These Are the Best Dyson Vacuums to Buy (and Ones to Avoid)
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Shopping for a Dyson vacuum can feel like you’ve been sucked into one. There’s a dizzying array of models on sale at any given time, and every new model tries to outdo the last one by packing in more features. The newest machines have features such as lasers and LCD screens, making it hard to figure out exactly which model is worth your hard-earned cash.
A Quick Guide to Dyson Terminology
Dyson doesn't stick to chronological order when naming its stick vacuum models. Sometimes it skips numbers, and sometimes it'll introduce a lower number as a later model than a higher number. For example, Dyson introduced the V15 immediately after the V11, and then the V12 after the V15. In the broadest sense, the numbers seem to loosely grow larger with each passing release—the V11 is newer than the V10, and the V10 is newer than the V8. But Dyson's naming system is cryptic enough that even we can't predict what the subsequent model will be.
Dyson also has a lot of sub-models, because its naming scheme isn't confusing enough. Each one has a different number of included tool attachments and accessories. Every model (V7, V8, V10, V11, V15, etc.) seems to introduce new sub-models, so the list just keeps growing, and then there are discontinued sub-models that show up as old stock on websites, typically on sale.
Detect isn't exactly a sub-model, but rather part of the name of the V15 Detect and V12 Detect Slim. It refers to the laser detection system that measures particle size and count to customize suction power.
Absolute is usually the king-of-the-hill version with the most attachments. We can't list them all, because they vary based on parent model, but expect a variety of brush nozzles, crevice attachments, and motorized roller heads to scrub tough grit off hard floors and out of deep-pile carpets.
Allergy used to mean that it came with an upgraded filter that traps 99.99 percent of bacteria and dust, so it expels cleaner air than regular models, but after the V7, all Dyson stick vacs started including the upgraded filters. It's largely a legacy designation now, and it hasn't been used on newer models.
Motorhead sounds fancy, but it's the low-end sub-model that comes with a motorized head, a couple of basic brush and crevice tools, and that's about it. It's mostly a holdover from the V7 days. Dyson has found other names for basic sub-models.
Origin, Fluffy, and Animal come with relatively few attachments. The Fluffy and Animal don't come with any unique attachments particular to usefulness in cleaning up after pets; it's just become shorthand for "base model with fewer attachments." The same is true for the Origin, although its name makes more sense.
Dyson isn't above combining sub-model names. The more names Dyson slaps onto a model, the more attachments it comes with. For example, the V8 Animal Pro comes with more stuff than the Animal, but the Animal Pro+ comes with even more than that.
All the Dyson Accessory Bundles
You will also notice that we mention the different accessories in each model, which vary depending on the model you buy. These make your vacuum more versatile, making it easier to tackle specific parts of the house. If your vacuum doesn't come with an accessory you want, you can always purchase it separately. But it can be tough to discern which one does what, especially if this is your first Dyson vacuum. Below, we break down some of the most common accessories Dyson offers and what each one is specifically designed for.
For cordless vacuums:
- Motorbar cleaner head: This one comes equipped with 43 de-tangling vanes that automatically wrap hair from the brush bar as you clean your floors. That way, you don't have to worry about it getting stuck on the cleaner head itself. It's compatible with the Dyson V8 (including the Absolute, Animal Extra, Origin Extra, and Origin) and the Dyson Cyclone V10 (Absolute, Allergy, Animal, and Animal + vacuum).
- Fluffy Optic cleaner head: This one comes with an angled blade of light that Dyson says shows you “twice the amount” of invisible dust on hard floors as its predecessor (which is compatible with the V15 Detect and V11 vacuums). It's ideal for darker flooring where dust can be hard to spot. It's compatible with the Gen5Outsize and Gen5Detect.
- Combination tool: This is a mix between a wide nozzle and brush, so you can easily switch between cleaning and dusting with one tool. It's compatible with Dyson Gen5detect, Gen5outsize, V15, V12, V11, V10, V8, and V7 vacuums. A version of this tool is also available for upright vacuums including the DC41, DC47, Dyson Ball, Cinetic Big Ball, and Light/Slim Ball.
- Hair screw tool: Similar to the motorbar cleaner head, this is an anti-tangle conical brush that picks up both long hair and pet hair. But it's designed for small spaces—I use it on the couch and my sheets to pick up loose strands. It's compatible with the Dyson Cyclone V10, V11 (including the models with click-in battery), V15 Detect, V15 Detect Submarine, and V8 (with star pre-filter).
- Crevice tool: This is great for areas that are narrow and hard to reach, like corners or in between car seats. It's compatible with the Dyson Outsize, V15, V12, V11, V10, V8, and V7.
- Mattress tool: This tool is for removing dirt, dust, and allergens from mattresses and upholstery—including couches and chairs. It's compatible with the Gen5detect, Gen5outsize, V15, V12, V11, V10, V8, and V7 vacuums. It's currently out of stock but you can sign up to be notified via email when it's back. A version of this tool is also available for an extensive list of upright vacuums, which you can see here.
For upright vacuums:
- Tangle-free turbine tool: This one has a counter-rotating brush that removes hair from upholstery and carpets. It's also free of a brush bar, so you don't have to worry about hair getting wrapped around it. The full list of compatible vacuums can be found here.
- Groom tool: The pet groom tool is great for medium- and long-haired dogs. The flexible bristles capture loose hair and dead skin cells. You can see the full list of compatible vacuums here.
- Flexi-crevice Tool: Similar to the Crevice tool for cordless vacuums, this one is designed for hard-to-reach places. But it also extends and bends. It's compatible with a lot of different upright vacuums including the Animal 2, Big Ball, Multi Floor, and more (as well as the cordless V6 and V11). You can see the full list here. It's currently out of stock but you can sign up to be notified via email when it's back.
- Carbon fiber soft dusting brush: This brush is built to pick up fine dust on more delicate surfaces like blinds, lampshades, mirrors, and more. It also has a self-adjusting brush plate that automatically adjusts suction to maximize the amount of dust it picks up. It's compatible with the Dyson DC47, Ball Animal, Ball, Ball Animal 2, and Multi Floor 2.
- Multi-angle brush: This brush is ideal for high-up areas in your home (like the tops of cabinets or light fixtures). It twists and locks at different angles. It's compatible with a long list of upright vacuums (as well as the cordless V6 and V11), which you can see here.
- Reach-under tool: The reach-under tool bends, extends, and twists to remove dust and debris from awkward spaces (like between car seats, behind radiators, and in tough corners). It's compatible with the DC47, Ball Animal, Ball Animal 3, Ball, Ball Animal 2, Multi Floor 2, Big Ball, Light/Slim Ball, and Small Ball. It also works with the Dyson V11 cordless vacuums.
For more options, you can check out Dyson's official site, which lists accessories for both cordless and upright vacuums.
For anyone who'd rather snag a deal than pay out for all the bells and whistles, Dyson moves older models down the product lineup, so the top model from three years ago might be today's value option. You can even usually find discontinued Dyson vacs at a steep discount as old stock sells out. Dyson's official eBay outlet occasionally has exclusive deals on outgoing models too. Dive in with us as we make sense of Dyson's catalog, and be sure to check out the rest of our home cleanliness buying guides, including the Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products, Best Air Purifiers, and Best Robot Vacuums.
Updated September 2024: We've added our review of the Dyson WashG1 Floor Cleaner. We also updated pricing and links.
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- Photograph: Dyson
The Best Dyson Vacuum
Dyson V15 DetectStick vacuums get all the attention, and in most cases, they should. Cordless and weighing under 7 pounds, they're easy to maneuver and handle, and they convert into handheld models in seconds. The V15 Detect is the best in Dyson's lineup with a reasonable (if still high) price and mix of features.
Its claim to greatness is a green laser that shoots out the front of the motorized head, which illuminates the dust particles in your path. A sensor inside the vacuum counts the number of particles the V15 is sucking up and tells you the particle sizes on the LCD. The same sensor automatically adjusts the power level to match how gnarly your floors are. It also has a 60-minute run time and the battery should take up to 4.5 hours to fully charge. WIRED reviewer Adrienne So tested the V15 and says not every user needs to know dust particle size down to the micron, and that the dust bin is more finicky than other Dyson stick vacs. But if you have severe allergies or just want a high-performing stick vac, it may be the right vacuum for you.
- Photograph: Brenda Stolyar
The Upgrade Pick
Dyson Gen5 DetectThis is Dyson's newest top-of-the-line cordless vacuum. It's not all that different from the V15 Detect, but there are a few new notable features. The Gen5 Detect has a single power button instead of a trigger, a built-in dusting and crevice tool (my favorite since I use that tool often), and a Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head that shoots out a laser twice as bright as the one on the V15 Detect. It has a run time of up to 70 minutes (and takes up to 4.5 hours to fully charge), so you'll get 10 more minutes than with the V15 Detect.
Internally, Dyson added a HEPA filter the company claims traps 99.99 percent of particles down to 0.1 microns. The company also says the Gen5 comes equipped with its fastest motor yet—spinning at 135,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) with a suction power of 262 air watts (AW). The V15 Detect, on the other hand, spins at 125,000 RPM, delivering 240 AW of suction power. While we didn't see a major difference in suction while vacuuming, it's worth noting the Gen5 Detect is noticeably louder than the V15. Having used both, I'd say the experience isn't singular enough to justify spending an extra $200 for the Gen5 Detect. If you're between the two, try to buy it only when it's on sale for around $750 (the V15 Detect's MSRP). But if money is no object, and you want the latest and greatest, this vacuum is an excellent choice.
- Photograph: Amazon
Best on a Budget
Dyson V8In 2022, Dyson updated its V8 vacuum with hair-detangling technology in the Motorbar cleaner head, and added the hair screw tool, and it also has improved filtration that traps 99.99 percent of fine dust. This is our budget Dyson vacuum recommendation, as the the price fluctuates from $300 to $400. It's physically hard to say "$399" and "budget" in the same breath, but like all Dyson stick vacs, it converts into a hand vac, so you save space and money by not needing two separate vacuums.
The V8 is slightly more powerful than the older, lower-end V7, which also goes for around $300 to $400 these days, and it has up to a 40-minute run time versus the V7's 30 minutes. The battery should take up to 5.5 hours to charge. If you can find them, Dyson has also put out a myriad of sub-models over the years—Animal Pro+, Absolute, and Absolute Pro to name a few. These include different accessories like the crevice, wide brush, dusting brush, directly-driven roller head, and motorized brush attachments.
- Photograph: Dyson
Best for Small Spaces
Dyson V12 Detect SlimDyson's V12 Detect Slim (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is excellent for studio or one-bedroom apartments. At just over 5 pounds and 4 feet long, it's compact, lightweight, and nimble. It's great for hard-to-reach crevices and is easy to store away in a tiny closet. It has an LCD, which you can use to switch between cleaning modes, check battery life, and view filter and blockage information. It also has a single power button—meaning you no longer have to hold down a trigger while vacuuming. It has a run time of up to 60 minutes too and a charging time of up to 4.5 hours.
The V12 Detect comes with a variety of attachments, including a crevice tool, a combination tool, a wand tool, a hair screw tool, a docking station, and a charger for the removable battery. As with the V15 Detect, you'll also get a Motorbar cleaner head and a Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head—the latter shoots out a green light to help you spot and catch microscopic dust.
- Photograph: Dyson
Best for Large Spaces
Dyson Outsize+The next step up from the V15 Detect is the Outsize+, with a cleaner head that's 25 percent wider and a dustbin that's 150 percent (at 0.5 gallons) bigger. It also has twice the run time—up to 120 minutes versus 60 minutes—and the battery can take up to 4.5 hours to charge. There are two versions of this model—both come with an LCD and three cleaning modes, but the newer model has the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head. The older model doesn't include the Laser Slim Fluffy, which shoots out the laser so you can see the dust on the floor more easily as you clean. Additional accessories include the hair screw tool, combination tool, crevice tool, mini soft dusting brush, wand clip, low-reach adaptor, and more.
If you're choosing between this one and the V15 Detect, we recommend the Outsize+ for anyone with a large home, a variety of floor types, and pets. It's a bit less powerful in suction than the V15 Detect—the Outsize+ offers 220 AW, while the V15 Detect packs 230 AW. However, the Outsize+ is still the best option if you want to cover more surface area while vacuuming, all while spending less time emptying the dust bin or charging the battery.
★ A pricier alternative: The Gen5outsize ($1,050) came out last year and has a Fluffy Optic cleaner head (in addition to the Digital Motorbar XL cleaner), along with a built-in HEPA filter, a longer run time (up to 140 minutes), and stronger suction at 250 AW. It's just too expensive.
- Photograph: Dyson
Best for Hard Floors
Dyson Omni-GlideVacuums are typically thought of as carpet-first machines, with any hard-floor capabilities being a fringe benefit. The Omni-Glide, though, is designed first and foremost for hard floors (7/10, WIRED Review). Its head has two soft rollers and four swiveling casters so you can push it in any direction. It also has a button instead of a trigger to turn on the suck. Unfortunately, it has one of the shortest run times at just 20 minutes yet still takes four hours to charge the battery. Its dust bin is small and fills up quickly too, and it isn't big enough or powerful enough to work well on carpets.
Despite those flaws, WIRED reviewer Adrienne So says it quickly became her favorite vacuum due to how easy it was to maneuver. At only 4 pounds, it's one of the lightest vacuums in the lineup. If your home is full of deep-pile carpet, skip the Omni-Glide. But if you live in a land of hard flooring, it may be your ideal Dyson.
- Photograph: Adrienne So
A Dual-Purpose Vacuum
Dyson V15s Detect SubmarineDyson stick vacuums have one major flaw in a messy household—they can't mop. Behold, the answer to your sticky-toed woes—the V15s Detect Submarine is essentially the standard V15 Detect with a new wet roller head and drip tray. WIRED reviewer Adrienne So tested the Submarine and says this vacuum is one of the best things that has ever happened to her. (Unfortunately, this mop attachment is incompatible with other Dyson vacs, even the V15.)
The wet head requires no special setup or floor wash. Fill the small reservoir with clean water, slide it into the head, and hold the trigger as normal. The head rotates and scrubs the floor, removing sticky or wet messes. It takes about 15 percent of the Submarine’s battery life to clean 200 square feet of hardwood floor and empty about one-fifth of the tank, which backs up Dyson’s claim that you can clean 1,000 square feet in one go. It also has up to 60 minutes of run time and up to 4.5 hours to charge the battery fully. It’s fast and easy to use. However, you still have to rinse the mop head by hand, which is a little gross.
- Photograph: Dyson
An All-in-One Wet Floor Cleaner
Dyson WashG1The WashG1 (7/10, WIRED Review) is Dyson's first dedicated wet floor cleaner. It comes equipped with two very absorbent microfiber rollers that rotate counter to each other and a pump that distributes water evenly from a 27-ounce tank via 26 pulse-modulated water outlets (soaking each roller). As the rollers spin, they scrub the floor, while the 64,800 filaments-per-square-centimeter of microfiber soak up spills and grip bits of dust, food, and pet hair. Cleaning the WashG1 itself isn't gross. The dirty water is extracted from the rollers and pumped into the dirty-water tank, while the nylon-bristled inner brush removes dirt and debris from the microfiber rollers and deposit it into the removable debris tray.
WIRED reviewer Chris Haslam says it's great at cleaning hard surfaces. After trying it for the first time, the color of the water in the dirty tank was “shameful,” and he was impressed by how noticeably cleaner the tiles looked. It's also easy to maneuver too. His only gripes are that edge and corner cleaning was a little disappointing and that it struggles to get under low furniture. He also pointed out that the build quality feels surprisingly cheap for such an expensive device. Regardless, it's a solid choice if your home only has hardwood floors and you've got both kids and pets running around. It's worth noting it won't replace your traditional vacuum—you'll want the V15s Detect Submarine for that, which is both a vacuum and wet mop.
- Photograph: Dyson
Best for Unruly Pet Hair
Dyson Ball Animal 3 ExtraThe Ball Animal 3 has an increased bin capacity over its predecessor and a Motorbar cleaner head with detangling hair-removal vanes. It also has three different power modes: one for deep- and medium-pile carpets, one for low-pile carpets and large debris, and one for hardwood floors and ground-in dirt. We specifically tested the Ball Animal 3 Extra (9/10, WIRED Recommends). For an extra $100, you'll get a tangle-free turbine tool (for removing pet hair and dirt from upholstery) and a grooming tool for pets with medium or long hair that removes loose hairs, allergens, and dead skin from your animal—in addition to the included combination tool and stair tool.
WIRED reviewer Jaina Grey tested the Ball Animal 3 Extra against her rabbit's destruction—a task other vacuums have failed with—and it passed with flying colors. The canister never clogged up with wads of fur, the Motorbar cleaner head remained free of tangled hair, and it worked well on both hardwood floors and carpet. The vacuum is easy to maneuver too, which means you'll have no trouble reaching under furniture or getting around tight corners and awkward spaces. Her only complaints? It's heavy and loud. If you don't need the extra accessories, the standard Ball Animal 3 for $400 should suffice. Just remember that this is a corded vacuum, so unlike the stick vacs above, you'll have to plug it into an outlet to use it. But that means you don't have to worry about battery life, and you also get more suction power—up to 290 air watts.
- Photograph: Amazon
More Good Dyson Vacs
We still recommend these—for the right price.We've tested a variety of Dyson vacuums, both corded and cordless. However, as new versions come out, older models are bumped from the top spots. But the vacs below are still worth buying, as long as you don't pay full price.
Dyson Cyclone V10 for $515: The Cyclone V10 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is great if you're looking for a step up from the V8 and V7. It delivers 55 percent more suction over the V7, doubles the run time to an hour, and has a dust bin 40 percent larger, so you don't have to run to the trash can as often. You'll see Animal or Absolute models as you shop—the only difference is that the latter comes with extra tools (a soft roller cleaner head and a fabric and mattress tool, along with an up-top adapter) for $50 more. We only recommend the V10 if you can find it on sale for $450 or less. It tends to fluctuate in and out of stock.
Dyson V11 for $423: This is a solid alternative to the Cyclone V10. When WIRED reviewer Adrienne So reviewed the V11, she called it the “dream vac” (8/10, WIRED Recommends). However, that was in 2019, and many updated models have come out since then. The improvements the V11 offered versus the V10 were incremental. If you can find a V11 for under $350, it’s worth it; otherwise, we recommend going with a later (or cheaper) model. If you're looking into the latest V11 Dyson offers, it's important to note it doesn't come with Dynamic Load Sensor technology (a feature that allows it to automatically adjust suction across different floor types).
Dyson Ball Animal 2 for $380: The older generation of the Ball Animal is still a good option, but the price can sometimes match or exceed the newer model. It has the same powerful suction (at 290 AW) and comes with the same tangle-free turbine tool, stair tool, and combination tool (you'll have to pay more for extra accessories). The Ball Animal 2 also has a self-adjusting cleaner head that automatically raises and lowers the base plate to seal in suction on all floor types. The motorized brush bar deep cleans dirt too. We don't recommend spending more than $500 on this one.
Dyson Multi Floor Origin for $407: Dyson's Origin is a good choice if you don't need all the attachments that usually come included with other upright vacuums, and it occasionally pops up for sale in the $200 range. It's almost as powerful as the Ball Animal 3, and it comes with a stair tool and a combination brush nozzle—that's it. If you want more power than a stick vac, don't mind a cord, and can't justify the price of the Ball Animal 2, the Multi Floor Origin is a solid vac.
Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor Vacuum for $270: This was originally one of our top picks for tight spaces. But Dyson no longer sells it and it's out of stock at third-party retailers—unless you're OK with purchasing a used model (however, you shouldn't spend more than $250 to $300 on it). It's a good option if you're looking for more maneuverability than a stick vacuum can offer. You only have to wield a thin suction tube, as long as you don't mind periodically repositioning the canister. Dyson's Cinetic technology means there are no filters to wash or replace, and it still has HEPA-grade filtration for capturing allergens and most particulates. If you find a new model, we suggest waiting until it's on sale between $300 and $400.
- Photograph: Best BUy
Don't Bother With This One
It's Too ExpensiveYou'll come across a ton of other Dyson vacuums we didn't mention above (for good reason). For now, we suggest you avoid the Cinetic Big Ball Upright. This vacuum is just too expensive for what you get. If you want filterless technology, get the Cinetic canister version for less. Dyson's technical specifications also say the Cinetic upright has about 40 percent less suction than any of Dyson's other upright corded vacs.
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What About Replacement Parts?
When unboxing your new vacuum, we recommend downloading Dyson's companion app—MyDyson (iOS, Android)—and registering your device to activate your warranty, which is two years for cordless models and five years for corded. The coverage goes into effect on the day you buy the vacuum, as long as you have proof of purchase. If you don't, the warranty will kick in 90 days after the manufacture date. The warranty covers replacement parts (including batteries and certain parts), repairs (Dyson will collect the machine free of charge, or you can visit one of its Service Centers), and replacements. If the repairs require Dyson parts and the machine can't be repaired, Dyson will fully replace it for you. You can check here for a full list of what it does and doesn't cover.
When your warranty is up, you'll have to buy the replacement parts. Dyson offers spare filters, batteries, chargers, specific parts (V-ball wheels, axles and rollers, and rear edges), and accessories for purchase. You can go directly through Dyson's site (which is accessible via the app), but stock fluctuates depending on the specific part you're looking for. You can also purchase them through authorized sellers like Amazon and Walmart. If you're looking elsewhere, it's important to make sure these parts are genuine Dyson parts (you can do this by checking that Dyson is the retailer through the third-party seller you're purchasing from). Dyson offers a 12-month warranty on its genuine parts, and those sold by other brands may not be covered. Inauthentic parts may not fit or work properly either—regardless of whether the seller claims they're compatible—and could damage the vacuum entirely. I made the mistake of ordering new filters through a third-party seller for the Dyson V15 I was testing at the time, only to find they were too small.
- Photograph: Tzahiv/Getty Images
How to Clean Your Dyson Vacuum
Dyson vacuums are expensive, so it's important to maintain yours—this helps to increase its longevity and maintain its powerful suction. If you have a cordless vacuum, the company suggests cleaning the filter once a month (at least).
You can clean the filter (on both cordless and upright vacuums) by removing it, tapping lightly on the side of your garbage bin or sink, and rinsing it with cold tap water (Dyson says not to use any detergents). Then, fill the filter with warm tap water, cover the open sides with your hands, and shake it firmly to remove dirt. You should repeat these steps until the water runs clear, at which point you can then shake the filter to get rid of any excess water. You should then let the filter dry for at least 24 hours in an area that has airflow (like near a fan or open window). Once it's fully dry, you can place it back into the vacuum. To clean the canister, use a damp microfiber cloth.
You can also clean the roller cleaner head by cutting away any hair using scissors (depending on the Dyson you have, you might need to use a screwdriver to remove the plate on the cleaner head). If your vacuum comes with a soft brush bar, you can clean those too. Remove it from the cleaner head (take the end cap off too), hold it under running water while gently rubbing it to move dirt and lint, and let it dry for 24 hours. If you're using an upright vacuum, you can also clean the hose by running it under warm water. As with the rest of the parts, you should let it dry for 24 hours before reattaching it.
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