The Best Vacuum for Pet Hair—We Tested Many to Find Which Ones Work Best (2026)
Wired's testers have rounded up their picks for the best vacuum cleaners for removing pet hair, having trialled more than a dozen models including corded, cordless, handheld, robotic and combined vacuum-mop devices. The guide is aimed at pet owners who struggle with fur that is either short and coarse, which embeds itself in carpets and fabric, or long and fluffy, which scatters into hard-to-reach corners.
– Best cordless vacuum: Dyson Gen5Detect (£800/$800), praised for a light that reveals hidden hairs and dust – Best cheap cordless vacuum: Bissell PowerClean FurFinder (around £200/$200 after discount) – Best handheld vacuum: Shark UltraCyclone Pro ($90) – Best cheap handheld vacuum: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser ($90) – Notable corded pick: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off ($200), which impressed testers on high-pile carpet – Guide updated July 2025 with new entries including the Eufy Omni C28, 3i P10 Ultra, Riccar R65 and Smoture VAC01, plus refreshed pricing
In short
- Wired names its top pet-hair vacuums after extensive testing
- Dyson Gen5Detect leads the cordless category at $800
- Cheaper Bissell models also earn strong recommendations
Explained simply
Pet owners frequently struggle with removing shed fur from their homes. The challenge comes in two forms: short, coarse hair that becomes deeply embedded in carpets and fabric, and long, fluffy hair that scatters widely and clings to surfaces.
Wired's testers have evaluated more than a dozen vacuum cleaner models to help readers choose the right tool for the job. The group tested various types of machines, including cordless, corded, handheld, robotic, and combined vacuum-mop systems, specifically assessing how well each tackles pet hair removal.
For pet owners considering a new vacuum purchase, the guide offers options across different price ranges and styles. Each machine has been evaluated based on its real-world performance against the shedding challenges that come with keeping animals in the home.