Buying guide for best Shark Robot Vacuums for pet hair
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As much as we love our furry friends, we all know how time-consuming it is to clean up after a pet that sheds a lot of hair. Shark robot vacuums can help you stay on top of the daily mess by vacuuming as often as you need even when you’re not around.
The best Shark robot vacuums for pet hair come equipped with high-end cleaning technology that lifts even the thickest and longest pet hair as well as self-cleaning brush rolls and powerful suction to reach every corner of your home. It’s also worth considering a robot vacuum’s noise level, as anything louder than 70 decibels could startle or disturb a sensitive pet.
We've rounded up the best Shark robot vacuums, and depending on the size of your home and the features you want, there are several terrific models to consider. Our top pick is the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with Sonic Mopping, which not only suctions up pet hair but can also mop up messes and spills to keep your floors sparkling clean.
Which Shark Robot Vacuum is best for pet hair?
Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with Sonic Mopping
Best Cleaning Technology
Battery life: 110 min | Noise Level: 67.3 dB | Dust bin capacity: 10 qt | HEPA Filtration: Yes | Mapping: Yes
Sure, it's the most expensive Shark robot vacuum, but it offers high-powered cleaning, advanced technology and a plethora of fantastic features to justify the price. For starters, this robot vacuum has a large dust bin capacity that can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt and debris, making it suitable for larger homes. It also features sonic mopping technology, which scrubs 100 times per minute to take care of muddy paw prints and tough stains.
Matrix Clean means the robot vacuum moves in a grid pattern, allowing it to clean the same spot multiple times, and 360-degree LiDAR vision scans your home, creating a map for efficient cleaning. The unit can also navigate without crashing into obstacles, whether it's day or night, and you can select specific cleaning zones in the SharkClean app. The self-cleaning brush roll picks up pet hair without tangling, and the HEPA filter traps up to 99.97% of allergens.
If you’re OK with spending the money, you won't be disappointed. It's one of the best models for cleaning larger areas and does a fantastic job of getting rid of pet hair. For those with smaller homes or anyone working with a budget, this robot vacuum might be overkill. However, those who want deep cleaning for large interior areas should definitely consider this model.
Shark ION Wi-Fi-Connected Robot Vacuum RV765
Best Value
Battery life: 120 min | Noise Level: 58.3 dB | Dust bin capacity: 0.45 qt | HEPA Filtration: No | Mapping: No
This is one of the most affordable Shark robot vacuums, but it's still a powerful unit with deep-cleaning technology. The best thing about it is that, although it lacks the premium features you'll find on some of the more expensive models, it's highly effective at removing pet hair from carpets and hard floors.
It has a triple-brush system that combines side brushes, channel brushes and a multisurface brush roll to lift dirt, debris and pet hair. The SharkClean app allows users to power the unit on and off and program cleaning schedules, and it can also be controlled hands-free via Alexa or Google Assistant. Its integrated sensors prevent it from bumping into walls and falling over steps, and the battery life can last up to two hours on a full charge.
It won't blow you away with advanced features, but this affordable unit is more than enough for those with small-to-medium-sized homes who need something efficient to get rid of pet hair. While it's relatively simple compared to other vacuum robots, it gets the job done.
Shark Detect Pro Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2820AE
Feature-Packed
Battery life: 90 min | Noise Level: 60 dB | Dust bin capacity: 0.24 qt | HEPA Filtration: Yes | Mapping: Yes
The Shark Detect Pro is an advanced robot vacuum with several features and sophisticated technology that not only leaves carpets and hard floors spotless but also lifts and removes pet hair. It automatically empties itself into the dust base after every cleaning cycle, and it has a HEPA filter that traps dust and allergens.
It features three cutting-edge technologies for efficient cleaning. The first is Dirt Detect, which automatically detects debris and ramps up suction power by 50%. The second is Edge Detect, which causes the unit to blow air near corners to make dust pickup more manageable. And lastly, there’s Floor Detect, which adjusts the brush roll’s engagement with the floor based on the type of surface it's on, making it suitable for lifting pet hair off all floor types.
This unit has other neat features, too, such as NeverStuck technology, which keeps the unit moving even if it finds itself stuck near a corner or obstacle. You can also create cleaning and keep-out zones in the SharkClean app, so it only goes where you want it to. It's pricey, but it's a fantastic robot vacuum, especially for those with pets that shed thick hair.
Shark Matrix Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2310AE
Powerful and Versatile
Battery life: 90 min | Noise Level: 62 dB | Dust bin capacity: 0.2 qt | HEPA Filtration: No | Mapping: Yes
Boasting excellent suction power, a self-emptying base and precision home mapping, the Shark Matrix is one of the most versatile robot vacuums that's suitable for use in homes of varying sizes. Plus, it packs some of the best features you could want that will make your life that much easier when it comes to house-cleaning duties.
It features 360-degree LiDAR technology, which maps out the layout of your home and allows the robot vacuum to clean, whether it's day or night. It also prevents the unit from colliding with obstacles, corners and furniture, and if the battery runs low, it'll automatically recharge itself and resume cleaning afterward. The brush roll lifts all kinds of pet hair and is described as “anti-hair wrap,” so you won't ever have to clean off tangled hair when you're done using it. Plus, you can use Alexa or Google Assistant to tell it to start or pause cleaning.
It's a powerful and versatile robot vacuum with plenty to love. You'll get nearly every premium feature, and the deep-cleaning technology will not disappoint whether you want it for daily routine cleaning or picking up pet hair.
Shark Matrix Robot Vacuum RV2310
Simple Yet Solid
Battery life: 120 min | Noise Level: 60 dB | Dust bin capacity: 0.5 qt | HEPA Filtration: No | Mapping: Yes
If you want a robot vacuum to take care of cleaning duties while you're away but want to spend less on a high-end unit, this model is well worth a look. It has a long-lasting battery life that makes it suitable for medium-sized homes and a HEPA filter that keeps allergens and dust trapped.
As is the case with other top Shark robot vacuums, this unit has Matrix Cleaning, which moves it in a grid pattern, allowing it to pass over the same spots more than once for thorough cleaning. It's compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can integrate it with your smart home network, and the SharkClean app lets you map targeted zones and keep-out areas of your home.
It's a relatively basic robot vacuum, but it offers everything you need to remove those pesky pet hairs. Suitable for all floor types, it’s ideal if you don't think you’ll use the advanced features that come with pricier robot vacuums.
How we analyzed the best Shark Robot vacuums for pet hair
We’ve tested and reviewed more than two dozen robot vacuums over the years, including models from Shark. For this guide, we combined that experience with extensive research, thoroughly analyzing the specs, functionality, performance and design of a variety of Shark robot vacuums to find the best options for pet hair. Those factors combined with customer and user reviews allowed us to narrow down our list to these top five Shark robot vacuums for pet hair.
Key features to consider
Strong suction power
Pet hair can be stubborn, especially on carpets and rugs, so it’s best to get a Shark robot vacuum with powerful suction to ensure it can pick up all the pet hair, dirt and debris from your floors. Models with boosted suction modes or multisurface brushes are particularly effective. Plus, some units have an auto-floor-detect feature that adjusts suction power, depending on whether it’s moving over a carpet or hard surface.
Our top picks: Strong suction power
- Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with Sonic Mopping: This one has an impressive 1,000-watt motor and provides excellent suction power on all kinds of floors.
- Shark ION Wi-Fi-Connected Robot Vacuum RV765: Although it requires only 35.3 watts of power to run, the motor provides impressive suction power and effectively picks up pet hair from all surfaces.
- Shark Detect Pro Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2820AE and Shark Matrix Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2310AE: The surprisingly powerful suction of these models allow them to work well on hard floors and carpets.
- Shark Matrix Robot Vacuum RV2310: The suction power isn’t as robust as our other top picks, but it works fine for occasional cleaning and lifting pet har.
Self-cleaning brush roll
Pet hair can easily get tangled in traditional brush rolls, but Shark’s self-cleaning brush roll technology prevents hair wrap, making it easier to maintain and ensuring consistent performance. Brushes designed to work on various surfaces, including hardwood, tile and carpet, help capture pet hair from all areas of your home. If you see a Shark robot vacuum with an anti-hair-wrap brush roll, that means it can efficiently pick up pet hair without tangling so you don’t have to worry about cleaning it off later.
Our top picks: Self-cleaning brush roll
- Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with Sonic Mopping: Its self-cleaning anti-hair-wrap brush roll removes debris, hair and dirt from carpets and hard floors.
- Shark ION Wi-Fi-Connected Robot Vacuum RV765: The multisurface brush roll works with side and channel brushes to lift pet hair and debris.
- Shark Detect Pro Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2820AE: Brush roll engagement is optimized thanks to advanced technology that adjusts it based on floor type.
- Shark Matrix Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2310AE and Shark Matrix Robot Vacuum RV2310: These robot vacuums have a standard anti-hair-wrap, self-cleaning brush roll that works well for lifting hair.
High-efficiency filters
A high-efficiency filter can trap allergens, dander and fine dust, which is essential for pet owners. This not only aids in reducing allergens in the air but also ensures that the vacuum does a thorough job of cleaning. Some Shark models come with anti-allergen complete-seal technology, which prevents allergens from escaping back into the air during cleaning. A full seal also means that odors stay trapped within the filter, so your home smells fresh.
Our top picks: High-efficiency filters
- Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with Sonic Mopping and Shark Detect Pro Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2820AE: These units are equipped with a HEPA filter, which is the best for trapping allergens and odors.
- Shark ION Wi-Fi-Connected Robot Vacuum RV765: This unit has a standard filter, and although it works fine for light cleanups, it isn’t the best for those with multiple pets.
- Shark Matrix Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2310AE and Shark Matrix Robot Vacuum RV2310: These robot vacuums have foam filters, and although they’re not as efficient as HEPA filters, they’re highly effective at trapping allergens.
Large dustbin capacity
Pet hair can be thick and lengthy and, therefore, can fill a vacuum dustbin quickly. A Shark robot vacuum with a larger dustbin capacity can handle more hair before it needs to be emptied, which is convenient for larger homes with multiple pets. Some advanced Shark models come with a self-emptying base, where the robot vacuum automatically empties its dustbin into a larger container, reducing the frequency of manual emptying.
Our top picks: Large dustbin capacity
- Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with Sonic Mopping: It has, by far, the largest dustbin capacity at 10 quarts, making it suitable for large homes.
- Shark ION Wi-Fi-Connected Robot Vacuum RV765: It has a 0.45-quart capacity, which is fine for smaller homes or offices.
- Shark Detect Pro Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2820AE: The 0.24-capacity isn’t ideal for larger homes but works well for reduced spaces.
- Shark Matrix Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2310AE: The 0.2-quart capacity is the smallest of the bunch, so this unit is best for smaller homes.
- Shark Matrix Robot Vacuum RV2310: It’s surprisingly larger than some of our other favorites, with a 0.5-quart capacity dustbin, making it suitable for medium-sized homes.
Smart Navigation
Advanced navigation systems allow the robot vacuum to clean around obstacles and cover the entire floor efficiently. Mapping technology is beneficial for larger homes with multiple rooms. Some models allow you to map specific rooms and set cleaning schedules, ensuring that high-traffic areas are cleaned more frequently.
Our top picks: Smart navigation
- Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with Sonic Mopping: This unit features Edge Detect and 360-degree LiDAR for mapping homes and highlighting obstacles for it to avoid.
- Shark ION Wi-Fi-Connected Robot Vacuum RV765: It doesn’t have smart navigation but features intelligent cliff sensors to prevent it from falling off a step.
- Shark Detect Pro Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2820AE: This robot vacuum has many smart navigation features, such as NeverStuck technology, which means it never gets trapped in corners or tight spaces, and mapping through the app, where you can set up target zones for the vacuum to focus on.
- Shark Matrix Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2310AE and Shark Matrix Robot Vacuum RV2310: Smart mapping for these models can be completed through the SmartClean app, where users can program cleaning zones and keep-out areas.
Battery life and recharge
A longer battery life is beneficial for cleaning larger areas without interruption. Most Shark robot vacuums can provide a minimum of 70 minutes of continuous cleaning, but the ones with the best battery life can last up to two hours before they need charging. Recharge and Resume is a neat feature that sends the robot vacuum back to its charging dock when the battery is low to recharge, and then resumes cleaning where it left off, ensuring the job gets done even in large homes.
Our top picks: Battery life and recharge
- Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with Sonic Mopping: The battery life is excellent, and it offers up to 110 minutes of cleaning time. It’s terrific for larger homes.
- Shark ION Wi-Fi-Connected Robot Vacuum RV765 and Shark Matrix Robot Vacuum RV2310: These units perform slightly better than our top pick. They have 120 minutes of continuous cleaning time and are excellent for homes of all sizes.
- Shark Detect Pro Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2820AE and Shark Matrix Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2310AE: These are standard robot vacuums with 90 minutes of battery life, which is suitable for small-to-medium-sized homes.
Noise level
Pet-friendly households may benefit from quieter vacuums, which are less likely to disturb or scare pets. Robot vacuums aren’t considered loud appliances, but some are louder than others, so it’s best to get one in the 50-to-70-decibel range so that it doesn’t bother your pets or disturb you while you sleep or watch TV.
Our top picks: Noise level
- Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with Sonic Mopping: This is one of the louder robot vacuums, operating at 67.3 decibels because it has the most robust motor.
- Shark ION Wi-Fi-Connected Robot Vacuum RV765: It’s the quietest robot vacuum, operating at 58.3 decibels, making this the best option if you don’t want to be disturbed.
- Shark Detect Pro Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2820AE and Shark Matrix Robot Vacuum RV2310: These models both operate at 60 decibels, and although they won’t disturb you, the motor is still noticeable.
- Shark Matrix Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2310AE: Operating at 62 decibels, it’s slightly louder than some of our other favorites, so you won’t notice much difference between them.
Additional considerations
App control and smart integration
Many Shark robot vacuums can be controlled via the SharkClean app, which allows you to start, stop and schedule cleanings from your smartphone. The app also allows users to manage some select models more thoroughly, setting no-go zones or specific cleaning zones.
Integration with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant can also add convenience, enabling you to control the vacuum with voice commands. You can say something like, “Clean my bedroom” or “Stop cleaning,” and if the robot vacuum is close enough, it will execute the voice command.
Our top picks: App control and smart integration
- Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with Sonic Mopping: This robot vacuum offers robust smart app integration but, surprisingly, isn’t compatible with voice assistants.
- Shark ION Wi-Fi-Connected Robot Vacuum RV765: The app only allows for scheduling and timer settings; it does not support mapping or voice assistants.
- Shark Detect Pro Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2820AE: It features advanced home mapping but no support for voice assistants.
- Shark Matrix Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2310AE and Shark Matrix Robot Vacuum RV2310: These robot vacuums both support mapping and work with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing users to control power and cleaning completely hands-free.
Design and build
The slimmer the robot vacuum's design and build, the better. This makes it more practical for navigating around objects and cleaning underneath furniture such as tables and sofas. Pet hair can be harsh on vacuums, but Shark robot vacuums are known for their high-quality build and durability, so it’s not a significant concern. Plus, most Shark robot vacuums are equipped with brush rolls that are designed to remove pet hair.
Our top picks: Design and build
- Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with Sonic Mopping: Since it’s a 2-in-1 robot vacuum, it has an onboard water tank for mopping, making it slightly more robust than traditional robot vacuums.
- Shark ION Wi-Fi-Connected Robot Vacuum RV765: Unlike our other favorite robot vacuums, this one lacks a mapping camera on the top, which makes it more compact and, therefore, easier to get underneath furniture such as couches and tables.
Shark Detect Pro Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2820AE, Shark Matrix Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2310AE and Shark Matrix Robot Vacuum RV2310: These robot vacuums all have a very similar design and are all approximately 4 inches tall. There aren’t many differences in their build, meaning they can all navigate around objects and furniture the same way.
