Top 8 Handheld Pet Hair Vacuums in 2021
Is your pet leaving its tiny hairs everywhere? Pets are faithful companions, but they can make quite a mess. Not only you’ll have to deal with scattered kibble and kitty litter at times, but you probably also have pet hair to clean.
Pet hair is among the most persistent things to get rid of. It’s tiny, slim, and sticks to everything, especially carpets and upholstery. The best way to clean it is by vacuuming, but using a full-size vacuum every day tends to be inconvenient.
Instead, you should consider getting a handheld vacuum for pet hair. These hand vac cleaners are lightweight, easy to use, and powerful enough to pick up even the tiniest hairs.
Plus, most of them have excellent filtration, ensuring that no hairs or dander ends up in your breathing space. Read below to discover the best handheld pet hair vacuum cleaners and how to choose one.
| Product Name | Run Time/Cord Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium-Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum | up to 17 min | 4.24 lbs |
| Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum, Corded, 33A1 | 16 ft | 5 lbs |
| Homasy Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner with LED Light | 22 min | 2.1 lbs |
| Bissell, 1782 Pet Hair Eraser | 12 min | 3 lbs |
| Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Hand Vacuum (HV292) | 15 ft | 3.7 lbs |
| Hikeren Handheld Vacuum | 30 min | 2 lbs |
| Shark Pet-Perfect II Cordless Bagless Hand Vacuum (SV780) | Unknown | 4.3 lbs |
| Kimitech Cordless Handle Vacuum Cleaner | 35 min | 2.55 lbs |
Most Powerful Handheld Vacuums for Pet Hair Reviewed
BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium-Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is one of the most popular handheld vacuums for pet hair. It’s a cordless vacuum, equipped with a 14V lithium-ion battery that lasts some 17 minutes.
On top of that, this is a bagless vacuum cleaner that comes with a dust bin. It’s a 0.7 liters dust bin that’s easy to remove, empty, and wash when needed.
Another thing worth mentioning is the triple-level filtration that ensures all the dander and pet hair are trapped inside.
This Bissell vacuum comes with a set of specialized pet tools that include a crevice tool, motorized brush tool, and an upholstery tool for above-floor surfaces.
Thanks to its construction and ease of use, Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is ideal for spot-cleaning and above-floor surfaces. You can use it to clean stairs, car interiors, and furniture.
Specifications
- Run Time: up to 17 min
- Weight: 4.24 lbs
- Filtration: triple-level
Pros
- Small and compact
- Powerful suction
- Triple level filtration
Cons
- Can’t replace just one filter
Looking for more Bissell vacuums? We’ve reviewed all the hot models.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum, Corded, 33A1
This is the corded version of the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser hand vacuum. It’s an excellent choice for car interiors, staircases, upholstery, and other above-floor surfaces.
Much like the previous Bissell Pet Hair vacuum we mentioned, this one has multi-layer filtration. It uses the Cyclonic Cleaning System, sporting enough suction power to pick up everything from pet hair and dander to other particles and debris.
It comes with a 16′ long power cord and a dirt cup capacity of 0.78 liters. The dirt cup is easy to detach and empty. It doesn’t require any major maintenance except an occasional rinse.
This Bissell features a specialized rubber nozzle that pulls the tiny hairs out of your floors and upholstery. It also comes with another two specially designed nozzles.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Multi-level filtration
- Easy-grip handle
Cons
- Loud operation
Homasy Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner with LED Light
Homasy cordless vacuum cleaner features a 70W high-speed power motor that provides suction of up to 6KPA. It cleans everything from dust, paper scraps, bread crumbs, pet hair, dust, and other similar debris. You can use it on different surfaces such as hard floors, carpets, and hard-to-reach areas.
It comes with crevice and rubber nozzles that are specifically designed to remove different kinds of messes. Since it’s a wet and dry vacuum, you can use its rubber nozzle to remove liquid.
This is a cordless vacuum that comes with an 11.1V 2.2Ah li-ion battery. It takes up to five hours to fully charge, providing some 22 minutes of run time. Also, this one has a charging indicator light.
Homasy vacuum features LED light that help you to clean hard-to-reach areas in low-light conditions.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Washable filter
- Wall charging base included
Cons
- The filter requires frequent cleaning
Bissell, 1782 Pet Hair Eraser
This is another Bissell’s version of the very popular Pet Hair Eraser vacuum. It’s a small and compact handheld vacuum that comes with a motorized brush for even the most embedded pet hair and dander.
It’s both cordless and bagless, so you can easily reach different areas while also saving money on additional dust bags. However, you should keep in mind that its dust bin measures 0.7L in capacity. It’s similar to most handheld vacuums, requiring nothing more than emptying and occasional washing.
Pet Hair Eraser 1782 comes with a crevice tool and a telescoping extension wand as well. You also receive an upholstery tool for cleaning furniture, sofas, and other above-floor surfaces.
Another thing worth noting is its dual-action filtration system. Also, it weighs only 3 pounds in total.
Pros
- Great for hard-to-reach areas
- Easy-to-empty dust bin
- Lightweight
Cons
- The motorized brush drains the battery
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Hand Vacuum (HV292)
Shark is one of the biggest names in the industry. It offers a wide range of different vacuum cleaners, including many handheld vacuums. Still, Shark Rocket HV292 is among the most popular models.
It comes with a True Pet motorized brush that’s designed to allow deep-cleaning and removing even the most embedded dander and pet hair.
It’s a bagless vacuum, featuring an easy-to-empty dust bin that empties with a touch of a button. However, keep in mind that it’s a corded vacuum, featuring a 15′ long power cord.
On top of that, it weighs less than 4 pounds, allowing you to carry it and clean above-floor surfaces with ease. The package also includes a long crevice tool, extension hose, and another two brushes for cleaning different messes.
Pros
- Motorized brush included
- Strong suction power
- Easy-to-empty dust bin
Cons
- Short power cord
If you’d like to check out more Shark vacuums for pet hair, see our full guide.
Hikeren Handheld Vacuum
This Hikeren handheld vacuum uses a 100W ultra-high power motor, providing up to 7KPA of suction. As a result, it picks up everything from cat litter, crumbs, and dust to pet hair, dander, and other similar particles and debris.
Since it’s pretty small and compact, the vacuum is ideal for cleaning hard-to-reach areas. It’s meant for both dry and wet messes, making it easy to clean water and spilled milk as well.
It’s a cordless vacuum, so you’ll get unlimited reach. This allows you to use it for hard-to-reach areas and above-floor surfaces with ease. However, keep in mind that its battery lasts some 30 minutes on a single charge. It takes three to four hours to recharge.
The vacuum comes with three accessories, including a brush tool, a rubber nozzle, and the crevice tool.
Pros
- 30 minutes of battery life
- Powerful suction
- Easy to empty
Cons
- It takes a long time to recharge
Shark Pet-Perfect II Cordless Bagless Hand Vacuum (SV780)
Shark Pet-Perfect II is a powerful handheld vacuum designed specifically for pet hair and dander. However, it can pick up much more than just that.
It comes with an extra-large detachable motorized brush that’s ideal for cleaning embedded pet hair and dander. It can also clean things like kitty litter, dust, dirt, sand, and other similar particles.
This handheld vacuum has a dust bin capacity of 0.56 quarts. It’s easy to empty, which is something you’ll have to do after each use. Plus, it requires an occasional rinse as well.
It comes with a crevice tool, a dusting brush, and a motorized brush. It also has a direct suction option that makes it easy to clean all kinds of messes on different surfaces.
Plus, it features a removable and washable filter that you’ll have to wash every few uses.
Pros
- Wall-mountable charging stand
- Washable filtration
- Easy to work with
Cons
- Weighs nearly 5 pounds
Kimitech Cordless Handle Vacuum Cleaner
Kimitech is a cordless handheld vacuum cleaner that’s ideal for removing pet hair thanks to its powerful suction. The 120W high power motor provides some 7KPA of suction power. In most cases, this makes it easy to clean pet hair, sand, grain, dust, water, coffee, and other similar messes.
One of the best things about this hand vacuum is the stainless steel HEPA filter. It’s a washable filter that can be washed 500 times.
This handheld vacuum comes with a 2200mAh lithium-ion battery. You get some 35 minutes of battery life, which should be enough for removing pet hair and other messes. Keep in mind that it takes only two hours to recharge, which is faster than most handheld vacuums.
It comes with small and big dust brushes, a crevice tool, and an extension hose.
Specifications
- Run Time: 35 min
- Weight: 2.55 lbs
- Power: 120 W
Pros
- Washable HEPA filter
- It takes only 2 hours to recharge
- Accessory bag included
Cons
- Insufficient suction power for larger debris
Choosing the Best Hand Vac for Pet Hair
As you can see, many different handheld vacuums can get the job done. However, finding the perfect handheld vac among as many isn’t as simple. The best way to ensure you’re getting the right handheld is to consider the most important buying factors first.
Take a few minutes to discover these factors and why they’re essential. The information below can help you to choose the best handheld for your needs.
Filtration
Filtration is one of the most important factors to consider regardless of the type of vacuum you’re buying. Still, it’s that much more important when buying a vacuum cleaner for pet hair.
Pets can make all kinds of messes, but hair and dander are still the most difficult to deal with. They’re the primary triggers for most allergies, which is why you should always pay special attention to filtration systems.
Most handheld vacuums come with double- or triple-layer filters. On the other hand, best handheld vacuums feature HEPA, and they’re the recommended choice if you’re prone to allergies.
Suction
Suction power is another critical factor that can make or break a vacuum cleaner. Regardless of your needs and preferences, you probably want a handheld vacuum that has enough suction to pick up pet hair, dander, dust, cat litter, and other such particles.
For this reason, it’s a factor that you shouldn’t overlook regardless of the brand you’re interested in. Make sure that your handheld of choice is strong enough to get the job done.
On the other hand, you should also consider the type of surface you’re cleaning. Some vacuums have too much suction to clean throws and area rugs.
Attachments
You should think about the type of attachments if you’re looking to clean pet hair with them. Some accessories are meant for hair and dander, while others may not be as useful for the job.
Make sure that the vacuum of your choice comes with a motorized brush or another motorized tool. These are the most efficient when it comes to removing pet hair.
Other accessories such as crevice tool and upholstery brush are also quite useful.
Price Point
You should always think about your budget so that you can have a clear idea of what to look for. Having a price set makes it easier to find something within those lines.
Handheld vacuum cleaners come at different prices, depending on the brand, suction power, and accessories. Luckily, most of them are rather affordable, although that tends to depend on the brand the most.
Size & Ease of Use
Handheld vacuums are mostly popular because of their size and compactness. Small vacuums are easier to use and store away. They’re ideal for spot-cleaning, which is something pet owners have to do quite often.
On the other hand, the ease of use depends on a few more things. It depends on the overall size of the vacuum, but also suction power, battery life/cord length, and the maintenance it requires.
Corded or Cordless
Handheld vacuum cleaners are usually cordless because they’re meant for spot-cleaning and above-floor cleaning. This allows you to reach all areas of your home without thinking so much about cord length.
However, you’ll have to think about battery life if you’re interested in a cordless model. Nearly every battery lasts around 30 minutes, taking two to five hours to recharge.
Corded vacuums have unlimited run time, whereas cordless models have unlimited reach. Think about which of the two matters more to you.
Flooring Types
Much like every other vacuum cleaners, not all handheld models do an equally good job on all floors. Make sure to consider the type of flooring you have so that you can find the most suitable handheld.
The type of flooring you have will help you figure out the suction power and accessories you need. For example, you may not need accessories for carpet if you only have hard floors.
Bagged or Bagless
Choosing between bagged and bagless is entirely up to you, which is why you should consider your needs and preferences carefully.
Handheld vacuum cleaners are typically bagless because they’re as small. However, their size is also the reason why they come with smaller dust cups.
Still, bagged handhelds do exist, but they require you to replace the bags quite frequently. Again, it’s because of their size that the included bags are equally as small.
Why Choose a Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair Removal?
Pet hair removal is quite tricky because fur can be persistent and challenging to clean on most surfaces we have in our homes. And, although most vacuums can remove pet hair, you want one that’s easy to use at any time.
In other words, although your full-size upright vacuum may do a great job at removing pet hair, do you really want to drag it out every day?
Take a minute to read the information below to discover what makes a handheld better for the job.
Size
As we mentioned already, handhelds are small, compact, and lightweight. This makes them ideal for everyday cleaning, quick cleanups, and spot-cleaning.
Think about the top canisters for pet hair. These are powerful and can extract even the most embedded fur from different surfaces. However, they’re quite big and bulky, which makes them annoying to use every day.
Handhelds are at the other end of the spectrum when it comes to size. For this reason, they’re ideal for those smaller cleaning tasks like removing built-up pet hair on your couch or corners of the floors.
Weight
Weight is another similar factor to size. As expected, these vacuums are quite lightweight since they’re as small. However, some handheld vacuums are heavier than others.
The main thing to consider is how often you’ll use your handheld and for what purpose. You might want to consider a more lightweight hand vac if you have to clean after your pet every day. If not, you can go with a bit heavier vac if you have to.
Hand vacuums typically weigh around 3 pounds, although even some of the best handheld vacuums are heavier than that, weighing up to five pounds. They can be equally as powerful when it comes to suction.
Convenience
Convenience is directly connected to weight and size. Most hand vacuums that are easy to use and convenient, but you’ll notice that it usually depends on a few factors.
Things like the filtration system, suction power, general maintenance, and the size of the dust bin are equally as important. You may have a lightweight hand vac, but you won’t find it as convenient if its dust bin is too small.
In other words, this means that all these factors should work together to create a convenient handheld. Overall, the most convenient are lightweight vacuums that don’t require much maintenance and have enough power.
Maneuverability
These vacuums are the most maneuverable when you compare them to other vacuums for pet hair. Hand vacs are relatively lightweight and easy to use, so you probably won’t struggle with maneuverability.
However, this is only the case if you get a vacuum that matches your needs. In other words, if it has all the right tools and enough power to clean carpets, you probably won’t struggle with maneuvering it on that type of surface.
Also, maneuverability depends on the cord length if you’re choosing a corded vacuum. It depends on battery life as well if you’re going for a battery-operated handheld vacuum.
Ideal for Quick Cleanups
There’s hardly a better vacuum type for quick cleanups. Again, it’s because of how small and easy to use these vacuums are.
Pet hair, kitty litter, kibble, dander, and other similar things are just a few of the messes you’re probably dealing with as a pet owner. If your furry friend likes spending time outdoors as well, you probably have to clean dust, dirt, and other larger debris.
And if these messes appear every day or even multiple times a day, you need a convenient and practical vacuum to deal with them.
Versatility
Hand vacuums are pretty versatile, which makes them ideal for most households. A handheld with powerful suction is an excellent choice for pet hair, but also dander, kitty litter, dust, dirt, and other similar debris.
However, there are even more versatile models that can clean wet messes as well. These are ideal for spilled water and milk, which is what makes them a popular choice among pet owners.
Another thing that adds to the overall versatility is the number of different accessories. The more you have, the more versatile your vacuum is.
Low Maintenance
The last thing you want is a vacuum that you’d have to wash and clean after each use. These cleaners are small, so you can expect their dust bins to fill up quickly. In most cases, emptying the dust bin is the only maintenance you’ll have to do as frequently.
At some point, you should also wash the dust cup and the filters. However, make sure to wash them, as explained in the instructions you received with your vacuum.
It’s equally as important to wash all the accessories and attachments you use as well. Lots of hairs tend to build up in there.
Affordable
Handheld vacuums aren’t the most expensive ones, although high-end models do stand out when it comes to price. As we already mentioned, you should always consider your budget before you start your search for the best handheld pet hair vacuum.
Corded handhelds are usually cheaper than cordless ones, although this isn’t always the case. Oftentimes, things like power, battery life, accessories, and ease of use can affect the overall price as well.
Also, some brands are more expensive than others, which you’ll notice if you compare Shark Rocket and Bissell, for example.
Power
You should always aim for powerful suction regardless of the type of vacuum you’re buying. However, one thing to keep in mind is that handhelds aren’t as strong as full-size models.
Hand vacuum cleaners we reviewed are powerful enough to pick up pet hair and dander. Some are stronger than others, allowing you to clean kitty litter, sand, food crumbs, and other similar dirt and debris.
The overall power varies from vacuum to vacuum. In most cases, 4amp is the bare minimum if you’re looking to pick up hair, dander, and other similar particles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What is the best handheld vacuum for pet hair on furniture?
A: If you let your pet sleep on the couch or bed, you should consider getting the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser. It’s among the best for the job because it comes with a motorized tool, as well as crevice and upholstery tools.
It’s a cordless vacuum with a 14V lithium-ion battery and a dust bin of 0.7 liters. On top of that, it has a triple-level filtration.
Q:
What is the best handheld vacuum for pet hair and stairs?
A: Bissell 1782 Pet Hair Eraser is one of the best choices for pet hair and stairs. We all know how pet hair can build up in all the corners, nooks, and crannies of a staircase, which often requires particular attention.
This one comes with a motorized tool, allowing a deeper clean on most surfaces. It also comes with an upholstery tool, a telescoping extension wand, and a crevice tool for all those tight and hard-to-reach spaces.
Read More: Highest Rated Vacuums for Staircases
Q:
What is the best portable vacuum for pet hair in the car?
A: Does your pet ride with you? If so, you might want to consider Homasy Cordless Handheld as one of the best for those tight and hard-to-reach areas.
It’s perfect for car interiors because it doesn’t have a cord. Instead, it features a lithium-ion battery that lasts some 25 minutes in total.
Another great thing about this one is that it features LED lights. This makes it ideal for cleaning all the remote nooks and crannies in low-light conditions.
Further reading: Our Selection of Car Vacuums for Pet Fur
Q:
Are mini vacuums powerful enough for pet hair?
A: Mini vacuum cleaners are among the best for pet hair, especially when it comes to spot-cleaning. These vacuum cleaners are compact, lightweight, and easy to use.
Also, you have several options to choose from regarding power, battery, cord length, and accessories. They’re versatile and simple, and you can even use them to clean car interiors.
Conclusion
Choosing a vacuum for pet hair can often be an overwhelming process because there are many models on the market. Hopefully, you found yourself the best handheld vacuum for pet hair on our list. If not, we suggest you reread the reviews and buyer’s guide.
The information included in our buyer’s guide can help you choose the best one for your needs and preferences.
Finding the best vacuum doesn’t have to be as complicated as long as you consider all the critical buying factors. Think about suction, battery, cord length, and everything else that can help you to get rid of pet hair.
These vacuum cleaners are the best that the market has to offer. They won’t fail you when it comes to pet hair, while many of them can also tackle other types of dirt and debris.
Sources and Resources
- These 13 Dog Hair Removal Tools Will Change Your Life
– https://www.rover.com/blog/spring-cleaning-dog-hair-removal/
- Pets and a Clean Home
– https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/parents-and-caregivers/pets-and-clean-home
