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Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Roomba for Pet Hair
While we love our furry friends, cleaning pet hair can be quite a chore. With spring shedding season around the corner, the cleaning job of pet owners will double as our furry friends start to shed more loose fur than usual. Fortunately, there are optimized robot vacuums for pet hair that can help pet parents with these tiring cleaning sessions.
One of the best robot vacuums for pet hair is the iRobot Roomba. By industry standards, all Roomba robot vacuums are equipped with a powerful suction that can clean various floor types, the patented Edge Sweeping Brush, and smart features that can come in handy for cleaning and navigating.
However, with many iRobot Roomba models to choose from, finding the best robot vacuum for tackling pet hair can take a while. Thus, we are here to help you out with the task of finding the best robot vacuum for pet hair!
Which is the Top Roomba for Pet Hair?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Best in Smart Features |  Best Budget Robotic Vacuum |
iRobot Roomba s9+Often hailed as the best robot vacuum for pet hair, the Roomba s9+ checks out all the boxes for every pet owner from cleaning quality to functionality. | iRobot Roomba j7+Equipped with unique features intended for homes with pets, the Roomba j7+ can clean up after pet hair while avoiding other waste for an accident-free cleaning performance. | iRobot Roomba 694A budget robot vacuum that does not skimp on cleaning performance and useful features, the Roomba 694 is perfect for pet owners looking for a reasonably priced model to help with daily cleaning. |
Functionality: Quality: Price: | Functionality: Quality: Price: | Functionality: Quality: Price: |
Let’s Go Over Each Top Roomba for Pet Hair
#1. iRobot Roomba s9+
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The iRobot Roomba s9+ tops our list of the best robot vacuums for pet hair as it can tick out all the boxes of both pet owners and general homeowners who are looking for a precise and efficient smart home cleaning device that also puts a premium on convenience.
With a suction power that is 40x stronger than most robot vacuums, the Roomba s9+ can easily vacuum out all the fur and more that may be stuck in thick carpets. The powerful suction of the Roomba s9+ along with iRobot’s patented Three-Stage Cleaning System, dust, and pet hair removal will be effortless even when they are embedded deep in a high pile carpet.
As if that alone does not speak about its detailed cleaning performance, the Roomba s9+ is also equipped with PerfectEdge Technology and advanced sensors that allow its Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes to adjust to differing floor types while preventing other debris from getting tangled with pet hair.
In case your pets are yet to be potty trained or tend to leave pet messes around the house, the Roomba s9+ can be linked with the Braava jet m6 Robot Mop for mopping capability. This smart home cleaning device can switch from vacuuming to mopping for a comprehensive clean — certainly a feature that both pet owners and homeowners will enjoy. Speaking of comprehensive, the Roomba s9+ has Dirt Detect Technology so it can clean dust, crumbs, debris, and dog hair the minute the vacuum detects it.
The Roomba s9+ does not disappoint in features. Via the iRobot Home App, this smart robot vacuum can be given a wide array of commands. Without the use of remote control, one can do voice commands via Alexa, Google Assistant, and the app for this vacuum to start cleaning an area even if you’re not in the same room as it. Speaking of apps, the Roomba s9+ has iRobot OS so you can set cleaning suggestions suited to your schedule, preferences, and seasons such as pet-shedding or allergy season.
Regarding mapping capabilities, the Roomba s9+ can map a room and an entire home layout with Smart Maps. Not only does this smart feature allows the vacuum to learn Keep-Out Zones and Clean Zones, but it also makes it capable of knowing when and where to recharge when the battery life is running low.
It also goes without saying that the best robot vacuums for pet owners are those that can get along with the pets, to begin with. Thanks to the Careful Drive Mode of the Roomba s9+, this robot vacuum can move and clean silently and smoothly enough to not startle pets, and as a bonus people at home.
Pros and Cons of the iRobot Roomba s9+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Can turn into a hybrid robot vacuum for cleaning pet waste ✔️ Smooth and silent cleaning thanks to Careful Drive Mode ✔️ Equipped with a 30% wider Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brush than most robot vacuums ✔️ Has a strong suction power of 40x ✔️ Equipped with app control, Alexa, and Google Assistant ✔️ Has HEPA filter | ✖️ Hefty price tag ✖️ Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal is sold separately |
#2. iRobot Roomba j7+
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The iRobot Roomba j7+ is one of the best robot vacuums for pet hair because of its smart features that are specifically intended for this application. With features that allow this robot vacuum to avoid pet accidents on purpose, clean targeted messes, and vacuum pet hair, the Roomba j7+ is ideal for homes with pets.
Delivering a power-lifting suction power that is 10x more effective than other robotic vacuums, the Roomba j7+ can pick up pet fur on hardwood floors, hard floors, and other bare surfaces. Albeit, it might require more focused cleaning in carpets, it still has a strong suction power than most models.
Similar to the Roomba s9+, the Roomba j7+ has an Edge-Sweeping Brush that allows the vacuum to perform a “self-cleaning brush roll” to avoid any fur from getting tangled with other debris.
Unlike other robot vacuums in this list, the Roomba j7+ is the only one that comes with Pet Owner Official Promise, or P.O.O.P. for short. This cleverly named feature ensures pet owners that the Roomba j7+ will avoid solid pet waste or pet poop in the middle of cleaning. Failure to avoid pet poop will guarantee the pet owner a free replacement model.
The Roomba j7+ is equipped with iRobot OS Technology and PrecisionVision Navigation to help avoid collision with furniture legs and obstacles. These features also come in handy when creating virtual No-Go Zones or virtual walls so the robot vacuum can avoid vacuuming areas you don’t want to be cleaned like your cat’s litter box. It also comes with voice assistant features that can be done via Alexa, Google Assistant, or via the home app so it can receive real-time commands.
While the iRobot Roomba j7+ is a self-emptying robot vacuum, the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal accessory must be bought separately from the model. However, the automatic emptying function can come in handy if when you want to keep your hands clean from dirt, hair, and waste your Roomba j7+ was able to vacuum out.
Pros and Cons of the iRobot Roomba j7+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Pet Owner Official Promise feature and guarantee ✔️ 10x suction power ✔️ OS technology and PrecisionVision Navigation ✔️ Brush roll function | ✖️ Pricey ✖️ Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal is sold separately |
#3. iRobot Roomba 694
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
If you’re on a budget but have your eyes set on a Roomba, then the iRobot Roomba 694 is the best first robot vacuum for you! Although it has lesser features compared to the other two robot vacuums on the list, the Roomba 694 is still more than capable of cleaning out pet hair and more.
Although the Roomba 694 may be limited to cleaning flat and hard floors, you can still count on it to do a good job. This robot vacuum still packs a suction power, cleaning design, and dual-multi surface brushes to loosen, lift, and vacuum out daily dirt, dust, debris, and fur. This robotic vacuum is also equipped with Dirt Detect Technology so it can clean high-traffic areas more thoroughly.
Despite lacking advanced navigation features, the Roomba 694 is still equipped with iRobot OS and voice assistant. You can also sync your cleaning schedule and notify this robotic vacuum when shedding season is here so it can start working double-time. However, do be conscious of its battery life as the Roomba 694 can only run up to 90 minutes of continuous cleaning.
Pros and Cons of the iRobot Roomba 694
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Affordable ✔️ Equipped with Dirt Detect Technology ✔️ Has 3-Stage Cleaning System ✔️ Has Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brush | ✖️ Fairly short battery life ✖️ Limited smart and advanced features |
Roomba: Pet Hair Cleaning Performance
Due to iRobot’s many unique cleaning patents, the Roomba robot vacuums are some of the best cleaning devices for removing pet hair and more if needed.
Starting with the 3-Stage Cleaning System that all Roomba models have, a pet and homeowner is assured that no fur will be tangled up in the robot vacuum’s brushes as it also sucks up other debris and dirt. Moreover, the brushes used by Roombas don’t have bristles or nylon fibers unlike a lot of robot vacuums so pet hair won’t get tangled up.
The patented Edge-Sweeping Brushes paired with the Dual Multi-Surface Brushes of Roombas also help in the task of cleaning after pet hair. Although suction power strength plays a major role in the effectiveness of vacuuming out pet hair, these brushes alone are a big help for removing any fur whether on hardwood floors or carpet.
Although only the Roomba j has the P.O.O.P. feature, this already sets the Roomba from most robot vacuums in the market about pet hair and waste cleaning performance. It shows how the company puts a premium on the other concerns and needs of pet parents.
Are Robot Vacuums Worth It for Pet Hair?
Pets and a clean home seem to be impossible to achieve as fur, dander, litter, and dirt are almost present 24/7. Alas, robot vacuums are the answer to this dilemma as these smart cleaning devices are designed to semi-autonomously clean at your convenience and command.
With that said, robot vacuums are indeed worth it for pet hair if you are the type of pet and homeowner who would want a clean and hair-free home but is too busy to do the cleaning all the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aside from the robot vacuums on the list, another Roomba robot vacuum that is best for long pet hair is the iRobot Roomba i3. Delivering a 10x power-lifting suction, this robot vacuum can take on pet hair of varying lengths on multiple floors.
Generally speaking, there is no best Roomba to get for pets as this would fall under the preference and requirements of the pet owner. However, the two most popular Roomba models that are ideal for homeowners with pets are the Roomba s9+ and the Roomba j7+.
Aside from the Roomba s9+ doing an overall fantastic cleaning job, the Careful Drive Mode takes the cake in pet compatibility. As pets can get easily startled by loud noises and foreign moving objects, this robot vacuum model will do well for our furry and feline friends.
On the other hand, the Roomba j7+ is the robot vacuum of choice for pets who tend to leave waste, messes, and accidents. With the ability to avoid these accidents, pet parents are assured that floors will remain stain and smear-free.
How do you get dog hair out of a Roomba?
While the patented brush and cleaning technology of the Roomba helps prevent dog hair build-up and tangles from happening, some fur can still get stuck in there.
You can get the hair out of a Roomba’s brush by removing the plastic bearing and manually pulling them out. This should be an easy task due to the brush material used by a Roomba robot vacuum.
Aside from the brush, hair can also accumulate on the wheels of the robot vacuum. When this happens, one needs to simply grab a clean microfiber towel and gently rub the wheels of the robot vacuum until no hair or debris is visible.
Is there a robot vacuum that empties itself?
Yes, a robot vacuum can self-empty itself provided that it has the features and capability to do so. One Roomba robot vacuum not on the list that empties itself is the Roomba i7+. Similar to other Roomba robot vacuums that can empty themselves, the Roomba i7+ can self-empty for up to 60 days.
However, not all robot vacuums have this feature. Most likely, only high-end robot vacuums have self-emptying functions as the technology for this can shoot up the price of the model.
How do self-emptying vacuums work?
A Roomba robot vacuum can self-empty itself with the help of a self-emptying base and the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal feature. Together, these help a robot vacuum to empty itself for up to 60 days. Once the robot vacuum latches itself to the self-emptying base, the vacuum bag will be enclosed as it traps 99% pollen, mold, hair, and all other dirt captured. After which, all dirt and debris will be self-removed from the robot vacuum’s dustbin and into a larger dustbin.
Can robot vacuums detect dog poop?
Not all robot vacuums can detect dog poop. One robot vacuum however can and that is the Roomba j7+. Due to a unique feature cleverly and conveniently called P.O.O.P., this robot vacuum can detect all pet wastes so it can avoid them in its cleaning path.
To give premium to its customers, iRobot gives a one-year guarantee for all its Roomba j7+ models that no robot vacuum will accidentally vacuum out dog poop or pet waste. Otherwise, iRobot will replace the robot vacuum model for free.
What are the best robot vacuums?
Determining the best robot vacuums will primarily depend on the preference and requirements of a person. However, there are general factors and features that one should look for in finding out the best robot vacuums.
Some things to take note of are the cleaning features, advanced features, navigation and detection capabilities, battery life, and maintenance requirements of the robot vacuum.
For cleaning features, the best robot vacuum is one that has strong suction power so it can suck up a wide array of debris from pet hair to even bugs. If you suffer from allergies, then a robot vacuum with a HEPA filter is best for you.
For smart and advanced features, top robot vacuums will include mapping, voice control, and self-emptying functions. Although these can hike up the price tag of the robot vacuum, they are well worth the investment for a more thorough and efficient cleaning performance.
For navigation and detection capabilities, accuracy is of utmost importance. These features can help prevent any accidents from happening and can assure that your robot vacuum stays in neat rows and straight lines when cleaning. It will also help robot vacuums clean specific rooms you want more focus on. At the same time, it also helps robot vacuums avoid specific rooms you want them to stay out of.
For battery life, the best robot vacuums are those that can take on a continuous cleaning session lasting up to two hours. Otherwise, you may be left with an unfinished job.
Lastly, the best robot vacuum is one that has easy maintenance requirements and great aftercare customer service. Should you ever need a warranty or a part fixed, then you are assured that your robot vacuum can come back to you in perfect condition. After all, these cleaning devices can be quite expensive so you would expect to get your money’s worth.
To help you get a better understanding of what makes a robot vacuum worth investing in, then here’s our ultimate robot vacuum buying guide for you to read through.
Final Note
For pet owners, the dilemma of having a clean home while pets stay indoors is a constant battle. While one can personally clean the home to keep it hair-free, fur can easily build up again even if you just miss one cleaning day. Fortunately, robot vacuums such as the iRobot Roomba model line can help keep homes clean 24/7 without much effort on the owners’ part.
Editor’s Choice
iRobot Roomba s9+
Hailed by many robot vacuum reviews as the best robot vacuum for pet hair, the Roomba s9+ is every pet owner’s dream.
The pet hair pick-up ability of the Roomba s9+ is unmatched by most robot vacuums. With a suction power that is 40x stronger than other robot vacuums and iRobot’s patented Three-Stage Cleaning System, this robot vacuum can take on pet fur removal on bare floors, hardwood floors, hard floors, and all kinds of carpets without a problem.
The Roomba s9+ also goes above and beyond in terms of cleaning performance as it can also turn into a hybrid robot vacuum to clean accidents and messes created by pets. Certainly, no pet owner will say no to that!
Although the Roomba s9+ is quite expensive, the advanced features such as app control, mapping, and scheduling cleaning sessions can be used as an argument that the model is set at a reasonable price.
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