Top Cordless and Robot Vacuums for Hardwood Floors in 2025

Maintaining hardwood floors requires a vacuum that can effectively clean dust, sand, and pet hair without damaging the surface. CNET's Louisville lab has rigorously tested over 100 cordless, robot, and handheld vacuums to identify the top performers for hardwood floors in 2025, considering factors like suction power, navigation, runtime, and additional features.

Best Cordless Vacuum for Hardwood Floors

The Shark Stratos stands out as the best overall cordless vacuum for hardwood floors. It excels at removing 97.2% of sand, offers a 60-minute runtime, and includes a washable HEPA filter. Its Clean Sense IQ technology automatically boosts suction when dirt is detected, ensuring deep cleaning. Priced under $400 on sale, it balances performance and value.

Top Robot Vacuum with Mopping Capability

For hands-free cleaning, the Yeedi M12 Pro+ is the best robot vacuum for hardwood floors. It achieves a 96.5% sand pickup rate and features multi-level mopping with hot air drying to sanitize the mop pad. Its self-emptying dock and advanced navigation make it a convenient and efficient choice, often available around $400 on sale.

Wet and Dry Vacuuming for Hardwood

The Dyson Detect Submarine V15S offers powerful suction combined with wet mopping capabilities. It removes 91.4% of sand from hardwood and handles carpets well. Though priced higher at around $879, it includes 10 cleaning attachments and a user-replaceable battery, making it a versatile tool for comprehensive floor care.

All-in-One Cordless and Robot Vacuum

For those seeking a single device that vacuums, mops, and functions as both a robot and cordless vacuum, the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo is a premium choice. It scores 85% in sand pickup on hardwood and features smart navigation, a self-emptying base, and mop drying capabilities. Though expensive at $1,400, sales can make it more accessible.

Budget-Friendly Options

The Levoit LVAC-200 offers excellent hardwood performance with 98.7% sand pickup at under $200. It features a five-stage filtration system but has a shorter 25-minute runtime. For those on a tighter budget, the Dirt Devil BD5700V and Moosoo TC1M XL-618A provide strong cleaning capabilities at $150 and under $100 respectively, with some trade-offs in runtime and carpet performance.

Features to Consider When Choosing a Vacuum for Hardwood

Choosing the right vacuum depends on your home's flooring mix, cleaning preferences, and budget. Cordless stick vacuums offer lightweight, versatile cleaning ideal for hardwood and carpets but require manual operation. Robot vacuums save time with autonomous cleaning and mopping but may struggle with obstacles or deep carpet cleaning. Features like self-emptying docks, HEPA filters, and smart navigation enhance convenience and effectiveness.

Rigorous Testing Methods Ensure Reliable Performance

CNET employs standardized testing environments simulating real home conditions, using sand and pet hair to evaluate suction and cleaning efficiency across hardwood, low-pile, and mid-pile carpets. Robot vacuums undergo navigation and light path tests to assess coverage and obstacle avoidance. These comprehensive tests provide consumers with trustworthy data to make informed purchasing decisions.