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7 Best Dyson Vacuum Cleaners in the UK [Updated for 2023]

Written by James Hall |

A guide to the best Dyson vacuum cleaners

Looking for the best Dyson vacuum cleaner? Here are Dyson’s top models, including their features and why they stand out.

Top Pick: Dyson V11 Absolute

Dyson V11 Absolute

Rating StarsDyson V11 Absolute

Dyson manufactures a range of excellent vacuum cleaners, including uprights, cylinders, and cordless models (see below for our top picks.) If we had to pick just one, however, then the Dyson V11 Absolute is our recommendation.

This is a powerful cordless vacuum that rivals many corded vacuums for suction power and cleaning performance. It also has adaptive suction, and LCD screen, and many other advanced features.

Despite strong competition from Shark, Miele, and even tech giants like Samsung, Dyson vacuum cleaners remain an excellent choice. They are powerful, have great filtration, and come with a range of useful accessories.

In this article, we’ve listed our favourite Dyson vacuum cleaners, along with why we like them. We’ve also included a guide to choosing the right Dyson for your home.

7 Best Dyson Vacuum Cleaners in the UK

Dyson Ball Animal Multi-Floor
Dyson Ball Animal Multi-Floor
Dyson V11 Absolute
Dyson V11 Absolute
Dyson Big Ball Animal 2
Dyson Big Ball Animal 2
Dyson V10 Absolute
Dyson V10 Absolute
Dyson V7 Trigger
Dyson V7 Trigger
Dyson Outsize Absolute
Dyson Outsize Absolute
Dyson V15 Detect Absolute
Dyson V15 Detect Absolute
Price Range£££££££££££££££££££££££££££££
TypeUprightCordlessCylinderCordlessHandheldCordlessCordless
Bag TypeBaglessBaglessBaglessBaglessBaglessBaglessBagless
Dust Capacity (L)1.80.761.80.770.541.90.76
Weight (kg)7.43.17.52.61.383.563.1
Hose?
HEPA Filter?
Pet Tool?
Overall Rating
View Rating Breakdown
4.2
4.6
3.8
4.3
4.2
4.0
4.3
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1. Dyson Ball Animal Multi-Floor (Best Dyson Upright)

4.2

SV RATING

VALUE

4

EASE OF USE

3.5

CLEANING PERFORMANCE

4.5

FEATURES

4.5

TOOLS

4.5

Type: Upright | Bag Type: Bagless | Price Range: ££££ | Dust Capacity: 1.8 litres | Weight: 7.4kg | Pet Tool: Yes | HEPA Filter: No

WHAT WE LIKED

  • Powerful upright vacuum cleaner that’s great on all surfaces
  • Ball design for easy manoeuvrability
  • Turbine tools make quick work of pet hair

WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE

  • Expensive for an upright
  • Not a lightweight vacuum

The Dyson Ball Animal Multi-Floor is a powerful upright that’s the top model in the updated Ball range. It comes with Dyson’s patented “Radial Root Cyclone” technology to prevent suction loss, along with the excellent Motorbar cleaner head and hygienic bin emptying system.

As the name suggests, the Animal Multi-Floor comes with Dyson Ball technology for easier manoeuvrability. We’re big fans of this technology, as without it the bulky Multi-Floor would be difficult to use around the home. We also like the rotating telescopic handle for easier cleaning in awkward locations.

As you would expect from the premium model in the Dyson upright range, the vacuum comes with a range of tools and accessories. Our favourite is the turbine pet tool for removing hair, but there’s also a combination tool, stair tool, and soft dusting brush. We also like the addition of the flat out head, which has a low-profile design for cleaning under furniture.

It’s an impressive feature list. But most importantly, we found that the Dyson Ball Animal Multi-Floor provides excellent cleaning performance across all floor types. The combination of cyclone technology, powerful motor and Motorbar cleaner head allows it to dig deep into carpets to remove hair and other debris. We also think that the turbine tool is excellent for cleaning stairs and upholstery.

There are some downsides though. At 7.4kg it’s not the heaviest vacuum on the market, but it’s not lightweight either. The bagless design means you’ll need someone else to empty it if you suffer from allergies. It’s also expensive – although this is to be expected from a Dyson.

To summarise, if you’re looking for the best upright Dyson vacuum cleaner then the Ball Animal Multi-Floor is a great choice. It provides ample power for most jobs, has a great range of tools and is highly manoeuvrable. It’s also one of the best options for people with pets.

2. Dyson V11 Absolute (Best Dyson Cordless)

4.6

SV RATING

VALUE

3.5

EASE OF USE

5

CLEANING PERFORMANCE

4.7

FEATURES

5

TOOLS

4.5

Type: Cordless | Bag Type: Bagless | Price Range: £££££ | Dust Capacity: 0.76 litres | Weight: 3.1kg | Pet Tool: Yes | HEPA Filter: Yes

WHAT WE LIKED

  • Powerful suction power that matches many corded vacuums
  • Two brilliant floorheads (if you buy the V11 Absolute versions)
  • Adaptive suction and an LCD screen

WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE

  • Very expensive

If you’re looking for the best cordless vacuum, then the V11 Absolute is our current top pick. It’s powerful, versatile, and has advanced features that set it apart from most other cordless vacuums.

Let’s start with the most important factor: the V11’s cleaning performance. We found it excels on any type of floor, including carpets, hard floors, and upholstery. This is partly due to the increased suction power, but also the high-quality floorheads. The new High Torque head is excellent for carpets and can make full use of Dyson’s adaptive suction technology, while the Soft Roller is brilliant for hard floors.

In terms of advanced features, the big new addition is an LCD screen on the main vacuum body. This shows the current power mode, estimated battery run-time (adjusted for power mode and tool), and can warn you about potential issues. The V11 also has an “Auto” suction mode, which adjusts the vacuum’s power depending on the type of floor, although this doesn’t work with the Soft Roller floorhead.

Other features include a mini motorised tool, several accessories, and up to 60-minutes of run-time. The V11 also uses the point-and-shoot emptying system which was first seen on the Dyson V10 Cyclone.

In summary, the V11 Absolute is an outstanding cordless vacuum cleaner. It’s not cheap, but it’s hard to find a cordless that can match its versatility and cleaning performance.

Full Review: Dyson V11 Absolute Review

3. Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 (Best Dyson Cylinder)

3.8

SV RATING

VALUE

3.5

EASE OF USE

3

CLEANING PERFORMANCE

4.5

FEATURES

4

TOOLS

4

Type: Cylinder | Bag Type: Bagless | Price Range: ££££ | Dust Capacity: 1.8 litres | Weight: 7.5kg | Pet Tool: Yes | HEPA Filter: No

WHAT WE LIKED

  • Great suction power and cleaning performance
  • 2-Tier radial technology to prevent suction loss
  • Tangle free pet hair tool

WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE

  • Smaller capacity than previous Dyson cylinders
  • Expensive
  • Relatively heavy

The Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 is a bagless cylinder vacuum with 2-tier radial technology, hygienic bin emptying system and Ball technology for improved manoeuvrability. It’s probably the best cylinder Dyson vacuum cleaners on the market at the moment – especially since the company consolidated their range to make it easier for buyers to choose.

What makes this a vacuum worth buying though?

To start with, Dyson has worked hard to maintain powerful suction while reducing noise output. This is good news, as Dyson vacs often have a reputation for being loud. For comparison, the Big Ball Animal 2 is 25% quieter than the previous model.

Like all Dyson’s recent cylinder vacuums, the Animal 2 is designed with Big Ball technology. It also has an improved self-adjusting cleaner head that’s effective on both hard floors and carpets, along with a self-righting design and rotating wand.

Dyson prides itself on producing vacuums with great all-round cleaning performance. This model is no exception. It’s great on almost every type of floor and quick to suck up pet hair – especially with the tangle-free turbine tool. It’s also effective at removing larger debris, such as cereal, which many vacuums struggle with.

A downside is that it has a slightly smaller capacity than previous Dyson cylinder vacs (such as the DC54 Cinetic Multi-Floor). While 1.5 litres isn’t tiny, you’ll need to empty it regularly due to the powerful suction and excellent pickup. It’s also an expensive vacuum cleaner and relatively heavy for a cylinder.

Even so, we think the Big Ball Animal 2 is the best cylinder Dyson vacuum currently available. It’s powerful, has decent allergen retention and is great for almost any surface. We highly recommend it.

Note: Want to know how Dyson cylinders compare to the classic Numatic Henry? Check out our Henry Vs Dyson article.

4. Dyson V7 Trigger (Best Dyson Handheld)

4.2

SV RATING

VALUE

2.5

EASE OF USE

4.5

CLEANING PERFORMANCE

4.5

FEATURES

4.5

TOOLS

5

Type: Handheld | Bag Type: Bagless | Price Range: ££ | Dust Capacity: 0.54 litres | Weight: 1.38kg | Pet Tool: Yes | HEPA Filter: No

WHAT WE LIKED

  • Stronger suction than almost any other handheld we've tested
  • Turbo tool is great for pet hair

WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE

  • Pricey for a handheld
  • Not convenient for tight locations

If you’re looking for the best Dyson handheld vacuum cleaner, then the Dyson V7 Trigger is really your only option. Fortunately, it’s an excellent handheld and amongst our top picks in the handheld category.

As you might have guessed from the name, the Dyson V7 Trigger relies on the same motor and basic design as the V7 cordless series. The difference is that it doesn’t come with floorhead or the wand – you just get the handheld vacuum body and tools.

The result is a powerful handheld that performed well during all our cleaning tests. We found that the V7 motor generates plenty of suction for picking up larger debris or smaller dust particles. It’s useful for cleaning furniture or car interiors, and our tests showed that it’s great for cleaning pet hair, due to the motorised pet tool.

Testing the V7 Trigger on stairs

Other features of this vacuum include a 30-minute maximum run-time, which compares well with many other handheld vacuums, and several non-motorised tools. The V7 also comes with Dyson’s “no-touch” dirt emptying system, which is (marginally) more hygienic than the bin on the V6. If you suffer from allergies, then we still recommend emptying it outdoors though.

The biggest downside of the V7 Trigger is that it’s awkward to use in tight locations. For example, we found it difficult to clean under car seats due to the bulky bin design. It’s also more expensive than many other handheld vacuums.

To summarise, if you’re looking for a powerful handheld vacuum cleaner, the Dyson V7 Trigger is one to consider. It has great suction power and efficient filtration, plus the pet tool makes it perfect for stairs, car seats, or quick clean-ups. It’s probably not the best choice for cleaning tight locations though.

Note: The V7 cordless series is still a decent choice if you’re looking for a cheaper Dyson cordless. There’s the basic V7 Animal version, along with the Animal Plus. If you’re not sure which “V” model to buy, click here for our comparison of the V7 and V8 ranges.

5. Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute

4.3

SV RATING

VALUE

4

EASE OF USE

4.3

CLEANING PERFORMANCE

4.1

FEATURES

4.5

TOOLS

4.5

Type: Cordless | Bag Type: Bagless | Price Range: ££££ | Dust Capacity: 0.77 litres | Weight: 2.6kg | Pet Tool: Yes | HEPA Filter: No

WHAT WE LIKED

  • Excellent suction for a cordless
  • Cheaper than the V11 series
  • Up to 60 minute run-time

WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE

  • Still an expensive vacuum
  • No LCD screen or adaptive suction

During our tests, we found the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute to be a significant upgrade compared to previous Dyson cordless vacuums. With a new motor, redesigned body and several other extra features, it’s much more than just a slight improvement on the V8. It’s not quite as good as the V11 (as you would expect), but we still think it’s one of the best cordless vacs on the market.

What makes it stand out from the hundreds of other cordless models though?

The biggest improvement compared to the V8 is the longer run-time. On the lowest power mode, you can expect up to 60-minutes run-time when using a non-motorised tool. We found this mode still provides plenty of suction power – it isn’t a gimmick like many cordless vac’s low powered modes – although you’ll probably use “Medium” for most tasks.

Dyson has also altered the design of the V10. Unlike the V6, V7 and V8, the bin is built parallel to the stick. This might sound like a minor change, but has allowed Dyson to increase the dust capacity by 40%. We also found it easier to empty without spilling, as you can point the canister right into the bin.

Dyson showing full body

These are all important features, but the reason the V10 is one of our top cordless models is its incredible cleaning performance. Whether you’re cleaning hardwood, carpets, laminate or tiles, the new motor and excellent floor tools combine to make quick work of any job. Most of the time you won’t even need the “High” powered mode, as the “Medium” option is more than strong enough.

When you combine these improvements with the mobility and versatility of previous Dyson cordless vacs, the Cyclone V10 is a brilliant cordless vacuum. The only real downside is the price, but we think it’s worth the money.

Full Review: Dyson V10 Cyclone Review

6. Dyson Outsize Absolute

4

SV RATING

VALUE

3

EASE OF USE

3.5

CLEANING PERFORMANCE

4.7

FEATURES

4.5

TOOLS

5

Type: Cordless | Bag Type: Bagless | Price Range: £££££ | Dust Capacity: 1.9 litres | Weight: 3.56kg | Pet Tool: Yes | HEPA Filter: No

WHAT WE LIKED

  • Best Dyson cordless for larger homes
  • Bigger capacity and wider floorhead
  • Great cleaning performance on carpets and hard floors

WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE

  • Extremely expensive
  • Clunky and difficult to use in smaller rooms

If you have a large home, then the Dyson Outsize Absolute could be the perfect cordless vacuum to choose. This model is very expensive, but we think it provides excellent suction power, and the super-size design compared with other Dyson cordless vacs makes it great for big homes.

What’s the difference between the Dyson Outsize Absolute and the V15 series though?

The Outsize shares many features with the V15. For example, it comes with the company’s Dynamic Load technology, which adjusts suction depending on whether you’re cleaning carpets or hard floors. It also includes a docking station and Dyson’s whole-machine filtration.

Most importantly, we think the Outsize provides outstanding cleaning performance that matches the V15. Whether you’re cleaning hard floors, carpets, or upholstery, we’ve found that it makes quick work of both small and large debris.

There are some significant design differences that make the Outsize more suitable for larger homes though. Firstly, it has a bigger 1.9 litre dust capacity, so you don’t need to empty it so frequently. The Outsize also has a wider floorhead, so you can cover more floor in less time.

Another bonus is that this Dyson cordless vacuum has two batteries, effectively doubling the maximum run-time. If you’ve got a big house to clean, then the Outsize is one of the few cordless vacuums that could do it without recharging.

The larger size comes with some downsides though. It’s a relatively heavy cordless vacuum, weighing over 3.5kg. We think this makes it less suitable for elderly people or anyone with joint issues – especially for above-floor cleaning. We also found that the vacuum is difficult to use in tighter areas and on steps.

That’s why we don’t recommend the Outsize over the V11 or V15 for most people. But if you’ve got a big home, or just want more battery run-time and a larger bin, then the Dyson Outsize Absolute is one of the best options on the market.

7. Dyson V15 Detect Absolute

4.3

SV RATING

VALUE

2.5

EASE OF USE

5

CLEANING PERFORMANCE

4.7

FEATURES

5

TOOLS

4.5

Type: Cordless | Bag Type: Bagless | Price Range: £££££ | Dust Capacity: 0.76 litres | Weight: 3.1kg | Pet Tool: Yes | HEPA Filter: Yes

WHAT WE LIKED

  • Dyson's most advanced vacuum
  • Illumination to help show up dust
  • Automatic suction adjustment

WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE

  • Very expensive
  • Probably overkill for most homes

While the Dyson V11 Absolute remains our top pick for a Dyson cordless vacuum for most people, the V15 Detect Absolute is the company’s top-end model. It matches the performance of the V11, but comes with some advanced features that aren’t found on previous Dyson cordless vacs. So, if you have a large budget and want the very best, then the V15 is the one to choose.

Before we get to the futuristic features, we think the V15 provides exceptional cleaning performance for a cordless vacuum. It’s brilliant at cleaning carpets and hard floors – partly due to the new DLS technology – and provides stronger suction than almost any model we’ve reviewed. However, we don’t think it significantly improves on the performance of the V11.

What’s the difference between this model and the V11 though?

While both vacuums include an LCD screen, the V15’s hard floor floorhead has built-in illumination so that dust and other particles are easily visible. It also displays real-time data about the particles being sucked up, while the DLS system adjusts the power depending on what floor you’re on.

These features are nice to have, but we do have a few complaints about this vacuum.

The biggest is the price. This is a very expensive vacuum cleaner, which is why we haven’t made it our top pick for a cordless vacuum. We also wish it had the laser system on the main floorhead and that it was easier to push on carpet.

Still, as long as you can afford the high price, the Dyson V15 is one of the best Dyson vacuum cleaners. It’s powerful, provides strong all-round cleaning performance, and includes unique features not found on other models.

How to Choose a Dyson Vacuum

The first step is to decide what you need from a Dyson vacuum cleaner. Do you need a vacuum that excels at picking up pet hair? Or are you more interested in a lightweight model for cleaning dust from high up areas?

Your personal requirements dictate the best Dyson vacuum cleaner for you. Here’s an overview of factors that require consideration when buying a Dyson:

  • Type of vacuum. Dyson are currently best known for their cordless vacuums. These models (such as the V7, V10, and V11) are lightweight, simple to use, and great for cleaning difficult areas of the home. If you want an unlimited cleaning time, then Dyson also manufacture corded cylinder and upright vacuums.
  • Capacity. Dyson vacuums are all bagless, which means they have a smaller dust capacity than bagged alternatives. Some of their cordless vacuums are particularly small, with dust capacities of around 0.5 litres. If you want to reduce how often you need to empty your Dyson, make sure you check the dust capacity.
  • Extra Features. Dyson has introduced a number of interesting and useful features to the vacuum market, with one of the most famous being the Dyson Ball. This replaces fixed wheels with a large, single ball to increase mobility. The most modern Dyson cordless vacuums also include advanced features, like adaptive suction that automatically adjusts depending on the type of floor.
  • Multi-Floor, Animal, Absolute…What’s the Difference? Most Dyson vacuums have multiple models. The core vacuum is usually the same, but accessories and floorheads vary depending on which you buy. Make sure you know which model you’re buying and the accessories included.

You should also consider the price, weight, warranty and noise level of a Dyson. There isn’t really such a thing as a cheap Dyson vacuum, but you can find lower prices if you’re willing to buy an older model rather than the latest versions. If noise level is important to you, then you may want to look at our list of the quietest vacuums, as Dyson vacuums have a reputation for being relatively loud.

Dysons can also be heavy compared to other vacuums, so if you’re going to be lugging the vacuum up and down stairs all day you may want to take a look at our list of the best lightweight vacuums. We define a lightweight vacuum as under 5kg, while some Dyson models weigh nearly double that.

A Word About Price

Even the cheapest Dyson vacuum cleaners are more expensive than budget vacs, but it’s the cordless Dyson vacuum range that have the highest prices. If you’re looking for a lower priced option, then Dyson cylinder or upright machines provide better value.

What’s Special about a Dyson?

While Dyson manufactures a range of vacuums, including upright, handheld, cordless and cylinder models, they all have two things in common: cyclonic technology and a bagless design.

Cyclonic technology forces dust and dirt into the container so it can’t escape. It does this by spinning air in a circular pattern to create centrifugal force. Modern Dyson vacs take this a step further, with two layers of cyclonic technology to force even smaller particles into the dust container.

Bagless technology is relatively common for modern vacuums, but is another defining feature of a Dyson. While there are advantages to a bagless model, including not needing to buy replacement bags, they may not be suitable for people with allergies.

Tip: Confused about how Dyson compares to other brands? Shark are one of Dyson’s main competitors, so we’ve written an in-depth Dyson Vs Shark article to help you choose the right model.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a difficult question to answer, as there are many Dyson models and prices change all the time.

In terms of upright vacuums, you should expect to pay at least £200. Models in the Small Ball range, for example, often cost between £200-£250.

There’s a much bigger price range for Dyson cordless vacuums. The cheapest Dyson cordless models cost around £250, but the priciest options cost more than double this.

James Dyson, the inventor behind Dyson vacuums, built his first vacuum (DC01) back in the 1980s. He designed it to be both bagless and cyclonic, with the goal of preventing the suction loss associated with bagged vacuum cleaners.

While Dyson wasn’t the first to invent either bagless or cyclonic vacuums, he was the first to popularise vacuums that combined the two technologies. Since then, the company has continuously improved and enhanced their vacuums, while sticking to the same basic design principles.

Conclusion

While Dyson may not be the undisputed king of vacuum cleaners anymore, they are still one of the top brands for high-end vacuums. The best Dyson vacuum cleaners are powerful, well-built, and come with a range of unique features, including Radial Root Cyclone technology and the Dyson Ball.

Here are our top picks:

Do you have any questions about the best Dyson vacuum cleaners? Or do you think there’s a model that deserves a place on this list? Please let us know in the comments section below.

All Our Dyson Vacuum Reviews

NameOverall RatingTypePrice Range
Dyson V10 Absolute
4.3
Cordless££££
Dyson V11 Absolute
4.6
Cordless£££££
Dyson V7 Trigger
4.2
Handheld££
Dyson V8 Animal
4.0
Cordless£££

Page Update History

13th July 2023

Updated to include multiple new vacuum cleaners.

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