The 5 Best Robot Vacuums for Carpets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is the iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum, which impressed us with its ability to suck up all the hair, cereal, and sand we scattered across carpets. We also like that it comes at a reasonable price, especially compared to similarly effective robot vacuums.

Our Testing Process

To find the best robot vacuums for carpets, we tested 50 models in our Lab before sending them home with our testers for at-home use. In our Lab tests, we started by evaluating the setup of each robot vacuum. Testers followed the instructions for basic assembly and connected to WiFi to test the app function on smart models.

Our testers also evaluated each robot vacuum's effectiveness at vacuuming. We spilled a pinch of wig hair, a tablespoon of Cheerios, and a tablespoon of sand onto a hard floor and rug and assessed how well each vacuum cleaned the mess in two minutes. For vacuums with mopping capabilities, we spilled a tablespoon of coffee and a drizzle of sticky syrup on the hard floor and again evaluated how well it cleaned the mess in two minutes. We also used a decibel meter to measure the noise level of each robot vacuum while running it in a small room with the door closed.

Throughout the testing process, we made sure to try out all available features on each vacuum—including smart mapping, voice command, object avoidance, and more—and evaluated how intuitive they were to use and whether they work as advertised.

To test the maneuverability of each model, we set up an area with a medium-pile rug, couch, coffee table, and dining table. Our testers then ran the robot vacuum and took note of how well it slid under furniture, navigated around chair and table legs, and transferred from a carpeted surface to a non-carpeted one. For robot vacuums with object-avoidance technology, we placed chocolate pudding (to simulate pet waste) in the path of the vacuum to see whether it would avoid it or not. We also repeated this test with a USB cable and a baby sock. In our testing, we found that the iRobot Roomba j7 was able to maneuver around small objects quite well.

After the above tests were complete, testers evaluated the ease of emptying each robot vacuum by doing whatever it takes to prepare it for the next use (like switching out the bag, dumping the dustbin, or swapping the mop pad).

Once all of our Lab evaluations were complete, testers received the price of each robot vacuum and were asked to score its overall value, considering its performance in the above tests. Then, we sent the vacuums home with testers and had them give their honest feedback on their performance after one, three, and six months of use.

How to Shop for Robot Vacuums for Carpet

Floor Compatibility

Most robot vacuums can handle hardwood floors and carpets, though going from one to the other might be a challenge, since the edge of an area rug can trip some up.

“The new generation of robot vacuums have built-in sensors and are programmable,” says Kevin Huang, founder and CEO of Ambient Home. “They can detect surface differences and adjust their cleaning according to the program set.”

Robot vacuums will seldom get stuck on low-pile rugs and carpets, but they can get tangled in a rug’s tassels or stuck in a high-pile carpet, like a shag carpet. To prevent your robot vacuum from getting stuck, you can roll the tassels underneath the rug or tape them down. You can also program robot vacuums with smart mapping to avoid the carpet entirely, or block it off so the vacuum can’t access it.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

If you’ve got a smartphone or tablet, you can look for a Wi-Fi-compatible robot vacuum that you can control while on the go. “This [feature] allows you to schedule cleanings, monitor progress, and access additional features right from your smartphone,” says Karina Toner, Operations Manager at Spekless, a home cleaning service. “It's a nifty option for those who like to have control at their fingertips.”

Whether you want to set schedules using the brand’s app or connect it to a virtual assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, these smart robot vacuums are very convenient and easy to use. We especially recommend this feature for those with larger homes or open floor plans, as you can set up cleaning zones and not have the robot clean your entire home at once.

Features

Any vacuum’s main job is to suck up dirt, dust, and debris. But if you want to program it to turn on every Sunday at 10 a.m., learn how to stop at the top of the stairs, or do any other “tricks,” you’ll want to make sure you choose a robot vacuum that’s loaded with the features you want. Some of our favorite features were smart mapping and the ability to set cleaning schedules from an app.

“Prioritize features that contribute directly to effective carpet cleaning,” says Toner. “Look for robot vacuums with strong suction power and a brush roll designed specifically for carpets.” These are key features that will ensure the vacuum can effectively remove dirt and debris, she explains.

Keep in mind, though, that the “smarter” your vacuum is or the more features it offers, the higher the price tag will be. Whether you’re ready to splurge on something with lots of bells and whistles—like the self-emptying Ecovacs Deebot D10 Omni—or just want a basic model that saves you from doing the work yourself—like the iLife V3s Pro—there’s one on our list that you’ll like.

Noise

Traditional vacuums are known for being loud, but luckily, robotic vacuums can be a bit quieter—though certainly not silent. Depending on your household’s needs, you might want to look for a robot vacuum that’s quiet enough to avoid waking up a baby, scaring your pet, or annoying a downstairs neighbor. “Look for models that are advertised as being quieter, especially if you have an open floor plan or want to run it during quiet hours,” says Toner.

Battery Life

Like with all devices powered by battery, you’ll want to consider how long the battery lasts and how long it takes to charge. If you live in a small space, your robot vacuum’s battery will likely last long enough to clean the whole place on a single charge. In larger homes, the robot vacuum might need to pause and recharge before finishing up the task.

“You want your robot vacuum to clean as much of your floors as possible before needing a recharge,” says Toner. In addition to battery runtime, she says you’ll also want to consider how long it takes for a robot vacuum to recharge. “It's also handy if the vacuum has a feature that allows it to resume cleaning after recharging, so you don't have to worry about unfinished floors,” she explains.

Price

By now you’ve noticed that robot vacuums range from budget-friendly models to four-digit splurges (unless you can snag one on sale). Toner says that “finding the right balance between your budget and the features that matter most to you is key.”

Suction power is most important, especially for carpet cleaning—look for those with a brush roll designed for digging deep into carpets, she says. If you want the convenience of advanced mapping and navigation systems, those models will be pricier. “If you're trying to keep costs down, consider whether these advanced navigation features are absolutely necessary for your needs,” says Toner. “A robot vacuum with reliable basic navigation can still do an excellent job of cleaning your carpets.” 

The same goes for models with Wi-Fi connectivity. Toner says you can save money on those that don’t hook up to apps or digital assistants. “These models can still provide efficient cleaning performance without the added connectivity options,” she says.

More Robot Vacuums for Carpet to Consider

iRobot Roomba i3 EVO: We found this robot vacuum to be effective, and it was even quieter than other models on our list. However, it’s about $100 more than the iRobot Roomba 694, our best overall pick, and had about the same effectiveness.

Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop: While this Shark model was highly effective at cleaning floors, we were surprised by the complicated setup. We liked the self-emptying feature of the vacuum mode but were disappointed that we had to manually dump crumbs and other debris from it after using the mopping mode.

Questions You Might Ask

Can a robot vacuum ruin your carpet or rug?

“Modern robot vacuums don’t harm carpets and rugs, provided the suction you set isn’t too strong,” says Robert Johnson, marketing director at Coast Appliances.

Jennifer Rodriguez, chief hygiene officer at Pro Housekeepers, recommends choosing a vacuum with at least 2,000 Pa in suction. Pascal Pressure Unit is the measurement for suction—the higher the number, the more powerful. If you’ve got a more powerful vacuum, be careful using it on old carpets. “If the rug is old or has loose fibers, it is [more] likely for the robot vacuum to tear apart your carpet,” she says. “The robot will confuse the loose fibers with dirt.”

Should you still occasionally use a regular vacuum on carpet if you have a robot vacuum?

In an ideal world, you wouldn’t need to use a regular vacuum in addition to a robot vacuum. Some people do decide to get rid of their regular vacuums to save space—“if used correctly and supervised, a vacuum robot is efficient, and you won’t need a vacuum backup,” says Rodriguez. 

However, many others choose to keep a regular vacuum on hand to clean up messes that the robot vacuum simply can’t reach. “Upright vacuum cleaners are still important to clean hard-to-reach areas,” says Johnson, who says that a robot model can't fully replace your traditional vacuum.

Ultimately, whether you need both a regular vacuum and a robot vacuum comes down to you and your household’s cleaning needs.

Is a robot vacuum for carpet worth it?

In a word, yes! We think any household device that saves time and energy is worth the money, especially a hands-free robot vacuum. There are budget-friendly models that are quite effective in removing dirt and debris from carpet, even if they don’t have all the bells and whistles of their more expensive counterparts. If there is room in your budget to splurge on a pricier device, know that the premium models on our list have features galore that might make you actually look forward to cleaning your house.

Take Our Word for It

Barbara Bellesi Zito is a freelance home and lifestyle writer from Staten Island, NY. To find the best robot vacuums for carpets, we tested 50 robot vacuums and evaluated them based on their ease of setup and use, effectiveness, noise level, features, and maneuverability. For expert advice on what to look for when shopping for a robot vacuum, Barbara also consulted Karina Toner, Operations Manager at Spekless, a home cleaning service; Jennifer Rodriguez, chief hygiene officer at Pro Housekeepers; Kevin Huang, founder and CEO of Ambient Home; and Robert Johnson, marketing director at Coast Appliances.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.