The Best Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair on Hardwood Floors

A quality robot vacuum cleaner can make a huge difference in the elimination of allergens like dust and pet hair. Not all models are the same.

Whether you're looking for pet-friendly features in your vacuum or a robot to supplement your other cleaner, there are many choices.

1. Eufy RoboVac G30 Edge

The G30 Edge, the latest model in Eufy's budget range of robotic vacuum cleaners, is the most recent model. It's a glossy black model with rose-gold and blue accents that looks like an iPhone. The model is simpler to use than past models and offers features such as BoostIQ that automatically increases suction power for cleaner cleaning on all surfaces. It also uses intelligent navigation to avoid repeating the same spots over and over, a common problem with simpler bounce-navigation systems.

It does an excellent job of removing pet hair and crumbs off hard floors, but it is in comparison to the best auto vacuum for pet hair models when it comes to collecting dust from carpet. In our tests, it missed 74% of the powder on hard floors and 26% on carpet.

The G30 Edge is unique in its ability to map your home using a digital map. It can remember which rooms it has cleaned previously and avoid returning to those areas which is a major issue with more basic robots that rely on the use of magnetic tape to delineate zones that aren't allowed.

The G30 Edge has other conveniences that include a 'Find My Robot' mode that emits an audible tune until it is found, and an directional pad that allows users to manually move the robot. It has an automatic return feature that will send the robot back to its charging station when the battery is running low. This is a safety feature.

2. Neato Botvac D-Shape

The Neato Botvac D-Shape is an extremely capable robot that comes with a plethora of features that are smart. It can clean floors with ease and climb up carpets with high piles effortlessly. The app has advanced features like boundary lines remote access to the robot while it is working and a host of other options.

This model is the latest in a long line of robots from Neato and has a distinctive "D" shape when seen from above. This design offers several advantages, such as improved corner cleaning and a larger container of dust than most other models. The D-shape also enables the robot to reach under furniture better than those that have a circular shape.

When it is first time to begin a cleaning cycle when cleaning, the D-Shape will stop briefly to make use of infrared lasers that spin to scan and evaluate the area. Then, it will begin to clean by grid pattern by moving in a logical manner from one area to another until the floor is completely covered. This method is more thorough and efficient than competitors who employ a random method.

The design of the D-Shape allows it to have a massive 700ml dust bin, in comparison to 400-600ml on robots of similar price. The increased capacity means you will have to empty the bin less often, thereby saving you time and effort. The D-Shape has a flat surface at the front that allows it navigate around obstacles such as tables and chairs. In our tests, we found that the D-Shape was stuck under a four-legged stool, and also underneath an electrical cord that was exposed. However it was able to free itself every time.

3. Roomba i3+ EVO

The Roomba EVO i3+ is a great option for pet owners. It works well on hard floors and does a great job of removing the traces of cereal, rice, and pet hair. It struggles a little bit on carpet, but is better than most robots in this price range. The Roomba i3+ EVO also does very well at transferring between floor types and doesn't get caught over transitions in the way older models can. The dual multi-surface rubber brushes can adjust to different flooring and prevent the tangles in pet hair.

The i3+ EVO has a weaker obstacle avoidance capability than the other robots we test. It frequently encountered objects such as handbags, pet toys, and even shoes before continuing its path. It also had trouble dealing with coarse kosher salt, which it blew over and around rather than picking up.

The i3+ EVO has a lot of amazing features that make it worth the extra cost over other Roomba models, such as the ability to empty the dustbin automatically and advanced control via the app. You can plan cleaning times, set custom routines, and create zones that don't want the robot to enter. Its intelligent scheduling can suggest additional cleanings during high allergy times based on your regular routine. The navigational system is unstable, however, and sometimes vacuums in irregular lines like diagonals or zigzags, rather than parallel to walls.

4. Shark AI Self-Empty XL

This intelligent robot is able to map your home in detail and better than you. It also has dual brushes that can adjust to various kinds of flooring and avoids tangling, which makes it the ideal choice for households with pets. The app allows you to control the robot or use it with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The dock, called Omni, automates tasks such as refilling and cleaning the robot's water tanks, emptying the debris bins, charging and drying the mop pads.

It's a great price. The Shark AI Self-Empty XL is cheaper than a lot of other robots on our list, yet it offers advanced features like mapping and an automatic self-emptying trash bin which holds a decent amount of debris. We tried it out in a home with a mix between bare floors and low-pile carpeting and found it to maneuver and clean very well, including getting into corners. The vacuum also does a good job of removing pet hair on carpeting however it's not equipped with the same amount of power as some of our top picks.

However, the Roborock S4 Max is better constructed, requires less time to recharge than the Shark, and provides more scheduling and automation features as well as support for zones that are not allowed to be used. Shark is still a great option if you're looking to buy something cheaper or prefer to manage and control your system using your phone instead of using a remote.

5. Bissell SpinWave Dry and Wet

It's difficult to find a machine that can combine mopping and vacuuming however this one does it. The dual tank system of this robot allows it to mop or vacuum with the touch of a button. In our tests it was able to effortlessly switch between surfaces and was excellent at getting pet fur off carpets and hardwood floors. It also comes with an edge-sweeping tool for removing hair from walls and baseboards.

This robot is a great option if you're looking for a robot that is inexpensive and has a few extra features. It was able to negotiate obstacles with ease during our tests and is controlled via an app or voice. It even supports scheduled cleanings and has a large trash bin to catch mess before they get full. The only downside is that it could take up to 166 minutes to complete its work however that's still much better than most other robots we've examined.

This robot's front-facing camera allows you to check the cleanliness of your home by using a map app. It's particularly helpful if you're trying to locate something specific or the children spill glitter from your decorations on your floors. It will save you a lot of stress by finding that lost item immediately. The fade-free lithium batteries can last for as long as 130 minutes on one charge.

6. Roomba 694

The Roomba 694 looks upscale and offers a thorough cleaning. It is very adept at moving its self and can move under furniture without becoming stuck. It's also a great choice for rugs and low-pile carpet. However, it might occasionally get caught in rug tassels and has trouble getting around corners or tight spaces. It also has trouble picking up pet hair on all surfaces.

Despite the 694's limited feature set, it still performs better than the majority of competitors. It scored a perfect score on our cereal-carpet test. It also completed our cat litter test with only a few stray pieces of litter left behind. It's not as effective on hardwood floors, however. Its side brush scatters large cereal particles that stick to the floor instead of sweeping. It also had a hard time collecting table salt on a bare flooring, as many grains slid across the floor.

It supports app control via the iRobot HOME app and voice command via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant (via an external device, which is sold separately). It learns about your habits of cleaning and creates personalized schedules. Cliff Detect and an edge-sweeping brush ensure that it can get into difficult-to-access corners. Dirt Detect sensors alert it to areas that are heavily soiled. It has a dustbin that automatically emptys and it has a battery life of around 60 minutes. The pricier iRobot j7 is more advanced and performs better on all surfaces. It also feels better constructed and has a bigger dustbin it charges faster and can navigate obstacles such as electrical cords better.