6 Best Pet Hair Vacuums for Ball Animals in 2025

Unleash the beast—the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra doesn’t just clean, it dominates pet hair like no other upright in its class. Engineered with de-tangling technology that actively clears hair from the brush bar, it eliminates one of the most frustrating pain points for pet owners. Paired with Radial Root Cyclone technology and whole-machine HEPA filtration, it delivers fade-free suction power while capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns—ideal for homes battling dander and allergens. This is a vacuum built for real-life pet chaos, not just showroom floors.

In real-world testing across thick carpets, hardwood, and stairs, the Ball Animal 3 Extra handled long-haired dog fur, cat litter scatter, and embedded dirt with relentless efficiency. The 3 cleaning modes allow precise tuning for deep-pile rugs or delicate hardwood, while the ball steering makes it surprisingly agile despite its size. The included tangle-free turbine tool and pet groom tool are game-changers—especially for deshedding pets directly on the couch. However, it’s heavy at 16.7 lbs and the cord length (22 ft) can be limiting in sprawling homes.

When stacked against the Bissell CleanView or even the standard Ball Animal 3, this model stands as the premium all-in-one solution for pet owners who refuse to compromise. It outperforms budget models in suction consistency and durability, and the five-year warranty underscores Dyson’s confidence. While pricier, it’s a long-term investment that justifies its status as the best overall pet hair vacuum—delivering more power, smarter tools, and superior filtration than any other upright in this lineup.

For those who need versatility without the bulk, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off redefines what a canister vacuum can do. The lift-off detachable pod is its secret weapon—transforming from a full-size canister into a handheld unit in seconds, perfect for stairs, car interiors, or quick cleanups after shedding season peaks. With HEPA-sealed allergen system, it’s a breath of fresh air for allergy sufferers, trapping dust and dander instead of recirculating them. And the 1L easy-empty dirt tank means fewer trips to the trash, a small but meaningful win in busy homes.

On performance, the tangle-free brush roll lives up to its name, handling clumps of dog hair on rugs and scatter-prone kibble on hardwood with scatter-free technology keeping debris under control. Suction is strong for its class, though not on par with Dyson’s cyclonic force—especially on high-pile carpets. The TurboEraser pet tool is a standout, adding serious upholstery power. However, the hose is short, and the wand feels flimsy compared to premium models. It’s best suited for small-to-medium homes with multiple pets but not wall-to-wall thick carpeting.

When compared to the Dyson Ball models, it’s clearly less powerful but far more flexible and affordable. It’s the ideal choice for apartment dwellers or multi-level homes where portability trumps brute force. While it can’t match Dyson’s deep-cleaning prowess, it offers smart design, strong allergen control, and true multi-room agility—making it the best budget canister for pet owners who clean everywhere, not just the living room.

The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel is a workhorse on a budget, built for pet owners who want solid performance without emptying their wallet. Its swivel steering makes it incredibly nimble, gliding around coffee tables and pet crates with a flick of the wrist—something rare at this price point. The triple action brush roll aggressively loosens embedded pet hair, while edge-to-edge cleaning ensures no stray fur hides in baseboard shadows. For homes with mixed flooring, the scatter-free technology keeps dry messes contained, not flung across the kitchen.

In testing, it handled daily dog hair, cat litter, and tracked-in dirt with commendable efficiency, especially on low-to-medium pile carpets. The large capacity dirt tank reduces emptying frequency, a real perk in multi-pet homes. However, suction fades slightly on thick rugs, and the multi-cyclonic system doesn’t match Dyson’s sustained power. The filter is also basic—no true HEPA—so it’s less ideal for allergy sufferers. It’s a no-frills, high-value performer that excels at surface-level messes but struggles with deep-seated grime.

Against the Dyson Ball Animal 3, it’s no contest in power or filtration—but it’s also less than a third of the cost. It’s the best budget upright for renters, small homes, or those with short-haired pets who shed moderately. If you need reliable, agile cleaning with zero bells and whistles, this Bissell delivers where it counts—proving you don’t need Dyson-level tech to keep pet hair under control.

The Dyson Ball Animal 3+ (Renewed Premium) is like getting a luxury car at a used price—but with a full factory warranty. Refurbished by Dyson’s expert team, it’s restored to like-new condition with all core technologies intact: Radial Root Cyclone suction, de-tangling brush bar, and whole-machine HEPA filtration. It tackles pet hair with the same ferocity as new models, making it a smart choice for eco-conscious buyers who want premium performance without the premium footprint. The tangle-free turbine tool is included, ensuring upholstery and car interiors stay fur-free.

In real use, it performs nearly identically to the new Ball Animal 3 Extra—handling thick carpets, stairs, and furniture with ease. The 3 cleaning modes adapt seamlessly to floor types, and the ball technology delivers smooth, precise control. However, it comes with one fewer accessory (no pet groom tool), and being renewed, availability is limited. It’s also heavier than most budget models, which may deter some users. Still, for those who want Dyson’s best-in-class engineering at a discount, it’s a highly reliable, rigorously tested alternative.

Compared to the new Ball Animal 3, it’s only $10 more but offers the same power and filtration—just fewer tools. Against the Bissell models, it’s in a completely different performance tier. It’s the best refurbished option for buyers who value long-term durability, strong suction, and certified quality without paying full retail. If you trust Dyson’s renewal process, this is a no-guilt upgrade that cleans like new and saves you hundreds.

The Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean is a deep-cleaning titan, built for pet owners who demand maximum power to conquer years of embedded fur and dirt. Boasting the strongest suction of any vacuum in this lineup, it uses radial root cyclone technology to maintain relentless airflow, even as the bin fills. The self-adjusting cleaner head automatically seals in suction across all floor types, eliminating gaps that let debris escape—especially crucial on high-pile rugs where pet hair hides deep. With six specialized tools, including a fiber-soft dusting brush, it’s designed for total home cleaning, not just floors.

In testing, it obliterated matted dog hair in shag carpets and pulled up dust bunnies from under furniture with ease. The extended reach and high suction make it ideal for homes that haven’t been deep-cleaned in months. However, it lacks the smart de-tangling brush of newer models—meaning you’ll still need to manually clear hair wraps. It’s also bulkier and noisier than the Ball Animal 3 series, and the older design feels less refined. Still, for sheer raw cleaning force, it’s unmatched.

When compared to the Ball Animal 3, it trades modern convenience for brute power and more tools. It’s not as agile or user-friendly, but for deep carpet cleaning, it’s the undisputed champion. If your priority is maximum suction and comprehensive tool coverage, and you don’t mind a bit of manual maintenance, this model earns its title as the best for deep cleaning—outperforming even newer Dysons in raw extraction power.