Robot Vacuums That Conquer Big Thresholds: 2025's Top Picks
How to stop your robot vacuum getting stuck on steps, rugs and raised floors
If your robot vacuum gets stuck every time it faces a doorway step, wooden threshold or thick rug, you're not alone. Most modern robot vacuums do a good job of crossing small transitions and low thresholds under 1.8 cm. But once you go over 2 cm, things get more difficult. That's where many models start to struggle. For homes with raised flooring, tile lips, thick rugs or small steps between rooms, climbing ability becomes a key feature to look for.
The good news is that a new wave of robot vacuums released in 2025 are built with this problem in mind. With climbing systems, adaptive suspension and larger wheels, these models are designed to handle the kind of obstacles that stop standard vacuums in their tracks. Some offer advanced height-adjustment systems, while others rely on powerful wheels or smart recovery features to get over thresholds and onto thick carpet without getting stuck.
Why Thresholds Are a Problem for Robot Vacuums
Most robot vacuums are made for flat, open-plan spaces. If your home has a mix of tile, wood and carpet, or a few small steps or level changes, a typical robot vacuum might not cope well. Many standard models are limited to climbing heights of around 2 cm. That means they may not be able to cross into other rooms or onto thicker rugs.
Wooden thresholds, tiled edges or small drops between rooms can block the vacuum entirely. Even if the step looks minor to you, it can be a major obstacle for a robot with small wheels and low clearance.
Robot Vacuums That Can Cross Big Obstacles
In 2025, several brands launched high-end models built specifically to tackle this issue. These robot vacuums use intelligent suspension, adaptive lift mechanisms or large wheels to handle thresholds, small steps and thick carpet. Each takes a slightly different approach to the problem, but all are designed to go further than typical models when it comes to crossing uneven flooring.
Dreame X50 Ultra
The Dreame X50 Ultra was unveiled at CES 2025 and is currently one of the most capable climbers available. Dreame claims it can climb up to 6 cm, which makes it ideal for homes with raised floors, sunken rooms or deep rugs. It also includes advanced cleaning features, but its ability to handle large steps is its standout strength.
Roborock Qrevo Curv Series
The Qrevo Curv series uses Roborock's AdaptiLift chassis, which can raise or lower the vacuum as needed. This allows it to move across high-pile rugs or small step-ups with ease. It's a flexible solution for homes with mixed flooring and gentle level changes.
Roborock Saros S10
Also built with AdaptiLift technology, the Saros S10 is designed to climb up to 4 cm. That makes it a strong choice for homes with thresholds, layered flooring or older layouts with uneven surfaces between rooms.
Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 with NeverStuck
Shark has taken a different approach. Instead of lifting, this vacuum >NeverStuck technology to detect when it's stuck and try again using a new path. It's well suited to homes with odd corners, uneven flooring or raised edges that cause traditional vacuums to give up. While it's not focused on pure climbing height, it's a clever way to deal with tricky layouts.
Matic
Matic is one of the largest robot vacuums available, and its size gives it an edge. With large wheels and high ground clearance, it can roll over thick rugs, raised transitions and even low steps without much effort. It's a good fit for homes with older flooring or dense carpet that would slow down smaller robots.
Other Ways to Tackle High Thresholds
If the robot vacuum you want doesn't climb quite high enough, there are a few simple fixes that can help. A low-pile rug can act as a ramp in front of a step. You can also install threshold ramps, which create a smoother incline between surfaces. These are affordable, subtle additions that make your home easier for any robot to navigate.
You could also consider where the robot starts from. Moving the dock to a different room or level can avoid problem areas altogether. Small layout changes can often expand where your robot can go without needing a new model.
Wrap-up
Thresholds and raised edges used to be a dealbreaker when shopping for a robot vacuum. Not anymore. Whether you choose the powerful Dreame X50 Ultra, the adaptable Roborock Saros S10, or the smart recovery of Shark's NeverStuck, there are now great options that climb with ease and keep cleaning.
Just be sure to measure your thresholds and rugs before you buy. A difference of just a millimetre or two can be the deciding factor in whether your vacuum gets stuck or carries on cleaning.
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