Keeping your home free of pet hair can be challenging, but a lightweight vacuum designed for pet hair makes the task easier and more efficient. This guide reviews some of the best lightweight vacuums that excel at pet hair pickup, balancing power, maneuverability, and specialized tools. Whether you need cordless convenience or versatile attachments for stairs and upholstery, these picks cover a variety of cleaning needs.
| Product | Brand | Weight | Best Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E | Shark | Approx. 12.5 lbs | Lift-away pod, HEPA filter, brushroll shutoff |
| Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright | Bissell | Approx. 15.25 lbs | Swivel steering, triple action brush roll, large dirt tank |
| LEVOIT Cordless Stick Vacuum LVAC-200 | LEVOIT | Approx. 5.5 lbs | Up to 50 min runtime, tangle-resistant design, cordless |
| Shark Rocket Ultra-Light HV301 | Shark | Under 9 lbs | Corded stick vacuum, handheld conversion, powerful suction |
| Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A Lightweight Upright | Eureka | Approx. 10 lbs | Strong suction, large dust cup, lightweight for stairs |
Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E Upright Vacuum
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E offers a versatile cleaning experience with its lift-away pod that easily detaches for above-floor cleaning, such as stairs and furniture. Equipped with a HEPA filter and complete anti-allergen seal, it traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, ideal for pet owners sensitive to dander. The brushroll shutoff allows seamless switching between carpet and bare floors without losing suction or control. Its swivel steering enhances maneuverability around furniture. Although not the lightest vacuum, its functional design makes pet hair cleanup manageable and thorough.
Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Vacuum
The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel emphasizes pet hair removal with a triple action brush roll that loosens, lifts, and removes embedded hairs easily. Its swivel steering improves maneuverability around home obstacles, while the large dirt tank minimizes frequent emptying. This bagless vacuum includes specialized pet tools and supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation, contributing to pet welfare efforts. Its multi-cyclonic cleaning system maintains suction power for thorough cleaning on multiple surfaces, from carpets to hard floors.
LEVOIT Cordless Stick Vacuum LVAC-200
For those prioritizing lightweight and cordless convenience, the LEVOIT LVAC-200 offers up to 50 minutes of runtime in Eco mode and high suction power suitable for pet hair cleanup. Its tangle-resistant brush design reduces hair wrap issues commonly associated with pet hair vacuums. This stick vacuum is perfect for fast daily cleaning on both carpet and hard floors. Rechargeable and easy to maneuver, it handles urgent messes quickly but is not designed for wet spills. The compact build adds to its user-friendly versatility for pet owners.
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded HV301 Vacuum
The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light HV301 stands out with an ultra-lightweight body under 9 pounds and corded power for continuous suction. It converts into a handheld vacuum for deep cleaning upholstery, stairs, and other hard-to-reach areas. Its fingertip controls allow easy toggling between carpets and hard floors. This model offers strong pet hair pickup with a lightweight design perfect for quick, thorough cleaning sessions without worrying about battery life.
Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A Lightweight Upright Vacuum
The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A combines a lightweight design with strong suction from its powerful 960-watt motor. It easily cleans various surfaces including hardwood, tile, rugs, and carpets. Its extra-large 2.6-liter dust cup reduces interruptions by holding more debris and empties with a convenient flip-to-empty feature. At around 10 pounds, this vacuum is easy to carry up stairs and around tight spaces, making it effective for homes with pets and varied flooring.
Buying Guide for Lightweight Vacuums for Pet Hair
Choosing the best lightweight vacuum for pet hair involves multiple factors beyond just weight. Here are some essential considerations to help guide your purchase:
Suction Power and Brush Design
Effective pet hair removal requires strong suction and brushes designed to lift embedded hairs from carpets and fabrics. Look for brushrolls with anti-tangle features or specialized pet tools to minimize hair wrap and maintenance.
Filter Type
Vacuum filters play a crucial role in capturing pet dander and allergens. HEPA filters or complete-seal systems trap fine particles and help improve indoor air quality, especially beneficial for allergy sufferers.
Weight vs. Maneuverability
While a lightweight vacuum is easier to carry and handle, the design must also support good maneuverability. Features like swivel steering and compact form factors aid cleaning around furniture and in tight areas.
Corded vs. Cordless
Cordless vacuums provide freedom of movement and quick access but come with limited runtime. Corded models offer sustained power but require outlet proximity. Consider your home’s layout and typical cleaning duration when deciding.
Versatility and Attachments
Look for vacuums that convert to handheld mode or include attachments like crevice tools and dusting brushes. These expand the vacuum’s usability to furniture, stairs, and difficult spots that accumulate pet hair.
Dustbin Capacity and Maintenance
Larger dustbins mean less frequent emptying—a helpful feature if you have active pets shedding daily. Easy-to-empty, bagless designs with washable filters can simplify upkeep.
Noise Level
Consider your pet’s comfort by choosing quieter models or those with variable speed settings to reduce noise during indoor cleaning.