13 Best Cordless Vacuums for Hardwood Floors

This article will look at the best cordless vacuums for hardwood floors based on data gathered from numerous tests.

While it isn’t as tedious to clean, dirt accumulates, and dust is (nearly) invisible and hard to track.

Cordless vacuum technology has improved to a point where it has enough power and performance to pick up on this surface efficiently.

I’ve spent countless hours testing these cordless vacuums, compiling data to back up my picks for various categories we’ll look at below.

I didn’t include cordless wet/dry vacuums as these don’t offer as much versatility.

Plus, their ergonomics are below average compared to the more sophisticated steering systems of the products here.

Please note that I’m comparing cordless vacuums I’ve tested, so if there’s anything you feel worth that’s not on the list, let me know, and I’ll try to test it.

Best Premium Options

This category consists of brands $500 and above. These options (mostly) have all the bells and whistles, lengthy run times, and excellent filtration.

Consider these alternatives if you have a larger home since these variants will run over 40 minutes.

The Dyson V15 Detect is my pick because of its new slim laser tool, with the green laser accentuating almost invisible dust better than any LED-equipped cordless vacuum I’ve tested.

It’s another innovation by Dyson, and I won’t be surprised if other brands copy it (provided Dyson doesn’t have a patent for this technology).

The extremely high price tag will make some pause, but if you can afford the V15, this green laser will help consumers vacuum hardwood floors efficiently.

Best Mid-Priced Options

The next tier is the options below $500. Most of these products are priced between $250 and $500, so it’s more affordable than the premium alternatives above.

Don’t expect much with innovation, but these products are cheaper without sacrificing debris pick up on this surface.

The Shark Vertex Cordless is the best option, thanks to the upgraded counter-rotating extractors better at resisting hair tangles from long strands.

This product is unique because its wand folds. Thus, it can stand independently, something not possible with a Dyson.

Another addition to this list is the Simplicity S65S Cordless Multi-Surface I recently tested.

It’s one of the least expensive options (the Standard variant) with premium-level cleaning performance and filtration.

The S65 passed the fog test without visible leaks with high overall cleaning test scores (99.3% vs. 98.53%).

Granted, the S65S doesn’t have a soft roller attachment, and you’ll have to spend more for the premium option with this attachment to get the same efficiency on this surface.

But even without it, the multi-surface LED nozzle has enough agitation to work on this surface.

It picked up pet litter cleanly, not leaving any visible trail behind the brush roll.

One plus of the Simplicity S65 over the Shark Vertex and Tineco A10 is its more responsive steering, which could be a deal-breaker for some.

You can see in this overhead shot how much sharper the Simplicity S65 turns over the Shark Vertext (right).

Best Lightweight Options

Most options above weigh over five pounds, which may not sound heavy. 

But (at least) every ounce will count for traditional stick vacuums with the motor and dustbin on top.

These options are great for smaller homes because of the smaller battery and dustbin capacity.

The Dyson V12 Detect is (by far) the best-performing cordless lightweight option I’ve tested.

It’s a smaller version of the V15 Detect with a smaller dustbin, motor, and battery.

One feature I like with the V12 is the laser slim roller with a bright green laser that emphasizes dust particles better than any LED-equipped stick vacuum.

However, it’s priced like a full-sized stick vacuum, so it’s a huge deciding factor.

Fortunately, there are cheaper options, namely, the Dyson Omni-Glide and Micro 1.5KG.

Both have compact, lightweight frames that go around tight areas better than a full-sized stick vacuum.

The Omni-Glide is unique among the alternatives in this list with its unique 360-degree steering nozzle.

It’s an industry-first by Dyson and a joy to use around tight spaces.

The biggest downside is that these options are meant for vacuuming hard floors, which isn’t a deal-breaker for this list since the products recommended here are for this surface.

Robot Vacuum Options for Hardwood Floors

 

The next category we’ll look at is robot vacuums on hardwood floors. These products are excellent for folks who want to automate this task.

The latest robot vacuums possess enough intelligence to vacuum efficiently, even around multiple areas.

Brands like Roborock, Ecovacs, Dreame Tech, and iRobot have pushed the envelope with navigation, obstacle avoidance, and mopping technology.

Robot vacuums are smart enough to recognize obstacles and track their location efficiently to be fully autonomous.

And the emergence of self-emptying robots makes these machines even more autonomous.

The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is the new winner (previously, it was the S7+), with its do-it-all base station, efficient navigation, high-end vacuuming performance, and mopping.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Cordless Vacuum on Hardwood Floors

The criteria for selecting cordless vacuums on hardwood floors differ from those on carpets.

High airflow is a must-have feature for the latter, but not so on hardwood floors.

On this surface, it’s not, which is excellent news because there’s no need to purchase hulking upright.

1. Must have a Soft Roller

All the cordless stick vacuum options listed here have a soft roller attachment, which I’d recommend on hardwood floors.

The roller’s cloth-like texture and rigid frame help it pick up debris better than any bristled brush roll.

This technology drastically lessens its reliance on airflow, reducing the need for a bigger motor.

Thus, manufacturers can use a smaller battery, improving ergonomics and usability.

None of the robot vacuums I’ve tested use a soft roller, but their autonomy makes up for it.

Consumers can run it more often to offset any cleaning disadvantage.

2. Dustbin Capacity

The following important feature is how much dirt it can hold, especially inside larger homes.

The bigger the capacity, the fewer times it needs to be emptied.

In addition, how it empties is another thing to consider.

The Shark Vertex Cordless and Lupe Pure are the largest options in this list, while the Dyson Omni-Glide and Micro have the smallest.

3. Filtration

Not many sites highlight this, but filtration is critical.

How well these vacuums sift allergens is another crucial factor.

I use a fog machine for these vacuums to check if the seals around the dustbin hold up visually.

Most brands will claim their products have HEPA filtration, but the filter alone won’t keep particles inside the dustbin.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t do the same test on robot vacuums with how these machines function.

I’m still waiting for the air quality monitor to check and will update this article once it arrives.

4. Ergonomics and Weight

Another vital consideration is ergonomics and weight.

How well a vacuum steer is crucial in its usability, reaching hard-to-reach spots underneath and between furniture.

Products like the Dyson Omni Glide excel in this category because of its compact frame that goes flat.

Robot vacuums have the advantage since these machines can reach deep underneath furniture, preventing dust accumulation.

5. Price

Before considering any of the options above, consumers must determine how much they’re willing to spend.

It can be a fixed number or a range. Doing so will save time since you’ll only look at options within that range.

6. Battery Technology

Cordless vacuums rely on a battery to function without a cord. How good is this battery technology? Is it detachable?

I’d recommend looking for something with a lithium-ion battery.

And something with a detachable battery is optimal for two reasons.

First, extending the run time is easier by purchasing an extra battery.

Second, replacing a shot battery will be easier if it’s detachable.

7. Hair Performance

One plus for most of these products I’ve tested is their ability to resist tangles, even long hair strands.

Variants like the Shark Vertex Cordless have an active anti-tangle system to untangle strands, preventing them from wrapping on the brush.

8. Replacement Parts

Another overlooked aspect is the availability of parts. It’s one reason I didn’t put any obscure brands on this list.

All the options listed above are from known brands that will be there five or ten years later.

I’ve read comments on my YouTube channel calling me a Dyson lover, but the reality is this brand is famous.

It is so popular that aftermarket parts flood the market. This isn’t the case for other brands, where consumers can buy parts from the manufacturer and nowhere else.

Best Premium Option: Dyson V15 Detect

Pros

• Excellent at tracking almost invisible dust
• Premium-level airflow and power will pick up debris even on crevices
• Decent sized dustbin
• Easy to empty with the hygienic system
• Best-in-class hair pick up on hardwood floors and upholstery

Cons

• Premium cost
• Top-heavy
• Not as ergonomic as a handheld

Despite the V15 Detect’s high price tag, the performance and practical innovation gave me no choice but to put it on top of the list.

The laser slim sensor is one of the better innovations in 2021, capable of revealing invisible-to-the-naked-eye dust better than any white LED-equipped cordless vacuum I’ve reviewed.

If you’re O.C. about tracking dust, this is an excellent option.

The green laser light tracks accentuate dust particles, even in dim conditions.

Another feature Dyson introduced with the V15 Detect is the Piezo sensor that measures dust particles.

I don’t find it as helpful as the laser slim roller attachment, but it may be for folks wanting to track dust mites.

One helpful attachment is the torq screw tool. That’s the best I’ve tested at picking up long hair strands.

The tapered shape forces hair towards the narrow end and into the dustbin.

It picks up even long hair strands over twelve inches. None of the other mini turbo brushes I’ve tested has come close.

Unfortunately, the V15’s ultra-high cost will be a roadblock for consumers.

But if you can afford it or find a V15 with only the soft roller attachment, it’ll be an excellent alternative to save some money.

It performs as well as any cordless vacuum on hardwood floors with high-end carpet performance.

It may be overkill for hard-floor-only homes, but it’s a good option for large ones with mixed surfaces.

Upright-Like Capacity: Lupe Pure

Pros

• Extra-large dustbin capacity (1-liter volume)
• Self-standing
• Excellent pick up on hardwood floors
• Storage for the extra tools
• Decent steering for a cordless upright

Cons

• Very expensive
• Leaked during the fog test
• Doesn’t resist long hair tangles well

Lupe was founded by two former Dyson engineers who wanted to design a minimalist cordless vacuum without the frills.

The result is an old-school upright design, prioritizing dustbin capacity, usability, and cleaning performance.

This product looks more like the early 2000s upright than a modern stick vacuum, and it’s by design.

The founders want a modular product with replaceable parts.

It’s Lupe’s only cordless vacuum option, and according to one of the founders, this variant will probably be their last.

One feature that makes this option excellent on hardwood floors is the twin brush system with a roller front.

Unlike other rollers with a rigid frame, Lupe’s roller is more malleable and follows the contours of the surface.

This feature helps it achieve a better seal that consumers will feel, especially on hard surfaces.

However, the narrow bristled brush behind the roller won’t handle long hair strands well.

It picked up five and seven-inch strands well but faltered with longer nine-inch hair.

Another strong point for Lupe is its immense capacity dustbin – the second largest among the options on this list.

The 1-liter capacity is a few hundred milliliters behind the Shark Vertex Cordless.

Despite not having an active system for pushing debris out, emptying this cordless upright is easy.

The trap door design has a wide opening, so debris falls easily.

However, longer hair strands will (or may) stick on the inner walls, so it’s something to note.

The upright design frame makes this product steer like a full-sized upright.

It won’t go deep under furniture like the other options here.

But the long run time and large capacity make this variant suitable inside larger homes.

Also, the dustbin isn’t fully sealed. There were some leaks during the fog test.

It’s not a full-blown leak, only a trickle.

The Lupe Pure comes with two extra attachments with a holder.

Lupe is an excellent option for a self-standing cordless vacuum with upright dirt capacity.

It’s expensive but has dropped if you purchase directly on their website.

Excellent for Large Messes: Shark Vertex Cordless

Pros

• Largest capacity dustbin (1.28-liters)
• The foldable wand makes it self-standing
• Fully-sealed dustbin
• Excellent performance, even on long hair
• A flexible wand helps it reach deep under furniture

Cons

• Shorter run time (less than 30-minutes)
• Top-heavy design
• It doesn’t steer as well as the Dyson V15

Another innovative brand in the cordless vacuum industry is Shark.

They’re the first to develop the twin roller system that combines a soft roller and bristled brush – similar to the Lupe Pure.

The issue with Duo Clean’s first iteration is hair easily tangles on the bristled brush.

Shark addressed this issue by adding fins and combs. And it’s the most significant improvement with the Shark Vertex Cordless.

The chunkier brush roll behind the soft roller helps it resist tangles better on both surfaces.

It picked up the highest percentage with long twelve-inch strands, better than the V15 Detect.

Another reason I like this option is its ability to reach deep under furniture with the foldable wand.

It’s a feature first seen in the Shark ION P50 and the same technology in the Vertex.

The Duo Clean nozzles have a large footprint, so it’s excellent for cleaning large messes.

I use this product to vacuum hair after my wife gives me a haircut, and it has held up well.

Combine the nozzle’s sturdiness with the large dustbin, and consumers have a tool capable of efficiently cleaning sizeable hard floor spaces.

However, I don’t recommend the Vertex for handheld use because of the handle placement behind the motor.

It’s uncomfortable to use, especially in vertical spaces, but not so much in flat spaces.

Also, it lacks the above-the-floors tools you’d see in other brands. Its most helpful tool is the under-appliance wand.

But that’s it. The other attachments are too short, and the design is too cumbersome for handheld use.

Don’t expect too much from it as a handheld, but it’s one of the best cordless vacuums I’ve tried for cleaning hardwood floors.

Responsive Steering: Simplicity S65 Cordless Multi-Floor

Pros

• Oustanding debris pick up on hard floors (nearly 100% in surface debris tests)
• Sharp turning radius
• The wide dustbin opening is easy to empty
• Detachable battery
• Rubberized wheels decrease the risk of scratching the surface
• Fully sealed system
• Above average in the hair wrap test up to 11 inches

Cons

• Short run time (29 minutes)
• The non-powered handheld tools don’t have a release latch

The Simplicity S65S I’ve recently tested is a new addition.

It’s a surprise addition because I didn’t expect it to perform this well, and I’ll highlight its strengths, starting with its cleaning performance.

The S65 did exceptionally well in surface debris pick-up with coffee grounds, quinoa, pet litter, and quaker oats, picking up 100% in all experiments.

It also did well in the sand on hard floor test, with a 99.8% average in two tests.

Even the multi-floor LED attachment was decent on hard floors, making clean passes. So it’s possible to use it even on hard surfaces for cleaning smaller debris.

The clincher for me would be the fog test results where it didn’t leak, which is a rarity with the budget to mid-level cordless vacuum options.

Yes, there are weaknesses with this product, such as not having any latch for the non-powered handheld tools and the short run time, but its cleaning performance makes up for these flaws.

Consumers can choose between three S65 options: the S65S (or standard), the S65D (or Deluxe), and the S65P (or Premium).

All three models have the same motor, battery, and dustbin but with attachment variations.

Best Lightweight Option: Dyson V12 Detect

Pros

• It is the best lightweight option with a full-sized cleaning performance
• It comes with two nozzles for hard floors and carpets
• The push-button switch makes it highly ergonomic to use
• Smooth steering, especially on hard floors
• Green laser accentuates almost invisible dust
• Torque screw tool excels in cleaning long hair
• A bevy of tools out of the box

Cons

• Expensive
• Tiny dustbin

The Dyson V12 Detect is my new pick for the best lightweight option on this surface.

It combines the cleaning performance of a full-sized stick vacuum with a compact frame.

This product weighs less than five pounds, even with the nozzle and extension tube.

Despite the downsized motor and battery, there isn’t much compromise with performance.

The V12 Detect retains similar features as the V15 Detect in a smaller form factor.

It (still) has the laser slim roller, enabling it to track dust better than any LED-equipped stick vacuum.

This feature is (perhaps) its most significant advantage over the Micro and Omni-Glide.

Other V15 features bleed into the V12, like the Piezo sensor and torque screw tool.

The Piezo sensor measures debris size and quantity, flashing it on the LCD screen.

The torque screw tool is the best I’ve tested at vacuuming long hair, even large quantities of it.

Nothing wraps on the brush, even with this much hair.

Lastly, its cleaning performance is superb, especially on hard floors.

It a 99.6% sand on this surface, and combining it with the laser slim roller and other convenience features, consumers will get a lot for the cost.

360-Degree Steering: Dyson Omni Glide

Pros

• Excellent inside small homes
• 360-degree steering is excellent at maneuvering around furniture
• The two rollers clean in both directions (forward and backward)
• Reaches deep under furniture

Cons

• Small dustbin
• Doesn’t resist hair tangles well
• Expensive

Most stick vacuums steer in two directions, left and right, which is usually enough.

But what Dyson introduced with the Omni-Glide is ground-breaking.

It’s the first cordless vacuum cleaner I’ve tested with 360-degree steering. Hence, the term Omni-Glide.

Dyson makes this possible using two rollers and four caster wheels underneath the nozzle.

The Omni-Glide nozzle isn’t as broad as Dyson’s full-sized stick vacuums, but that’s by design.

It’s smaller, so it fits through tighter spots better, and with the 360-steering, it goes around furniture better than any brand I’ve tested.

This product is designed specifically for cleaning hardwood floors inside small spaces.

One con to the downsized design is the smaller dustbin (only 0.18 liters) and weaker airflow.

It won’t pick up debris in crevices as well as its high airflow counterparts, but it makes up for that limitation with its ergonomic advantages.

The wand-type handle enables consumers to use this cordless vacuum like a broom, which helps it reach further under furniture better.

This handle design also makes the Omni-Glide the most ergonomic I’ve tested on stairs.

However, the weak airflow does have its consequences. The biggest would be its poor hair-cleaning performance.

I tried it on five-inch stands, and it didn’t pick up much (less than 30%).

Most of it wrapped around the axles.

The good news is the rollers are detachable, making them easier to clean.

Also, the roller lacks torque and won’t spin on carpets or rugs. So don’t expect it to clean these areas.

If you’ve purchased the higher-end Omni-Glide+ with the mini turbo brush, it’s possible, but this tool won’t be as efficient.

Lastly, the wand handle removes its handheld usability because it’s awkward to use in this configuration.

Using it for extended periods will strain the risk after a few minutes.

But for vacuuming hardwood floors inside tiny homes, it’s something that consumers should consider.

Best Robot Vacuum on Hardwood Floors: Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra

Pros

• Do-it-all base station with self-emptying and pad-washing features
• Improved obstacle avoidance over the S6 MaxV with the Reactive AI 2.0 technology
• Efficient navigation
• Above-average hard floor vacuuming
• Proficient mopping with the vibrating pad
• The bristled pad-washing element cleans the pad well

Cons

• Expensive
• The mopping feature can’t pick up wet messes

Previously, my pick here was the Roborock S7+, and below is a snippet.

Roborock has since unveiled several new releases, including the S7 MaxV Ultra, which (in my opinion) is a better and more versatile option.

Its most significant upgrade is the do-it-all base station with pad-washing and self-emptying features.

This base station is massive and dwarfs the twin-barrel S7+ dock.

The size uptick was necessary to accommodate the pad-washing components, including the two water containers.

Unlike most self-washing robots using a tray, the S7 MaxV Ultra relies on a bristled brush to scrub the pad.

It was decent at removing gunk calculation on the pad, but one downside is that the bristles will eventually wear out, so you’ll need to replace it.

So that’s an added cost during ownership.

Another upgrade is the obstacle avoidance system, which Roborock calls Reactive AI 2.0. It uses a twin-lens camera, plus two lasers flanking it.

Cleaning Comparison

Next, we’ll examine which products picked up the most on hardwood floors.

The results, at least for cordless stick vacuums, are close, and the variance is too small to declare an outright winner.

However, there’s more variance with robot vacuums.

On this surface, the Yeedi Vac Station and Roborock S7+ are better than the Roomba S7+.

It’s only a few percentage points higher, but the eye test doesn’t lie.

Roborock and Yeedi made cleaner passes, thanks to their higher airflow.

Hair Wrap Comparison

I’ve torture-tested these products to see how well they resist hair tangles of various lengths.

These experiments will reveal which options suit long hair strands, even pet hair, on hardwood floors.

Check the table below for the results.

The Dyson V15 had the best results, picking up 100% even with eleven-inch strands, while the Omni-Glide was the worst (26%).

Other great options here are the Dyson V8 Absolute Shark Vertex Cordless and Tineco A11.

These weren’t as good with longer eleven-inch strands, but they still picked up a high percentage.

Run Time Comparison

Next, we’ll look at how long these vacuums will run. I tested it for cordless vacuums by running them from full charge to empty.

However, I haven’t tested robot vacuums – only basing the run time on manufacturer claims.

* – based on manufacturer-claimed run times

The Dyson V15 is the best (on a per-battery basis), lasting up to 84 minutes on hardwood floors with the slim roller attachment.

The Yeedi Vac Station is the best for robot vacuums, with a 200-minute run time claim.

I didn’t test the actual run time for the robot vacuums but based the numbers on the manufacturer’s claims.

Noise Comparison

Another consideration is the noise levels, which I used a sound meter to check.

Here are the results for the cordless vacuums I’ve tested.

And robot vacuums.

There’s no surprise that the higher airflow robots are noisier. The more power a vacuum has, the louder it gets.

However, there are exceptions.

The Dyson V15 is the noisiest at over 80 decibels in the max setting, but the good news is you don’t need to use the max setting to pick up debris.

It will clean well even at its lowest power setting.

The Shark Vertex and Lupe Pure are louder than the V15 Detect in the lowest setting, perhaps because they utilizes a twin brush system.

Where can I buy these products?

Consumers can purchase these cordless vacuums in online stores like Amazon. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.

• Dyson V15 Detect on Amazon
• Dyson V12 Detect on Amazon
• Lupe Pure on Amazon and Lupe Website
• Shark Vertex Cordless on Amazon
• Tineco A11 on Amazon
• Simplicity S65 on the Simplicity web store
• Dyson Omni Glide on Walmart
• LG CordZero A9 on Amazon
• Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra on Amazon
• Yeedi Vac Station on Amazon
• Roomba J7+ on Amazon

Disclaimer: I will earn a commission if you purchase from any of the links above at no extra cost, so it’s a win-win for us!

Some FAQs

I’ll answer frequently asked questions online about cordless vacuums on hard floors.

1. Can I use a cordless vacuum on hardwood floors?

Yes, it’s possible. Over the past few years, technological advancements have paved the way for longer-running, more efficient products.

The airflow demand won’t be as high as on the carpet since the debris is already on the surface.

Soft roller technology makes it possible since it’s excellent at grabbing dirt on the surface and funneling it toward the nozzle inlet.

I prefer using a cordless over a corded upright because of the ergonomic advantages and lightweight design.

There’s no need to search for an outlet.

2. What vacuum will not scratch hardwood floors?

That’s a tough one. Most cordless vacuums I’ve tested don’t provide the requisite padding to prevent scratches.

Since all these products have a brush, there will be friction, and friction will scratch the surface.

You’d have to opt for a suction-only nozzle with padded wheels.

3. Does the Dyson cordless work on hard floors?

Yes. James Dyson invented the soft roller attachment we see in other brands.

The Dyson V15 Detect has a laser slim roller, which I like because of its compact frame that fits under low clearance overhangs.

Most Dyson options have the soft roller tool—some with the slim roller and others with the standard-sized variety.

And based on tests, these tools are some of the most efficient at picking up debris on hard floors.

Given a choice, I’d opt for the newer “slim” nozzles available in the V12 and V15 variants.

These use a thinner roller, thus the name, which comes in handy in cleaning low-clearance areas.

You can see how much chunkier the V8 nozzle is compared to the V15.

4. Is it better to sweep or vacuum hard floors?

Most old-school folks will prefer the former, but I’ve done both and prefer using a vacuum.

Sweeping isn’t efficient, and a percentage of dust won’t make it to the trash bin.

The sweeping motion (of a broom) will throw some debris airborne.

Have you tried sweeping underneath furniture? It’s challenging and inefficient to use a broom.

A vacuum cleaner with a roller attachment will be more efficient, and nearly 100% of dust and allergens will go inside the dustbin.

5. Can I use Dyson V11 on hardwood floors?

It depends on the variant. I wouldn’t recommend the Torque Drive sub-model on this surface because it doesn’t have a soft roller attachment.

The V11 Fluffy or Slim will be the best options on this surface since these models have the soft roller tool.

Dyson is the pioneer of this technology, using a soft textured roller to minimize scratches on this surface.