What are the features that make the best cordless vacuum for hardwood floors? These powerful cleaning tools are among the best vacuum cleaners today because of their portability, power, and excellent user experience. Plus, they won’t damage your hardwood floors, which is always a plus.
When it comes time to find the best cordless vacuum model for you, look for a vacuum that offers a long battery life. Also, a large dust cup capacity and plenty of adjustable settings for a customizable cleaning experience are crucial. You’ll also want to find an option that offers specific modes for your individual situation, such as pet hair options, brush rolls for carpet, and handheld modes for great portability. If limited battery life is not ideal for you, like if you have a larger home you want to clean in one session, consider opting for a corded stick vacuum cleaner that gets all its power from a power cord.
Keep reading to learn more about the best cordless vacuum for hardwood floors and how you can find the best option for all of your cleaning needs.
Top Cordless Vacuums For Hardwood Floors
#1 Tineco Floor One Vacuum Cleaner
Award:- TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: We love this best cordless stick vacuum cleaner for its superb versatility, as it has an excellent auto mode that sets the vacuuming mode according to the floor type automatically. Its vacuuming head has an extremely large suction area, which is very helpful for cleaning large surfaces. It also has a motorized brush roller for cleaning stubborn dust particles.
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- Extremely easy to use and easy maintenance
- Filtered exhaust
- Excellent auto mode
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- Somewhat shoddy build quality
- Despite having the patented two-tank technology, the dust tank could have been bigger
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Once you charge the Tineco Floor One Vacuum Cleaner fully, it offers up to 22 minutes of continuous runtime, even on the “MAX” and the smart “AUTO” modes. It works the best for hardwood flooring and also does a stellar job on laminated, linoleum, sealed wood, and marbled flooring. But for tile, you’ll probably need a top vacuum for tile floors. However, both of Tineco’s dust tanks aren’t very large. As a result, you might have to empty both of those dust tanks multiple times while cleaning a large home, which can become a huge hassle for the user.
A large tank and versatility are ideal for cleaning up big areas, including tile, which means you’ll need the best cordless vacuum for tile floors.
To somewhat combat the minor dust tank issue, this vacuum cleaner incorporates a large vacuuming head, which in turn offers a large suction area suitable for a large house and its suction power is also ample enough to handle even the most rigid surface with little to no issue without any manual changes or intervention. It also stays extremely quiet throughout its operating period, no matter the cleaning mode or speed setting. Pair it with the appropriate top-rated floor cleaner and you’ll be set.
#2 Dyson V11 Torque Vacuum Cleaner
Award:- HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This vacuum cleaner is built very well. Despite the slim body, its motor delivers top-tier suction power without breaking a sweat. It even has an LCD screen on its head, which intelligently reports the current speed setting along with cleaning mode, the remaining battery runtime, and even filter changing and maintenance alerts. It also comes with a docking station.
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- Extremely long (up to 60 minutes) run time on a single charge
- High torque vacuuming head
- Superb suction power
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- Many attachments don’t come included in the box and have to be bought separately
- Long charging times of around four and a half hours
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The Dyson V11 Torque Vacuum Cleaner has many innovative modes, and it executes its wireless nature very well. It has an extremely long runtime of 60 minutes, which should be more than enough for you to forget all your battery life woes. On top of that, it has a true HEPA filter on its air exhaust which prevents the trapped dust from flowing back out. But, many of its attachment tools (e.g., the mopping head attachment) are not included in the box. Keep that in mind if included attachments are important to you when buying a vacuum.
It has a high-quality LCD display on its head, which conveniently reports all vital stats in real-time mode, and even shows maintenance alerts which is a lifesaver. It also sports the brand’s patented DLS (Dynamic Load Sensor), which automatically adjusts the suction rate between hardwood flooring and soft carpet flooring without requiring any manual intervention. Best of all, its long-lasting battery life does not equate to a heavy body, thanks to its advanced seven-cell light lithium-ion system. And it includes a wall-mountable charging dock for easy storage. Though it’s good to know how to maintain your vacuum, it never hurts to make use of a vacuum warranty or even the best insurance for homeowners.
#3 Wowgo Cordless 160W Vacuum Cleaner
Award:- BEST INTAKE POWER
WHY WE LIKE IT:- It comes with an exceptionally strong motor that is capable of delivering some of the best intake power in its range. It is suitable for almost all surfaces for deep cleaning, and it does a fantastic job of deep cleaning without damaging the flooring material. And despite coming with a large DC motor and a large battery pack, its body is light enough to be carried everywhere effortlessly.
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- Excellent intake power
- Extended operating period
- Extremely efficient four-stage filtration system for the exhaust
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- Poor build quality
- It does not include a true HEPA filter
- Not very easy to operate
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Even though the Wowgo Cordless 160W Vacuum Cleaner has a heavy-duty motor, it does not skimp on its battery life in any way. It lasts about 20 minutes on its “MAX” mode, but on its normal mode (which would be the sweet spot for most users), it lasts up to 40 minutes on a single charge. In addition, its triple turbine motorized brush rollers gently pluck out even the most stubborn dust particles without grinding the flooring material. However, its overall build quality does pose some concerns. It might not be the best for frequent and long usage, which the best commercial vacuum cleaner is better suited for.
It also comes with a modular body, and its removable 1-liter dust tank is extremely easy to clean and maintain, even for a novice user. On top of that, it comes with an included cleaning brush for untangling hair rolls and other strands from the vacuuming head for easy maintenance. Besides, it has bright headlights on its vacuuming head, which would be immensely helpful if you have a dark room to clean. Just like most of its competitors, it comes with a wall-mountable charging bracket as well. If you want strong suction power out of the vacuum for your hardwood and thick high-pile too, check out the best vacuum for thick carpet.
#4 Shark SV1106 Navigator Vacuum Cleaner
Award:- BEST FOR HAIR AND DANDER
WHY WE LIKE IT: This vacuum cleaner comes with a huge dustbin (0.64 quarts) that efficiently holds the entire dirt of a large house without overflowing. And as a result, the user doesn’t have to empty the bin over and over again if they have a large place to clean. On top of that, it includes a one-button ejection feature which is helpful for disposing of the collected dust hygienically.
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- Extremely large dustbin for cleaning a large house in one go
- Easy to follow maintenance process
- It weighs only seven and a half pounds
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- Long charging times, takes around four hours to charge fully
- Cheap plastic build
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Despite the Shark SV1106 Navigator Vacuum Cleaner coming with a large dust tank, it weighs only seven and a half pounds. As a result, it glides gracefully on top of every surface for deep cleaning. Its brush heads also have three different sensitivity levels for both hardwood and soft carpet flooring materials, and even for bare concrete floors. However, it feels pretty cheap in hand, mostly due to its glossy plastic body that regularly attracts scratches and scuff marks, even if you try to use it carefully.
But its maintenance process is relatively simple, as most of its components are easily detachable. On top of that, it comes with a fast charger that fully charges its lithium-ion battery pack in under an hour. And it does come with a crevice tool for sucking up all the clogged dirt in cracks and hard-to-reach places. It also has a fairly decent run time of about 45 minutes, which should be more than enough to clean up a large villa in one go without recharging the battery. If a lot of furry friends live in your place, especially a large villa, be sure to check out the best handheld vacuum for pet hair.
#5 Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Vacuum Cleaner
Award:- BEST PORTABLE
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is packed to the brim with different cleaning features without weighing a ton. It has a superb swiveling feature which is very useful for cleaning tricky corners without repositioning the vacuum head or the body. In addition, its motorized dual brush rolls are antimicrobial in nature, which is very useful for removing odor. The brush rolls and most of its components are also removable for easy maintenance.
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- Exceptionally compact body
- Superb build quality
- Excellent suction power
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- Short run time on a single charge
- The dust cup could have been bigger
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The Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Vacuum Cleaner has an ultra-slim body, and it weighs only nine pounds. Its advanced swiveling head is absolutely a necessity for cleaning hard-to-reach corners, and its removable brush heads have a multitude of different modes for different types of flooring materials. They are also anti-bacterial in nature, which helps destroy most odor from the collected dust without requiring an expensive carbon VOC filter. However, it only runs for about 20 minutes on a full charge and takes about an hour to charge fully.
Despite the short run time, the brand’s patented “Power Vortex” technology helps provide high-speed airflow for providing the maximum amount of suction possible. And as a direct result, it does not need many passes in order to thoroughly clean a room’s floor thoroughly. It also has an excellent foldable design which is very useful for storing it in a small place or carrying it to different places. Best of all, its detachable modular lithium-ion battery pack is easily swappable for achieving an even longer wireless run time. For more small cleaning appliances, you can get the best handheld steam cleaner for your carpets.
#6 Eureka RapidClean Pro Vacuum Cleaner
Award:- BEST FOR VERSATILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: This vacuum cleaner is easily the most versatile out of this bunch, as its body offers many swiveling points for a thorough cleaning, even on a rough surface. Its engine is also very power efficient, and as a result, it lasts up to 40 minutes on a single charge. In addition, its exhaust’s comprehensive filtration system includes a foam filter for blocking out any liquid spillage while cleaning.
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- Extremely long run time on a single charge
- It comes with a ton of included accessories
- The superb suction power on the “MAX” mode
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- The built-in LED headlights are not very bright
- Long charging times
- Terrible build quality and longevity
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The Eureka RapidClean Pro Vacuum Cleaner has LED headlights on its vacuuming head for pointing out debris and other dirt particles inside a dark room. And on top of that, it has a deep ridge on its body, which allows the user to easily rest this model on a table, a desk, or a countertop easily without reaching for the wall-mounted charger for taking a small break from cleaning. However, its terrible build quality leaves a lot to be desired, as the DC motor fails very frequently.
The comprehensive filtration system of this vacuum cleaner sports a lot of high-quality filters, including a foam filter for preventing liquid spillage. As a result, it works similarly well for sucking up liquid materials from floors without leaving any streak, like a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. It also has top-notch handling, thanks to its light body and maneuverability. Best of all, this vacuum cleaner isn’t very loud at all, even at its top speed. And it has fairly short charging times, thanks to the fast charging dock.
Beginner’s Guide to Cordless Vacuums for Hardwood Floors
What Are Cordless Vacuums for Hardwood Floors?
A cordless vacuum for cleaning hardwood floors is a device made specifically to clean debris from hardwood without damaging it. These vacuums can easily pick up dust bunnies, dirt, human hair, pet hair, pet dander, and other dry messes, thanks to their powerful suction. Depending on the model you purchase, the best cordless vacuum for hard floors may also offer mop functionality. This way, you can also clean up wet messes that might otherwise spoil your floors.
Cordless Vacuums for Hardwood Floors vs. Traditional Vacuums
Both cordless vacuum cleaners and traditional vacuums offer the same general design and form factor, depending on the specific model you purchase. Most cordless models are the same as an upright vacuum, balancing on the vacuum head with a handle at the top of the device.
The most significant difference in form factor between the two, however, comes into play when you compare their sizes. Cordless options tend to be cordless stick vacuums with a slimmer and more lightweight design. They also lack a dedicated power cord. Instead, these vacuums use battery power to run.
Because of their battery power system, cordless vacuum cleaners can sometimes be less powerful than corded options. However, the difference in suction power between the two is hardly noticeable to the average consumer. Plus, with ever-present advances in battery technology, cordless vacuums are becoming more powerful with each iteration.
How Cordless Vacuums for Hardwood Floors Work
The best cordless vacuum for wood floors doesn’t offer much difference over traditional vacuums when it comes to base functionality. Both types use internal components such as intake and exhaust ports, electric motors, fans, and dirt cups to create a comprehensive cleaning system.
Once you power on your cordless vacuum, the electric motor spins the fans, creating airflow throughout the vacuum. Since the spinning fan creates a vacuum effect near the intake port, your vacuum picks up debris as you pass over it.
Once your vacuum has picked up dust and debris, the air flows toward the exhaust port. On the way out of the vacuum, the air passes over or through the dirt cup. The debris is heavy enough to collect in the dirt cup and remains there as the air flows out of the vacuum.
Do You Really Need a Cordless Vacuum for Hardwood Floors?
If you need to clean the hardwood floors in your home, you’ll benefit the most from purchasing a vacuum made specifically for the purpose. Whether you’ve moved into a new home or transitioned from carpets to hardwood flooring, the best vacuum for hardwood floors is the right choice for you.
These handy vacuums offer powerful suction to clean up nearly any kind of dry mess without damaging your hardwood flooring. Depending on the model you purchase, you may also be able to clean carpets and wet messes.
Is a Cordless Vacuum for Hardwood Floors Worth Buying?
- You Mostly Have Wood Floors in Your Home: The most obvious reason to purchase the best cordless vacuum for hardwood is because your home’s flooring is made mostly from hardwood materials. As you most likely know, this flooring type requires special care, and the wrong type of vacuum cleaner can cause unnecessary damage. Cordless vacuum cleaners for wood floors are made specifically to prevent this kind of damage while still offering efficient and powerful cleaning capabilities.
- You Need a Portable Cleaning Tool: Cordless vacuum cleaners don’t need to be connected directly to a wall outlet to receive power. Instead, they draw power from rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. This results in more portability and easier maneuverability. If you want a vacuum that you can take anywhere with you, then a cordless model is an excellent choice. Alternatively, skip the cords and go straight for a leading robot vacuum to clean hardwood floors.
- You Want the Latest in Vacuum Technology: Because of lower power levels in cordless vacuums, manufacturers innovate in different ways to increase overall cleaning efficiency. If you’re interested in purchasing a vacuum with the most advanced cleaning technology, then you’ll more likely than not get that in a cordless vacuum.
Why a Cordless Vacuum for Hardwood Floors May Not Be For You
- You Don’t Have Any Hardwood in Your Home: Of course, if you don’t have any hardwood flooring in your home, then there’s not really any point in purchasing a vacuum made specifically for cleaning those surfaces. Instead, you can get a standard vacuum cleaner that has multi-surface cleaning functionality.
- You Need the Power of Corded Vacuum: For the most part, corded vacuums offer more power than cordless alternatives. While the average user may not be able to tell the difference between the two, professional cleaners and those who need to clean larger messes might need the more powerful option. A power setting can exist on cordless types of vacuums, but a corded model still wins in overall power for a cleaning session. Though being full-size vacuums, cordless vacuums win in power compared to a robotic vacuum.
- You Need More Dust Cup Capacity: Cordless vacuums for hardwood floors offer a slimmer profile than traditional upright vacuums. As such, they also tend to offer smaller dust cups, meaning you’ll need to empty them more regularly. If you need a larger capacity, then you may want to consider a standard vacuum cleaner.
- You Need a Dedicated Vacuum for Pet Grooming: While these vacuums can easily pick up pet hair on hardwood floors, you may want to consider the best cordless vacuum for pet hair if you want a comprehensive pet grooming tool. A cordless vacuum cleaner dedicated to picking up fur will help make cleaning tasks for pet owners easier. Though keep in mind the flexible swivel steering and rechargeable batteries on these vacuums drive the price up, versus a more affordable vacuum.
How Long Will a Cordless Vacuum for Hardwood Floors Last?
According to professional cleaning companies like Classic Cleaners, your cordless vacuum should last you around five to seven years in total. You may find that more expensive options will last you longer and that cheaper options won’t last you nearly as long. Of course, you can always extend the lifespan of your vacuum cleaner by properly cleaning and maintaining it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
It’s important to recognize that a cordless vacuum’s internal components are likely to last the entire lifetime of your vacuum. However, the lithium-ion battery is likely to drop below 60% capacity within four years. This means you may need to replace the battery before you need to replace your vacuum.
How to Choose the Best Cordless Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
When it comes time to make a buying decision on which cordless vacuum for hardwood floors you need, there are a few key factors to consider. For starters, you’ll need to decide which specific type of vacuum to buy. Then, you’ll also need to consider what kind of strong suction power and battery life you should purchase. Finally, you’ll need to decide what kind of adjustable settings and accessories are most important for your cleaning needs.
Cordless Vacuum for Hardwood Floors Key Factors to Consider
Believe it or not, there are a variety of different vacuum types to consider when shopping for something to clean your hardwood flooring. Keep reading to learn more about the different vacuum types and which might be best for your needs.
1. What type of vacuum is best for cleaning hardwood floors?
- Cordless Stick Vacuum: These models are the most common types of cordless vacuums. They’re a type of upright vacuum with slimmer and more lightweight designs. Cordless stick vacuums balance on the vacuum head, which also houses the intake port and wheels for easier movement.
- Cordless Handheld Vacuum: As their name suggests, these vacuums can be easily held and operated in a single hand. Cordless handheld vacuums are perfect for cleaning tight spaces like under cabinets. They also make for the best cordless vacuums for car detailing. These are great for flexibility, but they don’t offer much in the way of dust cup capacity, power, or battery life.
- Robot Vacuum: If you don’t want to do the vacuuming yourself, then robot vacuums might be a good choice for you. These compact vacuums are completely autonomous after some initial programming. They are perfect for cleaning hardwood floors but are often just as expensive as a full-size model.
2. Should you buy a cordless vacuum for hardwood floors with a brush roll?
Many cordless stick vacuums offer brush roll functionality, which is best for agitating debris out of carpet fibers. However, depending on the stiffness of the bristles on the brush roll, these vacuums can also damage and scratch your wood floors.
If you’re planning on only cleaning your wood floors, we recommend purchasing a vacuum that lacks a brush roll entirely. However, this can be difficult. It’s more likely that you’ll need to buy an option with a brush roll.
In this case, you’ll have two considerations to make instead. You can either choose a vacuum with soft brush roll bristles or a vacuum that allows you to adjust the power settings for the brush roll functionality. This way, you’ll be able to protect the wood when vacuuming that floor type and still be able to clean carpets when necessary.
3. How much battery life do you need?
Your cordless vacuum battery is one of the device’s most important parts, especially when it comes to convenience and user experience. You’ll need to consider how long the battery lasts on a single charge before you need to recharge it. Battery life can make or break your cleaning experience.
The average cordless vacuum offers around 30 minutes of runtime on a single charge. However, there are vacuums that brand themselves as offering high-capacity batteries that can last as long as an hour before needing a recharge. On the other hand, there are also options with much lower battery life.
Many cordless vacuums also give you the option of swapping out batteries whenever necessary. If you need extended battery life, then an option with a spare battery is a better choice for you.
4. Do you need wet/dry functionality in your cordless vacuum?
Hardwood floors don’t just need to be vacuumed in order to be clean. They also need to be mopped so you can free them of liquid spills or persistent messes. You can either purchase a mop separately or buy a wet/dry cordless vacuum.
If you opt for a wet/dry vacuum, you’ll get the convenience of having one single cleaning tool. However, these options are typically much more expensive than dry vacuums and require more maintenance overall.
5. What vacuum accessories are most important to you?
Most cordless vacuum cleaners can work with extra tools and accessories. Some models even include some of these accessories in your initial purchase. If you find yourself facing a specific situation where the stock vacuum options just don’t work, then you may want to purchase a vacuum accessory.
Here are some of the most common vacuum accessories people use with their vacuums:
- Crevice tool
- Upholstery tool
- Soft dusting brush
- Soft brush tools
- Bare-floor brush
- Pet hair attachments
