Dyson Cordless Vacuum Comparison 2023

Dyson is one of the main cordless vacuums manufacturers on the market. It produces premium devices for all kinds of surfaces and picking one must be challenging. Let's talk through each model including the newest Gen 5 Detect.

Dyson Cordless Vacuum Comparison 2023

Welcome to this article. Today we talk about comparing different Dyson cordless vacuum options from the V6 to the current V-series options including the V12 and V15. 

1v1 comparisons on specific variants. 

So which model is the best will depend on your budget preferences and other considerations. 

Dyson is a pioneer of bagless cordless vacuums.

Many consumers have grown fond of it's the first brand to implement the current stick vacuum configuration with a dustbin motor and filter on top. So it's possible to use it in various configurations. Other brands have caught on and even ones that previously didn't have bagless vacuums have released their own versions.

An overview of Dysons models

There are three distinct generations.

The early generation DC to the V6 would have vertically aligned dustbin without a hygienic system. 

Next in line is the V7 and V8 series with the same vertically aligned dustbin but a hygienic system makes it easier to empty a big sticking point for V6 owners since dustbins here will stick on the inner walls.

Please note that these models aren't released sequentially. 

V8 vs V7

The V8 was first released before the V7.

The V7 was released afterward and marketed as a cheaper alternative with slightly less power and a shorter range. But these models are close in terms of cleaning performance.

The V8 was once Dyson's flagship doubling the runtime from the V6 from 20 minutes to 40 minutes. And these figures are accurate as a V8 exceeded the 40-minute flame by one minute. 

/	Dyson V7	Dyson V8
Airflow	49.68 CFM	54.24 CFM
Run time	32 min	43 min

While the V8 was a significant upgrade over the V6 it still used the same vertically aligned dustbin but with a hygienic system to push the dirt down, there wasn't much variance with the framework as both use a trigger for power. 

However, Dyson upgraded the V6s hard-to-push toggle switch and replace it with an easier-to-use slide switch in the V8 and then the V7 which then trickled to the V10.

Dyson V10 Absolute

The next major upgrade was a V10 Absolute which was Dyson's first with a horizontally aligned dustbin you'll see in older latest products. 

Another change introduced in the V10 is the filter. 

In the early generation V series there are two separate filters a Pre-filter and Post-motor filter. But that change starting with the V10 as all new Dyson cordless vacuum starting with it had a single filter combining the Pre and Post-motor elements. 

Dyson V11

After the V10 Dyson introduced several new innovations in the V11. Like the

• interactive LCD screen
• new button switch

The interactive LCD screen that shows the run time left and a new button switch for toggling between the three power settings.

Its standard brush roll also got an upgrade with adjustable gates and a chunkier brush roll. 

Addressing the snow plowing issue that plagued the V8 brush roll. 

This wasn't an issue with the V8 Absolute since it had a soft roller attachment. But when the V11 Torgue Drive came out it only had a standard brush roll included. 

So these upgrades were a necessity and these proved to be effective as it didn't have any issues picking up large parts of debris even serious size ones. After the V11 Torque Drive design introduced a super-sized version of it with the Outsize. Which was previously tagged as a V11 Outsize. It has similar features as the V11 Torque Drive but in a super-size package hence the name Outsize. 

This variant has the widest brush roll of any cordless stick vacuum I've tested at over 12 inches which is in upgrade vacuum territory.

Another tweak Dyson implemented into the Outsize is the detachable battery.

Something that they've slowly added to their new product releases. In fact, select V11 models come with a detachable battery. 

Dyson V15 Detect

Dyson introduced a V15 Detect with several groundbreaking features namely the laser slim roller Piezo sensor and the new torque screw tool. 

The laser slim roller is the first of its kind with a green laser accentuating almost invisible dust particles better. 

Then any LED-equipped stick vacuum I've tested thus simply pops with a green laser flash which a white LED cannot match. The Piezo sensor is another first and utilizes an acoustic sensor to measure debris size and quantity through the LCD screen behind the motor. Specifically, it measures four distinct sizes that are updated in real-time. 

And lastly is the Torque screw tool another industry first with a tapered brush roll. That funnels hair towards a holding area and then into the dustbin this tool is perhaps the best at picking up long hair strands. Yes even large quantities of them and these features have trickled into older variants specifically the Outsize. 

Dyson Omni-Glide and Micro 1.5 kg

After the V15 I didn't know what to expect since each dies in release seemed to get a more powerful motor longer run time and better cleaning efficiency then came a Zag. 

I'm talking about the Omni-Glide and the Micro 1.5 kg two purpose-built hard floor vacuums with lightweight frames. And subsequently feather-light steering with the Omni-Glide. It's 360-degree steering which is another Dyson innovation. 

This clever design has four caster wheels underneath the dual roller nozzle enabling it to steer in any direction. Because of its 360-degree steering, the Omni-Glide didn't have the traditional trigger and handle found in older Dyson models. Instead, it used a push button switch and a one-type handle. Similar to a broom. 

And the way this product is designed you could use it like a broom the push button switch also trickled into the Micro 1.5 kg a miniature version of a full-size Dyson stick vacuum. Again it's purpose-built for cleaning hard floors inside small homes with its extra light and compact frame. 

So it does not have a standard brush roll but only a slim roller nozzle which I prefer over a full-size roller. Because it fits entire spaces better. 

Dyson V12

Lastly and the ultimate zag is a V12 attack the latest Dyson product I've reviewed before I tested it I thought it was only a variation of the V15 attack with a button. 

But it's more than that this variant is a new sub-model in the Dyson ethos a middle-ground option between the Micro and V15. A lighter version than a V15 without the range capacity and carpet cleaning limitations of the Micro and Omni-Glide. 

It fills the need that many Dyson customers have been clamoring for a lighter more ergonomic product with a push button switch Dyson delivered with the V12 as it offers much better ergonomics without the limitations the model I have comes with two batteries and two chargers. Extending the runtime to over 120 minutes. 

Dyson Gen 5 Detect

One model I have yet to test it's a Gen 5 Detect we're just about to debut in several markets. 

From what I've read it's Dyson's most powerful vacuum to date rated at 262 air watts aside from the power bump other upgrades include the new LCD screen layout. And the red power button switch. 

So this model also ditches the trigger run time is longer around 70 minutes. And with my experience with Dyson products, these figures are usually underrated as most variants I've tested exceeded the rated figures. How you suffer will also benefit from this model. As Gen 5 Detect claims to have 99.99% filtration down to 0.1 microns. 

Are Dyson tools backward compatible? 

One aspect that makes Dyson cordless vacuum so popular is its versatility thanks to its interchangeable tools. 

Consumers can use it in various configurations. Mainly as a stick or handheld vacuum. Now the question most people may have is are these tools backward compatible or interchangeable with other models. The answer is yes and no.

Tools within a specific model range are forward and backward-compatible.

Models from the V7 to the V15 have the same connecting ports.
Meaning newer tools like a laser slim roller or the torque screw tool will fit in older models like the V8.

However V12 attachments will not fit in models like the V7, V8, V10 Outsize, and V15.

Again this variant is a new subset in the Dyson ethos Micro 1.5 kg use smaller ports that won't fit in the V12 and other full-size option between a V7 and V15. But their tools are interchangeable. So for example you can use the Omni-Glide nozzle in the Micro.

Filtration

Except for a few subvariants, all Dyson options have a fully sealed system. 

And I put them through a fog test to see if they can hold fog inside. The dustbin and most didn't leak the only option that leaked was the V7 Motorhead. Because it didn't have the post-motor filter. 

Most stick vacuums yes even some pricey options leak during these tests. So it's one reason to consider Dyson despite the premium cost.

Factors to consider

Before choosing a Dyson product you'll need to consider these factors the most critical is budget.

How much are you willing to spend?

Doing so will eliminate options priced out of it. And next is to look at the potential features you'll need for me the laser slim roller is my favorite. Because it helps me pinpoint nasty areas I wouldn't notice without it. 

The next must-have for me is the torque screw tool because nothing wraps on the brush. Even with this much hair, your needs may be different. So look at what features you'll need and look at the model with that tool within your budget.

Power

The next factor to consider is power or airflow to be specific. This aspect is essential particularly for vacuuming carpets. 

If you need something to vacuum carpet exclusively look for a full-sized option like the V15 Detect or Outsize. As these are the best-performing options for cleaning embedded stuff. 

The new Gen 5 Detect should also be on your list with its top and AirWatt figure and lengthy runtime if budget isn't a concern. 

However, one downside with Dyson's full-size options is their enormous body and half that could be uncomfortable for long stretches. Especially above floors where the extra weight is pronounced though the new Gen 5 Detect ditched the trigger and utilize the button above the LCD screen to ease the burden. 

This is where consumers should consider Dyson slider options namely the Omni-Glide, Micro, and V12 Detect. 

Micro is a lightweight option specifically designed for vacuuming hard floors each with its own advantages. The Micro 1.5 kg offers better versatility with its more traditional Dyson handle design. The handle underneath the dustbin offers better usability as a handheld. 

The Omni-Glide prioritizes steering with the uniquely designed nozzle with four caster wheels underneath and a twin roller design. 

These models don't have a standard brush so don't expect too much from both on the carpet. 

The V12 attack is the ultimate compromise that bridges the gap between the Micro 1.5 kg and V15 Detect. It's a smaller version of the V15 Detect with a push button switch making it a better ergonomic option without the carpet cleaning capacity and range limitations.

I'd say the V12 attack is one of Dyson's best value options at its price point since it has all the latest innovations without the halfway premium cost. 

Summary

It all depends on your answer to these questions.

1. But at a broader scale how much are you willing to spend how big is your home?
2. Are you cleaning only carpets or a mix of hard floors and carpets?
3. Do you have pets?

 If cost isn't an issue then the best Dyson options are the V15 Detect or the Gen 5 Detect. These models are the best-performing ones out there regardless of surface. If price is a sticking point you'll have to point out your needs. 

If your home is small with only hard floors the Micro and Omni-Glide would be perfect because of their compact frame without compromising on debris pickup because of the soft roller sufficiency. 

If your home is bigger or has a mix of carpet and hard floors the V12 would be the better alternative because it has a larger dust bin more power and a standard nozzle.

It's a smaller version of the V15 with other restrictions of the Omni-Glide and Micro.

I didn't recommend a V7 or V8 because the price variance between them and the newer models isn't significant. I guess it's something to consider if you're capped at a certain price figure and can't go over it if this is the case then specific V7 or V8 sub-models may fall into this category.

Otherwise, let's stick with newer ones so you can take full advantage of Dyson's latest features. 

 

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