The 6 Top Vacuums for Pet Hair in 2024

True Score Methodology

v1.5

150,575

Reviews Analyzed

Updated Jun 22, 2024 6:21 PM

Table of Contents

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, 100 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 150,575 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 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

    88
    91
    19

    Experts

    94
    2k

    Customers

    SAVE $200
    $799.99
    $599.99

    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

    BaglessBaglessYes
    Bin CapacityBin Capacity0.2 gal
    Brush Roll Shut-OffBrush Roll Shut-OffNo
    Carpet Height AdjustmentsCarpet Height AdjustmentsYes
    Cleaning Path WidthCleaning Path Width10"
    Compatible Floor TypeCompatible Floor TypeAll floors
    Cord LengthCord LengthCordless
    Corded/CordlessCorded/CordlessCordless
    Filter TypeFilter TypeOther
    HypoallergenicHypoallergenicYes
    PetPetYes
    Product WeightProduct Weight6.7 lbs
    Vacuum TypeVacuum TypeHandheld vacuums
    Wet And Dry UsageWet And Dry UsageNo

    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

    • $599.99
      $800
      Save $200

      Availability

      In Stock

      Free Shipping

      Yes
    • $624.99

      Availability

      In Stock

      Free Shipping

      No
    • $638.99
      $750
      Save $111

      Availability

      In Stock

      Free Shipping

      No

    Our Verdict

    The Dyson V15 Detect is a superior vacuum cleaner, excelling in pet hair removal and carpet cleaning. With a remarkable 100% efficacy in capturing pet hair and a robust 91.77% performance on carpets, it is an ideal choice for homes with diverse flooring and pets.

    This vacuum also excels in bare floor cleaning, achieving 98.59% cleaning effectiveness compared to the Samsung Bespoke Jet’s 97.71%. Though the Dyson costs more, this slight edge provides a more comprehensive cleaning experience, ensuring that even the smallest particles are picked up. The Dyson V15 Detect operates at a relatively quiet 72.54 dB, which is beneficial for maintaining a calm environment during cleaning sessions. However, it’s important to note that its bin capacity is limited to 0.2 gallons, so expect to empty the bin frequently.

    As a cordless and handheld device, the Dyson V15 Detect is lightweight at 6.7 lbs and offers unparalleled flexibility in movement, allowing for effortless cleaning across multiple rooms without the restriction of a cord. It’s also designed to be hypoallergenic and bagless, which is advantageous for allergy sufferers, simplifying maintenance while minimizing exposure to allergens. Despite its higher price point, the Dyson V15 Detect justifies the investment through its versatile, high-performance capabilities on various types of flooring, paired with user-friendly features that enhance the cleaning experience.

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Samsung Bespoke Jet

    • Best Apartment

    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

    85
    86
    7

    Experts

    92
    551

    Customers

    SAVE $200
    $899.00
    $699.00
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Shark Stratos Cordless

    • Best Allergies

    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

    81
    86
    6

    Experts

    85
    726

    Customers

    SAVE $129
    $499.99
    $371.00

    Did you know that 78% of vacuum cleaner reviewers are untrustworthy?

    Our research found only 27 of 125 vacuum cleaner reviewers as of July 2024 can be trusted. This is why Gadget Review is committed to calculating the most accurate product scores on the web.

    To do this, we give every vacuum cleaner review site a Trust Rating, which measures how trustworthy the site and their testing claims are. We then leverage AI & a machine learning model to combine and calculate the Trust Rating with data from experts and consumers to deliver the True Score, the web’s most accurate product quality rating.

    150,575

    Vacuum Cleaner Reviews Analyzed

    100

    Total Products Analyzed

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away

    • Best Cordless

    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

    81
    83
    2

    Experts

    86
    328

    Customers

    SAVE $1
    $399.99
    $399.00

    DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?

    For versatile cleaning, a lightweight vacuum is ideal for quick cleanups and easy maneuverability, especially on stairs. Miele vacuums like the Triflex HX1 offer powerful suction and flexibility, making them great for various cleaning tasks. Upright vacuums are excellent for covering large areas, while a canister vacuum cleaner provides better control for detailed cleaning.

    For automated cleaning, the iRobot Roomba 692 efficiently navigates and cleans different floor types. Bissell vacuums are known for their effectiveness and durability, particularly when used with specialized cleaning solutions. For smaller tasks, computer vacuums are perfect for keeping electronics dust-free and well-maintained.

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Shark Stratos Ultralight

    • Best Long Hair

    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

    80
    82
    1

    Experts

    86
    925

    Customers

    SAVE $100
    $299.99
    $199.99

    Category Snapshot

    Vacuum Cleaners

    • Total Brands/Products Tested

      31 Brands, 100 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

      vacuum top trusted testers

    • Typical Warranty

      1 year

    • Covered by Insurance

      Yes – Amazon, Best Buy

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Shark Vertex Pro

    • Best Cordless For Hardwood

    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

    78
    81
    3

    Experts

    83
    341

    Customers

    SAVE $103
    $479.99
    $377.48

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 Pet Hair

88
  • 98.59%

  • 91.77%

  • 100%

  • 72.54 dB

$599.99
$800
$200

Samsung Bespoke Jet

  • Best for Apartment

85
  • 97.71%

  • 91.7%

  • 99.5%

  • 70.53 dB

$699.00
$899
$200

Shark Stratos Cordless

  • Best for Allergies

81
  • 98.83%

  • 89.28%

  • 100%

  • 76.65 dB

$371.00
$500
$129
81
  • 98.57%

  • 89.36%

  • 100%

  • 77 dB

$399.00
$400
$1

Shark Stratos Ultralight

  • Best for Long Hair

80
  • 97.5%

  • 82.25%

  • 99.33%

  • 76.8 dB

$199.99
$300
$100

Shark Vertex Pro

  • Best for Cordless For Hardwood

78
  • 98.5%

  • 82.61%

  • 99.66%

  • 82.35 dB

$377.48
$480
$103

Vacuum for Pet Hair Questions (FAQ)

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