We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Handheld Vacuums For Pet Hair 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with HEPA Filter, Lightweight, Portable, Rechargeable, Powerful Pet Hair Pickup, Removable Handheld, Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, 50-min Runtime, Blue, IZ363HT

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,230
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
16897 reviews

Suction Power
The main vacuum parts have amazing suction, effectively cleaning both hardwood floors and low carpeting.
Battery Life
The battery life impressively lasts long enough to clean a 3000 square foot house without recharging, outperforming other brands.
Weight and Ergonomics
The vacuum's lightweight design makes it perfect for cleaning baseboards, corners, and hard-to-reach areas, leaving the house spotless without causing exhaustion.
Attachments and Accessories
While the vacuum performs well on hardwood floors, it only does an adequate job on area rugs and struggles with sofa cleaning even with the pet multi-tool attachment.
Dustbin Capacity
Emptying the debris canister is super easy with just a push of a button, making the cleaning process hassle-free.

The Shark Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with HEPA Filter is a solid choice for pet owners looking for a handheld vacuum. It boasts strong suction power through its HyperVelocity Accelerated Suction, making it effective in picking up pet hair from various surfaces. The battery life is commendable, offering up to 50 minutes of runtime, which is sufficient for most cleaning tasks. At 7.17 pounds, it is relatively lightweight and portable, adding to its ease of use and maneuverability.

The vacuum's design is ergonomic, with a low-profile shape that allows for cleaning under furniture effortlessly. Its removable handheld feature further enhances its versatility for above-floor cleaning. The inclusion of useful attachments like the crevice tool and dusting brush make it more adaptable to different cleaning needs. The self-cleaning PowerFins brushroll is a notable feature, ensuring that pet hair doesn’t wrap around the brush, thus maintaining consistent performance.

The HEPA filtration system is a big plus, as it traps dust and allergens effectively, making it suitable for users with allergies. However, the dustbin capacity is on the smaller side at 0.34 quarts, which may require more frequent emptying during extended cleaning sessions. The noise level is also quite high at 84 dB, which might be a concern for some users. The Shark Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a powerful and versatile option for pet owners, though its smaller dustbin capacity and noise level may be potential drawbacks for some.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,230
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
16897 reviews

Suction Power
The main vacuum parts have amazing suction, effectively cleaning both hardwood floors and low carpeting.
Battery Life
The battery life impressively lasts long enough to clean a 3000 square foot house without recharging, outperforming other brands.
Weight and Ergonomics
The vacuum's lightweight design makes it perfect for cleaning baseboards, corners, and hard-to-reach areas, leaving the house spotless without causing exhaustion.
Attachments and Accessories
While the vacuum performs well on hardwood floors, it only does an adequate job on area rugs and struggles with sofa cleaning even with the pet multi-tool attachment.
Dustbin Capacity
Emptying the debris canister is super easy with just a push of a button, making the cleaning process hassle-free.
#2

Shark | Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner | Vertex Ultralight | Removable Handheld Vacuum | Pet Hair Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor | Powerful Suction | No Hair Wrap | 3 Attachments Included | HZ2002

Rating
9.1
Suction Power
Weight and Ergonomics
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
28856 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum delivers strong suction that lifts dirt and pet hair exceptionally well from both carpets and hard floors.
Weight and Ergonomics
Its lightweight design makes it easy to move around, enhancing usability across different rooms and surfaces.
Attachments and Accessories
The swivel head and dual floor settings provide excellent maneuverability and adaptability for various floor types.
Dustbin Capacity
The dustbin requires frequent emptying due to its small capacity, but this process is straightforward and hassle-free.

The Shark Vertex Ultralight is a corded stick vacuum that adapts into a handheld device weighing under 3 pounds, making it quite handy for cleaning pet hair from stairs, furniture, and tight spots. Its standout feature is the self-cleaning brushroll, which effectively prevents hair wrap—a common issue when dealing with pets. The DuoClean PowerFins technology combines a soft roller and brush to tackle both carpets and hard floors efficiently, lifting dirt and pet hair with strong suction rated at 0.91 horsepower. LED headlights help reveal hidden debris, which is a bonus for thorough cleaning.

Since it’s corded, you won’t need to worry about battery life, but this does limit mobility compared to cordless models. The vacuum has a moderate dustbin capacity of 0.32 quarts, meaning it needs emptying more often than some larger models. A foam and felt filtration system is included, which is decent for trapping dust and allergens but may not be as advanced as HEPA filters.

It comes with useful attachments like a dusting brush, crevice tool, and a self-cleaning pet power brush, enhancing its versatility for pet owners. The vacuum is ergonomic with swivel steering and a low-profile design, aiding maneuverability around furniture and under low spaces. However, at about 9 pounds when in stick mode, it might feel a bit heavy for prolonged use on stairs or above-floor cleaning. This vacuum is well-suited for pet owners who want strong and reliable pet hair pickup on multiple surfaces without the hassle of hair tangles and who don’t mind being tethered to a power outlet. Its easy transition to handheld mode and included accessories make it a practical choice for focused pet hair cleaning around the home.

Rating
9.1
Suction Power
Weight and Ergonomics
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
28856 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum delivers strong suction that lifts dirt and pet hair exceptionally well from both carpets and hard floors.
Weight and Ergonomics
Its lightweight design makes it easy to move around, enhancing usability across different rooms and surfaces.
Attachments and Accessories
The swivel head and dual floor settings provide excellent maneuverability and adaptability for various floor types.
Dustbin Capacity
The dustbin requires frequent emptying due to its small capacity, but this process is straightforward and hassle-free.
#3

Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum, 185AW, 3 Power Modes, Up to 60 Minutes,² Deep Cleans Hard Floors and Carpets, Detangles pet Hair, Converts to Handheld

Rating
8.5
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
2167 reviews

Suction Power
Exceptional suction power, effective on both vinyl floors and furniture.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, making it convenient for cleaning large areas.
Weight and Ergonomics
Lightweight and easy to use, even for those with back problems.
Attachments and Accessories
Versatile with multiple tools for different cleaning needs.

The Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum is a strong contender for those looking to tackle pet hair efficiently. It boasts impressive suction power, being 60% more powerful than previous models, which is ideal for deep cleaning. The battery life offers up to 60 minutes of run time, ensuring you can clean large areas without frequent recharges. Its lightweight design (6.6 pounds) and cordless nature make it easy to maneuver, though it might still be slightly heavy for prolonged use for some users.

The vacuum converts into a handheld device, perfect for cleaning pet hair from cars, stairs, and upholstery. It includes multiple attachments like the Hair Screw Tool specifically designed to handle long pet hair without tangling, which is a huge plus for pet owners. The advanced whole-machine HEPA filtration system is another standout feature, trapping 99.99% of small particles and expelling cleaner air, beneficial for those with allergies.

However, the dustbin capacity is relatively small at 0.2 gallons, meaning it may require frequent emptying during larger cleaning sessions. The LCD screen is a helpful addition, displaying power modes, maintenance alerts, and remaining run time. While the price point is on the higher side, the combination of power, versatility, and advanced features makes it a valuable investment for pet owners seeking a reliable cleaning tool.

Rating
8.5
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
2167 reviews

Suction Power
Exceptional suction power, effective on both vinyl floors and furniture.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, making it convenient for cleaning large areas.
Weight and Ergonomics
Lightweight and easy to use, even for those with back problems.
Attachments and Accessories
Versatile with multiple tools for different cleaning needs.

Buying Guide for the Best Handheld Vacuums For Pet Hair

When it comes to choosing a handheld vacuum for pet hair, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Pet hair can be particularly challenging to clean, so you'll want a vacuum that is specifically designed to handle it efficiently. Here are some important specs to consider and how to navigate them to find the right handheld vacuum for you.
Suction PowerSuction power is a measure of how effectively a vacuum can pick up dirt and debris, including pet hair. This is crucial because pet hair can be stubborn and difficult to remove from various surfaces. Suction power is often measured in air watts (AW) or volts (V). Higher values generally indicate stronger suction. For pet hair, look for a vacuum with at least moderate to high suction power. If you have multiple pets or pets that shed heavily, a higher suction power will be more effective in keeping your home clean.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long you can use the vacuum on a single charge. This is particularly important for handheld vacuums, as they are cordless and rely on battery power. Battery life is usually measured in minutes. Shorter battery life (10-20 minutes) may be sufficient for quick clean-ups, while longer battery life (20-40 minutes) is better for more extensive cleaning sessions. Consider your cleaning habits and the size of the area you need to clean when choosing the right battery life for you.
Weight and ErgonomicsThe weight and ergonomics of a handheld vacuum affect how easy it is to use, especially for extended periods. A lighter vacuum (under 3 pounds) is easier to maneuver and less tiring to use, which is important if you need to clean multiple areas or hard-to-reach spots. Ergonomic design, including a comfortable handle and well-balanced weight distribution, can also make a big difference in usability. If you have any physical limitations or plan to use the vacuum frequently, prioritize a lightweight and ergonomically designed model.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility and effectiveness of a handheld vacuum, especially for pet hair. Common attachments include motorized brushes, crevice tools, and upholstery tools. Motorized brushes are particularly useful for lifting pet hair from carpets and upholstery. Crevice tools help clean tight spaces, while upholstery tools are designed for furniture. Consider the types of surfaces and areas you need to clean and choose a vacuum with the appropriate attachments to meet your needs.
Filtration SystemA good filtration system is important for capturing pet dander and allergens, which can improve indoor air quality. HEPA filters are highly effective and can trap small particles, making them ideal for households with pets. Some vacuums also have washable filters, which can be more cost-effective in the long run. If you or anyone in your household has allergies or asthma, a vacuum with a high-quality filtration system is essential.
Dustbin CapacityDustbin capacity refers to the amount of dirt and debris the vacuum can hold before it needs to be emptied. Larger capacities mean less frequent emptying, which can be more convenient, especially if you have multiple pets or a large area to clean. However, larger dustbins can also make the vacuum bulkier. For most pet owners, a moderate capacity (around 0.5 liters) strikes a good balance between convenience and size. Consider how often you are willing to empty the dustbin and the size of the areas you need to clean.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now