What is the best Dyson vacuum cleaner 2020?

Dyson is known for producing high-quality, innovative vacuum cleaners with plenty of power. There are many models to choose from, and deciding which one to go for can be tough. If you are attracted by the idea of owning a Dyson but you don’t which one is the right model for you, here are our top picks for best Dyson vacuum cleaner on the market to help you make up your mind.

Best Dyson vacuum cleaner video review

What is the best Dyson vacuum cleaner?

1. Best Cordless – Dyson V10 Absolute
2. Best Handheld – Dyson V7 Trigger
3. Best Overall – Dyson V11 Torque Drive
4. Best for Pets – Dyson Ball Animal 2 upright
5. Best Upright – Dyson Ball Multi-Floor 2 upright
6. Best for Big Homes – Dyson V11 Outsize
7. Best Value – Dyson V8 Animal
8. Best Budget – Dyson V7 Motorhead
9. Best Canister – Dyson Big Ball Multi-Floor canister

Best Dyson vacuum cleaner features comparison

1. Best Cordless Vacuum – Dyson V10 Absolute

The Dyson V10 launched in 2018( Another best Dyson vacuum cleaner in 2020.), but still remains one of the best vacuums Dyson has ever designed. It is part of their V-series line, which includes the legendary Dyson V8, as well as the new Dyson V11, V7 and V6.

Pros

• Raw cleaning performance. The Dyson V10 performed effectively flawlessly on all our cleaning tests, removing 99-100% of debris across 3 different floor types.
• It’s highly versatile. It can be configured as a stick vacuum or a handheld vacuum. Additionally, it comes with a slew of different accessories to handle different cleaning scenarios (high up, under furniture, mattresses, upholstery, etc.)
• The ultimate convenience. It’s cordless and is powered by a sizable lithium ion battery capable of running for up to 60 minutes (on low power). It’s the perfect vacuum whether you need a quick or ultra-deep clean.
• Includes 3 variable suction levels (adjustment button on a handle). Great to have the extra suction power when you need it, but also nice being able to use less power and extend the battery life when you don’t need all the extra power.

Cons

• Certainly, the price has to be the biggest con for the V10. It is one of the most expensive in Dyson’s lineup. It’s an amazing vacuum, no doubt, but it’s still a lot of money. That said, it’s still cheaper than the V11 and arguably the best value of any Dyson vacuum.

2. Best Handheld Vacuum – Dyson V7 Trigger

The Dyson V7 Trigger is standalone handheld vacuum. If you already have an upright or canister and are looking for something super portable and convenient for handheld use a V7 Trigger is a good vacuum.

Pros

• It’s cordless, has a sizable battery, and a ton of power (especially for a handheld form factor). The battery can run for around 30 minutes.
• Includes lots of accessories, tools, and attachments.
• 2-year warranty. Not as long as the upright and canister Dyson vacuums, but 2 years is still pretty solid for a battery powered handheld.

Cons

• Definitely on the more expensive side. If you’re on the fence, you may want to go with one of Dyson’s V-series cordless vacuums. They use the same body, battery, and motor as the V7 Trigger. With the Dyson V7 stick vacuum, you basically get the handheld + a stick vacuum 2-in-1.

Other Great Dyson Handheld Vacuums

Dyson doesn’t offer many handheld vacuums, but there are a few other worthy options you should consider.

Dyson V6 TriggerThis V6 Trigger is a bit older than the V7 Trigger, however, it still offers a similar level of performance. During our cleaning tests, it scored a 92%, dominating most debris and floor types. The only struggle it had was on cereal. However, we would expect the V7 to experience similar struggles.

Dyson V-Series – While Dyson doesn’t offer any other handheld vacuums, all of their V-series vacuums can be configured as a regular stick vacuum or configured as a portable handheld vacuum. As a result, they are highly versatile and can allow you to upgrade both your regular vacuum and your handheld at the same time.

3. Best Dyson Overall – Dyson V11 Torque Drive

The Dyson V11 Torque Drive joined Dyson’s V-series family March, 2019. It’s the second most advanced vacuum Dyson has ever built (second only to the V11 Outsize; see below), generating up to 185 AW of suction power and running for an hour. It is one of the best Dyson vacuum cleaner in 2020.

Pros

• Run Time. It’s able to run for up to 60 minutes, which is more than sufficient for most homes.
• Smart Features. On the back of the vacuum is an LCD screen that indicates remaining cleaning time, cleaning mode, and provides short maintience videos.
• Intelligent Suction. The V11 automatically adjusts suction depending on the the floor and debris type. With this feature you’ll always have the right amount of suction.
• Raw Power. The Dyson V11 is able to generate up to 185 AW of suction power on Boost mode. This is the 2nd most suction in any cordless stick vacuum on the market (to the best of our knowledge).

Cons

• Expensive. The V11 is one of the most expensive vacuums on the market. It’s pricey, so you really have to want / need the intelligent features or raw suction power to make it worth it.

4. Best Dyson for Pets – Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright

The Dyson Ball lineup is one of the most well-known and popular vacuum cleaner series ever created. Dyson and “ball” are almost synonymous with each other for many consumers. The Dyson Ball Animal 2 upright is a well-rounded vacuum that is exactly what you’d want in an upright. It is another best Dyson vacuum cleaner in 2020.

Pros

• Raw suction power. The Dyson Ball Animal 2 has the “strongest suction of any vacuum.” according to Dyson.com. They make this claim based on the ASTM F558 test, an industry standard test for measuring air performance in vacuums.
• As with any high-end upright vacuum, versatility, and adaptability are strong features. The Dyson Ball Animal 2 upright includes a variety of attachments and tools to help make cleaning easier.
• A 5-year warranty is nothing to scoff at. In a world where many vacuums only include a 1-year warranty, having something as long as 5 years is a nice change of pace.
• Dominates pet hair. Suction power, instant-release wand, self-adjusting cleaning head, and powered mini brushroll all combine give the Dyson Ball Animal 2 everything you need to deal with pet hair (and basically every else) in your home.
• Washable filters will last the life of the vacuum and help to reduce maintenance costs.

Cons

• The Dyson Ball Animal 2 has so much suction that it isn’t always great for super thick carpets. It will suck so hard into the carpet that it can be difficult to move and / or put extra strain on the motor.

Other Dyson Vacuums for Pet Hair

While the Dyson Ball Animal 2 upright crushes it for pets, it’s not the only Dyson that’s a strong contender for the best Dyson for pet hair. Below are a couple of other choices worth considering if you have a home with pets.

Dyson V10 AnimalAs we discussed above, there is a litany of reasons to like the V10. Lengthy 60 minute run time, variable suction, cordless convenience, and the ability to adapt to a variety of cleaning situations due to a ton of tools, attachments, and accessories. Having variable suction on the V10 is a huge pro, especially if you’re concerned about having too much suction on the Dyson Ball Animal 2.

Dyson V11 AnimalThe V11 Animal offers the convenience of a cordless 2-in-1 vacuum, while still maintaining impressive suction at 185 AW. If you have thicker carpets, but still need a deep clean, the V11 Animal is a good compromise between power and usability compared to the Animal 2.

5. Best Upright Vacuum – Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2

The Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 is a great multi-use vacuum, making it a solid choice as the best upright Dyson. It offers an incredible 250 AW (air watts) of suction, a length 31′ cord, and self-adjusting height, making it ideal for a variety of floor types. It is the best Dyson vacuum cleaner in 2020.

Pros

• 250 AW of suction power. There’s not much the Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 isn’t able to suck up. It doesn’t have quite the insane 306 AW that the Animal 2 has, however, it’s still more than enough.
• The vacuum is on the moderately heavy side at 15.6 pounds. However, the Ball design allows for easier mobility around your home.
• This is one of the more affordable Dyson upright vacuums. It’s not cheap, but it still packs quite a lot into the vacuum at this price.
• Washable filters will last the life of the vacuum and help to reduce maintenance costs.

Cons

• Much like the Dyson Animal 2, the Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 has so much suction it’s almost too much. If you have thick carpets the Dyson can suck so hard into the carpet that it can be hard to push around and also put more strain on the motor.

Other Great Upright Dyson Vacuums

The following vacuums didn’t quite make the #1 pick as the best Dyson vacuum for the upright category. However, they are still worthy of an honorable mention.

Dyson Ball Animal 2If this vacuum wasn’t already so great for pets, it would have been a close call for best upright. That said, I do like that the Multi-Floor 2 has a little less suction compared to the Animal 2, as most cases you don’t need it (and you can avoid potential issues on high carpets). However, if you 1) want a great upright and 2) also have pets, you may want to go with the Dyson Ball Animal 2.

Dyson Ball Multi FloorThe original Ball Multi Floor (1st generation) is still a solid option, only made more so that it’s usually notably less expensive than the Ball Multi Floor 2. It has many of the same features as the Ball Multi Floor 2, including self-adjusting head, extendable wand, ball turning, and HEPA filtration.

6. Best Dyson for Big Homes – Dyson V11 Outsize

The Dyson V11 Outsize is largest and most powerful cordless vacuum cleaner Dyson has ever built. It generates an incredible 220 AW of suction power, which is the most of any cordless vacuum on the market. It’s also equipped with 2 batteries, giving it a combined run time of 120 minutes. It is another the best Dyson vacuum cleaner in 2020.

Pros

• Long Run Time. The V11 Outsize has a new clickable battery system. When one battery runs out, just click in a new one and keep cleaning. Each battery runs for up to 60 minutes, giving it a combined 2 hour run time.
• Tons of Suction Power. The Outsize creates 220 air watts of suction power on boost mode. This is the most of any cordless vacuum and it’s on par with many high end upright vacuums.
• Large Dust Bin. The re-designed dustbin is bigger than ever at 1.9 L. The bigger size allows you to clean longer before needing to empty.
• Wide Cleaning Head. The head is 25% larger than previous V-series vacuums at 12.5″. The larger head allows you to clean big areas fast.
• Great for Big Homes. With a 2 hour run time, the suction power of an upright, bigger dust bin, and bigger cleaner head the V11 Outsize is well equipped to handle big messes and big homes.

Cons

• Super Pricey. It’s the most expensive vacuum cleaner Dyson makes and it’s also the most expensive vacuum cleaner we’ve ever seen (excluding a few high-end robots). With such a high price point you really need to need the more expensive features to make it worth it.

7. Best Value – Dyson V8 Animal

The Dyson V8 Animal hits the sweet spot of price point, features, and performance, earning its spot as the best value Dyson. The V8 has almost the same type of legendary status as the Dyson ball line-up. It has been a popular choice for many years for its balance of power vs. price. It is another the best Dyson vacuum cleaner in 2020.

Pros

• As with just about every vacuum on this list, cleaning performance is quite impressive. The V8 cleaning scores were similar to what we saw on the V10.
• The Dyson V8 has two power modes, regular and MAX mode. It’s a great option when you need more power, or less and want to conserve battery life.
• Like other stick vacuums, it’s incredibly easy to use and convenient. The battery run time isn’t quite as long as the V10 and V11, but it’s still long enough for most jobs at 40 minutes.

Cons

• At 115 AW the V8 doesn’t have the same level of raw suction power that newer Dyson vacuums have. Ex. Dyson V10 (140 AW), Dyson V11 (185 AW), and Dyson Animal 2 (306 AW).

Other Great Dyson Value Vacuums

When it comes to the excellent cordless vacuums, Dyson continues to up their game every year. The Dyson V-series, which includes the V6, V7, V8, V10, and V11 are all worthy contenders for the best cordless Dyson vacuum.

Below we’ve listed 3 other Dyson vacuums that we think strike a nice balance of price and performance.

Dyson V11 AnimalIn terms of sheer power, cleaning, suction, and features, the V11 is the best cordless vacuum that Dyson makes. However, it’s also the most expensive. That said, if you opt for the V11 Animal you can get many of the features and save a few bucks, making it a good value choice.

Miele is another popular vacuum manufacturer (especially in Europe) known for their canister vacuums. For more information, see our Miele vs. Dyson comparison and see how the two vacuum cleaners stack up against each other in a head-to-head comparison review.

Dyson V10 Motorhead Launched in 2018, the V10 is the major upgrade to the design of the V8. It’s more expensive, but also has more suction (140 vs. 115 AW) and a longer run time (60 vs. 40 minutes). If you’ve got the budget, it’s just a better cordless vacuum.

Dyson V7 MotorheadThe V7 Motorhead has many of the same features as the V8 Animal, except no HEPA filter, 30 minute run time (instead of 40), and only 100 AW of suction power (instead of 115). But it’s also less expensive. So if those features aren’t important you can save some money with the V7.

8. Best Budget Vacuum – Dyson V7 Motorhead

The Dyson V7 is a few year old, but remains a popular choice, especially for budget shoppers. It doesn’t have all of the features and power of the newer Dyson V10 and V11. Nevertheless, it has 100 AW of suction power and a solid 30 minute run time. It is another the best Dyson vacuum cleaner in 2020.

Pros

• The best thing to like is the price. The V7 Motorhead is priced well for the features and performance offered.
• Solid cleaning performance. It scored a 96% overall in our cleaning tests. The only areas it struggled with was cereal and rice on hardwood floors. If you don’t have hard surface flooring to clean these issues probably aren’t a deal breaker.
• It’s convenient. Like all Dyson V-series vacuums it’s cordless, has tons of accessories, and can convert to a handheld. It’s got a lot of versatility and convenience for the price point.

Cons

• No HEPA filter. The biggest con is simply the lack of a HEPA filter. More expensive versions of the V7, as well as the V8, V10, and V11 all include the HEPA filter. If you don’t struggle with allergies this might not be as big of an issue to you.
• Relatively short run time. When comparing the Dyson V7’s 30 minute run time to the 60 minute run time of the V10 and V11 it can look a little lacking. If you have a large home you may find that 30 minutes just isn’t enough.

Other Budget Vacuums from Dyson

When it comes Dyson most people (myself included) really don’t think of them as a “budget” brand. This is true to a large degree, however, there are definitely a few good options that can keep the budget in check.

Dyson V6 AbsoluteThis older Dyson vacuum has many of the same features as the V7 Motorhead. It has the same suction at 100 AW on max. In addition, it comes with a soft roller head, which is ideal for hardwood, tile, and other hard surface flooring. It also includes a HEPA filter.

Dyson V7 AnimalThe V7 Animal has basically all of the same features, accessories, and spec as the V7 Motorhead. The only major difference is the Animal version includes a HEPA filter. A good option if you struggle with allergies.

9. Best Canister Vacuum – Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor Canister

Dyson may not be as widely known for their canister vacuums, however, their Big Ball Multi Floor should definitely make them a contender vs. more traditional canister vacuum brands like Miele and others. It is another the best Dyson vacuum cleaner in 2020.

Pros

• Surprising maneuverable. The canister vacuum can self-right itself if it falls over. In addition, the Dyson Ball design allows it to make turns and easily follow you around your home.
• Super easy to maintain with no bags and a lifetime filter.
• Excellent suction performance at 250 AW. The same suction strength as the Dyson Multi Floor 2 upright vacuum.
• 5-year warranty. Like other Dyson uprights, the Big Ball Multi Floor includes a lengthy 5-year warranty on both parts and labor.

Cons

• Like other Dyson high-suction vacuums, the suction level can make it difficult to move on high pile carpets. If you do have high carpets you may want to go with the Dyson V11 or V10, which are still great at cleaning carpets but offer variable suction levels.

Other Great Dyson Canister Vacuums

As we said above, Dyson doesn’t offer many canister vacuum models. However, we do like the Cinetic Animal Canister as a solid runner up.

Dyson Cinetic Animal CanisterThis is Dyson’s top of the line canister vacuum. It does everything the Big Ball Multi Floor does, but goes a step beyond with an improved cyclonic design (so there is never a loss of suction). It comes with additional accessories, including a Tangle-free turbine tool and stubborn dirt brush, in addition to the basic accessories (stair tool, turbine head, and combination tool). Lastly, this vacuum doesn’t require any bags or filters (easy maintenance hurray!)

Buying guide – best Dyson vacuum cleaner

Dyson is known as one of the market leaders, Dyson vacuums are all high-quality and have many great features in common. However, there are also several aspects that distinguish different models from one another. Let’s have a look at these now to help you decide which is the right one for you.

Power

One of the things Dyson vacuums are known for is their suction, and no matter which model you pick, you can be assured that it will have plenty of power. However, even with Dysons, there are degrees, and if you think you need extremes of suction, some models deliver more than others.

At the same time, be aware that the most powerful models may even be too powerful, so don’t just be tempted to go for the strongest one available. For example, if you are looking for a vacuum that will be used on thick carpet, some of the most powerful Dysons might not be suitable since the suction power they produce could turn vacuuming your carpet into very hard work.

Style

One of the big decisions you will need to make concerns the style of vacuum you want – and whichever type you prefer, there’s probably one available in the Dyson range.

For example, there are traditional upright vacuums that are suitable for general household cleaning, cordless stick vacuums that are more suitable for smaller apartments or as a backup to a larger vacuum and handheld ones that are best for cleaning up the occasional mess.

We have included just about all the different styles of vacuum that Dyson produces in our reviews to help you choose the best one for you.

Corded Or Cordless?

Another important choice is between corded and cordless vacuums, and both types have their advantages and disadvantages.

Corded vacuums are generally the most powerful and allow you to work for an unlimited time since you don’t have to worry about the battery running out. However, with a corded model, you are limited by the length of the cord since you always need to work near a power outlet.

Cordless vacuums, on the other hand, have no such restrictions. With a cordless vac, you can go wherever you want, including outside, in the garage or anywhere else since you don’t need to worry about access to a power outlet.

The disadvantage is that battery life is limited, and you can only work for a certain amount of time before you have to stop and recharge. If you prefer a corded model, make sure you check the length of the cord – it should be long enough to let you clean wherever you need to reach.

If you opt for battery power, you need to pay attention to how long you can work on one charge. If you want to be able to clean your whole house in one go, will it be enough?

Also, take note of how long it takes to recharge – shorter charging times mean you have less time to wait before you can start cleaning again.

Canister Size

The canister size could be important to you, especially if you live in a larger home or you have to clean often – for example if you have pets. Smaller dirt canisters need to be emptied more frequently, and if you have pets, this could mean just about every time you use it. Dyson vacuums are all quick and easy to empty, so it isn’t such a big deal – but you might prefer to choose a model that will allow you to vacuum for longer without the need to stop and empty it.

Pet Hair

Technically, all Dyson vacuums on the market are capable of picking up pet hair – but some of them do a better job than others. If you have animals in your home, make sure you choose one that is well adapted to the task – with plenty of power and a large canister, for example.

Also, some Dyson vacuums include special attachments that are particularly useful for picking up hair, and this might be useful in your daily battle against stubborn fur. If you want a vacuum that has all the qualities pet owners require, check out the Ball Animal 2 vacuum below.

All Surfaces

Choosing a vacuum for the surfaces in your home is an important consideration. Most Dyson vacuums can deal with multiple surface types. Look for vacs that can automatically detect and adapt to the surface you are cleaning without the need for you to make adjustments.

Filter

HEPA filters trap 99.97% of microparticles, dust, and allergens inside, improving the air quality and reducing the triggers for allergic reactions. If you have pets or are otherwise sensitive to dust, make sure you choose a model with these highly effective filters.

Weight And Maneuverability

Dyson vacuums tend to be light and built for maneuverability. Choose one that is light enough for you to use – and also choose one that is practical for cleaning the more difficult-to-reach spots you need to clean. If you want to be able to clean in inaccessible corners, above curtains or around light fittings, choose a Dyson with an extendable hose that will let you do this.

Handheld Mode

Some Dysons can be converted into a convenient handheld mode to give you even more flexibility over your vacuuming. If you think this would be useful for you, make sure the model you buy has this capability.

Many Great Options Available

Dyson is one of the leading brands when it comes to top-end vacuum cleaners on the market, and the company’s range of products is extensive.

If you have decided that you would like to invest in one of these high-performance machines but don’t know where to start looking, any of the vacuums in our review would be a great place to start your search.

How does a Dyson work?

Particles in the path of a Dyson are in for a wild ride. The centrifugal force created by air being drawn through mini cone-shaped air tubes causes a self-extraction effect. That forces even the tiniest particles around the cylindrical inner tubes and shoots them into the collection container.

It incorporates multiple filters into the process, capturing tiny particles and preventing them from being blown back into the room. Most of these filters are removable, washable, and reusable. Their ability to breathe will dramatically impact the vac’s performance.

Dyson’s Cinetic models don’t utilize a pre-filter, eliminating the need to wash or replace one. This design integrates tiny vibrating bases at the ends of each small cyclone of air, capturing tiny particles as effectively as a filter. There are still filters within the Cinetic vacs, but they have eliminated the primary one with this unique design.

What kind of maintenance is required for a bagless vacuum system?

While a bagless vacuum system allows users to say goodbye to replacement bags, there is still some maintenance you will need to do.

Collected dirt will need to be dumped, which can be a slightly messy task at times. Users with allergies or dust sensitivities may want to incorporate gloves and a large garbage bag into their process. Dust particles may accumulate within the container, and debris may occasionally become lodged in the upper portion of the bin (near the filter).

Most HEPA-style filtration systems use multiple filters that follow the vac’s airflow, from intake point to exhaust exit. It is important to rinse and air dry the pre-filter and the HEPA filter once per month to ensure that the vac is running at its optimal suction levels. If you don’t maintain these filters, loss of suction will begin to affect the allergy vacuum’s performance.

What are the benefits of HEPA filtration?

HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filtration can provide noticeable improvements to air quality while also capturing microscopic invaders from surfaces around the house.

The filter’s tightly woven mesh-like material uses a three-stage process to capture 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. This means it can trap smoke particles, certain bacteria, and fine allergens like dander, among other debris. Houses with pets are prime applications for this particle-locking system, as it captures particles and odors in one suck.

There isn’t a time when HEPA filtration isn’t beneficial, though replacement filters tend to cost more than the average paper options. Most HEPA filters are washable and reusable, though it wouldn’t hurt to have one or two extra filters on hand, so one can be in use while you are washing and air drying the other one.

What features might be worth considering?

When it comes to some of the features found within the Dyson lineup, there are a few worth considering. There are a variety of tools and attachments offered, most of which are interchangeable from vac to vac. An attachment adapter is available, allowing users to expand the options and delve into the array of tools.

Pet owners will appreciate the tangle-free upholstery brush, and there are other unique tools out there that can help users really dig in and decimate the dirt. Other notable options include dusting brushes of numerous shapes and sizes, including one called the stubborn dirt brush.

Stick vacuums may offer the most versatility within the product lineup, with portable hand vac functionality and long wands designed to reach ceilings, stair rails, and even ceiling fan blades.

The cord rewind feature is incorporated into some of Dyson’s vacs, primarily the canister style options. With the push of a pedal, the vacuum’s cord will be drawn into the body, with minimal interaction required by the user. This handy internal cord housing function also helps to save a bit of space when storing the vacuum.

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