We evaluated over 99 vacuum cleaners, ultimately selecting six as the best for laminate floors based on their performance and features. When choosing the best vacuum for laminate floors, prioritize models with strong suction and soft brush rolls to prevent scratching the surface. Adjustable suction settings can prevent damage, while rubber wheels and padded undersides offer added protection.
A lightweight and maneuverable design ensures easy handling, and HEPA filters help maintain air quality by trapping fine dust and allergens. Our analysis included 152,123 reviews, where we filtered out fake and low-quality ones using our proprietary Trust Rating. This unique approach certified our chosen vacuums as top performers, ensuring they meet your cleaning needs effectively and reliably.
How Did We Rank the Best Vacuums for Laminate Floors?
To create the ultimate buying guide for the best vacuums for laminate floors, we scrutinized over 200 sites, delving into testing methods and expert reviews. By understanding the critical pain points of laminate floor care, we distilled the criteria that matter most: 1 required test result and 1 must-have specification. Our True Score system amalgamates these insights, ensuring our recommendations are accurate and trustworthy, so you can confidently select the ideal vacuum for your laminate floors.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low-quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Must work on all floor types.
? Test Criteria
- Bare Floor Performance: The vacuum sucks up 95% of debris when cleaning bare surfaces such as tile, vinyl planks, and hardwood floors.
Latest Updates
- 06/23/2024: Republished the list to include the best vacuum cleaners for laminate floors based on our True Score system.
Top Vacuums for Laminate Floors For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dyson V15 Detect
Best Cordless For Pet Hair
Ideal for laminate floors, the Dyson V15 Detect offers powerful suction, exceptional cleaning efficiency on hard floors, and perfect pet hair removal.
True Score
919119Experts
932kCustomers
Cosmic Wonder
SAVE $200$799.99$599.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Laser illumination technology
- Incredible performance on both carpets and hard floors
- Lightweight design
- Decent battery life
- Anti-allergenic HEPA filter
Reasons to Avoid
- Complicated maneuvrability on deep carpets
- Relatively low-capacity 0.45L dust cup
- Plastic construction
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.2 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments Yes Cleaning Path Width 10″ Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type Other Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 6.7 lbs Vacuum Type Handheld vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 92 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 73 All Retailers
- $599.99$800Save $200
- $631.95$750Save $118
- $631.95$750Save $118
Our Verdict
If you’re searching for a vacuum that excels on laminate flooring, the Dyson V15 Detect offers powerful suction on hard surfaces. It delivers an exceptional 98.59% cleaning efficiency on hard floors and a 100% pet hair removal rate, making it ideal for keeping laminate floors free of pet hair and debris. Its carpet performance is also superior at 91.77%, meaning it’s adept at extracting dirt embedded deeply within carpet fibers.
Weighing just 6.7 lbs, the Dyson V15 Detect is lightweight enough to easily navigate stairs and furniture in multi-level homes. Although its 0.2-gallon bin capacity may require frequent emptying, this minor inconvenience is offset by the vacuum’s cordless design, which enhances maneuverability and allows for quick cleanups.
When compared against the Samsung Bespoke Jet, both vacuums offer the advantage of being cordless with similar bin sizes. The Dyson, however, has a slight edge on laminate and other hard floorings, ideal for ensuring these surfaces are thoroughly cleaned. Although slightly louder at 72.5 dB, the Dyson’s superior cleaning power is a worthwhile trade-off for the noise if you find efficient cleaning essential. The Samsung might be more budget-friendly and perform well overall, but Dyson’s capabilities make it the more efficient vacuum for optimal care of laminate floors.
Despite its expensive price tag, the Dyson V15 Detect is an excellent vacuum for homeowners with laminate flooring. It combines ease of use, effective cleaning of various surfaces, and a lightweight frame, making it ideal for active homes where quick and thorough cleanups are part of the daily routine.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Samsung Bespoke Jet
Best Cordless Stick
Ideal for laminate floors, the Samsung Bespoke Jet is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and quiet, perfect for homes with pets and multiple floor types.
True Score
87867Experts
90567Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $150$699.99$549.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- The cleaning station simplifies emptying the dust cup
- Two battery packs
- Lightweight design
- Turbo brush accessory
- Excellent performance on carpets and hard floors
Reasons to Avoid
- Doesn’t support wet cleaning
- Bulk two-in-one floor head
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.2 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 9.8″ Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type 5-stage, Cyclonic, HEPA Hypoallergenic Unknown Pet Yes Product Weight 6 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 98 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 92 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 71 All Retailers
- $549.99$700Save $150
- $661.60$700Save $38
- $699.00$899Save $200
Our Verdict
If you need a lightweight vacuum that’s easy to maneuver and perfect for laminate floors, consider the Samsung Bespoke Jet. It achieves a 97.71% cleaning efficiency on bare floors, ensuring it captures almost all debris and dirt. It boasts a high carpet cleaning effectiveness of 91.70% and an exceptional 99.5% pet hair pickup rate, making it a superb choice for pet owners with carpeted areas as well.
Weighing only 6 lbs, the Samsung Bespoke Jet is a very lightweight cordless stick vacuum ideal for easy transport and use in homes with multiple levels or areas with a lot of furniture. Though its 0.2-gallon bin capacity might require frequent emptying, this drawback is minor given its cordless design, which simplifies movement and storage. Additionally, its best-in-class noise level of 70.5 dB helps keep your home serene during cleanups, which parents of young children may value.
Compared to the Dyson V15 Detect, both vacuums are well-suited for handling carpet and pet hair effectively. Yet, the Samsung Bespoke Jet’s quieter operation and lower price point make it attractive for families needing a quiet, effective cleaner for laminate and other hard floor types. While the Dyson might edge out slightly in performance on hard surfaces, the Samsung’s affordability and lower noise are better if you’re looking to balance cost and performance.
Overall, the Samsung Bespoke Jet is an excellent vacuum if you need something lightweight, quiet, and capable of maintaining a clean environment on various floor types. Despite the smaller dustbin, its ease of use and efficient performance make it ideal for bustling homes where quiet yet effective cleaning is essential.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Stratos Cordless
Best Carpets
The Shark Stratos Cordless offers exceptional debris and pet hair removal on bare floors, with easy maneuverability and a compact design.
True Score
85866Experts
85783Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $178$499.99$322.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Impressive suction power
- Great bare floor performance
- Great Carpet cleaning performance
- Excellent pet hair cleaning performance
Reasons to Avoid
- Attachments are very limited
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.18 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown Carpet Height Adjustments Yes Cleaning Path Width 10″ Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 8.9 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 89 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $322.00$500Save $178
- $329.00$400Save $71
Our Verdict
If superior cleaning on laminate floors is your priority, the Shark Stratos Cordless excels with a best-in-class 98.83% debris pick-up rate on bare floors. This vacuum also achieves a flawless 100% in pet hair removal, making it a must-have for pet owners or those with allergies. Additionally, it provides robust performance on carpets, clearing 89.3% of debris, which enhances its versatility if your home has mixed flooring types.
Weighing just 8.9 lbs, the Shark Stratos Cordless is easy to maneuver around homes with stairs and furniture, enhancing its practicality. Its operation produces a noise level of 76.7 dB, which is moderately loud and might be a concern in quieter living environments or if you have noise-sensitive housemates or neighbors. It also features a bin capacity of 0.18 gallons, likely requiring frequent emptying but ensuring a lightweight and compact design for easier handling.
Compared to the Shark Stratos Ultralight, which is also adept at cleaning but comes with a cord, the cordless model offers greater flexibility and mobility, ideal for effortlessly moving between different rooms and floor types. The Ultralight is the better value and might be preferable if you have a smaller living space or don’t want to concern yourself with a cordless model’s battery life.
Overall, the Shark Stratos Cordless is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a powerful yet lightweight vacuum, particularly effective on laminate floors. While it may require more frequent bin emptying, its cleaning abilities across various floor types make it a dependable vacuum for maintaining a clean, allergen-free home.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away
Best Hardwood Floors
For powerful laminate floor cleaning, the Shark Cordless Vertex Pro offers high pickup rates and a large dustbin for less emptying.
True Score
85842Experts
87340Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $80$399.99$319.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent performance on all floor types
- Good battery life
- Outstanding pet hair pick-up rate
- Low on-going costs
- LED headlights
Reasons to Avoid
- The brush roll is not removable
- Poor stain-removal performance
- Lacks a turbo brush
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.34 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 10″ Compatible Floor Type Carpet, Hardwoods Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 12.4 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 89 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $319.99$400Save $80
- $399.00$400Save $1
- $525.00$599Save $74
Our Verdict
If you need a vacuum that will efficiently clean laminate floors in your large home, the Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away stands out with its generous 0.34-gallon bin capacity. Its dustbin reduces the need for frequent emptying, which is advantageous for larger homes. It achieves an exceptional 98.6% debris removal rate on bare floors and boasts a flawless 100% pet hair pickup, making it ideal for homes with multiple pets. It also has an impressive carpet cleaning rate of 89.4%, effectively removing debris from carpet fibers.
If you’re concerned about weight, the vacuum weighs 12.4 lbs, meaning it’s one of the heavier models, which may pose challenges if your home has stairs or many pieces of furniture. Its noise level of 77 dB is manageable, though it may be a concern in quieter, sound-sensitive environments. Its cordless design offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to effortlessly navigate large areas without being tethered to a cord in a multi-story home.
Both models, the Lift-Away and the Shark Vertex Pro, feature HEPA filters, which effectively reduce allergens. However, the Lift-Away offers better value with its superior carpet cleaning performance and larger bin, making it well-suited for extensive cleaning tasks in spacious apartments. If its heavier weight concerns you and you prioritize ease of maneuverability, opt for the lighter Vertex Pro.
Despite its weight, the Vertex Pro remains a reliable vacuum if you need a powerful and effective cleaning appliance for larger spaces. Its ability to tackle a wide range of cleaning tasks and its cordless design make it particularly appealing for pet owners seeking a vacuum that offers a balance of performance and convenience in large homes.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Stratos Ultralight
Best Lightweight
For a budget-friendly option, the Shark Stratos Ultralight excels at managing pet hair and bare floor debris. Its long cord minimizes disruption.
True Score
84821Experts
861kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $151$399.99$249.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good bare floor cleaning performance
- Decent carpet cleaning performance
- Great pet hair performance
Reasons to Avoid
- Below average suction power rating
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.2 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 8.25″ Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length 30 ft Corded/Cordless Corded Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 8.6 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 98 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 82 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $249.00$400Save $151
- $276.99$300Save $23
- $283.00$300Save $17
Our Verdict
If you’re on a budget but need a vacuum that can tackle laminate flooring efficiently, the Shark Stratos Ultralight offers exceptional performance in managing pet hair and bare floor debris. With a remarkable 99.33% pet hair removal rate and an impressive 97.50% cleaning efficiency on bare floors, it’s ideal for homes with shedding pets. While its carpet performance is slightly lower at 82.25%, it still effectively maintains carpeted areas, though you may have to make a couple of passes at the debris to pick it all up.
Its noise level of 76.8 dB falls within a tolerable range for most people, ensuring minimal disruption during cleaning sessions. The vacuum’s 30-foot cord provides extensive reach, reducing the need to frequently switch outlets, which is ideal for larger or multi-room apartments. However, its 0.2-gallon bin capacity may require occasional emptying, depending on your cleaning frequency and home’s size.
While the Shark Stratos Cordless shares similar bin capacities and noise levels, the Ultralight sets itself apart with its long cord and more affordable price point. This makes it attractive to budget-conscious pet owners with mostly hard flooring. On the other hand, the Cordless model offers superior carpet cleaning and the convenience of a cordless setup, which may be more appealing for carpeted spaces with a lot of furniture.
Overall, the Shark Stratos Ultralight balances affordability, effective cleaning on laminate floors, and user-friendly features. While some may find the cord a drawback, its solid performance makes it a practical vacuum if you want something efficient and don’t want to worry about battery life.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Vertex Pro
Best Pet Hair
For medium-sized homes, the Shark Vertex Pro excels at picking up bare floor debris. It’s lightweight and handles pet hair well, but it can be loud.
True Score
81813Experts
82351Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $150$449.99$299.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Has an anti-allergen HEPA filter
- Low noise output
- LED screen for status display
- Large dirt canister
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Reasons to Avoid
- High maintenance requirements
- Struggles with fine debris on low pile carpet
- Long charge time
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.25 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown Carpet Height Adjustments Unknown Cleaning Path Width 10″ Compatible Floor Type Carpet, Hardwoods Cord Length Unknown Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 8.82 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 83 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 82 All Retailers
- $299.99$450Save $150
- $429.00$480Save $51
- $449.99
Our Verdict
If you need a vacuum for a medium-sized home and don’t mind loud vacuuming, the Shark Vertex Pro stands out with an impressive 98.5% debris pickup rate on bare floors. It clears away dust and crumbs on hard surfaces, including laminate, and while its carpet pick-up rate of 82.61% is solid, note that it may not dig deeply into thicker carpets immediately. It also boasts a remarkable 99.66% pickup rate for pet hair, ensuring your floors stay fur-free and your allergies at bay.
Its compact design will fit easily into tight storage space, and with a 0.25-gallon bin capacity, you won’t find yourself emptying it every few minutes, even if you’ve got a spacious apartment or home. Weighing in at just 8.82 lbs, it’s easy to maneuver, whether you’re navigating around furniture or tackling stairs. Keep in mind, however, that at 82.4 dB, its noise level might be a consideration, particularly if you live in a quieter home or an apartment complex with noise-sensitive neighbors.
This model is much lighter in weight and can efficiently clean laminate floors compared to its sibling, the Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away. The Lift-Away offers both great bare floor cleaning and superior carpet cleaning, and it’s quieter, too. If you care about maneuverability and ease of use, especially if you have stairs in your home, the Vertex Pro is the better pick.
Despite its noise level, the Vertex Pro offers fantastic performance in bare floor debris pickup and pet hair removal. Together with its lightweight, cordless design, it’s a great vacuum for keeping your laminate floors clean without breaking a sweat.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Vacuums for Laminate Floors?
By focusing on these criteria (1 required), anyone can quickly and easily compare these vacuum cleaners and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a vacuum cleaner that will meet your needs.
CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
---|---|---|---|
Bare Floor Performance | > 95% | Yes | How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning bare surfaces like tile, vinyl planks, and hardwood floors. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 120+ vacuum cleaner reviewers and found that 27 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for vacuum cleaner.
- Dagobiet Morales Alfaro – RTings, LinkedIn
- Derek Hales – Modern Castle, LinkedIn
- Sabine Heinlein – Wirecutter, LinkedIn
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every vacuum cleaner review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Vacuum Cleaner Test Data & Results
1. Bare Floor Performance Test Results
As the name suggests, bare floor performance references how well a vacuum does when it’s cleaning up tiles, vinyl planks, or hardwood flooring. Debris comes in a variety of sizes of course, and much of the testing revolves around picking up debris that ranges in size from cereal to bits of dirt to sand to a mix of everything above and more.
We recommend that a vacuum be able to pick up at least 95% of debris from a bare floor to ensure you end up with clean floors. Hitting a perfect score is obviously ideal, but the worse a vacuum performs here, the more work you need to do sweeping up or re-vacuuming. Missing debris is frustrating, and can invite pests if you miss bits of food, or annoyance if you step on something barefoot and hurt yourself.
Bare Floor Performance
> 95%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning bare surfaces like tile, vinyl planks, and hardwood floors.
Units of Measurement: % (percentage)
Tools to Measure: Scale
Why It’s Important:
A vacuum is supposed to clean, so if it can’t pick up most of the debris on a floor, it’s not doing its job.
Bare Floor Performance in % (higher is better; 0 = No Data)
Best Vacuums for Laminate Floors: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring Suction Control: Choosing a vacuum without adjustable suction can damage delicate laminate surfaces. Look for a model with variable suction settings to protect your floors while ensuring effective cleaning.
- Skipping Soft Brush Rolls: Overlooking the importance of soft brush rolls can lead to scratches and damage on laminate floors. Opt for vacuums with soft or rubberized brush rolls to prevent surface damage.
- Overlooking Filtration: Neglecting proper filtration can result in dust and allergens being recirculated into the air. Choose a vacuum with a high-efficiency filtration system, like a HEPA filter, to maintain good air quality.
- Not Considering Weight and Maneuverability: Selecting a heavy or bulky vacuum can make cleaning laminate floors cumbersome and difficult. Choose a lightweight and easily maneuverable vacuum to simplify the cleaning process and avoid strain. When deciding between upright vacuums vs stick vacuums, consider that stick vacuums are generally lighter and easier to maneuver, making them ideal for laminate floors. However, upright vacuums often provide stronger suction and larger dustbins, which can be beneficial for more extensive cleaning tasks.
The Best Vacuums for Laminate Floors Tests Compared
Product | True Score
|
Bare Floor Performance
|
Carpet Performance
|
Pet Hair Performance
|
Noise Level
| |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 |
|
|
|
| $599.99 $800 $200 |
| 87 |
|
|
|
| $549.99 $700 $150 |
| 85 |
|
|
|
| $322.00 $500 $178 |
Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away
| 85 |
|
|
|
| $319.99 $400 $80 |
| 84 |
|
|
|
| $249.00 $400 $151 |
| 81 |
|
|
|
| $299.99 $450 $150 |