Our expert team has reviewed the best Dyson vacuum cleaners, rated them here, offer link outs to in-depth looks at each model, and there's even a clever pricing function that constantly refreshes to show you today's best deals.
It's no secret that Dyson vacuums are some of the best vacuums available on the market. They frequently top our best buy lists, with models to suit every type of use and everyone's needs and home.
But with so many models, which to choose? That's where our experts come in, offering a definitive breakdown of the very best Dyson vacuum that you can buy. Whether you're after the best of the best, a long-lasting battery design, the largest cordless dust bin we've seen, or something that can handle your dog's constant shedding, we've deciphered it all.
We put the Dyson vacuums on this list through a range of typical cleaning tasks around our homes and in our testing facility, and are sharing our candid thoughts about each best-selling model. For expanded details on each vacuum, each underlined headline links to a full product review.
Where to buy Dyson vacuums:
Why you can trust Homes & Gardens Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
- Dyson (opens in new tab): Shop Dyson directly for special promotions and exclusive offerings
- Amazon (opens in new tab): The Dyson store connects you to all the Dyson options on Amazon
- Bed Bath & Beyond (opens in new tab): A robust selection of top Dyson models
- Best Buy (opens in new tab): The complete Dyson lineup
- Target (opens in new tab): Featuring a few Target-exclusive options
- Walmart (opens in new tab): A decent selection of Dyson products
- Wayfair (opens in new tab): Stocks vacuums, air purifiers, hand dryers and more
Latest Dyson deals
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(opens in new tab)Best Dyson vacuums 2023
Why you should buy it: the Dyson V15 Detect tops our list of the best cordless vacuums. There's no better cordless vac to buy.
Laser Dust Detection
The game-changing feature we never knew we wanted, and now we don't want to vacuum our hard floors without it. The Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head for hard floors has a laser that detects the particles you can’t normally see – so you don’t miss anything.
Piezo Sensor
In conjunction with the laser dust detection, you'll find a Piezo sensor that counts out the exact amount of dust particles collected, down to the individual spec, for particles as minute as 10 µm, or the size of an allergen.
Why we love it
If you haven't already noticed that we can't stop enthusing about the laser dust detection on the Fluffy head, well, that's obvious. It also offers incredible suction and automatically adjusts to the surface of your floors, a sufficient runtime (with an LCD screen to let you just know how much runtime you have left), and a separate floor head that's perfect for pet hair and carpets.
What else?
The Piezo sensor is a cool feature, but its definitely a little gimmicky to see just how much dirt is being picked up to the exact number. But never fear, the sensor serves a purpose and helps the vacuum automatically adjust power to how much dirt it senses.
The vacuum also continues on the Dyson design standard of using a trigger operation.
Our full Dyson V15 Detect review has more details
Why you should buy it: A cordless vac with the power of a corded model.
Extended Cleaning
The beauty of the Dyson Outsize + is how it is designed for extended periods of cleaning. With one of the largest dust bins we've ever seen on a cordless vacuum, the half-gallon dust bin is 150% larger than the V15 Detect. Plus, the secondary battery means you'll have up to 120-minutes of no-fade cleaning power. Oh, and the 12.5" XL High Torque cleaner head is notably larger than other models, so you can cover more ground in one pass.
What we love
It's packed with power, up to 220 AW on Boost mode, though Auto works just fine (and preserves the battery) that seems to suction up everything! Dirt, dust, pet hair, all gone and easily disposed of from the dust bin with Dyson's push-lever system. It's easy to use and swap in and out accessories, and it automatically adjusts suction according to floor type.
What else?
The Outsize + offer's extended cleaning power, but it's also increased the size and the weight of the vacuum. For above-floor cleaning, we found our arms growing tired using just the handheld since most of the weight of the machine is centered in the handheld. We also found that hair did get caught around the brush roll with the main cleaner head, but the smaller anti-tangle hair screw tool, which is great for stairs, upholstery, and other small areas did not have the same problem.
We've reviewed the now discontinued version, the Dyson Outsize, which carries the same specs but does not include the Laser Slim Fluffy™ cleaner head.
Why you should buy it: Fantastic performance on tile, hardwood and vinyl floors.
Omnidirectional soft roller cleaner head
Introducing, Dyson's first dual cleaner head. The two motorized soft roller brush rolls (they look like two mini Fluffy heads) can move in any direction: front, back, side to side. The compact cleaner head is perfect for reaching into tight spaces, cleaning sideways, and can even get so low to the ground, its almost flat.
What we love
It's small but mighty and almost feels like a game to glide and swing around hard floors. Ah, hence the name Omni-glide. It's also extremely lightweight, like you could just wave the handheld portion around like a wand. Perhaps my favorite part was that this new range of hard-floor models introduced a continuous power operation. That's right, no trigger, albeit, the straight and narrow design isn't conducive for it.
What else?
Note: the Omni-glide only works on hard floors. The brush bars both stopped when it realized it was on the lowest pile area rug.
With the 20 minute run, the Omni-glide is optimized for quick clean-ups... plus the dust bin is teeny tiny just .05 gallons. However, since we're dealing with smooth hard floors and not the jungle that can be your carpets, you should be ok in the debris bin department.
Our full Dyson Omni-Glide review has more details.
Why you should buy it: Rated our best vacuum for pet hair on carpets, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 is unrelentingly high performing, and has upgraded detangling technology.
Dyson Ball Technology
Perhaps, the cornerstone of Dyson's upright lineup, the innovative Dyson Ball system uses a low center of gravity to help the ball stabilize and make it easier to maneuver. You're able to navigate furniture and obstacles with a simple turn of the wrist.
What we love about it
Some will argue that no cordless vacuum can replace the power of a corded model, and Dyson's traditional upright vacuum makes a good case to stay plugged in. Between the generous cord, monumental suction power, generously sized dust bin, and the Dyson signature ball design to make maneuvering just a bit easier, there are a lot of things to love. It's a true beast on carpets, digging deep into fibers to pull out unseen dust, allergens, hair, crumbs and so much more. I was very impressed, and frankly disturbed when I saw just how much dirt accumulated in the bin with just a quick pass through my carpeted hallway and part of my room. Luckily, the big bin is extremely easy to empty, and debris doesn't get stuck as I experienced with Dyson's newer cordless models.
What else?
The Dyson Ball Animal can truly be your one and only vacuum. It's also suitable for use on hard floors, just be sure to manually turn off the brush roll to not scratch delicate surfaces.
Compared to its predecessor, the Ball Animal 2, the vacuum now carries three power settings, but they do require you to reach down to the floorhead to adjust.
Set up got a little complicated, especially when it came to figuring out to the hose. . Word to the wise, pour over the included manual before starting to clean. Though, we like that the floorhead of the Dyson Ball Animal 3 can be detached from the vacuum and it has a removable brush roll, which makes it easier to clean too.
And yes, while it's heavy for stair cleaning and above-floor cleaning, the long hose and included stair attachment should make things a little easier. Plus, you can securely carry it from the dust bin canister between floors.
The base model of the Dyson Ball Animal 3 includes a stair tool and a combination tool, but more premium models include a motorized 'tangle-free turbine tool' for cleaning upholstery) and the brand’s new pet groom tool, which is essentially a dog brush that attaches to the vacuum to make grooming less messy, and even a mattress tool, though they do add more to the cost.
Our full Dyson Ball Animal 3 review has more details.
Why you should buy it: An older model that's more affordable, but still offers fantastic performance.
Built for households with pets
Dyson's "Animal" trim features the addition of a mini-motorized tool that's ideal for cleaning delicate surfaces and fabric, as well as easily suctioning out embedded pet hair as a handheld. It's also incredibly powerful, with the direct drive floor head's stiff nylon bristles specifically designed to remove pet hair and ground-in dirt.
What we love
Despite being an older model, the Dyson V8 packs a punch, doing its best work on carpets. It's surely enough to power through just as well as standard corded models and comes with numerous attachments to make cleaning a breeze. It's also one of Dyson's most affordable models, making it a great option for first-time Dyson owners, casual users, and the price-conscious. Plus, it might just become as beloved as Fido himself.
What else?
The 40-minute run time is shorter than most, and while it is very effective at collecting pet hair, long strands of hair do wrap around the brush roll. Dyson acknowledges this issue by making it easy to remove the brush roll to clean.
Our full Dyson V8 Animal review has more information.
How we chose the best Dyson Vacuums?
At Homes & Gardens we like to get hands-on experience with all the products which we decide to feature in our buyers' guides, which you can learn more about in our guide to how we test products. The reason for this is to simply help you; we share our experiences so you can be confident in what you are buying.
Each vacuum we get the opportunity to review is tried and tested in our own homes, undergoing rigorous testing on a range of flooring and household challenges.
We test the vacuum cleaners for a number of weeks (sometimes months) so we get a feel for the longevity and durability of each model. We look out for factors such as maneuverability, run-time, emptying of the dust bin (or bag), and general controls so you know exactly what you are getting for your money, and whether or not it is worth it for what you need it for.
In terms of Dyson, we considered which model would be best suited for a particular user or home. In the event that an updated model has been released that we have not tried yet and/or replaces a vacuum no longer part of the traditional lineup, we will make note of any upgrades from the model that we tested as well as examine feedback from customer reviews.
Jaclyn is H&G's eCommerce editor and oversees all things shopping. She tested most of the vacuums in this list, and regularly scouts out the best of the best for buying guides to help you fill your home with only the best.
Why buy a Dyson vacuum
Dyson is one of the most respected and innovative floor and air care companies in the world. Its claims to fame include the introduction of cyclonic technology which removes dirt and dust without requiring a bag or filter or losing suction. The vacuums, whether cordless or corded offer some of the most advanced cleaning technologies available with excellent suction power, protection from allergies, are usually pretty lightweight, and easy to use. We have no hesitation in our belief that Dyson designs some of the world's best cordless vacuum cleaners.
All Dyson vacuums also offer HEPA filtration, with washable filters designed to remove 99.97% of airborne particles as small as .3 micrometers.
Even more, Dyson vacuums are built to last, although they are an upfront investment. Dyson also offers a 2-year warranty on cordless models and a 5-year warranty on corded.
What about other vacuum models?
Dyson has several vacuums as part of its lineup, so you may be curious as to where they stand on our minds.
In 2022, Dyson added the Dyson V12 Detect Slim (opens in new tab), which takes some of the best features of the V15 Detect, like the unique Piezo system and laser floorhead, and put it in a smaller footprint, with a slightly friendlier price. The Dyson V12 Detect Slim offers a continuous button operation, but suction power is not as strong (comparable to the V10 range), it does not have the top-of-the-line DLS technology to automatically adjust suction and the dustbin is half the size. While the continuous button is nice, we prefer the suction power and comfortable size of the V15 Detect.
We previously rated the Dyson Ball Animal 2 as the best option for carpets, but it has been replaced by the newer Dyson Ball Animal 3. Stock is more elusive, and it's still comparably priced.
We've also tested and enjoyed the Dyson Micro 1.5kg, an extremely lightweight cordless intended for hard floor cleaning but can handle low pile carpets. It was sold as a Dyson exclusive. However, it's been out of stock for months, with no indication of coming back.
Older models like the Dyson V11 and Dyson V10 feature the most recent technology and still carry a hefty price tag. Though when they are on sale, we think they're worth your attention.
How to prolong the life of your Dyson vacuum
To keep your Dyson from the dreaded vacuum graveyard (it seems everyone has one), Josh Mutlow, Dyson design manager, instructs, "To maintain the health of your vacuum, be sure you’re cleaning the filter periodically for best possible results. [Some] Dyson vacuums have an LCD display screen which will let you know when it’s time to clean the filter, or if there are any blockages that need clearing. Also, check the brush bar on the cleaner head every month or so to ensure that no debris has built up to retain optimal performance."
The HEPA filters are easily washable with a good rinse of water, just make sure they're fully dry before inserting back into the machine.
Is a Dyson vacuum worth it?
A number of us on our team would definitely argue that a Dyson is indeed worth it. They're often considered along with Shark vacuums, so much, that we've also crafted our own comparison of Dyson vs. Shark. Albeit Dyson's price, they perform to our premium standards. They're exceptionally useful for those with allergies and pet owners, and offer some of the most powerful cordless vacuums on the market, down to the very last ounce of juice. HEPA filtration is standard across all Dyson models. With each new release, Dyson seems to test innovation, whether that be automatically adapting suction and special sensors, LCD screens, specially designed floor heads, and balancing lightweight design without sacrificing performance.
However, while we do love Dyson, we acknowledge four reasons why it might not be the best choice for you.
The signature trigger operation is designed to conserve battery for only when you're using it. Some find it uncomfortable to grip it continuously, while others don't mind it. Note: the newer hard floor models that run for 20 minutes have a continuous button operation.
We've also dealt with hair wrap, and while it's not a major issue, brands like Shark offer better technology when it comes to tangled hair.
Dyson is superior at getting the tiny pieces you can't see and offers the best suction around. However, in dealing with larger pieces of debris, like cereal or rice, it's known for pushing those forward. They eventually get picked up, but it's not a one-pass operation.
We find the High Torque Cleaner head to function the best on the carpet, and the fluffy soft brush to gently travel over hard floors. For some, the interchangeable brush heads are a bonus, while others may prefer vacuums that don't require dealing with changing parts when you change floors.
Differences between model names
Often times you may see different model names attached to the vacuum editions like Origin, Animal, or Absolute. All the different names can get really confusing. This actually refers to the attachments that come with vacuum and influences the color options, as all models in a certain category are built off the same technology, as in the case of the V11, V10, and V8 and V7 models. For instance, the only remaining configuration of the V11 series is the V11 Animal.
Here are the features that set each model apart from each other:
- Absolute: Top of the line and usually include the whole suite of accessories, plus a Fluffy roller head in addition to the standard direct drive floorhead
- Animal: Middle-tier option that emphasizes the inclusion of the Mini-Motorized tool, which is engineered specifically for pet hair
- Motorhead or Origin: Typically the base model and includes only the essential accessories, a combination tool, and a crevice tool. They're usually only found on third party sites in the US
- Total Clean (UK/Europe ONLY): The total package with unique add-ons like a quick-release up top adapter, Flexi crevice tool, and a tool bag to keep you organized
