10 Best Vacuums For Hardwood Floors And Pet Hair 2025 in the United States

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum (model NV356E) is a solid choice for those with hardwood floors and pets. Its lift-away functionality allows you to detach the pod, making it easy to clean hard-to-reach areas like stairs and furniture. This is particularly beneficial for pet owners, as the vacuum has a powerful suction that effectively picks up pet hair and dander from various surfaces.

One of its standout features is the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal combined with a HEPA filter, which captures 99.9% of dust and allergens. This makes it a good option for households concerned about allergens. The brush roll shutoff feature lets you switch between cleaning carpets and bare floors with ease, ensuring gentle cleaning on hardwood surfaces without scratching them.

The vacuum's swivel steering enhances maneuverability, allowing you to navigate around furniture and tight corners comfortably. Its extra-large-capacity dust cup (0.87 liters) means less frequent emptying during cleaning sessions, which is a time-saver. Additionally, it comes with valuable attachments like a dusting brush and crevice tool for versatile cleaning tasks. The weight of 13.7 pounds might be a consideration for users who struggle with heavier appliances, and the noise level reaches 80 dB, which might be bothersome in quieter environments.

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe (NV360) offers a lot of strengths for those with hardwood floors and pets. It boasts powerful suction, which is beneficial for deep-cleaning carpets and tackling bare floors alike. The lift-away functionality is a key feature, allowing you to clean under furniture and above-floor areas such as upholstery, furniture, and stairs with ease. It's designed to be pet-friendly, with specific attachments like the upholstery tool that makes removing pet hair straightforward.

The inclusion of a HEPA filter along with anti-allergen complete seal technology is excellent for trapping dust and allergens, making it suitable for allergy sufferers. Additionally, the large-capacity dust cup (0.9 quarts) means you can clean for longer without needing to empty it frequently. The swivel steering ensures that maneuvering around tight spaces and furniture is hassle-free. The brushroll shutoff feature is a practical touch, enabling you to switch easily from carpets to bare floors without causing damage.

However, at 15.96 pounds, it might be considered a bit heavy for some users, especially for extended cleaning sessions or carrying up and down stairs. Assembly is required, but it is relatively straightforward. The product also comes with a five-year limited warranty, providing some peace of mind. For those seeking a versatile, powerful vacuum for hardwood floors and pet hair, this model could be a worthwhile option.

The Bissell Cleanview XR Pet 300W Cordless Vacuum is designed with pet owners in mind, making it a strong contender for those looking to clean hardwood floors and tackle pet hair effectively. Its powerful motor, which is said to be 60% more powerful than the Shark IX141, enhances its suction capability, allowing for efficient hair pickup on various surfaces, including upholstery and stairs. The vacuum's removable 24V MAX lithium-ion battery provides up to 40 minutes of cordless cleaning, giving you the freedom to move around your home without the hassle of cords.

The inclusion of a deep cleaning fur brush and additional tools such as a dusting brush and crevice tool is a definite plus, as these attachments can help reach tight spaces and ensure a thorough clean. Weighing in as a lightweight option, this vacuum is easy to maneuver, making it suitable for users who may have difficulty with heavier models.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The foam filter might not capture finer dust particles as effectively as some high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which could be a concern for allergy sufferers. Additionally, while 40 minutes of battery life is commendable, users with larger homes may find themselves needing to recharge before completing their cleaning tasks.