If there is a vacuum cleaner brand with many different types of vacuum cleaners, it is Dyson. At the time of writing, there are 3 types of vacuum cleaners with 13 different models in no fewer than 36 versions. Chances are you're not seeing the wood for the trees in this Dyson jungle.
I've decided to list all the options, to answer the big question “Which Dyson should I buy?”. With this ultimate guide I try to help you with that!
Which Dyson vacuum cleaners are there?
Let me start with the different Dyson vacuum cleaners out there. At the moment Dyson offers three types of vacuum cleaners:
- Canister vacuum cleaners (Dyson Big Ball): bagless wheeled vacuum cleaners with a cord.
- Stick vacuum cleaners (Dyson V-series): cordless vacuum cleaners in a stick shape.
- Upright vacuum cleaners (Dyson Ball): upright vacuum cleaners with a cord.
When it comes to canister vacuums, you won't be stressed about choice: you can choose from the Dyson Big Ball Parquet for wooden floors or a Multi Floor for different floor types.
The choice is also fairly limited with upright vacuum cleaners: here you can also choose a Multi Floor for multiple floor types, an Animal for households with pets or a Total Clean with all available accessories.
The questions mainly arise with the Dyson stick vacuums. In fact, the vacuum cleaners are so similar that people who own a Dyson vacuum cleaner sometimes ask themselves ‘Which Dyson do I have?‘ So no: it's not crazy if you don't know which Dyson you can buy best.
All Dyson stick vacuums and models
Dyson offers its cordless stick vacuums in V-series. From the Dyson V7 to the latest Dyson V15 Detect. At the moment Dyson distinguishes between the following series:
- Dyson V8
- Dyson V10
- Dyson V11
- Dyson V12 Slim
- Dyson V15 Detect
Each Dyson V Series has its own unique characteristics. In the overview below you will discover the major differences.
| Specification | V8 | V10 | V11 | V12 | V15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Battery life | 25 min | 45 min | 60 min | 30 min | 60 min |
| Battery life (turbo) | 7 min | 7 min | 7 min | 5 min | 8 min |
| Capacity | 0.54 l | 0.76 l | 0.76 l | 0.35 l | 0.77 l |
| Weight | 5.8 lbs | 5.5 lbs | 6.8 lbs | 5.3 lbs | 6.6 lbs |
| Noise level | 82 dB | 87 dB | 82 dB | 73 dB | 73 dB |
| Filter | ULPA 15 | HEPA 13 | HEPA 13 | ULPA 15 | ULPA 15 |
| LCD display | x | x | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Laser detection | x | x | x | x | ✓ |
| Piezo sensor | x | x | x | x | ✓ |
| Price indication | $ 326 | $ 489 | $ 710 | $ 710 | $ 816 |
| Check | Check | Check | Check | Check |
Different Dyson versions per series
Within such a V-series you can choose from different versions: with each version you get different Dyson parts. In the list below you will discover the versions per Dyson series and what you get with it.
Dyson V8 Series
The Dyson V8 is the cheapest choice. This vacuum cleaner has a lower battery life and a relatively smaller dust container compared to other models. With this model you can choose from the Dyson V8 Absolute, Absolute+, Animal+, TotalClean, and the Motorhead.
| Dyson V8 | Absolute | Absolute+ | Animal+ | TotalClean | Motorhead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floor brush with soft roller | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Direct Drive Cleaner head | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Motorized Mini Brush | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Combination accessory | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Soft Dusting brush | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Uptop Reducer | ✓ | ||||
| Crevice tool | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Combi crevice tool | ✓ | ||||
| Light Pipe crevice tool | ✓ | ||||
| Price indication | $ 380 | $ 435 | $ 380 | $ 435 | $ 380 |
Dyson V10 Series
The Dyson V10 has a longer battery life than the V8 and has a somewhat larger dust container. There are currently four different versions: the Dyson V10 Motorhead, Animal, Absolute and Allergy.
| Dyson V10 | Motorhead | Animal | Absolute | Allergy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floor brush with soft roller | ✓ | |||
| Direct Drive Cleaner head | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Motorized Mini Brush | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Combination accessory | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Soft Dusting brush | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Crevice tool | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mattress tool | ✓ | |||
| Price indication | $ 489 | $ 489 | $ 545 | $ 545 |
Dyson V10 Series
Dyson V11 Series
The Dyson V11 is equipped with an LCD screen and can vacuum for up to 60 minutes. There are four different choices: the Dyson V11 Absolute Extra, Absolute Pro, Animal+ and the Torque Drive Extra.
| Dyson V11 | Absolute Extra | Absolute Extra Pro | Animal+ | Torque Drive Extra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floor brush with soft roller | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Direct Drive Cleaner head | ✓ | |||
| High Torque Cleaner Head | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Motorized Mini Brush | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Combination accessory | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Soft Dusting brush | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stubborn dirt brush | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Crevice tool | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Extra battery | ✓ | |||
| Freestanding Dock | ✓ | |||
| Price indication | $ 765 | $ 925 | $ 765 | $ 710 |
Dyson V11 Series
Dyson V12 Slim Series
The Dyson V12 is also called the V12 Slim, because it is so light and compact. On the other hand, you do have a small dust container and a shorter battery life than other Dyson's. Here you can choose from three different options: the Dyson V12 Slim Motorhead, Absolute or Complete.
| Dyson V12 Slim | Motorhead | Absolute | Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Drive Cleaner head | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| High Torque Cleaner Head | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Anti-tangle conical brush | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Combination accessory | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Soft Dusting brush | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Stubborn dirt brush | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Uptop Reducer | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 90 degree extension | ✓ | ||
| Crevice tool | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extension hose | ✓ | ||
| Price indication | $ 489 | $ 710 | $ 740 |
Dyson V12 Series
Dyson V15 Detect Series
The Dyson V15 is Dyson's newest vacuum cleaner. This model is equipped with laser technology and a Piezo sensor, with which it is possible to measure exactly what is being sucked up. This information is shared on the LCD screen.
| Dyson V15 Detect | Absolute | Absolute Extra |
|---|---|---|
| High Torque Cleaner Head | ✓ | ✓ |
| Laser Slim Fluffy Cleaner Head | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-tangle conical brush | ✓ | ✓ |
| Combination accessory | ✓ | ✓ |
| Soft Dusting brush | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stubborn dirt brush | ✓ | ✓ |
| 90 degree extension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Crevice tool | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extra battery | ✓ | |
| Freestanding Dock | ✓ | |
| Price indication | $ 699 | $ 899 |
Dyson V15 Series
Exceptions: unique Dyson vacuum cleaners
In addition to the V8, V10, V11, V12 Slim and the V15 Detect series, Dyson also has a number of unique vacuum cleaners. I have decided not to include these in the overview, because they are so unique that you cannot really compare them with the rest.
- Dyson Omni Glide: this is a stick vacuum that is equipped with a 360-degree rotating suction brush. It is only suitable for hard floors. Check out my Dyson Omni Glide review for more information.
- Dyson Micro 1.5kg: a lightweight and compact Dyson vacuum cleaner of only 1.5 kilograms. In the Dyson Micro 1.5kg review I came to the conclusion that this is the best lightweight vacuum cleaner at the moment.
- Dyson Outsize: a stick vacuum with an extra large dust capacity, a longer battery life and a wide suction brush. Previously there was also a Dyson V11 Outsize, but Dyson has stopped production.
Golden Dyson vacuum cleaners
In addition to the exceptional models, Dyson also has a variant in gold for various models. The vacuum cleaner rod, the dust container and even the suction brush can be ordered in gold. A must-have for real Dyson fans. 🙂
Conclusion: Which Dyson Should I Buy?
Now that we have discussed all Dyson vacuum cleaner types, models and versions, it is hopefully a lot clearer which Dyson you can buy best. I would like to give the following additional buying tips:
- Always check whether enough suitable suction brushes are included for your floor types, so that the vacuum cleaner is suitable for your home.
- Check with yourself whether you really need certain functionalities. An LCD screen with information about what you vacuum is interesting, but is it really valuable to you?
- Always compare the different versions carefully on accessories; the difference is often minimal, but the prices are not. It's a shame if you don't need an accessory.
- Also take good care of your Dyson vacuum cleaner after purchase. Regularly cleaning a Dyson vacuum or filter replacement is necessary.
If you have additional questions or are in doubt between different Dyson vacuum cleaners, please send me a message! I would like to help you.
Robbert Tigchelaar
Robbert Tigchelaar is the founder of Vacuumtester.com and is a true vacuum cleaner guru. With more than 10 years of experience in the world of electronic devices, he knows better than anyone what is important in a vacuum cleaner. When a new vacuum cleaner appears, he is eager to test it extensively.
Hi there, I have been racking my brain over the different V15 variants as there seems to be an Absolute, and an Absolute plus, as well as others (Complete, Absolute Extra, Total Clean), but I’m trying to u der stand the main difference between them, and are they distinguished by colour? From what I understand the Absolute is gunmetal grey & purple, while the Absolute plus is gold and teal? But more importantly do they differ, and if so, how? Is their filtration HEPA V’s the alternative?
Thank you in advance
Hi Giselle,
Thanks for your comment. It is exactly your question that prompted me to publish this article. To be short in my answer: the difference is in the included accessories. A Dyson V15 is a Dyson V15. The word Absolute or Absolute Plus only indicates which accessories you get.
I hope it’s a bit clearer now!
Thank you so much for this article. It has answered all of my questions. You rock!
Great to hear Ann, thanks for your feedback!