The 6 Top Vacuums for Pet Hair in 2024

Lawrence Bonk Avatar

By

Evan Shephard Avatar

Reviewed By

Evan Shephard
Updated Jun 22, 2024 6:21 PM
best vacuums for pet hair guide that shows the top best vacuum cleaner model

A whopping 75% of electronic and appliance reviews are untrustworthy. That’s why every reviewer gets a Trust Rating so our True Score System filters out the fake reviews. See how we do it.

Pet hair can be a frustrating mess, so a quality vacuum for pet hair can change your life. You want a vacuum with strong suction, specialized pet hair attachments, and a HEPA filter. These features ensure efficient hair removal and help maintain air quality. In our analysis, 99 vacuum cleaners were evaluated, with 6 earning a spot on our buying guide. These models excel in these areas, are lightweight, and are easy to maneuver.

We analyzed 152,026 reviews, filtering out experts who produced fake or low-quality reviews. Our unique approach uses our data-driven True Score system, which verifies products as tested. Winning models performed exceptionally well in tests, making them excellent vacuums for pet owners.

How Did We Rank the Best Vacuums for Pet Hair?

Our team scrutinized over 200 websites, dissecting their testing methodologies and analyzing customer feedback to produce our comprehensive buying guide for the best vacuums for pet hair. We distilled the essential criteria through our True Score system, focusing on 1 required test result and 1 must-have specification. By evaluating expert reviews and understanding the common pain points faced by pet owners, we identified the top vacuums that excel in hair removal, suction power, and ease of maintenance. Our guide is designed to help you find the most effective vacuum to keep your home free of pet hair.

Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low-quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.

? Test Criteria

  • Pet Hair Performance: The vacuum sucks up 95% of pet hair from any surface.

? “Nice To Haves”

  • Carpet Performance: The vacuum sucks up 75% of debris when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile.

Latest Updates

  • 06/22/2024: Republished the list to include the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair based on our True Score system.

Top Vacuums for Pet Hair For 2024

Prices accurate at the time of publishing

See how we test the testers

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Dyson V15 Detect

    • Best Cordless For Pet Hair

    For superior pet hair and carpet cleaning, the Dyson V15 Detect is unbeatable. It offers exceptional performance and versatility for a pristine home.

    Dyson V15 Detect Review →

    True Score

    91
    92
    19

    Experts

    93
    2k

    Customers

    SAVE $200
    $799.99
    $599.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Samsung Bespoke Jet

    • Best Cordless Stick

    The Samsung Bespoke Jet is a quiet, lightweight vacuum that excels in pet hair removal with exceptional performance and convenience.

    Samsung Bespoke Jet Review →

    True Score

    87
    87
    7

    Experts

    91
    560

    Customers

    $499.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away

    • Best Carpets

    For superior pet hair cleaning on hard floors, the Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away offers exceptional performance despite its louder noise level.

    Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away Review →

    True Score

    84
    84
    2

    Experts

    87
    340

    Customers

    SAVE $1
    $399.99
    $399.00
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Shark Stratos Cordless

    • Best Hardwood Floors

    For effective pet hair cleaning on hard floors, the Shark Stratos Cordless offers superior performance and versatility despite a slightly higher noise level.

    Shark Stratos Cordless Review →

    True Score

    84
    86
    6

    Experts

    85
    774

    Customers

    SAVE $200
    $499.99
    $299.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Shark Stratos Ultralight

    • Best Lightweight

    The Shark Stratos Ultralight’s corded design provides continuous cleaning power without recharging, making it a top choice for pet hair removal.

    Shark Stratos Ultralight Review →

    True Score

    82
    82
    1

    Experts

    86
    998

    Customers

    SAVE $181
    $399.99
    $219.00
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Shark Vertex Pro

    • Best Stairs

    If noise isn’t an issue, the Shark Vertex Pro offers outstanding pet hair cleaning and bare-floor performance, ideal for hardwood-heavy homes.

    Shark Vertex Pro Review →

    True Score

    80
    81
    3

    Experts

    83
    351

    Customers

    SAVE $150
    $449.99
    $299.99

Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Vacuums for Pet Hair?

By focusing on these criteria (1 required, 1 nice to have), 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.

CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
Pet Hair Performance> 95%YesHow much pet hair the vacuum sucks up from any surface.
Carpet Performance> 75%No (Nice to have)How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile.

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.

  1. Dagobiet Morales Alfaro – RTings, LinkedIn
  2. Derek Hales – Modern Castle, LinkedIn
  3. 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 a possible when cleaning.

We recommend that a vacuum has a pet hair cleaning performance of at least 95%. 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 in % (higher is better; 0 = No Data)

2. Carpet Performance Test Results

Carpet cleaning ability is another important part of how your vacuum performs. Whether you have low-pile, high-pile, or rugs, how effectively a vacuum cleans up the dirt and debris left behind on the carpet is enormously important to keeping your carpet comfortable.

Generally speaking, we recommend a carpet cleaning performance of at least 75%. You might notice this is much lower than bare floors, and that’s because carpet is harder to clean. Short of devoting the time to actually shampoo and dry out a carpet, thoroughly cleaning out a carpet is very difficult, and good vacuums will reach deep between fibers and pull out long-forgotten crumbs.

Carpet Performance in % (higher is better; 0 = No Data)

Best Vacuums for Pet Hair: Mistakes To Avoid

  1. Neglecting Suction Power: Underestimating the importance of strong suction can leave pet hair embedded in carpets and upholstery. Choose a vacuum with powerful suction to effectively lift and remove pet hair from all surfaces like laminate and hardwood floors. For optimal performance, consider a cordless vacuum for pet hair, which combines strong suction with the convenience of cordless operation, making it easier to clean various areas of your home without being tethered to an outlet.

  2. Overlooking Filtration Systems: Ignoring high-efficiency filtration systems can worsen allergies caused by pet dander and reduce indoor air quality. Opt for vacuums with HEPA filters or similar systems to trap allergens and improve air quality. For example, check out our Holife HM036E review for a handheld vacuum with a HEPA filter, making it a great choice for small cleaning tasks and improving air quality. Additionally, our Dyson Omni-Glide review showcases its advanced features as a cordless stick vacuum option with a HEPA filter, ensuring thorough cleaning and allergen reduction in your home.

  3. Not Considering Maintenance: Failing to consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance can lead to frequent clogs and inefficient performance. Select a vacuum with easy-to-clean filters and brush rolls to ensure hassle-free maintenance and optimal performance. For those considering a more comprehensive solution, evaluating whether a central vacuum system is worth it can be beneficial. The best central vacuum systems offer powerful suction and easy maintenance, providing a convenient and efficient cleaning solution for your entire home.

  4. Underestimating Noise Levels: Ignoring the vacuum’s noise level can distress pets and disrupt household peace. Choose a vacuum with quieter operation to maintain a calm environment during cleaning sessions. For a convenient and quiet option, consider the Shark EZ Robot Self-Empty AV911S, which offers self-emptying capabilities and minimal noise disruption. It’s also important to address issues like hair stuck in the vacuum roller to ensure the vacuum operates efficiently and quietly.

The Best Vacuums for Pet Hair Tests Compared

Product
True Score
Bare Floor Performance
Carpet Performance
Pet Hair Performance
Noise Level

Dyson V15 Detect

  • Best for Cordless For Pet Hair

91
  • 98.59%

  • 91.77%

  • 100%

  • 72.54 dB

$599.99
$800
$200

Samsung Bespoke Jet

  • Best for Cordless Stick

87
  • 97.71%

  • 91.7%

  • 99.5%

  • 70.53 dB

$499.99
84
  • 98.57%

  • 89.36%

  • 100%

  • 77 dB

$399.00
$400
$1

Shark Stratos Cordless

  • Best for Hardwood Floors

84
  • 98.83%

  • 89.28%

  • 100%

  • 76.65 dB

$299.99
$500
$200

Shark Stratos Ultralight

  • Best for Lightweight

82
  • 97.5%

  • 82.25%

  • 99.33%

  • 76.8 dB

$219.00
$400
$181

Shark Vertex Pro

  • Best for Stairs

80
  • 98.5%

  • 82.61%

  • 99.66%

  • 82.35 dB

$299.99
$450
$150

Vacuum for Pet Hair Questions (FAQ)

What features should I look for in the best vacuum for pet hair?

When choosing the best vacuum for pet hair, look for features such as strong suction power, a motorized brush roll to lift pet hair from carpets and upholstery, HEPA filters to trap allergens, and specialized pet hair attachments. These features ensure thorough removal of pet hair and improve indoor air quality.

Share this Article

About Gadget Review’s Editorial Process

Our guides, reviews, and news are driven by thorough human research and use our Trust Rating system and the True Score. AI assists in refining our content, ensuring that every article is engaging, clear and succinct. See how we write our content here →