{
  "id": 2409627,
  "title": "Aldi just brought out a £60 stick vac — as a vacuum reviewer, these are the cheap alternatives I'd buy instead",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/aldi-just-brought-out-a-60-stick-vac-as-a-vacuum-reviewer-these-are",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-21T16:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/home/vacuums/aldi-just-brought-out-a-gbp60-stick-vac-as-a-vacuum-reviewer-these-are-the-cheap-alternatives-id-buy-instead"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Aldi recently unveiled a £60 stick vacuum cleaner that aims to compete with the well-known Dyson brand. As a vacuum reviewer who has tested numerous models over the years, I have found that extremely affordable vacuums rarely offer good value for money. My general advice is to set a minimum budget of around £150 for a vacuum that will clean effectively and not be overly cumbersome.\n\nBased on my experience and research, I have compiled a list of six budget-friendly stick vacuum alternatives that I would recommend over Aldi's latest offering. First on the list is the Dreame R20, which has earned a top spot in our best budget vacuum ranking. This machine boasts excellent suction power, a lightweight design that makes it easy to maneuver, and a range of useful attachments. It also offers an impressive battery life, making it a strong contender in the budget vacuum category.\n\nAnother viable option is the Shark Clean & Empty Cordless Vacuum BU3521UKTSB. This cordless vacuum offers a versatile 2-in-1 design and practical attachments, ensuring that it can handle various cleaning tasks. While its recharge time is on the longer side and the bin capacity is smaller than some competitors, it still provides impressive suction performance.\n\nShark's own HZ500UK model is also worth considering. Like the BU3521UKTSB, this cordless stick vacuum features Shark's Clean & Empty technology, which allows for easy emptying of the dustbin. It is well-designed and provides strong suction, although it may not match the advanced features of some of the other vacuums on this list.\n\nThe Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum is another affordable choice. It features a flexible cord design that allows for easy maneuverability around furniture and obstacles. While it may not offer the same level of suction power as some of the other vacuums mentioned, it is still a reliable option for regular cleaning tasks.\n\nThe Shark Stratos Cordless Pet Pro IZ402UKTSB is specifically designed for pet owners and offers powerful suction to tackle pet hair and debris. Although it falls slightly outside the budget criteria, it provides excellent value for money if you have pets that require regular cleaning.\n\nLastly, the Shark Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner, HZ500UK, is a corded alternative that offers a more powerful cleaning experience. It features a large dustbin capacity and a range of attachments, making it a versatile option for any home. However, it lacks some of the advanced features found in the cordless models.",
  "summary": "Don't fall into the middle aisle trap — these are the affordable vacuums that won't leave you disappointed.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}