The Best Dyson Vacuum Cleaners for Your Money

Dyson makes some of the world's best vacuum cleaners, featuring sleek innovative designs and — most importantly — very impressive suction capacity.

With five cordless vacuum models and four upright corded ones available, there’s a Dyson vacuum that can fit your cleaning needs. Choosing the right one depends on the size of your home, the cleaning attachments you prefer and your budget.

Dyson vacuums are known to be expensive, with some top-of-the-line models costing $800 or more. Yet older versions can be found for less than $400 and are still some of the best vacuums on the market.

(Note: While this story focuses exclusively on Dyson vacuums, we have recommendations for many other brands and styles of vacuums, including reviews of the best cordless vacuums and the best Roombas.)

Dyson Vacuum Buying Guide

Dyson offers different versions of the same cordless vacuum models, usually followed by the terms “Animal,” “Absolute” or a “+” sign. These terms give an idea of how many cleaning attachments are included.

Typically, Animal models are the cheapest, costing less than $600, and come with the fewest cleaning attachments. Absolute models cost $50 or more than Animal ones and include one or two additional attachments.

The + sign also indicates that a model has an extra attachment or two. For example, there are two Dyson V15 Detect models: a standard version labeled as V15 Detect and another one named the V15 Detect+. Both vacuums have the same suction power. The only difference is that while the Detect features 10 attachments, the Detect+ includes one additional attachment — a low-reach adapter that allows the vacuum to bend right in the middle to easily reach under furniture.

There’s an additional model category sold by Dyson labeled “Outsize.” This is the most expensive kind of Dyson vacuum, with a price tag of $800 or more. Dyson’s Outsize vacuums offer a bit more suction power and a larger dust bin. They also include an extra battery pack, making them ideal for larger homes.

Besides the included attachments, you’ll want to keep in mind the same factors that are important when buying any other vacuum cleaner. Consider its suction power, dust bin capacity and, if it’s cordless, whether the battery life is long enough to handle your home's size and floor type.

• Battery. The battery on the latest Dyson cordless models can last around an hour per charge. The batteries in previous versions usually don't last quite as long. Basically, the older the model, the shorter its battery life, with some lasting 30 minutes or less.

Keep in mind that advertised runtimes on newer models are based on using them on the lowest suction setting — “Eco” mode. Using the vacuum on the highest setting (“Boost” mode) can shave off more than 20 minutes of battery life. Using the vacuum on carpets, especially thick ones, can shorten battery life even more. Getting a Dyson model that adjusts its suction capacity based on the floor type guarantees the best possible battery life per charge (the V11, V15 and Outsize models have this capability).

If you have a big multi-floor home that takes more than an hour to vacuum, you may want to consider one of the Outsize models. These vacuums self-adjust their suction power and include an extra battery pack so you don't have to wait between charges. (Recharging a battery pack can take up to four hours.)

If that still doesn’t cut it, you could purchase one of Dyson's corded upright vacuums with stronger suction capacity. However, they’re heavier and you'll have to deal with a sometimes annoying cord. Also, Dyson stopped developing corded vacuums in 2018 to focus on cordless models, which could eventually make finding spare parts difficult.

• Suction power. Comparing vacuum suction power between different brands can be difficult since manufacturers don't use the same metric when describing their models.

Fortunately, comparing different Dyson models is easier since the company uses what’s known as air watts — a measurement of how many watts a vacuum uses to move air through its opening. The higher the air watts, the stronger the suction power. For example, Dyson’s latest cordless model, the V15 Detect, generates 230 air watts of suction, while the previous V11 generation offers 185.

• Dust bin. Most Dyson cordless vacuums have a 0.2-gallon dust bin, which is ample enough for the typical home. This model comes with a 0.5-gallon dust bin instead. This type of Outsize model may be your best option if you have a larger-than-average home, or you find yourself cleaning up a considerable amount of hair or debris and don’t like having to empty the dust bin in the middle of vacuuming.

Note that whatever your cordless vacuum’s dust bin’s size is, emptying it at least once while cleaning is recommended to maximize suction performance and prevent clogs.

Dyson’s corded vacuums have a definite advantage when it comes to dust bin size. The dust bin (or dust canister) on upright corded models is often large enough to handle vacuuming for days or even weeks before needing to be emptied.

Reviewing the Top Dyson Vacuums of 2023

1. Best overall: Dyson V15 Detect

List Price: $749.99

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All Dyson vacuums are known to tackle all kinds of debris, from fine dust to pet hair, with ease on both carpets and bare floors. But the V15 outperforms the company’s previous models in terms of suction power and technological advances that help you clean better and faster.

While some cordless vacuums include LED lighting on their cleaning heads to help you see dust under furniture or dark corners, the V15 features a powerful laser light, which can reveal even the finest dust on all surfaces.

Dyson’s previous model, the V11, adjusted its suction whenever it detected a change between hard flooring and carpets. The V15 takes this a step further with a sensor that detects how much dirt it's picking up as well as the size of the particles.

The vacuum then uses this information to adjust its cleaning power based on how dirty an area is. For instance, if there’s cat litter in a corner of your living room, the V15 will automatically increase suction as you go over it and then tone it down as you move along the rest of the room. This self-adjustment can help extend battery life as well.

A count of the particles vacuumed is also displayed on the V15 Detect's LCD screen. Owners can use this information to compare their cleaning sessions and get a general idea of how dirty certain areas may be.

As you move around, the LCD displays how much battery life you have left, down to the seconds. According to Dyson, the battery can last up to 70 minutes per charge when used on Eco mode — the lowest suction setting. When used on Boost mode (its highest setting), battery life is reduced to less than 20 minutes. In Auto mode, the vacuum self-adjusts as it detects dirt levels, delivering an average of 40 minutes per charge.

The V15 comes with 10 cleaning attachments, two more than the previous model. The standard cleaning head digs deep into carpets and prevents hair from tangling. A second floor cleaning head is designed for hardwood and tile floors, picking up larger debris — like cereal — in one pass. Some of the other attachments included an anti-tangle brush for pet hair, a soft dusting brush and a crevice tool.

Pros

• Laser light on the cleaning head highlights debris
• Extremely powerful suction power
• Dust bin can be quickly and easily emptied
• Eco mode provides up to 70 minutes of runtime

Cons

• Expensive (retailing for around $700)
• Small dust bin

2. Editor’s pick: Dyson V11 Animal

List Price: $599.99

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Before the V15’s unveiling, the Dyson V11 was considered to deliver the best performance of any cordless vacuum.

Retailing for about $600 ($150 less than the V15), the V11 is still a great option, with suction capacity that comes a close second to the V15 and that can leave nearly any type of floor spotless in a single pass.

The V11 adjusts its suction power by detecting the type of floor (hard or carpet) it's gliding on. The sensor on the V11 isn’t quite as sophisticated as the V15’s — which adjusts its suction power by detecting the size and count of the particles it picks up — but it’s still capable of enhancing cleaning and maximizing battery efficiency. And you can always switch to Boost mode manually whenever you feel you need some extra vacuum power.

Both vacuums have a similar design, weight and battery life. However, unlike the V15, the V11 Animal doesn’t display exactly how much battery time is left; it features a three-bar indicator instead.

The V11 also lacks two extra attachments included with the V15, one being a soft roller cleaning head designed to pick up larger debris in one pass on hard floors. However, the V11 is still plenty powerful and versatile, with eight useful attachments (like the mini motorized tool for removing pet hair).

Pros

• Auto-adjustable suction level based on flooring type
• Powerful suction to pick up dirt, dust and hair
• Eight attachments for thorough cleaning
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver

Cons

• No soft roller cleaning head included
• Small dust bin

3. Best for low prices: Dyson V8 Animal

List Price: $399.00

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If the $500+ price tags on Dyson’s newer cordless vacuums are deal-breakers for you, the V8 Animal is worth checking out. It's often found for less than $400, and although its suction capacity is not as powerful as the latest model, it's still quite impressive and much better than most other brands.

The V8 Animal includes six cleaning attachments such as a soft dusting brush, a crevice tool and a mini motorized tool ideal for pet hair embedded on sofas. The battery lasts up to 40 minutes per charge. It also features a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter that seals the dust bin, trapping microscopic dust particles.

Pros

• Ideal for cleaning pet hair, with specialized attachments
• Lay-flat design to easily vacuum under furniture
• HEPA filtration traps microscopic particles
• 360-degree swivel for added maneuverability

Cons

• Battery lasts less than 40 minutes
• Head doesn’t auto-adjust its suction power

4. Best Dyson for big homes: Dyson V11 Outsize

List Price: $799.99

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Cordless vacuums are lightweight and easier to store and maneuver compared to corded models. However, the limited battery life isn't always convenient for big homes where cleaning takes longer than an hour.

Also, the size of their dust bins isn't ideal if you typically vacuum large amounts of dirt or hair and have to empty the bin between cleaning sessions. If that’s your case, Dyson’s V11 Outsize is a smart choice.

The V11 Outsize is similar to the V11 Animal in terms of design, but the dust bin is much larger — 0.5 gallons versus 0.2 gallons for the Animal. Most importantly, the Outsize has stronger suction than the V11 Animal and includes an additional battery pack so you can use the vacuum uninterrupted for up to 120 minutes. All of these features make the V11 Outsize more expensive, though. It's usually available for about $800.

The extra cost may be well worth it. The V11 Outsize may come at a steeper price, but it does provide a better performance, which can be especially important for big families with pets.

Pros

• Includes two batteries and two chargers
• Comes with six attachments for precise cleaning
• Picks up most debris in one pass
• Easy to remove hair with detachable roller

Cons

• Expensive at around $800
• Canister requires frequent emptying

5. Best Dyson upright vacuum cleaner: Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2

List Price: $399.99

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Dyson stopped developing corded vacuums in 2018, but the Ball Multi Floor 2 vacuum remains one of the best corded models available.

Selling for about $400, it self-adjusts the cleaning head’s height to create the best possible seal across different floor types. Since it's a corded upright vacuum, it’s able to deliver stronger suction capacity than any cordless model. (Although cordless vacuums have improved significantly over the years, corded ones are still known to provide a deeper clean.)

As the name suggests, the Ball Multi Floor 2 features a ball design near the machine’s cleaning head, allowing easy maneuverability and tight turns. However, at 15 pounds, it's heavier than cordless vacuums, which normally weigh under 10 pounds. The extra weight also means it doesn’t double as a handheld vacuum, but it does have a built-in flexible cleaning hose to clean tight spaces, upholstery and curtains.

Pros

• Cleaner head self-adjusts to floor type to maximize suction
• Simple to assemble and operate
• Power cord is over 30 feet long
• Canister is very easy to empty

Cons

• Somewhat heavy at around 15 pounds
• Larger footprint than cordless models

People Also Asked

Q: Are there any benefits to using a Dyson vacuum cleaner over other models?

A: There are several benefits to using a Dyson vacuum cleaner over other models. The most obvious one is that Dyson vacuums are known for their superior suction power compared to other brands and their advanced filtration technology. Additionally, Dyson vacuums often come with convenient features such as whole-machine HEPA filtration, easy-empty dustbins and adjustable speed settings.

Q: How do prices compare between Dyson and other brands?

A: Dyson models tend to be pricier than competing brands due to their superior quality, advanced engineering and range of features. However, as with any product, there are always more affordable options on the market that can provide satisfactory results at an attractive price point. When shopping for a vacuum cleaner, it’s important to consider features such as suction power, filtration technology and convenience before making a purchase decision.

Q: Are there features that make Dyson models better for specific cleaning jobs?

A: Several features make Dyson vacuums better for specific cleaning tasks. For example, many Dyson models come with motorized brush heads specifically designed for tackling pet hair in carpets and furnishings. Additionally, some Dyson models come with extra suction power for heavy-duty cleaning jobs such as deep cleaning carpets.

Q: Are there maintenance requirements I should be aware of?

A: All vacuum cleaners require basic maintenance to ensure optimal performance and life span. It's important to regularly empty the dust bin or canister, clean the filter screens and check the brush roll for pet hair or debris buildup. You may also want to occasionally clean any hoses or attachments that come with your vacuum cleaner.

Q: Is it possible to repair or replace parts on my own?

A: In some cases, it's possible to repair or replace parts on your own depending on the model of vacuum cleaner you own and what type of part needs replacing. However, it's always best to consult the manual or contact the manufacturer before attempting any repairs yourself, as they could void the warranty on your vacuum cleaner.

Why Trust Us

Our commitment to the consumer begins with product selection and ends with the last word we write in each article. Each Dyson vacuum is carefully vetted quantitatively through star ratings and the number of reviews and qualitatively through careful examination of reviews and the features each one has to offer. Leveraging our team of bargain hunters, we’re also always sure to keep your budget in mind while we find the best Dyson vacuum cleaners on the market. Our team of experts is dedicated to accurately depicting the pros and cons of each Dyson vacuum, translating technical product specifications into information you can understand. Our mission is to help you clean your space with the most effective tools so you can enjoy it to the fullest without breaking the bank.

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