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For those with furry friends, a handheld vacuum for pet hair might be an essential cleaning tool to keep floors, furniture, and beds as fur-free as possible. After all, we love our pets, but we don’t necessarily love all the fur and pet dander they leave in our homes.
These compact cleaners don’t take up much storage space and can be used at a moment’s notice for quick touch-ups. If you feel like you are forever fighting furry messes in your home, it might be time to consider one. To help you find the best one, we spoke with cleaning expert Jacqueline Stein, owner of Home Reimagined in Austin, Texas, to get her take on what makes a great handheld vac. We also scoured consumer reviews and researched eight best-selling products before narrowing our list to these top five.
We liked the Black+Decker Furbuster Handheld Vacuum best for its power and capacity, but we also found four additional options worth consideration. Read on to find out what features to look for when shopping for the best handheld vacuum for pet hair and why these five are our favorites.
- BEST OVERALL: Black+Decker Furbuster Cordless Pet Handheld Vacuum
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Dirt Devil Quick Flip Plus Cordless Hand Vacuum
- BEST FOR BIG MESSES: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Pet Hand Vacuum
- BEST FEATURES: Shark Dual Cyclone Pet Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum
- BEST WITH LIGHT: Powools Pet Hair Handheld Vacuum
How We Chose the Best Handheld Vacuums for Pet Hair
With consumer reviews in mind, we considered several contenders for the best handheld pet vacuums. We also considered brand reputation to an extent but also looked at products of lesser-known brands if reviews were overwhelmingly positive. Then we compared each vacuum’s pros and cons, considering several variables including power, attachments, weight, and price.
Cleaning expert Jacqueline Stein reiterated what we found in our product research. “Cordless handheld vacuums offer greater flexibility and convenience for cleaning around your home, including areas where pets often leave hair.” All of our top picks offer cordless convenience that many pet owners want for quick cleaning.
Our Top Picks
Take a look at all the features and functions that made these five portable vacuum cleaners the best of the best.
Best Overall
Black+Decker Furbuster Cordless Pet Handheld Vacuum
Product Specs
- Weight: 4.3 pounds
- Filter: Washable pre-filter and filter
- Volts/amps: 20 volts/1.5 amps
Pros
- 20V lithium-ion battery for strong suction and a long 25-minute runtime
- Powerboost option allows for an extra boost of suction
- Attachments include a motorized brush and a pull-out crevice tool
- Large 23-ounce dustbin empties with the push of a button
Cons
- Slightly heavier compared to similar models
- Crevice tool is extendable but not detachable
The Black+Decker Furbuster has all the bells and whistles that a pet parent could want. With 20 volts of lithium-ion battery power and an adjustable power mode that boosts the power level for more intense suction at the touch of a button, this pet hair vacuum is one of the strongest in its class.
This vacuum comes with several handy features and attachment tools. These include a built-in extendable crevice tool and a motorized brush attachment. The motorized brush has rubber bristles that help avoid tangles and assist in picking up and collecting dust, pet dander, and fur.
Its ample dustbin is easily emptied with just the push of a button, so users don’t have to touch the debris that has been collected. Thanks to its thoughtful design and practical enhancements, this pet vacuum cleaner lives up to its Furbuster name.
Get the Black+Decker handheld vacuum for pet hair at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, Chewy, or Black+Decker.
Best Bang For The Buck
Dirt Devil Quick Flip Plus Cordless Hand Vacuum
Product Specs
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Filter: Rinsable filter
- Volts/amps: 16 volts/9.5 amps
Pros
- Quick flip crevice tool is stored on the vacuum for easy access
- Includes powered turbo brush tool that’s perfect for stairs, upholstery, and pet beds
- Power light indicates when it’s time to recharge
Cons
- To empty the dust cup, filter and dirt cup have to be separated, which can be messy
- Filter is only rinsable; soap cannot be used
The Dirt Devil Quick Flip Plus handheld vacuum cleaner has 16 volts of power and handy attachments that pet parents can appreciate. The Dirt Devil’s crevice tool is conveniently attached to the vacuum itself and can be flipped down when needed for cleaning tight spaces.
It also includes a power turbo brush roll attachment that’s perfect for keeping pet beds clean. Its 16-ounce dust cup provides a decent reservoir for fur, dirt, crumbs, and more, and this hand vac’s power light indicates when it’s time to recharge, so users don’t have to guess.
Though its dustbin and filter design may not be ideal for all users, for its attachments and light weight, it’s still a great value.
Get the Dirt Devil handheld vacuum for pet hair at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Walmart.
Best For Big Messes
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Pet Hand Vacuum
Product Specs
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Filter: 3-stage washable filter
- Volts/amps: 14.4 volts
Pros
- 17-minute runtime allows for a lot of quick cleanups
- Large 23.7-ounce dustbin holds plenty of debris
- Includes a motorized pet brush, upholstery tool, and crevice tool
- Filter and filter cup can be hand washed in warm, soapy water
Cons
- Initial battery charge time is 8 hours
- Emptying the dustbin requires filter removal
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser has the largest dustbin on the list and a long runtime, making it the best option for those who have a lot of pet hair, loose kibble, or tracked litter to clean. Even with all that capacity, it still only weighs 3 pounds, making it extra-easy to carry.
It has 14.4 volts of power and three attachments: a motorized brush for cleaning pet hair, a crevice tool for hard-to-reach areas, and an upholstery tool. Its green/red charging light indicates when the portable vacuum needs to be charged, when it is charging, and when it is fully charged. Given the battery power and large capacity, the Bissell can make quick work of a lot of pet hair.
Get the Bissell handheld vacuum for pet hair at Amazon, Bissell, or Target.
Best Features
Shark Dual Cyclone Pet Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum
Product Specs
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
- Filter: Rinsable fabric filter
- Volts/amps: 10.8 volts/8 amps
Pros
- Lightweight design makes it easier for mobility
- Motorized self-cleaning brush designed to eliminate pet hair and prevent hair wrap
- Emptying dust cup is easy and clean with the push of a button
Cons
- Average runtime is only 10 minutes
- Attachments must be stored separately
This feature-packed hand vac from Shark boasts a streamlined design and several practical attachments. Its two cyclonic air streams provide extra suction power to scoop up all that loose fur into a 14.4-ounce debris reservoir. In addition, this cordless pet vacuum is equipped with a dirt ejector that allows for hands-free debris disposal. With just a push of a button, the debris can be emptied into a trash can without the user needing to remove parts from the vacuum or pulling out the filter.
The Shark’s light weight of just 2.8 pounds makes it exceptionally maneuverable and portable. It also includes three attachments: a motorized, self-cleaning pet brush; a crevice tool for hard-to-reach areas; and a scrubbing brush. While it doesn’t include a bag or onboard storage for all its great attachments, the Shark is still a great option for pet parents.
Get the Shark handheld vacuum for pet hair at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Shark.
Best With Light
Powools Pet Hair Handheld Vacuum
Product Specs
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
- Filter: Prefilter and washable HEPA filter
- Volts/amps: 14.4 volts
Pros
- Unique LED headlight brightens dark spaces and reveals debris
- Available in 3 colors: red, blue, or purple
- 18- to 20-minute runtime for longer cleaning sessions
- Comes with 3 attachments, including a motorized brush, crevice tool, and upholstery brush
Cons
- Dust cup is relatively small
Although it’s from a lesser-known brand, this pet hair handheld vacuum from Powools has several features that make it worth a closer look. Available in three colors, this compact vacuum features an LED headlight that can illuminate the space under furniture, car floors, or any other dimly lit spaces.
Attachments include a motorized brush for pet hair pickup, a crevice tool, and an upholstery brush. Plus it takes just 2.5 to 3 hours to charge and runs for 18 to 20 minutes, giving users plenty of time to clean anywhere they find a small mess. While its dust cup is small, this handheld cordless vacuum has many attachments. Its unique lighting feature and lighter weight also make it comparable to more established brands.
Get the Powools handheld vacuum for pet hair at Amazon or Powools.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair
When choosing a vacuum to clean up your pet’s fur, dander, and messes, look at power supply, ease of use features, and attachments to find the right product for your particular needs. Stein also recommends that pet owners “consider how much pet hair, the length of it, the fabric or surface type you will be cleaning, [and] how often you plan to clean.”
Corded vs. Cordless
Corded pet vacuums offer a couple of advantages over cordless options, in addition to being more affordable. First, they have an endless runtime; second, they tend to have stronger and more consistent suction than their cordless counterparts. The obvious downside is that a corded model keeps the user tethered to an outlet.
It’s hard to beat the convenience of a cordless vacuum for quick cleanups, particularly if you need to clean up pet hair in a car, on patio furniture, or anywhere else where outlets are scarce. The drawback, of course, is that cordless pet vacuums run on batteries, which need regular recharging and add a bit of weight.
Ease of Use
Handheld vacuums don’t have much of a learning curve and should be easy to use straight out of the box. However, some thoughtful design features can make vacuuming less of a chore. “Consider the vacuum’s weight and ergonomics, as well as features like easy-to-empty dustbins and comfortable grips for prolonged use,” says Stein.
Those with limited storage space may also want to consider how much additional storage any included attachments and batteries require. It may be worthwhile to first identify if the tools and attachments can be stored on the vacuum or if you have to find a place to store them.
Attachments
With vacuums, the right attachments can make all the difference, particularly if you need to vacuum pet hair. Think about where you might use a handheld vacuum the most to ensure that you choose one with the right attachments to remove pet hair and more. Motorized brush rolls lift fur from soft surfaces like pet beds. Crevice tools fit under furniture, into corners, and other areas where a regular vacuum head can’t reach. Upholstery attachments glide along couch arms and cushions without damaging the fabric.
FAQs
Though simple to use, vacuums are somewhat complex machines. Here are some answers to common questions about one of the most essential cleaning tools for pet owners.
With regular use handheld vacuums eventually wear out over time. Some may last longer than others, however, depending on a few factors including frequency of use, maintenance, and general wear and tear. On average a handheld vacuum lasts between 3 to 5 years, but this depends on usage and battery care.
A higher wattage on a vacuum can mean more powerful suction, but it is not the only factor. Many vacuum manufacturers list air watts, a calculation specific to vacuums, as an indicator of suction.
Although many vacuums can be used for pet hair, the main differences pertain to each type of vacuum’s features. Specifically, pet hair vacuum cleaners tend to have stronger suction to handle the challenge of vacuuming fur or pet hair. They also have special brushes, attachments, and have a better filtration system, most times a HEPA filtration system, to ensure effective cleaning of pet messes.
