The best Dyson cordless stick vacuums for 2025, tested and reviewed

Innovative. Colorful. Shiny. Sleek. Dyson stick vacuums are a sight to behold, among the most coveted of cleaning luxuries. They’re beloved by professionals and are a favorite among celebrities. We put six top-selling Dyson vacuums through the wringer to see which ones would reign supreme.

We considered things like run time, dust cup capacity, maneuverability and suction, and the results were — in many cases literally — illuminating! Whether you’re looking to make the switch from corded vacuums to cordless vacuums, or your cordless vacuum could just use an upgrade, keep scrolling to learn about the best Dyson vacuums of 2025, along with more on our testing process and tips for selecting the right model for your needs.

Table of contents:

Update, Jan. 22, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability and added a handy specs chart at the bottom. Our number one pick for best Dyson cordless stick vacuum remains unchanged.

A quick note before we dive in: As all of the vacuums on this list are cordless (versus corded vacuums that plug into an electrical source), they typically require three to four hours of charging to reach full battery potential. Estimated run times are typically tied to lower modes (meaning when the machine is used in “boost” mode it can burn through the battery life more quickly). When we mention height, we’re referring to how tall the vacuums are when assembled; length and width reflect how long and wide the brush cleaner heads are. Last time we checked, all of these vacuums were available on Amazon, many on sale and available with quick, free shipping so you don’t have to wait to treat yourself or someone else. (Discover more cordless stick vacuums for your shopping pleasure.)

Best Dyson cordless stick vacuums for 2025

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Factors to consider when choosing a cordless stick vacuum

• Size: Taller stick vacuums generally equate to longer tubes and greater reach, helpful for those who are tall or navigating vast, shallow surface areas, like beneath platform beds. Bigger brush cleaner heads typically mean bigger brush rolls, so more dirt gets picked up at once.

• Weight: The lighter the vacuum, the easier it is to lift and steer. Lightweight designs glide across hardwood floors seamlessly but can have difficulty bearing down on thick carpets. Lighter models often have smaller dust cups and less techy components (like LCD screens, which can make a machine top heavy).

• Bin capacity: Larger cups house more dirt for fewer trips to the trash can. Of the models we tested, the ones with the smallest cups were the V12 Slim Detect (0.35 liters) and V8 (0.4 liters); the Outsize had the largest (1.9 liters). Every other Dyson we tested provided 0.8 liters, which sustained us during multi-floor cleanings.

• Run time: According to our research, the average cordless stick vacuum run time hovers around 30-40 minutes for a budget-friendly model, 40-50 minutes for a mid-priced model and 50 minutes or above for a luxury model. The Dyson Gen5detect caps our list at 70 minutes. We suggest looking for at least a 40- to 50-minute run time for multi-floor jobs, as well as thorough cleanings incorporating “turbo” modes.

• Filter type: Filters help clear debris from the floor and air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HEPA filters in particular “theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns,” with larger or smaller particles “trapped with even higher efficiency.” Check your model’s manual for information on the filter and how to maintain it for optimal results.

• Wattage: A higher wattage often correlates to greater suction power. High-voltage batteries generally have a longer run time, so you can tackle more space or several vacuum jobs in one go without having to keep recharging.

• Brushes and tools: All of the Dyson cordless stick vacuums we tested come with an anti-tangle motorbar brush that can be used on hardwood or carpeted surfaces, along with combination, crevice and hair screw tools for tackling hard-to-reach areas and upholsteries. The Dyson “Detect” models also come with a fluffy optic brush that emits neon green light for illuminating finer dust, dirt and hair particles on hardwood floors.

• Docking and storing: Dyson’s cordless stick vacuums can be charged as a unit using the included wall-mounted dock. Alternatively, you can plug the vacuum head right into an outlet using the accompanying adapter. None of the models are freestanding so you’ll need to prop them against a wall or leave them in their dock for storing.

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How we tested

We set up several obstacle courses to test these Dysons, along with other cordless stick vacuums, on materials with varying shapes, textures and depths and on different surfaces (carpet and hardwood). We also used each machine’s attachments on sofas and other upholstered furniture. We focused on real-life scenarios, prioritizing homes that needed a good cleaning and/or were covered in pet hair. The lineup:

• “Carpet course” test: We sprinkled faux fur, rice, Cheerios, kitty litter and sand across a plush carpet to see how the vacuums to cut through the clutter.

• “Kitchen sink” test: We poured rice and Cheerios on a hardwood kitchen floor to gauge how well the vacuums could get a grip — especially against trims and in cabinet crevices.

• “Passenger pet” test: We asked family and friends to avoid vacuuming for a week, then used car mats to collect the pet hair their animal companions had shed, to see which vacuums had the best suction.

• “Vacs gone wild” test: We didn’t stop there! We clocked over 20 hours testing these vacuums in different houses and settings to see if they could rise to different occasions.

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Other Dyson stick vacuums we tested

The V8 Cordless Stick Vacuum is among Dyson’s more compact and budget-conscious Dyson models, a touch taller and longer than the V7 with a slightly wider brush head and a bit more pickup. The carpet suction isn’t on the level of other machines, however. Because of that, and the fact that it has a smaller dust cup (0.4 liters) and shorter run time (40 minutes; we clocked 25 minutes when using the higher power mode), we suggest it for smaller spaces with hardwood floors or low-pile carpets and quicker jobs. Of note, the V8 doesn’t have a digital display with battery life readings, so you don’t know when it’s going to run out of juice.

With the Dyson V11 Cordless Stick Vacuum, you get the same roller brush, tools and operation style as the V8 but with a tad taller and heavier yet still nimble frame. For a $100 price increase, you get extended run time (60 minutes total) and a bigger dust cup size, ideal for when you want to tackle multiple rooms. We also found the cup-release lever, located on the underbelly of the bin, more effective at ridding waste than the V8. Plus, you get an LCD interface displaying three power modes along with battery life readings.

The Dyson V15 Detect is slightly heavier and pricier than the Dyson V12 Detect Slim, with the same tools, light-emitting fluffy brush, LCD screen and run time. It has a larger dust cup (0.8 liters), a bit more pickup (240 watts) and an adjustable anti-tangle roller brush that can be optimized for hardwood or thick rug surfaces, which appeared to make a difference in our “kitchen sink” and “pet passenger” tests. The catch? As with most Dyson stick vacuums, you need to continuously press the V15 Detect’s power switch to keep it going the whole time.

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Dyson stick vacuum FAQs

Why is Dyson special?

Design engineer James Dyson invented the first bagless vacuum using cyclonic technology in 1983. Dyson’s cordless stick vacuums are known for packing significant suction power into one lightweight, agile frame and brush. Many Dyson models offer longer battery lives than other brands (another concern among those making the switch from corded to cordless). Additionally, they’re designed with a release that pops open the dust cup and forces dirt — and come with a suite of accessories including combination tools and crevice tools — for easy cleaning. The Dysons that performed at the top of our cordless stick vacuum testing also have innovative displays to help keep track of run times, modes and debris.

Do Dyson vacuums have HEPA filters?

Many Dyson vacuums come with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which according to the EPA, can zap 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and any airborne particles. Check your Dyson’s manual for info on associated filters and how often they need to be washed (if washable) or replaced to function properly.

Which Dyson vacuum has the strongest suction?

According to the brand, the Dyson Gen5 (Detect) was the most powerful Dyson vacuum at the time of publication, with 280 air watts of suction power (115% times more power than the Dyson V8). The Dyson V15 (Detect) came in second with 240 air watts and the Dyson Outsize third with 220 air watts. The Dyson V11 came in fourth with 185 air watts and the Dyson V12 Slim (Detect) fifth with 150 air watts. All of these vacuums performed well in our suction tests, with the top three outranking all others.

How long do Dyson stick vacuums last?

While Dyson doesn’t quote a lifespan for its cordless stick vacuums, the brand does offer a two-year warranty on all parts. The brand recommends preserving high power modes, avoiding extreme heat and giving the battery a break by running it down to empty at least once a month. Here are some other best practices to enjoy your cordless stick vacuum for a longer time.

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Best Dyson cordless stick vacuums specs comparison chart

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We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.

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