We may earn a fee if you buy via links in this post (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Bissell CrossWave Cordless Max vs. Pet Pro: 11 Differences

Are you shopping for a new wet/dry vacuum but can’t decide between the Bissell CrossWave Cordless Max and CrossWave Pet Pro?

The Cordless Max is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and built for convenience, while the Pet Pro comes with unique features to clean pet hair without hassle.

But there’s much more to know before deciding which to buy.

In this comparison of Bissell CrossWave Cordless Max vs. Pet Pro, you’ll learn how they differ in power, run time, size, features, price, and more.


Use the links below to navigate the comparison:


Bissell CrossWave Cordless Max vs. Pet Pro: Comparison Chart

If you’re in a rush, here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of the Bissell CrossWave Cordless Max vs. the Pet Pro.

Bissell CrossWave Cordless MaxBissell CrossWave Pet Pro
Price$$$$ (view on Amazon)$$$ (view on Amazon)
Power RatingLithium-ion Battery4.4 amps
Power SourceCordless RechargeableCorded
Brush SystemRotatingTangle-free
Charge Time4 HoursN/A
Run TimeUp to 30 minutesUnlimited
Power Cord LengthN/A25 feet
Multi-SurfaceArea Rugs, Sealed Hard Floors, Sealed Wood FloorsArea Rugs, Sealed Hard Floors, Sealed Wood Floors
Cleaning Path Width10.5 inches12 inches
Dirt Cup Capacity18.6 oz14.5 oz
Swivel HeadYesYes
Clean Tank Capacity28 oz28 oz
ColorBlack/Pearl White with Electric Blue AccentsTitanium With Grapevine Purple and Sparkle Silver
Carry HandleYesYes
Weight11.5 lb11.5 lb
Warranty3-year warranty3-year warranty
Self-Cleaning TankYesNo
Wi-Fi ConnectivityYesNo
Unique FeaturesLarge dirt tank capacity, battery-poweredTangle-free brush, hair strainer

Difference 1: Power Source

As the name suggests, the Bissell CrossWave Cordless Max is a cordless wet/dry vacuum powered by a 36-volt lithium-ion battery. A full charge provides up to 30 minutes of power.

BISSELL, 2554A CrossWave Cordless Max All in One Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaner and Mop for Hard Floors and Area Rugs, Black/Pearl White with Electric Blue Accents

As a cordless vac, you can go room to room without switching plugs or tangling the cord around furniture. It’s easy to use, can fit in small spaces, and isn’t dependent on power outlet placement.

However, the Cordless Max can’t match the suction power of the corded Pet Pro. And you’ll need to charge it between uses (it takes 4 hours to charge). It’s ideal for quick cleaning jobs.

The Pet Pro is a corded model, so you get cleaning power immediately that’s not limited by battery life. It’s a better choice for extended deep cleaning. But one major downside is that you’ll need an electrical outlet within 25 feet.

Difference 2: Power Rating

The power rating refers to the strength of the electric current your vacuum draws from its power source. It doesn’t define how powerful a vacuum is in terms of suction or how well it performs.

Still, knowing the power rating can be helpful, especially if you are looking for a vacuum that does not consume a lot of electricity.

The Pet Pro draws 4.4. amps of power from a standard outlet. The average vacuum cleaner draws anywhere from 8 to 12 amps, so 4.4 amps is a more energy-efficient option.

The Cordless Max is powered by a lithium-ion battery, so it doesn’t have a power rating.

Difference 3: Charge Time

It takes four hours for the Cordless Max to fully charge. That means, once you use up its run time (up to 30 minutes), you’ll need to wait four hours before you can use it again.

With the Pet Pro, you won’t have to wait for charging. As long as you have an outlet nearby, you can plug it in, and it’s ready to clean.

Using a cordless model takes planning. With a corded model, there’s no need to plan. It’s ready to go when you are. However, if there is a power outage, you won’t be able to use the Pet Pro, while a charged Cordless Max will be ready to go, should you need it.

Difference 4: Run Time

Cordless vacuums have different run times depending on their design and battery power. The Cordless Max can run up to 30 minutes.

Of course, cleaning modes will impact run time. For example, the area rug mode can exert more energy than the hard floor mode because it is a rough surface requiring more effort.

The Pet Pro can run as long as power is supplied from a power source — there are no limits.

Difference 5: Brush System

The Cordless Max features a rotating brush head. Hair can get wrapped around and tangled if you don’t keep up with the self-cleaning cycle. The self-cleaning feature cleans the brush roll, so if you have pets, you’ll want to use it regularly.

The Pet Pro is specifically designed to tackle pet hair. It features a tangle-free rotating brush head that won’t get clogged by excessive pet hair.

Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro All in One Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner and Mop for Hard Floors and Area Rugs, 2306A

Bissell makes vacuum cleaners with pets in mind, but the Pet Pro is specifically designed to handle tough pet hair jobs.

Difference 6: Cleaning Path Width

When choosing a wet/dry vacuum, you’ll want to consider the width of the cleaning path.

The Cordless Max’s cleaning path is 10.5 inches wide, while the Pet Pro spans 12 inches.

The Pet Pro is ideal if you need to clean large rooms quickly. However, the Cordless Max is a better option if you need to get into small spaces and tight corners.

Difference 7: Dirt Cup Capacity

The Cordless Max dirt cup can hold up to 18.6 ounces. With such a large capacity, you can wait a while before emptying it.

The Pet Pro can collect up to 14.5 ounces of debris in its dirt cup. It’s still a good-sized cup, but since it’s designed for bigger jobs than the Cordless Max, you’ll empty it more often — especially if you have pets.

Difference 8: Pet Hair Strainer

The Pet Pro dirt cup has a built-in strainer to separate pet hair from debris and liquids. It allows you to dump the hair before cleaning the dirt cup in your sink (avoiding clogs). The Cordless Max doesn’t have a pet hair strainer.

Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro All in One Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner and Mop for Hard Floors and Area Rugs, 2306A

Difference 9: Self-Cleaning

The Cordless Max has a self-cleaning mode. It’s a helpful feature since the brush roller can get quite dirty after cleaning up dirt and liquid messes.

Instead of touching it with your hands, you can dock the vacuum in the charging station and run the self-cleaning mode.

Bissell Cordless Max Self-Cleaning Cycle
Bissell Cordless Max Self-Cleaning Cycle

As it sits in the docking station, the brush roller spins as water swishes around the unit. This flushes excess hair, dirt, debris, and liquids. When finished, all you have to do is empty the tank and rinse it.

The Pet Pro doesn’t have this option. You’ll need to wash the brush roller manually.

Difference 10: Wi-Fi Connectivity

The Cordless Max has Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to view maintenance alerts from your smartphone or tablet. You can also view the battery status to know when it’s ready for use.

Through the Bissell Connect app, you’ll know when your vacuum needs recharging or if there is a problem with your vacuum that requires repair.

The Pet Pro is not Wi-Fi compatible, but since it is a corded vacuum, it requires no alerts for low battery levels.

Difference 11: Price

Of the two CrossWave models, the Cordless Max is the most expensive. The self-cleaning technology, Wi-Fi connectivity, and lithium-ion battery drive the cost up.

For exact pricing, please refer to the following chart. Click or tap a price to learn more about these wet/dry vacuums.

I’ve included the prices for all Bissell CrossWave models, including Pet Pro, Cordless Max, All-in-One, and X7 Cordless Pet Pro. You can learn more about all CrossWave models in this guide.

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Bottom Line: Should You Buy the Bissell CrossWave Cordless Max or Pet Pro?

Now that you know the main differences between the Bissell CrossWave Cordless Max and Pet Pro, it’s time to decide which to buy.

To make the best choice, ask yourself:

  • How often will you use the vacuum? If you plan to use it regularly, choose an option with a larger dirt cup capacity so you won’t have to empty it as often.
  • Do you need to clean large or small spaces? Depending on your space, you’ll want a wider or more narrow cleaning head.
  • Do you own pets? If so, choose an option that picks up pet hair without tangling the brush roller.

You should buy the Cordless Max if:

  • You have small cleaning jobs that also require maneuvering in tight spaces
  • You plan to use it for quick cleaning jobs (30 minutes or less)
  • You prefer a larger dirt cup
  • You like the idea of a self-cleaning mode and Wi-Fi connectivity
  • You want a cordless vacuum that can go everywhere

You should buy the Pet Pro if:

  • You want a lower-priced model that doesn’t rely on battery power
  • You want a corded vacuum with powerful suction
  • You clean up pet hair frequently and want a tangle-free brush roller
  • You want a pet hair strainer in the dirt cup to avoid clogs
  • You want a vacuum with a wide 12-inch cleaning path

Bottom line — the Cordless Max is a more expensive and feature-rich vacuum designed for convenience, while Pet Pro is specifically designed for pet owners.

Bissell is a respected floor cleaning brand with a long track record of exceptional performance, so you can’t go wrong with either model. The right CrossWave for you depends entirely on your needs and budget.

Read more reviews and check the current prices of both CrossWaves on Bissell.com or Amazon (links below):

Andrew Palermo Founder of Prudent Reviews

Andrew Palermo - About the Author

Andrew is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Prudent Reviews. He began his career in marketing, managing campaigns for dozens of Fortune 500 brands. In 2018, Andrew founded Prudent Reviews and has since reviewed 600+ products. When he’s not testing the latest cookware, kitchen knives, and appliances, he’s spending time with his family, cooking, and doing house projects. Connect with Andrew via emailLinkedIn, or the Prudent Reviews YouTube channel.

Our Favorite Products in One Convenient Place

Want to see all the products we recommend in one convenient place? Visit the Prudent Reviews Amazon shop to browse a handpicked selection of our favorite cookware, kitchen knives, appliances, and more.

As an Amazon Associate Prudent Reviews earns from qualifying purchases.

Leave a Comment

Prudent Reviews Footer Logo

Send Us Mail:
60 North Street, Unit 882
Medfield, MA 02052

Send Us an Email:
info@PrudentReviews.com


As an Amazon Associate, Prudent Reviews earns fees when you click on links within our articles and make qualifying purchases.