The 2025 Stick Vacuum Blacklist: 5 Models You'll Regret Buying

Let's be honest---buying a new stick vacuum shouldn't feel like a gamble. But if you're shopping in the under-$200 price range, it absolutely can be.

While top-rated stick vacs score in the high 80s for cleaning power, ease of use, and longevity, a few bargain models from Kmart and The Warehouse scrape the bottom of the barrel with scores under 60. On paper, they sound like a great deal. In real life? Not so much.

"You'd be better off spending a bit more for a vacuum that's likely to last longer and won't leave you frustrated," says Erin Bennett of Consumer NZ.

Below are five models that promise a clean home but deliver disappointment.