You love having pets in your home, but how do you combat their fur when it sticks to literally everything? Do you find yourself constantly vacuuming?
We grew tired of vacuuming pet hair a long time ago, and that’s why we love Roomba. Cleaning up after your pets is effortless with these robot vacuums, and we think you’re missing out if you haven’t tried them.
Before we get to the five best Roombas for pet hair removal, let’s delve into the world of these convenient machines. They’re not the cheapest, but their efficiency is worth it. Here’s why.
- Three stage cleaning
- Spinning side brush
- Small yet powerful
- Dirt Detect Technology
- Dirt disposal
- Removes up to 99% of allergens
- Remote control compatible
- Concentrates on dirt
- Voice commands
- Affordable price point
- Great features for cleaning
- 90 minutes battery life
- Tangle-free brush head
- Multi-floor capabilities
- Good battery life
Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, we understand the importance of finding the best Roomba for pet hair, and we’re here to help you make an informed decision. Our team conducts thorough research, comparative analysis, and hands-on testing to evaluate and rank products based on criteria such as performance, design, and user experience. We analyze data from professional assessments, user reviews, and our own experiences to identify key factors and decision-making elements when choosing a Roomba for pet hair. We provide first-hand evidence and objective insights on factors such as suction power, filters, brushes, battery life, navigation, and app features, ensuring that our recommendations offer the most effective solution for your needs. Trust Oh So Spotless to guide you in selecting the ideal Roomba for a spotless, pet-friendly home.
The Best Roomba for Pet Hair of 2024
These are the five best Roomba vacuums for pet hair.
Roomba i3 Robot Vacuum
Best All Round Roomba for Pet Hair
We perfectly understand why pet parents are crazy about this machine. It’s as though Roomba made this vacuum to take all the effort off your hands.
First, you have a choice in how little you have to think about what this machine does for you. You have an option to manually turn it on or schedule it. That’s great for when you’re at work or sleeping.
This is a wonderful vacuum where allergies are concerned. Roomba i3 will refresh your home every day without lifting a finger.
This model automatically adjusts to your floors — a feature we feel is always worth mentioning. It’s suitable for all floors, including carpets, tiles, and hardwood. And we love that it has a built-in navigation system — no one loves a lost Roomba.
What We Like
Three-Stage Cleaning System
Most other vacuums rely on suction to clean dirt, which is why they’re ineffective at removing pet hair. This machine’s mechanism truly combats dirt and hair by loosening it, so it’s easier to pick up. For pet owners, this means less hair, or none at all will be left behind.
Spinning Side Brush
No Roomba will do a perfect job cleaning corners, but this model tries to do a good job. Its side brush cleans edges, skirting, and corners while cleaning your floors too. It’s an extra touch that makes it a favorite.
It’s Compact at 3.63 Inches Tall
We like that this machine is small enough to fit under most furniture. It can (and will) clean pet hair from spots you’re likely to miss with a traditional or hand vacuum. Best of all, there’s no heavy lifting or rearranging furniture required.
What We Don't Like
Sensor Sensitivty
Compared to their successor, the i7, this model does not have video localization like the camera for advanced navigation, while it does maintain a decent job with few random paths. At its price point, it does what we expect.
One of the most notable features, at least, is that the sensors prevent it from falling downstairs.
Product Specs
| Suction Power | 10X power-lifting suction |
| Dimensions | 13.34 inches 13.26 inches 3.63 inches |
| Weight | 11 pounds |
| Special Features | Three-stage cleaning, spinning side brush |
| Accessories | Charging base, tangle-resistant rubber brushes, charger, high-efficiency filter, self-emptying base |
Our Ratings
User Experience
Roomba i7+ Robot Vacuum Ideal for Pet Hair
Most Sophisticated Pet Hair Roomba
We mentioned earlier that the i7+, recommended by iRobot itself, has an extra-special feature. This machine has patented Dirt Detect Technology, meaning it doesn’t only clean dirt, it finds it too.
iRobot has gone all out with this model, adding an automatic dirt disposal feature. After cleaning, this Roomba deposits collected dirt into a disposable bag, which can hold up to 30 bins worth of hair and dirt. This saves you even more time and effort.
Interestingly, this machine is 10 times stronger than our first choice. It also removes up to 99 percent of allergens. So, it’s a must-have for those with sensitivities.
This machine also has a built-in navigation system that adapts to your home, allowing it to “learn” as it goes.
What We Like
Cleans All Floors Through Your Entire Home
This Roomba travels seamlessly over various floor types. So if you have carpets and hard floors, you can expect a thorough clean of both.
Plus, this has smart mapping, so you’re in total control over which rooms the vacuum cleans and when.
Handy Extras Included
You’ll love that this Roomba comes with handy extras. This model includes two disposal bags, a line cord, a virtual wall, two extra high-efficiency filters, and two side brushes.
Manufacturer Stands Behind the Product
iRobot has showcased this model, placing emphasis on pet homes. Need we remind you that it built robotics for space? If NASA trusts it, you can too.
What We Don't Like
Gets Stuck Sometimes
Customers have noted that this little guy easily gets stuck in small ridges, cracks, or bumps in its path. If you have it clean multiple rooms, make sure nothing will stand in its way. It works best on smooth, even floors.
It’s Pricey
We won’t lie; not everyone will afford this machine. However, we think the price is reasonable given its features, but not all customers agree.
Product Specs
| Power | 1800 Pa |
| Dimensions | 13.34 inches by 3.63 inches |
| Weight | 7.44 pounds |
| Special Features | Automatic dirt disposal, Dirt Detection Technology |
| Accessories | Clean Base Dirt Disposal, two disposal bags, line cord, dual-mode virtual wall, high-efficiency filter, side brush |
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum Good for Pet Hair
Best i Series Alternative
Consider this one if you want a Roomba similar to the i7+ and are willing to settle for an older model. It has the features we’ve tempted you with and will cost you less money.
You can control this machine with voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant. It’s also compatible with your smartphone using the iRobot app.
You can use the app to schedule and keep an eye on your Roomba from a distance. So it’s an excellent choice for people on the go.
This also comes with Dirt Detection, too, only here it focuses on the dirtier spots in your home to give them extra cleaning. It has navigation, an auto-adjusting cleaning head and uses the three-stage cleaning method.
What We Like
Control It Remotely
The iRobot app is helpful if you plan to schedule your machine to clean when you’re not around to keep an eye on it. If you’re worried that it’s gotten stuck or lost, you can operate it through your phone.
You’ll love this for when you’re at work. Come back home to a clean house.
Concentrates on Dirt
The Dirt Detection technology here focuses on troublesome spots and tells the machine to pay extra attention to them. This is handy in pet homes, as hair and dander tend to bundle. The more they do, the trickier it is to clean them up.
This machine will solve that for you, and your home will be so much cleaner for it.
Dual Multi-Surface Brushes
This machine also uses dual multi-surface brushes that work exceptionally well on pet hair. It will loosen and collect most dander, dirt, hair, and debris on hard and soft floors. We like its edge-sweeping brush for skirting and corners.
What We Don't Like
Not As Smart As i7+
It’s similar to the i7+, and we love that it’s nowhere nearly as costly. That said, although it’s an excellent alternative, it’s not as sophisticated a machine.
Some customers mention that this model gets lost quite easily, so you’ll have to be patient with it.
Product Specs
| Power | 600 Pa |
| Dimensions | 13 inches by 3.7 inches |
| Weight | 6.77 pounds |
| Special Features | Smart Assistant compatible, Dirt Detection, remote control |
| Accessories | Charging station, line cord, extra filter, flat cleaning tool |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Roomba 690 Robot Vacuum
Best Budget Roomba for Pet Hair
This little guy is an excellent alternative if you’re looking for the magic of Roomba without breaking your bank account. It’s got all the best features we’ve already covered in others.
With this machine, you get Dirt Detection for concentrated areas of dirt. It includes three-stage cleaning and dual multi-surface brushes to protect your floors. It has smart navigation and an edge-sweeping brush too.
The Roomba 690 has strong suction that pet hair can’t match, and anti-drop technology to prevent damage from falls. You’ll get 90 minutes of run time from it and its self-charging.
It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and you’ll get access to the iRobot app for easy remote control.
What We Like
Affordable for Those on a Budget
The most common complaint about Roomba as a whole is that often the price of one is unjustified. With this model, you get the smart technology of more sophisticated models at a price you can agree with. It’s around half the price of other Roomba models.
Great Features for Better Cleaning
Considering that this model is one of Roomba’s lower-range ones, we were pleasantly surprised by its features. It comes close to the i7+ and isn’t lacking anything you’ll miss.
90 Minutes Battery Life
90 minutes is more than sufficient to give your home a good clean — points for power management. It will then automatically return to its station when it’s running low.
What We Don't Like
It’s Quite Strong
This machine isn’t as gentle as the others we have mentioned. There are a few customer reports of damage to hardwood. It’s great for removing pet hair, but you may have to keep an eye on it.
It’s a Bit Noisy
Although it won’t break the sound barrier, users mention that it’s louder than others we’ve noted here. So, it may not be so convenient for indoor pets, or to leave to its own devices while you’re trying to rest.
Product Specs
| Power | 600 Pa |
| Dimensions | 13 inches by 3.7 inches |
| Weight | 7.8 pounds |
| Special Features | Dirt Detection, Three-Stage Cleaning, remote control |
| Accessories | Charging station, line cord, dual-mode virtual wall, extra filter, flat cleaning tool, user guide |
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
Roomba 890 Robot Vacuum
Best Mid-Range Roomba for Pet Hair
When speaking of Roomba, rarely is there a middle ground. It seems that customers either have the means to purchase the latest, most expensive models or can barely afford the cheapest. What about those of you who are in-between?
Have a look at this pick. It’s the perfect midway between Roomba’s most advanced robots and its basic one. It comes with a superb range of valuable features, and — though it’s not the most affordable — the price is reasonable.
So what do you get? For starters, this machine has five times the suction of models in the 600 and 700 ranges. It also uses a three-stage cleaning system that we like so much. Plus, it does an excellent job of removing pet hair from carpets.
What We Like
Tangle-Free Brush
It’s great that this Roomba includes a tangle-free brush. There’s less risk of the machine clogging, getting stuck, or losing suction power. It keeps its filters cleaner too.
Multi-Floor Vacuum
This is a multi-floor vacuum with an auto-adjust cleaning head. This allows it to detect various floor types and clean thoroughly. It also uses flexible multi-surface rubber brushes to prevent damaging your floors.
90 Minute Battery Life
As with our previous pick, we like the 90-minute run you get with this machine. It’s more than sufficient to clean your home. Plus, since it’s self-charging, you don’t have to worry about it losing power.
High-Efficiency Filter
The high-efficiency filter on this vacuum removes 99 percent of allergens. If you are sensitive to particles in the air, this Roomba will be an appreciated roommate!
What We Don't Like
Small Dust Bin
Some customers say they were a bit disappointed by the 0.6 liter capacity of the dust bin. Still, most users are satisfied and don’t mind the extra maintenance.
It’s Noisy
Users say this model is louder than others. It may not be the best choice for those with easily frightened pets. It’s not deafening, but if you’re used to quieter machines, you might be surprised by this one.
Product Specs
| Power | 1000 Pa |
| Dimensions | 13.9 inches by 3.6 inches |
| Weight | 8.4 pounds |
| Special Features | Tangle-free brush, flexible multi-floor dual brushes, vice control, Three-Stage Cleaning, remote control |
| Accessories | Edge-sweeping brush, line cord, charging station, extra filter, virtual wall |
Our Ratings
User Experience
| Product | Best | Suction Power | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roomba i3 | All Round | Not specified | 13.34″ x 13.26″ x 3.63″ | 11 lbs |
| Roomba i7+ | Most Sophisticated | 1800 Pa | 13.34″ x 3.63″ | 7.44 lbs |
| Roomba 675 | i Series Alternative | 600 Pa | 13″ x 3.7″ | 6.77 lbs |
| Roomba 690 | Budget Pick | 600 Pa | 13″ x 3.7″ | 7.8 lbs |
| Roomba 890 | Mid-Range Model | 1000 Pa | 13.9″ x 3.6″ | 8.4 lbs |
Why Should You Buy a Roomba?
Roomba is a brand of robot vacuums, arguably the most popular of our time. While its parent, iRobot, is not the inventor of the robot vacuum, it was the catalyst in its success.
It’s no surprise, though. iRobot has a rich history of innovation, from NASA rovers to medical machines. The company has developed benchmark robotics for 25 years and is leagues ahead of its competitors (1).
That’s why in 2002, when the first Roomba was released, it took the world by storm. Customers were eager to get their hands on these fascinating machines. They were so sought after, even Oprah donned them one of her favorite things.
They’ve dominated the market for robot vacuums ever since. However, brand power isn’t the only thing that makes them extraordinary. But if you’re not convinced yet, we have a few points that could sway you.
Suits Your Exact Needs
Roomba has a range of vacuums, especially for pet owners. Its Pet Series is the most popular, and customers praise its efficiency.
Then, there are two more that Roomba itself recommends: the e and i series. The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) ran tests that found that the e series picks up more pet hair than competing brands.
These Roombas don’t only pick up hair and dander. They can track litter spills and manage them efficiently. They’re also tangle-free, and filter almost 100 percent of allergens from the air.
Even better, they’re suitable for carpets and hard floors, and the i7+ has a neat feature. It automatically empties collected dirt (including pet hair) into a disposable bag. How convenient!
Reaches Under Furniture
There’s one major problem we’ve found when cleaning up pet hair. Some spots are near impossible to reach—especially with traditional vacuums. Cats are the main culprits because they sneak into ridiculous crevices.
However, with a Roomba, the days of moving heavy furniture are over.
These vacuums are sleek and small enough to fit into tight spaces and clean under almost anything. Whether it’s your kitchen cabinets or your couch, you’re covered. You won’t have to worry about hidden fur gathering in places you can’t access.
Cleans Independently
Roomba vacuums clean automatically according to your specified settings. In most models, you can schedule them to clean without any instruction from you. And when you have to command it, you’ll often have the option to do so through your smart home assistant.
Roombas use sensors, so they’ll know what, when, and how to clean. You won’t have to exert yourself manually cleaning up after your pets.
Multi-Floor Vacuums
Roomba’s sensors allow it to adjust to the type of floor it’s cleaning automatically. It will seamlessly travel from hard floors to carpets or rugs and will switch its brush or suction accordingly.
Some vacuums don’t have this feature and could damage or scratch your surfaces. It also means that they may be effective at cleaning pet hair from one floor but useless when working on another. Roombas won’t have this problem.
The Best of Robot Vacuums
We mentioned that Roomba has dominated this industry since its inception. Though it wasn’t the original, many consumers praise it as the best. It’s no wonder — it has perfected all the best features people look for in a vacuum.
They’re self-charging and will find their way back to their docking stations without any help from you. Their batteries hold a good charge, too.
You can also program the vacuum to stay within your set boundaries. They’re built to last and require minimal maintenance.
How to Choose a Roomba for Pet Hair
So, you want a Roomba for pet hair, but how do you know which one to buy? You’re spoiled for choice here. Each Roomba differs in capabilities and features, but you need to consider your specific needs.
So, before you settle on a Roomba, ask yourself the following questions to make sure that it’s the right choice for you.
Is It for Pets?
If you’re looking for a pet-specific vacuum, go for either the Pet, e, or i series. These models come with helpful pet hair features like tangle-free brushes. Some vacuums in this range will even track hair or litter to clean more precisely.
These vacuums are made with pet owners (and pets) in mind. So they have the right tools, suction, filters, and noise control to work around animals.
If Not, Can It Tackle Pet Hair?
If you aren’t choosing one of the above series, make sure your Roomba won’t choke on pet hair. Look out for tangle-free brushes and larger dust bags.
Pay attention to the filters too. Not all filters fight allergens, so check the filter’s specs if allergies are a concern. We think your best bet would be a HEPA filter.
Do You Need a Quiet Robot?
Your pets may be afraid of vacuums, and if that’s the case, not any Roomba will do. Always check the decibel rating for the model you’re considering.
For instance, the Roomba 780 is the quietest, at only 55 decibels. The Roomba 980, on the other hand, is considered one of (if not) the loudest. But don’t worry about that model — it’s ineffective at cleaning pet hair anyway.
What’s Your Budget?
You get what you pay for. We’re not telling you to throw thousands of dollars at iRobot, but you can’t be stingy if you want efficiency.
Their more sophisticated models will cost you a bit more. But it’s a fair exchange considering the quality of Roombas. You’re at liberty to settle for their lower-range models, but if you do, make sure they have suitable capabilities for you and your pets.
Keep In Mind
How Much Time Do You Need?
Roomba batteries vary, so check its estimated run time if you need your robot to clean for longer periods.
Consumers claim that some high-end Roomba batteries should last two hours a run and 400 cycles in total. Take this with a grain of salt, though. A battery will only last that long if you take extra care to maintain it.
Quick Tip
FAQs
How Can I Keep My Home Pet Hair Free?
The best way to keep your home pet hair free is to tackle the source of the hair. Regular pet brushing removes the loose hair and prevents it from sticking to your carpets.
Another way is to choose the right type of flooring. Hardwood and laminate are ideal because pet hair can’t stick. Carpets and rugs trap pet hair and can be tricky to clean.
Which Roomba is Best for Pet Hair?
The best Roomba for pet hair is the Roomba i3 Evo. It has three-stage cleaning, smart mapping, and it works on all floor surfaces. You can control it with the Roomba app, Alexa, and your voice.
Why is My Roomba Not Picking Up Dog Hair?
Your Roomba is not picking up dog hair because it needs cleaning. The sensors, brushes, and filters become clogged if there is excess pet hair. A robot vacuum cleaner is like a traditional vacuum and needs TLC to keep it in working order.
How Much Dog Hair Can a Roomba Handle?
The amount of dog hair your Roomba can handle is limited to the dust canister size. While it can’t compete with upright and canister vacuums, it does remove 87 percent of pet hair from carpets.
How Can I Improve My Roomba Suction?
Improve your Roomba’s suction by cleaning the brushes, roller, and sensors and emptying the dust collection canister. Your robot vacuum cleaner needs the same maintenance as standard models to keep them in working order.
