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For those that hate vacuuming carpets, let a robot vacuum help with this tedious chore. Robot vacuums automatically putter around the home to remove crumbs, dust, and pet hair, keeping carpets clean.
Not all robot vacuums are suitable for carpet. The best robot vacuums for carpets have the cleaning power to dislodge dust and dirt from dense fibers. For users that have heavy carpeting, look for a robot vacuum that can handle soft carpeting. Keep reading to learn more about what to look for in the best robot vacuum for carpet as well as these top picks to keep floors clean.
- BEST OVERALL: iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum-Wi-Fi Connectivity
- RUNNER-UP: Eufy by Anker, BoostIQ RoboVac 11S Robot Vacuum
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Ilife V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner
- UPGRADE PICK: Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL Robotic Vacuum
- BEST WITH MOP: Yeedi Vac Station Robot Vacuum and Mop
- BEST QUIET OPERATION: Ecovacs DEEBOT Robot Vacuum Cleaner
- MOST POWERFUL: Tesvor T8 Robot Vacuum
How We Chose the Best Robot Vacuums for Carpets
We researched the most sought-after robot vacuum cleaners for carpets in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their suction power, size, runtimes, sensor and smart technology, and other special features included by top brands.
After extensive product research, we included options in our list of top picks that have suction powers ranging from 600 to 4,000 Pa; these are robot vacuum cleaners that can tackle small and large spaces and light- to heavy-duty cleaning on hard floors as well as on high- and low-pile carpet. Plus, many of these options are small enough to fit under furniture and kitchen cabinets and wide enough to sweep up dust, debris, and pet hair quickly.
We also ensured that these picks had advanced sensor technology and could be controlled via smartphone, Alexa, Google Assistant, or remote control. Plus, many of these options can be programmed for automatic cleaning for touch-free convenience. Finally, these options also come with options such as side-sweeping brushes, dual-brush systems, quiet operation volumes, and runtimes of up to 110 minutes.
Our Top Picks
The best robot vacuums for carpet can reduce daily messes like crumbs, pet hair, and dirt. This list of robot vacuums was curated with these considerations in mind. Not only do these top robot vacuums tackle carpeted floors, they also feature a host of convenient features to take the hassle out of chores.
Best Overall
iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum-Wi-Fi Connectivity
This Roomba vacuum from iRobot features two beater brushes to grab small and large bits of dust and dirt from hard floors and carpets. The first brush loosens debris from carpet fibers, and the second sweeps it into the vacuum. To transition from hardwood to carpets, this vacuum features an auto-adjusting cleaning head. An edge-sweeping brush picks up debris stuck in corners or along baseboards.
Advanced sensors help the vacuum not only navigate around furniture and along baseboards, but also prevent it from falling down steps. A dirt detection sensor automatically adjusts the suction to clean dirtier areas.
Use the iRobot smartphone app to control and schedule cleaning or connect to a voice assistant, such as Alexa or Google Home. To ensure a thorough cleaning, this robot vacuum provides up to 90 minutes of battery life.
Product Specs
- Suction power: 600 Pa
- Runtime: 90 minutes
- Smart: Yes
Pros
- Dual beater brushes; suitable for sucking up large and small debris
- Suitable for use on carpets and hard floors; auto-adjusting cleaning head
- Edge-sweeping brush catches stray debris and dust
- Smartphone app–controlled; also connects to Amazon and Google Home
Cons
- Limited tank capacity compared to similar options
- No self-emptying feature
Get the iRobot Roomba robot vacuum at Amazon or Target.
Runner-Up
Eufy by Anker, BoostIQ RoboVac 11S Robot Vacuum
This slim Eufy robot vacuum cleaner from Anker has a low-profile design: At less than 3 inches high, it can glide under couches, bed frames, and other hard-to-reach spots. On a full charge, this vacuum can clean for up to 100 minutes. When it detects extra-dirty sections of flooring, the BoostIQ feature ramps up suction power. It runs quietly at a volume no louder than a standard microwave oven.
The vacuum’s infrared sensor detects obstacles and drop-offs. Large wheels allow the vacuum to roll over door ledges and low- and medium-pile carpets to alternate between flooring types. The Eufy has a remote to control cleaning modes and schedule vacuuming times.
Product Specs
- Suction power: 1,300 Pa
- Runtime: 100 minutes
- Smart: No
Pros
- Low-profile design for fitting under furniture and kitchen cabinets
- BoostIQ feature detects dirty areas of the house and increases suction automatically
- Quiet operation volume; no disturbances while working or sleeping
- Remote control included; allows for scheduled cleaning times and modes
Cons
- Pricey compared to similar options
- Some users have reported inconsistent navigation
Get the Eufy robot vacuum at Amazon.
Best Bang For the Buck
Ilife V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Measuring 2.98 inches high, this vacuum from Ilife can reach under low-profile furniture. With both obstacle and drop-avoidance sensors, this vacuum zooms through dust, dirt, and hair, leaving hard floors and low-pile carpet debris-free.
Although this affordable pick doesn’t connect to smart devices, its cleaning modes can be controlled with the remote control, which include auto clean, edge clean, spot clean, and scheduled cleaning. With each charge, this vacuum provides up to 100 minutes of battery life. If the battery gets low, this carpet-cleaning robot can dock automatically to charge.
Product Specs
- Suction power: 1,000 Pa
- Runtime: 90 minutes
- Smart: No
Pros
- 2.98 inches high; reaches under furniture and kitchen cabinets
- Obstacle and drop-avoidance sensors prevent breakage and falls
- Suitable for hardwood floors and low-pile carpeting
- Remote control included; programs include auto clean, edge clean, spot clean, and scheduled cleaning
Cons
- No-go zones cannot be programmed
Get the Ilife robot vacuum at Amazon or Bed Bath & Beyond.
Upgrade Pick
Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL Robotic Vacuum
This smart vacuum from Shark features a self-emptying base, self-cleaning brush roll, spinning side brushes, and a high-efficiency filter. Each charge offers around 60 minutes of runtime.
When the vacuum is full, it has a self-emptying feature which removes the contents into its charging bagless base, which holds up to 30 days of debris. Using the Shark IQ Navigation technology, the vacuum maps each room and cleans row by row to ensure it covers the entire area. After a full-home mapping, users can select whole-home or room-specific cleaning options. Control it with the smartphone app or voice assistant.
Product Specs
- Suction power: 35.3 watts
- Runtime: 60 minutes
- Smart: Yes
Pros
- Self-emptying base; does not require manually emptying the canister
- Self-cleaning brush roll, spinning side brushes, and high-efficiency filter
- Shark IQ Navigation technology; cleans row by row across a space
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- Pricey compared to similar options
- Taller than some options; may not fit under some furniture
Get the Shark robot vacuum at Amazonor Lowe’s.
Best With Mop
Yeedi Vac Station Robot Vacuum and Mop
For squeaky-clean floors, consider the Yeedi Vac Station Robot Vacuum and Mop. This multifunction vacuum is suitable for both hard and carpeted floors and has a 200-minute runtime for large and small homes. It also features a beater brush and powerful 3,000 Pa suction to pull dirt from carpets into a dustbin then into an easy-to-empty 2.5-liter dust bag.
This smart vacuum also offers multi-floor mapping and carpet-sensing technology, enabling users to simply turn on the vacuum and forget about it. Scheduled programs and selective room cleaning allow users to schedule frequent cleaning in high-traffic rooms, such as the kitchen and bathroom, and fewer cleanings in low-traffic areas. Plus, users can program no-go zones to protect areas where cleaning isn’t needed. Control these settings with the smartphone app, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
Product Specs
- Suction power: 3,000 Pa
- Runtime: 200 minutes
- Smart: Yes
Pros
- Suitable for hard and carpeted floors; smart mapping automatically adjusts based on floor type
- 2.5-liter dust bag is quick and easy to empty
- Cleaning times can be scheduled and programmed; no-go zones included
- Compatible with a smartphone app, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant
Cons
- Pricey compared to similar options
- May not be compatible with 5.0 Ghz Wi-Fi networks
Get the Yeedi robot vacuum and mop on Amazon or at Yeedi.
Best Quiet Operation
Ecovacs DEEBOT Robot Vacuum Cleaner
With a low-profile build and quiet operation, this Ecovacs DEEBOT robot vacuum runs at about 60 decibels (the same level as a normal conversation), so it can run in the background. It can vacuum for up to 110 minutes on a charge and automatically docks when the battery is low.
To clean high and low-pile carpet and sweep hard floors, this vacuum features a primary beater brush and two side brushes. Four cleaning settings include auto-cleaning, single-room, spot-cleaning, and edge-cleaning. Control these settings and scheduling options with either the smartphone app or Amazon Alexa.
Product Specs
- Suction power: 1,000 Pa
- Runtime: 110 minutes
- Smart: Yes
Pros
- Automatic docking feature; goes back to charging base when low on battery life
- Suitable for use on hard floors as well as carpeting
- Primary beater brush and side brushes catch all stray dust and debris
- 4 cleaning settings as well as auto-clean function
Cons
- Slightly louder than comparable options
- Pricey compared to similar options
- No carpet detection system included
Get the Ecovacs robot vacuum on Amazon.
Most Powerful
Tesvor T8 Robot Vacuum
With powerful suction and a high-capacity battery, this Tesvor robot vacuum has four cleaning modes (quiet, normal, strong, and max) to adjust the suction settings depending on the floor conditions. The battery offers a 150-minute continuous runtime.
The vacuum is controllable from the smartphone app and Amazon Alexa, which allow users to monitor cleaning progress and set schedules and cleaning modes. Although this vacuum doesn’t have smart-mapping capabilities, it moves with a systematic S-shape rather than a random pattern. An anti-collision and anti-drop sensor ensures that furniture, baseboards, and the vacuum stay safe from bumps and falls.
Product Specs
- Suction power: 4,000 Pa
- Runtime: 150 minutes
- Smart: Yes
Pros
- 4 cleaning modes: quiet, normal, strong, and max
- Controllable through smartphones and Amazon Alexa
- Systematic S-shape while cleaning
- Anti-collision and anti-drop sensor prevents breakage and falls
Cons
- No smart-mapping capabilities
- Some users report poor suction over time
Get the Tesvor robot vacuum at The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Tesvor.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Robot Vacuum for Carpet
Robot vacuum technology is better than ever, but these gadgets don’t quite replace the deep cleaning provided by a traditional vacuum cleaner. Robot vacuums are suitable for daily cleaning to keep dust, crumbs, and pet hair in check as an addition to a regular cleaning schedule. When choosing a robot vacuum, consider its size, suction power, runtime, programs, and any additional features.
Size
To clean effectively, a robot vacuum should reach every corner of the room. Consider the machine’s height and width, because its size determines its ability to navigate in tight spaces. A low-profile vacuum may fit under furniture, including low-clearance beds and couches, as well as the space between furniture and the wall.
Though robot vacuums are relatively small, the vacuum and its docking station consume some floor space. Most vacuums also need space around the charging dock to access the charger.
Suction Power
Robot vacuums are generally weaker than traditional vacuums. Their small size means a smaller motor, so they typically lack the suction power of their full-size counterparts. On carpet, most have sufficient suction power to clean larger particles, but they may miss finer dust and pet hair deeply embedded in dense rugs. For this reason, consider using a robot vacuum for daily cleaning and a traditional vacuum for deep cleaning.
Some robot vacuums have a spinning brush roll or side brushes to pick up debris from floors. These beater brushes gently agitate the carpet fibers to loosen dirt and debris for a more thorough clean, even with lower suction power.
Runtime
Robot vacuums are cordless and dock on a charging station to top up their battery. On average, most robot vacuums can clean for 1.5 hours on each charge, with some lasting up to 2 hours, which is plenty for most average-size homes. If vacuums can’t complete the cleaning in one charge, some models head back to their dock to recharge before finishing the job.
Programs
Most robot vacuums run autonomously. The most basic programs have an automatic mode, which allows the user to switch on the vacuum and let it run. High-quality models also allow scheduling, room-mapping options, and more. Lower-end vacuums may have remotes or onboard controls to set programs, while high-tech vacuums connect to smartphone apps.
Scheduling programs allow users to set the vacuum to run at specific or multiple times a day. Mapping programs feature options, such as single-room cleaning, targeted cleaning, and exclusion zones. Some programs offer the option for a double pass of the room or to spot clean specific areas.
Features
- Lower end, and often more budget-friendly, models gently rebound when they hit walls or furniture. These “bump-and-run” models clean in a random pattern—but still get the job done. Higher-end models contain sensitive sensors or smart-mapping features to clean in a structured pattern.
- Other sensors detect when the vacuum is near an edge, like a staircase. Some sensors even can determine the amount of dirt on the floor and adjust the cleaning mode as needed.
- Self-emptying robot vacuums add convenience to the routine: These machines empty the vacuum into a larger dust bin on their charging dock.
- Dual-purpose robot vacuums and mops can handle both chores to clean hard floors. But, similar to robot vacuums, these dual-purpose machines don’t deep clean as well as a manual vacuum and mop.
Smart Technology
Unlike traditional vacuums, many robot vacuums include Wi-Fi and other smart connectivity features to pair with a companion app to remotely control the unit. These smart apps can monitor the robot’s progress, battery life, and bin capacity, as well as switch on the vacuum, schedule cleanings, and adjust settings. Some smart vacuums pair with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home to switch on the vacuum or change settings with voice controls.
Smart-mapping options map the home’s floor plan using an onboard camera or laser reflection to specify cleaning or exclusion zones to customize the vacuum’s cleaning path.
Noise Level
Since robot vacuums are designed to run in the background, the quieter the better. Some quieter vacuums run as low as 50 decibels, about the same noise level as a quiet conversation, while others produce as much as 75 decibels, the same level as a full-size vacuum cleaner. Many robot vacuums fall somewhere in between.
Versatility
Many robot vacuums clean both hard floors and carpets. Some vacuums have automatic sensors that can detect flooring type and customize the suction or beater brush settings to the floor surface, while others must be set manually.
For those with pets, shedding fur and kibble on the floor can be a daily nuisance. A variety of pet-friendly robot vacuums are available that pick up hair, kibble, and stray litter. Some include filtration systems to contain allergens like pet hair and dander.
FAQs
Today’s robot vacuums clean up dust, dirt, and pet hair to reduce cleaning time. If you’re still deciding on the best robot vacuum for your home, read the following frequently asked questions and answers about robot vacuums for carpet.
Q. Can robot vacuums go from hardwood to carpet?
Yes, many robot vacuums are designed to clean both hardwood and carpeted surfaces. Some units contain automated sensors to detect the flooring surface, while others must be adjusted manually to the new surface.
Q. Are robot vacuums loud?
It depends on the model. Some robot vacuums run as quiet as 50 decibels (the volume of an indoor conversation), while others produce as much as 70 decibels, which is as loud as a standard full-size vacuum.
Q. Is it bad to vacuum your carpet every day?
Vacuums can wear out carpets, but so can trapped dirt and grime. While daily vacuuming can cause some wear and tear, this needs to be weighed against the benefits of having clean floors. For high-traffic areas, daily messes, and homes with children and pets, the benefits of daily vacuuming may outweigh the potential wear and tear on carpets.
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