces, this handheld vacuum is surprisingly powerful – and can vacuum mess and hair from beds and carpets like it's nothing. Read more in my full Black+Decker dustbuster furbuster AdvanceClean+ Pet review.
Right now, you can save $150 on Shark's latest and greatest cordless vacuum, that impressed massively on test. Whether pet hair, dust or debris, this versatile cleaner is great for the whole home – and is light and compact enough for small spaces. Read more in our full Shark Cordless PowerDetect review.
People often overlook refurbished appliances, but Dyson put their vacuums through rigorous tests to ensure that they meet the standards set out by the original model. It's a great way to save big on a premium vacuum. Read more in my full Dyson V11 review.
It may be more expensive than the Ultenic, but we've written about how the Dyson V8 is still worth it in 2025, and how it's the most affordable way to bring Dyson's tried-and-tested cleaning performance into your home. Read more in our full Dyson V8 review.
If you can sacrifice a little extra storage space, this Bissell upright vacuum is a great vacuum with high suction power that's unrestricted by a battery. Read more in our full Bissell SurfaceSense Allergen Pet Lift-Off review.
Another great, lightweight, and affordable cordless vacuum, the Dreame R20 shares many Dyson-style features like floor sensors, automatic power adjustment and straightforward cleaning. Read more in my full Dreame R20 review.
For more tried-and-tested vacuum inspiration, our guides of the best multi-surface vacuums and the best robot vacuums can help you decide.
