Hard floors have become increasingly popular over the years, allowing you to add a touch of class to a room without the hassle associated with a carpet.
If you have hard floors in your home, then you’ll want to keep them looking at their best. Although you can clean hard floors using a dustpan and brush, it’s much easier to get the job done using a good vacuum cleaner.
I’ve rated some of the best vacuum cleaners for hard floors currently on the market. As well as covering the pros and cons of each model, I also look at their key features so you’re able to decide which vacuum is right for you.
If you want to go straight to the product page for any of the vacuums on the list, then simply click the appropriate link in the table below and you’ll go to Amazon where you can order yours.
I prefer adding Amazon links as it’s usually the cheapest and if you prefer otherwise, you can also go Direct to Shark, or check out Argos, Curry’s or anywhere else you like to shop.
I went back in and updated this article for 2022 to ensure that all the latest and greatest hard floor vacuums were included.
As I try to do an update at least every 12 months, here I am back in 2024 to ensure, that you can clean your hard floor as well as possible with my recommendations.
Let’s start with my top 5 vacuum cleaners for Hard floors
Best Vacuum Cleaners For Hard Floors
- Top Choice – Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner NZ801UKT
- Best Cordless hard floor cleaner- Vax Glide 2 Cordless Hardfloor Cleaner
- Best For Hardfloor and Carpet – Gtech Mk2 AirRam Cordless Upright Vacuum Cleaner
- Best Budget – Amazonbasics Powerful Cylinder Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
- Best For Pet hair – Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Handheld Vacuum Clean
1. Top Choice – Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner NZ801UKT
![Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner [NZ801UKT]](https://appliancehunter.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Shark-Upright-Vacuum-Cleaner-NZ801UKT-71x300.jpg)
Pros
- Anti Hair Wrap Technology
- Comes with multiple attachments
- Superb pick up on carpet and hard floor
- Can be used handheld
- 5 year warranty included
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Substantial weight
The Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner with Anti Wrap Hair Technology is my best pick and would make an excellent choice if you have a lot of hard floors in your home.
The design of the brush head on this vacuum means it’s ideal for cleaning both carpets and hard floors. Many homes have a mix of flooring so being able to seamlessly switch from one to the other is ideal.
In addition to the motorised brush-rolls, this vacuum also features Anti Wrap Hair technology. This means you’re able to vacuum pet hair without the worry of it becoming tangled in the brush-roll. You can also easily detach the wand from the main unit to make it portable – ideal for cleaning stairs, underneath furniture and other hard-to-reach areas.
It comes with the vacuum itself as well as 3 attachments, LED headlights and a 5 years manufacturer warranty.
Overall: Overall, this is an excellent vacuum for both hard floors and carpets. It’s not the cheapest or lightest model out there, but it does an excellent job of cleaning floors and is very easy to use.
2. Best Cordless Vacuum – Vax Glide 2 Cordless Hardfloor Cleaner

Pros
- Portable and easy to use
- 20 minutes runtime
- Edge to edge cleaning
- Vacuum and wash at the same time
Cons
- A bit heavier
- Included instructions could be better
The Vax Glide 2 Cordless Hardfloor Cleaner is my best cordless pick and gives you the ability to clean hard floors thoroughly while having the convenience of cordless operation.
A very important distinction between this vacuum and others is that in addition to picking up dust and debris from your floors, it also cleans them and kills germs as well as bacteria. It accomplishes this through the use of twin tanks – one for clean water used to clean the floors and the other to hold the dirty water.
It also comes with a self clean system, which removes any dirt from the vacuum without the need for you to wash the different components manually.
Something that’s worth bearing in mind with this vacuum is that it is fairly heavy for a cordless model, at 5.4kg. This might not be an issue for everyone but it can make it a little cumbersome to move around compared to more lightweight vacuums.
Lastly, it uses edge to edge cleaning, which means you need less time to clean your house or apartment, so if you value effectiveness, this is a great advantage
Overall: If you’re looking for a cordless vacuum and you want to clean your hard floors thoroughly by using one device, then the Vax Glide 2 Cordless Hardfloor Cleaner is definitely worth considering.
3. Best For Hardfloor and Carpet – Gtech Mk2 AirRam Cordless Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Pros
- Very lightweight and easy to use
- Affordably priced
- Powerful 22V lithium-ion battery
- Good for edge cleaning
- Good on all floor types
Cons
- Build quality could be better
Next up is the Gtech Mk2 AirRam Cordless Upright Vacuum Cleaner. This is a lightweight and very portable model that’s suitable for both hard floors and carpets.
It’s powered by a 22V lithium-ion battery that gives you up to 40 minutes of running time from a 4 hour charge. A nice feature of this model is the LED display that tells you how much power is left at a glance. You have the choice to charge the battery when it’s in the vacuum or remove it and charge it separately.
This vacuum is very compact and easy to store as well as being lightweight, at just 3.2kg. This makes it excellent for use all around the home. It’s also very easy to manoeuvre and is excellent for cleaning edges and other awkward spots.
It’s worth noting that some customers had issues with the handle getting stuck and other issues related to the build quality.
You can choose from 3 options when buying – The single vacuum, the vacuum and handheld cleaner; or the vacuum and K9 handheld cleaner. Prime members get free delivery on all models.
Overall: This is a very nice cordless model that works on carpets and hard floors equally well. Although the build quality could be better, it’s still a lightweight and portable vacuum that’s comfortable and easy to use.
4. Best Budget – Amazonbasics Powerful Cylinder Bagless Vacuum Cleaner

Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Choice of bin capacities
- Suitable for carpets and hard floors
- Free delivery for Prime members
Cons
- Loss of suction can be an issue
The Amazonbasics Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is my best budget pick. It enables you to clean hard floors and carpets for a very affordable price.
If you compared this vacuum to other models from more established brands, then it could be easy to dismiss it, especially when you consider the extremely low price. However, this is a very capable model that is lightweight, portable and very enjoyable to use.
The compact design makes it very easy to move around and it comes with multiple attachments that allow you to take on different kinds of jobs with ease. Despite the strong suction, it is very quiet and you’re able to easily control the speed using the knob on the top of the unit.
You can get this vacuum as either a 1.5L, 2L or 3L model. All come with free one-day delivery for Prime members.
Overall: If you’re looking for an affordable vacuum that’s suitable for hard floors and carpets, then it’s hard to do better than the Amazonbasics bagless vacuum cleaner.
5. Best For Pet hair – Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Pros
- Lightweight
- Powerful suction
- Cordless functionality
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Very expensive
In my reviews, I try not to add too many extremely expensive products, as it is about value not overall quality and knowing that I can’t just miss recommending Dyson V11 for a combination of hard floors and pet owners.
The Dyson Cyclone V11 Cordless Handheld Vacuum is a superb stick model that’s easily capable of cleaning both carpets and hard floors.
It’s powered by a lithium-ion battery that gives you 60 minutes of operating time, considerably more than a lot of other cordless models on the market. In addition to the impressive running time, this vacuum also has excellent suction power, enabling you to thoroughly clean carpets and hard floors.
It weighs just 3.05kg and can easily be detached to be used handheld – excellent for hoovering curtains, stairs etc. There are 3 power settings you can choose from too, which is great for switching between carpets and hard floors.
All customers get free delivery and it comes with a 2 year warranty.
Overall: This is a superb vacuum and one of the best cordless stick models on the market. If you can afford the steep price, then you’re unlikely to regret buying it.
What To Look For When Buying A Hard Floor Vacuum
Weight
Weight is certainly an important thing to consider when buying a vacuum for hard floors. Generally the lighter a vacuum is, the better, since it will be easier to move around and will be more portable.
Bin capacity
It’s also important to find out the bin capacity of any models you’re considering. Higher bin capacity means you’ll be able to use it for longer without having to empty it.
Versatility
A lot of vacuums for hard floors also work well on fabric surfaces such as sofas and carpets. If you have a mixture of hard flooring and carpets, it’s ideal if you can get a vacuum that enables you to tackle both.
Battery life
If you’re looking for a cordless vacuum, then it’s very important to know the battery life and charging time, especially since they can vary quite a bit from one model to the next.
F.A.Qs
Will these also be good on tile and hardwood?
Generally, vacuums that are advertised as being suitable for hard floors will be able to tackle all types of hard flooring, including hardwood and tiles.
How do you vacuum hard floors?
You vacuum a hard floor just as you would a carpet i.e. by going over the area until it’s clean. Some vacuums, such as the Vax OnePWR, will also clean floors.
Should you vacuum wood floors?
A good vacuum floor head that’s suitable for hard floors will remove any dust and debris from them without causing any damage. Using a vacuum is considerably quicker and more efficient than manually sweeping. Shark vacuums also have Hepa filters which remove allergens from the air for cleaner breathing.
How often should you clean hardwood floors?
How often you should clean hardwood floors depends on how much foot traffic they see and how clean you want to keep them. Generally, it’s a good idea to vacuum them once a week and do a thorough cleaning once a month.
Is it better to vacuum or sweep hardwood floors?
Some people may argue that it’s better to clean hard floors manually, using a dustpan and brush and/or disinfectant. While it’s definitely a good idea to thoroughly clean hard floors when needed, it’s certainly not necessary every time. Floor cleaning can take a long time after all.
Other Vacuums For Hard Floors Reviewed
Cordless Stick Vacuums For Hard Floors
Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner [IZ201UKT]
![Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner [IZ201UKT]](https://appliancehunter.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Shark-Cordless-Stick-Vacuum-Cleaner-IZ201UKT-172x300.jpg)
Pros
- 40 minutes of running time
- Anti-hair wrap bristles
- Cordless operation
- Cleans carpets and hard floors
- Comes with 5-year guarantee
Cons
- Is quite heavy
- Expensive
The Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner has some nice features that make it well worth considering if you’re looking for a stick vacuum to clean your hard floors.
Because it’s a stick vacuum, it’s very portable and excellent for use in awkward spots, such as under furniture and on picture rails. It has anti hair wrap technology too, making it excellent for removing pet hair without the brush head becoming tangled.
You get up to 40 minutes of running time from the battery, which is usually enough to clean most small to medium homes. The battery can also be removed, so you’re able to charge it anywhere.
You can also use this as a hand vacuum, which is perfect for cleaning the stairs or your car. It folds down very neatly too, so it’s easy to store.
Overall: This is a very capable vacuum and if you’re looking for a cordless, stick model that can tackle most jobs, it would make an excellent choice.
ONSON Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, 2 in 1 Handheld Lightweight Stick Vacuum

Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Very affordable
- 2 in 1 design
- Great on bare floors
- Free delivery for Prime members
Cons
- Low running time on highest setting
The ONSON Cordless Vacuum provides a very affordable solution for cleaning hard floors and carpets and has some excellent features.
Firstly, it weighs just 2.3kg, so it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to use. As with most stick vacuums, you can easily detach it from the nozzle to use it as a handheld vacuum. There are 2 power settings that allow you to clean hard floors as well as carpets. It is very good value for money too, especially since you get the rechargeable battery included.
It has an advanced filtration system and the filter can easily be removed to be washed or replaced as needed. It’s also very easy to empty the bin – you simply push the button down on the side and it releases the lid to empty the dirt.
It’s very easy to set up and start using, with everything you need included in the box. Prime members can get free delivery and it comes with a 1 year guarantee included.
Overall: This would make an excellent choice of vacuum, particularly if you’re looking for a lightweight, cordless model that doesn’t cost too much.
Hoover Freedom 2in1 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

Pros
- Very lightweight
- Portable and easy to use
- 1 year guarantee
- Works on all floor surfaces
Cons
- Running time is quite low
- Not good with pet hair
The Hoover Freedom 2in1 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner is another very affordable model that does a good job of cleaning hard floors.
Weighing 2.3kg, this vacuum is very lightweight and easy to use around the home, whether it’s for cleaning floors or being used as a handheld to clean the stairs, car etc. You can use it for cleaning carpets as well as hard floors and the continuous power mode is very handy for longer cleaning jobs.
You get roughly 20 minutes of running time from a full charge with this vacuum, which means it’s suitable for smaller cleaning jobs but probably wouldn’t be suitable for larger houses. It’s also worth noting that the suction isn’t powerful enough for dealing with pet hair on the lite model, although you can get a special pets model if you’re happy to pay more.
You can get this in 3 different models – Hoover Freedom 2in1 Lite, Hoover Freedom 2in1 and Hoover Freedom 2in1 Pets. They all come with free delivery for Prime members and a 1 year guarantee.
Overall: It might not have the power or running time of more expensive models but it’s still a very nice vacuum that’s more than capable of cleaning hard floors and carpets alike.
VYTRONIX 22.2v Lithium 3 in 1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Upright

Pros
- Powerful battery
- Lightweight
- 35 min runtime
- Very affordable
- Great on upholstery
Cons
- Not great on carpets or with pet hair
The VYTRONIX 22.2V Cordless Vacuum gives you enough power to clean hard floors very well and also gives you the convenience of cordless operation.
The 22.2V lithium-ion battery gives you up to 35 minutes of running time, which is plenty for most jobs. You can use this as a regular vacuum or detach it to use it as a handheld. The fact that it only weighs 2.3kg means it’s very lightweight and comfortable to use.
Although you get a decent amount of suction, this vacuum does a better job of cleaning hard floors than it does carpets, especially if you have pets and want to get rid of their fur.
This is a battery level indicator on the main unit, which lets you know how much charge is left. It takes approximately 3-4 hours to fully charge the battery.
It comes with free delivery for all customers and you get a 1 year guarantee included.
Overall: This is a very nice vacuum and although it’s not great for carpets, it does a good job on hard floors at a great price.
Canister Vacuums For Hard Floors
Hoover Breeze Bagless Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner

Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact and easy to store
- Easily adjust suction power
- 12 month guarantee
- Excellent cleaning power
Cons
- Brush head could be better
- Cable is quite short
The Hoover Breeze Bagless Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner is a very neat and compact model that’s ideal for cleaning hard floors.
It has excellent suction power and the 2 litre bin capacity means you don’t have to worry about emptying it too often. Despite its excellent power and large bin capacity, it’s actually very compact, which makes it easy to store when you’re not using it.
You can easily control the level of suction by using the switch on the front of the nozzle. There is a carry handle on the top of the main unit, making it very easy to carry around and the bin is very simple to remove and empty as needed. Weighing just 4.1kg, it’s also comfortable to use and move around.
One downside of this vacuum is that because of the strong suction, the brush head does have a tendency to get stuck when you’re using it on carpets. However, if you’re only using it for hard floors, this isn’t an issue.
There are two models of this vacuum to choose from – the regular Home Breeze Bagless, or for a small increase in price – the Home Breeze Bagless Pets. Both come with free delivery for Prime members.
Overall: This is a very nice canister vacuum and as long as you’re primarily using it for hard floors, you shouldn’t have any complaints.
Duronic Bagless Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner

Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Suitable for carpets and hard floors
- A+ energy rating
- Easy to clean
- good for allergy sufferers
Cons
- Not great on long pile carpets
- Suction power is not as strong as more expensive models
Lastly, is the Duronic Bagless Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner.
This is a very compact and easy to use cylinder vacuum that’s capable of cleaning carpets and hard floors well. It weighs 7kg, so while it isn’t as lightweight as something like the Hoover Breeze, it’s still easy to move around and use.
The standard model gives you 500W of power, which is plenty for hard floors and short pile carpets. You can also get a 700W model if you need more suction power.
This is a bagless vacuum, so you don’t need to worry about buying and replacing bags. The bin has a 4.5 litre capacity and is very easy to remove and empty as needed.
You get two main brush attachments for floors included, as well as two additional attachments for crevices and furnishings. Prime members get free delivery.
Overall: This vacuum does a good job on hard floors and although it’s not as compact or lightweight as some other canister models, it’s still very easy to operate and has some excellent features.
Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat and Dog PowerLine Bagless Vacuum Cleaner

Pros
- Plenty of power
- Easy to use
- Adjustable power
- Free delivery for Prime members
- Effective clean up
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Heavy compared to a stick vacuum
The Miele Blizzard CX1 Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is designed to clean hard floors while also getting rid of cat and dog hair.
This is a bagless cleaner, which means you simply empty the bin once it gets full and you don’t have to worry about buying replacement bags. Although it’s quite a bit heavier than a stick vacuum, the wheels on the base make it portable and very easy to move around.
It has 890W of power, meaning you can easily clean hard floors as well as carpets. There is a knob on the front that makes it very easy to adjust the power depending on the type of job you’re using it for.
Overall: This is a very capable vacuum overall and has some excellent features that make it very easy to use and effective at cleaning hard floors and carpets.
OR&DK Vacuum cleaner, Bagless Canister Vacuum cleaner

Pros
- Very lightweight
- Easy to use
- Washable filter
- Deep cleaning
Cons
- Delivery is quite expensive
The OR&DK Bagless Vacuum is a bagless canister vacuum that can be used for hard floors as well as carpets.
It’s very easy to operate, with a step on/off button located on the main unit. The 5m cord means you can easily use this on larger rooms and also for jobs such as hoovering the stairs or your car.
It makes use of a triple filter, meaning it picks up all dust particles and puts out clean air. This makes it an excellent vacuum if you have allergies.
Unfortunately, this vacuum doesn’t come with free delivery but if you don’t mind paying the extra cost, it’s a very capable vacuum at a decent price.
Overall: A simple and easy to use vacuum that does its job well.
LZ Bagless Corded Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Pros
- Powerful
- Lightweight
- Very quiet
- No dust bag required
Cons
- Quite large compared to other canister vacuums
The LZ Bagless Canister Vacuum is up next. It is designed to be used on hard floors and is very convenient to use despite being on the larger side.
Something that’s very interesting about this vacuum is that in addition to being able to suck up dust and debris, it can also suck up liquid without becoming damaged. This gives you extra peace of mind if you’re vacuuming in an area where there’s been a spill.
It has a powerful suction system that ensures your floors will be left looking spotless afterwards and despite this power, it’s actually very quiet, at just 75 decibels.
In addition to the vacuum itself, you also get a 3-in-1 crevice tool, which is excellent for vacuuming in awkward or hard-to-reach spots. This vacuum comes with free delivery for all customers.
Overall: This would make a good choice if you’re looking for a canister vacuum for your hard floors that’s quiet, simple to use and powerful enough to clean most surfaces well.
Miele 10660820 Complete C3 Cat and Dog PowerLine Bagged Vacuum Cleaner

Pros
- Great suction power
- Removes hair easily
- Air cleaning filter
- Free delivery for Prime members
Cons
- Is on the heavier side
- Quite expensive
The Miele PowerLine Bagged Vacuum Cleaner is the best for pet hair thanks to its powerful 900W suction power and turbo brush.
As a pet owner, you’ll know that their fur gets everywhere. Using a regular vacuum often doesn’t get rid of it, and even if it does, it’s very easy for the brush head to get tangled with it. The Miele vacuum doesn’t suffer from this problem and does an excellent job of removing cat and dog hair from furniture, carpets and hard floors.
In addition to being effective at removing pet hair, it’s also a very nice vacuum all around. Although it’s on the heavier side, at 7.26kg, it’s still lightweight enough to be considered portable and can be moved around easily thanks to the wheels on the bottom of the main unit.
Overall: If you’re looking for a vacuum that cleans well, the Miele PowerLine is a great choice. The powerful suction removes pet hair with ease and does a superb job at cleaning hard floors too.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have a much better idea of what to look for in a vacuum for hard floors, whether you want an upright, cordless stick vacuum or a canister model.
There are some excellent models on the market at a wide range of prices. You should think about what features are most important to you, so you can make the best choice possible and get a vacuum you’ll be happy with for years to come.
I’m happy with my top picks here but there are of course others, Bissell do great vacuums and if you’re looking for a robot vacuum cleaner then Roomba or iRobot are both great choices.
Related Reading
15 Best Pet Hair Vacuums UK 2024 Reviewed – For Dog And Cat Hair
10 Best Shark Vacuum Reviews UK 2024 – An Expert Buyer’s Guide
12 Best Bagless Vacuums UK 2024 – An Expert Buyer’s Guide
12 Best Lightweight Vacuum Cleaners UK 2024 – An Expert Buyers Guide