Best Dyson Vacuum Cleaners of 2025: I Tested the Best-Known Vacuum Brand to See if It's Worth the Price

October 2025: Added new section of industry news, covering recent Dyson vacuum releases we're planning on testing, including the V16 Piston Animal, PencilVac, V9 Motorbar and V8 Cyclone.

July 2025: This best list is brand-new, with all new copy based off our lab testing with the Dyson V15 Detect, Dyson V15S Submarine, Dyson Gen 5 Detect, Dyson V11 Torque Drive and Dyson V8 Absolute making the list.

Dyson isn't resting on its laurels. The company has announced a range of new cordless vacuums that are expected to hit the US market in 2026. The most interesting is the new flagship Dyson V16 Piston Animal, which I was able to try out at the company's Soho store. The vacuum builds on previous generations, but comes with strong suction, with 315 air watts and a 900-watt Hyperdymium motor. It also features a dust-compressing bin that uses a lever to compact dust and empty everything easily into a dustbin without mess.

The V16 Piston is a stylish looking cordless vacuum with blue and yellow accents that give it some flair.

Cole Kan/Ajay Kumar/CNET

Also new is the unique Dyson PencilVac, which features the thinnest and lightest design that Dyson has ever released, at less than 4 pounds and just 38 mm in diameter. Resembling more a broom than a vacuum, it has dual brush heads, a linear dust compression system to compact the dust in its 0.08-liter dustbin and a syringe-like ejection system to empty it.

The dust gets compacted into a tightly packed mass, saving you space.

Ajay Kumar

Perhaps less flashy, two new mainstay Dyson vacuums are coming to market. The V8 Cyclone will be a refresh of Dyson's popular V8 Absolute model. It'll come with several quality-of-life improvements that will also be on the V16 Piston Animal, including a button in place of a trigger, upgraded cleaning performance and a removable battery.

Last but not least, there's the new V9 Motorbar, which features 40 minutes of battery life and a 4.6-pound weight. It comes with the Motorobar cleaner hand, which can adapt automatically to flooring types to optimize suction. It also features Dyson's detangling tech, making it a good option for pet hair.

As of this writing, these are all the Dyson vacuum models we've tested. We'll continue to update the list as we expand our testing.

Sarah Tew/CNET

V-Series explained: Mainstay cordless stick models

• V8: The foundational cordless model. Features 115 AW suction power suitable for everyday cleaning, a 40-minute runtime (in non-motorized tool mode) and a direct-drive cleaner head. Known for its lighter weight and value proposition, but lacks newer tech like screens or lasers. Ideal for smaller homes or light cleaning needs.
• V10: A significant upgrade introducing the "Torque Drive" cleaner head (automatic suction adjustment) and linear airflow path. Boasts 150 AW suction and a 60-minute runtime (eco mode). Bin size increased over the V8. Marked a shift toward more powerful and versatile cordless cleaning.
• V11: The first to feature an LCD screen displaying real-time performance data (runtime countdown, power mode, blockages). Offers 185 AW suction and up to 60 minutes runtime. Included the "High Torque" cleaner head with deeper-cleaning bristles and the "Dyson Dynamic Load Sensor" (DLS) on some variants for automatic suction adjustment on carpets vs. hard floors. Represents the peak of the pre-laser generation.
• V12 Detect Slim: Focuses on slim, lightweight design (approx. 2.2kg). Features 150 AW suction, a unique green "Laser Fluffy" cleaner head illuminating microscopic dust on hard floors and button operation (instead of a trigger) for continuous use. Includes a piezo sensor that estimates and displays dust particle sizes on the LCD screen.
• V15 Detect: The flagship V-series model. Delivers 230 AW suction, the green Laser Fluffy head and an advanced piezo sensor. This sensor not only detects dust size but also counts and categorizes particles sucked up, displaying the data on the LCD screen. Also has an anti-tangle "hair screw tool".
• V15s Detect Submarine: Builds on the V15 Detect but adds the revolutionary "submarine" wet roller head. This allows for simultaneous vacuuming and wet mopping of hard floors. The motorized roller scrubs floors using clean water dispensed from a tank, while dirty water is vacuumed into a separate waste tank. Represents Dyson's first foray into wet cleaning in cordless stick vacuums.

Gen 5 Series: Latest generation cordless stick models

The fifth generation of Dyson cordless vacuum technology centered around the 5th Generation Hyperdymium motor. This motor is significantly more powerful and energy-dense than its predecessors.

• Gen5 Detect: The current pinnacle of Dyson suction power at 262 AW. Features the Laser Fluffy Optic head, an upgraded Piezo sensor with particle counts, and enhanced whole-machine HEPA filtration capturing 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns. Includes a large bin and an LCD screen. Performance comes with increased weight.
• Gen5 Outsize: Designed for large homes. Shares the powerful motor (250 AW suction) but has an extra-wide cleaner head (Motorbar XL - 25cm / 40% wider) and a massive 1.9L bin (1900mL), significantly reducing emptying frequency. Ideal for large, open floor plans but is the heaviest model.

Cleaner head technologies

• Fluffy (Soft Roller) Head: A soft, anti-static nylon and carbon fiber roller designed specifically for hard floors. Effectively captures large debris and fine dust without scratching surfaces. Standard on models focused on hard-floor cleaning.
• Fluffy Optic / Laser Fluffy Head: An evolution of the Fluffy head integrating a bright green laser diode. Positioned at a low angle, it illuminates microscopic dust and particles invisible to the naked eye on hard floors, revealing exactly where to clean. Significantly improves cleaning effectiveness on hard surfaces. Found on Detect models.
• Motorbar (Combination Head): The standard motorized brush bar head for all-surface cleaning (carpets and hard floors). Uses stiff nylon bristles to dig into carpets and anti-static carbon fiber filaments to pick up dust on hard floors. Found on most models as the primary head.
• Digital Motorbar: An advanced version of the Motorbar featuring a "Dynamic Load Sensor" (DLS) and a 3-level adjustment gate at the front. Automatically adjusts suction power based on floor type (carpet/hard floor) and allows manual adjustment of the gate to optimize airflow for larger debris. Found on Gen5detect and some earlier high-end models.
• Motorbar XL: An extra-wide (25 centimeter) version of the Motorbar head, designed specifically for the Outsize models. Covers 40% more area per pass than standard heads, making it much faster to clean large, open areas.

Dyson

Naming conventions

• Animal: Tailored for pet owners. Typically includes specialized tools like a mini motorized tool (for upholstery and pet hair on stairs/carpets), a combination crevice/dusting brush tool and often an anti-tangle turbine tool or hair screw tool. Focuses on hair removal and detailed cleaning.
• Absolute: Represents the most comprehensive package. Usually includes both a Fluffy (or Laser Fluffy) head (for hard floors) and a Motorbar (or Digital Motorbar) head (for carpets/all surfaces), along with a full suite of tools (crevice, combination, stubborn dirt brush, docking station, etc.). Designed to handle all floor types and deep-cleaning tasks.
• Complete: Similar to Absolute, often representing a premium package in specific regions or for specific models. May include specialized tools sometimes not found in the Absolute kit (e.g., the up-top adaptor, specific anti-tangle tools) or denote the inclusion of a unique accessory. Contents can vary more than Animal or Absolute. Note: Dyson's naming isn't always perfectly consistent globally. Complete can sometimes overlap significantly with Absolute.
• Origin: The most basic package. Includes just the essential components: the vacuum body, a single Motorbar cleaner head, a combination crevice/dusting brush tool and a charging dock/wall mount. Lacks specialized tools and the hard-floor head. Offers the core cleaning function at a lower price.

Key Dyson technologies

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• Whole Machine Filtration (HEPA Filtration): A fully sealed system where air passes through multiple filters (pre-motor, post-motor) before being expelled. Captures 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns, including allergens, bacteria and pollen. Certified by independent bodies. Crucial for allergy sufferers as it traps dust inside the machine.
• Hyperdymium Motor: Dyson's proprietary ultra-high-speed, energy-efficient, brushless digital motor. Spins at over 100,000 RPM (up to 135,000 RPM in Gen5). Made from lightweight but strong materials, it generates immense suction power in a compact form factor, forming the core of Dyson's vacuum performance. Each generation improves power, efficiency and sound profile.
• Radial Root Cyclone Technology: The core dust separation system. Uses multiple precisely engineered cyclones (usually 14-15 in modern cordless) arranged radially around the bin. Creates powerful centrifugal forces to fling microscopic dust and dirt directly into the bin before the air reaches the filter. Reduces clogging and maintains suction power.
• Root Cyclone Technology: An earlier foundational cyclonic separation system using a smaller number of larger cyclones to separate dust from the airflow. Predecessor to Radial Root Cyclone, still effective but generally found in older or less powerful models.
• Point-and-Shoot Bin Emptying: A hygienic bin-emptying mechanism. Pulling a lever slides the bottom of the bin open, allowing collected dirt and dust to fall out entirely via gravity directly into the trash. Minimizes contact with debris and reduces dust clouds compared to designs requiring users to scoop out dirt. The Dyson Pencil Vac that I spent some time with at the Dyson Store has this technology.
• Anti-tangle Technology: Refers to various systems designed to remove hair from the brush bar without it wrapping. Includes:
  • Anti-tangle combs: Rigid fins integrated into the cleaner head that continuously comb hair off the brush bar as it spins.
  • Anti-tangle turbine tool: A specialized attachment where hair wraps around a central spindle instead of tangling in bristles, easily removed via a slider.
  • Hair screw tool/de-tangling motorbar: A specialized cleaner head or tool where the brush bar is designed with helical grooves that actively convey hair to the ends of the bar instead of wrapping around the center, making it easier to remove.

There are many key factors we look at when helping you decide on a Dyson vacuum. Here are some of the ones we use to weigh scoring.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Cordless vs. corded

Cordless Dyson models (V-series, Gen5) prioritize portability for quick cleanups and multi-level homes but are limited by battery life. Generally, CNET only tests cordless vacuums in our testing lab, but that doesn't mean corded isn't the right choice. Our lab testing shows that most Dyson vacuums we recommend can last between 30-60 minutes on a single charge, depending on the mode you're using them on. In contrast, corded models like the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and Dyson Big Ball Turbinehead deliver uninterrupted, max-power cleaning for deep carpet sessions or large areas, though they sacrifice maneuverability and weigh significantly more when accounting for the canister. Cordless vacuums are a good option for apartments or spot cleaning, while corded ones are good for whole-home deep cleans.

Battery life

We touched on this earlier, but battery performance varies drastically by mode. Eco Mode (50–85 mins) handles light dusting on hard floors, Auto Mode (30–45 mins), available on some models, automatically adjusts suction to accommodate mixed surfaces. Boost Mode or Max Mode is the highest suction setting for major messes, but it'll drain the fastest (10-15 minutes). This makes it ideal for high-pile carpets or ground-in dirt. Models like the Gen5 Outsize include dual batteries, extending runtime to 140 minutes in Eco mode, but add significant weight at 8.6 pounds. Recharging also takes more than four hours after full depletion, so it's not the best option for a quick cleaning session.

Suction

Measured in Air Watts (AW) suction is a measure of how effectively the vacuum can remove dirt from various surfaces. While the Gen5 Detect’s 262 AW excels on embedded carpet dirt, the V8’s 115 AW suffices for small spaces or hard floors.

The V11 is designed to handle pet hair without tangling.

Dyson

Weight

Dyson’s cordless range spans the lightweight V12 Detect Slim at 5.5 pounds to the middle-of-the-pack V15 Detect at 7.5 pounds. Then there's the notably heavy Gen5 Outsize at 8.6 pounds, which has dual batteries and a larger bin. Newer models also use buttons rather than the trigger found on older models, reducing finger fatigue during extended use.

Attachments

The latest Dyson models usually come with attachments like the Laser Fluffy head, which helps spot dust on hard flooring, and the Motorbar head, which works well on carpets. If you have pets that shed, the Hair Screw tool prevents pet-hair tangles, while the combination tool handles crevices. I have three cats, so I consider anti-tangle tech non-negotiable. The Hair Screw tool actively keeps hair off brush bars, while the Digital Motorbar uses 56 vanes to slice wrapped hair. The Groom tool captures shedding hair before it hits the floor. The Dyson's name usually gives you an idea of what tools are included. The Absolute packs both floor heads, while the Animal focuses on pet tools. Top models like the V15 Detect and Gen5 Detect include most of these tools, while the Complete should include everything.

Filtration

All modern Dysons feature whole-machine HEPA filtration, capturing 99.97% of particles up to 0.3 microns. Flagships like the Gen5 Detect upgrade to enhanced sealed HEPA, trapping 99.99% of particles up to 0.1 microns. Filters require monthly washing and 24 or more hours of air-drying to maintain efficacy.

Dyson's dual bin system separates wet waste from dry waste, making cleaning the machine much easier.

Dyson

Floor types

Different floor types may be better suited for certain types of Dyson vacuums

Hard floors: Hard floors include hardwood, tile and vinyl. The Laser Fluffy Optic attachment used on the V15 Detect and Gen5 Detect uses green lasers to expose hidden dust, while soft rollers prevent scratching.  

Carpets: Carpets include low-pile, mid-pile, and high-pile carpets. We primarily test low and mid-pile. Digital Motorbar heads auto-adjust suction for deep cleaning, while models like the Gen5 Detect excel on high-pile.  

Mixed floors: If, like most people, you have both carpet and hard flooring in your home, options vary. The V15 Detect and Gen 5 automatically switches suction between surfaces, but just about any Dyson vacuum should be capable of handling both.

Noise

We don't actively test noise levels with a decibel (dB) meter (that's in our plans for the future), but Dyson does have information available on the noise its vacuums output. According to Dyson and publicly available information, the V12 Detect Slim (75 dB) is the quietest cordless model, while flagships like the Gen5 Detect peak at 85 dB at its max setting.

Brian Bennett/CNET

Storage

Most cordless Dyson models include a mounted wall dock that lets you dock the vacuum while it charges. The floor dock comes bundled with Gen5 Detect and stores the vacuum and five additional tools. Consider third-party organizers for compact models like the V12. Space constraints matter—larger models (Gen5 Outsize) need room for wide heads and batteries. Unlike competitors like Shark and Levoit, Dyson doesn't offer self-emptying charging docks.

Maintenance

• Filters: Rinse monthly (cool water), air dry over 24 or more hours to prevent mold/motor damage.
• Brush Rolls: Clear wrapped hair weekly. Laser Fluffy rollers pop out easily.
• Bin Emptying: Empty as needed, rinse bin and fully dry monthly or as needed.
• Clogs: Check the cleaner head airways and wand if suction drops.

Warranty

All Dyson cordless vacuums have a two-year limited warranty, while upright and cylinder models get five years. Competitors such as Shark offer five year warranties for their cordless lineup. Extended warranties (up to five years total) can be purchased via Dyson’s site. A longer warranty period is good, because it means your vacuum is covered if a part breaks or something is defective.

The Dyson V15 Detect shines a laser on the floor to reveal dust and dirt particles.

Dyson

Other features and technologies

• Laser Fluffy Optic: A cleaner head that can reveal hidden dust on hard flooring, usually denoted by Detect in the name.
• LCD Screens: Shows real-time runtime, power mode, maintenance alerts, particle counts, now available in newer models like the V15 Detect.
• Piezo Sensor: Available on the V15 Detect and Gen 5, it counts dust particles and shows cleaning effectiveness.
• Wet Cleaning: V15s Submarine (simultaneous vacuum/mop) and the Wash G1 (dedicated hard floor mop). CNET is currently testing the latter.
• App Connectivity: The Gen5 supports the MyDyson app, which provides usage stats, filter reminders and air quality reports (on purifier models).

All the vacuums on CNET's best lists are tested and evaluated in our Louisville vacuum testing lab. Over the years, our experts have tested 50 cordless vacuums and counting. We don't use a special testing procedure for Dyson vacuums. Our testing process is identical to our testing for cordless vacuums. Here's how we measure cordless stick vacuum performance.

Performance: Hard flooring, carpet and pet hair

Ry Crist/CNET

Our testing procedure consists of a series of suction tests on different surfaces, including hard flooring and mid-pile and low-pile carpet, and an anecdotal test for pet hair. These tests evaluate how well the vacuum works at picking up sand and pet hair on different surfaces. We also control for variables by making sure each vacuum is set to the same nozzle width.

We run the test on each surface three times at a minimum, weighing the dustbin before and after every run. This allows us to calculate the percentage of sand that's picked up for every cleaning run and the average sand pickup a vacuum manages to remove.

For pet hair, our testing is more anecdotal. We conduct the same set of cleaning tests on each surface type, then we photograph a before and after image to allow us to visually evaluate how much pet hair is left after running the vacuum. Many of our best performers successfully remove all the pet hair.

We run tests in a straight line across all three floor types.

Brian Bennett/CNET

Battery life and runtime

We fully charge each cordless vacuum, then set it to medium power (no Max or Eco modes here!) and let it run until it dies. We repeat this three times and average the results. A longer run-time equals a better score.

Most vacuums on our recommended list typically give you between 25 to 40 minutes of cleaning on a single charge. However, we're seeing more and more models boast 60-minute runtimes thanks to higher-capacity batteries. Truth be told, it's pretty rare you'll need more than 40 minutes for a single cleaning session. Plus, with handy charging docks, topping off between quick clean-ups is a breeze.

Many of our top picks, including all the Dyson vacuums on this list, also come with replaceable batteries, so you can snag a spare if you need extended cleaning time or just want to future-proof against battery wear. Because of these convenient features, we don't weigh battery life as heavily as some other factors when we're making our recommendations.

Weight, size and bin capacity

When it comes to cordless vacuums, we've found most models land in the four- to eight-pound range. Once they hit 10 pounds or more, they can start to feel cumbersome to maneuver. You'll also notice that most of the vacuums on our list are similar in overall height and size. These vacuums typically come with a versatile array of attachments that let you tackle all sorts of cleaning challenges. Take the crevice tool, for example -- it's a lifesaver for getting into tight corners and narrow spaces where a bulkier brush head just can't reach.

Nobody wants to constantly empty a dustbin in the middle of cleaning. That's why we consider a dustbin capacity of 0.6 liters or more to be a good sweet spot. If you're dealing with anything less than 0.5 liters, you'll likely find yourself emptying it after every single cleaning session. A larger dustbin means you can keep vacuuming for longer without interruption. One thing to note: While competitors like Shark and Levoit offer handy self-emptying charging docks, Dyson vacuums typically don't include this feature. We definitely see that as a downside, as it means you'll need to manually empty the dustbin yourself.

User experience (Ease of use and comfort)

How comfortable a cordless vacuum is to wield and how easy it is to empty -- definitely factors into our recommendations. We're big fans of freestanding models; it's super convenient when you can just leave your vacuum upright without it toppling over. Major pluses also go to vacuums with a charging dock or, even better, self-emptying capabilities. These features drastically cut down on their maintenance. We give bonus points to docking stations that empty dust into a bag rather than a bagless canister because it means there is less of a chance of kicking up dust onto your freshly cleaned floors when you finally empty the bin.

Transform this full-sized stick vac into a handheld with the click of an attachment. 

Dyson

Dyson vacuum batteries are generally designed to last between four to five years, though this can vary based on factors like frequency of use, consistent operation in high-power modes and proper charging and storage habits (avoid temperature extremes at both ends). Dyson offers a two-year warranty on its cordless vacuum batteries and replacement batteries are available through Dyson.

Yes, Dyson vacuums can be repaired. Dyson has dedicated service centers where you can bring your vacuum and the company also offers mail-in repair services if you're not near a physical location. For minor issues such as clogged filters or simple part replacements, Dyson's support website offers troubleshooting guides and common fixes that users can often perform themselves.

Emptying a Dyson vacuum is typically a straightforward process. For most models, you usually hold the vacuum over a trash can and press a red lever or button to release the dustbin's base, allowing debris to fall out. To clean your Dyson, start by ensuring it's unplugged or turned off. Then, remove and wash the filters under cold water, gently squeezing until the water runs clear. Allow them to air dry completely for at least 24 hours before reinserting. You should also regularly check and clear any tangled hair or debris from the brush bar in the cleaner head, and for some models, you can detach the dustbin completely to wipe it clean with a damp, lint-free cloth, ensuring it's also fully dry before reassembly.

Yes, Dyson vacuums are a good option for those with allergies due to their sealed system and filters. Many Dyson models feature whole-machine HEPA filtration, meaning they are designed to capture 99.97% of microscopic particles as small as 0.3 microns, including common allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mold spores. This sealed system prevents these trapped allergens from escaping back into the air you breathe, keeping your indoor air cleaner. Currently, no Dyson vacuums are certified on the Asthma & Allergy Friendly certification program, but you can find one of our top cordless vacuum picks, the LG CordZero A9 Kompressor.