iRobot Roomba j9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

Battery life is around 90 minutes on a single charge. When the battery runs low, the vacuum automatically recharges and resumes cleaning.

The j9+ picks up pet hair well. Two-thirds of users report it cleans up after their pets. The suction power and brush design capture pet hair and dander.

The self-emptying base holds up to 60 days' worth of debris, so most users empty it once every two months or less.

For pet hair, look for strong suction (roughly 20,000 Pa or more on a robot vacuum, 150 AW or more on a cordless), a tangle-resistant brush roll, a dedicated pet tool, and HEPA filtration, which by definition captures 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns. Dyson, Shark and Bissell all make well-reviewed pet models. Use the Pet Hair Specialist filter on our comparison table to see which ones are in stock and what they cost right now.

Most manufacturers suggest replacing filters every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often you vacuum and whether you have pets. HEPA filters usually last 12 to 18 months if you clean them regularly. Washable foam filters on bagless models should be rinsed every 1 to 2 weeks and dried fully before going back in. Replacements typically run $15 to $50. A clogged filter chokes airflow, so suction drops noticeably well before the filter looks dirty.