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The best vacuums for removing pet hair from your carpets
We love our pets but their fur gets EVERYWHERE
Tested by Blossom BoothroydHomes Testing Manager
We know you adore your pets (us too!), but while they may be very cute bundles of fur, all that fluff and hair can also be a nightmare to clean up – let’s be real, It. Gets. Everywhere.
Not only can excess pet hair make your home smell, but it also causes allergies, poor air quality, and rashes if you have sensitive skin.
That’s why having a vacuum that picks up and removes every last hair from your flooring and upholstery is essential.
Not all tackle this chore with equal prowess (don’t get us started on getting hair tangled in the brush-rolls, for example). So, it’s important to look for a vacuum cleaner that’s designed with pet owners in mind; some come with specialised pet tools to help lift hair from deep within your carpets, while others have filters to trap odours and leave your house smelling as fresh as it looks post-clean.
What is the best vacuum for pet hair?
If you’re one of the millions of pet owners in the UK, then you’re in the right place. Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve trialled hundreds of vacuum cleaners in our 100-year history, and we test with real pet hair, so we know a thing or two about the best models on the market.
Our homes writer has carefully combed through our latest results to bring you our pick of the best vacuums for lifting pet hair in a matter of sweeps, whether you want a cordless, handheld, robot, upright or cylinder model. Here they are in a handy list but read on to find out why we loved each one.
If you’re replacing an existing vacuum, there are plenty of places for you to safely recycle your old one. Find your nearest electrical recycling point, or read our guide on how to donate or dispose of your appliances and tech for extra guidance.
How we chose and tested the best vacuums for pet hair
We’re lucky; vacuum cleaner technology just keeps getting better, and here at the GHI, we test the latest models as soon as they hit the shelves (or even sometimes before). This means we’re well-placed to offer vacuum recommendations, whatever you’re looking for.
Every vacuum is tested on three different floor types (laminate, floorboards and carpet) and our testers assess how it picks up set amounts of dust and dirt, weighing out exactly how much the vacuum has collected.
Of course, pet hair pick-up also plays a key role. Our experts use genuine pet hair and grind it into the carpet in our floorcare testing room, creating a worst-case scenario. Then, they analyse how swiftly it’s lifted by each vacuum.
We used this test as the basis for the vacuums highlighted below, picking the ones with a perfect score. We also looked at which one had the highest overall score.
Some of these models are a little pricey, though, so we also hunted out some budget buys. These ones had to score an eight or above (out of ten) in our pet hair test. From there, we then chose the vacuums with the most affordable price tags (they’re all below £200), so you can shop with confidence no matter your budget.
What is the best cordless vacuum for pet hair?
Cordless vacuums are a popular choice for many homes thanks to their fuss-free, wireless design. Also known as stick vacuums, they come with a range of attachments, which can include a motorised brush for dealing with pet hair.
Pros
- 70-minute run time (15 on boost mode)
- Easy to read LCD displays information on particles being cleaned
Cons
- Heavy in handheld mode
- Needs regular recharging between uses
Pet hair removal score: 10/10
Overall score: 97/100
Dyson’s newest vacuum is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to dealing with dust, dirt, and most importantly, pet hair. The cordless model had excellent suction skills thanks to the high-powered motor, and it was strong enough to pick up fur in one smooth sweep.
Dyson’s special ‘Detangling Digital Motorbar’ cleaner head adapts its suction power to the floor type, while the stiff nylon bristles dig into the carpet fibres to remove dirt. Testers found the detangling claims true too, with no pet hair getting stuck or twisted around the brush head. A pet-owners dream.
Key specifications
| Bagged or bagless | Bagless |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.77 litres |
| Weight | 3.5kg |
| Running time | Up to 70 minutes |
| Charging time | 4.5 hours |
| Variable power | Yes |
| Tools | 'Fluffy Optic' cleaner head, 'Digital Motorbar' cleaner head, built in crevice tool, hair screw tool, low reach adaptor, combination tool, wall dock |
Vax ONEPWR Blade 4 Stick Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Dust canister was easy to empty
- Great value
Cons
- Pushed crumbs along the floor the head when held flat
- Only has a 45-minute run time
Pet hair removal score: 10/10
Overall score: 94/100
With ‘pet’ in the name, it’s no wonder this cordless vacuum was excellent at collecting stubborn hair. It comes with a mini motorised brush attachment for that exact purpose and testers were impressed with how clean the carpet looked after a single sweep.
The main floorhead worked well too, picking up dust and dirt with ease, and the boost mode gave a helping hand when it came to pesky crumbs.
This stick vacuum doesn’t stand up on its own so you will need somewhere to rest it, but for a budget buy, we think that’s worth dealing with.
Key specifications
| Capacity | 0.6 litres |
|---|---|
| Running time | Up to 45 minutes |
| Recharging time | 3 hours |
| Variable Power | No |
| Accessories Included | Crevice tool, dusting brush, wall mount |
What is the best handheld vacuum for pet hair?
Handheld vacuums are great for tackling hairy sofas or car interiors, making them a must-have for pet owners. Trust us, cleaning is a breeze with one of these.
Black+Decker Wet and Dry Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Handled larger crumbs well for its compact design
Cons
- Must hold the button down throughout use, so better kept for shorter cleans
- Only has a 10-minute battery life
Pet hair removal score: 10/10
Overall score: 94/100
Able to lift wet and dry messes, this is a worthwhile buy if you often find splashes around the water bowl. Using the squeegee tool, our tester had no problem cleaning up small messes and spillages and the vacuum left each surface reasonably dry.
When it came to sucking up hair, the upholstery tool shone, helping the vacuum achieve full marks on this test. Dander and hair strands vanished with a sweep and there was none stuck to the vacuum head or pushed further along the carpet. It also comes with a crevice tool for reaching awkward areas and tackling car interiors.
Key specifications
| Bagged or bagless | Bagless |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.38 litres |
| Weight | 0.61kg |
| Running time | 10 minutes |
| Recharging time | Unspecified |
| Variable power | No |
| Tools | Brush tool, crevice tool, charging base/wall mount, squeegee |
Shark Classic Pet Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Picked up 99% of dust
- Large dust canister
Cons
- No onboard storage for tools
- Heavier than others we’ve tested
Pet hair removal score: 10/10
Overall score: 94/100
Another ‘pet’ specific vacuum, this handheld model from Shark wowed our tester by picking up hair in one sweep when the motorised pet tool was attached. Some of the hair tangled around the brush though, so check it regularly to remove any trapped strands.
But this is also an overall top-performer across the board, lifting biscuit and cereal crumbs in one swift move. Plus, the battery lasts over 10 minutes, giving us just enough time to tackle the interior of a car. Pet hair and muddy paws be gone!
Key specifications
| Bagged or bagless | Bagless |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.45 litres |
| Weight | 1.39kg |
| Running time | 10 minutes |
| Recharging time | 4 hours |
| Variable power | Yes |
| Tools | Crevice tool and motorised pet tool |
What is the best robot vacuum for pet hair?
Robot vacuums are ideal for keeping on top of dust and dirt in between more thorough cleans. This makes them handy for pet owners who want to keep hair to a minimum but don’t have time to vacuum and deep clean problem areas quite as frequently.
They aren’t the cheapest, but our two picks below are worth the investment if pet hair is a concern in your home.
Pros
- Connects to WiFi so you can control via the app
- Great value
Cons
- No mapping capabilities
- No indicator for full dust bag
Pet hair removal score: 10/10
Overall score: 94/100
This affordable robot isn’t the fanciest in terms of features, but its cleaning power is no joke. On test all pet hair was gone within just two minutes. Yes, really – it only needed one cycle around the testing area to clear our carpet and there was no tangling or blockages either.
The robot is super easy to set up and you can programme it to clean on a schedule, so it can regularly tackle problem areas, such as around your pet's bed. There’s a mop attachment too, which can clean small spills and marks without leaving the floor overly wet.
Key specifications
| Number of cleaning modes | Auto, spot, wall, manual, mop |
|---|---|
| Mapping technology | No |
| Charging time | 6 hours |
| Running time | Up to 150 minutes |
| Canister capacity | 0.5 litres |
| Variable power | Yes |
Pros
- Maps rooms and avoids hazards
- Can be controlled via an app
Cons
- Small dust canister
- Left carpet damp after transferring from mopping hard floors
Pet hair removal score: 10/10
Overall score: 93/100
Eufy’s solution to pet hair in your home is a very capable one. Just like the robot above, it removed all visible pet hair in under two minutes, achieving full marks on test. It impressed with dust and light debris too, picking up an average of 86% of dust from short pile carpet.
This is a pricier option, and the dustbin doesn’t empty automatically, which may prove tiresome if your pet sheds a lot of hair. But it was easy to use and control, and again comes with a mopping function for any spills and stains.
Key specifications
| Number of cleaning modes | Vacuum and mop |
|---|---|
| Mapping technology | Yes |
| Charging time | Self-charging |
| Running time | Self-charging |
| Canister capacity | 0.41 litres |
| Variable power | Yes |
What is the best upright vacuum for pet hair?
For bigger homes, an upright vacuum is a no-brainer. You’ve got an unlimited power supply and bigger capacities for deep cleaning your rooms. These are our favourites for battling pet hair.
Pros
- Tackled edges well
- Comes with lots of cleaning tools and accessories
Cons
- Can't store the tools onboard
- Expensive
Pet hair removal score: 10/10
Overall score: 91/100
While it's not our overall highest-scoring upright vacuum, Sebo’s Pet ePower vacuum is an impressive and hard-working runner-up, scoring 91/100. It lifted 96% of dust in test and its large capacity canister makes this a good pick for pet owners tackling the never-ending battle against hair and dander.
Just one swift sweep was enough to remove all the pet hair on our test and when we looked at the brush, we couldn’t see any hair tangled up in the bristles. Testers found the vacuum easy to manoeuvre and lift too. Shedding season has never seemed so fuss-free!
Key specifications
| Bagged or bagless | Bagged |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3.5 litres |
| Indicator to change dust bag | Yes |
| Cord length | 9.5 metres |
| Hose length | 2 metres |
| Tools | Crevice nozzle, upholstery nozzle, stairs and upholstery turbo brush, SEBO Kombi, ET-1 Electric Powerhead |
| Variable power | Yes |
| Wattage | 700 |
| Weight | 6.8kg |
Hoover Hoover Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Red - Upright 300
Pros
- Easy to store
- Has a 1.5-litre canister so you won’t need to empty very often
Cons
- Only one power option
- Missed some dust in crevices
Pet hair removal score: 9/10
Overall score: 77/100
With its smaller size, we weren’t sure this Hoover would win us over – but it certainly did. It only weighs 5kg, making it easy to carry up and down stairs and performed well at lifting dust around the floor edges.
On average it took just one sweep to remove most of the pet hair, with an extra sweep needed in some instances to catch any stragglers. Some hair cling to the brush bar, but it wasn’t tangled and came free with a quick pull. Overall, it’s an effective and reliable vacuum.
Key specifications
| Bagged or bagless | Bagless |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.5 litres |
| Indicator to clear dust canister | No |
| Cord length | 8.1m |
| Hose length | 2m |
| Tools | Crevice nozzle, mini turbo nozzle, dusting brush |
| Variable power | No |
| Wattage | 850W |
| Weight | 4.94kg |
What is the best cylinder vacuum for pet hair?
Cylinder vacuums are made up of a main body and a suction head connected by a hose. They’re not cordless so you will be slightly restricted by the power cord, but you won’t have to deal with the battery running out mid-clean.
These vacuums are typically better at cleaning stairs and around obstacles (such as furniture and pet beds) because of their long-reaching hose.
Pros
- Store attachments and tools on board
- Dust canister was easy to remove and empty
Cons
- Struggled to pick up dust and debris around floor edges
- Power cord was slow to retract
Pet hair removal score: 10/10
Overall score: 97/100
It’s no mean feat to get such a high score on our vacuum tests but this Miele cylinder vacuum did just that. Crumbs and dust lifted easily from all floor types and our tester found it a great all-rounder that was easy to use and move around too.
However, it was the vacuum’s ability to remove pet hair that really impressed. The pet-specific brush bar was exceptional at collecting strands from both long and short pile carpet and there was no clumping or tangling either. A stellar performance.
Key specifications
| Bagged or bagless | Bagged |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3.5 litres |
| Indicator to change dust bag | Yes |
| Cord length | 7.7m |
| Hose length | 2.1m |
| Tools | Crevice nozzle, upholstery nozzle, floor head, rotating brush |
| Variable power | Yes |
| Wattage | 800 |
| Weight | 5.3kg |
Hoover Bagless Pet Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner - Breeze
Pros
- Compact and easy to store
- Well-balanced on stairs
Cons
- Dust canister was a little fiddly to remove
- No variable power
Pet hair removal score: 8/10
Overall score: 85/100
Don’t let the low price tag fool you, this lightweight cylinder vacuum put in a high-quality performance, lifting pet hair in just two sweeps. It comes with a ‘Pet Turbo Brush’, which is helpful for ridding furniture and upholstery of pesky hairs too.
It struggled a little on floorboards though, failing to remove all the dust between the crevices. However, this shouldn’t put you off; on laminate it collected almost 98% of dust and its performance around the edges of the room also impressed. All in all, it's a reliable, easy to use vacuum.
Key specifications
| Bagged or bagless | Bagless |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2 litres |
| Indicator to change dust bag | No |
| Cord length | 5m |
| Hose length | 1.5m |
| Tools | Crevice nozzle, dusting brush, turbo brush |
| Variable power | No |
| Wattage | 700 |
| Weight | 4.1kg |
The Verdict: Which is the best vacuum for pet hair?
This always depends on a multitude of factors but when we look at the scores on the doors, it’s a tie between the Miele Boost CX1 Cat & Dog PowerLine (a cylinder vacuum) and the Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum (a cordless vacuum). Both scored an incredible 97/100 and, most importantly for pet owners, achieved top marks on our pet hair removal test.
If you’re shopping on a budget though, the Vax Blade 4 Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, removed pet hair in a single sweep, so it’s certainly not one to overlook.
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
With 100 years' experience testing the latest household appliances, there's nothing the GHI doesn't know about product testing and the art of scrutinising brand claims.
We test all the latest innovations in vacuuming and our homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd, ensures each product is reviewed to the right standards.
The results are then analysed by our homes writer, Megan Geall, who brings you everything you need to know about each vacuum, so you can shop with confidence.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
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