8 Best Upright Vacuums for Pet Hair in 2025

Unleashing beast-mode suction for pet owners, the Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean doesn’t just clean—it dominates. With the strongest suction of any vacuum Dyson has engineered, this upright annihilates embedded pet hair across carpets and hard floors alike. The self-adjusting cleaner head automatically seals in suction, adapting seamlessly from plush rugs to tile, while Radial Root Cyclone technology ensures zero loss of power as it captures microscopic dust and dander. If you’re tired of vacuuming only to see fur still clinging stubbornly to baseboards, this machine erases that frustration for good.

In real-world testing, the Dyson Ball shines in large, multi-surface homes with shedding pets. Its 35mm wide turbine tool removes pet hair from upholstery without clogging, and the reach-under tool lets you clean beneath sofas without moving them. The 0.77-quart dust cup holds a solid volume before needing emptying, though heavy shedders may find themselves emptying it mid-clean. While the 5-year warranty and lifetime support speak to Dyson’s confidence, the weight (16.7 lbs) makes upstairs cleaning slightly cumbersome. It struggles mildly on ultra-thick shag rugs where the brush bar can bog down, but overall performance remains elite.

Compared to the Shark NV752, the Dyson trades some versatility for raw power and smarter engineering. Where the Shark offers lift-away convenience, the Dyson counters with superior seal integrity and filtration, making it ideal for allergy-prone households. It’s built for pet parents in larger homes who prioritize deep-cleaning performance and long-term reliability over portability. If you want a no-compromise machine that treats pet hair like a personal challenge, the Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean outperforms even premium rivals in sustained suction and build quality.

Conquer pet hair anywhere—even under the couch—with the Shark NV752’s Powered Lift-Away technology, a game-changer for homes drowning in fur. This upright doesn’t just clean floors; it transforms into a portable deep-cleaning beast, with the motorized brushroll staying powered when detached. Combined with Advanced Swivel Steering, it pivots like a dream around chair legs and tight corners, while LED headlights expose hidden pet hair in dark spaces. For pet owners battling fur on stairs, furniture, and baseboards, this vacuum delivers versatile, whole-home reach few can match.

Performance-wise, the NV752 impresses across surfaces. Its 0.88-quart dust cup allows longer cleaning sessions than most competitors, and the Perfect Pet Power Brush digs deep into carpets, lifting matted hair and tracked-in dirt. The HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal trap 99.9% of dust and allergens, a major win for sensitive households. However, the lift-away pod feels slightly unbalanced when used overhead, and the hose tends to kink during extended above-floor use. While it handles transitions from hardwood to carpet well, it lacks automatic height adjustment, requiring manual mode switching.

Against the Dyson Ball Animal, the Shark trades some suction power for unmatched flexibility. The Powered Lift-Away system gives it an edge for spot-cleaning pet messes on upholstery or stairs, while the Dyson focuses on floor dominance. It’s best suited for medium-sized homes with active pets and owners who value multi-functional cleaning over absolute suction supremacy. For those who vacuum under furniture weekly and tackle pet accidents daily, the NV752 offers smarter ergonomics and broader tool integration than pricier models.

Say goodbye to hair wrap—the Shark ZU503AMZ’s self-cleaning brushroll is a revelation for pet owners drowning in fur. Engineered to pick up more pet hair with zero wrap, it outperforms traditional bristle nozzles by channeling hair into grooves and using a built-in comb to break it up mid-clean. Paired with Lift-Away functionality, you can detach the pod to clean stairs, car interiors, or ceiling corners without losing motorized power. With 1200 watts of suction and Swivel Steering, it navigates tight spaces effortlessly, making it a daily-use workhorse for pet-heavy homes.

In real-world testing, the vacuum excels at surface transitions and above-floor cleaning. The anti-allergen complete seal works with the HEPA filter to trap dander, though it doesn’t match Dyson’s whole-machine filtration depth. The 0.7-quart dust cup fills quickly with heavy shedding, requiring frequent emptying. While the self-cleaning brushroll resists tangles better than most, extremely long pet hair can still cause minor jams if not maintained weekly. It performs well on low-pile carpets and hard floors but lacks the suction punch for deep-cleaning high-pile rugs.

Compared to the Bissell 3774F, the Shark offers better maneuverability and stronger suction, while the Bissell counters with superior allergen sealing. The ZU503AMZ is ideal for pet owners in apartments or townhomes who need a balance of power, portability, and tangle-free operation. For those prioritizing low maintenance and daily usability over maximum suction, this Shark delivers more innovation per dollar than premium uprights.

Budget-savvy but battle-tested, the Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel punches above its weight in the pet hair wars. Its Triple Action Brush Roll aggressively loosens, lifts, and removes embedded fur from carpets, while Edge-to-Edge cleaning ensures no stray hairs survive along baseboards. The Swivel Steering makes it surprisingly agile for its size, gliding around coffee tables and pet beds with ease. For homes where cost matters but performance can’t be compromised, this vacuum delivers solid, no-frills cleaning that outperforms many pricier rivals.

In daily use, the 2252 handles mixed flooring well, switching from hardwood to carpet without scatter thanks to Scatter-Free Technology—a rare feature at this price. The 1.5-quart dirt tank is one of the largest in class, reducing emptying frequency even in fur-heavy homes. However, the lack of a HEPA filter means allergens may escape back into the air, a dealbreaker for allergy sufferers. The motor is loud under load, and the cord rewind requires manual effort. Still, for quick cleanups and moderate shedding, it’s remarkably effective.

Against the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Bissell 2252 offers larger capacity and better edge cleaning, while the Eureka counters with lighter weight and cyclone upgrades. It’s best for small to medium homes with one or two pets and owners who want reliable, affordable performance without bells and whistles. If you need a no-nonsense vacuum that cleans thoroughly without draining your wallet, the 2252 is a smarter long-term bet than ultra-cheap models.

Allergen control redefined—the Bissell 3774F Turbo Lift-Off is a sealed HEPA allergen system powerhouse, engineered for pet owners with sensitivities. It captures and locks away 99.9% of dust and dander, preventing them from recirculating into your breathing space. The FurGuard self-cleaning brush roll uses grooves and a continuous comb to prevent hair wrap, a major pain point for long-haired pet owners. With the Lift-Off detachable pod, you can clean ceilings, car seats, or stair corners without lugging the full unit, making it a hybrid cleaning solution that bridges upright and portable needs.

Performance testing reveals strong suction on low to medium-pile carpets, with the TurboBrush Pivot tool excelling on couches and pet beds. The LED-lit dusting brush illuminates dust on shelves and blinds, adding precision to above-floor cleaning. However, the main unit lacks LED headlights on the nozzle, making floor debris harder to spot. The 0.6-quart dust cup fills fast with heavy shedding, and the hose reach (5 feet) is shorter than competitors. On thick carpets, suction dips slightly, but overall allergen retention is best-in-class.

Compared to the Kenmore DU4080, the Bissell offers superior allergen sealing and brushroll tech, while the Kenmore counters with dual motors and longer hose reach. It’s ideal for allergy-prone pet households that need medical-grade filtration and tangle-free operation. For those who prioritize air quality and health over raw power, the 3774F outshines even more expensive models in sealing performance.

Tiny but mighty, the Bissell 3508 CleanView Compact is a dorm-room dynamo designed for small spaces drowning in pet hair. Weighing under 8 pounds, it’s effortlessly portable—perfect for apartment dwellers, college students, or pet owners with limited storage. Despite its size, it packs surprisingly strong suction and Scatter-Free Technology to contain dry messes on hardwood, a rarity in compact vacuums. The removable extension wand adds reach for ceiling corners or under beds, turning a mini machine into a versatile spot cleaner.

In real use, it handles light to moderate pet hair well, though the small dirt tank demands frequent emptying during deep cleans. It lacks a motorized brushroll, relying on passive agitation, so it struggles with deeply embedded fur in carpets. The no-HEPA filter means allergens may escape, limiting its use for sensitive individuals. However, the push-button dirt disposal is mess-free and convenient, and the lightweight design makes it ideal for quick daily pickups.

Against the Eureka PowerSpeed, the 3508 wins on portability and ease of storage, while the Eureka counters with better carpet penetration. It’s best for studio apartments, dorms, or second homes with minimal carpeting and one pet. If you need a no-fuss, grab-and-go vacuum for light-duty cleaning, the 3508 delivers unmatched convenience at a rock-bottom price.

Precision filtration meets portability in the Kenmore DU4080, a dual-motor HEPA champion built for pet owners who demand clean air. Its completely sealed air path traps 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, matching true HEPA standards—rare in uprights at any price. The 2-motor system powers both the brushroll and suction independently, ensuring consistent deep cleaning on carpets and hard floors. At under 12 pounds, it’s easy to carry upstairs, and the lift-up pod transforms it into a handheld for stairs and upholstery.

Testing shows strong performance on low-pile carpets and tile, with the Swivel+ LED headlight revealing hidden fur under furniture. The 9-foot hose offers exceptional reach, outclassing most rivals for ceiling fans or window tracks. However, the dual motors generate noticeable noise, and the 0.7-quart dust cup fills quickly. The 3-in-1 tool is versatile, but the brushroll occasionally stalls on thick rugs. Still, for allergen control and hose reach, few beat this Kenmore.

Against the Bissell 3774F, the Kenmore offers longer hose and dual motors, while the Bissell wins on self-cleaning brushroll. It’s ideal for pet owners with allergies and multi-level homes needing hospital-grade filtration and extended reach. For those who prioritize air quality and above-floor cleaning, the DU4080 delivers premium features at a mid-tier cost.

Raw value in motion—the Eureka PowerSpeed is a sub-$80 powerhouse that defies expectations for pet hair cleanup. Its upgraded cyclone system handles everything from kibble crumbs to fine dust, maintaining suction without clogging. With 5 height settings, it adapts to shag rugs, hardwood, and everything in between, while the wheels glide smoothly without scratching floors. For budget-conscious pet owners, it offers motorized cleaning across surfaces with a feature set that rivals models twice its price.

In practice, it captures pet hair well on low to medium carpets, though it lacks advanced tangle prevention—roller brush maintenance is required every two weeks to avoid jams. The onboard tools (crevice, dusting brush, upholstery) are handy for car interiors or baseboards, and the 99.9% allergen trapping is impressive at this price. However, the hose is non-stretch, limiting reach, and the build feels lightweight—almost flimsy—compared to premium models.

Versus the Bissell 2252, the Eureka wins on price and cyclone tech, while the Bissell counters with larger capacity and edge cleaning. It’s best for renters or small homes with light shedding and owners who want maximum features per dollar. If you need a no-frills, effective vacuum that cleans well without breaking the bank, the PowerSpeed is the ultimate budget warrior.