Automatic maintenance with shedding is something that no seasoned pet owner would decline. While the reliable lint roller remains the most trustworthy defense for furniture and dark attire, the finest robot vacuums for pet hair can assist you in maintaining hardwood and carpet.
It’s hard to envision how efficiently a robotic vacuum can manage a dense layer of pet hair until you see it in action. I have — I evaluate new robot vacuums at home every month, and my cats do their best to prepare the testing area. Midway through 2025, I’ve determined my top five selections for the best robot vacuum for pet hair.
How to locate a robot vacuum that effectively deals with pet hair
You’ve probably noticed that suction power is a key element in how well a robot vacuum copes with pet hair. However, the brush roll mechanism is nearly as vital when choosing a robot vacuum to handle pet fur. Two rotating brush rolls are far more effective than one at dislodging fur embedded in carpets, and the space between them serves as a pathway for hair that might otherwise become tangled. Pet owners should certainly opt for a self-emptying robot vacuum — the substantial amount of fur collected will fill the dustbin rapidly, and you won’t want to empty it yourself every single day.
If hardwood or tile is prevalent in your home, the best robot vacuum and mop combination for pet hair will be capable of sanitizing the floor while mopping and then cleaning its own mops to eliminate any remaining hair.
However, if your home genuinely demands the highest power against fur, I’d suggest keeping a robust cordless stick vacuum handy — stick vacuums are typically more potent than robot vacuums.
Other robot vacuums we’ve assessed recently
I have tried various other top robot vacuums in the past that did not make the recent cut for this list. Some, like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Roborock Qrevo Master, Narwal Freo X Ultra, and different versions of the Roomba j7, were once my top suggestions but have since been outperformed by newer, stronger models that provide better value. I recently evaluated and was impressed by the Roomba Plus 505 Combo, which isn’t included on this list simply because its more powerful counterpart is the obvious choice for pet owners.
I’ve also assessed some 2025 robot vacuum releases that were satisfactory but ultimately are not a top selection for me. The Dreame X50 Ultra gained attention during its CES 2025 unveiling for its “climbing” feature, although it cannot conquer thresholds exceeding 6 millimeters (around 2.36 inches). A lineup of new Dreame robot vacuums is expected to launch in fall 2025, including a version with improved climbing abilities and another whose self-emptying dock can accommodate three sets of mopping pads. I will be testing these as soon as possible and will update my top recommendations for this list accordingly.