What is the best robot vacuum for pet hair? My cats and I have been testing options at home.
As Black Friday approaches, shoppers are in for a treat with significant discounts on some of the most powerful robot vacuums available. Traditionally, the most effective robot vacuums, particularly those designed to tackle pet hair, come with a hefty price tag. However, during this shopping season, many premium models, including the best robot vacuum mop combos, are expected to see record-low prices. With new models set to launch in January, brands are eager to clear out existing stock, leading to tantalizing deals that could make high-end features, such as powerful suction capabilities and built-in pet cameras, more accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
When searching for a robot vacuum that effectively handles pet hair, suction power is a critical factor. Models boasting up to 20,000 Pa of suction can rival those with lower power ratings, allowing consumers to snag superior performance at a fraction of the price. Equally important is the brush roll system; vacuums equipped with dual spinning brush rolls are particularly effective at loosening and removing embedded pet hair from carpets. For pet owners, self-emptying vacuums are a game-changer, as they can manage the accumulation of fur without requiring daily maintenance. Additionally, for homes with hard surfaces like hardwood or tile, a robot vacuum and mop combo can provide both cleaning and sanitizing capabilities, ensuring that floors are left spotless and free of pet hair.
Recent tests have highlighted a variety of robot vacuums that excel in these areas. While some models, like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and the Roomba j7, have previously been top contenders, newer models have emerged that offer better value and performance. For instance, the Roomba Plus 505 Combo has garnered attention for its effective pet hair cleaning capabilities, though it may not be the ultimate choice for all pet owners. Looking ahead, the 2025 CES showcased innovations like the Dreame X50 Ultra, which features climbing abilities, albeit limited to small thresholds. As more advanced models are set to hit the market, consumers can expect ongoing updates and recommendations to help them choose the best robot vacuum for their needs this Black Friday and beyond.
Black Friday brings amazing deals on the strongest robot vacuums
The stronger the robot vacuum, the more expensive — that’s the general rule that can make it tricky to find a robot vacuum that actually works on pet hair and a robot vacuum that actually works for your budget.
Black Friday
has the power to make those ultra-premium robot vacuums, including the
best robot vacuum mop combos
, significantly more affordable.
As many robot vacuum brands gear up to release their new models for the year in January, top vacuums from the past year tend to hit new record-low prices in the last half of November (and we’re keeping track of the
best robot vacuum deals
as they drop). Suddenly, a robot vacuum with 20,000 Pa of suction power is the same price as the model with 10,000 Pa that you were eyeing a few weeks ago. Maybe a built-in
livestream pet camera
isn’t just a dream feature anymore.
How to find a robot vacuum that works on pet hair
You’ve probably gathered that suction power is
one
major determinant of how well a robot vacuum works on pet hair. But the brush roll system is nearly just as important when
choosing a robot vacuum
to deal with pet fur. Two spinning brush rolls are far more effective than one at loosening fur embedded in carpet, and the separation between the two acts as an exit door for hair that’d start wrapping otherwise. Pet parents should definitely opt for a self-emptying robot vacuum — so much fur being sucked up will lead to a full dustbin faster, and you won’t feel like emptying it yourself every day.
If hardwood or tile is prevalent in your home, the best
robot vacuum and mop combo for pet hair
will be able to sanitize the floor while mopping and then wash its own mops to rinse off any lingering hair
If your home zoo seriously needs the
utmost
fur-fighting power, though, I’d have a
good cordless stick vacuum
on standby — stick vacuums are just more powerful than robot vacuums in general.
Other robot vacuums we’ve tested recently
I tested several other top robot vacuums in the past that didn’t make the most recent cut for this list. Some, like the
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra
,
Roborock Qrevo Master
,
Narwal Freo X Ultra
, and various versions of the
Roomba j7
, were my top recommendations at one point, but have since been overshadowed by newer, more powerful models that are a better bang for your buck. I recently tested and was impressed by the
Roomba Plus 505 Combo
, which isn’t in this list just because its more powerful sibling is the obvious pick for pet parents.
I’ve also tested some 2025 robot vacuum releases that were OK, but ultimately aren’t a top pick for me. The
Dreame X50 Ultra
grabbed attention during its CES 2025 debut for its ability to “climb,” though the fine print is that it can’t scale thresholds taller than 6 millimeters (about 2.36 inches). A slew of
new Dreame robot vacuums
are slated to come out in fall 2025, among them a model with improved climbing abilities and a model whose self-empty dock can hold three sets of mopping pads. I’ll be getting my hands on these as soon as possible and updating my top picks for this list accordingly.
