Dyson V11 Torque Drive vs. Outsize vs. Animal vs. Outsize Origin

Dyson is at it again with another release into the V11 family. The newest variant is the Dyson V11 Outsize. The Outsize joins the V11’s existing Torque Drive and Animal models.

Below, we’re taking a deep dive to compare these the four V11 models. It’s Dyson V11 Torque Drive vs. Outsize vs. Animal vs. Outsize Origin.

Let’s go!

Review Scores

Design

The design of these four different V11 models is similar in design. They are all 2-in-1 stick vacuums that can be used as a handheld vacuum or a stick vacuum.

We’re going to hit a few of the design highlights of the V11 series including:

• Trigger control
• Airflow
• Cyclone power
• Battery power
• LCD display

Trigger

The V11’s all use the trigger button to turn the vacuum on and off. As you clean, you simply hold the button down. Once you let go, the vacuum turns off.

While the trigger design could be taxing if you have limited strength in your hands and wrists, for most users the trigger is a nice feature and prevents you from wasting battery life when the vacuum is not in use.

Airflow

All of the V11 vacuums also have advanced airflow. In older Dyson stick vacuums, the design of the dust bin reduced airflow and held less debris.

The V11 rotated the dust bin from this older style and allows the air to flow more directly from the cleaning head all the way to the dust bin.

Cyclone Power

Suction power is one area that differs on the Dyson V11. The Outsize and Outsize Origin uses an updated cyclone design that integrates up to 18 cyclones.

In comparison, the Torque Drive and Animal only use 14 cyclones and those extra cyclones provide extra suction power in all modes.

Check out the comparison below:

Battery Power

The V11 Outsize and Outsize Origin both use click-in batteries. For convenience, the Outsize comes with 2 batteries and the Origin comes with just 1 battery. The battery can be charged in the vacuum or detached.

In Q4 2020, Dyson updated both the V11 Animal and Torque Drive to include a click-in battery system. This brings them on-par with the Outsize’s clickable system.

Below are the charge times for each model:

Even though all of the V11 vacuums take 4.5 hours to charge, the V11 Outsize wins this category since it has a second battery that you can use while the first one is charging.

LCD Display

The Dyson V11 Outsize, Torque Drive, and Outsize Origin come with an LCD display on the top of the vacuum. This LCD can be used to:

1. Change cleaning modes (Eco Mode, Auto Mode, or Boost Mode)
2. See remaining run time
3. Receive maintenance alerts

The Dyson V11 Animal includes a more basic LED screen that provides the same information with illuminated lighting, but not a dynamic screen.

If you want to take a deeper dive into these models see our standalone Dyson V11 reviews below:

• Dyson V11 Torque Drive review
• Dyson V11 Outsize Review

Size and Dimensions

When it comes to size, the Outsize and Outsize Origin stand apart from the Torque Drive and Animal as well.

The Outsize models are larger and more powerful than the rest of the V11 family.

Here are the exact sizes of each model:

Dustbin Size

Aside from the size of the vacuum, the size of the dustbin is another area that vastly differs between these models.

The dustbin on the V11 Outsize is 150% larger than the dust bin on the V11 Torque Drive and V11 Animal.

Dustbin Capacity

• V11 Outsize: 0.5 gallons / 1.89 L (approx. 7 cups)
• V11 Outzie Origin: 0.5 gallons / 1.89 L (approx. 7 cups)
• V11 Torque Drive: 0.2 gallons 0.76 L (approx. 3.2 cups)
• V11 Animal: 0.2 gallons 0.76 L (approx. 3.2 cups)

Parts & Accessories

Different Dyson submodels generally are going to come with different accessories as one of the factors that differentiate models.

This has been the pattern for older Dyson V-Series models as well, like the V8 and V10 as well.

Here is a quick look at what you’ll get with the Dyson V11 Torque Drive. Accessories for the V11 Animal will look identical to the image below with the exception of the soft dusting brush.

The V11 Animal does not come with the soft dusting brush.

Accessories for the https://www.amazon.com/s?k=dyson+outsize&crid=S9XSD3Z6Z1DO&prefix=dyson+outsiz%2Caps%2C145&tag=mc_1001-20&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 outsize are similar. The biggest difference here is the addition of the click-in battery and an additional charger for that.

The standard Outsize comes with 2 batteries and the Outsize Origin, Torque Drive, and Animal all come with 1 battery. Below are the accessories that are included with the V11 Outsize:

What’s in the box?

Here’s a complete list of what you’re getting with each V11 vacuum.

• Wall dock & charger: allows you to store and charge with V11 vacuum (included with all V11 submodels)
• Click-in battery & charger: charge the battery separate from the rest of the vacuum for easier charging (Outsize comes with 2 batteries; Outsize Origin, Torque Drive, and Animal come with 1 battery.)
• Wand: converts the vacuum from a handheld vacuum to a powerful stick vacuum (included with all V11 submodels)
• Wand clip: makes it easy to store one accessory on the vacuum as you clean (included with all V11 submodels)
• Mini-motorized brush: uses a small motorized brushroll to clean upholstery, automotive interiors, beds, curtains, etc. (included with all V11 submodels)
• Soft dusting brush: soft brushes can be used for dusting furniture, fans, blinds, etc. (not included with the V11 Animal)
• Crevice tool: a long narrow tool used for cleaning crevices or narrow spaces like between cushions, furniture, or automobile interiors; also good for collecting larger debris like rice or cereal (included with all V11 submodels)
• Combination tool: doubles as a shorter crevice tool and a soft dusting brush; easy to switch between the two modes (included with all V11 submodels)

Performance

In terms of performance, all four of these models are really top-of-the-line and are designed with extremely high-quality parts and suction power.

They all have intelligent suction for varying floor types and have brushrolls designed to tackle a variety of debris types with unwavering performance.

To really gauge performance, we put these vacuums through a series of tests on various floor types.

We tested on hardwoods, low pile carpet, and high pile carpet and against multiple debris (including sugar, rice, kitty litter, and cereal).

Although there are four different submodels of the V11, there are only two different body styles:

1. V11 Torque Drive & Animal
2. V11 Outsize & Outsize Origin

For simplicity, we tested the V11 Torque Drive vs. V11 Outsize models.

Here’s what we found.

Cleaning Results

One note would be in regards to the V11 Outsize on carpeted floors. The V11 Outsize has stronger suction on Max mode compared to the V11 Torque Drive (220 AW vs. 180 AW).

This stronger suction initially made it a little difficult to suck up larger debris types, like rice and cereal.

When we ran the first test of the Outsize , the vacuum seemed to pull too hard on the high pile carpet, which didn’t allow enough separating between the debris and the carpet for anything to actually be collected.

This test was on Boost mode.

When we re-ran the test on Eco mode (with less suction) and did a couple of extra passes with the vacuum, we noticed the performance drastically improve.

This test was on Eco Mode.

For more data and before / after photos see our complete Dyson V11 Torque Drive tests and Dyson V11 Outsize tests.

The Brushroll

The brushroll plays a big part in the overall performance. The Torque Drive / Animal brushroll is narrower and lighter.

In comparison, the V11 Outsize / Outsize Origin brushroll is 25% wider and also heavier.

If you’re concerned with cleaning time, the V11 Outsize head could clean the same space in approximately 25% less time.

Usability

These 2-in-1 Dyson vacuums are easy to set up and use. All of the parts use quick-release connections, which makes it easy to swap between various cleaning tools.

All of the V11 vacs can still turn on a dime and lay almost completely flat.

The overall maneuverability of the Outsize and Outsize Origin is a little worse, thanks to its larger motorhead, dustbin, and wider cleaning path.

The Outsize also feels heavier in-hand due to its larger size.

In-hand, here are the exact weights of each model.

• V11 Outsize / Outsize Origin: 5.4 lbs (with no attachments)
• V11 Torque Drive / Animal: 4.2 lbs (with no attachments)

You can see in the image below that the Torque Drive has fewer cyclones and a smaller dust bin so it’s a little more manageable.

Maintenance

Overall maintenance for all the V11 vacuums is basically the same. The shortlist of items to keep an eye on include:

1. Empty the dust bin, as needed. Note: Since the dust bin on the Outsize models is larger, you won’t have to do this step as often.
2. Recharge or replace the battery, as needed. The battery on all V11 models is designed to last the life of the vacuum. The battery can run for up to 60 minutes before needing to be recharged (or swapped out with an alternative battery). The batteries take approximately 4.5 hours to recharge.
3. Check the brushroll for tangles or debris. Keeping the brushroll looking good is an important step to maintaining peak performance suction.
4. Wash the filter, as needed. All V11 vacuums also have a washable HEPA filter. You can use cold water to rinse the filter as needed and allow it to set out for 24 hours to air dry.
5. Watch for maintenance alerts. Any pertinent maintenance alerts will show up directly on the LCD screen, making it easier to know when an issue needs to be addressed.

Specification Comparison

See our comprehensive Dyson V11 Torque Drive vs. Animal vs. Outsize vs. Outsize Origin comparison chart below:

Which V11 is Right for You?

On the fence about which V11 is the best option for your needs? Here’s a quick overview of which model might be for you.

I would recommend the following based on specific needs.

If you want the longest run time…

I would recommend the Dyson V11 Outsize. With 2 click-in batteries, it’s easy to clean while the other battery charges. When it’s time to switch, you simply interchange the batteries and have a minimal interruption.

If you want a lighter vacuum…

I would recommend the Dyson V11 Torque Drive or the V11 Animal. Both of these are smaller and lighter than the Outsize models and may be easier to maneuver as well.

If you want quicker cleaning cycles…

I would recommend the V11 Outsize or Outsize Origin. Both of these use a cleaning head that is 25% wider than the head on the Torque Drive or Animal stick vacuums.

If you want the best value…

I would recommend the Dyson V11 Animal. This vacuum offers the best value because it comes in at the lowest price and still has excellent performance. The biggest differences include the lack of (1) the soft dusting brush, (2) click-in battery, and (3) LCD screen.

For more information on Dyson check our Best Dyson vacuums guide or drop us a comment below with your questions. We’d be happy to help!

Updates

• December 1, 2020 – Dyson recently made a change to the design of the V11 Torque Drive and Animal adding a click-in battery to both. We have updated the page to reflect that change.
• March 18, 2020 – Initial version of the page was published.