Top 5 Best Robot Vacuum for Thick Carpet

Getting your hands on the best robot vacuum for thick carpet isn’t a luxury. Carpets are repeatedly being stepped on.

Their side-by-side model comparisons make it easy to discern which vacuum will best suit your household’s unique needs.
Who knows what tiny thingamabobs your kids and pets have embedded on those floors? Know that dirty rugs and carpets can affect the airflow in your home because of the pollutants they contain.

Aside from hair and dust, they may also trap pollen, mold spores, fleas, and mites. The longer you allow them to hide in the carpet, the harder it gets to remove them.

So, what’s the answer?

The best robot vacuum for thick carpet and pet hair, of course!

You don’t have to lose so much of your precious time just to keep your floors clean.

This innovative machine will help prolong your carpet’s life and promote the air quality in your home. Now, the question is, how expensive is the best robot vacuum for thick carpets? This is the part where I advise you to read the entire article review. Robovacs vary in price depending on the set of features they have.
Roomba s9+
The Roomba s9+ is the most splurge-worthy robot vacuum ever existed so far. Where should we start, the unique CleanBase™, Dual Multi-Surface Brushroll, PerfectEdge® technology, or Imprint™ Smart Maps? When it comes to standout features of the Roomba s9+, there are simply too many to mention!
Shark IQ R101AE
Critics may brush off the Shark IQ R101AE, saying it is just “a poor man’s Roomba.” Nevertheless, Shark deserves a standing ovation for being the first company to rival iRobot’s self-emptying robot vacuum. Our favorite thing about this unit is its self-cleaning brushroll, which can pick up an insane amount of hair without getting tangled.

Roborock S6
The Roborock S6 features carpet-recognition and 2000 Pa suction power to pull deeply lodged dirt from your carpets. Equipped with a water tank and a cloth mop, it also leaves your hardwood floors a subtle sheen.
Eufy RoboVac 15C Max
Although the RoboVac 15C Max is in a different league, it remains a highly-rated robot vacuum thanks to its 2000 Pa suction power and numerous cleaning modes. This robot vacuum is a powerful sucker, and you can get it for a moderate price point.
GOOVI 1600PA
The GOOVI 1600PA is far from perfect, but with supervision, it can work like a charm without costing you an arm! This sleek vacuum has 1600 Pa of suction power and 100 minutes of run-time.

5 Best Robot Vacuums for Thick Carpet

Roomba s9+

Look no further if you are looking for the crème de la crème of robot vacuum cleaners. The Roomba s9+ is, without a doubt, the best robot vacuum for thick carpet, hardwood floors, pet hair, and anything in between. For starters, the s9+ is the first self-emptying robot vacuum with a D-style chassis that iRobot designed.

The new shape allows the robot to hug walls and angles, ensuring it picks up every bit of dirt in baseboards and other moldings. iRobot has also nailed again in terms of design. As always, iRobot has created another stalwart Roomba. Funnily enough, it looks like a tank when the hood is up.

While we don’t suggest you let your dog or child toy with it, you can rest assured this little robot is sturdy enough to withstand some abuse along the way.

So, what features make the Roomba s9+ the best robot vacuum for high pile carpet? A lot of models in the market can deal with low-pile carpeting, but only the best can tackle the shaggiest of carpets. Now, let’s get started. The s9+ comes equipped with iRobot’s patented dual multi-surface brushroll, which includes the carpet roller brush.

Yup, you read that right. Hair will not accumulate in the brushroll while it cleans. Because of the new design and new placement of the brushroll, it also offers a more extensive cleaning path compared to robovacs with the typical circular aesthetic. Adding to that is a 27-degree corner brush to seize deep-seated dirt along walls. Roomba calls this design PerfectEdge® technology.

The Roomba s9+ has powerful suction to boot. This model measures 22 CFM in the anemometer, which is only 1 CFM less compared to its rival, the Shark IQ. By the way, the efficiency of a robot vacuum is measured not only by the airflow, so don’t jump ship just yet. Even at its strongest cleaning mode, the s9+ sounds just like an idle chatter at a bistro. Adding to that is a 120-minute battery life.

Important

The LED ring will indicate if the robot is running out of juice. But with the “Recharge and Resume” feature, you won’t have to worry about a thing.

The Roomba s9+ is also the defending champ in terms of navigation and mapping technology. This model cruises around your home using the iAdapt® 3.0 Navigation with vSLAM® technology (Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). Having high-tech sensors as eyes, it creates an accurate digital representation of your home swifter than any robot vacuum in the market.

The s9+ never goes astray when you apply changes to your home since it can detect both old and new obstacles in real-time. Instead, the robot learns and adapts to the changes in its environment to optimize coverage and minimize the time spent on making adjustments. Smart, isn’t it?

You want to know the best part? The Roomba s9+ features Imprint™ Smart Maps, which means you can create personalized rooms and save up a maximum of 10 floor plans. That being said, this Roomba isn’t limited to cleaning homes. This unit is capable enough to keep multi-story commercial buildings spick and span, as well. You can also use the s9+ in tandem with the Braava M6 if you have one. With the Imprint Link™ technology, you can direct the M6 to mop right after your s9+ has finished vacuuming.

Also, the iRobot Home app will give you a gazillion ways to manage your s9+. There are too many options to choose from, so we will talk about that at a later time. Just know that it is user-friendly, and you can select three cleaning preferences: “Detailed Clean,” Quiet Clean,” and “Custom Clean.” You can also prompt voice commands when necessary.

But wait, there’s more! The Roomba s9+ features Dirt Detect™ technology, which is a proprietary feature of iRobot. Imagine yourself pushing an upright vacuum cleaner a dozen times to get rid of stubborn grime. That’s what you get with the s9+ minus the effort, of course. 

This robot will maximize its cleaning efforts until it is squeaky clean. The LED ring will turn blue during this mode, too.

If you also wish to limit your robot’s access in some areas, you could set up “Keep-Out Zones” using the iRobot Home app. How convenient, right? You can create virtual barriers anywhere and any time of the day with just a few taps on your smartphone.

The Clean Base™ of the Roomba s9+ has a similar silhouette that of its predecessor, the i7+. Only this time, the manufacturer has addressed some of the issues concerning the latter.

Aside from the pretty copper band, the new and improved Clean Base™ has a better connection with the robot vacuum to ensure a tight seal during waste collection. The robot uses a high-efficiency filter, while the base makes use of AllergenLock bags to trap ultra-fine dust and other minute contaminants.

Attention

My only beef with this unit is that the bag costs around $5 each, and you can’t buy a bag individually. If you have multiple pets at home, one bag may not be enough for a month’s use. Nevertheless, we recommend you buy it to keep allergies at bay.

Pros

• hailed as the best robot vacuum for thick carpet and pet hair with its tangle-free dual multi-surface brushroll
• PerfectEdge® technology (a pair of wide brushes and a 27-degree corner brush for superior coverage)
• iAdapt® 3.0 Navigation with vSLAM technology
• Dirt Detect™ technology (focuses on cleaning a heavily soiled area)
• personalize your robot via the iRobot Home app or give voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant
• voffers three cleaning modes: “Detailed Clean,” “Quiet Clean,” and “Custom Clean”
• gives you the ability to choose how many passes you want the robot to make for each room
• Keep-Out Zones (set up virtual barriers anytime, anywhere via the app)
• Imprint™ Smart Map (customize rooms and save up to 10 floor plans)
• black matting and copper accents make for a sophisticated look
• Imprint™ Link (compatible with the iRobot Braava M6)
• 120-minute run-time, plus “Recharge and Resume” feature
• uses HEPA filter for the robot vacuum and AllergenLock™ disposal bag for the base
• 22 CFM, 65 – 68 decibels

Cons

• expensive upfront and maintenance costs

Shark IQ R101AE

The arrival of the Shark IQ R101AE created a massive buzz in the online market, particularly among consumers who couldn’t afford the Roomba s9+. But what’s the kicker? Let’s tackle the strong points first.

The Shark IQ has a dustbin built into its home dock that will collect the waste from the robot. The base has enough capacity to hold a month’s worth of dirt and debris, notes the manufacturer. Strictly speaking, the bin will not last that long if you have a bunch of kids and pets.

But because you won’t need bags for the base, you can save a lot on maintenance costs. Oddly enough, the Shark IQ looks like a gnome’s toilet when the robot is docked. Nevertheless, both the robot and its base are sturdy but surprisingly light.

This proactive cleaner comes equipped with a self-cleaning brushroll and dual-corner edge brushes. The self-cleaning brushroll does an excellent job of eliminating tangles while it simultaneously pulls up both human and pet hair.

Even if you have a prolific shedder, you will be amazed to see that there isn’t a single clump of hair stuck in the brush roll. Meanwhile, the dual-corner edge brushes sweep dust and debris into the suction bay of the robot. Hence, we hailed this newcomer as the second-best robot vacuum for thick carpet and pet hair.

Funnily enough, most Sharks navigate homes like a blind shark, but where others fail, the Shark IQ excels. This smart bot navigates your abode using a suite of sensors, including a camera. The robot may sometimes miss a spot or loses its way to its home dock at first. Give the robot some time because once it gathers enough data, it can clean specific rooms meticulously.

This robot will impress you as it cleans floors in straight lines, covering every nook and cranny. Also, the robot would correct itself to ensure it is following the right path.

Using the SharkClean™ app, you can select between “Eco,” “Normal,” and “Max” cleaning modes, or set the app to “Evacuate and Resume” or “Recharge and Resume.” For hands-free operation, you may also issue voice commands via Google Assistant or Alexa. Likewise, you can also create off-limit areas for the Shark IQ using the BotBoundary™ strip. The strip measures eight feet, which is a great length.

But if you have plenty of furnishings or wide archways to mark, it might prove insufficient.

Attention

Another thing to note is that the adhesive backing of the strips isn’t strong enough, which could be an issue if you have a kid or dog hell-bent on taking it off.

Now, want to know the best part?

Important

The Shark IQ R101AE boasts of having the strongest suction power among robot vacuum cleaners!

This model measures 23 CFM in the anemometer. But despite being a beast on the carpet floor, it only makes a humming sound in the background. This unit operates at 65 decibels on the “Max” mode. The self-emptying base is a different story, but the annoying sound lasts briefly. Lastly, this robot vacuum runs a total of 90 minutes per charge.

Pros

• equipped with a self-cleaning brushroll
• you can select up to three rooms to clean and three cleaning modes: “Eco,” “Normal,” and “Max”
• uses infrared and optical sensors for improved navigation
• smartphone integration plus voice commands
• includes 8 ft. BotBoundary™ strip
• uses HEPA filtration
• 90-minute run-time, plus “Recharge and Resume” feature
• 23 CFM, 65 – 68 decibels

Cons

• can only save one floor plan
• people with allergies may not benefit from the bagless feature of the base

Roborock S6

Another contender we have is the Roborock S6. Although this product comes from a low-key Chinese company, it is now brushing shoulders with mega-brands, such as the likes of Roomba. The S6 looks luxurious with its sleek, white modern template, but this robot offers more than its killer looks.

First off, the Roborock features a systematic navigation pattern called LIDAR technology (Light Detection and Ranging). The laser distance sensor serves as the eyes of the robot. You can quickly find that in the turret on top of the unit.

Forgive the robot if it might lose a few spots or wander away from its path while it is still trying to figure out the best route. Besides, the S6 is a fast and efficient cleaner once a map is in memory.

By then, you can create color-coded partitions within the floor plans at a later time via the app. This model can store up to three maps, so it is an excellent fit for a multi-story home.

While smartphone integration has become a thing in robot vacuums, you can manage your robot using the old school way. Old folks who aren’t too keen about smart devices would prefer the remote control.

Nevertheless, the Xiami Home app remains the best choice since it allows you to tailor the entire vacuuming and mopping process, such as directing your S6 what rooms to clean.

With the app, you can also view the cleaning history, track the life cycle of the brushes and filter, and create cleaning schedules, among others. Most importantly, you can set up virtual barriers to prevent your robot from entering a potential death trap.

Moreover, the Roborock S6 runs for about 120 minutes on Balanced Mode and up to 180 minutes on Quiet Mode. The robot is also intuitive enough to head back for a charge and resume any unfinished task after that. This robot vacuum is also among the quietest ones to boot. With a decibel rating of 56.7, it is only as loud as a small refrigerator.

Now, let’s head onto the most exciting part. What makes the Roborock S6 the best robot vacuum for thick carpeting?

Important

The Roborock S6 has a carpet recognition feature, and it automatically increases its suction power to 2000 Pa.

Furthermore, this model is a vacuum/mop combo. The brushroll of the S6 features a rubber-and-bristle construction. But unlike a majority of bristle brushrolls, it is 250% softer and denser as to not damage hardwood floors.

Although it isn’t a tangle-free brushroll, you can remove the bearings from either side of the brush to remove the pet hair. This unit also has a spinning side brush made of five strips of silicone to sweep debris into the suction vent of the robot.

The mopping module, on the other hand, is the same as other dual-purpose robot vacuums. You fill the tank with water, affix the cloth, and snap the tank back into the unit. But unlike others, the Roborock S6 gives you the ability to control the amount of water used on the cloth using a simple switch. You can choose a higher level to soften stains or dispense as little water as possible.

Pros

• uses LIDAR technology for navigation and mapping
• has carpet-recognition
• has a maximum of 2000 Pa suction power during carpet mode
• dual-purpose (can vacuum and mop)
• equipped with a rubber-and-bristle brushroll and a silicone spinning side brush
• bristles are 250% denser and softer compared to others
• can save up to three editable floor plans
• manageable via your smartphone or its remote control
• battery life can last 120 to 180 minutes per charge
• 56.7 decibels
• makes a smooth transition between bare floors and carpet

Cons

• pet hair may still get caught up in the brushes
• limited Alexa skill set
• takes a little while to map out your home entirely

Eufy RoboVac 15C Max

If you are looking for powerful suction and smooth operation, you might want to give the Eufy RoboVac 15C Max a try.

Attention

This unit doesn’t have the bells and whistles, such as laser mapping, virtual boundaries, and so on.

The key features of the 15C Max include a powerful suction power of 2000 Pa on its highest setting. This unit does a fantastic job of sucking up fine dust and large debris hidden in carpets.

The 15C Max has four cleaning modes: “Auto,” “Single-Room,” “Spot Mode,” and “Edge”. In “Auto,” the robot will clean continuously, only stopping when it is running out of juice. At this point, the robot will head back to the base to charge.

If the robot gets stuck, you will be alerted on your phone, and at the same time, you could hear a continuous beep from the robot’s location.

Meanwhile, the 15C Max will perform a 30-minute cleaning in a specific room during the “Single-Room” mode. Similar to Dirt Detect™, the Spot Mode is ideal for dealing with concentrated dirt, but it only lasts for two minutes. Lastly, the “Edge Mode” reduces speed so it could clean along walls for 20 minutes.

The 15C Max also has options to select a suction power: “Standard,” “BoostIQ,” and “Max.” Not surprisingly, each of these options corresponds to an increase in battery consumption. If you select “Max” for carpet cleaning, the battery life could drop from 100 to 30 minutes. You can use a physical remote to direct the vacuum or use the EufyHome app to select cleaning modes, increase or decrease suction power, as well as start and stop jobs.

Pros

• has four cleaning modes: “Standard,” “BoostIQ,” “Spot,” and “Max”
• choose among four levels of suction power
• has a maximum suction power of 2000 Pa for carpet cleaning
• smartphone integration
• modestly priced

Cons

• may get stuck or collide against objects too frequently due to the lack of smart navigation
• would beep non-stop until you clear the obstruction
• you can’t create “no-go” boundaries

GOOVI 1600PA

You probably haven’t heard of GOOVI, but if you are looking for a budget-friendly solution for your carpets, you should consider this model on top of your shopping list. As the name hints, it produces up to 1600 Pa of suction power that works incredibly well on low- and medium-pile carpets.

The GOOVI offers 100 minutes of continuous cleaning per charge, thanks to its sizable 2600-mAh battery. While it isn’t among the longest run-times in robot vacuums, it should provide sufficient time to clean a few rooms. Upon sensing a low battery, it also heads back to the charging dock. This model lacks an auto-resume feature, which is unsurprising given its price.

Given its affordability, we should keep our expectations within reason. The GOOVI claims to have smart navigation, but honestly speaking, it often fails in identifying obstacles. The robot gets pushed around by large obstructions, such as pet bowls and stray shoes.

Likewise, this unit isn’t reliable enough when it comes to picking up pet hair. The brushroll gets tangled easily. But at least this robot doesn’t throw itself off staircases that most budget-friendly robots do.

So, why is this robot vacuum even on this list?

Important

True, GOOVI lacks fancy features, but its powerful suction is hard to ignore.

Students with a limited budget or people living in a tiny home or studio apartment should find this robot vacuum sufficient.

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum for Thick Carpets and Pet Hair

Airflow/Suction Power

When it comes to carpet cleaning, you need a robot vacuum that comes with powerful suction. Robot vacuums with 22 – 23 CFM airflow, such as the Roomba s9+ and Shark IQ, or 2000 Pa suction, such as the Roborock S6 and RoboVac 15C Max, can get rid of fine particles and large debris that have sunk deep into the fibers of high-pile carpets.

Brush

The efficiency of a robot vacuum cleaner isn’t measured by its suction power alone. The type of brushes used can also affect the robovac’s capacity to clean different surfaces. For instance, standard robot vacuums use a single agitator brush to loosen up dirt.

While the typical brushroll may work exceptionally well on hard floors, it isn’t the same when it comes to pet hair, rugs, and carpets. Dirt and dust can get buried deep in the crevices between the fibers, making it nearly impossible to reach with a regular brush.

As for carpet cleaning, either the Roomba s9+ and the Shark IQ would be a fantastic choice. Roomba’s patented Dual Multi-Surface Brushroll is especially ideal for intense carpet cleaning. The grooved cylindrical rubber brushes, combined with powerful suction, can tackle all debris lodged between long carpet fibers. The rubber brushes are self-cleaning to boot. With all these features, it is unlikely for the long yarns to wrap around the brushes. The Shark IQ also comes equipped with a self-cleaning brushroll.

A spinning brush on the side is also a pleasant addition, particularly if you have plenty of baseboards. The side brush will sweep dirt from the wall edges and guide it into the suction vent.

Filtration

The type of filter used is another aspect to consider, especially if you are planning to use the robot vacuum to clean after your pets.

The ideal filter would be a HEPA filter. If you have airborne allergies or asthma, a robot vacuum with a HEPA filter will help reduce flare-ups since it pushes microscopic allergens into a mesh of fiberglass and prevents it from escaping once trapped.

Dustbin Capacity

Robot vacuums have a small dustbin capacity, given their size. But if you choose a model with a self-emptying bin, you wouldn’t have to worry how quickly your robot’s dustbin might fill up.

Navigation and Mapping

Advanced robot vacuums use either an onboard camera or laser sensor to create a 360-degree view of their environment. In contrast, others still rely on basic sensors to keep themselves from flinging out of the staircase. The advantage of mapping is that the robot will know which areas it has already cleaned and which it hasn’t. Likewise, it lets the robot know where to continue cleaning after it left off to charge. This feature makes it ideal for large homes.

Boundary Blockers

Without boundary blockers, you have to clear your floors of clutter before you could use your robot vacuum. Since that is not always possible, the ability to designate boundaries is a great help. Some models employ virtual barriers, while others use a magnetic tape that you stretch in front of an area you don’t want your robot to venture into.

Control

Manufacturers are including smartphone integration in their robots. Although you can still press a button on the vacuum itself to clean a room, you can also vacuum without even having to be home. If you don’t feel like lifting a finger, your robot can still perform the chores around your home by voicing out your commands.

Important

Wi-Fi-enabled models also provide you with other perks, such as the ability to save and edit floor maps.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does Roborock S6 climb thick carpets?

Roborock S6 offers excellent driving system, which easily overcomes small elevations up to 0.79in or 20 mm in height. It can climb thick carpets and cross barriers like thresholds.

Roomba S9+ vs Eufy Robovac 15C Max: which vacuum has better brushes for carpet cleaning?

Eufy model comes with one combined roller with blades and bristles. Roomba S9+ uses dual multi-surface rubber rollers. Tests show that dual brush system eliminates more fine debris and hair, gently treating the pile.

Which robot vacuum cleaner is the best for thick carpets?

Roomba S9+ is the best robot model for thick carpets. It offers 2200 Pa suction, Carpet Boost, dual multi-surface brushes, and self-emptying system. Also, you can try Roborock S6 and Robovac 15C Max, which feature similar power and other characteristics for less money.

Shark IQ R101AE vs GOOVI 1600PA: which vacuum has better air filtration?

Both vacuums use the same high-efficiency filters that capture about 99% of dangerous particles. They are suitable for pet owners as these vacs significantly purify the air from allergens.

Takeaway

All things considered, our number 1 pick is no other than the Roomba s9+. This model is inarguably the best robot vacuum for thick carpet and pet hair. With an airflow of 23 CFM combined with Roomba’s patented Dual Multi-Surface Brushroll, it works up to par with some highly-rated upright vacuum cleaners. This smart gadget can detect changes between surfaces and activate the appropriate cleaning mode. Simply put, this robot will perform all the tedious work for you so that you can spend your time doing something more important, such as spending time with your kids or pets.