Dyson V8 vs Dyson V11: what's the difference?

When finding the best cordless vacuum for your home, the Dyson V8 and V11 are often top the list. Each has unique features and strengths, making it popular for different cleaning needs. In this article, I'll compare these two powerful vacuums to help you determine which one might best fit your lifestyle and cleaning tasks.

I also spoke with a cleaning expert who shared his thoughts on both models. So, whether you're dealing with pet hair, tackling stubborn dirt, or simply keeping your home tidy, I've got all the info you need to help you choose the right vacuum for your home. 

Dyson V8 vs Dyson V11: What are the key differences?

The Dyson V8 and Dyson V11 are great vacuums, but they have some key differences that can help you decide which best suits your needs. The V8 is a bit lighter, coming in at 5.58 lbs, while the V11 weighs 6.61 lbs. While this difference isn’t huge, the V8 is easier to handle for longer cleaning sessions, especially if you're doing a lot of lifting.

When it comes to run time, the V8 gives you up to 40 minutes on a full charge, which is decent for regular cleaning. But the V11 extends that to 60 minutes, making it better for larger homes or more demanding tasks. Plus, it charges faster, taking 4.5 hours than the V8's 5 hours.

In terms of power, the V8 delivers 115W of suction in powerful mode, but the V11 steps it up with 185W, making a noticeable difference in cleaning performance.

The bin capacity is another point where the V11 offers more, with 0.2 gallons compared to the V8’s 0.14 gallons, meaning fewer stops to empty it.

I spoke to Ross Pascale, director at Neeet House Cleaning in Melbourne, Australia, who has tried both Dysons at home. "If you want a powerful option, the V11 is the better choice, says Ross. "However, the V8 remains a great option for those not looking to spend as much or prioritize a lighter weight."

• Verdict: Overall, while the V8 is lighter and perfectly capable, the V11 offers more power, longer run time, and greater capacity for those needing more from their vacuum.

Dyson V8 vs Dyson V11: Price

The Dyson V8 is generally the more affordable, usually priced between $300–$400. Right now, it’s listed for $349.99 on the Dyson website, but you might find better deals at other retailers, especially during sales events such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. If you’re open to it, you can also snag refurbished Dyson V8s on places like eBay for a fraction of the price.

On the other hand, the Dyson V11 is a higher-end model that typically costs between $600 and $700, depending on the version. The standard V11 is priced at $569.99 on Dyson’s site.

• Verdict: The V8 is the more budget-friendly choice, while the V11 is more expensive due to its extra features and advanced technology.

Dyson V8 vs Dyson V11: Design and features

Starting with the design, the Dyson V8 is lightweight and compact, weighing 5.58 lbs, making it easier to maneuver, especially for quick, everyday cleaning. Its smaller size and lighter weight make it a great choice for those who want a versatile vacuum without bulk. The V11, the other hand, is slightly heavier at 6.61 lbs but still maintains Dyson's ergonomic design. The extra weight is due to the more powerful motor and larger battery, which supports its extended run time and added features.

In terms of features, the V8 is equipped with a Motorbar™ cleaner head, a crevice tool, a combination tool, and a hair screw tool, providing solid cleaning options across different surfaces. It offers 40 minutes of run time in powerful mode, sufficient for small to medium spaces. It also has 15 cyclones that work together to capture fine dust, and its 0.14-gallon bin is easy to empty with a simple ‘point and shoot’ mechanism.

"The V8 is a solid vacuum," says Pascale. "It's got good suction, lighter and more maneuverable. If you're on a budget or don't need all the bells and whistles, the V8 is a great option."

However, the Dyson V11 ups the ante with several advanced features. It also includes the Motorbar™ cleaner head, but this time, it features detangling technology to make light work of pet hair. It also includes a couple of extra attachments not available with the V8, such as a handy mini motorized tool for cleaning upholstery and stairs and a hair screw tool specifically for tackling pet hair without the fuss of tangles.

However, the V11's unique feature is an LCD screen that provides real-time performance data, including battery life and power mode updates. 

The V11 also features Radial Root Cyclone™ technology with 14 cyclones, ensuring powerful, fade-free suction. It offers up to 60 minutes of run time, making it better suited for larger homes or deep cleaning sessions. The click-in battery system allows you to swap batteries easily. The V11's 0.2-gallon bin is also larger, reducing the need for frequent emptying.

"The V11 is a beast", says Pascale. "It's got more power, a bigger dustbin, and many cool features. But it's also pricier. If you're looking for the ultimate cleaning machine and can afford it, the V11 is a great choice."

• Verdict: The Dyson V11 offers more powerful suction, extended run time, and intelligent features, while the V8 remains a solid, more affordable option for lighter cleaning tasks. 

Ross Pascale

Ross is the owner and director of Neeet House Cleaning, which has been servicing Melbourne households for over five years. He's cultivated a team of passionate cleaning experts and is a regular contributor to articles and guides on cleaning and vacuuming homes. 

Dyson V8 vs Dyson V11: Performance

The Dyson V8 and Dyson V11 perform well on hard floors and carpets, but they have some important differences in how they tackle various cleaning challenges.

The Dyson V8 handles hard floors and low- to medium-pile carpets well. It has decent suction for picking up dust, debris, and light pet hair, thanks to its Motorbar™ cleaner head. However, if you're dealing with thicker carpets or embedded pet hair, the V8 might struggle a bit. Its 115 W suction power can fall short for deep cleaning, especially in those challenging spots.

On the flip side, the Dyson V11 shines in this area. The powerful Dyson Hyperdymium™ motor boasts 185 W of suction power, making it a powerhouse for hard floors and high-pile carpets. One of its standout features is its ability to adjust suction levels based on the surface when cleaning automatically. So, when you switch from hard floors to carpets, the V11 ramps up its power for optimized cleaning. This makes it perfect for deep cleaning, effortlessly lifting ground-in dirt, dust, and pet hair that might give the V8 a run for its money. Plus, the anti-static carbon fiber filaments on the V11 are excellent for hard floors, ensuring fine dust doesn’t stand a chance.

If you have pets, the V11 has another major perk: its De-tangling Motorbar™ cleaner head. With built-in polycarbonate vanes that automatically lift hair from the brush bar, you won’t have to worry about tangles, making your cleaning routine smoother and easier.

"I own pets, and both vacuums are excellent for pet hair removal, thanks to their powerful suction and specialized attachments," says Pascale. "However, the V11 boasts a more powerful motor for deeper cleaning, and this, plus the automatic suction adjustment, offers an advantage on carpets."

• Verdict: While the Dyson V8 is great for general cleaning tasks, the Dyson V11 takes things up a notch, especially regarding deep cleaning and dealing with pet hair. Its smart suction adjustment and superior de-tangling tech make it the better choice for homes with pets or thicker carpets.

Dyson V8 vs Dyson V11: Cleaning modes

While the V8 has two solid cleaning modes, the Dyson V11 is more versatile. It allows you to switch easily between three power modes.

Eco mode provides up to 60 minutes of run time on hard floors or when using a non-motorized tool in handheld mode, making it ideal for longer cleaning sessions on all floor types. Medium mode strikes the perfect balance of power and run time for various cleaning needs. Finally, Boost mode delivers powerful suction for more intensive spot cleaning, ensuring you have the right power for every task.

• Verdict: If versatility and adaptability are important, the V11's increased range of modes makes it the better choice over the V8.

Dyson V8 vs Dyson V11: which is best?

The Dyson V8 and V11 vacuums are great choices but cater to different needs. The V8, weighing 5.58 lbs, is a lighter, more budget-friendly option, ideal for those who prioritize ease of handling during everyday cleaning tasks. It offers up to 40 minutes of run time and adequate suction power, making it suitable for small to medium spaces. However, it may struggle with deep cleaning on thicker carpets or tackling large amounts of pet hair.

On the other hand, the Dyson V11 is a powerhouse, weighing 6.61 lbs and boasting an impressive 60 minutes of run time. Its 185W suction power, combined with intelligent features like automatic suction adjustment, makes it exceptional for hard floors and carpets, especially in homes with pets. The larger bin capacity of 0.2 gallons means fewer interruptions when emptying it.

• Verdict: Ultimately, if you want a lightweight vacuum that gets the job done without breaking the bank, the V8 is a great option. However, if you're looking for a more powerful, feature-rich vacuum for thorough cleaning, the V11 is worth the investment.