Dyson Outsize vs. V11 Outsize vs. Outsize Absolute+

Review Scores

Table of Contents

• 🧪 Performance
• 🧬 Design
• 👍 Usability
• 🔰 Comparison Chart
• 🥇 Summary

🧪 Performance

All of three of these Dyson Outsize models have the same:

• Suction power
• Cyclone count
• In-line configuration
• Cleaning modes

Concerning performance, the only real differences are:

• A couple cleaning attachments
• The color

So moving right along, let’s dive into the performance data of the Dyson Outsize.

Our test data is based on the Dyson V11 Outsize. The Dyson Outsize & Outsize Absolute+ are functionally identical to the V11 Outsize, so their cleaning performance will also be identical.

The Results

As you can see, the performance on all floor types was exceptional, scoring 99-100%. For the record, all of these tests were run on Boost modes except for high pile carpet.

When cleaning high pile carpet we noticed that the Boost suction was just a little too much and it tended to pull the carpet fibers and make it harder for the cleaning head to get on top of the debris.

Our solution?

Alternating between Boost and Eco Mode allowed the head to stay on top of the debris and better clean the area.

Hardwood Floor Cleaning

Cleaning performance on hardwoods was exceptional—no complaints and 99-100% for all debris types.

Low Carpet Cleaning

Cleaning performance on low pile carpet was more or less the same as hardwoods—fantastic. It scored 100% for all debris types except for sugar where it scored 99%. It’s hard to get much better than that.

High Carpet Cleaning

Cleaning performance on high pile carpet was more of a struggle, as mentioned above.

On Boost Mode, it wasn’t able to clean any of the cereal and only captured 86% of the rice. Kitty litter and sugar seemed to be unphased and still captured all of the debris.

Here’s what the testing lane looked like when only using Boost mode.

Here are the results of the initial test:

So we ran the test a second time, this time alternating between Boost and Eco mode for different debris types. With this small change, we noticed a drastic improvement in performance.

On Eco Mode, the V11 Outsize cleaned up 100% of the troublesome debris types, cereal, and rice.

Here are the results when alternating between Boost and Eco mode.

The results below reflect the modified tests:

For our full tests and reviews please see the links below:

• Dyson V11 Outsize Review
• Dyson Outsize Review
• Dyson Outsize Absolute+ Review

How do we test?

The performance of the V11 Outsize was scored using four different debris types—dry cereal, kitty litter, rice, and granulated sugar.

Our process involves spreading the debris onto our testing lanes, which include three different flooring types—engineered hardwoods, low pile carpet, and high pile carpet.

Run Time Tests

In addition to cleaning performance, we also like to test the run time performance. According to Dyson, you can expect about a 60 minute run time from a single battery.

And all of the Outsize models come with two batteries so that’s a combined run time of 120 minutes.

We put the V11 Outsize battery to the test and achieved the following run times:

NOTE: Each of these tests were conducted with the High Torque XL cleaner head and only on a single battery. For two batteries, you could basically double the run time since all three of these Outsize models come with two batteries.

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🧬 Design

The design of all three of these Dyson Outsize models is similar. They are all lightweight, 2-in-1 cordless stick vacuums.

Outsize was created as a bigger and better version of the V Series Dyson. Here is a quick list of how the design compares to a standard size V Series Dyson.

*In this table, the Dyson V11 is the Torque Drive version, not the V11 Outsize.

Feature	Outsize	Dyson V11
Wider cleaning path	12.5″	10″
Larger dust bin capacity	1.69 L	0.77 L
Longer run times	Up to 120 mins	Up to 60 mins
Suction power	220 AW	185 AW
Cyclones	2-tier, 18 total	2-tier, 14 total

So what’s different? The design differences between all three of these Outsize models include:

1. Cleaning heads
2. Cleaning tools

The Cleaning Heads

There are two main types of cleaning head for the Dyson.

• #1. High Torque: a spiral brushroll that uses a mix of rubberized paddles and soft bristles for multi-floor cleaning.
• #2. Soft Fluffy: a soft roller which is designed for cleaning large debris or hard surface flooring, like hardwoods, tile, or vinyl plank

#1. High Torque

There are currently four versions of the High Torque cleaning head.

Cleaning Head	Included With
High Torque (1.0; standard)	Dyson V11
High Torque (2.0; with polycarbonate teeth)	Dyson V15
High Torque XL (1.0; standard)	Dyson V11 Outsize
High Torque XL (2.0; with polycarbonate teeth)	Dyson Outsize, Dyson Outsize Absolute+

Both the V11 Outsize and the newer Outsize both include a High Torque XL cleaning head. This head is designed for multi-floor cleaning and a wider cleaning path.

The High Torque XL head on the newer Outsize could be considered a 2.0 version because it includes a row of polycarbonate teeth that help prevent tangles.

The High Torque XL head on the V11 Outsize may be more like a 1.0 version since it skips this feature, but it does have the same cleaning path width.

#2. Soft Fluffy

There are also two versions of the Soft Fluffy head.

Concerning the Outsize, the Absolute+ is the only version that currently comes with a Fluffy cleaning head.

Cleaning Head	Included With
Soft Fluffy (standard)	V10 Absolute
Laser Slim Fluffy	Dyson Outsize Absolute+, V15

NOTE – You can purchase a soft roller cleaning head standalone here. The V11 version will work on any of the Outsize models.

I will also note here that none of the soft Fluffy heads are extra-wide like the High Torque cleaning heads.

The Laser Slim Fluffy head on the Outsize Absolute+ is the same cleaning head you’ll get with the Dyson V15.

It has a washable, central brushroll and also integrates an onboard laser which illuminates a green light onto the floor.

This floor-based light makes it easier to see small debris as you’re cleaning.

The Cyclones

All of these Dyson Outsize models use the same 2-tier cyclone system. Because of the size of the larger dust bin (which is also the same among all three models), the total cyclone count is right at 18.

The cyclone system helps to power strong, fade-free suction.

Suction Power

The max suction power on these Outsize models is also the same among all models. There are three different suction levels you can run on.

Suction levels at each mode are as follows:

• Boost: 220 AW
• Auto: 49.5 AW
• Eco: 24.9 AW

Boost mode will use the most power and therefore have the shortest run time before you’ll need to recharge. Running on Eco Mode will use the least amount of power and have the longest run time.

For low pile carpet or hard surface flooring, Eco mode can be a good way to conserve battery life without noticing a dip in performance.

Digital Display

All of these Dyson Outsize models also have a digital display on the back of the handheld.

The display screen shows the following information:

• Estimated remaining run time
• Cleaning mode
• Maintenance alerts

Each different cleaning mode is represented by a different color. Maintenance alerts are shown in orange.

You can easily cycle through the modes or display screens by pressing the button on the bottom of the display.

Size & Dimensions

Size is another area where there is a lot of overlap between these Outsize models. Because they all use basically the same body, the size is the same amongst all three models.

Here are the exact dimensions is:

• Length: 50.63″
• Width (cleaning head): 12.5″
• Weight: 5.4 lbs
• Dust bin capacity: 0.5 gallons or approximately 7.5 cups of dry debris.

The Outsize, V11 Outsize, and Outsize Absolute+ also come with the wider multi-floor cleaning head, which is 25% wider than the standard cleaning head.

What else comes with each Outsize?

Parts & Accessories

With all of the similarities between specs and size, accessories are where these Outsize models really break away from one another.

Differences between each particular model can be highlighted by the table below:

In addition, here are some quick pictures of what each accessory looks like.

Cleaning Heads

1. Laser Slim Fluffy (Absolute+ only): uses a soft roller brushroll to collect debris; standard cleaning path width (10″)
2. High Torque 2.0 (Outsize or Absolute+ only): multi-floor brushroll that uses a blend of soft bristles and rubberized components to capture debris, also includes anti-tangle polycarbonate teeth for improved performance; extra-wide cleaning path (12.5″)
3. High Torque 1.0 (V11 Outsize only): same as the 2.0, but without the polycarbonate teeth

Cleaning Tools

1. Mini motorized brush tool (V11 Outsize only): includes a small brush bar to clean hair and ground-in dirt
2. Hair screw tool (Outsize or Absolute+ only): the updated version of the mini motorized brush tool; has a tapered screw design for collecting hair and guiding it through the tool to prevent tangles
3. Click-in battery: two batteries are included that allow you charge both batteries are the same time
4. Crevice tool: a long narrow tool that helps to reach in between nooks or crannies, like next to furniture, between couch cushions, or car interiors.
5. Combination tool: works as a short crevice tool or soft dusting brush
6. HEPA filter: a washable filter that captures fine particulate and prevents the vacuum from recirculating it back into the air
7. Soft dusting brush: includes one soft dusting brush for wood furniture or delicate items
8. Stubborn dirt brush: a secondary brush with stiffer bristles for removing more stubborn dirt or ground-in debris
9. Docking station: a wall-mounted station that holds the vacuum and two tools
10. Charger: plugs into the back of the vacuum for a quick charge and also charges the quick-release click-in batteries when not in use

👍 Usability

So let’s talk about setup and usability for the Dyson Outsize models. Right out of the box, the setup is basically the same as other non-Outsize Dysons.

It arrives basically pre-assembled. All you need to do is snap together the parts you need for the particular cleaning job you’re doing.

For example…

• If you’re using it as a handheld, you can snap cleaning tools directly to the body of the vacuum. Charge up the battery, click it in, and you’re ready to go.
• If you’re using it as a stick vacuum, you can snap in the wand and select a cleaning head. It uses the same battery for both configurations so just click it in and get to cleaning.

How to attach tools?

All three of these Dysons also use the same Quick Attachment design for clicking in parts.

How to charge the battery?

The battery clicks into the body of the Outsize. Each of these models comes with 2 batteries which are each specified to have up to a 60 minute run time.

To charge, just release the battery from the handheld and plug it into the charger. Charging the battery takes about 4.5 hours.

Maneuverability

The maneuverability of each Outsize is identical because the size of each vacuum is identical. Because of the larger dust bin and additional cyclones, I generally prefer to use the Outsize in stick vac mode.

• As a handheld, it feels a little heavy and kind of awkward. I think it’s the XL dust bin that really weighs this model down in-hand and could be uncomfortable for extended periods of time.
• As a stick vacuum, I think it maneuvers pretty well, considering its size. Sure, it’s going to feel bulkier than non-Outsize Dysons, but the Outsize models have a wider cleaning path and are just generally bulkier so I think some of that is to be expected.

The benefits of stronger suction, larger dust bin, and a longer (cord-free) run time could easily offset the annoyance of a bulkier build.

🔧 Maintenance

Maintenance between these models is a wash. Each Outsize has the same list of maintenance items which include:

1. Empty the dust bin
2. Wash the filter
3. Clean the brushroll
4. Recharge the battery

1. Empty the Dust Bin

The dust bin capacity of any of these Outsize models is right around 7 cups, or 0.5 gallons. This means you can clean for longer amounts of time before needing to empty the bin.

When it is time to empty, there is a sliding red level on the back of the handheld that engages a “point and shoot” mechanism that opens the sealing hatch and sends debris flying into the trash can below.

2. Wash the Filter

The Outsize, Absolute+, and V11 Outsize all come with the same washable filter as well.

Simply rinse with water until it runs clean and allow the filter to dry for up to 24 hours before reinstalling.

3. Clean the Brushroll

Part 1: Watch for Clogged Debris

Tangles in any brushroll are never a good sign and can impact performance or cause lasting damage to the machine.

Be sure to keep an eye on tangles or clogs on the underside of the brushroll.

Part 2: Wash the Brushroll (Absolute+ only)

The Outsize Absolute+ is the only model in this comparison that comes with the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaning head.

This head has a washable brushroll that can easily be removed from the frame of the cleaning head and rinsed with water.

Like the filter, be sure to set out to dry for up to 24 hours before reinstalling and using it again.

4. Recharge the Battery

All three of these Outsize models come with two click-in batteries. This style of battery is relatively new and makes it easier to charge up the vacuum.

In addition, including two batteries with each Outsize ensures that you’ll always have a fresh one for extended run times.

Maintenance Alerts

Lastly, let’s review maintenance alerts. Again, all of these Outsize models have the same digital display screen on the back of the handheld, which provides maintenance alerts as they are needed.

Alerts like this can notify you of:

• Clogged debris
• Full dust bin
• Dirty filter
• Low battery
• And more

🔰 Comparison Chart

🥇Which Outsize Is Right For You?

So we’ve made it this far. Still not sure which Dyson Outsize is right for you? Here are the high-level highlights of what may help sway you towards one model or another.

If you want the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaning head…

Go with the Dyson Outsize Absolute+.

This is currently the only Dyson Outsize model that includes this new cleaning head that was recently unveiled with the release of the Dyson V15.

While this head isn’t extra-wide like the High Torque head is, it does have an on-board laser light which

Click here to check the price of the Dyson Outsize Absolute+.

If you want the newer tools, but don’t need the Fluffy head…

Go with the Dyson Outsize.

For the newer Hair Screw tool and the upgraded High Torque cleaning head (with polycarbonate teeth), the Dyson Outsize is a great option. These are great tools and especially nice if you have pets.

This model skips out on the Fluffy cleaning head, but during our tests we found the High Torque cleaning head to be more than sufficient for multi-floor cleaning, including hardwood floors.

Click here to check the price of the Dyson Outsize.

If you want the lowest sticker price…

Go with the Dyson V11 Outsize.

This model is slightly older than the newer Outsize or Absolute+. As with many things, the older the model the lower the price. However, you really aren’t giving up anything major by going with the V11 Outsize vs. the more bleeding edge models.

In the case of the Outsizes, the differences between a “cutting edge” model and an older Outsize is pretty minimal, in my opinion. Save a couple bucks and get the V11 unless the upgrades for the newer model are hyper-critical to you.

Click here to check the price of the Dyson V11 Outsize.

ChangeLog

• April 26, 2021 – Initial version of the page was published.