The Best Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair on Hardwood Floors
A high-quality robot vacuum can make a huge difference in reducing allergens like dust and pet hair. There are many models that are not identical.
There are many options available for you to choose from, whether you need a vacuum that is pet-specific or a robot to complement your other cleaner.
1. Eufy RoboVac G30 Edge
The G30 Edge, the latest model in Eufy’s budget-friendly range of robotic vacuum cleaners, is the most current model. The G30 Edge is a glossy black vacuum cleaner, with rose gold and blue accents. It looks like a smartphone. The model is simpler to use than past models and comes with features like BoostIQ that automatically boosts suction power for cleaner cleaning on all surfaces. It also uses smart navigation to avoid repeating the same areas repeatedly, an issue that is common when using bounce-navigation systems.
It is effective in getting rid of pet hair, crumbs, and dust on hard floors but it is not as efficient as the top models when it comes to getting rid of dust from carpet. In our tests, the G30 Edge missed 74% of the dust on hard floors, and 26 percent on carpet, which is disappointing.
One feature that makes the G30 Edge stand out is the ability to map your home with a digital map in the app. It can remember which rooms it has already cleaned and avoid returning to those areas which is a major problem with more basic robots that rely on the use of old-fashioned magnetic tape to delineate areas that are not allowed to enter.
The G30 Edge has other conveniences that include a "Find My Robot" mode that plays an ominous tune until it is found, and a directional pad that allows users to manually move the robot. It also has an automatic return feature that sends the robot back to its charging station when the battery is low. This is a safety feature.
2. Neato Botvac D-Shape
The Neato Botvac D shape robot is a mighty machine with a long list of smart features. It cleans bare floors very well, and it climbs on high-pile carpet fairly easily. The app has advanced features such as boundary lines and remote access to the robot when it is in operation and a host of other options.
This model is the most recent in a long line of Neato robots and features a unique "D" shape when seen from above. The design offers a number of advantages such as better corner cleaning and a larger dust container than other models. The D-shape lets the robot to reach under furniture better than those that have a circular design.
When first starting a cleaning cycle, the D-Shape will stop for a moment to make use of infrared lasers that spin to look over and evaluate the area. It will then begin to clean by grid pattern, moving systematically from one area to another until the floor is completely covered. This method is more thorough and efficient than some competitors who employ a random method.
The d-shape design allows the D-Shape to have a larger dust bin, at 700ml, compared to 400- 600ml for comparable robots. The increased capacity means you'll need to empty the dust bin less often, thereby saving you time and effort. The D-Shape also features a flat front that helps it to navigate over obstacles like tables and chairs. In our tests, we observed that the D-Shape sat under a four legged stool as well as under an electrical cord that was exposed. However, best rated robot vacuum for pet hair was able free itself every time.
3. Roomba I3+ EV
The Roomba EVO i3+ is a great option for pet owners. It does well on hard flooring and does an excellent job of removing debris like rice, cereal, and hair of pets. It is a bit shaky on carpet but is still superior to other robots in this price range. The Roomba EVO is also adept at navigating between various kinds of flooring. It isn't stuck on transitions as older models. Dual multi-surface brushes can flex and adapt to various flooring types. They also aren't able to tangle pet hair.
The i3+ EVO's obstacle-avoiding capability isn't as strong as some of the other robots we evaluated, and it repeatedably encountered objects during our tests like handbags, shoes, and pet toys before continuing its course. It also had issues with coarse sea salt that it did a whirlwind of instead of picking up.
The i3+ EVO comes with a host of features that make it worth the cost over other Roomba models. This includes an automatic emptying bin as well as advanced control through an app. It is possible to plan cleaning times, set specific routines and set no-go zones for areas you do not want the robot to be allowed to enter. Its smart scheduling will even suggest extra cleaning during allergy seasons, and depending on the routine you follow. Its navigational system is somewhat unstable however, and sometimes cleans in irregular lines such as zigzags or diagonals instead of parallel to walls.
4. Shark AI Self-Empty XL
With its precise mapping technology, this intelligent robot knows your home better than you can. It comes with dual brushes that adjust to different types of floors and avoid tangling. This makes it the ideal option for homes with pets. The app can be used to control the robot or use it with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. And the dock, dubbed Omni, automates tasks such as refilling and cleaning the robot's water tank, emptying the debris bin as well as charging and drying the mop pads.
It's a great value. The Shark AI Self-Empty XL is cheaper than a lot of other robots we've reviewed however it comes with advanced features, such as mapping and an automatic self-emptying trash bin that holds a good amount of dust. We tested it in a house with a mix of unfinished flooring and carpeting with low pile and found it to move and clean exceptionally well, including getting into corners. The vacuum also does a good job of removing pet hair that gets stuck to carpets but it's not equipped with the same amount of power as some of our top selections.
The Roborock S4 Max, however it is more durable and recharges quicker than the Shark and comes with a wider range of automation capabilities and scheduling options, including support for "no-go zones". We'd still recommend the Shark if you're looking for something less expensive, or if you prefer to use your mobile phone to control and monitor instead of a remote that is specifically designed for it.
5. Bissell SpinWave Dry and Wet
It's difficult to find a machine that combines vacuuming and mopping however this one does exactly that. Its two-tank system powerfully vacuums or mop at the touch of a button. It effortlessly shifted between different surfaces during our tests and excelled at getting pet hair off of both hardwood floors and carpets. It also comes with an edge-sweeping brush that can clean cat hair along baseboards and walls, as well as scheduling capabilities to fit your schedule.
This robot is a great option if you're looking for an affordable model with some additional features. It maneuvered obstacles well during our tests and is controlled by an app or your voice. It even has scheduled cleaning and has a large dustbin to collect messes before they become full. It can take it up to 166 mins to complete its task, but this is still more efficient than other robots we have test.
This robot's front-facing camera allows you to check the cleanliness of your home's cleanliness by using a map app. This is especially helpful if you are trying to locate a specific item or if your children have spilled glitter from their decorations all over your floor. You can avoid much frustration by finding the lost item immediately. The lithium batteries that do not fade can last for as long as 130 minutes on a single charge.
6. Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 looks classy and offers a thorough cleaning. It is very good at maneuvering and can fit under low-level furniture without stumbling. It is also suitable for rugs and carpets with a low pile. It is prone to getting stuck on rug tassels, and it's difficult to maneuver small spaces such as corners. It also has trouble getting pet hair off all surfaces.
Despite the 694's limited feature set however, it still performs well than most of the competition. It managed to grab an excellent score in our cereal-carpet test and was able to pass our test on cat litter with only a few scattered pieces of litter left behind. It's not as efficient on hardwood floors, however. Its side brush often scatters large, clinging pieces of cereal instead of vacuuming them up. It also had difficulty collecting table salt on floor that was not paved, as a lot of grains slid across the floor.
It can be controlled through the iRobot HOME app and voice command via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant (via an external device, sold separately). It learns your habits of cleaning and provides you with a personalized schedule. Cliff Detect and a edge-sweeping tool ensure that it is able to get into difficult-to-reach areas, while Dirt Detect sensors alert the robot to areas that are soiled heavily. Its battery lasts about 60 minutes, and it comes with a self-emptying dustbin. The pricier iRobot J7 comes with a more sophisticated set of features and is more stable on all surfaces. It also feels better constructed, has a larger dustbin that charges faster, and is able to navigate obstacles such as electrical cords with ease.