The Top-Rated Vacuums for Hardwood Floors We’ve Tested

Best Overall Corded

Vacuuming over your floors repeatedly can be tedious, but the Shark Stratos makes this process effortless. During testing, it far exceeded our expectations, picking up 100% of the debris in just one pass. After only 48 seconds, the dust, sand, and hair were completely gone.

Despite being on the heavier side at 16.7 pounds, this vacuum proved to be remarkably easy to maneuver. It glided effortlessly across hardwood floors, requiring minimal effort to move it forward.

If your home has stairs, you might find it challenging to carry the vacuum up them. On the bright side, it features built-in lights on the head, which are extremely useful for illuminating dirt and debris, especially in darker areas or under furniture.

For pet owners, vacuuming up hair can be a hassle, particularly when it gets tangled in the brush roll. The Shark Stratos addresses this issue with a self-cleaning brush roll that collects pet hair without tangling. We also found the wand feature handy, making it easier to clean high places or narrow crevices.

Weight: 16.7 pounds | Power Source: Corded | Dust Bin Capacity: 1.5 quarts | HEPA Filter: Yes

Best Overall Cordless

The Levoit VortexIQ40 cordless vacuum is a fantastic lightweight option for those who prefer the convenience of cordless models. Weighing just over 7 pounds, it’s significantly lighter than many corded vacuums, but it doesn’t compromise on cleaning performance.

During our initial use of this vacuum, it effectively collected all the debris on the floor. We also found that it performed excellently across all three speed settings: low, medium, and high.

This vacuum comes with built-in lights that enhance visibility when cleaning under furniture or in dimly lit areas. However, there is no option to turn off the lights, which we would have preferred. Additionally, the power button functions like a regular on/off switch, rather than a press-and-hold button to power it down during use. Whether this is a positive or a negative depends on personal preference.

We appreciated the vacuum's lightweight design, but the swiveling head made steering a bit tricky. The swivel mechanism caused the head to stay aligned, making it harder to maneuver in tight spaces and reach all areas. Nevertheless, we were satisfied with its 40-minute battery life, which provided ample time to clean most spaces in a single session.

Weight: 7.1 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Dust Bin Capacity: 0.63 quarts | HEPA Filter: Yes

Best Budget

You can’t go wrong with a classic upright vacuum, and we highly recommend this one from Shark. It's affordably priced (under $200), simple to assemble, and offers strong suction and swivel steering, making it a versatile tool for your cleaning needs.

The detachable pod and nozzle, along with the upholstery tool and crevice tool, made quick work of eliminating debris and hair. Switching between carpet and hardwood was smooth and effortless, thanks to the brush roll shut-off feature.

Additionally, the dust cup is spacious enough for extended cleaning sessions. After six months of use, this vacuum has continually exceeded our expectations, delivering excellent suction and effectively cleaning both hardwood and carpeted surfaces. However, we do wish it had headlights to help with cleaning dark corners and crevices.

Despite its large size, the vacuum was surprisingly easy to maneuver around furniture and under tight spaces. That said, its bulk makes it heavier and more difficult to use on stairs, and there is no portable attachment for tackling those tricky spots. If you’re comfortable with the weight, this affordable vacuum will serve you well.

Type: Upright | Weight: 16 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet | Battery Life/Runtime: N/A | Dustbin Capacity: 0.9 liters

Best Features

The Dyson Gen5detect vacuum is a premium model that’s well worth the investment. Its standout features include a fluffy optic cleaner head with an integrated light, making it easy to spot and clean up even the tiniest particles. We were also impressed by its powerful suction, as it effortlessly picked up all debris with a single pass.

While testing, we used the vacuum’s boost setting, which made it much easier to handle large quantities of hair. This feature is especially beneficial for pet owners. Moreover, the vacuum’s brush roll didn’t snag any of the hair, unlike some other models we tested.

Weight: 7.7 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Dust Bin Capacity: 0.8 quarts | HEPA Filter: Yes

Top Choice for Quiet Operation

Loud vacuums can be a nuisance, particularly in apartments or when you're trying to avoid disturbing others. This Britech cordless vacuum, however, offers an impressively quiet operation that's ideal for conversations or enjoying music. Despite its quiet nature, it remains powerful, effortlessly picking up debris (especially on hardwood floors) and removing nearly all dirt and hair with just one pass.

The nozzle attachment worked wonders for cleaning in tight spaces, easily extracting dirt from crevices. However, the main vacuum handle became uncomfortable after about 10 minutes of use—the rubber surface felt harsh against the skin. Additionally, the debris collection bin's design could be improved, as sometimes it required extra effort to completely empty all contents.

Despite these minor issues, the vacuum was easy to handle and versatile. It transitioned smoothly between different floor types, making it a solid choice for both hardwood floors and carpets.

Weight: 8.1 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Dust Bin Capacity: Not listed | HEPA Filter: Yes

Top Canister Pick

A canister vacuum is an excellent choice for cleaning hardwood floors, as it offers strong suction power and a portable, lightweight design on wheels. The Miele Classic C1 vacuum cleaned effectively and efficiently.

In our tests, we noticed that without the brush roll, debris scattered more easily. However, the vacuum still managed to pick everything up, though it took a bit longer than anticipated. It was easy to move the vacuum around due to its well-balanced weight distribution on the wheels, and the cord length was sufficient to cover a large living room without needing to plug into a different outlet. Plus, the telescoping handle could be adjusted to suit your height and preferences, making it even more comfortable to use.

During testing, we found some hair became tangled in the roller, and we had difficulty removing it as there wasn't a tool designed for that purpose. If you have a pet that sheds a lot, it's something to consider before deciding to buy this vacuum cleaner.

Weight: 13 pounds | Power Source: Corded | Dust Bin Capacity: 4.5 quarts | HEPA Filter: No

Top Robot Selection

Robot vacuums provide an efficient solution for maintaining clean floors without the hassle of manual vacuuming. The Roborock S8+ is a smart device that can be programmed to clean on a set schedule, create digital maps of your home, and automatically empty its contents into a larger bin located in the charging station. This model also includes a mopping function, making it ideal for hardwood floors.

The base container holds up to 2.5L of dirt, so with regular use, you can go up to seven weeks without needing to empty it. We were particularly impressed with the smart mapping feature, which enabled the vacuum to learn our home’s layout and thoroughly clean every corner. The vacuum also performs well with hair and even includes a detangling tool to remove any hair wrapped around the brush roll.

This vacuum's mopping feature excelled in removing sticky residue with ease. We conducted a quick test with a paper towel afterward, and no dirt or residue was left behind, proving the mopping function is effective. However, it's worth noting that such handy features come with a premium price, which is typical for robot vacuums, though we do wish it included extra mop pads.

Weight: 20.5 pounds | Power Source: Corded charging base | Dust Bin Capacity: 2.64 quarts | HEPA Filter: No

Best Self-Emptying

Self-emptying features are typically seen in robot vacuums, but not as often in stick vacuums. The Shark Wandvac, however, automatically empties itself into its charging base, which can hold a large volume of debris. On the downside, the dustbin of the stick vacuum is small, making it challenging to clean large areas without needing to empty it several times.

Overall, the vacuum performed admirably, picking up debris, including stubborn messes like food and hair, in just a few passes. However, the vacuum's noise level was quite high, making it difficult to have a conversation while it was running, and you may even miss the sound of a doorbell or knock.

The vacuum's rotating head and compact design allowed for easy navigation around furniture and into narrow spaces. Its lightweight structure also made it a breeze to handle stairs, an issue encountered with some other models we've reviewed. After six months of intensive testing, the vacuum's suction strength and battery life remained impressive with almost daily use.

Weight: 13.9 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Dust Bin Capacity: Not listed | HEPA Filter: Yes

Ideal for Pet Hair

Pets are a delight, but they certainly add to the vacuuming responsibilities around the house. For any dirt tracked in or fur that accumulates, the Tineco Pure One vacuum proves to be a fantastic tool for handling such messes. It effectively removed dog hair from both rugs and hardwood floors on auto mode.

Once the hair was cleared, emptying the Tineco Pure One was relatively simple. We only needed to reach in to untangle a few strands. To make this even easier, the vacuum has a practical lever that allows for hands-free cleaning of the filter.

At just under 7 pounds, this is the lightest vacuum on our list, making it a breeze to maneuver. However, it can become somewhat heavy in handheld mode with prolonged use. Additionally, the vacuum provides voice prompts to assist with the cleaning process, though they can be quite loud.

Weight: 6.8 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Dust Bin Capacity: 0.5 quarts | HEPA Filter: Yes

Final Verdict

Both the Shark Stratos and Levoit VortexIQ 40 are our top picks for the best overall vacuum. Choosing the right one for you comes down to whether you prefer a corded or cordless model. The Levoit VortexIQ 40, being cordless, offers greater mobility as it doesn't require a constant connection to an outlet. However, we found the Shark Stratos to be slightly more powerful and effective at picking up debris.

Our Testing Process

We put several vacuums through a rigorous lab test, examining each model's cleaning power, ease of setup, maneuverability, simplicity of emptying, portability, noise levels, and overall value. We used sand, hair, and sawdust to measure how well each vacuum picked up debris from hardwood floors.

As we tested each vacuum, we recorded how much debris was collected in a single pass, how many passes it took to clear all the debris, and whether any particles remained after multiple attempts to vacuum.

For noise testing, we ran each vacuum and measured its decibel levels. We also assessed how intrusive this noise might be in a home setting. Additionally, we timed the setup process, rated how easy it was to follow the instructions, and evaluated the overall efficiency of the setup. Finally, we judged each vacuum's maneuverability based on weight and how easily it could be moved while cleaning a room.

Once the lab tests were finished, we took the top vacuums home to see how they performed in a more typical household environment. This allowed us to evaluate their durability, long-term effectiveness, and reliability over time.

How to Shop for Vacuums For Hardwood Floors Like a Pro

Vacuum Type

There are various vacuum types available, such as upright, stick, handheld, canister, and robotic vacuums. While upright and stick models are typically suitable for all flooring types, to prevent damaging hardwood floors, Rathey suggests choosing a model with a brush roll that can be turned off.

Vacuums with brush attachments are gentle on hardwood floors, making them perfect for cleaning crevices and areas under furniture.

If your budget allows, a robot vacuum like the Roborock S8+ is a fantastic option. It works on all floor types, including hardwood, and eliminates the need for manual vacuuming. You can schedule these devices to clean at times that work best for you.

Included Accessories

Look for a vacuum that comes with a hardwood floor attachment or a soft-material roller to protect your floors from damage. Standard brush rollers may scratch hardwood if not specifically designed for it.

Additional tools, like crevice attachments, are useful for cleaning tight spaces such as corners where dirt can accumulate. If you have pets, consider vacuums with specialized pet attachments, particularly for removing pet hair from furniture.

HEPA Filter

HEPA filters are a common feature in many vacuums, designed to capture fine dust and allergens. This is particularly beneficial for households where someone suffers from asthma or allergies to substances like pollen or pet dander.

“Nearly every vacuum now boasts ‘HEPA’ filtration, and this is a positive development, as high-quality filters capture more fine dust from the air passing through,” explained Rathey. “However, dust can still escape or be stirred up from different parts of the vacuum: from the tool/floor interface, gaps in the body, and filter seals. Additionally, vacuum motors themselves may release particles into the air, making a post-motor HEPA filter quite beneficial.”

Weight and Maneuverability

The weight and ease of maneuvering a vacuum are crucial factors, especially in homes with stairs. However, not all heavier vacuums are difficult to move, as some heavier models we tested glided smoothly across the floor. Plus, heavier vacuums often provide stronger suction and increased airflow.

The way a vacuum's weight is distributed, along with its design, can affect how easily it can be maneuvered. For instance, canister vacuums tend to be heavier but have their weight spread across wheels. Rathey pointed out that this design allows for a more powerful motor and the ability to use a hose and attachments to clean over a wider area. Though the vacuum unit itself can be cumbersome to move, a long hose makes it easier to clean stairs and reach farther from the main unit.

Beyond the vacuum's weight, the inclusion of a swivel head can greatly enhance its maneuverability. We found that vacuums equipped with swivel heads were significantly easier to navigate, especially in spaces cluttered with furniture. If you plan on vacuuming around items like dining tables or coffee tables, opting for a swivel-head vacuum could be a smart investment.

More Vacuums For Hardwood Floors to Consider

Dyson Omni-Glide Cordless Vacuum: This Dyson cordless vacuum excels at picking up smaller, flat debris such as sand, but it has difficulty with pet hair that tends to tangle in the brush roll. If you're dealing with shedding pets, this model may not be the best fit. However, it performs adequately for most other types of debris.

Shark Pro Cordless Hard Floor Vacuum Mop: The Shark Pro offers the versatility of both a vacuum and a mop, which is a plus, but during testing, it required multiple passes to pick up debris. While the mop feature can save you time during the cleaning process, expect to run the vacuum over the floors a couple of times for optimal results.

Questions You Might Ask

Do you need a special vacuum for hardwood floors?

There are vacuums designed specifically for hardwood floors, but many newer models also perform well on both carpets and hardwood. Rathey agreed that hardwood-specific vacuums may provide enhanced performance, noting the distinct design features of vacuums tailored for carpet versus hardwood floors.

“While vacuums for carpets typically utilize three methods to remove dirt — suction, a brush roll, and agitation (or 'carpet beating') — hardwood floor vacuums rely on just two: suction and a brush attachment,” explained Rathey. “However, there are upright and stick models where you can turn off the brush roll to safely vacuum hard floors.”

He cautioned that you might experience reduced performance with a multi-surface vacuum, but pointed out that “a well-designed upright or stick vacuum, where the brush roll can be turned off or replaced with a soft-material roller, is an effective option for cleaning hardwood floors. Corded versions tend to offer more power and the advantage of not needing to manage battery weight.”

Is it better to vacuum or sweep hardwood floors?

Although sweeping is often considered the go-to method for removing dirt and debris from hardwood floors, experts highlighted the advantages of vacuuming instead.

“Vacuums are more efficient at reaching into cracks and crevices, areas that sweeping misses,” Kendrick noted. “Additionally, sweeping with stiff bristles can scratch the floor, and dragging dirt around while sweeping can cause further damage.”

What is the best way to vacuum hardwood floors?

Similar to carpet cleaning, start by picking up larger items from the floor before vacuuming your hardwood. Remove cords, clothes, or any other items that could get tangled. Then, use a vacuum with a hardwood-specific attachment or setting, ideally with the brush roll off to avoid scratches. For an extra level of cleanliness, consider following up with a mop or a hardwood floor cleaner.

Take Our Word for It

This piece was authored by Kaylyn McKenna, an expert on appliance shopping for Mytour. To identify the best vacuums for hardwood floors, we conducted comprehensive hands-on testing, considering various factors like suction power, ease of maneuverability, weight, and more. After selecting the top models in the lab, we tested them further in home settings to assess their performance in a typical household environment. For professional advice on maintaining hardwood floors and choosing the ideal vacuum, we consulted Ronnie Kendrick, the founder of CompanyClean, a Colorado-based cleaning service, and Allen Rathey, the Director of the Indoor Health Council.