These Are the Best Dyson Vacuums to Buy (and Ones to Avoid)
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The Best Dyson VacuumDyson V15 DetectRead more
The Upgrade PickDyson Gen5 DetectRead more
Best on a BudgetDyson V8Read more
Best for Small Spaces Dyson V12 Detect SlimRead more
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.
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 March 2024: We've moved a few of our picks to an honorable mentions section along with details on Dyson's warranty and replacement parts.
- 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 senior associate reviews editor 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 V8Dyson updated its V8 vacuum in 2022 with its hair-detangling technology with the Motorbar cleaner head plus 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 but 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.
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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. If you need extra accessories, like an extension hose, mattress tool, or mini dusting brush, you can opt for the V12 Detect Absolute for the same price.
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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. This attachment doesn't automatically adjust suction based on floor type, so you'll have to use the included Digital Motorbar XL cleaner head for that. 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 ($1,049) is the latest model from Dyson and it comes with 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.
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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 senior associate reviews editor 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. Senior associate reviews editor Adrienne So has been testing the Submarine for several months, and while she has a full review on the way, she says it’s one of the best things that has ever happened to her. (Unfortunately, this 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.
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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: AmazonMore 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: 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 three extra tools (a soft roller cleaner head, 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: This is a solid alternative to the Cyclone V10. When reviews editor 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: 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 Origin: 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: 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 BUyDon'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. So you don't have to wash or replace filters. Is that worth $700? No. If you want filterless technology, get the Cinetic canister version for $300 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.
Photograph: DysonWhat About Replacement Parts?
When unboxing your new vacuum, we recommend downloading Dyson's companion app—MyDyson (available for iOS and Android)—and registering your device to activate your two-year warranty. The two-year 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: WalmartDyson Terminology
Deciphering Sub-Model NamesDyson 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 too. 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.
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