Here are our top recommendations.
Top 4 Dyson Vacuums
Most Versatile: Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Best Basic Upright: Dyson Ball Upright Vacuum Best Lightweight Stick: Dyson V10 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner Best For Pet Hair: Dyson Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Most Versatile: Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Pros and Cons
✔ LCD screen shows active settings, routine updates and maintenance alerts, and remaining runtime✔ Powerful motor spins at 125,000 RPM for a deep clean✔ Captures up to 99.7% of microscopic dust particles ✘ Cordless battery design requires recharging Battery dependent design requires ✘ Doesn’t have built-in lights for better visibility in dark spaces
What Customers Are Saying
Customers liked this product for its easy maneuverability, high suction power, and long-lasting battery. However, customers who had negative experiences claimed that it clogged easily and was heavier than expected.
Best Basic Upright: Dyson Ball Upright Vacuum
Pros and Cons
✔ Features robust Radial Root Cyclone technology ✔ Includes self-adjusting cleaner head that handles carpeting and hard floors ✔ Washable HEPA filter traps allergens and bacteria ✘ Weighs more than other types of vacuums✘ Form factor may be too bulky for smaller homes
What Customers Are Saying
Positive reviews said this vacuum was easy to assemble, powerful, and effective at picking up hair. However, customers who left negative reviews felt it was cheaply made and difficult to maneuver.
Best Lightweight Stick: Dyson V10 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Pros and Cons
✔ Trigger-action switch conserves battery life when not in use ✔ Features three power levels for minor, moderate, and severe jobs ✔ Detachable wand allows for handheld or full-size upright use ✘ Pricier than some of Dyson’s larger, more powerful upright models✘ Requires initial 3.5-hour-long charge before first use
What Customers Are Saying
Happy customers liked this stick vacuum’s versatility, sturdy construction, and quiet operation. However, some reviewers were disappointed with its battery, which didn’t hold a charge well with certain attachments and settings.
Best For Pet Hair: Dyson Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Pros and Cons
✔ Certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America✔ Features a stair tool, combination tool, and turbine tool✔ Includes a 5-year warranty ✘ Bulky form factor may be difficult to store✘ Corded design limits range
What Customers Are Saying
Most customers said this machine was durable, picked up a lot of hair, and worked well on stairs. However, negative reviews claimed that the filter was difficult to clean and the hose was too short.
Buyer’s Guide
Dyson makes hundreds of electronics, including vacuum cleaners. Read our buying guide below to sort through your vac options for cleaning all floor types.
Type
Most Dyson models fit into the following categories.
Upright
Upright vacuums stand straight when they’re not being used, hence the name. When you’re ready to move them around your home, you can tilt them back with a handle and pedal. They’re typically corded and feature a large dust chamber between the handle and the head brush.
Stick
The stick vacuum features a thin body that attaches to the suction head on one end and terminates in the dustbin and handle on the other end. Because stick vacs are small, lightweight, and cordless, they’re more portable than upright and canister vacuums and work well in corners or other tight spaces.
Canister
Like upright vacuums, canister vacuums are corded and feature a large dust container. The major difference between the two is that canister vacuums have a long, flexible hose that separates the head from the dust container. This offers more portability and maneuverability.
Handheld
Handheld vacuums are compact, light, and cordless. Whereas larger vacuum designs include a long central body or wand, handheld designs forgo the body but combine the suction head, dust container, and handle into a condensed and unified form factor.
Robotic
A robotic vacuum does the work for you, cleaning your floor on its own after it learns your home’s layout. Though robot vacuums save you time and effort, they’re typically more expensive than the other types.
Noise Level
Depending on your personal preferences and proximity to neighbors, noise level may or may not be important to you. If you live in a shared complex, have young children, or plan to vacuum at odd hours, find a Dyson vacuum that produces minimal noise. The average upright or canister vacuum produces around 70 decibels (dBa) of sound, but there are a number of much quieter vacuum cleaner options available in every subcategory.
Dust Container
A larger dust container has to be emptied less often, but it also makes the vacuum heavier. Canister and upright models have larger containers than stick, handheld, and robot ones, which is why they’re more difficult to maneuver.
Power
Vacuums either use a rechargeable battery, charger, or a cord for power. Rechargeable vacuums are convenient because you don’t have to stay near an outlet while you’re cleaning. However, you have to stop to recharge the battery every 15–60 minutes. On the other hand, corded vacuums offer constant power with a lot of suction, but you must constantly move the cord to different outlets as you vacuum.
Attachments
Most Dyson vacuums come with tools you can attach to the head to vacuum different surfaces or debris. Common attachments include a crevice tool that reaches along ceilings or underneath furniture and a hair tool that brushes human or pet hair from upholstery or carpet.
How do you empty a vacuum?
It depends on the model. If you have an upright or canister vacuum, you typically empty the dust bin by lifting it out of the body and holding it over the trash can. If you have a stick or handheld vacuum, you don’t have to remove the cup. Simply dangle the vacuum above the trash can, and press the release button.
How long do Dyson vacuums last?
Dyson vacuums are well-built, so they should last for years. However, how often you use your vacuum and how well you maintain it also play a role in its longevity. Be sure to regularly tune up your vacuum cleaner to ensure that it’s clean and in working order.
How do you clean the dust cup in a Dyson vacuum?
To clean the dust cup of your vacuum, wipe it with a damp cloth after emptying it. This clears out any remaining particles that could cause future blockages.
Are cordless or corded vacuums better?
Dyson makes some of the best corded and cordless vacuums available, so they are a good choice no matter which type you prefer. The best cordless vacuums allow you to clean different floor types and maneuver from one room to the other without needing to deal with a power cord. However, Dyson cordless vacuums will eventually run out of battery, which could be an issue if you’re cleaning a large area. Corded vacuums will provide unlimited power but limit the space that you can operate in.
Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.