Short on time? These are the top picks for the best robot vacuum for dark floors:

As robot vacuums become smarter and more advanced, they can make your life so much easier. With so many robot vacuums to choose from, there is one for every need. However, not a lot of cleaning experts talk about how poorly most robot vacuums perform on dark hardwood floors and black surfaces.

What is the best robot vacuum for dark floors? The iRobot Roomba s9+ is the best robot vacuum for dark floors, including dark carpet and hardwood floors. It uses dual beam cliff sensor technology which improves its ability to clean over dark surfaces while also being able to detect cliffs or edges.

While you can find many robot vacuums that can clean after themselves, only a select few can clean dark and black surfaces effectively. If your house has multiple black surfaces and dark floors, you need the right robot vacuum for the job. In this post, we review the best robot vacuums for dark floors.

Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum for Dark Floors

One of the most common questions we get is: do robot vacuums work on dark floors? A robot vacuum's ability to clean on black or dark surfaces depends on the model that you have. Unfortunately, most robot vacuums have difficulties navigating dark floors because they mistake black colors for a cliff.

Only robot vacuums equipped with dual beam cliff sensor technology can navigate expertly on black and dark surfaces. This technology improves the robot vacuum’s ability to clean over dark floors while also being able to detect cliffs or edges. Just be sure there is no dust or debris blocking the sensors.

Additionally, cleaning on dark floors is different from cleaning in the dark. Most can do the latter thanks to advanced LiDAR sensors (Light Detection and Ranging). A robot vacuum equipped with advanced LiDAR sensors can work in nighttime or complete darkness, so you can use it anytime you please.

PRO TIP: Did you know that most robot vacuums do not fall down stairs? Most robot vacuums have cliff sensors that recognize cliffs and edges. However, because they can mistake black and dark surfaces for a cliff, they are ineffective on dark floors. Only dual beam sensor technology can detect dark/black surfaces.

Best Robot Vacuum for Dark Floors Reviews

Taking the above consideration in mind, we have only included the robot vacuums equipped with dual beam cliff sensor technology. You can have peace of mind knowing that each robot vacuum on this list can navigate dark surfaces expertly. Here are the top three best robot vacuums for dark floors:

1. iRobot Roomba s9+

What we like about this robot vacuum: The s9+ is arguably the best that iRobot has to offer. What makes this product unique from other Roomba models is its shape. Thanks to the innovative D-shape, it can clean corners and edges far better than round and circular-shaped robot vacuums.

Moreover, with the advanced vSLAM navigation, the Roomba s9+ learns the layout of your home and builds personal Smart Maps, enabling it to expertly clean and navigate in neat, efficient rows. In fact, it is the best robot vacuum with mapping technology. If it is low on battery, it recharges and resumes cleaning.

Speaking of batteries, it can last up to 120 minutes for each cleaning run. Considering that it requires a lot of battery power to support its extensive features, the Roomba s9+ is simply durable. You do not need to worry if you have a large and spacious dark-surfaced area that needs cleaning.

How well it cleans on dark floors: Thanks to the dual beam cliff sensor technology, the Roomba s9+ can expertly navigate black surfaces, even dark hardwood floors. Additionally, with 40x more suction, it has more than enough power to clean carpets, making it the best robot vacuum for dark and black carpet.

You can rely on the Roomba s9+ to work on dark floors thanks to its vSLAM navigation technology that gathers over 230,400 data points per second. Put simply, it can navigate and avoid obstacles brilliantly, even on dark floors. Dust, dirt, and debris simply have no place to hide from the Roomba s9+.

Final Verdict: Advertised by iRobot as the smartest, most powerful robot vacuum yet, the Roomba s9+ is the best robot vacuum for dark floors. The combination of smart sensors and unique D-shape allows it to expertly navigate and clean dark and black surfaces effectively. If you want the best, buy the Roomba s9+.

2. iRobot Roomba i6+

What we like about this robot vacuum: At almost half the price of the Roomba s9+, the iRobot Roomba i6+ is another excellent choice as one of the best robot vacuums for dark floors. Equipped with several cutting edge technologies from iRobot, it can deliver powerful cleaning and attack messes in the moment.

Just like the s9+, you have the option to buy the additional CLEAN BASE. With the CLEAN BASE Automatic Dirt Disposal, the Roomba i6+ can empty itself for up to 60 days. You can simply forget about vacuuming for months at a time, as this robot vacuum cleans after you and cleans after itself.

Unfortunately, while the Roomba s9+ comes at a whopping 40x suction power (compared to Roomba 600 series), the Roomba i6+ only comes at an adequate 10x suction power. Nevertheless, the iRobot Roomba i6+ is still one of the most powerful robot vacuums in the market today. 

How well it cleans on dark floors: The Roomba i6+ is another product from iRobot equipped with dual beam cliff sensor technology, so it can smartly navigate dark floors and black surfaces. It can also work on dark hardwood floors as well. In short, the Roomba i6+ is guided by serious smarts. 

Moreover, with the patented iAdapt technology and vSLAM navigation, the Roomba i6+ actively captures thousands of precise measurements each millisecond to optimize coverage. However, because it is round in shape, it will not clean corners as well as the s9+. It is still an amazing robot vacuum for dark floors. 

Final Verdict: The iRobot Roomba i6+ comes second only to the s9+. At almost half the price of the Roomba s9+, the Roomba i6+ delivers value and functionality without costing you a hefty amount. If you want to enjoy the smart mapping feature and premium 3-stage cleaning, without paying too much, buy the Roomba i6+.

3. iRobot Roomba i3+

What we like about this robot vacuum: Now if you have a smaller house, or you only have a small dark-surfaced area you wish to clean, then the iRobot Roomba i3+ may be right for you. At only a fraction of the price of both the s9+ and the i6+, the i3+ is the most affordable robot vacuum for dark floors.

While it does not have the same smart mapping feature as the s9+ and the i6+, the i3+ comes with the same premium 3-stage cleaning system, just like the i6+. Considering that you will not have to break the bank, it is worth it. Moreover, it has the same 10x suction power and self-cleaning base, similar to the i6+.

iRobot products are known for their intelligence. Despite its relatively cheaper price, the Roomba i3+ learns your cleaning habits and offers personalized schedules, while Google Assistant and Alexa allow you to start cleaning with just the sound of your voice. Not bad for an affordable option.

How well it cleans on dark floors: Do not be fooled by its cheaper price, as the Roomba i3+ comes with the infamous dual beam cliff sensor technology that you find in the s9+ and the i6+. Sufficed to say, it can expertly navigate dark floors and black surfaces. It can also work on dark hardwood floors as well.

While the s9+ is the best robot vacuum for dark or black carpet, the i3+ has more than enough suction power for everyday cleaning, especially on dark floors. Rest assured, you can rely on the i3+ to pick up dirt and debris efficiently, without having to dig deep into your wallets. Its smart navigation will get the job done.

Final Verdict: With the same CLEAN BASE Automatic Dirt Disposal just like the Roomba s9+ and the i6+, the Roomba i3+ can empty itself for up to 60 days. If you want the most affordable option out of the three, then buy the iRobot Roomba i3+. Without a doubt, it offers the best value for its price.

Best Robot Vacuum for Cleaning in the Dark

As we have mentioned in the beginning of this article, the ability to clean on dark floors is different than cleaning in the dark. Not all robot vacuums can clean in complete darkness. While the three iRobot robot vacuums we’ve mentioned work well on dark floors, they may not work as well in complete darkness.

Roborock S6 MaxV

When it comes to cleaning in complete darkness, it is hard to beat Roborock robot vacuums. In fact, Roborock’s LiDAR navigation systems have been widely praised for their precision and effectiveness, even in dark rooms. The best of them all is the Roborock S6 MaxV. It is arguably more superior than the S5 Max.

Moreover, the Roborock S6 MaxV is equipped with dual front cameras. The cameras have infrared sensors so the robot can clean your house at night and can still recognize objects. Thanks to the remote viewing feature in the Roborock app, you can “see” what the robot vacuums sees, even in complete darkness.

Not only does it work well in the dark, but it is arguably the best two-in-one robot vacuum/mop hybrid available in the market today. Thanks to its electronic water tank, it can regulate water flow to ensure its mop stays damp, not wet. Based on our tests, it can clean stains on hard surfaces very well.

What about its suction power? As it turns out, it is one of the best in the industry. In fact, the Roborock S6 MaxV has an astounding 2500Pa of suction power, the most out of any Roborock models. It has 25% more power than other S6 models. Rest assured, you can have peace of mind knowing it can suck dirt well.

Final Verdict: The Roborock S6 MaxV is the best robot vacuum for cleaning in the dark. If for some reason, you need a robot vacuum that can work in complete darkness, there is no product better than the Roborock S6 MaxV. With the ability to see what the robot sees, this robot vacuum is simply hard to beat.

Final Verdict

And there you have it, the best robot vacuums for dark or black floors. Our team had an amazing time researching and testing every robot vacuum on this list. When it comes to cleaning dark floors, however, we feel there are not enough options available. With that said, here is the quick recap:

The best robot vacuum for dark floors is the iRobot Roomba s9+. With a plethora of features, not only is it powerful, but it is supremely advanced as well. Boasting 40x suction power than its predecessors, it is hard to match its quality. It is hands down the best at navigating dark and black surfaces. 

However, if you want the most affordable robot vacuum for dark floors, then buy the iRobot Roomba i3+. It comes with the same dual beam cliff sensor technology, just like the s9+. While it does not have the same features, it comes at a much more affordable price and provides excellent value.

For cleaning in complete darkness, the Roborock S6 MaxV is the best robot vacuum for cleaning in the dark. Thanks to its advanced LiDAR navigation system, it can expertly navigate and avoid obstacles anytime of the day. Additionally, you can enjoy the remote viewing feature to see what the robot sees.

It is not easy finding the best robot vacuum for dark hardwood floors. While black and dark surfaces can make any house more elegant, finding a robot vacuum that can work on them is easier said than done. Hopefully, you can find the right robot vacuum for your home through our honest reviews. 🙂