10 Best Vacuum For Shag Carpets 2026 in the United States

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 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 Cleaner is a solid choice for homes with shag carpets and pets. Its 8-amp motor provides strong suction that can handle deep carpet fibers reasonably well. The vacuum features five height adjustment settings, which is especially useful for shag carpets since it allows you to raise or lower the brush roll to avoid tangling or damage. Speaking of the brush roll, it’s designed for multi-surface cleaning, but pet hair may clog the roller over time, requiring regular cleaning every couple of weeks to keep it running smoothly.

Weighing only 10 pounds, this vacuum is easy to move around, making it less tiring to use on thick carpets and stairs. The large 2.6-liter dust cup means fewer stops to empty during cleaning sessions. While the foam filtration system is washable and helps reduce maintenance costs, it may not be as effective at trapping fine allergens compared to HEPA filters.

For pet owners, the included pet turbo tool and extra accessories (crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool) are valuable for cleaning hair from various surfaces beyond the floor. It is a corded vacuum, so you’ll need access to outlets during use. The noise level is moderate (around 88 decibels), which is typical but could be noticeable in quiet environments. This vacuum offers a lightweight, affordable option with adjustable height and decent tools for pet hair on shag carpets, though you should be prepared to clean the brush roll periodically and understand it may not capture ultra-fine allergens perfectly.