When you’re looking for the best vacuum for hardwood floors, you want a model that provides powerful suction without causing damage. Key features include a soft brush roll or a dedicated hardwood floor attachment to effectively pick up fine dust and larger debris. Adjustable suction settings, a swivel head for maneuverability, and a lightweight design make cleaning easier and more efficient.
We evaluated over 30 vacuum cleaners, certifying six as top performers. We scrutinized 146,886 reviews, filtering out untrustworthy experts and low-quality reviews. Our process uses our data-driven True Score to certify and verify products, ensuring only the best vacuums make our buying guide. The winning vacuums demonstrated exceptional testing performance on hardwood floors.
How Did We Rank the Best Vacuums for Hardwood Floors?
We analyzed over 200 websites to bring you the best vacuums for hardwood floors, combining testing methodologies with customer insights and expert evaluations. Our process zeroed in on 1 required test result and 1 must-have specification. This comprehensive approach guarantees our guide reflects the most important factors for optimal performance.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low-quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Must work on hardwood floors.
? Test Criteria
- Bare Floor Performance: The vacuum sucks up 95% of debris when cleaning bare surfaces such as tile, vinyl planks, and hardwood floors.
Latest Updates
- 06/24/2024: Republished the list to include the best vacuum cleaners for hardwood floors based on our True Score system.
Top Vacuums for Hardwood Floors For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dyson V15 Detect
Best Cordless For Pet Hair
The Dyson V15 Detect excels on all surfaces, offering exceptional debris removal and a HEPA filter. It is ideal for those who value strong performance in a lightweight design.
True Score
919219Experts
942kCustomers
Cosmic Wonder
$629.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Laser illumination technology
- Incredible performance on both carpets and hard floors
- Lightweight design
- Decent battery life
- Anti-allergenic HEPA filter
Reasons to Avoid
- Complicated maneuvrability on deep carpets
- Relatively low-capacity 0.45L dust cup
- Plastic construction
Specifications
Bagless Yes 
Bin Capacity 0.2 gal 
Brush Roll Shut-Off No 
Carpet Height Adjustments Yes 
Cleaning Path Width 10″ 
Compatible Floor Type All floors 
Cord Length Cordless 
Corded/Cordless Cordless 
Filter Type Other 
Hypoallergenic Yes 
Pet Yes 
Product Weight 6.7 lbs 
Vacuum Type Handheld vacuums 
Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 92 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 73 All Retailers
$629.00Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
$629.00$750Save $121Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
$649.99$800Save $150Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
The Dyson V15 Detect offers exceptional cleaning power for hardwood floors in a convenient, cordless package. With an impressive 98.59% of debris cleaned from hard surfaces, it’s a natural pick for hardwood flooring, tiling, and vinyl. Plus, it’s no slouch for carpets or pet hair removal, cleaning 91.77% and 100% of debris, respectively. The included HEPA filter helps keep the vacuum from recirculating all the allergens and dirt you just sucked up.
However, it’s worth noting that the noise level is around as loud as a washing machine or air conditioner, at 72.54 dB. If you’re worried about noise, the Samsung Bespoke Jet is quieter and cheaper, but it also performs a bit worse across the board when it comes to cleaning power.
Still, the V15 is a cordless and lightweight vacuum cleaner, weighing just 6.7 lbs for easier maneuvering. Its bin capacity is on the smaller side at 0.2 gal, requiring more frequent emptying for heavier jobs. At 10 inches of overall cleaning path width, it’s on the thinner side for larger homes and apartments but great for smaller spaces.
The V15 offers strong performance across every surface in your home but comes with a price tag to match its premium performance. Still, it’s worth the money if you’re after a maneuverable, lightweight vacuum that can move between surfaces without missing a beat or losing performance.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Samsung Bespoke Jet
Best Cordless Stick
Lightweight and quiet, the Samsung Bespoke Jet impressively cleans hardwood floors and carpets, making it a top choice for those seeking efficient and versatile cleaning capabilities.
True Score
87867Experts
91554Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $200$899.00$699.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- The cleaning station simplifies emptying the dust cup
- Two battery packs
- Lightweight design
- Turbo brush accessory
- Excellent performance on carpets and hard floors
Reasons to Avoid
- Doesn’t support wet cleaning
- Bulk two-in-one floor head
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.2 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 9.8″ Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type 5-stage, Cyclonic, HEPA Hypoallergenic Unknown Pet Yes Product Weight 6 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 98 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 92 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 71 All Retailers
- $699.00$899Save $200
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $699.99
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes Availability
Free Shipping
Our Verdict
If you’re in the market for a vacuum cleaner that’s lightweight and quiet and doesn’t sacrifice cleaning power on your hardwood floors, get the Samsung Bespoke Jet. With a noise level of 70.525 dB and a weight of just 6 lbs, it’s easy to move around and only about as loud as a washing machine. Plus, it cleans up 97.71% of debris on bare floors, including hardwood. If you own a pet, it also offers near-perfect pet hair performance, sucking up 99.5% of debris, and it even handles carpets well, with 91.7% of debris picked up from your carpets and rugs.
If you’re willing to compromise on bin size for better floor cleaning power, the Shark Stratos Cordless picks up a little bit more debris on bare floors and is cheaper than the Jet, but it’s also worse for carpets and noticeably louder.
Still, the Samsung Bespoke Jet is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for an efficient, quiet, and lightweight vacuum cleaner for your hardwood floors. Its excellent bare floor, carpet, and pet hair cleaning performance, combined with its low noise level and portability, make it a great value despite its more upper mid-range.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Stratos Cordless
Best Carpets
The Shark Stratos excels on bare floors and pet hair removal but is louder and heavier, making it a powerful yet budget-friendly option for homes with hardwood floors.
True Score
83866Experts
85759Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $71$399.99$329.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Impressive suction power
- Great bare floor performance
- Great Carpet cleaning performance
- Excellent pet hair cleaning performance
Reasons to Avoid
- Attachments are very limited
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.18 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown Carpet Height Adjustments Yes Cleaning Path Width 10″ Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 8.9 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 89 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $329.00$400Save $71
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $349.99$500Save $150
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
The Shark Stratos Cordless vacuum cleaner offers unparalleled performance on bare floors. It cleans an impressive 98.825% of debris, leaving your floors almost entirely free of anything but the tiniest bits of dust. It also does an excellent job in pet hair removal, achieving a perfect score of 100% debris cleaned. This feature, combined with a HEPA filter, makes it an excellent choice for pet owners and allergy sufferers. However, its bin capacity is slightly smaller at 0.18 gal, which may require more frequent emptying, especially in homes with pets.
Carpet performance is good but better options exist, like the Samsung Bespoke Jet. It’s more expensive, though, and does slightly worse on hardwood floors.
This vacuum cleaner is heavier at 8.9 lbs and operates at a higher noise level of 76.65 dB. If you’re sensitive to loud noises, have pets that get scared easily, or have especially thin walls, the vacuum is about as loud as a washing machine and will drown out normal conversation if you don’t raise your voice.
The Shark Stratos Cordless is priced right around the mid-range and performs excellently for the money, even with its higher noise level and heavier weight. Its excellent bare floor and pet hair cleaning efficiency mean it’s perfect for hardwood floors throughout your home and for dealing with whatever mess your shedding dog or cat might leave behind
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away
Best Lightweight
Offering excellent performance on bare floors and pet hair, the Shark Vertex Pro is a great value for its price despite being louder and heavier.
True Score
83842Experts
87340Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $1$399.99$399.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent performance on all floor types
- Good battery life
- Outstanding pet hair pick-up rate
- Low on-going costs
- LED headlights
Reasons to Avoid
- The brush roll is not removable
- Poor stain-removal performance
- Lacks a turbo brush
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.34 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 10″ Compatible Floor Type Carpet, Hardwoods Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 12.4 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 89 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $399.00$400Save $1
Availability
Not availableFree Shipping
Yes - $399.99
Availability
Free Shipping
Yes - $602.87
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
Shark’s Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away is a lift-away vacuum cleaner that stands out for its excellent bare floor performance at a very accessible price. It cleans 98.565% of debris from hardwood floors and excels in pet hair performance with 100% of debris cleaned, making it a superb choice for pet owners.
On the other hand, its carpet performance is good, with 89.36% of debris cleaned, but if you’re after better carpet performance, better options exist. The Samsung Bespoke Jet has superior carpet cleaning, but it costs more, and you’ll give up a little hardwood performance in the process.
At 77 dB, the Lift-Away is loud. It’s not ear-splitting, but it’ll be about as loud as a washing machine, which could disturb pets or neighbors. However, it also boasts a larger bin capacity at 0.34 gal, reducing the frequency of emptying, which is perfect if your home is on the larger side or your pets shed a ton. That said, it’s not a lightweight vacuum; 12.4 lbs, it’s the heaviest pick on our list, though the lift-away nature of the vacuum helps cut down on the weight you have to push around if you don’t mind holding half of it in your hand
Despite these drawbacks, the Shark Cordless Vertex Pro offers hypoallergenic features, a HEPA filter, excellent bare floor and pet hair cleaning efficiency, and a larger bin capacity, making the Lift-Away a great value and an excellent choice.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Stratos Ultralight
Best Multi Surface
The Shark Stratos Ultralight delivers excellent hardwood and pet hair cleaning performance at a great value, suitable for those needing a balance between performance and cost.
True Score
83831Experts
87982Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $181$399.99$219.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good bare floor cleaning performance
- Decent carpet cleaning performance
- Great pet hair performance
Reasons to Avoid
- Below average suction power rating
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.2 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 8.25″ Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length 30 ft Corded/Cordless Corded Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 8.6 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 98 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 82 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $219.00$400Save $181
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $284.99$300Save $15
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $299.99
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
If you’re on a budget but still looking for a vacuum that can easily handle your hardwood floors, the Shark Stratos Ultralight is a great choice. It cleans up 97.5% of debris on bare floods, ensuring your hardwood floors stay spotless. If you own a pet, the Ultralight boasts fantastic pet hair performance, cleaning up 99.33% of debris. However, at 82.25% of debris cleared on carpets, the Ultralight is less useful on carpets and rugs, though far from unusable.
Ironically, despite the name, the vacuum weighs 8.6 lbs. This isn’t heavy, but lighter vacuums exist on our list, like the Samsung Bespoke Jet, which weighs just 6 lbs and features better performance across the board. However, it’s also almost double the price.
The Ultralight is also decently—though not unreasonably—noisy. At 76.8 dB, it’s about as loud as a washing machine. Its bin capacity is 0.2 gal, which is standard for stick vacuums, but you will be emptying it out with some frequency if you’re constantly cleaning up pet hair or have especially dusty floors. Fortunately, it also includes a HEPA filter and hypoallergenic features, making it a suitable pick if you have allergies.
The vacuum has a few trade-offs, but the Shark Stratos Ultralight still offers excellent value, especially considering its high hardwood and pet hair cleaning performance. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a vacuum cleaner that balances performance, usability, and value, particularly for homes with hardwood floors and pets
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Vertex Pro
Best Pet Hair
Ideal for hardwood floors and pet hair, the Shark Vertex Pro delivers robust cleaning performance but may be too loud for noise-sensitive environments.
True Score
80813Experts
82347Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $150$449.99$299.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Has an anti-allergen HEPA filter
- Low noise output
- LED screen for status display
- Large dirt canister
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Reasons to Avoid
- High maintenance requirements
- Struggles with fine debris on low pile carpet
- Long charge time
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.25 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown Carpet Height Adjustments Unknown Cleaning Path Width 10″ Compatible Floor Type Carpet, Hardwoods Cord Length Unknown Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 8.82 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 83 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 82 All Retailers
- $299.99$450Save $150
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $351.99$450Save $98
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $399.99$480Save $80
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
The Shark Vertex Pro vacuum cleaner is a solid performer for hardwood floors and pet hair cleaning. It boasts an impressive bare floor cleaning performance, efficiently cleaning up to 98.5% of debris, putting it hundredths of a percent behind some of the best performers on the list. Plus, it features exceptional pet hair cleanup performance, with 99.66% debris cleaned, making it a prime choice for pet owners. At 82.61% of debris cleaned from carpets and rugs, though, the Pro isn’t as suited to carpet duty.
However, the Shark Vertex Pro is less ideal if you are sensitive to noise. With a noise level of 82.35 dB, it’s loud—about as loud as some lawnmowers, actually. If you live somewhere with thin walls or have skittish pets, this vacuum may cause issues.
The vacuum also features a bin capacity of 0.25 gal, more than enough for most homes, but it will require more frequent emptying in larger spaces or if you’re constantly dealing with pet hair. The Pro also weighs 8.82 lbs, which keeps it maneuverable.
Despite its noise level and only decent carpet cleaning abilities, the Shark Vertex Pro is a great mid-range vacuum. It performs excellently with bare floors and pet hair and is light enough to clean up most homes without worrying about fatigue – though everyone will know when you’re vacuuming.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Vacuums for Hardwood Floors?
By focusing on these criteria (1 required), anyone can quickly and easily compare these vacuum cleaners and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a vacuum cleaner that will meet your needs.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare Floor Performance | > 95% | Yes | How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning bare surfaces like tile, vinyl planks, and hardwood floors. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 120+ vacuum cleaner reviewers and found that 27 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for vacuum cleaner.
- Dagobiet Morales Alfaro – RTings, LinkedIn
- Derek Hales – Modern Castle, LinkedIn
- Sabine Heinlein – Wirecutter, LinkedIn
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every vacuum cleaner review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Vacuum Cleaner Test Data & Results
1. Bare Floor Performance Test Results
As the name suggests, bare floor performance references how well a vacuum does when it’s cleaning up tiles, vinyl planks, or hardwood flooring. Debris comes in a variety of sizes of course, and much of the testing revolves around picking up debris that ranges in size from cereal to bits of dirt to sand to a mix of everything above and more.
We recommend that a vacuum be able to pick up at least 95% of debris from a bare floor to ensure you end up with clean floors. Hitting a perfect score is obviously ideal, but the worse a vacuum performs here, the more work you need to do sweeping up or re-vacuuming. Missing debris is frustrating, and can invite pests if you miss bits of food, or annoyance if you step on something barefoot and hurt yourself.
Bare Floor Performance
> 95%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning bare surfaces like tile, vinyl planks, and hardwood floors.
Units of Measurement: % (percentage)
Tools to Measure: Scale
Why It’s Important:
A vacuum is supposed to clean, so if it can’t pick up most of the debris on a floor, it’s not doing its job.
Bare Floor Performance in % (higher is better; 0 = No Data)
Best Vacuums for Hardwood Floors: Mistakes To Avoid
- Using Vacuums with Harsh Brush Rolls: One common mistake is using vacuums with stiff or abrasive brush rolls. These can scratch and damage your hardwood floors. Opt for models with soft brush rollers or rubberized rollers specifically designed for delicate surfaces to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
- Neglecting Battery Life and Suction Power: For cordless vacuums, it’s crucial to consider battery life and suction power. Choosing a model with insufficient battery life can interrupt your cleaning routine, and weak suction may leave dirt and debris behind. Select vacuums that balance strong suction power with long-lasting batteries for efficient cleaning sessions.
- Using the Wrong Vacuum Type for Hardwood Floors: Not all vacuums are suitable for hardwood floors. For example, a vacuum designed for carpets may not perform well on hardwood and could cause damage. Consider different vacuum types and choose those specifically designed for hardwood, such as corded stick vacuum cleaners or cordless vacuums with hardwood settings.
- Skipping Regular Maintenance: Failing to maintain your vacuum can lead to decreased performance and potential damage to your floors. Regularly empty the dustbin, clean or replace filters, and check for any blockages. Knowing how to clean and maintain your vacuum ensures it operates efficiently and prolongs its lifespan.
The Best Vacuums for Hardwood Floors Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Bare Floor Performance
|
Carpet Performance
|
Pet Hair Performance
|
Noise Level
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 |
|
|
|
|  $629.00 |
| 87 |
|
|
|
|  $699.00 $899 $200 |
| 83 |
|
|
|
| $329.00 $400 $71 |
Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away
| 83 |
|
|
|
| $399.00 $400 $1 |
| 83 |
|
|
|
| $219.00 $400 $181 |
| 80 |
|
|
|
| $299.99 $450 $150 |
