Living with pets brings immeasurable joy, but it also comes with the inevitable challenge of pet hair. Fur tumbleweeds rolling across your floors? Sound familiar? A robot vacuum can be a game-changer, taking over the daily chore of keeping pet hair at bay. To help you find the perfect cleaning companion, we’ve tested and reviewed the best robot vacuums for pet hair, focusing on powerful suction, tangle-free operation, and smart features that make cleaning up after furry friends a breeze.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
Choosing the right robot vacuum for pet hair requires considering specific features. Pet hair is notorious for wrapping around brush rolls and clogging wheels, so look for models designed to resist tangles. A self-emptying feature is incredibly convenient for pet owners, automatically disposing of collected hair and debris. Obstacle avoidance is another key feature, ensuring the vacuum navigates around pet toys and furniture without getting stuck. Below, we present our top recommendations for the best robot vacuums for pet hair, designed to keep your home clean and fur-free.
Best Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair Overall
Top Self-Emptying Pick for Homes with Pets
Amazon
iRobot Roomba j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
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: 0.3 liters (robot), 2.4 liters (base) | Features: Self-emptying, obstacle avoidance, dirt and cliff detection, smart mapping
Pros:
- Compact self-emptying base, ideal for smaller spaces
- Advanced obstacle detection avoids pet waste and toys, preventing interruptions
- Smart mapping and precision cleaning for efficient cleaning routines
- Multi-surface, anti-tangle brush rolls effectively handle pet hair on various floor types
Cons:
- Round shape may not reach corners as effectively as D-shaped models
- Self-emptying function can be noisy, potentially disturbing sensitive pets
The iRobot Roomba j7+ stands out as our top overall pick for the best robot vacuum for pet hair. After extensive testing alongside other top robot vacuums and vacuums specifically designed for pet hair, the Roomba j7+ consistently impressed, particularly with its exceptional obstacle detection and avoidance capabilities. This means it skillfully navigates around common pet-related obstacles like pet waste, power cords, and toys, avoiding frustrating mid-clean cycle interruptions. iRobot’s confidence in this feature is underscored by their P.O.O.P. (Pet Owner Official Promise) guarantee, offering a free replacement within a year if the vacuum accidentally encounters pet waste. Our testers confirmed its powerful suction, noting it “sucked up natural and artificial dog hair on both carpet and hardwood without any issue.”
For pet owners battling shedding, the Roomba j7+ boasts several key features. It includes dual multi-surface brush rolls engineered to prevent tangling, a feature validated in our tests. Smart mapping allows for targeted cleaning of specific areas via the app or voice commands. Crucially, the compact self-emptying base holds up to 60 days of pet hair and dirt, significantly reducing maintenance. One tester highlighted, “The self-emptying feature and the ability to schedule cleaning alleviated the need for us to constantly clean up after him,” though noting the self-emptying process can be somewhat loud.
Best Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair On Carpet
Powerful Suction and Seamless Hard Floor to Carpet Transition
roborock
Roborock Q5+ Robot Vacuum With Auto-Empty Dock
Robot dimensions: 13.8 x 3.8 inches | Base dimensions: 13.8 x 13.8 x 3.8 inches | Weight: 15.4 pounds | Runtime: Up to 180 minutes | Bin capacity: 0.5 liters (robot), 2.5 liters (base) | Features: Self-emptying, LiDAR navigation, no-go zones, cliff sensors, multi-level mapping
Pros:
- Self-emptying base holds up to seven weeks of pet hair and debris, minimizing emptying frequency
- Effortlessly navigates between hardwood floors, carpets, and low obstacles, ensuring whole-house cleaning
- Powerful suction and precise LiDAR mapping for thorough and efficient cleaning
- User-friendly app for easy control and customization
Cons:
- May struggle with rug fringes or very long pet hair compared to some competitors
For homes with carpeting and heavy-shedding pets, the Roborock Q5+ is a top contender for the best robot vacuum for pet hair. Cleaning expert Elizabeth Shields, operations manager of Super Cleaning Service Louisville and a pet parent herself, confirms it meets crucial criteria for pet hair cleanup. The Q5+ delivers a robust 2,700 Pascals (Pa) of suction, placing it in the higher range for standard vacuums and ensuring effective pet hair removal. Its extended 180-minute runtime allows it to cover larger areas on a single charge. The extra-large self-emptying base is a significant advantage, holding up to seven weeks’ worth of pet debris, ideal for homes with multiple pets or heavy shedding.
Users consistently praise the Q5+’s smart mapping, capable of creating maps for multi-story homes. The Roborock app enables customization with no-go zones and invisible walls. While navigation is generally excellent, some users report occasional issues with rug tassels or fringes.
Best Splurge Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair
Premium Corner Cleaning and Powerful Performance
irobot
iRobot Roomba s9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
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: 0.4 liters (robot), 1.7 liters (base) | Features: Self-emptying, dirt and cliff detection, no-go zones, smart mapping
Pros:
- Exceptionally powerful suction for deep cleaning pet hair
- D-shaped design effectively cleans corners and edges, reaching often-missed areas
- Self-emptying base holds up to 60 days of pet hair and debris for extended convenience
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other robot vacuums
- Some users report occasional tech glitches
While the Roomba j7+ is our top overall recommendation, the Roomba s9+ represents a step up in performance and features, making it the best splurge robot vacuum for pet hair. Especially suited for larger homes, it features a wider brush roll and a 120-minute runtime for greater coverage. Its unique D-shape design excels at cleaning edges and corners, areas where pet hair often accumulates. The rubber brushes are specifically designed to resist pet hair tangles.
Our tester noted the s9+ collected the most debris among seven tested models, attributing it to “its suction power and rubber rollers that don’t often get gunked up with hair.” It intelligently boosts suction on carpets for deeper cleaning. The self-emptying base, described by our tester as “life-changing,” holds up to 60 days of dirt. A “Careful Drive” mode allows for obstacle avoidance, though it lacks the dedicated pet waste detection of the j7+.
Best Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair On Hardwood Floors
Sleek and Effective for Pet Hair on Hard Floors
MOST POPULAR
Amazon
Shark Ion Robot Vacuum
Robot dimensions: 12.6 x 3.5 inches | Base dimensions: N/A (charging dock included) | Weight: 9.9 pounds | Runtime: 120 minutes | Bin capacity: 0.4 liters | Features: Voice control, scheduling, cliff detect
Pros:
- Simple and easy setup for immediate use
- Excels at cleaning pet hair on hardwood and tile floors
- Long runtime suitable for cleaning large areas
Cons:
- Lacks a self-emptying base, requiring manual emptying
For homes primarily with hardwood or tile floors, the Shark Ion Robot Vacuum is our recommended best robot vacuum for pet hair, offering an affordable and popular choice for busy pet households. While it lacks advanced smart features like mapping, it offers voice assistant compatibility, scheduling, and cliff detection. Its slim profile allows it to clean under furniture, and its three-brush system effectively captures pet hair. A 120-minute runtime enables cleaning larger spaces. The main drawback is the lack of a self-emptying base.
A tester with a German Shepherd-Labrador mix praises the Shark Ion for managing shedding on hardwood floors: “I’ve had this Shark vacuum for a few years now and it’s been a big help,” she states. “It’s a very simple model, but it gets the job done and didn’t cost a fortune. I do wish it had a self-emptying base—having to constantly clean the hair out is a bit annoying.” She advises against using it on rugs, as it tends to deposit collected hair on fabric surfaces.
Best Starter Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair
Reliable and Easy for Everyday Pet Hair Cleaning
Amazon
iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum
Robot dimensions: 13.4 x 3.5 inches | Bin dimensions: N/A (charging dock included) | Weight: 6.8 pounds | Runtime: 90 minutes | Bin capacity: 0.6 liters | Features: Personalized scheduling, voice control, dirt and cliff detect
Pros:
- Three-stage cleaning system for effective pet hair pickup
- Multi-surface brushes transition seamlessly between floors
- Multiple sensors prevent falls and navigate floor transitions
Cons:
- Lacks advanced smart navigation and mapping features
- Can sometimes re-clean areas while missing others
While a regular vacuum might still be needed for deep cleans, the iRobot Roomba 694 is an excellent starter robot vacuum for pet hair, ideal for maintaining fur-free floors in smaller, uncluttered spaces. It lacks the advanced mapping and self-emptying features of pricier models, but its three-stage cleaning system, dual multi-surface brushes, and strong suction effectively lift pet hair from both carpets and hardwood.
Our tester found it navigated original wood floors and transitioned between hardwood and low- to medium-pile carpets smoothly. However, she cautioned about potential tangling with cords and shoelaces if the area isn’t pre-cleaned. Overall, she praised it as an affordable solution for managing “ubiquitous” pet hair. Cleaning expert Shields also recommends the Roomba 694 for pet owners: “I use it every day, and it does a great job of picking up dirt and pet hair for my three cats.”
Best Value Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair
Quiet, Slim, and Agile for Efficient Pet Hair Cleaning
eufy
Eufy RoboVac G30
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
Pros:
- Slim design and smart navigation for nimble cleaning
- Automatically adjusts suction based on floor type with BoostIQ
- Exceptionally quiet operation compared to other models
Cons:
- Lacks self-emptying and smart mapping capabilities
- Long pet hair may tangle in the brush roll
For budget-conscious pet owners, the Eufy RoboVac G30 is the best value robot vacuum for pet hair, offering a range of useful features at an affordable price. Unlike many similarly priced robot vacuums, the RoboVac G30 includes smart features, allowing control via smartphone or voice assistant. Its slim profile, under 3 inches tall, proved advantageous in testing. One tester was “surprised to find that [it] was the only robot able to slither under a midcentury 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.”
While missing advanced features like mapping and self-emptying, it efficiently navigates, avoids obstacles and stairs, and uses a zig-zag pattern for thorough cleaning. It’s also notably quiet, despite BoostIQ technology that automatically increases suction on carpets.
Best Robot Vacuum And Mop Combo For Pet Hair
Superior Suction, Navigation, and Mopping for Pet Messes
Amazon
Roborock S8+ Robot Vacuum
Robot dimensions: 13.9 x 13.8 x 3.8 inches | Base dimensions: 12 x 17.3 x 17.6 inches | Weight: 20.5 pounds | Runtime: 180 minutes | Bin capacity: 0.3 liters (robot), 2.5 liters (base), 0.3 liters (water tank) | Features: Self-emptying, mopping, LiDAR, obstacle avoidance, cleaning routines
Pros:
- Dual rubber brush rolls prevent pet hair tangles
- Industry-leading suction power for thorough pet hair removal
- Precise LiDAR mapping and navigation for efficient cleaning paths
Cons:
- Mopping performance may be less consistent on edges between different floor types
The Roborock S8+ stands out as the best robot vacuum and mop combo for pet hair, excelling on various flooring types thanks to its unique brush roll and exceptional 6,000 Pa suction power. A tester with a Great Pyrenees mix reports it “has significantly reduced the need for daily manual vacuuming to just about once a week.” Dual rubber brush rolls rotating in opposite directions prevent pet hair tangling, and it automatically boosts suction on carpets. The self-emptying base holds up to seven weeks of debris.
Precise LiDAR mapping and obstacle avoidance help it navigate homes with pets. The app offers features like no-go zones and cleaning path tracking. While primarily a vacuum, the S8+ also mops hard floors, addressing pet-related stains and dirt. While mopping reviews are less enthusiastic than vacuuming reviews, cleaning expert Shields recommends combo models like the S8+ for convenience: “It’s a real time-saver, plus you don’t have to store two separate devices, which is just convenient.”
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Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted’s home and kitchen team offers extensive expertise in cleaning devices, particularly for pet-friendly homes. Our recommendations are based on rigorous testing and in-depth research.
How We Chose The Best Robot Vacuums For Pet Hair
Our selections for the best robot vacuums for pet hair are the result of thorough research, expert interviews, and firsthand testing by our product testers, many of whom are pet owners themselves.
- Pet-owning staff members personally tested six of the recommended robot vacuums, providing direct insights that informed our choices.
- Cleaning experts Elizabeth Shields and Meaghan Kessman shared their professional advice for pet-friendly home cleaning, guiding our selection criteria. Shields specifically recommends the iRobot Roomba j7+, the Roomba 694 and the Roborock S8+ for pet hair cleaning.
- We assessed key features during testing and market research, including suction power, brush roll efficiency, and obstacle avoidance.
- Price was a factor; we included models ranging from $230 to $1,000 to provide options for various budgets and needs.
What To Look For In Robot Vacuums For Pet Hair
Choosing the best robot vacuum for pet hair involves considering several factors to match your specific needs. Here’s what to prioritize when shopping:
Suction Power
Strong suction is paramount for effectively picking up pet hair and dander, according to expert Elizabeth Shields. Aim for models with higher Pascal (Pa) ratings, ideally closer to 5,000 Pa. While average robot vacuums offer 2,000 to 3,000 Pa, advanced models like the Roborock S8+ can reach 6,000 Pa. For carpets, choose a model that automatically adjusts suction based on flooring type.
Capacity
Robot vacuums have smaller dustbins than traditional vacuums. Pet hair fills bins quickly, so a larger dustbin is beneficial, minimizing emptying frequency, as Shields notes. Self-emptying robot vacuums, with base bin capacities around 2 liters, are highly recommended for pet owners due to reduced maintenance.
Object Avoidance
Effective object avoidance prevents robot vacuums from getting stuck. Models that detect and navigate around obstacles like pet toys and accidents are essential. The iRobot Roomba j7+ excels in obstacle detection and pet waste avoidance. Roborock models like the Q5+ and S8+ use LiDAR for precise navigation, obstacle avoidance, and no-go zones.
Special Features
For smaller, uncluttered spaces with primarily hard floors, basic robot vacuums like the Roomba 694 or Eufy RoboVac G30 may suffice. For multi-level homes or varied flooring, consider features like tangle-resistant brushes, smart mapping, and app integration for scheduling, cleaning routines, and remote/voice control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Highest-Rated Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair?
iRobot Roomba models are consistently top-rated for pet owners. Recent Roombas feature tangle-free rubber brush rolls ideal for pet hair on hard floors and carpets. Higher-end models offer advanced obstacle detection, beneficial for homes with pets. For a budget-friendly option, Elizabeth Shields recommends the iRobot Roomba 694: “I use it every day, and it does a great job of picking up dirt and pet hair from my three cats.”
What Is The Best Robot Vacuum For Long-Haired Pets?
For long-haired pets, prioritize robot vacuums with tangle-free brush rolls. These models often have self-cleaning mechanisms to remove long hair and direct it to the dustbin. The iRobot Roomba j7+ and Roborock S8+ both feature dual rubber brush rolls less prone to tangling than bristled brushes.
Is It Worth Getting A Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair?
A robot vacuum is a worthwhile investment for busy pet owners to manage pet hair. Meaghan Kessman, a professional home organizer, advises, “Running a robot vacuum every night is incredibly helpful for managing pet hair. It keeps your floors clean daily, reduces the amount of hair and dander that settles into carpets, and makes your regular cleaning routine much easier.” Entry-level models like the Eufy RoboVac G30 offer great value around $100.
