Best Vacuum For Pet Hair: Dyson vs Shark vs Bissell vs Electrolux

Dyson Ball Animal 2	Shark Rotator TruePet	Electrolux EL8811A
Winner	Runner-Up	Honorable Mention
$359.12	$290.69	$448.95
Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Let’s face it, pets are messy. From stray kibbles to fluffy fur, cleaning up after our pets can be a real chore. Make life easier with the right tool for the job – in this case, the right vacuum for pet hair.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Vacuum for Pet Hair

If you share your home with furry friends, you obviously need a vacuum that has powerful suction and can handle pet fur. There’s more to think about when picking the right vacuum than its ability to clean, however. Keep these other features in mind when shopping:

HEPA Filtration: All pet owners should have a vacuum with HEPA filtration. Between fur, dander, and dirt they drag in from outside, pets can be a main source of allergens in your home. HEPA filtration catches 99.9% of these microscopic allergens, leaving you with cleaner carpets and air.

Maneuverability and Weight: Pet parents have more messes to clean, and use their vacuums more often. You want a vacuum that’s easy to move, reaches high and tight places with ease, and isn’t too heavy. Keep any physical limitations you have in mind before making a purchase.

Capacity: Upright vacuums usually hold between 0.3 and 1 whole gallon of dust and grime before being emptied. If you have a large home or multiple animals, consider getting a vacuum with larger capacity. 

Warranty: Upright vacuums for pets are no small investment. It’s worth your time to research the warranty terms of any vacuum you want to buy. Also look at the cost of extended warranty options.

Vacuum For Pet Hair Reviews

Below we review four of the most popular vacuums for pet hairs.

Winner: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum Review

The Dyson Ball Animal 2‘s performance is legendary, making it a popular choice even among people without pets. It’s easy to see why when you consider the Animal 2’s incredible suction and huge list of additional features. First, despite having the most powerful suction of any vacuum, the Animal 2 couldn’t be easier to use. The brush roll drives the Animal 2 forward as you work, and its proprietary ball shape allows for effortless pivoting.

Next, this vacuum can reach anywhere in your home. The extra-long 12′ hose reaches up to 15′ with attachments. Use the included Tangle-Free Turbine pet tool to remove hair from stairs and upholstery with a single pass. All debris is treated to whole-machine HEPA filtration, meaning allergens won’t be kicked back out into the air as you vacuum. The HEPA filter is washable and reusable. Use the Animal 2 on any floor type without loss of suction. Tackle the toughest animal (and human!) messes with the versatile, user-friendly, and powerful Dyson Ball Animal 2.

Pros

• The most powerful suction of any vacuum
• Whole-machine, closed-system HEPA filtration with washable filters
• 35′ cord length and 12′ hose length
• 55-gallon canister capacity
• 5-year warranty

Cons

• Bulky at 17.3lbs and measuring 15 x 13 x 42 inches
• Expensive

Price: $359.12

Runner-Up: Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum Review

Dyson isn’t your only choice when it comes to awesome pet vacs. The Shark Rotator TruePet is a true 3-in-1 chameleon that makes cleaning your whole home a breeze. Use as an upright, a stick vacuum, or in above-floor mode, giving you the freedom to choose the right tool for the job. Switching between modes is simple, and makes cleaning ceilings, stairs, and furniture easy.

The Shark Rotator TruePet’s excellent suction works on any floor type. All controls, including those to change floor type, are on the handle for quick access. Move from hardwood to carpet with the touch of a button. We also love the motorized TruePet brush head attachment for its unmatched suction when cleaning upholstery.

Pros

• 3-in-1 Upright, Stick Vacuum, and Above-Floor Vacuum
• Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and washable HEPA filtration
• Lightweight, 15.4lbs in Upright Mode
• Front LED lights

Cons

• Handle height is not adjustable
• Loud operation
• Short hose pulls at vacuum when using attachments

Price: $290.69

Honorable Mention: Electrolux EL8811A Precision Bagless Upright PET Review

Finally, a vacuum that can clean every surface! The Electrolux EL8811A PET’s 3-in-1 VersaTool is the vacuum tool we’ve all been waiting for, able to clean the fur off curtains, baseboards, lampshades, and everything in between without ever changing the attachment. This attachment works as a crevice tool, a dusting tool, and motorized pet brush. No more fumbling to change or store multiple tools with the EL8811A PET.

The EL8811A PET is truly designed for full-home coverage. It comes with an extra-long power cord and Deluxe Stretch hose. Enjoy multi-surface cleaning with up to 3 different brush heights. When you’re finished, use the Brush Clean button to strip the brush roll of tangled hair and fur. This features saves you from needing to clean the brush head by hand.

Pros

• Brush Clean Technology
• Sealed-system HEPA filtration with washable filter
• 30′ cord length and 12′ hose length
• 5-year warranty

Cons

• Stiff maneuverability
• Heavy, at 17.2lbs

Price: $448.95

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Upright Bagless Pet Vacuum Cleaner Review

The Bissel Pet Hair Eraser proves that great performance doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This quiet vacuum offers edge-to-edge suction across any floor-type in your home. Although the Pet Hair Eraser weighs almost 18lbs, maneuvering is easy with intuitive swivel steering that drives the vacuum forward. Dust and hair collects in a no-mess clump that never requires you to stick your fingers in the canister. We also love the No-Tangle brush roll design, and that the brush casing is clear so you can monitor its cleanliness. These user-friendly features make the Pet Hair Eraser an awesome value.

Pros

• Best no-mess canister
• Sealed-system HEPA and Febreeze filtration, with washable filters
• Quiet operation
• Tangle-Free Brush Roll stays cleaner, longer

Cons

• Heavy, at 18lbs
• Switching between floor types is inconvenient
• Poor performance with stairs

Price: $199.99

Final Verdict: Dyson vs Shark vs Bissell vs Electrolux For Pet Hair

All the vacuums on our list are up to the special challenge posed by shedding, meddling pets. You’ll be amazed at how much dirt and dust your old vacuum was missing once you try one of our top choices. Be sure to check out our deshedder reviews to help keep your home fur-free!.