Dyson, renowned for its innovative range from hair dryers to bladeless fans, brings that same cutting-edge technology to its line of high-end vacuums. These vacuums, brimming with features, have collected immense popularity, albeit at a higher price point. If you don’t want to just jump into everything straight away then just read through this list and hopefully you’ll get a better idea of what you need. Whether you seek a premium Dyson vacuum or a more lightweight and compact option, our guide will assist in finding the ideal fit for your needs.

Dyson boasts an extensive and intricate range of vacuum cleaners, each version offering numerous options. The products in this list have gone through a selection process that considers both features and price points, ensuring that this article’s recommendations for specific categories deliver optimal value. 

The Best Overall Dyson Vacuum

Dyson V15 Detect

Pros

  • Very flexible & manoeuvrable
  • Powerful suction

Cons

  • Expensive
  • The cleaning head is small
Specs
Weight6.8 lbs
RuntimeUp to 60 min
Dimensions10.4” x 9.84” x 49.6”

The Dyson V15 Detect represents a vacuum cleaner that operates on an entirely different level, boasting intriguing features that may surprise you. Take, for instance, its Fluffy Optic Cleaner, a standard cleaning head with a distinct green light projecting forward, significantly enhancing visibility of dirt. While headlight-equipped vacuums aren’t uncommon, these stand out due to their proximity to the ground, effectively illuminating debris. Additionally, an LCD panel atop the machine displays the amount of vacuumed debris, providing supplementary information that, while not directly aiding in cleaning, adds a nice touch.

This panel also indicates the remaining vacuuming time and the current mode selected. Despite the V15’s potential 60-minute runtime in Eco mode, other modes, notably Boost, operate for shorter durations. However, the V15 boasts automatic adjustment of vacuum power, adapting based on detected dirt levels, likely extending its lifespan.

Equally impressive is its performance across various surfaces, excelling on hardwood and carpets alike, showcasing its versatility for most homes. Admittedly, its premium status comes with a high price tag, and the dirt bin occasionally presents some challenges, a minor drawback for a high-end vacuum. Nevertheless, the V15’s suite of features far outweighs these minor inconveniences, making it a worthy investment for those seeking the pinnacle of Dyson’s offerings.

The Best Dyson Upright Vacuum

Dyson Ball Animal 3

Pros

  • Bin capacity is large
  • Is great for pet hair and includes a pet grooming tool

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Manual winding is required for the power cord
Specs
Weight17.33 lbs
RuntimeEndless
Dimensions15.51” x 11.02” x 42.17”

The inclusion of a sizable ball on an upright vacuum might seem unusual, but it’s actually a clever addition, enhancing manoeuvrability and flexibility beyond that of a conventional upright design. This design advantage allows it to navigate around and beneath furniture, tackle corners, and reach various challenging spots with ease. However, this innovation does contribute to its weight, making it somewhat challenging to lift, particularly for multi-floor or stair cleaning.

Nevertheless, the added weight brings a host of benefits beyond just manoeuvrability, notably increased suction power and runtime compared to cordless vacuums. Consequently, it’s ideal for larger homes, especially given its lengthy 35-foot cord and just-over-half-gallon bin capacity, reducing the frequency of emptying. Notably, the standout upgrade is the hair detangling feature, particularly effective for managing long pet hair.

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 excels across various surfaces and offers customizable settings, allowing adjustment of the motorbar for larger debris handling. Additionally, with three vacuum modes available, users can tailor the vacuum’s strength to suit specific cleaning needs.

The Best Dyson Vacuum For Pet Hair

Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal

Pros

  • Good battery life
  • Easy to care for and dirt bin is easy to clean

Cons

  • Build quality isn’t top tier
Specs
Weight5.9 lbs
RuntimeUp to 60 min
Dimensions9.84” x 10.08” x 49.17”

Pet hair can present a challenging task for most vacuums, but the Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal, a reasonably priced cordless model, excels in managing pet hair, largely thanks to its hair screw tool. While it’s not entirely immune to blockages, it handles pet hair without any problem and any blockages caused won’t be because of pet hair. 

The vacuum’s suction power is robust, though not as potent as some later Dyson models like the V11. However, its cost-effectiveness compensates for the slight power compromise, especially for pet-specific cleaning needs. Even if you have a more heavy-duty vacuum for tougher debris, investing in the V10 Animal for its pet hair prowess is worthwhile. Its three vacuum levels offer ample power, making cleaning easy and efficient.

Additionally, its lightweight design enables effortless ceiling cleaning and stair manoeuvrability. The whole-machine filtration system is another plus, capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns, ideal for allergy sufferers. With an impressive 60-minute runtime (primarily on eco mode), it caters well to various cleaning needs, even though other modes run for shorter durations. 

Best Lightweight Dyson Vacuum

Dyson V12 Detect Slim

Pros

  • A lot of the same features as the V15
  • Light and easy to manoeuvre

Cons

  • Vacuum is less powerful
  • The dirt bin is small
Specs
Weight5.2 lbs 
RuntimeUp to 60 min
Dimensions10.5” x 9.8” x 49.6”

The Dyson V12 Detect Slim shares many features with higher-end models like the V15 but offers a lighter, more compact alternative suitable for small spaces and easy storage. Similarly equipped with a green light to enhance debris visibility and an LCD panel displaying key information like battery status, remaining runtime, and collected debris, the V12 ensures comprehensive cleaning in a streamlined package.

Weighing just 5.2 pounds, it’s notably lighter than the V15 by 1.6 pounds, a seemingly small difference that significantly impacts manoeuvrability. Despite its lower weight, it maintains powerful suction across three vacuum modes, capable of running for up to 60 minutes, although actual runtime varies based on the mode and debris quantity.

However, compared to the V15, the V12 does come with some trade-offs. Its bin capacity is half that of the V15, and it’s not as powerful due to an older motor. While these differences aren’t deal-breakers, they’re essential considerations when comparing the two models. The V12 excels in size and weight, making it a preferable choice for users prioritising compactness and agility.

The Best Dyson Vacuum For Hardwood Floors

Dyson Omni-Glide

Pros

  • Very lightweight
  • Can be converted into a handheld vacuum

Cons

  • Can’t be used on carpets
  • Runtime is quite short
Specs
Weight4.2 lbs 
RuntimeUp to 20 min
Dimensions13.39” x 15.35” x 42.13”

Most vacuums listed here are versatile on various floor types, but the Dyson Omni-glide stands out as solely designed for hardwood floors and unsuitable for carpets. It’s notably smaller in size with two small rollers on the cleaning head, differing from larger rollers seen in other Dyson models. Despite its size, it performs admirably on hardwood without scratching and remains powerful in picking up dirt and debris.

However, its performance on carpets is not so impressive at all due to the smaller rollers, resulting in minimal functionality. Moreover, its reduced size means less cleaning capacity, and the smaller dust bin requires more frequent emptying. Nonetheless, these aspects contribute to its advantage: easy storage due to its compact size and lighter weight, making it efficient and quick to use. Thus, it boils down to the compromises one is willing to accept.

Consider the runtime, around 20 minutes, albeit with only two suction modes, which might deplete faster compared to other vacuums in Eco mode. On a positive note, it can transform into a handheld vacuum, halving its weight, making it suitable for hardwood floors and handheld usage. However, for larger homes or versatile carpet use, a second, heavier-duty vacuum may be necessary alongside the Dyson Omni-glide.

Best Budget Dyson Vacuum

Dyson V8

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Amazing vacuuming performance

Cons

  • Has an older bin style that’s more finicky
  • Pretty expensive for what you’ll be getting
Specs
Weight11 lbs 
RuntimeUp to 40 min
Dimensions9.84” x 8.7” 49.45”

Dyson is renowned for its high-priced products, finding a budget-friendly Dyson vacuum can pose quite a challenge. The Dyson V8 stands out as an older model that lacks the latest upgrades like laser headlights or an LCD panel, which might be missed in this version. However, this doesn’t make the V8 inferior—just different, with some compromises.

Its older bin design can be finicky, making cleaning a bit more cumbersome due to potential dirt and debris entanglements. But the V8 excels in handling pet hair, boasting a detangling motor and a removable brush head to tackle tangled hairs. Additionally, it includes a turbo brush attachment ideal for cleaning sofas and removing pet hair. Its performance on carpets is commendable, showcasing its versatility.

In terms of runtime, it delivers up to 40 minutes, not as much as newer models, yet still respectable. However, saving up for the Dyson V10 or potentially the V12 might be advisable, considering the extra features and advancements they offer over the V8.

Final Words

From cutting-edge innovations to practical solutions, Dyson’s range of vacuums caters to diverse needs. Whether it’s premium performance, pet hair management, manoeuvrability, or budget considerations, each Dyson model offers distinct advantages. Consider the features that matter most to find the perfect fit for your cleaning needs within Dyson’s versatile lineup.

Leo Beamers is an aspiring car collector born and raised just outside of the city in Cape Town and his interests include gaming, fast cars and enjoys cycling on the weekends.

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