Shark vs. Bissell: Which vacuum is better for tackling pet hair? I put them to the test
I couldn't believe how well this handheld vacuum cleaned my cat's favourite hangout spots.
We all love our furry friends, but let's be real — keeping up with pet hair is a constant battle. As a proud mom of two cats, I've accepted that shedding comes with the territory (no matter how much I brush them). I've tried just about every pet hair-removing gadget out there, and some are more effective than others. For me, the toughest spots to tackle are my cats' go-to lounging areas (AKA the corner of the couch where I wouldn't dare to sit in black clothing). This is where I need to pull out the power tools.
Quick shop:
Shark WV200C WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Hand Vac 33A1C Hand Held Vacuum
During my hunt to find the best pet hair remover, I put two highly-rated hand vacuums to the test: Shark's Handheld Vacuum against Bissell's Pet Hair Eraser. One rings in at more than $100, while the other is currently less than $40. Keep reading to find out if it's better to save or splurge.
Shark Handheld Vacuum
The Shark WV200C WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum comes with two seperate attachments and a charging dock.
- Sleek design
- Lightweight
- Cordless
- Multiple attachments
- Good suction
- Convenient
- Battery life
- Price
What I like about it
I've been using the Shark Handheld Vacuum for more than a month now, and one of my favourite features is that it's cordless. It's convenient to move from room to room without fussing around with a cord. Plus, it comes with a convenient charging dock.
Its sleek design is another win — I don't feel the need to hide it in a broom closet. It blends seamlessly into my space, resting on its charging dock and always ready to use.
The vacuum includes two attachments: a crevice tool that's great for tight spaces like between couch cushions and an upholstery tool that helps lift hair, dust and debris. It's super easy to use, partly due to its lightweight design, and it's great for tackling loose pet hair, especially in corners and hard-to-reach spots.
Room for improvement
I do wish the vacuum held a charge for longer and recharged faster. During a big clean, the vacuum died after about 30 minutes and before I was finished cleaning. It's not a big deal, as 30 minutes is usually enough time to spot clean, which this vacuum is best for. However, it's a little frustrating when you're in the cleaning zone and have to wait for more an hour for it to charge.
While the suction is quite powerful, I did have to put in some elbow grease to get the pet hair to lift off the upholstery.
What other shoppers are saying
With just less than 900 ratings, this handheld vacuum from Shark is sitting at 4.3 stars. Overall, shoppers praise its lightweight feel and powerful suction, saying, "Love the suction on this vacuum!" and "Its small and sleek form lets it maintain great suction."
However, it was noted that the battery life could be better, with one shopper sharing, "It doesn't have a super long battery life," adding, "Don't expect it to do your whole home, even if you live in a small one-bedroom apartment."
Shark WV200C WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser
Bissell's Pet Hair Eraser may be small, but it's mighty.
- Powerful suction
- Rubber nozzle great for picking up pet hair
- Compact design
- Large disposal compartment
- Not cordless
- Can't reach into tight spaces
- A little heavier
What I like about it
I'm not going to lie — this vacuum is a total game-changer for pet hair removal. It truly lives up to its name as a "pet hair eraser." The rubber attachment effortlessly picks up hair from even the trickiest spots, and its powerful suction feeds into a spacious compartment that holds everything it collects.
With its long 16-foot power cord, I only needed to switch outlets when moving between rooms. It also doubles as a regular handheld vacuum and comes with a standard angled nozzle. It's perfect for tackling dust, hair and crumbs throughout the house (not just on furniture!).
Room for improvement
As much as I appreciate the long cord on this vacuum, a cordless design would be way more convenient. And while it's super powerful when factoring in its compact design, my arm got a little tired after vacuuming my whole sectional couch (but that's likely something I can fix by lifting more weights).
My last critique is that I wish it came with a thinner attachment to make it easier to get into compact spaces.
What other shoppers are saying
Bissell's Pet Hair Eraser has made it into many pet owners' homes. It has more than 1,400 ratings, with an overall 4.2 stars. Shoppers rave about how powerful this little vacuum is, saying, "It's tiny but mighty." They also praise its ability to remove pet hair from various surfaces. However, one review mentioned that "it does require a bit of pressure when passing over carpet/upholstery" — which is to be expected. Another shopper said they found it "heavy and a little awkward" but said it has "great suction" and "good cord length."
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Hand Vac 33A1C Hand Held Vacuum
The verdict
These two handheld vacuums might have similar ratings, but when it comes to price and performance, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is the option that blew me away.
The Shark Handhand Vacuum is still great overall, with its sleek, cordless design and ability to reach into tight spaces. But the battery life isn't the best, and it didn't feel as powerful as its competitor.
However, the Bissell, despite it being slightly less convenient to use due to its cord and bulky design, ended up being superior in removing pet hair. Not to mention, it's currently on sale for 39 per cent off!
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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