We updated this article in July 2022 to add more information about each featured product based on extensive testing done by the Good Housekeeping Institute . Older models from Bissell, Dyson and Miele were replaced with top-tested newer models, and we added a new model from Kenmore as our best for pet hair.
Hardwood floors make any space look a little nicer, but they do require some special care specific to hardwood to keep them looking new. That means a good cleaning regimen including hardwood floor cleaner, a gentle microfiber mop and, importantly, a great vacuum for hardwood floors.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab we know what makes a vacuum cleaner a great one, having tested hundreds of vacuums and other major home appliances since our experts began evaluating consumer products in 1900. We've had our hands on robot vacuums, cheap vacuums, cordless stick vacuums and vacuums engineered for pet hair, among many others. But what makes a vacuum great for hardwood floors? For starters, you'll want a vacuum with soft bristles that won't scratch wood — and you can even get away with a vacuum with no brush roller at all since you're not digging deep into carpet fibers. A good hardwood vacuum will also have strong suction to do a better job getting into the crevices between the planks of wood. All of our experts' picks have these features and more.
Our top picks:
-
1
Best Overall Vacuum Cleaner for Hardwood Floors
Boost CX1 Miele
Read More
-
2
Best Value Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
Hard Floor Expert Canister Vacuum Bissell
Read More
-
3
Best Cordless Vacuum Cleaner for Hardwood Floors
V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Dyson
Read More
-
4
Best Vacuum Cleaner for Hardwood Floors and Pet Hair
Pet Friendly Pop-N-Go Canister Vacuum Kenmore
Read More
-
5
Best Compact Stick Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
Omni-Glide Vacuum Cleaner Dyson
Read More
At the end of this guide, you'll find more information on how we test vacuum cleaners as well as how to shop for the best vacuum for hardwood floors. Our cleaning experts also answer commonly asked questions about getting dirt and dust off your hardwood floors.
1
Best Overall Vacuum Cleaner for Hardwood Floors
Boost CX1
2
Best Value Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
Hard Floor Expert Canister Vacuum
3
Best Cordless Vacuum Cleaner for Hardwood Floors
V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
4
Best Vacuum Cleaner for Hardwood Floors and Pet Hair
Pet Friendly Pop-N-Go Canister Vacuum
5
Best Compact Stick Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
Omni-Glide Vacuum Cleaner
6
Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner for Hardwood Floors
Roomba S9+
7
Best Combo Vacuum and Mop for Hardwood Floors
CrossWave X7 Cordless Pet Pro
8
BEST UPRIGHT VACUUM CLEANER FOR HARDWOOD FLOORS
Power Series Pro Cordless Stick Vacuum
How we test vacuum cleaners
Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we continually test all types of vacuums, from canister vacuums to robot vacuums and handheld vacuums, following the ASTM International industry standard test methods. Our performance tests include evaluating how well each vacuum cleaner removes dirt deeply embedded into pile carpet and simulated pet hair evenly spread on a carpet's surface. We attach vacuums to a custom-built, automated machine that makes the same number of passes over the same test carpeting. We also look at how well vacuums remove large and small debris from hard flooring like wood, tile and linoleum; how well they clean along floor edges and how effective their suction is.
Our second set of tests, called the ease-of-use tests, include testing each vacuum for ease of cleaning, maneuverability, maintenance, weight, battery run-time for cordless models and the clarify of the owner's manual. In addition to our in-Lab tests, we recruit our colleagues to try the vacuums for themselves and share their opinions.
What to look for in a hardwood floor vacuum
There is no one-size-fits-all vacuum for hardwood floors. Different vacuums will suit different needs. Here's what to look for when shopping for a hardwood floor vacuum:
✔️ Attachments: Brush rollers are great for cleaning plush carpeting, but can cause fine scratches on wood flooring. For safety, make sure your hardwood vacuum either has multiple brush rolls, attachments for carpet vs. hardwood or an option to turn the brush roll off. Look for soft brush rollers or attachments specifically for hardwood floors. These soft brushes will sweep away debris from the cracks and crevices between wood floorboards and nab the finest dust particles for a more thorough cleaning. Brush attachments are also usually low enough to get to hard-to-reach places like under furniture.
✔️ Suction Power: Strong suction power is important in a good hardwood vacuum. Not only will good suction power pick up large debris, but it will also pick up pet hair and fine dirt or dust, and it will do a better job of nabbing particles lodged between the planks of wood.
✔️ Vacuum Type: Each style of vacuum will suit different needs. Cordless vacuums are ideal if you switch rooms frequently while vacuuming. Canister vacuums are extremely versatile and do a great job cleaning floors, stairs, furniture, lampshades and more. A robot vacuum will do the vacuuming for you with the push of a button. Stick vacuums are often convenient to store, take up little space and tend to be lightweight.
✔️ Weight: Be sure to check the weight of the vacuum and take into consideration how much weight you're willing to push around while vacuuming or carry around the house.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
As Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home and Cleaning Lab, Carolyn Forté has tested and reviewed hundreds of vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, dishwashers, washing machines and other major home appliances for over 40 years. She is an active member of the ASTM Committee on vacuum cleaners and chairman of the consumer information sub-committee.
Carolyn Forté, Good Housekeeping Institute Executive Director, Home Care & Cleaning Lab Carolyn Forté, a consumer products expert, is the executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees all testing, research and editorial production involving cleaning appliances and products, like vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, detergents and more.
Jamie Kim Contributing Writer and Analyst Jamie Kim is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io