Best Dyson Vacuums (2026): V15 Detect, Gen 5 Detect, Pencil Vac | WIRED
Overview
Shopping for the best Dyson vacuum can feel like you’ve been sucked into one. Between Dyson's massive new lineup and the dizzying array of models you can find on sale, it feels exhausting to keep up with which model is worth the price tag. But as someone who tests vacuums for a living, I can tell you getting a Dyson is well worth the splurge for several homes and use cases.
If you can't figure out which one to buy, I've got you covered. The team and I at WIRED test every single Dyson that comes out to find out which is worth buying. While there have been a few new launches this year (and more still to come!), my favorites remain the slightly older models: The Dyson V15 Detect (
Details
Discover the best Dyson vacuum to buy for your needs below. Be sure to check out the rest of our home buying guides, including the Best Cordless Vacuums, Best Carpet Cleaners, Best Air Purifiers, and Best Robot Vacuums. Looking for Dyson beauty tools instead? Don't miss our reviews of the Dyson Airwrap, Dyson Airstrait, and Dyson Supersonic.
Updated May 2026: I've added notes on the Dyson Pencil Vac, Spot+Scrub AI, and Clean+Wash released this year, and ensured links and prices are up to date.
The Best Dyson Cordless Vacuum Photograph: Nena Farrell Photograph: Nena Farrell Courtesy of Dyson Chevron Chevron Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Dyson V15 Detect
Stick vacuums get all the attention, and in most cases, they should. Cordless and weighing under 7 pounds, they're easy to maneuver and handle, and they convert into handheld models in seconds. The V15 Detect is the best in Dyson's lineup with a reasonable (if still high) price and mix of features. There are other versions you might spot, like the V15 Detect Plus, which just means there's different attachments (the Plus has a dusting brush instead of a combination tool, but everything else is the same).
Its claim to greatness is a green laser that shoots out the front of the motorized head, which illuminates the dust particles in your path. A sensor inside the vacuum counts the number of particles the V15 is sucking up and tells you the particle sizes on the LCD. The same sensor automatically adjusts the power level to match how gnarly your floors are. It's detail you might not always need, but it's a great option if you love cleaning data and want an all-around great stick vacuum.
Fluffy Optic cleaner head, Digital Motorbar cleaner head, hair screw tool, combination tool, and crevice tool
Doesn't have an on button; instead uses a hand trigger you have to keep engaged while you vacuum
Best Dyson Vacuum for Pet Hair Photograph: Nena Farrell Photograph: Nena Farrell Photograph: Best Buy Chevron Chevron Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Dyson Gen 5 Detect
Dyson's most powerful stick vacuum is the Dyson Gen 5 Detect. It's our top pick for pet hair since it does a fantastic job deep cleaning, and has a HEPA filter that Dyson says traps 99.99 percent of particles down to 0.1 microns.
There are some upgrades across the board when you go from the V15 to this vacuum. Number one, you'll get a true power button, so no more holding the trigger button down to vacuum. You'll get a faster motor that reaches 35,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) with a suction power of 262 air watts (AW). While the suction isn't discernibly different from the V15, it is certainly louder. Both these vacuums have a Fluffy Optic cleaner head for hard floors, but the Gen 5's laser is twice as bright, so it's easier to spot dust and debris. Overall, it's a fantastic, powerful vacuum, and worth investing in if you've got pets or want to get the best of the best when shopping for a new Dyson vacuum.
Digital Motorbar cleaner head, Fluffy Optic cleaner head, screw tool, Combination tool, and Dusting and crevice tool (built-in)
Dyson's top-of-the-line stick vac with a faster motor and brighter laser to spot dust and debris
Has a HEPA filter that Dyson says traps 99.99 percent of particles down to 0.1 microns
Best Dyson Mop and Vacuum Photograph: Adrienne So Courtesy of Dyson Chevron Chevron Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Dyson V15s Detect Submarine
Dyson stick vacuums are fantastic, but there's something missing: the ability to mop. Luckily, not all models are missing this feature. The V15s Detect Submarine is essentially the standard V15 Detect with a new wet roller head and drip tray. WIRED reviewer Adrienne So tested the Submarine and says this vacuum is one of the best things that has ever happened to her. (Unfortunately, this mop attachment is incompatible with other Dyson vacs, even the V15.)
The wet head requires no special setup or floor wash. Fill the small reservoir with clean water, slide it into the head, and hold the trigger as normal. The head rotates and scrubs the floor, removing sticky or wet messes. It takes about 15 percent of the Submarine’s battery life to clean 200 square feet of hardwood floor and empty about one-fifth of the tank, which backs up Dyson’s claim that you can clean 1,000 square feet in one go. It also has up to 60 minutes of run time and up to 4.5 hours to charge the battery fully. It’s fast and easy to use. However, you will have to rinse the mop head by hand, which is a little gross. —Brenda Stoylar
Submarine wet roller head, Fluffy optic cleaner head, Digital motorbar cleaner head, Combination tool, Drip tray, Hair screw tool, and Crevice tool
Can attach the wet head to mop, or use two included dry heads to vacuum
Mop attachment is only compatible with the Submarine model, not other V15s
Best Handheld Dyson Vacuum Photograph: Brenda Stolyar Courtesy of Dyson Chevron Chevron Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Dyson Car+Boat
If you already have a stick vacuum, then you don't need a handheld vacuum like this one. But if you're looking for a handheld vacuum to complement your upright vacuum or a robot vacuum, then the best Dyson handheld is the Car+Boat. It's small but mighty, with a spin speed of 110,000 rpm, and works particularly great for vehicles like cars and boats, as the name suggests.
It's an affordable way to get into the Dyson ecosystem and a good way to expand your home vacuum options if you currently have a bulky upright and nothing else. It comes with a couple of tools and features a trigger-power design like the V15. There's no display on this handheld, but instead just a switch for the two modes (standard and max) and the trigger to activate the vacuum. The dustbin is small compared to most of Dyson's lineup, but actually larger than the cheap Digital Slim. It's much larger than most other handheld vacuums you'll try, and has a great long battery life.
Mini motorized brush, Crevice tool, and Combination tool
Great option if you already have a vacuum and just want a handheld option
No digital display or power button, just a hand trigger you have to engage the entire time
Dyson stick models can transform into something similar to this
Best Dyson Robot Vacuum Photograph: Nena Farrell Photograph: Nena Farrell Photograph: Nena Farrell Chevron Chevron Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai
The name of Dyson's latest robot vacuum, the Spot+Scrub AI, makes it easy to guess its marquee feature: artificial intelligence that promises to identify stains and scrub them away. More interesting, in my opinion, is the fact this is Dyson's first robot vacuum that can also mop. I'm not sure what took Dyson so long, but if you're going to get a Dyson robot vacuum, I'd recommend this model that can both vacuum and mop over one that vacuums only. It does a good job both vacuuming and mopping, and has solid suction that left my carpet and rugs feeling great after a run of the vacuum.
Spot+Scrub AI, makes it easy to guess its marquee feature
The navigation could use a little work, particularly in the height department. While the Spot+Scrub didn't struggle on rugs or around chair legs like the older Vis Nav did for WIRED reviewer Chris Haslam, it did struggle to notice when it was too tall and would bump into my cabinets or even wedge itself under spots it then couldn't get itself out of. It struggled the most with the builder-grade lower kitchen cabinets and IKEA pieces around my house, so if your home is full of low furniture (particularly if it's from IKEA, which seems to be at the perfect height to thwart this vacuum), I'd consider a different model so that you don't have to watch it run into furniture over and over.
The Spot+Scrub comes with a massive base station that has a distinctly Dyson look and features a translucent dry debris canister. Because of this, I do like that I never had to wonder when to empty it, and it'll remind you to empty both the dry and wet debris regularly.
Most Lightweight Dyson Vacuum Photograph: Nena Farrell Photograph: Nena Farrell Photograph: Nena FarrellVideo: Nena Farrell Chevron Chevron Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Dyson Pencil Vac
The Dyson Pencil Vac's design reminds me of a Swiffer mop with a slim handle from top to bottom—no bulky top here—and a rectangular base that forms the vacuum head. That slim handle houses the motor, controls, and debris. It's a sleek, smooth form that still packs three cleaning modes and comes with an attachment and a charging base (which also has a spot to store its single attachment). I tested the Fluffycones head version, but there's also a cheaper Fluffy head model ($350).
The downside is that this vacuum is only for hard floors, and it doesn't mop like Dyson's other hard floor cleaners. It's not much cheaper than Dyson's other stick vacuums, either, so you're not really saving money by going this route. I really like it as a companion with my robot vacuums, since I'll grab it to quickly suck up litter that my cat has trailed across the bathroom and every adjacent room.
Would I buy this myself? Probably not, but I think there are a few arguments for specific households. One, if your home only has hard floors and no carpets or rugs to clean, there's no reason to get the regular V15 over this one. But I also like that the lightweight and slim handle makes it a good fit for folks with mobility and strength restrictions; it's much easier to lift and push around compared to a classic stick vacuum. It's a vacuum I really like using, but it does seem to have a narrow use case.
Fluffy Optic cleaner head, Digital Motorbar cleaner head, hair screw tool, combination tool, and crevice tool
Fluffy Optic cleaner head, Digital Motorbar cleaner head, hair screw tool, combination tool, and dusting and crevice tool (built-in)
Submarine wet roller head, Fluffy optic cleaner head, Digital motorbar cleaner head, Combination tool, Drip tray, Hair screw tool, and Crevice tool
Mini motorized brush, Crevice tool, and Combination tool
Dyson announced in September 2025 that its lineup of vacuums has been totally refreshed for 2026. A few vacuums have already come out, including the Pencil Vac and new robot vacuum, while a couple are yet to come. Here's what we're still waiting to see this year:
its lineup of vacuums has been totally refreshed for 2026
The Dyson V8 Cyclone. This is an update to Dyson's popular V8 vacuum, with 30 percent more suction power—150 air watts—and twice the run time, giving it over an hour over the original V8's 30 minutes. It'll have a triggerless power button and a self-emptying docking station, which is the addition I'm most excited about.
The Dyson V16 Piston Animal. This is a new cordless stick vacuum with the latest motor, a cleaner head that can sense the floor type, and a wet roller head option, like the Dyson V15's Submarine variant (aptly named Submarine 2.0). It promises 315 air watts of power and a 70-minute run time, and will have a wipe-clean mechanism that helps get stubborn dust and long hairs out of the vacuum's bin. There will be a compatible self-emptying docking station available for purchase separately.
We've tested a variety of Dyson vacuums, both corded and cordless. The vacs below are still worth buying, as long as you don't pay full price.
Dyson Ball Animal 3 for $430: If you really, really, want an upright vacuum instead of a cordless stick vacuum from Dyson, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 is the way to go. We've tested the Ball Animal 3 Extra, which has more attachments, but the regular is just as powerful. Former WIRED reviewer Jaina Grey found it performed well against the rabbit hair in her home. The downside is that it's loud and heavy.
Dyson Clean+Wash Hygiene Wet and Dry Floor Cleaner for
Dyson Clean+Wash Hygiene Wet and Dry Floor Cleaner for $400
Dyson V11 for
Dyson V12 Detect Slim for $513: Dyson's V12 Detect Slim is excellent for small spaces like a studio or a one-bedroom apartment since it's compact, lightweight, and a great size for hard-to-reach spots and minimal storage. There's an LCD screen, a run time of up to 60 minutes, and a charging time of up to 4.5 hours.
There are a lot of Dyson models out there, even if they're on the older side.
Dyson 360 Nav Vis for $369: The 360 Vis Nav isn't Dyson's previous robot vacuum that had a powerful spin speed, but it can only vacuum and needs some work on its navigation. WIRED reviewer Chris Haslam found that it struggled around chair legs and on rugs, something similar vacuums didn't have a problem with. It doesn't have a base station, either, but it is pretty cheap now that it's an older Dyson model.
Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor Vacuum for
Dyson Wash G1 for $399: The Wash G1 is Dyson's first dedicated wet floor cleaner. It comes equipped with two very absorbent microfiber rollers that rotate counter to each other and a pump that distributes water evenly from a 27-ounce tank via 26 pulse-modulated water outlets. It's fantastic for cleaning floors, but the tray is gross and messy to clean, and mine grew mold at one point. I'd recommend checking out the newer Clean+Wash Hygiene, above, if you want a cleaner like this.
Dyson doesn't stick to chronological order when naming its stick models. Sometimes it skips numbers, and sometimes it'll introduce a lower number as a later model than a higher number. For example, Dyson introduced the V15 immediately after the V11, and then the V12 after the V15. In the broadest sense, the numbers seem to loosely grow larger with each passing release—the V11 is newer than the V10, and the V10 is newer than the V8. But Dyson's naming system is cryptic enough that even I can't predict what the subsequent model will be.
Dyson also has a lot of sub-models, because its naming scheme isn't confusing enough. Each one has a different number of included tool attachments and accessories. Every model (V7, V8, V10, V11, V15, etc.) seems to introduce new sub-models, so the list just keeps growing, and then there are discontinued sub-models that show up as old stock on websites, typically on sale.
Detect isn't exactly a sub-model, but rather part of the name of the V15 Detect and V12 Detect Slim. It refers to the laser detection system that measures particle size and count to customize suction power.
Absolute is usually the king-of-the-hill version with the most attachments. I can't list them all, because they vary based on parent model, but expect a variety of brush nozzles, crevice attachments, and motorized roller heads to scrub tough grit off hard floors and out of deep-pile carpets.
Allergy used to mean that it came with an upgraded filter that traps 99.99 percent of bacteria and dust, so it expels cleaner air than regular models, but after the V7, all Dyson stick vacs started including the upgraded filters. It's largely a legacy designation now, and it hasn't been used on newer models.
Motorhead sounds fancy, but it's the low-end sub-model that comes with a motorized head, a couple of basic brush and crevice tools, and that's about it. It's mostly a holdover from the V7 days. Dyson has found other names for basic sub-models.
Origin, Fluffy, and Animal come with relatively few attachments. The Fluffy and Animal don't come with any unique attachments particular to usefulness in cleaning up after pets; it's just become shorthand for "base model with fewer attachments." The same is true for the Origin, although its name makes more sense.
Fluffycones is a new variation introduced by the Pencil Vac that describes the unique cone-shaped fluffy rollers in the head. So far it's only in that vacuum, but I'm curious if Dyson will include it in future models.
Dyson isn't above combining sub-model names. The more names Dyson slaps onto a model, the more attachments it comes with. For example, the V8 Animal Pro comes with more stuff than the Animal, but the Animal Pro+ comes with even more than that.
You will also notice that we mention the different accessories in each model, which vary depending on the model you buy. These make your vacuum more versatile, making it easier to tackle specific parts of the house. If your vac doesn't come with an accessory you want, you can always purchase it separately. But it can be tough to discern which one does what, especially if this is your first Dyson. (Save on top Dyson vacuums and accessory bundles with our exclusive Dyson promo codes.)
Below, we break down some of the most common accessories Dyson offers and what each one is specifically designed for.
Motorbar cleaner head: This one comes equipped with 43 detangling vanes that automatically wrap hair from the brush bar as you clean your floors. That way, you don't have to worry about it getting stuck on the cleaner head itself. It's compatible with the Dyson V8 and Dyson Cyclone V10 range.
Fluffy Optic cleaner head: This one comes with an angled blade of light that Dyson says shows you “twice the amount” of invisible dust on hard floors as its predecessor (which is compatible with the V15 Detect and V11). It's ideal for darker flooring where dust can be hard to spot. It's compatible with the Gen 5 Outsize and Gen 5 Detect.
Combination tool: This is a mix between a wide nozzle and brush, so you can easily switch between cleaning and dusting with one tool. It's compatible with Dyson Gen 5detect, Gen 5outsize, V15, V12, V11, V10, V8, and V7. A version of this tool is also available for upright models including the DC41, DC47, Dyson Ball, Cinetic Big Ball, and Light/Slim Ball.
Rotating combi crevice tool: This is a new attachment designed for the Pencil Vac cleaners. It's similar to the combination tool you'll find on the V15 and Gen 5 Detect with a sliding brush that covers a nozzle, but this one is a slim crevice nozzle instead of a wide one.
Hair screw tool: Similar to the motorbar cleaner head, this is an anti-tangle conical brush that picks up both long hair and pet hair. But it's designed for small spaces—I use it on the couch and my sheets to pick up loose strands. It's compatible with the Dyson Cyclone V10, V11 (including the models with click-in battery), V15 Detect, V15 Detect Submarine, and V8 (with star pre-filter).
Crevice tool: This is great for areas that are narrow and hard to reach, like corners or in between car seats. It's compatible with the Dyson Outsize, V15, V12, V11, V10, V8, and V7.
Tangle-free turbine tool: This one has a counter-rotating brush that removes hair from upholstery and carpets. It's also free of a brush bar, so you don't have to worry about hair getting wrapped around it. The full list of compatible vacuums can be found here.
Groom tool: The pet groom tool is great for medium- and long-haired dogs. The flexible bristles capture loose hair and dead skin cells. You can see the full list of compatible models here.
Carbon-fiber soft dusting brush: This brush is built to pick up fine dust on more delicate surfaces like blinds, lampshades, mirrors, and more. It also has a self-adjusting brush plate that automatically adjusts suction to maximize the amount of dust it picks up. It's compatible with the Dyson DC47, Ball Animal, Ball, Ball Animal 2, and Multi Floor 2.
Multi-angle brush: This brush is ideal for high-up areas in your home (like the tops of cabinets or light fixtures). It twists and locks at different angles. It's compatible with a long list of upright models (as well as the cordless V6 and V11), which you can see here.
Reach-under tool: The reach-under tool bends, extends, and twists to remove dust and debris from awkward spaces (like between car seats, behind radiators, and in tough corners). It's compatible with the DC47, Ball Animal, Ball Animal 3, Ball, Ball Animal 2, Multi Floor 2, Big Ball, Light/Slim Ball, and Small Ball. It also works with the Dyson V11 cordless.
For more options, you can check out Dyson's official site, which lists accessories for both cordless and upright vacuums.
When unboxing your new vacuum, I recommend downloading Dyson's companion app—My Dyson (i OS, Android)—and registering your device to activate your warranty, which is two years for cordless models and five years for corded. The coverage goes into effect on the day you buy it, so long as you have proof of purchase. If you don't, the warranty will kick in 90 days after the manufacture date. The warranty covers replacement parts (including batteries and certain parts), repairs (Dyson will collect the machine free of charge, or you can visit one of its Service Centers), and replacements. If the repairs can't be done, Dyson will fully replace it for you. You can check here for a full list of what it does and doesn't cover.
When your warranty is up, you'll have to buy the replacement parts. Dyson offers spare filters, batteries, chargers, specific parts (V-ball wheels, axles and rollers, and rear edges), and accessories for purchase. You can go directly through Dyson's site (which is accessible via the app), but stock fluctuates depending on the specific part you're looking for. You can also purchase them through authorized sellers like Amazon and Walmart. If you're looking elsewhere, it's important to make sure these parts are genuine Dyson parts (you can do this by checking that Dyson is the retailer through the third-party seller you're purchasing from). Dyson offers a 12-month warranty on its genuine parts, and those sold by other brands may not be covered. Inauthentic parts may not fit or work properly either—regardless of whether the seller claims they're compatible—and could damage the vacuum entirely. I made the mistake of ordering new filters through a third-party seller for the Dyson V15 I was testing at the time, only to find they were too small.
Dyson vacuums are expensive, so it's important to maintain yours—this helps to increase its longevity and maintain its powerful suction. If you have a cordless model, the company suggests cleaning the filter once a month (at least).
You can clean the filter (on both cordless and upright models) by removing it, tapping lightly on the side of your garbage bin or sink, and rinsing it with cold tap water (Dyson says not to use any detergents). Then, fill the filter with warm tap water, cover the open sides with your hands, and shake it firmly to remove dirt. You should repeat these steps until the water runs clear, at which point you can then shake the filter to get rid of any excess water. You should then let the filter dry for at least 24 hours in an area that has airflow (like near a fan or open window). Once it's fully dry, you can place it back into the body. To clean the canister, use a damp microfiber cloth.
You can also clean the roller cleaner head by cutting away any hair using scissors (depending on the Dyson you have, you might need to use a screwdriver to remove the plate on the cleaner head). If your model comes with a soft brush bar, you can clean that too. Remove it from the cleaner head (take the end cap off too), hold it under running water while gently rubbing it to remove dirt and lint, and let it dry for 24 hours. If you're using an upright vac, you can also clean the hose by running it under warm water. As with the rest of the parts, you should let it dry for 24 hours before reattaching it.
Some of Dyson's cordless vacs, like the V15 Detect and Gen 5 Detect, don't stand upright. The battery has a flat back so that you can rest it against a wall, but it's not the most stable. The company includes a wall dock with these models, and there's also a spot to place the charging cable so the device stays charged on the dock. It's simple to install (you may need a drill), but it's the ideal storage solution.
Make sure you have all the proper accessories: the front casing, back plate, screws, charger, and wall plug.
Drill two holes in the wall based on the recommended measurements in the manual.
Place the jack plug on the front casing and make sure the charging cable is secured behind the front casing.
Push the jack cover down to make sure the jack plug is secure.
Clip the front casing onto the backplate and push it in to secure it.
Plug the wall plug into an outlet and you're all set.
From there, you can attach the vacuum to the wall dock. For visuals on how to install it, you can also watch Dyson's step-by-step video.
Dyson is launching more and more models with freestanding docks, including the Pencil Vac and the Clean+Wash, and the Dyson Piston Animal is due to have a docking station that it can self-empty into. If you'd be more interested in a freestanding dock instead of a wall-mounted stand, check out Dyson's newest vacuums.
Not always. There's no cycle to when Dyson will release new products or whether a new model will replace something in the lineup or just add to the existing one. Some of Dyson's newest vacuums don't launch in every market right away, either—the Digital Slim and Pencil Vac, for example, were available only in Asia at first. This year has had several new Dyson launches, including the Spot+Scrub AI robot vacuum and Pencil Vac, which came to North America, and there are a couple more new models still due to arrive.
If you're looking for even more of a budget buy, Dyson moves older models down the product lineup, so the top model from three years ago might be today's value option. You can even usually find discontinued Dyson vacs at a steep discount as old stock sells out. Dyson's official e Bay outlet occasionally has exclusive deals on outgoing models, too.
WIRED tests vacuums within home environments to see how they'd work for day-to-day messes and buildup. We test them on carpets, rugs, staircases, and hard floors like hardwood, vinyl, and tile to see how well they do at picking up dust, dirt, and debris. We also make sure to test every attachment for its intended use, but the main focus is using the vacuum itself like a normal person would to see if it's worth investing in.
How Does WIRED Acquire Its Review Samples? What Happens to Them After Testing?
WIRED acquires review samples in a handful of ways: they can be provided by a company (though if provided, WIRED doesn't promise coverage or what that coverage will be) or purchased by WIRED. Writers can also write about items they've purchased themselves. For this guide, all of these picks were all provided as review samples for WIRED staffers to test.
After we're done testing, samples are either returned, donated, or held onto for long-term testing. Dyson vacuums are a category I like to long-term test since there isn't very much turnover in the lineup, making it possible for us to spend longer testing a Dyson without needing to move on to the model that replaced it.
Memorial Day Appliance Deals + Up to an Extra
Key Takeaways
- Shopping for the best Dyson vacuum can feel like you’ve been sucked into one
- If you can't figure out which one to buy, I've got you covered
- Discover the best Dyson vacuum to buy for your needs below
- Updated May 2026: I've added notes on the Dyson Pencil Vac, Spot+Scrub AI, and Clean+Wash released this year, and ensured links and prices are up to date
- The Best Dyson Cordless Vacuum Photograph: Nena Farrell Photograph: Nena Farrell Courtesy of Dyson Chevron Chevron Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Dyson V15 Detect599 (20% off) Amazon (V15 Detect)650 (24% off) Best Buy (V15 Detect Extra)850 Dyson Stick vacuums get all the attention, and in most cases, they should
