8 Best Upright Vacuums for Pet Hair 2025

This is the king of pet hair destruction—a high-performance upright vacuum engineered to dominate homes drowning in fur. The PowerFins HairPro technology isn’t just a gimmick; it actively grips and pulls even the most stubborn long and short pet hair from carpets and hard floors, leaving surfaces visibly cleaner. Combine that with a self-cleaning brushroll that resists hair wrap, and you’ve got a machine that doesn’t quit when the shedding season hits hard. For pet owners tired of yanking hair from rollers or battling lingering odors, this vacuum delivers a one-two punch of deep cleaning and freshness.

In real-world testing, the Shark ZU102 shines across multi-surface homes. The 3XL dust cup (2.9L) means fewer stops to empty—ideal for whole-house cleans or post-shedding marathons. Its swivel steering makes it agile around furniture legs and tight corners, while LED headlights expose pet hair lurking under sofas and along baseboards. On thick carpets, the suction digs deep to extract embedded dander and tracked-in dirt, and on hardwood, Scatter-Free Technology keeps kibble and litter from scattering. The extendable hose (up to 12 feet) transforms it into an above-floor cleaning beast for stairs, upholstery, and ceiling corners—though heavy shedding on fabric furniture may require multiple passes.

When stacked against the Shark NV752 or Bissell 2998, the ZU102 stands taller—not just in suction power but in holistic pet-home care. It trades the lift-away pod of the NV752 for a more robust odor-neutralizing system and larger capacity, making it better suited for larger homes with multiple pets. While it lacks a detachable handheld unit, its extended reach and cartridge-based odor control give it an edge over competitors focused solely on suction. It’s the most feature-complete package in the lineup, blending elite pet hair pickup, allergen sealing, and long-run convenience into a single powerful upright.

If you need serious cleaning versatility without sacrificing power, the Shark NV752 is a game-changer for pet owners who clean everywhere—floors, stairs, under furniture, and up high. Its 2-in-1 powered lift-away technology lets you detach the cleaning pod while keeping the brushroll spinning, so you don’t lose suction when tackling stairs or car interiors. The self-cleaning Pet Power Brush aggressively digs into carpet fibers to remove matted fur and tracked-in dirt, making it a standout in homes with shedding dogs or cats. With LED headlights and fingertip surface controls, it adapts instantly from tile to plush carpet, illuminating hidden messes and adjusting power on the fly.

During testing, the NV752 proved exceptionally capable in homes with mixed flooring and pets. The 0.88-quart dust cup holds a surprising amount for its class, and emptying is fast and mess-free—critical when dealing with damp fur or tracked-in mud. The advanced swivel steering makes it easy to pivot around coffee tables and baseboards, while the HEPA-sealed system captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, a must for allergy-prone households. However, on ultra-thick rugs, the suction can struggle slightly if the height setting isn’t perfectly tuned, and the motor noise is noticeable—though not unusual for its power class.

Compared to the Bissell 2998, the NV752 offers stronger floor performance and a true powered lift-away, whereas the Bissell’s pod lacks motorized cleaning. It’s heavier than the Eureka models but delivers far more cleaning muscle and reach. This vacuum is ideal for pet owners who value deep cleaning and flexibility, especially those with stairs, upholstery, or low-clearance furniture. It packs more real-world utility than budget models, with a performance-to-feature balance that justifies its premium over basic uprights.

The Bissell 2252 is a maneuverability master, built for homes where agility trumps raw power. Its swivel steering lets you glide around chair legs, ottomans, and pet crates with surgical precision—no more dragging and repositioning. The triple action brush roll aggressively loosens, lifts, and removes embedded pet hair, outperforming many budget vacuums on medium-pile carpets. With edge-to-edge cleaning, it grabs fur tucked into corners and along baseboards, while Scatter-Free Technology prevents dry messes like kibble or litter from exploding across the floor—something every pet owner will appreciate.

In daily use, the 2252 handles mixed flooring with confidence. The large dirt tank reduces emptying frequency, and the easy-empty design minimizes hand contact with debris—crucial when dealing with wet or odorous messes. On hard floors, it picks up pet hair and dust without scattering, and on low-pile rugs, it performs admirably. However, on thick carpets, it can struggle to extract deeply embedded fur, and the suction isn’t as relentless as the Shark ZU102. The lack of LED lights means you might miss hair under dimly lit furniture, and the cord rewind is manual—adding a small but noticeable friction to cleanup.

Against the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Bissell 2252 offers superior agility and edge cleaning but trades off some suction strength and onboard tools. It’s not the most powerful, but it’s one of the easiest to use in cluttered, pet-filled homes. For owners who prioritize smooth navigation and consistent pet hair pickup over brute force, this vacuum hits the sweet spot. It delivers more precision and control than budget uprights, making it a strong mid-tier contender.

Don’t let its featherlight 10-pound frame fool you—the Eureka PowerSpeed packs a punch far beyond its weight class. With a 960-watt motor, it delivers consistent suction across carpets, hardwood, and tiles, making it one of the most capable budget uprights for pet owners. The 5-height brush roll adjustment lets you fine-tune cleaning for everything from shag rugs to bare floors, ensuring optimal contact and debris lift. And with a 2.6-liter dust cup, it outpaces many pricier models in runtime between empties—perfect for homes where pets leave a trail from room to room.

In real use, the PowerSpeed handles daily pet hair cleanup with ease. It transitions smoothly between floor types, and the pet turbo brush (stored onboard) is a standout for furniture and car seats, grabbing clumps of fur that cheaper models leave behind. The crevice and dusting tools are always within reach, eliminating fumbling through drawers. However, the motor can sound strained on high-pile carpets, and the plastic build feels less durable than Shark or Bissell counterparts. While it lacks HEPA filtration or LED lights, it compensates with sheer usability and value.

Versus the Eureka Airspeed (NEU10AE4), the PowerSpeed offers more power, a larger dust cup, and better brush roll control—making it a smarter upgrade for pet-heavy homes. It’s not as nimble as the Bissell 2252, but it delivers stronger suction and better attachments at a low cost. Ideal for renters, stairs, or small-to-medium homes with shedding pets, it’s the best bang-for-buck upright that doesn’t feel cheap. It outperforms its price tag with real pet-ready features, not just gimmicks.

Say goodbye to the scissors and hello to effortless maintenance—the Bissell CleanView Max is engineered to stop hair wrap before it starts. Its tangle-free brush roll uses dual rubber fins instead of bristles, actively preventing hair from coiling around the roller—a godsend for long-haired pets or homes with multiple animals. The LED headlights reveal dust bunnies and stray fur under furniture, while the automatic cord rewind (a rare find at this price) makes storage quick and frustration-free. With included pet tools and a quick-release wand, it’s built for owners who hate clutter and clogs.

Testing shows it excels on hard floors and low-to-medium pile carpets, where the tangle-free system truly shines. It picks up pet hair efficiently without the constant need to stop and de-tangle—a major pain point solved. The swivel steering helps it pivot around obstacles, though the unit feels slightly front-heavy when cleaning under tables. On thick rugs, suction dips slightly, and the dust tank is smaller than the Shark ZU102 or Eureka PowerSpeed, meaning more frequent emptying in larger homes. Still, for daily maintenance and hassle-free operation, it’s a top performer.

Compared to the Bissell 2252, it trades edge-to-edge cleaning and triple brush action for tangle prevention and convenience features like auto rewind. It’s not the most powerful, but it’s the most user-friendly for high-shedding homes. Pet owners who dread maintenance will love how it just keeps going. It offers better long-term ease than models requiring constant de-tangling, making it a smart investment for peace of mind.

The Shark ZU503AMZ is a versatile powerhouse that redefines what a mid-range upright can do. Its self-cleaning brushroll is a game-changer—engineered to pick up pet hair without wrapping, so you’re not constantly cutting free clumps. The lift-away pod detaches effortlessly, transforming into a portable vacuum for stairs, car interiors, or furniture—perfect for spot-cleaning accidents before they set in. With HEPA filtration and a complete seal, it traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a top pick for homes where pets and allergies collide.

In practice, it handles everything from tile to high-pile carpet with confidence. The swivel steering makes it easy to navigate tight spaces, and the pet crevice tool reaches deep into couch seams and corners where fur accumulates. The dust cup is easy to remove and empty, though it’s smaller than the ZU102 or NV752—meaning more trips to the trash during whole-house cleans. On hardwood, it picks up hair well, but fine dust can sometimes stick to the nozzle. The motor is loud on max power, but that’s the trade-off for its strong 1200W suction.

Against the Eureka PowerSpeed, it offers better allergen control, more maneuverability, and a detachable pod—making it far more flexible. It lacks the ZU102’s odor control and larger capacity but delivers excellent value for pet owners needing lift-away convenience. It’s the best middle-ground Shark model, balancing power, portability, and pet-specific tools without breaking the bank. It outperforms budget picks with real HEPA sealing and true multi-surface versatility.

For allergy sufferers with pets, the Bissell 2998 isn’t just a vacuum—it’s a breath of fresh air. Its HEPA sealed allergen system captures 99.97% of dust and allergens down to 0.3 microns, making it one of the most effective uprights for sensitive households. The lift-off portable pod detaches in seconds, letting you clean car seats, pet beds, or stairs without lugging the whole unit—ideal for quick cleanups after muddy paws or fur explosions. With LED headlights and a tangle-free brush roll, it combines visibility and low maintenance in one sleek package.

In real-world use, it performs well on hard floors and low-pile carpets, where its lightweight design and swivel steering shine. The easy-empty dirt tank minimizes mess, and the onboard pet tools are always accessible. However, on thick carpets, the suction lacks the punch of the Shark ZU102 or NV752, and the pod’s battery life isn’t infinite—meaning long sessions may require reattachment. The corded design limits reach, but the trade-off is consistent power. It’s not the strongest, but it’s the most thoughtful for allergy-focused pet homes.

Compared to the Shark NV752, it offers similar lift-away convenience but with superior allergen sealing and a lighter build. It sacrifices some deep-cleaning power for health-first engineering and portability. It’s the best choice for homes where air quality matters as much as fur removal. It delivers more targeted relief than general-purpose vacuums, making it a niche but essential pick.

At just 7.7 pounds, the Eureka Airspeed is the ultimate grab-and-go vacuum for quick cleanups and small spaces. Its ultra-light design makes it perfect for apartments, stairs, or homes where storage is tight—sliding easily under a couch or into a closet. The 700-watt motor delivers solid suction for daily messes, pulling pet hair from rugs and hard floors with ease. With a 10.5-inch cleaning path and onboard tools, it’s ready for spot jobs—think spilled kibble, tracked-in dirt, or post-shedding touch-ups—without the hassle of a bulky machine.

Testing reveals it’s best for light-to-moderate cleaning. It handles pet hair on low-pile carpets and tile well, but struggles on thick rugs where deeper suction is needed. The washable filter saves money over time, and the crevice and dusting tools snap on instantly for above-floor cleaning. However, the dust cup is small, requiring frequent emptying during larger jobs, and there’s no height adjustment—limiting its adaptability. It also lacks LED lights and HEPA filtration, so it won’t catch fine allergens.

Against the Eureka PowerSpeed, it trades power and capacity for extreme portability and ease of storage. It’s not built for whole-house cleans, but it’s perfect for fast response to pet messes. For renters, small homes, or secondary vacuums, it’s a smart, affordable pick. It offers more convenience than deep cleaning, making it ideal for light-duty, high-frequency use.