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A quality robot vacuum for hard floors picks up dust and dirt from every corner of the room without scattering debris or ruining sensitive hardwood flooring. Nowadays, robot vacuums offer several onboard features that range from automatic cleaning schedules to cleaning and mopping simultaneously.
We decided to test these futuristic options to learn which ones performed the best at keeping hard floors mess- and scratch-free. Keep reading to explore how each model fared in our hands-on testing and discover which ones made our list of the best robot vacuums for hardwood floors.
- BEST OVERALL: Roborock Q Revo Robot Vacuum and Mop
- RUNNER-UP: Shark AV1010AE IQ Robot Vacuum With Self-Empty Base
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum
- BEST FOR SMALL SPACES: Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum
- BEST FOR PETS: iRobot Roomba j5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop
- BEST VACUUM AND MOP: Roborock S7 Robot Vacuum and Mop
How We Tested the Best Robot Vacuums for Hardwood Floors
Before testing the top robot vacuums for hardwood floors, we researched 15 popular models, looking for robo vacs with at least 200 user reviews and an average rating of at least four out of five stars. We also looked for a range of features, including mapping, self-emptying bins, vacuum/mop combos, and the ability to create cleaning schedules.
After selecting our top seven models, we ran each vacuum on 1,000 square feet of hardwood floors three times to determine each model’s ability to clean everyday messes. We also put the vacuums through controlled testing to see how well they picked up varying types of debris. For this evaluation, we sprinkled 2 tablespoons of flour on the floor, crushed a mini chocolate chip cookie, and spread a small handful of chocolate chips on the hardwoods to see which vacuums could suction the mess.
We recorded the results in a rubric where we graded each model on its ease of use, cleaning ability, features, and how likely we were to use the vacuum again. We compared the models to one another and gave each vacuum an award based on how it performed. Of the seven top models we tested, six of them made our list of the best robot vacuums for hardwood floors.
We also sought out some expert advice on the key features to consider. Gretchen Boyd, president of NYC House Cleaners, advises shoppers, “Look for models with excellent suction power and specialized brushes for gentle, effective cleaning. Robot vacuums indeed save time by automating the cleaning process and maintaining floors regularly.” She says that beyond being time-saving, they offer the advantage of reaching tight spaces and under furniture, which are often inaccessible with traditional vacuums.
Our Top Picks
A robot vacuum is the ideal cleaning companion for shoppers in search of debris-free floors. The best robot vacuums for hardwood floors are reliable and easy to use, which is true of all these independently tested options on our list. Read on to learn more about each of our top picks.
Best Overall
Roborock Q Revo Robot Vacuum and Mop
Pros
- Powerful suction picks up all debris, large and small
- 2 spinning mop pads scrub tough messes for a streak-free clean
- Self-emptying, self-refilling, self-cleaning, and self-drying dock requires little user maintenance
- Easy-to-use app generates a 3D map and allows users to create routines
Cons
- Many extra features mean a higher-end price point compared to basic robot vacuums
- Too tall to fit under some low-to-ground furniture
Product Specs
- Product dimensions: 13.78 inches long by 13.9 inches wide by 3.8 inches high
- Runtime: 180 minutes
- Dustbin capacity: 2.7 liters
Shoppers looking for a high-end vacuum for hardwood floors can’t go wrong with the Roborock Q Revo robot vacuum. This vacuum is equipped with powerful suction, and the mop features two spinning microfiber pads that can blast through the toughest stuck-on messes.
During our tests, the Roborock Q Revo outperformed every other model. After connecting it to the app and charging it, we littered our floors with 2 tablespoons of flour, a crushed chocolate chip cookie, and chocolate chips. The powerful suction from the Roborock Q Revo vacuumed every little crumb; there wasn’t a morsel of food or dust left behind.
The mop also proved to be a valuable asset. The spinning microfiber heads left our floors clean and streak-free. They also lifted whenever they encountered a rug, so none of our carpets got wet. Another feature we were impressed with was the self-washing and self-drying dock. Rather than having to hand-wash the mop pads after each use, the dock runs a wash cycle and then dries the mop pads to keep them clean and prevent bacteria buildup.
The dock base also houses a clean water tank, a dirty water tank, and a bag for dust collection. The dock refills the robot mop with clean water whenever it runs low, and the 2.7-liter dustbin can hold up to 7 weeks’ worth of debris.
While the Roborock Q Revo is more expensive than other models on our list, it was the only vacuum that picked up 100 percent of our test substances. The extreme suction would work well for
, and it’s a great choice for those who want to leave hardwood floor cleaning solely to a robot.
Read our full review: Roborock Q Revo Robot Vacuum and Mop
Get the Roborock Q Revo robot vacuum for hardwood floors at Amazon, Wayfair, or Walmart.
Runner-Up
Shark AV1010AE IQ Robot Vacuum With Self-Empty Base
Pros
- Compatible with or without the SharkClean app; doesn’t have to connect to Wi-Fi to work
- Excellent suction picked up 95 percent of our test particles in a single pass
- Self-emptying bin holds up to 45 days’ worth of dirt
Cons
- 1 hour of battery life may not be sufficient for large homes
Product Specs
- Product dimensions: 14.69 inches long by 10.24 inches wide by 19.37 inches high (including self-emptying base)
- Runtime: 60 minutes
- Dustbin capacity: Up to 45 days’ worth of dirt and debris
The Shark IQ robot vacuum works on multiple surfaces and features a self-emptying base that holds up to 45 days’ worth of debris. This robot mop is Wi-Fi enabled, and its companion app allows users to create cleaning schedules and cleaning zones. Thanks to the “clean” and “dock” buttons, it also works without a Wi-Fi hookup.
This model was the second-best performer in our cleaning tests. Some vacuums scattered or completely missed large amounts of debris, but the Shark IQ picked up about 95 percent of the crumbs and flour in a single pass.
We also liked how easy it was to get started with the Shark IQ. After unpacking the vacuum, we plugged in the base, flipped on the power switches, let it charge, and connected it to the app. With a full charge, we utilized our app and told the vacuum to start cleaning. It left the dock and vacuumed in neat rows, ensuring that it never missed a spot. Other than becoming stuck on one thick door mat in a hard-to-maneuver area, this vacuum navigated the house while cleaning against and under furniture without issue.
Once the Shark IQ finished cleaning, it returned to its dock to empty and charge. We emptied the bagless dustbin by sliding it out of the base and dumping it in the trash. This process was simple, and the dustbin doesn’t require emptying very often because of its large capacity. Overall, we were impressed by the cleaning ability the Shark IQ had to offer and would recommend this model to those wanting a vacuum-only robot for their hardwood floors.
Get the Shark IQ robot vacuum for hardwood floors at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum
Pros
- Affordable robot vacuum that offers Wi-Fi connectivity and voice assistant integration
- Powerful suction left floors clean, and the dustbin was easy to empty
- Cleaning head height adjusts based on floor type (hard floors or carpet)
Cons
- Vacuums in a random pattern, causing it to sometimes miss spots
- Must clear the floor of clutter before running (sucked up a power cord during testing)
Product Specs
- Product dimensions: 13.4 inches wide by 3.54 inches high
- Runtime: 90 minutes
- Dustbin capacity: Not specified
The iRobot Roomba 694 robot vacuum is an economical pick with Wi-Fi connectivity. It also offers features like remote control via the app, scheduling, and voice assistant integration. The three-stage cleaning system picks up dust, dirt, and hair from hardwood floors and carpets, using dual multisurface brushes, an edge-sweeping brush, and powerful suction.
After charging this vacuum for a few hours, we hooked it up to the app, which only took a few minutes. We then commanded the vacuum to start cleaning, and it took off exploring the house. However, we immediately noticed that it cleaned in an erratic pattern.
The
went from room to room in diagonal motions rather than sweeping in rows. Unfortunately, it didn’t do as well in our debris test because of this vacuuming pattern. This model did have great suction and picked up all the cookie crumbs and chocolate chips, but it missed about half the flour on the floor because of the random vacuuming style.
The vacuum had no problem traversing or cleaning medium- and low-pile area rugs. Every time we used this model, the dustbin was filled with dirt and hair, which was surprising because we didn’t think our floors were that dirty.
Overall, this model is a good budget pick. It moved easily from room to room, fit under low-to-ground furniture, and offered excellent suction, although it is likely to miss spots.
Get the iRobot Roomba 694 robot vacuum for hardwood floors at Amazon, Best Buy, or Crutchfield.
Best for Small Spaces
Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum
Pros
- Excellent suction power; picked up 95 percent of our test substances
- Bagless, self-emptying bin is easy to empty and holds up to 30 days’ worth of dirt
- Multisurface brush works to lift debris from hardwoods and carpets
Cons
- Battery life only lasts up to an hour, making it better suited for small spaces
Product Specs
- Product dimensions: 18.5 inches long by 13.38 inches wide by 11.42 inches high (including the self-emptying base)
- Runtime: 60 minutes
- Dustbin capacity: Up to 30 days’ worth of dirt and debris
The Shark EZ robot vacuum offers row-by-row cleaning for a spotless floor. It features a bagless, self-emptying base that can hold up to 30 days’ worth of dirt. This model is Wi-Fi and voice assistant compatible, and the companion app allows users to control the vacuum and create cleaning schedules. Users who don’t want to download the app can still run the Shark EZ via the “clean” and “dock” buttons on top of the unit.
We tested the Shark EZ vacuum on a closed-concept layout of about 1,000 square feet of hardwood floors. It vacuumed in neat rows, going room by room. This model made it through every area in our house without getting stuck and worked around obstacles and under furniture without fail. When we put it up against our debris test, the vacuum performed excellently, suctioning up about 95 percent of the cookies, chocolate chips, and flour off our hardwoods.
The Shark EZ can clean for about an hour before the battery dies, which was plenty of time to tackle our 1,000-square-foot first floor. After cleaning, the vacuum returned to the dock, self-emptied, and recharged. The dustbin pulled out of place with the push of a button and then opened at the bottom, making it easy for us to empty the dirt and debris into the trash.
While the Shark EZ robot vacuum doesn’t have as long of a battery life as some of the other models, it offers excellent suction and ease of use.
Get the Shark EZ robot vacuum for hardwood floors at Amazon or Walmart.
Best for Pets
iRobot Roomba j5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop
Pros
- Creates a map of the home, which users can label and use to create schedules
- Deftly avoids obstacles like stray socks and pet messes
- Can be used in vacuum-only mode or vacuum and mop simultaneously
Cons
- Doesn’t automatically avoid carpet when in mop mode; user must create “no mop” zones
- Utilizes bags for dust collection; 1 bag lasts about 60 days
Product Specs
- Product dimensions: 13.3 inches wide by 3.4 inches high
- Runtime: 180 min
- Dustbin capacity: Up to 60 days’ worth of dirt and debris (vacuum-only bin)
The Roomba j5+ is a vacuum-and-mop combination model with a self-emptying bin that utilizes bags for dust collection. It comes with a vacuum-only bin and a combo vacuum-and-mop bin that users can swap out depending on their cleaning needs. The j5+ vacuum features sensors that detect and avoid pet waste, power cords, and other obstacles.
The iRobot app was easy to download and connect. All we had to do was enter our Wi-Fi password and follow a few simple prompts. Once the j5+ vacuum was charged and connected, we unleashed it in the vacuum-only mode and let it explore our house. We used this vacuum on a closed-concept first floor, and despite there being several rooms, it did an excellent job of mapping on the first try.
During the initial cleaning session, the j5+ vacuum suctioned regular dirt buildup without issue. To see if it could handle larger amounts of debris, we added flour, a crumbled cookie, and chocolate chips to the floor. We turned the vacuum on, and it went back and forth in an overlapping pattern, picking up about 75 percent of the test substances. This result wasn’t phenomenal, but considering the amount of food on the floor, it wasn’t terrible either. We had hoped the vacuum’s patented Dirt Detection Technology—a feature intended to increase cleaning power on dirty areas—would help, but it didn’t seem to kick in.
To test the mop features, we filled the combo vacuum-and-mop bin with water, attached the mop pad, and set the vacuum to clean our hardwoods. It vacuumed and mopped simultaneously as advertised: The floor looked clean afterward and dried streak-free.
Get the iRobot Roomba j5+ robot vacuum for hardwood floors at Amazon or Wayfair.
Best Vacuum and Mop
Roborock S7 Robot Vacuum and Mop
Pros
- Use as a vacuum only, or vacuum and mop hard floors simultaneously
- Carpet-detection feature increases suction on carpet and lifts the mop pad to prevent getting carpet wet
- Easily avoids obstacles and navigates closed-concept layouts
Cons
- Taller 4-inch body doesn’t fit under low-to-ground furniture
Product Specs
- Product dimensions: 14 inches wide by 4 inches high
- Runtime: 180 minutes
- Dustbin capacity: 470 milliliters
The Roborock S7 robot vacuum and mop is a practical choice for full-floor cleaning. It offers many features of a highly efficient robot vacuum, including powerful suction, laser mapping, and smart map features like multilevel mapping and no-go zones. The model can also vacuum and mop hard floors simultaneously. The carpet detection feature increases suction to better clean carpet and also raises the mop pad so the carpet doesn’t become wet. Users can also designate “no mop” sections in the easy-to-use app.
The Roborock S7 did an excellent job in our tests. In one pass, it picked up more than 90 percent of the flour, cookie crumbs, and chocolate chips with which we littered our floors. We also loved the vibrating mophead that scrubs up to 3,000 cycles a minute. Our floors were noticeably cleaner and streak-free after running the vacuum and mop cycle.
After cleaning, the vacuum returned to the dock, and we received a notification that it had finished. We lifted the lid to empty the dustbin but pulled it out too fast and spilled the collected dirt everywhere. The next time we emptied it, we did a better job of carefully removing the dustbin to prevent messes. We also hand-washed the mop pad and left it on our counter to dry. Overall, the S7 vacuum did an excellent job of vacuuming and mopping; this model could be an asset to anyone who needs to keep their hard floors clean.
Get the Roborock S7 robot vacuum for hardwood floors at Amazon.
ALSO TESTED:
We also tested the Lefant M210-Pro Robot Vacuum. We liked that this robot vacuum was easy to set up and didn’t require Wi-Fi. Instead, it had an optional app. However, this model failed to clean most of our test substances. We first used the Lefant vacuum to clean regular dirt buildup, and it did a decent job. When we emptied the dustbin, it was full of dirt, hair, and small debris. We then placed flour, cookie crumbs, and chocolate chips on the floor. Unfortunately, the vacuum performed poorly on all three substances. Due to the two vacuum brushes, the Lefant vacuum scattered the debris rather than suctioning it. We then had to use our traditional vacuum cleaner to sweep up the remaining debris.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Robot Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
In general, hard floor surfaces are easier for a robot vacuum to clean than carpets. Most high-quality robot vacuums are well suited to clean hardwood floors without causing damage. Features like soft wheels, multisurface adjustment options, and gentle sweeper brushes can help a robot vacuum better clean hardwood floors. The good news is that the best robot vacuums for hardwood floors from reputable brands will include these features.
To choose the best robot vacuum for their home, shoppers will want to consider square footage, vacuum size, suction power, cleaning modes, noise level, and additional convenience features. Price is also a concern. According to Ryan Knoll, owner of Arizona-based maid service Tidy Casa, “More expensive vacs usually have more features, which can sometimes be nice. However, the most expensive option is not always the best choice. The trick is to find the cheapest model that has the key features your home needs.”
Square Footage
A robot vacuum can clean spaces large and small, but some models will be more efficient than others. Shoppers will want to take their home’s square footage into account when choosing a robot vacuum, especially if they have a large floor plan.
Robot vacuums have limited battery life and dustbin capacities. Most vacuums can run for 60 to 90 minutes before needing a charge, which is long enough to handle most smaller floor plans. For larger floor plans, look for a vacuum that can run for 100 minutes or longer on a single charge. The same logic goes for the vacuum dustbin: Look for a larger capacity (ideally over 600 milliliters) for larger homes. A self-emptying feature is also helpful so the vacuum can empty itself and continue its job.
Shoppers with smaller homes might not need a long battery life or large dustbin capacity, so they could opt to forgo these features for a more budget-friendly price.
Size
Most robot vacuums look like a large hockey puck, measuring roughly 13 or 14 inches in diameter and 3 to 4 inches tall. Due to their small size, robot vacuums tend to have small dustbin capacities, usually around 500 milliliters.
Shoppers who have lots of tight spaces or low furniture in their homes will want to look for a small and low-profile vacuum. Smaller robot vacuums tend to be more agile and less likely to need rescuing from between two pieces of furniture, while a slimmer vacuum can clean under low furniture.
Larger robot vacuums may be slightly more unwieldy than their compact counterparts, but they can have the space for a larger motor or dustbin. A vacuum with these features is a better choice for larger spaces.
Suction
Hard floors are easier for a robot vacuum to tackle than carpeted surfaces, which grip onto hair and dirt. High-quality hard floor or multifloor robot vacuums have the suction power to capture everyday debris from all hard floor surfaces. Most also have a sweeper brush to pull litter toward the suction path and make sure the vacuum doesn’t scatter debris.
A robot vacuum’s suction power is measured in pascal pressure units (Pa) and can range from 1,000 to 8,000 Pa. While some manufacturers use this as a selling point, it is not a huge concern for vacuuming hardwood floors—either end of the spectrum should have enough suction to remove debris from hard surfaces, especially when paired with a good brush design.
The suction power of a robot vacuum won’t measure up to a traditional full-size vacuum. Robot vacuums have a much smaller motor. Their lower suction power and the fact that they can miss spots make robot vacuums a better choice for daily sweeping, not for deep-cleaning.
Cleaning Modes
To tackle a range of cleaning jobs, robot vacuums have various cleaning modes. Auto modes are the simplest—just release the vacuum to start cleaning. Spot-cleaning modes bring the vacuum’s focus to a dirty spot that needs extra TLC. Some vacuums also have turbo or quiet modes; the former boosts suction power, while the latter turns it down to vacuum quietly. Combination vacuum-and-mop models feature both dry and wet cleaning modes to get hardwood floors sparkling clean.
Users can control the cleaning modes via a remote control or a smartphone app, depending on the vacuum’s capabilities. Robot vacuums can also allow for map controls from a smartphone as well as scheduling and no-go zones, making them worth the splurge for many consumers.
Mapping and Navigation
Mapping and navigation features can make robot vacuums much more efficient than their nonmapping counterparts, which bounce around a room by using collision sensors. Instead, mapping robot vacuums can learn and remember a home’s floor plan to ensure they sweep every part of a room.
Users can also program mapping vacuums to avoid furniture and obstacles in a room. Some robot vacuums allow for exclusion zones, so users can instruct it to skip a room or even an area within a room. Smart mapping is a convenient feature that allows mapping and navigation control from a smartphone.
Sensor robot vacuums still have their place. They’re a budget-friendly option that will get floors cleaner than before, but they’ll take longer to complete a room and are more likely to miss a spot.
Noise Level
Robot vacuums tend to be quieter than their full-size counterparts (one of the benefits of a smaller motor). They usually run between 60 to 80 decibels, ranging from the volume of a normal conversation to the sound of an upright vacuum.
For users who plan to run the vacuum when they’re out of the home, noise may be a minor concern. However, those who spend a lot of time at home might prefer a quieter option. Some vacuums also have a lower-power quiet-mode feature for a less noisy run.
Many brands don’t advertise their decibel rating, so shoppers looking for a quieter option will want to check the vacuum’s reviews or seek out a vacuum that is advertised as quieter than the competition.
Special Features
With all the smart-home products on the market, it’s no surprise that robot vacuums can come jam-packed with smart features. Wi-Fi–enabled smart robot vacuums connect to a smartphone app to offer control right at the fingertips. They can offer remote controls, scheduling, no-go zone options, cleaning history, detailed maps, and more.
If emptying a robot vacuum sounds like too much of a chore, look for a self-emptying option. These robot vacuums tend to be pricier, but they’re a good choice for those who truly want a hands-off approach to vacuuming as much as possible.
Looking for a product to clean hardwood floors from start to finish? A combined robot vacuum and mop is the ideal tool. These handy machines vacuum up debris and then mop hard floors—no effort is required.
FAQs
With so many available options, choosing a robot vacuum can feel overwhelming. But once you’ve found the right pick, you and your floors can be in effortless, dirt-free bliss. Read on for some frequently asked questions and answers about using a robot vacuum on hardwood floors.
Q. Do robot vacuums work well on hardwood floors?
Yes, robot vacuums are an excellent option for hard flooring like hardwood floors.
Q. Do robot vacuums scratch hardwood floors?
No, a good robot vacuum should not scratch hardwood floors—at least on its own. If sharp debris gets caught under the vacuum’s wheels or sweeper, it can scratch sensitive flooring. To prevent this from happening, make sure to clear any sharp debris before using a robot vacuum.
Q. What is the best way to clean hardwood floors?
For gleaming floors, first, gently sweep or vacuum the floor (using a traditional vacuum or robot vacuum) to clear debris from hardwood floors. Next, mop gently using a wood-safe cleaner.
Q. How do you set up a robot vacuum to clean your house?
It depends on the vacuum; some can be turned on and left to run free, while others will need a connection to a smartphone app to set up customizable features. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to set up your new robot vacuum.
Meet the Tester
Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing, has tested dozens of cleaning products, and has authored hundreds of articles for major media outlets. Her cleaning and organizing advice has been featured on GOBankingRates, Realtor.com, Yahoo!, Cabin Life, and more. She takes an unbiased approach to product testing, using each product multiple times or for several days/weeks to determine efficacy. Her goal is to help readers decide which products are worth their hard-earned money and which fall flat.
Additional research provided by Jasmine Harding.
