Nearly any outdated robot vacuum is capable of thoroughly cleaning tile or hardwood flooring by picking up hair and crumbs. Nonetheless, for a robot vacuum to function well on carpets, it requires enhanced suction capabilities and prolonged cleaning duration to remove debris from any pile height.

Do robot vacuums perform effectively on carpets?

Indeed, numerous high-quality robot vacuum cleaners I have evaluated excel on carpets and rugs, influenced by specific factors. Suction power plays a significant role in identifying the top robot vacuums for carpet cleaning. The majority of brands quantify suction power in Pascals, although iRobot and Shark occasionally utilize alternative measurements. Ideally, a minimum of 8,000 Pa is recommended for efficient carpet cleaning, while figures below 5,000 Pa may lead to dissatisfaction. Premium robot vacuums generally range from 10,000 to 22,000 Pa. The upcoming Dreame robot vacuums, set to launch in September, will elevate standards with two models achieving 30,000 Pa.

Robust suction power should be paired with effective brush roll systems. An optimal dual brush roll configuration is excellent for collecting pet hair, as it penetrates the carpet fibers and gathers hair and larger debris, whereas the suction manages smaller particles. Additional points are awarded if the two brush rolls merge into a single roller split in the center, allowing room for long hair to pass through instead of getting tangled around the edges.

If eliminating fine dust on hard surfaces is important, consider a robot vacuum that also offers mopping capabilities. Luckily, the most powerful robot vacuums for carpets often double as exceptional moppers.

Not sure which robot vacuum is ideal for your carpets or rugs? I assess and compare a variety of leading robot vacuums in my home, concentrating on performance across different carpet pile heights, rugs, bath mats, pet hair, debris collection, transitions between floor types, automatic suction levels, and more. Here are my top four picks for 2025:

Additional robot vacuums I’ve evaluated recently

I have assessed several other leading robot vacuums in the past that didn’t make it onto the latest list. Some, such as the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Roborock Qrevo Master, and Narwal Freo X Ultra, were once highly recommended but have now been eclipsed by newer, more powerful models providing better value. I’ve also reviewed some 2025 introductions that were satisfactory but did not qualify as top choices for me, like the Dreame X50 Ultra.

While I experienced a more favorable overall performance with the Roborock Saros 10R compared to the Saros 10, the Saros 10 is also a commendable option for carpets. It actually features slightly superior suction power (22,000 Pa versus 20,000 Pa), although the difference is negligible in the grand scheme of things.