Pet vacuum review
The 6 Best Vacuums For Pet Hair - Winter 2022: Reviews
- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Best Vacuum
- Best Upper Mid-Range
- Best Mid-Range
- Best Budget
- Best Upright
- Best Canister
- Notable Mentions
- Recent Updates
- All Reviews
- Discussions
Updated Dec 23, 2022 at 09:58 am
By Evan Jakab
If you're a pet owner, there's no doubt you've had to deal with the hassle that comes with shedding. We all love our furry friends, but there's no denying pet hair is a nuisance. It has a nasty tendency of getting everywhere, so a vacuum that can clear this type of debris across a wide range of surfaces is crucial. Good maneuverability and portability are plus points, as they let you clean pet hair from underneath and around couches, tables, and other types of furniture.
We've tested over 130 vacuum cleaners, and below are our recommendations for the best vacuums for pet hair. These recommendations are based not only on their pet-hair cleaning performance on different types of surfaces but also on their design and price. For more buying recommendations, look at our list of the best robot vacuums for pet hair, the best handheld vacuums for pet hair, the best apartment vacuums, and the best vacuums for high-pile carpet.
-
Best Vacuum For Pet Hair
Dyson V15 Detect
SEE PRICE
Amazon.de
Unavailable
Missing StorePets
8.0
Vacuum Type
Stick/Handheld
Bagless
Yes
Cordless
Yes
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
Yes
Wet Compatible
No
See all our test results
The Dyson V15 Detect is the best vacuum for pet hair we've tested.
This high-end cordless stick vacuum has no problem dealing with pet hair on a wide variety of surface types, whether you're using the multi-surface floorhead or the soft-roller floorhead with an integrated laser light to help you see fine debris. Its built-in dirt sensor also gives you an idea of allergen quantities inside your home, and its washable HEPA filter is effective in sealing in allergens. Meanwhile, its surface detection system lets it automatically ramp up its suction power on carpets. While this vacuum can run for more than 70 minutes in its most energy-efficient configuration, that does drop quite a bit when used in its 'Boost' setting.Worried about running out of charge midway through a cleaning session? Check out the Samsung Bespoke Jet, which has a charging rack that can top up its two included batteries at once, so you can swap in a fully-charged pack when you run out, effectively doubling its runtime. The freestanding charging rack also works as a self-emptying base station, as it can suck debris from the Samsung vacuum's dustbin into an internal dirtbag, minimizing maintenance requirements.
That said, it's less maneuverable than the Dyson.See our review
-
Best Upper Mid-Range Vacuum For Pet Hair
Dyson V12 Detect Slim
SEE PRICE
Amazon.de
Unavailable
Missing StorePets
8.0
Vacuum Type
Stick/Handheld
Bagless
Yes
Cordless
Yes
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
Yes
Wet Compatible
No
See all our test results
If you don't mind giving losing out slightly in terms of battery life and suction power compared to the Dyson V15 Detects in exchange for a lower price point, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim is among the best stick vacuums for pet hair that we've tested.
It uses the same particle sensor and improves upon the V15's automatic power adjustment capability by not only adjusting suction power to match the surface it's on, but also the concentration of debris on the ground. It easily clears away pet hair across a wide range of surface types when used with either its multi-surface floorhead or its secondary floorhead with a soft brushroll, intended for use on hard floors. The brushrolls for both floorheads, as well as its miniature turbo brush attachment, are easily removable, making it a cinch to clear away any tangled hair.Its smaller dustbin has about a third the capacity of the V15 but is also endemic to its smaller, lighter motor unit, which makes it easier to pick up and carry and maneuver in cluttered areas whether used in its stick or handheld configuration. Unfortunately, like the V15, build quality isn't especially impressive, with an easily-dented metal wand and floorhead wheels that can get clogged up with small debris.
See our review
-
Best Mid-Range Vacuum For Pet Hair
Tineco PURE ONE S11
SEE PRICE
Amazon.
de
Unavailable
Missing StorePets
7.8
Vacuum Type
Stick/Handheld
Bagless
Yes
Cordless
Yes
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
Yes
Wet Compatible
No
See all our test results
The best vacuum for cat hair in the mid-range price bracket that we've tested is the Tineco PURE ONE S11.
This cordless stick vacuum can tackle pet hair on bare floors as well as low and high-pile carpet at a much lower price point than either the Dyson V12 Detect Slim or Dyson V15 Detect. It also features a dirt sensor that lets it increase its suction power when running over an area with a high concentration of debris. Unfortunately, the flip side of that lower price point is its less robust build quality and shorter battery life, which tops out at a little over 40 minutes.This vacuum isn't the most maneuverable stick vacuum out there, with a tangle-prone floorhead that doesn't articulate very smoothly. If that's a concern, the Dyson V8 also happens to be one of the best stick vacuums for pet hair we've tested, as it's easier to maneuver in tight spots. However, it lacks the Tineco vacuum's self-adjusting power function and has a smaller dustbin.
See our review
-
Best Budget Vacuum For Pet Hair
Wyze Cordless Vacuum
SEARCH
Amazon.
de
Unavailable
Missing StorePets
7.2
Vacuum Type
Stick/Handheld
Bagless
Yes
Cordless
Yes
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
Yes
Wet Compatible
No
See all our test results
If you're shopping at the more affordable end of the market, the Wyze Cordless Vacuum happens to be one of the best vacuums for dog hair that we've tested.
It lacks the Tineco PURE ONE S11's dirt sensor, and it doesn't come bundled with a miniature turbo brush attachment for dealing with pet hair on furniture, though you can buy one from the manufacturer. That said, it's notably cheaper and just as effective for dealing with pet hair on bare floors and carpets. Unusually for a vacuum in this price range, it's also equipped with a HEPA filter and is very effective when it comes to sealing in fine allergens like pet dander. It's also very lightweight, even by the standards of other stick vacuums, making it a breeze to maneuver in tight spots.Unfortunately, it doesn't feel especially robust, with parts of its mainly plastic construction feeling quite fragile, especially its dustbin and the top plate of its floorhead. If you want something even cheaper and don't mind a loss in suction performance, the JASHEN V16 is worth a look. However, it has a shorter battery life and really struggles with bulky debris, which easily clogs the entry to its dirt compartment.
See our review
-
Best Upright Vacuum For Pet Hair
Dyson Ball Animal 3
SEARCH
Amazon.de
Unavailable
Missing StorePets
8.4
Vacuum Type
Upright
Bagless
Yes
Cordless
No
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
Yes
Wet Compatible
Mopping Only
See all our test results
If you prefer the all-in-one design of an upright vacuum, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 is among the best vacuums for dog hair we've tested.
This bagless upright is far more of a hassle to deploy than a comparably-priced cordless model like the Dyson V12 Detect Slim, but it's worth a look if you prioritize performance above all else. It easily clears away pet hair on a range of floor types, and its floorhead offers three levels of surface adjustment and a set of built-in vanes to prevent hair from getting tangled in the mechanism. It's also allergen-sealed and has an onboard HEPA filter to limit the spread of fine allergens like pet dander as you clean. Unfortunately, you still might want to watch out for the plume of dust that can get kicked up when emptying its dustbin.Prefer the cleaner means of debris disposal that come with a bagged vacuum? Check out the Kenmore Intuition Bagged, which is easier and more hygienic to maintain than the Dyson, but it also has a far more tangle-prone floorhead that doesn't do quite as well with pet hair on bare floors.
See our review
-
Best Canister Vacuum For Pet Hair
Miele Complete C3
SEARCH
Amazon.
de
Unavailable
Missing StorePets
8.2
Vacuum Type
Canister
Bagless
No
Cordless
No
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
Yes
Wet Compatible
No
See all our test results
If you want a canister model, the Miele Complete C3 is among the best vacuums for pet hair and hardwood floors we've tested.
It doesn't have the go-anywhere range of a comparably-priced cordless model like the Dyson V15 Detect, and you'll have to pay a premium to get a C3 model with a powerhead that's as effective on carpets as that of the Dyson Ball Animal 3. Still, it's worth a look if you prefer the more maneuverable design of a canister vacuum over a bulkier upright. It's remarkably effective in dealing with pet hair and has a superb filtration system, even if you don't spring for a pricier variant with a HEPA-rated filter. Build quality is fantastic, and the vacuum has a seven-level power adjustment feature, so you can quickly adapt to a range of surface types.If you're looking for a mid-priced alternative to the C3, the Miele Classic C1 is a great option that delivers similar overall performance; however, it doesn't have the C3's onboard tool storage compartment and feels less robust.
See our review
Notable Mentions
- BISSELL CleanView Swivel: The BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet is a budget-friendly bagless upright that does a fantastic job cleaning pet hair on several surfaces.
However, it's bulky and doesn't have a HEPA filter, unlike the Dyson Ball Animal 3. See our review - SEBO Airbelt D4: The SEBO Airbelt D4 is a wonderful alternative to the Miele Complete C3 that uses bigger dirtbags and longer-lasting filters, resulting in lower recurring costs. However, it's bulkier and heavier than the Miele. See our review
- Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away: The Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away is a cordless upright vacuum that represents a good alternative to the Dyson Ball Animal 3 if you want the go-anywhere range of a cordless mode. However, it has a somewhat short battery life when used as an upright and lacks any floorhead height adjustment, meaning it can get tangled on rugs. See our review
- Airsign HEPA Vacuum: The Airsign HEPA Vacuum is a mid-range canister vacuum that represents a good alternative to the Miele Complete C3 thanks to its similar overall performance and slightly more compact size.
However, it has a shorter range and isn't as well-built. See our review - Eureka Mighty Mite: The Eureka Mighty Mite is a great option if you're on a tight budget, thanks to its back-to-basic design and superb pet hair cleaning performance make it a solid option. However, it feels far less well-built than pricier canister vacuums like the Miele Complete C3 and is pretty minimalistic in terms of quality-of-life features. See our review
- Samsung Jet 90 Complete: The Samsung Jet 90 Complete is a cordless stick vacuum that's among the best vacuums for pet hair and hardwood floors we've tested, as it does a fantastic job of handling pet hair on a wide variety of surfaces. However, it lacks the Dyson V15 Detect's automatic power adjustment feature and dirt sensor. See our review
Recent Updates
-
Dec 23, 2022: Removed 'Best Lower Mid-Range Vacuum For Pet Hair', replaced JASHEN V16 with Wyze Cordless Vacuum as 'Best Budget Vacuum For Pet Hair'.
-
Nov 25, 2022: Replaced Samsung Jet 90 Complete with Dyson V12 Detect Slim as 'Best Upper Mid-Range Vacuum For Pet Hair' due to current product pricing. Added Samsung Jet 90 Complete to Notable Mentions.
-
Nov 04, 2022: Added Samsung Jet 60 Pet to as new 'Best Lower Mid-Range Vacuum For Pet Hair'.
-
Oct 06, 2022: Major article restructuring to better align with user needs. Removed less relevant Notable Mentions picks, added Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away, Airsign HEPA Vacuum, and SEBO Airbelt D4 to Notable Mentions.
-
Jul 15, 2022: Replaced Wyze Cordless Vacuum with Eureka Mighty Mite as 'Best Budget Vacuum For Pet Hair' pick.
Removed Miele Classic C1, Shark Rocket Pet Pro with MultiFlex IZ163H, Dyson V8 Animal, Dyson Ball Animal 2, and Samsung Jet 70 Pet from Notable Mentions.
All Reviews
Our recommendations are based on what we think are currently the best vacuums to buy. We factor in a fairly wide range of factors, including availability, price, and reader feedback.
If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here's the list of all our vacuum reviews, ranked by their pet-hair cleaning performance. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no vacuum is perfect for every use, most are good enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.
Discussions
The 5 Best Robot Vacuums For Pet Hair - Winter 2022: Reviews
- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Best Vacuum
- Best Upper Mid-Range
- Best Mid-Range
- Best Budget
- Best Mop
- Notable Mentions
- Recent Updates
- All Reviews
- Discussions
Updated Dec 19, 2022 at 08:23 am
By Evan Jakab
It can be a pain to be constantly cleaning up after a shedding pet.
While you love your furry friends, their hair and dandruff can quickly pile up and get caught in fibers or under furniture. Luckily, a robot vacuum can help take some weight off your shoulders by automating the cleaning process. It can independently travel around your home and pick up pet hair so you can spend more time with your cats or dogs. A robot vacuum can be helpful if you're in the middle of seasonal shedding, as you can program it to clean a room several times a day if needed.
We've tested more than 50 robot vacuum cleaners, and below are our recommendations for the best robot vacuums for pets to buy. These recommendations are based not only on their pet-hair cleaning performance on different surfaces but also on their design and price. For more, look at our lists of the best vacuums for pet hair, the best robot vacuums, the best robotic vacuums for hardwood floors, and the best handheld vacuums for pet hair.
-
Best Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair
iRobot Roomba S9
SEE PRICE
Amazon.
de
Unavailable
Missing StorePets
5.7
Vacuum Type
Robot
Bagless
Yes
Cordless
Yes
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
Yes
Wet Compatible
No
See all our test results
The best robot vacuum for pet hair that we've tested is the iRobot Roomba S9.
This high-end robot vacuum does a fantastic job of dealing with pet hair on both low and high-pile carpet, not to mention bare surfaces. It also features an onboard HEPA filter to help trap fine allergens as it cleans. Its twin brushrolls are easily removable to help clear any tangled hair wraps. It can automatically adjust its brushroll height depending on the surface that it's on too. Its optical navigation system generates a permanent map of its coverage area, letting you set up virtual boundary lines that the vacuum won't cross or direct it to specific rooms within your home. That said, it lacks any real-time hazard-avoidance capability, so remove any potential hazards like pet waste before letting it run.It also has a few parts that need replacing over time, so it isn't the best option if low ownership costs are a significant factor in your purchasing decision. There also isn't a mopping attachment, which could be a deal-breaker if you need a vacuum that can also deal with any mud or dirt your pet might track into your home.
It is compatible with a self-emptying base station, but this is a somewhat expensive upgrade.See our review
-
Best Upper Mid-Range Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair
yeedi vac station
SEE PRICE
Amazon.de
Unavailable
Missing StorePets
5.7
Vacuum Type
Robot
Bagless
No
Cordless
Yes
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
No
Wet Compatible
Mopping Only
See all our test results
The yeedi vac station is a great option if you're looking for a vacuum at a slightly more affordable price point.
It might not be as well-built as the iRobot Roomba S9 and takes longer to recharge, but it does offer self-emptying capability at a much lower price. This feature lets it automatically transfer debris from its internal dustbin into an external dirt compartment mounted to its charging station, making for a more hygienic means of debris disposal. You can use its companion app to set up boundary lines that the vacuum won't cross or direct it to clean a specific area. It also does a fantastic job dealing with pet hair on bare surfaces as well as low and high-pile carpet.Unfortunately, this vacuum doesn't have a HEPA filter, so it isn't the best choice if you're very sensitive to allergens. If HEPA filtration is a priority, you might consider the iRobot Roomba j7, another upper-mid-range self-emptying robot vacuum. The j7 also features real-time hazard-avoidance capability, meaning it can maneuver around new un-mapped obstacles like pet waste. That said, it has a hard time dealing with pet hair on bare floors.
See our review
-
Best Mid-Range Vacuum For Pet Hair
Wyze Robot Vacuum
SEE PRICE
Amazon.de
Unavailable
Missing StorePets
5.2
Vacuum Type
Robot
Bagless
Yes
Cordless
Yes
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
Yes
Wet Compatible
No
See all our test results
If you don't mind giving up the yeedi vac station's self-emptying capability in exchange for a lower purchase price, the Wyze Robot Vacuum is a great choice.
Unlike the yeedi vac station, it isn't compatible with a self-emptying base station, so you'll have to empty its dustbin manually. That's something you'll be doing pretty often, as the Wyze's internal dustbin is very small. However, it does have its share of advantages. It's just as effective in handling pet hair on a variety of surfaces, ranging from bare floors to carpeting. Its brushroll is also easily removable, meaning you can clear away any tangled hair. This vacuum also features a HEPA filter and is very effective when it comes to sealing in fine particles.Unlike the yeedi, it has a LIDAR sensor that maps out your home quickly and precisely, even in the dark. You can use its companion app to set up virtual boundary lines that the vacuum won't cross or direct it to a specific room within your home. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a mopping feature to scrub away dried-on dirt. If that's something you want, the Roborock S5 Max is a good choice, though its availability is sporadic.
See our review
-
Best Budget Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair
Roborock E4
SEE PRICE
Amazon.de
Unavailable
Missing StorePets
5.4
Vacuum Type
Robot
Bagless
Yes
Cordless
Yes
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
No
Wet Compatible
No
See all our test results
If you're looking to spend as little as possible on a robot vacuum for dealing with pet hair, consider the Roborock E4.
Unlike the pricier Wyze Robot Vacuum, it doesn't have a LIDAR mapping array, instead relying on a simpler optical sensor-based system. It can't store a permanent map of its coverage area, but it does display a map of the area it passed around after completing a cleaning job. You can also control it using navigational buttons via its companion app if it gets stuck. Similarly to the Wyze, it does a fantastic job of handling pet hair on a wide variety of surfaces, and it has a high-efficiency E11 filter that's effective in trapping allergens.Unfortunately, its brushroll is somewhat tangle-prone and can be a bit of a nuisance to clean, even if it's easily removable. Thankfully, the build quality is impressive, and the vacuum offers sufficient battery life to easily clean large areas without running out of charge.
See our review
-
Best Robot Vacuum For Pets With Mopping Capability
Roborock S7 MaxV
SEE PRICE
Amazon.
de
Unavailable
Missing StorePets
5.3
Vacuum Type
Robot
Bagless
Yes
Cordless
Yes
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
No
Wet Compatible
Mopping Only
See all our test results
If you're looking for a robot vacuum with a mopping attachment for dealing with mud and dirt, consider the Roborock S7 MaxV.
Its mopping attachment actively scrubs away dried-on stains. Its advanced navigation system combines onboard cameras for real-time obstacle avoidance and a LIDAR sensor that lets it precisely map out its coverage area. You can look through the vacuum's onboard camera and talk to your pets while you're away from home, thanks to the built-in speakers. That said, while the similarly-priced iRobot Roomba S9 lacks a mopping system and has a less advanced mapping system, it's still more effective in handling pet hair on carpet.If you're looking for a cheaper alternative but still want the same stain-cleaning performance, the Roborock S7 is a good option. It has the same highly-effective ultrasonic mopping system as the MaxV, and it does almost as good a job when it comes to tackling pet hair. However, it lacks the MaxV's optical sensors, so it can't detect and avoid hazards like pet waste in real-time or act as a roving security camera.
See our review
Notable Mentions
- yeedi K650: The yeedi K650 is a budget-friendly robot vacuum that's pretty effective in handling pet hair but has a less advanced set of automation features than the Roborock E4.
See our review - eufy RoboVac X8: The eufy RoboVac X8 has a fairly comprehensive set of automation features. It delivers exceptional overall performance on bare floors but isn't quite as effective in cleaning pet hair on carpeted surfaces compared to other alternatives like the Wyze Robot Vacuum. See our review
- Ecovacs DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIVI: The Ecovacs DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIVI is a high-end robot vacuum with a similar dual-sensor navigation system to the Roborock S7 MaxV. However, it has a less advanced mopping system and isn't as effective in dealing with pet hair on bare floors. See our review
- Neato D8: The Neato D8 does an excellent job of handling pet hair on a variety of surfaces. However, it doesn't maneuver itself as effectively as the Wyze Robot Vacuum and has a shorter battery life.
See our review
Recent Updates
-
Dec 19, 2022: Replaced Roborock S5 Max with Wyze Robot Vacuum due to current availability.
-
Dec 02, 2022: Replaced yeedi K650 with Roborock E4 as 'Best Budget Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair' due to current pricing. Addeed yeedi K650 to Notable Mentions.
-
Nov 03, 2022: Replaced Neato D8 with Roborock S5 Max as 'Best Mid-Range Vacuum For Pet Hair' pick. Added Neato D8 to Notable Mentions.
-
Oct 04, 2022: Replaced eufy RoboVac 25C with yeedi K650 as 'Best Budget Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair' pick.
-
Jul 21, 2022: Minor article restructuring to better align with user needs.
Recategorized yeedi vac station as 'Best Upper Mid-Range Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair' pick. Recategorized Neato D8 as 'Best Mid-Range Vacuum For Pet Hair'. Replaced Roborock E4 with eufy Robovac 25C as the 'Best Budget Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair' pick. Replaced Ecovacs DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIVI with Roborock S7 MaxV as 'Best Robot Vacuum For Pets With Mopping Capability'. Added Ecovacs DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIVI and Roborock E4 to Notable Mentions.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best robot vacuums for dealing with pet hair for most people. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability.
If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here's the list of all our robot vacuum reviews, ranked by pet hair performance. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no vacuum is perfect for every use, most are good enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.
