The best cordless vacuums for pet hair are lightweight yet powerful enough to suck up all kinds of debris—dander and shedding included. Though they’re not quite as mighty as upright vacuums, these models offer cord-free convenience and easy maneuverability, and many have HEPA filters to capture allergens. Our top pick overall is the Dyson V15 Detect, a sleek model with an impressive 60-minute runtime and laser brush head to help you spot dust and debris. If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, we also recommend the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, which comes with several helpful attachments.
When shopping for one of these vacuums, the most important things to keep in mind are “suction power, runtime and filtration,” says Jennifer Rodriquez, chief hygiene officer at Pro Housekeepers. “Pet hair tends to get everywhere—and I mean everywhere—so strong suction is a must.” Rodriquez also suggests looking for a model with anti-tangle technology, which can help stop hair from getting wound around the brush roll, as well as a sizable dustbin that won’t have to be emptied super frequently. Ahead, here are the best cordless vacuums for pet hair, based on insights from several cleaning experts and hours of independent research.
Best Cordless Vacuum For Pet Hair Overall: Dyson V15 Detect
Best Budget Cordless Vacuum For Pet Hair: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser
Best Cordless Vacuum For Pet Hair With A Long Battery Life: Dyson Gen5outsize
Best Handheld Cordless Vacuum For Pet Hair: Black + Decker Furbuster Handheld Vacuum
Best Cordless Vacuum For Pet Hair On Hardwood Floors: Shark IZ862H Stratos Cordless Vacuum
Best Cordless Vacuum For Pet Hair Overall
A Lightweight Yet Powerful Model For All Kinds Of Debris
MOST POPULAR
Dyson V15 Detect
Dimensions: 10.5 x 9.8 x 49.6 inches |Weight: 6.9 pounds |Dustbin capacity: 0.2 gallons |Runtime: 60 minutes
What you’ll love:
- Powerful suction on all floor types
- Up to 60 minutes of runtime
- Converts to a handheld vacuum
- Built-in laser light increases visibility
- Anti-tangle brush roll prevents hair wrapping
Keep in mind:
- Expensive
- Trigger must be held down for operation
Not only do we believe the Dyson V15 Detect is the top cordless model for shedding—we think it’s the best vacuum for pet hair of any kind. Many pet-owning staffers have long relied on this premium model to suck up all kinds of debris (fur included), plus it comes highly recommended by cleaning pros. One such fan is Donna Dougherty, founder of Go Green Cleaning Experts, who appreciates this vacuum’s powerful suction and laser detection technology, which helps identify fine particles and pet hair that can be hard to spot.
Featuring an impressive 60-minute runtime, the model is powered by the brand’sHyperdymium motor—which is smaller and lighter than conventional brushed motor—to deliver 240 air watts of suction. It also has an anti-tangle brush roll, which helps prevents pesky clogs that can be time-consuming to remove. As for the vacuum’s overall design, it’s sleek and easy to maneuver on various surfaces, plus it converts to a handheld vacuum for added versatility. One more perk: It has a whole-machine filtration system that traps 99.99% of particles like dander, which is especially valuable if you or someone in your household suffers from allergies.
Best Budget Cordless Vacuum For Pet Hair
An Affordable Pick That Has Accessories To Target Shedding
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser
Dimensions: 5 x 4.5 x 16 inches |Weight: 3 pounds |Dustbin capacity: 0.2 gallons |Runtime: 17 minutes
What you’ll love:
- Portable size
- Budget-friendly price
- Triple-level filtration system
Keep in mind:
- Runtime isn’t the longest
- Requires several hours to recharge
If you’re looking for an affordable vacuum that can tackle small messes around the house, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is a great option that costs less than $80. Equipped with a 14V lithium-ion battery and motorized brush head, this handheld model has impressive suction for its size and is proven to be effective against shedding. (Though it doesn’t have a HEPA filter, it has a triple-level filtration system to help capture dander as well.) It also weighs just 3 pounds, so your arm shouldn’t get tired during use, and comes with two useful accessories: an upholstery tool and a crevice tool, the latter of which can help you get into nooks and crannies. And though it doesn’t have the longest runtime, 17 minutes is plenty of time to suck up clumps of hair after brushing your dog or vacuum your car’s floor and seats.
Best Cordless Vacuum For Pet Hair With A Long Battery Life
An Impressive Dyson With A Generous Runtime
Dyson Gen5outsize
Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.8 x 47.8 inches |Weight: 8.6 pounds |Dustbin capacity: 0.5 gallons |Runtime: 140 minutes
What you’ll love:
- Built-in illumination
- Auto-adjusting suction power
- Whole-machine HEPA-filtration
- Extended runtime
- Wall-mounted dock keeps it off the floor while charging
Keep in mind:
- Expensive
- Can feel heavy after extended use
While cordless vacuums typically aren’t recommended for deep-cleaning spacious homes, as they have limited runtimes and less suction power than upright models, Dyson’s Gen5outsize is up to the task. Not only is its dustbin is 150% larger than the Gen5detect, but it offers an impressive 140 minutes of runtime—that’s the longest of all the options on our list. It also has a wider head, making it the best model for tackling larger messes in multiple rooms.
This model has three power modes—eco, auto and boost—and it auto-adjusts the suction power as you clean based on the size of the debris being sucked up. Also while you work, you can glimpse the power mode, remaining runtime and maintenance alerts, which are prominently displayed on the LCD screen. And like other Dyson products, it comes with a bevy of accessories to help you easily navigate around obstacles on any surface.
Best Handheld Cordless Vacuum For Pet Hair
A Compact Model Ideal For Spot Cleaning
Black + Decker Furbuster Handheld Vacuum
Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.6 x 15.8 inches |Weight: 2.6 pounds |Dustbin capacity: 0.2 gallons |Runtime: 20 minutes
What you’ll love:
- Highly portable
- Helpful battery indicator
- Anti-tangle rubber bristles
- Motorized pet tool for furniture and stairs
Keep in mind:
- Some issues with the filter coming loose while emptying the dustbin
Similar to theBissell Pet Hair Eraser, this top-rated handheld vacuum excels at sucking up pet hair on upholstery, carpeting and more. Despite its compact size, the suction is powerful, and the motorized pet brush has anti-tangle technology to prevent clogs and knots. It also comes with helpful accessories, including an XL extendable crevice tool for cleaning hard-to-reach areas that might otherwise require some reaching. We also appreciate that the model charges fast, the battery lasts 20 minutes on a single charge (which is longer than most) and the filters can be washed and reused.
Best Cordless Vacuum For Pet Hair On Hardwood Floors
A Model With A Soft Brush Roll That Won’t Scratch Hard Flooring
Shark IZ862H Stratos Cordless Vacuum
Dimensions: 13.78 x 10.24 x 51.18 inches |Weight: 8.9 pounds |Dustbin Capacity: 0.7 quarts |Runtime: 60 minutes
What you’ll love:
- Self-cleaning brush roll prevents tangles
- Automatically boosts suction in dirty areas
- HEPA filter with anti-allergen seal
- Bendable wand helps to clean under furniture
Keep in mind:
- Heavier than most cordless vacuums
Shark vacuums come highly recommended by the cleaning pros we consulted—and they’re especially effective at tackling shedding and dander. “Shark’s self-cleaning brush rolls are a game-changer for pet hair,” saysMeaghan Kessman, a professional home organizer and founder ofMeaghan Kessman Home Organization. Equipped with two brush rolls, this model picks up the tiniest particles of dust while polishing your floors with its soft bristles. It also has infrared sensors that detect debris, which prompt the model to boost the suction power as needed. One more standout feature is the flexible wand, which allows the vacuum to fold over for easy storage and dip underneath bulky furniture.
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editors have extensive experience testing, researching and reviewing the best home products on the market. Over the years, we’ve published expert-backed articles on various cleaning products, including the best robot vacuums for pet hair, the best vacuums and more.
- The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team includes three expert editors: deputy editor Rebekah Lowin, senior editor Amanda Arnold and editor Sholeen Damarwala.
- Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with years of experience covering home and kitchen topics. She spent more than seven hours researching the best vacuums on the market and interviewing experts before finalizing the list of winners.
- Louie gathered key insight and guidance from three industry experts: Jennifer Rodriquez, chief hygiene officer at Pro Housekeepers; Donna Dougherty, founder of Go Green Cleaning Experts; and Meaghan Kessman, a professional home organizer and founder of Meaghan Kessman Home Organization.
How We Chose The Best Cordless Vacuums For Pet Hair
To find the best cordless vacuums for pet hair, we researched best-selling brands and asked industry experts—as well as our team of experienced staffers—for product recommendations and insights on what to look for.
- Our home and kitchen editorial team focused on trusted brands and retailers like Dyson, Shark and Black + Decker.
- We compared key features, such as dimensions, weight, dustbin capacity, runtime and filtration.
- We took customer reviews and average star ratings into careful account, sticking to models that have garnered at least an average rating of 4 stars and only a negligible amount of concerning reviews, if any.
- The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.
What To Look For In The Best Cordless Vacuums For Pet Hair
If you’re looking for a cordless vacuum that’s especially effective against pet hair, here’s what to keep in mind as you compare models.
Type
There are two main types of cordless vacuums: Stick models and handheld models. “If you’re dealing with pet hair all over the house, a stick vacuum is the way to go,” says Rodriguez. “They’re easy to maneuver and cover a lot of ground.” (Most cordless stick models weigh between 4 and 9 pounds.)
Handheld models, due to their compact size, are better suited for smaller messes, when you don’t want to lug out your primary vacuum. “They’re great for quick cleanups—like pet beds, furniture or the car—but they’re not ideal for floors,” says Rodriguez. Since handheld models have smaller dustbins and limited battery life, they aren’t a replacement for larger, standards vacuums—but fortunately, many stick vacuums convert into handheld ones.
Anti-Tangle Technology
Pet hair has a tendency to tangle in brush rolls, and removing it can be time-consuming and frustrating. To save yourself the time and frustration, look for a model with anti-tangle technology like the Dyson V15 Detect, which helps stop long pet hair from getting wound around the brush roll.
But if you’re drawn to a model with a standard brush roll, there are things you can do to prevent tangles. Rodriguez recommends spraying the attachment lightly with a silicone-based spray, which can help hair slide off instead of wrapping around. “Also, try vacuuming in different directions instead of just straight back and forth—this helps prevent hair from piling up in one spot,” Rodriguez adds.
Filtration
If you’re looking to capture dander, dust and other types of irritants, most cleaning experts agree that a good filtration system is a non-negotiable. Most vacuums come with a cloth or foam filter that traps unwanted particles, and you can wash the filters to prolong their life. For the best filtration, though, look for a model with a HEPA filters, which can capture 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size—especially if someone in your household suffers from allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Cordless Vacuum Is The Best For Pet Hair?
While all of the models on this list are effective at sucking up pet hair and dander, the Dyson V15 Detect—which has a generous 60-minute runtime—is our top pick overall. Weighing in at just under 7 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver over different surfaces, from carpeting to hardwood floors. It also has impressive suction power, so it efficiently picks up long pet hair, dirt, dust and more. Other helpful features include an anti-tangle brush roll with a built-in laser light, and the model’s LCD screen shows what particles have been removed from your floors.
Is Hoover Or Shark Better For Pet Hair?
Hoover and Shark make great vacuum cleaners that effectively remove pet hair from your home. “Both are solid, but if pet hair is the main concern, Shark usually has the edge,” says Rodriguez. “Their self-cleaning brushrolls do a great job at preventing hair from wrapping around the bristles.” The Shark IZ862H Stratos Cordless Vacuum made our list of winners, and it’s an excellent option for hardwood floors. It also has a HEPA filter to capture allergens, helping your household breathe easier.
What Is The Best Vacuum To Pick Up Long Hair From Carpet?
If you need to clean long hair from carpeting, the Dyson V15 Detect and Dyson Gen5outsize are two of the most powerful options. Both models are capable of sucking hair from the carpet, and the brand’s anti-tangle technology helps stop shedding from tangling around the brush roll.
