Best Vacuum for Pet Hair

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Pet hair can be a relentless challenge for pet owners, sticking to furniture, gathering in corners, and seemingly appearing everywhere. A good vacuum specifically designed for pet hair is essential for maintaining a clean home and reducing allergens. These vacuums are built to handle pet hair better than standard models, with features like stronger suction to pull hair from carpets and upholstery, specially designed brush rolls to lift stubborn fur, and attachments like rubber nozzles that attract pet hair. We spent weeks testing different pet hair vacuums on various surfaces, evaluating ease of use, noise level, and effectiveness across different types of pet hair to find the best options for pet owners battling shedding.

  • Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo

    10

    We think this vacuum is a top choice for pet owners looking for powerful suction and versatile cleaning options.

    10

    We think this vacuum is a top choice for pet owners looking for powerful suction and versatile cleaning options.

    Pros

    • Self-cleaning brush roll prevents hair tangles
    • Detachable canister for hard-to-reach spots
    • HEPA filter traps allergens

    Cons

    • Somewhat heavy at 19 pounds
    • Cord may limit mobility
    • Can tip over when using attachments

    The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo impressed us with its ability to tackle pet hair. We found the FurGuard self-cleaning brush roll to be a game-changer. It kept hair from wrapping around the brush, which is a common issue with other vacuums we’ve tested.

    We liked the lift-off feature that let us detach the canister. This made it easy to clean stairs, furniture, and other tricky spots. The LED lights on the front were helpful for spotting dust and hair in dark corners.

    The HEPA filter did a good job trapping allergens. We noticed less dust in the air after vacuuming. The vacuum was a bit on the heavy side, though. We also had to be careful not to tip it over when using the hose attachments. Still, for homes with pets, we think this vacuum offers strong performance and useful features.

  • Shark Navigator Professional

    9.7

    We believe the Shark Navigator Professional is a top choice for pet owners seeking a powerful and versatile vacuum cleaner.

    9.7

    We believe the Shark Navigator Professional is a top choice for pet owners seeking a powerful and versatile vacuum cleaner.

    Pros

    • Excellent suction power
    • Lift-Away feature for versatile cleaning
    • Large dust cup capacity

    Cons

    • Somewhat bulky design
    • Can be heavy for some users
    • Limited reach in Lift-Away mode

    We’ve put the Shark Navigator Professional through its paces, and it’s clear why it’s a favorite among pet owners. The suction power is impressive, easily picking up pet hair from carpets and hard floors. We found the Lift-Away feature especially handy for cleaning stairs and furniture.

    The large dust cup is a real time-saver, letting us clean for longer without stopping to empty it. We appreciate the HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal, which trap dust and dander effectively. This is a big plus for allergy sufferers.

    While the vacuum is a bit on the heavy side, its swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver around furniture. The included attachments, like the pet power brush and crevice tool, are great for tackling pet hair in tight spots. We did notice that the cord could be longer, but it’s not a deal-breaker given the vacuum’s overall performance.

  • Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet

    9.5

    We believe the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet is a great choice for pet owners looking for an affordable and effective vacuum.

    9.5

    We believe the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet is a great choice for pet owners looking for an affordable and effective vacuum.

    Pros

    • Strong suction for pet hair
    • Easy to maneuver
    • Useful pet-specific tools

    Cons

    • Somewhat noisy
    • Dust bin could be larger
    • May struggle on high-pile carpets

    We recently tested the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet in homes with furry friends. This vacuum impressed us with its ability to pick up pet hair from various surfaces. The triple action brush roll did a good job of loosening and removing embedded fur from carpets.

    The swivel steering feature made it easy for us to navigate around furniture and into tight corners. We found this especially helpful when cleaning under beds and tables. The vacuum also comes with handy pet tools that attach right to the machine, which we used to clean upholstery and stairs.

    One thing to note is that the CleanView Swivel Pet can be a bit loud during use. The dust bin, while easy to empty, filled up quickly in homes with multiple pets. We also found it worked best on low to medium-pile carpets and hard floors. Despite these minor issues, we think this vacuum offers great value for pet owners on a budget.

  • Bissell CleanView XR Pet

    9.4

    We think this lightweight cordless vacuum is a solid choice for pet owners seeking a versatile cleaning tool.

    9.4

    We think this lightweight cordless vacuum is a solid choice for pet owners seeking a versatile cleaning tool.

    Pros

    • Powerful suction for its size
    • Converts to handheld easily
    • Long 40-minute battery life

    Cons

    • Small dirt capacity
    • Might struggle on thick carpets
    • Charging takes a while

    We’ve been testing the Bissell CleanView XR Pet, and it’s clear why it’s popular with pet owners. The vacuum is light and easy to move around. We found it picks up pet hair well on hard floors and low-pile carpets.

    The 3-in-1 design is handy. We liked using it as a stick vacuum for floors, then switching to handheld for stairs and furniture. The deep cleaning furbrush tool was great for stubborn pet hair on upholstery.

    Battery life is good – we got about 40 minutes of cleaning on normal mode. That was enough for our whole house. The wall mount is nice for storage and keeps the vacuum charged. While it’s not perfect, we think it’s a good pick for many homes with pets.

  • Shark Rotator PowerFins

    9.3

    We think the Shark Rotator PowerFins is a top pick for pet owners due to its strong suction and versatile design.

    9.3

    We think the Shark Rotator PowerFins is a top pick for pet owners due to its strong suction and versatile design.

    Pros

    • Powerful suction for pet hair
    • Lift-Away feature for stairs and furniture
    • HEPA filtration traps allergens

    Cons

    • Can be heavy for some users
    • Cord may limit reach in large rooms
    • Dust bin needs frequent emptying

    We tested the Shark Rotator PowerFins on various surfaces in a home with multiple pets. The DuoClean PowerFins technology impressed us. It picked up fur from both carpets and hard floors with ease.

    The Lift-Away feature came in handy for cleaning stairs and furniture. We could detach the canister and carry it separately. This made reaching tight spots much easier.

    Pet owners will like the self-cleaning brushroll. It stops hair from getting tangled, which is a common problem with other vacuums. The HEPA filter and sealed system trapped pet dander and dust. This is great for allergy sufferers.

    We found the vacuum a bit heavy when fully assembled. It might be tough for some people to push around for long cleaning sessions. The cord also limited our reach in bigger rooms. We had to unplug and replug it a few times.

    The dust bin filled up fast with all the pet hair and debris it collected. We had to empty it often during big cleaning jobs. But this also shows how well it cleans.

  • Eureka PowerSpeed Pet Vacuum

    9.1

    We think the Eureka PowerSpeed is a solid choice for pet owners seeking an affordable and effective vacuum cleaner.

    9.1

    We think the Eureka PowerSpeed is a solid choice for pet owners seeking an affordable and effective vacuum cleaner.

    Pros

    • Strong suction on various surfaces
    • Large dust cup reduces emptying frequency
    • Includes useful pet-focused attachments

    Cons

    • Can be heavy to push
    • Noise level may be high
    • Requires regular brush roll cleaning

    We tested the Eureka PowerSpeed on both carpets and hard floors in a home with multiple pets. The suction power impressed us, picking up pet hair and debris with ease. Its 2.6-liter dust cup meant we didn’t need to stop and empty it often during our cleaning sessions.

    The vacuum comes with several attachments that proved handy for tackling pet hair. We found the pet turbo tool especially useful for furniture and stairs. The crevice tool helped us reach tight spots where fur tends to gather.

    While the PowerSpeed cleans well, we noticed it can be a bit heavy to push around. This might be tiring for some users during longer cleaning jobs. The noise level is also higher than some other models we’ve tried.

    One thing to keep in mind is the need for regular maintenance. We had to clean the brush roll every couple of weeks to prevent clogs from pet hair. This isn’t too difficult, but it’s an extra step to remember.

    For its price point, we think the Eureka PowerSpeed offers good value for pet owners. It may not have all the bells and whistles of pricier models, but it gets the job done efficiently.

  • Shark Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum

    9

    We recommend this vacuum for pet owners seeking powerful hair pickup and odor control.

    9

    We recommend this vacuum for pet owners seeking powerful hair pickup and odor control.

    Pros

    • Strong suction for pet hair
    • Self-cleaning brushroll
    • Odor neutralizer technology

    Cons

    • Slightly heavy at 15 pounds
    • Can be loud during use
    • Cord limits mobility

    We tested the Shark Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum in homes with multiple pets. Its PowerFins brushroll did an impressive job pulling up both long and short pet hair from carpets and hard floors. We found the self-cleaning feature really helpful, as it kept hair from tangling around the brush.

    The odor neutralizer was a nice touch. It helped keep the vacuum smelling fresh, even after sucking up stinky pet messes. We appreciated the large 2.9-liter dust cup, which meant fewer trips to the trash can during big cleaning jobs.

    While maneuvering, the swivel steering made it easy to navigate around furniture. The extendable hose gave us extra reach for stairs and high spots. On the downside, at 15 pounds, it felt a bit heavy when carrying up stairs. The noise level was also noticeable, which might startle nervous pets.

  • Eureka MaxSwivel Pro

    8.7

    We think the Eureka MaxSwivel Pro is a solid choice for pet owners looking for an affordable upright vacuum with strong suction.

    8.7

    We think the Eureka MaxSwivel Pro is a solid choice for pet owners looking for an affordable upright vacuum with strong suction.

    Pros

    • Powerful suction for pet hair
    • Easy to maneuver
    • Useful LED headlights

    Cons

    • Can be noisy
    • Smallish dust bin
    • Turbo brush could be stronger

    We tested the Eureka MaxSwivel Pro in homes with pets, and it impressed us with its ability to pick up fur from carpets and hard floors. The suction power was noticeably strong, pulling up dirt and debris we couldn’t even see.

    Steering this vacuum was a breeze thanks to its swivel design. We had no trouble getting under furniture and into tight spots. The LED headlights were a nice touch, helping us spot dust bunnies in dark corners.

    While effective, this vacuum isn’t the quietest. At 86 decibels, it’s on the louder side. The 1.5-liter dust bin also fills up fast in homes with lots of pet hair. We found ourselves emptying it often during big cleaning jobs.

    The included pet turbo brush works okay but could be more powerful. It struggled a bit with deeply embedded pet hair on upholstery. Still, for the price, we think this vacuum offers good value for pet owners.

  • Shark Rocket Pet Vacuum

    8.7

    We think this Shark vacuum is a great choice for pet owners who want a versatile, lightweight cleaning tool.

    8.7

    We think this Shark vacuum is a great choice for pet owners who want a versatile, lightweight cleaning tool.

    Pros

    • Very lightweight and easy to maneuver
    • Converts to handheld for versatile cleaning
    • Strong suction on all surfaces

    Cons

    • Corded, which limits range
    • Dust cup is on the smaller side
    • Can be top-heavy when using attachments

    We recently put the Shark Rocket Pet Vacuum through its paces in our home. At just under 10 pounds, it’s incredibly light and easy to push around. We had no trouble carrying it up and down stairs or maneuvering it into tight spots.

    The suction power impressed us, especially on carpets. It pulled up pet hair, dust, and debris we didn’t even know was there. The LED headlights on the nozzle were a nice touch, helping us spot hidden messes under furniture.

    We love how quickly this vacuum converts to a handheld. It made cleaning stairs and upholstery a breeze. The included pet tools worked well for grabbing stubborn fur from our couch. While the dust cup isn’t huge, it was easy to empty when full.

  • Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo

    8.6

    We think the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo is a great choice for pet owners looking for a powerful, easy-to-use vacuum at a reasonable price.

    8.6

    We think the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo is a great choice for pet owners looking for a powerful, easy-to-use vacuum at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Strong suction for pet hair
    • Lightweight and easy to maneuver
    • Tangle-free brush roll

    Cons

    • Can be noisy
    • Dirt bin could be bigger
    • Cord length may be short for some

    We tested the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo in homes with multiple pets, and it impressed us with its ability to pick up fur from carpets and hard floors. The strong suction power made quick work of even stubborn pet hair that other vacuums had missed.

    One feature we really liked was the tangle-free brush roll. It did a great job of preventing hair from wrapping around the roller, which can be a common problem with other vacuums. This saved us time and hassle during cleanup.

    The vacuum’s lightweight design made it easy to carry up and down stairs and maneuver around furniture. We found the included attachments, like the LED crevice tool and pet turbo eraser, very useful for tackling pet hair in hard-to-reach spots.

    While we were mostly happy with the Pet Hair Eraser Turbo, it’s not perfect. It can be quite loud when running, which might bother some users or pets. The dirt bin, while easy to empty, could be bigger to handle more pet hair before needing to be dumped.

    In our tests, we found the cord length adequate for most rooms, but those with larger spaces might need to switch outlets more often. Despite these minor drawbacks, we think the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo offers good value for pet owners dealing with fur-covered floors.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a vacuum to handle pet hair, there are a few key things we recommend looking for:

Suction Power

Strong suction is a must for lifting embedded pet hair from carpets and upholstery. Look for models that highlight their suction capabilities.

Brush Roll Design

An agitator brush roll helps loosen and lift stubborn pet hair. Some vacuums have tangle-free brush rolls specifically designed for long pet hair.

Filtration

A good filtration system traps dander and allergens. HEPA filters are ideal for homes with pets.

Attachments

Pet-specific tools like upholstery brushes and crevice tools help tackle fur on furniture and in tight spaces.

Capacity

Larger dust cups or bags need less frequent emptying when dealing with lots of pet hair.

Maneuverability

Lightweight, swivel-steering vacuums make it easier to clean around furniture and pet beds.

Noise Level

Quieter vacuums are less likely to startle pets. Some list their decibel levels.

FeatureWhy It Matters
SuctionLifts embedded hair
Brush RollLoosens stuck fur
FiltrationTraps allergens
AttachmentsCleans varied surfaces

We suggest prioritizing the features that best match your home’s needs and your pets’ shedding levels. Testing vacuums in-store can also help you find the right fit.