We've tested nearly every vacuum Dyson makes. These 5 models are worth the hype

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Dyson makes some of the most innovative and premium vacuums on the market, and we frequently name them as top picks in our guide to the best vacuum cleaners.  

Essentially a household status symbol for those who love to keep their home spic and span, Dyson vacuum cleaners are the creme de la creme of floorcare products with a lineup of cordless, upright, and now a robot vacuum cleaner to choose from. All offer powerful cleaning performance across various surfaces, good battery life, hygienic bin emptying, and advanced filtration. Dyson vacuums are all built to resist hair tangling, making them a great option among the best vacuums for pet hair. 

I've spent the last two years familiarizing myself with the Dyson range and understanding each model's various strengths and pain points. These mini Dyson vacuum reviews will help determine which model will best suit your needs, whether you're after Dyson's most innovative technology with all the bells and whistles, a model to help manage pet hair, or a model with great filtration. My favorite model I've ever tested is the Dyson V15 Detect for its overall cleaning performance, special features (laser technology), and user-friendliness. For a more budget-friendly choice, the Dyson V8 is Dyson's most long-standing cordless; it lacks auto-adjusting suction and has a shorter battery life but comes with all the attachments necessary for a comprehensive clean.

Our picks of the Best Dyson vacuum cleaners

Best overall: Dyson V15 Detect - See at Dyson

Best value: Dyson V8 - See at Dyson

Most innovative: Dyson Gen5detect - See at Dyson

Best for large homes: Dyson Outsize - See at The Home Depot

Best upright: Dyson Ball Animal 3 - See at Dyson

Best overall

Perhaps the product I am most enthusiastic about in my home is my Dyson V15 Detect. If it wasn't so pricey, I'd probably call it the best cordless vacuum, but instead, settled on it for our splurge pick. I've been using mine for two years, and it has changed the way I clean thanks to its Fluffy Optic Cleaner Head, a soft roller for cleaning hard floors that incorporates a green diode laser to reveal the dirt and dust that the eye can't see. It's both unsettling and amazing to see just how much dust can accumulate in a short period of time. 

For cleaning rugs and carpets, I switch to the Digital Motorbar Cleaner Head, which is effective on both carpets and hard flooring, and is Dyson's default cleaner head design on the rest of its product lineup. Its special detangling vanes that resemble the spokes of a comb ensure that hair doesn't get tangled around the brush roll.

When testing our vacuums, we trial them by tossing flour, sugar, coffee grounds, rice, and Cheerios on the ground to represent various particle sizes. I ran these "tests" on both floor heads. The Fluffy Optic head was marginally better at picking up fine flour and crunched through Cheerios with little effort. By contrast, flour seemed to deposit itself in the crevice of the Digital Motorbar Cleaner Head, and I needed to adjust suction height settings when picking up Cheerios on hard floors; otherwise, it would push the cereal around without picking it up. That said, I had no issues picking up food with the Digital Motorbar Cleaner Head on the carpet. Everything else was easily picked up with little resistance, if any.  

Swapping between the two floorheads for cleaning various floor types can feel cumbersome, but the laser on the Fluffy Optic Cleaner Head isn't effective on carpets, nor is the soft brush roll built to dig up dust and dirt; rather, it's designed to roll softly on delicate floor types. Not even LED lights can show the "dust" you have on carpets. 

A piezo sensor gamified the clean to show you exactly how much and what size particles the vacuum is suctioning up; it also helps control the suction power to maximize battery life when placed on Auto mode. You can also choose to clean on Eco or Boost mode, which provides the longest and shortest amount of battery life, respectively. The digital LCD display shows how much dirt has been collected and the remaining battery life down to the second.

The Dyson V15 Detect has a battery life of up to 60 minutes and features Dyson's classic trigger operation style. It also employs Dyson's see-through hygienic bin system, which releases straight into the trash with a push-lever mechanism. The 0.2-gallon dust bin is decently sized, but if you overstuff it, you will likely have to pull out some of the compacted dust and dirt with your hands.

Best value

For a Dyson at its most budget-friendly price, the Dyson V8 remains a respected player. The entry-level design lacks the bells and whistles of other models but still offers a comprehensive clean with up to 40 minutes of battery life and two power modes you can manually toggle between.

At 5.5 pounds, it's lightweight and easy to maneuver, especially in small spaces. The Dyson V8 model comes with the Motorbar cleaner head and can easily convert into a handheld to accomplish a number of cleaning tasks with the help of the combination tool, hair screw tool, or crevice tool attachments.

Our tester found that, when cleaning on regular mode, she could get around 30 minutes of cleaning time and around seven minutes on boost, meaning this setting should be used sparingly for cleaning targeted, very dirty messes. This lower time is not uncommon when operating the vacuum at its highest setting, whereas the V15 Detect lasted for about 15 minutes at its highest setting.

In our debris tests, where we tossed coffee grounds, flour, sugar, rice, and crushed cereal on the floor, the Dyson V8 yielded the best performance on carpets but struggled at picking up larger particles like Cheerios and rice on hard floors. The vacuum pushed the rice around and took a second pass to get up, while the larger Cheerios took multiple passes and even dropped back out once the vacuum was lifted off the floor. It took two passes to get up all the flour residue, but overall was able to handle this fine substance. It could pick up strands of hair, but it did wrap around the brush roll.

Read our full Dyson V8 cordless vacuum review.

Most innovative

Dyson's cordless flagship, the Dyson Gen5detect, builds on the Dyson V15 Detect's most impressive features with the addition of a push-button operation (finally), built-in crevice tool, HEPA filtration down to .01 microns at the standard model level, slightly longer battery life, stronger suction power, and a brighter Fluffy laser. It's a pretty impressive design, with a Business Insider reporter identifying it as one of the quiet status symbols of 2024. 

From microscopic flour to Cheerios, it flawlessly cleaned up debris I sprinkled on hardwood and medium-pile carpet. The Fluffy Optic cleaner head picked up 100% of the flour. The Motorbar got 96% on carpet and hard floors but left some residue in the crevices of the floorhead. It's a testament to its powerful suction that the dust bin filled in minutes when I used the vacuum to clean the carpeted landing next to my stairs. It uncovered long strands of hair embedded in the carpet and deposited them neatly into the dust bin. The Dyson Gen5detect has Dyson's most powerful suction, an impressive 280 air watts. It's not so noticeable next to the V15 Detect, rated at 240 air watts, but definitely when compared to, say, the Dyson V8, which has a rated 115 air watts.

I absolutely love the convenience-centric design change to the push-button operation and built-in tool, and I indeed noticed the difference in laser brightness when holding the Gen5detect and the V15 Detect side by side. However, these marginal changes in power and battery (70 vs 60 minutes) were just not enough to justify the eyewatering $950 price tag (and over $1,050 if you choose the large-home Outsize model) when being considered as the best Dyson. Both gave exceptional cleaning performance. But, if you want the latest and greatest, with even more thorough HEPA filtration, you won't be disappointed.

Starting this summer, the Dyson Gen5detect will also be able to pair with a new augmented reality feature called Dyson CleanTrace, which tracks where you've cleaned within the MyDyson app. I've yet to try it, but plan to once available. Until now, I've happily relied on the vibrancy of the Fluffy laser head to help me see if I missed a spot. 

Read our full Dyson Gen5detect cordless vacuum review. 

Best for large homes

The Dyson Outsize is frequently our pick for pet hair and large homes, thanks to its industry-leading half-gallon dust bin, meaning fewer trips to the trash to empty the dust bin. It's the only cordless vacuum cleaner on the market with a dust bin of this size. Coupled with an extra-long 60-minute battery life (and options to get extra batteries), the Dyson Outsize is well-equipped to handle extended cleaning sessions.

The Dyson Outsize has excellent suction and features three modes: Eco, Boost, and Auto. These modes automatically sense changes in floor type and adjust suction accordingly. The Outsize's LCD screen displays these modes and the remaining battery life.

The Digital Motorbar XL floorhead is 25% larger than the standard size found on Dyson's other models, covering more ground in each swipe. However, at nearly 8 pounds, the extended size will have its drawbacks for some. The larger dust bin, by default, makes the unit heavier and a little more difficult to maneuver. For above-floor cleaning, like cleaning the blinds or molding, I've found my arm gets tired due to its long size. Carrying the vacuum up and down the stairs requires extra effort, as well. The trigger-style control can also contribute to fatigue.

Multiple Business Insider Reviews team members have mentioned their admiration for the Dyson Outsize. Former reporter Connie Chen complimented how the vacuum's larger bin, wider cleaning head, and stronger power make it perfect for big cleaning tasks. Senior reporter James Brains found it to be one of the best vacuum cleaners that didn't tangle with pet hair and said the vacuum is easy to maneuver thanks to its spherical wheel on the cleaner head.

However, over the last few months, Dyson has been phasing out the Outsize, and inventory has been limited. We regret seeing it go, but if you can find it in stock, it's a beast of a vacuum designed for extended cleaning. It also feels like an incredible value compared to its successor, the Gen5Outsize, which is nearly double the price.

Read our Dyson Outsize vacuum review.

Best upright

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is a top choice if your priority is sheer suction power, and not having to worry about charging a battery. Thanks to its powerful motor and the stiff bristles on its brush roll, this vacuum can get deep into thick carpeting, pulling up more dirt, dust, and pet hair than many of the best upright vacuums on the market. It has three suction settings that you can adjust via a slider on the floorhead, and while it truly shines on carpeting, the vacuum is just as effective on hard floors, picking up both large pieces of debris like cereal and fine particles of flour. 

If you have pets with long coats — or simply a lot of long hair yourself — you'll be happy to hear that the Ball Animal 3 has special detangling vanes on its floorhead that have proven extremely effective. Even after weeks of testing, there weren't any strands of hair wrapped around the vacuum's brush roll. 

The Ball Animal 3 comes with a stair tool and a combination crevice tool/dusting brush, both of which store on-board. Dyson also has a wide range of other accessories that are compatible with the vacuum, including a motorized pet tool, pet grooming brush, mattress tool, articulating hard floor tool, and much more, which can also be found on additional models like the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Complete. The vacuum's hose and wand, which pull vertically out of the spine of the vacuum, are 15 feet long, but we found they're awkward to wield. The vacuum's strong suction makes the hose stiff and difficult to stretch out. So if you're hoping to use the vacuum to clean stairs or other hard-to-reach areas, it will likely be quite the hassle. 

This upright vacuum is heavier than most, weighing over 17 pounds, but it's easy to maneuver around obstacles thanks to its ball-shaped base, which swivels easily and allows you to tilt the vacuum from side to side. It has a spacious 0.45-gallon dust bin that empties easily via a button on the handle, and the vacuum traps allergens as small as 0.3 microns using a washable post-motor filter that requires cleaning once a month. (Though, we were disappointed it doesn't have a true HEPA filter, given the high price point.) —Camryn Rabideau, contributor

Other Dyson Vacuums

• Dyson 360 VisNav: Dyson's first robot vacuum has finally become available in the US after what feels like years, and it sold out within hours of launch. We're in the process of obtaining a model to review so we can see how it fits in among the best robot vacuums. It claims to be the most powerful robot vacuum and uses an onboard camera to quickly map your home. It does not have a self-emptying bin option, however, like many of today's most popular models. 
• Dyson WashG1: Dyson debuted its first true hard floor cleaner this fall. It has a dual-roller design that removes wet and dry dirt in one go, with a separate compartment for solid debris and a self-cleaning design. Our executive deputy editor, Lauren Savoie, had the opportunity to demo the Wash G1 before launch, and her early impression was that it's an attractive, powerful machine, and she thought it could be a serious contender for the best wet-dry vac you can buy. We're also in the process of obtaining a unit for a more thorough review.
• Dyson V15s Detect Submarine: In 2023, Dyson introduced a separate motorized mopping attachment that built on the technology of the V15 Detect. However, it is not compatible with existing units or available as an add-on for existing V15 Detect owners. The mop works well, and you can incorporate your favorite floor-cleaning solution. However, cleaning up afterward left a fair amount to be desired. It also doesn't vacuum and mop simultaneously. Read our full Dyson V15s Detect Submarine review. 
• Dyson V12 Detect Slim: This model represents the most affordable entry point to owning a Dyson with laser technology. Lightweight and easy to maneuver, it also has a convenient push-button operation. However, its tiny 0.1-gallon dust bin is half the size of the V15 Detect and will have you pausing to empty the dust bin more frequently. 
• Dyson V11: Formerly known as the Dyson V11 Animal or Dyson V11 Torque, which were identified by the attachments it came with, the consolidated Dyson V11 has up to 60 minutes of runtime and comes with a Motorbar cleaner head, hair screw tool, crevice tool, and combination tool. It was the first design to automatically adjust suction according to floor type. 
• Dyson OmniGlide: Designed for hard floor cleaning only, this Dyson nimbly glides across your floors in any direction with ease. It's small and lightweight, but it doesn't come with many attachments and has a short 20-minute runtime. 

How we test vacuums

We've been testing and reviewing Dyson vacuum cleaners throughout the years and developing various tests to evaluate common features like battery power, ease of use, maintenance, and, of course, cleaning performance. To measure cleaning performance, we toss pre-measured amounts of substances like flour, sugar, coffee, cereal, and rice on the floor, vacuum it up, and weigh the dust bin to determine how much was picked up on carpets, hard floors, and upholstery. We run the battery to completion on its highest settings, monitor how long it lasts, and make qualitative notes on maneuverability, emptying, cleaning filters, and more. 

Dyson vacuum cleaner FAQs

Dyson illumination vacuums:  What's the difference between the Dyson Gen5detect vs Dyson V15 Detect vs Dyson V12 Detect Slim?

The Gen5detect is Dyson's latest cordless release from 2023. It has increased battery life, more suction power, and HEPA filtration. It also has the improved feature of a push-button power operation, as opposed to the continuous trigger, and a built-in crevice tool within the wand. 

Pitting the V15 Detect and the Gen5detect together, the differences in run time and suction power are pretty marginal. For instance, the Gen5detect can operate for up to 70 minutes while the V15 Detect can operate for up to 60 minutes. The max suction power on both models is 280 air watts and 240 air watts, respectively. They both include similar accessories, the same floor heads (including the Fluffy Optic Cleaner Head, which uses a green laser to reveal dust that the naked eye can't see), LCD screens, and piezo sensors. 

Finally, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim is a more lightweight edition of the V15 Detect, weighing just five pounds. It has a dust bin that is half the size, at 0.09 gallons versus 0.2 gallons, and weaker rated suction power at 150 air watts. We do like the push-button operation but found that the 0.09-gallon dust bin was just too small for whole-home cleaning. 

Though we prefer the touch power button of the Gen5detect and the Dyson V12 Detect Slim, we still recommend the V15 Detect as the best option, due to its slightly lower price point compared to the Gen5detect and beefed up power and size specs compared to the V12 Detect Slim. 

Which Dyson is best for pet hair?

Any of the Dyson models are built to handle long hair strands and tackle pet hair. We particularly like the Dyson V15 Detect for its overall cleaning performance, while the half-gallon dust bin of Dyson Outsize will enable you to collect more hair without stopping to empty the bin. 

The standard Digital Motorbar floor heads found across the use dozens of de-tangling vanes to automatically clear wrapped hair from the brush bar as you clean to keep the brush roll from clogging. Hair does wrap initially, but as you clean, you'll notice it absorbs into the machine. Ensure your models come with a Hair Screw Tool, which is Dyson's version of a mini-motorized tool to give you extra versatility while cleaning upholstery, pet beds, car seats, and stairs. 

Which Dyson has the most suction power?

In terms of sheer power, the corded Dyson Ball Animal 3 holds the title for most suction power with a rating of 290 air watts. For cordless models, the Dyson Gen5detect has the highest rated suction power, with 280 air watts and a motor that spins at 125,000 rpm. 

What are the differences in Dyson model names?

Dyson has a confusing array of titles it attaches to its vacuums. Here's our breakdown of what they mean:

• Absolute vacuums are typically the top-of-the-line version or a Dyson.com exclusive and often have features like HEPA-filtration and additional accessories. 
• Origin represents base models, and they don't include many extras and attachments. 
• Extra and Complete represent models with additional accessories, and are usually terms reserved for the brand's upright vacuums. 

Are Dyson vacuums HEPA-rated?

Dyson has built its business off of its advanced filtration designs that keep dust and dirt sealed in. HEPA or High-Efficiency Particulate Air, as defined by the EPA, is an efficiency standard that stipulates that the filter can remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm). Dyson models all achieve this but may not have the official HEPA label. Instead, they are considered HEPA-like filters. Its models labeled "HEPA" take the certification even further and can remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.1 µm.

Are Dyson vacuums worth it?

While you are absolutely paying for the Dyson name, don't forget about the hundreds of hours of research and product development that went into these products. While many lower-priced dupes and copycats are on the market, we're pretty certain that they did not go through the same rigorous testing and development. From the very beginning, developing clear bagless dust bins and using cyclone technology to separate dust particles from air flow to its latest laser-illuminated floor heads, Dyson is a clear floorcare innovator. 

Though it comes down to ease of use and cleaning performance, whether you have pets, suffer from allergies, or need something easy, lightweight, versatile, and reliable, for those reasons alone, we think make Dyson a great vacuum to own.