TL;DR
WIRED tested about a dozen vacuums across corded, cordless, handheld, robot, and mop-vac categories to identify models that handle pet fur well. Standout picks include the Dyson Gen5 Detect for cordless performance and the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off for deep cleaning on high-pile carpet.
What happened
A WIRED testing team evaluated roughly a dozen vacuum cleaners of different formats—corded uprights, cordless sticks, handhelds, robots, and 2-in-1 vac/mop units—focusing on how effectively each removed pet hair, dander, and embedded fur. The testers highlighted the Dyson Gen5 Detect as their consistent favorite among cordless sticks; they praised its bright floor illumination, tangle-resistant Digital Motorbar and a claimed whole-machine HEPA filtration system. On the corded/affordable side, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off surprised reviewers by extracting deep-seated dirt from high-pile carpet. Handheld winners included the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus for its motorized self-cleaning brush and the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser for budget handheld work. WIRED also called out high-end robot-mop combos such as the Roborock Saros 10R for strong suction and obstacle-aware mapping. The story was updated in December 2025 to add a couple of new handheld models and to remove an out-of-stock entry.
Why it matters
- Pet hair requires different mechanical and filtration approaches than ordinary dust, so model choice affects cleaning effectiveness.
- Features like illumination, tangle-resistant brush bars, and HEPA-rated filters can make vacuuming fur easier and reduce allergen recirculation.
- Battery life and dustbin design materially influence how practical cordless and handheld options are for routine pet-related messes.
- Robot and vac/mop combos are being equipped with stronger suction and smarter obstacle detection, which changes their usefulness in homes with shedding animals.
Key facts
- WIRED tested about a dozen vacuums across multiple categories (corded, cordless, handheld, robot, and 2-in-1 vac/mop).
- Dyson Gen5 Detect was cited as the consistent favorite cordless model; specs listed include 262 air watts (280W in max), 70 minutes run time, 0.2-gallon capacity, and a two-year warranty.
- Dyson Gen5 Detect features a Digital Motorbar with 56 detangling vanes and a Fluffy Optic cleaner head that uses a green angled light to reveal invisible hair and dust.
- Bissell PowerClean FurFinder was named best cheap cordless; it has three power levels, a front headlight, a 6-inch FurFinder mini head for upholstery, 200W power, and up to ~40 minutes runtime (often nearer 20).
- Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus handheld weighs under 3 pounds, uses two cyclonic airstreams, has a motorized self-cleaning brush, about 15 minutes run time, 0.45-quart capacity, and a washable fabric filter.
- Bissell Pet Hair Eraser handheld lists a 0.7-liter bin, 14.4V battery, up to 17-minute run time, and a three-stage filter that includes an H13 HEPA element.
- Roborock Saros 10R robot/mop claimed features include AI that identifies up to 108 obstacles, 20,000-Pa suction, and a washable filter rated to capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns.
- WIRED updated the guide in December 2025 to add the Levoit Aero and Simplicity Vacuums Flash Mini handhelds and removed the 3i P10 Ultra because it was out of stock.
What to watch next
- WIRED said it is continually testing additional models and plans to update this guide—check back for new picks and test results.
- Stock and availability can change: WIRED removed the 3i P10 Ultra after it went out of stock, which affected the guide’s lineup.
- Not confirmed in the source: long-term durability, maintenance costs, and battery degradation trends for newly added models.
Quick glossary
- HEPA filter: A high-efficiency particulate air filter designed to trap very small particles, often used to reduce allergen recirculation.
- Air watts: A unit sometimes used to express a vacuum’s airflow and suction performance rather than electrical power input.
- Cyclonic filtration: A system that uses centrifugal force to separate dust from the air stream before it reaches the filter or dustbin.
- Robot vacuum/mop combo: An autonomous cleaning appliance that both vacuums and mops floors, often with mapping and obstacle-detection capabilities.
Reader FAQ
Which vacuum did WIRED name its top cordless pick for pet hair?
The Dyson Gen5 Detect was the consistent favorite among cordless models in WIRED’s testing.
Did testers find a budget option that worked well on carpets?
WIRED noted the inexpensive Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off performed impressively on high-pile carpet.
Are robot vacuums a viable choice for pet hair?
WIRED included high-end robot/mop combos such as the Roborock Saros 10R, highlighting strong suction and obstacle-aware mapping as useful for homes with pets.
Does WIRED continuously update its recommendations?
Yes — the guide was updated in December 2025 to add new handheld entries and remove an out-of-stock model; WIRED said it continues testing more vacuums.
Which vacuum is best for allergy sufferers?
Not confirmed in the source.
MOLLY HIGGINS GEAR DEC 29, 2025 7:02 AM The Best Vacuums for Pet Hair Cordless, handheld, robot, and traditional—we tested them all to find the vacuum that’s fantastic for fur….
Sources
- The Best Vacuum for Pet Hair—We Tested Many to Find Which Ones Work Best (2026)
- The Best Robot Vacuums We've Tested for Pet Hair in 2025
- Top 10 Best Cordless Vacuums of 2025 – Vacuum Wars
- Best Vacuums for Pet Hair, Tested and Reviewed
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