As someone who’s owned everything from stick vacuums to hefty uprights, I didn’t expect to be wowed by a vacuum under $100. But the Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181D completely changed my mind. If you’re wondering whether a budget vacuum can really perform, let me walk you through my experience. It’s been nothing short of impressive.
First Impressions
I was drawn to this vacuum after my old Eureka finally gave out after nearly 20 years. I didn’t want to spend hundreds on a name-brand vacuum, but I also didn’t want to sacrifice performance. This model seemed like a good middle ground: affordable, bagless, and designed to tackle pet hair. I ordered the version with the pet tool (NEU181D), and from the moment I first turned it on, I knew I had found a hidden gem.
Performance That Surprised Me
Let’s talk suction, because wow. This vacuum really sucks (in the best way possible). The first time I used it on an old shag carpet in my place, I was shocked. I thought the floor was clean from regular vacuuming with my previous model, but I was dead wrong. One pass with the Eureka and the canister filled with a grayish-brown mix of dust, hair, and who-knows-what that had been hiding deep in the fibers.
Even better? After all that, the brush roll didn’t get tangled, and the vacuum body stayed nearly dust-free. Just a quick wipe near the canister connection and it looked brand new again.
Great for Pet Owners
I have pets, specifically a long-haired cat that seems determined to shed an entire second cat every week. The pet turbo attachment on this vacuum is a game changer. It grabs hair off upholstery, tight corners, and stairs like a mini power tool. And for homes with multiple pets, trust me, this machine keeps up.
Lightweight and Easy to Maneuver
Despite its power, this vacuum is shockingly lightweight. I’ve had heavier stick vacuums. It’s easy to carry up and down stairs, and I can clean multiple rooms without feeling like I’ve been lifting weights. I’ve even caught myself dancing a little while vacuuming. Yes, it’s that smooth.
Easy to Clean Canister and Filter
Emptying the canister is a breeze. Just press the top button to release it, then hit another button on the bottom and everything falls straight into the trash. Word of advice: keep the canister low in the bin unless you want a dust explosion. I clean the whole container with a little dish soap or cheap cleaner spray, and everything rinses out fast.
The filter is washable, and I bought a 6-pack of spares online just to have backups. So far, the original one’s still holding up after several uses.
A Few Minor Quirks
It’s not perfect, of course. The power cord could be longer. It’s better than most stick vacs, but I still have to switch outlets more often than I’d like. Also, the hose is a bit stiff, and when you stretch it out to clean higher areas, it sometimes tugs the vacuum over. Lastly, the roller bar stays on all the time. It’s not a dealbreaker, but I miss the option to turn it off when switching to hard floors.
Final Verdict
Honestly, I can’t believe how much I like this vacuum. It’s lightweight, has serious suction, tackles pet hair like a champ, and is super easy to clean. For the price, I don’t think there’s a better vacuum out there. If you have pets, rugs, and a budget to stick to, the Eureka PowerSpeed is a smart buy that actually delivers.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. In fact, I already have. If you want more options, check out our blog on the best vacuum cleaners. And if you’re unsure what to look for in a vacuum cleaner, be sure to read our Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide.
