Dyson V8 Vs V10 Cyclone Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Comparison

The Dyson V8 and V10 are both excellent cordless vacuums. But which is the best model? And which should you buy? Keep reading our in-depth comparison to find out.

It’s not always easy to choose a cordless vacuum cleaner. There are many vacs on the market, ranging from cheap £50 models up to £500+ for the latest Dyson.

Two of the most popular cordless vacuums are the Dyson V8 and Dyson V10. Both are stick vacuums, with a handheld mode and powered floor head…and a hefty price tag to match.

To help you decide which is the best for your home and budget, we’ve compared the V8 and V10 below.

In-Depth Comparison of the Dyson V8 and Dyson V10

A Quick Overview of the Dyson V8 vs V10

The V8 and V10 form part of Dyson’s “V” series of cordless stick vacuum cleaners. Other models include the V6 (which has been retired), V7, V11 and V15.

There are many similarities between the Dyson V8 and V10. Both have stick designs, convert into a handheld vacuum, and have a motorised brush bar with stiff bristles. They also both come with a range of tools and a lightweight design.

The most significant differences are the V10’s upgraded bin capacity, longer battery life, three power modes and more powerful digital motor. The redesigned cyclone configuration is also claimed to increase airflow by up to 20%.

Note: For more information about these vacuums, read our in-depth reviews of the Dyson V8 and V10. We’ve also compared the Dyson V8 Animal and Absolute, Dyson V7 and V8, Dyson V10 Animal and Absolute, and Dyson V10 vs V11.

In this comparison, we’re focusing on the V8 Animal and Cyclone V10 Animal. Almost all the points are the same across versions though – aside from those relating to specific tools.

Design and Weight Comparison Between the Dyson V8 vs V10

The Dyson “V” series has maintained a consistent design over the years. While the V10 has some alterations, it’s still a stick vacuum with canister near the handle, trigger system, cyclone technology, handheld mode and manoeuvrable floorhead.

Assembly

Both the V8 and V10 are easy to assemble. You just need to attach the stick and tool you want to use, so there’s no fiddly assembly process.

The vacuums are also built with Dyson’s “quick release” latches, making attaching and removing tools much easier than the V6. We love quick-release tools, as they make the vacuum much more convenient to use.

While the batteries come with a small amount of charge, you should fully charge the vacuum before first use. Other than that, the vacuums arrive almost ready to go.

Bin Design

A big difference between the Dyson V8 and V10 is the bin design. The V10’s cyclone and bin are parallel to the stick, compared to the V6, V7 and V8’s perpendicular design.

This has the effect of optimising airflow and increasing suction. The new design has also allowed Dyson to increase the V10’s dust capacity from 0.54L to 0.76L – a 40% increase. This means you’ll need to empty the vacuum less often – although the bin is still much smaller than a corded upright.

The new bin design also enables the new “Point and Shoot” bin emptying system, which we’ll get to in the next section.

Size

The Dyson V8 and Dyson V10 have similar sizes, despite the V10 having a bulkier appearance.

For comparison, the Dyson V8 has a length of 125cm, compared with the Dyson V10’s 124cm. Both the vacuums are also approximately 25cm wide, although the V10 is around 4cm deeper at its deepest point.

Trigger System

The V8 and V10 are both built with Dyson’s trigger system. Instead of switching the vacuum on or off, you need to hold down the trigger when cleaning.

This is a controversial feature – but Dyson is adamant it increases “effective” battery life, as you’re only running the motor when actually cleaning. While this is true, we think the trigger might be tiring to hold down for long cleaning tasks. It may also be difficult to use if you suffer from finger pain.

We wish Dyson would include the option of continuous power along with the trigger system. This would provide the best of both worlds. It’s not a major drawback for most people though.

Manoeuvrability

The Cyclone V10 is slightly heavier than the V8, at 2.68kg compared to 2.61kg. This difference is almost impossible to notice, however, and both vacuums feel lightweight and balanced.

As with all Dyson cordless vacuums, the Dyson V8 and Dyson V10 have a detachable handheld mode. This is useful for cleaning car interiors, stairs and other awkward locations – especially with the mini motorised tool providing plenty of brush bar power. We think the V10 feels slightly less comfortable to hold in handheld mode due to the redesign and larger bin, but the difference isn’t enough to cause a real problem.

The direct-drive floorhead, included with both the Dyson V8 and Dyson V10, has a mobile pivot, so manoeuvring around furniture feels easy. A bonus is that Dyson has included a rubber strip on the V10, so it can be leaned against a wall without slipping. This isn’t included with the V8.

And, despite the more powerful motor, the V10 is only a bit louder than the V8. This is due to the soundproofing Dyson has included with the upgraded vacuum.

Dyson V8 vs V10 Dust Emptying Comparison

One of the biggest differences between the Dyson V8 and V10 is how the bin is emptied.

To empty the V8, you need to pull a lever at the top of the vacuum. This slides part of the cyclone up to push dirt out a trap door at the bottom of the cylinder. While the V8’s bin design isn’t perfect, it does a decent job of pushing out dust and dirt without forcing you to pull it out by hand.

The V10 has a new system called “Point and Shoot.” As the vacuum’s bin is aligned with the handle, you can point it deep into a dustbin before using the latch to release trapped dirt. It’s still a messier system than a bag, so it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers, but it allows less dust and other particles to escape. During our testing, we liked the point-and-shoot system and found it easy to use.

Cleaning Performance and Suction Power Comparison Between the Dyson V10 vs V8

Both vacuums have digital motors and generate powerful suction. They also use Dyson’s Radial Cyclone technology, which maintains suction as the bin fills up by preventing the filter from clogging.

The V10 is built with Dyson’s more powerful V10 motor though. This, combined with the redesigned cyclone configuration, increases suction power and cleaning performance (151 Air Watts compared with 115 Air Watts from the V8.) The Cyclone V10 also has three power modes compared to the V8’s two.

That’s not to say the Dyson V8 isn’t an excellent cordless for whole-house cleaning though. But when it comes to replacing a full-powered upright, we think the Cyclone V10 comes closer. Let’s take a closer look at how the vacuum’s compare when tackling common cleaning tasks.

Floor Cleaning

Carpets: The V8’s direct-drive floor tool is excellent for cleaning carpets. The powered brush bar digs into carpet fibres to stir up dust, dirt and hair, so it does a great job on both short pile and long pile carpets.

While the V8 is already a good choice for cleaning carpets, the V10’s additional suction power gives it a slight edge on high pile carpets. The downside is that we found it can be difficult to push on thick carpets, especially when using the higher suction modes.

We think both vacuums are winners in this category though.

Hard Floors: The V8 and V10 provide similarly strong performance on hardwood floors. They do a great job on laminate and tiles, plus both have enough suction power to remove dirt and debris between floorboards.

The soft roller floorhead is a noticeable improvement over the direct-drive cleaner head on hardwood and tile flooring though – especially when tackling large debris. If you have a lot of hard floors, choose a version that includes this “Fluffy” tool.

Above-Floor Cleaning

Every vacuum in the Dyson V series excels at above floor cleaning, so it’s hard to pick a “best” out of the V8 and V10 in this category. The stick is useful for reaching into ceiling corners and clearing cobwebs, while the handheld mode is perfect for stairs and car interiors.

The only drawback is the standard models lack a flexible hose. If you need a hose, the Cyclone V10 Total Clean includes one as an attachment.

Pet Hair

Both the V8 and V10 are excellent cordless vacuums for pet hair.

The direct-drive cleaner head has enough brush power to remove pet hair that’s been ground into carpets. All versions of the V8 and V10 also include Dyson’s mini-motorised tool, which provides a smaller brush bar for stairs, upholstery and other awkward places to clean.

Battery Life and Charging: How Do The Dyson V8 and V10 Compare?

Battery life is another area the Cyclone V10 has been significantly upgraded. Its lithium-ion battery includes an extra cell, allowing it to last up to 60 minutes on a single charge. In comparison, the V8 has a maximum 40 minutes of run time.

These figures are slightly misleading though. They are the maximum run-time on the lowest suction mode and without using a motorised tool. If you use the direct-drive floorhead or mini motorised tool, which you almost always will on carpets, the battery life for both vacuums drops significantly.

And, if you activate the “High” suction modes, the run-time is less than 10 minutes for both vacuums. Whichever power setting you use, however, the V10 has a longer runtime than the V8 on the equivalent mode (either standard or max power mode.)

The V10’s battery provides several other advantages compared to the V8. Firstly, it only requires 3.5 hours of charge time, compared to the V8’s 5 hours. Secondly, as the battery lasts for longer, you’ll rarely need to fully discharge it – especially if you charge it after every use. This increases the effective lifetime of the battery.

Dyson V8 Vs V10: Filtration and Suitability for Allergies

Both the V8 and V10 are built with a lifetime HEPA filter. HEPA filters are the “gold standard” for vacuum filtration, as they remove at least 99.97% of particles with a diameter of 0.3 microns or more.

The result is that both vacuums are excellent at retaining the dust they suck up. If you have trouble with allergies, the V8 and V10 are amongst the best cordless vacuums on the market.

With that said, these vacuums have a bagless design, which is messier than using a bag. Particles can escape when you empty the bin – especially as the debris may fall from a height – which is something to keep in mind if you suffer from allergies.

Maintaining the filters is straightforward. They are easy to detach and should be washed approximately once per month. Be aware that the filters need 24-48 hours to dry before they can be used after washing.

Note: The V7 doesn’t come with a HEPA filter. If you suffer from dust or pet allergies, it’s worth paying more to get the V8 or V10.

Dyson V10 vs V8 Tools and Accessories

The V8 and Cyclone V10 come with similar tools. These include:

• Docking station (with charger) for recharging and storing the vacuum cleaner.
• Combination tool for cleaning different surfaces.
• Crevice tool for edge cleaning and tight spaces.
• Mini soft dusting brush for delicate surfaces.
• Mini motorised tool for cleaning pet hair and stubborn dirt from locations that are awkward to clean with the larger floorhead.

Each version includes a different set of tools. In addition to the accessories above, the V10 Absolute comes with Dyson’s Soft Roller cleaner head that’s great for hard floors. The Total Clean also includes extra tools, such as the mattress adaptor and flexible extension hose.

Whichever version you choose, the tools are built to an excellent standard. The mini-motorised tool does a great job of removing pet hair and dirt, while the non-motorised tools feel solid and well-built. The “Quick Release” catches also make switching between tools much easier than on the first Dyson cordless vacuums.

Price and Value for Money

The Dyson V8 is an expensive vacuum cleaner. While prices have dropped since the release of the Cyclone V10 and V11, it’s still one of the priciest vacuums on the market.

It’s cheaper than the V10 Cyclone though – at least when comparing models with similar sets of tools. While prices vary, the low-end V10 Animal is often available for a similar price to the high-end Dyson V8 Absolute Pro.

But which provides the best value for money?

We think both the Dyson V8 and V10 provide great value – even though they cost a lot. It’s hard to find other vacuums that match the versatility, cleaning performance and filtration efficiency.

Most people will be more than happy with the V8. So, in that sense, it provides the best value. The V10 does come with some genuine enhancements in battery life and cleaning performance, however, so we think it justifies the extra cost.

You also need to consider which tools you get with each version. If you don’t need the Soft Roller hard floor head, for example, then it might make sense to get the V10 Animal instead of the V8 Absolute Pro, as both are similar prices. If you have lots of hardwood floors, then the V8 Absolute Pro might be the better choice if your budget can’t stretch to the V10 Absolute, as the Soft Roller is an excellent tool.

In most cases, however, we recommend getting the better core vacuum, as you can always purchase additional tools later (these are usually easy to find on Amazon or other online stores.)

Summary and Key Differences

The Dyson V8 and Dyson Cyclone V10 are two of the best cordless vacuums on the market. They are both stick vacuums with a detachable handheld, excellent cleaning performance, and an efficient filter to trap allergens. They are also both versatile, lightweight and include Dyson’s direct-drive cleaner head.

Here’s a quick overview of the key differences between the Dyson V8 and Dyson Cyclone V10:

• The Cyclone V10 is built with Dyson’s more powerful V10 motor.
• The Cyclone V10’s bin has been rotated in-line with the vacuum’s stick. This increases airflow and suction.
• The V10’s new bin is also 40% bigger than the V8.
• The V10 also has a “Point and Shoot” emptying system that allows you to point the bin deep into a dustbin to minimise escaped dirt and dust.
• Both vacuums are excellent at cleaning almost any type of floor, but the V10’s extra suction gives it an edge on high pile carpets.
• The V10 has an upgraded battery that lasts up to 60 minutes, compared to the V8’s 40 minutes.
• The V10 has three power setting modes instead of two.

Of course, the V10 is also more expensive.

Specification

Here’s a simple comparison of the specs for both vacuum cleaners:

Should You Buy the Dyson V8 or Dyson Cyclone V10?

So, the big question. Should you buy the Dyson V8 or Dyson Cyclone V10?

There’s no question that both are excellent vacuums – but the V10 is the superior choice. The redesigned bin provides a number of advantages, including stronger suction, and the longer battery life is useful during whole house cleans.

It’s also the better choice if you have lots of high-pile carpets. The extra suction is handy when removing dirt, dust and pet hair deep in carpet fibres, although it can be difficult to push on the higher power settings.

With that said, the Dyson V8 is still a high-quality cordless vacuum cleaner. If you don’t want to pay extra for the V10, and don’t mind the shorter run-time and bin design, it’s still a good choice.

Do you have any questions about this Dyson V8 vs V10 comparison? Or would you like to add your own thoughts? Please let us know in the comments section below.