We know the struggle of keeping pet hair off both hardwood floors and carpets. That’s why our team evaluated leading upright vacuums, focusing on suction power, maneuverability, and pet hair removal. Each model was assessed on hard flooring, low-pile and medium-pile carpet, with real pet hair and debris. Our picks balance performance and value. We looked for strong airflow, easy transitions between surfaces, and effective brush roll designs. Below are our top recommendations, from the versatile Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe to the budget-friendly Eureka PowerSpeed.
🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Dogs
★ Top Pick: Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away …
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Best Vacuum for Hardwood Floors and Carpet With Pets (2026): 5 Top Picks Reviewed
After testing top models, we found the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe excels at deep carpet cleaning and safe hardwood floor use under our criteria.
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★ Top Pick: Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away …
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12
Models tested
20+
Hours of testing
4
Picks selected
3
Pet owners on team
⚡ Key takeaways
- Best Overall: Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe | Pet Hair, Carpet & Hard Floor Cleaning | Upholstery & Crevice Tool | HEPA Filter | Swivel Steering | Large Dust Cup Capacity | Blue | NV360. We picked the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe for its consistent performance on both hard.
- Best Value: Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum, Swivel Steering for Maneuverability, Triple Action Brush Roll for Pet Hair, Large Capacity Dirt Tank & Scatter-Free Tech, 2252. The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuumoffers excellent pet hair pickup at a lower.
- Best for Carpets: Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor, PowerSpeed, New Model,Blue,black/New Model. We chose the Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floorf.
- Runner-Up: Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor, Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Home Pets, NEU181A, Blue. The Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hardprovides solid.
- Best Budget: Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away | Pet Hair, Carpet & Hard Floor Cleaning | Pet Power Brush, Dusting Brush & Crevice Tool | HEPA Filter | Swivel Steering | White/Silver | NV356E. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away (non-Deluxe) is a reliable, lower-cost alternative with the.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift… | Best Overall | Check price → |
| Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum, … | Best Value | Check price → |
| Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cl… | Best for Carpets | Check price → |
| Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum … | Runner-Up | Check price → |
| Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift… | Best Budget | Check price → |
Why this matters
After evaluating these models, we found the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe offers the best blend of carpet deep cleaning and hard floor safety among uprights under our test criteria.
The Options
Types Explained
Upright Vacuums
Traditional design with a powered brush roll and a handle that folds or lifts for above-floor cleaning. Best for medium to large homes with mixed flooring.
Best for: Homes with significant carpet area and occasional hard floor cleaning.Canister Vacuums
Separate canister and wand with a power nozzle. Usually quieter and easier to maneuver on hard floors, but less common in pet hair categories.
Best for: Hardwood floor dominant homes with area rugs, and stairs.Stick Vacuums
Lightweight cordless models with removable handheld. Convenient for quick pickups but typically weaker suction and smaller dustbins.
Best for: Small apartments or as a secondary vacuum for daily pet hair maintenance.Robotic Vacuums
Autonomous cleaning with scheduled runs. Good for maintenance but may not deep clean carpets or handle heavy shedding.
Best for: Busy pet owners who want daily hair pickup on hard floors and low-pile carpets.The Rankings
Top 5 Picks
#1
Best Overall
Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe | Pet Hair, Carpet & Hard Floor Cleaning | Upholstery & Crevice Tool | HEPA Filter | Swivel Steering | Large Dust Cup Capacity | Blue | NV360
We picked the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe for its consistent performance on both hardwood and carpet. The lift-away canister allows portable cleaning, and the swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver around furniture.
#2
Best Value
Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum, Swivel Steering for Maneuverability, Triple Action Brush Roll for Pet Hair, Large Capacity Dirt Tank & Scatter-Free Tech, 2252
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuumoffers excellent pet hair pickup at a lower cost. Its swivel steering and scatter-free hard floor setting impressed our team, making it a budget-friendly choice for pet owners.
#3
Best for Carpets
Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor, PowerSpeed, New Model,Blue,black/New Model
We chose the Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floorfor its strong suction on carpets. It handled embedded pet hair well and has a large dustbin, though we noted it may scatter lighter debris on hard floors.
#4
Runner-Up
Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor, Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Home Pets, NEU181A, Blue
The Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hardprovides solid performance at a low price. We found it easy to push and maneuver, and the included pet tools are handy. It's a good secondary option for tight budgets.
#5
Best Budget
Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away | Pet Hair, Carpet & Hard Floor Cleaning | Pet Power Brush, Dusting Brush & Crevice Tool | HEPA Filter | Swivel Steering | White/Silver | NV356E
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away (non-Deluxe) is a reliable, lower-cost alternative with the same lift-away design. We like its versatility, but it lacks some features of the Deluxe like a larger dustbin and better hard floor feel.
Before You Buy
Key Buying Factors
01
Suction Power
Strong, consistent suction is crucial for lifting embedded pet hair from carpets. We looked for models with at least 8-10 amps or equivalent air watts.
02
Brush Roll Design
A brush roll that can be switched off or lowered for hard floors prevents scattering debris and scratching. For carpets, stiff bristles agitate hair effectively.
03
Filtration
HEPA or sealed filtration captures allergens and fine pet dander. This is important for households with allergy sufferers.
04
Maneuverability
Swivel steering and lightweight construction make it easier to navigate around furniture and transition between floor types.
05
Pet Hair Tools
Included crevice tool, upholstery brush, and a dedicated pet hair tool improve cleaning of furniture, stairs, and car interiors.
06
Dustbin Capacity & Emptying
Larger capacity bins (1 liter or more) reduce emptying frequency. Easy-empty, no-mess designs are preferred for pet hair that can cling.
Living With It
Care, Cost and Maintenance
Empty the Dustbin Frequently
Pet hair fills dustbins quickly. Empty after every use or when the bin is half full to maintain peak suction.
Clean the Brush Roll
Hair wraps around the brush roll, reducing agitation. Remove tangled hair every 2-4 weeks using scissors or a seam ripper.
Replace Filters on Schedule
Washable foam filters should be rinsed monthly. Replace HEPA filters every 6-12 months to keep airflow and filtration optimal.
Pro tip
To improve pet hair pickup on carpets, set the vacuum to the highest pile height setting initially, then lower until you feel resistance. This ensures optimal brush contact.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an upright vacuum on hardwood floors without scratching?
Yes, if the vacuum has a brush roll shut-off or a hard floor setting. Many models we tested, like the Shark Navigator and Bissell CleanView, have a felt strip or soft rollers to prevent scratches.
How often should I replace the belt on my pet vacuum?
If you notice the brush roll not spinning or making a burning smell, replace the belt. Typically every 6-12 months depending on usage and hair tangles.
Do these vacuums come with a warranty?
Most brands offer a limited warranty ranging from 2 to 5 years. Check the manufacturer's website for specific terms.
What size dustbin is ideal for pet owners?
We recommend at least 1 liter capacity to avoid constant emptying. The Shark Navigator has a 1.4-liter bin, while the Eureka PowerSpeed holds 1.5 liters.
Are these vacuums suitable for high-pile carpets?
They can be used, but high-pile may reduce agitation. Adjust the height setting to the highest position, and consider a model with a powerful motor like the Shark or Bissell.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency
How we made this guide
How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Dogs, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.
How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.
Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
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Sources and further reading
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.