We’ve tested tons of Dyson’s top vacuums — these 5 are actually the best

Long gone are the days of the clunky, can’t-move-around vacuum monsters that have you schlepping a heavy sucker from room to room. We’ve found the best vacuums to help you on your squeaky-clean journey.

Now, the buffet of vacuums on the market comes in an array of high-tech features, including robot vacuums, handhelds or cordless vacuums that can have your rugs and floors spotless in minutes. Some of them even measure up better than your best mop.

We spent months shuffling past rooms with different vacuums to find recommendations we would recommend IRL. And, to no surprise, Dyson vacuums were consistently some of the best that we tested. Dyson is one of those legacy brands that’s been known for its floor-cleaning gadgets for years — and thousands of Amazon reviewers would agree. It’s also a brand many of our team members have previously used and loved.

Below, find the five models, the pros and cons of each, and unique features to help guide your new carpet and hardwood floor cleaner decision. Whether you need a vacuum to suck up the fur balls your cat leaves behind or an option that can be used on multiple surface types, we have a pick for you.

Best Overall: Dyson V16 Piston Animal

Barret Wertz

Senior Editorial Commerce Director Barret Wertz tested the Dyson V16 Piston Animal and was impressed with both its versatility and suction power.

The V16 is designed for whole-home cleaning, particularly spaces with mixed flooring and plenty of hair to pick up. Dyson’s Fluffy Optic head is a soft roller that works on hardwood floors and uses an angled beam of light to illuminate fine dust and debris you might otherwise miss. There’s also the All Floor Cones Sense head, which detects changes in flooring and automatically adjusts both suction power and brush-bar speed, slowing down on hard floors and ramping up on carpet.

Wertz used the vacuum on rugs, hardwood floors and tile. It was successful at picking up dust, debris, and, of course, pet hair from almost every surface, though it struggled a little on the jute rug. That said, it was easy to empty and transitioned automatically across different floor types, which was a big plus.

What’s in the box: Dyson V16 Piston Animal, All Floor Cones Sense Cleaner Head, Fluffy Optic Cleaner Head, Hair Screw Tool 2.0, Combination Tool, Crevice Tool, Wall Dock, Charger | Dimensions: 51.1 inches (H) x 10.2 inches (L) x 9.84 inches (W) | Weight: 7.5 pounds | Charge time: 3.5 hours | Run time: Up to 70 minutes

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Best Cordless: Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum

Victoria McDonnell

The Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum is, by far, the most impressive Dyson vacuum I’ve tried in the past four years. Trust me, that’s a tall order, but the impressiveness of this cordless model — from its incredible suction power to its ease of deep cleaning — makes it worth its high-ticket price tag.

When it comes down to it, you don’t want to keep repurchasing vacuum after vacuum because you didn’t invest in one originally. Plus, vacuums aren’t as cheap anymore, as a well-made one is usually around $200. So, this all-in-one cordless option that boasts up to 70 minutes of runtime and a 4.5-hour charge makes deep cleaning my home a snap.

As a new homeowner, I knew I wanted to unbox the best vacuum so I could actually look forward to deep cleaning days. The Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum didn’t disappoint; it’s simple for me to maneuver from my kitchen to my dining area to my living room, and then upstairs to suck up all of the dust and debris from my plush carpet. It tackles a variety of floors, from engineered laminate to tile and it’s so satisfying to see all the dust enter the dustbin, especially when I use the crevice tool to really capture everything.

I personally love its included Fluffy Optic Cleaner Head, though it also comes with the more traditional Digital Motorbar Cleaner Head characteristic of several other Dyson cordless models. The Built-In Crevice Tool is ultra-convenient because I never have to think about finding a separate attachment. With the touch of a button, I can instantly transform my cordless vacuum into a handheld to tackle dust buildup on my second-floor vaulted ceilings.

While I haven’t installed the included Wall Dok yet, I plan to, as it creates an individualized station for my Dyson vacuum to live in my under-the-staircase large storage closet. And, as someone with seasonal allergies, the HEPA filter that’s included in its design is a dream come true.

As you can tell, I can’t stop raving about this vacuum. I’ve used a variety of models ranging from $100 to $1,000, but none compares to this hygienic, modern and ergonomic model.

What’s in the box: Dyson Gen5detect, Fluffy Optic Cleaner Head, Hair Screw Tool, Combination Tool, Digital Motorbar Cleaner Head, Built-In Dusting and Crevice Tool, Wall Dok, Charger | Dimensions: 50.2 inches (H) x 10.87 inches (L) x 9.8 inches (W) | Weight: 7.72 pounds| Charge time: 4.5 hours | Run time: Up to 70 minutes

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Best Value: Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum

Amazon

The Dyson V8 Cordless Stick Vacuum is all the rage, and for a good reason — it’s one of the best cordless vacuums we tested from Dyson and is a practical, relatively affordable investment that’ll leave your house spotless.

With the V8, you’re getting optimal suction and hassle-free maneuvering. Though I don’t have a furry pet, this vacuum worked impressively well in picking up finer dust and hairs from carpeting.

The ability to switch between two power modes was a feature I didn’t know I needed. I enjoyed its MAX mode, which provides up to seven minutes of intense power on my thicker shag carpet, and its Powerful mode for regular Sunday deep cleans.

It converts to a handheld vacuum too, so you can clean car seats, upholstery, and more with ease. Plus, you’ll get a crevice tool included to navigate hard-to-reach corners.

While it doesn’t feature advanced technologies, its quality in comparison to its price is unmatched.

What’s in the box: Dyson V8 Cordless, crevice tool | Dimensions: 9.8 inches (H) x 49 inches (L) x 8.8 inches (W) | Weight: 5.63 pounds | Charge time: 5 hours | Run time: Up to 40 minutes

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Best for Hardwood Floors: Dyson Gen5outsize Cordless Vacuum

Amazon

I’ve been testing the Dyson Gen5Outsize for months now, and it has become a staple in my cleaning routine. While it is slightly larger than some other models, this doesn’t detract from its overall performance. In fact, its extensive range of attachments makes it a comprehensive cleaning system that’s well worth the investment.

This model features Dyson’s most advanced cordless vacuum technology, boasting powerful suction, integrated HEPA filtration to combat allergens, and the brand’s longest runtime yet. It effortlessly tackles both hardwood floors in my living room and shag carpeting upstairs.

One of its standout features is the dust detection technology, which is displayed on a modern screen. This high-tech feature adds an element of excitement to cleaning. With a motor that spins up to 135,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). It delivers remarkable suction power for a thorough cleaning. I’m always amazed at the amount of dust and debris it collects in the easy-to-empty reservoir. It’s incredibly satisfying.

I particularly appreciate the Fluffy Optic Cleaner Head for its precision, along with the Digital Motorbar XL Cleaner Head for larger spaces. The vacuum also comes with a built-in dusting and crevice tool, a hair screw tool for pet hair, a combination tool for quick cleaning tasks, and a docking station, charger, and additional battery for continuous use. While it may require a bit of a splurge, it’s the only vacuum you’ll need for years to come.

I found this model complete with plenty of tools to make cleaning easier, which added to its value and experience. It’s also equipped with advanced suction power and advanced HEPA filtration. While heavier than most, it’s a breeze to maneuver, especially in hard-to-reach areas and angles. That said, it’s great for reaching under beds and behind furniture you don’t want to move.

The price may pose a barrier for some consumers, but it’s worth the splurge because of all the amazing benefits it provides, like a lengthy runtime, dust detection factor and an additional battery.

Additionally, this model is larger compared to other Dyson models, although it may not be considered a significant drawback. For instance, its waste bin is 150% larger than the Gen5detect bin, allowing it to suck up more dirt between cleanings.

What’s in the box: Fluffy Optic Cleaner Head, Hair Screw Tool, Combination Tool, Wall Dock, Digital Motorbar XL Cleaner Head, Built-In Dusting and Crevice Tool, Additional Battery, Charger, and User Guide | Dimensions: 50 inches (H) x 11.4 inches (L) x 12.6 inches (W) | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Charge time: 4.5hrs | Run time: 140 min

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Best Upright: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum

Amazon

The tried-and-true Dyson Ball Animal 2 Vacuum is the perfect cleaner for thick carpets. And when we say thick, we mean thick.

It’s impressive that this model isn’t cordless but still comes with accessories to transform your power vac into a precise cleaning machine. And there’s even a mattress tool, which is ideal. Because let’s face it — when’s the last time you gave your everyday mattress a spin clean?

The textured rugs in my parents’ home aren’t fine. They have a crazy shag, deep-rooted Berber and macrame boho area rugs that I personally don’t know how to give a true deep cleaning to. However, the Ball Animal 2 is an effective solution.

What’s more, its ball structure gives weight to gravity, making it stand perfectly upright without leaning against a wall or charging dock. It’s convenient, handy and won’t crash into your furniture.

Weighing in at almost 18 pounds, it’s no lightweight machine. Although it’s not my favorite, its incredible ability to deep clean allowed it to make the cut. I do want to note that though the Ball Animal 2 comes with some unique and practical tools, it can’t transform into a handheld cleaner.

What’s in the box: Dyson Ball Animal 2, Articulating Hard Floor Tool, Tangle-Free Turbine, Tool Storage Bag | Dimensions: 42.13 inches (H) x 13.39 inches (L) x 15.35 inches (W) | Weight: 17.42 pounds

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An FAQ on Dyson Vacuums

Ahead, find some commonly asked questions on Dyson, including how to use its vacuums and what makes them so wishlist-inducing.

What makes Dyson a fan-favorite brand?

Dyson is known for its cutting-edge technology, such as powerful suction, advanced filtration systems, and unique designs like cyclonic separation that prevents clogging. The brand’s vacuums are revered for delivering superior cleaning performance on various surfaces, making them effective for both carpets and hard floors.

Dyson products are also aesthetically appealing and ergonomic, with a focus on user-friendly features like easy maneuverability and lightweight designs. To top off the brand’s allure, many Dyson models are cordless, offering the freedom to clean without being tethered to an outlet, which adds convenience and flexibility.

Dyson vacuums are built to last, often coming with long warranties and robust construction; this provides users with confidence in their investment.

How to clean a Dyson vacuum

To clean a Dyson vacuum, start by turning it off and unplugging it for safety. Empty the dustbin by pressing the release button and tapping it to shake out any debris. Use a damp cloth to wipe the inside of the dustbin. Remove and rinse the filter(s) under cold water (without soap), then leave it to dry for 24 hours before reinserting it.

Next, clean the brush bar by checking for tangled hair and debris. You’ll want to carefully cut through any obstructions with scissors or a seam ripper. If necessary, remove the brush bar and wash it with warm water. Allow it to dry fully before reattaching it. Additionally, wipe down the wand and hose with a damp cloth, and use a long object to clear any clogs inside the hose. When I cleaned my Dyson this way, I found it to maintain its life in the long haul.

Finally, inspect the vacuum for blockages in the airway or suction pipes. If any blockages are found, gently remove them by hand or using a tool. Once all parts are clean and dry, reassemble the vacuum and test it to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Regular cleaning will surely help maintain your Dyson’s performance.

What is the cheapest Dyson vacuum?

While Dyson vacuums commonly go on sale, the two most affordable models we reviewed is the Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum.

The Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum is slightly more expensive than the V7, but still a cost-effective choice for everyone — pet owners, especially — who need strong suction and good battery life.

How does Dyson compare to Shark?

The Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum and the Shark WANDVAC are both powerful cordless vacuums. Still, one may be better for you than the other, depending on the features that you consider most important.

For instance, the Dyson Gen5detect is acclaimed for its powerful suction and features the brand’s most powerful motor, the Hyperdymium, which provides up to 250 AW of suction power to clean both carpets and hard floors. While the Shark WANDVAC is powerful as well, its suction is 115 AW, which is more suited for quicker pickups and lighter cleaning tasks.

As far as filtration goes, Dyson’s model is advanced, capturing 99.99% of particles as small as 0.1 microns, which is impressive and also great for those with allergies. The Shark WANDVAC isn’t as precise, though I noticed it picked up dust on my area rug in no time. So, the science behind the filtration may not be too important to you, unless you suffer from severe allergies.

As chic as the Dyson models look, the Shark WANVAC has a more lightweight and versatile design. Its head can swivel swiftly around furniture and it’s one of the easiest vacuums to maneuver. On the flip side, even though Dyson boasts better suction power and a more advanced design at large, it’s heavier to use, making it a chore to bring upstairs.

Victoria Giardina testing the Shark WANDVAC. Victoria Giardina

How I tested

Let’s be real — any Dyson cordless vacuum is a gift in and of itself (truly), but there are specific characteristics I kept in mind:

• Suction power: When it comes to tackling dust and debris in your home, the efficiency of the vacuum takes priority. I took note of which vacuums had the most impressive and high-functioning suction power.
• Value: Though most Dyson vacuums typically cost a pretty penny, there are some are pricier than others. I took note of this in comparison to how each model performed.
• Ease of use: Most Dyson vacuums come with attachments, while others are more apt for maneuvering over carpets. I assessed how complex each was, if applicable.
• Weight: Some Dyson vacuums are heavier than most, which may not be the best for some users, especially those with arthritis or with upper-extremity disabilities. I listed the weight of each vacuum and how each one felt as I was maneuvering it through my home.

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Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist. Victoria tests the latest and greatest cleaning products to compare the best results from household cleaners, appliances and vacuums (yes, she’s reviewed and ranked nearly every Dyson). Armed with expert recommendations and FAQs, she evaluates formulas, functions and features to determine the very best items on the market – and goes the extra mile to find them on sale. Victoria has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.

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