Best Robot Vacuum Cleaners for Allergies and Pet Hair
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For most people, vacuuming is a hated chore. That’s why robotic vacuums are such a welcome innovation.
With a smart vacuum, people don’t have to spend an excessive amount of time keeping the floors clean. They can set up the robovac to get the job done for them.
That’s good news, because the accumulation of pet dander, hair, dust and pollen tracked in from outdoors can wreak havoc on anyone who has allergies.
A robotic vacuum helps to keep these allergens out of control without anyone having to worry about vacuuming every day.
Pets present a special challenge to robotic vacuums. While some models aren’t truly designed to cope with pet hair, there are several on the market that excel at this task.
Choosing one of these models is an efficient and effective method for keeping allergies and dust bunnies in check.
Contents
Quick Comparison: 5 Best robot vacuums for allergies and pet hair
Choosing the Right Robotic Vacuum
When looking for a robovac that’s adept at eliminating pet hair, certain factors have to be considered. When you weigh each of the factors with regard to their importance to you, you’ll be able to make a better decision.
Size
Robotic vacuums vary greatly in size. If it’s important to you for the robotic vacuum to be able to get to places that pet hair accumulates, like under beds and other low-to-the-floor furniture, then a model with a lower profile will be ideal.
Similarly, an overall smaller model will be able to get into tighter spaces, leading to a more thorough cleaning.
Batteries
In general, NiMH batteries have a better capacity than NiCd batteries, but lithium ion batteries are considered to be even better. A model that uses lithium ion batteries could operate for one-and-a-half hours before needing a charge.
Easy to Clean
In order to be considered as one of the best robotic vacuums for people with pets, these models also must be easy to take apart and clean. Similarly, brushrolls should not tangle easily, and when they do, they should be easy to clean.
Filters
High Efficiency Particulate Air filters, or HEPA filters, provide the best protection for people with allergies because they trap microscopic pollutants. That means less pollen, fewer dust mites and less pet dander in your home.
HEPA filters are relatively new in the robotic vac market, but there are models with this feature here.
1.iRobot Roomba 960 Wi-Fi Connected Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
For the tech-addicted, this model is perfect. It’s the only one on the list that has a Wi-Fi connection. Plus, it works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Patented, unique rubber rollers are supposed to be the last word in tangle-free operation, even when pet hair is introduced into the mix. Some users have found that this unit is pretty noisy, though, and not always easy to clean. In addition, it is by far the priciest option presented here.
Pros
- Includes an app for smart phones
- Has navigation with visual localization
- HEPA filtration
- Tangle-free rubber rollers for picking up pet hair
- Automatic charging
- 3.6 inches high
- Spinning side brush gets into corners and edges
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
- Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier allows users to set limits
- Halo Mode steers the vac around delicate items
- One-year warranty on robot and battery
- Lithium ion battery
Cons
- Small dustbin
- Rubber rollers don’t always efficiently move pet hair to the air intake
- Will not operate in areas with dark walls or floors
- Noisier than other models
- More expensive than other models
Verdict
This is a reliable choice, especially for those who insist on having the latest in high-tech innovations. People who are particularly attached to their smart phones won’t be able to resist the ability to control this Roomba with their favorite accessory. The HEPA filtration is a big plus for allergy sufferers.
Unfortunately, the rubber rollers don’t always work as well as they could, though they should be fine for people whose pets have short hair.
2. Neato Botvac D80 Robot Vacuum for Pets and Allergies
This is one of the more affordable models to make the list, and also the only one that is D-shaped. That shape is an advantage as the D80 is able to get into tight corners. The combo brush is excellent at picking up pet hair, and the mapping and navigation system works incredibly well.
However, at 3.9 inches high, it is a bit taller than others. This may mean that it can’t get under low furniture as well as some alternatives. The Neato Botvac also does not have true HEPA filtration.
Pros
- Uses laser-guided technology to scan and map rooms
- Availability of high-performance and ultra-performance filters
- D-shaped model is able to get into corners
- One-year warranty on robot
- Six-month limited warranty on battery
- Spiral blade brush that’s designed for deep cleaning even on rugs and carpets
- Combo brush that provides better pick-up of pet hair
- Side brushes make it possible to vacuum along baseboards
- 13 feet of boundary markers
- Charges automatically
Cons
- Interface is not particularly sophisticated
- No remote
- No true HEPA filtration
- 3.9 inches high
- NiMH batteries
Verdict
This economical model has many unexpected bells and whistles like the sophisticated laser mapping system. The interface is pretty basic, but the Neato has great abilities when it comes to picking up pet hair.
Although it does not have a HEPA filter, the filtration system that it has is good, and it should be sufficient for everyone except those with the most severe allergies. The D80 has a larger dustbin than other models thanks to its D-shaped design.
Overall, this is a dependable choice for the economically minded consumer.
2. bObi Pet Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
As the second most affordable robotic vacuum on the list, this model will certainly appeal to those who aren’t willing to throw a ton of money at a home appliance.
The bObi is the only model on the list that’s available in more than one color, and it’s also the only one that boasts mopping capabilities.
The drawback is that the mopping isn’t particularly effective. On the other hand, the bObi has some nice features for the price, like HEPA filtration and lithium ion batteries. The two-year warranty is another plus.
Pros
- Combines vacuuming and mopping capabilities
- HEPA filtration
- Only 3.4 inches high
- Lithium ion batteries
- Available in scarlet or silver
- RoHS compliant, which means that this model does not have hazardous materials that are common in other electronics
- Two-year warranty on all parts
- Comes with wireless remote
- Charges automatically
- Uses edge and obstacle sensors to avoid obstructions
- Features bristle and rubber brushes for maximum cleaning power
- Side brush extends to catch corners and baseboards
- Comes with bObi blOck to create invisible walls that the vac can’t go beyond
Cons
- Difficult to clean
- Pet hair tends to get tangled in brushes
- Mopping function is not particularly effective
- No ability to scan or map rooms to learn layout
- Tends to ram furniture
- The bObi blOck times out after six hours, requiring a re-set for every use
Verdict
As one might expect on a cheaper robotic vacuum, this model has no ability to scan or map rooms, which means there’s quite a lot of bumping and getting lost. The mopping function is a good idea, but doesn’t really deliver on its promises. HEPA filtration, the lithium ion battery and the undeniably powerful suction make this a good, entry-level choice.
3. Eufy RoboVac 11
Its HEPA filter and lithium ion battery are surprising features at this price. Plus, at only 3.1 inches in height, the Eufy is short enough to go just about everywhere.
The remote control is another advantage, though it has its limitations as an infrared device that must be pointed directly at the unit in order to function. Another drawback is that replacement parts tend to be difficult to find.
Pros
- HEPA filtration
- Lithium ion battery
- Automatic charging
- Covered with anti-scratch tempered glass
- An infrared sensor detects obstacles
- Drop-sensing technology helps the vac avoid stairs
- Comes with remote control
- 12-month warranty
- 3.1 inches high
- Four cleaning modes, spot, edge, single room and manual
Cons
- Works only on hard floors and thin carpets
- Cannot function on dark-colored floors
- Remote functions on infrared so needs to be pointed directly at the vac
- Replacement parts hard to find
- No mapping tech, so the vac doesn’t “learn” the layout of the rooms
Verdict
The problem of finding replacement filters and brushes makes this economical unit much less of a bargain than it appears to be. As might be expected in a vac at this price point, there is no scanning or mapping ability, which means that cleaning can sometimes be hit-or-miss.
However, the Eufy is effective when it gets the job done. This model might perform better when confined to just one or two rooms.
5. iRobot Roomba 880 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Has several sensors to assist with multi-room navigation system
- HEPA filtration
- Lithium ion battery
- Automatic charging
- Uses agitation, brushing and then suction for a more thorough clean
- 3.6 inches high
- Comes with remote control
- Two virtual wall “lighthouses” are included
Cons
- Can only do room-to-room cleaning on a maximum of three rooms
- No smart phone app
- No recharge and resume capabilities
- Does not scan or map rooms
- Small dust bin
- No Wi-Fi or smart home connectivity like the Roomba 960
Verdict
This is rather a spendy model for the features it has. It makes much more sense to spring for the Roomba 960 with its upgraded performance and features. The lack of a navigation system is a particular drawback. Nonetheless, when the 880 finds its way, it does a decent job of cleaning up. For the price, there should be far more bells and whistles.
Conclusion
All of these models are pretty effective at getting rid of pet hair, dander and other items that are likely to irritate your allergies. However, some are better than others.
The more economically minded shopper who doesn’t have to have all of the latest gadgetry would be well served by the Neato Botvac D80. This unit should last for years, and provide satisfactory service even if it doesn’t have a HEPA-style filter.
The shopper who is really into smart home technology and doesn’t mind spending quite a bit more money will fall in love with the Roomba 960. This sophisticated model has enough gadgetry and features to keep even the biggest tech geek happy.
