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Dyson V8 vs. V11 Cleaning Results On Hard Floor and Carpet

Updated: Apr 26, 2024

Video made by Modern Castle

The Dyson V8 is a well-known model that is older than the V11 but still one of the most popular models.

Would the added features worth the cost of the Dyson V11 and what is the reason for going for the Dyson V8 over the Dyson V11.

To save money and get the Dyson V8 or go with the newest model? Let's go ahead and find out now.

Design and differences between V8 and V11

First up let's take a look at the design differences between the V8 and the V11.

Main differences in V8 and V11:

  1. Shape
  2. Trash can location
  3. Digital screen
  4. Dustbin capacity
  5. Cleaning heads
  6. Suction
  7. Weight & size
  8. Battery life

The shape looks different from the V8 motor and dustbin arranged at a perpendicular angle. And the V11 dustbin arranged in line with the extension wand.

Another major difference is the digital screen located on the back of the V11. The screen shows cleaning mode remaining runtime and performance in maintenance videos. The V8 does not include a screen.

The dustbin of the V8 is also slightly smaller than the capacity of the V11. The V8 can hold up to 0.54 liters of debris. While the V11 can hold up 0.74 liters.

As for the cleaning heads, the Dyson V8 comes through the direct-drive cleaning head while the Dyson V11 comes with the upgraded torque drive cleaning head.

Considering the size the V11 is slightly heavier wider and a little deeper than the V8.

The Dyson V11 is also heavier because of having a bigger battery thanks to which it lasts up to 60 minutes compared to 40 minutes the V8 does.

Another big thing is the suction. The Dyson V11 is more powerful than the Dyson V8. In fact, only the Dyson V11 Outsize has more power than the standard Dyson V11.

What similar between V8 and V11:

Both the V8 and V11 models are two-in-one vacuums that function as a powerful stick vacuum and portable handheld.

Both use a spiral brush roll to help agitate carpets and lift debris into the vacuum. The torque drive cleaning head is the newer model and offers 25% better performance over the direct-drive cleaning head according to Dyson.

The V8 Absolute also offers the fluffy cleaning head. This head is a soft roller style head that is the best solution for cleaning hardwood floors and for capturing large debris (on hard floors).

The fluffy cleaner head is not available on the Dyson V11 in most regions. But can be found with the Dyson V8 Absolute and Dyson V10 Absolute. The soft roller can be bought optionally tho.

Both the V8 and the V11 can operate as a stick vacuum or handheld vacuum. They use the quick release connection to attach and detach parts and accessories as needed.

The accessories included with the V8 and V11

Both models have several variations that are available with different accessories and attachments included.

The Dyson V8 is available in versions:

The Dyson V11 is available in versions:

*there is also the Dyson V11 Outsize available but the model is very different from the standard V11

The functionality of the different model variants is very similar with the biggest differences being accessories.

The Dyson V8 Animal comes with a direct drive cleaning head. And the V8 Absolute comes with the additional fluffy cleaning head.

Both the V11 Torque Drive and V11 Animal come with the torque drive cleaning head, which has more suction power than a direct drive. Both models come with a wall-mount charger, docking station, extension wand, and several other useful tools.

The Dyson V11 Animal has a display without a countdown timer.

The Dyson V11 Absolute which is not available in the US comes with an additional soft roller.


The new design & stronger suction

Model Dyson V8 Dyson V11
Max suction power, air Watt 115 185

The Dyson V8 has a maximum suction power of a 115 air Watts. While the Dyson V11 maxes out at 185 air Watts.

According to Dyson, the in-line design of V11 increases airflow and suction power.

Both models have great maneuverability and can easily fit under most furniture and swivel around obstacles to make tight turns.

The inline configuration does make the V11 feel slightly heavier when used as a handheld because the center of gravity is further from your wrists. This makes the handheld slightly longer than the V8 overall.

The Dyson V8 and V11 have a sealed HEPA filtration system


Battery life. For how long the Dyson V8 and V11 last?

Models Dyson V8 Dyson V11
Run time, min 40 60

The run time of the V11 battery is about 60 minutes while the V8 run time is about 40 minutes.

The V11 includes two features that help conserve battery run time:

  1. Intelligent suction control
  2. The remaining battery display on the digital screen

These both help regulate battery power more efficiently when using the V11.

The Dyson V8 is not suitable for big places while the Dyson V11 is good for big homes because of longer runtime and smarter battery life consumption.


Testing

For testing cleaning performance, the Dyson vacuums were used on 3 different floor types (hard floor, low and medium-pile carpets) and 4 types of debris.

Overall the V8 and V11 scored well with the V11 scoring higher.

On hardwood floors, the V11 definitely had an advantage scoring 99% against the Dyson V8 score of 89%. The V8 struggled with the largest debris types. But the V11 had no problem.

On low carpet the results between these two models were similar. Both scoring between 97% and 100% on all different types. Although the V8 and the V11 used different cleaning heads.

There was not a drastic difference in performance on the low carpet for high carpet the results were similar to the performance of cleaning up rice was lower on the V8. But it was still able to capture 93%. The V11 scored nearly perfectly on all debris types on high carpet. Overall both the V8 and V11 gave impressive cleaning results.

How easy it to use the Dyson V8 and V11

Both the V8 and V11 use the trigger control to turn the vacuum on and off. This helps to prevent unnecessary battery usage when you're not cleaning.

The V8 has a small light that shows you the remaining battery life. On the other hand, the V11 has a large digital screen on the back of the motor that provides a number of different details. You can see the remaining battery life and you can also select a cleaning mode. The stronger the cleaning mode the stronger the suction and the faster your battery will drain.

Emptying the dustbin is another area where these two models differ.

On the Dyson V8, there is a pull lever behind the Cyclones that allows the Cyclones and filter to rise up and the debris to fall out into the trashcan below.

On the V11 it's more of a point in shoot technique. Instead of a pull lever on the top of the vacuum, there is instead a lever down the side of the dustbin that you slide.

As far as maneuverability the V8 and V11 are quite similar.

Keep in mind, the Dyson V11 main machine is heavier and might be tiring on the arm.

Vacuum service

Both the V8 and V11 come with lifetime washable HEPA filters. The only maintenance required is to wash the filter once per month with cold water and allowed to air dry for 24 hours.


The Dyson V8 or Dyson V11 a better vacuum for you

Main reasons to buy the Dyson V8:

  • Lower price
  • Fluffy cleaning head
  • Great cleaning for the price

The Dyson V8 is a lower price which could conceivably make it a better value for many users.

It has great cleaning performance a 40 minutes runtime and includes a Direct Drive and Fluffy cleaning head with the Absolute model.

The Dyson V8 Absolute is a great option if you have a big area of hard floors.

Another reason for getting the Dyson V8 is its great cleaning performance. Even though it does not do the best job on high-pile carpets, it still considerably cheaper than the Dyson V11. Besides, on hard floors and low-pile carpet, they do about the same job.

Keep in mind, the Dyson V8 is not suitable for big homes.

Main reasons to buy the Dyson V11:

  • Floor identification
  • Better cleaning performance on high-pile carpet
  • Digital display screen
  • Longer battery life

You should by the Dyson V11 if you are looking for advanced technology. 

If you want to know the remaining battery life and have a mixed surface where the cleaner would adapt suction on carpet, then the V11 is for you.

Aside from the smart features, the V11 has more suction and is better on carpet.

By comparison, the Dyson V11 is more expensive.

The Dyson V11 is a great option if you have lots of carpets to deal with.

Conclusion

Additionally, need to recommend both the V8 and V11 for anyone looking for a versatile two-in-one vacuum with great suction and efficiency. 

You can't go wrong with either of these vacuums.

Specs/Models Dyson V8 Dyson V11
Bin capacity, ml 540 740
Run time, min 40 60
Charge time, min 300 270
Battery capacity, mAh 2800 3600
Suction power, AW 115 185
Filter HEPA HEPA
Display no yes
Noise level, dB 72 78
In the box
  • mini soft dusting brush
  • soft roller cleaning head
  • crevice tool
  • mini motorized brushroll
  • combination tool
  • full sized motorized brushroll
  • docking station
  • extension wand
  • nickel Torque Drive cleaning head
  • mini motorized tool
  • combination tool
  • crevice tool
  • mini soft dusting brush
  • stubborn dirt brush
  • docking station
  • charger
Weight, lbs/kg 5.75/2.6 6.68/3.05
Price $449.0 $550.84

 


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