Dyson Micro 1.5kg vs Dyson V11

Recently I tested the Dyson Micro 1.5kg. In my review it immediately became clear that it is a lot smaller and lighter than the average Dyson vacuum cleaner. However, its compactness results in more frequent emptying of the vacuum cleaner and a shorter battery life.

I decided to compare the Dyson Micro 1.5kg with the popular Dyson V11. This gives a good idea of the biggest differences and similarities.

Dyson Micro 1.5kg vs Dyson V11: the differences

Let's start with the differences, because they are definitely there! The name ‘Dyson Micro 1.5kg' actually says two things: it is very small and it weighs only 3.3 lbs. That is a lot lighter than the Dyson V11, which weighs 6.7 lbs.

Width of the suction brushes

To keep the Dyson Micro 1.5kg compact and light, there is a small suction brush. Much smaller than that of the Dyson V11. The Dyson Micro's suction brush is only 20.7 centimeters. That of the V11 is a lot wider at 25 centimeters, so that the suction surface is larger.

To stay with the suction brushes for a moment: the only floor brush that I discover with the Dyson Micro 1.5 kg is a Dyson Fluffy brush. For the Dyson V11 there are also floor brushes for soft floor types. This makes the Micro 1.5 kg less suitable for homes with a lot of carpet or rugs.

Dust capacity and battery life

Not only is the suction brush a lot smaller: the dust container is also a lot smaller. The Dyson V11 has a capacity of 0.76 liters, the Dyson micro 1.5 kg has a capacity of only 0.2 liters. From experience I can say that you have to empty the Dyson Micro 1.5 kg immediately after vacuuming once.

From experience I can say that you have to empty the Dyson Micro 1.5 kg immediately after vacuuming once.

Because we are dealing with a small vacuum cleaner, there is of course less space for a battery. A smaller battery naturally results in a shorter battery life and that becomes clear: with 20 minutes you can vacuum for much less time than with the V11 (60 minutes). In terms of the Dyson vacuum battery life, I can't make any statements yet; I will update the article when I have more experiences.

Noise level, suction power and AirFlow

There is also a noticeable (audible) difference in the sound level. In my noise measurement I measure 76 decibels with the Dyson Micro 1.5 kg. The Dyson V11 is a lot noisier at 80 decibels.

The suction power is slightly less with the Micro 1.5kg: with my vacuum tester I measure 7 kPa, while I measure 10 kPa with the Dyson V11. The airflow is also a bit lower: 10 vs 16.5 m/s.

Operation of the vacuum cleaner is different

What really struck me in my Dyson Micro 1.5kg vs V11 comparison is the handling. With the Dyson Micro 1.5kg you – unlike many other Dyson vacuum cleaners – do not have to keep the on/off button constantly pressed. On top of the vacuum cleaner you will discover two buttons: an on/off button and a button for the turbo mode.

With the Dyson Micro 1.5kg you – unlike many other Dyson vacuum cleaners – do not have to keep the on/off button constantly pressed.

The Dyson V11 is equipped with an LCD screen, which gives you more information about the battery life or possible vacuum cleaner problems.

Biggest differences at a glance:

• The suction brushes are 1.5 kg less wide with the Dyson Micro
• The Dyson V11 is also suitable for hard floor types
• Dust capacity is a lot smaller with the Dyson Micro 1.5 kg
• With the Dyson V11 you can vacuum for much longer
• The Dyson Micro 1.5kg makes less noise
• Both the suction power and the AirFlow are higher with the V11
• The V11 is equipped with an LCD screen

Dyson Micro 1.5kg vs V11: Similarities

It is clear that few similarities remain. However, there are some factors that I encounter with both vacuum cleaners. Of course they are both cordless stick vacuums, which you can also use as a handheld vacuum. But that's not just the same.

Easy to empty

Both Dyson vacuum cleaners are super easy to empty. You don't come into contact with the dirt thanks to the ‘No touch' ejector mechanism. This makes cleaning the Dyson vacuum cleaner almost the same process.

Same suction brushes, but smaller

Although I just mentioned the suction brush widths with the differences, the suction brushes themselves are the same. They are just a bit smaller. With the Dyson Micro 1.5kg you get the following suction brushes as standard:

• Floor nozzle with soft roller for hard floor types
• Crevice tool for hard-to-reach places*
• Motorized mini brush, a turbo brush for pet hair

* The crevice tool is a bit different: this is a combination with a soft dusting brush that you can slide out when you need it.

The similarities at a glance:

• Both vacuum cleaners are wireless
• Cleaning and emptying is exactly the same
• Many brushes are the same, but slightly smaller

Conclusion Dyson Micro 1.5kg vs Dyson V11 comparison

Now that we have discussed all the differences and similarities, it is interesting to list them clearly. View all specifications in the overview below.

	Dyson Micro 1.5kg	Dyson V11
Battery life	20 minutes	60 minutes
Turbo mode battery life	4 minutes	7 minutes
Suction power	7 kPa	10 kPa
AirFlow	10 m/s	16.5 m/s
Noise level	76 dB	80 dB
Filter	HEPA 14 (> 99,99%)	HEPA 13 (> 99,95%)
Suction brush width	20,7 cm	25 cm
Dust Capacity	0,2 liters	0,76 liters
LCD Display	X	✓

So it should be clear that there is a big difference between choosing the Dyson Micro 1.5kg or the Dyson V11. As with any other vacuum cleaner comparison, I can't answer which one is best. That depends on your needs.

To help you make a choice, I have listed various needs for each vacuum cleaner below.

Choose the Dyson Micro 1.5kg if:

• You have little storage space
• You can lift something badly
• You have a small apartment
• You only have hard floors

Choose the Dyson V11 if:

• You also have soft floors or carpets
• You want to be able to vacuum for a long time
• You don't want to constantly empty the dust container

If the Dyson V11 is an interesting choice for you, check out my Dyson V11 vs V15 comparison. Perhaps the upgrade with laser technology is also something for you!