If you’re looking for the best handheld vacuum for pet hair, strong suction, and specialized brush rolls are crucial. The top models feature self-cleaning or rubberized brushes that handle pet fur without tangling, ensuring effective cleaning on both carpets and hard floors. In our comprehensive review, we evaluated 99 handheld vacuums, analyzing 151,345 customer and expert reviews to ensure reliability.
Three vacuums stood out, certified for their performance and user satisfaction. Our unique approach involves verifying products as tested and using our proven Trust Rating to filter out fake and low-quality reviews, ensuring you get the best recommendations. The winning products performed superbly, showcasing superior pet hair pickup, battery life, and ease of use.
How Did We Rank the Best Handheld Vacuum For Pet Hair?
Our search for the best handheld vacuum for pet hair led us to review over 200 sites, scrutinizing test methods and customer feedback. Using expert reviews and our Trust Rating, we distilled the key criteria: one required test result and one must-have specification. The result is a buying guide that prioritizes powerful suction, ease of use, and effective pet hair removal, ensuring top performance for pet owners.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘Trust Rating’ system, targeting low-quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Must be handheld
? Test Criteria
- Pet Hair Performance: The vacuum sucks up 85% of pet hair from any surface.
Latest Updates
- 06/19/2024: Republished the list to include the best handheld vacuum cleaners for pet hair based on our True Score system.
Top Handheld Vacuum For Pet Hair For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dyson V15 Detect
Best Cordless
The Dyson V15 Detect excels for pet owners with its 100% pet hair cleaning efficiency, hypoallergenic design, and bagless design. Despite its premium price, it is ideal for homes with lots of pets.
True Score
909119Experts
942kCustomers
Cosmic Wonder
$629.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Laser illumination technology
- Incredible performance on both carpets and hard floors
- Lightweight design
- Decent battery life
- Anti-allergenic HEPA filter
Reasons to Avoid
- Complicated maneuvrability on deep carpets
- Relatively low-capacity 0.45L dust cup
- Plastic construction
Specifications
Bagless Yes 
Bin Capacity 0.2 gal 
Brush Roll Shut-Off No 
Carpet Height Adjustments Yes 
Cleaning Path Width 10″ 
Compatible Floor Type All floors 
Cord Length Cordless 
Corded/Cordless Cordless 
Filter Type Other 
Hypoallergenic Yes 
Pet Yes 
Product Weight 6.7 lbs 
Vacuum Type Handheld vacuums 
Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 92 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 73 All Retailers
$629.00
$629.00$750Save $121
$649.99$800Save $150
Our Verdict
The Dyson V15 Detect is an excellent choice for pet owners, thanks to its unbeatable pet hair performance. It boasts a best-in-class score of 100% in pet hair cleaning efficiency and is also hypoallergenic and bagless, which is great if you have allergies to pet dander. The vacuum also does a fantastic job cleaning different surfaces. It features a best-in-class debris cleaning efficiency of 98.59% on bare floors and unparalleled carpet performance, clearing 91.77% of debris.
The Detect is quieter than many handheld vacuums, with a noise level of 72.54 dB, ensuring a more pleasant cleaning experience. However, it weighs 6.7 lbs, which is heavier than some handheld models, and this could impact portability and ease of use during longer cleaning sessions.
The bin capacity of this vacuum cleaner is 0.2 gal, which is sufficient for quick cleanups but may require frequent emptying during extended use. With a cleaning path width of 10 inches, the Dyson V15 Detect provides efficient surface coverage, reducing the time needed to clean larger areas.
Despite being the pricier option, its high performance, exceptional pet hair cleaning ability, and hypoallergenic features make it a great value, particularly for pet owners seeking a balance of performance, convenience, and allergy-friendly features.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dyson Omni-Glide
The Dyson Omni-Glide is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and has reasonable pet hair performance at 85%, making it suitable for light, everyday cleaning tasks in pet-friendly homes.
True Score
838517Experts
85810Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $72$349.99$278.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Great maneuverability
- Lightweight and portable
- Two suction modes
- Swappable batteries
Reasons to Avoid
- Not ideal for picking up debris on carpets
- Somewhat short battery life
- Small 0.09-liter dirt compartment
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.05 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 8″ Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type Other, Washable Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 4.18 lbs Vacuum Type Handheld vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 86 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 0 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 85 Noise Level (dB) 74 All Retailers
- $278.00$350Save $72
- $349.99
Our Verdict
The Dyson Omni-Glide, weighing a mere 4.18 lbs, is a fantastic choice for cleaning up pet hair. The lightweight design helps ensure you enjoy superior maneuverability and comfort, especially if you’re trying to get under furniture or between seat cushions to clean up hair. The Omni-Glide is a reliable pick, with a pet hair performance score of 85%. It doesn’t quite reach Dyson’s V15 Detect’s perfect score, but it’s still a solid performer. The hypoallergenic and bagless features of the Omni-Glide are also a bonus, keeping dander out of the air to avoid triggering allergies.
Regarding performance on bare floors, the Omni-Glide does a commendable job, achieving a cleaning efficiency of 86.12%. However, it doesn’t quite match the V15 Detect’s impressive 98.59%. The lack of data on carpet performance for the Omni-Glide is also a bit of an issue – it’s hard to be sure how well it will actually perform on a carpet.
The noise level of the Omni-Glide is slightly higher than the V15 Detect, operating at 74.1 dB. However, this is still within a reasonable range for handheld vacuums – it’s loud, but it’s not earsplitting. The bin capacity of the Omni-Glide is also poor at 0.05 gal, which will require frequent emptying, especially when dealing with pet hair.
Dyson’s Omni-Glide is a more budget-friendly option without compromising on performance. Its commendable bare floor and pet hair cleaning efficiency, combined with its lightweight design and hypoallergenic features, make it a valuable choice for keeping your home clean, yourself from a sneezing fit, and your couches pet-hair-free.
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Category Snapshot
Vacuum Cleaners
- Total Brands/Products Tested
31 Brands, 99 Products
- Top 2 Brands
Dyson, Miele
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$50-$400+
- Average True Score
75.70
- Important Test Criteria
Bare Floor Performance (%)
Carpet Performance (%)
- Most Trusted Testers
- Typical Warranty
1 year
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – Amazon, Best Buy
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro+
Best Lightweight
The Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro+ excels with a 99.165% pet hair removal rate, combining lightweight design and strong performance on various floor types, making it ideal for pet owners.
True Score
79806Experts
831kCustomers
Mixed Reviews
SAVE $10$89.99$79.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent performance with pet hair
- Great dirt pick-up rate on carpets and hard floors
- Comes with a turbo brush
- Great build quality
- Portable design
Reasons to Avoid
- Poor battery life
- Lacks a HEPA filter
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.1 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown Carpet Height Adjustments Unknown Cleaning Path Width 2.5″ Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length Unknown Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type Cloth, Washable Hypoallergenic Unknown Pet Yes Product Weight 2.8 lbs Vacuum Type Handheld vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 95 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 85 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $79.99$90Save $10
- $79.99$90Save $10
- $85.99$90Save $4
Our Verdict
The Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro+ is a proper “handheld” vacuum featuring a small design that makes it great for maneuvering in tight spaces but poor for cleaning full floors. With an impressive pet hair performance of 99.165%, it effectively tackles pet hair, and it does great on bare floors, too, cleaning up 95.25% of debris. However, given its small size, it’s not ideal for trying to clean more than small patches of flooring. And, while it excels in pet hair performance, it lacks hypoallergenic features. This might not be the best choice if you’ve got severe allergies.
This vacuum cleaner is also the lightest weight on our list, weighing just 2.8 lbs. This makes it easy to use for extended periods without causing fatigue. This is great for spot-cleaning carpets, boasting a strong 84.5% debris clearance. However, it’s worth noting that its noise level is on the higher end at 77.2 dB; it’ll be obvious the vacuum is on, but it isn’t extremely disruptive.
The 0.1 gal bin capacity offers a decent amount of debris storage, especially given its size. You’ll have to empty it frequently, but the vacuum isn’t intended for huge jobs—more like small spot cleans of stairs, furniture, or under beds.
Compared to the Dyson V15 Detect, the Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro+ offers similar performance on bare floors but at a much more affordable price. However, the Dyson V15 Detect is quieter, better performing, and, most importantly, an actual vacuum cleaner intended for use in homes, not just a handheld cleaner meant for small jobs.
The Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro+ offers remarkable performance and affordability as long as you’re willing to deal with the highly specialized nature of its tiny size. If you just need a light vacuum that’s cheap, high-performing, and will do quick little jobs without issue, it’s a fantastic choice.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Handheld Vacuum For Pet Hair?
By focusing on these criteria (1 required), anyone can quickly and easily compare these vacuum cleaners and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a vacuum cleaner that will meet your needs.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Hair Performance | > 85% | Yes | How much pet hair the vacuum sucks up from any surface. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 120+ vacuum cleaner reviewers and found that 27 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for vacuum cleaner.
- Dagobiet Morales Alfaro – RTings, LinkedIn
- Derek Hales – Modern Castle, LinkedIn
- Sabine Heinlein – Wirecutter, LinkedIn
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every vacuum cleaner review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Vacuum Cleaner Test Data & Results
1. Pet Hair Performance Test Results
If you own pets, the ability of a vacuum to suck up pet hair, be it with attachments or the brush itself, is extremely important. Pet hair can stick to furniture, dig itself into the carpet, and clump together under beds and in corners. If you have allergies and need to keep pet hair out of your home as best as you can, you’ll need a vacuum that gets rid of as much pet hair as possible when cleaning.
We recommend that a vacuum has a pet hair cleaning performance of at least 85%. Higher is always better, but if you can get rid of most of the pet hair, you’ll have an easier time breathing and less dander flying away and sticking to clothes and furniture. Poor pet hair cleaning performance can invite repeated vacuuming and more annoyance for anyone who suffers from allergies.
Pet Hair Performance
> 85%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much pet hair the vacuum sucks up from any surface.
Units of Measurement: % (percentage)
Tools to Measure: Speed-checking software
Why It’s Important:
If you have pets and want to keep your home free of pet hair, you need good pet hair cleanup performance.
Pet Hair Performance in % (higher is better; 0 = No Data)
Best Handheld Vacuum For Pet Hair: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring Suction Power: Buying a handheld lightweight vacuum with insufficient suction power can result in ineffective pet hair removal. It’s important to choose a vacuum with strong suction, specifically designed for picking up pet hair on multiple surfaces. Look for models with high motor power and positive user reviews on performance.
- Overlooking Battery Life: Underestimating the battery life can lead to interruptions during cleaning. Choose a handheld vacuum with a long enough battery life to handle your cleaning tasks without frequent recharges. Aim for models with at least 20-30 minutes of runtime and quick-charging capabilities.
- Disregarding Filtration Systems: Choosing a vacuum without an effective filtration system can affect indoor air quality, especially if you have allergies. Opt for a vacuum with a HEPA filter like a Miele vacuum or equivalent to trap allergens and fine particles, ensuring cleaner air in your home.
- Ignoring Maintenance Requirements: Not considering the ease of maintenance can lead to frustration. Check how easy it is to empty the dustbin, clean the filters, and maintain the brushes. Handheld vacuums should be user-friendly and easy to maintain for consistent performance.
ADDITIONAL Vacuum TIPS
Maintaining your handheld vacuum is key. Learn to fix common issues with our vacuum hose repair guide. If your vacuum is too loud, our noise reduction tips can help. Understand air watts to choose the right suction power. For robot vacuums, our troubleshooting guide and tips on keeping them from getting stuck are useful. Learn how to use a wet-dry vac for water and fix your Roomba with our repair guide.
Understand airflow in vacuum cleaners for better efficiency. Dispose of old vacuums with our eco-friendly guide. For steam vac users, we explain how to use a steam vac effectively. Keep your vacuum clean with our bagless vacuum maintenance tips. For robot vacuums, learn how long they last, how loud they are, and how long to charge them. Dry wet carpets without a vacuum using our guide. Know the amps a vacuum uses for compatibility, and explore gyro navigation in robot vacuums.
The Best Handheld Vacuum For Pet Hair Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Bare Floor Performance
|
Carpet Performance
|
Pet Hair Performance
|
Noise Level
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 |
|
|
|
|  $629.00 |
83 |
|
|
|
|  $278.00 $350 $72 | |
| 79 |
|
|
|
| $79.99 $90 $10 |
