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 Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum is a solid choice for hardwood floors and pet hair, particularly if you're looking for a lightweight and versatile option. Its suction power is commendable with up to 40 minutes of fade-free operation, making it effective for routine cleaning tasks. The vacuum offers two power modes, with MAX mode designed for intensive spot cleaning, which is handy for stubborn pet hair and dirt. The Motorbar cleaner head is particularly effective as it de-tangles wrapped long hair and pet hair while cleaning various floor types, including hardwood. The device's advanced whole-machine filtration system captures 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, ensuring cleaner air output, a significant plus for allergy sufferers.

At 5.6 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver, and it can convert into a handheld vacuum for more targeted cleaning tasks like cars and upholstery. The inclusion of four Dyson-engineered accessories further enhances its versatility. However, the vacuum's dustbin has a relatively small capacity of 0.14 gallons, meaning you may need to empty it frequently during extensive cleaning sessions. The noise level is moderate at 70 dB, which might be a bit loud for some users but is generally tolerable. The battery life is decent but may not be sufficient for larger homes if used continuously on MAX mode.

In conclusion, the Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum is particularly well-suited for those with pets and hardwood floors who prioritize maneuverability and effective filtration. It's a reliable option for quick, everyday cleaning but may require more frequent maintenance for larger cleaning tasks.

The Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum, model IX141, offers several features beneficial for households with hardwood floors and pet hair. Its HYPERVELOCITY SUCTION ensures strong suction power suitable for everyday messes and high-traffic areas, making it effective for both carpet and hardwood floor cleaning. The bristle brush roll enhances its ability to clean different floor types effectively. The filtration system includes HEPA and foam filters, which are beneficial for trapping pet hair and allergens, though it may require regular maintenance to keep performance optimal.

Weighing only 6.89 pounds, this vacuum is lightweight and easy to maneuver, particularly with its low-profile design for cleaning under furniture. The removable handheld vacuum adds versatility for above-floor cleaning. It also comes with useful attachments like the crevice tool, making it easier to reach tight spots. The XL dust cup is convenient for less frequent emptying, although its capacity of 0.34 quarts may still require regular disposal depending on the amount of debris.

LED headlights help illuminate hidden dirt, enhancing cleaning efficiency. On the downside, its noise level is relatively high at 80 dB, which might be a concern for some users. Additionally, the battery life offers up to 40 minutes of runtime, which is decent but may not be sufficient for larger homes without requiring a recharge. The charging time of 240 minutes could be seen as lengthy. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Shark IX141 is a solid choice for pet owners and those needing an efficient vacuum for both hardwood floors and carpets.