The best robot vacuums for pet hair for 2026: Expert and lab tested
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.
