Best vacuums for pet hair 2024: and dander defeaters

Living with a bunch of cats or a dog can be messy. The best vacuum for pet hair makes dealing with pet messes much easier. Whether it's removing dog hair from the furniture or cleaning up after mealtime or playtime, a reliable pet vacuum can handle even the toughest messes.

The main distinction between a regular vacuum and a pet hair vacuum is that the latter is equipped with specialized tools for cleaning up your cats or dogs. These vacuums are designed to prevent clogging and tangling, and many of them come with turbo tools that can efficiently remove even deeply embedded pet hairs from fabrics like your beloved couch.

Some of the best pet vacuums are equipped with LED or laser headlights, leaving no place for dust or dander to hide. Just like standard vacuums, there are various options available, including powerful corded models and convenient cordless ones.

When choosing a vacuum for pet hair, consider the needs of family members with pet allergies. Look for a model with HEPA filtration and consider a bagged model, as they can help reduce allergens. Also, if your pets are sensitive to noise, check the sound levels of different models, as some vacuums are quieter than others.

As you will see, the best vacuums for dealing with pet hair are usually upright or stick models. However, we are also starting to see robot vacuums equipped to handle pet hair, and we have included one in this guide.

For more automated options, check out our picks for the best robot vacuum for pet hair. But unless you're specifically looking for a robot vacuum, read on to discover which models are the best for pet hair in your home.

Read on to find the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair, categorized by specialist features, and find the perfect model for your needs. We also have dedicated best-buy guides for specific categories like the best robot vacuum, the best handheld vacuum, or the best vacuum cleaner overall.

The quick list

The best vacuums for pet hair we recommend in 2024

The best vacuum for pet hair overall

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The Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute is a great choice for pet owners! Its lightweight design and powerful suction make cleaning up pet hair easy, the laser-illuminated cleaner head detects even the tiniest particles, and the transparent vacuum heads let you see the brush rolls inside. The LCD screen displays useful information such as power modes and run-time, and the vacuum also comes with a variety of attachments to meet different cleaning needs. Although it's a bit pricey, it's definitely worth the investment if you're looking for a top-quality vacuum cleaner that can handle pet hair with ease.

First impressions: The Dyson V12 Detect Slim is packed in eco-friendly materials with no plastic or polystyrene. The manual is digital, it's easy to set up, and you can start cleaning right away with the pre-installed filters. Just attach your favorite accessory, and you're good to go.

Design: The vacuum is a colorful cleaner that comes with a suite of accessories. It's slimmer and lighter than previous models, and the base unit is operated by pressing a red power button instead of constantly holding a trigger. An LCD screen displays useful information such as the number of particles collected, power modes, and run-time. The vacuum heads are transparent, allowing you to see the brush rolls inside. The standout feature is the laser-illuminated cleaner head that detects invisible particles. It's easy to use, has sturdy accessories, and is perfect for cleaning hard floors and narrow gaps.

Performance: We were pretty excited to try out the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute vacuum cleaner in our home, especially with our pets and busy households. The first round of cleaning was impressive - the vacuum easily picked up all the dirt and pet hair from the floor, and the maneuverability of the brush heads was great in tight corners. We also liked the LCD screen that showed the time left for cleaning. Emptying the dust cup was easy, and all the extra accessories were really useful too. The only downside was the noise level, but overall, it's a powerful and efficient vacuum cleaner.

Value: Dyson vacuums cost a lot, but they're top-quality with great features and a 2-year warranty. If you're on a budget, the Levoit VortexIQ 40 is okay but heavier and lacking in features. The Aspiron Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is cheap but less flexible. Yeedi Vac 2 Pro is a smart robot vacuum that can also mop floors.

User reviews: The Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a hit on Amazon for being light, easy to move around, and having strong suction. It comes with various attachments to help with different cleaning needs. However, some users have pointed out that the instructions are not great, and the battery drains quickly when using the "boost" setting. Also, some users found the "felt" roller attachment to be a little useless.

Read more: Dyson V12 Detect Slim review

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The best value vacuum for pet hair

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The Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex cordless vacuum is affordable, efficient, and can handle pet hair like a pro. The LED headlights and flexible shaft make it easy to clean under furniture, and the battery life is pretty decent, too. It has a stylish design with a comfortable rubber grip, and the LED display is easy to read. Although emptying the dust cup can be a bit of a hassle, this vacuum is still a great value for money. So, if you're looking for a cordless vacuum that can handle pet hair, the Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex is definitely worth checking out.

First impressions: The Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex vacuum cleaner is easy to set up and comes with helpful instructions. It also has a quick start guide and a detailed manual that explains everything. The design is intuitive, buttons are labeled, and important features are highlighted. All the packaging is recyclable, too.

Design: The vacuum looks stylish with its matte black, silver, and gray plastic casing, chrome detailing, and colorful LED display. It's comfortable to hold with its beveled rubber grip and has clearly marked buttons for easy use. The LED control panel is easy to read and has some useful features, like an auto-adjusting power feature. It comes with a standard vacuum head and some accessories, but some of the suggested items were not included in our testing package. The vacuum head has LED headlights, and the flexible shaft makes it easy to clean under furniture.

Performance: We tried out the Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex vacuum in a house with pets and a family of three. It did an excellent job on both hard floors and carpets, picking up pet hair, crumbs, and even leaves from indoor plants. We also tested the battery life and charging time and found them to be pretty accurate. The only downside was that emptying the dust cup was a bit of a hassle.

Value: The Levoit VortexIQ 40 is a great option if you're looking for a cordless stick vacuum that's affordable and efficient. It's not as expensive as Dyson or Shark vacuums, but it still gives good value for money. It's also sturdier than some cheaper options, with a longer battery life and a better filter system.

User reviews: The vacuum has received good reviews overall on Amazon. One person loved it, saying it was great on different floors and picked up dog hair easily. Another person said it was good for hard floors but not as good on rugs, and the dirt canister could get clogged. Another person liked it but said the battery life wasn't great, and it could be messy to clean.

Read more: Levoit VortexIQ 40 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner review

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The best pet vacuum for easy storage

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The Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum is one of the best vacuums for pet owners dealing with hair everywhere. It's easy to maneuver and comes with various accessories for specific cleaning tasks. The Clean Sense IQ and odor-neutralizer technology are great features, and the vacuum can be folded for compact storage. It works wonders in picking up pet hair and food crumbs from floors and upholstery and has a runtime of up to 60 minutes. However, it's a bit heavy for stairs and has a small dust cup.

First impressions: The Shark Stratos Cordless vacuum is easy to lift and comes with a bunch of accessories. It's not too heavy and moves easily on carpets. There's also an odor neutralizer, but the scent may not be for everyone.

Design: This is not your average stick vacuum cleaner. It has souped-up features like Clean Sense IQ, odor-neutralizer technology, and MultiFlex technology that allows it to bend and fold for compact storage. The controls are comfortable to hold, and you can easily switch between three power modes. It comes with a Duster Crevice Tool and Anti-Allergen Brush that can be used when the vacuum cleaner is transformed into a smaller handheld.

Performance: We used the Shark Stratos Cordless vacuum for a couple of months, and it was great at cleaning up everyday messes caused by a messy toddler. The vacuum is especially good at picking up food crumbs from the floors and upholstery. It also does a great job of picking up hair and can handle specific tasks like picking up rice puffs and sugar with ease. The vacuum has a runtime of up to 60 minutes, and the recharge time is only three hours. It can be a bit heavy to use on stairs, but overall, it's a great vacuum to have.

Value: The Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum is a fantastic option for a powerful and efficient vacuum cleaner with odor control. It's often on sale, and its closest competitor is the Dyson V15 Detect. The self-emptying Shark Cordless Detect Pro can also be considered.

User reviews: The Shark IZ862H Stratos Cordless Vacuum has received great reviews on Amazon for its powerful suction, cordless convenience, and long battery life. It can clean multiple surfaces and pick up dirt effectively with its self-cleaning brush roll. However, some people find it expensive and slightly heavier than other models. 

Read more: Shark Stratos MultiFLEX Cordless Stick Vacuum review

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The best robot vacuum for pet hair

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The eufy X8 Pro is specifically designed to pick up pet hair with its strong suction power and brush-detangling feature, and it easily navigates around furniture and climbs door frames, making it a great choice for homes with multiple rooms. However, the mop attachment isn't that effective for tough stains, and the vacuum can be a bit loud.

First impressions: The eufy X8 Pro is easy to set up and comes in minimal packaging. The manual was missing, but we found one online. The base is small and can fit in tight spaces, and you need to download the app and connect to Wi-Fi. The vacuum can also mop, and our resident dog was not a fan.

Design: The vacuum is a sturdy and impressive machine that comes in a standard graphite grey color. It's pretty bulky but can still move around easily. It has twin turbines, three sensors to prevent falling down the stairs, and a small and unobtrusive base. The brush-detangling power is the highlight of its promo material, but I still found hairs wrapped around it. Thankfully, the detangling comb did the trick and made it easy to remove. It couldn't fit under my sofa, but I managed to clean it under an armchair and my dog's bed.

Performance: The eufy X8 Pro easily navigates around furniture and even climbs door frames. It comes with a mop attachment, but you have to manually set up no-mop zones on the app. The suction power is good, but it can fling large debris around in high settings. It picks up pet hair well and can be controlled manually with a remote. However, it's not silent - even the quiet setting is quite loud, and while the mop function is good for light cleaning, it's not so good for major stains.

Value: The X8 Pro costs $650 on their website and Amazon. You can get it cheaper during sales. The newer Eufy X9 Pro costs $900 and has a cool feature where it lifts up when it senses carpet.

User reviews: People on Amazon have given the Eufy X8 Pro Robovac great reviews for its strong suction power, accurate mapping, and user-friendly app. According to users, it's good at cleaning area rugs and picking up pet hair, and the self-emptying feature of the dust canister is also appreciated. Some people encountered issues but overall said that the Robovac is faster, more detailed, and quieter than previous models.

Read more: eufy X8 Pro review

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A great all-round vacuum for pet hair

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The Aspiron Cordless vacuum is a great, affordable option for pet owners. It's lightweight and easy to use, with a cool orange and black design. The LED-lit vacuum head works well on carpets and tight spaces, and the dust cup is transparent, so you can see how much dirt you're collecting. It struggles a bit with fine particles on hardwood floors, but it's great for picking up pet hair. The battery lasts about 35 minutes per charge, and it takes around 4 hours to recharge.

First impressions: The Aspiron Cordless vacuum cleaner has two settings and a few accessories, and the LED-lit vacuum head works well on carpets and tight spaces. Assembly is easy, but the manual lacks detail, and the 3-in-1 nozzle button is weak.

Design: We loved the vacuum's orange and black color scheme, and the orange buttons for all the functions are a nice touch. It's super light, too, weighing only 4.5 lbs, so it's really easy to use anywhere in the house. You just need to push the power button once for continuous suction, which is great, and the dust cup is transparent, so you can see how much dirt you're collecting. There are three light-up bars at the back to show the battery status, and the only weird thing is that the charging hole is on the side of the handle.

Performance: Our testing home includes a long-haired cat, a golden retriever, and a 9-year-old boy. We were pleasantly surprised at how much pet hair and dust it picked up, especially on the thick carpet in the living room, and the vacuum was also effective on the hardwood floor in the kitchen, easily picking up crumbs and kibble. While it struggled a bit with fine particles on the hardwood floor, it worked great on carpets. It was easy to empty and clean, and the accessory heads were good for hard-to-reach areas. The battery lasted about 35 minutes per charge, and it took around 4 hours to recharge.

Value: The Aspiron Cordless Vacuum is affordable and great for pet hair. It lacks some features of more expensive vacuums, but it's lightweight, making it easy to clean stairs and hard-to-reach spaces. Compared to the Dyson Omni-glide, it's better on carpets and has a longer battery life.

User reviews: People on Amazon like the stick vacuum, saying it's good for pet hair, light, and strong. The manufacturer's customer service is also good. Some people have issues with the dust container, but overall, they say it's good for quick cleanups.

Read more: Aspiron Cordless Vacuum Cleaner review

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The vacuum for pet hair with the biggest bin size

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The Ultenic FS1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent option for pet owners who need a reliable vacuum to tackle pet hair. Its powerful suction with four levels of power is perfect for picking up pet hair on various surfaces. The 5-layer filtration system is designed to trap ultrafine dust and particles, making it ideal for those with dust sensitivities, and the self-emptying feature is also a plus for pet owners who don't want to come into contact with pet hair and debris.

First impressions: The Ultenic FS1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner was super easy to assemble, thanks to the helpful one-sheeter guide that came with it. It has a compact size and eco-friendly packaging, and the vacuum also comes with extra dust bags, a power cord, and two attachments.

Design: The vacuum looks great and works well. We loved the navy blue color and how easy it was to empty the dust bag. The vacuum stands up on its own and can be stored anywhere, but you need to plug it in to charge it. Unfortunately, the attachments don't have a place to live in the vacuum, and it's not the most comfortable to handle because it's heavy. However, it does have a cool 5-layer filtration system that claims to trap almost all ultrafine dust and particles.

Performance: The Ultenic FS1 is a powerful machine with four levels of suction power, including Auto, Low, High, and Turbo. It's efficient at picking up debris of different sizes on various surfaces. The Auto Empty Station is a great feature that minimizes your contact with the collected dust and debris, making it easy to dispose of them. The attachments work well, but debris tends to fall out when removing them from the vacuum.

Value: The cleaner is a bit pricey at $279.99, but it's cheaper than other similar vacuums with self-emptying stations. It's got good power and a 5-layer filtration system and is even more affordable than similar Samsung and LG models.

User reviews: This FS1 is a winner for users on Amazon, who praised its strong suction power, the easy-to-use power button on the handle, and trash-emptying feature that saves time and keeps things clean. Plus, reports say the battery lasts a long time, the stick handle extends, and it looks attractive.

Read more: Ultenic FS1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner review

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The best Roomba vacuum for pet hair

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The Roomba Combo j7+ is an advanced and versatile robot vacuum that can both vacuum and mop your floors with ease. It boasts excellent obstacle avoidance, and its mapping capabilities and floor differentiation are top-notch, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to upgrade their smart home. Setting up the mopping feature is a breeze, and while it may not be as effective as a traditional mop, it still does a great job of keeping your floors clean. Although it's a bit pricey and bulky, its high-end features like self-emptying and auto-mopping make it well worth the investment.

First impressions: The Roomba Combo j7+ packaging is mostly cardboard, which is great. Downloading the iRobot app and mapping the house is easy, though it's not perfect. The mopping feature is simple to set up, with cloths and a cleaning solution included.

Design: This is a pretty hefty vacuum, which could be good for sucking up debris in one go, but not so great for getting into tight spaces. The weight also makes it pretty noisy, especially when docking or emptying the tank. It has one edge-sweeping brush and a rubber center brush to prevent hair-wrapping, which worked well except for the edge-sweeping brush getting clogged with hair.

Performance: The Combo j7+ is a great vacuum for those with hard floors and carpets. It can differentiate between the two and adjust its modes accordingly, so you won't end up with soggy rugs or carpets. It maps your home and can be asked to perform jobs limited to a specific room. The robot vacuum is also great for obstacle avoidance and can easily avoid items in its path. It even gives you an estimated time frame for completion. While the mopping function is not as effective as doing it manually, it does an adequate job of cleaning surface-level grime from your hard floors.

Value: The model costs $999.99 on the iRobot site and is available on various retailers. Its high-end features, including self-emptying and auto-mopping, make it pricey, and cheaper alternatives are the Roomba J6+ ($799.99) and the Roomba i3+ EVO ($899.99), both often on sale.

User reviews: The iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ has received mixed reviews from Amazon users. While some appreciate its hybrid functionality and automatic object detection, others have encountered issues with the app and mopping performance. The price is also a consideration for some users.

Read more: Roomba Combo j7+ review

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The best vacuum attachment for pet hair

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We tried out the Dyson Pet Groom Tool on my Golden Retriever and cat. The manual was helpful, and it was easy to attach to my Dyson vacuum. The slicker brush worked well to get rid of hair and dander, but our pets didn't like the vacuum part. We found it easier to groom them without the vacuum on, then turn it on briefly to suck away the hair. It's also a little loud, but it did a good job of getting through thick pet hair.

First impressions: The Dyson Pet Groom Tool is easy to set up since it clicks together well. The manual has helpful illustrations on how to attach the grooming slicker brush to the vacuum and activate it, and it's a great tool for pet owners to get rid of hair and dander quickly and cleanly.

Design: The tool is easy to attach to your Dyson vacuum, and the extension hose gives you plenty of reach. The slicker brush is well-designed, with bristles that penetrate deep into your pet's coat to remove any loose hairs and dander, and the only downside is that some pets might be spooked by the noise, so you may need an extra pair of hands to settle them down.

Performance: We tried out the Dyson Pet Groom Tool on our Golden Retriever and cat. The brush worked great at removing hair and dander, but our pets weren't too keen on the vacuum part. We found it easier to groom them without the vacuum on, then turn it on briefly to suck away the hair. The brush is easy to use and effective at getting through thick pet hair. It's a little loud, but we noticed less pet hair around the house after using it.

Value: The Dyson Pet Groom Tool is reasonably priced and easy to use with your Dyson vacuum cleaner. Cheaper options are available online, but they may not be compatible or have a warranty. Other vacuums like the Bissell CleanView and Yeedi Vac 2 Pro are also great for picking up pet hair. The Black + Decker Dustbuster is a lightweight and affordable option for quick clean-ups.

User reviews: Reviewers say that the Dyson Pet Groom Tool is great for getting rid of unwanted dog hair. It's easy to use and good value for money, with a four-star rating on Amazon. Some reviewers say their pets are too scared of the vacuum, and it would be helpful to have adjustable bristle lengths.

Read more: Dyson Pet Groom Tool review

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The best budget vacuum for pet hair

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The Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet is a budget-friendly and lightweight cordless vacuum that is ideal for pet owners. It has a powerful suction that can easily pick up pet hair, dust, and larger debris on both carpets and hard floors. Although it struggles to clean edges and baseboards, it has a basic floorhead with an anti-microbial brush roll that can be used to clean pet hair on floors. The removable battery can be interchanged with other ONEPWR range of products, and a second battery is available for a longer run time.

First impressions: The Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet is easy to unbox and set up. The handle attaches in seconds, and the manual has clear diagrams. However, it takes three hours to fully charge the removable battery, which has four lights indicating the charge level.

Design: The cordless vacuum has a large 0.26-gallon dustbin and a removable battery that can be used interchangeably with other products from the ONEPWR range. It is lightweight and easy to maneuver, with a simple design that allows it to lay virtually flat on the ground for vacuuming under low furniture. It has a basic floorhead with one anti-microbial brush roll but no accessories for cleaning awkward areas. It has three modes: hard floor, carpet, and brush off, and can stand upright on its own and stop the brush roll when left unattended.

Performance: The ONEPWR Evolve Pet is a good vacuum for general floor cleaning, collecting dust, hair, and larger debris on both carpets and hard floors. However, it struggles to clean the edges of a room and pick up debris along baseboards. Although it can transition easily between hard floors and rugs, it requires multiple passes to remove all debris from long-pile rugs. The handle is comfortable, and its ability to vacuum efficiently while completely horizontal is a valuable feature. The battery lasts for 20 minutes in carpet mode and 40 minutes in hard floor mode, with a quick recharge time of 2h45.

Value: The Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet is a budget cordless vacuum that's good for floors but lacks attachments, though a second battery is available for larger homes. The dustbin is also easy to empty and maintain. The Dyson V12 Slim and Shark Vertex Pro are more versatile but pricier. Alternatively, the Neato D10 robot vacuum is expensive but hands-free.

User reviews: This vacuum cleaner has a rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon, with 88% of reviewers giving it 4 or 5 stars. Positive reviews highlight its lightweight and easy maneuverability. However, edge cleaning is not very effective, and users suggest buying a second battery for a longer run time.

Read more: Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet review

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The best upright vacuum for pet hair

The Bissell SurfaceSense Pet Multi-Surface Vacuum is a powerful and effective bagless vacuum that comes with multiple attachments for cleaning pet hair and reaching tight spaces. It has received mostly positive user reviews for its suction power and maneuverability, and although it can get stuck when transitioning between floor types and its power cord can be cumbersome, it offers great value with its numerous attachments and five-year warranty.

First impressions: The SurfaceSense Pet Multi-Surface Vacuum is packaged in sustainable egg carton-like pressed cardboard. While the assembly is relatively easy, attaching the hose to the canister can be tricky. The instruction manual clears it up, but the "easy assembly" tag is misleading.

Design: The Bissell SurfaceSense Pet Multi-Surface Vacuum Cleaner is a sturdy and durable vacuum that comes with a 7.5-foot hose attachment and three different nozzles that work well for cleaning pet hair and reaching tight spaces. It automatically adjusts speed based on floor type for optimal cleaning across all surfaces, but it can get stuck when transitioning from wood floors to plush area rugs. The 30-foot-long power cord can be cumbersome and gets in the way when vacuuming a room.

Performance: During testing, the Bissell SurfaceSense Pet Multi-Surface Vacuum proved to be a powerful machine that handled even the toughest messes with ease. It effectively removed dust, dirt, and pet hair from various surfaces, including upholstery and area rugs. Although not the quietest vacuum, it was not overly loud. Cleaning the vacuum was also straightforward, with easy access to the canister and filters. The vacuum's size was comparable to traditional bagless models, and it comes with a five-year warranty. Maintenance is recommended every couple of years, and pet owners should have it serviced yearly, including attachments.

Value: The Bissell SurfaceSense Pet Multi-Surface Vacuum offers great value with its numerous attachments. Though the Shark Navigator Lift-Away at $199.99 is cheaper and the Dyson V12 Detect Slim is a favorite of ours, the Bissell is a good choice for those who want something effective and economical.

User reviews: The SurfaceSense vacuum has mostly positive reviews online, with users happy with its corner cleaning ability and easy maneuverability. Though some mentioned it's heavy, pet owners seem particularly satisfied with its suction power and quick-release hose for hard-to-reach areas.

Read more: Bissell SurfaceSense Pet Multi-Surface Vacuum review

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How we test the best vacuums for pet hair

When it comes to finding the best vacuums for pet hair, Top Ten Reviews is dedicated to providing honest and unbiased product reviews. Our team of experts conducts thorough research and testing to find the best vacuums that can effectively tackle pet hair. We don't just focus on the most popular or well-known brands, but instead, we test a wide range of vacuums to ensure we can recommend the best products to our readers.

Our comprehensive testing protocols allow us to assess each vacuum against specific criteria, including its ability to pick up pet hair, suction power, filtration, design, features, ease of use, and maintenance. We never accept compensation from brands, ensuring our reviews remain objective and neutral. For more information on how we test vacuums for pet hair, head over to our page on how we test.

How to choose the best vacuum for pet hair

To handle pet hair fibers and prevent blockages, vacuum cleaners for pet hair must have more specialized features than a standard vacuum. 

Corded vs cordless
The main advantage of a cordless vacuum is that it operates independently of an electric socket. Choosing a vacuum with a long battery life is essential for larger homes. At least 40 minutes should be sufficient, but if you’re planning on dealing with a large house, garden and car all at once, you may prefer a battery-free corded model with an extension lead.

Bag vs bagless
A bagless vacuum requires you to empty fur and debris directly from the bin into the trash can. Dust and dander can escape, re-contaminating your home or triggering allergies. Therefore, we generally consider bagged vacuums to be superior to their bagless siblings for pet hair. That being said, some bagged vacuums require single-use bags. Periodically replacing the bag bumps up maintenance costs.

Anti-tangle features
Features such as raised bristles swiftly lift up and trap pet dander, preventing blockages. They may come in the form of detachable brush rolls.

Suction power
Suction power, typically measured in air watts (AW), should be at least 200W to extract pet hair. This is particularly important when tackling carpets or rugs with deep piles, as more power is required to suck up tangled hairs.

Maneuverability
A compact, lightweight vacuum requires less storage space and less heavy maneuvering. This is especially important if you have a large area to cover or multiple floors in your home.

Cordless vacuums are generally more lightweight than their corded counterparts by around five to 10 lbs. You might want to consider a robot vacuum too, which requires no elbow grease at all.

Filters
Pet hair vacuums have filters to prevent dust and dander from re-contaminating your home. A multi-layered filter is a must, your vacuum should ideally have a High-Efficiency Particulate Absorbing Filter (HEPA) filter.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), theoretically, HEPA filters remove at least 99.7% of airborne particles sized over 0.3 microns, including dander, dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria.

Floor types
A pet vacuum needs to be able to deal with different floor types. Hardwood surfaces are best tackled with a soft brush that won’t scratch your floor. Thick pile carpets require longer and sturdier bristles, ideally with rotating fibers. 

Noise and additional features
Noise is another consideration, especially for owners with nervous pets. Another nice-to-have feature is LED lights, which may help you to spot less visible hairs on the floor while you vacuum. 

Vacuums for pet hair FAQs

Are pet vacuums good for human hair?

Pet vacuums can absolutely be helpful when removing human hair, especially the models designed to handle hair strands of varying lengths. Some vacuums come with attachments specifically designed to pick up pet and human hair, while others have self-cleaning brush rolls that prevent tangles or clogs.

Do vacuums pick up fleas?

If you're dealing with a flea infestation at home, vacuuming can be a valuable method to eliminate them. However, it's worth noting that more than vacuuming alone is needed, so before attempting to vacuum stray fleas from around your home, tackling the root problem on your pets is essential.

According to studies, vacuuming can kill many adult fleas, flea pupae, and larvae from carpets. However, vacuuming may not remove all fleas from deep within carpet fibers where immature stages like larvae could live.