The Best Robot Vacuums for Carpet in Your Home
Simplify your carpet cleaning routine with a robot vacuum. These automated cleaning assistants travel through the home to rid carpets of dust, crumbs, and pet fur.
ByJasmine Harding| Updated Apr 29, 2021 12:32 PM
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Photo: amazon.com
If you 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. If your home is heavily carpeted, 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 your floors clean.
Photo: amazon.com
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 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
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
Smart Technology
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.
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
1iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum-Wi-Fi Connectivity
Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceThis 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 runtime.
Runner-up
2eufy by Anker, BoostIQ RoboVac 11S (Slim)
Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceThis slim eufy robot vacuum 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.
Best Bang For the Buck
3ILIFE V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceMeasuring 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 runtime. If the battery gets low, the vacuum can dock automatically to charge.
Upgrade Pick
4Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL RV101AE, Robotic Vacuum
Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceThis 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 self-empties 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.
Best With Mop
5Roborock S6 Robot Vacuum, Cleaner and Mop
Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceFor squeaky-clean floors, consider the Roborock Robot Vacuum and Mop. This multifunction vacuum is suitable for both hard and carpeted floors. It features a beater brush and powerful suction to pull dirt from carpets.
This smart vacuum also offers multi-floor mapping, enabling users to save multiple maps, including cleaning and restricted zones on each level. 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. Control these settings with the smartphone app or Amazon Alexa.
Best Quiet Operation
6Ecovacs DEEBOT N79S Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceWith 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 carpets 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.
Most Powerful
7Tesvor Robot Vacuum Cleaner - Strong Suction
Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceWith 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.
FAQs About Robot Vacuums for Carpet
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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