Best cordless stick vacuums under $250

Top pick: Levoit LVAC-200 — the safest all-rounder here. It's rated for hard floors and carpet, has HEPA filtration for allergy season, and it's the one model with a big body of owner ratings behind it, so you're not gambling on an unknown brand.

Who the others suit:

• Eureka ReactiSense 440 — best if you want the strongest suction number and a light, simple stick for quick daily passes; the open-box option makes it the cheapest way in.
• Eureka ReactiClean 410 — for long, low-effort sessions: the longest runtime and a light 5.5 lb body, though the bin is small.
• Honiture X7 — for pet hair and mixed flooring, with high suction and a well-rated user base.
• Levoit VortexIQ — if you want Levoit's allergen-focused filtration with a bit more polish than the LVAC.
• PrettyCare W200 / ARTSEA / Chebio — budget picks for a spare upstairs vacuum or a first apartment; expect less refinement.
• Atrix Rapid Red — a simple, no-frills stick for light cleanup.

Skip the AuroraX listing — it's a mop-combo accessory listing, not a full vacuum.