The best robot vacuums for picking up pet hair

Pets can be mediocre roommates.Sure, they’re adorable and cuddly. But pets are also seriously messy —and, unlike regular roommates, you can't add them to a WhatsApp group and aggressively suggest they clean up after themselves.

Fortunately, robot vacuums are here to save the day. Or, at the very least, help cut down on your housework. These devices live for picking up stray bits of food, litter, and hair, ensuring your home doesn’t turn into a den of debris.

Of course, before you rush over to Amazon or an actual shop, you’ll want find out which robot vacuum might be best for you.

Can robot vacuums handle pet hair?

Like most gadgets, there are a handful of factors to consider before you purchase a robot vacuum. Chief among them are the type of floors in your home. Virtually all robots can master hardwood floors (as well as laminate, tile, and vinyl). A living space that contains a variety of flooring and/or carpeting will prove to be a little more challenging for a robot. In that case, you’ll definitely want to choose a model that has strong suction power. Additionally, as a pet owner, you will need a vacuum equipped with brushes designed to pick up hair without getting it tangled.

Can robot vacuums help with allergies?

It all comes down to the filtration system. Vacuuming is bound to kick up dander, dust, and pollen. A good filter captures all of that and makes sure it gets into the vacuum’s dust bin. We should note that some robot models contain HEPA filters that can catch even smaller particles, leading to cleaner air and a cleaner floor. This is particularly advantageous if you live with an allergy sufferer.

Are robot vacuums noisy?

You’ll certainly want to consider noise level if your pet is sensitive. Some robot vacuums can be as loud as more traditional vacuums whereas others sound more like a fan. If you’re worried that you’ll find the noise irritating or distracting, there are models that allow you to program the vacuum to run at specific times — when you’re at work for example.

Impressively, some of the newer and fancier options even have companion apps so you can control the vacuum from afar. You may schedule a cleaning, check on the robot’s progress, and even receive maintenance reminders all via your phone.

How long does a robot vacuum's battery last?

Battery life and charging time should be taken into account as well. Some robot vacuums run for 60 minutes before they die. Others can go for over two hours. Similarly, it can take anywhere from roughly two to five hours for your robot to recharge, depending on the model. It’s good to think about the timing in context of the size of your home. If you live in a studio apartment, a vacuum that only runs for an hour should meet your needs. A larger home may necessitate a longer battery life.

How do robot vacuums navigate your home?

The robot’s mapping function (i.e. method/route in which it cleans the floor) might also affect your purchase decision. Cheaper models tend to pursue a random “bump and run” pattern, making them less efficient and thorough. More expensive robots often clean in an orderly, linear fashion. Hence, they don’t usually over clean or entirely miss certain areas. And they typically complete the task more quickly. A handful even retain where they’ve cleaned so if they need to be recharged mid-task, they can easily resume their work and avoid unnecessary repeat cleanings.

Additionally, as a pet owner, you might want to invest in a robot that has a virtual wall. This is a magnetic strip that stops the vacuum from coming close to items that may trip it up or that it might otherwise disturb. For example, the virtual wall will help prevent your robot from knocking over your dog’s food bowls. We’re confident you, your dog, and your vacuum will all appreciate this feature.

How much do robot vacuums cost?

You can find robot vacuums that work with many budgets; options range from under £300 to over £1,000. While cheaper vacuums certainly won’t offer all the bells and whistles of fancier models, rest assured that most will meet your needs.

What is the best robot vacuum for pet owners?

Your personal preferences will definitely come into play when selecting a robot vacuum. iRobot's range of Roomba vacuums are always popular, but are they the best?

We must admit that no robot vacuum is ever going to do as good a job as a standard upright vacuum when it comes to pet hair. Sorry, but it's true. But when taking everything above into account, there are some robot vacuums that stand out above the rest, especially when it comes to tackling pet hair.

These are the best robot vacuums for pet hair in 2022.