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The Best Robot Vacuums For Pet Hair That Effectively Tackle Fur And Dander
If you live with cats or dogs who regularly leave a flurry of fur in their wake, you know how much time and effort it takes to maintain a clean home with pets. Thankfully, robot vacuums can take on some of the legwork to minimize how often you need to 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.
If you're constantly vacuuming or dry mopping to tackle fur, dander and dust, investing in the best ... [+] robot vacuum for pet hair could save you both time and effort.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS"Running a robot vacuum every night is incredibly helpful for managing pet hair," says Meaghan Kessman, professional home organizer at Meaghan Kessman Home Organization. "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."
When choosing a robot vacuum for households with animals, it's essential to consider features tailored to pet owners. Pet hair tends to fill up a vacuum's dustbin quickly, so self-emptying models can be especially convenient, as they automatically transfer debris to their base when the onboard bin gets full. Pet hair also often tangles around the brush roll and wheels, so opting for a model with a tangle-resistant brush roll is a smart choice. Additionally, obstacle avoidance is a valuable feature for homes with pets, helping the vacuum navigate around stray dog or cat toys without getting stuck.
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.
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iRobot Roomba j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
Robot dimensions: 13.3 x 3.4 inchesBase dimensions: 15.7 x 11.9 x 13.3 inchesWeight: 7.5 poundsRuntime: Up to 120 minutesBin capacity: 0.3 liters (robot), 2.4 liters (base)Features: Self-emptying, obstacle avoidance, dirt and cliff detection, smart mapping
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We named the Roomba j7+ our top recommendation for pet owners after 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 (not to mention power cords and rogue dog toys, which will prevent it from getting stuck mid-cycle), even when the vacuum's running if you're not home. 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 that 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—particularly for 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.
What our testers say: Lindsey Datte, associate general counsel at Forbes, found the j7+ particularly helpful for cleaning up after her elderly Shih Tzu during mealtimes. "The self-emptying feature and the ability to schedule cleaning alleviated the need for us to constantly clean up after him," she says. "Plus, it could detect where our dog was and avoid running into him as his eyesight declined." She also mentions that the self-emptying feature can be a bit loud, so it's something to consider if your pet is sensitive to noise.
Robot dimensions: 13.8 x 3.8 inchesBase dimensions: 13.8 x 13.8 x 3.8 inchesWeight: 15.4 poundsRuntime: Up to 180 minutesBin capacity: 0.5 liters (robot), 2.5 liters (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 heavily, the Roborock Q5+ is one of the best options for the job. This model offers powerful suction of 2,700 Pascals (Pa)—a unit that indicates how much force a vacuum uses to lift dirt and debris—meaning it reaches the higher end of standard vacuums (typically 2,000 to 3,000 Pa). The device also boasts 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—perfect for homes with plenty of pet hair.
Many 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 indicate 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). Shields 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."
Robot dimensions: 12.3 x 3.5 inchesBase dimensions: 11.5 x 14.9 x 19 inchesWeight: 8.2 poundsRuntime: 120 minutesBin capacity: 0.4 liters (robot), 1.7 liters (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 offers even more powerful performance. This model is especially well-suited for larger homes, featuring a larger brush roll and a runtime of up to 120 minutes, allowing it to cover more ground before needing a recharge. Its D-shape design helps it reach corners and edges more effectively, and the rubber brushes are specifically designed to resist tangling 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. What our testers say: Our tester who evaluated the s9+ notes that it picked up the most debris of the seven models they tested, "thanks to its suction power and rubber rollers that don't often get gunked up with hair." They also describe the self-emptying base as "life-changing."
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Shark Ion Robot Vacuum
Robot dimensions: 12.6 x 3.5 inchesBase dimensions: N/A (charging dock included)Weight: 9.9 poundsRuntime: 120 minutesBin capacity: 0.4 litersFeatures: 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 popular among busy households with pets. While it lacks some of the advanced smart features of other models, it does connect to voice assistants and features scheduling and cliff detection technology. Its slim, low profile allows it to easily get under couches, and we're impressed with how effectively it captures hair with its three-brush system. Plus, it runs for up to 120 minutes per charge, making it capable of cleaning larger spaces in one go. One drawback: It doesn't have a self-emptying base, so you need to manually empty it regularly, though reviewers note that this is a quick and easy task.
What our writers say: Forbes Vetted 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."
Robot dimensions: 13.4 x 3.5 inchesBin dimensions: N/A (charging dock included)Weight: 6.8 poundsRuntime: 90 minutesBin capacity: 0.6 litersFeatures: 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.
Our tester found that the no-frills model did a mostly seamless job navigating the original wood floors in their home, as well as moving from hardwood to low- and medium-pile carpets. They warn 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, they praised this affordable pick for helping to keep their floors clear of formerly "ubiquitous" piles of fur. And if you're curious whether the 694 works for feline households too, 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."
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."
Robot dimensions: 12.8 x 2.9 inchesBin dimensions: N/A (charging dock included)Weight: 6 poundsRuntime: 100 minutesBin capacity: 0.6LFeatures: Smart navigation, BoostIQ, scheduling, cliff and obstacle detect
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If you're looking for the best value, the Eufy RoboVac G30 offers a variety of useful features at an affordable price. Unlike many other robot vacuums in the same price range, the RoboVac G30 is equipped with smart functionality, allowing you to control it via smartphone or voice assistant. It's also impressively slim, standing at just under 3 inches tall, which proved especially useful for our tester. They found that 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.
What our testers say: One notes, "I 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."
Amazon
Roborock S8+ Robot Vacuum
Robot dimensions: 13.9 x 13.8 x 3.8 inchesBase dimensions: 12 x 17.3 x 17.6 inchesWeight: 20.5 poundsRuntime: 180 minutesBin capacity: 0.3 liters (robot), 2.5 liters (base), 0.3 liters (water tank)Features: Self-emptying, mopping, LiDAR, obstacle avoidance, cleaning routines
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Many robot vacuums struggle on thicker carpeting, but the Roborock S8+ excels on almost any type of flooring, thanks to its unique brush roll and incredibly powerful suction (6,000 Pa, compared to the average 2,000 to 3,000 Pa). It features two rubber brush rolls that spin in opposite directions to prevent pet hair from tangling, and the vacuum automatically detects carpeted areas, boosting suction power for a deeper clean. It also comes with a self-emptying base that can hold up to seven weeks' worth of debris, though you may need to empty the bin more frequently if it's picking up a lot of pet hair.
With precise LiDAR mapping and obstacle avoidance, this robot vacuum can identify and avoid pet toys and other objects on your floors. Its app offers a range of features, from setting up no-go zones to tracking the vacuum's cleaning path. It's also worth noting that the S8+ can mop hard floors, helping to remove stains and dirt left behind by pets—though reviews of its mopping performance are not as overwhelmingly positive as those for its vacuuming abilities. 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.
What To Look For In Robot Vacuums For Pet HairHere are a few factors to keep in mind as you shop for the best robot vacuum for pet hair.
Suction PowerIf you're looking for a machine that can effectively pick up pet hair and dander from your floors, suction power is one of the most important factors to consider in a robot vacuum. Look for models with high Pascals (Pa)—ideally closer to the 5,000 range. (For reference, the average robot vacuum has a suction power of 2,000 to 3,000 Pa, while more advanced models like the Roborock S8+ can reach up to 6,000 Pa.) Since it takes more suction to remove pet hair from carpeting, you may also want to choose a model that automatically adjusts its suction based on the type of flooring it's cleaning.
CapacityBecause robot vacuums are much smaller than traditional vacuums, they have relatively small dustbins. Pet hair takes up a lot of space, so a larger dustbin means the robot won't have to stop every few minutes to empty, notes Elizabeth Shields, operations manager of Super Cleaning Service Louisville.
For pet owners, robot vacuums that self-empty into a base are often worth the added price. They require significantly less maintenance thanks to their larger bin capacity, typically around 2 liters.
Object AvoidanceIf you have pets, there are likely toys—and possibly the occasional accident—on your floors, making object avoidance a valuable feature in a robot vacuum. When a vacuum can 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.
Special FeaturesIf 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.
Why Trust Forbes VettedForbes Vetted's home and kitchen reporters are experts on cleaning devices for homes with pets.
How We Chose The Best Robot Vacuums For Pet HairWe selected the best robot vacuums for pet hair based on extensive research, expert interviews and firsthand insights from our own product testers.
Which Robot Vacuum Is Best For Pet Hair?
Several brands make high-quality robot vacuums today, but iRobot Roombas are often among the best options for pet owners. Most of the latest Roomba models feature non-tangle rubber brush rolls, which are excellent for picking up hair from both hard floors and rugs. Additionally, several of the higher-end options offer advanced obstacle detection, making them ideal for homes with dog toys or even pet accidents on the floor. If you're looking for an affordable option, Shields recommends the iRobot Roomba 694, priced just under $250. "I use it every day, and it does a great job of picking up dirt and pet hair from my three cats," she adds.
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 Easily Get Stuck in Robot Vacuums?
Longer pet hair can often get tangled around your robot vacuum's brushroll and wheels. While most of the latest models feature self-cleaning brushrolls to minimize this issue, it's still wise to inspect the underside of your vacuum regularly—at least once a week. Removing any trapped hair ensures your vacuum runs efficiently and helps extend your robot vacuum's lifespan.
What Are The Key Features To Look For In A Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair?
In addition to strong suction power, Shields recommends choosing a robot vacuum with cliff detection if you live in a multi-level home, "so you can let it do its thing without worrying about it taking a tumble and getting damaged." It's also a good idea to invest in a vacuum with sensors and smart software that map out your space, allowing the vacuum to clean efficiently while avoiding obstacles like pet waste or toys. A large dustbin is another must-have, as it reduces the need for frequent stops to empty the bin—especially important for bigger messes. Finally, if you're willing to splurge, she suggests a vacuum-and-mop combo. "It's a real time-saver, and you don't have to store two separate devices, which is super convenient."
The 6 Very Best Robot Vacuum Cleaners
Brushes: Dual rubber brush systemBattery run time: 85 minutesSmart navigation: Infrared sensors and camera, in-app object identificationDisposal method: Self-emptying base stationFiltration: YesRepairability: Replaceable wheels, batteries, brushes, dustbins, filters, and disposal bagsMopping: None
iRobot's Roomba j7+ was the first robot vacuum that I trusted to clean my floors without much follow-up on my end. I tested it over the course of several weeks, running multiple map jobs of my home, using it for mopping jobs, and vacuuming every other day. In that time, it proved itself to be a capable substitute for my rigorous vacuuming schedule; my floors felt free of dirt and debris, with some small exceptions that only my Dyson V7 Motorhead vacuum could pick up.
It has two primary brushes on the bottom, both of which are made of a tough rubber, that rotate in opposite directions to create enough agitation to scrape up more than a single brush could. It also has an additional set of blades that rotate on the side of the vacuum to reach into corners and other spots the main brushes may miss.
While your robot is still in the "get to know you" stage of navigating your home, it can often look goofy as it figures out what not to bump into and how to get out of tricky spots. Of all the vacuums I tested, the Roomba j7+ made mapping look the easiest, and the additional input you can provide in the app for things like obstacle identification make it one of the smartest vacuums you can get. It uses infrared sensors and a front-facing camera to navigate around your home, and after every cleaning cycle you can go into the iRobot app and look at any obstacle the robot detected and tell it if it's a permanent obstacle (like a new exercise bike) or if it'll be gone by the next cleaning. For instance, whenever my dog left one of his toys in the kitchen, I'd tell the Roomba not to mind it, that way it doesn't designate the middle of my kitchen a no-go zone.
Once the j7+ is finished with a cleaning cycle, it will find its way back to the docking station, where the base will automatically suck up whatever the Roomba picked up during its cleaning. You'll still have to empty the station's chamber, but not nearly as frequently as you'd have to empty the robot itself without the station (as is the case with some of our other recommendations). That part of the routine is particularly loud, though, so make sure you're not on a call or recording anything when the robot is finishing up its job.
As with any gadget with moving parts, the j7+ is subject to wear and tear as it goes through more cleaning cycles. Thankfully, many of the parts, like the brushes and filters, are totally user-replaceable, so you won't need to send it back to iRobot for anything other than serious damage or malfunctions. You can also replace the cleaning bin where the j7+ holds dirt and debris, as well as the wheels and battery, and you can even replace the base station without needing to buy an entirely new unit.
You can get cheaper vacuums from iRobot, but they all require some sacrifices that dampen the experience overall; the j7+ best juggles price and features, resulting in an all-around capable robot that you won't have to spend a year saving for. Its dual-brush system and camera-based mapping make it an excellent cleaner that knows your home well enough to reach every nook and cranny.
For thorough mopping from a robot, you'll get better results from a dedicated mopping robot, as the whole device is packed with gizmos meant strictly for wiping floors rather than being added onto an already packed machine. IRobot sells a version of this vacuum called the Combo j7+ that also mops, but it's not quite as effective as the Roborock Qrevo Pro, which you can read more about below.
Buy These Vacuum Cleaners: Transforming Mess Into Cleanliness
In the fast-paced world today, vacuum cleaners have become a necessary household companion that makes laborious cleaning swift and effortless. From small handheld devices to smart robot vacuums, the leading companies have transformed how people clean.
1. Dyson V8 Absolute Cord-Free Vacuum Cleaner
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Dyson is a name that brought revolution into the vacuum cleaning technology industry. It is famous for its advanced technologies and futuristic design in vacuum cleaners. They engineer products to be efficient as well as fashionable.Key Features
2. IRobot Roomba i7+ (i755640) Robot Vacuum with Automatic Dirt Disposal
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iRobot's Roomba is the finest of the range of smart vacuum cleaners available on the market. Key Features
3. Shark ION W1 Handheld Vacuum
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Shark offers numerous affordable and powerful vacuum cleaners to meet a variety of cleaning needs. Shark has always been among the favorites of budget-conscious consumers as a result of its strong performance and user-friendly designs.Key Features
4. Miele Blizzard CX1 Bagless Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner
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Miele is famous for its high-quality, long-lasting appliances. Miele focuses on quality over price, targeting those who appreciate quality. Key Features
5. Bissell Portable Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner
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Bissell has managed to establish itself by making vacuums that are pet-owner-friendly. The Bissell is both affordable and practical when combined with its functionality, capable of picking up fur and mess easily.Key Features
The right vacuum cleaner suits your lifestyle and specific cleaning needs. Dyson or Miele is your best bet if you want cutting-edge technology and sleek design. For those who are looking for automated, hands-free cleaning, Roomba will top the list. For those on a budget, Shark can give them high performance without spending a fortune. And if you have pets, then Bissell is perfect for you.
The vacuum cleaner is far removed from its initial inspiration and intent and is more like the emblem of efficiency, innovation, and modern-day convenience. It is a slender robot floating effortlessly around your floor or a high-powered hand device with an unyielding force that scraps your floors, vacuum cleaners transformed housekeeping for humans. More than cleanliness, investing in the right vacuum is all about returning time, enriching indoor air quality, and adding that touch of effortless sophistication to life. And, of course, every corner can shine with the right vacuum since clean isn't a state but a feeling.
Disclaimer: The above mentioned article is a sponsored feature. This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of IDPL, and IDPL claims no responsibility whatsoever.
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