7 Best Vacuum Cleaners for Hardwood Floors, According to Lab Tests
Our top pick is Miele's Boost CX1 Parquet Canister Vacuum.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Hardwood floors never go out of style—they’re classic, durable, and add warmth to any room. But keeping them looking their best requires the right vacuum, because unlike carpet, wood can scratch easily if you’re not using a machine specifically designed for hard surfaces.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we’ve tested hundreds of vacuums to find the ones that work beautifully on hardwood. Our experts evaluate each model for debris and pet hair pickup, filtration efficiency, and overall ease of use.
The result? A list of the best vacuums for hardwood floors, including everything from lightweight cordless sticks to smart robot vacuums, with top picks from trusted brands like Miele and Dyson. Whether you’re tackling a big mess or just doing a quick pass, these machines will keep your floors spotless and scratch-free.
Best Deal
Pros
- Excellent suction
- Great manueverability
- Parquet brush won't scratch wood floors
Cons
- Some users have a hard time pushing it on carpet
WHY WE LIKE IT: Miele vacuums have a reputation for exceptional cleaning power, and the Boost CX1 lives up to the hype. This compact, stylish canister vacuum delivers impressive suction and earns high marks on our list of best canister vacuums. Its universal floor head transitions seamlessly between hardwood and carpet with a simple switch—no need to swap tools mid-clean. Plus, it comes with a specialized parquet brush designed to treat wood floors with extra care.
We also appreciate that it’s a bagless option equipped with a Hygiene AirClean filter, which captures fine dust and allergens right inside the canister. That makes it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers or anyone who wants a thorough clean without recirculating particles into the air. The only trade-off: Some users report that it doesn’t move quite as smoothly across plush carpets.
TESTING NOTES: During our Lab tests, the Boost CX1 impressed us on both hardwood and carpet, easily picking up dry oats without scattering debris forward—a common flaw in other similar models.
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 13.8 lbs. |
| Cord Length | 22 ft. |
| Bag or Bagless | Bagless |
| Run Time | N/A |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 1 L |
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
Pros
- Air-powered soft brush helps protect floors
- Multiple levels of filtration
Cons
- Lacks a HEPA filter
WHY WE LIKE IT: Bissell vacuums consistently rank high in our Cleaning Lab, and this compact canister proves you don’t have to spend a fortune for strong performance. Designed with hardwood in mind, it features an air-powered soft brush that sweeps debris out of crevices without leaving scratches behind. Its lightweight frame makes it easy to tote between rooms, and the roomy 2-liter dust bin empties from the bottom with a quick release, helping keep dirt contained and limiting particles from escaping back into the air.
Though it doesn’t include a HEPA filter, it still has a multi-stage filtration system, which is a nice bonus for households with mild allergies.
TESTING NOTES: In Lab tests, the soft brush impressed us by lifting fine dust and crumbs without scattering them across the floor or damaging delicate surfaces. Combined with the hassle-free dust bin and lightweight design, this model delivers reliable cleaning power at a fraction of the price of premium picks.
| Weight | 13.8 lbs |
| Cord Length | 18 ft. |
| Bag or Bagless | Bagless |
| Run Time | N/A |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 2 L |
| HEPA Filter | No |
Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum
Pros
- HEPA filter
- Converts from an upright to a stick
Cons
- On the heavier side
WHY WE LIKE IT: Shark is known for making reliable, easy-to-use vacuums, and this model is a standout on hardwood floors, thanks to its dual brush roll system that combines a traditional bristle brush with a soft roller. This gives it the power to lift debris while staying gentle on wood surfaces. We also like the built-in odor-neutralizing feature in the dust bin—a feature pet owners will especially appreciate.
The vacuum’s versatility is another major plus. It transitions from a full upright to a slim stick vacuum and can even be used as a portable canister for stairs and tight spaces. With its sealed design and HEPA filtration, it also does an excellent job capturing allergens and fine particles, making it a solid pick for allergy-prone households.
TESTING NOTES: In Lab tests, this vacuum excelled on hardwood, cleaning thoroughly without scattering debris or leaving scratches. We found the convertible design especially handy for shifting between quick touch-ups and deep cleans, though it's noticeably heavier than some other top picks—about four pounds more than our best overall.
RELATED: The Best Shark Vacuums
| Weight | 17.2 lbs |
| Cord Length | 30 ft. |
| Bag or Bagless | Bagless |
| Run Time | N/A |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 1.4 L |
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum
Pros
- Light on the bare floor head makes dust easier to see
- Attachments are very useful
Cons
- Doesn't include a second battery
WHY WE LIKE IT: Dyson’s V12 Detect comes loaded with smart features that make it especially effective on hardwood floors. Its brush roll combines soft nylon with carbon fiber filaments to capture dust without scratching, while a front-mounted laser highlights even the tiniest particles so you can see exactly what you’re vacuuming. A digital display adds another layer of precision, showing particle size and count along with battery status and run time.
The vacuum also includes a versatile set of attachments, like a cone-shaped tool that’s excellent for pulling up pet hair, plus a detangling brush bar that keeps long strands from wrapping around the roller.
TESTING NOTES: In our Lab, the V12 Detect excelled on hardwood, removing both fine dust and larger debris with ease. The laser feature helped spotlight areas that might otherwise go unnoticed, and the suction stayed strong for up to 60 minutes per charge. The downside: It only comes with a single battery, and spares can be hard to find—something to keep in mind if you need longer run time for bigger spaces.
RELATED: The Best Dyson Vacuums
| Weight | 5.2 lbs |
| Cord Length | N/A |
| Bag or Bagless | Bagless |
| Run Time | 60 minutes |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.35 L |
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
Kenmore Pet Friendly Pop-N-Go Canister Vacuum
Pros
- Hardwood floor brush stored in canister
- HEPA filter
Cons
- Very heavy
WHY WE LIKE IT: This canister vacuum is a heavy hitter in homes with pets and mixed flooring. At 24 pounds, it’s on the bulkier side, but its smart design and built-in tools more than make up for the weight. A dedicated hardwood floor brush is stored right inside the canister and pops out at the push of a button, so you can switch tasks without hunting for attachments.
It also includes a motorized Pet PowerMate tool that makes quick work of pet hair on furniture and upholstery. And since it’s a bagged vacuum equipped with a true HEPA filter, it locks in dust and allergens instead of releasing them back into your home.
TESTING NOTES: In our evaluations, this vacuum moved smoothly across both hardwood and carpet, thanks to large wheels and a flexible hose. It easily picked up dry oats on all surfaces and left behind almost no debris after just a couple of passes.
RELATED: The Best Vacuums for Pet Hair
| Weight | 24 lbs |
| Cord Length | 26 ft. |
| Bag or Bagless | Bag |
| Run Time | N/A |
| Dust Cup Capacity | N/A |
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
Roborock Flexi Pro Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Easy to setup, use and clean
- Excellent self-cleaning mode
- Does not leave behind a ton of water residue
- Cleans dry and wet spills quickly
Cons
- The roller brush isn't as long as others
WHY WE LIKE IT: This vacuum-mop hybrid earned top marks in our Lab, thanks to its advanced self-cleaning system, which uses both hot water and hot air to keep the roller clean and sanitary between uses.
It also lies completely flat to slide under low furniture with ease, and the handle features a built-in battery indicator so you’ll always know when it’s time to recharge. Another smart touch: A strainer that separates solids from liquids in the dirty tank, making emptying and rinsing much less messy.
TESTING NOTES: In Lab evaluations, it tackled tricky spills like milk and cereal with impressive efficiency. After just two passes, most of the mess was gone, and a few more swipes left the floor clear. It left behind only a minimal amount of moisture—important for protecting hardwood from water damage.
While the roller is slightly shorter than some competitors, the vacuum-mop was still easy to steer, and the straightforward controls (two cleaning modes plus a self-clean button) made it intuitive to operate.
RELATED: The Best Vacuum Mops
| Weight | 11 lbs. |
| Cord Length | 26 ft. |
| Bag or Bagless | Bagless |
| Run Time | 50 minutes |
| Dust Cup Capacity | N/A |
| HEPA Filter | No |
Dyson 360 Vis Nav Robot Vacuum
Pros
- Powerful suction
- Automatically adjusts suction
Cons
- Cannot self-empty
WHY WE LIKE IT: Sleek and compact, the Dyson 360 Vis Nav may be small, but it’s packed with premium features. Its suction automatically adjusts to dirt levels, and it offers voice control, app integration and programmable cleaning schedules. One standout feature is the heat map it generates, showing where your floors collect the most debris so it can boost power exactly where it’s needed.
TESTING NOTES: In our tests, the triple-action brush bar—featuring soft nylon, stiff bristles and anti-static carbon fiber filaments—handled dust, dirt, and pet hair effortlessly without tangling. Because the brush spans nearly the full width of the vacuum, it cleaned more floor space in fewer passes. While it lacks a self-emptying base, the dustbin detaches easily and empties at the push of a button, keeping upkeep simple.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Dyson 360 Vis Nav Robot Vacuum
| Weight | 9.9 lbs. |
| Cord Length | N/A |
| Bag or Bagless | Bagless |
| Run Time | 65 minutes |
| Dust Cup Capacity | .13 gallons |
| HEPA Filter | No |
How we test vacuum cleaners
Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we test all types of vacuums, from canister vacuums to robot vacuums and handheld vacuums, basing our reviews on ASTM International industry-standard test methods.
We test new vacuums as they are made available and each one is put through the same tests. Only the models that perform to our high standards are included in our vacuum buying guides.
Our performance tests include evaluating how well each vacuum cleaner removes dirt, debris and simulated pet hair from hard flooring like wood, tile and vinyl, plus medium pile carpets. We also look at how well vacuums clean along floor edges and how effective their suction is. Because hardwood floors can be damaged by rough cleaning methods, we also take a close look at the features each vacuum offers, like soft brush rolls, brush rolls that can be turned off and hard-floor-specific settings.
Our second set of tests, called ease-of-use tests, include testing each vacuum for ease of cleaning, maneuverability, maintenance, weight, battery run-time for cordless models and the clarity of the owner's manual. In addition to our in-Lab tests, we also recruit GH readers and staffers to try the vacuums for themselves at home and share their opinions.
FAQs
What vacuum won't scratch a hardwood floor?
To prevent scratches and scuffs, avoid vacuums with a spinning brush roll. These can scratch the wood and send hard debris flying across the room. Look for vacuums that either have a fluffy brush specifically designed for cleaning bare floors or include a wide parquet brush like the Miele CX1. Some vacuums also have removable brush rollers for greater flexibility.
Is it better to sweep or vacuum hardwood floors?
While both sweeping and vacuuming will get the job done, vacuums excel at picking up the fine dust that can be hard for a broom to sweep up. When using a broom, dirt can be left behind as it is swept across the floor, scooped into the pan or on its way to the garbage can.
What to look for in the best hardwood floor vacuum
There is no one-size-fits-all vacuum for hardwood floors. Different vacuums will suit different needs. Here’s what to look for when shopping for a hardwood floor vacuum:
✔️ Attachments: Brush rollers are great for cleaning plush carpeting but can cause fine scratches on wood flooring. For safety, make sure your vacuum either has multiple brush rolls, specialized attachments for hardwood or an option to turn the brush roll off. Soft brushes will sweep away debris from the cracks and crevices between wood floorboards and nab the finest dust particles for a more thorough cleaning. Brush attachments are also usually low enough to get to hard-to-reach places like under furniture.
✔️ Suction Power: Strong suction power is important in a good hardwood vacuum. Not only will good suction power pick up large debris, but it will also pick up pet hair and fine dirt or dust, and it will do a better job of nabbing particles lodged between the planks of wood.
✔️ Vacuum Type: Each style of vacuum will suit different needs. Cordless vacuums are ideal if you switch rooms frequently while vacuuming. Canister vacuums are extremely versatile and do a great job cleaning floors, stairs, furniture, lampshades and more. A robot vacuum will do the vacuuming for you with the push of a button. Stick vacuums are often convenient to store, take up little space and tend to be lightweight.
✔️ HEPA Filter: Models that use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter excel at catching dust and dirt, since they prevent small dust particles from escaping through the vacuum’s exhaust. If this feature is important to you, be sure to target true HEPA filters — vacuums with “HEPA-type” or “HEPA-like” filters may look like traditional pleated HEPA filters and will likely trap some small particles, but could miss the microscopic ones that can't escape the real thing.
✔️ Weight: Be sure to check the weight of the vacuum and take into consideration how much weight you’re willing to push around while vacuuming or carrying around the house.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
As executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care & Cleaning Lab, Carolyn Forté has tested and reviewed hundreds of vacuum cleaners, hardwood floor cleaners, carpet cleaners, mops for hardwood floors and other major home appliances for over 40 years. She is an active member of the ASTM Committee on Vacuum Cleaners and chairman of the consumer information subcommittee.
Contributing writer Brigitt Earley wrote this guide under the direction of Forté, who chose all of the products featured here. Brigitt has more than 15 years of experience testing and researching household products, including different categories of vacuums. And with four kids under the age of seven and a house full of hardwood floors, she's highly invested in finding the best vacuum cleaners for hardwood floors.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
The Best Front-Loading Washing Machines
The Best Drain Cleaners
Shop The Best Labor Day Vacuum Deals Right Now
The Best Odor Eliminators
