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Since 1993, Dyson vacuums have been synonymous with cleaning power and effectiveness. Their innovation? Using centrifugal force to separate large dirt and dust particles and pet hair in the outer “shroud” of the vacuum, while a series of smaller cyclone jets separates and contains smaller particles like dust, mold, and bacteria. This constant pressure prevents the loss of suction power suffered by lesser vacuums as a result of filter clogging.
Even though the technology behind Dyson vacuums is always essentially the same, not all Dyson vacuums are alike—and there are indeed many different models on the market, making it a little tricky to determine which is the best Dyson vacuum for your needs. To help you decide, we identified our top picks after an in-depth review of the market and thorough product vetting and testing. Read on for our recommendations and tips on how to choose wisely.
- BEST OVERALL: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Dyson Ball Multi Floor Origin High Performance
- BEST STICK: Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
- BEST UPRIGHT: Dyson Ball Multifloor 2 Upright Vacuum
- BEST CANISTER: Dyson Big Ball Canister Vacuum
- BEST CORDLESS: Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
- BEST FOR ALLERGIES: Dyson V7 Allergy HEPA Cord-Free Stick Vacuum Cleaner
- BEST FOR HARD FLOORS: Dyson Omni-glide Cordless Vacuum
How We Chose the Best Dyson Vacuums
Dyson has a great reputation as one of the leading vacuum manufacturers, and many of the brand’s vacuums come with a premium price tag to match—which means it’s important to consider each option critically. However, it’s hard to go too wrong with a Dyson vacuum, but some models are better suited to some users than others. To cater to different households, we chose from a range of vacuum types and considered each model’s stand-out features to find the best options from each category.
To narrow down the top products, we considered ease of use, maneuverability, suction power, additional features, and battery life. We considered how the vacuum’s features would improve cleaning performance and convenience for the intended user. For example, we chose a model that included HEPA filtration and pet hair cleaning accessories for homes with pets and a model with a gentle soft roller head for cleaning hard floors. These stand-out features helped us narrow down the best Dyson vacuums for a range of users so you can find the most suitable choice for your home.
Our Top Picks
Three main types of Dyson vacuum cleaners are available on the market today: upright, canister, and stick. Each model has particular strengths and weaknesses. Some models are more innovative than others or have specific features for homes with pets or allergy sufferers. The top picks include a selection of some of the best Dyson vacuum cleaners on the market in a variety of categories.
Best Overall
Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum
The super-strong suction power of this model makes it ideal for parents and pet owners. A self-adjusting cleaner head seals in a deep-cleaning suction to capture ground-in dirt and dust within carpet. It offers six extra attachments, including an articulating hard-floor tool, a soft dusting brush, a multi-angle brush, a reach-under tool, and a tangle-free turbine tool.
Counter-rotating brush heads in the turbine tool help remove pet hair or long hairs from carpets and upholstery—a welcome change from single-brush bars that frequently become tangled with long threads and hairs. Each of these tools, as well as the vacuum itself, make this Dyson a powerful choice for multiple surfaces around the house, including hardwood, carpet, and upholstery.
The integrated wand and hose both release in one smooth motion, making it easier to clean in both high and low hard-to-reach places. A quick-release hatch allows users to empty the bin quickly without getting hands dirty; push a single button to release the dirt. An extra-long 35-foot cord enables a wide range of mobility for this nearly 18-pound vacuum without having to replug. Like many of the best Dyson vacuums, this model also features Radial Root Cyclone Technology and the distinctive ball design for greater maneuverability.
Product Specs
- Type: Upright
- Weight: 17.5 pounds
- Cordless: No
Pros
- Very strong suction
- Self-adjusting vacuum head
- Excellent for homes with pets
Cons
- Heavy
- May be difficult to maneuver on soft flooring
Get the Dyson Ball Animal 2 vacuum at Amazon, Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Walmart.
Best Bang for the Buck
Dyson Ball Multi Floor Origin High Performance
This affordable upright Dyson vacuum has a self-adjusting cleaning head that automatically adjusts between hard floors and carpets while maintaining its robust suction seal. Dyson redesigned, shortened, and stiffened the bristles on this model’s brush bar to allow deeper carpet penetration while maintaining its superior performance on hard floors. Whole-machine HEPA filtration prevents bacteria and allergens from being expelled back into the room, keeping them contained inside the machine.
The vacuum features an instant-release, high-reaching wand for those hard-to-reach locations, in addition to a stair attachment and a combination tool for nooks and crannies. This model includes Dyson’s patented Radial Root Cyclone Technology, designed to avoid clogging and provide an intense cleaning job, and the adaptable ball technology for better maneuverability. It weighs about 18 pounds and boasts a 35-foot cord. Overall, this Dyson vacuum provides the power and versatility to clean and maintain a home for a reasonable price.
Product Specs
- Type: Upright
- Weight: 17.4 pounds
- Cordless: No
Pros
- Self-adjusting cleaning head; suitable for cleaning carpets and hard floors
- Shortened and stiffened bristles for deep cleaning
- Whole-machine HEPA filtration system; catches dust, allergens, and dander
- Radial Root Cyclone Technology prevents clogging
Cons
- Heavier than comparable options
- May be difficult to maneuver on some soft flooring types
Get the Dyson Ball upright vacuum on Amazon.
Best Stick
Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
For homes that are short on space or where food crumbs and dog hair make a regular appearance, a Dyson V8 is a must-have item, offering users a compact and simple way to keep up with messes. Though we initially balked at purchasing one due to the high price tag, ever-present food crumbs and dog hair eventually wore us down, and we purchased it. Since doing that, it’s been virtually the only vacuum we’ve needed.
Plus, its design and extra features make cleaning the stairs so easy. At just 5.5 pounds, the Animal is compact, but the ergonomic handle is broad and comfortable, and the power trigger is placed right at the forefinger for easy operation. This cordless model also offers 40 minutes of continuous suction for either hardwood or carpeted surfaces and includes a variety of attachments.
With easy-release mechanisms that allow for swapping attachments quickly, the Dyson V8 Animal is super easy to grab and go. After using it for years, we can say that it’s a splurge-worthy vacuum that’s great for any busy household.
Product Specs
- Type: Stick
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Cordless: Yes
Pros
- Very lightweight and portable
- Up to 40 minutes of runtime on each charge
- Great suction power for a stick vacuum
Cons
- Mediocre build quality
Get the Dyson V8 Animal vacuum on Amazon, The Home Depot, Best Buy, and Walmart.
Best Upright
Dyson Ball Multifloor 2 Upright Vacuum
Featuring powerful and patented Dyson suction capabilities, this upright vacuum—at just under 16 pounds—is a lighter and slimmer model than other Dyson vacuums, making it easier to lift and maneuver. The slimmer design allows this vacuum to make tricky turns with ease and fit into awkward spaces. This model features a self-adjusting cleaning head that automatically adapts to the floor type while using the Radial Root Cyclone Technology to maintain the suction seal for a powerful clean.
The hand-wand and hose combination tool release in one smooth motion, allowing easier cleanup on both high and low surfaces. The hygienic bin’s emptying feature helps prevent hands from getting coated with dust and dirt—just push the button to release the contents. The whole-machine filtration system ensures that allergens are contained within the machine and not expelled. The long cord allows for a cleaning radius of up to 40 feet for a faster and easier chore.
Product Specs
- Type: Upright
- Weight: 15.5 pounds
- Cordless: No
Pros
- Good maneuverability
- 40-foot maximum reach
- Features an easy-release high-reach wand
- Relatively affordable (for a Dyson vacuum)
Cons
- Can have trouble maneuvering on high-pile carpets
Get the Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 vacuum at Amazon, Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Walmart.
Best Canister
Dyson Big Ball Canister Vacuum
This Dyson canister vacuum offers a significant advantage over upright designs: when knocked over, it automatically rights itself. The big-ball canister design not only rolls itself into an upright position, but it also allows the vacuum to swivel on the spot as it follows around the home, saving time and frustration. This machine boasts a powerful suction strength of 250 air watts (AW) and a high-capacity bin with an easy-release mechanism for hygienic emptying.
Other innovations include a carbon-fiber turbine head attachment that uses carbon fiber filaments to pick up fine dust while the second line of nylon bristles remove ground-in dirt. This compact machine weighs about 18 pounds; it offers a 21-foot cord and a 10-foot hose with an innovative articulated handle that allows it to reach awkward locations with ease.
Product Specs
- Type: Canister
- Weight: 17.5 pounds
- Cordless: No
Pros
- Canister automatically keeps upright
- Large dustbin
- 360-degree wand articulation
Cons
- Heavy
Get the Dyson Big Ball vacuum at Amazon and Walmart.
Best Cordless
Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Cordless vacuums are usually restricted to smaller, shorter models that cannot clean wide areas and have limited battery power and runtimes. However, this Dyson vacuum was engineered for whole-home deep cleaning and employs powerful suction and attachments that can handle a range of surfaces. At just under 7 pounds, this cordless vacuum is particularly powerful, featuring a high-torque cleaner head that automatically adjusts suction and power to deep clean various floor types without the need to change heads.
The efficient, rechargeable battery provides 60 minutes of runtime, allowing for an unrushed and thorough job. An LCD screen displays current performance information, including power mode, filter maintenance reminders, remaining runtime, and blockage reports.
The Dynamic Load Sensor automatically adjusts the motor speed when changing from hard floors to carpeted surfaces. Like other cordless Dyson vacuums, it boasts familiar Dyson-engineered tools and innovations, like a torque drive head, a mini motorized tool, a crevice tool, and more. It converts to a handheld vacuum for cleaning cars and stairs.
Product Specs
- Type: Stick
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Cordless: Yes
Pros
- Excellent suction power
- Up to 60 minutes of battery life
- 3 cleaning modes
- Real-time system monitoring and reports
Cons
- Pricey
Get the Dyson V11 Torque Drive vacuum at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.
Best For Allergy Sufferers
Dyson V7 Allergy HEPA Cord-Free Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Weighing a little more than 5 pounds, this stick-style, handheld Dyson vacuum cleaner includes a whole-machine HEPA filtration system that captures dirt, dust, and allergens and then expels cleaner air. It features a hygienic dirt ejector that empties dust from the bin with a single action, keeping contact with dust and debris to a minimum. Internally, 15 cyclones of suction power arranged across two tiers work together to increase airflow and capture fine dust and other allergens.
This handheld vacuum is designed for all floor types. It also offers a direct-drive cleaner head in which stiff nylon bristles work deep into carpets to capture stubbornly clinging dirt and dust. Cord-free, it recharges in a convenient charging station for up to 30 minutes of intense cleaning action. This finely tuned machine saves power by having an instant-stop feature that cuts operation whenever the trigger is released.
Product Specs
- Type: Stick
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Cordless: Yes
Pros
- Whole-machine HEPA filtration
- Very lightweight and portable
- No-touch dustbin emptying
Cons
- 30 minute runtime is shorter than that of other cordless Dyson vacuums
Get the Dyson V7 Allergy vacuum on Amazon.
Best for Hard Floors
Dyson Omni-glide Cordless Vacuum
While all the Dyson vacuum cleaners on this list will work like a dream on hard floors, the Dyson Omni-glide Cordless Vacuum has a few extra features that make it even more convenient to use.
The Omni-glide is the brand’s slimmest and most maneuverable vacuum yet, with an in-line stick design and a multidirectional vacuum head. This vacuum features an omnidirectional cleaner head that can clean in every direction. Soft roller cleaners help pick up large and small particles while the vacuum finagles its way into corners and tight spaces.
Since this vacuum has an in-line design, it can lay parallel to the floor to easily clean under low furniture. To clean other surfaces, this cordless model can also convert to a handheld vacuum—and since it weighs just over 4 pounds, it’s a stellar choice to clean all hard surfaces.
Product Specs
- Type: Stick
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Cordless: Yes
Pros
- Designed for hard floors
- Very lightweight
- Omnidirectional operation
- Soft roller cleaner head
Cons
- Short 20-minute runtime
Get the Dyson Omni-glide vacuum at Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart.
A Recap of Recommendations
- BEST OVERALL: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum
- BEST STICK: Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
- BEST UPRIGHT: Dyson Ball Multifloor 2 Upright Vacuum
- BEST CANISTER: Dyson Big Ball Canister Vacuum
- BEST CORDLESS: Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
- BEST FOR ALLERGIES: Dyson V7 Allergy HEPA Cord-Free Stick Vacuum Cleaner
- BEST FOR HARD FLOORS: Dyson Omni-glide Cordless Vacuum
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Dyson Vacuums
Dyson carries a sizable range of vacuum cleaners, and the brand routinely launches new products that boast exciting features. This can make it tough to narrow down the selection of Dyson vacuum cleaners to the best one for your home. A few criteria can help you simplify the selection process: consider the vacuum type, suction power, corded vs. cordless design, battery life, maneuverability, and any additional features.
Type
Shopping for a new vacuum often starts with choosing a vacuum type. There are only a few main categories, so narrowing down the best vacuum type for your home is a simple first step.
Dyson vacuums can be broken down into four types: stick vacuums, upright vacuums, canister vacuums, and handheld vacuums. Each vacuum category has its own benefits, explored ahead:
- Stick vacuums: Dyson’s cordless stick vacuums are sleek, lightweight, and ultra-portable. They feature the upright design of a traditional vacuum but in a more portable frame. Due to their smaller size, stick vacuums tend to have a smaller motor and less powerful suction than upright or canister vacuums. They perform best on hard floors and are better suited to cleaning daily messes rather than deep cleaning a home.
- Upright vacuums: Upright vacuums have the space for a larger and more powerful motor, and Dyson’s upright vacuums have a reputation for excellent performance. Upright vacuums work great on both hard floors and carpet, with many Dyson models including an optional beater brush option to deep clean carpets. Since upright vacuums are one piece, they are also relatively easy to maneuver (although less portable than a stick vacuum).
- Canister vacuums: Canister vacuums are another powerful choice, made up of a canister and a long hose and wand. Since their vacuum head is attached to a long, flexible hose, these vacuums often come with several attachments and can be used for tackling cleaning jobs around the home, including vacuuming tight spaces and high surfaces. Their main downsides are their price (canister vacuums tend to be pricier) and the fact that the canister will need to roll around to each location to clean.
- Handheld vacuums: Handheld vacuums are the smallest option of the bunch, designed to tackle small jobs and clean up minor spills. Besides vacuuming up spilled cracker crumbs, they’re also great for jobs that require maneuverability, like cleaning upholstery or car interiors. Handheld vacuums can be corded or cordless and are very lightweight. While they are great for spot cleaning, most users also opt to have a full-size vacuum. Most full-size Dyson vacuums have removable parts to transform them into or serve the same function as a handheld vacuum.
Suction Power
Dyson vacuums have an excellent reputation for great suction power. The combination of powerful motors and centrifugal force help reduce suction loss to keep Dyson vacuums performing optimally.
As mentioned above, upright and canister vacuums tend to have higher suction power and are a good choice for deep cleaning. Dyson’s stick vacuums are still a popular choice; they have enough suction power to get the job done in most homes.
While powerful suction is an attractive feature, too powerful suction can make it hard to vacuum carpet and soft flooring. Most Dysons are optimized to transition easily from hard floor to carpet. A few Dyson models have suction mode settings, so users can choose a lower suction for plush carpets and a higher suction for hard floors.
Cordless vs. Corded
Vacuum cords can be limiting when it comes to cleaning stairs, with cordless being optimal for moving up and down. Dyson’s cordless options are easy to use, don’t require an outlet, and can be easily transported to the top of the stairs. Battery power on these cordless models typically lasts from 30 minutes to 60 minutes.
When opting for a cordless Dyson model, make sure it has the proper battery power so that users can get the cleaning done without having to stop for charging; once the battery runs down, it will likely need to recharge for 3 hours or more. Note that the initial use may require a 5-hour charge.
A corded Dyson model will often be more effective for large carpeted areas. To avoid lugging the vacuum up and down, Dyson provides 21- to 40-foot cords, which will generally be long enough to reach the top of stairs in most homes.
Battery Life
If the vacuum is cordless, it will have a battery to keep it going. Cordless vacuums are stored on the charger; most chargers are compact and can work with any typical wall outlet. Expect at least 30 minutes of full runtime per battery charge for most cordless vacuum cleaner models on the market.
The battery life over the long term matters as well, especially when it comes to price. Choose a vacuum with a reputation for carrying a long-lasting battery. Some manufacturers offer warranties on their batteries, while others simply offer warranties on the machine itself. Look over the fine print carefully when choosing any vacuum, but especially when choosing a battery-reliant model.
Maneuverability
The difference in maneuverability between corded and cordless models of the best vacuums for hardwood floors has already been discussed. But there are other factors to consider as well.
The handle plays a big part in helping users maneuver; a handle that is too long can make the machine feel cumbersome, but one that’s too short means it can be tough to use a good posture to clean, and that can lead to other problems. How much does the vacuum weigh? That’s a consideration if the vacuum needs to be lifted over thresholds or lugged up and down stairs.
A movable head can be helpful, as can wheels that roll in any direction. An overall ergonomic design matters when emptying the dustbin, using attachments, or simply moving the vacuum across hardwood floors.
Additional Features
Additional features can offer a more thorough or convenient clean. As a premium vacuum brand, most Dyson vacuums boast several attractive additional features to better clean a home.
When shopping for a Dyson, consider how additional vacuum features can suit your needs. For allergy sufferers and homes with pets, reliable filtration is an attractive feature to prevent allergens from escaping the vacuum.
For a full-home clean, telescoping wands and extra cleaning attachments (like a motorized pet hair attachment or crevice tool) can help clean every surface, from curtains to floors. Those looking for a high-tech clean might consider a Dyson with dynamic load sensors or LCD controls.
Consider the additional Dyson features ahead:
- HEPA filtration systems in some Dyson vacuums can remove at least 99.97 percent of airborne particles as small as 0.3 micron in diameter. As a result, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has certified Dyson vacuums due to their scientifically proven ability to capture small particles like bacteria and allergens.
- Telescoping wands in some Dyson models allow users to reach dust on ledges that are in awkward or hard-to-reach places.
- Motorized bristle-brush bars can pick up dirt and pet hair embedded in upholstery and carpets.
- Ball designs allow users to maneuver a Dyson vacuum with greater ease and enable quicker, more efficient cleaning.
- Radial Root Cyclone Technology is a patented Dyson Cyclone technology that helps to capture more dirt by optimizing the airflow in the vacuum. This technology improves flow efficiency, maintains air pressure, and maximizes suction power to capture more fine particles.
- Dynamic Load Sensor, a sensor in some Dyson vacuum heads, checks resistance while the vacuum is in use. It uses the data to automatically adjust its power to suit different floor types. This feature helps the vacuum move seamlessly across carpets and hard floors.
- LCD screens boast a more premium look and make it simple to check vacuum performance. Depending on the Dyson model, the LCD screen may display vacuum mode, particle counts, battery life, settings, and more.
FAQs
Besides their powerful and efficient performance, Dyson vacuums are also easy to use. Choosing the right model might be the toughest part of the process! Once you have your pick, it will just need a bit of occasional maintenance to perform at its best. Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions on using and maintaining Dyson vacuums.
Q: Which Dyson vacuum has the strongest suction?
Many Dyson vacuums have excellent strong suction, but the Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum is one of the brand’s most powerful.
Q: How long does a Dyson vacuum take to charge?
Most cordless Dyson vacuums take around 4 hours to charge.
Q: Should I leave my Dyson vacuum charging all the time?
Yes, it’s safe and convenient to leave your Dyson vacuum charging. This ensures it’s fully charged up when you need to use it. Dyson vacuums are designed to stop using electricity once they are fully charged.
Q: How often should I change my Dyson vacuum’s battery?
A Dyson vacuum’s battery life depends on how you use and maintain the vacuum. Choosing when to change a Dyson vacuum’s battery depends on performance rather than time. It’s time for a battery change when the vacuum is displaying a reduced runtime in regular power mode.
Q: How long do Dyson vacuums last?
Similar to other vacuums, you can expect Dyson vacuums to last around 8 to 10 years with proper maintenance. Stick vacuums tend to have a slightly shorter lifespan; their lightweight design can make them less durable.
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