Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner For Wood Floors

If 2020 was the year of the air fryer, then 2021 may signal the robot mop era. As we progressively re-open businesses and schools, we are forced to leave behind or cozy (or confining) homes. Here are the best robot vacuum cleaner for wood floors review.

This brings us back to busier schedules and long commutes – and as a result, most of us are eager to take any opportunity to automate as many house chores as possible. 

As convenient as they seem, the early robot vacuum cleaners and moppers often left much desired. From awkward paths to the occasional scratch, it didn’t seem like a reliable option for someone with expensive wood floors.

Fortunately, technology has advanced. The latest generation of robot vacuums for hardwood floors, parquet, and multi-floor homes promises more consistent results and fewer bumps on the road. Below are some of the best examples.

Our Picks for Best Robot Vacuum Cleaners for Wood Floors

iRobot Roomba s9+

As the first widely recognized robot vacuum manufacturer, Roomba’s premium models often manage to pack a few extra settings and tools.

The S9+ is an excellent example of this: thanks to its Smart Mapping technology, it can memorize the most efficient paths and adapt its speed and suction power to each area’s floor type.

In turn, this will ensure your wooden floors are only handled by low energy and soft strokes.

The Smart Mapping is also intelligent enough to attach voice commands to specific parts of the house. If you already have a Smart Home, you can use this to command the Roomba to clean a spill immediately.

You can even use voice commands to set it to pet hair mode if you have a pet.

This is not the only near-unique perk it offers. If you are truly interested in handling no housekeeping chores when you get home, then its automatic dirt disposal may be particularly attractive.

This function will allow the Roomba to empty itself every time it reaches its docking station. Naturally, this means that the dock is a bit larger than average and almost the size of a paper basket.

It provides enough capacity to hold dust for up to 60 days.

If you suffer from allergies or are sensitive to dust, it may be best not to wait so long: users report that some of the dirt and debris can spill easily when close to the total capacity.

The Roomba is powered via a Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery. Technically, it can function for up to two continuous hours when on low suction power.

However, if you automate its routines, you won’t need to worry about it: as soon as it returns to its docking station, it will begin to charge.

Pros	Cons
Smart Mapping navigation system, which memorizes your house.	Slightly louder than average.
Responds to complex voice commands.	Some dust can spill when the cup is nearly full.
It can empty itself into a larger bin in its docking station.	Large.
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iRobot Roomba j7+

It would be easier to mistake the Roomba J7+ for a “less impressive” alternative to the S9+. While it targets a slightly lower price tier, the J7 is way above the industry average.

As far as specs go, only two main things are missing: first, the large docking station is replaced by a smaller, more discreet one. It will only hold approximately 20 days of dust.

Second, the Smart Mapping system is replaced by PrecisionVision navigation. This means the Roomba will not store the layout of your home. Instead, it will include extra sensors to help it identify obstacles, their proximity, and their size.

This allows the J7+ to avoid charging cords, strings, fallen objects, and even pet waste – thus preventing your pup’s little gift from being spread all over the house.

The J7’s wheel system was designed to tackle different floor types. Both the wheels and brushes are made from rubber and won’t scratch wooden or file floors.

Just like most Roomba models, this robot mop comes with a proprietary companion app. This can be used as a remote control, but it will suggest additional features after prolonged use.

These include recommended cleaning schedules, recharging or dustbin alerts, and the possibility of remote activation.

Pros	Cons
Great at avoiding obstacles.	Smaller dustbin.
Soft rubber brushes that can protect all floor types.	Less efficient when cleaning carpets and rugs.
It can empty itself into its docking station.
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Roboroc S6 Robot Vacuum and Mop

If you are not interested in the latest model just yet, but still want a reliable robot vacuum that can protect wooden floors, consider the Roboroc S6.

This is a highly mobile model designed to work with Amazon Alexa and Vera (the manufacturer’s Smart Home suite).

The engine is powerful enough for vacuuming and mopping a two-story home with just one battery charge. Its Mapping software may not be the most sophisticated one around, but it allows you to designate no-go zones, as well as areas that should only be mopped.

You can also use the internal map to pre-program the suction power used on each room: in this way, you can go complete Turbo on your carpet and suck away the pet hair while using something gentler on your tiled or wooden sections.

This will help you prolong the battery life and will keep noise levels down. While the vacuum is remarkably silent and never goes above 65 dB, the battery is less impressive. T

he manufacturer promises up to 2 and a half hours of runtime per charge. However, this only applies when the vacuum is on quiet or Eco mode. If you need to vacuum a carpet or use the mop, expect battery life below an hour.

Pros	Cons
Mapping technology.	Short battery life.
Good integration with its companion app and Alexa.	Not compatible with 5G, only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
Relatively silent.
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Coredy Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Usually, most multi-floor robot vacuum cleaners that can protect your hardwood floors need to trade some strength for their gentleness.

This is why the Coredy robot vacuum cleaner provides a refreshing change: it has soft bristles and responsive sensors, but it can also raise its suction power to 1400pa. This means it can tackle pet hair and medium-pile carpets quickly enough.

Another essential feature that turns the Coredy into an instant favourite is its very slim design. This will let you quickly tackle any spots below the couch and may even help you clean below your fridge.

The rubber wheels and movement sensors can be programmed to follow the edges of a room or to zigzag around. If you want to make sure your corners are spotless, make sure to use the extra set of side brushes included.

Its sensors will also recognize floor types and changes in height, preventing it from falling down the stairs. Finally, this vacuum keeps noise levels relatively low, especially if you keep it on Eco mode.

With all that being said, we found significant drawbacks: first, although the Coredy is compatible with a mopping function, the water tank is not included. You will have to get that separately.

Plus, the remote control looks pretty old school, especially in an age where smartphone apps are the standard.

Pros	Cons
High suction power.	The water reservoir is not included.
Includes an extra set of side brushes.	The remote looks dated.
Keeps noise down.
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Coredy Upgraded Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Despite the undeniable balance between price and quality of Coredy’s original model, you wouldn’t be the only one who wished to increase capabilities just a little bit further.

The differences can be summed up in three main points: first, an additional rubber brush, which increases the cleaning speed; second, an improved battery; and finally, a better-developed navigation system.

The extra rotating brush is mainly self-explanatory. This provides an additional suction point, which will be helpful when cleaning carpets and rugs.

At the same time, it helps the robot vacuum pivot more quickly and redirects itself with more precision.

Once we examine this alongside the improved navigation system, the advantages become evident: through 360-degree sensors and the ability to use magnetic strips to flag boundaries, the chances of possible crashes or accidents will reach an all-time minimum.

Finally, this model also offers more flexibility when it comes to settings. You can now add manual navigation and one-room cleaning to the traditional spot cleaning and edge cleaning modes.

However, the one-room cleaning mode requires you to set up boundary strips – and it is all still controlled with the same control remote.

Pros	Cons
An additional rotating rubber brush.	It does not include a water reservoir.
Extended battery life.	No app compatibility or voice commands.
Improved navigation settings.
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Lefant Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Lefant’s answer to navigation issues makes bold claims, and it manages to deliver most of them. This is a stamina-full robot vacuum cleaning that excels with wooden and tiled floors – although it may not be the most reliable option once it climbs onto your carpet.

Unlike most competing models, the Lefant vacuum cleaner uses a brushless motor that requires far less energy to slide across your floor. Suction is also evenly distributed around an outer ring rather than centered on smaller rotating brushes.

This provides more even but less powerful results: despite its 1800 pa of power, the Lefant can only handle up to low pile carpets. As a bonus, the more comprehensive rotating disk is less likely to get clogged or stuck when taking long hairs.

Now, let’s take a look at what energy efficiency looks like in real-world terms. Its M201 lithium-iron-phosphate batteries take a bit longer than average to recharge (up to 6 hours) but can easily surpass 150 minutes of continuous operation.

There’s a good chance that you won’t have to deal with charging this model directly. The navigation system will ensure it returns to its dock after vacuuming without any intervention on your side.

Plus, you can always speed up the process using Google Assistant or Alexa voice commands.

Pros	Cons
Very energy efficient.	Cannot handle medium or high pile carpets.
Low noise levels.	Batteries take longer than average to recharge.
Cleans surfaces evenly.
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Eufy by Anker Robovac 11S MAX

The term “Max” is rarely used lightly in a vacuum cleaner, especially by a renowned brand like Eufy.

And at the very least, the Robovac 11S Max lives up to its standards: with a maximum suction power of 2,000 Pa, this is a multi-floor model that can navigate the entire range between parquet wooden floors and rough-sewn carpets.

The battery life is not as impressive as with some of the other models we have reviewed: it can last for barely up to 100 minutes, even when on Eco or Hardwood mode.

This is compensated by its noise levels, which always remain below those of a microwave.

If you have a complex living room or need to navigate different floor types in the same session, you won’t waste battery life. The Robovac 11S Max has an extra set of sensors devoted exclusively to identifying the floor type.

Less than two seconds after leaving the carpet, it should lower its setting and go back onto the Eco mode.

The craftsmanship behind this vacuum cleaner is also impressive. They went beyond the futuristic look to create something light, resilient, and pleasant.

The top cover is made from smooth tempered glass, letting the brand’s logo and the backlit buttons stand out. Finally, the entire vacuum stands just under 2.85 inches, which leaves enough room to slide under beds and couches.

Pros	Cons
Very high suction power.	No Wi-Fi compatibility.
It can recognize floor types automatically.	No voice commands.
Slim and fast.
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Neato Botvac D10

Thanks to its unusual shape and superior filtering technology, the Neato Botvac is a mandatory step on any “best of” list of robot vacuum cleaners.

So what makes this model special? First, it is one of the few models we could find with a true HEPA filter that provides a tight seal. This alone (even without its Pet Hair mode) would be enough to make it remarkable for anyone who suffers from allergies.

Although it doesn´t have a self-cleaning way or a larger bin in its docking station, it compensates for this by having a larger-than-average main bin.

The off D-shape of the Botvac affords this extra storage space. However, it is not the main reason for it. In reality, this shape was chosen to allow the vacuum to tackle corners more efficiently without leaving them untouched by the rolling brushes underneath it.

Finally, this model also offers a full 250 minutes of continuous operation at full charge. This is near twice the average.

Combining it with the Quick Boost mode allows you to increase suction power only on difficult spots. You should have enough juice to tackle the entire house with just one charge.

Unlike its predecessor (the Neato Botvac D7), the D10 is fully compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home Assistant.

Pros	Cons
Substantial battery capacity.	The shape doesn’t look as futuristic as other models.
Very responsive voice commands.	No self-cleaning capabilities.
Especially designed to clean corners.
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Top Robot Vacuum Brands

Neato Robotics

Best known for the Neato Botvac D7, Neato Robotics is a Californian company that has expanded impressively across Central and Eastern Europe. They were founded in 2005 and were the first company to offer integrated mapping of rooms.

iRobot

iRobot is the brainchild of a group of MIT alumni who saw the potential of household robots from the very beginning. The company was first founded in 1990 and is now best known for Roomba – a brand so ubiquitous that it is often used to refer to all robot vacuums.

Amrobt

One of the latest arrivals to the robot vacuum market is Amrobt: they date back only to October 2019. However, the company immediately set out to make waves with its proprietary software.

Amrobt also developed significant improvements to the battery life, which allows its Innovac models to add mops and steam cleaners next to their brushes.

Eufy

As Anker Innovation’s Smart Home division, Eufy was among the first brands to bring such technology to a broader, more budget-conscious audience. Their ecosystem was the first to work without a monthly subscription. They also produce doorbells and security systems.

Frequently Asked Questions on Robot Vacuums

How do robot vacuums work?

Robot vacuums are self-directed, small vacuum cleaners that can navigate your home without any direct aid.

Usually, they accomplish this through a set of wheels and spinning brushes beneath them, which allow them to move or pivot around. Most models also have proximity sensors, which will enable them to identify nearby obstacles.

How do robot vacuums know where to go?

Depends on the model. Basic robot vacuums rely on their sensors to avoid crashing against nearby walls or detecting cables or other items lying on the floor.

Most models have additional sensors next to the spinning brushes, which can identify significant floor irregularities – and keep them away from steps and precipices.

More sophisticated models allow you to set magnetic strips, which tell the robot to “steer clear” of a certain point. Finally, others can store a basic layout of your house, identify different rooms, and even assign names to them.

Then, you can use these names to schedule routine cleaning (for example, vacuum the TV room every three days).

Why are robot vacuums round?

There are two main reasons for a robot vacuum’s distinctive disk-shaped design. First, it enhances its futuristic appeal, as many still associate curves and sleek surfaces with high-tech.

Second, it helps prevent the vacuum cleaner from getting stuck around corners or passing next to tables, chair legs, or furniture.

Will robot vacuums go over bumps, thresholds, or stairs?

Only up to a certain point. Most robot vacuums with pivoting rubber brushes can absorb any changes of up to half an inch. In these cases, it will likely be able to roll on top of these obstacles.

Some models may have more sophisticated sensors, which allow them to tackle the barriers of up to 5/8 of an inch.

Robot vacuum cleaners and steps do not blend well. Most models have built-in safety features that prevent them from trying to navigate down the stairs.

If these sensors were to fail, the appliance would likely not survive the fall.

Tips to Protect Your Wood Floors

Wooden floors are often a significant investment, but they can add a unique layer of old-country charm to a home when properly maintained. The key to protecting them is to keep them free from scratches, water stains, and skid marks.

Some of the basic steps you can take include:

• Always clean your shoes before entering. You can do this by adding an extra floor mat at the entrance or asking everyone to remove their shoes inside the house.
• Keep it as dry as possible. Vacuuming and mopping will not be necessary every time. Vacuuming will get rid of dirt and debris, but you should only mop when something has spilt on the floor.
• Never use bleach, ammonia-based or acidic products to clean your wooden floors.
• Place area rugs near doorways or drafty areas to stop dirt from coming in.
• Provide some TLC for your parquet floors every five years: have professional sand off any scratched and renew the polyurethane layer on top.

Final Thoughts

Wooden floors are notoriously delicate but beautiful. Vacuuming them doesn’t require the raw power that carpets demand. Instead, you will need to look for soft brushes and good navigation.

A robot vacuum that can go around your home unaided will help you keep it spotless.