Best Vacuum for Hardwood Floor: Top 5 Picks for 2017

by | Sep 5, 2016

If you have a house full of wood or laminate flooring, you know a standard upright vacuum designed for homes with carpet just doesn’t work the same in your house. Most of them are not only heavy and bulky, but because of the spinning brush roll, they tend to scatter dirt around your house rather than cleaning it up. They are also a lot more expensive. With that in mind, here are our top 5 picks for the best vacuum for hardwood floors updated for 2017.

#1. Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless

Without a doubt, Dyson vacuums are the top of the line, and the V8 Absolute sweeper / handheld is no exception. Not only is it cordless with 20 minutes of run time, but it also has a soft roller head that won’t scratch even the most delicate wood floors. On top of that, it’s also two vacuums in one. Just pop off the extension tube, and you have one of the most powerful handheld vacuum cleaners available on the market today.

Video Review

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Specs

  • Weight: 5.1 pounds
  • Cleaning Path Width: 9”
  • Cordless: Yes
  • Bagless: Yes
  • Suction Power: 100 Air Watts
  • Bin Volume: 0.11 Gallons
  • Run Time: 20 Minutes
  • Charge Time: 3.5 Hours
  • Dimension: 9.8” x 47.5” x 8.2”
  • Volts: 110
  • Warranty: 2 Years
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Accessories Included

  • Combination tool
  • Crevice tool
  • Mini motorized tool
  • Soft Dusting brush
  • Soft roller cleaning head
  • Battery charger
  • Direct drive cleaner head
  • Removable extension wand
  • Docking / Charging Station
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Pros

  • Very powerful
  • Amazing for hardwood floors and tile
  • Great tools included

Cons

One of the few complaints of the V8 Absolute is that it doesn’t come with a place to store the tools. Since the vac itself is so small and lightweight, there’s nowhere on it to store the attachments, and there’s nowhere to store them on the docking station. So, you’ll need to store them separately in a box or bag.

One user had a very innovative idea in that she put Velcro on each attachment and a corresponding piece on the wall, so they’re always at hand when she needs them.

V8 Absolute vs V8 Motorhead

The biggest difference in these models is that the Absolute has HEPA filtration, while the Motorhead does not. Both work great on hardwood floors, but if you’re concerned about allergies, the HEPA filter is a great added bonus.

Does pet hair get stuck in it?

According to user reviews, dog and cat hair doesn’t catch up in the soft roller head. One review from a woman with two dogs says this vac keeps the whole house so much cleaner, and the mini motorized tool is great for getting hair off the couch and chairs.

If you do have long hair or pets with long hair, and it gets tangled in the brush, it’s really easy to pop the brush out to slide the hair off. This is definitely a step up from other brands where you need to cut off the hair and then pull it off.

How does it do on tile floors?
If you have tile like porcelain or stone where you have some deeper grout lines, this Dyson will still dig in to get out the dirt. If you do have any really deep grout lines, this one comes with some great attachments that are easy to use and will get the dirt out with little effort.
Do I have to keep the trigger pressed?
Yes, with this cordless, you do need to keep your finger on the trigger to keep it running. It is designed that way to save battery life, so it’s not running when it doesn’t need to be. While this may seem like a hassle, the trigger pull is very light so it’s not hard to keep it pressed down while you’re naturally holding the handle.
How do I store it?
This model comes with a bracket to mount it right on the wall or in a closet, so it will hang out of the way while it charges.
How powerful is it?
This V6 is powerful enough to pick up screws, yet gentle enough to not scatter cat litter around your hardwood floor. One user who used it to clean out her car said in her review that it actually sucked up loose change between the seats of her vehicle.
Are the attachments cross-compatible?
Yes – the attachments included can be used for other vacuums, including the newer Dyson Cinetic.
Will it damage delicate rugs?
Some vacs are so powerful that they tend to suck up the delicate threads on expensive area rugs. If you use the soft roller head or direct driver head, it will do a great job on rugs, even the fringe of oriental rugs (go over it in only one direction of course so the fringe doesn’t get sucked up).
Can I use it while it’s plugged in?
No, unfortunately, it will not run when it’s plugged into the charger. For one, the cord is only a couple of feet long, so it wouldn’t go far anyway. If you do happen to run the battery all the way down, you’ll need to wait for it to charge up prior to using it again.
Is it loud?
According to user reviews, this model is much quieter than a regular upright vacuum cleaner or any standard corded vacuum. It gets slightly louder if you use the power boost button but not by much.

Final Verdict

If you have a smaller home or can do all your vacuuming in about 20 minutes, buy the Dyson V8 Absolute. If it fits into your budget, it’s a great investment and will save you tons of time and hassle that comes with a regular corded vac. It does an amazing job on hardwood floors and is also the one to beat if you have pet hair to pick up.

While these are pricey models, we found the best discounted price on Amazon (cheaper than having a coupon even).

#2. Shark Rocket Ultra Light

While it does have a cord, the Shark Rocket Ultra Light is a good mid – priced sweeper type vac that also converts to a handheld, so it’s like having two vacuums for the price of one. It comes with some great tools (including a brush for dog and cat hair) and offers enough versatility for floor to ceiling cleaning.

Video Review

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Specs

  • Weight: 8 pounds
  • Cleaning Path Width: 13”
  • Cordless: No
  • Cord Length: 30’
  • Auto Cord Rewind: No
  • Bagless: Yes
  • Suction Power: 500 watts
  • Dimensions: 10.2” x 13.4” x 47.2”
  • Volts: 110
  • Warranty: 5 Years
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Accessories Included

  • LED headlights
  • TruePet mini motorized brush
  • Crevice tool
  • Dust away hard floor attachment
  • Wall mount
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Pros

  • Good for pet hair
  • Versatile with a detachable handheld

Cons

One thing users comment on with this Rocket (especially vs the Dyson) is that it’s a bit on the heavy side. It’s only 8 pounds, which is about one-third of the weight of an upright model, but when you use it as a handheld, it feels pretty heavy.

If you’ll be using the handheld feature a lot, you may want to opt for a more lightweight model, but if you’re using it like a regular vacuum, the weight doesn’t seem to be a problem.

Is the filter washable?
Yes, instead of regularly buying new filters, the ones on this machine are washable. How often you need to wash them will depend on how often the machine is used and how much dirt it picks up. Check them once every month or so to see if they’re dirty. Then, rinse them out with soap and water and let them dry before putting them back in.
How well does it work on pet hair?

This Shark Rocket seems to work very well for picking up pet hair. In one review, a user says she has two dogs plus a long haired cat, and they all shed a lot. She says the Ultra Light works great at picking up the hair, and the motorized brush does a good job of getting it off the furniture. Her only complaint is that the dirt bin is smaller than that of a regular upright, so she has to empty it out more often.

If you have a lot of carpeting in your home, you may want to take a look at our best vacuums for pet hair, as the ones on this list really are meant more for bare floors.

Does it work well on stairs?
If you have carpeted stairs, you can leave the beater bar running, and it makes the job go fast and easy and gets the deep dirt out. With one of the tools with no brush, you can use it easily for stairs with bare flooring.
Does it have adjustments for thicker carpet?
Unlike a regular upright, this one doesn’t have adjustments for different carpet heights. However, it seems to work well on all different types.
Is it loud?
While it’s not as loud as a regular upright, it seems to have about the same noise level as most other sweeper, canister or stick type vacuum cleaners.
Deluxe Pro vs True Pet
You may have seen different versions of this stick vac including the Deluxe Pro and True Pet models. Essentially, they’re the same cleaner – just with different accessories and tools included.
Does it have edge cleaning?
While it does get pretty close to the wall or baseboards, this vac isn’t rated specifically for edge cleaning. To get extra close to the wall or cabinets, it’s best to use one of the included attachments.
Does it have lights?
One thing this model has that others on our best vacuum for hardwood floor list don’t is LED headlights. While this feature might seem unnecessary, it’s really quite handy to have when cleaning in dark corners or on stairs where the overhead light doesn’t shine so brightly.
Is the cord retractable?
The Shark Rocket series vacuum cleaners do not have retractable cords. Instead, they have hooks on the handle where you can wrap the cord around for storage.
Is it easy to store?
A wall mount is included if you’d like to hang it in a closet or on a wall. If you prefer, you can also store it standing up. It has little rubber stops on the base that will keep it from sliding or falling down.
Rocket vs Navigator
In user reviews, it’s said the Rocket works much better for cleaning bare floors than the Navigator or Rotator series. Also, since it’s so much lighter in weight, it’s much easier to maneuver.
How does it do on laminate?
Many users buy this model simply because it works so well on all types of bare floors including wood, laminate, stone, marble, porcelain and tile. It has enough suction to get the job done and doesn’t leave scratches on the floor.

Final Verdict

While it’s not a cheap or cheaply made vacuum, the Shark Rocket Ultra Light is a great alternative if you have a lower budget for a new cleaner. It is very highly rated and with good reason. It does a great job on hardwoods and rugs and as an added bonus – it works well for picking up pet hair too. It also gets points for being versatile, as it converts to a handheld model for cleaning stairs and small messes on a daily basis.

If you’d like to read more user reviews of this Shark or are ready to buy, we found it on sale at Amazon for a great price, but beware – prices at Amazon change often, so get it while it’s on sale!

#3. Bissell PowerEdge Pet

Are you looking for a simple stick vac to use on hardwood floors or tile? Then the Bissell Power Edge Pet 81L2A (same as 81L2T) could be just the model for you. While it won’t work well on thick carpets and doesn’t include any attachments, it’s a breeze to use on bare floors. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some of the other highly rated best vacuums, it will certainly get the job done – and with much less of a price tag.

Video Review

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Specs

  • Weight: 7.5 pounds
  • Cleaning Path Width: 11.35”
  • Cordless: No
  • Cord Length: 20’
  • Auto Cord Rewind: No
  • Bagless: Yes
  • Suction Power: 6 Amps
  • Warranty: 1 Year
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Accessories Included

  • None
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Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Good suction for bare floors
  • Easy to clean

Cons

The biggest complaint about this stick vac is that it has no hose or attachments incorporated into its design. It really has only one function and purpose, and it does it well. However, if you’re looking for more versatility, check out either the Dyson V8 or Shark Rocket (above). While this one works great as a basic vacuum, you’ll still need another machine for carpets and to get into nooks and crannies around your house.

Will it pick up kitty litter?
To this, a resounding YES. It’s great for picking up cat litter, dirt, pet food and just about any other dry mess on your floors including fuzzies from the scratching post and more.
How well does it work on hardwood floors?
In user reviews, people love this vacuum for their hard woods. They say it easily picks up sand and dust between the cracks and also does a great job of getting close to the edges up against the wall as well.
Does it scratch the floor?
If you have older slightly beat up floors, you may not be worried about this, but if you have nicely finished floors, you’ll want to pay attention. As long as it’s working well, this one won’t scuff or scratch the floors. However, if the wheels get gummed up with debris or stuck and they drag over the surface, they can leave a scuff. So, pay attention that the wheels are clean, and you’ll be fine.
How well does it pick up pet hair?
From one user who has a heavily – shedding dog, her review says it works well at picking up the hair from bare floors. Just be sure to keep the filter clean, and it will keep working well for you.
Can I use it on rugs?
You can, but the suction really isn’t designed for carpet or rugs. It does okay on thin area rugs but isn’t strong enough to pull the dirt out of anything with deeper pile.
How does it do on stairs?
This one works fine on stairs, but it’s not so easy to maneuver. Since it doesn’t include any tools, you’ll need to keep turning it to try to get up close into the corners, and you have to carry the whole machine. While it weighs just over seven pounds, it’s not heavy, but if you have a lot of stairs to clean, it might wear on you over time.
Is it easy to empty?
It’s very easy to empty the dirt container on this Bissell. One button slides it in and out, and it opens with one button as well.
Does it work on tile?
This machine does a great job picking up dog hair and crumbs from tile floors and is strong enough to pick up debris from in the grout as well.
What’s with the V – shaped design?
Some users like this and some don’t. The idea is that debris is directed to the neck of the V into the part of the head that sucks it up. Users say this design makes it much easier to get up close to baseboards, and it is good at picking up crumbs, cereal and finer particles like salt.
What’s the best way to store it?
It will store and stand up by itself in the upright position. It has a very small footprint and will easily stand up in a corner or inside a closet.
Is the filter washable?
Yes, PowerEdge comes with a washable filter made of foam. There is also a paper filter that you can bang out or clean with compressed air. As long as you keep these filters clean, the unit shouldn’t lose suction. How often you clean them will depend on how dirty your house is and whether you have a lot of pet hair or other debris that you clean up regularly.
Will it go under furniture?
While it’s not large, the head of this one isn’t low profile enough to fit under most furniture (like most vacuums). If that’s a concern, checking out a unit that comes with attachments intended for this purpose is a good option. Even when you lie this one down, the profile is still about eight inches high with the dirt cup attached.
Is it good for allergies?
Unlike some highly rated models, this one does not incorporate a HEPA filter, so it’s not really intended to remove allergens from the air.

Final Verdict

Plainly stated, the Bissell Power Edge Pet 81L2A / 81L2T is a stripped down, basic vacuum that works great for one thing – cleaning bare floors. Whether it’s concrete, tile, stone, porcelain, marble wood or laminate, this little stick sweeper excels at picking up everything from breakfast cereal to cat and dog hair. At this price point, it’s a great value if you’re on a budget and don’t need anything more fancy to get the job done.

In our research, we found that Amazon has the best discounts on this model, and you can get free quick shipping as well.

#4. VonHaus 2 in 1 Upright Stick

If you’re looking for a basic lightweight stick vacuum cleaner, the VonHaus is a good economical choice. It weighs less than the Bissell Power Edge Pet, but it also has a narrower cleaning path. The cord is about 18” long, so it’s slightly shorter, but they both do come with a one – year warranty. This one does have a slight leg up in that it comes with an extension hose and a few attachments, so it’s definitely more versatile.

Video Review

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Specs

  • Weight: 3 pounds
  • Cleaning Path Width: 8”
  • Cordless: No
  • Cord Length: 18’
  • Bagless: Yes
  • HEPA Filter: Yes
  • Suction Power: 130 Air Watts / 600 Watts
  • Bin Volume: 0.32 Gallons
  • Dimension: 40” x 8” x 6”
  • Volts: 110
  • Warranty: 1 Year
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Accessories Included

  • Crevice tool
  • Small brush
  • Shoulder strap
  • Hose adaptor
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Pros

  • Strong suction
  • Lightweight
  • Low profile
  • Telescoping handle
  • HEPA filter

Cons

One of the few complaints of this sweeper is that the cord comes off the bottom of the machine instead of the handle. This is a little inconvenient, as you’ll need to grab the cord to hold it up if you want to avoid running over it.

Does it pick up cat litter & hair?
The VonHaus does a great job of picking up both hair and litter, but if your animals shed a lot, you’ll need to empty out the dust cup often. However, it doesn’t do a great job of either on carpet.
Does it fit under furniture?
One of the big pluses of this upright stick is that it lies down completely flat and has a low profile, so it’s ideal for vacuuming under many types of furniture. However, with the dust cup, it’s still about six inches tall, so while you can get under furniture, you may not be able to get all the way under it. Luckily, it comes with some handy attachments that work great for this purpose.
Does the HEPA filter last?
The best way to make the filters last, including the HEPA filter, is to keep them as clean as possible. To clean this filter, you can use a vacuum attachment to suck out the dirt, or you can blow it out with compressed air. If neither of these options are available to you, you can just tap it out (preferably outside) to get out the dust particles. There is a screen over the filter that is washable with mild soap and running water.
Will it clean carpet?
This unit isn’t intended for carpet cleaning at all. However, there is a separate turbo brush attachment you can purchase that does a good job for this purpose. The unit as-is does not have a rotating brush bar, so it won’t do well on deeper pile carpets like shag.
How does the handle work?
This VonHaus has a telescoping handle, meaning you can make it shorter if you need to do so. Fully extended, it’s about 49” from the floor to the top of the handle, and the handle itself is about 30” tall.
How do I store it?
The best way to store this model is in the upright position, where it has a very small footprint. However, if you prefer, you can remove the handle and store it like you would a handheld vacuum. It’s also light enough that you can even hang it on the wall, though it doesn’t come with a mounting system for that purpose.
Is it good for pet hair?
One user in her review says she has three dogs that shed a lot, and it has strong enough suction to really pick up all the hair. She says it even picks up hair that you can’t see with the naked eye.
Does the cord auto rewind?
The VonHaus 2 in 1 has pegs where you wrap the cord around the handle, so unfortunately it does not automatically rewind.
Does it pick up dirt well?
Many users comment on how well this cleaner picks up pet hair, but it also works well on dirt. It has strong enough suction to even pick up fine sand, larger crumbs as well as that pesky pet hair.
Will it get in corners?
In user reviews, it’s said this one does well in corners on hardwood floors. However, since it doesn’t have a spinning brush bar, it won’t do nearly as well in the corners of your carpet. It does come with attachments you can use to get in those dusty corners if you choose.
Is it durable?
Owners say this vac seems very well made and durable. Essentially, it’s like a Dustbuster with a long handle, so it’s built to use for anything from small jobs to daily vacuuming.
How do I use the attachments?
The extension hose attaches to the bottom of the canister, and you can attach the tools from there. Essentially, you are swapping out the head of the vacuum for the other accessories. The head comes off with an easy twist and pull motion.

Final Verdict

If you’re on a tight budget and need a simple vac to clean bare floors (concrete, laminate, linoleum, stone, wood, etc.), the VonHaus 2 in 1 Upright Stick is a good choice. Unlike most other cheaper stick vacuums, this one does come with a hose attachment and a few tools, so it does have some versatility. It’s also extremely lightweight, so it’s very easy to maneuver. If you’re interested in picking one of these up, Amazon has a great sale price right now.

#5. Dirt Devil Power Air SD20505

If you’re looking for a low priced workhorse for bare floors, this Dirt Devil SD20505 Power Air might be just the simple fix you need. With a very cheap price tag and one function that it performs very well, it’s great for cleaning up quick messes as well as everyday dust and dirt that gets tracked in.

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Specs

  • Weight: 6.67 pounds
  • Cleaning Path Width: 11”
  • Cordless: No
  • Cord Length: 20’
  • Bagless: Yes
  • HEPA Filter: No
  • Suction Power: 10 Amps
  • Dimension: 11” x 43” x 7”
  • Volts: 110
  • Warranty: 2 Years
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Accessories Included

  • None
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Pros

  • Good suction
  • Large dirt cup
  • Low profile
  • Sturdy wheels

Cons

There is one big downfall with this little vacuum cleaner. Though it is one of the best rated vacuums for hardwood floor, it doesn’t come with any attachments. In fact, it’s not compatible with attachments at all, meaning there is no place to hook them up. If you’re looking for a stripped – down lightweight stick vac to clean bare floors, it’s great, but if you need more versatility, it may not be the machine for you.

Does it work on rugs?
Since it doesn’t have a rotating brush head, the Dirt Devil SD20505 isn’t meant to be used on carpets or rugs. While it will do an adequate job on throw rugs, it won’t do so well on anything with a deeper pile.
Can I wash the filters?
There is only one filter in this model. It is small cone shaped and made of paper. To clean it, just brush it out, tap it or used compressed air to clean it out.
Is it loud?
In one user review, it was compared to the noise of a hair dryer, so it’s not very loud. So in regard to noise, it’s about the same decibel level as other stick vacs available on the market today.
Will it scratch wood floors?
Since it is so light, the Power Air won’t leave scratches on your nice hardwood, laminate or vinyl floors. Also, it doesn’t have a brush bar, so there are no bristles to leave scratches. Instead, it has a perforated rubber strip on the bottom that doesn’t scuff or scratch.
Does it blow around dust?
Some vacuums seem to blow around more dust than they suck up. Even on fine pet hair, this one doesn’t seem to blow air out to scatter debris around. Instead, it easily sucks up dust, crumbs and even cat litter.
Does it clog up?
It seems like the motor of the Dirt Devil Power Air is strong enough so it doesn’t get clogged up. Users in their reviews say it even does a good job on picking up long human hair without clogging. If by some chance you do have an issue, the extension tube comes apart easily for cleaning.
Will it clean in grout?
It is certainly strong enough to suck up dirt that settles into your grout lines. However, it won’t scrub them out. You’ll still need to get in with a brush for anything that’s ground in.
What’s the best way to store it?
The SD20505 is easy to store as it stands up on its own. If you prefer, you can also hang it up for storage. The head of the vacuum flips down to make it completely vertical with a small footprint.
Does it do edge cleaning?
It does a good job getting close to edges and under your cabinet toe kicks. However, the suction is strongest at its center, so you’re better off hitting your baseboards head – on instead of running the side of the unit up against them.
Dirt Devil vs Broom
If you’re used to using a broom and dustpan, most any of these best vacuum for hardwood floor choices will be a step up. They all do a much better job at picking up dust, and pet hair will get sucked into the dirt container instead of floating around as you chase it with the broom.

Final Verdict

If you need the most basic of basic vacs to keep your hardwoods clean, the Dirt Devil SD20505 Power Air is by far the most economical choice. It gets good ratings in vacuum cleaner reviews, and at a very cheap price tag, it still performs well. It works well for quick pickups and daily dusting of bare floors of all types. Overall, it’s a great basic tool that won’t blow the budget.

If you’re interested in getting one or seeing more reviews, we found the best price at Amazon.com. Click here to get the discount!

Whether you’re ready to spend $30 or well over $300 on a new vacuum cleaner, there is something for every budget on our list of top vacuums for hardwood floors, and they all work just as well on other bare surfaces like tile, vinyl, laminate and concrete.

All of these top cleaners are rated very high in reports from consumers, and each one is a good investment and value in its own right. The one you choose depends on the features you need, if you want accessories and how heavily you’re going to use it. Is cordless important to you? If not, do you need a longer cord? Do you need it to vacuum stairs or just zip around the breakfast table?

Once you answer these questions, pick the one that works the best for your needs and budget, and get to cleaning 🙂

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