10 Best Vacuum For Shag Carpets 2026 in the United States

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a strong contender for anyone with shag carpets, especially pet owners. One of its standout features is the powerful suction, which effectively picks up dirt and pet hair, making it an excellent choice for homes with furry friends. The de-tangling technology is particularly impressive, as it automatically removes hair from the brush bar while you clean, a great benefit if you deal with shedding pets.

Maneuverability is another strong point, thanks to its unique ball technology that allows for easy navigation around furniture and tight spaces. The vacuum also offers three cleaning modes, which can be adjusted depending on the surface, ensuring that it performs well on shag carpets as well as other floor types.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Weighing in at 17.33 pounds, it may feel a bit heavy for some users, especially during extended cleaning sessions. Additionally, while it comes with several specialized pet tools, the vacuum is corded, which might limit your reach compared to cordless models. The noise level of 75 dB is also on the higher side, which might be a consideration if you prefer quieter cleaning solutions. The advanced filtration system is a plus, as it keeps dust and allergens trapped inside, making it a suitable option for allergy sufferers. The included accessories, such as the tangle-free turbine tool and the pet groom tool, are valuable for tackling various cleaning challenges.

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is well-equipped for shag carpets, particularly in homes with pets. Its powerful suction and specialized tools offer great performance, though its weight and corded design might be a downside for some users.

The Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum is a solid choice for homes with shag carpets thanks to its strong suction and adjustable brush roll height. Its 960-watt motor ensures consistent power to pull dirt from deep within thick carpet fibers, which is important for shag carpets that can trap more debris. The brush roll has five height settings, allowing you to raise or lower it depending on your carpet thickness, helping avoid damage while still cleaning effectively.

Weighing just 10 pounds, this vacuum is easy to carry and maneuver around furniture or up stairs, which can be a big help in larger homes. It also comes with pet-friendly attachments like a turbo brush and crevice tool, useful for tackling pet hair and hard-to-reach spots on your carpet or upholstery. The 2.6-liter dust cup is generously sized to reduce how often you need to stop and empty it during cleaning.

On the downside, the vacuum has only one speed setting, which means you can’t adjust suction power for more delicate carpet care or different surfaces. Its foam filter is washable but may require regular maintenance to keep performance high, especially if you have pets. Also, it’s not cordless, so you need to manage the power cord as you clean. Noise levels are moderate, around 88 decibels, which might be noticeable but not overly loud. This vacuum offers effective cleaning for shag carpets with good suction and brush adjustments, combined with lightweight convenience, making it suitable for pet owners and those needing versatility on multiple floor types.

The Oreck Commercial XL Vacuum Cleaner is designed to handle tough carpet cleaning, including shag carpets, thanks to its strong suction and high-speed brush roll that effectively lifts dirt from deep within fibers. Its automatic height adjustment helps the brush maintain good contact with uneven surfaces, which is important for thick or shaggy carpets. Weighing only 9 pounds, this vacuum is very lightweight and easy to carry around or use on stairs, making it less tiring during longer cleaning sessions.

It also features a HEPA filter and bagged system, which helps trap fine dust and allergens, keeping the air cleaner. While it is not cordless, requiring management of the power cord during cleaning which can limit mobility, the vacuum includes side edge brushes to clean corners better. It doesn’t come with a wide range of attachments, which might be a downside for those wanting more tools for different cleaning tasks.

The design includes wall bumpers and a handy ergonomic handle, adding to ease of use and protecting your furniture. This vacuum represents a strong choice for users seeking a lightweight, powerful cleaner that adapts well to shag carpets, though it may feel somewhat limited for those wanting cordless convenience or many extra accessories.