Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A Upright Vacuum: Pet Hair Powerhouse

Key Features

The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A is designed to make pet hair cleanup a breeze, earning its place among the top vacuum cleaners for pet hair:

• Lightweight Design: At 10 lbs, it’s easy to carry and maneuver, ideal for multi-level homes.
• Powerful Suction: 960 watts and 13 kPa suction power tackle pet hair, dirt, and debris on carpets and hard floors.
• Extra-Large Dust Cup: 2.6-liter capacity reduces emptying frequency for uninterrupted cleaning.
• Pet Turbo Tool: Specialized attachment for pet hair on upholstery, stairs, and furniture, plus crevice, dusting, and upholstery tools.
• Five Height Adjustments: Adapts to hard floors, low-pile rugs, and deep carpets for versatile cleaning.
• Washable Filters: Foam filter reduces maintenance costs, though not HEPA-rated for allergies.
• 25-Foot Cord: Covers large areas with fewer plug changes.

Performance

Tested in a home with a long-haired cat and a shedding dog, the Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A impressed with its suction power. On medium-pile carpets, it filled the 2.6-liter dust cup with pet hair and fine dust after a single pass, outperforming an older vacuum that missed debris. Hardwood and tile floors were cleared efficiently, though some users noted litter can scatter due to the forward-facing exhaust vent. The Pet Turbo Tool effectively removed hair from furniture, with users praising its performance on sectionals. At 10 lbs, it’s easy to carry upstairs, but the 25-foot cord felt short for larger rooms, requiring an extension cord in some cases. The lack of a headlight was a minor drawback in low-light areas. Check Price on Amazon.

Pros

• Strong suction for pet hair and debris on multiple surfaces.
• Lightweight and portable, great for stairs and small spaces.
• Large dust cup minimizes emptying during cleaning.
• Budget-friendly with robust features for pet owners.
• Washable filters reduce long-term costs.
• Easy to assemble and use, even for frequent vacuuming.

Cons

• Forward-facing exhaust vent can scatter lightweight debris on hard floors.
• Cord length (25 ft) may be short for large homes.
• No headlight, limiting visibility in dim areas.
• Non-HEPA filter may not suit severe allergy sufferers.
• Some users report hair trapping near the dust cup inlet, requiring manual clearing.

Comparison with Similar Products

Compared to the **Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel**, the Eureka NEU181A offers a larger dust cup (2.6L vs. 1L) but lacks scatter-free technology for hard floors. The **Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360** includes a HEPA filter for allergies, but its smaller dust cup (0.9L) requires more frequent emptying. The **Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum** is lighter (8.4 lbs) and cheaper but has less suction and fewer pet tools. The Eureka shines for budget-conscious pet owners needing capacity and power.

Check out our curated comparison of the highest rated vacuum cleaners for pet hair.

User Feedback

With over 60,000 reviews, the Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A is praised for its suction and value. Users like Mya and A.P. highlight its ability to pull cat hair from carpets, with one noting a full dust cup after vacuuming a “clean” floor. The lightweight design and pet turbo tool are favorites, though some, like Bryan Walsh, criticize the short cord and exhaust vent scattering litter. Durability is mixed, with Courtney reporting long-term use with minor repairs, while others note issues within weeks. Its low return rate reflects strong customer satisfaction. Check Price on Amazon.

Verdict

The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A Upright Vacuum is a stellar pick among the top vacuums for pet hair for its powerful suction, lightweight design, and pet-friendly tools. Ideal for budget-conscious pet owners, it handles carpets, hard floors, and furniture with ease, despite minor flaws like a short cord and non-HEPA filter. Its large dust cup and affordability make it a smart choice for a fur-free home.