Top 12 Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair Reviews & Buying Guide

We are pet lovers. However, we aren’t fans of their fur. It’s particularly difficult when they shed lots or let them sit on our furniture. It can be difficult to clean pet hair and dander from carpets and upholstery. The leather surfaces aren’t easy to clean because certain vacuums can actually blow dirt all over instead of taking it away. Hence handheld vacuum for pet hair is one of the best choice.

In addition to our problem and our dilemma, carrying an ordinary vacuum around could be a hassle and a nightmare for pet owners. This is why the handheld vacuum is ideal for people with pets. They’re lighter than conventional vacuums, easier to move from room to bedroom or out to the car, and have a variety of additional benefits.

In the following article, we’ll list the top handheld vacuums that can remove pet hair and a buyer’s guide to guide you to choose the best vacuum that fits your needs and budget.

This guide will provide several things to consider before purchasing the handheld vacuum, such as the sort of pet you own and the sort of surface you have in your house.

Also read: Can Cordless Vacuum for Pet Hair truly become your best cleaning friend?

Best Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair

1. Bissell 33A1 Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum Cleaner

If you’re searching for an electric and powerful handheld vacuum, The Bissell Animal Hair Elise may be perfect. It comes with a dirt container that easily unsnaps, so it is possible to empty pets’ hair or trash just a few inches of the trash.

One of the most appealing aspects of this Bissel pet hair remover is its various accessories, such as motorized brushes and an upholstery attachment, and a crevice tool.

The design of the upholstery tool makes it ideal for cleaning cars and sofas because it can suction directly onto the surface. Its motorized brush will be great for any surface with fur that has stuck to it as well as the crevice tools are ideal for those hard-to-reach places.

It can be used for up to 17 minutes before having to recharge. With 4.5 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to be transported outdoors or across several rooms.

We recommend this model to all wanting a cordless vacuum but would like something simple to use and durable.

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2. Black and Decker HHVK515JP07 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

This model is perfect for people who wish to clean off dust, dirt, and debris from various places and comes with an extended crevice device, which can be useful for reaching difficult-to-access places. It is equipped with two different speeds that users can change between at any time they want to.

Additionally, since it has a huge 0.75-liter dustbin, customers can also use it several times before emptying its huge dirt cup. Furthermore, with its lithium-ion battery of 20V, MAX can run for up to 30 minutes. However, users who have used it have complained that it is quite loud during operation.

Cleaning this 0.75-liter trash bin is simple due to its one-touch empty feature. Because it comes with an indicator of battery capacity that allows users to be aware of the amount of battery power it has remaining or when it’s been fully charged. It is a handheld model with a washable filter and a pre-filter that is easy to clean, which means it’s pretty simple to keep.

It comprises a large dirt cup that stores lots of dirt and eliminates pet hair from various surfaces.

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3. Uokier VC-819 Cordless Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair Cleaner

Its Uokier portable vacuum cleaner makes a convenient tiny tool that provides two distinct modes of operation that can either vacuum or blow. It also has suction power in high and low options for different circumstances.

It can operate at a low suction power for dust or light hair and increase it to 6000Pa when dealing with larger-sized debris. However, it isn’t employed for the wet mess.

To make it more convenient, it includes a crevice nozzle for cleaning narrow and tight spaces, a brush tool to remove hairs, and a long tube that can be connected to other mouthpieces for various functions. The dirt cup has an adequate 0.4-liter capacity.

And because it weighs just 1.06 pounds, traveling using it is a breeze. Cleaners are powered by a lithium-ion 2000mA battery that lasts for 20 minutes, and it can charge in a relatively short time of 2 up to 3 hours.

It comes with the blowing and vacuuming functions. It also has two options for users to select from.

Also read: Get shocked by reading Vacuum for Stairs review!

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4. Shark Rocket HV292

The Shark HV292 is a simple-to-operate cord vacuum with strong suction capabilities. You get various accessories, including a crevice tool extension handle and a brush specially designed to remove pet hair.

The HV292 is only 3.7 pounds making it among the lightest vacuums for heavy-duty that we have on our list. We like the fact the longer cord allows you to disconnect and infrequently plug as you would with conventional vacuums. It’s also made to wash leather, wood, cloth, and other things and includes the TruePet Motorized Brush that pulls fur from surfaces.

This model is a fantastic choice for those who require an ultra-light, simple-to-use, and strong vacuum. Even though it has a cord, it’s larger than most vacuums.

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5. Shark CH951 Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Its Shark CH951 handheld vacuum cleaner offers a light and compact solution that includes the ability to wash the filter for simple maintenance and a CleanTouch dirt ejector, which does need to interact with dirt.

It weighs just 2.8 pounds to allow easy mobility and features crevice tools and a scrubbing brush that can clean difficult-to-reach areas. It also comes with two air streams that are cyclonic for great suction. Furthermore, since it’s battery-powered, getting about with it is effortless. However, the 10-15 minute battery life is pretty brief.

The vacuum cleaner comes with an 0.45-liter capacity and is effortless to take out. It is equipped with a self-cleaning pet power brush that effortlessly removes hair wraps from surfaces.

It also is equipped with suction power to clean up the debris. This product is renowned for its excellent quality of construction and has proven to effectively remove pet hair.

It is maintenance-free since the filters can be cleaned and easily accessible. It’s also light and offers excellent build quality.

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6. Henforto Rechargeable Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

It is a quiet vacuum cleaner with a sound output of just 70 decibels. Henforto is a silent handheld vacuum cleaner that can suction well and is non-cordless. It weighs only 1.5 pounds and has 30 minutes of running time; it provides ample time to tidy up its space.

The vacuum cleaner is equipped with an easy-to-use hose, dust brush tool, and a crevice tube that makes the process of cleaning more simple. It will take 2.5 to 3 hours to be fully charged. However, unfortunately, some users have complained about poor suction power.

The filter in the Henforto vacuum is easy to clean since it can effortlessly clean the dry and wet mess. It is ideal for use in kitchens. The vacuum cleaner can do well in cleaning food debris, pet hair, and sand.

The additional attachments are guaranteed to get rid of hard-to-reach particles. The vacuum cleaner comes with a very low noise level of 70dB and is equipped with a 16.4-foot cord for charging.

It can take care of the dry and wet mess and comes with a reasonable 2.5-hour charge time. The owners will also know when the device is fully charged with the indicator for its battery.

Also read: How good is Vacuum Mop Combo?

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7. Orfield Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Its Orfield handheld vacuum cleaner provides an impressive 8000Pa of suction power because of its motor’s power of 80W. When its two-year battery capacity is charged, it can be used for as long as 30 minutes before running out. Because it’s completely cordless, it allows users to move around freely and without limitations.

It also has various attachments, including an elongated suction tool and brush (for cleaning carpets, pet hair, car interiors, as well as sofas) and crevice nozzles to deal with narrow areas, and an extended nozzle for hard-to-reach places, meaning it’s equipped to handle various cleaning needs. 

The vacuum cleaner can take at least 4 hours to charge at its full capacity; because it emits lower than 72 decibels used, it’s likely to not cause any disturbance. The only thing required to clean its filters is washing them with water.

And since they’re also readily accessible, it shouldn’t be a problem. The cleaner comes with a 0.5-liter dirt cup size. And being just 2.69 grams, the cleaner won’t cause anyone to experience any fatigue even after long-term usage.

It comes with a powerful vacuuming power and a huge dust cup. It is equipped with a wide selection of accessories, and it is cord-free.

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8. Shark Pet-Perfect II

Here comes the robust and less costly Shark Pet-Perfect II, but do not underestimate this vacuum simply because it’s cheap. It’s loaded with characteristics that give it high suction capacity and the capability to clean bigger messes.

The Shark vacuum comes with various attachments that give you flexibility in cleaning your staircase, furniture, car, or anywhere you’re required to get rid of pet hair. We like that it comes with a motorized brush that removes hair from the carpet.

It weighs 5 pounds. It’s not much; however, some users might find it difficult to take on for prolonged lengths of time. Additionally, it comes with one of the shortest runtimes among the vacuums we’ve reviewed: 15 minutes.

Its Pet-Perfect II is an excellent alternative for those who require an easy-to-use handheld vacuum to remove pet hair and other debris such as food and dirt. The charging stand can hold accessories and make it a useful device.

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9. Black + Decker Max Lithium Flex

As with other brands on the list, Black + Decker is an established brand with a reputation for long-lasting engineering products. This is what made Max Flex make our list. It is equipped with various accessories that help you get rid of the small to medium-sized mess and comes with a specially designed brush for pet hair.

It weighs less than 3 ounces. Hence, it is the lightest vacuum we have reviewed and among the most flexible. It is designed for upholstery, leather carpet, and more.

A powerful 4-foot attachment lets you clean floors, ceilings, and walls. In addition, it can wash and clean the tank and filter, which will save you money. The only issue with this particular model is that it can take up to 4 hours to get to a full charge and is only running for about 15 minutes.

However, it is a good choice. It is a tremendous alternative for those who require an efficient and lightweight vacuum. We like the fact that it can clean upholstery and furniture and clean floors as a traditional vacuum.

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10. Bissell Cleanview Deluxe 47R51

Not the last on our list of recommendations comes our favorite, the Bissell 47R51. It’s fairly inexpensive and comes with essential accessories to get tough tasks done. This small yet powerful vacuum is made to work in multiple places, including your furniture, carpets, and even car upholstery.

At 4.65 pounds, it’s a light vacuum, but it could weigh too much for certain users. While it’s not fully cordless, this feature will restrict your use as the cord measures 18 feet long, which gives the user enough length to sweep multiple areas.

The extension hose and the crevice tool make vacuuming difficult to reach places much simpler, like the mantel of your fireplace.

We believe that this vacuum is a good choice for anyone on a tight budget or who needs the best vacuum with basic functions and features. It includes three accessories, the extension hose, the crevice tool, which we’ve previously discussed, and a wide mouth tool, which is perfect for deep suction.

Also read: Is Vacuum for Car Detailing truly an excellent choice?

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11. Shark WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair

The Shark WANVAC Handheld Vacuum is a tiny heavy-duty device. Its elegant design is particularly appealing, and it does not make a difference that it weighs just 1.4 pounds. you get numerous accessories that help you get rid of dust, fur, and dirt.

It is much worse than the black and decker mentioned above, it is only 10 minutes, yet it is charged 2.5 hours. It’s designed for leather, hardwood, upholstery, and many more.

Interestingly, it features an exclusive Multi-Surface tool that is fabulous for getting rid of dust and pet hair off carpets and upholstery. We also love that it’s an excellent unit for cleaning up small spills, like food or dirt.

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12. Holife Handheld Vacuum

At 3.3lbs, Holife’s Handheld Vacuum is among the lightest vacuums for heavy-duty we’ve reviewed. It’s also among the cheapest models. It has many features allowing you to have the capability of cleaning many surfaces and messes. Several accessories are included, like a crevice brush and a rubber tool.

We are very pleased that it has two washable filters because it isn’t uncommon for things to fail, or you’ll need to replace the filter quickly without having to stop to clean it.

Furthermore, the product comes with an incredibly small bristle brush that is perfect for cleaning the unit and an attachment for rubber that can take care of small liquid messes. It has a staggering 30-minute battery life and can be recharged within 3-4 hours.

The model that made our list was due to its versatility and longer runtime than the norm. We especially like that it’s the only model we’ve included that can clean up liquid spills. Even though the filter can get clogged due to pet hair, we think that the advantages of vacuuming outweigh the disadvantages in the long run.

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Buying Guide for Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair

It’s always good to consider the following factors before purchasing a new item. This is particularly important when it comes to purchasing a handheld vacuum that will eat your pet’s hair. Let’s check some considerations when you are shopping for an all-new handheld vacuum.

1. What Kind of Pet Do You Have?

The kind of pet you have is one of the most important factors to consider since you’ll encounter different kinds of pet hairs to contend with. For instance, long-haired pets shed more than short-haired dogs, but the opposite is the case for cats. Short-haired cats shed more than long-haired ones.

When your dog sheds a lot, it is recommended to use an upright vacuum that can withstand some wear and tear. You’ll not only be doing your regular vacuuming; however, your vacuum is also sucking up more fur regularly.

In addition, certain pets shed more hair just before winter and before summer, which means your vacuum could be working even harder during these months.

2. The Accessories

The vacuums listed on our list have numerous accessories, while some include a couple. The accessories you’ll need depend on the location you’ll use the handheld vacuum. Accessories such as extensions and brushes will make it easier to get rid of fur. This is especially true in difficult-to-access areas such as stairs or crevices in your vehicle.

3. The Type of Surface You’ll Vacuum

Suppose it’s stairs, furniture, or tiny areas on your floor. The kind of flooring you’ll be vacuuming is another important aspect. For example, fur adheres to carpet, making it hard to get rid of completely.

Hardwood is, however, much easier to clean. However, certain vacuums aren’t designed to be used on hardwood floors and may cause debris to spread instead of sucking it all up.

If you have carpets that you want to clean, you might need an upright vacuum with a strong suction or other accessories that can lift fur to get rid of all the carpets.

Ensuring that the vacuum is made for hardwood floors is important if you have stairs or wood floors is important. A different option would be to get an appliance capable of cleaning several surfaces.

4. Cord or Cordless

There are pros/cons with both cord and cordless vacuums. When you use a corded vacuum, you only can travel for a short distance before having to disconnect the cord and connect it elsewhere. Cordless vacuums are simpler to carry around. However, most runs on cordless vacuums are less than 20 minutes.

5. The Weight and Size You Can Lift

The vacuums we’ve included on our list weigh less than 5lbs five pounds; it’s still too much for certain users to transport. Therefore, we’ve added some vacuums that weigh less. It is important to ensure that the vacuum you select is light enough to carry, especially if you have to transport it up the stairs or outside your vehicle.

6. The Best Time to Purchase the Handheld Vacuum

Another vital aspect to consider about is the time to purchase your vacuum. One of the ideal times to buy new vacuums is during the holiday sales or during spring, when businesses offer “spring cleaning” sales.

If you’re not able to just wait for sales, take a look at coupons to save on the price of your vacuum. You may also decide to buy your vacuum during events that raise money and give it to aid pets. Certain vacuum companies have this option during specific seasons or will donate a portion of the purchase to a charity for pets.

7. How Much Do You Budget?

Of course, nobody likes considering their budget unless there is an unlimited budget. However, many of us have a tight budget and consider the amount we can invest in a vacuum cleaner.

This is why we’ve included several top vacuums that are reasonably priced. In our selection, you’ll find models that cost around $40 and some priced barely over $110.

8. Ease of Use

Certain vacuums are difficult to use. It doesn’t matter if you struggle to take out the trash bin or attach it to the wall or try to lock the accessories in our vacuums; we’ve all experienced it. Many of us have experienced such frustration that we’ve thought of throwing away the entire vacuum.

Some vacuums aren’t designed to be easy to use, and some require more coordination and strength than we do. Therefore, it’s good to read the descriptions and features so that you can operate the vacuum comfortably.

Is It Worth to Buy Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair?

• New pets: If you’ve recently received a new pet. You may want to ensure that you have the appropriate cleaning equipment to help them with their cleaning needs. Utilizing a lightweight pet vacuum can reduce the amount of dust and lint you’ll find in your home and save you time rolling lint on your clothes.
• Cleaning up the stairs Areas: The handheld vacuum is often more practical than an upright one in multi-level rooms and carpeted stairs. If you’re a pet owner and stairs are carpeted, you might prefer one that is portable and has an ergonomic and practical design.
• Pet Allergies: The correct vacuum can make all the difference in treating pet allergies. If you are allergic to cats/dogs, it is a good idea to invest in a brand new vacuum that has HEPA filters and an extra-large dust cup.
• Frequently shed Cats or Dogs: Are you looking for a cleaner method to make fast cleaning and de-linting easier when your pets shed often? A pet vacuum handheld with an upholstery tool will easily pull fur and hair off your favorite furniture.

Why Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair May Not Be for You?

• Beware of Concerns About Indoor Air and dust: If you think that cleaning pets’ furs and pet dander frequently could introduce more dust and allergens to the air. But, a vacuum with HEPA-certified filtration on both the exhaust and intake sides can enhance indoor air quality.
• Use an upright or stick Vacuum: Upright vacuums offer powerful suction and a variety of attachments such as motorized brushes and a long crevice tool to reach those difficult corners. If, however, you own stairs, you’ll need the best handheld carpet shampooer for stairs. Additionally, if you wish to vacuum your outdoor spaces or car, using a portable pet hair vacuum or a combination handheld stick vacuum cleaner is more efficient.

How Durable Are Handheld Vacuums for Pet Hair?

Handheld vacuums come with a broad spectrum of life expectancies. According to the EPA, Some models could last longer than the standard upright vacuum with a cord, about 6-8 years. Other handhelds and portable vacuum cleaners are limited by the time that their batteries last.

Modern lithium-ion batteries usually last for 1500-2000 charge cycles, contingent on the amount of discharge and the temperature, and the charging speed, among other things. Experts suggest keeping the batteries at temperatures ranging from 20 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

They also recommend avoiding charging batteries in extreme temperatures because this could increase the loss of capacity.

Regular cleaning and maintenance help your vacuum cleaners last for as long as possible. Many recommend changing the filters in your canister around every six months in regular usage. If your vacuum comes with a washable filter, you’ll need to wash it according to the recommended timetable in the owner’s manual or the product’s specifications.

Filters that are blocked and full bags or canisters can interrupt power and decrease suction in certain vacuums. As time passes, filthy or clogged filters may impede air circulation and result in overheating.

Why Do Handheld Vacuums Work Most Effectively in Removing Pet Hair?

Robots and traditional vacuum cleaners are wonderful; however, let’s be real, they won’t let you go into the tight corners or those tiny dark spaces of your furniture that pet hair is known to conceal. This is, in fact, the job a hand vacuum designed for pet hair is made to accomplish.

Vacuum cleaners that are handheld are great for pets. They’re typically small and light, allowing you to stroll through your home and tackle any hairy spots you come across without the need to carry an upright, heavy vacuum around with you. A small, cordless vacuum designed for pet hair works fantastic on the staircase or in your bedroom on your couch. And it can also function as a great car vacuum.

Certain pet vacuums are fashionable and stylishly designed to ensure that you’ll never mind leaving them at home so that you can access them at any time you need to. This is especially true when purchasing a hand vacuum with an integrated docking station.

Handheld vacuum for pet hair are quieter than conventional vacuums, which means they’re less likely to frighten your pets and more likely to utilize them.

Most hand vacuums are powered by cords and are much less expensive than traditional vacuums that are cordless. This makes them more suitable to use at home or in the car. This also means that you can put them on your clothing since, let’s be real, a hand vacuum is superior to a lint roller in taking pet hair off your clothing and hanging it at the door.

The Handheld Vacuums We Tested

The most fundamental test for cleaning, we made small piles of trash (flour, baking soda, potato chips, and Cheerios) on a flat, smooth surface (like the floor of a typical kitchen). We then observed how easy each vacuum was to take them away.

Most models performed well with small particles like coffee grounds and sand; however, less powerful models struggled with large chickpeas and dirt-laden, sticky debris such as flour. Certain vacuums were able to take away the debris and then let it fall back into the intake once we switched off the power.

For a test of pet hair pickup, we sprayed a small amount of hair (donated by an area groomer) on a couch cushion and a car seat and then attempted to remove it using every vacuum.

We tried it if the model had an attachment that could help improve the pet’s hair pickup (such as rubber nubs or motorized brushes).

We also created tests to gauge the suction (using the specialized gauge) and the raw airflow (using the Anemometer) on each of the vacuums. Suction lets the vacuum cleaner lift the debris off the ground, and airflow aids in transporting the debris to the dust bin. Our results were pretty close to our tests of debris pickup.

We employed a special gauge to determine the amount of pressure the handheld vacuums created. 

Wait, There is More!

To gauge how easy it’s to use each one in awkward angles and restricted spaces, we tried the vacuums in a car (a Subaru wagon, if you’re interested) and a vehicle seat that converts. Every nook and cranny in the floor mats that have ridges and the crevices inside the seat gave us more insight into the ability of each vacuum to clean and how beneficial the attachments it comes with could be.

Because comfort can be subjective, we requested other Wirecutter employees to test each vacuum and tell us what they thought they liked or disliked with the design.

We also tested the battery’s life. Battery life tests in real-world settings generally match manufacturers’ claims.

We compared how loud each vacuum was, both in volume and frequency. Certain models weren’t very loud, but they did produce an extremely loud sound (in the same frequency as a baby crying). These models were the most difficult to deal with.

Due to limitations in testing due to the COVID-19 virus and the COVID-19 pandemic, for our 2022 update, we examined each model’s ability to remove debris and noise level while testing how easy and comfortable it would be operate.

We’ve also tried various portable vacuum cleaners in our homes over time and are familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of various styles.

Also read: Very Shocking expert testing of Lightweight Vacuum for Elderly