Vacuum Reviews
From new adults moving into their first apartment to senior citizens living in their retirement home, cleaning is an annoying yet necessary task for everyone.
But — with the right vacuum and tools, cleaning chores are far more straightforward and effortless.
Due to their effortless cleaning capabilities, Dyson vacuums are some of the most sought-after in the market.
The best thing about Dyson vacuums is that they’re much more efficient than traditional vacuums. Everything from their lineup to their power cords, reusable filters, and multi-surface attachments makes Dyson vacs highly versatile.
However, they can cost a pretty penny.
To make sure you’re buying the right one, you need to know:
Thankfully, I’ve covered all this in my guide. So, let’s dive right in.
If you want to understand Dyson vacuums, you must know how they work. However, before I can get the vacuums, let’s talk a bit about the company.
Founded in 1991 by James Dyson, Dyson is relatively younger than its competition. It’s a British company that manufactures air purifiers, hand dryers, heaters, hairdryers, and bladeless fans. However, the company is most famous for its vacuums.
Throughout the company’s 30-year existence, it has specialized in bagless vacuums. That’s why all Dyson vacuums are bagless. Bagless vacuums essentially allow you to save up on maintenance costs. They also allow you to be more environmentally conscious.
Dyson prides itself on its eco-friendly products.
Moreover, all Dyson vacs employ cyclone technology. What does cyclone technology do? In essence, the vacuum tube is designed to suck in air in spirals (like a cyclone). Inside the tube, there are cones, which channel the dusty air into a spiral form.
Mostly, Dyson vacuums have transparent tubes so that you can inspect the cones for yourself. By sucking the air into spirals, the vacuum generates more suction power and forces dust and other debris into the dustbin more effectively.
The cyclone technology is more effective in specific Dyson models. You’ll learn more when you get to my reviews.
The last bit of information you should know is that all Dyson vacuums are cordless now. Since 2018, Dyson has stopped making canister vacuums. The company states it wants to focus on perfecting more user-friendly appliances such as cordless vacuums.
Consequently, if you’re looking for a Dyson canister vacuum, you won’t find a new model. You’ll have to look for an old version.
Out of Dyson’s extensive line of vacuums, the best overall is undoubtedly the Dyson V11 Torque Drive. I’ve picked it as the best because of its intelligent capabilities, long battery life, and intense suction power. It’s much more powerful and convenient than the V10 and V8 models.
For example, boost mode is the most powerful, suiting carpets and area rugs. If you have multiple floor types in your home, the auto mode makes life much more comfortable.
Within the auto mode, there’s an intelligent Dynamic Load Sensor (DLS) system that automatically shifts power modes between different floor types. This feature increases maneuverability as it allows you to transition seamlessly across carpets and hard floors.
Secondly, there’s the LCD screen, which displays your remaining runtime and current power mode. The screen also gives you HEPA filter blockage reports and filter replacement reminders, so you don’t have to keep track of the maintenance schedule.
Thanks to its seven-cell lithium battery, the vacuum gives you up to 60 minutes of continuous suction. Even though the actual runtime depends on what power mode you’re using, the battery allows you to optimize cleaning time, preventing the suction from fading.
The Dyson V11 Torque Drive also has a 14-cyclone tube, which adds to its powerful suction. With all 14 cyclones, the vacuum generates enough suction strength to catch even microscopic dirt particles into the dust bin.
Is there a catch, though?
Well, the Dyson V11 is a bit harsh on hardwood floors. The motorhead doesn’t move as well on bare floors, so it doesn’t pick up dirt as well as it should.
Read Next: Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2020
Who doesn’t want a higher-end vacuum at an affordable price? The Dyson V7 Motorhead Vacuum is my top pick as the best budget Dyson vacuum because it has all the basic features of higher-end models, including excellent suction and multi-surface cleaning capabilities.
Since it’s battery-operated and cord-free, the vacuum is more lightweight and easy to maneuver. It also has a low-profile design that is better for your posture than bulkier vacuums. In this way, you don’t have to compromise your back for a clean house.
As for the Dyson V7’s cleaning capabilities, they’re definitely above average, especially for the price. As mentioned, the suction is strong and fade-free. However, that’s not all.
Despite its low price, Dyson V7 has an adjustable motorhead, making it easier to swivel in narrow corners and crevices. Moreover, it has many attachments and tools for multi-surface cleaning. You can readily convert the vac into a stairs/ceiling cleaner.
Alternatively, you can change the motorhead depending on the floor type you’re cleaning. For instance, the vacuum comes with a stiff nylon roller, which digs deep into carpets to capture dirt and remove stains.
The only downside seems to be battery life. The vacuum lasts only six minutes on maximum power. If you’re cleaning on power saver mode, you’ll only get up to 15 minutes. Consequently, this affordable Dyson vacuum isn’t ideal for big rooms. You can use it to clean small areas or spills.
Dyson V7 Motorhead, when compared to more expensive Dyson models, only lacks battery life.
Overall, in terms of power and user-friendliness, it matches high-end vacuums. While there are undoubtedly lower-priced options in competing brands, the Dyson V7 Motorhead brings more performance value, which is why I’ve picked it as my best budget.
Read Next: Best Cheap Vacuum Cleaners Under $100 of 2020
If you’re looking for a cordless vacuum, performance should be a significant consideration. Luckily, thanks to its motorized cleaner head, nylon bristles, and 100-AW suction, Dyson V6 Cordless Vacuum gives you decent performance without compromising an ergonomic design.
For carpeted flooring, this cord-free Dyson vacuum has a brush roller with stiff bristles. These bristles ground into carpet piles to loosen and remove dirt and stains. Also, these bristles have a large width, so they allow edge-to-edge cleaning.
Since it has an ergonomic design, you don’t have to excessively bend back or forth to use this Dyson cordless model. If you’re a senior citizen or suffering from conditions such as arthritis, you’ll appreciate this design.
Moreover, the Dyson V6 cleans up 75% of all human and pet hair, both long and short. Although hair does get stuck in the brush rollers once in a while, this is a quick fix. Simply take out the roller and remove the tangled hairs.
While it isn’t explicitly designed for this purpose, the Dyson V6 is also an excellent choice for pet owners.
But—is there any drawback to this cordless vacuum?
While the Dyson V6 is lightweight and seamless to use, it’s easy to damage. If you’re not careful, you can break the motorhead or brush bar.
However, the vacuum comes with a two-year warranty, so you’re protected if anything happens. I highly recommend it for those looking for something lightweight and maneuverable.
Although Dyson has stopped making new canister models, the older ones remain on the market. Thanks to its intense HEPA filtration, ball technology, and carbon fiber turbine head, the Dyson Ball Multi Floor Canister Vacuum remains highly popular.
The carbon filaments catch fine dust particles, while the HEPA filtration system helps trap it.
The HEPA filtration system removes up to 99.9% of all allergens, dust, and dirt. Through the two-tiered radial cyclones, the HEPA filters trap and absorb everything.
Moreover, this Dyson canister model also has a hygienic dirt ejector feature, allowing you to dispose of dirt without touching or inhaling it. All three elements (the HEPA filters, radial cyclones, and dirt ejector) make the vacuum usable for people with allergies and respiratory problems like asthma.
With canister vacuums, most people are concerned about maneuverability. However, Dyson fixes this problem with its Ball technology. The ‘ball’ allows you to turn on the spot and move seamlessly through your home.
But—the Ball technology does get stuck on certain floor types. The vacuum is difficult to maneuver on carpets and area rugs. However, it works fine on wall-to-wall carpeting, hardwood, and tiles.
In terms of convenience, handheld vacuums beat everyone else. My pick as the best Dyson handheld vacuum is the Dyson V7 trigger. With its V7 motor, multiple crevice tools, fade-free battery, this handheld vac is perfect for quick cleanups.
With larger vacuums, it’s difficult to maneuver them through such areas. However, the Dyson V7 trigger, weighing only three pounds, doesn’t have this problem.
With the V7 motor, you get around 30 to 40 minutes of continuous suction. Like other cordless vacs, the Dyson V7 Trigger has lithium-ion batteries, which prevent suction from fading.
If you’re looking to deep clean your car, you can easily do so. You can also use it to clean inside drawers and closets.
It’s a convenient tool for everyday cleaning. As it comes with a wall-mount, you can store it in an easy-to-reach place. In this way, you can quickly grab and clean a mess as it happens. This is especially helpful to parents and pet owners.
Despite all this, there is one design flaw, which can be a dealbreaker for some. The Dyson V7 Trigger canister is incredibly difficult to empty. You have to dismantle the vacuum to take out the dust bin, which can be hectic.
However, since it’s small, this handheld Dyson model dismantling process isn’t as extensive as canister or stick vacuums.
Stick vacuums are both user-friendly and reliable. They’re ideal for those interested in an incredibly lightweight and portable vacuum. With its sizable dustbin, digital V8 motor, and brush bar power, the Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum is excellent for cleaning carpets and bare floors.
If you shed a lot of hair, this feature is definitely a plus.
Moreover, the digital V8 motor minimizes suction loss by ensuring constant airflow. Unlike other stick vacuums, suction quality does not hinder throughout use.
Since the vacuum has a sizable dustbin, you don’t have to empty it every few minutes. This undoubtedly makes the cleaning process more efficient.
In terms of maneuverability, this stick vacuum is light and well-balanced. You don’t need to use excessive force to push it back and forth. It glides on its own, which is much easier on your arms and shoulders.
Also, the maintenance process is pretty straightforward. You just have to empty the dustbin and clean the filters after every few uses.
While the vacuum is fantastic, there are some issues with the warranty. The Dyson warranty on this product doesn’t cover major parts such as the motor. If the motor dies or is damaged, you’ll have to fix it yourself.
Hardwood floors can be pretty expensive and difficult to maintain. If you’re vacuuming over them, you need something with a softer touch, so that the floors aren’t scuffed or scratched. With its soft roller cleaning head, the Dyson V6 Fluffy works quite efficiently on hardwood floors.
The roller head is paired with the Dyson V6 motor and 15 radial cyclones. All are designed for solid surface floor cleaning. Consequently, the suction is adequate to remove both large debris and fine dust. However, the process takes some time, especially in larger rooms.
However, battery life is a problem. The vacuum doesn’t last more than 20 minutes per charge, so larger rooms are challenging to complete on time.
Despite this, Dyson V6 maintains its convenience and superior performance. You get up to six minutes of intense suction for demanding tasks. For example, if there’s a stain on the wood flooring, you can vacuum over it using the boost mode.
Since this Dyson vacuum is pretty durable, you can even vacuum wet stains such as urine and food (though not excessively). If you have a pet, this is very useful.
But—make sure to clean the filter regularly, leaving it to dry overnight. Doing this will enhance the vacuum’s performance.
Read Next: Best Vacuum for Hardwood Floors of 2020
Carpets are both delicate and tough. Therefore, carpet vacuums should have enough suction strength to remove dirt stuck in the carpet fibers, but not so much that the carpet pile is damaged.
Since it has an ultra-powerful motor, the Dyson Cyclone V10 can deftly cover over 1000 square feet of carpet. Consequently, it’s an ideal choice for those with wall-to-wall carpeting. If you have multi-surface flooring, you should invest in vac with higher versatility.
The Dyson digital motor V10, with stiff nylon bristles, caters to carpet vacuuming sessions. The brush is a very handy tool as it digs deep into the carpet fibers to loosen and extract ground dirt and fine dust. However, it doesn’t work as well on wet stains, so you should be mindful of that.
Despite this, the battery life is undoubtedly impressive. It’s very long-lasting, so runtime is less of a concern when you’re cleaning. Of course, this is only applicable to the eco mode. With the boost mode, the battery lasts longer than other Dyson vacuums but not as long as the eco-mode.
There’s no significant flaw with this Dyson model. The trigger is a bit uncomfortable to push (especially if your hands are small), but that’s about it.
Read Next: Best Vacuum for Carpet of 2020
Cleaning pet messes can be a hassle. Therefore, animal owners need something engineered to deal with these messes. The Dyson V11 Animal is excellent for pet mess removal, be it from carpets or hard flooring.
You just need to replace the filters on time, or else the vacuum’s performance will suffer.
With a pet vacuum, suction and filtration go hand in hand. The Dyson V11 Animal has a V11 motor, which is the most powerful in Dyson’s vacuum line. You can rest assured that the vac will remove all dirt, debris, hair, and dander, regardless of the floor type.
Since this is an upright vacuum, you get enough battery life for whole-home cleaning. The vacuum has a runtime of over 60 minutes in eco mode. If you have a large house or apartment, you can easily clean it in a single charge.
Moreover, the vac also has pet attachments, including the high torque cleaning head. This attachment automatically adapts suction by sensing the floor type. Unlike with the V11, the V11 Animal gives you a mini soft dusting tool, which is better for picking animal hair.
However, the mini dusting tool has a relatively small cleaning path. This design flaw increases the cleaning time, which can be annoying. Unlike its competitors such as the Shark TruePet Rotator, it can’t pick up wet dog messes. You’ll have to clean up wet messes yourself.
Despite this, Dyson V11 Lineup is a spectacular upright vacuum. For all pet owners out there, it’ll get the job done.
No one dislikes a dirty house more than allergy and asthma sufferers. Those suffering from allergies require a vacuum with the strongest suction and whole machine HEPA filtration. Luckily, the Dyson Ball Allergy Upright Vacuum provides these features.
The vacuum comes with five attachments, including a mattress tool. The mattress tool allows you to remove allergens from your sleeping and sitting areas, so you’re safe from exposure.
Moreover, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America certified the HEPA filtration. This filtration system, along with the radial root cyclone technology, captures all types of airborne allergens, particularly dust, pollen, dandruff, and pet hair.
Simultaneously, the HEPA filters ensure the allergens stay inside the canister instead of circulating into the air.
Another excellent feature is the self-adjusting cleaning head, which changes suction depending on the floor type. This makes steering much more comfortable and helps asthma patients because it prevents dust and dirt from flying into the air.
However, there are two slight issues. Firstly, the build is a bit flimsy. If you’re not careful, you can break the tubing or hose attachments.
Secondly, it doesn’t stay upright when you leave it on its own. This can get annoying when you’re in the middle of a cleaning session.
Overall, it’s still quite a handy tool for those with allergies and respiratory issues.
Read Next: Best Vacuum for Allergies of 2020
Last but not least, the Dyson 360 Eye Robot is my pick for Dyson’s best robot vacuum. The Dyson 360 Eye is the company’s first-ever robot model. Since its creation, Dyson has produced some of the highest-quality robot vacuums in the market.
As the name implies, the Dyson 360 Eye has 360-degree vision, which observes, navigates, and records your home map.
The robot vac develops a cleaning pattern through this map, which you can alter with the Dyson link app for iOS and Android. You can even use voice control to adjust the vacuum settings.
How does it differ from its competition?
According to reviewer testimony, the Dyson 360 Eye has very efficient cleaning and ample suction strength unlike iRobot, Neato, Miele, and Samsung. Most robot vacuums struggle to deliver suction power because they’re so small.
However, the Dyson 360 employs a V2 motor and radial root cyclone technology. Although the suction isn’t as intense with regular-sized vacuums, the Dyson 360 Eye beats the competition.
Moreover, the vacuum also has a full-width brush bar, which attracts and captures dust and dirt particles. As a result, the vacuum can easily remove dust and tough stains without leaving any debris.
But—where the Dyson 360 loses is maneuverability. It gets stuck very easily on different surfaces. Consequently, if you have multiple floor types, I don’t recommend getting this.
On the other hand, if you have wall-to-wall carpets or hard flooring, this vacuum will work perfectly.
Now, you know what the best Dyson vacuums are. However, you also know each vacuum is the best for a specific purpose.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a Dyson vacuum, you need to answer these questions:
With these questions in mind, you can judge what your priorities are. For example, let’s say you have a work schedule that leaves you too busy to clean.
You will probably want something that’s either self-sufficient or quick-to-handle. This rules out canister vacuums, which are bulky and take time to clean.
If you work from home, you’ll also want something with limited noise levels, so you’re not disturbed. In such a case, a Dyson robot vacuum will fulfill your needs.
However, my point remains: think about certain things before you make a decision.
These things include, but are not limited to:
Firstly, let’s talk about weight. This is the most common complaint people make about vacuums. This is also a point of concern if you have certain health issues.
For example, people with musculoskeletal disorders such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tendonitis can’t use bulky vacuums. Moreover, people with chronic pain and arthritis can’t bend down or hold a trigger for too long.
If you belong to either group, you need something lightweight and easy-to-handle. Luckily, Dyson models are usually lightweight. Almost all of the vacuums on my list weigh less than 10 pounds.
At around 19 pounds, the heaviest Dyson vacuum seems to be the Dyson Ball Multi Floor Canister Vacuum. This is highly undesirable if you’re suffering from certain health issues (as mentioned above). Moreover, it’s impractical if you live in a large house with lots of stairs.
However, heavier vacuums have better suction power. Why? Well, these vacuums are heavier because their motors are larger. With larger motors, you get superior performance.
While Dyson has, in previous years, tried to accommodate suction strength in cordless vacs, it’s only succeeded to an extent. The suction quality is impressive in current Dyson models, but it doesn’t reach the suction strength delivered by bulkier canister vacuums.
Whether you want to sacrifice comfort for a heavier vacuum or work with the convenience of cordless vacs depends on your priorities.
Secondly, let’s explore the noise levels of Dyson vacuums. Noise is also a pretty significant factor, and it correlates with weight. Since larger motors make more sound, the bulkier the vacuum, the noisier it will be.
Again, since most of the vacuums I’ve mentioned are lightweight, they aren’t as noisy as their competition.
Noise is always measured in decibels. Dyson vacuums are tested in sound-proof chambers to ensure they aren’t too noisy. Most Dyson vacuums only emit 70 to 75 decibels of noise. Seventy decibels is equivalent to the sound level of a radio or TV (at medium volume).
However, the noisiest Dyson vacuum emits 86 decibels. This is equal to the noise level of a busy road.
If you’re looking for a less noisy model, you should either look at weight or individual noise ratings. There’s no concrete way to judge noise, so these ratings and expert opinions are all you have to go by. I suggest paying attention to reviewers’ experiences.
It’s incredibly irritating to stop every few minutes to empty your dust container. If you’re going for a lightweight model, you’re probably going to have to deal with small dust containers.
Dyson dust bins typically have a capacity between 0.3 and 1.9 liters. Since all Dyson vacuums employ cyclone technology, they have a high suction rate. This means smaller dust bins fill up much quicker than larger dust bins.
I recommend keeping a trash can nearby to empty the dust container as it fills up. In this way, you won’t have to inconvenience yourself too much.
In terms of the competition, Dyson vacuums have a significantly smaller dust capacity. On average, vacuum cleaners from other brands have a dust capacity of 2.3 liters. Moreover, bagged models typically have larger capacities than bagless models.
However, with bagged models, it’s difficult to tell when they’re full. Dust containers are usually transparent, so it’s easier to keep track.
What power source does the Dyson vacuum use? Corded models from Dyson are, of course, powered through electrical outlets. Cords aren’t necessarily more powerful than batteries, but they’re better for larger motors, which deliver more suction strength.
However, since most Dyson vacuums are cordless, they’re battery-powered. You have to charge them at their charging dock before you can use them.
This adds to the convenience of these vacuums as you don’t have to bother with the movement restrictions with cords. Also, since the batteries are usually lithium, the vacuums deliver similar power outputs to corded vacuums.
In this way, you don’t compromise on suction strength nor suction quality (as lithium ions ensure airflow is fade-free) by getting a cordless vacuum.
This part is all about determining your priorities. There are Dyson vacuums that come with a wide array of attachments and accessories. On the other hand, there are some that only come with one or two.
Multiple attachments are useful if you have various surfaces in your home. If you’ve got both carpets and hardwood floors, you can buy both soft and hard-bristled rollers. Similarly, if you regularly clean under furniture, you need a crevice tool.
The point is that you must decide what you can and cannot live without. All the different Dyson vacuums have a lot in common. However, the only tangible difference between any Dyson vacuum is the accessories.
Each Amazon listing has a detailed outline of the number and type of accessories you will receive upon purchase. I suggest you sift through them.
As I have mentioned in my reviews, Dyson vacuums have a hygienic ejector system. One major flaw of bagless vacuums is the exposure to dirt and dust. In average bagless vacs, you have to pour out the dirt, which releases a lot of the finer particles into the air.
For people with allergies and inflammatory conditions like asthma, this is very dangerous. To counter this, Dyson has its dirt ejector system.
You just have to pull the trigger, and the contents of the container will fall into your trash can. In this way, you don’t even have to insert your hands in the container to scrape out leftover debris.
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, prioritize a model with this feature.
Dyson has an extensive line of pet vacuums. These vacuums, called ‘Animal Vacuums,’ always involve a tangle-free turbine tool. This tool is necessary to break down pet hair.
How does it work?
The tangle-free turbine tool isn’t like a brush bar. It consists of two discs, which rotate bristles into the floor or carpet. These bristles usually have anti-static carbon filaments, which attract and trap hair.
While this feature is primarily for pet vacuums, Dyson also includes mini motorized tools in all its products. These motorized tools perform similar functions.
As mentioned, Dyson vacuums are pretty pricey. Even the budget-friendly versions are relatively more expensive than their competition. Pricing for newer models (post-2018) begins at $500. Other brands, such as Samsung, Miele, and Bosch, have similar pricing.
Shark, Hoover, and Black & Decker are more affordable. However, the quality of Dyson vacuums is highly reliable and stringent than its competition. Dyson vacuums are long-lasting and efficient, making them smart investments.
At the same time, before purchasing one, think about how much you’re willing to spend. It’s essential to have a budget in mind, so it’s easier to make a decision.
Dyson, from time to time, puts out calls for trade-in offers. What does this mean? Primarily, Dyson uses trade-in offers as a marketing and research and development tactic. Dyson reps ask you to trade in your old vacuums for either money or a new vacuum.
If you’re looking for a replacement vacuum, trade-in offers come in handy.
Finally, you’ve gone through both my guide and reviews. As the last step, let’s go over the FAQs associated with Dyson vacuums.
As mentioned, all Dyson vacuums are bagless and employ cyclone technology. Cyclone technology consists of 14 to 15 radial cones inside the suction tube. These cones turn the air into spirals, so all the debris sucked inside doesn’t escape.
All corded vacuums have ‘ball’ technology, which makes steering and maneuverability more comfortable. These ‘balls’ essentially replace wheels. In a corded vacuum, the ball will pivot as you’re moving the vacuum.
Unless you go out of range, the ‘ball’ will follow you seamlessly, making cleaning with a canister vacuum far less taxing. Apart from increasing maneuverability, the Dyson ball also drowns the motor, preventing noise pollution.
What’s the difference between the two? These are two lines of Dyson vacuums. Animal vacuums have tangle-free turbine tools, while multi-floor vacuums have a floor-head design.
Other than this, there’s no real difference. They both employ similar cleaning capabilities. Deciding which one to buy depends on your needs and budget.
If you know anything about vacuums, you know all types of vacuums have pros and cons. Upright Dysons are much easier to maneuver and maintain. If you’re living in a multi-story house, upright vacuums are better choices than cylinder vacuums.
However, cylinder Dysons cover larger areas more quickly. They can also pick up dust and debris more effectively.
REVIEWED BY
As the Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Jeneva oversees the testing, reviewing, and posting of content about products for the home by The House Wire. Armed with six years of combined experience in SEO analysis and Internet Business consulting, she helps people navigate proper cleaning and home decoration. Through the creation of stimulating and enlightening resources about the best products, The House Wire helps everyone achieve their dream home.
