Best Dyson vacuum cleaners of 2025: I tested the best-known vacuum brand to see if it’s worth the price
We consider many key factors to help you choose a Dyson vacuum cleaner. Here are some of the ones we use to evaluate the rating.
Wireless or wired
Cordless Dyson models (V Series, Gen5) prioritize portability for quick cleans and multi-level homes, but are limited by battery life. Typically, CNET only tests cordless vacuums in our test lab, but that doesn’t mean corded vacuums aren’t the right choice. Our lab tests show that most of the Dyson vacuums we recommend can last between 30 and 60 minutes on a single charge, depending on the mode you use them in. In contrast, corded models like the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and Dyson Big Ball Turbinehead offer uninterrupted cleaning at maximum power for deep sessions on carpet or large areas, although they sacrifice maneuverability and weigh much more when you factor in the cartridge. Cordless vacuums are a good option for apartments or spot cleaning, while corded vacuums are suitable for deep cleanings throughout the house.
Battery life
We talked about this earlier, but battery performance varies greatly depending on the mode. Eco mode (50 to 85 minutes) allows light dusting on hard floors, Auto mode (30 to 45 minutes), available on some models, automatically adjusts suction to adapt to mixed surfaces. Boost mode or Max mode is the highest suction setting for major damage, but it will run out the quickest (10-15 minutes). This makes it ideal for high pile carpets or embedded dirt. Models like the Gen5 Outsize include two batteries, extending the runtime to 140 minutes in Eco mode, but add significant weight at 8.6 pounds. Recharging also takes over four hours after complete exhaustion, so it’s not the best option for a quick cleaning session.
Suction
Measured in Air Watts (AW), suction measures how effectively the vacuum can remove dirt from various surfaces. While the Gen5 Detect’s 262 AW excels on carpet-encrusted dirt, the V8’s 115 AW is sufficient for small spaces or hard floors.
The V11 is designed to handle pet hair without tangling it.
Weight
Dyson’s cordless lineup ranges from the lightweight V12 Detect Slim at 5.5 pounds to the mid-range V15 Detect at 7.5 pounds. Then there’s the particularly heavy Gen5 Outsize, weighing 8.6 pounds, which has two batteries and a larger bin. Newer models also use buttons rather than the trigger of older models, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use.
Attachments
The latest Dyson models usually come with accessories such as the Laser Fluffy head, which helps spot dust on hard floors, and the Motorbar head, which works well on carpets. If you have pets that shed, the Hair Screw tool prevents pet hair tangles, while the combination tool manages crevices. I have three cats, so I consider anti-tangle technology non-negotiable. The Hair Screw tool actively keeps hair out of the brush bars, while the Digital Motorbar uses 56 paddles to slice through wrapped hair. The Groom tool captures falling hairs before they hit the ground. The name of the Dyson usually gives you an idea of the tools included. The Absolute contains both floor heads, while the Animal focuses on pet tools. Higher-end models like the V15 Detect and Gen5 Detect include most of these tools, while the Complete should include everything.
Filtration
All modern Dysons feature HEPA filtration throughout the machine, capturing 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. Leading products like the Gen5 Detect upgrade to improved sealed HEPA, trapping 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns. Filters require monthly washing and 24 hours or more of air drying to maintain their effectiveness.
Dyson’s dual bin system separates wet waste from dry waste, making the machine much easier to clean.
Soil types
Different types of floors may be better suited to certain types of Dyson vacuum cleaners
Hard floors: Hard floors include hardwood, tile, and vinyl. The Laser Fluffy Optic accessory used on the V15 Detect and Gen5 Detect uses green lasers to expose hidden dust, while soft rollers prevent scratches.
Carpet: Carpets include low pile, medium pile and high pile carpets. We mainly test low and medium hairs. Digital Motorbar heads automatically adjust suction for deep cleaning, while models like the Gen5 Detect excel on long hairs.
Mixed floors: If, like most people, you have both carpet and hard flooring in your home, the options vary. The V15 Detect and Gen 5 automatically switch suction between surfaces, but almost any Dyson vacuum should be able to handle both.
Noise
We don’t actively test noise levels with a decibel (dB) (this is in our plans for the future), but Dyson has information available on the noise emitted by its vacuum cleaners. According to Dyson and publicly available information, the V12 Detect Slim (75 dB) is the quietest cordless model, while flagships like the Gen5 Detect peak at 85 dB at its maximum setting.
Storage
Most cordless Dyson models include a wall-mounted dock that lets you dock the vacuum while it charges. The floor stand comes with Gen5 Detect and stores the vacuum and five additional tools. Consider third-party organizers for compact models like the V12. Space constraints are significant: larger models (Gen5 Outsize) need space for broadheads and batteries. Unlike competitors like Shark and Levoit, Dyson doesn’t offer self-emptying charging stations.
Interview
- Filters: Rinse monthly (cold water), air dry for 24 hours or more to prevent mildew/engine damage.
- Brush rolls: Clear wrapped hair every week. Laser Fluffy rollers come off easily.
- Emptying the bins: Empty it as needed, rinse the bin and dry it completely once a month or as needed.
- Clogs: Check the airway of the cleaner head and wand if suction drops.
Guarantee
All Dyson cordless vacuums come with a two-year limited warranty, while upright and cylindrical models get five years. Competitors such as Shark offer five-year warranties for their wireless range. Extended warranties (up to five years in total) can be purchased through the Dyson website. A longer warranty period is a good thing because it means your vacuum is covered if a part breaks or something is defective.
The Dyson V15 Detect shines a laser onto the floor to reveal dust and dirt particles.
Other features and technologies
- Laser fluffy optics: A cleaning head that can reveal hidden dust on hard floors, usually referred to as Detect in the name.
- LCD screens: Shows real-time run time, power mode, maintenance alerts, particle counts, now available in newer models like the V15 Detect.
- Piezo sensor: Available on the V15 Detect and Gen 5, it counts dust particles and shows cleaning effectiveness.
- Wet cleaning: V15s Submarine (simultaneous vacuum/mop) and the Wash G1 (dedicated mop for hard floors). CNET is currently testing the latter.
- Application connectivity: The Gen5 supports the MyDyson app, which provides usage statistics, filter reminders, and air quality reports (on purifier models).
