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

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark | Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away | Swivel Steering | HEPA Filter | Vacuum for Pet Hair | Crevice Tool & Dusting Brush Included | For Carpets & Hard Floors | White/Silver | NV356E

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,171
Suction Power
Filtration System
Bagged vs. Bagless

Most important from
118155 reviews

Suction Power
The suction on this vacuum is amazing, especially compared to my old Bissell.
Filtration System
Excellent for allergy sufferers – no dust leakage and captures allergens effectively.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Emptying the dustbin is slightly more involved but offers a better seal and prevents dust from escaping.
Weight and Maneuverability
It glides on carpet and laminate floors like going down a butter slide.
Noise Level
Quieter than previous vacuums, making it suitable for apartment living.

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away (model NV356E), is designed with pet owners in mind, boasting features that effectively tackle pet hair and allergens. Its standout feature is the Lift-Away functionality, which allows you to detach the pod for cleaning hard-to-reach areas like stairs and furniture with ease. The HEPA filter combined with the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it an excellent choice for those with allergies or pets.

The vacuum is equipped with a brush roll shutoff feature, so you can easily switch between cleaning carpets and hard floors. This versatility is complemented by the swivel steering, allowing for smooth maneuverability around furniture and tight spaces. Additionally, the extra-large capacity dust cup means less frequent trips to empty it, enhancing your cleaning experience.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away is a strong contender in the upright vacuum market, particularly for pet owners seeking a reliable solution for hair and dander. Its combination of powerful suction, allergen filtration, and user-friendly features makes it a practical choice.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,171
Suction Power
Filtration System
Bagged vs. Bagless

Most important from
118155 reviews

Suction Power
The suction on this vacuum is amazing, especially compared to my old Bissell.
Filtration System
Excellent for allergy sufferers – no dust leakage and captures allergens effectively.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Emptying the dustbin is slightly more involved but offers a better seal and prevents dust from escaping.
Weight and Maneuverability
It glides on carpet and laminate floors like going down a butter slide.
Noise Level
Quieter than previous vacuums, making it suitable for apartment living.
#2

Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Hepa Filter, Anti-Allergen Technology, Swivel Steering, Ideal for Carpet, Stairs, & Bare Floors, with Wide Upholstery & Crevice Tools, Lavender

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Weight and Maneuverability
Filtration System

Most important from
118155 reviews

Suction Power
Delivers powerful suction that easily lifts pet hair and dirt in a single pass, outperforming even some high-end competitors.
Weight and Maneuverability
The vacuum’s lightweight design and swivel steering make it effortless to maneuver and carry, reducing fatigue during cleaning.
Filtration System
Emptying and cleaning the dust canister is straightforward, and the filters are affordable and easy to maintain, keeping the vacuum smelling fresh.

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away is a solid choice for pet owners looking for an upright vacuum that handles pet hair well. It offers strong suction power suitable for deep-cleaning carpets and bare floors, with a brushroll shutoff feature that lets you switch smoothly between carpet and delicate surfaces without scattering debris. The Lift-Away function adds versatility by detaching the canister, making it easier to clean stairs, furniture, and other above-floor areas where pet hair often accumulates. Its HEPA filtration combined with anti-allergen complete seal technology is a big plus if allergies are a concern, as it traps dust and pet dander effectively. The vacuum comes with useful pet-focused attachments like a wide upholstery tool and a crevice tool to reach tight spaces and furniture crevices where pet hair hides.

At 12.5 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight and features swivel steering for easy maneuvering around furniture and corners, which helps reduce fatigue during longer cleaning sessions. Being a corded model, mobility depends on outlet placement. The 1.1-quart bagless dust cup is easy to empty but might need frequent emptying if you have multiple pets or large shedding. Assembly is required but straightforward.

Recognized for its reliability and thorough cleaning on various floor types, this vacuum includes a 5-year warranty. It is well suited for pet owners, although those seeking a cordless or ultra-quiet model might want to explore other options.

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Weight and Maneuverability
Filtration System

Most important from
118155 reviews

Suction Power
Delivers powerful suction that easily lifts pet hair and dirt in a single pass, outperforming even some high-end competitors.
Weight and Maneuverability
The vacuum’s lightweight design and swivel steering make it effortless to maneuver and carry, reducing fatigue during cleaning.
Filtration System
Emptying and cleaning the dust canister is straightforward, and the filters are affordable and easy to maintain, keeping the vacuum smelling fresh.
#3

Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe with Large Dust Cup Capacity, HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering, Upholstery Tool & Crevice Tool, Blue, NV360

Rating
9.1
Suction Power
Weight and Maneuverability
Filtration System

Most important from
118155 reviews

Suction Power
The suction power is astonishing, pulling out dirt, sand, and pet hair that previous vacuums missed, making cleaning noticeably more effective.
Weight and Maneuverability
The lift-away canister is lightweight and easy to carry, making it convenient for stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas.
Filtration System
The HEPA filter combined with anti-allergen seal technology effectively traps pet dander and dust, which is a huge relief for allergy sufferers.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachment storage on the vacuum itself keeps tools handy, and the included pet hair tools improve cleaning versatility.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe is a strong contender if you're looking for an upright vacuum that handles pet hair well. Its powerful suction works effectively on both carpets and bare floors, while the brushroll shutoff feature lets you switch easily between deep carpet cleaning and gentle floor care, which helps protect delicate surfaces. The lift-away function is a big plus for reaching under furniture or cleaning upholstery and stairs, making pet hair removal more convenient around the house.

The vacuum uses a HEPA filter combined with anti-allergen complete seal technology, which is great for trapping dust and pet dander—a key feature if allergies are a concern. It’s bagless with a large 0.9-quart dust cup, so you can clean longer without frequent emptying, and it’s simple to detach and empty. On the maneuverability side, its swivel steering makes turning around furniture and tight spaces easier, though at about 16 pounds, it’s a bit on the heavier side, which might be noticeable during extended use or when carrying it up stairs. The included pet hair attachments, like the upholstery and crevice tools, add versatility for thorough cleaning of pet hair in tricky spots.

Being a corded upright vacuum, it may be louder than cordless models. This model balances strong cleaning power with helpful features for pet owners, though its weight and corded design might be minor drawbacks for some users.

Rating
9.1
Suction Power
Weight and Maneuverability
Filtration System

Most important from
118155 reviews

Suction Power
The suction power is astonishing, pulling out dirt, sand, and pet hair that previous vacuums missed, making cleaning noticeably more effective.
Weight and Maneuverability
The lift-away canister is lightweight and easy to carry, making it convenient for stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas.
Filtration System
The HEPA filter combined with anti-allergen seal technology effectively traps pet dander and dust, which is a huge relief for allergy sufferers.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachment storage on the vacuum itself keeps tools handy, and the included pet hair tools improve cleaning versatility.

Buying Guide for the Best Upright Vacuums For Pet Hair

Choosing the right upright vacuum for pet hair can make a significant difference in maintaining a clean home, especially if you have furry friends. Pet hair can be stubborn and challenging to remove, so it's essential to select a vacuum that is specifically designed to handle it. When shopping for an upright vacuum for pet hair, consider the following key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs.
Suction PowerSuction power is the force with which the vacuum pulls in dirt and debris. This spec is crucial for picking up pet hair, which can be deeply embedded in carpets and upholstery. Higher suction power means better performance in removing pet hair. Suction power is often measured in watts or air watts. For homes with multiple pets or heavy shedders, a vacuum with higher suction power is recommended. For lighter shedding, a moderate suction power should suffice.
Brush RollThe brush roll is the rotating brush that agitates carpet fibers to lift dirt and hair. For pet hair, a vacuum with a motorized brush roll is ideal as it can effectively dislodge and pick up hair from carpets and rugs. Some vacuums come with tangle-free brush rolls, which prevent hair from wrapping around the brush and causing clogs. If you have a mix of carpet and hard floors, look for a vacuum with an adjustable or switchable brush roll.
Filtration SystemA good filtration system is essential for capturing pet dander and allergens, which can be a concern for pet owners. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are highly effective at trapping tiny particles and are recommended for households with allergy sufferers. Some vacuums also have washable filters, which can be more economical in the long run. If allergies are a concern, opt for a vacuum with a HEPA filter or a high-quality filtration system.
Bagged vs. BaglessUpright vacuums come in both bagged and bagless models. Bagged vacuums use disposable bags to collect dirt and hair, which can be more hygienic and easier to dispose of without releasing dust back into the air. Bagless vacuums have a dustbin that you empty, which can be more convenient and cost-effective since you don't need to buy replacement bags. If you prefer less frequent maintenance and easier disposal, a bagged vacuum might be better. If you want to save on ongoing costs, a bagless model could be the way to go.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the vacuum's ability to clean pet hair from various surfaces. Look for vacuums that come with specialized pet hair tools, such as a pet hair brush, crevice tool, and upholstery tool. These attachments can help you clean furniture, stairs, and other hard-to-reach areas where pet hair tends to accumulate. If you have multiple types of surfaces and furniture, a vacuum with a variety of attachments will be more versatile and effective.
Weight and ManeuverabilityThe weight and maneuverability of the vacuum are important for ease of use, especially if you have a large home or multiple floors. Lighter vacuums are easier to carry and push around, while those with swivel steering can navigate around furniture and obstacles more smoothly. If you have a large area to clean or need to carry the vacuum up and down stairs, consider a lighter and more maneuverable model. For smaller spaces, weight may be less of a concern.
Noise LevelThe noise level of the vacuum can be a consideration, especially if you have pets that are sensitive to loud sounds. Quieter vacuums can make the cleaning process less stressful for both you and your pets. Noise levels are usually measured in decibels (dB). If noise is a concern, look for vacuums that are specifically designed to operate more quietly, typically those with noise levels below 70 dB.

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