The Best Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair on Hardwood Floors
A high-quality robot vacuum can make a big difference in controlling allergens, such as dust and pet hair. However, not all models are identical.
There are a myriad of options available depending on whether you are looking for an animal-friendly vacuum or a robot that can complement your other vacuum.
1. Eufy RoboVac G30 Edge
The G30 Edge, the latest model in Eufy’s budget-friendly series of robotic vacuum cleaners is the most recent model. The G30 Edge is a shining black vacuum cleaner, with rose gold and blue accents. It's like a smartphone. This model is easier-to-use than previous models and has features such as BoostIQ, which automatically increases suction for better cleaning of all surfaces. It also uses intelligent navigation to prevent repeating the same spots repeatedly, a common problem when using bounce-navigation systems.
It is effective in cleaning pet hair, crumbs, and dust from hard floors, but it is not as efficient as the top models when it comes to removing flour from carpet. In our tests the G30 Edge missed 74% of the flour on hard floors and 26 percent on carpet which is a bit disappointing.
A feature that makes the G30 Edge stand out is its ability to map your home with a digital map in the app. This allows it to remember the rooms it's cleaned, and to avoid returning to the same rooms. This is a major issue for more basic robots who need the old-fashioned magnetic taps to define no go zones.
The G30 Edge also has other conveniences. It has a "Find My Robot" mode that blasts out loud music until it is located and a directional keypad that allows you manually move the robot. It also has a built-in auto return function that sends it back to its charging base when the battery is depleted, an important security feature.
2. Neato Botvac D-Shape
The Neato Botvac D-Shape robotic is a mighty machine with a wide array of intelligent features. It can clean bare floors efficiently and climb up high-pile carpets with ease. The app has advanced features like boundary lines and remote access to the robot while it is operating, and many other options.
This model is the most recent in a long line of robots from Neato and has a distinctive "D" shape when viewed from above. This design has several advantages, such as improved corner cleaning and a bigger bin of dust than the majority of models. The D-shape design also allows the robot to get under furniture more easily than robots with a circular design.
The D-Shape will briefly stop before beginning a cleaning cycle using a spinning infrared camera to assess and scan the area. Then it will begin to work in a grid, gradually moving from one area to the next until the entire floor has been covered. This method is more thorough and effective than some competitors' random method.
The design of the D-Shape allows it to have a large, 700ml dust bin as opposed to 400-600ml for robots of similar price. That increased capacity means you will have to empty the dust bin less often, saving you time and effort. The D-Shape features a flat side on the front that helps it navigate around obstacles such as chairs and tables. In our tests, we observed that the D-Shape sat under a four-legged stool as well as under an electrical cord that was not covered. However, it was able get out of the way each time.
3. Roomba I3+ EV
The Roomba i3+ EVO is a fantastic choice for pet owners. It's great on hard floors, and does a good job of cleaning up debris like pet hair cereal, rice and other small particles. It has issues with carpet however it's still better than other robots in this price. The Roomba EVO is also efficient in moving between floor types. It doesn't stall in transitions like the older models. The dual multi-surface rubber brushes can adjust to different flooring and are able to resist getting caught in pet hair.
The i3+ EVO's obstacle-avoiding capability isn't as robust as the other robots we evaluated, and it repeatedably ran into objects in our tests, such as handbags, shoes, and pet toys before continuing its journey. It also had difficulty dealing with coarse kosher salt which it blew up and around instead of picking up.
The i3+ EVO comes with a host of features that make it worth the extra money over other Roomba models. This includes a self-emptying bin and advanced control via an app. It is possible to plan cleaning times, set specific routines and set zones that don't want the robot to be allowed to enter. The smart scheduling system can suggest additional cleaning during high allergy times and depending on your routine. Its navigation system is not reliable, however, and often 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 visualize your home's interior, better than you. It has dual brushes which adapt to different types of flooring and prevent getting caught in a tangle. This makes it the perfect option for homes with pets. The app can be used to control the robot or use it with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The dock, named Omni, automates tasks such as refilling and cleaning the robot's water tank as well as emptying the trash bin and charging and drying mop pads.
It's a great value. The Shark AI Self-Empty XL offers many advanced features, such as self-emptying bins and mapping that can store a lot of debris. It was able to clean and maneuver well in a house that had a mixture of carpeting with low pile or floors that were unfinished and a mixture of both. The vacuum does a great job of removing pet fur from carpeting. However, it doesn't have as much power as our top choices.
However the Roborock S4 Max is better constructed, takes less time to recharge than the Shark and offers an array of automation and scheduling features as well as support for no-go zones. We'd still recommend the Shark when you're looking to buy something less expensive, or in the event that you prefer using your mobile phone to monitor and control your device instead of a dedicated remote.
5. Bissell SpinWave Wet and Dry
This robot does mopping and vacuuming. The two tank system is powerful and can vacuum or mop with the push of a button. In our tests it was able to effortlessly switch between surfaces and was a great choice for cleaning pet fur from hardwood floors and carpets. It also comes with an edge-sweeping brush that can clean cat hair along walls and baseboards, plus the ability to schedule 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 voice. It even supports scheduled cleanings and has a huge dust bin to capture messes before they become full. It could take up to 166 minutes to complete its task, but this is still more efficient than other robots we have tested.
This robot's front-facing camera allows you to track the cleanliness of your home's cleanliness through a map with an app. best robot vacuum for pet hair and carpet is especially useful if you are trying to find a particular item or if your kids have spilled glitter from your festive decorations all over your floor. You can avoid much frustration by finding the lost item immediately. Furthermore the battery that is fade-free can last for up to 130 minutes on a single charge.
6. Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 is an elegant robot that can provide excellent cleaning. It does a great job maneuvering itself and is able to move under furniture without becoming stuck. It's also ideal for rugs and carpets with a low pile. It can get stuck on rug tassels and it's difficult to maneuver small spaces such as corners. It also struggles to pick up pet hair on any surface.
Despite the 694's limited feature set however, it still performs better than the majority of competitors. It scored a perfect 10 in our cereal carpet test, and passed our test for cat litter with just a few scattered pieces. It's less effective on hardwood floors however. Its side brush is often scattered with large, clinging pieces of cereal instead of sweeping them away. It also had difficulty collecting table salt on bare flooring, as many grains fell across the floor.
It supports voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant using an external device (sold separately). It is able to learn about your cleaning habits and then creates customized schedules. 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 heavily soiled spots. It has a dustbin that automatically emptys, and a battery life of about 60 minutes. The more expensive iRobot J7 comes with a more advanced suite of features and is more stable on all surfaces. It is also more durable, has a bigger dustbin, charges quicker and can handle obstacles like electrical cords more efficiently.