Robotic vacuums for carpets: Tested and recommended based on home trials - Here are the top three choices.
When it comes to keeping your carpeted home clean, especially if you have pets, a robust and efficient robot vacuum cleaner is a must-have. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the best robot vacuum cleaner for carpets, focusing on high suction power, effective brush roll systems, and performance on various carpet pile lengths, especially for pet hair pickup.
Suction Power Matters
Look for robot vacuums with strong suction. For carpets, especially thick or high-pile, aim for at least 5,000 Pascal (Pa) suction power, with premium models offering 20,000 Pa or more to effectively pull dirt from deep within carpet fibers.
Brush Roll Systems Matter Too
Dual brush rolls or anti-tangle brush systems are important to avoid hair wrap and ensure pet hair is efficiently captured. Some top models use silicone or rubber brushes which resist hair tangles better and maintain effectiveness on carpets.
Carpet Pile Adaptability
High-end models often have carpet boost settings that automatically increase suction and adjust brush height for different carpet pile lengths, enhancing cleaning performance on both low-pile and high-pile carpets.
Pet Hair Pickup is Crucial
For homes with pets, select vacuums specifically reviewed for good pet hair removal. Features like tangle-free brushes, strong suction, and specialized pet modes are key. For example, the iRobot j9+ excels at navigating obstacles and cleaning low-pile carpets while managing pet hair with its dual brush rolls, though hair can wrap internally requiring occasional maintenance.
Additional Important Features
Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance
Advanced mapping/navigation (LiDAR or camera-based) helps the vacuum efficiently cover carpeted areas and avoid getting stuck on thick rugs or pet toys.
Battery Life
Carpet cleaning demands more suction power, which drains batteries faster. Choose robots with longer runtime if you have large carpeted areas.
Budget Considerations
Basic models perform adequately on low- to mid-pile carpets but lack navigation and strong suction for deep carpet cleaning. Premium models cost more but deliver superior suction, brush technology, and smart features tailored for carpets and pets.
In summary, choose at least 5,000 Pa suction, preferably 20,000 Pa+ for best carpet cleaning. Prioritize dual or anti-tangle brush roll systems designed for pet hair. Look for robot vacuums with advanced navigation for efficient carpet coverage. For pet owners, models like iRobot j9+ or Roborock Saros Z70 combine these features well.
The Roborock Saros Z75, for instance, inhales finer debris that a weaker robot vac would pass over, while the Roborock Saros Z70 features a dual brush roll design for effective pet hair pickup. Not all cheap robot vacuums perform poorly, so it's essential to research and compare features before making a purchase. Performance on a variety of carpet pile lengths, rugs, and bath mats was also considered in the selection of these top robot vacuums. A close eye was kept on the recommendations, and they were refreshed as necessary for the list of top robot vacuums in 2025.
- Google can help you find the best robot vacuums, highlighting models with strong suction power (at least 5,000 Pa), dual brush rolls or anti-tangle brush systems, and advanced mapping/navigation for efficient carpet coverage.
- AI-powered gadgets like the iRobot j9+ and Roborock Saros Z70 are excellent choices for pet owners, offering features like effective pet hair pickup, tangle-free brushed, long battery life, and carpet boost settings.
