10 Best Vacuums For Hardwood Floors 2026 in the United States

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuum is a solid choice for hardwood floor cleaning, especially if you need a versatile vacuum that also works well on carpets and pet hair. Its suction is strong enough to handle loose debris and pet dander effectively. A significant advantage is the brush roll shutoff feature, allowing you to turn off the brush when cleaning delicate hard floors to avoid scratching or scattering debris. The lift-away pod makes it easy to clean stairs and furniture, providing flexibility beyond just floors.

Featuring HEPA filtration and a complete seal system, this vacuum effectively traps allergens, which is particularly beneficial for pet owners or those with allergies. Maneuverability is enhanced with swivel steering, making it easier to navigate around furniture or tight corners compared to many upright models. The vacuum is corded, offering consistent power without the worry of battery life, though this may limit ease of movement somewhat compared to cordless options. Useful attachments like a crevice tool and dusting brush help clean baseboards, blinds, and other tricky spots, while the fairly large dust cup allows longer cleaning sessions without frequent emptying.

One consideration is the vacuum’s weight; while not the heaviest upright, it can feel a bit bulky when used in lift-away mode for extended periods. This vacuum suits hardwood floor owners who want a versatile, allergen-trapping device that handles pet hair well and transitions easily between floor types, though some users might find it heavy during above-floor cleaning.

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe, is a solid choice for those looking to clean hardwood floors effectively. One of its key strengths is the powerful suction, which works well on both carpets and bare floors, making it versatile for different surfaces. The Lift-Away feature allows you to detach the vacuum pod, enabling easy cleaning under furniture and on stairs or upholstery, adding to its convenience.

The vacuum also includes a HEPA filter and features Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, which is beneficial for trapping dust and allergens. This makes it a great option for households with allergy sufferers or pets, as the included upholstery tool is designed for effective pet hair pickup.

Maneuverability is another highlight, as the swivel steering makes it easy to navigate around furniture and tight spaces. The large-capacity dust cup (0.9 quarts) means you can clean longer without needing to empty it frequently, which is a plus during larger cleaning sessions. However, at nearly 16 pounds, it might feel a bit heavy for some users, especially when lifting it for above-floor cleaning. Additionally, the noise level can be a concern, as it operates at around 80 dB, which might be bothersome in quieter environments.

The Shark NV352 Navigator is a versatile vacuum that works well on hardwood floors as well as carpets. It has strong suction power (1.61 horsepower) that can handle dust and debris effectively without missing fine particles. A handy brushroll shutoff feature allows you to switch off the rotating brush, which is great for protecting hardwood surfaces from scratches during cleaning. The vacuum’s HEPA filter combined with anti-allergen technology traps dust and allergens well, making it a good choice if you want cleaner air in your home.

Weighing about 12.5 pounds, it is moderate in weight—not the lightest, but still manageable for most users, especially with its lift-away pod that helps clean stairs and furniture more easily. Maneuverability is boosted with swivel steering, making it easier to navigate around furniture and tight spots. It includes useful attachments like a wide upholstery tool and a crevice tool to reach corners and upholstery, which adds to its cleaning versatility.

This vacuum runs at about 80 decibels, which is somewhat noisy compared to quieter models, so it might bother some users sensitive to noise. Also, it’s a corded vacuum, so you need to stay near outlets and manage the cord while cleaning. If you have hardwood floors along with carpets or pets, this vacuum provides a solid balance of power, filtration, and convenience, though those prioritizing ultra-quiet operation or very lightweight design might want to consider other options.