7 Best Bagless Upright Vacuums for Pet Hair 2025

This is where pet hair dominance begins. The Shark ZU102 isn’t just another bagless upright—it’s a targeted strike against the chaos of shedding pets, armed with PowerFins HairPro technology that actively grabs and lifts long, short, and stubborn pet hair from carpets and hard floors. Its self-cleaning brushroll eliminates the dreaded hair wrap, a game-changer for long-haired dog or cat owners who dread monthly maintenance. Add Odor Neutralizer Technology—a rare and thoughtful inclusion—and you’ve got a vacuum that doesn’t just clean, it improves the sensory experience of your home.

In real-world testing, the ZU102 shines across multi-surface homes. The 2.9L dust cup means fewer stops during whole-house cleans, a major win for large homes or heavy shedding seasons. On low-pile rugs, it digs deep; on hardwood, it captures fine dust without scattering debris. The 12-foot extendable hose makes stair and upholstery cleaning effortless, while Swivel Steering lets it pivot around coffee tables and tight corners like a pro. However, it does carry some weight—maneuvering on stairs gets tiring over time—and the motor noise is noticeable, though not out of line for its class.

When stacked against the Bissell 2254 or Kenmore DU1275, the ZU102 stands out with its advanced hair capture and odor control, making it a premium pick despite the higher cost. It’s ideal for pet owners who want set-and-forget performance without constant brushroll maintenance or odor concerns. Families with allergies will also benefit from its HEPA-sealed system that traps 99.99% of allergens. Compared to the mid-range Shark NV360, it delivers better odor control, larger capacity, and superior hair handling—justifying its place as the best overall bagless upright for pet hair.

If cord chaos is your pet peeve, the Bissell 2254 is your hero. This upright redefines convenience with its automatic 27-foot cord rewind—a feature so satisfying, you’ll actually look forward to putting the vacuum away. But it’s not just about storage: the Triple Action Brush Roll aggressively lifts embedded pet hair from carpets, while Scatter-Free Technology ensures hard floors stay clean without debris flinging ahead of the nozzle. For pet owners tired of tripping over cords or wrestling with tangled brushrolls, this vacuum delivers a frictionless cleaning rhythm.

Performance-wise, the 2254 handles medium-pile carpets with ease and transitions smoothly to tile or laminate. The 13.5-inch cleaning path covers ground quickly, and Swivel Steering helps it glide around furniture legs and tight corners. It picks up kibble, fur, and tracked-in dirt reliably, though fine dust can sometimes bypass the filter—especially if the dust bin is near full. While suction is strong, it lacks the deep-lift power of higher-end models like the Shark ZU102, and the bin capacity is smaller, requiring more frequent emptying during whole-home sessions.

Compared to the Shark NV360 or Kenmore DU1275, the 2254 trades advanced filtration and lift-away versatility for simplicity and cord convenience. It’s perfect for small to medium homes where quick, daily cleanups are the norm, not marathon sessions. Pet owners who value hassle-free storage and consistent pet hair pickup will find this a reliable companion. While it doesn’t offer HEPA filtration or odor control, it outshines budget models in build and usability—making it the best choice for those who hate rewinding cords by hand.

The Kenmore DU1275 is a silent assassin against pet hair tangles. Its standout Hair Eliminator brushroll automatically ejects hair and strings during use—no scissors, no downtime. For anyone who’s ever spent 10 minutes cutting fur off a brushroll, this feature alone is life-changing. Lightweight at under 11 pounds, it’s easy to carry up stairs or maneuver under furniture, yet it doesn’t sacrifice suction power. With 4 height adjustments, it adapts seamlessly from plush carpets to bare floors, giving you precise control over cleaning intensity.

In testing, the DU1275 proved reliable on both short and medium carpets, lifting surface fur and embedded debris with ease. The 7-foot extended reach via hose and tools makes cleaning stairs and car interiors simple, and onboard storage keeps accessories handy. However, while suction is adequate, it doesn’t match the deep-cleaning force of the Shark ZU102 or even the Eureka PowerSpeed. The dust bin is large, but the seal isn’t HEPA-rated, meaning allergens may escape back into the air—a drawback for sensitive households.

Against the Bissell 2254, the Kenmore wins on tangle-free performance and weight, but loses on cord management and edge cleaning. It’s best suited for pet owners in apartments or smaller homes who prioritize low-maintenance cleaning and portability over advanced filtration or cord automation. Compared to the Shark NV360, it offers better hair handling but less versatility. For the price, it delivers exceptional value for pet hair without the premium tag.

This is allergen warfare in vacuum form. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off doesn’t just clean—it seals the deal with a HEPA-sealed allergen system that traps 99.9% of dust, dander, and microscopic irritants. For pet owners with allergies, that’s not a feature—it’s a necessity. The tangle-free brushroll handles fur without wrapping, and Scatter-Free Technology keeps hard floors tidy during passes. But the real magic is in the Lift-Off detachable pod: pull the canister off and clean ceilings, stairs, or car seats like a cordless vacuum—without the battery anxiety.

In real use, the Lift-Off excels in targeted cleaning missions. The 1L dirt tank is compact but easy to empty with one-touch release, minimizing mess. Suction is strong for a lightweight model, especially on upholstery with the TurboEraser pet tool, which agitates and lifts fur from couches and car seats. However, the main unit can feel top-heavy when attached, and continuous whole-house cleaning is less comfortable due to the smaller bin size. It’s not built for deep carpet cleaning like uprights, but it’s unmatched for above-floor pet messes.

Compared to the Shark ZU102, it sacrifices raw carpet power for allergen control and versatility. It’s not a full-home workhorse, but it’s the go-to for pet dander sufferers who need spotless air and flexible cleaning. While the Eureka PowerSpeed offers more suction for less, it lacks HEPA and the Lift-Off’s modular design. If your priority is breathing easier and erasing allergens, this model delivers where it counts—making it the best for allergen control in the pet vacuum lineup.

The Shark ZU503AMZ is a shape-shifting cleaning beast with Lift-Away functionality that transforms it from upright to portable in seconds. This is game-changing for pet owners who need to clean under low-clearance furniture or tackle pet hair on stairs, ceilings, and car interiors. The self-cleaning brushroll lives up to its name—no hair wrap, even after weeks of long-haired dog use—while Swivel Steering makes it agile in tight spaces. With HEPA filtration and a complete seal, it traps dust and allergens, making it ideal for homes where air quality matters.

In practice, the Lift-Away system works flawlessly: detach the pod, attach the extension wand, and you’ve got a handheld vacuum with strong suction. It handles fur, crumbs, and dust across carpets and hard floors, though deep-pile rugs require slower passes for full pickup. The 1200-watt motor delivers solid power, but the dust cup is smaller than the ZU102’s 3XL version, meaning more frequent emptying. The included Pet Crevice Tool is excellent for couch cushions and baseboards, but storage for tools is limited compared to competitors.

Against the Shark NV360, the ZU503AMZ offers nearly identical features but with a slightly more refined toolset and better pet-specific attachments. It’s less about raw capacity and more about versatility and above-floor cleaning. Compared to the Bissell 2254, it lacks cord rewind but wins in allergen control and multi-surface adaptability. It’s perfect for pet owners who need one vacuum for floors, furniture, and tight spaces—a true hybrid that bridges the gap between upright power and portable convenience.

Don’t let the 10-pound frame fool you—the Eureka PowerSpeed packs a 960-watt punch that punches above its weight. This is the budget warrior of pet hair vacuums, delivering strong, consistent suction across hardwood, tile, and medium-pile carpets. The 5-height brushroll adjustment lets you fine-tune cleaning for any surface, from delicate rugs to thick berbers, while the 2.6L dust cup minimizes interruptions. For pet owners who want no-nonsense performance without breaking the bank, this vacuum is a revelation.

In real-world use, it handles daily pet messes with ease—kibble, fur, and tracked-in dirt vanish with minimal passes. The onboard pet turbo brush is a standout, agitating and lifting fur from upholstery better than most tools in this price range. It’s light enough to carry up stairs, and the flip-to-empty bin keeps hands clean. However, build quality feels more plastic than premium, and there’s no HEPA filter—so allergens may recirculate. It also lacks advanced features like swivel steering or tangle-free brushrolls, making it less agile than pricier models.

Compared to the Shark ZU102 or Bissell 2254, it’s clearly a step down in features and filtration, but it outperforms many vacuums twice its price in suction and usability. It’s ideal for renters, small homes, or pet owners on a tight budget who still want solid, reliable cleaning. While the Kenmore DU1275 offers better hair handling, the Eureka wins on adjustability and suction balance. For those seeking maximum value with minimal compromise, this is the best budget-friendly bagless upright for pet hair.

The Shark NV360 is the sweet spot between performance and price. It brings Lift-Away versatility to the mid-range market, letting you detach the pod and clean above floors with ease—perfect for pet hair on stairs, furniture, or car interiors. The brushroll shutoff feature is a quiet hero: switch from carpet to hard floor with a button, protecting delicate surfaces while maintaining suction. With HEPA filter compatibility and a complete seal, it traps allergens effectively, making it a strong choice for homes with pets and sensitivities.

In testing, the NV360 handles everyday messes with confidence. The 0.9-quart dust cup is decent for medium homes, though larger spaces may require mid-clean emptying. Swivel Steering ensures smooth navigation, and the included crevice and upholstery tools cover basic needs. However, the hose is shorter than competitors’, limiting reach, and the motor lacks the oomph of the ZU102 or PowerSpeed. It’s reliable, not revolutionary—ideal for consistent maintenance cleaning, not deep restoration.

Against the ZU503AMZ, it offers nearly identical functionality but with fewer pet-specific tools. Compared to the Bissell 2254, it wins on allergen control and floor protection, but loses on cord convenience. It’s best for pet owners who want HEPA-level filtration, lift-away flexibility, and solid multi-surface performance without paying premium prices. While it doesn’t have PowerFins or odor control, it delivers balanced, dependable cleaning—making it the best mid-range bagless upright for pet hair.