As much as we love our pets, they can make cleaning your home a full-time job. Pet hair can also be hard on a regular vacuum or clog up a slim stick vac in less than a minute. If you have pets in your home, you need a machine built to deal with the things our furry friends leave behind, and cordless models are where many consumers turn.
Vacuums built for pet hair have several features that set them apart from a typical from a standard vacuum cleaner. From powered brush rolls to sealed HEPA systems, there are plenty of factors to consider. We’re going to cover all the key features in our guide and help you find the best cordless vacuum for pet hair.
If you are just buying your first cordless vacuum, it can be a shock or pleasant surprise when you unbox the system and fire it up. Making the switch from a traditional corded vacuum can be exciting, but does have some drawbacks as well.
Cordless Vacuum Pros
A cordless vacuum is designed to make your life easy. High-quality models can be quieter than a powered upright, and you obviously never have to deal with tripping over cords or unplugging as you switch rooms.
Maintenance is important with any vacuum, but consumers find themselves performing less of it on corded vacuums. Eventually, you will have to replace a battery, but filter changes and keeping the bin tidy are the biggest concerns.
These systems are also considerably lighter than most corded vacuum cleaners – stick vacuums excluded. Mobility is another huge advantage considering you can use these machines in areas where a wall socket is inaccessible.
Cordless Vacuum Cons
The biggest drawback to using a cordless vacuum is power. As with any cordless gadget, the amount of power you get is limited by the battery. New models are capable of cleaning close to an hour, but you willl never get the same amount of suction as you’ll find with a vacuum that draws its power from a wall socket.
While minor, we’ve found that tool storage is generally better on corded models as well. Ergonomics are crucial as if a poorly designed system can cause issues with arthritis or other ailments. If you’re making the switch for health reasons, look for something ergonomic and evenly balanced. If you want a bagged cordless vacuum, your options are going to be sparse as well.
Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide
Before we get to the best cordless vacuums for pet hair, we want to discuss a few important areas. While everyone understands battery life and weight are critical in this class, it’s also wise to consider things like dust cups and cleaning modes along with a few other key areas.
What kind of flooring is in your home?
The type of flooring you have in your home can have an impact on how bad of a pet hair problem you have. With hardwood, tile, and similar styles of flooring, hair tends to collect in the corners and edges of a room. You may not need a powered brush roll for these areas, but you will want a system with plenty of suction.
Carpet is notoriously hard to clean, especially when hair and dirt become trapped down in the fibers. That’s where a powered or motorized brush roll comes in handy. A brush roll with a tangle-free design is also significant although some brands pull this feat off better than others.
Power
When we talk about vacuum cleaner power, we’re touching on suction… not wattage. While looking for the best cordless vacuum cleaner for pet hair, you’re going to run into a lot of unfamiliar terms and specifications. A system with a high wattage or amp rating may have a larger motor, which can indeed provide more suction power, although there are other ratings to consider.
There is currently no “standard” for suction ratings, but there are two specifications that can give you an idea of how powerful a vacuum is. AW stands for Air Watts and differs from wattage as it measures airflow and takes water lift into account. Airflow is typically measured in CFM, but just as rare to find as an AW rating for this class of vacuum cleaner.
2-in-1 or Cordless Upright?
With cordless vacuum cleaners, there are usually two styles to choose from with uprights and vacuum cleaners that are convertible. There are dozens of names manufacturers use for those systems, but any vacuum cleaner that essentially transforms itself into a hand vac is in the convertible category.
2-in-1 vacuum cleaners are common in the cordless class, although some perform their transformations better than others. They are also more expensive than a basic cordless upright. If you already have a trusty hand vac that does a good job in your home, you may want to consider a cordless upright system.
Ease of Use
Considering that cordless vacuums are geared towards convenience, you definitely want to choose a model that’s simple to use. That may seem like an easy task in itself, but it’s not unless you have a chance to test out the vacuum beforehand. Otherwise, you’ll never know how things will go until you begin your cleaning routine.
Look for a vacuum cleaner with a bin that is easy to dump and clean. That’s one of the biggest issues consumers have with a cordless vacuum, whether it’s a pricey Dyson or an off-brand from the Far East. The trigger system is also important. Some vacuums require you to hold a trigger or switch to keep the suction going, which can be uncomfortable depending on the design.
The Dust Bin
This feature can be the bane of your existence or will work as intended, but either way, it needs to be large. The dust bin or cup is where the dirt, dander, and debris goes once your vacuum sucks it up from the floor. Unlike a bagged upright, the dirt goes into a sealed canister. In most cases, you will need to remove the bin from your vacuum to dump it, although that largely depends on the design.
If you have a large home, look for a system with a large bin. The bin should be easy to access and open as well. While you might think this would be something any manufacturer could handle, you would be surprised by how many systems have issues in this area. It’s certainly not something you will want to overlook, or you can end up with a major headache on your hands.
Battery Life
This is another area that can make or break a cordless vacuum cleaner. It’s also the one specification you’ll be able to find on 99% of cordless vacuum cleaners. In our experience, you can expect anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes from most models. Consider the size of your home when gauging battery life.
The design of a vacuum also plays a part in this area as well, considering smaller stick vacuums won’t have the juice of a larger model. It’s also important to consider placement and whether the battery is fixed or removable. Batteries will generally last several years, but the ability to replace one yourself will save you a lot of money down the line.
Charging Times
While a large battery is ideal, there’s another part of the equation you need to consider with battery life. That would be charging times, and it’s difficult to find an accurate number on most cordless vacuum cleaners, unfortunately. It’s also something that will vary wildly from one company or model to the next.
We have seen high-end vacuum cleaners with a runtime of 40 minutes and recharge times of 6 hours. On the other hand, there are also several systems with quick charging capabilities that can bring your battery to life in just a few hours. The charging dock is also important unless it has a removable power pack.
Included Accessories
Almost every cordless system for pet hair will come with at least one accessory. It could be something as common as a crevice tool or a circle brush, depending on the model and price point. While those are useful, a powered head can make a huge impact against pet hair while cutting down on your cleaning time.
Soft roller heads for hardwood and slick floors are well worth your time, but not always included with a cordless vacuum, whereas a brushroll with bristles is quite common. Special heads aren’t exactly cheap to buy after the fact with some models, so it pays to look before you leap and see what’s included with a cordless vacuum cleaner.
Warranty
Warranties on vacuum cleaners can vary wildly depending on the style and price point of the system. Canister vacuums and commercial models generally have longer guarantees, but it’s difficult to pin down an average with cordless vacuum cleaners.
In most cases, you will receive a 2-year warranty. There are some companies that go well beyond that mark, but it’s rare – even with premium cordless vacuum cleaners. With that in mind, brushless motors will last longer, and fixed batteries are harder to replace. It’s also a good idea to check on replacement parts beforehand or look into an extended warranty as well.
Other things to consider
The areas in our guide cover the most common things you will encounter with cordless vacuums for pet hair like bin sizes and battery life. Below are a few more areas to keep in mind depending on your pet hair problem and budget.
HEPA Filtration – Most modern cordless vacuums will have a measure of filtration, but if you own pets, you need something built for them. A HEPA filter is ideal for homes with dogs or cats and something you will see on several units in this class.
Lighting – This may seem insignificant, but running lights are handier than you’d think. Commonly found on the bottom of a vacuum; they can illuminate hard to reach places where dust bunnies hide. Some 2-in-1 vacuums also have lights on the handheld section.
Height Adjustment – With older uprights, height adjustment was a common feature, but that’s not always the case anymore. Most cordless vacuums are built to work on a variety of surfaces, but the ability to adjust the height manually is something you will be thankful for, so look for a system with bare floor and carpet modes.
Decibel Level – This specification lets you know how loud your new vacuum will be. Considering some pets aren’t exactly thrilled with loud noises or vacuums in general, a quiet system may something that should be at the top of your list.
Unlike other manufacturers, Dyson likes to keep its lineup of vacuum cleaners updated on a regular basis. Their newest flagship vacuum in the cordless class is the Dyson V11. this vacuum is available in two configurations although we chose the Animal variant for obvious reasons.
This vacuum cleaner is 20% more powerful than the previous generation, the V10. The digital motor is built for efficiency, and the company’s Dynamic Load Sensor system will dial the power up or down as needed. That's ideal when you have multiple types of flooring in your home, and helps increase the battery life as well.
There are three vacuum modes to choose from with Dyson V11 Animal with Boost, Auto, and Echo modes. The battery life is rated for around 60 minutes, and there is a small digital readout on top that lets you know how much battery life remains. The recharging time is 270 minutes, which is around the average for this class.
The V11 can cut a wide path thanks to a 9.8” head. With this model, it's the Torque Drive cleaning head, which is geared towards carpet. It works great on hardwood as well, although there is no soft brush head included with the V11 Animal. The bin is of average size at 0.2 gallons and features their easy to use Point and Shoot mechanism which keeps your hands dirt-free. You also be thrilled with the fully-sealed filtration system.
While expensive, this cordless vacuum is best in class and one of the most efficient machines you can buy to deal with pet hair. Consumers have had no complaints about its power or performance, and it has enough power to cover large homes in one cleaning session. It comes with a 2-year warranty from Dyson along with a variety of accessories like a mini motorized tool and electric wand set.
LG has an excellent reputation for producing quality products, whether it’s a smartphone, microwave, or vacuum cleaner. While they are one of the newer companies to break into the world of cordless vacuums, you’ll be glad they did once you get a look at the LG Cordzero A9 Ultimate.
The Cordzero A9 Ultimate is a direct competitor to Dyson’s premium vacuums, but with some interesting features that set it apart. The biggest difference aside from the design is the fact it uses a removable battery pack. The packs are rated for 40 minutes with a recharge time of 210 minutes, and there are two of them including with this version of the A9 Ultimate.
LG also designed a “one-touch” control system that allows you to change power levels quickly. While the bin is smaller than what you’ll find on other vacuums at 0.1 gallons, it’s a lightweight vacuum with a 5-step filtration system, which traps 99.9% of dirt, dust, and dander. The pre and exhaust filters are washable as well.
This system can remove debris and dust from hardwood as easily as it can from carpet. It has an interesting portable charging stand as well that handles the vacuum and attachments. As for those, you’ll get a crevice tool, power carpet nozzle, power floor nozzle, and power punch nozzle with the LG A907GMS.
There aren’t a great deal of reviews on this vacuum yet due to the fact it hasn’t been on the market long. That said, the response has been overwhelmingly positive thus far with praise for the battery system and power. It only comes with a 1-year warranty for the vacuum itself, but you’ll get a 10-year guarantee on the company’s Smart Inverter Motor.
Oreck has been in business since the 60’s and recently got into the cordless vacuum business after production traditional uprights for decades. The Oreck Elevate is unique from the other machines on our list and the best vacuum for pet hair if you require a system that’s both bagged but cordless.
This vacuum cleaner is the closest you’ll get to a traditional bagged upright in cordless form. At close to 12 pounds, it’s heavier than other cordless models, although easy to push and maneuver. The suction is outstanding, and there are two speeds that you can adjust based on the type of flooring in your home. An EnduroLIFE belt ensures trouble-free operation and you’ll get premium side brushes on this model as well.
Having a vacuum with an excellent filter is key when you have pets in your home. The Oreck Elevate excels in this area with its SaniSeal system. The filter bags and HEPA filter can handle 99.97% of particles in your home down to .3 microns. Those bags are large and can hold up to 4x the dust and hair than the other vacuums on our list.
Oreck didn’t provide any numbers on the battery life for this vacuum, but it has an 18-volt battery rated at 6.0Ah, which is impressive. That battery is removable as well although we doubt you will ever run out of juice during a cleaning session if it’s properly topped off. Other notable features include four LED headlights and an auto-stop feature.
Bagged cordless vacuum cleaners are a bit of a rarity, but we’re pleased to say that Oreck knocked it out of the park with the Elevate. The only drawback to this vacuum is the price tag and lack of accessories, which will rule it out for some. The Oreck Elevate comes with a 3-year warranty along with free 5 tune-ups from the company.
The Dyson V11 may be the company’s newest flagship vacuum cleaner, but the Cyclone V10 has a legion of fans. This popular vacuum is equipped to tackle hard surfaces or carpet and comes with a variety of tools that will make your job easy.
With a runtime of up to 60 minutes, this vacuum is built to take on tough tasks around your home. It makes use of the company’s cyclonic technology to pull dirt from carpeting or suck up dust from hardwood. The cleaning path is respectable at 9.8 inches, and it’s one of the lighter systems in this class at only 5.9 pounds. Needless to say, it’s just as easy to use as the company’s other machines and has a powerful digital motor.
The V10 Absolute also has a sealed filtration system. This allows it to keep 99.7% of dirt and dust where it needs to be while replacing it with fresh, clean air. There are three modes of power to choose from as well, along with a battery indicator, but you won’t find any headlights on the V10. That’s a minor but common complaint with some of the company’s vacuums, although you won’t hear any gripes when it comes to accessories.
This vacuum is available in three configurations, but the Absolute V10 provides the most bang for your buck. It comes with the usual tools, but you also get a motorized soft roller head in addition to the Torque driver. The Dyson Cylone V10 Absolute comes with the company’s standard 2-year warranty with the V10 Absolute.
For every Dyson, Miele, and Hoover, there are a half-dozen companies producing vacuum cleaners you’ve never heard of. Tineco is a brand that may be unfamiliar to most, but their A10 Master vacuum cleaner is a good looking system that’s a best seller for a reason.
This is another vacuum cleaner that has a swappable battery system. A 2,000mAh lithium-ion battery provides power to a powerful digital motor that can produce 110 watts of suction in Max power mode. As an added convenience, the Tineco A10 Master also has a switch lock which enables continuous cleaning without needing to pull a trigger.
When it comes to filtration, you can look forward to a 4-stage system and a “rinse-free” filter. Like most vacuums in this class, it transforms into a hand vacuum but is incredibly light in either form. The body of the A10 weighs 2.87 pounds, which makes it one of the lightest cordless vacuums for pet hair. The charging dock is also a nice touch with a dual-pin design that allows you to charge the system and a spare simultaneously.
Another reason we love this machine are the accessories. You’ll get two powered heads with this unit, including a multi-task bristle brush and soft roller brush. Both have LED lighting and provide a wide cleaning path. A dusting brush, mini power brush, crevice tool, and an additional pre-filter are included as well. As a bonus, you’ll get two batteries with this configuration of the Tineco A10 Master.
While the A10 Master doesn’t have the same amount of features as some brands in this range, it performs as advertised and has a very nice price point. The batteries are rated for around 50 minutes of power, and it comes with a 2-year guarantee from the company.
The Bissell Adapt XRT Pet is an affordable cordless vacuum cleaner from a well-known and established brand. It’s perfect for homeowners tired of combating pet hair in their homes and has a solid set of features for the price.
The Adapt XRT Pet is a 14.4-volt vacuum cleaner that converts to a hand vacuum with ease. This compact vacuum has a weight of 7.85 pounds and is easy to store as the handle can fold down when it’s not in use. It’s a small, but nifty feature that you will be thrilled with if you have low furniture or other objects in your home that are hard to get under.
Bissell designed this vacuum to work on multiple surfaces, so hardwood, tile and low-pile carpet won’t be a problem for the XRT Pet. Thicker carpet may give it a bit of trouble or drain the battery, however, which is rated for around 20 minutes of runtime. Recharging times are nothing to write home about at 540 minutes – one reason to be thankful for a 10” cleaning path.
If you have a smaller home or a pet hair that’s more of an annoyance than a serious issue, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a vacuum cleaner. The LiNX Signature Stick Vacuum proves that and is also extremely easy to use.
The LiNX is one of the simpler cordless vacuums on the market, but that’s not a bad thing if you need a machine for a smaller home. While the battery is only rated for around 20 minutes of juice, it provides strong suction throughout and doesn’t fade. Recharge times are 180 minutes and reasonable given the size of this unit.
Hoover included a reusable filter with this system along with Windtunnel technology for increased suction. The brush roll can deal with pet hair on hardwood or carpet, although it’s a bit underpowered for thicker styles of carpet. Other features to note include a switch to turn off the brushroll and a wide 11” cleaning path.
The Hoover LiNX isn’t on the cutting-edge from a technology standpoint, but it will get the job done and is considerably cheaper than other systems. The battery life is disappointing although expected given the fact this vacuum is geared towards light-duty usage. You’ll get a 2-year warranty with the Hoover LiNX Signature.
Pros
Budget-friendly price tag
Lightweight, ergonomic design
Brushroll switch
2-year warranty
Cons
Battery life
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does a cordless vacuum have enough battery life to clean an entire home?
A: It depends on the size of your home and the type of flooring. On average, you can expect 20 to 40 minutes from most systems although the runtime drops with powered heads and intense cleaning modes.
Q: Why did my brushroll stop spinning?
A: While there could be a variety of reasons for that to happen, it generally means the belt is broken, there’s a clog or an electrical issue. Turn off the machine, look for any obvious issues, then consult your user manual.
Q: Do I need a special vacuum for pet hair?
A: Not with hardwood as you simply need something with good suction. Carpet is difficult to deal with, however, so you may want to check out a system from our list of the best vacuums for pet hair.
Related Posts:
Best Cordless Vacuum for Hardwood There are some major advantages to having hardwood flooring in your home. It adds depth and beauty while increasing the value, but it’s also easier to clean than carpet. Brooms…
Best Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair Handheld vacuums are a great way to spot clean areas of your home without going all-in on a large vacuum. They can also act as a supplement to an old…
The Best Shark Vacuum for Pet Hair For decades companies like Hoover, Bissell, and Eureka were the top vacuum cleaner brands and where most consumers turned when it was time to buy. Upstarts like Dyson and Shark…
