Dyson Vacuum Cleaners: Models, Specs and How to Choose

Across the Dyson lineup, weights start at 4.0 lb (1.8 kg) for the PencilVac sticks and reach 17.31 lb (7.85 kg) for the Ball Animal 3 upright, so the type you pick decides how heavy a vacuum you carry. Dyson is best known for cordless sticks, and that is where most of its lineup sits: of the 1 Dyson models listed on this page, ten are sticks, plus one upright, two wet-dry cleaners and one robot. Below is how a Dyson vacuum differs by type, with the specs that matter most when you are choosing which model pages to open.

What Dyson vacuum types can you buy in the US?

The Dyson models listed here fall into four groups:

• Cordless stick vacuums: the Gen5detect Absolute, Gen5outsize Absolute, V15 Detect Absolute, V12 Detect Slim, V10 Konical, V16 Piston Animal, V8 Absolute, V8 and two PencilVac versions.
• Upright: the Ball Animal 3, a full-size machine rather than a stick.
• Wet-dry cleaners: the PencilWash and the WashG1, which clean hard floors with water.
• Robot: the R3 Nurovi Spot+Scrub UV.

If you are still deciding between formats rather than brands, our guide to the vacuum cleaner options covers upright, canister, stick and robot models side by side, and the vacuum cleaner brands hub shows where Dyson sits among the others.

Dyson cordless stick vacuums compared

Stick models are what most people mean by a Dyson cordless vacuum. The run times below are maximums, so expect less on higher power settings.

Model	Max run time	Weight	Bin size
Gen5outsize Absolute	70 min	8.6 lb (3.9 kg)	1.9 L
Gen5detect Absolute	70 min	7.7 lb (3.5 kg)	0.77 L
V16 Piston Animal	70 min	7.5 lb (3.4 kg)	1.35 L
V15 Detect Absolute	60 min	6.8 lb (3.1 kg)	0.76 L
V10 Konical	60 min	6.0 lb (2.73 kg)	0.87 L
V12 Detect Slim	60 min	5.2 lb (2.36 kg)	0.35 L
V8 Absolute	40 min	5.8 lb (2.64 kg)	0.53 L
V8	40 min	5.6 lb (2.53 kg)	0.53 L
PencilVac Fluffy	30 min	4.0 lb (1.8 kg)	0.08 L
PencilVac Fluffycones	30 min	4.0 lb (1.8 kg)	0.08 L

A few patterns stand out:

• Run time and bin size scale with weight. The Gen5outsize Absolute has the biggest bin and the longest run time, but it is also the heaviest stick. The V12 Detect Slim trades bin size for a lighter 5.2 lb (2.36 kg).
• The Detect line adds dust sensing. The Gen5detect, Gen5outsize, V15 Detect and V12 Detect Slim list an LCD screen with particle information.
• The V10 Konical and V16 Piston Animal use anti-tangle heads, which help if long hair or pet hair wraps around brush bars.
• The V8 models top out at 40 minutes with lower suction, so they suit smaller homes or secondary floors.
• The PencilVac models are built for quick hard-floor cleanups. At 4.0 lb (1.8 kg) they are the lightest in the range against a brand median of 6.44 lb (2.92 kg), but the 0.08 L bin and 30-minute run time are real limits.

For a wider view that includes other makers, see our cordless vacuums category, or go straight to the Dyson cordless stick vacuum page. If you are weighing Dyson against a rival, Shark cordless vacuum cleaners are the most common cross-shop.

Dyson robot, wet-dry and upright models

Robot. The R3 Nurovi Spot+Scrub UV is the only Dyson robot vacuum listed, and its maximum run time of 200 minutes is the longest of any Dyson model, far beyond the 70 minutes of the best stick. It lists an AI stain scanner with UV light, camera-based object recognition and a self-cleaning wet roller, and weighs 14.6 lb (6.62 kg). Some of its figures come from secondary sources, so check the model page before relying on them.

Wet-dry. The PencilWash (4.61 lb (2.09 kg), up to 30 minutes) uses a self-propelled microfibre roller. The WashG1 is larger at 10.8 lb (4.9 kg), with dual rollers and up to 35 minutes of run time. Both are floor washers, so they will not replace a dry vacuum for carpet. For deep-cleaning rugs and upholstery, a dedicated carpet shampooer is a different tool.

Upright. The Ball Animal 3 is a full-size upright at 17.3 lb (7.85 kg), the heaviest Dyson here, with a 1.7 L bin, a motorbar cleaner head and HEPA filtration. With no battery there is no run-time limit, but it is far heavier than any stick.

How to choose between Dyson models

Start with the problem you are solving, then use the specs to rule models out.

• Whole home, mixed floors: the Gen5outsize Absolute and V15 Detect Absolute have the longest run times and larger bins; check weight against how long you hold the machine.
• Pets and long hair: the V10 Konical and V16 Piston Animal have anti-tangle brush bars, and a bigger bin means fewer trips to the trash.
• Small apartments or quick cleanups: the V12 Detect Slim or the PencilVac models are the lightest, but both give up bin capacity.
• Allergy-conscious buyers: most sticks and the Ball Animal 3 list HEPA or sealed filtration. The PencilVac models do not state HEPA, so confirm before choosing one. Filters do not treat or cure any health condition.
• Hard floors only: the PencilVac Fluffy, or a wet-dry model if you want to mop as well.

Suction is quoted in different units (watts versus Air Watts), so it cannot be compared across every model. Warranty terms, prices and stock vary by seller, so check them on the model page and at checkout.

Dyson matchups

• Brand matchups: Dyson vs Shark and Dyson vs Tineco.
• More brands: Dyson vs Miele and Dyson vs SEBO.
• Model matchups: V15 Detect Absolute against V12 Detect Slim and Dyson V8 vs Shark Rocket Pro.