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Dyson V10 vs. V11

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

In today’s vacuum battle, we’ll be comparing 2 of the best cordless vacuums on the market, the Dyson V10 vs. V11.

Which vacuum is better for you? Let’s find out now.

Dyson V Absolute Vacuum Review
Dyson V10
  • Suction: 140 AW
  • Run Time: ~60 mins.
  • Dustbin: 0.76 L
  • Weight: 5.8 lbs.
  • Cleaning: 99%
Dyson V
Dyson V11
  • Suction: 185 AW
  • Run Time: ~60 mins.
  • Dustbin: 0.76 L
  • Weight: 6.68 lbs.
  • Cleaning: 99%
YouTube video

Dyson V10 vs. V11 Differences

The Dyson V10 and Dyson V11 are cordless stick vacuums and part of Dyson’s V-series lineup. Both the V10 and V11 have a 60 minute run time and include a number of cleaning tools.

The V11 has a higher max suction (220 AW vs. 145 AW), a click-in battery system, and an intelligent brushroll.

Dyson V10 and Dyson V11
Dyson V10 & V11 in handheld mode.

Both the V10 and V11 use a multi-surface brushroll powered by a digital motor spinning up to 125,000 per minute. The design, long battery life, and powerful suction make the V10 and V11 two of the best cordless vacuums on the market.

The Dyson V10 released in March 2018 and the Dyson V11 released in March 2019.

The Dyson V10 is available in Absolute, Animal, & Motorhead versions. While the Dyson V11 is available in the Torque Drive, Animal, and Outsize.

Prefer to watch rather than read? You can find our full Dyson V10 vs. V11 video review below.

Cleaning Tests

At Modern Castle, we put all of the vacuums through our standard vacuum cleaning tests.

These cleaning tests are designed to test a vacuum’s range of cleaning performance, from large debris to small.

We perform a total of 12 debris tests, using 3 different flooring types and 4 types of debris. We test on engineered hardwoods, low pile carpet, and high pile carpet.

Dyson Cleaning Test Performance

Dyson V10

99%

Dyson V11

99%

For more detailed cleaning testing data please see our full review of the Dyson V10 here and the Dyson V11 here.

Hardwood Floor Cleaning

When cleaning hardwoods, the Dyson V10 and Dyson V11 were extremely similar.

Both models scored between 98-100% on all debris types, making either of these vacuums an excellent choice for vacuuming dry debris (of all sizes) from hardwood floors.

Dyson V10 Results

Cereal

100%

Kitty Litter

100%

Rice

98%

Sugar

100%

Dyson V10 hardwood floor cleaning tests
Dyson V10 hardwood cleaning tests

Dyson V11 Results

Cereal

100%

Kitty Litter

99%

Rice

99%

Sugar

100%

Dyson V11 hardwood cleaning results
Dyson V11 hardwood cleaning tests

Low Pile Carpet Cleaning

For the low pile carpet tests, we continued to see success from the V10 and V11 models, with the V10 capturing 99% of all debris types and the V11 getting a perfect score at 100%

Dyson V10 Results

Cereal

99%

Kitty Litter

99%

Rice

99%

Sugar

100%

Dyson V10 low carpet cleaning test
Dyson V10 low carpet cleaning tests

Dyson V11 Results

Cereal

100%

Kitty Litter

100%

Rice

100%

Sugar

100%

Dyson V11 low carpet cleaning performance
Dyson V11 low carpet cleaning performance

High Pile Carpet Cleaning

What else can we say? Cleaning performance, even on high pile carpet was simply astounding. Against all debris types, both the V10 and the V11 captured over 99% of debris.

Dyson V10 Results

Cereal

100%

Kitty Litter

100%

Rice

99%

Sugar

100%

Dyson V10 high carpet cleaning test
Dyson V10 high carpet cleaning tests

Dyson V11 Results

Cereal

99%

Kitty Litter

100%

Rice

100%

Sugar

100%

Dyson V11 high carpet cleaning performance
Dyson V11 high carpet cleaning performance

Run Time Tests

According to Dyson, both the V10 and V11 have up to a 60-minute run time. Dyson’s run time estimates are based on using the vacuum in low power with a non-motorized attachment.

You can see the full run time test results below:

Dyson V10

(in minutes)

  • Max Mode: 5:30
  • Normal Mode: 26:50
  • Eco Mode: 49:40

Dyson V11

(in minutes)

  • Max Mode: 7:30
  • Normal Mode: 47:40
  • Eco Mode: 82:45

**Run-time tests were completed with the Torque Drive for V10 and High Torque for V11

Design Compared

First up, let’s talk about the design differences.

The Design of both of the Dyson V10 and V11 are similar. They seem to be built on the same design platform.

The V10 and V11 use the same or similar:

  • Extension wand
  • Dust bin (exactly the same size)
  • Digital Motor (spinning up to 125,000 RPMs)
  • Multi-surface cleaning head (Torque Drive for V10 and High Torque for V11)
  • HEPA filter
  • Set of accessories and tools
Dyson V10 cordless vacuum
Dyson V10

Both vacuums use Dyson’s trigger switch, which powers the vacuum, but only while you hold the button down. This is designed to help preserve and extend battery life.

Dyson V11 Torque Drive cordless stick vacuum cleaner review
Dyson V11

The Dyson V10 and Dyson V11 are 2-in-1 vacuums. You can use the vacuum as a full-sized cordless stick vacuum or as a portable cordless handheld vacuum.

Dyson V10 vs. V11 in handheld mode
Dyson V10 vs. V11 in handheld mode

Since the launch of the Dyson V7, Dyson has used a quick release system for all of the V-series tools and attachments. The V10 and V11 use this same system.

Dyson V10 vs. V11
Dyson V10 (right) and Dyson V11 (left)

Perhaps the biggest update to the V11 compared to the Dyson V10 is an improvement in usability.

Digital Screen

The Dyson V11 adds a digital screen to the back of the V11 motor. Depending on which V11 sub-model you decide to go with, there are a few subtle differences.

  • V11 Torque Drive: The screen on the Torque Drive is LCD and it shows the current cleaning mode, remaining battery life (countdown in minutes), and short performance and maintenance videos.
  • V11 Animal: The screen on the Animal is LED and it shows the current cleaning mode, estimated remaining battery life (as a battery icon, not actual minutes). This model also does not include the performance or maintenance videos.
  • V11 Outsize: The screen on the Outsize is LCD and basically identical to the screen on the V11 Torque Drive.
Dyson V11 on vacuum display
Dyson V11 Torque Drive LCD display and cleaning modes

The Dyson V11 (in both sub-models) also has an intelligent suction mode. This allows the vacuum to increase / decrease suction based on what the cleaning surface requires.

Lastly, the Dyson V11 Torque Drive and Animal include a click-in battery. This makes replacing the battery in the future easier and also gives you the option for having a 2nd battery on-hand for longer run times.

How Does the V10 & V11 Clean?

Similar to older models in the Dyson V-series, both the V10 and V11 rely on Dyson’s patented cyclone cleaning system for powerful suction. Both vacuums use a 15-cyclone system, arranged across two tiers.

Unlike older models, which located the cyclones perpendicular to the extension wand (in the shape of a T), the cyclones of the V10 and V11 are designed in-line with the extension wand. This creates a more streamline look and (according to Dyson) better suction performance.

Dyson V10 and V11 cyclones
Dyson V10 and V11 cyclones

One of the biggest differences between the V10 and V11 is the soft roller head (aka fluffy head) included with the V10 Absolute.

Fluffy Cleaning Head

The Fluffy cleaning head was designed specifically for hard surfaces floors and does a better job of cleaning those floors as well as capturing large debris types. However, it’s only included with the V10 Absolute and isn’t included with any V11 models.

The V10 Absolute does a fantastic job at hardwoods and one of the best picks for cleaning hardwood floors (see our full guide for more).

Dyson V10 Fluffy soft roller cleaning head
Fluffy soft roller cleaning head

In all honesty, this is something that I feel is really lacking from the V11. With so many other great improvements that the V11 brings to the table, it seems a little unusual for Dyson to leave this cleaning head out of the package.

This is especially true because the attachment mechanism is virtually identical between the V10 and V11.

That said, you can purchase a soft roller head for the V10 and V11 separately here.

High Torque Cleaning Head

The V11’s primary (if only) brushroll is the High Torque cleaning head. It’s quite similar to the Torque Drive cleaning head included with the V10.

Dyson V11 cleaning head
Dyson V11 High Torque cleaning head

However, the biggest difference is it uses intelligent suction to adapt suction power to different floor types automatically. You can manually override it if you choose, but it’s a nice usability feature for many users.

Torque Drive Cleaning Head

The Dyson V10 includes the Torque Drive cleaning head. Both this, and the V11’s High Torque head, were significant upgrades to the Direct Drive head included on the V8.

Dyson V11 Torque Drive cleaning head
Dyson V11 – Torque Drive cleaning head

The Torque drive cleaning head uses a spiral brushroll that is better at agitating carpet fibers, while also being safe for hardwood floors.

Direct Drive Cleaning Head

As a side note, the Dyson V10 Motorhead does have a different cleaning head than the others.

Direct Drive cleaning head
Direct Drive cleaning head

It includes the Direct Drive cleaning head instead of Torque Drive. This cleaning head is also included with the Dyson V7 and Dyson V8. It removes 25% less dust and dirt than the Torque Drive cleaning head, according to Dyson.

The list below is a quick outline of which cleaning heads are included with each Dyson in the V10 and V11 series.

Dyson V10 vs. V11 Cleaning Heads

  • Dyson V10 Absolute: includes Torque Drive and Fluffy cleaning head
  • Dyson V10 Animal: includes Torque Drive cleaning head only
  • Dyson V10 Motorhead: includes Direct Drive cleaning head only
  • Dyson V11 Torque Drive: includes High Torque cleaning head only
  • Dyson V11 Animal: includes High Torque cleaning head only
  • Dyson V11 Outsize: includes High Torque XL cleaning head only (25% wider than original)

Both the V10 and V11 operate as a stick vacuum or portable handheld vacuum.

The conversion between stick to handheld is as easy as pushing one button to detach the cleaning head (and wand if desired) and snapping on the correct handheld attachment you want.

You can even use the motorized cleaning heads without the wand for great suction when cleaning upholstery or car interiors.

RELATED: Check out this quick read for the best car vacuum.

How big is the V10 & V11?

The difference in size between the Dyson V10 and V11 is quite slight. The biggest difference is that the V11 is about half a pound heavier and 0.75″ taller than the V10.

Dyson V10 Size

  • Height: 49.2″
  • Length: 9.8″
  • Depth: 10.1″
  • Weight: 5.9 lbs.

Dyson V11 Size

  • Height: 50.6″
  • Length: 9.8″
  • Depth: 10.3″
  • Weight: 6.68 lbs.

What accessories come with the V10 & V11?

Like most other categories we’ve reviewed so far, there’s just not a lot of differences between the Dyson V10 and Dyson V11 when it comes to accessories.

They both have nearly identical accessories and support the same functions.

AccessoryDyson V10Dyson V11
WandYesYes
ChargerYesYes
Wall mountYesYes
Direct-Drive brushrollMotorhead model onlyNo
Torque Drive brushrollAbsolute & Animal modelsNo
High Torque brushrollNoTorque Drive & Animal models
High Torque XL brushrollNoOutsize model only
Fluffy brushroll Absolute model onlyNo
Combination toolYesYes
Crevice toolYesYes
Dusting brushYesTorque Drive & Outsize models
Mini-motorized toolYesYes
Stubborn dirt brushNoYes

Please note: There may be other model variations depending on your country and special retailer SKUs not listed above. The Dyson V10 Motorhead, for example, is the least expensive and includes only basic accessories (crevice tool and combination tool).

Accessories included with the Dyson V10
Dyson V10 cleaning accessories

Dyson V10 & V11 Cleaning Heads

Remember too, there are differences in the cleaning head based on which model you select.

Between the V10 and the V11, there are different cleaning heads:

  • Direct Drive: offers 25% less suction than the Torque Drive; available on V10 Motorhead only
  • Torque Drive: spiral brushroll, great for cleaning deep carpets, but still gentle enough for hardwood floors; available on V10 Animal and V10 Absolute
  • High Torque: similar to the Torque Drive cleaning head, but uses intelligent suction
  • High Torque XL: same basic design as the original High Torque, but 25% wider (available on the V11 Outsize only)
  • Fluffy: uses a soft roller for gently cleaning hardwoods and capturing large debris; only available on the V10 Absolute. But you can purchase standalone here for other models.

Aside from the cleaning head, the physical accessories included are pretty similar between the two V10 and the V11.

Dyson V11 cordless vacuum - accessories
Dyson V11 cleaning accessories

Dyson Accessories Explained

Here is a quick rundown of the function of each accessories noted in the table above:

  • Charger: plugs into a wall outlet and connects to the handheld portion of the vacuum for charging the battery before cleaning cycles
  • Docking station: connects to the wall and allows you to hang up your Dyson
  • Extension wand: provides the needed length to operate as a stick vacuum or allows you to reach high spaces when used in handheld mode
  • Mini soft dusting brush: includes soft bristles that are close together, great for cleaning furniture, blinds, and fans
  • Combination tool: doubles as a crevice tool and dusting brush, combined into one quick-action tool
  • Crevice tool: is longer and narrower than the crevice tip of the combination tool; great for reaching into couch cushions or hard-to-reach spaces
  • Mini motorized tool: motorized brushes spin in opposite directions from each other and is great for capturing pet hair off of upholstery, without the risk of tangles
Dyson V10 & V11 reach
Both the V10 and V11 can reach into high places

How easy is it to use the Dyson V10 & V11?

Regarding usability, we began to see a few differences between the V10 and the V11.

Unboxing

Both vacuums came mostly assembled right out of the box, besides needing to maneuver a few “quick release” latches to create the exact configuration that we wanted.

That being said, the “quick release” latches really are that simple. With the push of one large red button, you can easily snap on / off different accessories and cleaning heads. It’s an intuitive system and wasn’t hard to operate, with minimal effort.

RELATED: Full list of all Dyson vacuums reviewed

Setup

The setup for the V10 and V11 is also virtually identical. You can use the wall-mounted dock if you’d like to hang up your vacuum or just plug the handheld unit into any wall outlet, using the provided charger.

Daily Use

Concerning daily use, the V10 and V11 use a lot of the same systems. They both have the “trigger” control for running the vacuum, which helps to preserve battery life.

Both the V10 and V11 are great for cleaning cars
Both the V10 and V11 are great for cleaning cars

The V11 has the added advantage of the digital screen on the back of the motor, which provides smart details about cleaning mode, remaining run time, and performance and maintenance videos (videos provided on the V11 Torque Drive model only).

Emptying the Dust Bin

Emptying the dust bin is basically the same on both models. With both vacuums, it’s a “point and shoot” type of release to empty the dust bin.

Dyson V11 - emptying the dust bin

Simple place the handheld over a trash bin, point the vacuum downward and slide the latch. This will open the hatch and forcibly remove the debris inside of the bin.

Unlike older models (like the Dyson V6), you don’t run the risk of having to reach your hand into the dust bin in order to pull out lodged debris.

Maneuverability Compared

Since the V10 and V11 has basically the same size, design, and accessories, their maneuverability is also basically the same.

Dyson V11 cordless vacuum - fully reclined
Dyson V11 cordless vacuum – fully reclined

It’s easy to squeeze under low furniture, make tight turns, and clean hard-to-reach places.

Dyson V11 and Dyson V10 turning radius
Dyson V10 making a sharp 90 degree turn

This is partly due to the design of the both of the vacuum, but also partly due to the fact that both of these vacuums come with a wide assortment of accessories that are easy to snap on and go.

What are the maintenance costs?

The maintenance costs for the Dyson V10 vs. V11 are also identical…a big fat zero.

Both the Dyson V10 and Dyson V11 will cost $0 / year in maintenance costs.

The low maintenance costs are due to a couple of different factors.

Lifetime washable HEPA

HEPA filters are one cost that can quickly drive up the annual maintenance costs of any vacuum, depending on how much each filter costs and how often it needs to be replaced.

Dyson washable V11 HEPA filter
Dyson washable V11 HEPA filter

The V10 and V11 get around this cost by using a lifetime washable HEPA filter. Dyson still offers replacements in case you lose or damage your filter.

To maintain them, simply wash once per month with cold water and allow them to air dry for 24 hours.

The Battery

The battery is the other area that can get pretty pricey in vacuum maintenance. While the battery used in comparable vacuums usually lasts a 3-5 years, the cost to replace it can be high.

However, with the V10 the battery will last 15 years, as quoted by Dyson’s founder, James Dyson.

While Dyson hasn’t explicitly said the V11 battery will last as long, we think it’s a reasonable assumption.

Because the battery lasts so long, the replacement cost is basically zero, considering that most users would likely upgrade the vacuum entirely before the battery dies.

RELATED: See all the vacuums we’ve tested and reviewed here (all brands)

How long does the battery last?

The battery with the V10 and V11 both has a run time of around 60 minutes, sometimes less depending on the cleaning mode and flooring type, but that’s where the similarities stop between these two models.

The Dyson V10 can be used as a handheld vacuum
The Dyson V10 in handheld mode

Here is where the V11 scores some points, in my opinion, as there are a few design advantages that this model (which the V10 does not) that may help make the battery last longer.

  • Intelligent suction control: The V11 will automatically adjust suction as it changes flooring types, meaning that you’re never use more suction power (or battery power) than in needed to clean the mess.
  • Remaining battery display: The V11 also has the ability to estimate exactly how much battery is remaining. This helps you to focus on the most important spaces first and know exactly how much cleaning time you have left. With the V11 Torque Drive, this display is a minute-by-minute countdown. With the V11 Animal, this display is a battery cell icon that gradually decreases size as the battery drains.
  • Click-in battery: Lastly, the Dyson V11 includes a click-in battery system, whereas the V10’s battery is permanently installed. The click-in battery on the V11 allows you to quickly swap in / out batteries for longer run times.

Is the V10 or V11 quieter?

Concerning noise, the Dyson V11 is quieter to operate than the Dyson V10, although not by a large margin. Depending on the exact cleaning mode of the V11, the difference can be noticeable or negligible.

You can see our exact results below.

To get these results, we measured the noise output from 3′ away while each vacuum was running on the selected cleaning mode.

Dyson V10

75-83 dB

Dyson V11

70-78 dB

Dyson V10 Noise (by cleaning mode)

  • Low mode: 75 dB
  • Standard mode: 80 dB
  • Max mode: 83 dB

Dyson V11 Noise (by cleaning mode)

  • Eco mode: 70 dB
  • Auto mode: 75 dB
  • Boost mode: 78 dB

Value Comparison

Concerning value, I would say that there are value advantages to both models and it’s hard to say if one is definitively better of a value than the other.

Strictly dollar per dollar, the Dyson V10 does cost less, but there are more factors to consider depending on what you’re looking for.

Best Value for Cleaning Performance

Winner: Dyson V10

If cleaning performance is your main aim, I would say that the V10 is the better value. This model costs less than the V11 and during our cleaning performance tests, it provided nearly identical results.

As an added bonus, this model also comes with the Fluffy cleaning head (if you get the V10 Absolute model), which can be handy in certain circumstances when dealing with hard surface flooring.

Best Value for Technology

Winner: Dyson V11

If you’re looking for the best advancements in technology and usability, the V11 is the better value. The digital display on the back of the motor is a huge bonus over the V10 and if you want the latest and greatest in technology, you will likely be impressed with the setup and upgrades of the V11 in this area.

Best Value for Raw Suction

Winner: Dyson V11

The Dyson V11 has more raw suction power than the V10. The V11 is able to create 185 AW of suction power on max mode (220 AW on the Outsize model), compared to the V10, which can only create 140 AW.

If your home requires more raw suction power to be effectively cleaned the V11 is probably the better choice.

Dyson V10 & V11 Specifications

SpecsDyson V10Dyson V11
TypeStickStick
ManufacturerDysonDyson
ModelV10V11
Length49.2"50.6"
Width9.8"9.8"
Depth10.1"10.3"
Weight5.9 lbs.6.68 lbs.
Floor TypeAll (indoor)All (indoor)
Dustbin Capacity0.77 L0.77 L
CordlessYesYes
BaglessYesYes
ReturnsVaries by retailerVaries by retailer
Warranty2 Year limited2 Year limited
PriceCheck PriceCheck Price

Comparison Summary

So quick summary recap. We’ve highlighted a lot of different areas in this review.

What are the main differences? Check them out below:

  1. Digital Screen: The V11 comes with a digital screen that displays cleaning mode, estimated run time remaining, and performance or maintenance videos (videos available on the Torque Drive & Outsize model only). The V10 model does not have a digital screen.
  2. Suction Power: The V10 model maxes out suction at 140 AW whereas the V11 model offers up to 185 AW. This is the strongest suction we’ve seen from any cordless stick vacuum to date.
  3. Intelligent Suction: The V11 also has technology that automatically determines the correct amount of suction needed for a floor type and adjusts the motor accordingly. This helps to prevent wasted battery life in areas where you don’t need max suction. The V10 model does not have intelligent suction.
  4. Fluffy Cleaning Head: The V10 Absolute comes with the soft roller Fluffy cleaning head, which can be really great for cleaning up messes (especially large debris) from hardwoods and other hard surfaces. The V11 model does not include the Fluffy cleaning head.
  5. Click-in Battery: Dyson V11 has a click-in battery. This allows you to upgrade / change out the battery down the road, as well as adding multiple batteries for longer run times.
  6. Wider cleaning path: If you’re looking for an XL cleaning head with a 25% wider cleaning path, check out the Dyson V11 Outsize. It offers the widest cleaning path of any V Series Dyson to date.

RELATED: Click here to read the full review of the Dyson V11 Outsize.

Should You Buy the Dyson V10?

The Dyson V10 is an exceptional vacuum and offers many high-end features that other vacuums simply don’t have.

James Dyson was so pleased with the design and performance of the V10 he was quoted saying: “…[the V10 is] why I’ve stopped developing corded vacuums.”

It’s lightweight, cordless, and provides excellent suction power and cleaning performance.

You Should Buy the Dyson V10 If You…

  1. Want a longer run time – For any cordless stick vacuum, a 60 minute run time is quite long. If you’re running on MAX mode, the run time will be shorter, but still, the time should be more sufficient for the majority of cleaning jobs.
  2. Want the Fluffy cleaning head – Compared to the V11 sub-models, the V10 Absolute is the only model that includes the Fluffy cleaning head. This tool is great for cleaning hardwoods.
  3. Want a lower price – Since launching in 2018 the price of the V10 is slowly decreasing. If you love a good deal, the V10 offers an excellent value for the money.

For more information or to buy, check out the Dyson V10 here.

Should You Buy the Dyson V11?

The Dyson V11 launched in March, 2019. It has some technical improvements that really shine in comparison to older Dyson models and certainly compared to most others outside of the Dyson lineup.

You Should Buy the Dyson V11 If You…

  • Want a digital display screen: The digital screen on the V11 is a less common feature, especially one this nice. The screen can tell you the remaining battery life and makes it easy to adjust cleaning modes as needed.
  • Want stronger suction: Compared to the V10, the V11 offers stronger suction, maxing out at 185 AW. The V10 maxes out at 140 AW.
  • Want intelligent suction: The intelligent suction feature makes it easy for the V11 to adjust suction power based on floor type. This feature can result in longer run times for the V11 since you won’t be wasting battery power on floor types where it’s not needed.

For more information or to buy, check out the Dyson V11 here.

ChangeLog

  • March 5, 2021 – Added a run test tests section. Improved formatting. Clarified a few points, opinions, and facts. Fact checked the comparison. Updated several outdated links. Corrected a few minor errors.
  • December 1, 2020 – Dyson recently upgraded the V11 with a click-in battery system. We have made updates above to reflect this change.
  • April 9, 2019 – Initial version of the comparison was published.

About Derek Hales

Derek HalesDerek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ModernCastle.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, She Knows, and other major publications. Derek has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University. Hales has been testing and reviewing products for the home since 2014.