Best Vacuums To Clean Up Pet Hair

What We Like

• Genuine HEPA filter
• Detachable lift-off pod
• Tangle-free brush system

What We Dislike

• Suction isn't as strong as some others
• Any wet debris may create a clog
• Not lightweight

The Bissell MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off Pet is a dream for pet parents for several reasons. We like it for its signature lift-off pod, a special feature that makes cleaning stairs and upholstery so much easier. The MultiClean is also uniquely equipped with a HEPA filtration system to combat allergens that pets leave behind.

Reviewers say the tangle-free brush system held up over time and noted that this vacuum moves seamlessly from carpet to hardwood floors with a simple switch on top of the device.

While it may not have the strongest suction or mobility, it comes at an affordable price that makes it accessible for many budgets. It’s also durable even after years of heavy-duty use.

If anything goes wrong with your vacuum, you can get a repair or replacement through Bissell’s five-year limited warranty, provided you register your vacuum when it arrives.

Weight: 15.7 lbs.

Battery Life: Corded

What We Like

• Powerful suction
• Crevice tool and detachable scrub brush
• Portable and lightweight

What We Dislike

• The price is high for a handheld vacuum
• Suction isn't as strong as a full-size vacuum
• Full charge lasts for less than 20 minutes

For quick cleanup of pet messes, sometimes you don’t want to drag out a full-size vacuum. That’s when having a handheld device really comes in handy. The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ is perfect for those moments.

This handheld can be kept docked on its charger so that it’s fully charged whenever you need it. It also comes with a large dust cup that will trap almost half a quart of cat litter, dog hair, or stray kibble. Shark also offers a two-year limited warranty if you register your vacuum.

For a handheld, it has pretty strong suction, though some reviewers note that it doesn’t compare to the suction from a full-size Shark vacuum. (You’ll see some of those later in this product list.) It’s also lightweight enough to cart all over, including out to the car if your furry friend left your seats a little fuzzy.

One big drawback of handheld vacuums is how quickly the charge runs out, and this one is no exception. Reviewers report that they need to dock the vacuum after 10 to 20 minutes of use.

Weight: 2.8 lbs.

Battery Life: 10 min.

What We Like

• Extremely powerful suction
• Easily transitions to a handheld
• Runs up to an hour on one charge

What We Dislike

• Expensive
• Some customers said that getting repair service from Dyson was a difficult process

The Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal has made a name for itself as one of the most powerful vacuums you can buy. It’s particularly beloved by pet parents due to its low profile and slim, lightweight shape — both of which make it ideal for cleaning in corners and underneath furniture where pet hair tends to collect.

If you’re looking for something cordless with powerful suction, this vacuum will be right up your alley. The Dyson Cyclone V10 also has a large filter, which means you can go from room to room without having to empty the dust collector in between, and it comes with four special tools for removing dirt and pet debris from crevices and delicate surfaces.

But if you’re on a tight budget, this vacuum is not the move. It clocks in at over $500 if you’re buying at a time when no discounts are available. On the bright side, Dyson includes a two-year limited warranty on this vacuum after you register it.

Weight: 5.71 lbs.

Battery Life: Up to 60 min.

What We Like

• Budget-friendly
• Pet hair eraser tool for upholstery
• Great for picking up cat litter and dog food

What We Dislike

• Not equipped to clean up wet messes
• Belt might need to be replaced after regular use
• Not lightweight

The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet is incredibly practical for pet lovers on a budget. It has all of the things you need in a durable household cleaning appliance, without any of the things that you don’t. Even though it’s priced at just around $120, it gets the job done.

This vacuum comes with an extremely long cord, so there’s no need to constantly unplug as you move from room to room. The accessories that are included are simple but efficient, and Bissell’s signature Pet TurboEraser Tool ensures that brushes don’t get snagged with clumps of fur.

There’s also an add-on filter treated with a scent-sealer, which means animal scents get trapped inside the dustbin while you clean. Some reviewers mention that the belts wear out after using the vacuum regularly. With that being said, there’s a three-year limited warranty included with your purchase to troubleshoot if things go wrong.

Weight: 12.5 lbs.

Battery Life: Corded

What We Like

• Converts to a handheld
• Gentle, self-cleaning brushes
• Flexible wand for cleaning under furniture

What We Dislike

• May sometimes get clogged with bigger hair clumps
• Motor noise isn't as quiet as some other vacuums
• While great on hardwood floors, might not be the best choice for carpet

When it comes to vacuuming hardwood floors, gentle is the name of the game. You need a powerful suction to get rid of pet hair and dirt, but you also don’t want abrasive brushes that will scratch and scuff while you clean. Enter: the Shark Pet Plus.

This vacuum combines genuine HEPA filtration to trap pet allergens with Shark’s signature powerful suction. It also has a unique flexible wand, which makes it easier to get at the hairballs that like to hide underneath your furniture and between your couch cushions. And the brushes fully engage with any kind of hardwood flooring.

It’s a cord-free vacuum, and one charge lasts about 40 minutes. Still, you can get a lot done in under an hour with a vacuum this lightweight and powerful. As an added bonus, you don’t need to dock it to a wall to recharge; this stick vacuum is free-standing. And it comes with a five-year limited warranty.

Weight: 3.35 lbs.

Battery Life: Up to 40 min.

What We Like

• Easy to maneuver
• Powerful suction
• Special tool to clean furniture

What We Dislike

• Some users have difficulty emptying the canister
• Cord location can be a tripping hazard

If you have a pet who loves to lounge on your favorite couch, the Shark brand has a vacuum for that, too. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away is equipped with a powerful upholstery attachment to de-fur even the most lived-in loveseat.

This is a great pick for someone who needs a heavy-duty vacuum but knows they will get a lot of use out of an upholstery tool. It’s corded and equipped with a HEPA filter to suck away pet allergens while you clean.

A detachable pod makes it simple for you to clean overhead areas and underneath furniture. There’s also a wide upholstery tool that will allow you to clean your furniture faster. The tool works great on staircases, too.

It’s about midrange on the pricing scale, which isn’t bad considering that Shark offers a five-year warranty on the vacuum if you need a repair or replacement.

Weight: 13.9 lbs.

Battery Life: Corded

What We Like

• Ability to clean with wet or dry mode
• Cleans itself after each use
• Lightweight

What We Dislike

• The pickup canister is small
• Not recommended for deeper rugs
• Replacement filters may be hard to buy online

As every pet parent knows, not every pet mess is cut and dried. Whether it’s a dog food disaster or a water bowl spill, the Eureka NEW200 Wet/Dry Corded Vacuum is on the job.

This vacuum is simple to switch from dry mode to wet cleaning. When it’s in the latter, dirty water and debris are collected in a separate (albeit a bit small) tank so that your dirt isn’t contaminating what’s clean. For a vacuum that can do that, it’s pretty lightweight, weighing in at about 11 pounds.

Unlike other wet-cleaning systems, there are no soggy pads to replace or even brushes to clean. After you’re done using the vacuum, you can place it on a special tray, and with the push of a button, the vacuum will clean its own brushes and be ready for the next use.

One thing that’s important to know: While Eureka seems to have a warranty policy, there wasn’t information immediately available on how long it would cover this vacuum.

Weight: 11.1 lbs.

Battery Life: Corded

What We Like

• Syncs easily with other smart devices
• Simple to empty and clean out
• Automatically finds and connects to your Wi-Fi

What We Dislike

• Meant for everyday use, not heavy-duty cleaning
• May miss some pet hair
• Warranty lasts only one year

People love robot vacuums for their set-it-and-forget-it features. But when it comes to banishing pet hair, the idea of running a robotic vacuum seems almost too good to be true. Not every robotic vacuum can handle pet hair, but the iRobot is up to the challenge.

Reviewers love that this vacuum can clean underneath furniture and that it sweeps pet hair out of hard-to-reach places. Your pet may be intrigued by the vacuum, but the vacuum has motion detectors that make it safe to use around your furry companions. You can even use the iRobot app to instruct the vacuum to run when you aren’t home, and the app will suggest extra cleanings during seasons when your pet is shedding more often.

However, you will need to be available to clean out the brushes and canister, and occasionally you may find there’s some pet hair tangled in there. It’s fairly simple to clean but might mean you don’t want to run the machine when you aren’t present.

A limited one-year warranty from iRobot protects this purchase.

Weight: 6.77 lbs.

Battery Life: Up to 90 min.

What We Like

• Powerful suction
• Packaged with six extra tools
• Easily switches from carpet to hardwood floor

What We Dislike

• Expensive
• Heavy
• Louder motor

The Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean claims to have tested its suction against all its competitors and come out on top as the most powerful. That’s big news for pet people who have what feels like limitless dander and dog hair lurking in the corners of their homes.

It also has genuine HEPA filtration to capture pet allergens. Reviewers love that it picks up even super-fine dust particles. However, be aware that the motor on this vacuum isn’t what you’d call quiet.

This vacuum is definitely a splurge. It’s also one of the heaviest on our list, so it won’t work for you if you’re looking for a budget-friendly or lightweight option.

If you’re willing to shell out on this vacuum, make sure to register with Dyson so that you’re ready to use your five-year limited warranty if needed.

Weight: 17.5 lbs.

Battery Life: Corded

What We Like

• Portable
• Lightweight
• Special brushes for picking up pet hair

What We Dislike

• Runs less than 20 minutes on a full charge
• Not meant for heavy-duty cleaning
• Attachments can be hard to put on and pull off

The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser has Bissell’s signature tangle-resistant brushes, which make it ideal for cleaning in your car after trips to the beach, the vet, or wherever else you like to take your pet. It also comes with an upholstery tool, which is great if you have upholstered car seats that pet hair seems to stick to.

This vacuum works great as a handheld, but we would caution against relying on it for anything beyond spot cleaning your vehicle or sucking up a quick spill. Fully charged, the vacuum runs for about 17 minutes, which isn’t enough time to get a deep clean in.

A limited one-year warranty is included with your purchase.

Weight: 3 lbs.

Battery Life: 17 min.