We at Bored Panda are well aware of the struggle that comes with cleaning pet hair. We have had our fair share of the labor. The good news is that having the right equipment is half the battle. A decent vacuum cleaner is guaranteed to make the pet fur in your home less noticeable.
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The best tool for the job will depend on the type of flooring you have, the amount your pet sheds, and whether anyone in your home is allergic to dander. You’ll also want to consider the type of vacuum you prefer, such as cordless, upright, robotic, or bagless.
While no vacuum is perfect, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of ultimate contenders on the market today so you can pick the best vacuum for your cleaning errands. By using an efficient vacuum built for the job, you should be able to reduce your overall cleaning time and get your home looking cleaner than ever.
The information provided herein is for informational purposes only. Please refer to our disclaimer for more details.
Our Community Picks
Best Overall: Powools Handheld Vacuum $99.99
Runner-Up: Eufy L60 $199.99
Also Great: Dirt Devil Power Swerve Cordless Stick Vacuum $86.88
Note: All prices and deals listed are accurate as of the time of publishing. Please check the provided links for the most current pricing.
Top Robot Vacuums
Robot vacuums are autonomous vacuum cleaners that work independently using sensors and maps. They’re usually kitted with scheduling apps but have limitations, such as the inability to climb stairs and getting stuck in odd corners of your home.
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Eufy L60
Container Size: 8.8 ounces | Weight: 6.9 pounds | Filter: HEPA | Best For: Hardwood floors
You can program the eufy L60 Robot Vacuum using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to do remote cleaning at your convenience. Its suction power is ample for picking up loose fur and pesky crumbs, but it performs best on flat surfaces such as wood, tiles, and linoleum.
The Intelligent Suction Control feature means that the hoover can detect when it needs to increase its suction power when dealing with filthy areas.
If you have a busy lifestyle and struggle to find the time to clean your never-ending pet hair, this robot vacuum is one of the best options available.
What We Like:
• Automated cleaning
• Minimal effort
• Climbs up to 2 centimeters
• Pet safety lock
• 5,000 pa suction
What We Don’t Like:
• Can’t handle deep shag carpets
Irobot Roomba 692
Container Size: 30.4 ounces | Weight: 5 pounds | Filter: Cartridge | Best For: Small to medium-sized apartments
With the iRobot Roomba 692 vacuum, you can easily schedule a cleaning time using the app without touching the device. The robot vacuum can run for 90 minutes on a full battery charge, tackling pet hair in a large apartment in a single cleaning session.
However, some owners have reported that the vacuum’s performance could be better when faced with the task of cleaning excessive pet fur. Plus, the Roomba isn't the quietest automated vacuum.
What We Like:
• Automatic cleaning schedule
• Large storage tank
What We Don’t Like:
• Louder than expected
• Surprisingly weak suction
Top Canister Vacuums
If you’re looking to clean hardwood and carpeted surfaces and have a lot of furniture and steps, a canister vacuum is an excellent fit. It has a central unit that houses the dust and is pretty mobile thanks to its wheels. It’s also lighter than upright vacuums, ideal for cleaning under beds and sofas.
Kenmore Pet-Friendly Lightweight Canister Vacuum
Container Size: 32.1 ounces | Weight: 8.15 pounds | Filter: HEPA | Power: 210 Watts | Best For: Cleaning pet hair from carpets
This Kenmore vacuum cleaner has a 26-foot cord, which gives it a good reach to clean large rooms. However, you must plug it in and out of several outlets while moving around the home, especially if you must go up and down stairs.
We were impressed with the vacuum’s performance on rugs and carpets. It made light work of any tufts of pet hair lying about.
While you will need to replace bags, cleaning out filters is unnecessary. However, keep in mind that you will have to factor in the cost of these bags in the long run.
What We Like:
• Excellent suction and adjustable power setting
• This vacuum excels at cleaning pet hair
What We Don’t Like:
• The handle is too long to go deep under beds and sofas
• Not cordless
• Need to replace bags
Eureka WhirlWind Bagless Canister Vacuum
Container Size: 2.6 quarts | Weight: 8.2 pounds | Filter: Washable disks | Power: 960 Watts | Best For: Heavy-duty cleaning
Eureka WhirlWind vacuum cleaner is a perfect tool for removing pet hair from various surfaces, such as couches, rugs, carpets, and wooden floors, as long as you are within 16 feet of an electrical outlet! Thanks to its powerful suction of 960 watts, it can easily pick up pet hair and leave the floor spotless after just a few passes.
The owners have praised this vacuum cleaner for its ease of assembly and ability to reach under furniture. At only 8.2 pounds, it’s super easy to hold and move around.
What We Like:
• Great value
• Comes with a dusting brush and crevice tool
• Lightweight
• Automatic cord rewind
What We Don’t Like:
• A 16-foot cord isn't very generous
Top Handheld Vacuums
Handheld vacuums are convenient for cleaning both homes and cars. They are cordless and portable, ideal for smaller spaces and stairs. Though they have less container space, they are lightweight and easy to carry. If you need to use it frequently, consider getting a longer battery life.
Powools Handheld Vacuum
Container Size: 22.9 ounces | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Filter: HEPA | Power: 75 Watts | Best For: Smaller areas
This nifty little vacuum from Powools is incredibly lightweight and boasts a bright light that illuminates hair and debris, even in dimly lit rooms. It also comes with a range of attachments to provide an optimal cleaning experience.
The motorized brush head is a particularly efficient pet hair remover that works flawlessly on a wide variety of surfaces. Meanwhile, the crevice nozzle is perfect for sucking up pet hair and dander from between cushions.
Keep in mind that Powools vacuums operate on lithium batteries and may require frequent charging, which should be factored into the overall cost. At full charge, you can expect about 20 minutes of cleaning time.
What We Like:
• Bright LED light
• One of the best value handheld cleaners available
What We Don’t Like:
• Battery life could be better
• Small debris container
BLACK+DECKER Advanced Clean+
Container Size: 22.9 ounces | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Filter: Washable | Power: 20 Watts | Best For: Cleaning vehicles
BLACK+DECKER AdvancedClean+ portable vacuum is designed for pet hair and can be used in compact spaces such as cars, couches, and beds. It also comes with an extendable crevice tool that is perfect for cleaning curtains and blinds, while its motorized brush is excellent for removing hair from your mischievous pets.
Customers agree that this vacuum is excellent at picking up pet hair, but it’s best to avoid trying to suck up larger particles as they may get stuck in the machine. Instead, use a dustpan and brush to clean up larger debris before using the vacuum.
What We Like:
• Powerboost suction packs some extra power
• Easy to use
• Quality build
What We Don’t Like:
• Battery life isn't great
Top Cordless Stick Vacuums
Stick vacuums have gained popularity due to their sleek and lightweight design. They come in both cordless and plug-in versions and have a long stick-like structure that works effectively on different types of floors, including bare floors, linoleum, and carpets.
Dyson Cyclone V10
Container Size: 25.6 ounces | Weight: 5.7 pounds | Filter: Replaceable | Suction Power: 151 Air Watts | Best For: Homes with heavy shedders
Dyson has built a solid global reputation for its robust and reliable vacuum cleaners. The company deploys a range of patented and innovative technologies to deliver powerful suction, even in their cordless models.
If you’re looking for a vacuum cleaner that can handle a significant amount of pet hair, the Cyclone V10 model might be the one for you. This premium vacuum excels at cleaning large floors with ease. Plus, the hair screw tool effortlessly removes pet hair from upholstery and is equipped with an anti-tangle brush bar.
What We Like:
• 60 minutes of run time
• 2-year warranty
• Lifetime Dyson support
• Engineered for homes with pets
What We Don’t Like:
• Premium price tag
Kenmore Ds1030 Cordless Stick Vacuum
Container Size: 16.9 ounces | Weight: 8.1 pounds | Filter: HEPA | Best For: Quick clean up around the house
Kenmore DS1030 Cordless Stick Vacuum provides 45 minutes of uninterrupted vacuuming, which should be enough time to clean up all the loose fur in your home. However, to get the full 45 minutes of operation, you’ll need to charge the vacuum for 5 hours.
We like this vacuum’s modern stick design, making it easy to maneuver around the floor. It’s also great that you can convert it into a handheld cleaner whenever necessary. Meanwhile, the dust collector is conveniently made of translucent material, so you’ll know when it’s full and needs to be emptied.
What We Like:
• LED headlight
• Super lightweight
• Modern design
• Includes attachments for an entire home
What We Don’t Like:
• 5 hours to fully recharge
Top Cordless Vacuums
Plenty of options out there, whether you want a cordless stick vacuum, a Robovac, or a smaller handheld device. Powered by rechargeable batteries, cordless vacuums allow you to move around swiftly and avoid tripping over wires.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser
Container Size: 23.6 ounces | Weight: 3 pounds | Filter: 3-stage filter | Best For: When extra suction is needed
If you have a small pet, this cordless vacuum is a must-have. It’s effortless to use and does an excellent job keeping pet dander and fur to a minimum — a good choice if you have pet allergies.
The pet tools included are simple to attach and effective at removing even the most stubborn fur. The triple-level filtration system enhances your cleaning experience, and the clever design prevents fur from getting stuck in the machine.
Note: Handheld vacuums are practical for collecting hair from hardwood floors but can only clean small areas at a time.
What We Like:
• Excellent at collecting pet hair
• Ability to quickly empty container
• Especially good for cat hair
What We Don’t Like:
• 6 hours to a full recharge
• 17 minutes runtime
Dirt Devil Power Swerve Cordless Stick Vacuum
Container Size: 23.6 ounces | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Filter: Included | Best For: Quick clean of carpets and hardwood floors
You’ll want to be quick with this compact vacuum cleaner from Dirt Devil, as it only has a short and snappy run time of 15 minutes. Thankfully, the device’s excellent suction power and swivel steering may help you finish the job quickly.
The wheels are soft and gentle on floors, so you won't have to worry about any marks or scratches. However, some pet owners reported that the device wasn’t as sturdy as they hoped. Plus, it takes about 6 hours to charge the device completely.
What We Like:
• Can easily handle pet hair on any surface
• Fingertip controls for easy operation
• 2-year warranty
• 16v Lithium battery with fade-free technology
What We Don’t Like:
• Relatively loud, which can stress some pets
• A little flimsy
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Vacuum for Pet Hair
From suction power to specialized attachments, let’s explore the factors that ensure efficient pet hair removal and a pristine living environment for you and your furry companions.
Cost. If you are looking to purchase a vacuum cleaner for pet hair, you should be prepared to spend between $50 and $500. The cost of a vacuum cleaner increases with its capacity, run time, and suction power. Cordless and robotic vacuum cleaners are generally more expensive than traditional models, but there may be exceptions to this rule.
Suction power. When it comes to sucking up pet fur, dirt, and debris, you want to ensure your vacuum packs a punch. Traditionally, upright and canister vacuums score best for this feature thanks to their powerful motors.
Style of vacuum. The right style for you will depend on your cleaning needs and personal preferences. A handheld vacuum is great for spot cleaning, while you’ll probably want a canister or upright model if you have a large and carpeted home. Those of you without a lot of free time on your hands might plump for an automated Robot vacuum.
Battery life. While no plug has advantages, you must keep your vacuum powered up before a clean. The longer it takes to charge, the more electricity it will use. How long your vacuum lasts before each charge should be an essential metric when evaluating cordless vacuum options.
Attachments. Attachments can make the model you pick more versatile and functional. Some vacuum cleaners will have a special pet hair tool that is great for removing stubborn fur from rugs and furniture. You may also consider an extension wand to lengthen your cleaning reach or a crevice tool to get into tight spaces.
Is There Anything You Can Do to Make Your Pet Shed Less?
Dogs naturally shed their fur to make way for new growth. Shedding is more common in warmer weather and when central heating is on. Although we can't stop this process, we can help reduce the amount of hair in our homes by brushing our furry friends once or twice daily. In addition, providing your pet with skin supplements and a diet that promotes a healthy coat can help keep their fur in excellent condition.
FAQ
Do all pet hair vacuums work in the same way?
Vacuum cleaner models work differently from one another, including canister, robotic, handheld, and upright options. Their ability to remove pet hair depends on their suction power, filtration system, and design.
Will a robotic vacuum work as well as an upright vacuum for dealing with pet hair?
We’re big fans of the ease with which a Robot vacuum can clean your home, but we’ll be the first to admit that they can be lacking in suction power and, when dealing with a surface like a thick carpet, you’re probably better using an upright vacuum. Keep in mind that robot vacuums are also not capable of cleaning steps or stairs.
What’s the best time to vacuum pet hair?
Regular cleaning is important to prevent the buildup of pet hair. Vacuum daily during warmer weather when your pet is shedding. If vacuuming bothers your pet, do it when your pet is outside and after grooming or bathing it.
Are bagged vacuums a good investment?
Bagless vacuums require less maintenance and are more durable than other vacuums. They are also a good option for people with dust allergies as they can be emptied without opening the container.
What is a HEPA filter?
HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. These mechanical air filters capture very small particles, including pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and even some viruses and bacteria. They also help improve air quality.
What other equipment might I need to clean up fur?
For the best cleaning results, you may need to use a combination of different cleaning products, such as vacuums, lint rollers, furniture brushes, and mops.
