Choosing the right vacuum for hair depends on your specific cleaning needs. If you’re battling pet hair across multiple surfaces, the Shark Navigator NV360 stands out for its powerful suction and HEPA filtration. For those prioritizing maneuverability and pet-specific tools, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet offers excellent edge-to-edge cleaning. Meanwhile, if a lightweight, versatile option is what you need for quick cleanups, the Bissell Featherweight Stick provides a 3-in-1 design with decent suction. Each of these picks balances different tradeoffs, such as weight, capacity, and features, to suit various lifestyles.
Get cleaning gear delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- The Shark Navigator NV360 excels in pet hair removal and allergen control but can be heavy and requires filter maintenance.
- The Bissell Swivel Pet vacuum offers outstanding maneuverability and specialized pet tools, though it may be heavier for extended use.
- The Bissell Featherweight Stick is ideal for quick, small-space cleanups, but its limited capacity makes it less suitable for larger tasks.
- Cordless and lightweight models trade power and capacity for ease of use and portability.
- Choosing the right vacuum depends on surface types, pet hair needs, and whether you prioritize maneuverability or capacity.
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum, HEPA, Carpet and Pet Hair, Blue, NV360 |  | Best Overall for Pet Hair and Allergens | Color: Blue | HEPA Filter: Yes | Dust Cup Capacity: 0.9 quarts | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum |  | Best for Pet Hair and Maneuverability | Model: 2252 | Features: Swivel steering, Triple action brush roll, Scatter-free technology, Pet tools | Capacity: Large dirt tank | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Bissell 2033M Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum |  | Best for Quick, Small Space Cleaning | Weight: Less than 4 pounds | Cord Length: 15 feet | Dirt Cup Capacity: 0.67 liters | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, HEPA, Pet Hair, Lavender, NV352 |  | Best for Pet Hair and Allergen Control | Power: Effective multi-surface suction | HEPA Filter: Yes, anti-allergen complete seal | Dust Cup Capacity: 1.04L | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Bissell CleanView Compact Vacuum Cleaner |  | Best for Small Spaces and Quick Cleanups | Weight: Less than 8 pounds | Extension Wand: Removable with quick-release | Design: Bagless | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| vacuum for hair | Color | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacu | Blue | 13.7 lbs |
| Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet U | — | — |
| Bissell 2033M Featherweight St | Black | Less than 4 pounds |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upri | Lavender | — |
| Bissell CleanView Compact Vacu | — | Less than 8 pounds |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum, HEPA, Carpet and Pet Hair, Blue, NV360
The Shark Navigator NV360 is a standout for its combination of powerful suction, HEPA filtration, and versatile lift-away feature. Compared to the Bissell models, it provides better allergen control thanks to its sealed HEPA system, making it ideal for allergy sufferers. Its larger dust cup reduces trips to empty, but the tradeoff is a somewhat heavier weight at 13.7 pounds, which can be tiring during extended cleaning sessions. While it excels on carpets and hard floors, its filter needs rinsing and drying before reuse, adding a maintenance step.
Pros:- Strong suction effective on carpets and hard floors
- Lift-away feature simplifies above-floor cleaning
- HEPA filter traps allergens for cleaner air
- Good pet hair removal
Cons:- Can be heavy for some users
- Filter requires rinsing and air drying
- Small dust cup needs frequent emptying
Best for: Homes with pets, allergy sufferers, multi-surface cleaning
Not ideal for: Users seeking a lightweight, cordless option, or those with limited storage space
- Color:Blue
- HEPA Filter:Yes
- Dust Cup Capacity:0.9 quarts
- Weight:13.7 lbs
- Cord Length:25 feet
- Included Accessories:Upholstery Tool, Crevice Tool, Washable HEPA Filter
Our verdict“A versatile, allergen-friendly vacuum best suited for pet owners and allergy sufferers who don’t mind a bit of extra weight.”
Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet is designed for pet owners needing to remove hair from multiple surfaces. Its swivel steering makes navigating around furniture effortless compared to the upright Shark models. The triple-action brush roll and scatter-free tech improve hair pickup and minimize messes on hard floors. However, it can be heavier than lightweight options and lacks a HEPA filter, making it less ideal for allergy-sensitive households. Its large dirt tank is a plus for long cleaning sessions, but the weight could be a drawback for users with limited strength or mobility.
Pros:- Excellent at removing pet hair and dirt
- Swivel steering for easy navigation
- Includes pet-specific tools for upholstery
- Large capacity dirt tank
Cons:- Potentially heavy for prolonged use
- No HEPA filtration for allergens
- Price and weight could be limiting
Best for: Pet owners needing effective hair removal and easy maneuverability
Not ideal for: Those wanting a lightweight, allergy-focused vacuum or cordless convenience
- Model:2252
- Features:Swivel steering, Triple action brush roll, Scatter-free technology, Pet tools
- Capacity:Large dirt tank
Our verdict“Ideal for pet owners who prioritize ease of maneuverability and hair removal but can handle a bit of weight.”
Bissell 2033M Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum
The Bissell Featherweight Stick offers a compelling balance for those needing a lightweight, versatile vacuum. Its 3-in-1 design transforms from a stick to a handheld or stair vacuum, making it perfect for quick cleanups or small apartments. Though its suction is powerful enough for hard floors and carpets, the limited dirt cup capacity means frequent emptying during bigger jobs. It’s corded, which limits mobility compared to cordless models, but its compact size and quick conversion make it a favorite for fast, targeted cleaning tasks.
Pros:- Versatile 3-in-1 design
- Lightweight at under 4 pounds
- Powerful suction for its size
- Easy to store and maneuver
Cons:- Limited dirt capacity
- Corded design restricts movement
- Not suitable for large cleaning tasks
Best for: Small apartments, quick cleanups, users preferring lightweight tools
Not ideal for: Large homes or deep cleaning jobs due to limited capacity
- Weight:Less than 4 pounds
- Cord Length:15 feet
- Dirt Cup Capacity:0.67 liters
- Color:Black
Our verdict“A practical, portable option for quick cleanups, best suited for small spaces or fast spot cleaning.”
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, HEPA, Pet Hair, Lavender, NV352
The Shark NV352 combines lightweight design with effective pet hair removal and allergen filtration. Its Lift-Away mode makes cleaning above-floor surfaces straightforward, and the larger dust cup minimizes trips to empty. Compared with the NV360, it offers similar allergen control but is slightly more portable. Its filter needs rinsing and drying before reuse, which adds to maintenance time. It’s ideal for pet owners who want a balance of power and convenience without the bulk of larger models.
Pros:- Effective at pet hair and allergen removal
- Lift-Away functionality for above-floor cleaning
- Swivel steering for easy handling
- Large dust cup reduces emptying frequency
Cons:- No specific weight info
- Filter requires rinsing and air drying
- Corded operation limits mobility
Best for: Pet owners and allergy sufferers looking for a lightweight, versatile vacuum
Not ideal for: Those requiring cordless operation or very deep cleaning capacity
- Power:Effective multi-surface suction
- HEPA Filter:Yes, anti-allergen complete seal
- Dust Cup Capacity:1.04L
- Color:Lavender
- Included Attachments:Wide upholstery tool, 12″ crevice tool, washable HEPA filter
Our verdict“A balanced, pet-friendly vacuum suitable for quick, versatile cleaning with allergen control in mind.”
Bissell CleanView Compact Vacuum Cleaner
The Bissell CleanView Compact offers a straightforward, lightweight approach for small-area cleaning. Its powerful suction and scatter-free tech perform well on hard floors and carpets, and the removable extension wand helps reach above-floor surfaces. Its bagless design makes emptying simple, but its limited size and corded nature mean it’s best for quick cleanups rather than extensive chores. If space and ease of use matter most, this vacuum delivers without sacrificing too much power.
Pros:- Powerful suction with scatter-free tech
- Lightweight and portable
- Removable extension wand for above-floor cleaning
- Bagless for easy emptying
Cons:- Limited dirt capacity
- Corded design restricts mobility
- Designed primarily for small spaces
Best for: Small apartments, quick spot cleaning, users prioritizing portability
Not ideal for: Large homes or deep cleaning needs
- Weight:Less than 8 pounds
- Extension Wand:Removable with quick-release
- Design:Bagless
Our verdict“An excellent lightweight option for quick, targeted cleaning in limited spaces, with enough power for everyday messes.”
How We Picked
Our selection process focused on vacuum models that excel at removing hair from various surfaces, especially pet hair. We prioritized models with strong suction, effective filtration, and versatile features like lift-away or convertible designs. Ease of use, maneuverability, capacity, and weight also played critical roles, along with user-friendly maintenance. We compared these factors across different styles—uprights, stick vacuums, and handhelds—to identify options that balance performance with practical convenience.
| vacuum for hair | Color |
|---|---|
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacu | Blue |
| Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet U | — |
| Bissell 2033M Featherweight St | Black |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upri | Lavender |
| Bissell CleanView Compact Vacu | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Vacuum For Hair
Selecting the best vacuum for hair removal involves balancing power, maneuverability, capacity, and convenience. Your choice depends on whether you’re cleaning pet hair daily, tackling multiple surfaces, or need a lightweight tool for quick jobs. Understanding these factors helps you find a model that matches your home environment and cleaning habits.Surface Type and Cleaning Needs
If your home includes a mix of carpets, hardwood floors, and upholstery, look for a vacuum with adjustable suction and multiple attachments. Pet owners should prioritize models with specialized tools and strong suction to handle fur and dander. For quick spot cleaning or small spaces, lightweight stick vacuums offer convenience without sacrificing much power, but they may lack the capacity for larger jobs.
Power and Filtration
Effective hair removal requires more than just suction. HEPA filters or sealed systems significantly reduce allergens, which is essential for allergy sufferers. While upright models like the Shark Navigator excel in power and filtration, they tend to be heavier. Conversely, smaller models like the Featherweight are easier to handle but may struggle with dense pet hair or large debris.
Capacity and Maintenance
A larger dirt cup means fewer trips to empty, which is valuable during extensive cleaning sessions. However, larger capacity models tend to be bulkier. Keep in mind that filters and brushes require regular cleaning or replacement to maintain suction and air quality. Consider how much maintenance you’re willing to perform versus the convenience of a bagless, easy-to-empty design.
Portability and Storage
If storage space is limited or you need to carry the vacuum upstairs frequently, lightweight and cordless options like the Featherweight are advantageous. But these models often compromise on power or run time. For larger, stationary cleaning, heavier upright vacuums with long cords can cover more ground but require more effort to maneuver and store.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features are most important for removing pet hair?
When removing pet hair effectively, look for models with strong suction, specialized pet tools, and brushes designed to lift fur from upholstery and carpets. A swivel or maneuverable head can also help reach tricky corners and furniture. HEPA filters are a bonus for allergy-sensitive households, trapping dander and hair particles, but they don’t directly impact hair pickup.
Are lightweight vacuums as effective as heavier models?
Lightweight vacuums, like the Featherweight or Bissell Compact, are excellent for quick cleanups and small spaces, but they often lack the suction power or capacity of larger upright models. For regular deep cleaning, especially with pet hair or deep carpets, heavier models like the Shark Navigator tend to perform better, though at the expense of portability.
Is a cordless vacuum better for hair removal?
Cordless vacuums offer unmatched convenience and ease of use, especially for quick pickups or stairs. However, they usually have smaller batteries and less suction power compared to corded models. If you prioritize power and larger capacity, a corded upright or stick vacuum may deliver more consistent results, particularly on heavy pet hair or large areas.
How often should I clean or replace filters?
Filters like HEPA or sealed systems should be rinsed and dried every few months, depending on usage, to maintain optimal airflow and allergen trapping. Replacement filters can be needed annually or more frequently if you notice a drop in suction or air quality. Proper maintenance prolongs your vacuum’s lifespan and keeps it working effectively for hair removal.
What should I consider if I have limited storage space?
If space is tight, opt for compact, lightweight models like the Featherweight or Bissell Compact. These are easy to store and quick to deploy but may lack the capacity or power needed for extensive cleaning. Consider a model with foldable or detachable components to maximize storage efficiency without sacrificing essential features.
Conclusion
If you primarily need a vacuum for pet hair removal and allergen control, the Shark Navigator NV360 offers a compelling mix of power and features, despite its weight. For pet owners seeking maneuverability and specialized tools, the Bissell Swivel Pet makes a strong case, though it is heavier. For quick, small-space cleaning, the Bissell Featherweight provides a lightweight, versatile solution ideal for busy households or apartments. Your choice should reflect your cleaning routine, surface types, and whether you prioritize power, portability, or capacity.
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day Picks
long weekend sales
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
