10 Best Lightweight Vacuums For Pet Hair 2026 in the United States

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is a solid choice for pet owners in need of an efficient vacuum. Weighing in at 13.7 pounds, it strikes a balance between being lightweight enough for easy maneuvering and still offering substantial power. Its suction capability, combined with the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal and HEPA filter, ensures that it captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it ideal for households with pets and allergy concerns.

One standout feature is the Lift-Away functionality, which allows users to detach the pod for more versatile cleaning, particularly in hard-to-reach areas like stairs or above-floor surfaces. The brush roll shutoff enables smooth transitions between carpet and bare floor cleaning, enhancing its usability across different surfaces. The inclusion of a Pet Power Brush specifically targets pet hair, ensuring that dander is effectively removed from upholstery and carpets.

On the attachment front, the included dusting brush and crevice tool enhance the vacuum's versatility, allowing for detailed cleaning of delicate surfaces and tight spaces. The dustbin capacity of 0.87 liters is decent but might require more frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions, especially in homes with multiple pets. Additionally, while the vacuum is generally effective, some may find the noise level of 80 dB a bit high for comfort, particularly in quieter environments.

The Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum IX141 is designed with pet owners in mind, offering strong suction power that effectively tackles pet hair on both carpets and hard floors. Its Hypervelocity suction and bristle brushroll work together to lift embedded dirt and hair, making it a solid choice for homes with pets. Weighing just under 7 pounds, it is relatively lightweight for a cordless stick vacuum, which helps with maneuverability and cleaning above floors, especially when converted into the handheld mode. The vacuum features a HEPA and foam filtration system, which is good for capturing allergens—a plus if you have sensitive members in your household. The XL dust cup with a 0.34-quart capacity allows for less frequent emptying, but it’s not the largest available, so very heavy shedding periods might require more frequent dumps.

The LED headlights on the vacuum head are a thoughtful touch, illuminating hidden dirt and pet hair under furniture or in dim spaces. Runtime is up to 40 minutes, which is ample for most cleaning sessions, though charging takes about 4 hours, so planning ahead is helpful. Noise level at 80 dB is average for this type of vacuum—not too loud but noticeable. Included is a crevice tool, useful for tight spaces, but the vacuum does not come with many other specialized pet attachments, which might limit versatility somewhat. Its slim, low-profile design allows it to fit under furniture easily, making it practical for thorough cleaning.

This Shark vacuum balances powerful pet hair cleaning with portability and convenience, making it a strong contender for pet owners. However, those needing extra attachments or a larger dustbin might want to consider alternatives.

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a powerhouse for pet owners, particularly well-suited for larger homes. Weighing in at 17.33 pounds, it’s somewhat heavier than some lightweight vacuums, but it compensates with robust cleaning performance. Its powerful suction, enhanced by Radial Root Cyclone technology, ensures that dirt and pet hair are effectively captured from various floor types. The vacuum’s de-tangling technology is a standout feature, automatically clearing hair from the brush bar, which is a huge relief for pet owners who often deal with tangled hair during cleaning.

This model also comes with specialized pet tools, including a pet groom tool and a tangle-free turbine tool, which enhance its functionality for removing hair from upholstery and cars. The whole-machine filtration system is designed to trap allergens and pet dander, making it a good choice for households with sensitive individuals.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. At 75 dB, it is on the noisier side, which might be a concern for some users, especially in quieter households. Additionally, the vacuum is corded, limiting mobility compared to cordless alternatives. Its dustbin capacity is 0.45 gallons, which is adequate but may require more frequent emptying, especially in homes with multiple pets. Lastly, at a price point that is typically higher than many lightweight vacuums, it may not be the most budget-friendly option.

If you're looking for a reliable vacuum engineered for pet hair and don’t mind a little extra weight or noise, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is a strong contender. Its innovative features and powerful performance make it a valuable tool for keeping your home clean from pet-related messes.