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In this article we’ll share the best robot vacuum for allergies in 2023. Lucky for us there are only a few companies that make robotic vacuums (including iRobot Roomba and SharkNinja). We’ll also discuss the characteristics you should look for when choosing a robotic vacuum for allergies.
A few years ago I was diagnosed with severe environmental allergies. My allergies negatively affected my physical, emotional, and social life. Since then I’ve been reading and writing about ways to reduce allergy symptoms and created this blog to share what I’ve learned.
I’ve tried various products for dust mites, pollen, and pet allergies. I hope the information I provide helps put you on the right track for the best robot vacuum for allergies. More importantly, I hope you find relief and improve your allergy symptoms!
Best Robot Vacuum For Allergies (Pet and Dust Mites)
| Rank | Brand | High Efficiency Filtration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | iRobot Roomba 980 | Yes | $$$ |
| 2 | iRobot Roomba 890 | Yes | $$ |
| 3 | SharkNinja Ion 720 | Yes | $$ |
| 4 | Eufy BoostIQ 11S | Yes | $ |
| 5 | ILIFE V3S | Yes | $ |
| 6 | ECOVACS Deebot | Yes | $ |
| 7 | Pure Clean PUCRC90 | Yes - HEPA | $ |
My Experience Vacuuming With Allergies
My family vacuumed a lot growing up. We had carpets and they tended to accumulate and hold onto more dust than hardwood floors. It was my responsibility to dust and vacuum my room each week. I usually slacked and vacuumed it every two weeks.
I never wanted to vacuum but after doing so I felt better about my room being clean and dust free. I’d take deep breaths and thought I was inhaling fresh air.
Strangely I always felt itchy and my nose became stuffed up after vacuuming. I didn’t understand it because I felt my room was cleaner and I could see all the hair and dirt the vacuum picked up. I wrote about many of the symptoms I suffered from like snoring, eczema, persistent cough, and watery eyes. Many other people also suffer from asthma.
What I didn’t see was the tiny dust particles that my vacuum blew into the air. These particulates, which include dust mites and pet dander are so small, only certain types of vacuums (HEPA) can filter them.
I didn’t know any better so I continued cleaning with our old vacuum and feeling ill. It wasn’t until years later did it all make sense. The vacuum I was using was capturing big particles like dirt and hair but not microscopic particles like common allergens.
In recent years I’ve used HEPA vacuums that filter the smallest irritants from the home. The most common HEPA vacuums are upright, but there are also robotic vacuums for allergies that make cleaning easy!
Pros of Robotic Vacuums for Allergies
There are plenty of benefits to using a robotic vacuum. I’m sure you can think of them yourself, but I’ll share the reasons I use a robot vac.
- Convenience (can clean while you’re at work)
- Great for pet hair
- Great for people allergic to dust mites
- Less noise
- Can be controlled remotely through phone app
- Fun for kids
- Doesn’t miss areas (cleans evenly throughout home)
- Costs roughly the same as quality upright vacuum
- Small and lightweight compared to traditional vacuum
- Great for hard flooring
- Its technology is fun to observe
As you can see from my list there are plenty of reasons to use a robotic vacuum for allergies. They are the most convenient way to clean your floor because it takes little effort from you.
Robotic vacs do a great job for dirt and small debris like pet hair and lint. They pick up dust and the best robotic vacuums use HEPA filters that will capture allergens like dust mites and pet dander.
I really like the fact they can be turned on and off using a phone app. If you’re at work and want the robot to run, just open your phone. The robot vac won’t go over the same place multiple times like humans do because they map out the house and remember where they’ve been.
Robotic vacuums for allergies work great in small areas, under beds, and can be stored much easier than their upright counterparts. If you’re concerned about price, they aren’t much different than a quality traditional vacuum and the fact that it cleans without you means you can spend your time working while it cleans (think opportunity cost).
Robotic vacuums work best on hard flooring where it won’t get stuck. Families enjoy watching them work and pets even like them too!
Cons of Robotic Vacuums for Allergies
- Not as thorough as larger vacuums
- Small dirt/dust storage capacity (frequent emptying the bag)
- Uses rechargeable battery that may wear down over time
- Vacuum can be more easily damaged than traditional vacuum
- Slightly less thorough HEPA filter
- Less power than traditional vacuum
- Dogs might not like it or might play with it
- Occasionally has problems cleaning corners
- Less thorough for carpet cleaning
There are also a few cons when it comes to robot vacuums for allergies. Due to their smaller size, robotic vacuums aren’t as powerful and can’t provide a deep clean like many of the traditional vacuums.
Because it’s a smaller device, there is less storage for debris and it will need to be changed routinely. The rechargeable battery is included with the vacuum but over time batteries loose their strength and its run time may significantly reduce.
Its size is perfect for hard to reach places, however it’s more difficult to see and if stepped on it could be damaged – the same is true for dogs that want play with it.
Most robotic vacuums use a HEPA-like filter. Because they don’t use True HEPA filters they might be slightly less effective for highly sensitive people.
It’s widely known that the circular shape of robotic vacuums make corners difficult and these vacuums usually have less powerful motors than upright and canister vacuums.
Best Robotic Vacuum Brands for Allergies
While there are plenty of reputable brands for traditional upright and canister vacuums, there are relatively few brands for robotic vacuums. There are even less that can be useful for people with allergies.
Below we’ll share a couple brands to keep your eye on – the best brands for robotic vacuums should be considered before looking at off-brands or copycats. Well-known brands often sell at a preium because you’re getting a proven product with great customer service and warranty.
iRobot
If you haven’t heard of the iRobot Roomba vacuum you must be living under a rock. The Roomba is America’s most famous robot vacuum and the models have been updated over the years.
In 1990 two M.I.T. graduates founded the iRobot company. Their first robots focused on disaster response and helping with military expeditions and were even used by NASA. Needless to say the company has a strong background and strong leadership.
By 2000 the company had evolved toward commercial use. The concept of a robotic vacuum was revolutionary and caught on quickly with homeowners across the country. Since the early 2000s iRobot has become a common sight inside American homes. Now most iRobots in use are wi-fi compatible and can be operated remotely through phone apps. iRobot is on the cutting edge and if you want the best, look no further.
In our list we only mention the top 2 iRobot Roombas, but make not mistake, the iRobot company could easily fill every position in our top rankings. If the best Roomba is out of your price range, look at their lower models for additional options that are still dependable.
SharkNinja
Don’t mind the funny name, SharkNinja has been on the scene for a while and their vacuums have quickly gained market share in the U.S. You might have seen the info commercials or special deals on TV but make no mistake, people like this brand.
They were originally based out of Montreal, Canada but now operate just outside of Boston in Massachusetts.
SharkNinja has established themselves in the upright vacuum market which is most popular, however they’ve recently expanded into robotic vacuums. The SharkNinja brand can’t stand up to the iRobot technology but they offer a good vacuum at a more affordable price. Think of SharkNinja as a budge option for robot vacuums for allergies.
Although we’ve listed a number of other options on the reviews below, I’d stick with iRobot or SharkNinja. Choose one of these brands and you’ll get a quality product with good customer service.
7 Best Robot Vacuums For Allergies in 2022 (Dust and Pet)
Our list below highlights the best robotic vacuums for allergies. As we’ve mentioned above, the iRobot and SharkNinja brands are the most established companies on our list. Let’s get started.
iRobot Roomba 980 with Wi-Fi connectivity
This is iRobot’s most updated model and it’s stacked with features. If you’re the type of person that always has the latest technology, this is likely the vacuum for you. While it does have the highest price point on our list, it also has the best features and performance.
Using the iRobot Home App you can create custom schedules for cleaning. For example you can have your Roomba 980 clean only when you’re at work so you aren’t bothered while at home. You can also turn the vacuum on while you’re away.
It has the strongest battery on the market with up to 120 minutes of continuous cleaning before it needs a recharge. When the Roomba 980 senses its battery is low it will automatically return to its port for a recharge.
The proprietary cleaning system utilizes more air suction (10x the original) than previous models and the brushes won’t be tangled by pet hair or other debris.
>>check price and reviews on Amazon
What I really like about the product is its ease of use (through an app), its compatibility with Alexa and Google home (Alexa: Vacuum Please!), and the fact it has a 1 year warranty to ensure the vacuum stays in good working order.
Customers find they like a few things:
- Great for pets and pet hair
- Great for multi-levels (has stair sensor)
- Does well on rugs and carpets (although superficial cleaning)
- Comes with 2 wall barriers, one extra filter, and one extra side brush
While customers are generally happy with the Roomba 980’s ability to pick up dog hair, I would remind you to have perspective. Robot vacuums are smaller vacs that do the work for you, they are not industrial machines and if you want a totally hair free house I’d go the manual route with an upright vacuum.
iRobot Roomba 890 with Wi-Fi connectivity and pet hair
The Roomba 890 comes with many of the same features as its big brother, the 980, however it doesn’t have quite the suction power and runs for a slightly shorter period of time.
With the Roomba 890 you’re still getting a technology advanced device and it is app compatible just like our number 1 ranking. The robotic vacuum is specialized for deeper cleans that pick up dog and cat hair. You don’t have to worry about the brush getting tangled, however you will need to empty the vacuum often if there is lots of pet hair.
Both the 980 and 890 utilized high efficiency filters so the majority of allergens will be captured. iRobot mentioned it picks up to 99% of allergens 10 microns or larger. For people with bad allergies to dogs and cats this won’t be enough as pet dander measures anywhere from 2.5-10 microns. The filter will work great for dust mite allergy and pollen allergies.
>>check Roomba 890 price and reviews on Amazon
This robotic vacuum for allergies also comes with a “wall barrier” add-on that allows you to keep the Roomba out of certain rooms or near stairs. Another extra is the additional filter it comes with (filters only need to be changed once or twice a year).
Shark ION Robot 720
The SharkNinja brand is our second option for a good robotic vacuum for allergies. It comes at a discount so it may be better for budget shoppers, however, we’d like to remind you that iRobot is one of the most advanced companies in the U.S. so don’t expect the same performance from SharkNinja as iRobot.
With that said, the Shark ION Robot 720 will do a good job of cleaning debris like hair and dirt from hard flooring and carpets.
A few of the highlights include:
- Remote control for easy on off and scheduling
- Self cleaning brush so there’s no tangling
- Sensor navigation so it knows where walls, chairs, and carpets are
- Lithium ion battery provides 1 hour of cleaning
- Automatic return to charging port
- Great customer service
- Larger debris area – less frequent emptying
The SharkNinja robotic vacuum weights 5.5 pounds and measures 12.6 x 12.6 x 2.6 inches.
>>check Shark price and reviews on Amazon
Customers like its price point and the large container for dirt. They also like that its quiet and transitions well to hard floors and carpets. Although the remote control is handy and can be programed to run at specific times, it does not have the ability to connect to Alexa, Google Home, or through a phone app.
Overall this is a quality robot vacuum for allergies that will keep your home clean with minimal effort on your part!
Eufy BoostIQ Robo Vac 11S
The Eufy Robot Vacuum brands itself as the slimmest vacuum on the market at 2.86” (however the SharkNinja is slimmer). I really like the design of the vacuum and the Ion batter that provides 100 minutes of continuous run time.
Eufy offers many of the same characteristics as the top vacuums on our list. These include:
- Hard floor and carpet transitions
- Strong suction with quiet motor
- Lithium ion battery
- Scratch resistant glass top cover
- Remote control with charging base, AC power adapter
- 12 month warranty
- Technology to avoid stairs
- High efficiency filters for allergies
Although Eufy isn’t a household name, customers seem to be satisfied with the brand. It comes at an affordable price and has a lot of the features mentioned in the high-quality robot vacuums.
>>check Eufy price and reviews on Amazon
There are a few concers with customers, namely: 1) the battery tends to drain fast after 1 year of use (sometimes earlier), 2) parts are difficult to find – a few customers wanted to order new batteries for their robot vacuum but couldn’t find a source to buy. As a customer I do appreciate the 1 year warranty.
ILIFE V3s Pro Robotic Vacuum
I life is another fun vacuum that’s perfect for cleaning kitchen floors and high traffic areas inside the house. If you’ve never used a robotic vacuum ILIFE is a good started vacuum and will keep your pets entertained for hours.
This ILIFE vacuum is specifically designed for pet hair and large allergens. It is recommended for use on hard floors and low pile carpets. It uses a programmable remote control so it can be scheduled to turn on while you’re at work.
Its smart sensors keep it from getting stuck or bumping into hard objects. This vacuum is best suited for hardwood floor and measures 11.8 x 11.8 x 3 inches.
Although this is a budget robot vacuum for allergies it has solid reviews. People like the price (under $200) and the design (compact and sleek). Customers say this vacuum doesn’t have the spinning brushes like other robotic vacuums, rather it has small feeler brushes that helps sweep dirt into the suction area.
>> check ILIFE price and reviews on Amazon
Similar to our last vacuum, the ILIFE tends to lose its battery power quickly over time. If you’re looking for something that will clean for multiple years, a Roomba or SharkNinja is your best bet but if you want a more affordable short term vacuum ILIFE will work well.
ECOVACS Deebot N79S Robot Vacuum
Ecovacs makes smart vacuums and has the technology to compete with our higher rated vacuums. Like our best-rated robot vacuums for allergies, the DeeBot N79S can be operated using Alexa voice commands (Alexa clean the house!).
Using an app, owners can schedule cleans and turn on the vacuum remotely from their weekday office (this is handy if you don’t have a set schedule or forget to turn the vacuum on when you leave).
Similar to the other robot vacuums Ecovacs uses a 1.7 hour lasting lithium ion battery and has power to suction most debris off the ground. Its 1000pa suction is slightly less than others on our list (compared to almost double 1700pa from the Roomba).
The Roomba also has the anti-collision and anti-drop sensor protection that will keep it from falling down stairs and running into tables. Another helpful feature of this robot vacuum for allergies is the high efficiency filter and the durable protective bumpers on the device.
>>check Ecovacs price and reviews on Amazon
Like our other robotic vacuums it has a 1 year limited warranty and includes a remote control, main brush, 2 side brushes, one docking station and good customer support.
Customers tend to like that it’s quiet and affordable compared to more expensive robotic vacuums. They also like the wi-fi capability and that it’s good at picking up dog hair. Some customers shared that it was slightly bigger than expected (it measures (13.9 x 13.9 x 3.3 inches).
The Ecovac Deeboot N79S vacuum is another good choice for budget shoppers!
Pure Clean PUCRC90 Robotic Vacuum with HEPA Filter
The Pure Clean robotic vacuum is another budget option for effortless cleaning. I wanted to include it as an option but I’d also like to suggest comparing it to the Roomba and SharkNinja vacuum (the Roomba has more affordable models as well).
The Pure Clean does work well for hard flooring and I really like the HEPA filter for people with allergies. It will work well for pet dander as well as dust mites and pollen.
It doesn’t have an app for your phone but it does have a handy remote control that can be set for a specific time. It also comes with sensors to avoid falling down stairs and into other furniture.
>>check Pure Clean price and reviews on Amazon
Pure Clean uses a 24watt suction and dual rotation sweepers – perfect for dog and cat hair. It has 90 minutes of run time before it returns to the dock for charging. At a fairly inexpensive price point, the Pure Clean will clean your hard flooring at a bargain price!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best robot vacuum for allergies we shared the best options. Robotic vacuums are more effective for dirt and debris like cat and dog hair, however the best robot vacuums for allergies also use a HEPA filter that captures tiny allergens.
It’s important to know that robot vacs won’t provide as thorough a cleaning as their upright and canister counterparts. Their benefit comes because they work autonomously without much effort from the owner.
In addition to their fascinating technology, robot vacuums can become a fun talking point with neighbors and family as well as entertainment for your household pets (we’ve all seen the cats riding on top of a Roomba).
As someone who has struggled with allergies and who’s had bad experiences with vacuuming (always feeling sick) I’m particular when it comes to the brand and filter I buy. I really like Dyson upright vacuums and I prefer iRobot Roomba vacuums because of their superior quality.
I hope you gained insight to the robotic vacuum world and I hope we set you on the right path to find the best robot vacuum for allergies (pet dander and dust mites). Thanks for reading!