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Cordless vacuums for hardwood floors offer the convenience of cleaning up quick messes alongside the suction power to deep clean. Unlike carpet vacuums, these models are lightweight and lack stiff bristles. Hardwood vacuums instead feature fabric or soft-bristle roller bars that won’t scratch the floor. Some models are void of a beater bar altogether, relying only on powerful suction.
Many newer models work on multiple surfaces and can autodetect between hard floors and carpet. Other popular features include a long battery life, cleaning attachments, and the ability to sweep up pet hair. Our guide covers the best cordless vacuums for hardwood floors at a range of price points.
- BEST OVERALL: Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Black+Decker PowerSeries+ Cordless Stick Vacuum
- BEST BATTERY LIFE: LG CordZero A939 Cordless Stick Vacuum & Power Mop
- BEST MULTISURFACE: Tineco A11 Hero Stick/Handheld Vacuum
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Bissell 3190A ReadyClean Cordless 10.8V Stick Vacuum
- BEST FOR PET HAIR: Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Elite Cordless Vacuum
- BEST ATTACHMENTS: Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away Cordless Vacuum
How We Chose the Best Cordless Vacuums for Hardwood Floors
Cordless vacuums for hard floors need high suction and a roller bar that won’t scatter debris or leave scratches. We took this into consideration when selecting the top hardwood vacuums in addition to battery life, versatility, price, and customer ratings. During our research, we discovered that many consumers want a lightweight, long-lasting vacuum that picks up dirt, dust, pet hair, and food crumbs and has enough battery power for deep cleaning.
When researching the top cordless vacuums on the market, we found more than a dozen models that meet these criteria. We then reassessed our list, narrowed it down to the top vacuums, and assigned the best one to each category.
Our Top Picks
Cordless hardwood floor vacuums quickly clean up everyday messes and are integral to deep cleaning. Read below for an overview of the pros, cons, and specs of the top models.
Best Overall
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum
Pros
- Intelligent cordless vacuum detects dust levels and automatically adjusts suction power
- Features a 0.09-gallon dust-tank capacity with “point-and-shoot” emptying
- LCD screen displays the number of dust particles vacuumed
- Comes with 5 attachments you can switch between, depending on floor and debris type
Cons
- Battery won’t last 60 minutes on boost mode or when cleaning carpet
Those wanting to pick up even the smallest pieces of dust will appreciate the Dyson V12 Detect. It features an angled light that illuminates dust on hardwood floors and a piezo sensor that sizes and counts dust particles, auto-adjusting suction when needed. It also has an LCD screen that displays the number of particles vacuumed, the remaining runtime, and maintenance alerts.
This model features a power-on button (so you don’t have to press and hold a trigger) as well as three modes: eco, auto, and boost. Its dustbin empties from the bottom to keep your hands out of contact with dirt. The detangling motorhead bar works on all surface types and automatically clears pet and human hair.
Other notable features of the Dyson V12 Detect include an interchangeable battery with an up to 60-minute runtime, a slim head to fit under furniture, and five attachments.
Product Specs
- Battery life: Up to 60 minutes
- Weight: 5.22 pounds
- Charge time: 3.5 hours
Get the Dyson cordless vacuum for hardwood floors at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, or Dyson.
Best Bang For The Buck
Black+Decker PowerSeries+ Cordless Stick Vacuum
Pros
- Inexpensive hardwood floor vacuum compared to models with similar features
- Autodetects floor type and changes suction for an efficient clean
- Converts to a handheld model for vacuuming furniture and tight spaces
Cons
- Limited attachments; the crevice tool is the only one included
This budget-friendly cordless stick vacuum cleaner packs in a number of features, including autosense technology that changes suction based on floor type, an LED light to illuminate dust particles, and up to 40 minutes of battery runtime. It has an anti-tangle brush that can pick up pet fur or hair and a cyclonic filtration system to keep the filter clean for longer.
The Black+Decker PowerSeries+ also converts to a hand vacuum with a crevice tool for spot cleaning, vacuuming stairs, and accessing hard-to-reach areas. Its slim head easily maneuvers under furniture. While it lacks a docking port, it can stand upright when not in use, making storage easy.
Product Specs
- Battery life: Up to 40 minutes
- Weight: 8.3 pounds
- Charge time: 5 hours
Get the Black+Decker cordless vacuum for hardwood floors at Amazon, The Home Depot, Target, or Black+Decker.
Best Battery Life
LG CordZero A939 Cordless Stick Vacuum & Power Mop
Pros
- Comes with 2 quick-release batteries lasting a total of up to 120 minutes
- Works on hard floors and carpet and converts to a handheld vacuum
- Dustbin auto empties into a disposable bag when vacuum is docked
- Comes with 6 attachments, including a microfiber head for mopping
Cons
- Vacuum head doesn’t have an LED light for illuminating dust
- Comes with many extra features, making it more expensive than other vacuums on our list
One of the most frustrating parts of using a cordless vacuum is having the battery die in the middle of a deep clean. The LG CordZero A939 aims to solve this problem, offering two batteries, each with up to 60 minutes of runtime.
Rather than a trigger, this model features a power-on button and three suction levels, including normal, power, and turbo. It works for carpet and hardwood floors and has an adjustable telescopic wand, making it useful for vacuuming cobwebs and dust off walls. It also includes a portable charge station, and the dustbin automatically empties into a disposable bag when the vacuum is docked. The LG CordZero comes with six attachments, including a power mop attachment that works on hardwood, tile, or vinyl.
While this vacuum-mop combo has a long battery life and many extra features, it’s the most expensive on our list. We previously recommended the LG CordZero A9 Charge, which comes with a lower price tag and two batteries featuring an up to 80-minute total runtime. The less expensive A9 model was discontinued by LG but is currently still available at Amazon.
Product Specs
- Battery life: Up to 120 minutes using 2 interchangeable batteries
- Weight: 5.95 pounds
- Charge time: 3.5 hours
Get the LG cordless vacuum for hardwood floors at Amazon, Best Buy, The Home Depot, or LG.
Best Multisurface
Tineco A11 Hero Stick/Handheld Vacuum
Pros
- Features 3 continuous power modes depending on suction needs and a trigger for spot cleaning
- Includes 4 attachments for dusting, cleaning crevices, and vacuuming furniture
- Has a large 0.6-liter dustbin that releases dirt with the push of a button
- Includes an LED light on the vacuum head, illuminating missed dust and pet hair
Cons
- Battery only lasts 19 minutes in daily mode and 12 minutes in max mode
For those with carpet and hardwood, the Tineco A11 Hero vac provides suction levels designed to work on each. It features a max-power mode to lift dirt from carpet and two other modes, gentle and daily, which are ideal for hardwoods, laminate, and everyday cleaning.
The Tineco A11 Hero converts to a handheld model and includes four attachments: a regular power brush, mini power brush, dusting brush, and crevice tool. It has a large dustbin capacity of 0.6 liters, so you won’t have to worry about emptying it mid-vacuum.
The battery runtime is up to 40 minutes on the vacuum’s lowest setting. While this model only comes with one detachable battery, additional batteries are available for purchase.
Product Specs
- Battery life: Up to 40 minutes
- Weight: 5.51 pounds
- Charge time: 3 to 4 hours
Get the Tineco cordless vacuum for hardwood floors at Amazon, Walmart, or Target.
Best Lightweight
Bissell 3190A ReadyClean Cordless 10.8V Stick Vacuum
Pros
- Features a built-in hand vac with a crevice tool and an upholstery brush attachment
- 2-way folding handle allows for maneuvering deep under furniture and flips down for compact storage
- Brush-roller switch allows you to toggle between low-pile carpet and hardwoods
Cons
- Battery only lasts for 20 minutes and takes 4.5 hours to recharge
- Incompatible with high-pile carpet or area rugs; only works on hard surfaces and low-pile carpet
Lightweight vacuums are ideal for quick cleanups and carrying up and down the stairs. The Bissell 3190A ReadyClean weighs in at 5.8 pounds for easy maneuverability. It also has a convenient built-in hand vac with an upholstery brush and crevice tool attachment.
The maneuverable design features a two-way folding handle that allows you to reach under tight spaces and then folds down for compact storage. The vacuum sits upright when not in use, so there’s no need for a charging dock.
While this lightweight design has great suction power, it doesn’t work on high-pile carpet. Instead, it’s designed to vacuum low-pile carpet and hardwood floors, featuring an on/off switch for the brush roller. Another con is the short lithium-ion battery life, which only lasts 20 minutes.
Product Specs
- Battery life: Up to 20 minutes
- Weight: 5.8 pounds
- Charge time: 4.5 hours
Get the Bissell cordless vacuum for hardwood floors at Lowe’s, Wayfair, Best Buy, or Bissell.
Best for Pet Hair
Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Elite Cordless Vacuum
Pros
- Features 4 suction modes and works across all floor types
- Has a tangle guard to prevent pet and human hair from clogging the roller
- Hoover ONEPWR battery is compatible with all other ONEPWR products
- LED strip illuminates pet hair for a more thorough clean
Cons
- Doesn’t convert to a handheld model or include any attachments
- At 10.8 pounds, it’s the second-heaviest model on our list
The best cordless vacuums for cleaning pet hair have high suction power and a tangle guard brush roller, like the Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Elite. This vacuum works on all floors, including carpet and hardwood. It features four suction modes for easy switching between floor types.
The Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Elite also has an LED light strip to illuminate pet hair and dust particles. The battery lasts up to 35 minutes, and it has a quicker charge time than comparable models, at only 2 hours. The biggest con is that it doesn’t convert to a handheld vacuum or come with any attachments.
Rather than coming with a charging dock or wall mount, this model is freestanding, so you can store it anywhere.
Product Specs
- Battery life: Up to 35 minutes
- Weight: 9.8 pounds
- Charge time: 2 hours
Get the Hoover cordless vacuum for hardwood floors at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, Acme Tools, or Hoover.
Best Attachments
Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away Cordless Vacuum
Pros
- Changes into a handheld vacuum with an extension hose and 3 attachments
- Works on carpet and hard floor surfaces with LED lights to illuminate dirt
- Freestanding; doesn’t require a portable charging station or wall mount
- A digital display reports remaining battery life and the vacuum mode
Cons
- Heavy model is not ideal for carrying up and down the stairs
The Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away cordless vacuum is capable of cleaning an entire house. It features two DuoClean rollers that trap dust, prevent hair tangles, and keep in constant contact with the floor. This model also switches to a handheld vacuum with an extension hose, making it easy to vacuum the stairs. It includes an anti-allergen dusting brush, crevice tool, and pet multitool.
The Shark Vertex Pro has a digital display that shows the remaining battery life, cleaning mode, and performance. The removable battery runs for up to 60 minutes on its lowest setting.
A potential con to this vacuum is its weight. At 12.4 pounds, it may not be ideal for carrying up and down a flight of stairs.
Product Specs
- Battery life: Up to 60 minutes
- Weight: 12.4 pounds
- Charge time: 4 hours
Get the Shark cordless vacuum for hardwood floors at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, Best Buy, or Shark.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Cordless Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
When choosing a new cordless vacuum for hardwood floors, it’s important to consider the versatility, battery life, vacuum weight, bin capacity, and included attachments. While some shoppers may prefer barebones stick vacuums, those with carpet or area rugs will benefit from a model that can clean both floor types.
Brush Roll
Stiff-bristled brush rolls are ideal for pulling dirt from carpet fibers, but you’ll want to avoid using them on hardwood floors. Instead, a hard floor vacuum should have a fabric, soft-bristled, or microfiber brush roll, while some models are void of a brush roll altogether. Vacuums without brush rolls rely on high-powered suction to capture debris.
Multisurface vacuums often feature an on/off switch for the brush roll, which you can turn on for carpet and off for hard floor surfaces. Some newer models have an auto-detect feature, switching the brush height and suction power automatically when you go from one surface to another. It’s important for shoppers to be aware of compatible floor types before making a purchase. Choosing an option with stiff bristles will result in scratches on the floor.
Battery Life and Runtime
Cordless vacuum cleaners run on rechargeable batteries with a runtime ranging from 20 to 60 minutes on their lowest settings. Using a vacuum at its maximum suction mode will result in a shorter runtime, often less than 20 minutes.
Shoppers who deep clean for extended periods will need a vacuum that keeps up with their cleaning schedule. The best solution for longer battery life is to choose a model with an interchangeable battery; some models come with an extra battery, while others are available for purchase. Not all vacuums have a removable battery, so check for this feature if a long runtime is important.
Weight and Bin Capacity
Most cordless vacuums for hardwood floors are lightweight, ranging from 5.5 to 12 pounds. Shoppers who need to lug a vacuum up and down a flight of stairs should be especially mindful of weight and will probably want to opt for lighter models.
The bin capacity of a vacuum determines how much dust and debris it can hold before needing to be emptied. Since cordless vacuums are lightweight with a compact design, they often feature smaller debris bins than corded vacuums. In addition to the dust capacity, shoppers will also want to consider the ease of emptying the bin. Models with a push-button release that empty from the bottom provide a mess-free solution.
Attachments and Accessories
Not all cordless vacuums come with attachments. Shoppers who want to use their vacuum to clean hard-to-reach areas, walls, or furniture will want to look for a model that converts to a handheld vacuum and offers attachments like crevice tools and dust brushes. To reach high areas, look for a model with an extension hose.
Other common accessories include charging docks. Vacuums that can’t sit upright need a charging dock when not in use. Shoppers who don’t want to mount their vacuum on the wall will want to opt for upright vacuums or ones with portable, freestanding charging stations. Charging docks often house any included accessories, and some newer models feature auto-empty stations, where the dustbin empties itself into a bag inside the dock.
FAQs
Aside from knowing what to look for in a hardwood floor vacuum, it’s equally important to understand how and when to use one. Shoppers who have never used a vacuum to clean their hardwood floors may be worried about scratches and efficiency. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding using a vacuum on wood floors.
Q. Is it OK to vacuum hardwood floors?
It’s OK to use a vacuum for hardwood floors—just use a model made for hard floor surfaces that doesn’t have a stiff-bristled roller brush.
Q. What makes a vacuum good for hardwood floors?
The best vacuums for hardwood floors have cloth, microfiber, or soft-bristled roller brushes and high suction power.
Q. Why do hardwood floors get so dusty?
A big reason hardwood floors get so dusty is due to poor air filtration. Other causes include heavy foot traffic and vacuums that spread dust rather than remove it.
Q. How often should you vacuum hardwood floors?
Vacuum hardwood floors at least once per week and anytime there’s visible dirt buildup. Failure to vacuum can lead to dust and dirt, causing tiny scratches on the floor.
Q. Can all vacuums be used on hardwood floors?
Don’t use a carpet-only vacuum on a hardwood floor. The stiff bristles will leave scratches behind.
