Here's the Best-Tested Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair

We carefully reviewed this story in April 2023 to ensure all recommendations tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute were available and accurately priced. We stand by our picks.

Removing pet hair is one of the toughest challenges vacuum cleaners face. That's because, in part, static electricity makes dog and cat hair cling tightly to fabrics like carpeting, upholstery, draperies and more. It's the static bond that makes it seem like no amount of brushing with a lint roller, sticky tape or passes with a pet hair removal gadget will be enough to remove all traces of pet hair. But a vacuum designed specifically for picking up pet hair can make easy work of the task, thanks to useful features like rubber trim and raised "fingers" that help break static bonds and lift fur from every surface in your home.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, we test all kinds of vacuums, including the best stick vacuums, handheld vacuums, canister vacuums, robot vacuums and more. We put our vacuums through rigorous testing that follows industry-standard test methods from the ASTM, the organization that develops the protocols vacuum cleaner manufacturers and other testing labs also use. We apply standardized types and amounts of soil on a range of flooring types, from hardwood to deep pile carpet to vinyl, to find the best vacuums to get the job done. Our custom-built vacuum testing machine also allows us to objectively measure how much embedded dirt each vacuum pulls from carpet, all using the same standardized method. For pet hair testing, we spread down standardized rayon fibers to simulate the fur pets shed.

Our top picks:

Keep reading for more information on how we evaluate the best vacuums for pet hair in our Lab, plus more of our best tips and tricks for pet hair removal. If your tile or wood floors need a little more love and attention, check out our guides to the best vacuum mops and the best vacuums for hardwood floors. For even more on carpets, check out our guides to the best carpet cleaners and how to clean your carpet the right way.