9 Best Pet Upright Vacuums with XL Bins of 2025

The Shark POWERDETECT redefines what a high-end pet vacuum should be—bristling with intelligence, engineered for relentless pet hair combat, and loaded with sensor-driven cleaning precision. This isn’t just a vacuum; it’s a self-optimizing cleaning system that uses four Intelli-Sense sensors to detect floor type, direction, edges, and hidden dirt, then automatically adjusts suction and brushroll speed for maximum efficiency. With ASTM-measured suction power at the hose and a DuoClean dual-brushroll system that sweeps debris forward while pulling it deep from carpets, it tackles matted-in pet hair and tracked-in grime like no other upright on the market.

In real-world testing across multi-surface homes with long-haired dogs and cats, the POWERDETECT proved exceptionally thorough, eliminating embedded fur from medium-pile rugs and leaving hardwood floors streak-free without scatter. The ultrasonic floor detection flawlessly switched between carpet and tile, while Edge Detect boosted suction near baseboards—eliminating the need for manual edge cleaning. However, its bulk and weight (17.4 lbs) make overhead cleaning or stair use tiring, and the powered lift-away, while convenient, adds complexity to emptying. It excels in whole-home deep cleans but demands a bit more effort for above-floor tasks.

Compared to the Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean, the Shark trades some raw suction dominance for smarter, more adaptive cleaning across surfaces. Where Dyson leans on brute force, Shark uses intelligence to optimize performance—making it ideal for pet owners with mixed flooring who want set-it-and-forget-it efficacy. It’s also more feature-rich than the budget-friendly Bissell 2252, offering sensor-driven automation and superior allergen sealing. For those seeking a high-tech, pet-focused powerhouse that minimizes user effort while maximizing clean, the POWERDETECT delivers unmatched sophistication.

The Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean is a suction beast—engineered for pet owners who demand no-compromise power and precision in every pass. With Radial Root Cyclone technology generating industry-leading suction (backed by internal testing), it pulverizes clumps of pet hair, dander, and fine dust with aggressive efficiency. The self-adjusting cleaner head automatically seals in suction across carpets and hard floors, while the iconic ball design delivers unmatched maneuverability, letting you pivot around furniture with a flick of the wrist. It’s built for large homes with pets, where deep-cleaning stamina and filtration matter most.

In testing, the Dyson consistently outperformed rivals in deep-cleaning high-pile carpets, extracting fur and debris that others left behind. Its whole-machine HEPA filtration captured 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, making it a standout for allergy sufferers. The 8 included tools—especially the tangle-free turbine tool—made above-floor cleaning efficient and hair-free. However, the bin capacity (0.67L) is smaller than competitors like the Shark ZU102, requiring more frequent emptying during whole-home sessions. And while the suction is unmatched, the motor can be noisy at max power, which may bother pets or light sleepers.

Against the Shark POWERDETECT, the Dyson wins on raw suction and build quality, but lacks adaptive sensors and automatic floor detection. It’s better suited for users who prioritize maximum cleaning force over smart automation. Compared to the Kenmore DU2001, it’s significantly more expensive but delivers superior engineering, filtration, and durability. For pet owners with large, messy homes who want top-tier performance and reliability, the Dyson Ball Animal is a premium investment that pays off in clean.

If you’re drowning in pet hair and tired of emptying bins every other room, the Shark ZU102 is a game-changer—boasting a 3XL dust cup (2.9L) that lets you clean an entire two-story home without interruption. This vacuum is purpose-built for pet owners who need long runtime, massive capacity, and odor control in one rugged package. The PowerFins HairPro brushroll actively grips and pulls embedded fur from carpets, while the Odor Neutralizer Technology cartridge actively combats lingering smells—making it ideal for homes with dogs prone to muddy paws or occasional accidents.

Real-world use confirms its endurance advantage: in multi-pet households, it handled fur, kibble crumbs, and tracked-in dirt across 2,000+ sq ft with just one empty. The extendable 12-foot hose made stair and furniture cleaning effortless, and Swivel Steering allowed tight turns around pet beds and furniture legs. However, the lack of automatic floor sensing means you manually adjust settings, and the motor isn’t as powerful as the Dyson or POWERDETECT models—struggling slightly on thick, high-pile rugs. Still, for sheer bin capacity and odor defense, it outclasses nearly every competitor.

When compared to the Bissell 2252, the ZU102 offers triple the bin size and superior odor control, though at a higher price. Against the Shark POWERDETECT, it sacrifices smart sensors for simplicity and volume. It’s the best choice for pet owners with large homes, multiple animals, and odor concerns who value fewer stops over cutting-edge automation. For maximum dirt capacity and freshness, this Shark stands alone.

The Shark Navigator NV356E is a master of versatility, thanks to its true lift-away pod that transforms from upright to portable in seconds—perfect for pet owners who battle fur on stairs, couches, and car interiors. While not the most powerful, its detachable canister design gives it a unique edge: you can vacuum under low furniture, then lift the pod to clean upholstery without lugging the whole unit. The 0.87L dust cup is above average for its class, and the HEPA filter with anti-allergen seal traps 99.9% of dander and dust—critical for allergy-prone pet homes.

In practice, the lift-away function shines—especially when cleaning pet beds or car seats—while Swivel Steering makes navigating around dog crates or furniture effortless. The brushroll shutoff is a subtle but vital feature, allowing gentle cleaning on hardwood without scattering debris. However, the suction is modest compared to premium models, and the bin is not truly “XL” by today’s standards—requiring mid-clean emptying in larger homes. It also lacks self-cleaning brushroll tech, so long pet hair can still wrap if not maintained.

Versus the ZU503AMZ, it offers similar lift-away functionality but without the self-cleaning brushroll. Compared to the Hoover Swivel XL, it provides better portability but less powerful filtration. It’s best for pet owners who prioritize above-floor cleaning and flexibility over raw power. For maneuverability and lift-away convenience, it remains a top-tier choice—especially at its budget-friendly price.

The Bissell 2252 is the budget warrior of pet vacuums—delivering solid performance at a fraction of the cost, making it ideal for renters, small homes, or pet owners testing the waters. Its Triple Action Brush Roll aggressively loosens, lifts, and removes embedded pet hair, while Scatter-Free Technology prevents debris from flying across hardwood—addressing a real pain point for pet owners with mixed floors. The large dirt tank is genuinely spacious for its price, and the edge-to-edge cleaning ensures baseboards and corners aren’t forgotten.

In daily use, it handles short-haired pet messes with confidence, emptying via a one-touch system that’s simple and mess-free—a rare win at this price. Swivel Steering helps it glide around legs of furniture and litter boxes with ease. However, it lacks HEPA filtration, so it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers, and the build feels lightweight and less durable than premium models. It also struggles with long, matted hair, which can wrap the brushroll despite the anti-wrap claims.

Against the Kenmore DU2001, it offers similar capacity but less powerful suction. Compared to the Shark NV356E, it’s cheaper but lacks lift-away and HEPA sealing. It’s best for budget-conscious pet owners with light to moderate shedding pets and smaller spaces. For value and ease of use, it’s hard to beat—just don’t expect deep-cleaning muscle or long-term durability.

The Kenmore DU2001 punches far above its weight with a dual-motor system that powers both the brushroll and suction fan independently—delivering deep-cleaning performance typically seen in pricier models. This engineering edge lets it extract ground-in dirt from carpets while maintaining strong airflow on hard floors, making it a rare budget pick that doesn’t sacrifice power. The XL dust cup reduces emptying frequency, and at under 14 lbs, it’s lightweight for a full-sized upright, easing strain during long cleaning sessions.

In testing, the dual motors proved effective on medium-pile rugs with tracked-in mud and pet hair, outperforming single-motor rivals like the Bissell 2252. The 10-foot extendable hose and 3-in-1 tool added versatility for stairs and furniture. However, the lack of HEPA filtration limits its appeal for allergy sufferers, and the swivel steering isn’t as smooth as Shark or Dyson models. It also lacks smart features or self-cleaning brushrolls, leaning on simplicity and value.

Compared to the Bissell 2252, it offers better suction and motor design at a slightly higher cost. Against the Hoover Swivel XL, it matches performance but lacks WindTunnel edge cleaning. It’s ideal for pet owners who want serious cleaning power on a budget without frills. For maximum value with a performance boost, the DU2001 is a sleeper hit.

The Shark ZU503AMZ is the ultimate fusion of lift-away flexibility and tangle-free cleaning, thanks to its self-cleaning brushroll that actively prevents hair wrap—making it a lifesaver for long-haired pet owners. This model combines the best of Shark’s signature tech: Lift-Away functionality for stairs and furniture, Swivel Steering for agility, and a HEPA-sealed system that traps 99.9% of allergens. The Pet Crevice Tool is perfectly sized for digging fur out of couch cushions, while the upholstery tool handles delicate fabrics without damage.

In real use, the no hair wrap claim holds up—even after weeks of cleaning a home with a shedding husky. The lift-away pod is light and easy to carry, and the vacuum transitions smoothly between surfaces. However, the dust cup is only 0.9L, so it’s not truly “XL,” and the motor is average in power, struggling with deep carpet pile. It also lacks the odor control or sensor tech of higher-end Sharks.

Compared to the NV356E, it adds the self-cleaning brushroll—a major upgrade for pet owners. Against the ZU102, it sacrifices bin size for portability and tangle-free operation. It’s best for pet owners who hate unclogging brushrolls and need a versatile, mid-tier performer. For pet hair pickup without the hassle, it’s a standout.

The Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Elite brings cordless freedom to pet vacuuming without sacrificing bin size—boasting an XL dirt cup that defies the compact norms of stick vacs. Powered by a 4.0 Ah MAX battery, it delivers up to 35 minutes of runtime—enough for a full apartment or small home clean—while the brushless motor provides strong, quiet suction that won’t scare skittish pets. The tangle guard brushroll resists hair wrap, and the self-standing design lets you pause cleaning without leaning it against furniture.

In testing, it excelled in quick daily cleans after pet shedding bursts, easily tackling fur on area rugs and hardwood. The four-speed control lets you dial in power for delicate surfaces or deep carpet, and the ONEPWR ecosystem means you can use the battery on other Hoover tools. However, suction drops on max mode, reducing runtime to under 15 minutes, and it lacks the HEPA sealing of Shark or Dyson models. It’s also not ideal for large homes.

Compared to corded uprights like the Shark ZU102, it trades power and filtration for mobility and convenience. Against the Dyson V-series, it offers larger bin and lower price but less refinement. It’s perfect for apartment dwellers or pet owners needing quick, cordless cleanups. For portability and XL capacity in a cordless, it’s unmatched.

The Hoover Swivel XL leverages WindTunnel Technology to deliver laser-focused edge cleaning, directing airflow precisely along baseboards and corners—where pet hair and dust love to hide. Combined with a 25% more powerful motor and dual cyclone system, it maintains strong suction across passes, while the HEPA media filter traps fine particles, making it a solid choice for allergy-prone homes. The PowerFlex brushroll is optimized for pet hair, and swivel steering ensures agile navigation around pet furniture and clutter.

In real use, it outperformed expectations on edges and hard floors, leaving no trail behind. The MAXLife filtration extends motor life, and included tools cover most pet-cleaning needs. However, the bin, while large, is awkward to empty, and the hose is short (6 ft), limiting reach for stairs. It also lacks a self-cleaning brushroll, so long hair can wrap over time.

Compared to the Kenmore DU2001, it offers better edge cleaning and filtration. Against the Shark NV356E, it has stronger suction but no lift-away. It’s best for pet owners who prioritize edge-to-edge performance and filtration over portability. For precision cleaning with durability, it’s a quiet achiever.