The Best Editor-Tested Pet Hair Vacuums You Can Buy Now

Vacuums are an essential home good for every household, but they’re particularly necessary for people with pets — especially pets that shed a lot. That’s not to say any vacuum will do, though. While many vacuums exist on the market, they’re not all cut out for cleaning up after shedding dogs and cats. After all, not all vacuums have the suction power or attachments to adequately lift fluff from floors and upholstery. With that in mind, we set out to find the best vacuums for pet hair. While testing the most popular models on the market, we paid close attention to how well each worked on different surfaces, from tile and hardwood floors to carpet and upholstery. We also kept an eye out for HEPA filters; they’re a godsend for folks with allergies, as they remove allergens from the air. By the end of our testing, we narrowed it down to the top 10 vacuums for pet hair. Check them out below.

• Best Overall: Shark HZ702 UltraLight Pet Pro Corded Stick Vacuum
• Best Budget-Friendly: Dirt Devil PowerMax Pet Upright Vacuum
• Best Splurge: TINECO PureOne s12 Pro Ex
• Best Cordless: Shark Stratos Cordless
• Best Stick: Samsung Jet 75 2-in-1 Vacuum
• Best Upright: BISSELL Multiclean Allergen Lift-Off Pet Vacuum
• Best No Hair Wrap: Dyson Ball Animal 3
• Best Robot: eufy 25C Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum
• Best Self-Emptying: Yeedi Vac Station
• Best Handheld: BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Before buying the first vacuum for pet hair that you come across, be aware of these important considerations.

Pet hair has a way of really nestling into carpets and upholstery, so it’s important to consider suction power when shopping for a vacuum. You can determine a vacuum’s suction by homing in on the product’s specs and looking out for any of the below units of measure.

CFM (cubic feet per minute): CFM “represents the power of the airflow” from the surface being cleaned to the vacuum cleaner’s bag or bin. Typically, the average vacuum’s CFM falls somewhere within the 50 to 100 range.

AW (air watts): AW represents “the amount of watts used by the machine to carry a unit of air through an opening (usually the vacuum’s nozzle).” AW is different from regular watts, in that a watt measures motor energy consumption and an air watt measures a vacuum’s suction efficiency based on energy consumption. So, two different vacuums can actually have the same number of watts, but differ vastly when it comes to their individual AW, or suction efficiency. According to Hoover, “For really effective cleaning, an upright vacuum cleaner will need around 100 air watts and a cylinder vacuum cleaner will need around 220 air watts.”

Pa (pascal pressure unit): Also seen as “kPa” (kilopascal unit, which is 1/1,000 of a Pa unit), Pa is a unit of measure for suction pressure that also follows the guideline of “the higher, the better.” Typically, an average high-performing vacuum cleaner operates on 10 to 20 kPa (or 10,000 to 20,000 Pa).

Depending on the vacuum, you may get one, two, or a few attachments in the box. When it comes to vacuums for pet hair, specifically, well-designed brush heads make the biggest difference. In particular, you want to look for agitating heads, which help dislodge embedded pet hairs, and tangle-free spin brushes that won’t get clogged with all the hair. 

Vacuum utility boils down to how easy the machine is to use. Below are the different utility parameters of the most popular vacuum models on the market. 

Corded: Corded vacuums may seem like a relic of the past, but they’re the most powerful in terms of suction, which is particularly important when it comes to pet hair. The only downsides of corded vacuums is that they tend to be bulkier, heavier, and harder to maneuver, given that they’re plugged into the wall. 

Cordless: Cordless vacuums are currently the most popular models on the market. They typically come in stick form, which makes them lightweight and easy to maneuver. Most notably, they’re super convenient, as they don’t require being tethered to a wall outlet. That said, they tend to be a bit less powerful than a plug-in vacuum and may require recharging or swapping batteries for longer cleaning seshes. 

Robot: The beautiful thing about robot vacuums is that they’re almost entirely hands-off. Because they’re operated using a mobile app and are designed to be self-emptying, the only time you have to be truly hands-on is when you need to move it between floors. 

Wet-Vac: These 2-in-1 machines function as vacuums and mops. Typically, they require adjusting settings and accessories, which adds a bit more time, but the fact that they can clean up both wet and dry messes makes them a convenient option for pet parents. Plus, it can help save space, as it’s a multi-use machine.

We tested a range of vacuums for pet hair, keeping the below factors in mind.

• Performance: How powerful is the suction? Does it sufficiently pick up dirt as well as pet hair? Does it require several passes to pick up the hair?
• Utility: Is it corded or cordless? Is it easy to store when not in use? Is it easy to use? Is it hard to maneuver?
• Attachments: Does it come with any pet hair-specific attachments? Are the brush heads designed not to tangle? Do they rotate to easily scoop up strands?

The Shark HZ702 Ultra-Light Pet Pro Corded Stick Vacuum came out on top, thanks to its stellar suction; easy-to-maneuver, lightweight silhouette; and convenient attachments. “I wasn’t expecting such a lightweight vacuum to pack such a powerful punch, but one pass of my couch picked up so much pet hair. Like embarrassing, is-my-couch-a-shade-lighter-now? amounts,” says AT Creative Studio Senior Writer, Courtney. “It’s so much easier to use on my staircase runner than my bulky vacuum. It’s so small and easy that I vacuum more often, too, which is a bonus!” Plus, it has an odor-neutralizing HEPA filter, so it helps take care of pet smells and dander, too.

“This thing is small and mighty,” Courtney adds. Weighing just under 10 pounds, this Shark vacuum feels almost too light, which may require some getting used to. “My only quibble is that it’s so lightweight that it can be a little unwieldy to maneuver, but I got used to it,” Courtney says. “And I’ll take that for the ease of carting it up and down my stairs. Such a great addition to my routine.”

Read our full review of the Shark HZ702 UltraLight Pet Pro Corded Stick Vacuum

Specifications:

• 9.7 lbs.
• Corded
• 680-watt suction
• HEPA filter and sealed allergen system
• Includes crevice tool, upholstery tool, precision duster, and odor neutralizer technology cartridge
• Features LED headlights, removable dust cup, detachable hand vac, compact storage
• 3-year limited warranty

Who it’s best for: Anyone in need of high suction to clean up excess shedding. 

Good to know: Because it’s corded, you will have to change outlets to get through every room in your home, which can slow down the cleaning process. 

You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to adequately clean up after your shedding pets. The Dirt Devil PowerMax Pet Upright Vacuum is less than $100 but is beloved for its powerful suction, floor height adjustment, and washable filtration system. Additionally, it doesn’t take up a lot of space and it’s pretty quiet — two characteristics that add to its allure.

“The vacuum is great, and it works a little harder than my old one to pick up pet hair and dirt,” says AT Project Management Director, Carrie. “I love it and think it’s a great value.”

Specifications:

• 12 lbs.
• Corded
• 800-watt suction
• Odor-trapping, rinsable carbon disk filter
• Includes 2-in-1 crevice tool, extension wand, and turbo claw pet upholstery tool
• Features 4-level floor height adjustment, Endura filtration system
• 2-year limited warranty

Who it’s best for: Those who prefer the power of a corded vacuum, as well as anyone shopping on a budget. 

Good to know: We found that this vacuum only works slightly better than your traditional vacuum to pick up pet hair; however, given the price, it’s hard to beat.

There’s no denying that $600 is a lot to spend on a vacuum, but when the model performs as well as the TINECO PureOne s12 Pro Ex, it’s worth investing in. During our testing, we were particularly impressed with how well it picks up all kinds of debris, ranging from pet hair and grass to food spills and furniture messes. We also loved how compact it is, as well as how easy it is to decipher battery life and floor cleanliness on the LED screen.

“I really liked this TINECO vacuum,” says AT Best List Editor, Britt. “I was constantly using it to vacuum up dog hair around my apartment. It comes with lots of attachments, and the vacuum can convert to a smaller, handheld form to clean furniture. I also liked that the vacuum can let you know how clean the floor is with a color-coded ring on the digital display as well. It helped me to clean my floors more deeply, which meant they stayed clean longer — at least until the dogs shed all over it again.”

Specifications:

• 6.8 lbs.
• Cordless
• 450-watt suction
• 80-minute run time
• HEPA filter and sealed allergen system
• Includes a mini power brush and hair cleaning tool
• Features automatic suction adjustment, smart dirt detection, no hair wrap
• 2-year warranty

Who it’s best for: Anyone looking for the convenience of a cordless vacuum without cutting back on too much power. 

Good to know: It can’t stand upright with the handle, so mounting is required unless you don’t mind a little clutter (in the form of the handle and attachments) in the corner of a closet or your room. 

The Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum stands out for its unique Clean Sense IQ, which detects dirt and debris invisible to the untrained eye. Because of this, you can rest assured knowing that your floors are super clean with this lightweight vacuum in hand. “This is absolutely the best vacuum I have ever used,” says AT Contributor Savannah, who has two dogs that shed a lot. “I was immediately impressed by how strong it is and how quickly it cleaned my hard-to-clean carpets.” 

Although Savannah was initially skeptical of the cordless unit’s power, she was impressed by how well it held its charge and picked up even the most embedded hairs. “It holds its charge for a while and the vacuum works so well that I don’t have to use it for long,” she says. “The Shark is also very sleek in stature, so I can toss it in a small coat closet or tuck it in a corner without it taking up too much space. I definitely recommend this vacuum.”

Specifications:

• 8.9 lbs.
• Cordless
• 309-watt suction
• 60-minute run time
• Washable HEPA filter and sealed allergen system; foam and felt filters
• Includes dust crevice tool and anti-allergen brush
• Features Clean Sense IQ, LED display, self-cleaning brush roll, flexible wand, and odor neutralizer technology
• 5-year limited warranty for vacuum; 2-year warranty for battery

Who it’s best for: Those looking for a sleek, lightweight vacuum that’s easy to maneuver and effective to use on various floor types.

Good to know: It has the most suction of any Shark cordless stick vacuum.

The Samsung Jet 75 2-in-1 Vacuum is a bagless, cordless stick vacuum equipped with a five-layer HEPA filter. While slim in design, it offers notable cleaning potential, thanks to powerful suction, as well as a variety of attachments that make removing pet hair from floors and upholstery a breeze. 

When AT Commerce SEO Editor, Sarah, put it to the test, she found that this durable device doesn’t take up much space, and it’s quiet for a vacuum. Most importantly, it’s highly effective when it comes to cleaning up after pets. “I adore how sleek yet powerful this vacuum is. It picks up pet hair, dirt, and dander with ease (even on stubborn fabrics) and is a straight-to-the-point powerhouse,” she says. “If you’re looking for a no-frills pick that’ll get the job done while not cramping your style (or taking up too much space) when left out, I think you’ll love this find.”

Specifications:

• 6.2 lbs.
• Cordless
• 200-watt suction
• 60-minute run time
• 5-layer HEPA filter and sealed allergen system
• Includes a 2-way charger, flex tool, combination tool, and crevice tool
• Features high-capacity dustbin, LED display, self-cleaning technology
• 1-year warranty

Who it’s best for: Anyone shopping for a slim vacuum designed for allergen and pet hair removal.

Good to know: Due to its short run time, a second battery is highly recommended.

From the HEPA filter and Pet Turbo Eraser Tool (which is designed to effortlessly lift away pet hair), the Bissell Multiclean Allergen Lift-Off Pet Vacuum is a godsend for dog and cat owners. While it’s a corded vacuum, the removable canister makes it easy to maneuver up and down stairs, as well as around furniture, so no fluff will go unseen. 

“As someone who owns two very fluffy cats, this vacuum is perfect for my small one-bedroom apartment,” says AT Contributor Holland. “It removes the dirt and cat hair from both my flat rug as well as my more textured rug, and after a few months of use, the tangle-free brush roll is still holding up.” 

Of all the included attachments, though, Holland enjoys the crevice tool the most. “I probably use the crevice tool even more than the actual vacuum to remove dust, dirt, and litter from all the hard-to-reach places in my apartment,” she says. 

Specifications:

• 15.7 lbs
• Corded
• 7-amps suction
• HEPA filter
• Includes a combination crevice tool dusting brush and pet turbo eraser tool
• Lift off detachable pod, swivel steering, one-touch easy empty
• HEPA sealed allergen system
• 5-year limited warranty

Who it’s best for: Those shopping for a powerful, full-size vacuum. We find that while it works in all spaces, thanks to the size and storage necessity, it’s best for larger homes.

Good to know: It’s a larger vacuum and thus requires more space to store.

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is a fan favorite among pet owners. It’s a powerful corded vacuum with whole-machine filtration and an innovative tangle-free turbine that makes removing pet hair from carpets and rugs a breeze. As effective as the base of the machine is, the vacuum comes with a variety of attachments to make cleaning stairs and tight crevices less of a hassle. It even comes with a grooming tool so you can brush your pet then suck all the fluff directly into the vacuum. 

“It’s the best vacuum I’ve ever owned and used so far to take care of pet hair and dust,” says AT Producer Peggy. “It feels smooth and strong on all surfaces. I would definitely recommend!”

Specifications:

• 17.3 lbs.
• Corded
• 290-watt suction
• Whole-machine filtration
• Includes tangle-free turbine tool, stair tool, combination tool, and pet groom tool
• Features nylon bristles, cleaning modes for every floor type, instant-release wand
• 1-year warranty

Who it’s best for: Anyone looking for a high-quality corded vacuum that can be used in a variety of ways.

Good to know: The pet grooming tool is meant to be used while the vacuum is turned off. So brush your pet first, then turn on the vacuum suction (otherwise you may scare your pup in the process).

Let’s be honest: Vacuuming isn’t super fun and it can often feel like a major chore — one that sometimes is easy to ignore and procrastinate on. If that sentiment resonates, it’s time you turn your attention to the eufy 25C Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum. The lightweight circular vacuum features powerful suction and a triple-filter system, and is app-compatible so you can operate it without being hands-on. 

While robot vacuums can’t climb full stairs, AT Senior Graphic Designer, Lindsay, was impressed by how well the eufy model maneuvered over tile, carpet, and thresholds. “Overall, it does a really great job,” she says. 

Specifications:

• 5.2 lbs.
• Cordless
• 1,500Pa suction 
• 100-minute run time
• Triple-filter system
• Includes replacement brushes and filters
• Features Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and voice control
• 1-year warranty

Who it’s best for: Anyone who has a busy schedule, dislikes vacuuming, or simply wants to come home to a clean house without having to put in the pushing power.

Good to know: The interior roller can get clogged if used regularly, so it’s best to manually remove pet hair from the roller once a week to keep it in working order.

If the idea of having to manually remove pet hair from your robot vacuum feels too tedious, consider the Yeedi Vac Station which is self-emptying. While the machine is notably heavier than other vacuums, it doesn’t really matter because it’s self-propelling.

Beyond its self-emptying nature, this vacuum stands out for its dual use, as it functions as both a vacuum and mop. Whether you’re looking to deep clean your carpets or scrub your floors, this machine gets the job done. “As far as self-emptying robo-vacs go, this one was on the smaller side and didn’t take up too much space in my apartment,” Britt says. “Of all the robot vacuums I’ve tried, this one reached the perimeters of the room the best.”

Specifications:

• 25.2 lbs.
• Cordless
• 3,000Pa suction
• 200-minute run time
• HEPA filter and sealed allergen system
• Includes filter, mopping modular, dustbin with water tank, self-emptying station, and side brush
• Features smart mapping, anti-collision, LiDAR navigation, carpet detection, app control, and voice control 
• 1-year warranty

Who it’s best for: Those looking for a self-emptying vacuum; those looking for a 2-in-1 device.

Good to know: As a robot vacuum, it’s unable to climb stairs, so you will have to manually put it on the level you wish to operate it on.

The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Handheld Vacuum is a compact silhouette that’s perfect for cars and studio apartments. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and features a motorized head that effortlessly unfurls pet hair from upholstery and off hard surfaces. Of course, it also comes with a crevice tool, so you can easily get between cushions, as well as into and around tight spaces and corners.

“The BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Pet Vacuum is a great handheld vacuum for pet parents,” says AT Cleaning & Organizing Editor, Stephanie. “The controls are simple: There’s a power button and a release button to remove the dustbin and clean the filter. And because it’s so lightweight, I never feel fatigued while using it, and can often just use one hand to control it while moving items around with the other hand.”

Specifications:

• 3 lbs.
• Cordless
• 14.4-watt suction
• 15-minute run time
• 1-stage cloth filter
• Includes crevice tool and upholstery tool
• 1-year warranty

Who it’s best for: Those looking to keep their cars free of pet hair; anyone hoping to keep their space tidy without having to push around a full-size vac.

Good to know: It takes five hours to charge and only runs for 15 minutes at a time, which isn’t the most convenient.