Best portable carpet spot cleaners under $80

Top pick: BISSELL Little Green Portable Deep Cleaner. It's the machine most people end up with for a reason: a huge track record of ratings, a hose and tough-stain tool for stairs, car seats and sofa cushions, and it's the easiest of these to find parts and filters for. If you want one cleaner that just works on everyday spills, start here.

Who the others suit:

• UWANT Y100 / B300Pro — best for pet accidents and set-in stains: strong suction, hot-water cleaning and a self-cleaning tool, with very high owner ratings.
• Tineco GO Spot — the pick if you want a known brand's spot cleaner at a steep markdown; light and simple for quick touch-ups.
• Hoover Spotless Mini — for larger jobs: a bigger tank means fewer refills, though it's heavier to carry.
• VEVOR models — the budget workhorses: big clean-water tank and decent suction, but fewer ratings to go on.
• Slevoo / HAUSHOF — cheapest way in for occasional, light spills; expect less suction and shorter life.

Skip the full-size Little Green Multi-Purpose here — it's over your limit. Check each card for today's price and stock.