Top 5 Dyson Vacuums: Expert Testing and In-Depth Reviews

Best Upright

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 boasts powerful suction, effortlessly handling pet hair, toddler spills, and kitchen dirt. We were particularly impressed by its hair removal grooves on the roller, which automatically detangle hair, minimizing interruptions to clear blockages.

We appreciated its customizable pile settings, which enable it to deliver exceptional performance on both plush carpets and hardwood floors. Despite being heavier than other upright models, the ball joint design ensures smooth navigation around furniture and tight spaces, including under beds and into corners. 

On the downside, it tends to be noisy, potentially disturbing activities like watching TV as the sound carries into nearby rooms. However, this is a minor drawback considering its powerful suction, which excels on a wide range of surfaces throughout your home.

The “extra” in its name highlights the included attachments, such as an upholstery cleaning head, a stair tool, and even a pet grooming accessory. This vacuum is truly versatile, capable of handling virtually any cleaning task in your home.  

Type: Upright | Weight: 17.33 pounds | Cord Length: 35 feet | Bin Capacity: 0.55 gallons | Accessories:  Turbine/upholstery tool, stair tool, pet groom tool, combination tool, tool holder

Best Cordless Stick

The Dyson V15 Detect cordless vacuum is ideal for compact spaces, individuals who prefer a lightweight cleaner, or anyone who values the ease of quickly addressing messes in any room. 

It effortlessly transforms into a lightweight handheld stick for cleaning ceilings, floors, and stairs. We were so impressed by its versatility that our weekly cleaning routine has become obsolete—now we simply grab the Dyson whenever a mess appears. 

The advanced technology in this Dyson truly amazed us. Its illumination feature reveals hidden dust and debris on hard floors, ensuring no spot is overlooked, even in hard-to-reach corners. The piezo sensor monitors the size and quantity of particles, automatically adjusting suction power as needed. All this data is displayed on the LCD screen, providing real-time confirmation that your space is being thoroughly cleaned. 

The sensor, powerful suction, and detangling motorbar help prevent clogs. However, due to its lightweight and slim design, larger items like baby socks or paper scraps can cause issues. We noticed it had difficulty picking up dog kibble on thick carpets, but the screen promptly alerts you if there’s a problem.

Type: Cordless | Weight: 6.83 pounds | Run Time: 60 minutes  | Bin Capacity: 0.2 gallons | Accessories: Fluffy Optic cleaning head, Digital Motorbar cleaning head, hair screw tool, crevice tool, combination tool, wand clip, docking station, charger

Best for Pet Hair

We adore our pets, but not the hair and dust they leave behind. The challenge often involves both excessive shedding and hard-to-reach areas. The Dyson Gen5detect simplifies handling both issues. It’s incredibly lightweight and user-friendly, making it perfect for cleaning floors, furniture, stairs, or even your pet’s bed. 

The compact cleaning head allows you to effortlessly reach under and around furniture, while the crevice tool efficiently handles debris in corners and along edges. We discovered it’s so maneuverable that it often cleans thoroughly in a single pass.

Naturally, no Dyson would be complete without impressive tech features. This model includes an optic cleaner head that illuminates dust on hard surfaces and a digital cleaner head that adjusts suction power based on the size of debris. Additionally, it features detangling vanes to prevent hair from wrapping around the brush during use. 

We also appreciated how seamlessly it switches between modes and tools with a simple click, instantly transforming from an upright vacuum to a handheld device. 

The only drawback? The crevice tool is only functional in handheld mode, which might require moving furniture to access tight spaces. However, its quick transitions make it easy to deep clean floors, furniture, and ceilings with minimal effort and time. 

Type: Cordless | Weight: 7.72 pounds | Run Time: 70 minutes | Bin Capacity: 0.2 gallons | Accessories: Fluffy Optic cleaning head, Digital Motorbar cleaning head, hair screw tool, crevice tool, combination tool, wall dock, charger

Best for Large Spaces

Cordless vacuums typically involve a compromise between size and suction power, as they are designed to be lightweight and portable. However, the Dyson Outsize Plus offers the best of both worlds, particularly for larger homes. 

It maintains the standard 60-minute runtime but features a bin that’s 150% larger and a cleaning head that’s 25% wider, enabling faster cleaning of your entire home without sacrificing performance. During testing, it effortlessly collected fine dust from thick rugs and pet hair from delicate couch cushions.

Despite its larger cleaning head, it incorporates smart features like detangling polycarbonate vanes and adjustable cleaning modes to optimize power and battery life. It includes standard cordless accessories, such as an upholstery tool, but the larger bin adds some weight compared to typical handheld vacuums. 

Nevertheless, we valued how its larger size allows for greater coverage with each pass and longer cleaning sessions before needing to empty the bin or recharge.

Type: Cordless | Weight: 7.94 pounds | Run Time: 60 minutes | Bin Capacity: 0.5 gallons | Accessories: Digital Motorbar cleaning head, hair screw tool, crevice tool, combination tool, low-reach adaptor, mini soft dusting brush, wand clip, docking station, charger

Best Robot

Dyson has integrated its renowned suction technology into a hands-free robotic design, creating a low-maintenance vacuum that delivers thorough cleaning. Equipped with a triple-action brush bar and an extending side duct, this robot vacuum can tackle almost any debris on your floors. 

It impressed us with its ability to clean corners, edges, grooves, and even carpets effectively. Thanks to rapid mapping, preset zones, and machine learning, it’s incredibly intelligent. Using the app, you can customize its cleaning routines, switching to quiet mode for specific rooms or boosting power in high-traffic areas.

We were also delighted that the robot identifies dust-prone areas in your home and automatically increases suction in those spots. (We were genuinely surprised by the amount of sand it collected, which we hadn’t noticed before emptying the dustbin.) 

The app is intuitive, and the vacuum integrates seamlessly with Google Home and Alexa, making it even easier to manage your robotic assistant. While it doesn’t include features like self-emptying or mopping, it’s straightforward to set up and troubleshoot, providing an efficient, hands-free cleaning experience.

Type: Robotic | Weight: 9.9 pounds | Run Time: 65 minutes | Bin Capacity: 1.5 gallons | Accessories: Charger, dock

Final Verdict

Our top pick for the best upright vacuum is the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra, thanks to its exceptional performance and versatility. Despite being a traditional upright, its innovative ball design and variety of attachments make it an effortless, all-in-one cleaning solution. For those preferring cordless models, the Dyson Gen5detect is an excellent choice. It effectively handles pet hair and debris while remaining agile enough to clean couches, stairs, and even ceilings.

Our Testing Process

We gathered seven of the top Dyson vacuums and tested them in our lab. The first step was assembly and setup, particularly for app-controlled models, so we carefully noted the time it took to get each vacuum operational. 

Next, we assessed the build quality and design of each vacuum, paying close attention to weight, dimensions, and how easily accessories could be attached or detached. We tested each model on various surfaces and with different debris types, such as pet hair, long strands of hair, and cereal, to measure suction strength and overall cleaning effectiveness. 

We then examined how effortlessly each vacuum could navigate around and under furniture, noting noise levels and any smart sensing capabilities. For models that converted to handheld vacuums, we evaluated their portability. 

After the vacuums completed our lab obstacle course, we conducted extended home tests on several models for up to six months to evaluate their durability and performance over time.

How to Shop for Dyson Vacuums Like a Pro

Vacuum Type

When selecting a Dyson, consider the vacuum type that best suits your needs. Here’s a brief overview of the options:

• Upright: These offer the strongest suction and largest dust bins, making them ideal for spacious areas, thorough cleaning, and handling debris like pet hair or cereal. However, they tend to be bulkier, less maneuverable, and require a power outlet.
• Cordless: While cordless models may have slightly less power, Dyson’s versions are nearly as effective. They’re lightweight, easy to move around furniture, and perfect for stairs or upholstery. Keep in mind, they rely on batteries, so recharging may be necessary for larger cleaning tasks.
• Robot: These are perfect for hands-free cleaning. They autonomously handle dust and debris and can be programmed to avoid specific areas or adjust settings. However, they have shorter run times, weaker suction, and smaller bins. Dyson’s robot vacuums don’t self-empty, so some maintenance is still required.
• Handheld: Many Dyson models can convert to handhelds, which are excellent for quick tasks like cleaning cars or furniture. However, they’re not designed for full-house cleaning. Most users prefer having both handheld and cordless or upright options for added versatility.

Floor Type

According to Doty, for hard floors, the V15 Detect and Gen5detect feature soft roller heads and laser dust detection, making them ideal for hard surfaces. For carpets, the Ball Animal 3 Extra and Outsize+ are excellent choices due to their powerful suction and motorized brush rolls. That said, most cordless Dyson models, such as the V15 Detect, are versatile enough to perform well on all surface types.

Accessories

Most Dyson vacuums come with a variety of accessories, so it’s about choosing the ones that suit your needs. Many include pet hair tools, and some, like the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra, even offer a pet grooming attachment. Popular accessories include the crevice tool and upholstery tool. Additionally, higher-end models often feature smart “detect” brush bars that adjust suction power or LED screens for easy mode switching.

More Dyson Vacuums to Consider

Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Absolute Wet and Dry: This cordless vacuum shares many features with other Detect models, such as self-adjusting suction and anti-tangle hair vanes, but it also includes a mopping feature for hard floors. It’s perfect for those seeking a versatile tool, though the wet vacuum function didn’t perform as well as expected and often clogged.

Dyson Ball Animal 3 Upright Vacuum: Similar to the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra, this model is slightly simpler and more budget-friendly. It lacks some of the additional attachments, like the pet grooming and upholstery tools, but it’s an excellent choice for those seeking reliable performance without the extra expense.

Questions You Might Ask

How do Dyson vacuums compare to Shark?

Doty explains that Dyson vacuums typically deliver stronger suction power, while Shark models are better at handling larger debris. “Both brands perform well within their respective categories,” he notes. For a detailed comparison, check out our Dyson vs. Shark guide.

Are Dyson vacuums worth it?

Dyson vacuums are a significant investment, but many homeowners consider them worthwhile. They provide powerful suction, durable construction, and advanced features like HEPA filters and auto-adjust settings, which ensure a deeper clean compared to budget models. Additionally, they release cleaner air, making them ideal for allergy sufferers.

How long do Dyson vacuums last?

Dyson vacuums can last up to 10 years, outperforming many other brands. Many models also come with a five-year warranty to protect your investment. To extend your vacuum’s lifespan, Doty recommends regularly emptying the dust bin, replacing filters, and storing it properly to avoid damage.

Take Our Word for It

This article was authored by Nicole M. LaMarco, a seasoned writer with over two decades of experience, contributing to publications like Yahoo, Forbes, Shape, and Health. She specializes in creating shopping guides, product reviews, comparisons, and gift recommendations. For this piece, we rigorously tested seven Dyson vacuum models, evaluating factors such as cleaning efficiency, battery performance for cordless units, speed, ease of use, dust collection capacity, and bin-emptying convenience. Nicole also collaborated with Ken Doty, COO and cleaning specialist at The Maids.