We Tested 51 Robot Vacuums on Carpet: Here Are the Top Performers

Top Pick

The iRobot Roomba is one of the most recognizable names in the world of robotic vacuums. It's one of the brand’s most budget-friendly models, making it an excellent entry-level choice for anyone trying out robot vacuums for the first time.

During testing, the dual multi-surface brushes performed remarkably well, effectively loosening stubborn debris from the carpet. It was able to pick up both pet and human hair without tangling and even managed to collect most of the sand we scattered. In terms of maneuverability, the robot is equipped with sensors that prevent it from crashing into furniture or walls and from falling down stairs. However, it struggled to detect and avoid puddles of pudding on the floor. Additionally, it ended up eating two socks, so be sure to clear small items from the floor before activating it.

As one of the more basic models in the Roomba series, this vacuum lacks some of the advanced features found in the more expensive models. While it does have sensors that help it avoid larger obstacles, it does not include smart mapping or a self-emptying function. On the plus side, it features Dirt Detect Technology, which allows it to focus on the dirtiest parts of your carpet. It can also adapt to your cleaning routine and offer personalized suggestions, such as recommending extra cleaning sessions when your pet sheds more than usual. It is compatible with voice assistants like Google Home and Amazon Alexa.

After six months of testing, we observed that the Roomba 694 continues to perform excellently without any noticeable drop in quality. It remains our top recommendation for robot vacuums, especially for individuals living in apartments or smaller homes.

Dustbin Capacity: 0.3 liters | Battery Life: 90 minutes | Smart Mapping: No | Self-Emptying: No | Smart Home Compatible: No

Best Budget

You don't have to spend a fortune on a robot vacuum. This ILife model is priced similarly to a basic cordless stick vacuum. While it doesn't offer a lot of advanced features, it does include useful basics like obstacle sensors and a scheduling option. The best part? Its simplicity makes setup a breeze, and it was ready to use in just two minutes. We also appreciated the intuitive remote control it came with.

This vacuum performed well on bare floors but truly excelled on carpets, capturing nearly 90% of the debris. It impressed us with its ability to navigate around obstacles without getting stuck, showcasing excellent maneuverability.

Although it lacks the high-tech features found in pricier models, this vacuum was one of our favorites because it delivered exactly what it promised. Its simplicity makes it ideal for those who want an easy-to-use, user-friendly option without complex controls. Even after six months of use, including frequent vacuuming of pet hair, we continued to love it, as it made cleaning effortless.

Dustbin Capacity: 0.3 liters | Battery Life: 100 minutes | Smart Mapping: Not available | Self-Emptying: Not supported | Smart Home Compatibility: Not compatible

Ideal for Pet Owners

The Dyson 360 Vis Nav grabs your attention right away with its unique design. Unlike typical round robot vacuums, it features a D-shape and a wider diameter, which helps cover more ground. The brush bar spans the entire width of the vacuum, making it highly efficient.

Setting up this vacuum was a breeze—even for users who aren’t particularly tech-savvy. We selected it as the best robot vacuum for pet owners because it impressed us by picking up an incredible amount of pet fur. It also cleaned sand we didn’t even know was there, proving to be an excellent tool for revealing hidden dirt and debris.

However, if your pet tends to leave toys scattered around, you’ll need to clear the floor before using the vacuum. During testing, the robot picked up some cat toys, which got stuck inside. On the plus side, the vacuum's vigorous brush action seemed to revitalize our shag carpet.

The MyDyson app allows you to manage settings and controls directly from your smartphone. You can specify when, where, and how you’d like the vacuum to clean, and designate areas to avoid. The app also tracks the spots where the vacuum picks up the most dirt, helping you identify areas that need extra care. Even after six months of use, this Dyson robot vacuum continued to meet our expectations without any problems.

Dustbin Capacity: 0.5 liters | Battery Life: 65 minutes | Smart Mapping: Yes | Self-Emptying: No | Smart Home Compatible: Yes

Top Self-Emptying Model

The Shark Detect Pro Self-Empty Robot Vacuum has many impressive qualities. We were particularly impressed with how simple the setup process was; it only took a few minutes, including downloading the app. Even better, it cleaned exceptionally well on carpets, tile, and hardwood floors.

It easily picked up all types of debris in one or two passes. The only challenge was in spot mode, where it occasionally got confused about its location and where to start. Despite this, its maneuverability was excellent, and it navigated smoothly under dining chairs and other furniture.

The NeverStuck Technology does exactly what its name suggests—allowing the vacuum to smoothly move over obstacles and even lift itself over bumps or thresholds between rooms or flooring types. The self-emptying function is a standout feature: the vacuum empties its bin and immediately resumes cleaning. While the emptying process is somewhat noisy, it’s quick enough that it doesn’t cause much disruption. In everyday use, the vacuum operates quietly, standing out from many others we've tested.

Dustbin Capacity: 0.2 liters | Battery Life: 90 minutes | Smart Mapping: Yes | Self-Emptying: Yes | Smart Home Compatible: Yes

Best Mop Combo

The Eufy Clean X9 Pro offers impressive versatility, effectively cleaning both carpets and hard floors with ease. It has an easy setup and an intuitive app, though with limited features. While it doesn't offer advanced automation like some competitors, it remains user-friendly, with adjustable suction power, water levels, and cleaning schedules. You can even set no-go zones for precise control of the vacuum's movements.

This vacuum performed admirably on carpets, particularly low-pile ones, but it truly excelled at mopping hard floors. We were surprised at how dirty the water in the tank was, especially considering we thought the floors were already clean.

After six months of use, we found that while the Eufy Clean X9 Pro still met our cleaning expectations, the mop function held up better than the vacuum feature, which had slightly lost its initial effectiveness.

Dustbin Capacity: 0.4 liters | Battery Life: Not specified | Smart Mapping: No | Self-Emptying: No | Smart Home Compatible: No

Final Thoughts

After testing, we found the iRobot Roomba 694 to be our top choice for robot vacuums, especially for carpets. It's a straightforward model with basic features, yet it does an excellent job of cleaning carpets. For a more affordable alternative, the ILife V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner is a Mytour recommended option.

Our Testing Process 

We put 51 robot vacuums to the test in both our lab and homes to determine which ones perform best on carpet. First, we timed how long it took to assemble and set up each machine (excluding charging time). Next, we measured the time spent completing the programmable setup, including downloading any necessary apps and configuring features like smart mapping and no-go zones. We also evaluated how clear or confusing the instructions were during this process.

Next, we put the vacuums through a series of controlled tests, removing any obstacles for models without object avoidance. We then observed each vacuum as it operated independently, evaluating its effectiveness at picking up debris from various floor types and noting if it encountered difficulties with specific types of debris.

We proceeded to assess the spot-cleaning and mopping capabilities for machines that offered these features. If applicable, we also tested the scheduling and voice-command functions. During dustbin emptying after each cleaning, we observed how easy the process was. We also measured the noise levels of the vacuums throughout their operation, including during the emptying process.

Finally, we rated each vacuum based on its overall value, factoring in its price and performance during our tests. After the lab evaluations, we brought the best-performing models home and continued testing them in real-world conditions, with follow-up check-ins at one, three, and six months.

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum for Carpet Like an Expert 

Suction Power

The greater the suction power of a robot vacuum, the better it will be at picking up debris, particularly materials that are deeply embedded in carpets.

“For pet owners, a vacuum with strong suction and a brush that’s easy to clean is essential,” Murphy advises. While most vacuums on our list didn’t provide detailed suction specifications, look for models with enhanced or boosted suction capabilities. For instance, the Dyson 360 Vis Nav boasts twice the suction power of a typical robot vacuum.

Carpet Types

Ideally, you want a robot vacuum that performs well on all carpet types, but some models excel with specific carpet materials. For instance, deep-pile plush carpets can be tricky for robot vacuums. In our tests, the Eufy Clean X9 Pro worked particularly well on low-pile rugs, while the Dyson 360 Vis Nav handled shag rugs with ease. Choose a vacuum that is suited to your carpet type, or better yet, one with the versatility to tackle any flooring.

Floor Layout

Certain floor layouts are more suited to robot vacuums than others. Murphy notes that they aren't ideal for every space, especially if you have many stairs, large obstacles, or cluttered rooms. In these cases, a robot vacuum may struggle to do its job effectively. If your home has a complex layout or mixed floor types, look for a vacuum with features like obstacle avoidance, or choose models like the Shark Detect Pro Self-Empty Robot Vacuum that can seamlessly transition between surfaces.

Battery Life

A vacuum that runs out of power before finishing its cleaning cycle isn’t ideal, so long battery life is a crucial factor when shopping for a robot vacuum. Keep in mind that the harder a vacuum works, the faster it depletes its battery. For instance, a vacuum struggling to loosen embedded debris or mop up sticky messes will likely drain its power more quickly.

Features 

“When purchasing a robot vacuum, it’s essential to consider your specific requirements,” Murphy advises. “Do you need one that empties itself? Do you want one that integrates with your smart home system?”

Unsurprisingly, pricier models tend to offer more advanced features, but even budget options come with useful functions like the Dirt Detect Technology of the iRobot Roomba 694. If you're seeking the ultimate hands-free experience and don’t mind spending a little extra, look for high-tech features such as smart mapping and self-emptying.

More Robot Vacuums to Consider 

Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop: This vacuum performed excellently at picking up debris from carpets and transitioned effortlessly to bare floors. However, it was somewhat noisy and had difficulty avoiding obstacles.

Dreame L20 Ultra Robot Vacuum: We appreciated the advanced features of this machine, including precise mapping, the ability to create virtual walls, and a camera that detects obstacles. However, we found the app features confusing and inconsistent, and the vacuum struggled with crossing thresholds.

Questions You Might Ask 

How well can a robot vacuum clean carpet? 

Robot vacuums made specifically for carpet tend to perform adequately, although some models excel on certain carpet types. However, many users prefer having a traditional vacuum on hand for more thorough, deep cleaning.

“Robot vacuums typically don’t match the suction power of upright vacuums or canister vacuums, making them more suitable for light cleaning rather than deep, heavy-duty vacuuming,” says Murphy.

Can a robot vacuum damage carpet? 

When used correctly, a robot vacuum designed for carpets should not cause any damage to the fabric. However, it's crucial to thoroughly read the user manual to ensure you're operating the machine as intended. If you're using the vacuum for the first time, it may be helpful to begin with a small, hidden section of carpet as a test while you familiarize yourself with its functionality.

Are expensive robot vacuums worth the price? 

It depends on how much value you place on advanced features and automated operation. Higher-end models generally offer more sophisticated technology and smart capabilities. If these features are important to you, or if you plan to use the vacuum daily, investing in a more expensive model could be worthwhile. However, there are also many excellent options available at a more affordable price range.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Bobbi Dempsey, a writer with over 20 years of experience testing and reviewing products. To create this guide, we tested 51 robot vacuums both in our lab and at home, assessing them for performance, maneuverability, noise, features, and ease of use. Bobbi also dedicated significant time to researching the key considerations for choosing the best robot vacuum.

To gain expert insights on robot vacuums, we reached out to Robin Murphy, the founder of ChirpChirp Cleaning, who integrates a robot vacuum into both her professional and personal life.