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Best Dyson Stick Vacuums

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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Dyson V15 Detect
Dyson
V15 Detect
Most Intelligent

One of the best of Dyson’s cordless vacuums, it earns high praise from our cleaning expert for its detection light that helps the user spot dust and particles.

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Most Intelligent
Bottom Line

One of the best of Dyson’s cordless vacuums, it earns high praise from our cleaning expert for its detection light that helps the user spot dust and particles.

Pros

Uses lasers to illuminate and detect minute dust particles. Sensors count and measure dust particles and intelligently adjust suction. LCD screen displays a real-time analysis of the debris. Swappable batteries support up to 60 minutes of constant use. It also has a helpful LCD screen. Many users feel like this is one of the best offerings from Dyson.

Cons

Expensive. Receiving constant data on dirt can be discouraging to some.

Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Dyson
V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Best for Pet Owners

If you are looking for an easy way to clean up after your long-haired pet, this Dyson does the job thanks to its powerful suction combined with a detangling cleaner head.

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Best for Pet Owners
Bottom Line

If you are looking for an easy way to clean up after your long-haired pet, this Dyson does the job thanks to its powerful suction combined with a detangling cleaner head.

Pros

The cordless Dyson V8 was designed with pet owners in mind as it has a detangling cleaner head to help deep-clean carpets, plus a hair screw tool for getting hair out of tight spaces. If you have problems with allergies, this machine will trap particles as small as 0.3 microns. You'll get up to 40 minutes of runtime on a single charge.

Cons

Some complaints that it takes longer to charge than anticipated.

Dyson V11 Extra Cordless
Dyson
V11 Extra Cordless
Best for Hardwood

It delivers strong suction and long battery life and was a hit in our testing lab because of its elite performance on hard floors.

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Best for Hardwood
Bottom Line

It delivers strong suction and long battery life and was a hit in our testing lab because of its elite performance on hard floors.

Pros

Our testing team was impressed with this vacuum cleaner's long-lasting battery life, which lasts about an hour in eco mode. We also like that it comes with multiple attachments for cleaning various surfaces, and the lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver and hold while cleaning stairs. The dustbin is easy to empty.

Cons

It doesn't glide smoothly over all types of carpet, and there are reports of defective components.

Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Dyson
V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Lightweight Model

This handheld vacuum has the power you need in a light and compact model, and it comes with attachments to clean corners and crevices.

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Lightweight Model
Bottom Line

This handheld vacuum has the power you need in a light and compact model, and it comes with attachments to clean corners and crevices.

Pros

This cordless stick vacuum lets you clean all the corners and crevices in your house, and it provides 60% more power than the Dyson V8. You'll get up to 60 minutes of runtime, allowing you to clean the house on one charge. Detangles human and pet hair while you clean. Three cleaning modes take care of messes on all surfaces.

Cons

You have to hold down the trigger button while cleaning.

Dyson Gen5 Detect
Dyson
Gen5 Detect
Versatile Choice

The aptly named Dyson Gen5 "Detect" features a special green light built into the cleaning head to help you see dust for a complete clean.

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Versatile Choice
Bottom Line

The aptly named Dyson Gen5 "Detect" features a special green light built into the cleaning head to help you see dust for a complete clean.

Pros

Our testing lab determined that this stick vacuum delivers enough suction power to replace most traditional upright vacuum cleaners. Our testers report that moving it around furniture and obstacles is easy, and particle detection technology allows you to use the graph to determine how clean an area is.

Cons

It is one of the most expensive models we considered. At nearly 8 pounds, it is somewhat heavy for a stick vacuum.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
October 09, 2021
30
Models
considered
22
Hours
researched
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Buying guide for best Dyson stick vacuums

Written by Jennifer Blair, and fact-checked by Ketia Daniel
Updated October 2024

Ready to buy now? Shop the best: 

When it comes to high-performing, feature-packed vacuum cleaners, Dyson has a list of best-buy products that are hard to top. Known for its innovative, user-friendly vacuums, the brand offers a variety of options. This includes an outstanding line of stick vacuums.

A Dyson stick vacuum is a lightweight, compact vacuum cleaner that’s easy to maneuver and just as easy to store. Notably, Dyson sticks are not corded vacuums. They are all cordless vacuum cleaners, and as such, they come with rechargeable batteries. You can use them anywhere in your home without worrying if there’s an outlet nearby.

The low profile of a Dyson stick vac allows you to easily clean up under beds, couches, and other furniture. And, while it’s true that stick models aren’t quite as powerful as upright vacuums, Dyson stick vacuums feature superior suction power compared to the competition.

charging a Dyson stick vacuum
Most Dyson stick vacuums only require 3.5 hours to fully charge.

What to look for in the best Dyson stick vacuums

Suction power

For any vacuum cleaner, suction power is vital because it impacts cleaning performance. How much dirt and debris do you want to pick up? You can’t expect a stick vacuum to be as powerful as an upright or canister model, but there is some variation among stick models when it comes to suction power.

Vacuum cleaner suction power is measured in air watts (AW). All Dyson stick vacuums offer at least 100 AW of suction power, which is about the same amount as a lower-end upright vacuum. However, some top-of-the-line Dyson vacuums offer even more suction thanks to a more powerful motor—these vacuums offer two times the suction power of other cordless stick vacuums. Hence, where deep cleaning is not achievable with all cordless stick vacuums, it is achievable with Dyson.

Some Dyson stick vacuums offer multiple suction-level adjustments or power modes. You adjust the vacuum based on the floor type you want to clean. For example, you’d use a lower power mode for a hard floor and a higher level for high-pile carpeting. Some models have two suction levels; others have three.

Runtime

As mentioned, because these are cordless vacuum cleaners,  they rely on rechargeable battery power. The runtime you get from a single battery charge determines how long you’ll be able to use your stick vacuum. Some Dyson models offer just 20 minutes of runtime, while others offer up to 60 minutes.

  • If your house is large and you plan to use the stick to clean your whole home, choose a model with the longest runtime possible.
  • If you’re using your Dyson stick model as a supplemental vacuum for quick cleaning jobs, any Dyson stick should offer adequate runtime.

Weight

Stick vacuums are meant to be lightweight, but some Dyson models weigh more than others. Dyson stick vacuums range from 5 to 7 pounds. Those with greater suction power—and cleaning power—tend to weigh more.

Dyson stick vacuum
Expert Tip
If your Dyson ever makes a strange sound, you can call their 1-800 number, listen to the different sounds to determine which matches your vacuum, and then learn how to fix it.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

Features of the best Dyson stick vacuum cleaners

Hand vac convertibility

Some Dyson stick vacuums can convert to a handheld vacuum. You simply detach the vacuum’s handle from the suction head, and you’re able to use it to tackle small messes, clean stairs, or vacuum your car interior.

HEPA filter

All Dyson stick vacuums have HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. Notably, this fact is not true of all cordless stick vacuums. The HEPA filters in Dyson vacs can remove 99.97% of particles that are as small as 0.3 microns. HEPA filtration makes Dyson stick vacuums desirable for pet owners dealing with pet hair and people with allergies or asthma.

No-touch dirt emptying

Many Dyson vacuums offer hygienic no-touch emptying. This means your hands never come into contact with the dirt cup or the contents inside. Instead, you simply push a button or pull a lever to empty the dirt directly from the vacuum into your trash can.

Adaptive technology

Some Dyson stick vacuums feature adaptive technology, which allows them to automatically adapt to the floor surface that you are cleaning. The vacuum sensors adjust the cleaning performance for multi-floor surfaces such as wood, tile, linoleum, area rugs, and high-pile carpet without you having to do anything more than run the vacuum over the floor.

LCD screen

Higher-end Dyson stick vacuums feature an LCD screen that provides a countdown of your runtime so you always know how long you’ll be able to clean. The display also provides reports on vacuum performance and alerts you if there’s an issue with the appliance.

Additional tools

Many Dyson vacuums include accessories and attachments to make them even more versatile. You can find models that include the following tools:

  • A crevice tool for cleaning around edges and in tight areas
  • A combination tool for going back and forth between multi-floor surfaces
  • A mini motorized tool for cleaning smaller surfaces
  • A mini dusting brush for delicate materials
  • A stiff dirt brush for tough embedded dirt
  • An extension wand for reaching higher spots in your house, like the curtains or ceilings
a person cleaning with a vacuum in front of two cats
Expert Tip
To help your battery last longer, avoid overcharging your stick vacuum.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

How do you know a stick vacuum is the right choice?

You may be looking at cordless stick vacuums from Dyson because you love the brand and like the lower price tags on stick vacs as compared to other types. Even if you know you want a Dyson, though, how do you know that a cordless stick vac is the right type of Dyson for you?

Many people don’t use a stick vacuum as their primary cleaning machine. The reason: stick vacuums, although lightweight and affordable, do not always have the powerful suction needed to achieve a deep clean.

Dyson’s cordless stick vacuums actually do tend to have more powerful suction than stick vacuums from other brands. That said, you might want to look at affordable Dyson upright choices before buying a stick vacuum to get an even bigger bang for your buck.

For example, the Dyson Ball line of upright vacuum cleaners is an affordable line of strong contenders. Take, for example, the Dyson Ball Animal 2. A machine designed to pick up pet hair, it costs just a bit more than the Dyson v8 Animal but has the corded power of an upright. It also offers a telescoping handle, a self-adjusting cleaner head, and rotating brushes.

In short, while we think Dyson stick vacs are some of the best buys in the vacuum cleaner world, you may be able to get a Dyson upright vacuum cleaner for just a little bit more money. And you may find that’s the type of machine actually prefer.

a person cleaning with a vacuum
Expert Tip
Dyson stick vacuums are quick to shut off when they’re full. Cleaning out your canisters will help your vacuum run longer.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

What’s the best buy in a Dyson stick vacuum?

Dyson cordless stick vacuums vary in price based on the amount of suction power they offer as well as their special features. Most models cost between $250 to $700. What’s the best buy for you? Here’s a breakdown of prices.

Inexpensive

The most affordable Dyson stick vacuums have suction power of around 100 AW. They offer some special features, such as a HEPA filter and various versatile attachments. The cost for these models typically ranges from $250 to $350.

Notably, a low-cost Dyson in this price range may still cost more than a high-end product from another company, like Bissell. If you want a top-shelf vacuum cleaner from a budget company like Bissell, check out our pages on Best Bissell Vacuums and Best Bissell Stick Vacuums.

Mid-range

Dyson stick vacuums in the middle of the pack have a suction power of around 115 AW. They offer a variety of special features such as a HEPA filter, no-touch dirt emptying, adaptive technology, and accessories. They usually range from $300 to $450. If you’re interested in this price range, don’t forget to check out the Dyson Cyclone v10, a machine with Torque Drive cleaner head.

Expensive

High-end Dyson stick vacuums have sucking power two times greater than standard cordless stick vacuums. They offer many special features, including a HEPA filter, no-touch dirt emptying, adaptive technology, an LCD display, and accessories. They typically range from $450 to $700 in price.

A good example of a quality product in this price range is the Dyson v10 Absolute cordless. This Absolute model comes with two extra cleaner heads and can run for up to 60 minutes even though it’s not a corded vacuum.

If you’re looking for a new vacuum cleaner in this price range but would prefer a canister vacuum—and you’re not picky about whether the vacuum comes from Dyson—check out the offerings from Miele.

cleaning with a vacuum
DID YOU KNOW?
A stick vacuum should not be confused with a wet/dry vac. A stick vacuum can pick up dry messes – dust, shoe debris, spilled cereal crumbs, and such – but a wet/dry vac is the only type of vacuum that can safely clean up wet messes.
STAFF
BestReviews

Tips

  • Wash your filter monthly. To keep your vacuum at peak performance, it’s important to wash its filter regularly. Aim for at least once a month or any time that the filter light flashes. Don’t use soap on your washable filters; the company suggests that cold water is enough to get them clean.
  • Dump the dirt often. Empty your Dyson stick vacuum’s dustbin as it soon as reaches the max line. The suction power will suffer if you overfill the dustbin.
  • If the suction power goes down, it could be a sign of one of several problems. There may be a clog in the suction stick, which you should be able to clean out. The battery may not be charged as fully as it could be. Or, as mentioned, it could be time to change your filter or clean out your dustbin.
  • Change attachments on the fly. Dyson stick vacuums that include accessories usually have a quick-release button so you can quickly change accessories by pressing the release switch, removing the previous accessory and replacing it with a new one.
cleaning with a Dyson stick vacuum
Dyson stick vacuums often include a wall-mounted docking station that makes storing and charging your vacuum much easier.

FAQ

Q. Does Dyson make robot vacuums?

A. Yes. Dyson has released just a few robot vacuum models, and they’re quite pricey. Other notable makers of robotic vacuums include Shark, Samsung, and iRobot.

Q. Should I recharge my Dyson stick vacuum after each use?

A. Yes, you should recharge your Dyson stick after each cleaning session. Many Dyson stick vacuum batteries are designed to be charged permanently, so you can leave your machine charging all the time when not in use. If the battery is full, it stops drawing electricity.

Q. Can you use a Dyson stick vacuum to pick up liquid?

A. Dyson stick vacuums are not designed to be used as a wet/dry vac. Using your vacuum to pick up water or any other liquid can cause serious damage that hampers its performance and voids the warranty.

Q. What type of warranty coverage do Dyson stick vacuums have?

A. Most Dyson stick vacuums offer two years of warranty protection. The warranty covers problems that arise due to defects in workmanship or parts. It doesn’t cover damage that results from accidents or misuse.

 

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