Man cleaning with Dyson cordless vacuum

Dyson is one of the best brands you can buy when it comes to household vacuums and floor care. Their cordless vacuums are particularly popular because they provide the room to roam without being tethered by a cord along with the versatility to clean all types of surfaces. Each model in the line-up is equipped with different features and functions to suit varying needs. So, how can you choose the right Dyson cordless vacuum for you and your family? Let’s compare them so you can pick the right one for your needs.

Table of contents

      1. Cordless vacuums for deep cleans
      2. Cordless vacuums for quick cleans
      3. Which cordless vacuums is right for you? 

Dyson cordless vacuums overview

Dyson cordless vacuums fall into two main categories: Dyson cordless vacuums for deep cleans and Dyson cordless vacuums for quick cleans.

Dyson cordless vacuums for deep cleans

Woman deep cleaning with Dyson Outsize + vacuum
There are five main cordless vacuum models that fall into the Dyson cordless vacuums for deep cleans category.

Dyson V15 Detect CompleteV15 Detect Complete+

The Dyson V15 Detect Total Clean is one of the newest and most top-line models. It offers powerful suction and a generous up to 60-minute run time. There are three cleaning modes: Boost mode for tackling especially dirty areas or a big spill, Eco mode for extending battery life for daily maintenance, and Auto mode for everyday use.

Equipped with a large bin capacity, it comes with two cleaner heads. This includes the new Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head that illuminates dust and debris on hard flooring. Using the piezo sensor, it reports the numbers of microscopic particles being detected and picked up as you run it. This data is displayed on the LCD, which also shows the current mode selected and remaining battery run time.

The V15 Detect is lightweight and uses Dyson’s Hyperdynium motor for powerful suction that can grab even the smallest particles from your floors and other surfaces. The whole-machine filtration system traps 99.97% of fine dust, 99.9% in Boost mode. Among the many attachments included with his vacuum is one specifically designed to tackle pet messes. Like others in the line, it easily converts to a handheld for using on the stairs, couch, in tight corners, or even in the car.

Dyson V15 Detect Complete

Boasting de-tangling technology, the V15 Detect Complete+ can intelligently adapt itssuction based on the type of floor it’s being used on as well as the dust level. No touch bin emptying means getting rid of the dust and debris is a cinch.

In addition to the Digital Motorbar and Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner heads, it comes with a combi tool, crevice tool, mini soft dusting brush, stubborn dirt brush, wand clip, and hair screw tool as well as the charger. It neatly sits in the included freestanding Grab & Go Floor Dok for recharging, which allows you to position the vacuum wherever is most convenient without having to drill holes in the wall.

Who would this vacuum be best for?

This model is great for medium-to-large-sized homes with more intensive cleaning needs. The lightweight design makes it easy to bring from room to room, floor to floor. Intelligent cleaning means it will work well for homes with a mix of flooring, tiles, and carpets. Also good for pet owners, this is a solid vacuum for the average-sized home and family. If you live in a rented home or apartment, this is a good option since it comes with the Floor Dok that doesn’t require drilling holes in the wall.

Dyson V15 Detect Total CleanV15 Detect Total Clean

The V15 Detect Total Clean is essentially the same vacuum as the V15 Detect Complete+, but in a different package.

With Dyson’s fully sealed, five-stage filtration system, it can capture up to 99.99% of microscopic particles as small as 0.3 microns while the HEPA filter traps even tinier particles as small as 0.1 microns.

It has all the same features of the V15 Detect Total Clean noted above, but rather than a Floor Dok, it comes with a Wall Dok as well as a charger for mounting neatly to the wall. It includes the same tools and brushes as well, except a high torque cleaner head versus the Motorbar cleaner.

Who would this vacuum be best for?

Like the V15 Detect Complete+, the V15 Detect Total Clean will appeal to the same types of users, including those with pets thanks to the hair screw tool. Pet owners might prefer the V15 Detect Complete+, however, since it comes with the Motorbar cleaner head with detangling vanes. If you prefer docking on the wall versus freestanding, this is the better option.

Dyson V12 Detect SlimV12 Detect Slim

A slimmer cordless option, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim is not quite as powerful as the V15 models, but it does offer the same one-hour runtime and three cleaning modes. It also has a small bin capacity versus large, making it more suitable for smaller homes and apartments. It comes with a pair of cleaner heads, including the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head and Motorbar cleaner.

Using 11 cyclones and a Hyperdynium motor that spins at up to 125,000 rpm, this vacuum generates powerful suction to tackle messes. It can suck up to 99.99% of fine dust as small as 0.3 microns using the whole-machine filtration. Like the others, it can easily convert into a handheld vacuum.

This vacuum can intelligently adapt the clean based on dust level but cannot sense floor type. This makes it a good option for those who have hardwood flooring throughout the home and wouldn’t make use of such a feature anyway. It has a power button on the front versus a trigger you need to hold, which will be preferred by some.

Dyson V12 Detect Slim with dog bedThe V12 Detect Slim offers the same LCD with a countdown timer and display of what particles are being picked up. It comes with a Wall Dok along with a combi tool, crevice tool, hair screw tool, wand clip, and charger.

Who would this vacuum be best for?

Apartment and condo dwellers, or those with smaller homes might appreciate the V12 Detect Slim because of its thinner and more lightweight footprint. It isn’t as powerful, but for daily maintenance and tackling the odd spill or two, it will do the trick. It comes with tons of attachments, including ones that can tackle pet hair.

Dyson Outsize+Outsize+

With good suction (not as powerful as the V15 models but more powerful than the V12), the Dyson Outsize+ offers twice the runtime at 120 minutes. That’s because it ships with an extra battery, making it a good option for larger homes and more intense cleaning sessions. It also has an extra-large bin capacity, making it further appealing to those with larger homes.

It comes with two cleaner heads including the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head as well as a Digital Motorbar XL cleaner head that is wider and can cover more ground per pass. De-tangling technology prevents hair and other debris from getting caught and wound around the brush as it cleans.

It intelligently adapts suction power based on the floor type but doesn’t have the capability to intelligently adapt to dust levels. With that said, like with other Dyson vacuums, you can manually adjust the suction power as needed. Plus, the vacuum boasts a 14-cyclone concentric array that can generate powerful force to trap fine dust and dirt without the loss of suction.

Image of Dyson cordless vacuum LCD screen when in use. You’ll get the same countdown timer on the built-in LCD but it does not show the dirt that’s being picked up on screen. This vacuum comes with a Wall Dok, combi tool, crevice tool, mini soft dusting brush, stubborn dirt brush, wand clip, hair screw tool and, as noted, an extra battery and charger.

Who would this vacuum be best for?

One of the highest end, most powerful vacuums in Dyson’s line, the Outsize+ is good for larger families with more intense cleaning needs. Those who have larger homes with bigger, more open spaces will appreciate the extra-large cleaning head that can cover more ground with each pass. The extra-large bin will also accommodate dust and debris from the entire home before you need to empty it. And with the extra battery and charger, you don’t have to worry about the battery dying before you’re done every room.

Dyson V11 AbsoluteV11 Absolute Extra

Another good option for deep cleaning is the Dyson V11 Absolute Extra, which includes intelligent DLS technology for automatically adjusting power to different floor types when you’re using it in Auto mode. It has the same three cleaning modes as some of the other similar models (Auto, Eco, and Boost).

It’s ultra-lightweight and comes with tons of tools so you can confidently hoist it up to tackle spiderwebs in the corner of the ceiling, use it as a handheld for the mattress or car, or comfortably navigate around and even under furniture. Using the high torque cleaner head’s stiff nylon bristles, the vacuum digs deep into carpets and for hard flooring, the anti-static carbon fibre filament ensures that even fine dust is removed from between the floorboards or tiles, corners, and crevices.

The LCD shows the selected power mode as well as other useful information like reminders and real-time performance. It has the hygienic point-and-shoot system for emptying the dustbin and runs for an hour before it needs recharging on the included Wall Dok.

Dyson V11 Absolute overhead photo

This vacuum comes with a wide selection of tools: a total of nine for tackling just about any surface. This includes the combi, crevice, mini motorized, and up top tools, the stubborndirt and soft dusting brushes, flexi crevice, extension hose for reaching high walls and ceilings, wand clip, and two cleaner heads: the high torque and soft roller.

Who would this vacuum be best for?

With the long runtime and ultra-lightweight design that makes it easy to move around, this vacuum is perfect for larger homes. Most notably, it’s ideal for those with a mix of both carpeting and hard flooring since it has features to tackle both types with ease. This includes the DLS technology for sensing the type of flooring and the multitude of included attachments like the high torque cleaner head that can dig deep into both carpets and hard flooring. If you want to clean other areas of the home, like ceilings and wall fans, this is a good option as well given the many attachments that come in the box.

Dyson cordless vacuums for quick cleans

Woman vacuuming with a Dyson cordless vacuum.

When it comes to Dyson cordless vacuums for quick cleans, there are three main models that fall into this category.

Dyson V10 AnimalV10 Animal+

The lightweight Dyson V10 Animal+ vacuum has a Motorbar cleaner head with hair removal vanes that is specifically designed to handle pet and human hair on both floors and even deep carpets. Choose among three power modes to adjust the clean as needed. Like other Dyson models, it can convert to a handheld vacuum for cleaning things like blinds, mattresses, and even the car interior as well as other hard-to-reach spaces.

Because it’s so lightweight, this vacuum is easy to manoeuvre throughout the home. With up to 60 minutes of run time per charge, it’s enough to clean even larger homes. The whole-machine filtration traps up to 99.99% of fine dust as small as 0.3 microns when used in Boost mode (99.97% filtration in other modes). The bin has an easy to empty point-and-shoot design, too, making clean-up a breeze.

Dyson V10 Animal with catIt comes with the Motorbar cleaner head, as noted, along with the Wall Dok and charger, hair screw tool, combi tool, crevice tool, and mini soft dusting brush.

Who would this vacuum be best for?

Good for pet owners, the Dyson V10 Animal+ is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, which makes it ideal for smaller spaces with lots of furniture to navigate around and hard-to-reach places. It’s a good option for any sized home when you want quick clean-ups and daily maintenance. Pet owners will appreciate the included Motorbar cleaner with hair removal vanes.

Dyson V8 AnimalV8 Animal cordless

The Dyson V8 Animal offers suction that’s comparable to the standard Dyson V8 model. It runs for a decent 40 minutes per charge and has a medium-sized bin capacity. This model only comes with one cleaner head but, as with other Dyson models, you can purchase additional ones separately if needed, which will seamlessly click into place (check model compatibility). It doesn’t come with the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head, but you do get a Motorbar cleaner with hair removal vanes and de-tangling technology that is specifically engineered for households with pets.

The motor and 2-tier Radial cyclones help deliver strong suction power while maintaining a lightweight design. Advanced whole-machine filtration, meanwhile, helps capture allergens and expel cleaner air as it cleans. Thanks to the sealed system, dirty air is kept inside the vacuum versus being expelled back out into the environment.

Dyson V8 Animal Wall Dok

There are no intelligent features with this model, which will save you some money, nor will you find an LCD. This is one of the simpler, more entry-level cordless vacuums from the brand.

Along with the Wall Dok, it comes with a combi tool, crevice tool, hair screw tool, and charger.

Who would this vacuum be best for?

This model is for those who might only use it in a single room, like the kitchen, and for the odd touch up here and there before guests come over. It runs for less time and only comes with one cleaner head, though since that one cleaning head is the Motorbar cleaner, pet owners can consider this one, too. Those with allergies will also appreciate the sealed design and the whole-machine filtration that captures allergens. Other included attachments extend its use for cleaning everything from the mattress to the car and the couch.

Dyson OmniglideOmni-Glide

The Dyson Omni-Glide cordless stick vacuum offers wonderful manoeuvrability, able to glide smoothly in all directions, including not only forwards and backwards but also side-to-side, and lie flat to get into out-of-the-way spaces thanks to the in-line design. The Hyperdynium motor spins at up to 105,000 rpm to offer powerful suction to tackle all types of dirt and debris. A five-layer filtration system, meanwhile, combined with the pair of Fluffy rollers, captures 99.97% of microscopic particles as small as 0.3 microns.

A neat usability feature with this model is a dedicated power button on the front versus the trigger you need to press and hold with other models. This makes it easy to clean while keeping your other hand free and move the vacuum comfortably from one hand to the other.

This model comes with a combi-crevice tool and omnidirectional Fluffy head as well as the docking station and charger. You don’t get as many attachments with it as others. But these can be purchased separately if needed.

Dyson Omniglide lie flatWho would this vacuum be best for?

If you have rooms with lots of furniture and corners where you want to get under, behind, around, and through, the Omni-Glide is a good option since it can move in every direction, gliding smoothly forward and back and even side to side. The in-line design makes it a great option if you want something to clean under the beds, for example, couches, and other furniture without worry that it won’t fit or glide nicely. If you have pets, however, you should look at one of the other models since this one doesn’t come with the Motorbar cleaning head or any special pet-friendly attachments.

Which Dyson cordless vacuum is right for you?

Woman cleaning the living room with a Dyson cordless vacuum.

Now that you know more about each model, it’s decision time. Which Dyson cordless vacuum is right for you? The first thing to do is decide whether you want the vacuum for deep cleans or quick cleans. If you already own another upright or canister vacuum, or even have central vac in the home, you might only require a Dyson vacuum for quick cleans in the kitchen when there’s a spill, or quick passes on the main level before guests come over and after they leave. If this will be a primary vacuum in the home, however, look at one for deep cleans.

Once you narrow that down, consider things like the size of your home and how many people live there, how often you vacuum, and the layout of the rooms. If you want to use the vacuum to clean all types of surfaces, you’ll want a package that comes with tons of additional brushes and cleaning tools. For larger homes, longer runtime, wider cleaning heads, and more powerful suction will be a must.

Finally, if you have pets, you’ll want to look at a model that comes with the Motorbar cleaner with hair vanes and/or the hair screw tool. Don’t discount the value of the Laser Slim Fluffy head cleaner either, which can provide an indication of which areas of the home are the dirtiest. Plus, kids might even love using it, too.

There’s a Dyson cordless vacuum model for everyone and every size and type of home. Once you find your perfect match, you’ll never look back. The great thing is that with some tools and brushes, and even docks, being interchangeable among models, you can always add to the set-up over time if you find you need more.

Check out the wide selection of Dyson cordless vacuums at Best Buy Online. 

Christine Persaud
With 20+ years of experience in trade and consumer tech journalism, I have covered the tech space since before social media was a "thing" and the smartphone as we know it was even invented. Writing for various technology, lifestyle, and entertainment sites, I have covered and reviewed hundreds of tech products, from home appliances to wearables, fitness tech to headphones, TV entertainment products and services, and more. I'm also a passionate foodie who loves to cook and bake, a TV show fanatic (happy to give what to watch recommendations!), and proud mother to a 12-year-old son.