Isn’t it frustrating to try and manage pet hair in your home without a vacuum that is powerful yet maneuverable? An upright vacuum is specifically designed to do those things, so there is no reason that you should you settle for less if your current vacuum is not meeting your needs.
You may be overwhelmed by trying to determine which vacuum cleaner is best for pet hair removal. This guide will simplify the process by reviewing the 8 upright vacuums for pet hair available this year, as well as detailing the key features you should be aware of when making this type of purchase.
| Product | Weight | Suction Power | Bagged | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Dirt Devil Razor Pet Upright Vacuum | 10.8 lbs | 8 amps | No | Check Price |
 | Bissell Cleanview SwivelPet Upright Vacuum Cleaner | 14.5 lbs | 8 amps | No | Check Price |
 | Hoover T-Series WindTunnel Pet Upright Vacuum | 15.9 lbs | 12 amps | Yes | Check Price |
 | Shark Navigator Deluxe Upright Vacuum | 15 lbs | 10 amps | No | Check Price |
 | Eureka FloorRover Upright Vacuum | 18.18 lbs | 10 amps | No | Check Price |
 | Shark Rotator TruePet Upright Vacuum | 15.6 lbs | 10 amps | No | Check Price |
 | Kenmore Elite 31150 Upright Vacuum | 20 lbs | 12 amps | Yes | Check Price |
 | Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner | 17.35 lbs | 12 amps | No | Check Price |
Top Upright Vacuums For Pet Hair In 2023 Include:
1. Dirt Devil Razor Pet Upright Vacuum (UD70355B) Review – Most Budget-friendly Upright Vacuum
The Razor, just like it’s namesake, quickly cuts a swath through grime and hair because it is so light, as it weighs in at only 10.8 lbs. It 
is also easy to transport to other areas of your home due to its modest size.
Yet, this vacuum is still quite powerful as it provides a substantial 8 amps of suction power. In addition to this, it has been outfitted with specialized technology to prevent a loss of suction.
This selection also sports a premium brushroll suitable for multiple types of flooring, including both carpet and hardwood floors. Perhaps even more important, the steering on this particular option allows for greater maneuverability than some vacuums through a swiveling action.
Although the Razor is one of the most reasonably priced options that we reviewed, it includes several custom tools as well, such as the “Turbo Claw” which is for pet hair removal on harder to clean areas like stairs or furniture. Other accessories, including an extendable hose, removable cleaning wand, and a corner tool, provide an even more powerful clean when desired.
This bagless vacuum touts a three-stage filtration system to ensure less stress and maintenance on your part in the long run. In addition, the waste unit is fairly easy to clean.
Being manufactured from less expensive materials, this vacuum simply does not have the same durability as a higher priced model might. This might not be unexpected on a lower budget option, but you should certainly factor that into your cost/benefit analysis.
Although this vacuum seems to do a great job on pet hair, it is also not quite as versatile as some options when cleaning multiple types of flooring, especially those that need a deeper clean. It does not seem to pick up finer debris as well, and the smaller filters need to be changed more often.
- Fairly Inexpensive
- Most inexpensive option included on the list.
- Very lightweight at 10.8 lbs.
- Reasonably powerful with 8 amps of suction power.
- Less durable due to quality of manufacturing materials.
- Less versatile on different types of flooring.
2. Bissell Cleanview SwivelPet Vacuum Cleaner – Easy Maneuverable Upright Vacuum
Obviously, a vacuum for pet hair named SwivelPet focuses on maneuverability through swivel steering. It is also still rather 
lightweight at 14.5 lbs and has a decent amount of power for an inexpensive option with 8 amps of suction.
This vacuum has a nice, wide brush roller with triple action for a deeper clean than some smaller models. Furthermore, specialized “scatter free” technology helps prevent spreading pet hair to other places while adjusting to six height levels for cleaning various types of flooring.
This upright pet hair vacuum cleaner includes a “Turboeraser” tool which has been fitted with rubber to capture pet hair more effectively. There is also a pet hair corner tool for those hard to reach areas.
Most of these specialized tools are contained on the vacuum, so they do not require additional storage space or time to use. Maintenance is fairly minimal as the dirt cup is easy to empty and being bagless is also helpful in this area.
Although this upright vacuum is inexpensive on its own, there are belts and filters that do require extra maintenance and costs as needed. Some of those items require a screwdriver to access them in case that may be an issue for you.
Not all of the attachments can be stored on the vacuum itself, and the power cord is not as long in comparison to some more expensive models. So you may spend more of your time searching for attachments or plugging and unplugging this option.
It is slightly louder than some smaller vacuum cleaners. Be prepared for that if your pets are easily overstimulated by the vacuum.
- Fairly inexpensive compared to others on the list.
- Fairly lightweight at 14. 5 lbs.
- More versatile due to technology assisting with spot cleaning and deeper sanitation.
- More maintenance and cost required with belts and filters.
- Noisier than expected for its small size.
3. Hoover T-Series WindTunnel Pet Upright Vacuum – Designed for Stairs and Upholstery
This upright pet hair vacuum is a middleweight at 15.9 lbs. It is the most powerful vacuum in this price range with 
an hefty 12 amps of suction allowing for a more powerful clean.
For those with an intermediate spending plan, this vacuum with a HEPA filter can assist in cutting down on allergens in your home. The filters also utilize carbon to help soak up any lingering pet odors.
Various types of advanced technology grace this model, such as the WindTunnel that prevents blowback and the “on/off brushroll” with adjustable height that assists with transitioning to various types of flooring. There is even a suction indicator that shows when the bag is getting full.
The T-series has a long cord, allowing for greater maneuverability without unplugging from room to room. The “Clean-Drop bag” system makes for a hands-free disposal of waste as well.
Perhaps the feature that stands out the most is the rubberized pet hair tool which is well designed for stairs and upholstery. This accessory has amazing suction and is almost like a small vacuum in itself.
Regarding maintenance, the bags are inexpensive and not difficult or messy to change when needed. The filters are washable, so that is an option that may also help you save some money in the long run as well.
This vacuum is simply not as durable or versatile as others in this price range. It is one of the most pocketbook friendly options among those available in the intermediate price set, so the quality of materials may be a factor.
Depending on your needs, this vacuum may be excessively powerful and noisy. The specialized upholstery tool is great, but the rest of the vacuum does not seem to make up for this.
Maintenance can also be an issue as the filters seemed to clog more often than other moderately priced upright vacuum cleaners for pet hair. Furthermore, it needs more replacements parts including belts, bags, filters, and brushes more often than many others in this price range.
Although the attachments are supposed to stay on the vacuum, it is not designed well in this manner and accessories may need to be stored elsewhere. Perhaps even more important, the hose extension is too short in comparison to most upright vacuums to reach difficult areas very well which greatly reduces maneuverability.
- This option is very moderately priced.
- Very good for upholstery and stairs with rubberized pet hair tool.
- Good for allergies/odors due to HEPA filter and charcoal filters.
- Less durability due to manufacturing materials.
- Less versatility as it does not work as well on carpet and rugs.
- Less maneuverability as it is so heavy and powerful compared to some of the smaller models.
- More maintenance
4. Shark Navigator Deluxe Upright Vacuum – Middle Choice with All Needed Functionality for Pet Owners
The Navigator Deluxe is a nice middle of the road option which likely explains why it ended up in the middle of our list. It weighs only 
15 lbs and has a moderately powerful suction at 10 amps while still being fairly quiet. The suction works well, and you can even change the suction levels as needed.
This vacuum is also average in price with only mild maintenance needs. There is no bag, and there are no moving parts and belts to change.
For those with allergy concerns, the HEPA filter is washable, which would likely cut down on additional costs and maintenance issues in the future. The dust cup and the hose are of a moderate size which makes it easier to continue cleaning your entire home in one session.
This upright vacuum for pet hair is considered versatile enough to use on different types of flooring as well with adjustable height controls. The “Brushroll shutoff” option easily transitions from carpet to bare floors.
The accessories are well made, such as the dusting brush and crevice tool that allow you to extend into those hard to reach places. The pet hair tool is simple to use and fairly effective as well.
The brush roller is more narrow than some on this model. So the Navigator Deluxe may not do deep cleaning as well as heavier, higher quality options might.
This vacuum is so lightweight that it may fall over when you are using the accessories. Also, the power cord may wind around the unit because of where some of the accessories are stored on board. Additional accessories can not be stored on the vacuum and require more work to utilize.
- This choice is moderately priced for those who want an inexpensive, yet quality, tool.
- This option is reasonably powerful providing 10 amps of suction.
- Large capacity of dust cup.
- It is moderately lightweight at 15 lbs.
- Less versatility as it does not spot/deep clean as well.
- Less maneuverability because it does not balance well when utilizing accessories.
- Less availability to accessories that must be stored elsewhere.
5. Eureka FloorRover Upright Vacuum – High Maneuverability Upright Vacuum with Excellent HEPA Filtration
Although the FloorRover is a moderately choice, weighing in at over 18 lbs, it is highly maneuverable. In fact, it is probably one of the 
easiest to maneuver on our list, as the swivel steering and specialized “Big Wheel” technology assist with navigation as well.
This moderately priced vacuum cleaner for pet hair is also an excellent choice for movement between multiple types of flooring, as it auto adjusts to different heights. The long power cord easily goes from room to room without having to be unplugged.
Losing suction is also unlikely with this powerful choice, as it has a multi-stage cycle system to prevent that issue. It has a substantial motor contributing 10 amps of suction to ridding your home of cat and dog hair while still being fairly quiet for a vacuum of this size.
Regarding maintenance issues, this vacuum cleaner has an indicator light that will notify you if something happens to get stuck in the brush roller. Being bagless also makes long-term care of this vacuum simpler.
Allergy sufferers may want to consider this vacuum with a HEPA filter. It is comparatively easy to empty and contains extra tools for corners and a “Turbobrush” for pet hair.
Unfortunately, the FloorRover does not contain a hose extension which makes it rather difficult to clean under furniture, even with the additional accessories. Also, the accessories often fall off, and the vacuum may tip over when using them.
- High maneuverability due to “Big Wheel” technology and swivel steering.
- Fairly powerful at 10 amps of suction power.
- Good for allergy issues due to HEPA filtration.
- Less noisy even though it is not the smallest option on the list.
- Accessories not stowed well and often fall off when using the vacuum.
- Less versatility as the hose is too short and harder to clean stairs or upholstery.
6. Shark Rotator TruePet Upright Vacuum – Designed to Tackle Pet Dander and Hair
If you have a larger budget, this pet hair vacuum works well for various types of flooring and has some impressive engineering overall while 
weighing in at only slightly over 15 lbs. It utilizes fingertip controls to change modes easily on the handle.
This vacuum can be used as either an upright or a canister vacuum which gives you the best of both worlds. It includes a canister that disengages from the rest of the vacuum for maneuverability while maintaining the level of suction using a competent 10 amps of suction.
It is attractively designed and comes in multiple colors. The accessories seem to be well thought out as the wand even has a headlight on it.
This vacuum employs a motorized “TruePet Brush” and a multi-tool to provide amazing pet hair removal options while furnishing allergy victims with a tremendous 99.9% allergen and dust capture rate with “Complete Seal Technology.” This vacuum also comes with a washable HEPA filter while remaining bagless.
This version is not nearly as maneuverable as smaller models of this particular brand which may be due to the increased weight. In addition, replacement of the brushes is required more often than seems appropriate.
For some reason, the cord storage does not work as it is intended to and instead gets wrapped around things while the vacuum is in use. Extra time is often required to use or obtain the attachments, as they will not all fit on the vacuum.
- High versatility when switching to different types of flooring with fingertip controls to change modes.
- Great for allergy sufferers with washable HEPA filter and “Complete Seal Technology”.
- Moderately powerful at 10 amps of suction.
- Less maneuverability perhaps due to more weight.
- More maintenance as replacement brushes are not durable.
- Accessories not stowed well as they do not fit on vacuum.
7. Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly 31150 Upright Vacuum – Exceptional Balance of Performance and Mobility
For those who can afford it, this bagged vacuum cleaner is a technological marvel for the price, which is 
likely why Consumer Reports called this model “one of the best vacuums of the year.” For instance, the “Infrared Dirt Sensor” shines a light on areas that need more work and automatically turns off when you need to move on to another area.
It also has 3 motors that in conjunction provide 12 amps of powerful suction to the vacuum and the tools. It is also quite versatile with various types of flooring as 4 height settings are available.
This vacuum with a HEPA filter catches even more dust and pet hair than our previous review at up to 99.97%, which makes it almost ideal for both pet owners and those with severe allergies. In fact, this vacuum is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
This option also contains some great tools for home care, including a well designed Pet-HandiMate to assist with pet hair and a telescoping wand which reaches up to 10 feet in hard to reach areas.
This vacuum cleaner is not as maneuverable as one would expect for the price. For instance, the hose is a bit short and inflexible, which makes it harder to use in tough to reach areas.
On top of that, the blower suction is inappropriately tuned for harder surfaces which may blow pet hair and debris around rather than capturing it. It is fairly heavy compared to some of the others on our list weighing in at 20 lbs which is closer to the weight of an average canister style vacuum.
Light placement is not as helpful as it could be, and the vacuum may be louder than you expect. Remember, maintenance on a bagged vacuum like this one can be more expensive and time-consuming in the long run.
- Great for allergies with highest rate of capture at 99.97% and certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
- Very powerful at 12 amps of suction.
- Technologically advanced with Infrared Dirt Sensor to tell you which areas need more work.
- Less maneuverability as hose is short and hard to use.
- Moderately heavy (20 lbs) and loud.
- Too powerful for lighter jobs as it may just blow dirt around hardwood floors.
8. Dyson Ball Animal 2 Vacuum Cleaner – For Handling Tough Tasks Easily
As its name implies, this vacuum for pet hair is truly an ANIMAL. It has the strongest suction of ANY upright vacuum with a powerful 
12 amps of suction.
The Animal 2 may be a great option when moving between different types of flooring as well, as it has self-adjusting suction head technology to ease the transition. The long cord also assists with moving from room to room without having to unplug.
If you have allergies, then you can feel more secure with this choice because the HEPA filter is “whole machine” and traps the allergens inside rather than allowing them to later be dispersed back into your home when cleaning the waste unit. It is also certified asthma and allergy friendly.
Maintenance is fairly simple with a one-button easy release for dumping waste, as well as being bagless. Should something get stuck in the rollers, you can see the brush through a small window.
As expected, this upright vacuum is well made with high-quality materials and is consequently quite durable. The accessories all work very well including a “Tangle Free turbine tool,” stair tool, and a combination tool.
This is probably the priciest vacuum for pet hair included on our list. Because of that, you may expect it to be great at everything. It is unfortunately not as versatile as you might think.
Depending on your floor type or your personal strength, the suction may simply be too much for you.
Also, the vacuum does not go back to an upright position easily when you are finished using it.
Its size may be an issue with maneuverability as well, as it is fairly heavy for an upright at over 17 lbs. On top of that, you may need to use accessories to get under furniture rather than simply using the vacuum.
It is also not simple to put accessories back into storage when you are done using them. The hose can also be somewhat difficult to stow.
- Very powerful at 12 amps of power with the most suction of any upright vacuum.
- Moderately lightweight at 17 lbs if weight is not a concern.
- Very durable and manufactured with high quality materials.
- This is the most expensive option on our list and simply not a choice for some.
- Not as versatile because of the size and maneuverability.
- Too powerful for some floor types such as heavier carpets or thick rugs.
What should you look for when purchasing a vacuum – Buyer’s Guide
Why should you purchase an upright vacuum for pet hair?
When purchasing an item to assist with home care, the budget is always going to be a top concern. Consequently, you may be tempted to try a smaller vacuum for pet hair first.
Although a stick style or a handheld vacuum may work for light jobs, a smaller vacuum will likely not be durable or powerful enough to meet your needs. They often have much less suction than larger vacuums.
Robotic vacuum cleaners are a new advancement in the industry and technologically quite amazing. However, they simply don’t provide the versatility that most pet owners are looking for while being rather expensive.
Overall, a larger vacuum is just going to give you the most bang for your buck with pet hair, as Consumer Reports will attest to. A heftier choice will usually provide a deeper clean throughout your carpets as well.
This means that you should probably choose between either an upright vacuum or a canister style model. However, a canister style vacuum for pet hair may not be as maneuverable when you must reach those nooks and crannies where your pets like to hide.
If you have a larger home, then you may not want to lug something as large as a canister vacuum from room to room or floor to floor. Pet hair can be very complicated to get out of upholstery or from hard to reach places, and a canister vacuum will likely limit this a great deal while being harder on the wallet as well.
In other words, when cleaning pet hair, an upright vacuum gives you the best of everything. It should be fairly inexpensive, quite manageable, and rather versatile.
What factors do you need to consider when purchasing an upright vacuum for pet hair?
Price
Budget is a key concern to most people when purchasing a large ticket item like a vacuum. There
are stick style vacuums available for less than $20 these days. Unless you want to use it incessantly (because pets also seem to shed almost constantly), this would be a ridiculous idea for someone with pets.
Fortunately, there are usually great vacuums available in the upright class starting at around $100. You should also research how durable the item you are purchasing may be, as this may save you money in the long run. Moderately priced options are available for only slightly more than this and may provide better quality overall.
Higher end models can run around three or four hundred dollars or more, although that will depend on the options that you choose. For someone with a larger budget, really hairy pets, or tough to clean flooring, this may be the best option.
Versatility
Some vacuum cleaners work better on certain types of flooring or transition more easily from one type to another. If your home has a lot of different types, this would be a key concern when buying an upright vacuum for pet hair.
You will want to make sure that the vacuum you choose will address all your floor care needs. It is very frustrating to need multiple tools for the job when you have paid good money for a quality vacuum.
Maneuverability
You will want to make sure that the vacuum you purchase is easy to use, as it is absolutely essential that you, as a pet owner, be able to clean in hard to reach places. If you are a smaller person or have chronic health conditions, you would likely need a tool that is more lightweight and maneuverable overall.
The vacuum should be engineered well enough to balance even when utilizing attached accessories. If the cords are not long enough and you have to unplug the vacuum a number of times, this can be rather annoying for some people.
Power
On one hand, you want to purchase a vacuum that has powerful suction. However, there is such a thing as too much power or even too much suction depending on your pet hair removal needs.
You may also want to consider if the level of noise created is a factor in your decision. If you or your pets have anxiety, this may be an important consideration.
Specialized tools/technology
It is also necessary to think about what kind of accessories you may need to clean your home and how one brand may offer specialized technology that another option may not. Obviously, a quality tool to clean pet hair is a crucial component, especially when it is available for no additional charge.
Many best vacuums for pet hair also include HEPA filters that can assist with allergy issues and pet odors. You may want to take extra caution with bagless models if this is an issue for you, as you don’t want the pet hair flying around your house again after you just cleaned it all up.
Maintenance
Most vacuum cleaners require regular maintenance and replacement of items such as bags, belts, filters, and even brushes, so that should not be a big surprise. However, be sure that you factor that into the cost of ownership, as well as thinking about the ease of replacing these items yourself.
Conclusion
Although the options for purchasing a vacuum are beyond plentiful, we have shared 8 great choices to ponder over in three price ranges. For an inexpensive choice, the Dirt Devil Razor Pet is lightweight, yet powerful, and the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet provides a more versatile, deeper clean.
In the moderately priced range, the Hoover T-Series WindTunnel Pet cleans upholstery very well while being quite powerful. The Shark Navigator Deluxe is rather lightweight but still powerful enough to clean well. Also, the Eureka FloorRover is extremely maneuverable for something in this price range.
For those who have a larger budget, you might consider the Shark Rotator True Pet for versatility or the Kenmore FloorCare Elite for those with allergies. Finally, our highest priced option, the Dyson Ball Animal 2, will provide you with more power and suction than you might ever need.
Take some time to think about your needs and your budget. This guide should help you find the best vacuums for pet hair, so that you can keep your home fresh and tidy at a reasonable price no matter how many pets you have or how hairy they may be.