Can vacuuming be fun? I guess that depends on who you are. I actually enjoy it a little bit. It's not my favorite thing to do, but I do take some satisfaction in getting rid of dirt and dust bunnies. Maybe it's just me. Either way, like it or not, vacuuming is one of those chores that needs to be done on a regular basis, so why not try to enjoy it? And if you have the right vacuum cleaner, you just might!

And when it comes to the best vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors, we've got you covered. We have sifted through all the brands, models, price points and features to bring you the best options on the market today. Read on to learn all about the best vacuums for hardwood floors, and look forward to a gleaming home!

The Dyson V11 Animal Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is aptly named, because it eats up dirt and debris like a hungry beast! Will you find less expensive cordless vacuums out there? Absolutely. But the saying "you get what you pay for" certainly applies with this vacuum. So, what do you get?

Incredible suction power for a variety of surfaces...as in, twice the suction power of most cordless vacs on the market. The high-torque cleaner head employs soft, anti-static carbon fiber filaments to capture dust from hard floors and crevices, as well as stiff nylon bristles that penetrate deep into carpet to remove dirt that's really buried in there. Plus, the Dyson Dynamic Load Sensor system smartly changes the motor speed from hard floor to carpet so you don't need to adjust anything. Just vacuum.

Cordless vacs can be hit or miss as far as run times. But the Dyson V11 Animal offers up to an hour of continuous, fade-free cleaning...ample time to take care of all the flooring in your home. Just make sure the batteries are fully charged, and you're good to go.

Along with the amazing power and lengthy battery life, the Dyson V11 Animal offers lots of cool, convenient features. There's an LED screen that displays cleaning modes, blockages, and filter maintenance reminders; a docking station that allows you to simply drop the V11 Animal in for charging and storage; the ability to transform into a portable (and powerful) hand vac for above-floor cleaning; and a mess-free "point-and-shoot" dust bin.

Yes, it's on the pricey side, but if you have both hardwood and carpeting in your home, you want a great vacuum. So, consider the Dyson V11 Animal Cordless Vacuum to be a wise investment.

Key Features
  • LED screen displays mode and machine maintenance alerts
  • Powerful Dyson V11 digital motor
  • Up to 60 minutes of full cleaning power
  • "Point-and-shoot" dust bin
  • Transforms into powerful handheld vac
Specifications
  • Cordless Running Time: Up to 60 minutes
  • Weight: 6.68 lbs
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Brand: Dyson
Pros
  • Twice the suction power of any cordless vacuum
  • High-torque cleaner head intelligently adapts to different floor types
  • Up to 60 minutes of fade-free floor cleaning
  • Transforms into handheld vac
  • Docking/charging station with attachment storage
Cons
  • Trigger can get uncomfortable during prolonged use
  • Lengthy charging time

If you enjoy using canister vacuums, the Miele Complete C2 Hard Floor Canister Vacuum Cleaner is an awesome choice...especially if you have hardwood floors. The Miele Complete C2 uses a soft parquet brush that's designed to be gentle on sensitive hard flooring. Its castor wheels are also gentle on floors, so you don't have to worry about the canister scratching any surface.

The Miele Complete C2 is a versatile machine, performing well on lower-pile carpets as well as hard flooring. Its six-setting rotary suction control provides settings for everything from drapes to furniture to throw rugs, using a powerful Miele-made Vortex motor to effectively take care of dirt and dust.

The adjustable stainless steel tube telescopes to give this lightweight canister vacuum an impressive 33-foot cleaning radius. Plus, with an impressive array of tools and quiet operation, the Miele Complete C2 Hard Floor vacuum is a smart choice for homes with hard floors.

Key Features
  • 1,200W Miele-made Vortex motor
  • Soft parquet brush designed for gentle hardwood floor cleaning
  • Six-setting suction control
  • Exclusive Miele AirClean Sealed System
  • HEPA AirClean filter
Specifications
  • Weight: 13.5 lbs
  • Vacuum Type: Canister
  • Cord Length: 21 feet
  • Warranty: 1 year/7 years for motor and casing
  • Tank Size: 1.19-gallon dust bag
Pros
  • 33' cleaning radius
  • Powerful Miele-made Vortex motor
  • Includes several accessories
  • Six-setting rotary suction control
  • Quiet operation
Cons
  • Not as effective on high-pile carpet

If your home is entirely hard flooring, and you're not looking to spend Dyson dollars, the MOOSOO D600 Corded Stick Vacuum is an amazing buy at an even more amazing price. This ridiculously lightweight vacuum (less than 3 pounds!) offers easy one-hand operation and incredible suction on hard floors.

As if that wasn't impressive enough for its wallet-friendly price tag, the MOOSOO D600 corded vac also transforms into a handheld which, combined with the adjustable tube, makes it perfect for furniture and other above-floor cleaning. The rotating brush head also enables it to easily get under and in between furniture and other objects.

With impressive suction and plenty of versatility, the MOOSOO D600 Corded Stick Vacuum is a high-performance vac that's an incredible value for anyone on a budget (or not).

Key Features
  • Switches to handled vac
  • Powerful suction
  • Four-stage advanced filtration
  • Rotating brush head
  • Adjustable tube for extra length
  • Lightweight design
  • Large dust cup
Specifications
  • Weight: 2.8 lbs
  • Vacuum Type: Corded Stick
  • Cord Length: 17 feet
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Tank Size: 0.8 liter
Pros
  • Extremely lightweight for easy portability
  • Easily switches to handheld mode
  • Adjustable tube allows vacuum to reach 10 feet
  • Powerful suction
  • Washable filtration
  • Rotating brush head
Cons
  • Power cord is on the shorter side
  • Doesn't work well on carpet

Thinking about a robot vac? The Roborock E20 Robot Vacuum Cleaner Sweeping and Mopping Robotic Vacuum is a great choice, as it's packed with features but isn't at the high end of the price spectrum. The Roborock E20 does an incredible job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hardwood floors, and it runs for up to 100 minutes before returning to its charging dock--it even picks up where it left off once it's finished recharging!

The fun feature of the Roborock E20...the moption! Sorry...the mop option! Anyway, this cool gadget not only vacuums--it mops as well! Just set it to the mopping function, and the Roborock E20 mops your hard floors after vacuuming them for a complete clean.

This is one smart vacuum, too. It uses a dual-gyro system and motion-tracking sensors to create a high-efficiency cleaning path for every room, while its 13 on-board sensors provide drop avoidance, anti-collision, and trap prevention features. Plus, it can be controlled via its own app and even by Alexa!

Key Features
  • Sweep plus mop feature
  • Cleans areas up to 1,300 square feet
  • App and Alexa control
  • Dual-gyro system and motion-tracking sensors create high-efficiency cleaning path
  • 13 on-board sensors provide drop avoidance, anti-collision, trap prevention
Specifications
  • Cordless Running Time: Up to 100 minutes
  • Weight: 7 lbs
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Suction Power: 1,800Pa
Pros
  • Mop function adds versatility
  • Automatic power boost on carpet
  • Impressive suction on hardwood floors
  • Great for capturing pet hair
  • Runs for up to 100 minutes
Cons
  • Shorter battery life than other models
  • Some issues with app

If you have pets, you know all about the hair. It's everywhere—on the floor, on the furniture, on your clothes. The Shark APEX DuoClean Corded Stick Vacuum can help with all of it—well, maybe not the clothes. The best feature of this vac is the Zero-M self-cleaning brush roll, which eliminates that annoying (and I mean, ANNOYING) hair tangle that impacts any vacuum's performance. The Zero-M feature alone makes the Shark APEX DuoClean a must-have in any household.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg. The DuoClean dual-brush roll system engages hard floors and deep-cleans carpets as well, making it a versatile tool for any home with multiple types of flooring.

The Shark APEX DuoClean also transforms into a portable hand vac for above-floor cleaning, and it's designed to fit under and in between furniture to get to those hard-to-reach places. Between its versatility, convenient Zero-M anti-hair-wrapping brush roll, and effective performance, the Shark APEX DuoClean is a great choice for any home.

Key Features
  • Zero-M self-cleaning brush roll eliminates hair tangle
  • Duo Clean dual-brush roll system for floors and carpet
  • Transforms into portable hand vacuum
  • Advanced swivel steering
  • Powerful LED lights
Specifications
  • Weight: 10 lbs
  • Vacuum Type: Corded Stick
  • Cord Length: 30 feet
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Tank Size: 0.74 quart
Pros
  • Powerful suction
  • Can fit under furniture and into hard-to-reach places
  • Zero-M self-cleaning brush roll delivers nonstop hair removal
  • Transforms into portable hand vac
  • Duo Clean dual-brush roll system engages floors and deep-cleans carpets
Cons
  • Design can be top-heavy
  • Small dust cup
  • No on-board attachment storge

We all love our pets. Pet hair? Different story. But the love for our pets is much greater than our disdain for pet hair, so we try to find the best way to deal with it. And the Bissell PowerEdge Pet Hardwood Floor Bagless Cleaner 81L2A Stick Vacuum is an effective way to do so.

Its unique V-shaped head works with rubber squeegees to do a great job of getting into previously hard-to-reach corners while funneling dirt and debris into the cleaning path around the rest of the room.

This stick vac is designed specifically for hard floors, so it's not going to work with carpeting. But the lightweight Bissell PowerEdge Pet does a fine job doing what it's designed to do—clean hard floors. It's lightweight and it easily maneuvers around furniture, making it pretty effortless to use.

The Bissell PowerEdge Pet Hardwood Floor Bagless Cleaner 81L2A Stick Vacuum isn't going to wow you with fancy features, but it's a solid, reliable, and budget-friendly choice when you want to keep your hard floors free of dirt and dust.

Key Features
  • Designed for hard floor cleaning
  • V-shape technology effectively cleans corners
  • Swivel steering
  • Lightweight design
  • Rubber squeegees collect pet hair and dirt
Specifications
  • Weight: 7.5 pounds
  • Vacuum Type: Stick
  • Cord Length: 20 feet
  • Warranty: 1 year
Pros
  • Designed specifically for hard floors
  • V-shape technology effectively cleans corners
  • Rubber squeegees collect dirt and pet hair
  • Lightweight design
  • Swivel steering easily maneuvers around furniture
Cons
  • Not suitable for rugs
  • Sometimes struggles to clean straight edges
  • Shorter power cord than other models

Fact #1: hardwood floors need to be cleaned. Fact #2: you're probably going to be the one cleaning them. Fortunately, the Bissell Symphony Pet Steam Mop and Steam Vacuum Cleaner is here to help.

Cleaning floors doesn't just mean vacuuming...they need actual cleaning, and the Bissell Symphony Pet is up to the task thanks to mop, steam, and vacuum features (not to mention the included microfiber mop pads). It steams while it vacuums, ensuring your hard floors are actually clean! Making things even easier is the fact that the steam is an on-demand feature, available at the push of a button on the handle.

Adding to this vac's convenience are the easy-to-fill water tank and easy-to-empty Drop-It dirt cup. For a truly clean floor, the Bissell Symphony Pet Steam Mop and Steam Vacuum Cleaner is a reliable option.

Key Features
  • Vacuums and steams floors simultaneously
  • Hands-free Drop-It tank-emptying system
  • Cyclonic technology
Specifications
  • Weight: 9.74 lbs
  • Vacuum Type: Vacuum/Steam Mop
  • Cord Length: 25 feet
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Tank Size: 12.8 oz
Pros
  • Steam-on-demand feature with steam control on handle
  • Vacuums and steams at same time
  • Easy-to-fill water tank
Cons
  • Non-pivoting head
  • Dirt cup on the small side

If you're ready to cut the cord, or want to upgrade from your current cordless vac, the Tineco A11 Master Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner is an ideal choice. It's a high performer with tons of great features that make it a solid investment.

This vac comes with two lithium-ion batteries that offer approximately 60 minutes of run time, enough to clean most (if not all) of the flooring in your home. Even more convenient, the batteries can be charged simultaneously so you're never short on power.

The Tineco A11 Master features two brush heads, each equipped with LED lights to find hidden dirt. One brush head is designed for hard floors, the other for carpet. No matter which brush head you use, the Tineco A11 Master delivers amazing suction power. Add seven accessories and tools to the equation, and you're looking at a top-performing cordless vacuum that'll keep your floors looking their best. 

Key Features
  • 60-minute run time, includes two lithium-ion batteries
  • 450W digital motor provides 120W extreme suction power
  • Two full-size LED power brushes for different floor types
  • Four-stage fully sealed filtration system
  • Dual battery charging
Specifications
  • Cordless Running Time: 60 minutes
  • Weight: 5.5 lbs
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Suction Power: 120W
Pros
  • Long-lasting run time up to 60 minutes
  • Charges both batteries simultaneously
  • 120W max suction power
  • Large dust cup
  • Includes seven accessories
Cons
  • Difficult to get under low furniture
  • Small dust bin

A budget-friendly choice, the iwoly V600 Corded Stick Vacuum gets the job done without the frills that start increasing the price tag.

This lightweight stick vac is powered by an advanced cyclone cleaning system that provides solid suction on hard floors (though it's not as effective on carpet). The adjustable tube allows it to get into hard-to-reach areas, and the extra-large dust cup requires less-frequent emptying. Convenient!

If you're not looking to spend big bucks on a hard floor vacuum, the iwoly V600 Corded Stick Vacuum is a nice option that'll provide reliable performance.

Key Features
  • Large, easy-to-empty dust cup
  • Lightweight design
  • HEPA filter
  • Telescopic wand
  • Advanced cyclone cleaning system
Specifications
  • Weight: 4.8 lbs
  • Vacuum Type: Corded Stick
  • Cord Length: 16.4 feet
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Tank Size: 0.5 liter
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Very affordable price tag
  • Adjustable tube offers extra reach
Cons
  • Power cord on the short side
  • Weak suction on carpet

Are you a canister fan? The Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic Bagless Canister Vacuum does a great job on hard floors, as it's equipped with a hard floor turbine foot that's designed to be gentle on hardwoods. Multi-cyclonic technology provides the perfect amount of suction power for getting rid of dirt, dust, and debris on hard flooring.

The Bissell Hard Wood Expert Canister Vacuum is light enough to easily transport from room to room, and the EasyEmpty dirt cup offers cleanup convenience.

If your home is primarily hard flooring, the Bissell Hard Wood Multi-Cyclonic Bagless Canister Vacuum is a wise choice, as it does an effective job of keeping your floors clean.

Key Features
  • Multi-cyclonic technology
  • Hard floor turbine foot attachment
  • Multi-surface foot
  • EasyEmpty dirt cup
Specifications
  • Weight: 13 lbs
  • Vacuum Type: Canister
  • Cord Length: 18 feet
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Tank Size: 67.6 ounces
Pros
  • Powerful suction for hard floors
  • Hard floor turbine foot is gentle on hard floors
  • Multi-surface foot works on both hard floors and carpet
  • Lightweight design
Cons
  • Suction not as powerful on carpet
  • Wheels don't roll smoothly at times

 

If you have hardwood floors (or any kind of hard flooring), you know all about the dust bunnies. They pile up quickly, especially if you have pets. Aside from the kitchen and bathrooms, all of the flooring in my home was carpeted until last spring, when we decided to upgrade our living room and dining room with vinyl plank flooring, which looks a lot like hardwood and requires some of the same care. I knew there would be dust and pet hair, considering we have three cats and a dog. I just didn't realize how much. So, we're vacuuming the floors a few times a week.

If you have both hardwood flooring and carpet, a regular vacuum with a hard floor setting will probably do the trick. But if your home is entirely hardwood and other hard flooring, one of the vacuum cleaners on this list is your best bet, since most were designed specifically as vacuums for hardwood floors.

Now, vacuuming your hardwood floors isn't a substitute for actually cleaning them. They'll still need a good mopping or washing from time to time. For that type of cleaning, check out our helpful guide to the best mops on the market as well as the the best hard floor cleaners to use. But regular vacuuming will keep your floors dirt- and dust-free in between cleanings.

Yes, there are a lot of vacuum options out there for hardwood floors. It really comes down to your budget, convenience, and your cleaning needs. Do you want the reliability of a corded vac, or would you rather be able to roam more freely with a cordless option? Does the ability of the vacuum to transform into a portable hand vac appeal to you? Is it a must for the vacuum to be able to effectively clean area rugs or low-pile carpet? Lots of things to consider...but not to worry! Now you have all the info you need to make a decision that will help you keep your floors looking like new. Happy vacuuming!

Resources— Good HousekeepingHome Vacuum Zone

FAQ

Q: How do vacuums for hardwood floors work?

Vacuums for cleaning hardwood floors work the same way as standard vacuums. These vacs work through an electric current system that propels the fan that collects dust, debris, and hair from the floor.

Unlike other types of floors, wood floors are easier to clean, but they require regular cleaning. A good vacuum cleaner is capable of removing all the dirt and debris from the crevices and cracks from the hardwood floor through the suction system. Canister vacuums are the most used thanks to their long and oval brush that reaches even the tiniest places.

Q: What are the types of vacuums for hardwood floors?

Hardwood vacuums comes in various models, and each of them works perfectly depending on the home situation and your needs. The types include canister, upright, and handheld vacuum cleaners. They all come with different features and have their pros and cons.

Upright cleaners take an all-in-one approach when it comes to design. Their bristles work well in picking up hair and dirt from floors and carpets. However, they don't work well on scratched or damaged hardwood.

A handheld vacuum is another type which is shorter models with a vacuum and suction unit. They are lightweight and portable, ideal for those living in tiny spaces.

The most used for hardwood floors are canister vacuums that come with a cleaning head and a long suction hose. These vacuum cleaners do not damage hardwood and are highly efficient.

Q: Can a vacuum for hardwood floors work on carpet?

Carpets and hardwood floors are completely different hence requiring different cleaning systems. Cleaning carpets need additional techniques of extracting the debris from the tiny carpet fibers. Hardwood cleaning, on the other hand, involves simply catching particles on a level surface.

Vacuums for carpets have high-speed rotation and feature abrasive materials that can scratch and ruin hardwood floors. They also don't capture debris, but instead spread them, so this is not an effective cleaning method for hardwood floors.

If you have both surfaces in your house, make sure to seek out a vacuum cleaner that has controls that allow the vacuum to function well for both types of flooring surfaces.

Q: What's the difference between a bagged and bagless system?

Bagged vacuum systems serve dual functionalities of cleaning and collecting the dirt. They are designed with a disposable bag which you can remove when full and return after emptying. Bagged vacs are suitable for people with allergies because they are enclosed, and you don't have any contact with the dirt.

Bagless uses filters for suction power. You need to maintain them properly because they get jammed and clogged with dirt interfering with their efficiency. The filter's webs catch the particles and trap them until you clean up the vacuum. These are not easy to maintain because they are a bit messy.

Q: Do you need additional consideration when cleaning pet hair?

The best hardwood vacuums in the market come with good suction units that allow them to easily pick up pet hair and clear other types of debris. These vacuums come with tiny, soft bristles that can pick up the tiniest dust particles and hair.

While these works perfectly for pet owners and those who live in dusty areas, the tiny bristles can sometimes be a disadvantage. They often get tangled in human and pet hair.

Q: Will you get the best quality if you spend more?

The price of your hardwood vacuum cleaner doesn't always mean quality. It is important to consider the features you need in a vacuum cleaner verses your budget. Sometimes you will find out that a standard quality will serve you better than an expensive one.

The money you spend also depends on your needs. Do you need a quick cleaner for daily use, or you're looking for a deep cleaning vacuum? The less expensive one will give you less power, and you might need to replace it after a few years. Deep cleaning vacs can be a bit pricey but they ensure you get all the features for the price.

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