The Dyson Gen5 Detect, priced at $800, emerged as a consistent favorite cordless option due to its illuminating light, according to testers. Other models identified as top performers include the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder, a cheaper cordless option available for $235 (originally $260), the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus handheld vacuum, available for $70 (originally $100), and the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser handheld vacuum, priced at $90.

The selection process involved pet-owning colleagues who tested a dozen vacuums to assess their effectiveness in removing pet hair. The primary criterion was the vacuum's ability to effectively suction pet fur, a task more challenging than it appears due to the nature of pet hair. Short, coarse hair, like that of the tester's cat Basil, tends to embed in fabrics and carpets, while long, fluffy hair, like that of the tester's cat Clover, disperses and accumulates in corners.

The market offers a variety of vacuum types designed to address these challenges. Cordless vacuums provide flexibility and ease of use, while handheld vacuums are suitable for spot cleaning and reaching tight spaces. Robotic vacuums offer automated cleaning, and 2-in-1 vacmop combos combine vacuuming and mopping functions.