Although hardwood floors are beautiful, they’re deceivingly challenging to maintain. If it’s not cleaned regularly, wood can lose its luster over time, and you’ll have to deal with dirt and muck builds-up.
That’s why you should invest in a high-quality hardwood floor vacuum. Fortunately, our reviews of the best hardwood floor vacuum can assist you in determining which device is ideal for you.
Let’s get started.
A Quick Overview of Our Top 10 Picks
We may earn a commission from our affiliate partners if you buy products using links on this page. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure. Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Cordless Small Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Best Overall
- Fast-charging battery
- Easily maneuverable
- Washable filter
- Added antimicrobial brush roll
Shark AZ1002 Apex Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
Best Self-Cleaning
- Self-cleaning tech saves you time
- An almost silent device
- Powered Lift-Away feature gives access to hard-to-reach spots
- Anti-allergen complete seal
Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Best Cordless
- Strong suction power
- Intelligent report LCD screen
- Three intelligent cleaning modes
- Easy to empty
Kenmore Elite 81714 Bagged Canister Vacuum
Ideal for Pet Hair
- Relatively quiet
- Effective on hard debris
- Enhanced HEPA filter system
- Telescopic aluminum wand
Eufy RoboVac 30C
Most Effective Robot Vacuum
- Voice-control through smartphone assistants and proprietary app
- Ability to set up cleaning schedules
- Up to 100 minutes of cleaning
- Unique dual-Hall Sensors
Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction Powerline Canister Vacuum
Most Compact Canister Vacuum
- Very versatile device
- The telescopic wand gets cobwebs
- Miele-Manufactured Vortex Motor
- 6-setting Rotary Dial
BISSELL CrossWave Wet-Dry Vacuum
Perfect for Mopping
- Great for even the nastiest spills
- Convenient button placement
- Dual tank technology
- Dual-action brush roll
BLACK+DECKER Powerseries Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner & Hand Vac
Best with LED Lights
- Easy to store away
- Mess-free 500ml dustbin
- Comes with built-in accessories
- Easy to detach beater bar
Eureka WhirlWind Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Most Lightweight
- The dust cup is easy to pop out
- No real upkeep costs providing you take care of the filters
- Convenient lock latch
- 2-in-1 Integrated Crevice Tool
Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum
Most Budget-Friendly
- Easy-emptying bagless technology
- Effective crevice tool
- Floor nozzle for stairs
- Suitable for countertops
Our Hardwood Floor Vacuum Reviews
Below, you’ll find detailed reviews about each product, including the pros and cons. In addition, you’ll have a chance to read about the highest-quality hardwood floor vacuums, some of which are suitable for carpets as well.
Keep on reading for the details.
Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Cordless Small Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Best Overall
- Cord/Cord-free: Cordless
- Form: Upright/Stick
- Weight: 6.61 lbs
- Shipping: Free
There are many reasons why the Hoover ONEPWR is our top choice when it comes to vacuums for hardwood floors. For a reasonable price, you get a sleek, ultra-lightweight device that’s also compatible with carpets.
If you need a high-quality vacuum cleaner for both hardwood floors and carpets, you’ll enjoy this cord-free device with an easy-to-remove and recharge ONEPWR 4.0 Ah MAX battery.
We found out that this device holds three times more pet hair and dirt compared to the competition, thanks to the large capacity of the dirt cup. Besides that, the on/off brush rollers assist in seamlessly transitioning from hardwood floors to carpets.
On the downside, this might not be the best carpet and hardwood floor vacuum if you want a device with long battery life. Namely, some reviewers noted that the battery might only just last you up to 25 minutes. Fortunately, the device also charges very quickly.
Pros
- + Fast-charging battery
- + Easily maneuverable
- + Washable filter
- + Added antimicrobial brush roll
Cons
- − Short battery life
Shark AZ1002 Apex Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
Best Self-Cleaning
- Cord/Cord-free: Corded
- Form: Upright
- Weight: 16 lbs
- Shipping: Free
Vacuums for bare floors can be challenging to clean, but luckily, you won’t have to worry about this with the Shark APEX AZ1002 DuoClean. This exclusive device features an innovative self-cleaning brush roll technology, saving you time.
Besides being the best self-cleaning device, this is also ideal for people looking for quiet operation when vacuuming. Namely, the noise reduction technology helps soften the pitch of your hoover, eliminating most of the noise during operation.
Additionally, this convenient vacuum cleaner has a Powered Lift-Away feature that helps users access hard-to-reach spots thanks to a detachable pod and nozzle. There is also an anti-allergen complete seal with a HEPA filter.
Although it deserves to be among the top-rated hardwood floor vacuum cleaners, we’d like it even more if it were lighter. Unfortunately, at 16lbs, it’s one of the heaviest vacuums on our list.
Pros
- + Self-cleaning tech saves you time
- + An almost silent device
- + Powered Lift-Away feature gives access to hard-to-reach spots
- + Anti-allergen complete seal
Cons
- − Heavier than the competitors
Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Best Cordless
- Cord/Cord-free: Cord-free
- Form: Handheld/Stick
- Weight: 6.68 lbs
- Shipping: Free
Cordless vacuums have many advantages, including being more mobile and convenient than standard corded devices. The Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is the best in this category, a relatively expensive but powerful machine with superior suction power.
What else makes this model one of our top-rated vacuum cleaners for hardwood floors?
For starters, the batteries will last you up to 60 minutes per session. That means that this stick vacuum cleaner is suitable for larger homes.
Also, the device features a high-torque cleaner head that automatically adjusts power and suction to clean different floors (carpet and hardwood) thoroughly without the need for switching cleaner heads.
The only thing we’d change about this device is the trigger that you constantly need to keep pressed while using the device. Hopefully, the company will upgrade it to have a “lock” button when it’s turned on.
Pros
- + Strong suction power
- + Intelligent report LCD screen
- + Three intelligent cleaning modes
- + Easy to empty
Cons
- − Lack of a “lock” button means you have to keep the trigger pressed
Kenmore Elite 81714 Bagged Canister Vacuum
Ideal for Pet Hair
- Cord/Cord-free: Corded
- Form: Upright
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Shipping: Free
The Kenmore Elite is ideal for people with pets who need a heavy-duty device with exceptional suction power.
What sets this bagged canister vacuum apart from other devices on this list is the Pet PowerMate feature. Thanks to this handy attachment, you’ll get rid of dirt, dander, and annoying pet hair in no time.
In addition, the unique design prevents hair from getting stuck in the brush.
But, the Kenmore Elite is not only the perfect hardwood floor vacuum for pet hair. It’s also one of the best choices for people with allergies.
The HEPA Filter System helps trap up to 99.7% of dust, dander, and debris inside the device, significantly reducing pollutants in the environment and providing relief to people with seasonal and dust allergies.
Many users praise this device and call it the best-rated hardwood floor vacuum cleaner for pet owners. Not everyone is thrilled about the size, though, and many people expressed a wish for a more maneuverable version of this vacuum cleaner.
Pros
- + Relatively quiet
- + Effective on hard debris
- + Enhanced HEPA filter system
- + Telescopic aluminum wand
Cons
- − Takes up a lot of space
Eufy RoboVac 30C
Most Effective Robot Vacuum
- Cord/Cord-free: Cord-free
- Form: Robotic
- Weight: 10.85 lbs with packaging
- Shipping: Free
We believe the Eufy RoboVac 30C is the best option in the robotic category because it’s sleek, lightweight, and has very convenient controls.
You can use the EufyHome app or the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa voice-control services to control the RoboVac through your smartphone.
If you’re shopping for the best robot vacuums for hardwood floors, you’ll want to get a powerful device. Luckily, the Eufy RoboVac 30C presents up to 1500Pa of suction strength to eliminate dust and dirt from hardwood floors and carpets.
In addition, the innovative BoostIQ Technology helps boost the suction power within only 1.5 seconds if added strength is required.
Even though it’s a high-quality robot vacuum, we wish this device used laser scanning to map out the area it cleans. Instead, the Eufy uses a mix of a bumper and infrared sensors to set a pattern, resulting in slight navigational issues at times.
Nevertheless, it works well when it has plenty of space and does a great job in traditional room layouts without too much furniture getting in the way.
Pros
- + Voice-control through smartphone assistants and proprietary app
- + Ability to set up cleaning schedules
- + Up to 100 minutes of cleaning
- + Unique dual-Hall Sensors
Cons
- − Slight navigational issues
Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction Powerline Canister Vacuum
Most Compact Canister Vacuum
- Cord/Cord-free: Corded
- Form: Canister
- Weight: 14.8 lbs
- Shipping: Free
Although some people may prefer uprights over canisters, the latter does have its advantages, so it’s only fair we cover at least one high-end model here.
Our choice for the best device in this category is the Miele Compact, a light, modern, bagged canister vacuum for hardwood floors and low-pile carpets.
One of the reasons this is the best-rated vacuum for hardwood floors is that it features superior suction control.
With the 6-setting Rotary Dial, you’ll get outstanding cleaning results. Thanks to the Miele-made Vortex Motor, you’ll also enjoy better power efficiency regardless of how hard you drive this vacuum cleaner.
Additionally, the three-tier filtration feature called the AirClean Sealed System traps all of the dust and dirt inside the device, so you won’t have to fret about any pollutants escaping into the air. With a seven-year warranty on the motor and casing, you know that Miele trusts its filtration system, and so should you.
The only thing we’d change about this device is the plastic hose, which is, frankly, not up to par for a device in this price and quality range.
Despite this drawback, the Miele Compact is a top-rated hardwood floor vacuum for people who want a silent canister device with incredible suction power.
Pros
- + Very versatile device
- + The telescopic wand gets cobwebs
- + Miele-Manufactured Vortex Motor
- + 6-setting Rotary Dial
Cons
- − The hose could be of better quality
BISSELL CrossWave Wet-Dry Vacuum
Perfect for Mopping
- Cord/Cord-free: Corded
- Form: Upright
- Weight: 11.02 lbs
- Shipping: Free
If you want to save on energy and time, you should invest in a mop and vacuum combination. In this case, we suggest checking out BISSEL Crosswave, a multi-surface device for bare floors and area rugs.
But what makes this the top-rated mop vacuum for hardwood floors?
The dual-action multi-surface spinning brush roll utilizes a nylon and microfiber brush to eliminate dry dirt and mop the floor simultaneously. Also, the smart touch controls make it easy to alter between cleaning rugs and hardwood floors.
Needless to say, the suction power is excellent, and this device will even clean up spaghetti or cereal accidents in your kitchen without much trouble.
On the downside, some reviewers complain about the short cord, but at 25 ft, we don’t think this will be a problem for most people.
Overall, the BISSELL Crosswave is probably the best hardwood floor mop and vacuum around, with outstanding maneuverability and suction power. For added freshness, we recommend using it in combination with quality hardwood floor cleaners.
Pros
- + Great for even the nastiest spills
- + Convenient button placement
- + Dual tank technology
- + Dual-action brush roll
Cons
- − The cord could be longer
BLACK+DECKER Powerseries Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner & Hand Vac
Best with LED Lights
- Cord/Cord-free: Cordless
- Form: Stick
- Weight: 5.85 lbs
- Shipping: Free
Removing dirt from hard-to-reach areas can be challenging, especially if you can’t see well due to the lack of light. This is where our choice for the best device with LED lights, the BLACK+DECKER Powerseries, comes into play.
This top-rated cordless vacuum for hardwood floors features a floorhead with ultra-bright LEDs to uncover hidden dirt.
Besides being effective in removing all traces of dirt, this 2-in-1 design for cleaning floors and above floors is convenient. It’s a lightweight stick that comes with folding handles for easy storage.
Additionally, we liked the fact that it boasts Lithium-Ion batteries for long-running cordless power. Thanks to this feature, this device is suitable for larger homes, too.
However, this might not be the best option if you want superior suction power. It’s excellent at cleaning up most messes, but its suction capabilities are not quite on par with Dyson or Miele models.
Pros
- + Easy to store away
- + Mess-free 500ml dustbin
- + Comes with built-in accessories
- + Easy to detach beater bar
Cons
- − Suction power could be better
Eureka WhirlWind Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Most Lightweight
- Cord/Cord-free: Corded
- Form: Cannister
- Weight: 8 lbs
- Shipping: Free
The Eureka WhirlWind Bagless Canister Vacuum is unique for a few good reasons.
First of all, it’s a multi-surface device with an integrated airflow control that includes three settings: hard floors, upholstery, and carpets. This makes it an incredibly versatile device.
Second of all, it’s powerful enough to get even the most stubborn debris from carpets. That’s the main reason why it’s one of the best-rated vacuum cleaners for carpet and hardwood floors.
Along with outstanding suction, this canister hardwood floor vacuum has impressive capacity. It is capable of carrying up to three liters of dust and dirt.
Fortunately, thanks to the bagless design, you won’t have any maintenance costs. All you need to do is thoroughly wash the filters, and you’re ready to go.
If you want an ultra-lightweight vacuum for hardwood floors and carpet stains, you’ll be satisfied with this product. However, some customers claim that since it’s so light, it may tend to flip over. To avoid this, we recommend moving the canister around slowly.
Pros
- + The dust cup is easy to pop out
- + No real upkeep costs providing you take care of the filters
- + Convenient lock latch
- + 2-in-1 Integrated Crevice Tool
Cons
- − Tends to flip over
Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum
Most Budget-Friendly
- Cord/Cord-free: Corded
- Form: Stick
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
- Shipping: Free
Besides being the most affordable option on our list, the Bissell Featherweight is also the lightest device at only 2.6lbs. This means that it’s suitable for complete beginners, the elderly, people with disabilities, and all users generally looking for an easy-to-use, light stick vacuum.
However, don’t be fooled. With incredible suction power and maneuverability, the Bissell Featherweight can easily be the best option under $100. Since it’s so compact, you can store it anywhere without it taking up too much space.
Thanks to its multi-purpose nature and versatility, it’s great in a variety of tasks. It works wonderfully as a traditional vacuum, a hand vacuum, and a stair vacuum.
If you’re out to get the best cheap hardwood floor vacuum, the Bissell Featherweight is a safe bet. However, take note that at 0.67 liters, the dirt capacity could be better. Nevertheless, for such a practical, cheap device, you’re getting more than what you’re paying for.
Pros
- + Easy-emptying bagless technology
- + Effective crevice tool
- + Floor nozzle for stairs
- + Suitable for countertops
Cons
- − Dirt capacity could be better
Finding the Best Hardwood Floor Vacuum
– Buyer’s Guide –
Vacuum cleaners specifically designed for hardwood floors can be expensive, so you want to make sure you get the right one. But where do you begin your shopping, and what should you watch out for?
Below, we’ve provided you with a helpful guide to ensure you are delighted with your device.
Keep on scrolling for the rest.
Types of Vacuums for Hardwood Floors
Nowadays, you can find a variety of vacuums on the market designed for hardwood floors. Here are some of the most common types on the market:
Canister Vacuums
Some of the top-rated hardwood floor vacuums on this list feature a tank-and-hose design, such as the Eureka WhirlWind and the Miele Compact C1. These get the job done quickly, and lugging them around is easy thanks to the wheels.
However, these vacuums are usually heavier than other types and can be awkward to use if you’re used to lighter (especially cordless) models.
Robot Vacuums
You can program these innovative, cordless vacuums to clean your home even when you’re away. Typically, they’re not as powerful as canister or upright devices, but they can save time on everyday cleaning.
Upright Vacuums
If you’re a beginner at vacuuming hardwood floors, you might want to get an upright device, as these are the most common types on the market. These devices can be either light or heavy and come in bagless or bagged variants.
Handheld Vacuums
This type of vacuum is usually portable and lightweight, and it’s great for cleaning tight corners. However, if you want more versatility, search for a 2-in-1 stick with a removable hand-held attachment.
Stick Vacuums
Stick vacuums are comparable to upright devices, but they’re usually lighter and slimmer. If you need a machine for fast cleanups, we recommend cordless stick vacuums, such as the BLACK+DECKER Powerseries.
Other Important Considerations
Now that you know what types of hardwood floor vacuums you can find, here are some more features to consider.
Bagless or Bagged System
Usually, bagless vacuums are more affordable because you won’t need to buy bags repeatedly. Also, they are a more eco-friendly alternative to bagged systems. On the downside, since debris and dirt accumulate in the air-tight chamber, you will likely be exposed to allergens.
When it comes to bagged cleaners, all you need to know is that they’re hygienic and more suitable for users with allergies, as opposed to bagless options. However, as the bag fills, you may encounter decreased performance.
With that in mind, some top-rated hardwood floor vacuums such as the Bissell Featherweight are bagless, and they work incredibly well.
Multi-Floor Designs
Obviously, hardwood floors are not the only surface that you’ll need to clean. Luckily, you can find many devices that can be used to clean carpets or rugs, and some even work as mops. For instance, good examples are the Hoover ONEPWR and the BISSELL Crosswave.
These devices work on different types of floors, including carpets.
HEPA-Class Filters
In the United States, 30% of adults and 40% of children have allergies. If you have dust sensitivities, you’ll want to invest in a machine with HEPA-class filters.
These filters are also called high-efficiency particulate air filters, and they’re known for capturing up to 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles in the air. If you have any allergies, we highly recommend vacuuming hardwood floors with devices that feature HEPA-class filters.
Conclusion
Since it’s a particular type of flooring, it’s very important to take good care of hardwood. By picking a high-quality hardwood floor vacuum, you’ll extend the lifespan of your floors and keep your home tidy. On the flip side, if you don’t use the appropriate vacuum cleaner, you risk causing permanent damage.
Hopefully, these reviews will help you make a wise shopping decision or at least steer you in the right direction.
FAQ
Should hardwood floors be vacuumed?
Yes, they should.
Typically, you should vacuum your hardwood floors at least once per week and wet clean them once or twice per month. Although you can sweep them with a broom, vacuuming is faster, and it will keep the floors cleaner.
Do vacuums damage hardwood floors?
Yes, traditional vacuum cleaners with thick bristles and roller brushes can scratch your hardwood floors. That’s why it’s important to use specially designed vacuums for hardwood floors.
Is it better to vacuum or mop hardwood floors?
If you have to choose between the two, we recommend going with vacuuming. That’s because a good vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors will get rid of debris and dirt from the cracks just as easily as a mop but is overall simpler to use and requires less effort. Nevertheless, we suggest both vacuuming and mopping for the best results.
What is the best stick vacuum for wood floors?
Some of our top choices in this category include the Hoover ONEPWR, the Shark APEX AZ1002 DuoClean, and the Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner.
Remember that each device featured in this review of the best hardwood floor vacuum is of premium quality – which one you end up choosing will largely depend on your particular needs and, of course, budget.