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Dyson V7 vs. V11 Is the Latest Version Much Better?

Updated: May 05, 2024

Video made by Cordless Vacuum Guide

Dyson is known for its vacuum cleaners especially cordless models. The oldest models have a smaller battery and are less heavier than the newer modifications.

The Dyson V7 is one of the oldest cleaners yet it still is a beast among other cordless cleaners. On the other hand, we have the Dyson V11 Torque Drive which is one of the latest models.

Both models do not come with a soft roller in the box so if you mostly have hard floors, you can get it optionally.

Despite the price difference the V7 and V11 do have some similarities. And the V7 was surprisingly better at portions of it.

Design comparison

The V11 is much better than the V7 in terms of size and weight. Since the release of the V10 Dyson has focused on increasing power runtime and dustbin capacity the realignment of the dustbin factors into these changes. Tho the V7 is significantly more lightweight which is noticeable when cleaning takes a long time. The vacuum becomes tiring on an arm.

V11 Outsize

The V11 has a 770 ml dustbin which is considered one of the biggest in the industry. Only the V11 Outsize and the Shark Ion P50 have more. With a bigger dustbin, the Outsize also got a lot more weight.

It tips the scales at 6.68 pounds which is a high number for a cordless stick vacuum. And most of it is at the top where the dust spin motor and battery are located.

V7 Motorhead

Because of having a bigger dustbin, the V11 becomes challenging when using it in some areas. It has a long main body. This is why the V7 is preferable. It is smaller and weighs less (5.45 lbs). The smaller cleaning head maneuvers around smaller spaces better and is less tiring on the arm.

The Dyson V7 vs. V11

V7 V11
slide switch LCD screen
- dynamic load sensor
bin 530 ml  bin 770 ml

There the V7 has a slide switch for toggling between two power settings while the V11 Torque Drive has a built-in LCD screen providing users with real-time information and runtime power error codes and more. The animal version doesn't have an interactive screen.

There's one button in the middle for toggling between three different power settings low auto and max.

One feature that is not available in the V7 is the dynamic load sensor when you select the auto setting a sensor in the cleaning nozzle detects the surface and adjusts power accordingly based on the surface type.

The V11 has a bigger dust bin with a 770ml capacity. While the V7 dust bin can only hold up to 530ml. Both have a hygienic system but the usage varies with the V7 you pull a red lever up to empty the contents in comparison the V11 has a point-and-shoot style in disposing of. 

Airflow comparison

The V11 is up to 28% more with 66 CFM at the one and 53 CFM at the cleaning head. While the V7 has 49 CFM at the wand and 37.92 CFM at the nozzle. The airflow difference is most noticeable in the deep cleaning tests on carpet.

Wand Dyson V7 Dyson V11
Low, CFM 29 34
Mid, CFM - 41
Max, CFM 49 66

The V11 picked up 100 compared to the V7s 94.93% score. Even in the auto setting, the V11 got 99.97%. Which is still better than the V7 in its max setting.

Cleaning head Dyson V7 DysonV11
Low, CFM 26.28 28.52
Mid, CFM - 31.94
Max, CFM 37.92 53.58

The V11 will run for a little over 18 minutes on max settings so it's a better alternative for larger homes with lots of carpets.

One thing to note with the V11 is it will be harder to push on the carpet especially on the max setting with the gates close. Opening up the gates will help it to move around with ease.

Cleaning tests results

The V11 was better across the board. One reason is the higher airflow. Another is a touch drive attachment with adjustable gates. These slots enable the torch drive head to clean the breeze small and large.

Tests/Models Dyson V7 Dyson V11
Overall, % 93.8 99.66
Hard floors, % 81.75 99.66
Sand on hard floor, % 99.2 99.4
Carpet, % 99.97 99.26
Deep cleaning, % 94.93 100

Unlike the V7, the V11 is usable on hard floors. Only the V11 can pick up large debris like fruit loops and cheerios with a little wiggle. Something not possible with the V7.

The V11 was slightly better with sand on hard floor test picking up 99.4% versus the 99.2 scores of the V7. However, the torque drive attachment left a trail of sand in the initial forward pass.

The V7 had a cleaner initial pass leaving fewer bits of sand. This shows that the V7 had a better seal underneath.

The V11 was also better with edge cleaning picking up more debris in fewer passes. It has the same issue as the V7 with pet litter scattering behind the nozzle.

Next, we look at the hair up tests or tested both vacuums. The V11 was better with almost nothing wrapping on a brush roll in comparison the V7 was only able to resist tangles from the 5-inch hair. But not so much with the longer 7-inch hair.

Run time, filtration, and noise comparison

The V11 will run longer thanks to its larger capacity 3,600mAh lithium-ion battery.

Suction Dyson V7 Dyson V11
Low, min 32 71
Mid, min - 40
Max, min 5 6

It lasted close to 75 minutes with the Torque attachment on low power and up to 57 minutes on carpet.

In the auto setting which is the best compromise between power and run time on carpet, it ran past the 18-minute mark.

Cleaning head Dyson V7 Dyson V11
Low, min 28 75
Mid, min - 46
Max, min 7 7

The V7 won't last as long, only up to 32 minutes with non-powered tools and close to 28 minutes with the main nozzle.

Filtration

The V11 has a sealed system with a post-motor HEPA filter keeping up to 99.97% of allergens inside the bin. The V7 Motorhead doesn't have a sealed system or a HEPA filter so it doesn't keep dust in and is not recommended for people with allergies and asthma.

Noise level

Noise/Models Dyson V7 Dyson V11
Low, dB 64 66
Mid, dB - 68
Max, dB 73 78

The V11 is much noisier than the V7 with up to 78 dB at the max setting. While the V7 tapped out at 73 dB.

Attachments

The V11 Torque Drive has more tools out of the box:

  1. combination tool
  2. crevice tool
  3. soft dusting brush
  4. stubborn brush
  5. stiffer bristles
  6. mini turbo brush

The V7:

  1. crevice tool
  2. combination tool

The combination tool is the only option for above-floor cleaning.


Conclusion

The Dyson V7 and V11 are both excellent options for cleaning carpets. However, the V11 with the adjustable gates will be better for cleaning hard floors. While the V7 slow clearance limits its effectiveness on this surface.

Consider the V7 if you need something lightweight and prioritize handheld usability as well as carpeting surface to hangle.

The V11 is better for people looking for a stick vacuum that can pick up embedded dirt on the carpet.


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