Almost every [robot vacuum](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-robot-vacuums) is capable of effortlessly cleaning [tile](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-robot-vacuums-for-tile-floors) or [hardwood](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-robot-vacuums-for-hardwood-floors) floors, scooping up hair and crumbs as if they were tumbleweeds. However, when it comes to carpets, a robot vacuum requires enhanced suction strength and concentrated airflow to extract dirt embedded deep within the fibers.
### Do robot vacuums work on carpet?
Absolutely, numerous robot vacuums thrive when it comes to cleaning carpets and rugs. Leading brands such as iRobot, Roborock, Eufy, and Shark have dedicated years to refining their technology, particularly in the realms of pet hair collection and preventing tangles in the roller brush.
If your residence features a variety of flooring types with plenty of foot traffic, choosing the least expensive robot vacuum might lead to more annoyance than it’s worth. An economical model could get caught on rug edges or leave pet hair visibly stuck to your carpet, prompting you to resort to manual cleaning. But rest assured — not all robot vacuums will give you this trouble.
As a devotee of Dyson, I wouldn’t suggest the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum
The finest robot vacuums for carpets boast powerful suction, complemented by brush roll systems that penetrate both low- and high-pile carpets. These systems are engineered to capture hair and larger debris while also inhaling fine particles that less effective vacuums might overlook. Suction strength is usually quantified in Pascals (Pa), although brands like iRobot and Shark frequently bypass this metric. When suction strength is provided, aim for a minimum of 5,000 Pa, and steer clear of anything below 4,000 Pa. To give you perspective, premium models can attain between 10,000 and 12,000 Pa.
Our top selections also include automatic suction adjustments, enabling the vacuum to modify its cleaning strength according to the type of flooring. This leads to more powerful suction on softer surfaces such as carpets. Furthermore, all our recommendations either come with or present the option of a self-emptying dock, minimizing the frequency of trash disposal — particularly vital when deep-cleaning carpets.
### How do robot vacuums perform on different floor types?
If a robot vacuum can handle carpets — the most demanding surface — it will effortlessly clean hard flooring like hardwood, tile, and laminate. In fact, many high-suction models excel at mopping as well. High-end robot vacuums often include pressurized mopping pads that can clean and dry themselves, along with sensors that prevent them from mopping carpets. Most contemporary robot vacuums can seamlessly transition between different floor types, although even the best models might have difficulty with bath mats.
Unsure about which robot vacuum suits your home? I’m continually testing the newest models and refining my choices. For this guide, I evaluated numerous robot vacuums, focusing intently on their performance across various carpet pile lengths, rugs, and bath mats. Here are my top four selections for 2024: