Robot vacuums can be a convenient and practical way of keeping your carpets clean, reducing your workload and saving you time for other things. If you are interested in buying one but don’t know where to start, here are our top picks for best robot vacuum for carpet on the market.
The Best Robot Vacuum For Carpet On the Market of 2022
1. Best Overall : iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum For Carpet
When it comes to robot vacuum cleaners, iRobot’s Roombas are among the best known in the market. This model features a three-stage cleaning system that first loosens dirt then lifts it before finally sucking it all up, making it ideal for giving your carpets a thorough clean.
It also includes special Dirt Detect sensors that allow it to detect more concentrated patches of dirt. When it finds one, it automatically doubles the power to make sure it gets the area clean.
Another useful inclusion is the edge sweeping brushes that are designed not to miss a thing as it sweeps along walls. Its low profile also allows it to clean beneath furniture, vacuuming spots you could easily miss if you were using a traditional model.
It incorporates a system of intelligent sensors that allows it to navigate its way around your home, avoiding furniture and other obstacles. It is also able to detect the type of surface, adapting its height according to the floor type it’s cleaning.
This unit is fully compatible with Amazon’s Alexa as well as Google Assistant, allowing you to control it from your smartphone or via voice command. It also has good battery life, running for up to 90 minutes on each charge.
One downside is that it doesn’t have virtual mapping and just follows a random pattern. However, units with virtual mapping are more expensive, and this unit still does a good job of keeping floors clean.
Also, a more minor issue is the noise it makes. While it’s not excessively loud, you might prefer to program it to clean while you are out of the house.
All in all, a solid unit from one of the best-known brands. If you want a Roomba but are unwilling to pay for one of the most top-end models, this could be an obvious pick.
What We Like
- 3-stage cleaning – loosens dirt, lifts it and sucks it up
- Dirt Detect sensors – increases power in particularly dirty areas
- Edge sweeping brush – cleans perfectly along walls and edges
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant – control via voice command or smartphone
- Good battery life – cleans for up to 90 minutes per charge
What We Don’t Like
- No virtual mapping – cleans in a random pattern
- A little loud – better to set it to run while you’re out
2. Best Budget: GOOVI 1600PA Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
If you like the idea of having a robot in your home to help with the housework but are unwilling to pay for one of the more expensive options, this model from Goovi could be a good budget-friendly alternative on the market.
For an affordable machine, it delivers impressive suction power of around 1,600Pa. This is plenty to pick up all kinds of dirt, debris, and hair, making it suitable for almost any kind of surface.
It performs well on low- or medium- pile carpets as well as all hard surfaces. The only surfaces it will struggle on are thick carpets and shaggy rugs.
It is a good option if you have multiple surfaces – its big wheels allow it to move from one-floor type to another without any hassle. It also has an array of sensors that help it navigate around the room and prevent it from falling downstairs.
It can run for a very respectable 100 minutes on a single charge, and its low profile of only 2.8” allows it to clean under furniture.
One other thing we like is that it’s a very quiet unit and makes much less noise than many other more expensive options.
However, some people might not enjoy that it’s controlled by remote only – it has no Google or Alexa compatibility, meaning it’s not a good choice if you prefer app or voice control.
Also, the manual is poorly written. It contains spelling and grammar errors, and not all the explanations are clear.
This robot vac would appeal to anyone who wants the convenience of not having to clean their floors themselves but who doesn’t want to pay for the more advanced functions of more expensive models. If that sounds like you, this could be the ideal solution.
What We Like
- Good suction – delivers 1,600Pa of power
- Large wheels – allows it to transition easily between surfaces
- Runs for up to 100 mins per charge – long battery life
- Low profile – at 2.8” in height, easily cleans underneath furniture
- Quiet operation – makes less noise than many competitors
What We Don’t Like
- Manual poorly written – many mistakes and not always clear
- Controlled by remote – not compatible with phone app or Alexa
3. Best Upgrade: Neato Robotics D6 Robot Vacuums For Carpet
image: Neato
If you want to take the step up into the world of high-end, high-performance robot vacuums, this model from Neato could be an obvious choice on the market.
With more expensive machines, the big difference is the type of the cleaning pattern the vacs follow. Rather than following a random cleaning pattern, this unit actively maps your home, remember the layout as it goes.
This allows it to follow a set plan, cleaning much more efficiently and making sure it doesn’t miss anywhere.
Once it has mapped the layout, you can set virtual No-Go areas on the app – once they are entered, the vac will then avoid these zones.
Another feature we like is the innovative D-shape of this unit. Most robot vacs are round, which means they have trouble cleaning in corners. However, with the D-shape, this model can reach right into every corner, picking up even the last traces of dirt and dust.
This unit is a good option if you have pets since it excels at picking up animal hair, even from carpet. It also incorporates a HEPA filter, ensuring that almost all dust particles and allergens are trapped safely inside.
One last positive worth mentioning is that it has a maximum run time of around 120 minutes – this is more than almost any other robot vacuum on the market.
There’s not much we don’t like about this model. Perhaps one minor gripe would be that the app is currently quite “clunky” – although there is a good chance it will improve with time.
Also, this vacuum will need to be emptied frequently – even as often as every day – although this is common in robot vacuums, and it’s still a lot less work than vacuuming the floor yourself.
Overall, this is a great option if you want a more advanced robot vacuum with a virtual mapping capability. If you’re looking for something more sophisticated than just a basic model, this Neato unit could be the ideal solution.
If you want a robot especially for pet hair, you can read our post: Best Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair
What We Like
- Innovative D-shape – designed to be more efficient at cleaning in corners
- Set No-Go areas on the app – tells it where you don’t want it to clean
- Good for pet hair – a good pick if you have animals in your home
- Excellent battery life – can clean for up to 120 minutes on a single charge
- HEPA filter – traps dust particles and allergens inside
What We Don’t Like
- App a little clunky – but will probably improve over time
- Needs to be emptied daily – although normal for most robot vacuums
4. Best Battery Life: Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S Robot Vacuums For Carpet
This is an option at the more affordable end of the price range. It might not have the advanced features of some of the top-end models, but it still does all the basics very well.
One of the innovations with this model is its BoostIQ technology that allows it to detect the kind of surface it is cleaning and boost the power as required.
This means it can conserve battery power when working on hard floors but ramp it up when it moves onto the carpet. This feature makes it an especially good option for homes with mixed floor types.
If you want a robot especially for hard floors, you can read our post: Best Robot Vacuum For Hardwood Floors
It is suitable for almost all floor surfaces – it will only really have a hard time working on deep carpets or shaggy rugs.
It generates a very respectable 1,300Pa of suction power and also benefits from a low profile, allowing it to easily access hard-to-reach spots like underneath furniture.
One other great thing about this vacuum is how quiet it is. Even if you are at home working or talking on the telephone while it is cleaning, you will still hardly notice it is there.
It boasts infrared sensors that help it navigate obstacles and avoid falling downstairs – and its anti-scratch tempered-glass exterior ensures it stays looking shiny and new for longer.
One negative for some people might be that it can’t be controlled via smartphone or Alexa – it can only be operated by remote control.
Also, you may find it gets confused if you have a very dark floor or if you try to use it at night, but this is a problem many other robot vacs tend to have too.
To summarize, this is an excellent unit if you want a reliable robot vacuum that does the basics but won’t cost you a fortune. If that sounds like what you need, this is an option that should be worth a look.
What We Like
- BoostIQ tech – increases power when needed, ideal for carpets
- Quiet operation – won’t bother you, even if you are at home when it cleans
- Infrared sensors – detects obstacles and stops it falling downstairs
- Decent battery life – can run for up to 100 minutes on one charge
- Sleek design – and anti-scratch tempered glass means it stays that way
What We Don’t Like
- No app or Alexa compatibility – controlled by remote
- Struggles with dark surfaces or when cleaning at night – although a common issue
5. Best High-End: iRobot Roomba 980 Robot Vacuums For Carpet
image: iRobot
If you are interested in looking at the most advanced high-end robot vacuums available from the market, this Roomba from the top of iRobot’s range should be of interest.
As you would expect with a robot vacuum in this class, it features virtual mapping technology that allows it to clean far more efficiently than budget units that follow random cleaning patterns.
It includes iRobot’s Dirt Detect system that detects especially dirty areas and then turns up the power. It can also detect the type of surface it is working – when it is vacuuming carpet, it delivers a Power Boost, making it particularly suitable for this type of floor.
Another adaptation that makes it good for carpets or homes with multiple floor types is the Dual Multi-Surface rubber brushes that adjust and flex according to the surface, offering the most thorough clean possible.
It has an advanced filter system that traps 99% of dust, microparticles, and allergens inside, making it a good pick for anyone with pets or who otherwise suffers from dust-related allergies.
It also boasts a battery life of up to 120 minutes per charge – there are few robot vacuums that can do better.
It is fully compatible with Alexa and can be controlled via app, giving you readouts even when you aren’t at home.
However, for us, the app is still rather basic – you might expect slightly more functionality with such an advanced machine.
The other major issue is the price since this robot vacuum is inarguably an expensive item – although you have to be ready to pay more for a top-end product.
This unit would appeal to the kind of person who wants the very best appliances for their home and who is willing to pay extra to get their hands on them. If that sounds like you, this is a unit you will probably enjoy owning.
What We Like
- Virtual mapping – using Islam tech
- Auto-adjust cleaning head – senses floor type and adapts automatically
- Dirt Detect system – boosts power automatically when required
- Advanced filter – traps 99% of dust and allergens inside
- Good battery performance – can work for up to 120 minutes
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive option – but a very high-end model
- App is quite basic – you might hope for more functionality
6. Best for Under Furniture: ILIFE A4s Robot Vacuums For Carpet
image: ILIFE
This is another robot vacuum cleaner on the market, this time from ILIFE, that’s suitable for a range of surfaces – including carpet.
It is able to adjust to different floor types and boasts a CyclonePower cleaning system that picks up more dirt and dust from carpets, giving them a deep and thorough clean.
One of the outstanding features of this model is the battery life. At up to 140 minutes per charge, it’s very hard to find anything that can beat it.
It has a low-profile design, meaning it can reach right under furniture – picking up dirt and dust from places you probably wouldn’t otherwise think to clean. It also benefits from a system of smart sensors that help it find its way around your floor, avoiding obstacles.
This unit is controlled by remote rather than via smartphone app, and there’s no Alexa compatibility – some people might see this as a drawback.
Also, it can struggle on dark surfaces as well as on thicker carpet – so if you have either of these in your home, it’s probably not the best option.
Otherwise, this is a no-frills robot vacuum that will help keep your floors clean with a minimum of effort from you. Another option worth checking out.
What We Like
- Extra-long battery life – runs for up to 140 minutes
- Adjusts to floor type – suitable for most surfaces
- CyclonePower cleaning system – gives carpets a thorough deep clean
- Low profile – can clean underneath furniture
- Smart sensors – helps it find its way around your home and avoid accidents
What We Don’t Like
- Controlled by remote only – no Alexa or app compatibility
- Struggles on dark surfaces or thick carpets – better on thin carpet and hard floors
7. Best Suction Power: Bagotte Robot Vacuum
image: Bagotte
This is a simple but effective robot vacuum on the market. It boasts plenty of power, delivering 1,600Pa of suction. This allows it to pick up any kind of mess, from fine dust to larger debris.
We like the way it is extremely quiet – if you don’t want anything too noisy, this could be an ideal choice.
It also has six different cleaning modes, including Auto for general cleaning, Max Power for the dirtiest areas and Edge for cleaning along edges, among others.
On the downside, it can’t be controlled by app – and neither is it compatible with Alexa – this unit is controlled by remote only. If you prefer something you can control by voice or via your smartphone, this is probably not the right pick for you.
Also, if you want to mark off no-go areas, you need to lay down the magnetic strips that come with it – and some people might not find these particularly attractive on the floor in their home.
To summarize, this is a great machine if you are looking for a budget option that does the basic job of keeping your floor clean without lots of unnecessary extras. If you want a basic robot vac for carpets, this could be another solid pick.
What We Like
- Very respectable power – provides 1,600Pa of suction
- Quiet operation – among the least noisy robot vacs we’ve seen
- 6 modes – including Auto, Scheduled, Max Power and more
- Low profile – only 2.7” in height
- Picks up all kinds of dirt – from fine dust to larger debris
What We Don’t Like
- No app – controlled by remote only
- Uses magnetic strips to mark no-go areas – some might find them ugly
Best Robot Vacuum For Carpet Buying Guide
If you want a robot vacuum from the market, you’ll probably be wondering which factors to consider when choosing. Let’s have a look at some of the most important ones now.
Virtual mapping or random pattern?
There is one thing that separates basic robot vacuums from the more advanced models, and that’s virtual mapping.
While more affordable models clean in a random pattern, top-end versions create a virtual plan of your floor so they know where they’ve been and where they still need to go.
With random cleaning, your vacuum will eventually clean everywhere, but you can’t be sure it won’t miss somewhere on any particular day.
With virtual mapping, the whole process is much more systematic and efficient, and if the battery runs out before the vac has finished, it will usually return to the same spot to continue after charging. However, machines with this kind of ability are obviously a lot more expensive.
Control method
The most basic robot vacs on the market are controlled by remote. You can program them, change their schedule or tell them to start and stop using the remote control that comes with them.
More advanced versions can be programmed and controlled via an app on your smartphone. More sophisticated models can also give you cleaning reports and even real-time updates of their progress.
Some are also compatible with Amazon’s Alexa and can be controlled by voice command.
If you think you would like to be able to control your robot vac from your phone or via Alexa, check that it has this capability.
Suction power and cleaning ability
Suction power and cleaning ability are key features when choosing any vacuum cleaner, and robot vacs are no different.
This is especially true when choosing one for use on carpet, so make sure any model you are interested in has the power and ability to give your carpets a good thorough clean.
Transition between surfaces and surface compatibility
One problem that some robot vacuums have is in transitioning between surfaces, for example, from hard floors onto carpet. If you have mixed surfaces, check that the unit you want to buy can cope with this.
Also, many robot vacs struggle on thick carpets as well as on very dark floors. If you have either of these, make sure the unit you want is up to the task.
Noise level
Some robot vacuums are louder than others. While this won’t matter if you want to program it to work while you are out, if you want it to vacuum while you are at home, you might want to choose a quieter model.
Battery life
Battery life determines how long a vac can work for before returning to the dock to charge – and the longer they can work, the more chance they have of finishing the whole job before the battery dies.
Most models can work for at least an hour, some can go for an hour and a half – and the very best can even work for up to two hours maximum.
Many great options to choose from
As you can see, there are many great options to pick from, and robot vacuums are available to suit just about any budget. If you have made up your mind to invest in one but are still unsure about which to go for, any of our top picks would be a great place to start your search in the market.
