Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum Review

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We put the $1,000 vacuum to the test

I’ve tested hundreds of vacuum cleaners, and when friends and family ask me for my recommendations, my answer is always the same: Get one with laser technology. In the vacuum world, a laser vacuum separates the boys from the men, so to speak, and Dyson’s latest cordless stick vacuum model, the Dyson Gen5detect, has new and improved laser technology that really knocks it out of the park.

If you’re familiar with Dyson vacuums, the Gen5 series is different in a few ways: the dust bin is larger, the cleaning head is wider, and the battery lasts longer. On top of that, the whole-machine HEPA filtration is the best it’s ever been, and the Fluffy Optic cleaner head (a.k.a. brush head with the laser light) illuminates more space than ever before, thanks to a lower placement of the laser light.

“This was a huge design challenge to fit the printed circuit board (PCB) and thermal solutions into a tiny space without compromising pick-up,” says Dyson engineer Asaph Ooi, Senior Design Manager, RDD Floorcare. Not only is the laser technology impressive, but Ooi also emphasizes that this is the most powerful vacuum yet, thanks to Dyson’s next-generation Hyperdymium motor that spins at up to 135,000 rpm (nine times faster than a Formula One engine).

Of course, I had to get my hands on this new, powerful vacuum as soon as it was released. Dyson sent the PEOPLE Tested team a sample to test in our lab alongside other cordless vacuum cleaners, and I’ve been personally testing the Gen5detect at home for three months.

Dyson Gen5detect Cordless HEPA Vacuum

$699 at Amazon.com

$950 at Target.com

Noteworthy Features:

• Single-push power button

• Improved laser technology

• Advanced whole-machine HEPA filtration system

• Detangling motor bar

• Digital display screen with real-time cleaning updates

• 280 AW of power

• 70-minute runtime

Weight: 7.72 pounds

Dimensions: 10.87 x 9.8 x 50.2 inches

Dust Bin Size: 0.2 gallons

Type of Vacuum: Cordless Stick

Battery Life: 70 Minutes (4.5 hour charge time)

Attachments: 2 cleaner heads, 4 attachments

How We Tested the Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum

We tested the Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum in the lab and at home for three months (and continue to do so). During testing, we graded it on several attributes: setup, maneuverability, performance, and value. At home, I used this vacuum weekly to vacuum up crumbs, pet hair, my hair, and anything else that found its way onto my floor over a three-month period.

• Ease of Setup: We used a stopwatch to time how long it took to unbox the vacuum, assemble the parts, and plug it in. We recorded the total time and noted any annoyances, such as extra plastic wrap or hard-to-assemble pieces.

• Battery run time: To test the vacuum's actual battery life, we used a stopwatch and ran the vacuum on its lowest setting until the battery ran completely down, and then we repeated it on its highest setting. We recorded our findings and noted if they differed from the manufacturer’s claims.

• Maneuverability: We set up an obstacle course of debris and timed how long it took for the vacuum to swivel and suck up everything in its path. We also tested this feature on shelves and under furniture such as a nightstand to see how easy it was to reach hard-to-reach places.

• Effectiveness: We tested the vacuum’s effectiveness on hardwood floors, grouted tile, and low, medium, and high pile rugs. We made mixtures of hair, coffee grounds, cheerios, and rice and scattered them across each surface. We then powered on the vacuum and noted how quickly it sucked up the debris.

• Noise Level: We used a decibel reader to record the vacuum’s noise level while standing two feet away. We also noted whether you could potentially converse or watch TV while vacuuming.

• Ease of emptying: We emptied the dust bin and observed the ease or challenges of doing so, and if we had to empty it mid-test, the vacuum was docked points.

• Long-term use: I then tested this vacuum at home for three months to observe how it performed in real life. I vacuumed up pet hair, crumbs, dirt, and more on a weekly basis, and I noted if I disagreed with any of the lab's findings on the above categories.

The Results

The Dyson Gen5detect cordless vacuum received 5 stars across the board, with only a few cons detected during testing. It sucked up everything in its path and maneuvered easily around our obstacle course. Our lab testers loved the display screen that showed real-time cleanliness, and they loved that they could vacuum with only one hand.

While the battery didn’t last 70 minutes as advertised, it was still impressive. On low mode, the battery ran around 51 minutes; on high mode, it ran around 13 minutes. The noise level was between 75 and 87 decibels (87 was in “boost” mode), which is pretty standard, if not on the noisy side for a cordless stick vacuum. As for the dust bin, it was super easy to empty, requiring minimal interaction with the debris (only a few hairs needed to be pulled into the trash can when emptying).

During my three months of testing the Dyson Gen5detect at home, I loved how easy it was to maneuver, as well as the laser technology that illuminated pet hair and tiny debris all over my tile floors. When it came across these super dirty spots on my floor, it automatically kicked into “boost” mode and sucked up anything in its path with ease. This cordless vacuum is undeniably powerful and effective at cleaning floors.

If I had to complain about something, I would say that while you can maneuver it with one hand, it does get a little heavy after a few minutes of cleaning. I’m 5 feet tall, so I wish it had a telescopic wand so I could shorten the height; I feel like that would help distribute the weight of the motor head a little better.

It’s also important to note that you need to change the brush head when it's time to vacuum carpeting and area rugs. The regular no-tangle brush head is designed for carpeted floors, and the brush head with the laser light is only for hard flooring. It’s a bit annoying to switch between the two, but the precise cleaning that you get afterward makes it worth the effort.

Who It’s Good For: This is an expensive vacuum cleaner, so it’s best for people who are loyal Dyson fans and want the best and newest product available. Since it has a long battery life and a large dust bin, this would work well for those who need to clean large spaces without needing to stop to empty the dust bin or recharge the appliance. Its laser technology and no-tangle brush head (and clever attachments) also make this an excellent choice for pet owners who want a powerful pet hair vacuum to clean up after their shedding fur babies.

Who It’s Not Good For: If you’re looking for a great deal or want a standard, basic vacuum cleaner, you can find a much cheaper but still effective option — there are even great vacuum cleaners for under $200. If you’re not concerned with getting a super thorough clean that virtually eliminates all debris, you should probably opt for a cheaper vacuum.

Noteworthy Features

One of the most impressive things about Dyson is that they are seriously invested in improving all Dyson products with innovative technology. The Gen5detect is no exception to that mission. Here are a few things that make the Gen5detect different from other cordless vacuum cleaners:

• Laser Technology: The laser on the hard floor-cleaning brush head is really impressive. It lights up the floor in front of the brush head so that you can easily see all the dirt and debris on your floors. Ooi explains that the new and improved design makes the light twice as bright as before, due to clever placement: “Dyson engineers designed the new light source to be positioned as low as possible in the endcap of our Fluffy Optic cleaner head, projecting a blade of light to illuminate particles on floors.”

• No-Tangle Brush Head: You’ll also find a unique design that prevents hair from wrapping around the vacuum’s brush head. “Inspired by a de-tangling comb, the brush bar features hair removal vanes, precisely angled to help migrate all hair types directly into the cleaner head,” says Ooi. In short, you don’t have to worry about cutting hair off of your brush head when you're done vacuuming.

• Hair Screw Tool Attachment: I’m not a huge fan of attachments in general, but this one came in handy when I needed to clean my dog’s pet carrier in a hurry and couldn’t find my lint brush; it quickly sucked up all of the white pet hair off of the black carrier bag. Plus, it works on large furniture and upholstery. “Inspired by an Archimedes screw, it is engineered to pick up long hair and pet hair fast,” says Ooi.

• Digital Display Screen: “The Dyson Gen5 vacuums introduce a completely re-engineered user interface (UI) that now shows users in real-time when their surface is clean,” says Ooi. “A piezo sensor uses acoustic sensing to count and categorize particle sizes, and bars on the LCD screen now rise and fall according to the volume of particles being removed in real-time, so owners know when to move on or spend more time cleaning.” How cool is that?

• Whole-Machine HEPA Filtration: According to Ooi, the Gen5detect is “engineered to capture 99.99 percent of particles down to 0.1 microns, and 99.9 percent of viruses,” making it Dyson’s most advanced filtration system yet. This is based on “boost" mode operation in tests conducted by an independent third party. (It was not tested on SARS-CoV-2 virus.)

Coming Soon!

We are currently testing the Dyson 360 Vis Nav Robot Vacuum, and we can't wait to share our findings with you. If it took Dyson this long to release a robot vacuum, we trust they were waiting until all the details were just right.

Other Cordless Vacuum Cleaners to Consider

While some Amazon reviewers claim that their cheap vacuum is just as good as their Dyson, I find that hard to believe. Of course, you can find great Dyson alternatives, but having tested so many vacuum cleaners myself, I can tell you that you’re going to need to pay around $400 or more to find anything slightly comparable to the Dyson Gen5detect. Even then, you’ll lose out on the laser technology and whole-machine HEPA filtration.

If you’re not worried about picking up every single speck of dust or if you’d rather save $500, then I would recommend the vacuums below. (Yes, I have personally tested all of these.)

• Dyson v12 Detect Slim Vacuum Cleaner: This $650 vacuum cleaner (and the $750 Dyson v15) will be as close as you can get to the Dyson Gen5detect. If you purchase this model now, it will also come with the new and improved laser technology, which is a real win for those seeking a laser vacuum.

• Samsung Jet 90 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner: This $650 vacuum is a similar model to one of our favorite vacuums for pet hair, and I love it because it has a telescopic wand, so we shorter folks can adjust it to a comfortable height.

• Shark Vertex Cordless Stick Vacuum: This $430 model is going to be a bit bulkier than the Dyson Gen5detect, and it doesn’t have laser technology, but it is a very powerful vacuum that rivals the strength of an upright.

• Tineco Pure One S15 Pet Cordless Vacuum: This $500 vacuum comes with laser technology, but as you can see in the photo below, it doesn’t illuminate as much space as the Gen5detect. Still, for everyday cleaning, it’s a great pick. (However, given the choice between the two, I’ve been reaching for the Dyson each time I clean at home.)

• Homeika Cordless Vacuum Cleaner: I won't lie to you and say this $110 stick vacuum is just like a Dyson, but for a very cheap Amazon vacuum, it's pretty good, and I can tell that the company tried to mimic Dyson's features. It has an LED light on the brush head, a smart screen, and it's pink, which is fun.

Is the Dyson Gen5detect Worth it?

If I’m being honest, this is where I feel conflicted. If I had $1,000 in disposable income, I think I’d book a trip to Italy instead of buying a high-end vacuum cleaner, but if you want to invest in an amazingly effective, high-tech, easy-to-use vacuum cleaner, then the Dyson Gen5detect cordless vacuum cleaner is certainly worth it.

6 Months Later

I’ve used the Dyson Gen5detect one to two times a week for around six months now, and I still love the same things I loved about it before and still have the same drawbacks (my hand hurts after vacuuming for a while, and I find it a bit annoying to switch the brush heads, depending on whether I’m vacuuming my kitchen tile floors or living room carpet).

However, when I am done vacuuming, I am 100 percent confident that my floors are as clean as possible. Since Dyson cordless vacuums come with a 2-year warranty, I also know that I’m protected in case of any operating hiccups. I’ll continue to update this story as any new findings or challenges arise, but again, if you have the money to splurge on this model and value a pristinely clean home, you won’t be disappointed.

Take Our Word For It

Erin Johnson is a senior shopping editor at PEOPLE, specializing in home and lifestyle content, with a particular focus on vacuum cleaners. She has tested and written about vacuums for Real Simple, Better Homes and Gardens, Southern Living, and The Spruce, where she led and conducted in-depth testing on cordless stick vacuums, robot vacuums, dustbusters, and uprights, with a specific focus on iRobot, Shark, and Dyson products.

Erin grew up in a home with a trusty upright Oreck vacuum but now believes that cordless stick vacuums are the way to go. She currently owns two Dyson models, a Tineco, and a Shark vacuum, but the Dyson Gen5detect has given her the most thorough clean yet. Aside from regularly cleaning with the Gen5detect, to prepare for this article, Erin attended in-person and virtual trainings before receiving the vacuum, and she also interviewed Dyson engineer Asaph Ooi, Senior Design Manager, RDD Floorcare, to learn more about the advanced features of the Gen5 series.

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