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Since the turn of this century, few household gadgets have advanced as quickly as the robot vacuum. These self-propelled appliances now include an impressive array of features, from mapping logarithms to self-emptying bins and even cameras. They’ve even improved their ability to suck up pet hair and dander—an area where they formerly lagged.
All this innovation has also made robot vacuums more affordable, so if you’re in the market for one, read on. The following list covers the models considered to be among the best available, including those for allergy sufferers and super-quiet versions.
- BEST OVERALL: iRobot Roomba j7 Robot Vacuum
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: ILife V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner
- UPGRADE PICK: iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
- MOST QUIET: Eufy RoboVac 11S Robot Vacuum
- BEST FOR PET WASTE: Roborock S7V Max Robot Vacuum
- BEST FOR ALLERGY SUFFERERS: iRobot Roomba i6+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
- BEST SUCTION: Tesvor M1 Robot Vacuum
- BEST FOR HARDWOOD: Bissell 28599 SpinWave Wet and Dry Robotic Vacuum
- BEST FOR CARPET: Eufy RoboVac G30 Robot Vacuum
- BEST SELF-EMPTYING: Shark RV2502AE AI Ultra Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
- BEST VACUUM-MOP COMBO: EcoVacs Deebot Ozmo T5 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop
How We Chose the Best Robot Vacuums for Pet Hair
We researched robot vacuum options for pets and discovered that the best options have multiple cleaning modes, feature long runtimes, cover ample space, and come with special features that prevent pet hair and messes from clogging the device.
Here are the features we looked for when making our final product selection:
- Runtime: We prioritized models featuring runtimes of at least 75 minutes, making them suitable for larger homes.
- Smart compatibility: Many of today’s robot vacuums offer smart connectivity, allowing users to control the device from their smartphone or through voice activation using a smart-home assistant.
- Smart mapping: We gave preference to models that offer smart mapping for more efficient performance.
Our Top Picks
Each one of the products below is capable of cleaning up cat and dog hair and dander, and some have special attributes that address specific situations. Here are some of the best robot vacuums for homes with pets.
Best Overall
iRobot Roomba j7 Robot Vacuum
One of the biggest downsides of more basic robot vacuums is their inability to detect objects in their path. That means they can become tangled in electronic cords or make an even bigger mess out of pet messes. The iRobot Roomba j7 avoids these pitfalls by automatically detecting obstacles using PrecisionVision navigation. It will even send users a photo of the object so they can decide whether it should clean up the mess or avoid it entirely.
The j7’s three-stage cleaning system uses an edge-sweeping brush to clean along walls and corners and patented dual multisurface rubber brushes, which adjust to different floor types and don’t get tangled with pet hair. Imprint Smart Mapping allows users to schedule and customize their cleanings using an app that stores maps of the home for more efficient navigation.
Product Specs
- Battery life: Up to 75 minutes
- Obstacle avoidance: Yes
- Smart mapping: Yes
Pros
- PrecisionVision navigation allows the j7 to avoid pet messes and other obstacles
- Rubber brushes adjust to different floor types and don’t get tangled with pet hair
- Smart mapping allows the vacuum to clean more quickly and efficiently
Cons
- The j7 features a shorter battery life than some other recommended models
Get the iRobot Roomba j7 robot vacuum at Amazon, The Home Depot, Target, Best Buy, or iRobot.
Best Bang for the Buck
ILife V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner
This sleek and affordable robot vacuum model is ideal for hardwood, laminate, tile, and stone floors. It boasts a tangle-free design that prevents pet hair and debris from clogging its intake system, allowing it to achieve continuous cleaning. Its low-height design navigates awkward spaces where clumps of pet hair can accumulate, like under beds and furniture.
The vacuum operates via a handy remote control or a one-touch auto-clean button. Three built-in infrared sensors underneath the unit intelligently detect stairs and other pitfalls to avoid. It has a runtime of up to 100 minutes, and if the onboard system senses the battery is running low, it automatically returns to the docking station to recharge.
Product Specs
- Battery life: Up to 100 minutes
- Obstacle avoidance: No
- Smart mapping: No
Pros
- The low-profile design allows this vacuum to clean under low-lying furniture
- Automatically returns to the docking station to charge as needed
- The brush is tangle-free and won’t be impacted by pet hair
Cons
- This model doesn’t feature smart mapping or obstacle avoidance
Get the ILife robot vacuum at Amazon or ILife.
Upgrade Pick
iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
The Roomba i3+ robot vacuum is the ultimate in “set-it-and-forget-it” convenience. After each cleaning, this savvy helper empties itself into an allergen-sealed bag that traps 99 percent of mold, pet dander, and pollen. The bag can take up to 60 days to fill—so it might be months of use before users have to think about the vacuum again.
This powerful suction machine uses dual multisurface rubber brushes that don’t get tangled with pet hair. While cleaning, a high-efficiency filter traps 99 percent of dog and cat allergens. For even more operating convenience, users can interface with the machine through Alexa, Google Assistant, or the iRobot home app. A patented dirt detector senses the high-traffic areas of the floors and gives them a more thorough cleaning. Smart navigation, self-emptying technology, and cutting-edge artificial intelligence make this robot vacuum an easy choice for upgrading a cleaning routine.
Product Specs
- Battery life: Up to 75 minutes
- Obstacle avoidance: No
- Smart mapping: Yes
Pros
- This model is ideal for allergy sufferers due to its innovative vacuum bag
- Self-emptying function prevents users from getting their hands dirty
- Smart connectivity offers added convenience and allows for voice control
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with this model’s mapping system
Get the iRobot Roomba i3+ robot vacuum at Amazon, The Home Depot, Best Buy, Target, or iRobot.
Most Quiet
Eufy RoboVac 11S Robot Vacuum
Loud vacuum cleaners can cause anxiety for some furry friends. An effective way to help mitigate this may be the Eufy RoboVac, which runs at 55 decibels—just over the noise level of a standard conversation. Though quiet, this robot vacuum works hard, with multiple cleaning settings and programmable vacuuming times to ensure an effortless, thorough home cleaning.
At only 2.85 inches tall, it easily gets under beds and furniture to do its job. An onboard drop-sensing technology helps it avoid damage from falling off ledges or down stairs. The extra-large 0.6-liter dustbin lets the unit pick up ample amounts of dust, dirt, and hair, allowing it to take full advantage of up to 100 minutes of continuous cleaning.
Product Specs
- Battery life: Up to 100 minutes
- Obstacle avoidance: Yes
- Smart mapping: No
Pros
- At a noise level of just 55 decibels, this vacuum will be less disturbing for pets
- The vacuum’s slim profile allows it to clean under low-lying furniture
- Automatically adjusts suction power as needed for tougher messes
Cons
- Some users report suction issues when used on hard floors
Get the Eufy RoboVac 11S robot vacuum at Amazon or Eufy.
Best for pet waste
Roborock S7 MaxV Robot Vacuum
The ReactiveAI technology in the Roborock vacuum is powered by a camera, allowing it to recognize and bypass everyday objects. These objects include items like power strips, pedestals, and perhaps most importantly for animal lovers, pet waste. After all, accidents happen, and buyers wouldn’t want an appliance running over them and making matters worse.
With a powerful suction strength of 5,100 pascals (Pa), this vacuum provides a deeper clean than many other machines. It also features a Sonic mopping system that intelligently transitions between mopping hard floors and vacuuming carpet. A LiDAR (laser-based radar) advanced algorithmic system enables accurate automatic room recognition and navigation. Multilevel mapping systems can be programmed for up to four floors, with No-Mop zones, No-Go zones, and invisible barriers on each floor. Choose between a phone app or voice commands to operate this unit via Siri, Alexa, or a Google assistant. Set schedules, allocate water flow, clean specific rooms, and more with simple voice instructions.
Product Specs
- Battery life: Up to 180 minutes
- Obstacle avoidance: Yes
- Smart mapping: Yes
Pros
- 5,100 Pa suction provides extremely powerful performance
- The LiDAR navigation system enables the device to map out an entire home for efficient cleaning
- Obstacle avoidance ensures that the vacuum doesn’t spread pet messes
Cons
- Some users report that setting up this device was difficult
Get the Roborock robot vacuum at Amazon or Roborock.
Best for Allergy Sufferers
iRobot Roomba i6+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
Those who suffer from allergies (even to their own pets) might be best with a vacuum that can suck up, not stir up, what they’re sensitive to. The iRobot Roomba i6+ has a high-efficiency filter that separates almost all the microscopic allergens hiding in carpets and on hard floors from the air that it expels back into the room. The Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal allows the vacuum to empty itself for up to 60 days without user intervention.
The iRobot Roomba i6+ features a sophisticated mapping system called Imprint Smart Mapping, which learns the dimensions of a home and allows users to control which rooms are cleaned at what time.
Product Specs
- Battery life: Up to 75 minutes
- Obstacle avoidance: No
- Smart mapping: Yes
Pros
- An efficient filtration system traps up to 99.99 percent of allergens
- The Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal allows the vacuum to empty itself
- The Smart Mapping system creates maps of a user’s home
Cons
- Since this model doesn’t have obstacle avoidance, it’s not ideal for dealing with pet accidents
Get the iRobot Roomba i6+ robot vacuum at Amazon or Target.
Best Suction
Tesvor M1 Robot Vacuum
At 4,000 Pa of powerful suction, Tesvor‘s innovative Supclean technology provides deep cleaning to penetrate carpet pile and crevices in floors to eliminate pet hair, dander, and other dirt and debris. The energy-rich 5200-milliamp-hour (mAh) battery provides up to 150 minutes of continuous cleaning power.
There are four adjustable cleaning modes, including a quiet mode to use near sleeping babies or easily spooked pets. Built-in sensors boast ultrasensitive anti-drop and anti-collision detectors to protect furniture and stop the unit from falling off ledges or down stairs. Users can interact with the onboard system via the downloadable app or Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands.
Product Specs
- Battery life: Up to 150 minutes
- Obstacle avoidance: Yes
- Smart mapping: Yes
Pros
- 4,000 Pa suction delivers a powerful performance for a deeper clean
- A quiet function is perfect for use around anxious pets
- Anti-collision detectors to protect furniture and stop the unit from falling off ledges or down stairs
Cons
- Some users have complained about the battery’s longevity over time
Get the Tesvor robot vacuum at The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Tesvor.
Best for Hardwood
Bissell 28599 SpinWave Wet and Dry Robotic Vacuum
Those with pets need to vacuum and mop their floors regularly, so a robot device that can do both is a wise investment. The Bissell SpinWave wet and dry robotic vacuum collects pet hair, dirt, and other debris on carpets, area rugs, and hard floors in dry-vacuuming mode. Switch to wet-mopping mode to scrub floors clean with the Bissell cleaning solution. The device automatically avoids area rugs and carpeting when in wet-mopping mode due to its Soft Surface Avoidance Sensor. The microfiber mop pads are machine washable so that they can be reused.
This option pairs with the Bissell Connect App, which allows users to start, stop, and change cleaning schedules.
Product Specs
- Battery life: Up to 100 minutes
- Obstacle avoidance: Soft surface avoidance in wet mopping mode
- Smart mapping: No
Pros
- Suitable for hard floors as well as area rugs and carpeted spaces
- By connecting with the brand’s app, users can control the vacuum via a mobile device
- The machine comes with reusable, machine-washable mop pads
Cons
- This model does not feature smart mapping or comprehensive obstacle avoidance
Get the Bissell robot vacuum at Amazon, Lowe’s, Target, or Wayfair.
Best for Carpet
The Eufy RoboVac G30 can tackle a variety of floor types due to its powerful suction and BoostIQ technology, which allows users to switch to a higher suction power level quickly when navigating carpets and rugs. This makes the G30 a great choice for those with mixed flooring types.
While this model isn’t capable of creating smart-home maps, it does feature Smart Dynamic Navigation, which uses a logical route rather than creating random paths. It also offers smart connectivity, allowing users to program the device from their smartphone or tablet.
Product Specs
- Battery life: Not listed
- Obstacle avoidance: No
- Smart mapping: No
Pros
- BoostIQ technology switches to a higher suction level for carpets
- Smart connectivity allows users to control the device from their phone or tablet
- Smart Dynamic Navigation creates logical routes rather than random paths
Cons
- This model lacks obstacle avoidance and smart-mapping features
Get the Eufy RoboVac G30 robot vacuum at Amazon or Eufy.
Best Self-Emptying
Shark RV2502AE AI Ultra Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
The Shark RV2502AE AI Ultra self-emptying robot vacuum is an excellent option for users who don’t like regularly emptying the dirt from their robot vacuum. HEPA filtration captures and traps 99.97 percent of dust and allergens and deposits the debris into the self-emptying base, which only needs to be cleaned every 60 days. It has a 120-minute runtime but will also return to the docking station to charge and resume cleaning as needed.
LiDAR technology maps out the user’s home and memorizes maps for more efficient cleaning. By connecting this model with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, users can set a cleaning schedule or initiate on-demand cleaning with voice commands.
Product Specs
- Battery life: Up to 120 minutes
- Obstacle avoidance: No
- Smart mapping: Yes
Pros
- Users can enable voice commands by connecting the device to a smart-home assistant
- This model returns to the docking station to charge and then resumes cleaning if needed
- The vacuum creates smart maps of the user’s home using LiDAR technology
Cons
- Since this model doesn’t feature obstacle avoidance, it isn’t ideal for avoiding pet accidents
Get the Shark robot vacuum at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, or Shark.
Best Vacuum-Mop Combo
EcoVacs Deebot Ozmo T5 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop
This two-in-one robot vacuum/mop is an all-around solid choice for pet owners who want clean floors. It can vacuum and mop hard surfaces in a single session and, sensing a change to carpet, automatically stops mopping and doubles its suction power to suck up hair. An onboard Smart Navi 3.0 laser mapping feature creates a precise schematic of a home’s layout and plots a systematic and efficient cleaning route.
Programming features include brush and brushless intake options, with the brushless feature being optimal for hard floors and the tangle-free cleaning of pet hair. This powerful machine boasts an optimized energy-consumption system and an industry-leading 5200mAh battery, enabling up to 3 hours of vacuuming and mopping on a single charge. A high-efficiency filtration system effectively captures 99 percent of all allergens, including pet dander.
Product Specs
- Battery life: Up to 180 minutes
- Obstacle avoidance: Yes
- Smart mapping: Yes
Pros
- A high-efficiency filtration system effectively captures 99 percent of all allergens
- The 5200mAh battery provides up to 3 hours of runtime
- The Navi 3.0 Laser mapping feature creates a precise map of a space
Cons
- Some users report issues with this model’s suction power
Get the EcoVacs robot vacuum at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair
When selecting a robot vacuum, cleaning power is undoubtedly a priority, but the effectiveness of any model depends on a variety of factors, such as the size of the room, the type of flooring, the vacuum’s battery life, and operation methods.
Suction Power
The manufacturer might list the robot vacuum’s suction power in one of three measures: air watts (AW), airflow in cubic feet per minute (cfm), or Pa. Of these, Pa is the one most commonly used.
The higher the Pa rating, the higher the atmospheric suction power of the machine. While manufacturers often use strong suction power as a selling point for robot vacuums for pet hair, it isn’t actually a significant indicator of performance. Those with thick carpeting or high-pile rugs may require a robot vacuum with stronger suction.
Generally speaking, most models on the market perform well at picking up dirt, dust, and cat or dog hair from bare floors as well as low- and medium-pile carpets. As long as a robot vacuum features a Pa rating of 500 or higher, it’ll get most vacuuming jobs done.
Coverage Area
When shopping for a robot vacuum, first consider the size of the home. Those with larger homes may want to consider a higher-end model with a longer runtime to clean the entire house on a single charge. Some models return themselves to their charging dock to recharge and then go back out to finish the job, which is a mighty convenient feature in a large home.
For those living in multistory homes, remember that robot vacuums can’t climb stairs. They’re smart, but they’re not that smart. Also, consider whether the home’s flooring is primarily hardwood or carpeting. While robot vacuums are technically designed to handle bare floors as well as rugs and carpets, some perform better on certain flooring types.
Functions
Robot vacuums often include a selection of operating modes. “Turbo” modes offer quick and intense cleaning power, “eco” modes save battery power, and “quiet” modes won’t disturb others while they’re working, studying, napping, or watching TV. Some vacuums even offer programmable cleaning that can be scheduled in advance.
Some models also feature a built-in mop function, allowing users to clean tile and hardwood floors. They typically include a spray jet for dispensing water and floor cleaner as well as multiple cleaning pads for different types of flooring.
Operation
Along with a control panel, most robot vacuums come with a remote control to activate the vacuum or change its operating mode.
Many robot vacuums also connect to Wi-Fi for remote operation through an app. In addition to programming the machine, the app may also monitor the robot’s cleaning progress, battery life, and remaining dustbin capacity. More advanced models are compatible with smart-home systems that offer the same benefits, plus the bonus of voice commands.
Battery Life
Regardless of its suction power, a robot vacuum won’t clean effectively without a properly charged battery. During an extensive cleaning cycle, some models will automatically dock in their charging stations until refueled and then continue vacuuming where they left off.
Manufacturers often list battery runtime and the area size (in square footage) the vacuum will successfully clean on a single charge. Expect most robot vacuums to run for between 90 and 120 minutes before they need to recharge.
Additional Features
Some robot vacuums may come with additional features to expand their functionality.
- Size and shape: Diameter does not vary much from one robot vacuum to another, but heights may range from 2.8 to 6 inches tall. A robot with a slimmer profile can access spaces around low furniture. The round shape of most robot vacuums enables easy turning and route patterns, while D-shaped models can turn flat for close cleanup along the baseboards.
- Navigation: Those that land in the most affordable robot-vacuum category function by simply bouncing off walls and furniture, operating in erratic patterns. Higher-end models actually perform digital mapping in order to recall a home’s floor plan and operate more efficiently.
- Self-emptying: Some robot vacuums empty the dirt and debris they collect into a receptacle in their charging docks, which only needs emptying every month or two.
- Smart-home integration: Some higher-end robot vacuums sync with smart-home assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, enabling voice commands to control the cleaning sessions.
FAQs
If you have questions about how to select or use a new robot vacuum, the following are answers to some of the most common ones.
Q. Which robot vacuum is best for pet hair?
All of the options featured in this article are excellent for cleaning pet hair, but we chose the iRobot Roomba j7 robot vacuum as our top pick because of its advanced performance and smart connectivity.
Q. Can a robot vacuum replace a normal vacuum?
While many modern robot vacuums work well for light day-to-day cleaning, they still don’t quite compare to standard upright vacuums in terms of how much dust and debris they can pick up. Most robot vacuums still require users to run a standard vacuum occasionally to catch dirt the robot may have missed.
Q. Do I need a mapping robot vacuum?
Robot vacuums with smart-mapping capabilities clean homes more efficiently and train themselves to avoid objects. The mapping function helps conserve battery power, which makes this feature convenient for larger homes. Mapping vacuums use their charge time more efficiently by avoiding cleaning the same areas more than once.
Q. Should I get a robot vacuum with a mop?
Robot vacuums with mops make a great choice for households with children and pets, where floors may benefit from more regular mopping. These devices tend to cost more due to their dual functionality, but they save time by performing both tasks in the same session.
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