In 2010, Dyson changed the floorcare space forever.
The brand, now synonymous with cutting-edge innovation, unveiled its first bagless cordless stick vacuum - and this was just the start.
Since then, the Singapore-based tech multinational has been at the forefront of innovating with revolutionary features to make cleaning the home that extra bit easier - and for the clean freak technophiles among us, an actually enjoyable experience.
The range is defined by its lack of bags and its introduction of cyclonic centrifugal force technology to capture, seperate and remove dust and dirt. This specialised system with its six layers of filtration ensures that 99.97 per cent of particles are captured and remnants as small as 0.0003mm. The models are lightweight (thanks to their compact, efficient motors), include long-lasting rechargeable batteries and have durable constructions to withstand all the knocks that keeping a house spic and span can entail. The initial investment may be costly but it’s exactly that, an investment as these modern contaptions are built to last.
With an array of models and price-points to choose from, there’s a lot to consider? Well, that’s where we come in.
Below we will be decoding the differences between the versions and the lingo that Dyson uses to name its products.
A quick guide to Dyson vacuums
- Outsize - this refers to the larger head and bin that can store more dirt between emptying. It is made to scoop up mess in larger spaces.
- Detect - the powerful vacuums with this moniker include intellegent technology to offer more effective pick-up and greater filtration.
- Absolut - this product type includes all accessories and cleanerheads in the box. The complete package.
- Animal - designed for pet-owners, they feature effective suction for fur and detangling heads.
- Slim - as you may expect, this is the most compact of the devices that are best for smaller homes.
- Micro - the most lightweight offering that the brand provides, weighing in at as little as 1.5kg.
What are the different types of Dyson floor cleaners?
- Cordless vacuum cleaners - these are the most lightweight and easily manouverable devices with a range of attachments. There’s a hygenic bin and a rechargeable battery built in.
- Hard floor vacuum cleaners - these vacuums move easily in any direction and come complete with Dyson’s trademarked omnidirectional fluffy cleaner head that can tackle dirt particles of all sizes.
- Robot vacuum cleaners - these independent vacuums clean without any elbow grease needed, they map out your space and scoop up remnants, learning as it goes, ready for the next clean.
- Upright vacuum cleaners - these high performance vacuums are for traditionalists and feature the brand’s unique Ball technology to ensure effective suction.
A rundown of all of Dyson’s vacuum attachments and what they do
The beauty of the cordless Dyson vacuums is that each element clips together. This means that you can take it from a floor cleaner to a handheld vacuum by unclipping the stick and connecting the attachment directly to the bin. The attachments vary depending on the spec that you are investing in. See the lowdown here:
- Digital Motorbarᵀᴹ Cleaner head - the rectangular head has detangling technology and is ideal for larger spaces due to its powerful pick up.
- Combination tool - the two-in-one has a brush and wide nozzle for versatility in your clean up process.
- Crevice tool - for precise cleaning, edges and narrow spaces.
- Illuminated cleaner head - features an angled beam that reveals particles that may not traditionally be seen.
- Hair screw tool - this anti-tangle brush is best for long and pet hair
- Light Pipe Crevice Tool - set with LED lights to clean in dark, narrow places.
- Low reach adaptor and up-top adaptor - to bend under furniture and reach high areas respectively.
- Scratch-free dusting brush - a self-cleaning rotating cuff for delicate surfaces.
- Quick-release mini motorhead tool - a bar that’s ideal for tight spaces and removing hair.
- Soft roller cleaner head - a soft woven nylon and anti-static carbon fibre construction makes this a godsend on hard floors.
- Mini soft dusting brush - for delicate areas with soft nylon bristles.
- Laser Slim Fluffy™ cleaner head - a soft roller makes this ideal for hard floors and it comes complete with an angled beam to shine a light on your cleaning space.
- High Torque XL cleaner head - the largest cleaning head in the offering that automatically adapts to all floor types.
The brand also offers a very handy quiz where you detail the size of your home, whether you have pets, the floor type (carpets or hard floors) and if you’re looking to clean your whole home or for quick cleans but we’ve taken it upon ourselves to compare and contrast the different models, laying out all the specs in one place, to make the decision easier than ever.
Get ready to find the Dyson vacuum cleaner of your dreams below
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Dyson V15 Detect
- attery life: 60 minutes and 3.5 hours to charge
- Attachments: Three - Digital Motorbar, Combination tool and Crevice tool
- Cordless?: Yes
- Unique features: LCD screen detailing types of dirt lifted, three cleaning modes and a clip-in battery where another can be purchased at an additional cost.
- Capacity: 0.76 litres
- Weight: 3.1 kg
This is the most powerful, top-of-the-range and latest vacuum from Dyson complete with smart features like the ability to detect and remove microscopic dust particles. In a split second, while you’re completing your clean-up, it measures the size of the dust and adapts the suction needed for a deep clean at the press of a button. The LCD screen shows what’s been scooped up in real time - it’s equal parts incredibly satisfying and horrifying.
When shopping for this particular model, you will notice there are many variations within Dyson's V15 category. All of the models have 60 minutes of run time, a motor that spins spins up to 125,000rpm and 14 scrolled cyclones.
Attachments include the anti-tangle and trademarked Digital Motorbar brush bar that works on carpet and hard floor alike. The cleaner head has nylon and anti-static carbon fibres for more effective pick-up.
Additional models:
Dyson V15 Detect Plus (£549.99) - only available at Dyson.co.uk and adds more attachments including the illuminated cleaner head to shine a light on the dirt, the Up-top to create the optimal angle for high areas that are hard to reach, a specialised brush for removing hair and the Light Pipe Crevice Tool with LEDs to tackle hard-to-see places. There’s also a floor dock.
Dyson V15 Detect Absolute (£699.99) - unclear what is different about this model to the abovea.
Dyson V15 Detect Extra (£659.99) - swaps the adaptors for high and low cleaning for the Scratch-free dusting brush.
Buy now £549.99, John Lewis
DYSON Outsize Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
- Battery life: 120 minutes
- Attachments: Six - Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head, High Torque XL cleaner head, Hair screw tool, Combination tool, Crevice tool, and Mini soft dusting brush.
- Cordless?: Yes
- Unique features: High Torque XL cleaner, large capacity, longest running time, eco mode to save power and boost for intensive cleans.
- Capacity: 1.9L
- Weight: 3.5kg
When you need to call in the big guns, the Outsize vacuum is ready for serious cleaning jobs.
Not only can it cover 25 per cent more floor than the V15 to save you time, but there are two batteries giving an hour's worth of power each so you won’t run out of juice in the process. Best of all, the bin is 150 per cent bigger than the V15 so you don’t need to empty it as frequently, even when tackling the whole house - again, a time saver.
The Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head is unique and engineered to detect particles that other vacuums could miss, while the High Torque XL cleaner head is kitted out with smart technology so that it constantly monitors - 360 times a second - the floor type and resistance to automatically adjust the power when you move from the likes of wood to carpet and rugs.
The motor, spinning at up to 125,000rpm and 18 cyclones, offers immense suction power.
Buy now £799.00, Amazon
Dyson Ball Animal Multi-floor
- Battery life: corded
- Attachments: N/A
- Cordless?: No
- Unique features: Dyson Ball technology to easily manoeuvre around furniture
- Capacity: 1.8L
- Weight: 7.4kg
There are three variations of upright vacuums, all of which are corded. The cheapest (£229.99) is simply called Dyson Ball Animal and has a powerful suction, hair detangling and promises a deep clean.
Stepping it up to the next level is the multi-floor edition (pictured) where you can go from carpet to tiles in one fell swoop without sacrificing on efficacy. It’s also got detangling built-in and provides 14m of unlimited corded cleaning.
There’s also the Dyson Ball Animal Complete, the most expensive of the three (£429.99) and currently out of stock. It boasts high power and the most attachments - seven tools vs the three and five of the standard and multi-floor respectively.
Buy now £379.99, Currys
Dyson Omni Glide
- Battery life: up to 20 minutes from four click-in batteries and 3.5 hours to charge
- Attachments: Four - Omnidirectional Fluffy™ cleaner head, Mini Motorised Tool, Combination tool and Docking station.
- Cordless?: Yes
- Unique features: The cleaner head that moves in any direction
- Capacity: 0.2L
- Weight: 1.9kg
This is the only designated hard floor vacuum in Dyson’s offering and is created to be flexible and highly maneouverable in all directions so you can avoid obstacles (without destroying your skirting board). It can also be laid directly flat so you can tackle dust under beds, sofas and any low furniture. It’s small and lightweight with just one brush head made up of two motorised fluffy rollers for scooping up large and fine particles alike and a narrow design to fit in tight spaces.
It spins at up to 105,000rpm and has eight cyclones.
Buy now £300.00, Argos
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute
- Battery life: Up to 60 mnutes and 4 hours charge.
- Attachments: Six - Motorbar™ cleaner head, Illuminated cleaner head, Hair screw tool, Low Reach Adaptor, Combination tool, and Crevice tool.
- Cordless?: Yes
- Unique features: Piezo sensor, LCD screen and carbon fibre filaments for fine dust removal.
- Capacity: 0.35L
- Weight: 2.2g
Much like its V15 successor, the V12 model has smart functions like the Piezo Sensor that counts and sizes up particles and adapts the suction power to suit. This information is displayed on the LCD screen.
It uses a more advanced method of detangling than previous models with 43 vanes to keep it clear. and offers a more effortless cleaning experience, especially when it comes to carpets.
What makes this model stand out from older models is the simple on and off button that means you no longer have to hold down on the device to operate.
The motor spins up to 125,000rpm with 11 cyclones.
Additional models:
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Extra (£599.99) - this model adds an extension hose, awkward gap tool and scratch-free dusting brush attachment.
Buy now £449.99, Dyson
DYSON V11 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
- Battery life: Up to 60 minutes and 4.5 hours to charge
- Attachments: Five - Motorbar™ cleaner head, Soft Roller cleaner head, Combination tool, Crevice tool, Mini motorised tool, and Reach under tool.
- Cordless?: Yes
- Unique features: Three cleaning modes, system performance monitors and the brush bar spins at up to 60 times a second.
- Capacity: 0.76L
- Weight: 3kg
The noise-reducing V11 was the first of Dyson’s vacuums to be kitted out with an LCD screen and smart monitoring. The effective cleaning device spins at up to 125,000 rpm, leaving no remnant of dirt behind. There are 14 cyclones and forces of 79,000g to ensure suction is never compromised.
Buy now £499.99, Amazon
Dyson Cyclone V10 Total Clean
- Battery life: Up to 60 minutes and 3.5 hours to charge
- Attachments: Five - Motorbar™ cleaner head, Soft roller cleaner head, Combination tool, Crevice tool and Low reach adaptor.
- Cordless?: Yes
- Unique features: For a deep clean.
- Capacity: 0.77L
- Weight: 2.6kg
This cordless vac is lightweight but effective, making light work out of cleaning up after your pet and household. The Motorbar attachment has a built-in detangler so no more unpleasant picking hair out the attachments as is the case with less technologically savvy models. This tool is offered alongside a softer cleaning head that is better suited to hard floors due to its static carbon fibre that can pick up the finest of dust particles. It has 20 per cent more suction that the V8 with 14 cyclones.
Buy now £449.99, Dyson
Dyson V8 series
- Battery life: Up to 40 minutes and 5 hours to charge
- Attachments: Combination tool, crevice tool, and mini motorhead
- Cordless?: Yes
- Unique features: De-tangling technology and low noise
- Capacity: 0.54L
- Weight: 2.56kg
This is by no means the latest model in the Dyson line-up but it comes at a lower price point, while still packing many of the features that we know and love from the label.
There are two power modes, ergonomic handling and the ability to switch from a floor vacuum to a handheld at the unclipping and clipping of a button. It was created to be “accoustically controled”, meaning you won't disturb the neighbours on cleaning days.
It spins at up to 110,000rpm.
Additional models:
Dyson V8 Absolute (£399.99) - this vacuum adds the soft roller cleaner head to the attachment line-up that has a specialised function for hard floors. There’s also the low reach adaptor.
Dyson V8 Animal (£349.99) - this discontinued option was created with pet owners in mind.
Buy now £249.99, John Lewis
Dyson Micro 1.5kg Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
- Battery life: Five to 20 minutes and 3.5 hours to charge
- Attachments: Three - Micro Fluffy cleaner head, Mini Motorised Tool and Crevice tool.
- Cordless?: Yes
- Unique features: Compact and lightweight
- Capacity: 0.2 L
- Weight: 1.5kg
If you don’t have the luxury of storing a hefty vacuum, you may be looking for something like the Micro to do the job without having to worry about where to keep it. The device still can spin at up to 105,000rpm with eight cyclones so you still have a solid amount of power as well as the filtration system of the rest of the range, just packed into a more compact and lighter offering.
The Micro Fluffy cleaner head follows suit and is smaller than the typical to fit into tighter spaces. It’s also versatile and can be used on hard floors, laminate, upholster and stairs. Simply remove the stick attachment and it can transform into a handheld for those smaller cleaning tasks.
Buy now £219.99, eBay
DYSON Gen 5 DETECT
- Battery life: 70 minutes
- Attachments: Seven- with smart digital Motorbar cleaner head, handy Fluffy Optic cleaner head, dusting and crevice tool, hair screw tool and combi brush and wide nozzle
- Cordless?: Yes
- Unique features: High Torque XL cleaner, large capacity, longest running time, eco mode to save power and boost for intensive cleans.
- Capacity: 0.77L
- Weight: 3.5kg
It's not the most diminutive of household vacuums, but the Gen 5 brings Dyson’s engineering expertise to the fore.
It builds on the features of its V15 sibling, boasting of an ever longer runtime (60min versus the Gen5's 70, those extra ten minutes handy for when you’re in the thick of a really deep clean), stronger suction and a sharper optic laser that's much more efficient at detecting dirt than its predecessors.
The price tag is punchy, sure, but as stick vacuums go, it does a stellar job on carpets. Myriad tools allow users to reach those fiddly nooks that a bulky head can’t.
For parents and pet owners, there’s also the added bonus of a HEPA filter and smart particle detection system to suck up any potential allergens and nasties dislodged from cleaning.
Buy now £649.99, Dyson
Dyson WashG1 wet floor cleaner
- Battery life: 35 minutes and 4 hours to charge
- Attachments: two water tanks
- Cordless?: Yes
- Unique features: water intensity, wet and dry dirt separation, self-cleaning mode.
- Capacity: 0.8 litres
- Weight: 4.9kg
Designed to clean hard floors such as laminate, vinyl and sealed wood floors with nothing but tap water, the WashG1 will retire your mop and bucket for good.
Counter-revolving rollers glide across the room and under heavy furniture picking up dry and wet mess quickly and efficiently. Dry dirt is collected into a tray, while dirty water empties into a separate tank, so you’re only ever cleaning with fresh water - perfect if you’re trying to avoid harmful chemicals in a house with pets and kids.
The vacuum can clean right up to wall edges when used side-on, erasing everything from accidental food and drink spills to stubborn stains with three levels of water hydration. All that is left behind is a thin film, which dries quickly so that you’re not saturating floors in water for long periods.
Dyson’s vacuum even has a self-cleaning mode to keep the appliance in good working condition, ready for the next clean.
Buy now £599.99, Dyson
