The Best Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair in 2020

Robot vacuums have advanced very fast in the past half-decade and we expect that for the foreseeable future, machines will keep taking over mundane tasks. No one’s complaining though, because the amount of house chores we have to do keeps on reducing, which is great, more time to relax.

The shortcoming of automated technology is that sometimes they will miss stuff that you would pick up. Does your pet have a habit of hiding in random places that are virtually inaccessible to a robot vacuum? You may have to keep this, and other factors, in mind when making your purchase. For those wondering what is the best robot vacuum for pet hair, this comprehensive review has all the answers you seek.

Robot Vacuums vs. Human-Operated Vacuums: Which Is Best?

This is a no brainer; in certain circumstances, robot vacuums are much better than human-operated vacuums. This is because of they:

  • free up your time to allow you to go about your daily activities;
  • reach all corners of the house, even those you would not be able to;
  • can be scheduled to run at any time and are not hindered by external factors;
  • do not get tired.

Although robots lack the discerning quality that a human being would have while cleaning, they still get the job done well.

Our Top Choice:


iRobot Roomba I7+ Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum will detect the dirtiest areas and keep cleaning till they’re clean.

Can Roomba i7 handle pet hair? Absolutely yes!

Its ability to pick all the pet hair out of the nap of the rugs is impressive. Your furbaby’s heavy shedding isn’t a menace for your cozy space anymore. You can use this Roomba on hardwood floors, carpets, and other floor types. This robot vacuum has voice control and Smart Mapping features which make the device a really “mindful” helper. Just set the schedule and forget about cleaning for weeks.

Top 7 Best Robotic Vacuums: Comparison Table

Features:
Our Rating:
Buy from:
iRobot Roomba I7+ Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum
  • Smart mapping technology
  • Easy and flexible scheduling
  • Automatically charges itself and goes back to work
  • Suitable for carpets, hard floors
iRobot Roomba 980 Wi-Fi Connected Vacuuming Robot
  • Works for all floor types — it increases suction power when it detects a carpet to get all the dirt off
  • Smart mapping technology
  • Hustle free scheduling
  • Virtual Assistant integration
Eufy Boost IQ RoboVac 11S
  • Fall detection and avoidance technology
  • Scratch-resistant top made out of tempered glass for a stylish finish
  • Ultra-slim design with a sleek finish
  • Two rotating edge brushes and vacuum suction working principle
iRobot Roomba 690 Wi-Fi Connected Vacuuming Robot
  • Stylishly designed to complement your décor
  • Wireless connectivity for remote control
  • Single virtual barrier allows greater control over areas it can access
  • Complete remote control worldwide, yes, worldwide
Neato Robotics D7 Connected Laser Guided Robot Vacuum
  • Wireless connectivity for total remote accessible
  • Large and efficient brush covers more area faster
  • Customizable cleaning areas
  • Multiple modes for different surfaces
Roborock E20 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
  • Wireless connectivity
  • Flexible cleaning plans
  • Quiet operation
  • Six cleaning modes
bObsweep PetHair Plus Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
  • Powerful vacuum pump
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Smart collision avoidance
  • A smart allergen filtration system

What to Consider When Picking the Best Robotic Vacuum for Pet Hair

Like any other product, you have to consider the vacuum’s suitability to your needs.

  • Do you have a tiled, carpeted or hardwood floor? The answer to this question determines the type of machine you will buy. It would be rather naïve of you to buy a wet mop vacuum for your carpeted floor, so make this consideration before you purchase.
  • Another important factor when identifying the best vacuum robot for pet hair is the navigation algorithm it uses to get from point to point.
  • You also want to check on battery life. Of course, you want one with longer battery life. You may compromise on this quality for other aspects that you find more important.
  • How big is the machine’s dustbin? Will you have to empty it manually? A sizeable dustbin that empties automatically is always ideal, but this also depends on personal preference.
  • What times can you schedule for cleaning? It depends on your personal schedule and is an important factor to consider while making the purchase.


Clearly, buying the robot vacuum is not a straightforward affair. A lot of considerations have to be made prior to the purchase.

What Robot Vacuum Is Best for Pet Hair: Individual Reviews

There are certain reliable brands that you can never go wrong with when it comes to robot vacuums. Here are the top 7 best vacuums to consider before making a purchase.

Our Favorite

Best Robot Vacuum for Dog Hair

iRobot Roomba I7+ Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum

If you are looking for a versatile robot vacuum that can handle different floor types, the Roomba I7+ is a great choice. We wouldn’t call this machine the best automatic vacuum for pet hair without good reasons.

It has a nice and compact design with a 13.3-inch diameter and about 3.6-inch height. It will probably fit in those tight spaces under your furniture that pets can fit. You get the vacuum and a stationery clean base which is like a second and main dustbin for this unit.

The clean base can be set against the wall out of your way. When it has collected enough dirt, it heads to the home base, empties the dirt and continues cleaning where it left off. We love how it detects whenever its battery is running low, heads to home base to charge and continues cleaning afterward.

All these great features do not come cheap. We find the Roomba I7 to be quite expensive. In case of any damage, its parts are also costly. We also find that it takes a relatively long amount of time to clean, but if you were to schedule it to clean on your days at work this should not be an issue. The auto-scheduling function is reliant on Wi-Fi, so do not make this purchase unless you have a strong, reliable Wi-Fi connection.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting battery
  • Edge cleaning brush
  • Automatic garbage disposal
  • Advanced allergen filter
  • Simple to use mobile app
  • 100-minute run time

Cons:

  • Lacks no-go zone function
  • Expensive
  • May take longer to clean

Best Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair and Hardwood Floors

iRobot Roomba 980 Wi-Fi Connected Vacuuming Robot

The Roomba 980 is the best robot vacuum for dog hair due to its efficiency. It has high-quality technology that improves its navigation ability to map out the room and clean faster. The trips to and from the home base are fewer and this increases the overall efficiency of the machine. Watching this vacuum work shows it is a tad “smarter” than older versions as it does not go around mindlessly bumping into furniture.

It does not have brushes like other older models, instead, it uses a rubber extractor that is good at picking more than pet hair. If you have been having pets drag in leaves and grass, this machine will clean them up quickly with no problems.

Like other versions, it is controlled via an app which performs functions such as scheduling, remote controlling and monitoring. You must have a strong Wi-Fi connection to enjoy this functionality.

One of the most desired features of such vacuums is minimal noise. Here, the Roomba 980 falls a little short. Since it uses more air power and suction than other iRobot machines, it is relatively louder during cleaning especially when going over carpets. This is not too troublesome though because you can always adjust the settings and put on the eco boost for a quieter experience. We also find this vacuum quite expensive even though the work it does makes it all worth it.

Pros:

  • Wireless connectivity
  • Voice control enabled
  • Efficient

Cons:

  • Somewhat pricey
  • Loud

Best Budget Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair

Eufy Boost IQ RoboVac 11S

We find Eufy Boost IQ RoboVac 11S the best pet hair robot vacuum for those who want something different from the iRobot brands. It is very easy to use, even for a novice who has never owned a robot vacuum before. Case in point, a sticker on the underside that simplifies any confusion you may have. While using this vacuum, if it ever stops and beeps, all you have to do is flip it and read the explanation on the sticker. This is a very helpful addition.

The top has color-coded indicators that show which mode you have the vacuum on. The blue light indicates it is ready to go, the orange one indicates a low battery, while the red light warns you that something needs to be fixed. Needless to say, this is one of the easiest vacuums to use.

Another great quality of the Eufy is how quietly it works There are no irritating suction noises while using it. You can schedule it to run while you are in the house going about your daily activities, yet you would not notice it at all. It also transitions well from one floor type to the other, which is a great quality for people whose houses are not fully carpeted. We are usually impressed by how it handles the low battery. It does not die at the spot, instead, it turns off the vacuum and heads to the charging station.

At the same time, this vacuum requires a bit more attention than others. Whenever it beeps red, you may have to empty out the vacuum particles. It can beep red every single time you run it, which would not be ideal for a busy person who has no time to monitor it. It also bumps against black carpets and has a hard time on black surfaces, which might mean it does not detect them well.

Pros:

  • Elegant design
  • Easy to use
  • Works quietly

Cons:

  • Cannot navigate through black carpets
  • Requires the particles to be emptied manually

Best Robot Vacuum for Carpet and Pet Hair

iRobot Roomba 690 Wi-Fi Connected Vacuuming Robot

iRobot has made its name as a manufacturer of some of the best robot vacuum cleaners for pet hair. It has a number of different models with slight variations in their features. The Roomba 690 is definitely a top contender for the best pet hair robot vacuum that is functional yet affordable. It is an automated machine that relies on Wi-Fi to set up a schedule and tell its location in case its battery goes off unexpectedly.

This vacuum does not have a rigid map to clean through, as this would mean it would miss the same spots over and over. Instead, it changes its route from time to time which ensures it gets all the dirt. It also transitions quite well from one floor type to the other without getting stuck. Its stylish design is a plus.

On the flip side, this vacuum works rather noisily. You would rather schedule it to run while you are out of the house just to avoid the irritating sound. Another disadvantage of this model is it shuts off wherever its battery dies at and struggles to get back to the docking station.

Pros:

  • Simple and easy to use the app
  • Affordable
  • Stylish design

Cons:

  • Noisy
  • Often struggles to find its way back to the home base when the battery dies

Best Robot Vacuum for Tile and Pet Hair

Neato Robotics D7 Connected Laser Guided Robot Vacuum

Maybe you have renovated recently or you decided to have different flooring in different rooms or you just happen to have room dividing boundaries, this robot vacuum will get around all of that. With a smart edge detection system, it can tell when to climb over obstacles, to a point, it will not go upstairs. This vacuum cleaner comes with wireless connectivity capability which means you can access it from anywhere. It has virtual assistant integration so you can let Alexa tell it to clean up.

It has a distinct Neato D-shape. Whatever advantage it lacks by not having a rotating edge brush it more than makes up for in the large brush on the straight edge of the shape. The battery will last through an average of two hours before it has to be plugged in again, automatically of course.

The app lets you customize how the robot will clean. You can limit it to stay within certain rooms or work in a given zone. If you have guests in one room and you want a section of it cleaned you can designate a no go line beyond which it will not clean. Pet owners will find this particularly useful given how some pets do not stay comfortable when they are in the way of the machines with no-go zone function. Combined with the ability to clean all floor types, this is one of the best robot vacuum for pet hair and hardwood floors, as well as for tiled floors.

Pros:

  • Wide cleaning path
  • Long-lasting battery up to 120 minutes
  • Can go over considerable obstacles
  • No-go zone function
  • Large dustbin

Cons:

  • No dirt cup full notification

Best Affordable Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair

Roborock E20 Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Shipping in a bright white color, this robot vacuum looks like it came from the deck of the Millenium Falcon. The black line across the face on the front makes it look like it has eyes. It has a simple and clean design, it is hard not to look at as it moves around cleaning. It has three indicator light on the top, power on, charging and cleaning. The robot vacuum has a sufficiently large dustbin and you might go a while without cleaning it.

Using Wi-Fi the cleaner connects to the Mi Home app and you can, therefore, control it remotely. As is the trend with most robots on our list, you will have an easy time planning your cleaning on your phone. You can end a session midway and start a new plan. If you happen to get a particular spot in the house dirty then you can simply redirect the robot to that particular spot. The robot is also well decked out to enable it to work on all floor types.

Using gyroscopes, the robot moves around with ease and it senses anytime it gets on a carpet where it increases suction or whenever it moves from one room to the next or in the rare case when this info is used for fall detection. The cool thing about this that you will get all the pet hair on your carpet cleaned automatically, therefore, making it one of the best robot vacuums for pet hair. You can check the battery level on the app but you do not have to do anything about it, it will sort itself out. Sweeping motions and a rotating brush will get the dirt from all those hard to reach places with ease.

Pros:

  • Flexible cleaning schedules
  • Quiet operation
  • Spot cleaning function

Cons:

  • Only one color option

Best Automatic Vacuum for Dog Hair

bObsweep PetHair Plus Robotic Vacuum Cleaner

All-black and mysterious to champagne elegance, this is a cool design with an uncanny UV light at the top that looks like a robotic eye watching you. It comes in a bunch of other colors too including cobalt, charcoal, rouge or midnight which is just black. The circular design does not hinder it from reaching the edges, it has a rotating brush peering out one side to push dirt off the edges before it is mopped up and sucked it. You get a variety of cleaning modes on this ranging from a quick clean up about 30 meters.

It is unique from all the vacuum’s reviewed so far in that it has a distinct round remote control. Nonetheless, you can control it using the controllers at the top. It has a total of five buttons for Go!, Mute, Charge, Checkup and Cleaning Mode. These are complemented by a rudimentary display above them. Made to be as simple as possible, so you do not need your phone to have this work. Also, you can do a complete diagnostic analysis on the system including the sensors for obstacle detection and dirt detection.

If you do not want the idea of having the Internet of things devices in your house this is perfect. It has filters in it to make sure the vacuum keeps any particles picked up during clean up inside. Visually, this bObsweep pet hair robotic vacuum cleans up as thoroughly as the other devices in this review. We’d like to mention the mop feature of the vacuum, which is not common in auto vacuums. To use it you have to attach wet microfiber cloth (included) to your vacuum. Sounds great, doesn’t it? The only concern we have about it is the cloth dries up too quick to mop large areas. Thus, you’ll have to wet the cloth over and over again.

Overall, it is a nice and reliable option that is however limited by the manual control and lack of connectivity.

Pros:

  • Powerful suction
  • Wet mopping feature
  • Allergen filtration system

Cons:

  • Lacks wireless connectivity

Tips on How to Use the Robot Vacuum

Like any other electronic gadget, robotic vacuums must be used carefully and with consideration for the manufacturer’s instructions. Regardless of the model you have, be sure to let it charge before vacuuming. You should also empty the bin regularly and check the home dock every once in a while, to ensure all is well. While vacuuming, remove all hanging wires that it may bump into. You should watch out for black rugs, as most robotic vacuums are unable to detect them and end up bumping into them without making any progress.

Common Questions About Robot Vacuums

What is the best robot vacuum? – The best vacuum is one that cleans thoroughly with minimal intervention.

What is the best brand of a robot vacuum for cleaning pet hair? – There are many decent brands. Top recommended vacuums include the Roomba, Eufy, Neato, Roborock, and Bobsweep.

Which Roomba is best for pet hair? – So far, the RoombaI7, Roomba 980 and Roomba 690 are all proved to be top quality vacuums that do a great job.

Can you use a Roomba on hardwood floors? – Yes, you can. This brand is suitable for all floor types.

Summary

You have by now realized that there is a lot more that goes into deciding what vacuum you want to use. If you spend a lot of time outside, you will probably choose the more advanced option with Wi-Fi connectivity and longer battery life. If you are cleaning after your pet a lot, you’ll want something with advanced collision avoidance so that it does not knock over your pet’s bowl. No-go zones are pretty cool if you have pets that are easily irritable and you do not want the vacuum to bother them.

Each of the vacuum cleaners listed above can clean up dog hair, however, there are different bits about them that distinguish them, from price to the design, to the amount of tech packed in each design. Do you have experience using any of the robot vacuums listed above?