As much as we love our pets, no one likes cleaning wads of pet dander. This is especially frustrating if the only tool you have is an outdated vacuum cleaner. Luckily, smart manufacturers have come up with an effective solution to the problem – the robot vacuum!
This vacuum cleaner is specifically designed to clean up the most difficult of messes, including pet hair! We did some digging to bring you this helpful guide on this wonderful device, including a review of the best robot vacuum for pet hair. Read on for more.
Why Do Pets Shed?
Pet dander happens as a result of a hormonal imbalance. Oftentimes, pets shed more frequently when they’re exposed to a certain amount of daylight. That’s why you’ll find that your pets shed fur to usher in each new season.
In the fall and winter, they shed fur to make way for a fluffier and warmer fur coat and in the spring they drop away from the heavy layers of fur that they used to keep warm in the winter. It’s all part of a well-functioning system and it means your pet is healthy.
Now, some pets will shed more fur than others depending on the season, the climate and the type of breed you’re dealing with. Also, the amount of time your pet spends indoors will play a role in how much fur it sheds every season.
START UP - $ 29
iRobot Roomba 891 Robot Vacuum, Wi-Fi Connected, Works with Alexa, Ideal for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors
BUSINESS - $ 49
Bagotte BG600 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner, 1500Pa High Suction, Super-Thin, Self-Charging, Quiet, Wood Floors
ADVANCED - $ 99
Tesvor Robotic Vacuum, 1400Pa Suction, App Control, Mapping, 110mins Battery Life, Hard Floors & Low-Pile Carpets
ADVANCED - $ 99
Roborock S6 Robot Vacuum, Mop with Adaptive Routing, Selective Room Cleaning, Strong Suction, & Long Battery Life
ADVANCED - $ 99
iRobot Roomba 614 Robot Vacuum, Good for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors, Self-Charging & Dual Multi Surface Brushes
How Do Robot Vacuums Work?
Most robot vacuum cleaners come with basic features like a brush-roll, filtration, and suction system. This goes for robot vacuum cleaners as well as handheld, stick and upright models. However, there are a few noticeable differences between these models, namely the way they operate and the navigation system in use.
Generally, robot vacuums are completely dependent on their navigation system because they basically roll around on their own without any assistance from the user. Navigation systems vary and include things like a smart camera, directional lasers, and infrared sensors, to name but a few.
Robot vacuums that come with directional lasers and infrared sensors come with the ability to detect specific objects such as furniture items. This protects them from bumping onto surfaces and similar forms of damage.
Smart camera robot vacuums work similarly, but they use a smart camera to identify and dodge objects accordingly. The added benefit of a smart camera model is that it can use the camera to determine the best room based on a comprehensive room scan.
Things to Look for When Shopping for the Best Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair
We don’t care how long you’ve had your pet, the sensation of dread that takes over when it comes time to clean up its mess is undeniable. That’s why you need to invest in a good quality robot vacuum cleaner that’s guaranteed to do the job, mess-free and in a fraction of the time.
Here are some of the most important considerations to make before you start shopping for one:
Suction
If you’re looking for the best robot vacuum for hard floors and carpets then you should consider suction. The good news is that most manufacturers and brands list their vacuum’s suction power on the packaging so if you look at the product specs you should be able to find it easily. Your vac should have a minimum of 500 pascals of suction power. Otherwise, the more the better.
Size
The size of your robot vacuum is also important because it determines the machine’s dexterity and flexibility as you move it around. If you plan on cleaning a wide floor area, look for a vac with a width of about 13 inches. However, if you want the vacuum to clean underneath your furniture for you then you should look into a 4-inch wide model instead.
Let’s not forget the shape of the device as well. Most units have a circular shape, which some models come with a spectacular D-shape. The D-shaped models offer better cleaning efficiency around baseboards so look out for that if you’re nit-picky about the cleanliness of the overall space.
Brushroll
The brushroll is essential so you shouldn’t even consider a robot vacuum without one. A brushroll will determine the machine’s ability to deal with large amounts of pet dander, and the wider it is the better it’ll be at reaching difficult corners of the room.
Look out for spiral or V-shaped models made specifically for optimal cleaning experience, especially if you have carpets. Some models even come with two brushrolls instead of one. It also helps if the brushroll is height adjustable so you can reach all the different areas of the room that need cleaning.
Side Brush
As a rule, a robot vacuum should feature one or more spinning side brushes. This makes it easier for the vacuum to clean corners, wall edges, and baseboards. Not only will it clean the pet hair, but this brush will sweep away any dust and debris that’s stuck in these areas.
Another great benefit of having a side brush is that it’ll scoop up all those extra hairs that go up in the air when you start vacuuming. The more side brushes the vacuum has, the better because it means it can collect twice as much dirt and dander.
Filtration
Pet hair is one of the main allergens to look out for, especially if you’ve got kids in the house. It’s even more important to avoid if anyone in the house suffers from allergies or asthma. Your best line of defense here is a robot vacuum with a powerful, high-efficiency filter. That’s because this feature has the ability to catch up to 99% of the allergens present in danger, pollen, and dust.
While you’re at it, check the vacuum’s bin to make sure it has a large capacity. You don’t want to empty it after each use as that would be annoying and could potentially irritate your allergies regardless of the filter. Also, the bin must be easy to install and remove.
Battery
Battery life is another component we couldn’t leave out of this guide for obvious reasons. For best results, opt for a lithium-ion battery-powered vac because that means it’ll last longer and can handle abuse.
A lithium-ion battery also guarantees powerful suction regardless of how low the charge is. You can use it to clean for hours without running out of power. Although, it’ll probably take you less than an hour to sweep up the pet dander because it’s so powerful.
Keep in mind that the average charging time of a lithium-ion battery-powered vac is 3 to 4 hours, which is not too bad at all.
Protective Components
Make sure your robot vacuum has adequate protection against the elements and other potential forms of damage. This includes powerful sensors that allow it to spot obstacles and drop-offs. Some models even feature onboard camera so they can see obstacles from afar. Other safety features include an anti-scratch cover and a soft bumper.
Controls
When it comes to controls, it all depends on the user’s personal preferences. Some people just want a convenient and easy-to-use machine, in which case a Wi-Fi enabled model will do the work beautifully.
You can control it straight from your smartphone and won’t have to even touch it until it’s full and ready for emptying. Nowadays, manufacturers are even making robot vacuums that are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Alternatively, you could opt for an old-school model that comes with its own remote control.
Robots vs. Vacuums
All battery-powered devices have a few unavoidable cons. However, you need to also consider the individual merits of the robot vacuum itself. A good quality robot should navigate easily between obstacles without bumping into anything and causing more of a mess than its cleaning.
The only downside to them is that they’re not much use when they get stuck and you’ll need to step in to get them back into action. The most important features to look for in a good robot is the quality of the circuit board, sensors, wheels, and brushes while making sure that all these components work well together.
It’s important to note that no matter how smart a robot vacuum is, it can still knock furniture and bump into stuff. Plus, the more powerful a robot vacuum is, the noisier it’s likely to be. Interestingly, expensive models are usually less effective than affordable ones. That’s because they’re more robot than vacuum, so in this case, pricier isn’t always better.
Best Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair And Hardwood Floors
The key to finding the best robot vacuum for pet hair lies in checking for the right features and considering your own needs. Now that you know which features and functions to look out for, it’s time to check out some reviews of the best robot vacuum for pet hair.
1 – iRobot Roomba 891 Robot Vacuum
First, we have the iRobot Roomba 891. This unit comes with impressive specs, including a 3-stage cleaning system that’s designed to offer optimal cleaning ability. Every stage in the process is well-integrated and optimally designed.
The first stage you’ll come across is the standard “Lift Stage.” It comes with one main brush and two side brushes that will help you to remove dust, debris, and dirt as well as pet hair.
Next comes the Sweeping Stage which as the name implies, is designed to sweep up the dirt and put it into the suction pathway next to the large main brush. Lastly, you have the Suction Stage which is when the vacuum sucks all the dirt, dust and debris inside. The iRobot Roomba 891 is arguably the best robot vacuum for pet hair because it’s extremely powerful and efficient.
Pros:
Comes with an app
Compatible with Alexa
Can run continuously for 90 minutes
Offers power-lifting suction
Comes with two multi-surface rubber brushes
Cons:
The customer service sucks
2 – Bagotte BG600 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
The Bagotte BG600 has the classic rounded design which is simple and easy to use. It also means that this vacuum won’t have any trouble moving around different surfaces and it’ll fit better in between corners and tight spaces. It’s also perfect for when you want to sweep underneath cabinets because it can get into low spaces without any trouble.
As such, it’s considered to be the best robot vacuum for pet hair and hardwood floors. You shouldn’t have a problem cleaning any of the rooms around your house when you have this vacuum cleaner, no matter how tight the space is. However, you might encounter a problem when trying to get through extremely narrow spaces.
Now, onto suction power, the Bagote BG600 offers an impressive 1500 Pa suction power which means it’ll clean up your space in a jiffy! The best part is that you can use it to clean all the different surfaces in your house, including hardwood floors, tiles, thick surfaces, and carpets! It’s a smooth and versatile operator.
Pros:
Comes with built-in AI technology
Has a run time of 100 minutes
Powerful suction
Features its own remote control
Cons:
It’s not very durable
3 – Tesvor Robotic Vacuum
With dimensions of 12.6 x 12.6 x 3.1 inches, this robot vacuum from Tesvor offers comfortable cleaning thanks to its ideal height. It can access all the different areas of your floor that would otherwise pose a problem for a regular cleaning brush.
For example, this is the best robot vacuum for hardwood floors, carpets, sofas and it can clean underneath all of your furniture including beds, chairs, and tables. Thanks to its anti-collision sensors, this robot-vacuum will avoid any objects it comes across and it’s very rare for it to get stuck in tight spaces or under furniture. That’s why you can count on it to complete the cleaning session, as expected.
In addition, this vacuum is powered by 1400- Pasqual suction which means it not only removes pat hair and dander but dust, dirt, and debris as well. It also works so fast that it usually finishes within 10 minutes.
Aside from the cleaning component, this robot comes with a helpful manual, four side brushes, two HEPA certified filters, a remote control, a power adapter, and a charging base. This is in addition to the 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Keep in mind that the warranty is valid from the date of purchase and is only available in the country you purchase the vacuum in. All said the Tesvor V300S Wi-Fi robot vac is one of the best handheld models available on the market. It’s compact, well-shaped, easy to use and comes with all the features you need!
Pros:
Powerful suction
30-day return policy
One year warranty
Very effective at cleaning dander dirt and debris
Comes with HEPA filters
Smart mapping system
Cons:
We were a bit disappointed by its “smart” features
4 – Roborock S6 Robot Vacuum
With the Roborock S6, you get 2000 PA suction power, which is the same as the company’s previous model. This puts it in the top three list of the most powerful robot vacuums on the market. The only other models which are more powerful than this one are the Lambot A1 which has 2200 PA suction power and the Viomi V2 with 2150 Pa suction power.
Aside from its powerful motor and performance, there are lots more to write home about when it comes to the Roborock S6. For instance, it has a cleaning capacity of 250 square meters per cleaning session and it’s powered by a powerful 5200mAh internal battery. Of course, this comes standard with most robot vacuums in this price range.
Inside there’s a small dust bit which is about the same size as the brand’s previous model. It’s worth noting that this machine has a normal barrier cross height of 9.6cm whereas most units have a cross height of 9.5 to 10cm.
Not to hanker on about its dimension but it has a barrier cross height of 20mm and a width of 35cm. This makes it similar to most other models on the market.
Pros:
There’s space within the vacuum for all its cleaning tools
Offers basic moping ability
Comes with a convenient app
Automatic room mapping and storage
Cleans everyday dust and pet dander thoroughly
Cons:
Although it runs relatively quiet, it’s still not completely silent
Not suitable for anything higher than low-pile carpeting
5 – iRobot Roomba 614 Robot Vacuum
Here we have yet another robot vac from iRobot Roomba. The 614 model is specifically designed for the mobility challenged and anyone that needs a convenient and easy-to-use cleaning tool.
It’s the best robot vacuum for carpet cleaning as well as hardwood floors, tiles, and laminate floors. It comes with three brushes and stands on scuff-free rubber wheels. It moves quietly from floor to floor, while the iRobot Dirt Detect technology gives it an extra boost whenever the vac comes across an extremely dirty floor.
This robot vacuum is powered by a powerful internal lithium-ion battery which is long-lasting and durable. The great thing about this battery is that it’s self-charging as well, making it even more convenient.
If you have allergies then you can rest assured knowing that there’s a built-in filter designed to trap dust particles and the see-through dirt bin allows you to see how much space is left before you have to empty it. Furthermore, this robot vac is covered by two warranties, one for the battery and another for the robot vac itself.
Did we mention that it comes with the iRobot Dirt Detection technology? Yep! This means it’ll go around your house searching for any dirt, dust or pet hair to sweep up. With this vac by your side, your house will always be clean. The indicator light will automatically illuminate when the Dirt Detector spots any dirt on the floor or in other surfaces of your house.
Pros:
Can operate continuously for up to 90 minutes
Comes with multiple sensors
Offers a 3-stage cleaning system
Dual multi-surface brushes
Cons:
No value for money
6 – ECOVACS DEEBOT 500 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
ECOVACS is a well-known vacuum manufacturer and they didn’t disappoint with their DEEBOT 500 robot vacuum cleaner. This model is designed to work for long periods of time and it can pick up the smallest dirt particles, from cookie crumbs to pet hair.
It stands on heavy-duty wheels that can roll around different types of floors and surfaces. It also features variable suction speed and a multiple brush system. This is a Wi-Fi enabled vac which means you can operate it from your smartphone if you like.
Of course, it comes with its own remote as well if that’s an option you prefer. Alternatively, you can use its voice command feature to control it through any Amazon or Google device. Otherwise, this is a self-docking device that’ll pretty much take care of itself once you’ve activated it.
In addition, this vac comes with four cleaning modes, including an Auto mode for standard cleaning. This mode will sweep all around the house area until it runs out of power. Then you have single-room limits that allow the vac to clean certain designated areas around the house like high-traffic rooms.
The other two modes are aimed at customized cleaning. For instance, edge mode allows the robot to access room borders, baseboards, and edges, while spot modes allow it to vacuum in circles for about five minutes or so to get rid of relatively small messes. All in all, this is the best robot vacuum for pet hair in our opinion.
Pros:
Multiple cleaning modes to choose from
Max mode power
Can run for up to 110 minutes
Voice and app control capabilities
Cons:
The app is a bit glitchy
7 – Coredy Robot Vacuum Cleaner
The Coredy robot vacuum cleaner is a multi-tasker. You can use it to vacuum your pet hair as well as to sweep and mop any area in your house. This R300 model has the ability to navigate an entire home on its own, granted it’s running on the proper settings.
It features a sleek and modern design with a low height that enables it to get beneath low spaces which means it’s perfect for pet owners with small animals that like to get into little nook and crannies. The R300 is canine and baby-safe thanks to its dual anti-collision system and it can run for 110 minutes before requiring a recharge.
Other features include 12 infrared sensors that make it resistant to bumpers, a generous 550ml dustpan and a powerful maximum vacuum mode that works like a dream. Meanwhile, the battery is so powerful that the machine will only stop when it’s done and not a moment before.
Now, we’d be remiss not to mention that fact that the Corey brand is relative a newcomer. But, they make up for that by offering a powerful vacuum that can handle both carpet and hardwood cleaning chores.
Pros:
Powered by a 2600mAh battery
Can run for 110 minutes consistently
Upgraded smart protection
Features a remote control
Cons:
It’s not durable
8 – Roborock E20 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
The Roborock Xiaowa E20 is the best affordable robot vacuum. It comes with a wet mop, room-mapping technology, app control, voice control, Alexa support and a number of other features except for a dedicated remote control.
To make up for this, the Xiaowa E20 has buttons on its surface and it’s Wi-Fi enabled so you can always control it from a mobile device through the Mi Home mobile app. All you need to do is to connect to the same local network and you’re good to go!
A useful feature worth mentioning is the scheduling option which allows you to plan cleaning times. You can customize this any way you like and there are multiple schedules to choose from which will help you get started.
Default notifications are enabled which means the machine will tell you when a cleaning session is over, but you can always disable them when you get tired of the constant alerts. There’s another feature that allows you to check the vacuum’s progress either during or after the cleaning session. This can be done by clicking on the map button which will show you a picture of the area.
Unfortunately, it offers a low-resolution picture and you can’t click on the map to see specific areas or use it to plan future cleaning schedules. Otherwise, you’ll get a map report after each cleaning session and that’s great.
Pros:
Auto carpet boost feature
Works fast and efficiently
App control
Best cheap robot vacuum
Anti-collusion
Cons:
It runs loudly
9 – Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S MAX Vacuum Cleaner
The RoboVac 11S comes with such resplendent features as a standard suction mode that runs quiet, a duo of edge-sweeping brushes as well as an additional rolling brush to collect any leftover dirt, dust, and debris.
As one of the best cheap robot vacuum cleaners on the market, it’s not surprising to see that it has BoostIQ technology, 1,300-pascal suction power and an ability to detect different floor surfaces for customized cleaning.
The 11S also comes with an infrared remote control with a convenient digital display that you can use to set a daily cleaning schedule. There are different modes to choose from here, including small-room clean, edge clean and spot clean.
The robot features an auto-start button while the remote has BoostIQ override and manual BoostIQ functions. Don’t let its small size fool you because the Eufy 11S is very durable and has a height of 2.85 inches with a 0.63-inch climbing threshold. The front is protected from bumpers with a tempered glass cover and the treaded wheels won’t leave behind any scuff marks.
The package also comes with an obstacle avoidance sensor and two ledge-detection sensors. You’ll be glad to know that this model has a capacity of up to 2,600mAh and it’s powered by a 14.4 lithium-ion battery that can handle a continuous operation time of 100 minutes.
This unit can drive and dock itself on the charger all on its own, and the dock has a light which tells you when the battery is full. It usually takes about 5 to 6 hours for it to reach a full charge.
Pros:
Can vacuum for up to 100 continuous minutes
Protected by a glass top cover
Works quietly
Comes with BoostIQ technology
Cons:
It’s a bit flimsy
10 – Proscenic M7 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
This robot vacuum from Proscenic is equipped with a top-loading reservoir that turns this device into a mop. It’s designed to move in circular motions so it can cover a wider floor surface and its vacuuming power is made more potent by its high pascal suction and deep lifting brush-roll.
This vac is backed by an easy-to-use smartphone app and it’s Wi-Fi-enabled which means you can customize cleaning zones, suction modes and mopping modes through a mobile device and from anywhere in or outside the house.
It also comes with a laser distance sensor that maps out your home and saves those maps for ease of use. You also have the option of hands-free voice control if you like. The Proscenic M7 is the best robot vacuum for dog hair if you have low to medium pile carpets because it comes with a jam-resistant brush roll and a side brush that’ll help you get rid of dirt on sideboards and wall edges.
The suction system has 2,600 pascals of pressure and it offers three speeds. Once collected, the dirt goes into a 17-ounce bin, while the top-loading compartment makes for fuss-free cleaning experience. The bin door swings to the side to minimize any mess that might be created while removing the dirt, and you’ll be glad to know that this unit is equipped with a HEPA filter as well.
Pros:
Powered by a 3200mAh battery
2600Pa suction power
Y-shaped mop
Alexa and App control
Laser distance sensor
Cons:
It takes a bit of getting used to
Conclusion
START UP - $ 29
ECOVACS DEEBOT 500 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner, Max Power Suction, Hard Floors & Carpets, App Controls, Self-Charging, Quiet
BUSINESS - $ 49
Coredy Robot Vacuum Cleaner, Super-Strong Suction, Ultra Slim, Self-Charging, Filter for Pet, Easy Schedule Cleaning
ADVANCED - $ 99
Roborock E20 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, Cleaning Dust & Pet Hair, 1800Pa Strong Suction, App Control, Good for all Floor Types
ADVANCED - $ 99
Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S MAX Vacuum Cleaner, Super-Thin, 2000Pa Strong Suction, Quiet, Self-Charging, Cleans Floors & Carpets
ADVANCED - $ 99
Proscenic M7 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, Laser Navigation, App & Alexa Control, 2600 Pa Suction, Electronically-controlled Water Tank
If we were to pick just one option out of our list of the best robot vacuum for hardwood floors, carpets, tiles, and other surfaces, it would be the Proscenic M17. It ticks all the boxes when it comes to performance, ease of use, range of features and powerful suction. It also lasts long and buying it won’t break the bank. In fact, it’s probably the best budget robot vacuum that money can buy.
What do you get from three nerds (Joe, Ray, and Paul) that decide to create a functioning tech gadget review site? The first is data-driven arguments lasting way into the night. You can read more…
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