Best Robot Vacuums for Hardwood Floors [Comparison 8 Different Options]

Cleaning hardwood floors is not as tedious as carpeting, but it can be tedious.

Using a broom is not very efficient, and a vacuum cleaner requires some effort.

One way to automate the process is to use a robotic vacuum, and we’ll look at the best options for hardwood floors (or hardwood floors).

The selection criteria for robotic vacuum cleaners on this surface is different from those on the carpet, and we’ll take a look at what to look for below.

Please note that the options here are bots I have tested.

There are bots I haven’t tested but are in the making, like Wyze bot vacuum cleaner and Roborock Q5 +but as soon as I finish reviewing it, I will update this list.

Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner + Hybrid Mop Options

The first group we’ll look at is the hybrid robot vacuum and sweeper. These options are the most versatile on this list with their dual functions in one.

Technology has reached a point where these options become viable.

Unlike early options with gravity tanks, the products use electronic tanks that provide more control over water distribution.

The latest options contain pad cleaning features to further enhance independence and ease of use for consumers.

The latest version of Roborock, which is Roborock S7 MaxV UltraIt has the features of cushion washing and self-deflation.

What sets it apart from most of the other options on this list is the pillow’s washing efficiency and self-discharge mechanisms.

Back and forth motion and stiff brush effectively clean the wiping cloth.

Ecovacs has a similar product (DEEBOT X1), using two rotating discs and a ribbed base plate to clean the pad.

Although I haven’t tested it, I have reviewed a similar product, which is Dream Boot W10the polygon base will not be effective.

The Roborock S5 Max is the least expensive option, but it doesn’t have premium features like pad washing or self-discharging.

They are the simplest alternatives on this list, but they are the least expensive.

suffix Roborock Product Releases It has taken this model into the near entry level range, so budget-conscious shoppers should consider it.

Be aware that these options are great for sealed hardwood surfaces but are not airtight because liquid residue will seep through the pores and damage

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Budget options with self-discharge rule

Next, we will consider robot vacuum options with an automatic budget. Some of these models will have the scanning feature, but it’s not as good as the options listed above.

The best option for me on this deck is Yadi Fak Station. It’s one of the least expensive options, but with advanced cleaning performance, at least on hard floors.

A cheaper option is Shark IQ with an automatically empty base station.

It is one of the few options with a bagless self-emptying system (outside the Roborock S7+ in European markets).

The Shark IQ isn’t quite as feature-rich as the Yeedi, but its price tag makes it compelling, and I’m talking about Renewed option.

However, the price of the new IQ series is closer to the average price.

Robot vacuum options only

This next set of robots doesn’t have any special features – no automatically empty base station, pad washing or wiping features.

If you are looking for a robot vacuum cleaner option without the bells and whistles, any of these options will be excellent.

The Roborock S4 Max It is the best choice for this category due to its high-end hardwood performance and near budget price.

It is one of the best value options, capturing one of the highest percentages of sand on this surface.

There is no need to spend a premium on a high flow bot like Roomba S9+ For this level of performance.

The next option is Roomba 980, which is older Roomba . option.

iRobot no longer sells this alternative on their site, but it is still available on online stores like Amazon.

It’s one of the two high-airflow Roombas (the other is Roomba S9+), and the high airflow is well equal to the cleaning performance of hardwood.

The Roomba 980 Pick up 100% of the sand on this surface and it’s the only option on this list with that percentage.

I didn’t include the S9+ because of its high price, and it didn’t offer the same value as the cheaper alternatives.

And even if the Roomba 980 doesn’t have a self-discharge feature, its price has dropped to nearly budget levels, making it a tempting option.

The downside of the Roomba 980 is its inefficiency compared to the S4 Max.

It does not move around tight areas smoothly, and the navigation is more powerful, which means that it will hit more difficult obstacles.

But the high airflow makes it ideal on hard floors due to its efficiency.

Dual rubber extractors (although using the older version) have advanced debris capture, plus they reveal dirt, so they make an extra pass in the most polluted areas.

How do you choose the best robot vacuum for hardwood floors?

Cleaning hardwood floors is not as challenging as carpeting, but it is a tedious process.

My default recommendation is Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft cylindrical nozzlebut this also takes time to complete.

However, not everyone has the time to clean every day, and this is where a robot vacuum comes in handy.

Ask me ten years ago, I wouldn’t recommend any robotic vacuum cleaner for this task, but fast, these machines are viable options for cleaning hard floors, even exclusively.

Navigation technology, battery and navigation have been greatly improved so that these products can operate independently without much human intervention.

But the question is, which robot vacuum is best suited for this surface? I’ll help you with some of the questions you’ll need to answer.

1. How much do you want to spend?

The step is to determine the budget. How much are you willing to spend on a robot vacuum? Is it $200? 300 dollars? 400 dollars? $500 or more?

I mention this as a first step, so don’t waste time looking for options from your price bracket.

2. Do you need a self-discharge base?

Since iRobot introduced the Roomba I7+, Self-discharging robot vacuums gained popularity.

More brands have incorporated this technology such as Roborock, Dreame, Ecovacs, etc.

This feature empties the bot’s trash after each run and saves time for consumers as it is an automated process.

3. Do you need a scanning feature?

Many non-Roomba and non-Neato brands have two-in-one hybrids that can mop and vacuum simultaneously.

The latest models use electronic water tanks, giving consumers more control over water drainage.

Unlike gravity tanks, where water drips constantly, electronic water tanks don’t release liquid only if the consumer has turned on the flush feature through the app.

4. How big is your house?

Finally, how big is your house? Is it a small apartment complex or a huge mansion?

You can save money when you buy a cheaper randomized navigation robot like Roomba 694 in small spaces.

But I don’t recommend it inside big homes.

If you live in a big house, a no-brainer option would be a smart robot vacuum cleaner that can track its location.

Unfortunately, the premium options are expensive. The good news is that these new releases have caused the prices of the old versions to drop.

For example, file S5 Max It was once priced in the mid-high range and is now closer to the budget category.

Indispensable features

Next, we’ll take a look at the features that should be available. These are items to look for in a robot vacuum cleaner for cleaning hard floors.

High air flow is not as high on the priority list as a robot vacuum cleaner for carpets.

Good brush design is critical with picking up debris on this surface, the first aspect.

1. Well Designed Roll Brush

Stirring is critical in cleaning hard floors, but the question is, how do you select a good brush design?

I’ve tested several robot vacuums running this blog over the past 10 years, so understand which brands make good brush roll designs.

Two of the best are Roborock and Roomba with their bristle-free design, which are S7, S7 MaxVand the Roomba Anti-rotation hoods.

Bots that use a combo brush will also work fine.

2. Decent airflow

You mentioned that airflow isn’t as critical on hardwood as it is on carpet, but having enough is necessary to pick up debris, especially cleaning cracks.

A good example is the Roomba 980. It is the second highest airflow robot from iRobot and has one of the highest cleaning test scores.

There are exceptions like Roomba S7 and S7 MaxVbut is offset by the brush’s well-picked-up barrel design.

3. Smart Navigation

Another crucial factor is navigation. I mentioned (previously) buying a random navigation bot to save money in small homes.

However, with the influx of third-party brands, prices have fallen.

Mobility is a primary consideration for robot vacuums because it will determine how efficient (or inefficient) they are at picking up debris.

There are two main types of smart robot vacuums – SLAM and VSLAM.

SLAM robots use LIDAR (or laser distance sensor) and provide better accuracy thanks to the laser sensor.

VSLAM relies on a top-mounted camera and optical sensors to determine its location.

One difference is that the camera sensor is highly dependent on light, while lasers are not.

LIDAR robots are usually more efficient thanks to the precision of the laser sensor.

These products finish coverage trials in less time versus camera-based robots.

There is less frequency and greater decisiveness with their algorithms.

Smart navigation robots also have recharge and resume, which is gold inside large homes because they resume cleaning if they haven’t finished before.

4. Containment

The next feature to have is containment. Most new bots have some form of containment in their applications – either invisible walls or restricted areas.

An invisible wall that prevents the bot from getting past it, essentially acts as a wall, but almost as through the app.

Restricted areas prevent the robot from entering a specific area drawn on the map.

5. Scheduling

The whole point of a robot vacuum is autonomy, and if there’s no way to schedule cleanings, what’s the point of buying one?

Scheduling allows consumers to automate the unloading process, and the influx of self-discharge robots enhances their independence.

Nice to have features

Next, we’ll look at the cool but nonessential features.

1. Avoid obstacles

One of the above options (S7 MaxV Ultra) has obstacle avoidance technology, which helps it detect and evade objects.

It is an example of how far robot vacuum technology has come from humble beginnings.

However, I don’t think it’s an essential feature because it’s not foolproof as most obstacle avoiding bots don’t evade everything well.

The best I’ve tested so far is the Roomba J7+ and the Roborock S7 MaxV.

Best Auto Wash + Vacuum: Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra

Positives

• The most independent option with pillow washing and self emptying features
• Same advanced cleaning performance as Roborock S7 +
• Easy access to water tanks and bag
• The wash pad feature is surprisingly effective in cleaning a mop cloth.
• The second best obstacle to avoiding the robot option after Roomba J7 +

Negatives

• expensive
• Huge base station

At the top of this list is the S7 MaxV Ultra, Roborock’s newest (and probably) best product to date.

It combines the best features of various Roborock options such as the S6 MaxV’s obstacle avoidance feature, the S7’s VibraRise feature and self-unloading features.

The dual-function base station isn’t the first, but I think it’s one of the best at its respective tasks.

It is better than Dreame Bot W10 and Narwal T10 in cleaning pad.

Roborock has brought back obstacle avoidance with laser sensors, and an LED to improve it.

It’s much better than the S6 MaxV at avoiding things and things like pet feces and coiled wires.

This variant also retains the same VibraRise wiping element and bristle brush, so it will have the same vacuum cleaner performance as the S7+.

Overall, the Roborock S7 MaxV is an excellent choice for people who are looking for an efficient robot vacuum that can clean and mop floors independently.

The pad’s washing and self-cleaning features are excellent and help keep floors clean without much intrusion.

Cheaper Self Emptying Robot: Roborock S7 +

Positives

• Cheaper than Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra
• More compact base station
• Efficient in sweeping and mopping floors
• 3 liter big bag
• The bristle-free brush is great for picking up heavy debris

Negatives

• Still an expensive option
• Weaker airflow than the other options here

The predecessor of the S7 MaxV is the next best option if you don’t want to spend a premium.

It provides similar vacuuming and mopping performance without the cushion washing feature.

An added advantage of not having that extra convenience is the smaller base station.

You can see the size difference in the above picture.

The Roborock S7+ has many of the same features as the S7 MaxV, except for the wash-pad feature.

Both have nearly identical results in cleaning tests, air flow scores, etc. So there isn’t much contrast, except for the larger base station on the S7 MaxV that is able to clean the pad.

If you want something cheaper but with the same efficiency and cleaning and wiping performance, go with this option.

Self-washing option: Dreame Bot W10

Positives

• Excellent suction performance thanks to high airflow
• Effective navigation algorithm
• The base station cleans the stickers after the wiping cycle
• Large capacity clean and dirty water tanks
• It can scan and vacuum at the same time

Negatives

• Huge base station
• expensive
• No self-discharge feature

The next product we will have a look at is Dream Boot W10which has similar qualities to the S7 MaxV, but without the self-discharge feature.

This robot is in the same category Underwear T10Self-washing robots with two turntables.

But the W10 is better than the Narwal because it can vacuum and mop simultaneously.

It also has a better app because it uses the Xiaomi home app.

These turntables provide enough agitation to clean up stains, but they won’t pick up liquid, so I don’t recommend them for wet spills.

The turntables are located in a similar location to the S7 MaxV – behind the brush so they can do both tasks simultaneously.

High airflow is another advantage, which allows it to drain debris well, especially on hard surfaces.

This combination is a big reason to put it on my shortlist.

Many of the downsides include the huge base station which has clean and dirty water tanks.

Another drawback is the pad cleaning mechanism which is not as effective as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra at cleaning pads.

It uses a tray with a ribbed surface for irritation, which pales in comparison to the brush mechanism Roborock uses.

Budget option with self-unloading base station: Yeedi Vac . Station

Positives

• Probably the best budget self-emptying robotic vacuum option
• High airflow equals the cleaning performance of advanced hardwood
• Low profile design fits under furniture up to three inches
• One of the most efficient camera-based smart robotic vacuum cleaner

Negatives

• Subpar scanning feature
• May not work efficiently in very dark or dark areas

Not many online reviews recommend Yadi Fak Stationbut the cleaning performance cannot be overlooked.

It recorded one of the highest airflow scores – an important reason why it’s so well captured on this surface.

I had concerns before testing this product as it relies on a camera sensor, but it was effective even in confined spaces.

She had no problems with frequency Roomba products And it didn’t hit the furniture hard.

One advantage with using the camera instead of a LIDAR is the reduced vertical footprint.

This robot is shorter than any of the LIDAR robots I’ve tested and will fit lower clearance furniture better.

If this is a consideration and you don’t want to spend a premium on a robot vacuum, consider this option.

Air Flow Comparison

While airflow isn’t critical on hardwood surfaces, it’s still an indicator of how well your robot vacuum will perform on carpet, especially with heavy debris.

Below is a summary of the airflow levels for each variable at each power setting.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra

• calm: 7.97 cubic feet per minute
• balanced: 8.71 CFM
• Turbo: 9.8 CFM
• the above: 12.49 cubic feet per minute
• MAx +: 13.39 cubic feet per minute

Roborock S7 +

• calm: 8.2 CFM
• balanced: 9.68 cubic feet per minute
• Turbo: 11.33 cubic feet per minute
• the above: 13.91 cubic feet per minute

Dream Boot W10

• calm: 8.33 cubic feet per minute
• Basic: 10.24 cubic feet per minute
• strong: 13.2 CFM
• Turbo: 17.91 cubic feet per minute

Roborock S5 Max

• calm: 9.8 CFM
• balanced: 12.49 cubic feet per minute
• Turbo: 15.68 cubic feet per minute
• the above: 17.74 cubic feet per minute

Yadi Fak Station

• Basic: 19.74 cubic feet per minute
• the above: 19.74 cubic feet per minute
• Max +: 23 cubic feet per minute

Shark intelligence

• Prefix meaning environment: 14.87 cubic feet per minute
• natural: 14.87 cubic feet per minute
• the above: 18.87 cubic feet per minute

Roborock S4 Max

• calm: 11.95 cubic feet per minute
• natural: 15.33 cubic feet per minute
• Turbo: 18.87 cubic feet per minute
• the above: 22.26 cubic feet per minute

Roomba 980

• Prefix meaning environment: 13.74 cubic feet per minute
• performance: 19.74 cubic feet per minute

The Yeedi Vac Station and Roborock S4 Max had the highest airflow results and were among the top choices for sand cleaning, which is not surprising with the higher airflow.

The Roomba 980 achieved the best results on sand due to its dirt detection and anti-rotation hoods.

Other outliers are the Roborock S7 and S7 MaxV Ultra, which pick up in the ’90s (sand) despite the lower airflow.

Efficient mobility and sophisticated action of both allow for heavy debris capture even with airflow restrictions.

Cleaning comparison

Next, we’ll look at how these robots compare to cleaning hard floors (or hard floors).

The best options are mostly Roborock products, which is not surprising given their excellent brush roller design and decent airflow.

Surprisingly, the Roborock S5 Max had the best average (99.9%), followed by S4 Max (99.8%) And the S7 Max in Ultra (99.77%).

The best option other than Roborock is Roomba 980 (99.67%).

Regardless, the beauty of these options is that they are all excellent at picking up dust, even at low settings.

Hair wrap comparison

Another important consideration is how good these products are for cleaning hair. I used five and seven inch yarn to check how much these pick up.

I think this is a good measure of how well the robot vacuum will do with human and pet hair.

Most of these options are excellent at picking up shorter 5-inch strands, and most exceed 75% (one + gram), which is an excellent grade.

However, results with strands longer than seven inches will vary. The best options are Roborock S4 Maxand Roomba 980 and Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra.

The first two were not surprising as they both had the highest airflow of the bunch.

Specifications comparison

Where can I buy these bots?

You can buy these robot vacuums from online stores like Amazon. Check out the links below for the latest pricing information.

• Running Roborock S7 MaxV Amazon
• Roborock S7 + Power on Amazon
• Dreame Bot W10 On Amazon
• Running Roborock S5 Max Amazon
• Yeedi Vac K781 + on . Station Amazon
• Play Shark IQ Amazon (brand new)
• Play Shark IQ Amazon (renovated)
• Running Roborock S4 Max Amazon
• Roomba 981 on Amazon

Disclaimer: I’ll earn a commission if you buy through the link above, but at no additional cost to you, so it’s a win for us!