The Ultimate Guide to the Best Dyson Vacuums: Top Picks and Reviews

When shopping for a Dyson vacuum, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of models available, each boasting more features than the last. However, if you’re looking to save money and don’t necessarily need the latest and greatest technology, it’s worth considering older models that have been moved down the product lineup or discontinued. These models can often be found at a steep discount, and Dyson’s official eBay outlet occasionally offers exclusive deals on outgoing models. To help you navigate Dyson’s catalog, be sure to check out our buying guides for other home cleanliness products, such as eco-friendly cleaning products, air purifiers, and robot vacuums.

Dyson Outsize+

The Outsize+ is the next model up from the V15 Detect and features a wider cleaner head that is 25% larger and a dustbin that is 150% bigger at 0.5 gallons. It has double the run time at 120 minutes compared to the V15 Detect’s 60 minutes and comes equipped with an LCD display and three cleaning modes, along with the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head. Unlike the V15 Detect, however, the Outsize+ does not automatically adjust suction for different floor types and requires the Digital Motorbar XL cleaner head to do so. It also includes additional accessories such as a hair screw tool, combination tool, crevice tool, mini soft dusting brush, stubborn dirt brush, and an additional battery. At almost $1,000, the Outsize+ is one of the most expensive models in Dyson’s lineup, making it a significant investment for a vacuum. This model is best suited for those with a large home that requires cleaning on a regular basis, especially if they have pets. While it provides 220 AW of suction power, which is slightly less than the V15 Detect’s 230 AW, the Outsize+ makes up for it by covering more surface area while vacuuming, allowing users to spend less time emptying the dustbin or charging the battery. If choosing between the V15 Detect and Outsize+, we recommend the Outsize+ for those with a variety of floor types and a lot of square footage to cover. It’s worth noting that we are currently testing the Outsize+ and have found it to be slightly less powerful than the V15 Detect.

Dyson V8

Dyson vacuums are typically more expensive than other brands, but you can still find budget-friendly options if you don’t require all the latest features. The Dyson V8 is a great example of this. While it lacks the automatic power adjustment and onboard dirt sensor of newer models like the Dyson V12 Detect Slim and Dyson V15 Detect, it still performs well and is easy to use. It has a lightweight design and delivers strong performance on most surfaces, although not as powerful as the more expensive V12 or V15. It has two power modes to suit different surfaces, but there is no suction release gate to improve maneuverability on carpets. The battery life is not as long as newer models and it only lasts for about 40 minutes in its default power mode. Using the ‘MAX’ mode drains the battery in less than 10 minutes, so you need to be quick when dealing with stubborn messes. While the build quality is not as sturdy as other Dyson models, it is not any more fragile than the competition. Overall, the Dyson V8 is a solid option for those looking for a cordless stick vacuum that gets the job done without breaking the bank.

Dyson V15 Detect

Weighting at 6.8 pounds and with a cordless design, the Dyson V15 Detect offers a run time of up to 60 minutes and a bin volume of 0.2 gallons. It comes with two cleaning heads, a hair screw tool, a crevice tool, a combination tool, a mini soft dusting brush, a stubborn dirt brush, and a wall mount attachment. The vacuum is best for handling everyday messes, deep-cleaning hard floors and rugs, and homes with pets. It may not be suitable if you’re on a budget or have mostly carpeted floors. As one of Dyson’s higher-end models, the V15 Detect features the latest technology to enhance the cleaning process while retaining the power and versatility that users love. Although there are other Dyson models with larger motors and longer battery life, the V15 still packs a lot of cleaning punch. During testing, the vacuum had no trouble picking up different types of debris from fully carpeted surfaces, hard flooring, and area rugs, including clumps of pet hair and Cheerios. The fluffy roller works best on hardwood floors, while the hair-detangling roller is perfect for rugs and carpets. Maneuvering the vacuum is easy as it can roll and swivel smoothly along baseboards and under furniture. Additionally, the detachable portion turns into a stick vacuum, making it easier to clean upholstered surfaces and furniture. What sets the V15 apart is its Detect technology, especially in the fluffy roller for hard surfaces. It emits a green laser that illuminates tiny particles on the floor, allowing users to see and clean every bit of dirt and dust. This feature makes cleaning more thorough, and users may find themselves spending more time vacuuming.

Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra

Our Ratings: Cleaning Performance: 5/5 Maneuverability: 4.5/5 Ease of Emptying: 4.8/5 Portability: 4.5/5 Noise Level: 4/5

What We Like: Unique attachments Anti-tangle motorbar Multiple cleaning modes

What We Don’t Like: Not suitable for cleaning stairs Assembly can be slightly challenging

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is the new champion for the best overall upright vacuum. This model features all of the excellent qualities that we have come to expect from the Dyson Ball series, but with a few extra capabilities that make it stand out from its predecessors. One of its most notable features is the anti-tangle motorbar, which prevents hair from getting wrapped around the roller brush. This vacuum is specifically designed for households with pets, children, and multiple surfaces, making it a great choice for many homes.

The assembly of the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra can be a bit challenging as the instruction manual only includes photos and no written instructions. However, we were able to put it together in about 12 minutes. During our testing, this vacuum performed exceptionally well on different surfaces and debris types, thanks to its various settings that adjust the motorbar to the appropriate height based on the floor type. However, we did notice that the vacuum sometimes spits out larger debris before eventually sucking it up. To avoid this issue, we recommend setting the motorbar to the highest level.

One downside of this vacuum is that it is not ideal for cleaning stairs due to its weight and design. Using the stair cleaning attachment while holding onto the upright unit can also be a challenge. Therefore, we wouldn’t recommend this vacuum to users with limited mobility or a narrow staircase. However, the rest of the attachments performed well during testing, and the pet grooming tool is a unique feature that is worth trying.

Overall, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is a great choice for those looking for an upright vacuum with consistent suction, innovative features, and easy-to-use attachments. While it may not be as lightweight as some of Dyson’s stick vacuums, it is still a versatile machine that can tackle messes big and small.

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Vacuum

Dyson’s V12 Detect Slim Vacuum is a new and advanced cordless vacuum that stands out from other vacuums on the market. With its laser technology and built-in LCD screen, it’s one of the most innovative vacuums available, even outperforming some robot vacuums. At just 5.2 lbs, it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to maneuver in tight spaces with its crevice tool and stick handle. The built-in LCD screen displays what the vacuum has cleaned and its piezo sensor counts and sizes dust particles to increase suction power as needed. Some of the pros of this vacuum include its precision, making it great for deep-cleaning sessions, and its LCD screen, which shows how efficiently it cleans. The up to 60 minutes of run time is a great feature for smaller spaces and for cleaning the entire house. The Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head has built-in laser technology that detects dust, ensuring nothing is missed during the cleaning process. After using this vacuum, your floors will look refreshed and clean.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Dyson Vacuum

Dyson offers three main styles of vacuums to suit different needs and preferences: upright, cordless stick, and canister. The corded Dyson Ball Animal upright vacuum boasts the most powerful suction of all Dyson vacuums and is great for larger households, with unlimited runtime for uninterrupted cleaning sessions. The brand’s cordless stick vacuums are popular for their battery-powered convenience, lightweight design, and maneuverability, with six different models available. The Dyson Big Ball canister vacuum is another option, featuring a corded design, strong suction, and a self-righting mechanism.

When choosing a Dyson vacuum, consider the size of your home. Smaller living spaces can benefit from cordless stick vacuums like the Dyson V12 Detect Slim, which offers up to an hour of runtime per charge and comes with a wall-mounted docking system for easy access. For larger houses, the corded Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra with unlimited runtime or the Dyson Outsize with a second battery and larger dustbin may be a better fit.

The type of flooring in your home is also important to consider. The Dyson OmniGlide is specifically designed for hard floors and tile, while the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra has a powerful cleaner head for deep cleaning carpets and special hair-removal vanes to prevent pet hair tangling. Many of Dyson’s cordless stick vacuums also come with separate attachments for hard floors and carpets.

Dyson vacuums can be expensive, but you can save money by waiting for major sale holidays like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday. Keep in mind that older models are more likely to be marked down than newer models.

FAQs

How do you empty a vacuum?

It depends on the model. If you have an upright or canister vacuum, you typically empty the dust bin by lifting it out of the body and holding it over the trash can. If you have a stick or handheld vacuum, you don’t have to remove the cup. Simply dangle the vacuum above the trash can, and press the release button.

How long do Dyson vacuums last?

Dyson vacuums are well-built, so they should last for years. However, how often you use your vacuum and how well you maintain it also play a role in its longevity. Be sure to regularly tune up your vacuum cleaner to ensure that it’s clean and in working order.

How do you clean the dust cup in a Dyson vacuum?

To clean the dust cup of your vacuum, wipe it with a damp cloth after emptying it. This clears out any remaining particles that could cause future blockages.

Are cordless or corded vacuums better?

Dyson makes some of the best corded and cordless vacuums available, so they are a good choice no matter which type you prefer. The best cordless vacuums allow you to clean different floor types and maneuver from one room to the other without needing to deal with a power cord. However, Dyson cordless vacuums will eventually run out of battery, which could be an issue if you’re cleaning a large area.