A soft roller is designed for hard-floor debris pickup, while a bristled motorized head is intended to agitate carpet; many cordless vacuums include a multi-surface head or separate attachments. Check the exact model's flooring guidance, hair-wrap maintenance and replacement-head availability. For the bigger machine choice, compare cordless and corded vacuums.
The floor head determines what the vacuum can pick up and which surfaces it is designed to clean. Match it to the floors in your home before comparing extra attachments or marketing claims.
Common head types
| Head | Where it can fit | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Soft roller | Hard floors and larger dry debris when approved by the maker | Finish compatibility, edge pickup and how to remove wrapped hair |
| Motorized bristle head | Carpet and rugs; some models support mixed floors | Brushroll adjustment, anti-tangle access and hard-floor setting |
| Combo head | Switching between hard floor and low-pile carpet | Exact settings, debris pickup and included accessories |
| Mini motorized tool | Upholstery, stairs or pet beds | Attachment compatibility and cleaning instructions |
Check your floor mix
Measure rugs and thresholds and note delicate surfaces. If your home is mostly hard flooring with some area rugs, check whether the main head can switch settings without scattering debris or scratching the floor. For wall-to-wall carpet, look for the maker’s carpet guidance and a head designed to agitate that pile.
Check how the brushroll removes hair and whether replacement heads are sold for the exact model. For the cordless-versus-corded tradeoff across a whole home, see our vacuum comparison.
Browse vacuums.
Common questions
Do I need a soft roller for hard floors?
Not always. Compare the maker's hard-floor head and pickup instructions, and consider a soft roller if the model offers one for larger debris or delicate finishes.
Which vacuum head is best for pet hair?
Look for a motorized head that the manufacturer approves for your floor type, plus a brushroll that can be opened or cleaned when hair wraps around it.
Are cordless stick vacuum heads interchangeable?
Often they are model-specific. Verify the connector, power contacts and approved compatibility list before buying a replacement attachment.