However, the recent release of the V11 in 2019 has sparked debate as to whether it’s worth the significant price hike.
That’s why we decided to research the V11 – as well as the two previous models, the V8 and the V10 – to see how they compare with each other in a number of different categories, including, but not limited to, usability, motor, suction, and battery performance, and maintenance.
QUICK OVERVIEW
The Best Dyson Vacuum Cleaners
• Two-tier, 14-cyclone system
• Motor Rotation: 125,000 RPM
• Suction Power: 140 Air Watts
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• In-line configuration helps to produce stronger suction and airflow
• Two-tier, 15-cyclone system
• Motor Rotation: 110,000 RPM
• Suction Power: 115 Air Watts
• Run Time: 40 minutes
• Two-tier, 18-cyclone system
• Motor Rotation: 125,000 RPM
• Suction Power: 220 Air Watts
• Run Time: 120 minutes
• In-line configuration helps to produce stronger suction and airflow
• Features an LCD display that indicates current mode and battery time
Overview of Specifications
Design and Usability
In terms of design and usability, the V8, V10, and V11 are all quite similar – although the V10 and V11 models do feature a few significant improvements on the V8.
Dyson V8
This model consists of three main parts: the cleaning head, the extension wand, and the in-hand segment. In the latter, there is the handle, power trigger, cyclone system, and dust bin. The parts are orientated in a way that puts the dust bin perpendicular to the extension wand, and the center of gravity is close to the handle. The dust bin size is 0.54 liters, and the lifetime filter is washable and easy to clean.
There is only one power setting, which is turned on by holding down a trigger. While this is great for conserving battery power, it can get a little annoying if you’re vacuuming for a long period of time, as the second you release pressure, the power shuts off.
Dyson V10
The Dyson V10 consists of the same parts as the V8 (the cleaning head, the extension wand, and the in-hand segment, which features a handle, power trigger, cyclone system, and dust bin).
However, unlike the V8, it has an in-line configuration that improves airflow from the motor to the cleaning head – plus, the dust bin is bigger, at 0.77 liters. Instead of a lifetime filter, it features an improved washable HEPA filter, which captures 99% of particles that are 0.2 microns or larger.
According to the company, this increases suction power by 21% compared with the V8, but it’s worth pointing out that this design does make the V10 a little longer and, therefore, slightly more awkward to carry around. There are three different power settings in total as opposed to only one for the V8.
Dyson V11
Again, the V11 features three main parts (the cleaning head, the extension wand, and the in-hand segment), with the in-hand segment featuring a handle, power trigger, cyclone system, and dust bin. Like the V10, there are three different power settings to choose from, the dust bin is bigger than the V8, at 0.77 liters, and it features a washable HEPA filter.
The in-line configuration is the same as the V10, but the airflow from the motor to the cleaning head is significantly improved compared with the V8 – according to the company, by 61% in the V11 and a whopping 91% in the V11 Outsize. Like the V10, however, it does make both these models slightly longer and more awkward to carry around than the V8.
One feature that the V11 has that is not featured on the V8 nor the V10 is an LCD display that indicates the current mode it is in as well as the approximate remaining battery time. The latter, in particular, is extremely handy.
Motor and Suction Performance
All three of these Dyson vacuums clean in a similar way, with motors that spin over 100,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). The more RPM, the strong the suction and, therefore, the better the overall cleaning performance.
| V8 | V10 | V11 | V11 Outsize | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RPM | 110,000 | 125,000 | 125,000 | 125,000 |
| Suction Power | 115 AW | 140 AW | 185 AW | 220 AW |
Dyson V8
This model uses a two-tier, 15-cyclone system to suck debris up from the floor and transfer it into the dust bin. The motor spins up to 110,000 RPM and, according to the company, it can collect particles as small as 0.3 microns. The suction power is 115 air watts (AW), which is enough to provide a good cleaning performance.
Dyson V10
The V10 has a two-tier 14-cyclone system that generates a force of more than 79,000g for optimum cleaning performance; plus, because the cyclones have been arranged concentrically around the central axis, air is able to flow more efficiently through it. The motor spins up to 125,000 RPM, which is 15,000 more than the V8.
As noted in the ‘Design and Usability’ section of this article, the in-line configuration used in this model helps to produce stronger suction and better airflow, which optimizes the capabilities of the motor. The suction power is 140 AW, which is a significant improvement on the V8.
Dyson V11
Like the V10, the V11 is able to generate a force of more than 79,000g using a two-tier 14-cyclone system that provides optimum cleaning performance. However, the V11 Outsize features 18 cyclones, making it even better. In both models, the cyclones have been arranged concentrically around the central axis, so air is able to flow through it more efficiently.
The V11 (and V11 Outsize) motor spins at up to 125,000 RPM – and, like the V10, the in-line configuration model helps to produce stronger suction and better airflow, thereby helping to optimize the capabilities of the motor.
The suction power of the V11 is 185 AW, which will provide an excellent cleaning performance. However, the V11 Outsize has a suction power of 220 AW, making it the most powerful cordless vacuum currently available on the market.
Battery Performance
The battery is one of the main differences between these models, as it gets progressively better with each.
Dyson V8
The 6-cell nickel-colbalt-aluminum battery in the V8 has a capacity of 2,800 mAh and a charging time of 5 hours. It has a run time of approximately 40 minutes, which is a decent amount of time that should be enough for a lot of people. Dyson estimates that the battery will need replacing every 3 to 5 years, depending on how much it’s used.
Dyson V10
Surprisingly, the battery in the V10 has a lower capacity than the V8, at 2,600 mAh. However, the 7-cell lithium-ion battery has one more cell than the V8, allowing it to run at a higher voltage and, therefore, create more power. Additionally, altitude sensors and LED system diagnostics ensure that suction power doesn’t fade throughout the entire time it’s in use.
There’s a significant improvement in the charging time, which is only 3.5 hours, and the run time, which is an impressive 60 minutes. Moreover, the company estimates that the battery will last an impressive 15 years, which is a huge step up from the V8.
Dyson V11
The V11 and the V11 Outsize both feature a 7-cell nickel-colbalt-aluminum battery that utilizes power-optimizing technology. Additionally, altitude sensors and LED system diagnostics ensure that suction power doesn’t fade throughout the entire time it’s in use. It has a large capacity, at 3,600 mAh – this is also the case for the V11 Outsize.
However, this makes the charging time a little longer than the V10, at 4.5 hours – although still shorter than the V8 (again, the same is true for the V11 Outsize). The run time is 60 minutes, but the V11 Outsize provides 120 minutes, which is the most offered by any Dyson model and should be enough for even extremely large properties. Lastly, Dyson estimates that the battery will last for 15 years.
Dust Bin System
Dyson V8
The dust bin in the V8 latches by the cyclones at the top of the canister. When the latch is pulled, the entire top of the canister lifts up, forcing the contents to empty. The position of the button is accessible and fairly easy to use, although it does require some force.
Dyson V10
The dust bin the V10 has a different design than the V8, adopting a ‘point-and-shoot’ approach. Instead of at the top, the latch is on the side of the canister and is used by simply sliding it down, which unlocks the canister lid, allowing the trash to be ejected downward (into the trash, hopefully!).
Dyson V11
The V11 and V11 Outsize both feature the same dust bin design and system as the V11. Simply slide the latch on the side of the canister and the lid will be unlocked, allowing the trash to be ejected downward.
Noise
Dyson V8
A combination of open-cell foam and streamlined airways directs the air around the motor, which helps to minimize noise. This is further aided by a converging fluted funnel on the back of the motor, along with acoustic felt and closed-cell foam that absorb vibrations and, therefore, noise. Lastly, the V8 features an acoustic baffle that blocks the sound source.
Dyson V10
Like the V8, the airflow in the V10 is directed around the motor to minimize noise; however, in this model, it’s down to aerodynamic motor housing. Again, acoustic felt and closed-cell foam absorb vibrations and, therefore, noise, and there’s an acoustic baffle that blocks the sound source. Additionally, the V10 features a post-motor filter that dampens sound, making it quieter overall than the V8.
Dyson V11
The V11 has all of the same noise-reduction features as the V10: aerodynamic motor housing, acoustic felt and closed-cell foam, acoustic baffle, and a post-motor filter. However, Dyson claims that these have been improved to provide the quietest vacuuming experience possible.
| V8 | V10 | V11 | V11 Outsize | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open/Closed Cell Foam | Both | Closed Cell Foam | Closed Cell Foam | Closed Cell Foam |
| Airflow | Around the motor | Around the motor (with aerodynamic motor housing) | Around the motor (with aerodynamic motor housing) | Around the motor (with aerodynamic motor housing) |
| Acoustic Felt | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Acoustic Baffle | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Post-Motor Filter | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Accessories and Attachments
All three Dyson models come with accessories that can be used both on the handheld unit or attached to the extension wand. They all have a ‘quick release’ feature located on the attachment itself, allowing you to remove it quickly with just a press of a button.
Although the table below shows what is generally included with each model, it’s worth double checking before you make a purchase – especially if you require a specific tool – as exact accessories may vary depending on the retailer.
| V8 | V10 | V11 | V11 Outsize | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Mount | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Direct Drive Brush Roll | Yes | Motorhead model only | No | No |
| Fluffy Brush Roll | Some Models | Some models | Some models | Some models |
| Torque Drive Brush Roll | No | Absolute and Animal | No | No |
| High Torque Brush Roll | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| High Torque XL Brush Roll | No | No | No | Yes |
| Combination Tool | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crevice Tool | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dusting Brush | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Motorized Brush Roll | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Wall Mount: Installs into the wall and enables you to hang up the vacuum while it charges.
Direct Drive Brush Roll: Uses rotating bristles to agitate and suck up debris. Primarily for carpets, but also safe to use on hardwood floors.
Fluffy Brush Roll: Designed for capturing large debris from hard surfaces, such as hardwood floors or tiles. Uses two rotating foam brush rolls that spin in opposite directions.
Torque Drive Brush Roll: Designed for cleaning high or low carpeted areas, but also safe to use on hardwood floors. Uses rotating bristles to agitate and suck up debris.
High Torque Brush Roll: Dyson’s advanced multi-surface brush roll.
High Torque XL Brush Roll: Dyson’s widest and most advanced brush roll, covering 12.5 inches.
Combination Tool: Both a soft dusting brush and a short rigid hose attachment. Sliding the brush forward or back swaps between the two.
Crevice Tool: Long, narrow attachment with an angled tip at the end. Designed to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Dusting Brush: Designed to help clean and dust furniture, appliances, etc. using soft bristles.
Motorized Brush Roll: Uses two counter-rotating bristle brushes to collect debris from upholstered surfaces.
Maintenance and Costs
Maintenance is fairly straightforward for all three models, although the V10 and the V11 are cheaper than the V8 to maintain overall.
Dyson V8
The V8 has a washable filter. Although, according to Dyson, this will last a lifetime as long as it’s not damaged, you’ll still have to wash it around once a month (depending on usage) in cold water and allow it to air dry for around 24 hours. Even so, you shouldn’t have to spend any extra money on new filters over the years.
The only other aspect to maintenance of Dyson vacuum cleaners is the battery – and here’s where the V8 is below-par compared with the V10 and the V11. Unfortunately, the V8 battery only lasts for 3 to 5 years, depending on usage, so you’ll have to replace it a fair few times if you’re planning on keeping the model forever.
Dyson V10
Although the filter used in the V10 is slightly different than that in the V8, it’s still guaranteed to last a lifetime, unless it’s damaged – and it’s also washable. So, although you’ll have to wash it in cold water and let it air dry for 24 hours every month or so, depending on usage, you won’t have to spend any more money on replacements.
Because the battery in the V10 is more advanced than the battery in the V8, it lasts for up to an impressive 15 years. This means the maintenance cost is significantly lowered, as you’ll only have to replace the battery a few times in a whole lifetime of use.
Dyson V11
The V11 and the V11 Outsize both have the same filter as the V10: washable and guaranteed to last a lifetime, so you won’t have to shell out any more cash for extra filters. Again, the battery is estimated to have a life of approximately 15 years, which significantly lowers the overall maintenance costs.
The Final Word
To sum up, all three models are good vacuum cleaners that will certainly help you to minimize cleaning time and maximize efficiency. However, the V8 seems to be priced a little strangely – the most expensive model is not that much less than the cheapest V10 model, yet the latter has significant technological and performance improvements.
As a result, it may be worth splashing out the extra cash and upgrading to the V10. It cleans quickly and effectively and has a run time of 60 minutes, which should be enough for most people – and it’s significantly cheaper than the V11.
The V11, however, has everything that the V10 has but is even more powerful – and upgrading to the V11 Outsize will give you arguably the best, most powerful cordless vacuum on the market – plus, it has an impressive 120-minute run time, making this perfect for large properties. It will, however, set you back a fair amount of cash.
