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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
9.7
Chosen by1,261
Suction Power
Filtration System
Bagged vs. Bagless

Most important from
114981 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
9.7
Chosen by1,261
Suction Power
Filtration System
Bagged vs. Bagless

Most important from
114981 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 Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning with Swivel Steering (HV301), Gray/Orange

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Brush Roll
Bagged vs. Bagless

Most important from
41491 reviews

Suction Power
Its suction is strong and consistent, ensuring thorough cleaning on various surfaces.
Brush Roll
It's great at getting pet hair and long hair up, and easy to remove from the roller when it builds up.
Bagged vs. Bagless
The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to maneuver around the house, yet powerful enough to tackle both carpet and hard floors.
Attachments and Accessories
The vacuum comes with lots of helpful attachments for everything from getting spider webs in hard-to-reach corners to cleaning upholstery and ceiling fans.
Weight and Maneuverability
The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to maneuver around the house, yet powerful enough to tackle both carpet and hard floors.

The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum (HV301) is a versatile vacuum cleaner ideal for pet owners. Weighing just under 9 lbs., it is lightweight and easy to maneuver with its swivel steering, making it suitable for tight spaces and around furniture. This vacuum can transition seamlessly between carpet and hard floor cleaning with fingertip controls. The powerful suction ensures thorough cleaning on various surfaces, and the device never loses power during use, which is a significant advantage for consistent performance.

It's also equipped with a brush roll that aids in deep cleaning carpets, a crucial feature for pet hair removal. The vacuum converts to a handheld unit for floor-to-ceiling cleaning, which is useful for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. The included attachments—Upholstery Tool, Anti-Allergen Dust Brush, and Crevice Tool—add to its versatility. With a HEPA filter, the vacuum effectively captures allergens and dust, contributing to a cleaner home environment.

It’s bagless, so you won't need to purchase or replace bags, and the easy-empty dust cup simplifies maintenance. However, at a noise level of 80 dB, it may be relatively loud during operation, which could be a drawback in quieter settings. Additionally, as a corded vacuum, it lacks the convenience of cordless models, and the dust cup capacity of 0.31 quarts might require frequent emptying during large cleaning tasks. The Shark Rocket HV301's 5-year limited warranty offers added peace of mind. For those primarily needing a lightweight, powerful, and versatile vacuum to handle pet hair on multiple surfaces and tight spaces, this model is a solid choice.

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Brush Roll
Bagged vs. Bagless

Most important from
41491 reviews

Suction Power
Its suction is strong and consistent, ensuring thorough cleaning on various surfaces.
Brush Roll
It's great at getting pet hair and long hair up, and easy to remove from the roller when it builds up.
Bagged vs. Bagless
The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to maneuver around the house, yet powerful enough to tackle both carpet and hard floors.
Attachments and Accessories
The vacuum comes with lots of helpful attachments for everything from getting spider webs in hard-to-reach corners to cleaning upholstery and ceiling fans.
Weight and Maneuverability
The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to maneuver around the house, yet powerful enough to tackle both carpet and hard floors.
#3

Shark LA702 Rotator Pet Lift-Away ADV Upright Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins HairPro & Odor Neutralizer Technology, Wine Purple

Rating
9.2
Suction Power
Brush Roll
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
25311 reviews

Suction Power
Excellent suction power and cleaning capability.
Brush Roll
Self-cleaning brush roll effectively handles long hair and pet hair.
Weight and Maneuverability
Feels significantly lighter, making it easier on arthritic hands and wrists.
Noise Level
Noticeably less noisy compared to older models.

The Shark LA702 Rotator Pet Lift-Away ADV Upright Vacuum is designed specifically for homes with pets, offering several features aimed at tackling pet hair and allergens. One of its standout features is the DuoClean PowerFins HairPro system, which uses two brush rolls to effectively clean both carpets and hard floors without getting tangled with hair. The self-cleaning brush roll also ensures continuous pet hair pickup without hair wrap issues, making maintenance easier. Additionally, the vacuum includes Odor Neutralizer Technology, which helps manage pet odors and keep your home smelling fresh.

The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology coupled with a HEPA filter traps 99.97% of dust and allergens, making it a great choice for users with allergies or asthma. The Lift-Away feature allows you to detach the pod for versatile cleaning on stairs, furniture, and other areas. The vacuum includes useful attachments like a crevice tool, upholstery tool, and anti-allergen dust brush, enhancing its cleaning capabilities on various surfaces. Maneuverability is another strong point, with advanced swivel steering and LED headlights aiding navigation and illuminating hidden debris.

Weighing 14.35 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight for an upright vacuum, making it easier to handle. However, it is corded and not cordless, which might limit mobility slightly. The vacuum operates at 960 watts and has a capacity of 0.8 quarts, which might require frequent emptying for larger homes. It can be a bit noisy, which is a consideration for noise-sensitive users. If you’re looking for effective pet hair management with strong filtration and versatile cleaning tools, the Shark LA702 is a solid choice, though be prepared for some limitations in mobility and noise.

Rating
9.2
Suction Power
Brush Roll
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
25311 reviews

Suction Power
Excellent suction power and cleaning capability.
Brush Roll
Self-cleaning brush roll effectively handles long hair and pet hair.
Weight and Maneuverability
Feels significantly lighter, making it easier on arthritic hands and wrists.
Noise Level
Noticeably less noisy compared to older models.

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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