We Tested Hundreds of Vacuums for Pet Hair and These 12 Are the Top Performers (2024)

Our Top Picks

Throughout our several stages of testing, including an ongoing stint in a home with two dogs and another with two cats, the Dyson V10 Cyclone Animal continuously emerged as one of the most effective (and delightful) vacuums to use for picking up pet hair, dirt, and debris. The stick-style cordless is actually two vacuums in one and easily transitions to a handheld device.

It’s worth the upgrade, even if you already have a Dyson with a similar body style, like the V10 or the V8. The pet hair-banishing anti-tangle technology is worth the upgrade alone. This anti-tangle design looks like a big corkscrew inside the motorbar cleaner head (it's also featured in the handheld tool), with deep grooves and spiraled bristles that reliably prevent hair from wrapping around the spinning roller brush. It really works—we've never had to tear hair off of this rolling brush head. It's a major change even from previous Dyson models, and a big improvement on traditional bristled roller heads.

For extended use as a handheld vacuum, attachments like the crevice tool, the combination tool, and the mini soft dusting brush make it easy to reach and clean a variety of surfaces both high and low, including upholstery cushions, car interiors, shelves, and decorative molding.

The bin can hold up to 0.2 gallons and a point-and-shoot release lever on the bagless canister rapidly forces out the majority of the contents without the need to get your hands dirty. This is another big improvement on many handheld vacuum models, which often unload from the bottom, sometimes risking a spill.

There are three power settings to choose from and with a full charge of the lithium-ion battery, the Cyclone V10 Animal has a runtime of up to 60 minutes at the lowest setting and 35 minutes at the highest. The most powerful suction setting allowed for a much quicker cleaning but also emits a loud whining sound that we found irritating (though nowhere near as irritating as dealing with a hair-tangled brush roll!).

While this model does not have a HEPA filter, it does have Dyson's whole-machine filtration that promises to capture 99.99 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns. The vacuum is extremely lightweight and easy to steer. When switching out attachments, it makes a satisfying click sound to let you know the piece is properly in place. We did find that heavier particles, like kibble, require more than one pass to fully pick up, but it’s one of the most efficient vacuums we tested and well worth the price.

_{Weight: 5.71 pounds | Power Source: Rechargeable battery with 60-minute run time | Bin Volume: 0.2 gallons or 25 ounces | Included Accessories: Crevice tool, mini soft dusting brush, hair screw tool, combination tool, docking station | Model Number: 394429-01}

The laser-powered illumination on the Dyson V15 Detect is paired with a unique roller brush, the fluffy cleaner head, to shine a spotlight on the irritants in your path. This combination of light along with the nylon and anti-static fiber filaments of the roller brush productively lifts dust and hair from surfaces, including the gaps between hardwood panels where irritants get stuck. This powerfully targeted cleaning of pet hair, microscopic dust, and dander can help to relieve respiratory ailments. Plus, the vacuum features an innovative filtration system that keeps track of the particles it collects and reports real-time metrics on the vacuum’s built-in LED screen, which can be particularly insightful if someone in your home suffers from allergies.

The cordless vacuum comes with a wall dock making it incredibly convenient to reach for and use for clean-ups of all sizes. While testing in a home with a Labrador, quick daily vacuum sessions helped to keep the floors and upholstery clean. Similar to our pick for Best Overall, this Dyson device can be used as a handheld vacuum, but it’s a little bit heavier.

When passing over flooring surfaces of all types, the V15 Detect’s intuitive auto mode adapts suction settings accordingly. It comes with seven cleaning attachments, two for use as an upright device, the aforementioned fluffy cleaner head with illumination, and a digital motorbar which is particularly effective on carpeting and made with de-tangling vanes to automatically clear wrapped hair from the brush bar. For use as a handheld vacuum, the hair screw tool features an anti-tangle conical brush bar for small spaces, a crevice tool provides reach into tight areas, a combination tool offers a wide nozzle and brush for quickly switching between as needed, a mini soft dusting brush for delicate surfaces, and a stubborn dirt brush to lift embedded dirt and dander.

To empty, the canister features a quick-release lever that shoots all of the particles down into a waste bin. The internal filter is not HEPA certified, but it’s effective—capturing 99.99 percent of particles—and easy to maintain with a quick rinse in water. The fluffy cleaner head can also be cleaned by running it under fresh water. The vacuum cleaner is one of the more expensive selections on our list, but it requires little maintenance and comes with a two-year warranty from Dyson.

_{Weight: 6.8 pounds | Power Source: Rechargeable battery with 60-minute run time; option for click-in battery | Bin Volume: 0.2 gallons | Included Accessories: Laser fluffy cleaner head, digital motorbar, hair screw tool, combination tool, mini soft dusting brush, stubborn dirt brush, crevice tool | Model Number: 368340-01}

With rubber fins and a built-in comb that loosens hair as you vacuum, the Shark Wandvac Self-Empty System has one of the most efficient roller heads for simultaneously picking up pet hair and preventing tangles. The two-in-one cordless vacuum easily switches from powerstick to handheld, and you can see the dust bin fill up as you clean which helps prevent clogging. Plus, it’s priced affordably and comes with a five-year warranty from Shark.

To charge, the vacuum comes with a dock that is equipped with a HEPA filter to collect dust and debris. Every time the vacuum is placed on the dock, the self-emptying system is activated and the contents within the dust bin are sucked out and concealed. The excavation is over within seconds but it’s loud and can be startling, so a mute button is conspicuously positioned on top of the dock which remains active until you push it again.

With weekly use, the main collection canister within the dock station typically requires emptying once a month. The condensed contents pop out quickly and do not produce a dust cloud. To maintain efficiency, the internal filters should be rinsed every 30 days and allowed to air dry thoroughly before putting them back into the docking system.

Two attachments are provided, a duster crevice tool and a pet multi-tool, both of which are equipped with optional brushes for lifting embedded dirt and dust off a variety of household surfaces. For storage, the vacuum features a front-facing clip that connects the handheld piece of the vacuum to the body while it sits on the dock, significantly reducing the overall height. But there is only one slot to keep one of the two attachments conveniently within reach. The Shark vacuum also only has one power setting, but it works well across hardwood flooring, upholstery, tile, and rugs without being too harsh.

_{Weight: 13.85 pounds | Power Source: Lithium-ion battery | Bin Volume: 0.13 quarts | Included Accessories: Duster crevice tool, pet multi-tool | Model Number: WS642AE}

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra offers three power modes, a cleaner head that automatically clears tangled hair, and a hose extension, so it’s easy to reach and clean a variety of household surfaces and spaces including wood flooring, carpeting, tile, upholstery, curtains, and shelving. It is powered by a 35-foot extension cord providing reach and reducing the need to switch to a new power outlet while cleaning.

The body of the upright vacuum swivels effortlessly on a ball as the dense nylon bristles spiral into surfaces to lift out pet hair. With the stair tool attachment connected to the hose, cleaning a flight of stairs is significantly easier than with any other vacuum cleaner we’ve tested. For upholstery, the tangle-free turbine tool removes stubborn hair and debris from cushions and your dog’s favorite bed (which might be your bed). There is even a pet grooming tool that attaches to the hose that is designed to remove hair and skin that’s already been shed directly from a dog’s coat, but we don’t recommend using it if you have a nervous and/or small pet.

The generous canister holds up to 1.7 liters (roughly half a gallon) and was only full after cleaning an entire home (close to 2,000 square feet). To empty out the contents, the canister separates from the body of the vacuum with the push of a button. Once isolated, it’s easy to hover the canister over the trash bin to discard the dust and pet hair directly into a garbage bag. There is no need to purchase replacement bags with this vacuum cleaner, and the internal filter is washable.

_{Weight: 17.3 pounds | Power Source: 35-foot power cord | Bin Volume: 1.7 liters | Included Accessories: 15-foot hose, tangle-free turbine tool, pet groom tool, combination tool, stair tool | Model Number: 394515-01}

The Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Cordless Vacuum weighs less than nine pounds, locks in an upright position, and doesn’t keep you tethered to an outlet. While in use, the upright device sets a healthy boundary to keep it running efficiently and will automatically stop when the canister is full. Along with the easy-to-empty canister on the slim bagless vacuum, an internal filter helps to clear a space of pet-related particles, but it is not a certified HEPA filter.

The vacuum works across multiple floor surfaces—hardwood, tile, carpet—with the ability to turn on a brush roll to sweep up items of different sizes as you clean. The ONEPWR Evolve performs exceptionally well on carpeting, picking up both kibble and pet hair. On a tile floor, a few passes are typically required to completely clear the area of debris. The brush roll can easily be extracted to clear any contents that may get stuck or tangled, like long strands of hair.

Unlike other upright vacuum cleaners, this model is not equipped with a hose or additional attachments, so you will likely find that you need an additional vacuum on hand, such as our choice for Best Handheld, the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ Cordless Handheld Vacuum, for upholstery cleaning.

_{Weight: 8.6 pounds | Power Source: Rechargeable battery with 35-minute run time | Bin Volume: 33.81 ounces | Included Accessories: Removable brush roll | Model Number: BH53420V}

After six months in a home with a cat, a dog, and a bunny, the Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum continues to be a highly effective and versatile cleaning tool. It’s easy to transport around a space with a handle on the wheeled canister, and with the push of a button, the power cord self-retracts.

The wand has an adjustable height and is attached to a seven-foot hose to capture pet hair from all corners and at every level in a room. It also attaches to the canister in an upright position for easy storage. This Miele comes with several accessories including a brush attachment that works on upholstery and a crevice tool that slides into narrow spaces. The floorhead twists to fit into corners and is very easy to guide. All debris is collected in a removable bin, so there is no need to deal with replacement bags. When emptying the canister, most particles and pieces easily slide out, save for a few strands of pet hair which we had to clear by hand. The internal bin where the contents of dust and pet hair are collected must be handled with care to prevent unintentional spilling.

For use on a staircase, this vacuum might be too wide to rest on a step, but the cord along with the length of the wand and the hose should be sufficient in the majority of homes. With an internal HEPA filter and an internal self-cleaning system, the vacuum helps to reduce the amount of dust in a home and is easy to maintain.

_{Weight: 19 pounds | Power Source: 21-foot retractable cord | Bin Volume: 0.5 gallons | Included Accessories: Electro plus floorhead, parquet twister floorhead, dusting brush, crevice tool, upholstery tool, handheld turbo brush | Model Number: SKCE0}

To remove pet dander and other dust particles from the air, the Kenmore Pet-Friendly Pop-N-Go Canister Vacuum features an internal HEPA filter along with an internal disposable bag to seal up all of the contents the vacuum picks up.

After several months in a home with beige carpeting and a black dog that sheds a lot, this vacuum continues to deliver results but often requires the highest, loudest setting for a thorough cleaning. With a 360-degree hose swivel, a telescopic wand, and onboard tool storage for accessories, we found the design of this moderately priced vacuum to be very functional and convenient.

The canister is on the heavier side with a weight of 24 pounds but not significantly more than our pick for Best Canister, the Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog Bagless Canister Vacuum with a weight of 19 pounds. To keep the Pet-Friendly Pop-N-Go vacuum running smoothing, a check bag indicator prompt appears on the built-in screen to let you know the bag, Kenmore Type Q, needs to be taken out and replaced. Depending on the size of your space, you may find you need to replace the bag frequently so we recommend factoring in the ongoing cost of bags, $27 for a pack of six on Amazon at the time of publishing.

The power cord extends 26 feet and self-retracts back into the vacuum with the push of a button. With four suction levels to choose from and a brush roller, this vacuum is effective across a variety of flooring types.

_{Weight: 24 pounds | Power Source: 26-foot retractable cord | Bin Volume: Not listed, requires Q replacement bags | Included Accessories: Dusting brush, long crevice tool, bare floor brush | Model Number: BC4026}

Save time and pick up pet hair from places other vacuums miss with the iRobot Roomba J7. This wifi-connected device zooms around a home seamlessly transitioning among different surfaces—hardwood flooring, tile, carpeting—and altering you via the iRobot app with a photo whenever it encounters an obstacle, including any accidents your pet might leave behind.

The circular vacuum glides around a space heading to its plugged-in companion docking station to self-empty all the pet hair and debris it scooped up while it recharges for the next programmable mission you send it on. On its initial voyage, the Roomba J7 maps out the territory detecting obstacles and communicating with you via the app whether the object in question is temporarily in the way to learn where it should and should not venture. For temporary obstacles, the robotic cleaner can be deployed for a touch-up run once the objects have been cleared.

The Roomba’s ability to cross thresholds into other rooms is highly impressive among the robot vacuum set, and this device has an edge-sweeping brush which is highly effective with excavating unwanted crumbs and pet hair from tighter areas, like along a wall’s baseboard and under the legs of a chair.

The disk-like vacuum fully charges in two hours and a light notification lets you know when it’s ready to go with a run time of 75 minutes. The vacuum is not suitable for use on stairs or on upholstery (which is true of all the robot-style vacuum cleaners we tested), so you will likely need to supplement with another style of vacuum, like our choice for Best Handheld, the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ Cordless Handheld Vacuum.

_{Weight: 7.5 pounds | Power Source: Cord-powered docking station and lithium-ion battery | Bin Volume: Not specified | Included Accessories: Extra dust-bin bag, replacement edge brush | Model Number: j755020}

The Neato D8 Intelligent Robot Vacuum is moderately priced and capable of covering up to 750 square feet on a single charge. The D-shaped body of the robotic vacuum glides around furniture legs and also gets into corners to pick up pet hair and debris.

Similar to our choice for Best Robot, upon its maiden voyage the Neato D8 connects to wifi and maps out its new digs communicating through the NeatoApp on a mobile device. From the app, areas can be restricted, cleanings can be scheduled, and the overall maintenance needs of the vacuum can be monitored. Unlike other robotic vacuums that rely on a camera sensor to move freely around a space, this vacuum from Neato Robotics uses laser-powered technology known as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to autonomously transition across surfaces while successfully avoiding individuals—like pets and children—and objects that cross its cleaning path, even in the dark.

The Neato D8 has two cleaning modes—turbo and eco. Turbo offers more suction power but it also emits significant noise, making it difficult to have a conversation while it's running. Eco is quieter, but several passes were often needed to clear the surface of pet hair.

The vacuum is equipped with an internal filter and comes with two replacements. The spiral combo brush is suitable for use across hardwood, carpet, and tile, and a brush cleaning tool is also included to help the spiral combo brush maintain its efficiency. The bin holding all the dirt and pet hair pick up is slightly larger (0.7 liters) than other robotic vacuums but does require manual emptying. When the Neato D8 is running low on battery, it will guide itself to the docking station, which has a six-foot power cord.

_{Weight: 8 pounds | Power Source: Lithium-ion battery | Bin Volume: 0.7 liters | Included Accessories: Docking station, brush cleaning tool, spiral combo brush | Model Number: 945-0372}

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum with RockDock Ultra is more expensive than the other robot vacuums on our list, but it has has several nifty features—moping capability, LiDAR navigation to avoid obstacles, self-emptying docking station, and more—that make this vacuum worthy of placement in a home.

When you first launch the S8 Pro Ultra, it maps out your space going room by room. Each subsequent voyage can be set to automatic mode where the vacuum will traverse each room, or you can instruct it to go to whatever room you desire for it to clean. To full clean up pet hair and other debris, the vacuum can then mop your non-carpeted surfaces. Once the cleaning mission is complete, the robot vacuum heads back to the RockDock Ultra to automatically self-empty. The docking station holds up to seven weeks worth of dirt and dust before you have to tackle the task of unloading it into a trash bag. To prevent mold and unpleasant odors from a damp mop cloth, the dock emits warm air to fully dry components that are wet from mopping.

This vacuum easily navigates between carpet, hardwood, and tile floors and uses 3D technology to avoid any obstacles, pets, or structures in its path. And if there's a threshold, it simply lifts the brushes and climbs over it to continue its cleaning task.

This robot vacuum has a maximum runtime of 180 minutes and can be charged in two modes to optimize energy use, quick-charge mode and off-peak, to avoid charging during peak energy use. For proper use, this vacuum and mop combination requires hands-on maintenance and ongoing replacement of features like mop cloths and cleaning solution, which will add up over time.

^{Weight: 31.1 pounds | Power Source: Lithium-ion battery | Bin Volume: 0.45 quarts | Included Accessories: Rockdock ultradock, water tank, mop cloth, mop cloth mount, user manual, power cable | Model Number: S8 Pro Ultra}

Weighing under three pounds, the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ Cordless Handheld Vacuum provided 25 minutes of powerful cordless suction during our testing trial.

The portable vacuum quickly scooped up kibble and wet hair from hardwood surfaces. However, it required an additional pass to completely pick up the kibble from the carpeting, which was common among the handheld vacuum cleaners we tested. The pet power brush attachment roll has silicone fins instead of a traditional brush roll, and not a single strand was found around the roll when emptying. The UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ comes with two additional attachments: a crevice tool to clean between cushions and a scrubbing brush to pick up dirt and debris from upholstery.

With the push of a button, the canister can be emptied directly into a trash can. Some of the wet hair got stuck inside, so we did have to reach in and wipe it away to fully clean out this section of the petite vacuum. With a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a washable filter, this small but mighty vacuum from Shark will help you clean up after your pet in a variety of spaces, including the inside of a car. A power cord is provided, but the docking station is sold separately. Shark also offers a two-year warranty.

_{Weight: 2.8 pounds | Power Source: Lithium-ion battery | Bin Volume: 0.45 quarts | Included Accessories: Pet power brush, crevice tool, scrubbing brush | Model Number: CH951}

The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Vacuum is budget-friendly, lightweight, and effectively picks up pet hair from furniture and flooring. It's a compact handheld vacuum with a comfortable handle that offers control and is easy to grip.

While testing, this vacuum performed well on all surfaces, from carpet and hardwood to deep-pile rugs and tile, but is more amendable to cleaning up debris from upholstery than from flooring. When vacuuming the couch, it required a few passes to get all the pet hair and kibble, but it did ultimately provide optimal results. The vacuum comes with three accessories—a crevice tool, motorized brush tool, and upholstery tool—making it easier to maneuver and reach around cushions.

The cordless vacuum is easy to empty, but to completely get all of the pet hair out we had to fully remove the filter from the canister. This requires two hands and we found it to be a little tricky. The small vacuum has powerful suction, and with a full charge it provides up to 17 minutes of cleaning, but it is surprisingly loud for its size.

_{Weight: 3 pounds | Power Source: Lithium-ion battery | Bin Volume: 0.74 quarts | Included Accessories: Crevice tool, motorized brush tool, upholstery tool | Model Number: 2390A}

Final Verdict

Our top selection, which we feel most pet parents will benefit from, is the Dyson V10 Cyclone Animal. The two-in-one stick easily converts to a handheld vacuum cleaner, with a design that prevents pet hair from tangling around the roller brush. If you are looking for an autonomous robot vacuum, we recommend the iRobot Roomba J7. It will steer clear of obstacles—like your pet—while cleaning and communicating with you via an app on your mobile device.

FAQ

• How often should your space be vacuumed to keep pet hair to a minimum?

  Experts recommend a minimum of weekly vacuum sessions to pick up loose hair and dander. If you have multiple pets or pets that are prone to shedding, you may find it beneficial to vacuum two or three times a week. If you want to free up your hands and reduce the time you spend vacuuming, we highly recommend adding a robot vacuum into your routine, like the iRobot Roomba J7, which will map out your space and self-empty the internal dust bin every time it returns to its dock.

• Do I need a vacuum with a HEPA filtration system?

  Not necessarily. Many vacuum manufacturers have their own proprietary filtration systems. HEPA, which stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, refers to an industry standard and definition set by the U.S. Department of Energy.

  According to the Environmental Protection Agency, HEPA certification is given to filters capable of removing at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns. The Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technologies provides the guidelines for conducting a HEPA filter test, and it is often conducted by manufacturers on their own products

• Does vacuuming remove pet odors?

  Not entirely, but vacuuming can help to reduce lingering pet odors–especially in areas where pet hair and dander tend to get trapped. To fully get rid of pet odors caused by organic matter, like poop, pee, and vomit, you will need an enzymatic cleaner. Since bodily fluids like feces and urine also contain organic proteins, they can be effectively countered by enzymatic cleaners, which break down complex organic molecules into their constituent parts. The Spruce Pets recommends Kids 'N' Pets All-Purpose Stain + Odor Remover which successfully removed odors in our lab testing and is safe to use in a home environment.

• How can I maintain the suction power of my vacuum?

  If your vacuum is losing suction, you should start by emptying the bin or replacing the bag. You should then inspect the floor head to clear out any tangles and check for any debris that may be lodged inside. Regular monthly maintenance of a vacuum can help keep the machine functioning properly.

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