Our top choice of cordless vacuums for pet hair

Keep your floor pet hair free with these powerful vacuums for the job.

cordless vacuum for pet hair

by Eleanor Weaver |
Updated on

Pets bring us a lot of joy, but they also leave a lot of hair behind, which is why you need the best cordless vacuum for pet hair to pick it all up. Human hair can be bad enough, but any pet owner knows that the hair of our furry friends can get everywhere. It grips to carpets and upholstery. Tumbleweeds on the hardwood floors. Seemingly reappearing as quickly as it’s been cleaned. The solution? You need a high-performing vacuum cleaner on your side.

These specialist cordless vacuums are designed to tackle the hair and dirt of any mucky pup or shedding tabby to keep your home in check. And with our choice of cordless vacuums, you’re sure to avoid any tangles or trips. We've also spoken to Catrin Davies, Product Manager at SDA Hoover for her expertise.

Best cordless vacuum for pet hair at a glance

How we tested the best cordless vacuums for pet hair

To help us choose the best cordless vacuum for pet hair on the market, our team of shopping experts tried and tested a number of cordless vacuums in their homes to find which ones effectively picked up pet hair and delivered fantastic cleaning performance. Our recommendations considered factors such as affordability, cleaning performance, usability, and battery life.

We also studied the reviews for each vacuum listed, making sure we only selected vacuums with excellent reviews – a minimum of four out of five stars. We want to make sure the selected products have met the demands of real-life users and go on to deliver customer satisfaction.

Best cordless vacuums for pet hair

Tested

Best overall cordless vacuum for pet hair

Yours/Vax
Price: $159.99 (was £259.99)

www.vax.co.uk

The VAX ONEPWR Blade 4 Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner has two motorised brushheads, to remove ground-in dirt and hair from carpet. The powered floorhead and mini motorised pet hair brush have a brushbar that rotates to pick up embedded hair in carpets and rugs. The brushbar can be easily adapted to hard or soft flooring at the touch of a button. It charges in three hours and can run for up to 90 minutes. Additional ONEPWR batteries can be purchased, which is a good idea if you regularly use a vacuum.

Our tester said: "When using the Vax Blade 4 Pet Series cordless vacuum, every part of the experience feels superior to other vacuums I have tested. The build quality feels excellent, and all the parts slot into place effortlessly. Innovative tools and brush heads make cleaning difficult areas much more accessible. I have had a Dyson Ball Animal vacuum for years, but it is getting a bit too heavy for me; plus, it's a pain to keep changing from plug socket to socket when vacuuming my two-bedroom flat.

"The challenge is to remove hair from rugs and keep on top of the dust that builds up with astonishing regularity and shows up on my off-white LVT flooring. This Vax Blade 4 absolutely has the suction power of a full-size upright vacuum. Should you want even more power for embedded dirt and hair, there is a Boost function.

"The mini motorised pet hair brush was super on a faux fur throw, and if you have a dog bed to clean, it's just the right size to get into the corners, combined with the crevice tool. Additionally, the flexible crevice tool is such a pro as it can get into curved nooks, such as around car seats. With the powered hose attachment, I could get down the sides of furniture and in between the fridge and kitchen cabinets.

"The dirt container opens with a press of the release button, which is very easy as the parts don't need twisting or skewing.

"Use a coin to unlock the brush roll from the brush head. Then, removing hair that's gathered on the roll is easy. I found it tricky to lock the brush roll back into the brush head, but once you get the knack, it's doable.

"My one drawback is that I found it heavy to use as a handheld, lifting it over my head to reach cobwebs and dust on the dado rails."

Read our full review of the VAX Blade 4 Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner.

Pros

  • Comes with a FREE toolkit worth over £50
  • Pivots to get into hard-to-reach areas and is extremely manoeuvrable
  • Powerful suction that's comparable to a full-size upright vacuum
  • Range of cleaning accessories and tools to vacuum hard and soft flooring, plus textiles

Cons

  • A little heavy if you're using it as a handheld vacuum to reach above head height
Capacity:0.6L
Battery runtime:Up to 90 minute runtime; 3 hour fast charge
Converts to handheld?Yes
Attachments included:Mini Motorised Pet Tool, On board crevice tool, Powered Floorhead, Soft bristle dusting brush, 4.0Ah Battery, ONEPWR Charger
  • Two year extended guarantee upon registration
  • Antimicrobial protection on the brush-head rollers
  • ONEPWR batteries can be used with any Vax ONEPWR device
  • Weighs 2.9kg without the battery pack and around 3.1kg with the battery
  • Anti-odour filter to reduce smells

Tested

Best cordless vacuum for pet hair under £100

Natalie Knowles/Beldray
Price: $79.99 (was 90.99)

At under £100, the cordless Beldray Airgility Pet Plus+ Platinum Edition is ideal for cleaning up pet hair, stubborn dirt and debris. Clean your entire home on one charge with up to 40 minutes run-time. Plus, it converts into a handheld unit that's ideal for cleaning the stairs or car upholstery.

Reviewed by Homes & Garden product writer Natalie Knowles: "The Beldray Airgility Pet Plus+ comes well-packaged with clear instructions. It's reasonably small and light, but I like that it has a larger container to collect dirt and debris than my previous cordless vacuum. Mine was a supermarket cheapie, and the step up in quality with this Beldray unit is clear.

"Upon unboxing, the battery needs to be fixed to the main unit and fully charged for 5.5 hours; after that, it won't need to be charged for so long. Mine was fully charged sooner than the stated time. Before first use, be sure there's a HEPA filter in the main unit. Open the base and twist the central filter; a HEPA filter should be inside. A spare filter is also supplied. The HEPA filter is reusable as long as it's washed every two weeks.

"The handheld unit is okay for me to lift; it may be too heavy for individuals with arthritis or other mobility issues. The handle is comfortable to hold, and there's a trigger within it to turn the vacuum on. A second press turns the vacuum up to maximum power, and a third press turns it off. Three blue light bars on the unit show the remaining battery life.

"While it's not the lightest cordless vacuum, the wheels on the MultiSurface Motorised Floor Brush make it manoeuvre very well. This brush head is fantastic. It has LED lights, which are handy for vacuuming under the bed. Combined with the Beldray's impressive suction, pickup is excellent. As someone who likes to be clean and tidy, I was astonished at how much more hair, dust and debris this Beldray picked up.

"The Pet Hair brush is smaller and has a stiff brush head that gets deeper into the carpet pile and removes hair. It's very effective, albeit it takes a little more force to push. In particular, I like that I can get right up to the edge of the skirting boards or furniture with this brush head.

"The crevice tool is very much like any usual crevice attachment, but you get better cleaning results because the suction is so good on this Beldray. I cleaned the grill on an extractor fan and removed cobwebs on the lamp shades and ceiling."

"All-in-all, the Beldray is great value for money and it feels robust. I particularly like that the HEPA filters are reusable, which was one of the reasons why my previous vacuum didn't last."

Pros

  • Hugely impressed with its ability to pick up hair and dirt
  • Brush heads and parts slot together extremely well
  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • May be a little bit too heavy for some
Capacity:1.2L
Battery runtime:5 hours charging time and 25-40 minutes run-time
Converts to handheld?Yes
Attachments included:Motorised floor brush with LED lights, additional motorised pet tool and 2-in-1 crevice tool with floor brush, washable HEPA filter
  • Motorised LED floor brush that's suitable for all floor types
  • Rechargeable 22.2V removable Li-Ion battery
  • Comes with a storage hook, which makes it simple to hang for compact storage
  • UK-based team of Beldray experts for support or replacement parts
  • 3-year guarantee

Tested

Best cordless vacuum for carpet pile

Yours/Tower
Price: $99.99 (was £109.99)

www.towerhousewares.co.uk

The stylish midnight blue and gold Tower VL45 Pro Pet Anti Tangle Cordless 3-in-1 Pole Vacuum is affordable, and at 2.25kg, it's a lightweight option. It has a motorised brush head, which means the rotating action of the brush roller, combined with powerful suction, picks up more hair and dirt from even thick pile carpets. Use the Turbo function for a more powerful performance. Hair easily untangles from the brush roll. In addition, a HEPA 13 filter catches smaller dust and dander particles, making it a good choice if you suffer from allergies.

Reviewed by product tester, Angela Knowles: "This is brilliant if you're used to hauling around a big vacuum with a cord. It's so lightweight and it can be used with either hand. Tower isn't necessarily known for its vacuums, but the motor on this vacuum is powerful, especially the Turbo. The brush-head pivots, making it easy to turn corners and there are headlights on the brush head to show up dirt under furniture.

"The pet head brush is best for carpets because it really grips down and pulls hairs out of the carpet pile. However, it does take a little more effort to push.

"I used it as a hand-held vacuum on stairs, curtains and upholstery. It was super for removing dust from my heavy velveteen curtains. Also, I used the extension pole to get the cobwebs. While I would say my handheld Shark picks up more, this Tower cordless vacuum is more versatile. The crevice tool was great for getting into the buttons on upholstery and down the sides of the seat.

"This vacuum is better and safer than trying to trail around a heavy and corded vacuum. It's ideal for upstairs where I store it in a little utility cupboard. It came with a battery and charger and it lasts long enough for me to thoroughly vacuum my three bedroom house. I'm extremely happy with this Tower cordless vacuum, especially for it's ability to pick up hair from carpets using the pet brush-head."

Pros

  • Headlights on brush-head illuminate dirt under beds and furniture
  • Good value for money for a lightweight and powerful cordless vacuum
  • Easy to use and maneuverer

Cons

  • It is quite noisy, especially on Turbo
Capacity:1L
Battery runtime:Up to 35 minutes run time; 4-5 hour charging
Converts to handheld?Yes
Attachments included:Crevice brush 2 in 1 upholstery brush and pet tool
  • 3-in-1 brush-heads and tools for floors, hand-held and extension for hard-to-reach spots
  • 22.2V Li-ion rechargeable battery
  • 3 year guarantee

Tested

Best premium cordless vacuum

This is one of Dyson's best vacuums and a fantastic choice for pet owners. The Dyson V15 Detect is a hygienic option for households with pets because it illuminates dust and dirt particles that are usually invisible to the naked eye. The unique laser dust detection in the Fluffy Optic™ cleaner head and a dust sensor analyse the type of particulates. A graph on the onboard display shows precisely what you're vacuuming up. In addition, the brush head has anti-tangle technology, so it's a doddle to remove hair from the bristles. At 3kg, it is lightweight, yet incredibly powerful.

This powerful, intelligent vacuum has a piezo sensor that measures the size and number of microscopic dust particles to determine the amount of suction power needed, with the clear LCD screen showing what's being sucked up as real-time scientific proof. It has three power modes that you can select or let Auto Mode choose for you, and the Dyson DLS™ technology inside the High Torque cleaner will adapt for different floor types. It also promises no loss of suction, has a filter to trap 99.97 per cent of particles and allergens, and comes with four cleaning tools that are perfect for everyday cleaning and attacking pet hair build-ups.

Tested by Features and Review Editor, Emily Gilbert: "Well, there is no doubt that if you want to buy into the cleaning mastery of Dyson then this is the pinnacle model. It has the range, versatility and power to manage any vacuuming task around your home and the high-tech laser only bolsters your weekly clean. However, it is expensive and If you are looking to purchase a new vacuum and lasers and particle data is not your thing then I would consider how much more you are actually getting for your money."

Read our full review of the Dyson V15 Detect.

Pros

  • Laser light illuminates dirt, and a sensor analyses the types of particles, which are shown on a display
  • Hair anti-tangle brush-heads
  • Premium build quality and performance
  • One hour run-time and the suction stays consistently powerful

Cons

  • Premium price-point
Capacity0.7L
Battery runtimeOne-hour runtime; 4.5 hours charging time
Converts to handheld?Yes
Attachments includedFluffy Optic™ cleaner head, Digital Motorbar™ cleaner head, Combination tool, Crevice tool, Wall Dok™, Charger
  • 2-year guarantee
  • Powerful 240 air watts fade-free suction
  • Dyson Hyperdymium™ automatically increases suction around higher dust levels
  • Digital Motorbar™ adapts to all floor types and automatically de-tangles hair

Tested

Best cordless vacuum for ease of use

The Hoover HF9 Anti-Twist Pets Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner has a Pet brush that rotates to remove cat and dog hair from carpets and upholstery. The brush head also has headlights to reveal hidden dirt in corners and under furniture. The main brush head has an anti-twist roll, so hair easily detangles. It also has combination bristles designed for use on hard floors or carpets. Additionally, it can be used as a handheld vacuum with just the click of a button.

We like the easy-to-reach pedal, which makes it easier to detach the brush head without bending down. Additionally, the HF9 fully charges in just 3.5 hours and claims to have the most powerful suction for the runtime length compared to competitors. Customers praise this vacuum for being well-designed and easy to use. It can also be stored freestanding, which is a bonus if you're short on space. The only thing to note is that some reviews comment on it being a bit heavy when used as a handheld vacuum.

Tested by Senior Home & Pets Product Writer, Rosie Floyd: "Overall, I found the Hoover HF9 vacuum to be fairly easy to handle and very manoeuvrable. It easily managed to get into all the nooks and crannies, such as under the sofa and move around chests of drawers and coffee tables with ease. It also comes with an impressive number of attachments that enable you to get cobwebs up high from corners and down low to suck up dust from skirting boards."

Read our full review of the Hoover HF9 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner.

Pros

  • Great runtime for performance
  • Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre
  • Comes with a 5 year warranty
  • Pedal to easily remove the brush head without needing to bend down
  • Quiet running according to reviews

Cons

  • Some comment that it's a bit heavy when used as a handheld vacuum
Capacity0.7 litres
Battery runtime10-30 minutes, setting dependent
Converts to handheld?Yes
Attachments includedCrevice nozzle, upholstery nozzle, dusting brush, turbo brush, pet tool, and combination floor nozzle.

Tested

Best lightweight cordless vacuum for pet hair

You may not be familiar with Halo, an independent brand developed by a British husband-and-wife team. The Halo Capsule X is an award-winning cordless vacuum comparable to and, in some ways, exceeds the top brands.

Its Mini Power Brush makes it a good choice for households with pets. It In particular, this is excellent for vacuuming pet hair from car upholstery. However, you may need to use the Boost to tackle stubborn hair, which drains the battery faster.

Reviewed by Digital Editor for Yours.co.uk, Claire Tapley: "I was really impressed with the Halo Capsule X. Its suction power is excellent and on a par with a Dyson, plus it's incredibly light (500g lighter than a Dyson V15) and so comfortable to use and move around the house.

"If you have hard floors and pets I would certainly recommend spending a little extra money and buying the Pet Ultimate 2-Battery Bundle as the attachments are very useful."

Read our full review of the Halo Capsule X cordless vacuum.

Pros

  • Lighter than other cordless vacuums, so it's ideal for individuals with mobility issues
  • Suction is comparable to a Dyson
  • Extra attachments cater for all floor types and upholstery
  • Faster charging time than other cordless vacuums
  • Larger capacity than other stick vacuums

Cons

  • Requires specific dust collection bags from Halo
Capacity:2L
Battery runtime:60 mins; charging time 2 hours
Converts to handheld?Yes
Attachments included:Crevice tool, dusting brush/upholstery combination tool, power brush, mini power brush for pet hair and a specialist full-size roller, wall dock, ten bags
  • Soft roller brush head is specifically designed for hard floors
  • 32V Lithium battery
  • H13 HEPA filter traps fine particles, dander and allergens
  • Brush motor has 2x more power
  • Carbon filter body is what makes it incredibly light
  • Headlights on brush-head show hidden dirt

Best upright vacuum

The Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Upright Pet Vacuum ICZ300UKT can dig deep into carpets to agitate dirt and deep clean hard floors. With Shark's PowerFins technology, the silicone fins are engineered to pick up more hair than a standard bristle brush roll. It also comes with Shark's signature DuoCean floorhead to glide seamlessly between hard and soft flooring.

It has an adaptable design. With Powered Lift-Away, the main unit detaches from the wand to make it easier to vacuum under furniture and reach up high. Plus, Anti-Hair Wrap Technology prevents the brush roll from clogging with pet hair.

Other great features include an LED headlight, a long battery runtime, and an LED Smart Display that switches between cleaning power modes.

Customers praise this Shark for its powerful suction and ease of use in a range of flooring. However, it is heavy in comparison to other cordless vacuums.

Pros

  • Easy to use and manoeuvre
  • Quality build from a leading brand
  • Fast battery charger
  • Powerful suction over a range of flooring

Cons

  • Power drains quite quickly on full power mode
Capacity0.6 litres
Battery runtime60 minutes
Converts to handheld?Yes
Attachments includedDusting brush, wide upholstery brush, crevice tool, and Anti-Hair Wrap Pet Tool

Best cordless vacuum for picking up hair

If you have a pet that's prone to shedding and you want to empty your cordless vacuum as little as possible, the Bosch BCH86PETGB Serie 6 Athlet ProAnimal Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a top choice. Time and again, reviews have commented that it is excellent for picking up hair.

This small but mighty machine has a large aerodynamic brush bar for increased pet hair pickup, a washable filter that indicates when it needs to be cleaned, and a six-piece accessory kit for picking up every last hair in your home or car. It also has a powerful hi-spin motor, good battery runtime, and sensor control for optimal performance on hard floors and carpets.

Customers say that it handles well, and dealing with long-haired pets shedding is a doddle. It doesn't have the features that other cordless vacuums have, but the key selling point is its powerful motor and nozzle that's designed to pick up pet hair.

Pros

  • Easy to empty
  • Easy to store
  • Performs well on hard floors and rugs
  • Good suction and excellent at picking up pet hair

Cons

  • Doesn't have the range of features that other cordless vacuums have
Capacity0.9 litres
Battery runtime60 minutes
Converts to handheld?Yes
Attachments includedXXL upholstery nozzle, 2 in 1 crevice tool, flexible hose, carry strap, and spare brush bar

Our verdict on best cordless vacuum for pet hair

The VAX ONEPWR Blade 4 Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is the best cordless vacuum for power and flexible cleaning, thanks to the range of accessories it is supplied with. We asked Jade Gee, VAX Cordless Vacuums Product Manager, what makes VAX cordless vacuums great at removing pet hair?

Jade says: “VAX Blade 4 Pet gives you the reassurance pet hair is kept at bay. Through its innovative brush roll design and pet specific tools, VAX Blade 4 Pet ensures optimal brush roll agitation to lift pet hair and dirt, making light work of removing pet hair from your home, upholstery and car surfaces. VAX Blade 4 Pet is also ultra hygienic with included antimicrobial treatment to help protect your bristles from bacteria and fungi by preventing their growth.”

Currently, it comes with a FREE toolkit worth over £50 when bought directly from VAX. This VAX Cordless Prokit 2 contains a Flexi Crevice Tool that extends and bends to make it easier to reach awkward spaces, such as car footwells. A Textile Tool removes dirt, dander and dust from upholstery. A Tough Dirt Tool attaches directly to the Textile Tool and has stiff bristles that remove ground-in dirt. This is a great tool to use on caked-in mud on a pet's bedding. The Stretch Hose is ideal for staircases as it extends so you can reach further with it. All of these are helpful when it comes to remove pet hair from car upholstery, bedding and carpets.

VAX ONEPWR Blade 4 Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner attachments and cleaning performance
©Yours/Vax

Things to consider on the best cordless vacuum for pet hair

If you're after the best cordless vacuums that can take on pet hair, Catrin at SDA Hoover says, "Look for clever technology such as a motorised mini power nozzle. This is the ideal tool for pet owners as it effectively cleans dog and cat fur from cushions and other fabric surfaces." It's this feature that'll set it apart from vacuums designed for pet-free homes.

You can also look for the following to make your cleaning as easy and streamlined as possible:

Brush attachments for agitation: In order to really shift stubborn hairs, you'll need a vacuum with adequate tools. Brushes pick up hairs on furniture, in crevices and in hard-to-reach spots.

Tangle-free rollers: To keep your vacuum performing its best, a vacuum designed to tackle pet hair is built to reduce hair tangling in the brush roller and stop build-up.

Powerful suction: This goes without saying, but your vacuum needs to pack a punch in order to whisk away all that hair, along with any other dirt and debris.

HEPA filters: Many pet vacuums include HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters to trap the small particles of dust, dirt or pet dander that are usually spewed out of the vacuum and back into the air. Trapping these particles can help with asthma and allergies too. An added bonus for keeping a healthy and happy home.

Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre: Most cordless vacuums are lightweight which is great for versatility and movement across your home. You'll need to be able to swiftly move the vacuum to wherever your pet's been, which could be everywhere!

Easy to empty: You may find you have to empty your vacuum more frequently due to the build-up of hair. So, you'll need the vacuum to be easy to empty so this doesn't become a difficult task.

Testing the Beldray Airgility Pet Plus+ Platinum Edition
©Natalie Knowles/Beldray

Best cordless vacuum for pet hair FAQs

Are cordless vacuums worth it?

We think so, and Catrin agrees. "Yes, they are more slimline, portable, light, and convenient for easing around every room in the house or for getting into tight corners, crevices or for moving easily up and down the stairs."

Not to mention, they're a lot easier to use outside of the home. "You can also use them in handheld mode to clean inside your car," says Catrin. A must for pet owners as your vehicle is likely to fall victim to pet hair, even if you put a blanket down. You can take your vacuum cleaner out without the restriction of a cable. And, by adapting it into a handheld, can lift hairs, debris, and more from your car's upholstery.

Do cordless vacuums work as well as corded ones?

It's often thought that corded vacuums have more power, but that's not the case. "There’s a huge choice of cordless vacuums available," says Catrin. "If you have a lot of carpets in your home, then it’s worth investing in a powerful model, such as the Hoover HF9, for the perfect balance of Power & Runtime. The powerful 350-watt brushless motor achieves outstanding suction power with a runtime of 30 minutes, with no loss of suction."

The main concern with a cordless, too, is the fact you could run out of power. Whilst plenty of cordless vacuums will get the job done before running out of charge, you can buy secondary battery packs so you always have one on reserve.

What's the difference between a pet vacuum and a regular vacuum?

Generally speaking, vacuums designed with pet hair in mind will include a HEPA filter, a tangle-free brushbar, and a pet tool designed specifically for picking up hair.

Catrin says, "If we take the HF9 cordless vacuum cleaner range, this has two models: HF9 Home - The standard HF9 model with one battery pack, and the HF9 Pets which has an additional motorised mini turbo brush for cleaning up pet hair."

"The HF9 Pets brush even has frontal LED lights to help show up any hidden dirt, and the brush bar can be removed for easy maintenance." It's these features and more that make vacuum maintenance and picking up pet dander a doddle.

Top tips for cleaning up pet hair

1. Utilise lint rollers or tape for collecting loose pet hairs on clothes and fabrics.
2. Use dryer sheets or rubber gloves on furniture to create a static cling that’ll remove those stubborn hairs.
3. Take a dampened shower squeegee to your carpet to scrape off those hidden pet hairs.
4. Cover your sofa in a pet blanket that can go in the washing machine. This will help to protect it from hair and pet smells.
5. If you have a carpet, then consider getting a pet carpet cleaner to help give your floor a deep clean and remove in-ground dirt and hair.

Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Yours, specialising in home décor, furnishings and appliances. Having worked commercially on Yours magazine and Yours.co.uk for the past six years, she's previously hosted Yours Live events and loves looking for home inspiration online.

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