What are the features that make the best robot vacuum for hardwood floors? These autonomous and powerful cleaning tools rank among the best vacuum cleaners thanks to their hands-off operation and excellent cleaning abilities. You can simply program them and let them clean on a predetermined schedule. Plus, they won’t damage your hardwood floors, even when you aren’t watching.
If you’re constantly on the go with hardly any time for cleaning, a robot vacuum for hardwood floors is an excellent choice for you. As you start to research the robot vacs available to you, look for an option that gives you a user-friendly experience without sacrificing cleaning ability. Find a vacuum that can clean the different types of floors in your home without needing your attention.
Keep reading to learn more about the best robot vacuums for hardwood floors and how you can find the right one for your home.
Top Robot Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
#1 Eufy by Anker Robovac 11S Vacuum Cleaner
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Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has a powerful air intake for efficiently cleaning both hardwoods and carpets, and it also has a long runtime and comes with a remote. Plus, if it’s one of the high-end vacuums with no beater bar, it’ll save your floor from heavy damage.
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- Long 100-minute runtime
- Comes with a remote control
- Efficient filtration system
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- No mapping, cleans through random navigation
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The Eufy Robovac 11S by Eufy is a reliable robot vacuum that comes with a suction power of up to 1300Pa and is still very quiet when functioning. It has a runtime of up to 100 minutes, and with infrared sensors all around, it is well equipped to avoid any obstacles. The vacuum cleaner comes with a remote control for convenient operation, and with BoostIQ technology, it automatically adjusts its suction power whenever it glides across hardwood surfaces to carpets. Unfortunately, the vacuum cleaner only cleans through random navigation.
The vacuum cleaner quickly absorbs pet hair and dust from the floor and the air, and when its battery life starts running low during operation, it soon finds its way back to the charging dock. If you’re a pet owner who struggles to keep your home clean due to furry friends, this top-rated robot vacuum for pet hair will make your life much easier. It also has a sizeable 0.6-liter dust box that holds a lot of dirt for every cleaning section, and it comes with three different cleaning modes.
#2 iLife V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: It does not generate any noise during operation and has four different cleaning modes for users to choose from.
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- Very quiet during operation
- Comes with a remote control
- Four different cleaning modes
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- No floor mapping technology
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The iLife V3s is a compact robot vacuum cleaner that is only 2.98-inches high and pretty easy to use. It comes with three cleaning modes to choose from, and with up to 3 built-in infrared sensors, the cleaner can easily detect stairs and edges to avoid falling over. Additionally, it comes with ten different anti-collision sensors and extra-large Roadrover wheels for effortlessly gliding across hardwood surfaces to low-pile carpets. It is also equipped with a powerful suction passage to pick up pet hair and debris without entanglements. However, it doesn’t have any floor mapping technology.
The robot vacuum cleaner has a dustbin capacity of 0.3-liters and can also find its way to the charging dock whenever it runs low on power. Producing only 55 decibels during operation, the cleaner doesn’t disrupt when working. Since it comes with a remote control, users will be able to easily control where it cleans or alternate between its automatic, point, edge, and programming modes.
#3 Shark AV1010AE IQ Robot Vacuum
Award: BEST FOR AUTONOMOUS FUNCTIONING
WHY WE LIKE IT: It can automatically empty itself into a stationary base, which can hold debris for up to 1.5 months before it needs to be cleaned out.
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- Its base can hold a lot of debris before emptying
- High efficiency filter
- Supports voice control
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- No self cleaning brushroll
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The Shark AV1010AE is a smart robot vacuum cleaner that can map the whole house and switch between hardwood floors and carpets. Users will also be able to schedule cleaning times and set up voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant after downloading the SharkClean app. With methodical row-by-row cleaning, it is guaranteed to efficiently clean any room. Unfortunately, the cleaner doesn’t have a self-cleaning brush roll.
The cleaner’s stand-out quality is its self-empty base, which can hold up to 45 days’ worth of dust and debris. It can also be operated without any WiFi connection, and it is also pretty good for homes with pets. It features a high-efficiency filter for clean air and accurate proximity sensors that detect walls and furniture to avoid collisions. Its dual spinning side brushes easily pull in dirt and debris from edges and corners, and since it also allows for app control, users will also be able to monitor or direct its functioning.
#4 Bissel 3115 SpinWave Hard Floor Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR MOPPING AND VACUUMING
WHY WE LIKE IT: It features a mopping functionality and can be monitored and controlled through an app. It also has a long run time and generates a powerful suction force. This could make it a candidate for the best robot mop.
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- App connectivity for monitoring and control
- Long run time
- Powerful suction force
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- No floor mapping feature
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The Bissel 3115 SpinWave vacuum cleaner boasts a two-tank cleaning system that allows for mopping and vacuuming of floors, and with a suction force of up to 1500Pa, it quickly picks up dirt and debris for an efficient cleaning process. It also has a soft surface avoidance sensor that keeps it away from carpets and rugs when mopping. Since it also supports a WiFi connection, users will be able to monitor and control its functioning through the Bissel Connect App. Its only issue is the lack of a floor mapping feature.
Despite that, the robot vacuum cleaner is pretty quiet when functioning, and with a run time of up to 130 minutes, it’s got enough battery power to clean up large spaces. Whenever its battery runs out, the vacuum cleaner automatically returns to the dock, and with a row by row cleaning pattern, it is optimized to cover an even larger place. Owners will also have the opportunity to use its mopping function alongside its specialized wood floor formula to have their hardwood floors shine even more.
#5 Coredy R300 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR HIGH POWER VACUUMING
WHY WE LIKE IT: Owners will be able to schedule different run times, and it is slim enough to quickly get under furniture. It also has a long run time.
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- Very quiet operation
- Powerful suction force
- Long 110 minute run time
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- No floor mapping, so it randomly cleans
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The Coredy R300 robot vacuum cleaner has one of the most powerful suction forces in the market, as its vacuum power can reach up to 1700Pa of suction. Users will also be able to choose between automatic, edge, spot, or low noise cleaning modes, and with both anti-collision and anti-drop technology, the cleaner is easily capable of smoothly navigating around the house. It is powered by a 2600mAh battery that keeps it running for up to 110 minutes, however, it cannot do any floor mapping, so it only cleans wherever it is placed.
The vacuum cleaner comes with a sizeable 0.3-liter dust box and a remote control for added convenience. It can be pre-scheduled to start cleaning at certain times, and when its power is about to run out, it can intelligently detect and head back to its charging dock for a recharge. Its two large climbing wheels make getting over to hardwood floors from carpets pretty easy, and standing at only 2.7-inches, it is slim enough to get under sofas, beds, and other furniture for all-round cleaning.
#6 Lefant M210 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR LARGE DUST CUP CAPACITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Its 0.5-liter dust cup is among the largest around, and its long battery life allows for well-ordered cleaning.
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- Large capacity dust box
- Brushless suction port to avoid entanglements
- Comes with a remote control
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- App may be hard to use for some
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The Lefant M210 is a classic choice for users who need an alternative that is compact and also efficient at cleaning hardwood floors and other surfaces. It has a large capacity 0.5-liter dust box that can accommodate a lot of collected debris and a brushless suction port that is much less likely to get tangled with pet hair than a roller brush. The M210’s 13 sets of sensors are ideal for avoiding both collisions and falls, but sadly, some users found its app very difficult to use.
Those who might not like the user experience offered by the app may choose to rely on its remote control instead, as it still provides all the general functions that can also be initiated on the app. The cleaner has a run time of up to 100 minutes and can also be used to mop if owners opt to install mop brackets on it. It offers four cleaning modes to choose from and relies on HEPA filtration for cleaner, fresher air.
Beginner’s Guide to Robot Vacuums for Hardwood Floors
What Are Robot Vacuums for Hardwood Floors?
The best robot vacuum for wood floors is an autonomous cleaning tool made to clean up dirt, pet hair, pet dander, dust bunnies, human hair, and dry food spills from your hardwood floors. Autonomous simply means the vacuum will do the cleaning for you without constant manual input from you.
Robot Vacuums for Hardwood Floors vs Traditional Vacuums
The only similarity that a robot vacuum shares with a traditional vacuum is core functionality. Both devices utilize a combination of electric motors, fans, intake ports, exhaust ports, and dust bins to create suction power and collect debris. These internal components all work together to create effective cleaning capabilities.
After functionality, there aren’t many other similarities that the two types of vacuums share. When it comes to form factor, robot vacuums are much smaller and more compact than traditional alternatives. They often feature flat, circular designs, which allows them to easily clean under furniture like couches, chairs, and tables.
The user input for robotic vacuums is also significantly different. With traditional vacuum cleaners, everything works with manual input only. This means you are the one who powers on the vacuum and moves it around. Robot vacuum cleaners are mostly autonomous, meaning they will power themselves on at a predetermined schedule and move around of their own volition. Some robot vacuums will vacuum in random patterns until the whole room is done, while others allow you to configure them more precisely.
How Robot Vacuums for Hardwood Floors Work
When it comes to core cleaning functionality, robot vacuums work in the same way as traditional options. The electric motor spins the fan, creating suction power near the intake port. The suction power then sucks up debris as the vacuum passes over the mess. All of that debris is then deposited into the dust bin. Some options require you to manually empty the bin, while others feature a self-emptying base that can automatically empty the bin.
Different robot vacuum models offer different approaches in terms of navigation and smart features. The most affordable robot vacuums use boundary strips to know where to clean and not to clean. More advanced models utilize built-in infrared sensors to determine how much space they need to clean and identify obstacles.
The best robot vacuum for hard floors also pairs with a companion smartphone app that allows you to schedule specific cleaning times, routes, and off-limits zones. You can also monitor your vacuum’s progress through the app.
Do You Really Need a Robot Vacuum for Hardwood Floors?
If you’re looking for convenience in cleaning your hardwood floors without sacrificing too much cleaning power or capacity, then the best robot vacuum for hardwood is an excellent choice for you. Thanks to continuous and recent improvements in their functionality, robotic vacuums are better at cleaning than they ever have before. Plus, the best part is having a cleaning tool that does all the cleaning for you.
Is a Robot Vacuum for Hardwood Floors Worth Buying?
- You Want the Convenience of Autonomous Cleaning: The top selling point of robotic vacuums is that you can essentially set them and forget them after some initial setup. Whether you’re constantly traveling or simply outside of the house all day for work, a robot vacuum can help keep your floors clean without ever needing your input.
- You Have Hardwood Floors in Your Home: If you have hardwood floors in your home, then you need to be extra careful about what kind of vacuum you use to clean them. The last thing you want is your beautiful wood to be scratched accidentally. Because of soft brushes and smart cleaning routes, the best robot for hardwood floors will give you all of the cleaning power and none of the accidental scratching.
- You Want an Easy Way to Clean Less-Used Areas: If there are spaces in your home that hardly see regular traffic, then a robot vacuum can help you keep them clean without any effort from you. These places likely don’t experience large messes, so the robot vacuum can clean the dust that settles without you ever needing to worry about cleaning it up in a hurry when you have company.
- You Have a Smart Home Setup: If you’re connected with all of the latest smart home technology and products, then you won’t want to miss out on getting a robot vacuum. Advanced models can be used with smart assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Why a Robot Vacuum for Hardwood Floors May Not Be For You
- You Don’t Have Hardwood Floors: If you have mostly carpeted flooring instead of hardwood, then you’ll want to consider an option like the best robot vacuum for high-pile carpet instead of one for hardwood floors.
- You Prefer to Clean Manually: Cleaning manually gives you the satisfaction of seeing a job well done and the assurance that you’ve cleaned everywhere you need to clean. If this is your preference, purchasing a standard vacuum is probably better for you than a robotic vacuum.
- You Need to Regularly Clean Large Messes: Robotic vacuums don’t have nearly as much dust cup capacity as large vacuums. If you frequently need to clean up large amounts of pet hair, human hair, and dirt, you may want to rely on a traditional vacuum cleaner instead of a robotic option.
How Long Will a Robot Vacuum for Hardwood Floors Last?
If you’re planning on investing a healthy chunk of change into purchasing a new robotic vacuum, then you’ll likely want to know how long the device will last. Classic Cleaners, a professional cleaning company, states that you should expect to get around five to seven years out of a vacuum cleaner. This same general recommendation also holds true for robot vacuums and their mechanical components. Alternatively, a foremost cordless vacuum for hardwood floors might work better for you.
However, since robot smart vacuums use lithium-ion batteries, you may find that you need to replace the battery sooner than that. Most lithium-ion batteries last four years before they drop below 60% capacity. As such, you’ll likely need to replace your battery before you replace the robotic vacuum itself.
How to Choose a Robot Vacuum for Hardwood Floors
When it comes time to make a buying decision on cordless vacuums for tile floors or hardwood floors, 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.
This is true for all floor types, like concrete, which means you’ll need the best vacuum for concrete floors.
Best Robot Vacuum for Hardwood Floors Key Factors to Consider
1. What kind of messes do you need your robot vacuum to clean?
Before anything else, you need to determine what kinds of messes you want your robot vacuum to clean. Even the best robotic vacuums can only handle minor messes spread out over larger areas. If you’re hoping to replace your traditional vacuum when it comes to significant messes, then you’ll likely be disappointed.
That being said, robot vacuums are still great at cleaning small messes throughout your home. For things like crumbs, dust bunnies, and dirt, nearly any model will offer you enough suction power. However, if you need to clean up pet hair and pet dander, you will need to consider an option with more powerful suction capabilities.
If you’re looking to clean up wet messes along with your dry messes, you should consider a vacuum/mop hybrid robot vacuum, which allows you to attach a water tank and cleaning pad for wiping down hard surfaces. This is especially important for homes with hardwood floors.
2. What kind of floors do you have in your home?
If you’re looking at the best robot vacuums for cleaning hardwood, then it’s a given that you have hardwood floors in your home. Aside from this floor type, you’ll want to consider if you have other floorings in your home, like carpets or rugs.
Not all robot vacuums can transition between different types of flooring with ease, so if you have multiple types in your home, you’ll need to pay closer attention to the model you purchase. Typically, more advanced robot vacuum cleaners with built-in sensors are better equipped to easily move from hardwood to carpet.
Similarly, you’ll want to find an option with more powerful suction if you plan on cleaning carpets as well as hardwood floors. The vacuum doesn’t need as much suction for cleaning flat surfaces, but it can struggle to clean carpets comprehensively if it doesn’t have enough suction power.
3. How much dust bin capacity do you need, and is a model with a self-emptying bin necessary?
The typical dust bin capacity on a robotic vacuum ranges from 0.4 liters to 0.7 liters. This isn’t much capacity when compared to traditional vacuums, but if you’re only using the vacuum for small messes, it should be plenty. Of course, if you’re planning on cleaning up bigger messes, then we recommend purchasing a robot vacuum with a higher dust bin capacity.
Some of the more advanced models also feature a self-emptying feature. These models can sense when their dust bins are full and return to the docking station to empty them. This can be very convenient if you don’t want to manually empty the dust bin each time it fills up.
4. What kind of smart or extra features do you want your robot vacuum to provide?
Early versions of robotic vacuums relied on boundary strips to determine where to clean or not clean in your home. Now, most robotic vacuums are smart-enabled, meaning they stay constantly connected to Wi-Fi and can even remember where they have already cleaned.
The most basic versions map your home out themselves and stick to those boundaries. More advanced versions allow you do more complex mappings and schedules. Plus, with access to a smartphone app, these vacuums give you more insight into cleaning times, battery life, and dust bin capacity.
Finally, you’ll also want to consider smart home compatibility. Many high-end robot vacuums can work with smart home assistants like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple’s Siri.
5. How much battery life does your robotic vacuum need?
All robotic vacuums use rechargeable batteries as a power source, which means they all have a battery life to consider. When a robot vacuum runs out of battery, it will return to its charging base to recharge. If it’s constantly going back to recharge, it can take a long time to clean your home. We recommend purchasing an option with more battery life if you have larger spaces to clean. This way, your hardwood floors will get cleaned much faster.
