My picks for the best robot vacuums for pet hair of 2025: Roomba, Eufy, Ecovacs, and more

Pet hair is one of my pet peeves, so evaluating how a robot vacuum performs against it is one of my main goals when testing the best pet hair robot vacuum. However, choosing the best robot vacuum for pet hair involves considering different features. For example, the Eufy 11S Max is perfect if you're on a budget, while the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo Complete includes a handheld vacuum to reach places the robot can't. A robot vacuum with strong suction is key, but you should also consider which extra features may be important to you, like obstacle avoidance or mopping. 

What is the best robot vacuum for pet hair right now?

Since there are so many robot vacuums, you may wonder which is best for your home. I've tested dozens of robot vacuums at home and in everyday life, and our top choice to tackle pet hair is the iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max due to its outstanding suction power, self-emptying dust bin, self-washing mop pad, tangle-resistant brush rollers, and iRobot's Pet Owner Official Promise (P.O.O.P. guarantee). However, several other robot vacuum options are worth considering, depending on your floor type and how much your pet sheds.

Also: This Ecovacs robot vacuum and mop is a sleeper hit, and it handles carpeting like a champ

The best robot vacuums for pet hair of 2025

The Roomba Combo 10 Max is one of the top-performing robot vacuums against pet hair. Many robot vacuums go through my home for testing, but this one earned a permanent spot.

Why we like it: Part of why it's so loved is because it can handle all of the pet hair on all our floor types, whether it's been one or several days since it last ran. The robot self-empties as soon as the dustbin is full instead of waiting until the end of the job, like other robot vacuums. If it is peak shedding season, it's common for the Combo 10 Max to empty four or five times during a single job, never leaving any pet hair behind, even on carpets.

Review: iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max

Who it's for: It's also simply an intelligent robot. The Roomba Combo 10 Max comes with the P.O.O.P. guarantee, an innovative promise from the manufacturer that the robot vacuum will avoid pet waste instead of creating accidental smearing, or iRobot will replace your robot at no additional cost. This means the robot vacuum is perfect for pet parents, as it's great at avoiding pet toys, shoes, cords, and other household objects. 

Who should look elsewhere: If you have mostly hard floors and need a more thorough mopping performance, then I'd discourage you from buying the Combo 10 Max in favor of a robot with a roller mop, as they're now becoming more commonplace. The Roomba Combo 10 Max has a mop pad, so it may leave some streaks behind while mopping.

iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max specs: Price: $1,149 (limited-time deal) | Battery life: 120 mins | Base station dimensions: 15.7 x 12 x 13.3 inches | Suction power: Not specified | Dustbin volume: 300 ml | Water tank capacity: 170 ml

• Self-emptying & self-washing
• Intelligent
• Smart Mapping technology
• User-friendly app
• Pet waste avoidance

• Loud when it self-empties
• Prone to bugs

The Roomba Combo 10 Max is one of the top-performing robot vacuums against pet hair. Many robot vacuums go through my home for testing, but this one earned a permanent spot.

Why we like it: Part of why it's so loved is because it can handle all of the pet hair on all our floor types, whether it's been one or several days since it last ran. The robot self-empties as soon as the dustbin is full instead of waiting until the end of the job, like other robot vacuums. If it is peak shedding season, it's common for the Combo 10 Max to empty four or five times during a single job, never leaving any pet hair behind, even on carpets.

Review: iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max

Who it's for: It's also simply an intelligent robot. The Roomba Combo 10 Max comes with the P.O.O.P. guarantee, an innovative promise from the manufacturer that the robot vacuum will avoid pet waste instead of creating accidental smearing, or iRobot will replace your robot at no additional cost. This means the robot vacuum is perfect for pet parents, as it's great at avoiding pet toys, shoes, cords, and other household objects. 

Who should look elsewhere: If you have mostly hard floors and need a more thorough mopping performance, then I'd discourage you from buying the Combo 10 Max in favor of a robot with a roller mop, as they're now becoming more commonplace. The Roomba Combo 10 Max has a mop pad, so it may leave some streaks behind while mopping.

iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max specs: Price: $1,149 (limited-time deal) | Battery life: 120 mins | Base station dimensions: 15.7 x 12 x 13.3 inches | Suction power: Not specified | Dustbin volume: 300 ml | Water tank capacity: 170 ml

Why we like it: The Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum has become a staple among budget-friendly robot vacuums, beloved by users and appreciated by wallets. Though its retail price is $250, it's common to see its price drop to as low as $120 -- it's currently available for $159.

Who it's for: If you're looking for a no-frills robot vacuum to tackle your floors without paying for all the bells and whistles, the Eufy 11S Max is for you. This robot vacuum can offer up to 100 minutes of cleaning and features a slim build, at only 2.85 inches tall. Simplicity is the name of the game with the 11S Max, so it doesn't automatically empty its dustbin and doesn't create thorough maps of your home -- it simply gets the job done.

Also: I compared a $90 robot vacuum to a $700 one. Here's my buying advice for budget shoppers

Who should look elsewhere: This is an affordable robot vacuum with entry-level features. It's great for people with few small obstacles at home on which the robot's roller brush can get stuck. Socks, cords, papers, and other items must be picked up before each cleaning. This robot vacuum also doesn't have a mopping feature. If you need a robot that mops or one that doesn't require you to pick up every item before running it, you may do better with a different option.

Eufy 11S Max features: Price: $159 (limited-time deal) | Battery life: 100 mins | Suction power: 2,000Pa | Dustbin volume: 600 ml | Water tank capacity: No mopping feature

• Slim
• Small charging dock
• Boosts suction over carpets

• No mapping capability
• Can't self empty

Why we like it: The Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum has become a staple among budget-friendly robot vacuums, beloved by users and appreciated by wallets. Though its retail price is $250, it's common to see its price drop to as low as $120 -- it's currently available for $159.

Who it's for: If you're looking for a no-frills robot vacuum to tackle your floors without paying for all the bells and whistles, the Eufy 11S Max is for you. This robot vacuum can offer up to 100 minutes of cleaning and features a slim build, at only 2.85 inches tall. Simplicity is the name of the game with the 11S Max, so it doesn't automatically empty its dustbin and doesn't create thorough maps of your home -- it simply gets the job done.

Also: I compared a $90 robot vacuum to a $700 one. Here's my buying advice for budget shoppers

Who should look elsewhere: This is an affordable robot vacuum with entry-level features. It's great for people with few small obstacles at home on which the robot's roller brush can get stuck. Socks, cords, papers, and other items must be picked up before each cleaning. This robot vacuum also doesn't have a mopping feature. If you need a robot that mops or one that doesn't require you to pick up every item before running it, you may do better with a different option.

Eufy 11S Max features: Price: $159 (limited-time deal) | Battery life: 100 mins | Suction power: 2,000Pa | Dustbin volume: 600 ml | Water tank capacity: No mopping feature

Why we like it: The Deebot X2 Combo Complete has easily kept up with my three (messy) kids and my mutt mixed with some of the hairiest breeds -- husky, golden retriever, coonhound, and German shepherd. That should speak for itself. As a robot vacuum and mop, you can rest assured that your pet's hair will be vacuumed while the dirty paw prints are washed away. 

The AI-powered Robot intelligently navigates your home and recognizes your soft floors, carpet, and rugs versus tile, hardwood, or laminate. The mop heads can lift 0.60 inches, easily keeping your rugs dry during cleaning.

Review: Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo Complete

Who it's for: If you're looking for a powerhouse robot vacuum and mop, the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo Complete is the machine for you. This 3-in-1 machine has 8,700Pa of suction power, dual rotating mop heads, a cordless vacuum for quick cleanups, and an Omni Station that does your dirty work. You can use the cordless vacuum to pick up pet hair from your area rugs or clean up crumbs from your couch, then set it to charge on the Omni station and watch as the contents of its dustbin automatically empty into the dust bag within. 

Who should look elsewhere: There's not a lot wrong with the Deebot X2 Combo Complete, except for the price. At $1,700, this robot vacuum and mop is far from cheap, so you may feel deterred by it. If you do buy it, rest assured that you get what you pay for, as the robot vacuum and mop and the handheld vacuum are some of the best quality you can find. But there are more affordable 3-in-1 robot vacuum and mops, like the SwitchBot K10+ Combo.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo Complete features: Price: $1,700 | Battery life: 210 mins | Base station dimensions: 20.6 x 17.4 x 21.8 inches | Suction power: 8,700Pa | Dustbin volume: 379 ml | Water tank capacity: 180 ml

• Cordless vacuum, robot vacuum, and mop in one
• 8,700Pa suction
• Dual oscillating mop heads

• Object avoidance could be better
• Expensive

Why we like it: The Deebot X2 Combo Complete has easily kept up with my three (messy) kids and my mutt mixed with some of the hairiest breeds -- husky, golden retriever, coonhound, and German shepherd. That should speak for itself. As a robot vacuum and mop, you can rest assured that your pet's hair will be vacuumed while the dirty paw prints are washed away. 

The AI-powered Robot intelligently navigates your home and recognizes your soft floors, carpet, and rugs versus tile, hardwood, or laminate. The mop heads can lift 0.60 inches, easily keeping your rugs dry during cleaning.

Review: Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo Complete

Who it's for: If you're looking for a powerhouse robot vacuum and mop, the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo Complete is the machine for you. This 3-in-1 machine has 8,700Pa of suction power, dual rotating mop heads, a cordless vacuum for quick cleanups, and an Omni Station that does your dirty work. You can use the cordless vacuum to pick up pet hair from your area rugs or clean up crumbs from your couch, then set it to charge on the Omni station and watch as the contents of its dustbin automatically empty into the dust bag within. 

Who should look elsewhere: There's not a lot wrong with the Deebot X2 Combo Complete, except for the price. At $1,700, this robot vacuum and mop is far from cheap, so you may feel deterred by it. If you do buy it, rest assured that you get what you pay for, as the robot vacuum and mop and the handheld vacuum are some of the best quality you can find. But there are more affordable 3-in-1 robot vacuum and mops, like the SwitchBot K10+ Combo.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo Complete features: Price: $1,700 | Battery life: 210 mins | Base station dimensions: 20.6 x 17.4 x 21.8 inches | Suction power: 8,700Pa | Dustbin volume: 379 ml | Water tank capacity: 180 ml

Why we like it: The Eureka E20 Plus robot vacuum and mop doesn't use dust bags. Instead, it automatically empties its contents into a reusable canister at the base station, so you never have to worry about buying bags every few months. It did really well picking up pet hair and debris in my dog's room, which sees a lot of dog fur. To top it all off, it's also more affordable than flagship models, with a midrange price of $500. 

Who it's for: The E20 Plus is perfect for pet owners and anyone on a budget, really. If you're constantly battling pet hair around the house, you'd do well to enlist this robot vacuum to take over the task for you. As far as a budget, the robot's midrange startup cost is great, but I also appreciate being able to empty the canister and never having to buy bags for it. The robot also mops lightly, so it's best for those looking for a robot that only keeps floors fresh between deeper cleanings. 

Review: Should you cheap out on a robot vacuum? This model proves it might even be a smart idea

Who should look elsewhere: This Eureka robot vacuum isn't ideal for those who want smart obstacle avoidance. If your floors are often littered with small toys, socks, cords, or random objects, you either have to pick them all up before running the E20 Plus or choose a different robot vacuum on this list. With only basic mopping that requires manual pad cleaning, this robot is also less than ideal for those looking for a hands-off mopping experience.

Eureka E20 Plus features: Price: $500 Battery life: 180 mins | Base station dimensions: 13.78 x 23.7 x 17.4 inches | Suction power: 8,000Pa | Dustbin volume: 220 ml | Water tank capacity: Basic mopping feature

• 8,000Pa suction
• Self-emptying
• No dust bags

• Not the best obstacle avoidance
• Manual mopping feature

Why we like it: The Eureka E20 Plus robot vacuum and mop doesn't use dust bags. Instead, it automatically empties its contents into a reusable canister at the base station, so you never have to worry about buying bags every few months. It did really well picking up pet hair and debris in my dog's room, which sees a lot of dog fur. To top it all off, it's also more affordable than flagship models, with a midrange price of $500. 

Who it's for: The E20 Plus is perfect for pet owners and anyone on a budget, really. If you're constantly battling pet hair around the house, you'd do well to enlist this robot vacuum to take over the task for you. As far as a budget, the robot's midrange startup cost is great, but I also appreciate being able to empty the canister and never having to buy bags for it. The robot also mops lightly, so it's best for those looking for a robot that only keeps floors fresh between deeper cleanings. 

Review: Should you cheap out on a robot vacuum? This model proves it might even be a smart idea

Who should look elsewhere: This Eureka robot vacuum isn't ideal for those who want smart obstacle avoidance. If your floors are often littered with small toys, socks, cords, or random objects, you either have to pick them all up before running the E20 Plus or choose a different robot vacuum on this list. With only basic mopping that requires manual pad cleaning, this robot is also less than ideal for those looking for a hands-off mopping experience.

Eureka E20 Plus features: Price: $500 Battery life: 180 mins | Base station dimensions: 13.78 x 23.7 x 17.4 inches | Suction power: 8,000Pa | Dustbin volume: 220 ml | Water tank capacity: Basic mopping feature

Why we like it: The Narwal Freo X Ultra is a $1,400 robot vacuum and mop that excels at picking up pet hair from hard floors. Its innovative technology makes it outstanding at cleaning without getting its brush roller tangled up in random objects. The Freo X Ultra has a self-emptying dustbin that allows up to seven weeks of debris storage before emptying.

Review: Narwal Freo X Ultra

Who it's for: This robot vacuum is perfect if you have mostly hard floors, and it can navigate around obstacles easily. ZDNET's Jack Wallen has been a Narwal user for some time and recently upgraded to the Narwal Freo X Ultra and loved the experience. "I can leave the house while the robot is doing its thing without worrying it's going to wrap up a cord and take something down (or stop the job because it doesn't quite understand that the corner of a rug isn't something it should suck up," Wallen wrote in his review.

Who should look elsewhere: Overall, the Freo X Ultra performs exceptionally well compared to other high-end units, often matching the capabilities of more expensive models. But if you have more carpet than hard floors and are looking for a robot that can really get them clean, you'd likely do better with the Roomba Combo 10 Max.

Narwal Freo X Plus features: Price: $900 | Battery life: 254 mins | Base station dimensions: 13.7 x 14 x 4.2 inches | Suction power: 7,800Pa | Dustbin volume: 800 ml | Water tank capacity: 280 ml

• Excels on hard floors
• 7-week dust storage
• Great obstacle avoidance

• Mop is best suited for maintenance
• It's expensive

Why we like it: The Narwal Freo X Ultra is a $1,400 robot vacuum and mop that excels at picking up pet hair from hard floors. Its innovative technology makes it outstanding at cleaning without getting its brush roller tangled up in random objects. The Freo X Ultra has a self-emptying dustbin that allows up to seven weeks of debris storage before emptying.

Review: Narwal Freo X Ultra

Who it's for: This robot vacuum is perfect if you have mostly hard floors, and it can navigate around obstacles easily. ZDNET's Jack Wallen has been a Narwal user for some time and recently upgraded to the Narwal Freo X Ultra and loved the experience. "I can leave the house while the robot is doing its thing without worrying it's going to wrap up a cord and take something down (or stop the job because it doesn't quite understand that the corner of a rug isn't something it should suck up," Wallen wrote in his review.

Who should look elsewhere: Overall, the Freo X Ultra performs exceptionally well compared to other high-end units, often matching the capabilities of more expensive models. But if you have more carpet than hard floors and are looking for a robot that can really get them clean, you'd likely do better with the Roomba Combo 10 Max.

Narwal Freo X Plus features: Price: $900 | Battery life: 254 mins | Base station dimensions: 13.7 x 14 x 4.2 inches | Suction power: 7,800Pa | Dustbin volume: 800 ml | Water tank capacity: 280 ml

Former ZDNET editor Elizabeth Mauder contributed to this story.

What are the tariffs in the US?

The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.

Consumers may also experience notable price increases on robot vacuums and smart home products. Manufacturers are exploring options such as relocating production to countries with lower tariffs, but such transitions are complex and may not provide immediate relief. In the short term, shoppers should anticipate higher costs for robot vacuums due to these trade policies.

Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it's always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest. 

The best pet hair robot vacuums compared

Though the Roomba Combo 10 Max is the best robot vacuum for handling pet hair, the other options may be better for different situations. A typical robot vacuum for cleaning pet hair can cost $150-$1,900, depending on its extra features and autonomy.

See how the best pet hair robot vacuums compare to other models we use to keep up with our pets. 

*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.

Which robot vacuum is best for you?

There are hundreds of robot vacuums, so how do you know which is best for you? Here's a quick breakdown: 

Robot vacuum vs. stick vacuum: Which is better for pet hair?

If you're trying to decide whether a stick or a robot vacuum is the best option for tackling pet hair, the truth is that there isn't a black-and-white answer. Here's how they stack up:

• Robot vacuums are best suited for daily or every-other-day maintenance between deep cleaning sessions. They are ideal for low-pile carpets and hard floors, such as wood, tile, and vinyl.  
• Stick vacuums are perfect for quick cleanups of crumbs or pet hair but can also be better suited to vacuum carpets more thoroughly than a robot vacuum. They provide stronger suction and versatility than robot vacuums, which helps them remove stubborn pet hair more effectively from carpets and rugs.

I rotate both a stick vacuum and a robot vacuum in my home, while my old upright vacuum is relegated to monthly cleaning jobs for a deeper clean. I've found that combining a robot vacuum for daily automated cleanings and a stick vacuum for quick cleanups is the best way to keep my floors clean without a big hassle. 

Also: Forget Dyson: I tested Roborock's wet-dry hand vacuum and it left my floors spotless

Some robot and stick vacuum combinations, like the Ecovacs T30S Combo and Deebot X2 Combo, are available on the market, which greatly helps. This is especially true as the stick vacuum's canister on these devices self-empties into the same bag as the robot vacuum, making the entire experience easier.

Factors to consider when choosing a robot vacuum

While trying to determine the best robot vacuum, I kept several factors at the forefront of my testing and research, which can also aid your search:

• Suction power: When weighing your options, compare each robot vacuum's different suction power features. Suction power is measured in Pascals (Pa); the higher the number, the better. Inexpensive options like the Eufy 11S Max feature a 2,000Pa suction, while more high-end options, like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, have 10,000Pa. Also, consider that this number is the robot's peak power, so you'll likely have to set it up in its highest setting to reach the advertised number of Pascals.
• Floor types: Some robot vacuums are best equipped to work with different floor types, like carpet or hardwood, and can even automatically increase suction when the carpet is detected. Others perform best on hard floors but fall short on carpets. Before you buy, consider the type of flooring in your home and which vacuum is most appropriate.
• Mapping: For full automation, your robot vacuum must have a mapping feature to navigate each room. Robots use different sensors to create floorplan maps, including LiDAR, laser, and even artificial intelligence through cameras. Many robot vacuums use these sensors to detect cliffs and stop so they don't fall down the stairs. Depending on the tech used for mapping, robot vacuums clean in linear or random patterns, which is also something to consider if you like the look of carpet lines. Many robots can also create multi-floor mapping, which lets you move your robot vacuum to clean different levels in your home and save each map.
• Obstacle avoidance: An obstacle avoidance feature can have the robot vacuum avoid things like furniture, wires, socks, shoes, and even pet waste so the robot doesn't get its brush roller stuck on it or spread the mess all over your carpet. This feature is a must-have in my home with a dog and young kids who constantly leave objects strewn about.
• Battery: Consider the runtime before choosing the best robot vacuum to ensure it has enough power to clean your home, especially if you want to clean a large area in one go. If you select a robot vacuum with the technical capability to pause its job, return to the charging base to refill its battery, and then resume the job where it left off, this may not be as big of a factor as others on this list. 
• Connectivity: Many of the best robot vacuums offer voice control, some through Amazon Alexa or Google Home, and others with built-in voice assistants. Most feature a mobile app that lets you control your robot remotely, set schedules, track progress, and control the machine's efforts. 
• Extra features: Robot vacuum manufacturers often market extra features that may or may not be important to buyers, so choosing which features you'd like before buying is worth it. These include tangle-resistant brushes, self-emptying dustbins, the ability to set no-go zones and create schedules, mopping capabilities, and many more. 

Also: I changed these 10 things to maximize my robot vacuum's battery life

How did we test these robot vacuums for pet hair?

ZDNET has several robot vacuum reviewers that have tested over 50 units thus far. We conduct tests in real homes with real challenges and in a controlled lab environment for comparison.

Also: How we test robot vacuums at ZDNET

Here's what we consider when testing robot vacuums and mops at ZDNET:

• Determine evaluation criteria: For our key evaluation criteria, we consider how robots perform by assessing their suction power, navigation, mapping, and battery life. We also assess the user experience, the robot's versatility, longevity, and whether it delivers on its specifications.
• Unboxing: During this process, we assess the packaging and setup experience and note any accessories and unique features.
• Testing environments: We test the robot vacuums on different floor types (like carpet and hardwood) and see how they navigate various obstacles to test performance.
• Performance metrics: We test suction power with various debris types and assess obstacle navigation and mapping accuracy.
• Extra features: When testing robot vacuum and mop combinations, we evaluate their effectiveness at removing stains and overall cleaning quality. We also check how unique features work, like obstacle avoidance and recognition, extendable mop pads, etc.

To top it all off, we gauge the device's longevity and long-term performance by using it over the course of a few months. Our review timelines vary, but we typically test robot vacuums for about a month before reviewing and keep our reviews updated while the device is available.

FAQs on robot vacuums

Shark vs Roomba: Which is best for pet hair?

Shark and Roomba robot vacuums have pros and cons when handling pet hair. We've tested different models from both brands at ZDNET and have found that, while Shark robots tend to excel in suction, Roombas generally have better navigation and obstacle avoidance capabilities.

Some Roomba robot vacuums also have dual brush rollers to help prevent hair tangles and advanced smart features, like P.O.O.P. But Shark tends to offer more affordable alternatives than Roomba, including in recurring expenses. Shark robot vacuums also notoriously handle pet hair well with self-cleaning brush rollers. 

In the end, choosing between Shark and Roomba will come down to the individual model and depend on the buyer's needs.

How often do you have to empty robot vacuums?

Most of the vacuums on this list are self-emptying, so you don't have to worry about manually dumping the dust bin after every use. However, there are many on the market that you need to manually empty. How often you empty your robot vacuum dustbin depends on how much dirt, debris, and pet hair you have in your home. It's good to be realistic about your home's needs and proactive about emptying so your vacuum can continue suctioning up as much dirt as possible during its job.

The self-emptying robot vacuums are typically emptied into a dust bag stored in the base station. The dust bags vary from one brand to another, but you can normally get around 60 days' worth of dirt and debris before needing to change the bag out.

How good are robot vacuums at cleaning pet hair out of carpets?

Robot vacuums are often good at getting pet hair out of short-pile carpets but don't always perform as well on medium and high-pile carpets, as they can get stuck in them. However, robot vacuums are not as great at removing stubborn hair from carpet and rugs as some upright and stick vacuums. 

While many robot vacuums have very powerful suction, their brush rollers often to reach deep enough in the carpet to loosen up stubborn hair. Robot vacuums are perfect for keeping floors clean, but your rugs and carpets will still require a more thorough cleaning every few weeks to remove all the pet hair.

Are there reccurring expenses for robot vacuums?

Most robot vacuums encourage you to replace the filter, rollers, and side sweeping brushes periodically to keep the devices performing optimally. Additionally, if your robot empties into a dust bag, it must be replaced every few months. Finally, some robot vacuum mops require a mop-cleaning solution that must be repurchased throughout the robot's lifetime.