The 17 Best Pet Hair Vacuums, From Carpet Powerhouses to Cordless Wonders and Robots

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While we may not be able to stop the shedding or general dirt tracking that our beloved furballs bring into our homes, thankfully, there are some excellent vacuums equipped to handle pet hair and other pet messes.

Finding the best vacuum for pet hair can be quite a research process, to be sure. A good vacuum is one of the most important (and most expensive) pet tools you’ll purchase, so there’s a lot to think about before making the plunge. For starters, the market has a wide variety of styles, from powerhouse canisters to lightweight handhelds. And each type comes with different factors to consider, like suction power, capacity, filters, and accessories.

To get you started, we’ve rounded up our favorite vacuums for pet hair and categorized them by style. We’ve also called out the different features that set them apart, so you can better find the best pet hair vacuum for your household needs.

Best Canister Vacuums

Best Luxury Pick: Miele Complete C3 Cat and Dog Canister Vacuum (Verified Review)

Yes, this vacuum is an investment, but Miele is the gold standard when it comes to vacuums. And the Miele Complete C3 is one the best vacuums for pet hair you can buy. It’s made of high-quality materials and is said to outlast cheaper models with an average 20-year life span.

We tested the Miele Complete C3 in-depth and were impressed by all its features for tackling pet hair and grime. It has an air-cleaned, sealed filtration system, strong suction, a six-stage motor you can adjust with a foot pedal, and multiple attachments for all types of surfaces. Did we mention it’s very quiet?

The only caveat is that you’ll have to buy and use disposable dust bags. On the other hand, this single-use system is purposefully designed to contain and seal off allergens and dander, which pet parents suffering from pet allergies will appreciate.

Key features:

• Multiple filters, including HEPA Air Clean and pre-motor protection filters
• Deep-cleaning powerhead; 1200-watt motor
• Suite of attachments includes a dusting brush, crevice tool, upholstery tool, and parquet floor brush, designed to get in hard-to-reach places
• Turbo brush functions like a smaller handheld vacuum
• Strong suction and a six-stage motor, adjustable via a foot pedal
• Capacity holds about 2.6 liters
• Three-year warranty (you can find Miele dealerships nationwide if/when repairs are needed)

Best Budget: Eureka Mighty Mite 3670M Corded Canister Vacuum

If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, this is a great choice. The Eureka Mighty Mite may not have all the bells and whistles of pricier canister models, but it packs in a lot of useful features, especially at its affordable price point (less than $100 on Amazon at the time of writing).

At less than 9 pounds, it’s extremely lightweight, competing with some of the stick vacuums on our list. The vacuum also comes with two extension wands and two specialty attachments that easily reach pet hair under car seats and in your house’s crevices and corners.

The Eureka Mighty Mite uses bags and has a built-in HEPA filtration system that captures over 99.7% of dust. Its 10-amp motor is powerful, too!

Key features:

• 2.5-liter capacity
• Lightweight: less than 9 pounds
• Extremely budget-friendly
• Powerful 10-amp motor

Best for Deep-Pile Carpet: Kenmore Pop-N-Go Bagged Canister Vacuum

This Kenmore canister vacuum is a popular choice for homes with thicker carpets. In particular, the electric floor sweeper brush has a powerful two-motor suction that pulls up dust and pet hair from deep-pile carpets.

To switch over to hardwood floors and other surfaces, use the POP-N-GO hard floor brush stored on the vacuum with three other wands for easy reach. The mini turbo brush also works well to remove cat hair on cat trees and dog fur from pet beds.

Both the dust bag and filter are HEPA-compliant and are great for pet parents with allergies. While this Kenmore is bulkier than most other canister vacuums, it works well for cleaning large households.

Key features:

• Powerful suction, great for thicker carpets
• Four attachments are stored in the vacuum for easy access
• HEPA-compliant dust bag and filter
• Bulky, weights 22.6 pounds
• Dust-bag capacity of 3 liters

Best for Hardwood Floors: Bissell Hard Floor Expert Canister Vacuum

If you have mostly hard floors in your home, this canister vacuum is designed to clean fine dust and hair that clings to flat surface flooring (hardwood floors, linoleum tiles, etc.). The hard floor turbine attachment has soft air-powered brushes that effectively pick up pet hair and dirt while protecting your hard floors from scratches. There’s also a multi-surface attachment for rugs and low-pile carpets. Additional cleaning tools are stored onboard the vacuum for convenient storage.

Reviewers like that the vacuum is lightweight and easy to maneuver. At just over 8 pounds, the compact design makes it easy to carry through the house. While this Bissell has the smallest capacity out of all the other canister vacuums on our list, its bagless design makes for easy cleanup—just open the dirt tank from the bottom for no-mess disposal.

Key features:

• Multi-cyclonic technology for excellent suction
• Hard floor turbine foot is tough on dirt but gentle on floors
• Lightweight at 8.3 pounds
• Bagless design for easy cleanup
• Dirt tank capacity of 1.5 liters

Best Upright Vacuums

Best Bissell for Pets: Bissell Cleanview Swivel Rewind Pet Vacuum

For an upright Bissell option, the Cleanview is notable for its swivel steering, making it fast and easy to maneuver around your floors and in your nooks and crannies. Reviewers love its versatility; it easily moves from wood floors and tiles to carpet.

Attachments include specialized tools for pet hair and harder-to-get-to spots like mini-blinds, corners, and upholstery. These wands store right on the vacuum along with the retractable cord, making it an efficient, self-contained machine—great for pet parents with limited storage or who prefer to keep everything in one place.

This vacuum is bagless, with a 1-liter capacity dirt cup. And, for the power, the price is hard to beat.

Key features:

• Retractable 27-foot power cord
• Swivel steering makes the 13.5-inch cleaning head easy to maneuver
• Works well on wood, tile, and carpet floors
• Specialized attachments for pet hair, including a corner tool and turbo eraser

Best Shark: Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair

Shark has several models of pet vacuums, but the Stratos is a newer model that stands out as the Shark vacuum with the most powerful suction. A dual brush roll system captures dirt, debris, and pet hair with every pass. The main brush roll is self-cleaning, removing pet hair as it’s picked up and directing it straight into the canister—avoiding hair-wrapping jams. For hard-to-reach spots, the brush roll detaches from the canister for a handheld option.

Households with allergies will appreciate the HEPA filter that traps 99.9% of dust and pet allergens. The Stratos also has odor-neutralizer technology that absorbs bad odors inside the vacuum. And for noise-sensitive pets and their parents, it has a built-in noise reduction. This vacuum is a bit on the heavier side, though, clocking in at around 17 pounds.

Key features:

• Includes the self-cleaning Pet Power Brush accessory tool
• LED lighting helps see into dark corners
• The dual brush roll system works on all surfaces, from hardwood to high-pile carpets
  Self-cleaning brush roll avoids hair wrap clogs
  1.4-liter dust bin capacity

Best Dyson: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum (Verified Review)

Similar to the Shark Stratos, the Dyson Ball Animal 2 has extremely powerful suction and is an excellent choice for people with allergies or who have very furry pets.

We tested this one ourselves and found it did a remarkable job picking up pet hair, fur, dust, and dirt. We liked the large variety of accessories, including a tangle-free turbine tool for vacuuming pet hair on furniture and a brush roll that worked great on carpets. The bin and washable filter were also easy to remove and clean.

However, this vacuum isn’t the best ergonomic option on our list. The accessory hose is part of the handle, which means the cord has to be fully unraveled to use the wand, making it quite awkward to navigate. At 17 pounds, the vacuum is also fairly heavy, though it does propel itself along well when the brush roll is in use. 

Key features:

• A large range of accessories includes a turbine tool, stair tool, and combination tool
• Powerful suction and whole-machine HEPA filtration
• Cleaner head self-adjusts according to floor surfaces, from vinyl to carpet
• Weight: 17 pounds
• Capacity: holds 0.55 gallons
• The accessory hose is part of the handle, making it awkward to use

Best Lightweight: Eureka Lightweight PowerSpeed Upright Vacuum

At 10 pounds, this affordable vacuum is lighter than many upright vacuums but still packs a serious clean. Features include a 12.6-inch cleaning head, a large-capacity dust cup, and five-floor surface adjustment settings to pick up dirt, dog hair, and cat hair on everything from linoleum to a high-pile carpet.

There are several onboard attachments and a convenient retractable power cord. A quick-release handle turns it into a hand vacuum for hard-to-reach and odd spots.

Key features:

• Five height settings for multiple surfaces
• Less than 11 pounds
• Large 2.6-liter dust cup
  Great budget pick

Best for Allergies: Kenmore Elite Pet-Friendly Bagged Upright Vacuum

Pet hair is a nuisance for many, but it can become a serious health issue for those allergic to it. While sporting an old-school design, this bagged Kenmore vacuum is actually quite handy in keeping pet hair contained. The HEPA filter system is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAFA), passing the organization’s low emissions test both while vacuuming and changing the bag.

Pet parents like the powerful motor and say the rotating hand brush works well to remove stubborn pet hair from upholstery, bedding, and stairs. At 20 pounds, it is a heavier model to lug around, though.

Key Features:

• Bagged model that helps captures 99.97% of allergens
• HEPA filter is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation
• Five levels of floor surface adjustment and four attachments included
  1.5-liter capacity

Best Heavy-Duty: Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner

When you have big pet messes to clean, a heavy-duty carpet cleaner can be a lifesaver. This Hoover Smartwash model features automatic cleaning technology that switches from washing to drying, depending on which direction you move the vacuum. Push it forward to wash your carpet, then pull it back to dry.

Reviewers like how easy it is to use. Designed with a separate detergent tank, the cleaner mixes detergent with clean water as you go, so you’re not wasting detergent. The vacuum also has a two-in-one pet tool to tackle tough pet stains. (There’s even a Hoover Smartwash model with a removable wand with its own solution tank so you can remove the wand and point and spray.) An added bonus? A provided storage mat keeps your clean floors spotless and dry after you’re done.

Key features:

• Automatic cleaning technology switches from washing to drying
• Separate tank only mixes in the detergent you actually use
• Extras include a pet stain tool and storage mat
• Weight: 18.9 pounds
• Tank size: 1 gallon

The Best Stick Vacuums

Best Overall Stick: Miele Triflex HX1 Cat and Dog Bagless Stick Vacuum

Another option by Miele, the Triflex HX1 does a great job of living up to the brand’s reputation of excellence. Lighter than the canister-style C3 mentioned above, this cordless stick vacuum has a HEPA lifetime filter that reportedly captures nearly all allergy-inducing dust and dander.

It’s also more maneuverable and can be adjusted into three configurations. The “reach mode” lets you easily get under furniture and access other tricky places, while the “compact mode” transforms into a lightweight, handheld vacuum that’s great for quick cleanup jobs. At its regular extension, the “comfort mode” is made for cleaning larger areas at a time.

Keep in mind, however, that the half-liter capacity dust cup is smaller than other models, so you’ll be emptying this more frequently. 

Key features:

• Automatic floor detection
• 60 minutes of run time on a full battery charge
• Specially made for cat and dog owners with a HEPA lifetime filter
• Versatile three-in-one design
• 0.5-liter dust cup capacity
• Weighs nearly 14 pounds

Best Suction Power: Dyson V11 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum

If you’ve got your eye on a Dyson Animal but want something more flexible and lightweight, this popular stick version might do the trick. With a sleek design, this cordless vacuum is half the weight of the Miele Triflex listed above but still touts the same battery power of around 60 to 80 minutes.

Thanks to its intelligent suction control, the Dyson V11 automatically adjusts to different flooring, ensuring you never use more suction or battery power than needed to clean up pet hair. The charging time is about four or five hours, so you’ll have to take a breather between heavy cleaning sessions. The dust cup capacity is also at the lower end at only 0.2 liters.

Like other Dyson vacuums, the filtration system is excellent, and the battery life is surprisingly good. While the battery in other comparable vacuums needs to be replaced every three to five years, the V11 battery is estimated to last up to 15 years.

Key Features:

• Around 60 to 80 minutes of run time in eco-mode
• Automatically senses floor type and adjusts the suction power
• Whole-machine filtration captures 99.97% of dust down to 0.3 microns
• Docking station stores and charges the vacuum
• Comes with all the typical attachments, including a crevice tool for pet hair
• Lightweight at less than 7 pounds
• 0.2-liter dust cup capacity

Most Innovative: Tineco Pure One S15 Pet Smart Cordless Stick Vacuum (Verified Review)

We tested this cool little vacuum and found that it comes with many helpful, smart functions. Wi-Fi enabled, it connects to an app to track your cleaning progress and get product support. A touch bar on the handle also lets you easily adjust the suction strength, and a debris detector gives you real-time alerts—great for lighter pet hair that’s harder to spot.

This Tinesco stick vacuum has various accessories with different lengths, like an anti-tangle brush that keeps the brush roll from getting clogged with hair. There’s even an LED headlight brush that lays flat and lets you see where you’re cleaning in dimly lit areas of the house.

Five layers of filtration include a HEPA filter, and a powerful motor runs for about 40 minutes on a full charge. While not a full hour, our tester found this limited battery life ideal for productivity and not making vacuuming a daunting task. For efficient storing, a free-standing charging base takes up little space.

Similar to other stick vacuums, we found the dustbin filled up quickly. The Tineco also wasn’t quite as quiet as advertised, garnering cautious looks from our tester’s cats and puppy. However, this product is ideal for homes with hardwood or tile floors and never-ending fur or litter scraps. It also works powerfully when removing pet hair from a rental car.

Key features:

• Smart features include detecting debris, Wi-Fi connectivity, and touch bar screen
• LED headlight brush for hard-to-see areas
• 5-stage HEPA filtration
• Weighs under 7 pounds
• 0.47-liter dustbin capacity
• Multiple accessories for hard-to-reach areas

The Best Handheld & Portable Vacuums

Best Handheld: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum

This versatile handheld vacuum is ideal for cleaning smaller spaces like couches and cars. It’s cordless, rechargeable, and one of the most affordable handheld vacuums, especially for its value. It even comes with a set of tools that target dog hair, including a motorized brush tool to help lift embedded hair and dirt out of upholstery and car seats.

This small but mighty vacuum has a 0.7-liter dust cup, which is pretty good for its size. But if you have a super shedder at home, know that you’ll have to empty it and de-hair the roller after nearly every session.

The Pet Hair Eraser also comes in a smaller version with a cord if you prefer a vacuum that’s even more compact and doesn’t need to be recharged.

Key features:

• Cordless and rechargeable
• Includes motorized brush tool to lift out embedded hair and dirt
• 17 minutes of cleaning on a battery charge
• 0.7-liter capacity dust cup
• Affordably priced

Best Handheld Run-Time: Gtech AirRam MK2 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Combining a stick and handheld vacuum design, the bagless AirRam is unusually good at cleaning pet hair. With a 22V lithium-ion battery, it impressively delivers up to 40 minutes of powerful suction with no pesky cords underfoot. Speaking of feet—the large foot pedal lets you tap it on and off without bending down.

If you’re short on space and near an outlet, the battery pack can detach and plug into the wall on its own. Reviewers say the AirRam is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to maneuver around furniture. It also has two handle positions for getting into different spaces.

Key features:

• 40 minutes of runtime on a 4-hour charge
• Powered by a removable 22V lithium-ion battery
• Lightweight at just over 7 pounds
• Dirt collects in 0.8-liter capsule in the head of the vacuum
• Moves from carpet to hardwood floors effortlessly

Best Robot Vacuum

Best Overall: iRobot Roomba j7 series Robot Vacuums

High-tech vacuum giant iRobot still sets the bar for robot vacuums with the Roomba. And while there are many excellent versions, the Roomba j7 Series (including the j7 and j7+) is designed specifically for pet households. Not only do these robot vacuums detect and avoid pet accidents, but they have a three-stage cleaning system and an edge-sweeping brush that grabs dirt and debris along walls and in corners. The “Dirt Detector” sensors also send this vacuum to clean dirtier spots, like where pet hair has built up in the corners.

The j series vacuums can learn, map, and adapt to your home floor plan. (There’s a full list of customizable features on its HOME app.) For a self-emptying option, the J7+ comes with a disposal base.

Key Features:

• Compatible with voice assistant platforms, including Alexa and Google
• “Cliff Detect” keeps it from falling off stairs
• 90 minutes of continuous run time
• Automatic dock and recharge following each cleaning session
• Works on both carpets and wood floors
• J7+ comes with disposal base; it self-empties for up to 60 days

Best Budget Robot Vacuum: Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S

For a more budget-friendly option, this model by Eufy offers a reasonable price and a ton of features. At a sleek 2.8 inches tall, this robot vacuum fits under low furniture where dust, dirt, and pet hair lurk. The infrared sensors also guide the vacuum around furniture and other obstacles in the home.

Reviewers like that the 1300 Pa suction is quiet but strong enough to remove a variety of messes from your floors. The vacuum also automatically increases suction power when it senses dirtier areas. And, like other robot vacuums, you can control it via an app—schedule cleanings or put it in manual mode. It keeps a history of its cleans, too!

Key features:

• Sleek, low profile at 2.8 inches
• 1300 Pa suction that’s quiet and automatically increases for dirtier areas
• Infrared sensors guide the vacuum around obstacles in the home
• Designed for both hardwood floors and carpet
• Delivers up to 100 continuous minutes of clean time
• Anti-scratch tempered glass top offers greater durability and protection

How To Choose the Right Vacuum for Pet Hair

When choosing the best vacuum for pet hair, there are a few key things to consider.

Vacuum style. Personal preference will likely come into play when deciding between styles, but you’ll also want to think about how much space there is in your home and what type of surface the vacuum will clean. Here are five popular pet hair vacuum styles.

• Canister vacuums have a motor and dirt tank that’s separate from the handle and head. They typically have better suction, and some are on the quieter end, making them helpful if you have fearful pets.
• Upright vacuums are all-in-one models that are also quite powerful. They come in a variety of options and offer a wide range of price points. You can often get a solid upright model for less money than other styles, but they can be a bit heavy and bulky.
• Stick vacuums are usually cordless, lightweight, and easier to handle. They often have less power and a smaller dirt tank, but their battery life and capacity stand up well in smaller spaces.
• Robot vacuums have come a long way and are great as a main cleaner or for specific rooms and touch-ups. They require the least physical effort and are programmable/controllable via an app but can be more expensive than a basic upright model.
• Handheld vacuums are ideal for quick cleanup jobs, small areas, and spot cleaning. They’re also super handy when cleaning pet hair from your car. These models have a shorter battery life, though. And their dirt tanks are on the smaller size.

Dirt tank style and size. Bagged vacuums can be especially good for allergy sufferers because they keep dirt and pet hair tightly contained, while bagless models are more eco-friendly and cost-effective. The size of your dirt tank will also depend on whether you’re looking to clean a larger area or a smaller space.

Type of dirt/fur. Think about the vacuum’s main purpose. Does your household have multiple shedding pets? Do your dogs track in dirt, or do your cats scatter their litter? Handheld or robot vacuums are great for areas that need frequent touch-ups, while uprights and canister vacuums have an assortment of attachments to tackle pet hair in a variety of areas.

Attachments. Extra tools are helpful when it comes to dealing with pet hair on upholstery, in crevices, or under furniture. Stick vacuums tend to shine here since they’re lightweight and come with multiple cleaning heads. We’ve also noted some vacuums with no-tangle brush heads above, which is especially great if you’re dealing with long pet hair.

Flooring. Many of the vacuums we picked are great for multi-surfaces, easily switching between hardwood, tile, and carpet. But you’ll want to choose the vacuum suited for the main surface in your house. With carpets, go with a vacuum that’s best suited for your carpet’s pile. For hardwood, look for vacuums with soft air-powered brushes that won’t scratch your floor.

Noise. If your pets are sensitive to noise, look for a quieter vacuum. Robot vacuums and stick vacuums can be good options. Some higher-end models, like the Miele C3 canister, are also quieter than traditional corded vacuum styles.

How We Chose

The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized vacuums that are particularly aimed at handling pet hair and messes—and powerful enough to get after pet hair and dirt—at a variety of price points and vacuum styles. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback or their fur.

Further Reading

• Best Handheld Pet Hair Vacuums
• The 6 Best Carpet Rakes for Pet Hair According to Rover Pet Parents
• The Best Robot Vacuums for Pet Hair