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Oct 29, 2024

Best Robot Vacuums For Pet Hair 2024 - Forbes Vetted

If you live with constantly shedding furry friends, you know how much time and effort it takes to maintain a clean home. Thankfully, robot vacuums can take on some of the legwork to minimize how often

If you live with constantly shedding furry friends, you know how much time and effort it takes to maintain a clean home. Thankfully, robot vacuums can take on some of the legwork to minimize how often you manually clean. Our pick for the best robot vacuum for pet hair is the iRobot Roomba j7+, a mighty but compact, self-emptying model with stellar object avoidance. To seamlessly transition from hard floor to carpets, we chose Roborock’s Q5+, which features powerful suction and an impressive runtime of 180 minutes.

One of the best robot vacuums: The Shark Ion, which helps one dog owner manage hair shedding on ... [+] hardwood floors.

There are several features to look for in a robot vacuum. Pet hair takes up a lot of space in a vacuum’s dustbin, and self-emptying models have the capability to offload hair into their base when the on-board dirt collection bin gets full. Pet hair also often gets tangled around a vacuum’s brush roll and wheels, so you may want to look for a model with a tangle-resistant brush roll. Obstacle avoidance is another useful feature in pet homes, as it will stop your vacuum from getting hung up on rogue dog or cat toys.

With these factors in mind—and feedback from our testers and professional cleaning experts—we selected the seven best robot vacuums for pet hair worth considering.

Amazon

Robot dimensions: 13.3 x 3.4 inches | Base dimensions: 15.7 x 11.9 x 13.3 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds | Runtime: Up to 120 minutes | Bin capacity: 0.3L (robot), 2.4L (base) | Features: Self-emptying, obstacle avoidance, dirt and cliff detection, smart mapping

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The Roomba j7+ came out as our top recommendation for pet owners when we tested the best robot vacuums and the best vacuums for pet hair. The biggest reason: It surpassed the competition in terms of obstacle detection and avoidance—meaning it can identify pet waste, even when the vacuum’s running when you’re not home. (This is not to mention power cords and rogue dog toys, which will prevent it from getting stuck mid-cycle.) In fact, iRobot is so confident in the machine’s waste avoidance that it offers the aptly named P.O.O.P. (Pet Owner Official Promise), guaranteeing a free replacement vacuum within a year of purchase if the vacuum does run into pet waste.

As for the actual suction? One of our testers reports it "sucked up natural and artificial dog hair on both carpet and hardwood without any issue.” Other standout features pet owners should note: The j7+ is equipped with two multi-surface brush rolls that are specifically designed (and proven, in our tests) to prevent tangling, and the unit has smart mapping abilities to help you clean specific areas of your home via the app or voice commands. Plus—for our furry friends who shed most—the device comes with a convenient (and compact) self-emptying base that can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt and pet hair.

Writer Caroline Mullen says the j7+ sucked up "an impressive amount of dust and pet hair" during her ... [+] tests.

What our testers say: Lindsey Datte, Forbes associate general counsel, found the j7+ especially helpful in cleaning her elderly Shih Tzu’s messes during mealtimes. She says, “The self-emptying feature and ability to have it run on a schedule alleviated the need for us to constantly clean up after him ourselves, [plus]

roborock

Robot dimensions: 13.8 x 3.8 inches | Base dimensions: 13.8 x 13.8 x 3.8 inches | Weight: 7.05 pounds | Runtime: Up to 180 minutes | Bin capacity: 0.5L (robot), 2.5L (base) | Features: Self-emptying, LiDAR navigation, no-go zones, cliff sensors, multi-level mapping

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If you have carpeting (and a pet that sheds quite a lot on it), the Roborock Q5+ is one of the best products for the job. This model features suction that's on the higher end of regular vacuums (the average is 2000 to 3000 Pa), and it also has a longer runtime of up to 180 minutes, allowing it to clean more space before needing a recharge. Plus, its extra-large self-emptying base can hold up to seven weeks’ worth of debris—ideal for homes with a lot of dog hair rolling around.

Plenty of reviewers also highlight the Q5+'s outstanding smart mapping technology, which can create multiple maps if your home has several floors. The machine also lets you create no-go zones and invisible walls with the Roborock app. One thing to note: While users rave about this device's excellent navigation overall, some say it tends to get stuck on rug tassels or fringes. The Roborock also serves well as a general maintenance device, as one German Shepherd owner put it: "I do still have to use my [stick] vac on the carpets once a week to deep-clean dog hair, but it’s great for keeping things under control and significantly reduces my time. (Before, I would have to vacuum the rugs twice in a row, twice a week to manage the dog hair.)"

What our experts say: The Roborock Q5+ meets almost all the criteria you should look for in a robot vacuum for pet hair, according to Elizabeth Shields, operations manager of Super Cleaning Service Louisville (and parent to three cats). The cleaning expert tells us, "Strong suction power is a must-have. If it’s a multi-level home, get one with cliff detection so you can let it do its thing without worrying about it taking a tumble. ... It must also have sensors and smart software that map out your place to take the most direct route to clean up all the mess and dodge any obstacles in their way."

irobot

Robot dimensions: 12.3 x 3.5 inches | Base dimensions: 11.5 x 14.9 x 19 inches | Weight: 8.2 pounds | Runtime: 120 minutes | Bin capacity: 0.4L (robot), 1.7L (base) | Features: Self-emptying, dirt and cliff detection, no-go zones, smart mapping

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While the Roomba j7+ is our top all-around pick for pet owners, the next step up is the Roomba s9+, which is even more powerful. This model is particularly well-suited for larger homes, as it has a larger brush roll and can run for up to 120 minutes, covering more ground before it needs to be charged. It can also get into corners and along edges better, thanks to its D-shape, and features rubber brushes designed to not get tangled with pet hair.

Based on our testing, the s9+ exhibited the most powerful suction of any Roomba; plus, it will automatically boost its suction power to clean deeper on carpeting. The s9+ has a self-emptying base that can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt and a special “Careful Drive” mode that you can use if you want it to avoid obstacles. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t have the same pet waste detection abilities as the j7+, so it’s best used when you’re there to supervise.

"The D-shape really comes into play where baseboards meet flooring, a commonly dusty place and one ... [+] that gets overlooked by round robots," says tester Caroline Mullen.

What our writers say: Home writer Caroline Mullen, who tested the s9+ for our roundup of the best robot vacuums, writes that it picked up the most debris of the seven models she tested, “thanks to its suction power and rubber rollers that don’t often get gunked up with hair.” She also calls the self-emptying base “life-changing.” Read her full review of the Roomba s9+ for more details.

Amazon

Robot dimensions: 12.6 x 3.5 inches | Base dimensions: N/A (charging dock included) | Weight: 9.9 pounds | Runtime: 120 minutes | Bin capacity: 0.4L | Features: Voice control, scheduling, cliff detect

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For homes that solely or mostly have hardwood or tile floors, we recommend Shark's Ion Robot Vacuum, an affordable option that's also a favorite among busy households with pets. This robot vacuum doesn’t have as many smart features as other models, but it does connect to voice assistants and features scheduling and cliff detection technology. It's able to easily get under couches due to its slim, low profile; we're also impressed with how efficiently it pulls in and captures hair through its three-brush type system. Plus, users highlight the fact that it can run for up to 120 minutes per charge, allowing it to clean larger spaces in a single session. One drawback: It doesn’t have a self-emptying base, so you'll need to manually empty it on a regular basis—though reviewers note that this is an easy task.

Shark Ion helps Epting stay on top of her dog's shedding "so my hardwood floors don't turn into ... [+] carpet."

What our writers say: Updates writer Claire Epting, who has a Shepherd Labrador mix with a double coat, shares that her Shark Ion has been crucial to staying on top of the shedding on her hardwood floors. "I've had this Shark vacuum for a few years now and it's been a big help,” she says. “It's a very simple model—no mapping capabilities or a self-emptying base—but it gets the job done and didn't cost a fortune. I don't recommend using it over rugs, though, as it tends to 'deposit' my dog's fur when it runs over fabric surfaces."

Amazon

Robot dimensions: 13.4 x 3.5 inches | Bin dimensions: N/A (charging dock included) | Weight: 6.8 pounds | Runtime: 90 minutes | Bin capacity: 0.6L | Features: Personalized scheduling, voice control, dirt and cliff detect

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While you’ll probably still need to use a regular vacuum for more targeted or deeper cleanings, the iRobot Roomba 694 is more than equipped to keep uncluttered floors in small living spaces mostly fur-free. While the Roomba 694 doesn't have the smart mapping and self-emptying abilities its more expensive cousins do, it features a three-stage cleaning system, two multi-surface brushes and plenty of suction power to lift fur from both carpets and hardwood floors.

Tester and German Shepard owner Laura Denby found that the no-frills model did a mostly seamless job navigating the original wood floors in her home, as well as moving from hardwood to low- and medium-pile carpets. She warns that "during the test runs that I didn’t clean up beforehand, it got tangled on shoelaces and lamp cords, which meant I had to stop and untangle it." Overall, though, Denby praises this affordable pick for helping to keep her floors clear of formerly "ubiquitous" piles of fur. (Read her full review of the Roomba 694 for more details.) And if you're curious whether the 694 works for feline households too, cleaning professional Shields also recommends this model: "I use it every day, and it does a great job of picking up dirt and pet hair for my three cats!"

"It's an efficient and easy-to-use gadget ... and a hands-off way to maintain cleaner carpets and ... [+] hardwood floors," says Denby of the Roomba 694.

What our testers say: “We are an incredibly clean and tidy household,” shares Forbes sales research and insights analyst Melis Ocal, whose family uses the Roomba 694. “We have a dog who has thick fur that sheds all over, and this has helped us significantly to not have to vacuum every single day. [It] made all the difference!”

eufy

Robot dimensions: 12.8 x 2.9 inches | Bin dimensions: N/A (charging dock included) | Weight: 6 pounds | Runtime: 100 minutes | Bin capacity: 0.6L | Features: Smart navigation, BoostIQ, scheduling, cliff and obstacle detect

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If you want the most bang for your buck, the Eufy RoboVac G30 is an affordably priced model that still comes with a variety of useful features. For starters, unlike many other similarly priced robot vacuums, the RoboVac G30 is equipped with smart functionality, allowing you to control it from your smartphone or a voice assistant device. It's also quite slim at just under 3 inches tall—which unexpectedly came in handy to home tester Mullen, who says the RoboVac G30 was the only model able to slip under the bottom of a low desk.

While this model isn't equipped with perks like creating and storing a map of your home or self-emptying into a dedicated base, it's quite efficient at maneuvering around objects, avoiding steps and using a zig-zag route to clean any fur-covered home. Plus, it's extremely quiet, despite having BoostIQ technology that automatically increases suction power when it senses a carpet.

Mullen says the RoboVac G30 was slimmer than the other models she tested, "so it’s able to clean ... [+] under furniture that other robots can’t. It’s also very quiet," she adds.

What our writers say: Mullen, who also tested the Eufy RoboVac G30 for our guide to the best robot vacuums, notes, “I was surprised to find that [it] was the only robot able to slither under a mid-century desk I keep in my living room, something I didn’t even think was possible. It doesn’t have a protruding LiDAR sensor and is slimmer than the other vacuums, so it’s able to clean under furniture that other robots can’t.”

Amazon

Robot dimensions: 12 x 17.3 x 17.6 inches | Base dimensions: 12 x 17.3 x 17.6 inches | Weight: 20.5 pounds | Runtime: 180 minutes | Bin capacity: 0.3L (robot), 2.5L (base), 0.3L (water tank) | Features: Self-emptying, mopping, LiDAR, obstacle avoidance, cleaning routines

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Many robot vacuums don’t perform well on thicker carpeting, but the Roborock S8+ can handle just about any type of flooring, thanks to its unique brush roll and incredibly powerful suction (6000 Pa versus the average 2000 to 3000 Pa). It has two rubber brush rolls that spin in opposite directions to help stop pet hair from getting tangled in them, and the vacuum automatically recognizes carpeting and increases suction power for a deeper clean. It also comes with a self-emptying base that can hold up to 7 weeks' worth of debris—though you may need to empty the bin more frequently if your vacuum is sucking up an excess of pet hair.

Thanks to its precise LiDAR mapping and obstacle avoidance, this robot vacuum can identify and avoid pet toys and other objects on your floors; its app also offers a wide range of functionalities, from setting up no-go zones to tracking the vacuum’s cleaning path. It's worth noting that the S8+ can also mop hard floors to help remove stains and dirt that pets may have left behind—though reviews on its mopping abilities aren't as overwhelmingly positive as its vacuuming. Still, a combo device like the S8+ is worth it if you have money to spare, says cleaning expert Shields. "It’s a real time-saver, plus you don’t have to store two separate devices, which is just convenient."

What our testers say: Phil Roth, senior engineering manager of data products at Forbes, says the Roborock S8+ is able to collect "a massive amount of hair" that his Great Pyrenees mix sheds regularly. "It has significantly reduced the need for daily manual vacuuming to just about once a week. Maintenance is a breeze, and the accompanying app offers extensive control and features," he adds, highlighting easy scheduling, filter monitoring and room mapping.

Forbes Vetted’s home and kitchen reporters are experts on cleaning devices for homes with pets.

We selected the best robot vacuums for pet hair based on extensive research, expert interviews and firsthand insights from our own product testers.

Here are a few factors to keep in mind as you shop for the best robot vacuum for pet hair.

If you’re looking for a machine that will pick up pet hair and dander from your floors, “suction power is one of the most important factors for a robot vacuum,” says Toby Schulz, CEO and co-founder of professional cleaning service Maid2Match. “Look for models with high pascals (Pa)—ideally [closer to] the 5,000 range.” (Note that the average robot vacuum has a suction power of 2000 to 3000 Pa, though more advanced robot vacuums, like the Roborock S8+, reach upwards of 6000 Pa.) Since it takes more suction power to pull pet hair out of carpeting, you may also want to look for a model that automatically adjusts its suction based on the type of flooring.

Because they’re much smaller than traditional vacuums, robot vacuums have relatively small dustbins. “Look at the capacity of the bin or bag to see how long you can go between emptyings,” says Schulz. Not only does pet hair tend to take up a lot of space in the bin, but a large dustbin “means [the robot vacuum] won’t have to keep stopping every few minutes to empty,” adds Elizabeth Shields, operations manager of Super Cleaning Service Louisville.

Robot vacuums that self-empty into a base are often worth the added price for pet owners; they require significantly less maintenance, thanks to their larger bin capacity (typically around 2L). Schulz says, “There [will be] no need to clean out a vacuum after every use—or multiple times during use if you have a large home. You’re also less likely to reintroduce dust and debris back into your home since you’re opening your vacuum less frequently.”

If you have pets, chances are there are often toys—and maybe the occasional accident—on your floors, so a robot vacuum with object avoidance is beneficial. If the vacuum is able to detect and navigate around obstacles, it’s less likely to get stuck mid-cycle.

Our top overall pick for pet hair, the iRobot Roomba j7+, has particularly advanced obstacle detection; plus, it’s specifically designed to avoid pet waste—and if it does run over an “accident,” the brand will replace your vacuum. Both of our recommendations from Roborock—the Q5+ and S8+—also excel at obstacle avoidance, as well as cliff detection and avoiding pre-determined no-go zones, thanks to their precise LiDAR (a.k.a. “light detection and ranging”) mapping technology.

If you and your pets live in a small and relatively uncluttered space with mostly hard flooring, basic entry-level robot vacuums like the Roomba 694 or the Eufy RoboVac G30—which lack advanced features, like self-emptying docks and smart mapping—will probably more than suffice. But for pet parents who reside in multi-level homes or ones with more than two types of flooring, there are a variety of other special features you might want to look for.

Some examples: The Roomba j7+’s tangle-resistant brush rolls help prevent hair from getting stuck; the Roborock Q5+’s smart mapping allows you to clean just one room instead of your whole home or create virtual no-go zones; and the Roborock S8+’s smart app integration lets you set schedules, create cleaning routines, and control your device remotely or with your voice.

Are Pet Hair Robot Vacuums Worth It?

If you find yourself vacuuming or dry mopping on a daily basis to pick up pet hair, a robot vacuum may be a worthwhile investment. These vacuums are ideal for supplementary cleaning or routine maintenance; many models can be set to run while you’re not home, and most can pick up the majority of pet hair when you’re too busy to manually clean. But even the best robot vacuums aren’t as powerful as traditional vacuums for pet hair, which typically use more suction power and are more effective at pulling dirt, dust, dander and hair out of carpets.

What Is The Best Robot Vacuum For Long-Haired Pets?

Since long hair often gets tangled around the brush roll of robot vacuums (and regular vacuums, for that matter), those with long-haired pets will want to look for a robot vacuum with a tangle-free brush roll. These models typically have some type of self-cleaning mechanism that removes long hair from the roll and funnels it into the dust bin. Both the iRobot Roomba j7+ and the Roborock S8+ feature dual rubber brush rolls that are less prone to tangling than bristled versions.

Does Pet Hair Get Stuck In Roombas Or Other Robot Vacuums?

If your pets have longer hair, it may end up wrapped around your robot vacuum’s brush roll or wheels. Some vacuums have self-cleaning brush rolls to prevent this from happening, but it’s still a good idea to check the underside of your robot on a regular basis—at least once a week—to remove any hair that may be stuck. This maintenance is important to keep your robot vacuum functioning properly and maximize its lifespan.