How Dyson vacuum comparison chart, reviews and specs 2020 can influence your decision to choose the best vacuum cleaner to meet your demand? The Dyson lineup offers uprights, canisters, cordless sticks, and handhelds. Prices for a Dyson vacuum cleaner range from moderate to high depending on the model and type. There are currently 18 different models of Dyson vacuums, all of which use the same cyclonic technology and bagless design. What is the best Dyson vacuum cleaner? Find details in Dyson vacuum comparison chart, reviews and specs 2020.
The basic look of a Dyson is consistent. It’s almost a little futuristic, with its accented cones, and sleek gray body. Depending on the model of the vacuum, Dyson uses a different color to highlight the cones and other features.
The basic concept behind the Dyson cyclone suction comes from a centrifuge process that Dyson had used to separate paint particles in the air. These same cycles, when used in a vacuum, spin particulate and debris through the cyclones for a strong, fade-free suction.
Cordless or corded – Dyson vacuum comparison chart
Cordless vacuum cleaners
- Relentlessly engineered powerful Dyson motor
- Patented Dyson Cyclone technology
- Deep cleaning across all floor types. Removes fine dust from hard floors and drives deep into carpet to remove ground-in dirt
- Cordless and lightweight versatility, without the need to plug in. Clean up high and under furniture
- Transforms to a handheld for cleaning cars, stairs and upholstery
- Dyson batteries deliver up to 120 minutes of fade-free suction power*
- Recharging dock – always ready to grab and go
Corded vacuum cleaners
- Relentlessly engineered powerful Dyson motor
- Patented Dyson Cyclone technology
- Deep cleaning across all floor types. Removes fine dust from hard floors and drives deep into carpet to remove ground-in dirt
- Rides on a ball for maneuverability across all floor types
Difference between the Absolute vs the Motorhead models
The Motorhead is the entry level. You only get a crevice tool and another small crevice attachment with a brush. Also please note that even though the motor design is new, you also get a 40% smaller dust bin size on the Motor Head. The Absolute gives you everything. 40% bigger dust bin, crevice tool, another stubby crevice tool with a brush, a blind/curtain brush, the motorized small power head for cars/couches etc, a head “meant” for hard surfaces such as tile, wood, etc which is a soft fiber velvet-like brush and a head meant for carpet which is your traditional stiffer brush. My opinion is that the Animal is the best value as the only thing you miss is the brush head meant for hard surfaces which everyone has done fine with for all time beforehand and you then save $100 dollars versus the Absolute
How to choose the right one from Dyson vacuum comparison chart?
Whether you need a small portable vacuum to keep in the car, or a powerful upright for a whole home clean, Dyson likely has an option that would work well for you. Find below our Dyson vacuum comparison table with features.
That being said, there are a lot of choices, which is great for versatility. So the question really isn’t what Dyson vacuum cleaner is best overall? Best rather, which one is the best for you!
For budget concern – Dyson comparison
Dysons range from moderate to high, depending on what exactly you’re looking for.
- For a moderately priced cordless vacuum, you can get the Dyson V7 Motorhead.
- For a budget-friendly upright, check out the Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2.
- For the best of the best, you should choose from the Dyson V10 Absolute or Dyson V11 Torque Drive. Both of which are simply incredible. If you need the ultimate vacuum and have a big home go with the Dyson V11 Outsize, due to the increased run time and dust bin size.
For advance user
Whether you need corded or cordless, strongest suction, or a slew of add-ons and accessories, Dyson likely has an option for you.
For cordless stick vacuums, some of the top models include:
- Dyson V7 Motorhead | up to a 30-minute run time
- Dyson V8 Absolute | up to a 40-minute run time
- Dyson V8 Animal | up to a 40-minute run time
- Dyson V10 Absolute | up to a 60-minute run time
- Dyson V11 Outsize | up to a 120-minute run time
- Dyson V11 Torque Drive | up to a 60-minute run time
For corded uprights and canisters, you may like the following models:
- Dyson Ball Multi Floor canister
- Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean upright
- Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 upright
- Dyson Ball Animal 2 upright
For lightweight models, you can check out the V-series cordless stick vacuums listed above or one of Dyson’s compact uprights:
- Dyson DC50 Animal Compact upright vacuum
Dyson vacuum comparison chart – Upright Vacuum cleaners
Dyson vacuum comparison chart – Animal series
Dyson DC40 Origin | Dyson DC50 Animal Upright | Dyson DC65 Animal Upright | Dyson DC65 Animal Complete | Dyson DC65 Multi Floor | |
Product Weight | 14.6 Lbs | 11.6 Lbs | 17.35 Lbs | 17.35 Lbs | 17.36 Lbs |
Filtration | HEPA | HEPA | HEPA | HEPA | HEPA |
Suction Power | 200 Air Watts | 128 Air Watts | 245 Air Watts | 245 Air Watts | 245 Air Watts |
Dyson 2 Tier Radial Cyclones | Dyson Radial Root | ✔ | Dyson Radial Root | Dyson Radial Root | Dyson Radial Root |
Dyson Ball Technology | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Bagless | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Dust Capacity | 0.42 Gallons | .21 Gallons | 0.55 Gallons | 0.55 Gallons | 0.55 Gallons |
Easy Release Button | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Cleaning Path | 12.2 in | 11 in | 13.5 in | 13.4 ft | 13.4 in |
Self-Adjusting Cleaner Head | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Cord Length | 24.7 ft | 23.9 ft | 35 ft | 35 ft | 35 ft |
Safety Shut-Off | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Color | Iron/Yellow | Iron/Purple | Iron/Purple | Pink | Silver |
Dyson Tangle-Free Turbine Tool | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
Dyson Combination Tool | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
Dyson Stair Tool | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
Dyson Soft Dusting Brush | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
Dyson Multi-Angle Brush | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
Dyson Stiff Bristle Brush | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
Dyson Cordless Stick Reviews and comparison
The new technology and micro-engines that the engineers at Dyson have developed are so small and efficient, that in the eyes of Dyson, corded vacuums are on their way out the door.
1. DYSON V11 | The Dyson V11 Torque Drive offers up to a 1 hour run time and 185 AW of suction power. It comes with a ton of accessories and cleaning tools, giving it great versatility.
The V11 uses intelligent suction, so it can automatically detect floor / debris and adjust suction accordingly. Additionally, the rear LCD screen allows you to monitor run time and cleaning modes. The Dyson V11 Torque Drive is easily the most advanced and smart vacuum Dyson has ever built (Dyson vacuum comparison chart).
The Dyson V11 is also available in the Outsize variant. The Dyson V11 Outsize has all the same tools and features as the Torque Drive, but also includes:
- 2 hour run time (2 batteries)
- 150% larger dust bin at 1.9 L
- 25% larger clenaing head at 12.5″ wide
- 220 AW of suction power
2. DYSON V10 | The Dyson V10 cordless stick vacuum offers the longest run time of any V-series stick vacuums by Dyson (tied with the V11) — up to 60 minutes. The V10 also has the biggest change to the overall body style compared to previous generations.
With the V10 there is an in-line configuration between the cleaning head, wand, dust bin, and cyclone suction system. This redesigned body allows for stronger suction (up to 140AW, compared to the V8’s 115 AW) and makes it easier and more hygienic to empty the dust bin. As a potential downside, it does make it longer and a little awkward to use as a handheld (Dyson vacuum comparison chart 2020).
3. DYSON V8 | The Dyson V8 is one step below the Dyson V10 model. It has a 40 minute run time, wall mounted docking station, and includes the standard Direct-Drive cleaning head as well as the Fluffy head for hard floors or large debris.
The V8 uses the same large dust bin with advanced emptying design as what you’ll see with the V7. Aside from run time, perhaps the biggest difference that separates out the V8 from earlier models is suction power. The V6 and V7 models offer 100AW of suction power and the V8 offers 115AW.
4. Dyson V7 | The V7 2-in-1 is a nice middle-ground between the more affordable V6 and the powerful features of the V8. It comes with the same enhanced battery and quieter operation. The V7 can run up to 30 minutes versus the Dyson V6 which tops out at about 20 minutes. The V7 also includes an improved cleaning head (Direct-Drive) which allows for stronger cleaning power.
5. DYSON V6 | The Dyson V6 stick vacuum has the same power as the V6 handheld, but also includes the attachments necessary to run as a stick vacuum. The V6 has a run time of about 20 minutes.
Additional accessories include a wall mounted docking station for easy charging and a combination tool (which functions as a small dusting brush and crevice tool). Advanced sub-models, like the V6 Fluffy or V6 Absolute would have additional accessories. The Dyson V6 Cord Free is the most basic cordless stick vacuum that Dyson currently manufactures.
Emptying the Dust Bins – Dyson vacuum comparison
One important difference between all of the Dyson V-series cordless stick models is how the dust bins empty. This is something that has been developed and designed more and more, with each iterative model.
- With the Dyson V6, you release a latch by the trigger, a little awkward to get your hand in that tight space.
- On the Dyson V7 and V8, you pull a latch up by the cyclones, a little difficult to pull, in my opinion.
- With the Dyson V10 and V11, you slide a latch on the side of the dust bin, by far the most hygienic and easy to use. Still requires a decent amount of force.
Dyson Absolute vs. Animal vs. Motorhead vs. HEPA
Each of these models is available in a variety of sub-models. Not all of these sub-models are offered by each V-series model—you can see which sub-models are included under each larger model (V6, V7, V8, V10, or V11) in the table below.
The main difference between these sub-model distinctions is the included accessories.
So for example, if you like the V7 Animal, but want a longer run time, you could get the Dyson V10 Animal, which has the same accessories.
Or if you like the V11 Torque Drive, but have all hardwoods floors and would like to save some cash, you could get the Dyson V10 Absolute, which includes the hardwood floor cleaning head and is priced less than the V11.
Animal
Includes the Torque Drive cleaning head (with V10 & V11) or Direct Drive cleaning head (with any older models). Also includes charger and wall-mounted docking station. Accessories include a combination tool (crevice tool and dusting brush), a larger crevice tool, a mini-motorized tool, and a larger soft dusting brush.
Motorhead
Includes the Direct Drive cleaning head, charger, and wall-mounted docking station. Accessories include a combination tool (crevice tool and dusting brush) and a larger crevice tool.
HEPA
Includes the Direct Drive cleaning head, charger, and wall-mounted docking station. Accessories include a combination tool (crevice tool and dusting brush) and a larger crevice tool. Only available with the Dyson V7 (has been available on the V6 in the past).
Absolute
Includes the Torque Drive cleaning head (with V10) or Direct Drive cleaning head (with any older models), the soft roller “Fluffy” cleaning head, charger, and wall-mounted docking station. Accessories include a combination tool (crevice tool and dusting brush), a larger crevice tool, a mini-motorized tool, and a larger soft dusting brush.
Fluffy
Includes the soft roller “Fluffy” cleaning head, charger, and wall-mounted docking station. Accessories include a combination tool (crevice tool and dusting brush), a larger crevice tool, a mini-motorized tool, and a larger soft dusting brush.
Torque Drive
This is a top-end model equivalent to the Absolute. It is only available on the Dyson V11. It’s unclear why Dyson named it the Torque Drive instead of just as the Absolute. Notably it does not include the soft roller head included with previous versions of the Absolute variant.
Outsize
The Outsize is only available on the Dyson V11. It is a larger version of the V11 including a bigger dust bin, wider cleaning head, longer run time (due to 2 batteries), and more suction power. It’s unclear if the Outsize will be a new common variant or if it will exclusively be available for the V11. It includes a single multi-surface brusholl, the High Torque XL cleaner head.
Dyson vacuum comparison chart – various popular sub-types for each model
Animal | Motorhead | HEPA | Absolute | Fluffy | Torque Drive | Outsize | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dyson V6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Dyson V7 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Dyson V8 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Dyson V10 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Dyson V11 | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Dyson Handheld Reviews comparison
While Dyson pushed the development of their stick vacuum models, they were seemingly slowly phasing out exclusively handheld vacuums. The apparent reason that, their new stick models served the purpose of a stick vacuum and a handheld.
That being said, there are two lines of exclusive Dyson handhelds that are still sold today—the Dyson V6 and V7 handhelds.
V6 HANDHELD | The Dyson V6 handheld is a portable vacuum that has a 20-minute run time and a unique trigger design, in lieu of a traditional on / off switch. This ensures that every second of battery life goes toward cleaning time.
The V6 comes in five different styles, each one including a different selection of accessories to suite each model, as well as a different color palette.
- Dyson V6 Trigger – Most basic V6 model; only includes the crevice tool.
- Dyson V6 Top Dog – Includes a crevice tool, mini-motorized tool, and stiff bristle brush.
- Dyson V6 Baby+Child – Includes a crevice tool, a stiff bristle brush, and a wide nozzle upholstery brush.
- Dyson V6 Mattress – Includes a crevice tool, soft dusting brush, mini-motorized tool, wide nozzle upholstery brush, and HEPA filtration.
- Dyson V6 Car+Boat – Includes a crevice tool, soft dusting brush, mini-motorized tool, still bristle brush, and extension hose.
V7 HANDHELD | The Dyson V7 handheld is similar to the V6 models, but has a slightly longer run time—30 minutes on the V7 versus only 20 minutes with the V6. The V7 comes in two different styles, the Trigger or Car+Boat. The only difference between these two models is the color and included accessories.
- Dyson V7 Trigger – Includes the mini motorized tool, crevice tool, and combination tool
- Dyson V7 Car+Boat – Includes car charger, mini motorized tool, extension hose and the combination tool
Dyson V6 Trigger vs. V7 Trigger comparison
The Dyson handheld collection carries a lot of resemblance to the stick models. In fact almost all Dyson stick vacuums function as a 2-in-1 with a detachable handheld vacuum.
All of the Dyson handhelds are cordless and run a lithium-ion powered battery. These handheld models also use the same signature cyclonic power that is found within all of the Dyson models.
If you don’t need the versatility of a full stick vacuum, the Dyson handheld may be the best options for you.
With that in mind, if you ever changed you mind about wanting the full stick vacuum, Dyson also sells the purple extension wand and vacuum head separately so you could easily convert your handheld into a stick vacuum at a later time for a whole home cleaning.
Dyson Upright Reviews and comparison
With more power and dust bin capacity than a stick or handheld vacuum, Dyson upright vacuums are excellent options for whole home cleaning.
Upright models include traditional uprights, compact uprights with a retractable wand for easier storage, or cinetic uprights.
Cinetic uprights use no filter and instead have advanced cyclones that filter the dust.
This means no replacing or washing dirty filters.
Dyson Traditional Upright Vacuums
Traditional uprights in this category have strong suction, a variety of on-board accessories, and range in weight from 15-18 pounds.
DYSON BALL ANIMAL 2 | Includes mini-motorized turbine tool, stair tool, and combination tool; includes a 2 liter dust bin capacity and 270 AW of suction power.
DYSON BALL ANIMAL 2 TOTAL CLEAN | Includes all the tools from the Dyson Ball Animal 2 listed above, but also adds in the reach-under tool, multi-angle brush, carbon fiber soft dusting brush, mattress tool, articulating hardwood floor, turbine tool, and a tool bag.
DYSON BALL ALLERGY | Includes a carbon fiber soft dusting brush, reach under tool, mattress tool, combination tool, and stair tool; boasts a 2 liter dust bin capacity, 270 AW of suction power; with HEPA filtration. This vacuum is a great option for allergy sufferers who are sensitive to fine particulate and allergens
DYSON BALL MULTI FLOOR 2 | Slightly lighter than the vacuums listed above, the Multi Floor 2 includes a combination tool and stair tool; offers a 1.6 liter dust bin capacity, and 247 AW suction power.
Dyson Compact Upright Vacuums
Compact uprights in this category have a bit less suction that the traditional uprights listed above, but their lighter weight may make it easier to maneuver around your space and store when you’re done.
Of course, with the lighter weight also comes a bit less suction power and less dust bin capacity, compared to the full size models.
DYSON BALL COMPACT ALLERGY | Includes a carbon fiber soft dusting brush, mattress tool, crevice tool, and small upholstery tool; weighs only 11.6 pounds (5.7 pounds lighter than the full size Allergy Ball model) and has HEPA filtration.
DYSON SMALL BALL MULTI-FLOOR | Includes combination tool and stair tool, 0.8 liter dust bin capacity, is only 12.15 pounds, and has 150 AW of suction power.
COMPACT ANIMAL DC50 | This is a bit of an older model, the predecessor to the Small Ball Multi Floor, but still a nice option if you’re looking for a compact upright. The DC50 weighs only 11.9 pounds, can compact down to 30″ for easy storage, and offers 128 AW of suction power.
Dyson Cinetic Upright Models
Dyson Cinetic upright models use an advanced cyclone technology named “Dyson Cinetic Science” that allows these vacuums to function without any filter. Filterless and bagless, the Cinetic line of vacuums contains lower maintenance full-size upright vacuums.
DYSON CINETIC BIG BALL ANIMAL | Includes a turbine tool, combination tool, and stair tool; also has a 2.1 liters dust bin capacity, and 180 AW of suction power. This vacuum is a little heavier than even the traditional upright models weighing in at 19.2 pounds
DYSON CINETIC BIG BALL ANIMAL + ALLERGY | Includes everything that the Cinetic Big Ball Animal has plus the allergy package (reach under tool, multi-angle brush, mattress tool and HEPA filtration)
DYSON CINETIC BIG BALL MULTI-FLOOR | Includes combination tool and stair tool; as well as a 2.1 liters of dust bin capacity, with 180 AW of suction power. This vacuum also weighs 19.2 pounds so it’s a bit heavier than the other upright models.
Dyson Canister Reviews and comparison
Between the world of handhelds and upright vacuums, there are a couple Dyson canister vacuums. Canister vacuums offer the power of an upright vacuum without having the carry the weight of the whole unit.
Canisters are lightweight for the user, since the part that you carry is basically equivalent to the Dyson stick vacuums.
A canister vacuum has the motor and dust bin body on small wheels at the base of the unit for easy maneuverability and the stick and roller head fit in your hand.
Dyson canisters have a foot operated on / off switch, incorporate the Dyson ball, have a 360 degree articulating wand handle, and an XL dust bin, compared to the other Dyson models.
Dyson Ball vs. Big Ball comparison
The Dyson canister vacuums come as standard Ball or Big Ball. The biggest differences between these two models are:
Size
As you might imagine, the actual ball itself, is a bit smaller on the standard Ball vs. the Big Ball model, but they’re not that different in overall size.
The Ball Multi Floor canister vacuum is 14.2″ x 19.5″ x 10.2″ while the Big Ball Multi-Floor canister vacuum is 13.6″ x 17.1″ x 12.1″.
Adaptability
The Big Ball models are equipped with a feature that allows the vacuum to right itself if it topples over.
DYSON BALL MULTI-FLOOR | The Dyson Ball Multi-Floor canister vacuum is one of the most popular canister vacuums, due to its smaller size, advanced dust bin emptying process, and trigger cleaning head.
This vacuum has the 280 AW power of an upright, with the maneuverability and sleek wand of a stick vacuum. Accessories with the Ball Multi-Floor include the combination tool and stair tool.
DYSON BIG BALL MULTI-FLOOR | This model is the larger version of the Dyson Ball Multi-Floor canister vacuum. It offers slightly less suction than the standard Ball (250AW on the Big Ball vs. 280AW for the standard Ball), but also includes a larger dust bin, the advanced carbon fiber turbine head, combination tool, and stair tool.
DYSON BIG BALL MUSCLEHEAD | Includes the carbon fiber turbine head, the musclehead floor tool (for sneaking under low furniture), the combination tool, and the stair tool.
DYSON CINETIC BIG BALL ANIMAL | This is the most advanced Dyson canister vacuum to date; it requires no filter, can right itself if toppled over, and includes the carbon-fiber turbine head, the turbine tool hose attachment, the combination tool, the stair tool, and the stiff bristle brush.
Summary – Dyson Vacuum Comparison Chart
BEST OVERALL | Dyson V11 Torque Drive | Type: Cordless Stick Suction: 185 AW Weight: 6.68 lbs. |
BEST CORDLESS | Dyson V10 Absolute | Type: Cordless Stick Suction: 140 AW Weight: 5.9 lbs. |
BEST FOR BIG HOMES | Dyson V11 Outsize | Type: Cordless Stick Suction: 220 AW Weight: 7.85 lbs. |
BEST FOR PETS | Dyson Ball Animal 2 | Type: Upright Suction: 306 AW Weight: 17.35 lbs. |
BEST UPRIGHT | Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 | Type: Upright Suction: 250 AW Weight: 15.6 lbs |
BEST VALUE | Dyson V8 Animal | Type: Cordless Stick Suction: 115 AW Weight: 5.75 lbs. |
BEST BUDGET | Dyson V7 Motorhead | Type: Cordless Stick Suction: 100 AW Weight: 5.45 lbs. |
BEST HANDHELD | Dyson V7 Trigger | Type: Handheld Suction: 100 AW Weight: 3.8 lbs |
BEST CANISTER | Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor | Type: Canister Suction: 250 AW Weight: 17.64 lbs. |