Best Robot Vacuums for Carpets: Top Picks for Deep Cleaning

How to Choose the Best Vacuum Robot for Carpets?

Not all robot vacuums are created equal—especially when it comes to cleaning carpets. Whether you have low-pile, medium-pile, or plush rugs, choosing the right model makes a big difference. Here’s what you need to look for:

Suction Power Matters

Carpets trap dust, hair, and debris deep within the fibers, so a vacuum with strong suction is essential. Look for models with at least 2000 Pa of suction if you have medium to thick carpets. Adjustable suction is also a bonus—it lets the robot increase power automatically when moving from hard floors to carpet.

Brush Type and Design

A good robot vacuum for carpets should have a motorized brush or roller brush. These help agitate and lift dirt that regular suction alone can’t reach. Tangle-free designs are especially helpful if you have pets, as they prevent hair from wrapping around the brush.

Carpet Boost Technology

Many high-end models include a "carpet boost" feature, which detects when the vacuum is on carpet and automatically ramps up suction. This ensures a deeper clean without wasting battery power on hard surfaces.

Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance

Smart navigation helps the robot clean carpets efficiently without repeatedly going over the same area or getting stuck on furniture. LIDAR or visual mapping systems are great for larger carpeted rooms, as they allow for planned, systematic cleaning instead of random paths.

Battery Life and Runtime

Thicker carpets can slow down a robot and use more power. Choose a model with a long runtime—ideally over 90 minutes on standard mode—or one that supports automatic recharge and resume. That way, it can finish cleaning larger carpeted spaces without interruption.

Height and Clearance

Some robot vacuums are too tall to glide under low furniture. If your carpeted areas include space beneath sofas or beds, check the vacuum’s height specs. Slimmer designs will clean more areas without manual help.

App Controls and Custom Settings

Apps let you customize suction levels, set no-go zones, and schedule cleanings. If your carpet is in a high-traffic area, having the ability to spot-clean or increase frequency from your phone is a major plus.

FAQs

Which Robot Vacuum Is the Best for Carpet?

When it comes to robot vacuums designed specifically to tackle carpet, a few models stand out thanks to their powerful suction, smart navigation, and carpet boost technology. Among the top contenders are:

iRobot Roomba s9+: Known for its powerful suction (up to 40x compared to Roomba 600 series), the s9+ adapts well to different carpet types, including high-pile. Its smart mapping and automatic dirt disposal also add to its convenience.
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra: With dual rubber brushes and adaptive suction that ramps up on carpet, this vacuum is great for medium and thick rugs. Its advanced obstacle avoidance also makes it ideal for cluttered areas.
Shark AI Ultra: Offers solid suction and a self-emptying base at a more accessible price point. It's particularly good for low- to medium-pile carpets.

Ultimately, the “best” vacuum depends on your specific needs—whether that’s pet hair removal, thick carpet handling, or hands-free cleaning.

Can a robot vacuum clean carpet effectively?

Yes, a robot vacuum can clean carpet effectively, especially if it’s designed with features that target different carpet types. While earlier generations of robot vacuums struggled with anything beyond hardwood or tile, newer models come with advanced suction technology and sensors that detect carpeted surfaces automatically.

When asking can a robot vacuum clean carpet, it’s important to consider the carpet thickness. Most robot vacuums handle low- to medium-pile carpets easily. For high-pile or shag carpets, you’ll need a unit with:

High suction (usually 2500Pa or more)
Tangle-free brush rolls
Carpet boost mode

So if you're wondering can a robot vacuum clean carpet, the answer is yes—with the right model, it can even rival traditional vacuum performance in many homes.

Are Robot Vacuums Any Good on Carpet?

Yes, many modern robot vacuums perform surprisingly well on carpet, particularly low- to medium-pile types. Several brands have developed sensors and features specifically aimed at improving carpet cleaning. For example, many models now come equipped with Carpet Boost, a feature that increases suction when the vacuum detects carpeted surfaces.

However, there are a few caveats:

Low-pile carpets: Most robot vacuums handle these very well, collecting dust, crumbs, and pet hair efficiently.
Medium-pile carpets: Performance varies, but premium models with strong suction can do a solid job.
High-pile or shag carpets: These can still be challenging. The vacuum may struggle to move over or clean deep into the fibers, and sometimes the brushes can get tangled.

If your home is mostly carpeted, especially with dense rugs, investing in a higher-end model is usually worth the extra cost for improved cleaning and fewer headaches.

Do Roombas Work on Thick Carpet?

Roombas can work on thick carpet, but how well they perform depends on the model. Entry-level Roombas like the 600 or 700 series may struggle on plush or shag carpets. Their motors and wheels aren't designed to handle such resistance, and they may even get stuck.

In contrast, higher-end models like the Roomba s9+ or j7+ are much more capable. These come with features such as:

Powerful suction: Strong enough to lift debris from deeper carpet fibers.
Rubberized brush rolls: Designed to agitate and loosen dirt without getting tangled.
Advanced navigation: Helps them move efficiently even over thicker surfaces.

So yes, Roombas can work on thick carpet, but you'll need to opt for a more advanced model if deep cleaning is your priority.

What is the best robotic vacuum for thick carpet in 2025?

If you're looking for the best robotic vacuum for thick carpet in 2025, a few standout models are built to handle deep-pile rugs and plush flooring with ease. These vacuums are equipped with strong suction, advanced brush systems, and smart navigation to tackle the challenges thick carpets present.

Top options include:

iRobot Roomba s9+ – Its powerful suction and edge-optimized design make it ideal for thick carpeted areas.
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra – Known for its intelligent carpet boost and dual roller brushes that work well on deep fibers.
Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni – Offers high suction power and carpet detection, automatically adjusting cleaning strength for better performance.

Choosing the best robotic vacuum for thick carpet depends on your specific needs—like pet hair, room size, and whether you want a mop function—but any of these options are a great place to start.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best robot vacuum for carpets comes down to more than just suction power—it’s about matching the right features to your home’s specific flooring needs. Whether you have low-pile rugs, dense wall-to-wall carpeting, or a mix of surfaces, today’s top robot vacuums offer intelligent navigation, automatic carpet detection, and cleaning power that rivals traditional vacuums.

Models like the Roomba s9+, Roborock S8 Pro Ultra, and Ecovacs X2 Omni stand out not just for their performance but for how effortlessly they handle the challenges of carpeted spaces.

We hope this guide helped you narrow down the right choice for your home. If you found this review helpful, feel free to share it with friends or family—someone else might be looking for the same answers you were.