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Dyson is a British manufacturer specializing in vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, fans, and hand and hair dryers. They offer a broad selection of stick/handheld vacuums but have also developed canister vacuums and more conventional uprights. Regardless of design, they all feature Dyson's proprietary cyclone technology, eliminating the need for a dirtbag.
Updates
- 02/27/2024 Dyson V7 updated
- 02/26/2024 Dyson Outsize updated
- 02/09/2024 Dyson V15s Detect Submarine​ reviewed
- 11/17/2023 Dyson Cyclone V10 updated
- 11/14/2023 Dyson V11 updated
Best Dyson Vacuums
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Best Dyson Vacuum
Bare FloorLow-Pile CarpetHigh-Pile CarpetPetsStairsCarsWorkshopVacuum TypeStick/HandheldBaglessYesCordlessYesAnti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)YesWet CompatibleNoThe best Dyson vacuum we've tested is the Dyson V15 Detect. This cordless stick/handheld vacuum's headlining feature is its built-in dirt sensor, which counts and measures the size of particles sucked into the vacuum. You can see this information on the LED display at the back of its body. This isn't a must-have feature, but it can be very handy if you suffer from allergies and want a rough estimate of allergen quantities within your home. Its other main feature is its surface detection system, which automatically increases power on carpeted surfaces and lowers it when it passes back onto hard floors.
The vacuum's 230 AW suction motor is remarkably powerful for a cordless model and allows superb debris pickup on various surfaces, comparable to some corded models. However, its strong suction force can also cause it to get stuck on shag carpeting or drag around some lighter rugs. The vacuum comes with a wide selection of attachments, even the entry-level variant, like a soft-roller floorhead that has a laser light to help you see small debris on bare surfaces and a conical turbo brush. Dyson bundles its more expensive variants with additional attachments like a flexible adapter and a 'Worktop' tool for cleaning hard surfaces like counters or work tables.
It's worth noting that the newer Dyson Gen5detect Absolute has effectively replaced this vacuum as the brand's flagship. However, this newer model performs no better than the older V15. While it does have a few minor quality-of-life upgrades, like an integrated combination tool and a brighter laser light for its soft-roller floorhead, they aren't enough to justify the substantial price increase over the V15. Of course, if you're willing to spend even more than that, there's also the Dyson Gen5outsize, which differs slightly from the standard Gen5detect by featuring an enlarged dustbin and a wider cleaning head.
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Best Mid-Range Dyson Vacuum
Bare FloorLow-Pile CarpetHigh-Pile CarpetPetsStairsCarsWorkshopVacuum TypeStick/HandheldBaglessYesCordlessYesAnti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)YesWet CompatibleNoIf you're looking for the best cordless Dyson vacuum at a mid-range price point, look at the Dyson V12 Detect Slim. Compared to the higher-end Dyson V15 Detect, it has a less powerful 150 AW suction motor, so it falls slightly behind in deep cleaning performance. However, despite the big gap in suction power on paper, there isn't too massive a difference between the two when it comes to real-world debris pickup. It's also smaller and lighter than the V15, making it easier to use in tight spots. Better yet, it shares many of the same features at a more affordable price.
These similarities include the built-in particle sensor and its automatic power adjustment system, which allows the vacuum to increase suction when passing over a carpeted surface or an area with a lot of debris. Like its pricier stablemate, it comes bundled with a multi-surface floorhead, a secondary floorhead with a soft brushroll, and an integrated laser light to help you see fine debris on hard floors. Unlike the V15, it has an on/off button instead of a trigger, making it a little more comfortable to use for extended periods.
Unfortunately, its compact, lightweight design comes at the cost of debris capacity, as it has a pretty small dustbin that you'll need to empty often. If you want a mid-priced Dyson vacuum with a higher-capacity dustbin, consider the Dyson V11, though it's less maneuverable than the V12 and lacks a particle sensor.
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Best Budget Dyson Vacuum
Bare FloorLow-Pile CarpetHigh-Pile CarpetPetsStairsCarsWorkshopVacuum TypeStick/HandheldBaglessYesCordlessYesAnti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)YesWet CompatibleNoDyson vacuums are expensive compared to their peers, but you can score a reasonable deal if you're willing to forego some of the convenience features of newer models from the company's lineup. The Dyson V8 is the best cordless Dyson vacuum at a budget-friendly price that we've tested. It's very easy to use, lightweight, and delivers strong performance on most surfaces, though it isn't quite as powerful as the pricier V12 or V15. Also, unlike the newer Dyson V12 Detect Slim or Dyson V15 Detect, it doesn't have an automatic power adjustment feature and lacks an onboard dirt sensor. There's no suction release gate to help improve maneuverability on carpets, but there are two different power modes to suit different surface types.
Unsurprisingly, battery performance lags behind newer models with higher-capacity batteries. You can only expect about 40 minutes of runtime in its default power mode, and it takes quite a while to recharge. Running it in its 'MAX' mode drains its battery in under 10 minutes, so you must be quick when dealing with stubborn messes. In addition, build quality feels a tad fragile, a common downside of Dyson vacuums. Its vertically-oriented dustbin is slightly less spacious than the horizontally mounted dirt compartments in the newer models.
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Best Lightweight Dyson Vacuum
Bare FloorLow-Pile CarpetHigh-Pile CarpetPetsStairsCarsWorkshopVacuum TypeStick/HandheldBaglessYesCordlessYesAnti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)YesWet CompatibleNoThe Dyson Omni-glide is the best Dyson stick vacuum we've tested if you want something highly portable. Unlike a more conventional cordless stick model like the Dyson V8, it's only intended for cleaning hard floors, as the twin nylon rollers in its omnidirectional floorhead can't dig into carpet fibers to remove debris. Also, it has a tiny dirt compartment that's even smaller than the Dyson V12 Detect Slim's, so you'll be emptying it at the end of practically every cleaning session. This, combined with its short maximum battery life of about half an hour, means that it's only suited for quick clean-ups around your home. With all that said, these compromises result in a vacuum weighing just under 4.5 pounds, making it remarkably easy to pick up and carry. Its uniquely designed pivoting floorhead allows you to easily maneuver around obstacles like table legs and coat racks.
Its five-stage filtration system, which includes an onboard HEPA filter, does a great job of sealing in allergens like pet dander. While there's no miniature turbo brush or even a straight-suction upholstery tool for cleaning fabric surfaces, it comes with a soft-bristle dusting brush for dealing with debris on delicate surfaces and a crevice tool for cleaning tight spots.
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Best Corded Dyson Vacuum
Bare FloorLow-Pile CarpetHigh-Pile CarpetPetsStairsCarsWorkshopVacuum TypeUprightBaglessYesCordlessNoAnti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)YesWet CompatibleMopping OnlyIf you need something with more power and are okay with lugging around a big and heavy appliance, consider the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra/Complete. It's a better option than comparably priced cordless models like the Dyson V12 Detect Slim for longer cleaning sessions since you won't run out of charge mid-way through a cleaning session, and it's powerful enough to handle messes on different surfaces, from bare floors to high-pile carpets. Its floorhead features a set of built-in plastic vanes that are remarkably effective in trapping long hair, preventing it from jamming the mechanism. It also has three levels of surface type adjustment, enabling you to adapt to different floor types on the fly. The power cord is very long, so you won't have to swap outlets when cleaning bigger areas. You'll need to wind the power cord back manually, though, which is a hassle and a disappointment for such an expensive vacuum.
Unfortunately, build quality isn't especially robust, as the mostly plastic construction creaks and flexes slightly while in use. Its ball-shaped wheel makes it more maneuverable than most conventional uprights, but it's still a bulky and heavy machine, not to mention noisy. Also, while its redesigned floorhead allows superior maneuverability on carpeting compared to the older Dyson Ball Animal 2, which had a habit of tearing up carpet fibers, the Ball Animal 3 can still get stuck on thick shag-pile rugs.
Compared To Other Brands
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Virtually no recurring costs.
Due to their bagless design, Dyson vacuums incur little cost over extended periods of ownership. Some have filters designed to last the device's lifetime, while others are filterless. -
HEPA filter integration.
Dyson's cyclonic technology filters out allergens, which is handy if you have pets or are cleaning a particularly dusty area. -
Good maneuverability across the board.
Some Dyson vacuums have a unique ball design, making navigating small spaces and rooms easier. -
Wide array of tools and brushes.
Dyson vacuums usually come with a wide selection of specialized tools and brushes, some of which are unique, like the 180-degree pivot extender and dedicated upholstery turbo brushes.
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Plasticky build quality.
Dyson vacuums tend to have a mostly plastic construction that some users may perceive as cheap. -
Relatively small dirt compartments.
Most Dyson vacuums have small dirt compartments, meaning you must often empty them. -
Somewhat short cordless runtime.
Cordless Dyson vacuums have short battery lives, especially when used on their highest power level setting. It's annoying when cleaning big messes in larger, more open areas. -
High maintenance requirements.
While most Dyson vacuums are easy to take apart and reassemble due to their easy-clip construction, quite a few of their offerings have a long list of parts that need regular cleaning.
Dyson vs Shark
As a general rule, cordless Dyson vacuums come with a wider array of attachments and have more powerful suction motors than comparable Shark alternatives. However, most Shark models feel better built and have higher-capacity dustbins. Dyson vacuums are also usually easier to maintain than newer Shark models, as the latter tend to use dual-roller floorheads with a non-removable primary brushroll that can be somewhat hard to clean. If you'd like to see a more comprehensive breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses of Shark and Dyson's offerings, check out our brand comparison article here.
Dyson vs Miele
Miele vacuums and Dyson models tend to occupy a similar price point, but the two manufacturers specialize in different types of appliances. Miele is renowned for its range of premium canister vacuums, which are much better built and offer superior deep-cleaning capability when paired with a powered floorhead. Meanwhile, Dyson's range of V-series cordless vacuums are easier to set up and deploy and usually come with a broader array of attachments.
Dyson vs Samsung
Samsung's cordless Jet stick vacuums are comparable to Dyson's cordless V-series vacuums. Samsung's offerings are usually better built and offer unique optional features and accessories like a self-emptying docking station and a dedicated mopping floorhead. However, Dyson's newer models, like the Dyson V15 Detect and Dyson V12 Detect Slim, feature an automatic suction power adjustment system and a piezo sensor for counting and measuring ambient particle counts inside your home.
Dyson produces a decently large variety of vacuum cleaners that work well on different surfaces, though you can expect to pay a hefty premium for that performance and versatility. Most offerings in their lineup are maneuverable and easy to carry around and come with a wide variety of brushes. Their build quality is usually plasticky, and user maintenance is a little finicky. In comparison, most Shark vacuums feel slightly better built but perform worse on carpeted surfaces. Dyson vacuums tend to be better and more consistent on all surface types than those from BISSELL.
Lineup
Dyson's product lineup is simple, with a relatively small model range.
Cordless Models
- Omni-Glide: Low-powered stick vacuum with an omnidirectional floorhead.
- Outsize: V11-series vacuum with enlarged floorhead and dustbin.
- V-Series: Conventional cordless stick vacuums; the higher the designation number, the higher the position in the company's lineup.
Corded Models
- Ball Animal: Bagless upright vacuum family.
- Big Ball: Bagless canister vacuum family with cyclonic filtration system.
Common Trim/Equipment Levels
- Motorhead: Entry-level trim; usually bundled with a floorhead and a crevice and combination tool.
- Animal: Usually bundled with a miniature turbo brush tool for cleaning pet hair from furniture.
- Absolute: Commonly bundled with an extra soft roller intended for use on bare floors.
- Complete: Higher-end trim bundled with most previously mentioned attachments.
- Extra: Similar to the Complete trim, but with added accessories like wand clips, worktop tools, and adjustable adapters.
Recent Updates
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May 30, 2024: Small text edits for clarity and conciseness. No change in recommendations.
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Mar 19, 2024: Made slight in-text tweaks to ensure product information is still accurate.
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Feb 19, 2024: Verified that all main picks are still available and represent a good option for user needs.
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Jan 19, 2024: Slight in-text adjustments to clarify product details further and to ensure all main picks remain the best option for user needs.
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Dec 20, 2023: Minor in-text adjustments to further clarify product information.
Conclusion
Dyson produces vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, fans, and hand and hair dryers. They offer a broad selection of stick/handheld vacuums. However, they have also developed canister vacuums and conventional uprights. They don't incur any recurring costs due to the implementation of Dyson's cyclonic technology across their lineup, eliminating the need for a dirtbag while also filtering out allergens. Generally, Dyson vacuums are lightweight, maneuverable, and versatile. That said, they usually have a long list of parts to regularly clean, plasticky build quality, and, on cordless models, somewhat limited runtime on high-power modes.