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We evaluated them based on value, effectiveness, maneuverability, and more.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Vacuums for pet hair are specially designed to handle the task.
What We Tested
Weve tested over 300 hundred vacuums in just about every category.
For more on how we test vacuums, seeour testing processbelow.
Credit: Ryobi
It doesn’t come with attachments and can’t convert to a handheld.
The Ryobi 18V One Plus HP High-Capacity Stick Vacuum out-performed the competition in the lab and at home.
Unlike most vacuums, it performs equally well on all floor types.
Credit: Walmart
It does take more effort to push on carpet.
We used it most often on tile, hardwood, and alow-pile rug.
The vacuum maneuvers easily thanks to an articulated head that slides under furniture and fits against walls.
The Innova Cordless Stick Vacuum has two cleaning modes for hard floors and carpets, and it picks up about 95 of all debris in under one minute during our tests.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
Another favorite feature for pet owners is the hook-shaped tool to cut tangled hair out of the brushroll.
Unlike a lot of other options, it’s not able to convert to a handheld, either.
It could be a little uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time.
It picked up about 95% of all debris during our tests in under one minute.
The vacuum can lie completely flat for go underneath couches or other pieces of furniture.
Additionally, the vacuum easily converts to a handheld for work on curtains or couches.
It took us a few passes to pick up kibble on tile flooring.
We found the Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal so easy and functional it almost got usexcitedabout vacuuming.
This is the best stick vacuum we’ve ever used (and an improvement over previous Dyson models).
Removing the dust cup isnt very intuitivewe needed to consult the manual.
If your home mostlyconsists of hard floors, consider this the best vacuum for pet hair youll find.
The vacuum is meant to function equally well moving forward or backward for superior maneuverability.
We found the swiveling feature made it especially easy to maneuver.
This is one of the best options if your biggest issue iskeeping upholstery clean.
The Black+Decker vacuum will deep cleaneverything from curtainsto dog beds to couches.
Theres only one attachment, an extra-long crevice tool.
But its a fantastic, affordable option that helps you maintain your furniture and keep it looking clean.
We found ourselves reaching for the Black+Decker consistently to spot clean small messes between bigger vacuum cleans.
Plus battery life is fantastic, even with the motorized tool.
The vacuum is most effective on its highest setting, which will cut into its battery life.
The filter opens and closes with a magnet and is constructed so hair wont get easily tangled.
The lever made for a mostly hands-free experience when we tested it, too.
Our favorite is the ability to quickly convert it into a handheld model to make it properly clean upholstery.
A powerful 5-stage filterremoves allergensand separates air and dust to prevent theloss of suction poweras the vacuum fills up.
All components of the vacuum continued to work as they should over the course of six months at-home testing.
The battery life and suction are great, and it charges quickly.
Using a decibel meter, we measured how loud the vacuum was on both the highest and lowest parameters.
We completed the same test on upholstery.
Battery life was also recorded, and we took note of whether suction decreased as the charge dwindled.
Finally, we assessed all added features including attachments, modes, lights, and filters.
Credit: Dyson
Afterward, we recorded how easy it was to clean.
We also liked that no hair was caught in the brushroll during the test.
In vacuum mode, it worked well on hard surfaces.
The Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal has a conical brush that quickly picks up pet hair on tile floors.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
But, for the price, we felt it was too limited to fully recommend.
Many of the options on our list arestick vacuums, which tend to be lightweight and multifunctional.
Handheld vacuums are ideal for cleaning upholstery or curtains, as opposed to vacuuming the entire floor.
Sixty to 70 decibels is about the level of a normal conversation, according to achart by Yale University.
When running continuously on high, some vacuums may last less than ten minutes.
Some models also come with upholstery brushes, which work great on couches.
Extension hoses for stairs or 2-in-1 brushes thatdust while you cleanare other great features that you may see.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the best cordless vacuum for pet hair?
During testing, we found theTineco Pure One S15 Proto be the best cordless vacuum for pet hair.
Its a lighter stick option at 6.80 pounds, with a long battery life of up to 40 minutes.
What is the best handheld vacuum for pet hair?
TheBlack+Decker Furbuster Handheld Vacuum for Petsand theBissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Handheld Vacuumare two of the best choices.
Do you need a special vacuum for pet hair?
In a word, yes.
Look for one that specifically says it works with pets and pet hair, Rapinchuk recommends.
Youll want a model that can tackle both fine hairs and larger clumps equally.
We also interviewedJessica Eckfrom the American Cleaning Institute.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
Credit: Dyson
The Dyson Omni Glide’s combination crevice tool made short work of getting into the nooks and crannies quickly sucking up the debris.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
The Black and Decker vacuum sucked up kibble on a hard tile floor with ease during our testing.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Credit: Tineco
The Tineco Pure One S15 quickly converted to a handheld to clean upholstery during our testing.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
The cleaning capabilities of each vacuum was tested by timing how long it took to suck up four ounces of hair and how much was in the dustbin.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Cordless vacuums that come with 2-in-1 brushes that dust while you clean are a great feature.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
