The best robot vacuums for pets in 2023

You love your pets like members of the family (possibly much more than some family members), however cleansing up behind them generally is a problem—except you may have the precise robot vacuum. Whether you may have exhausting flooring, carpeting, or a mixture of each, an automatic assistant could make this chore a lot simpler. With so many choices available on the market, selecting the best one for your wants might be overwhelming. That’s why we did the legwork to search out prime suggestions so you’ll be able to simply kick your ft up whereas one of many best robot vacuums for pets does all of the work.

How we selected the best robot vacuums for pets

As a contract journalist for over 10 years, I’ve reviewed house and tech merchandise for publications together with CNN Underscored, NBC News Select, Popular Mechanics, Architectural Digest, Tom’s Guide, The Daily Beast, USA Today’s Reviewed, TechRadar, Better Homes & Gardens, and Bob Vila. I introduced this expertise to the duty of narrowing down the robotic pet vacuum choices based mostly on numerous components. 

Some robot vacuums are preferrred for vacuuming pet hair and dander, however when you might want to add water (or cleansing resolution) for stuck-on pet messes on exhausting flooring, robot mops are another choice. And then there are hybrid fashions—or vacuum-mop combos—that may each vacuum carpets and in addition vacuum and mop exhausting flooring. In addition, some fashions are self-emptying, whereas others embrace options like impediment avoidance. And if that’s not sufficient, some robot vacuums have cameras that allow you to remotely see and talk along with your pet—and even schedule which areas of the house you need to clear on which days at which occasions. Our private robot vacuums for pets have been chosen from these classes based mostly on private testing, in depth analysis, suggestions from fellow critics, and person impressions.

The best robot vacuums for pets: Reviews & Recommendations

There are many options to contemplate when selecting the best robot vacuum for pets; some could also be vitally necessary—others not a lot. Regardless of what you’re trying for, one of many following suggestions ought to make it simple to wash up after your furry pal.

Best general: Roborock S8 Pro Ultra  

Why it made the minimize: The strongest suction, sonic scrubbing, a self-refilling tank, and a self-drying mop are simply among the many options we love.

Specs 

• Dimensions: 21.22 x 20.31 x 19.06 inches
• Battery life: 180 minutes
• Object avoidance: Yes
• Self-emptying: Yes
• Uses mud bag: Yes

Pros 

• Self-refilling water tank
• Self-cleaning
• Dual brushes
• Sonic mopping
• Auto brush and mop lifting
• Auto mop washing
• Self-drying
• Multi-level mapping

Cons

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is an absolute beast of a robot vacuum for pets. Granted, it gained’t feed your furry pal or take it for a stroll—but it surely just about does all the pieces else. And because the Robotock S8 Pro is a vacuum and mop combo, it may be used on any kind of ground. The twin brushes present a extra thorough cleansing whereas lowering the probabilities of pet hair getting tangled. The robot vacuum additionally has a vacuum degree of 6000 Pa (or Pascal unit, indicating the power generated to raise objects)—probably the most highly effective of any robot vacuum we’ve seen up to now.

But that is our general best decide for different causes as nicely. The VibraRise 2.0 mopping system scrubs exhausting flooring 3,000 occasions per minute for an intense cleansing expertise. And when carpet is detected, the mop lifts mechanically so it gained’t moist your carpet. Conversely, when in mop-only mode, the brushes will raise mechanically. Also, when the robot vacuum is returning to the dock (or when it’s climbing over a threshold), each the mop and brush will raise to maintain your clear flooring clear.

And we’re simply midway by way of the spectacular options of the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. It makes use of LiDAR navigation and 3D impediment avoidance to create maps of your property and discover probably the most environment friendly cleansing path whereas figuring out and avoiding obstacles on the ground. Using multi-level mapping, the robot vacuum enables you to create 4 completely different maps on numerous ranges (for instance, basement by way of the third story) and mechanically acknowledges them. Plus, the 180-minute run-time offers loads of battery life with out having to cease and recharge.

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra’s dock has an empty wash fill dock that shops water and mechanically refills the robot’s water tank. The robot auto-self-empties when it returns to the deck, and the mud bag holds as much as seven weeks’ price of mud. In addition, the robot vacuum is self-cleaning—when on the dock, the mop’s cleansing rollers additionally clear the dock base. There’s additionally a self-drying mode to forestall mildew from rising on the mop.

Using the app in your smartphone, you’ll be able to management the robot, schedule cleansing, and modify settings, and you can even situation voice instructions from Alexa, Google Home, and Siri.

Best hybrid vacuum-mop combo: iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ Robot Vacuum and Mop    

Why it made the minimize: The retractable mop is a game-changer in hybrid robot vacuums, guaranteeing carpets don’t get moist.

Specs

• Dimensions: 1.3” x 3.4” x 13.34”
• Battery life: 90 minutes
• Object avoidance: Yes
• Self-emptying: Yes
• Uses mud bag: Yes

Pros

• Fully retractable mop
• 4-stage cleansing system
• Automatic updates

Cons

We chosen the iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ because the best hybrid vacuum/mop for pets, due in half to its means to mechanically raise the mop pad as much as the highest of the robot to keep away from moist messes on the carpet. Other robot vacuums raise the mop barely, however that is the one machine that utterly lifts it up and out of the best way. We additionally just like the four-stage cleansing system, which incorporates twin rubber brushes for multi-surface use, an edge-sweeping brush, power-lifting suction, and the retractable mop. It makes use of grime detection to sense which areas are dirtier (for instance, the place your pet has left muddy paw prints) and offers a extra detailed cleansing in these areas.

The PrecisionVision Navigation acknowledges and avoids objects in its path, together with pet toys, footwear, and so forth. However, it’s additionally delicate sufficient to navigate round pet poop as nicely. The robot vacuum makes use of an automated disposal system to empty each the vacuum and mop. Each grime disposal bag holds as much as 60 days of particles.

With iRobot OS, it’s simple to decide on cleansing modes, choose the variety of passes, and even customise the quantity of liquid in the mop. Also, the working system mechanically updates to maintain the robot present, so that you’ll at all times have the most recent options. And with Alexa and Google Assistant, you’ll be able to situation instructions to wash by the litter field, underneath the eating room desk, or different particular areas.

Best for allergic reactions: Shark AV2501AE AI Robot  

Why it made the minimize: The True HEPA Self-Empty Base captures 99.97 p.c of mud and allergens and retains them trapped inside.

Specs

• Dimensions: 3.5” x 12.9” x 12.6”
• Battery life: 120 minutes
• Object avoidance: Yes
• Self-emptying: Yes
• Uses mud bag: No

Pros

• True HEPA self-empty base
• Matrix cleansing system
• Clean-edge know-how will get into corners

Cons

If you’re delicate to mud and different allergens, even a self-emptying robot vacuum can depart you sneezing and coughing from pet dander. However, this Shark AI Robot Vacuum Self-Empty XL makes use of a True HEPA self-empty base. The anti-allergen full seal system traps 99.97 p.c of allergens so you’ll be able to breathe clear air. The base additionally holds as much as 60 days’ price of particles. The self-cleaning brushroll avoids getting hair entangled in it, and avoiding this chore additionally limits your publicity to allergens.   

Using 360-degree LiDAR know-how, the robot vacuums maps your property after which creates an environment friendly map for cleansing it. Unlike some robots that clear in rows, the Shark AI Robot Vacuum cleans in a matrix (vertically after which horizontally) and in addition makes use of clean-edge know-how, which blows air into the corners and edges of your rooms to dislodge particles. In addition, impediment avoidance can acknowledge and bypass objects left on the ground. Using the SharkClean app, you’ll be able to management the robot vacuum, schedule cleanings, and personalize settings. It’s additionally suitable with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Best worth: Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 30C  

Why it made the minimize: Proof that you may get vacuum on a price range, this one makes use of three brushes, enhance know-how, and might be managed by way of smartphone or voice management.

Specs

• Dimensions: 12.79” x 12.79” x 2.85”
• Battery life: 100 minutes
• Object avoidance: Yes  
• Self-emptying: No
• Uses mud bag: No

Pros

• Great worth
• Slim design suits underneath furnishings
• App and voice-enabled

Cons

• Uses bodily navigation strips

Here at PopSci, we differentiate between “best value/best budget“ and “cheapest.” So, we don’t look for the most affordable or lowest worth choice; as an alternative, we select high-quality, economical choices with the options that buyers need. The Eufy Boost IQ RoboVac 30C is our economical alternative for the best robot vacuum for pets, because it’s considered one of our favourite approachable priced sensible house units.

It doesn’t have digital boundaries—you must place bodily boundary strips in entrance of the areas you need to be prevented—and it doesn’t have a self-empty base. But for the value, these options could also be negotiable. The robot vacuum does have a slim design that may simply match underneath your couch and different low furnishings for an intensive cleansing. It additionally has 1500 Pa suction energy. Plus, it additionally has a BoostIQ setting for going from exhausting flooring to carpets and 9 anti-collision infrared sensors to make sure the robot vacuum doesn’t crash into objects on the ground. In addition, it connects with the EufyHome App, which lets you begin or cease the robot vacuum, choose a cleansing mode, or schedule cleanings.

Best mid-price robot mop: Bissell Spinwave Pet Robot  

Why it made the minimize: The rotating mop pads scrub exhausting flooring for an intensive clear, and the selection of formulation can customise the cleansing expertise.

Specs

• Dimensions: 12.25” x 12.25” x 3.25”
• Battery life: 130 minutes
• Object avoidance: Yes
• Self-emptying: No
• Uses mud bag: No

Pros

• Dual scrubbing mop pads
• Edge brushes and brush roll
• Special cleansing formulation

Cons

The Bissell Spinwave Pet Robot offers probably the most intensive mopping expertise we’ve seen, except for the Roborock S8 Ultra Pro, which is sort of 4 occasions as costly (though it does additionally vacuum carpet). Bissell makes use of twin rotating mop pads which can be designed to not solely clear flooring but in addition scrub them for a deep clear, which makes it a good selection for eradicating your pet’s spills, stains, and tracked-in grime. The mops may also be tossed in the washer, which makes them simple to keep up. In addition, the comfortable floor avoidance sensor acknowledges and avoids carpets and even space rugs whereas in mop mode. The vacuum function features a brush roll and twin spinning edge brushes mixed with 1500 Pa of suction energy. In addition to vacuuming exhausting flooring, it may possibly additionally vacuum carpets.

The robot vacuum may also be managed by way of the Bissell Connect app. Bissell recommends utilizing its particular cleansing formulation, which is each a professional and a con. It’s a professional as a result of you’ll be able to select from numerous formulation, resembling Pet Clean, Pet Multisurface with Febreeze, Sanitize, and Wood Floors. The solely disadvantage is that the price of these formulation can add up over a time frame, in comparison with most robot vacuums that solely use water.

Best self-empty with digicam: Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni Robot Vacuum  

Why it made the minimize: A significant competitor to our best general alternative, this one has a digicam and two-way audio for remotely speaking along with your pet.

Specs

• Dimensions: 16.9” x 17.6” x 22.8”
• Battery life: 180 minutes
• Object avoidance: Yes
• Self-emptying: Yes
• Uses mud bag: Yes

Pros

• Auto mop washing
• Auto mop drying
• Camera for distant viewing/communication

Cons

If you’re like most pet dad and mom, you surprise what your furry pal is doing if you’re not house. The Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni Robot Vacuum has an AIVI 3D digicam for impediment avoidance. However, the digicam additionally enables you to check out your property in real-time by way of your smartphone—and you may even discuss to your pet utilizing two-way audio. The turbo-rotating twin mop system, mixed with 5000 Pa suction energy, offers an intensive cleansing expertise.

The robot vacuum can map your property and navigate round obstacles. In addition, it offers a really hands-off expertise with auto mud emptying right into a sealed bag that holds 60 days of particles, auto water tank refilling, auto mop washing, and auto scorching air mop drying. Control choices embrace the app, Alexa, Google Assistant, and YIKO (Ecovacs’ unique Deebot voice assistant, which helps numerous languages, together with English, French, Italian, German, and Japanese).

What to contemplate when shopping for the best robot vacuums for pets

Battery life

Depending on the dimensions of your property, battery life is a vital consideration. While 60 minutes is the norm, some robot vacuums have batteries that final for much longer. If you may have a big house, the robot vacuum ought to clear in one go, if potential, as an alternative of getting to return to the charging dock earlier than it may possibly end the job.

But maintain in thoughts that if you select the next or extra highly effective setting, it may possibly drain the battery quicker than a decrease or common setting. 

Vacuum, mop, or each

“Regular” robot vacuums for pets will vacuum pet hair, pet dander, and so forth., from carpets and exhausting flooring. Note: exhausting flooring can embrace hardwood flooring, stone, vinyl, laminate, linoleum, and so forth.—principally, it refers to uncarpeted flooring. A mopping robot vacuum (technically not a robot vacuum however is also known as such) is nice at cleansing up spills, stains, moist messes, and something that requires water (and a cleansing resolution).

Some robot vacuums are hybrids, that means they’ll vacuum carpets and exhausting flooring and mop exhausting flooring. However, the hybrid robot vacuum should acknowledge ground varieties so it gained’t attempt to mop your carpet and even drag the moist mop throughout the carpeted floor on the best way to the dock.

Smart options

All the robot vacuums for pet hair on this record have sensible options. However, such options can differ. For instance, some assist you to schedule cleanings by way of your smartphone (for instance, clear the kitchen at 10 am and 4 pm every single day, however solely clear the main bedroom at 2 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays). You may also begin the robot vacuum remotely at any time by way of your telephone. In addition, some fashions assist you to situation voice instructions by way of Alexa or Google Assistant.

Other sensible options embrace mapping your own home and making a digital map for extra environment friendly cleansing. And some fashions that use cameras may also be used to see and talk along with your pets. Another useful function is impediment avoidance—holding the robot vacuum from getting tangled in a sock on the ground or smearing your pet’s poop. You may also arrange boundaries so it gained’t destroy your child’s science venture or practice set on the ground, and a few robot vacuums even acknowledge stairs and can keep away from toppling down them. 

Self-emptying and self-cleaning capabilities   

Robot vacuums already make life a lot simpler by cleansing up after your pet with out requiring you to raise a finger. But ultimately, you’ll have to empty the contents. Some of the best robot vacuums for pets can maintain as much as 60 days of particles. Others have self-emptying capabilities—and a few even have self-cleaning options.

Size issues

The measurement of the robot vacuum you select for pets will matter for no less than two causes. If you may have a big house, it’s to your benefit to have a big bin, so the robot vacuum gained’t should maintain stopping to empty the particles. And if it’s not a self-emptying mannequin, you definitely don’t need to dump out the contents your self any greater than you must.

But measurement issues for another excuse as nicely. While robot vacuums with self-empty bins are handy, in addition they take up much more area, and this additional bulk might pose issues for those who don’t have a devoted area to accommodate it. Size additionally issues you probably have low furnishings since a taller choice could not match beneath.

FAQs

Final ideas on the best robot vacuums for pets

All of the robot vacuums on this record will do a terrific job of eradicating pet hair, so there was no have to have a separate class as a result of that was the minimal requirement for being on the record. Rest assured, any of those decisions will assist clear up shedding. Beyond that, you simply have to slender down what kind of surfaces you want cleaned, what sort of sensible options you need, and what your price range is, and also you’ll be capable to discover the best robot vacuum for pets so you’ll be able to fear much less about gathering up extra fur and extra about giving out extreme skritches.

Why belief us

Popular Science began writing about know-how greater than 150 years in the past. There was no such factor as “gadget writing” after we revealed our first situation in 1872, but when there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for on a regular basis readers means we might have been throughout it. Here in the current, PopSci is totally dedicated to serving to readers navigate the more and more intimidating array of units available on the market proper now.

Our writers and editors have mixed a long time of expertise masking and reviewing shopper electronics. We every have our personal obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video video games to cameras and past—however after we’re reviewing units exterior of our speedy wheelhouses, we do our best to hunt out reliable voices and opinions to assist information folks to the very best suggestions. We know we don’t know all the pieces, however we’re excited to stay by way of the evaluation paralysis that web procuring can spur so readers don’t should.