The best cordless vacuums for hard floors

To help you maintain your wooden, laminate, tile and lino flooring, we’ve found the best cordless vacuums for hard floors to keep them dust and dirt-free. Trying to find the best vacuum cleaner can be a costly investment, which is why we’ve spent time searching for the best makes and models. We’ve included options from brand favourites, such as Dyson and Shark, budget-friendly buys, as well as cordless vacuums that are great for picking up pet hair.

The great thing about a cordless vacuum is that it allows you more flexibility to tackle grime in all areas of your home, with no cord restrictions. Most come with a variety of attachments and are equipped with different power modes, too, enabling you to really get stuck into those more stubborn areas that require a bit of a deep clean.

Best cordless vacuum for hard floors at a glance:

• Best cordless vacuum for pet hair: Vax ONEPWR Blade 4 Pet and Car Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
• Best lightweight cordless vacuum: Hoover H-FREE 500 Double Battery Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
• Best cordless vacuum for a deep clean: Bosch, Series 6 Athlet ProHygiene Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
• Best cordless vacuum for small spaces: Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

Lots of larger models convert into a handheld mode too, so that you can easily get to those more difficult spots, such as under your sofas, or those hard-to-reach areas on your ceiling to suck up those pesky cobwebs. Being cordless and light enough to move around also means you can take your vacuum out to tackle the interiors of your car for a more spotless ride.

So, whether you’re after something lightweight and compact, or a vacuum that can be used on carpet, too, we’ve found the best cordless vacuums for hard floors to suit your cleaning needs.

Best cordless vacuums for hard floors

Our verdict for the best cordless vacuums for hard floors

While we think these are all fantastic options for your hard floors at home, we think the Dyson vacuums and Shark vacuum cleaners, which have soft brush roll technology, not only clean all floor types but gently and effectively target dirt on hard floors.

The more expensive options pack a punch if you're looking for a vacuum that'll clean everything and if you often find upholstery dirt or pet hair to be a constant battle. However, the cheaper models still offer the best features that'll get your floors looking spick-and-span at a more affordable price.

Best cordless vacuums for hard floors FAQs

What to consider for a cordless vacuum for hardwood floors

Make sure it’s not too heavy and compact — A cordless vacuum is fantastic for offering an excellent clean that's easy to manoeuvre around your home. Not to mention, a compact and lightweight vacuum is great for storing away. Especially as it moves from one room to another and ensures you won't inflict any stress or wear and tear on your flooring. This is particularly good for hardwood floors that require extra, gentle care from scratches.

Double check brush attachments — Different vacuum cleaners come with different brush attachments including crevice and upholstery nozzles, attachable hoses, motorised tools, detachable handheld vacuums and pet tools. For instance, a home more prone to pet hair build-up and mess might require something more specialised to fulfil the job.

Running time — Due to the fact that your vacuum cleaner is going to be running on rechargeable battery power, you're going to have to make sure you pick a vacuum that has enough running time for you to clean your space. For example, if you're cleaning large spaces, or you often do a full house clean at once, you'll want a higher running time to tackle the job. However, smaller spaces and more agile cleaning will work fine on lower running times.

Headlights — This is an added bonus worth considering on a vacuum cleaner. Some vacuums come with headlights so you can clearly see under furniture and in dark corners, illuminating the hidden dust so you know you've picked everything up. A handy feature that's worth considering for maximising your cleaning routine.

Should I leave my cordless vacuum plugged in when I'm not using it?

It's best to unplug the charger of your cordless vacuum once it's fully charged, not only to save on electricity usage but also to reduce wear and tear on the battery.

How long do cordless vacuums last?

Depending entirely on how well you maintain your cordless vacuum, it should last you about three-five years, but after this amount of time, you'll notice a dip in your vacuum's run time.

Why is my cordless vacuum not working?

Check for any blockages in the nozzle or tank of the vacuum, then leave the vacuum to charge for some time. If this doesn't fix the problem, consider replacing the battery or looking into your vacuum's warranty.

Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Yours, specialising in home décor, furnishings and appliances. Having worked commercially on Yours magazine and Yours.co.uk for the past six years, she's previously hosted Yours Live events and loves looking for home inspiration online.