The Best Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair on Hardwood Floors
A good robot vacuum cleaner can make a huge difference in reducing allergens such as dust and pet hair. Different models are not the same.
There are a variety of options to choose from for you to choose from, whether you need a pet-friendly vacuum or a robot to complement your other vacuum.
1. Eufy RoboVac Edge G30
The G30 Edge, the latest model in Eufy's budget-friendly range of robotic vacuum cleaners, is the most up-to-date model. The G30 Edge is a shining black vacuum cleaner with blue and rose gold accents. It looks like an iPhone. The model is simpler to use than the previous models and offers features such as BoostIQ that automatically increases suction power for cleaner cleaning on all surfaces. It also employs smart navigation to avoid repeating the same area over and over, which is a common issue with simpler bounce-navigation systems.
It does a very good job of picking up pet hair and crumbs off hard floors, but lags in comparison to the best models in collecting dust from carpet. In our tests the G30 Edge missed 74% of the dust on hard floors and 26 percent on carpet This isn't great, but it's not a complete disaster.
The G30 Edge is unique in its ability to map out your home with a digital map. It can remember which spaces it has cleaned previously and avoid returning to those areas which is a major issue with other robots that rely on the use of 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's found and a directional pad that lets users to move the robot. It also has an automatic return feature that sends the robot back to its charging station when the battery is running low. This is a security feature.
2. Neato Botvac D-Shape
The Neato Botvac D-Shape robotic is a robust machine that comes with a variety of smart features. It cleans bare floors very well, and it climbs on carpets with a high pile easily. The app offers advanced features like boundary lines and remote access to the robot as it is operating and a host of other options.
This model is the latest in a long line of Neato robots and features a unique "D" shape when viewed from above. This design offers several advantages, such as improved corner cleaning and a larger bin of dust than most other models. The D-shape design allows the robot to reach under furniture better than those with a circular design.
When it is first time to begin a cleaning cycle when it is first started, the D-Shape will stop for a moment to make use of spinning infrared lasers to scan and assess the area. Then, it will begin to clean in a grid, moving systematically from one area to another until the floor is completely covered. This method of cleaning is more effective and thorough than the random approach used by some competitors.
The d-shape design also permits the D-Shape to have a large dust bin, with 700ml, compared to 400- 600ml for comparable robots. The increased capacity means you'll need to empty the dust bin less often, saving you time and effort. The D-Shape has a flat surface on the front that helps it navigate around obstacles such as tables and chairs. In our tests, we observed that the D-Shape got stuck under a four legged stool as well as under an electrical cord that was not covered. However, it was able free itself every time.
3. Roomba I3+ EV
The Roomba EVO i3+ is a great option for pet owners. It's great on hard floors and does a good job of removing debris like pet hair, cereal, rice and other small particles. It has issues with carpet however, it is still superior than other robots at this price point. The Roomba i3+ EVO is also extremely efficient at transferring between floor types and doesn't get caught on transitions like older models can. The dual multi-surface brushes are flexible and adjust to different flooring types. They also resist tangling pet hair.
The i3+ EVO has a weaker obstacle avoidance than some of the other robots that we evaluated. It repeatedly hit objects such as handbags, pet toys and even shoes before continuing its course. It also had issues dealing with salt from kosher, coarse which it blew up and around instead of picking up.
The i3+ EVO is loaded with features that make it well worth the extra money over other Roomba models. It has an automatic emptying bin as well as advanced control through an app. It is possible to schedule cleaning and set up custom routines. You can also set up no-go zones to prevent the robot from entering certain areas. Its smart scheduling can even suggest additional cleanings during high allergy times and in accordance with your routine. Its navigation system is not reliable however, and often cleans in irregular lines, such as diagonals or zigzags, rather than parallel to walls.
4. Shark AI Self-Empty XL
With its precise mapping technology, this intelligent robot knows your home better than you do. It comes with dual brushes that adapt to different types of floors and are able to avoid getting caught up in. This makes it a great choice for homes that have pets. You can control the robot using the app, or use it hands-free by using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The dock, which is dubbed Omni, automates the tasks of cleaning and refilling the robot's water tank as well as emptying the trash bin, and charging and drying mop pads.
It's a great price. The Shark AI Self-Empty XL is cheaper than a lot of other robots on our list however it comes with advanced features like mapping and an automatic self-emptying dustbin that holds a good amount of debris. It was extremely clean and maneuvered well in a home which had a mix of carpeting with low pile, bare floors, and a combination of both. The vacuum does a great job of picking up pet fur on carpeting. However, it doesn't have as much power as our top picks.
However, the Roborock S4 Max is better constructed, takes less time to recharge than the Shark, and provides more automated and scheduling options, including support for zones that are not allowed to be used. We'd still recommend the Shark when you're looking to buy something cheaper or if you prefer to use your mobile phone for control and monitoring instead of a remote that is specifically designed for it.
5. Bissell SpinWave Dry and Wet
It's hard to find a robot that can combine mopping and vacuuming This one does exactly that. The two-tank system of this robot allows it to mop or vacuum at the press of one button. It easily transitioned between surfaces during our tests and was successful in getting pet hair off of carpets and hardwood floors. It also comes with an edge-sweeping brush that can remove cat hair from walls and baseboards, plus the ability to schedule it to your schedule.
This is a great choice if you are seeking a model that is affordable and comes with additional features. It was able navigate obstacles well during our testing and is controlled via an app or voice. It even supports scheduled cleanings and has a large trash bin to collect the mess before it gets full. The only downside is that it could take up to 166 minutes to finish its job, but that's still better than the majority of robots we've examined.
The front-facing camera of this robot allows you to track the cleanliness of your home through a map with an app. It's especially helpful when you're trying to find an item that you're looking for or the children spill glitter from the holiday decorations all over your flooring. You can avoid a lot frustration by finding the item you lost immediately. Furthermore the battery is not fade-proof and can last up to 130 minutes on one charge.
6. Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 looks classy and offers a thorough cleaning. It's very adept in maneuvering and can go under furniture at a low level without getting stuck. It's also a great choice for carpets with low pile. It can get stuck on rug tassels and it has difficulty navigating small spaces, such as corners. It also struggles to pick up pet hair on any surface.
Despite the 694's lack of features, it still performs better than the majority of its competitors. It scored a perfect score in our cereal-carpet test and passed our cat-litter test with only a few stray pieces of litter left behind. It's not as effective on hardwood floors however. The side brush can scatter large, clinging pieces of cereal instead of sweeping them away. It also had a hard time removing table salt from a clean floor, with lots of pieces sliding across the floor and beyond its reach.
It does support app control via the iRobot HOME app as well as voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant (via an external device, purchased separately). It is able to learn about your habits of cleaning and creates customized schedules. Cliff Detect and a edge-sweeping tool will ensure that it can get into areas that are difficult to reach, and Dirt Detect sensors alert the robot to heavily soiled spots. Its battery lasts about 60 minutes and comes with a self-emptying dustbin. best shark robot vacuum for pet hair iRobot J7 comes with an advanced suite of features and is better on all surfaces. It also feels better built, has a larger dustbin it charges faster and can navigate obstacles such as electrical cords better.