The 8 Best Dyson Vacuums of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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Five of our favorite PEOPLE-Tested Dyson vacuums are deeply discounted right now
People / Reese Herrington
Dyson is one of the most recognizable vacuum brands out there today, and its vacuums are known for their powerful suction and durable construction. Dyson currently offers a wide range of vacuum cleaners, including upright, cordless, and canister models, and it can be challenging to figure out which model is best for your home.
Today's Top Deals
The Dyson V8 Absolute Vacuum is $150 off (now $370) at dyson.com.
The Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Vacuum is $150 off (now $500) at dyson.com.
The Dyson V15 Detect Vacuum is $129 off (now $621) at amazon.com.
The Dyson Gen5detect Vacuum is $212 off (now $738) at amazon.com.
The Dyson Omni-Glide Vacuum is $88 off (now $262) at amazon.com.
We've tested hundreds of vacuum cleaners, including many Dyson models, to find out which ones are worth the investment. After evaluating each one on its effectiveness, noise level, value, and ease of use, we narrowed it down to the ones that really impressed us.
Below, find the best Dyson vacuums of 2024 that PEOPLE Tested.
Best Classic Dyson (Save $150): Dyson V8 Absolute vacuum
Pros
Available for a reasonable price, especially given its performance.
This model includes attachments for hard floors, carpeting, upholstery, dusting, and more.
Long hairs don’t get wrapped around the cleaner head, making it ideal for households with pets.
Cons
When it’s on “Max” mode, the battery life is less than 10 minutes.
The Dyson V8 Absolute is a tried-and-true model for anyone who just wants a basic cordless Dyson vacuum. It’s one of the most affordable options in Dyson’s lineup and ideal for everyday cleaning around your house. The V8 Absolute comes with two cleaner heads — a fluffy option for hard floors and the Motorbar cleaner head for carpeting — and the latter has been recently updated to feature the same hair-removal vanes as other high-end models.
This cordless vacuum can run for around 40 minutes on its standard setting, but its battery life does drop dramatically if you switch it to Max mode, so use that extra suction sparingly. The V8 Absolute comes with a variety of useful attachments, including a fabric and mattress tool and stubborn dirt brush, and its no-touch bin emptying mechanism can be deployed without detaching the vacuum’s stick.
We've tested tons of cordless stick vacuums and can confidently say: The current sale price is a steal for this Dyson.
Type: Cordless stick | Dimensions: 49.45 x 8.7 x 9.84 inches | Weight: 5.51 lbs. | Runtime: 40 minutes | Bin Volume: 0.54 L | Suction Power: Not listed
Best Cordless Stick (Save $150): Dyson V12 Detect Slim Vacuum
Pros
At around 5 pounds, this model is easy to carry and maneuver.
The laser dirt detection lights up dirt, dust, and hair on hard floors for a more thorough clean.
The on/off button provides easier operation than trigger-style models.
Cons
The vacuum sometimes struggles to pick up large debris like pet food.
The dustbin is fairly small and needs to be emptied often when cleaning.
Dyson has an impressive collection of cordless stick vacuums, and for most households, our top pick is the Dyson V12 Detect Slim. This model is extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver, and it can run for up to 60 minutes on its lowest suction setting. During testing, we found that it does a good job sucking up debris and pet hair (though it occasionally struggles to grab larger debris, like full pieces of dog kibble). Its unique laser dirt detection illuminates dust and hair on hard floors, showing you exactly where to clean. If you've ever used a vacuum with a laser on its brush head, you know how helpful this feature can be.
In addition to the laser cleaner head, this Dyson model comes with a Motorbar cleaner head for carpeting, a “hair screw” tool for pet hair, a crevice tool, and a combination tool. Unlike many other cordless Dysons that are powered by a trigger, the V12 Detect Slim features a single-button power control, and it even offers a LCD screen that keeps track of all the dust particles that you’ve sucked up. Our major complaint with this cordless vacuum is the size of its dustbin — at 0.1 gallons (roughly 0.38 liters), it’s definitely on the smaller side, and you may find yourself emptying it frequently if you’re cleaning a large area.
Type: Cordless stick | Dimensions: 49.1 x 9.9 x 9.8 inches | Weight: 5.2 lbs. | Runtime: 60 minutes | Bin Volume: 0.1 gal. | Suction Power: 150 AW
Best Investment (Save $129): Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
This vacuum efficiently picked up large and small debris during testing.
The battery lasts for up to 60 minutes on the lowest suction setting.
The laser dirt detection highlights fine particles on the floor for a better clean.
Cons
The trigger must be held down during operation, which can be tiring on your hands.
This cordless stick model costs more than many full-size vacuums.
If you don’t mind spending a little extra on a top-tier vacuum, the Dyson V15 Detect is a worthwhile splurge. This cordless stick vacuum excelled in our lab testing, sucking up all sorts of debris and pet hair with ease, and it has an impressively long runtime of up to 60 minutes on its eco setting. It maneuvers easily around obstacles and between different floor types, and it has a larger dustbin than the V12 model, allowing you to clean for longer before needing to stop and empty.
The Dyson V15 Detect comes with a variety of attachments to clean practically every surface in your home, including the brand’s Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head, which uses a green laser to show dirt and dust on hard surfaces. You’ll also get a carpeting cleaner head, pet hair tool, crevice tool, combination tool, dusting brush, and “stubborn dirt brush.” However, keep in mind that this model does have a trigger-style power button that needs to be held down for the duration of your cleaning session, which some people find tiring for their hands.
PEOPLE writer Cai Cramer says that after using the V15 Detect, there's no going back to ordinary vacuums. "I didn't know how dirty my floors were until I got my hands on the Dyson V15 Detect. The vacuum head has a built-in laser that illuminates fine dust and dirt that my eyes would have otherwise missed, " she says. "It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, which means I can finally reach those crevices under my couch that are way dirtier than they seem."
Type: Cordless stick | Dimensions: 49.6 x 10.5 x 9.8 inches | Weight: 6.8 lbs. | Runtime: 60 minutes | Bin Volume: 0.2 gal. | Suction Power: 230 AW
Best for Pet Owners: Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum
Pros
Because it’s an older model, the V10 is more reasonably priced than other cordless stick options.
The floor head and motorized pet tool have hair-removal vanes to prevent tangling.
Extremely lightweight and easy for anyone to maneuver
Cons
It doesn’t come with a soft brushroll attachment for hard floors.
Pet owners often fight an uphill battle against pet hair, so they need to arm themselves with an effective pet hair vacuum. The Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal is a great tool to have in your corner. This lightweight cordless vacuum is ideal for daily hair cleanup around your home — in our testing, it effectively picked up pet hair and kibble from carpeting, and its “Boost” mode came in handy for those extra-dirty areas. Plus, it’s so easy to maneuver that our tester said a child could do it! The vacuum has a maximum runtime of 60 minutes on its lowest setting, and the brand estimates it will run for around 35 minutes with the Torque drive cleaner head attached.
Speaking of the cleaner head, it’s equipped with special hair removal vanes that automatically clear long pet hair off the brush bar as you clean. (That means no more cutting tangles off the attachment.) The vacuum also comes with a “hair screw tool” for upholstery, as well as crevice, combination, and dusting brushes. Plus, one of the best parts about the V10 Animal is that it’s more affordable than other Dyson stick vacuums, making it a great supplementary cleaning tool for anyone with pets.
Type: Cordless stick | Dimensions: 48.74 x 9.53 x 9.84 inches | Weight: 5.71 lbs. | Runtime: 60 minutes | Bin Volume: 0.2 gal. | Suction Power: 150 AW
Best for Allergy Sufferers (Save $212): Dyson Gen5detect Cordless HEPA Vacuum
Pros
The vacuum made it effortless to maneuver around furniture and other obstacles.
It’s able to pick up debris of all sizes, including large items like pet food.
Unlike most other Dyson stick models, this version has a true HEPA filter.
Cons
The vacuum is bulky and tiring to use as a handheld model.
Other Dyson stick vacuums offer similar cleaning abilities for a lower price.
Read Full Review: Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum Review
The Dyson Gen5detect is the latest cordless stick model available from the brand, and while the price may cause a bit of sticker shock, it does boast a few upgrades that might make it worth the splurge. One of its biggest selling points is that the Gen5detect has a true HEPA filter, which can trap 99.99 percent of particles as small as 0.1 microns — undoubtedly a good thing if you’re sensitive to dust or other allergens and always have an air purifier running. It also offers a maximum runtime of 70 minutes—the longest of any Dyson cordless vacuum with a single battery.
In terms of performance, the Gen5detect lived up to Dyson’s high cleaning standards. It was able to pick up debris of all sizes with no problem, including everything from dust to large pieces of dog food. We liked that its swiveling head maneuvers easily around obstacles with minimal effort, and it also has a built-in dusting/crevice tool that you can quickly access by removing the main stick portion of the vacuum. However, we did think the vacuum was awkwardly bulky when used as a handheld model, due to the fact that the motor is quite heavy.
While we didn’t have any complaints about this vacuum’s performance, it is quite the investment, retailing for close to $1,000 at full price. If you’re specifically looking for a HEPA filter, it might be worth the investment, but many other cheaper Dyson vacuums are just as capable.
Type: Cordless stick | Dimensions: 50.2 x 10.87 x 9.8 inches | Weight: 7.72 lbs. | Runtime: 70 minutes | Bin Volume: 0.2 gallons | Suction Power: 262 AW
Best for Hardwood Floors (Save $88): Dyson Omni-Glide Cordless Vacuum
Pros
The swiveling head is extremely easy to maneuver in any direction.
The vacuum’s soft brush heads are ideal for picking up dirt and pet hair.
Push button operation is more convenient than Dyson’s usual trigger.
Cons
Because it has a small dust bin, this model isn’t great for larger homes.
It has a max runtime of 20 minutes, which is shorter than most other models.
For quick clean-ups, we recommend the Dyson OmniGlide — the lightest cordless model available from the brand. It weighs just over 4 pounds, making it a breeze to carry up stairs and around your home, and it has a unique articulating neck with four 360-degree castors that deliver unbeatable maneuverability. It can even lie flat, allowing you to vacuum under low-profile furniture.
During testing, we found that the OmniGlide performs well on hardwood, tile, and stairs, and despite having lower suction power than other models, it was able to pick up debris, pet hair, and cotton balls without any issues. (It did struggle a bit to suck up popcorn kernels without shooting them across the room, however.) The vacuum offers push-button operation, but we did find that its small dust bin filled up extremely quickly, resulting in frequent trips to the trash. It also has a shorter runtime than other Dyson cordless vacuums, offering around 20 minutes of cleaning time per charge. However, one of our PEOPLE editors (who lives in a small apartment with hardwood floors) has this model and won't stop raving about it.
"This is the easiest vacuum I've ever used. It glides over my hardwood floors, and the swivel head twists in all directions to pick up pet hair and dirt. This is a very powerful vacuum for such a tiny model," says PEOPLE senior editor Erin Johnson.
Type: Cordless stick | Dimensions: 42.4 x 3.6 x 8.1 inches | Weight: 4.18 lbs. | Runtime: 20 minutes | Bin Volume: 0.05 gal. | Suction Power: 50 AW
Best Upright: Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra
Pros
This vacuum is effective on debris of all sizes, as well as hard floors and carpets.
The hair removal vanes prevented tangling around the brushroll.
The dust bin is much larger than Dyson’s cordless vacuums.
Cons
Weighing more than 17 pounds, this vacuum may be too heavy for some people.
Instructions only include pictures, so the initial assembly process was challenging.
If the sheer suction power of an upright vacuum is what you’re after, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is the clear winner. Unlike many of Dyson’s other products, this upright model is corded, which results in consistent suction for an unlimited amount of time, and in testing, we found it excels on both hard floors and carpeting thanks to its three brush roll height settings.
The vacuum made quick work of every type of debris we threw at it, easily picking up coffee grounds, cereal, corn kernels, hair, and lint in just a few passes. Plus, the vacuum’s cleaner head has special hair removal vanes that effectively prevent pesky hair from getting wrapped around the brush roll, making it ideal for households with pets.
This upright vacuum is on the heavier side, but it was still easy to maneuver around furniture and into corners. It comes with several attachments, including the “tangle-free turbine” tool for upholstery and a unique pet grooming tool for brushing your dog, and its spacious dust bin had room to spare even after our testing was complete. Our only real complaint about this vacuum is that the instructions leave something to be desired — the manual is very sparse, and most of its instructions solely include pictures, making them hard to follow.
Type: Upright | Dimensions: 42.2 x 15.5 x 11.02 inches | Weight: 17.3 lbs. | Runtime: Unlimited | Bin Volume: 1.7 L | Suction Power: 290 AW
Best for Large Households : Dyson First-generation Outsize
Pros
This model excelled at picking up pet hair and strands didn’t get wrapped around the brushroll.
Because it includes a second battery, its runtime is twice as long as many other models.
The vacuum automatically adjusts its suction power based on the flooring type.
Cons
The top-heavy design is bulky and more cumbersome to maneuver.
For large homes, the Dyson Outsize is a top pick. While it is quite pricey, this cordless model offers a long runtime — up to 120 minutes between its two included batteries — and the largest dustbin of all the brand’s stick vacuums. We love that the vacuum automatically optimizes suction on Auto mode depending on what type of flooring you’re cleaning. In our testing, the vacuum also performed exceptionally well with pet hair, thanks to its extra-large cleaner head with hair-removal vanes.
You’ll be able to vacuum for significantly longer with the Outsize thanks to its 1.9-liter dust bin, but the downside of this feature is that the vacuum is very top-heavy and can be a bit bulky to move around. The vacuum comes with two floor heads, including one with laser dirt detection, as well as a variety of attachments, and its digital display provides an accurate countdown to let you know just how much battery power you have left.
It’s worth noting that Dyson also offers the Outsize+, which offers three extra accessories. The Plus model comes with a low-reach adapter, soft dusting brush, and a wand clip that attaches to the vacuum and holds the combination/crevice tools. The Outsize and Outsize+ are often available for similar prices, so the choice between them is really just a matter of whether you think you’d use the extra attachments.
Type: Cordless stick | Dimensions: 50.39 x 11.02 x 9.06 inches | Weight: 7.98 lbs. | Runtime: 120 minutes | Bin Volume: 1.9 L | Suction Power: 220 AW
"“At Dyson, we believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to vacuuming, which is why we have a vacuum for varying homes and cleaning needs — from small apartments to large houses and everything in-between. All Dyson vacuums have powerful suction, effective pick-up, and unmatched filtration.” — Oliver Dodgson, design and development manager at Dyson"
Coming Soon
Dyson V15s Detect Submarine: If you’ve ever wished you could vacuum and mop with the same tool, Dyson’s latest product is right up your alley. The Submarine is a wet and dry cordless vacuum that includes the brand’s standard floor cleaning heads, as well as a new motorized wet roller. The new attachment is able to clean up spills and remove stains from your hard floors, and it can clean up to 1,000 square feet with a single tank. We are currently testing this model and will offer a full review soon.
Dyson 360 Vis Nav Robot Vacuum: Dyson is finally making its foray into the robot vacuum realm with its new 360 Vis Nav. We still only have limited details about the exciting new product, but the brand claims it will have twice the suction power of any other robot vacuum available today, a triple-action brush bar, and improved edge cleaning abilities.
Our Verdict
Since we first published this story, we tested the brand’s newest cordless vacuum, the Dyson Gen5detect, which we’ve included as a good option for allergy sufferers. However, our top pick among Dyson’s current lineup is still the Dyson V12 Detect Slim. We will continue to test more models, including the brand’s new wet/dry vacuum, and update this story as needed.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Dyson Vacuum
Style
Dyson offers three main styles of vacuums: upright, cordless stick, and canister. Its upright vacuum, the Dyson Ball Animal, is a corded model that offers unlimited runtime and the most powerful suction of all its vacuums, making it ideal for large households.
The brand also has its line of uber-popular cordless stick vacuums, and today, the brand sells six different models. These vacuums have a battery-powered design, which makes them convenient to use for quick cleaning tasks around the house, and many of them are extremely lightweight and maneuverable.
Finally, the brand sells the Dyson Big Ball canister vacuum. This corded model offers strong suction and a convenient bagless design, and it even self-rights if it ever tips over.
House Size
One of the biggest factors to consider when shopping for a Dyson vacuum is the size of your home. Those who have smaller living spaces are often able to use a cordless stick vacuum as their primary vacuum, especially since many Dyson models come with a range of useful accessories. Models like the Dyson V12 Detect Slim offer up to an hour of runtime per charge, and they come with a convenient wall-mounted docking system that makes them easy to access.
If you have a larger house, you may want to upgrade to a model like the corded Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra, which offers unlimited runtime. Alternatively, the brand’s Dyson Outsize comes with a second battery that doubles its runtime, as well as a larger dustbin.
Flooring Type
Another factor to take into account is the type of flooring in your home. If your home is mostly hard floors, you'll want a vacuum for hardwood floors. A model like the Dyson OmniGlide is specially designed just for hardwoods and tile. For those with a lot of carpeting, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra has a powerful cleaner head that gets deep into rugs, as well as special hair-removal vanes to prevent pet hair from tangling around the brush roll. Or, if you have a little of both, you may want an upright vacuum or stick vacuum. Many of the Dyson cordless stick vacuums come with separate attachments for hard floors and carpeting.
When to Buy
Dyson vacuums, like many splurge-worthy Dyson products, are generally on the more expensive side, and if you’re looking for a deal, your best bet is to wait for a major sale holiday, such as Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday. You can often save $100 or more on your purchase during large sales, but keep in mind that older models are more likely to be marked down than the brand’s newer vacuums.
PEOPLE / Rachel Marek
How We Tested Dyson Vacuums
Over the course of several testing sessions, we put the majority of Dyson’s current vacuum models to the test, both in our lab and in the homes of our testers. Here’s what we tested them on:
Setup: We timed how long it took to set up each vacuum, noting whether the process was straightforward or if we ran into any problems.
Suction Power: After assembling each vacuum, we tested their ability to pick up a variety of both large and small debris, including dirt, Cheerios, coffee grounds, popcorn kernels, and pet hair. We tested each vacuum on hard floors, carpeting, and upholstery, when applicable.
Runtime: For battery-powered vacuums, we evaluated their runtime on both high and low settings.
Maneuverability: We noted how easy it was to carry each vacuum and maneuver it around obstacles during use. For models that can be used as hand vacuums, we also assessed their ability to clean hard-to-reach areas, such as high shelves.
Emptying: After running our tests, we emptied each vacuum, noting whether it was easy to do and if any debris got stuck in the dustbin. We also noted how often the vacuum needed to be emptied during cleaning.
People / Dera Burreson
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Dyson vacuum is the most powerful?
In terms of sheer suction power, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is the most powerful option in Dyson’s current lineup, offering 290 AW, or air watts, of suction power. Among the brand’s cordless stick vacuums, the Dyson V15 Detect is the most powerful, with a rating of 230 AW.
Which is better: Dyson Animal or Absolute?
Many of Dyson’s vacuums come in several different models, and the main distinctions between different versions generally include the vacuum’s color, as well as the attachments that come with it. For example, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 currently comes in a base model, as well as Extra or Complete versions. The Extra comes with four attachments and a copper color scheme, while the Complete includes 10 tools and accessories and a gold color scheme.
In terms of the Animal vs. Absolute debate, which generally refers to the V8 model, the Absolute includes more accessories, including a fluffy cleaner head that’s ideal for hard floors. The Animal has fewer tools, most of which are focused on cleaning up pet hair. However, the vacuums themselves are virtually identical.
What is Dyson's return policy?
If you order a Dyson vacuum online, you can return it for a full refund within 30 days of delivery. For purchases made at a Dyson Demo Store or Dyson Service Center, a return must be made within 30 days from the purchase date.
People / Henry Wortock
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer who specializes in home, kitchen, and pet products, and she’s personally tested dozens of different vacuums, including many Dysons, in her career. To compile this roundup, she spoke with our testers about a range of Dyson vacuums and considered flooring type, house size, and style.
Meet Our Expert
Oliver Dodgson is a design and development manager at Dyson, who offered insights on what sets Dyson vacuums apart and tips on selecting the right model for your home.
What Is People Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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