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Dyson V12 vs. V15

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

Looking for a top-of-the-line Dyson stick vacuum, but not sure where to start? Today’s comparison is a head-to-head of two of the best Dyson vacuums available in the V Series to date—the V12 vs. the V15

There’s a decent price jump between these two models, but is that also reflected in the performance or special features?

Find out now, let’s get started.

Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Dyson V12
  • Suction: 150 AW
  • Run Time: ~60 mins.
  • Dustbin: 0.38 L
  • Weight: 5.2 lbs.
  • Cleaning: 98.6%
Dyson V15 Detect
Dyson 15 Detect
  • Suction: 230 AW
  • Run Time: ~60 mins.
  • Dustbin: 0.77 L
  • Weight: 6.8 lbs.
  • Cleaning: 99%

Table of Contents

🧪 Performance

So right out of the gate, let’s talk about the performance. The performance of a Dyson (or really any cordless stick vacuum) is rarely one factor alone.

Dyson V15 Detect
Dyson V15 Detect

Instead, we look at multiple factors that work together to create a final performance score.

The three different factors we test for include:

  • Cleaning Performance — how well it cleaned 4 different types of debris on three different floor types
  • Motor Performance — how strong is the suction
  • Run Time Performance — how long the battery lasts

Let’s run through the results and see how these two vacuums compare.

Cleaning Performance

WINNER: Dyson V15

For cleaning performance tests, we perform a total of 12 tests using four different debris types and three different flooring types.

ModelOverallHardwoodsLow CarpetHigh Carpet
Dyson V1298.6%99.5%98.5%97.8%
Dyson V1599%100%99%99%

We test on engineered hardwoods, low pile carpet, and high pile carpet and against a mix of the following debris types:

  1. Cereal (dry)
  2. Rice
  3. Kitty litter
  4. Sugar (granulated)
Cleaning test debris types
Testing Debris – From left to right: Rice (3 oz.), Kitty Litter (3 oz), Cereal (1 oz), Sugar (3 oz)

Overall Cleaning Scores

V12

98.6%

V15

99%

Dyson V12 Cleaning Performance

The Dyson V12 has fantastic cleaning performance on all floor types. It has sufficient power and suction to clean up most messes we tested, regardless of the floor type.

Hardwoods

99.5%

Low Pile Carpet

98.5%

High Pile Carpet

97.8%

The one area where the V12 struggled a little was cleaning small debris out of high pile carpet.

The max suction of the V12 is 80aW less than the max suction of the V15, giving the V15 over 50% more power than the V15.

Dyson V12 Detect Slim hardwood - before test
Dyson V12 Detect Slim hardwood – before test
Dyson V12 Detect Slim hardwood - after test
Dyson V12 Detect Slim hardwood – after test

That being said, for any of the other debris tested or floor types, the difference was negligible.

MORE: Click here to see full cleaning tests of the Dyson V12.

Dyson V15 Cleaning Performance

Testing on all three floor types, the Dyson V15 did fantastic—nearly a flawless performance. The scores were between 99-100% of all of the debris we tested.

The V15 has a number of benefits working in its favor, including increased suction, a larger dust bin, and an in-line configuration.

Hardwoods

100%

Low Pile Carpet

99%

High Pile Carpet

99%

For these cleaning tests, we used both the soft Fluffy roller cleaning head and the High Torque cleaning head.

Dyson V15 hardwood floor tests
Dyson V15 hardwood floor tests

One quick note to mention about cleaning carpet. On our first test, we used the High Torque cleaning head on Boost Mode and it was actually a bit too much suction.

Having too much suction can create an excessive amount of pull on the carpet fibers and make it difficult for the cleaning head to get on top of large debris like cereal and rice.

Dyson V15 Low Pile Carpet Tests
Dyson V15 Low Pile Carpet Tests

The solution?

Running the V15 in Eco Mode solved this problem entirely, without sacrificing any performance.

MORE: Click here to see full cleaning tests of the Dyson V15 Detect.

Motor Performance

WINNER: Tie

Both the V12 and the V15 use rotational motors that spin quickly to generate suction power.

Dyson V15 Detect
Dyson V15 Detect

Both the V12 and V15 have motors that can spin at up to 125,000 RPM. This is faster than the power of older models Dysons (V8 or V6) which maxed out at a speed of 110,000 RPM.

ModelMax RPMsMax Suction (AW)
Dyson V12125,000 RPM150 AW
Dyson V15125,000 RPM230 AW

Run Time Performance

WINNER: Tie

Both the Dyson V12 and the V15 have approximately a 60-minute run time.

Dyson V15 Detect
Dyson V15 Detect

According to Dyson, both the V12 and V15 have a 60-minute run time.

Dyson V12

60 mins

Dyson V15

60 mins

Both vacuums use a click-in battery and additional batteries can be purchased if you want to always have one charged and ready to go.

MORE: If you want an extra battery and twice the run time, splurge for the Dyson Outsize.

What about other cleaning modes?

The V12 and V15 both offer three different cleaning modes. Modes with stronger suction will drain the battery faster, while modes with less suction will have extended run times.

Cleaning Modes

  • Eco Mode: uses the least amount of suction and generates the longest run time
  • Auto Mode: varies the suction as needed, depending on floor type
  • Boost mode: uses the most suction and generates the shortest run time

We put each of these modes to the test by running each vacuum in each mode with a full battery. The test is completed when the battery has no charge left.

Here are the results of our tests:

Dyson V12

  • Eco: 51:22 mins
  • Auto: 33:29 mins
  • Boost: 7:28 mins

Dyson V15

  • Eco: 68:30 mins
  • Auto: 45:30 mins
  • Boost: 8:55 mins

From this test, we can see that even though they both have a 60-minute run time from Dyson, the run time performance is not identical.

Even though the V15 has more suction (and needs more power to run), the battery was still about to generate a longer run time by over 17 minutes compared to the V12.

🧬 Design

The Dyson V12 and V15 have a lot of similarities that overlap between the two models, but some notable differences as well. Despite the numerical sequence, the V15 actually preceded the V12 by over a year.

  • V15 launch date: March 2021
  • V12 launch date: June 2022

The V15 hit the market as the most powerful lightweight cordless vacuum from Dyson to date and the V12 came on its heels as a lighter alternative and particularly aimed at pet owners.

Similarities include:

  • 2-in-1 stick vac or handheld
  • Quick-release attachment system
  • Variable modes
  • Assortment of tools and attachments
  • Washable filter

Differences include:

#FeatureDyson V12Dyson V15
1Digital displayYesYes
2Piezo sensorYesYes
3Cleaning headsLaser Slim Fluffy+ High TorqueLaser Slim Fluffy + High Torque
4Max Suction150 AW230 AW
5Click-in batteryYesYes
6Run TimeUp to 60 minsUp to 60 mins
7ConfigurationIn-LineIn-Line
8Dust Bin Capacity0.38 L0.77 L
9On/Off ControlButton (one press ON) Trigger (continuous hold)

Let’s dive a little deeper into the differences between these two Dyson models.

#1. Digital Display

Dyson V12

Yes

Dyson V15

Yes

Both the Dyson V12 and V15 come with an advanced digital display on the back of the body, and the screens are nearly identical.

Both screens allow you to access or modify:

  • Cleaning mode
  • Estimated remaining run time
  • Maintenance alerts
  • Particulate data

V12 Digital Display

Dyson V12 Detect Slim display
Dyson V12 Detect Slim display
Dyson V12 Detect Slim display
Dyson V12 Detect Slim display

V15 Digital Display

Dyson V15 display screen
Dyson V15 display screen

What is particulate data?

Sensors that can detect particle size and quantity are designed into the body of the V12 and the V15. The results of those readings are shown on the digital display on the back of the unit.

Dyson V15 display
Dyson V15 display

#2. Piezo Sensor

Dyson V12

Yes

Dyson V15

Yes

The ability to detect and count particulate in your debris is all thanks to a little Piezo sensor in the vacuum. Again, both the V12 and V15 have the capability to detect and remove debris at a particulate level. These two models are currently the only two Dyson vacuums that can do this.

#3. Cleaning Heads

Dyson V12

Includes:

  • Motorbar
  • Laser Slim Fluffy

Dyson V15

Includes:

  • High Torque 2.0
  • Laser Slim Fluffy

In regards to cleaning heads, both the V12 and V15 come with two that are designed to basically do the same thing, but with different names.

High Torque 2.0 vs. Motorhead

Dyson V15 High Torque head
Dyson V15 High Torque cleaning head
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Motorbar bottom
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Motorbar bottom

Both of these cleaning heads use the hybrid design of a spiral bristle brushroll with rubberized components.

Laser Slim Fluffy

The Laser Slim Fluffy cleaning head comes with the V12 and the V15 Detect vacuums as well. This cleaning head is improved over the standard fluffy roller we saw with the older Dyson models.

Dyson V15 laser under lit conditions
Dyson V15 laser under lit conditions
Dyson V15 laser in the dark
Dyson V15 laser in the dark

The Laser Fluffy head has a removable brushroll that you can wash with warm water. Allow it to air dry for 24 hours and then reinstall.

#4. Suction Power

The motors on the V12 and V15 are capable of generating a maximum suction power of 230 AW and 115 AW.

Dyson V12

150 AW

Dyson V15

230 AW

While these numbers are pretty far apart, I wouldn’t say that there was a huge performance gap due to suction (at least not on our 12 cleaning tests).

Where the V15 is really going to pull ahead is pulling ultra-fine debris out of carpets. The added suction power and improved brushroll both work together to make that possible.

#5. Click-In Battery

Dyson V12

Yes

Dyson V15

Yes

The V12 and the V15 both use a click-in battery, which is easy to charge up and swap out (if you purchase an extra battery).

Click-in battery on the Dyson V15
Dyson V15 click in battery

#6. Run Time

Dyson V12

51:22

Dyson V15

68:30

*Above run time is on Eco-mode.

Dyson V12

  • Eco: 51:22 mins
  • Auto: 33:29 mins
  • Boost: 7:28 mins

Dyson V15

  • Eco: 68:30 mins
  • Auto: 45:30 mins
  • Boost: 8:55 mins

According to Dyson, the V15 and the V12 have an identical 60-minute max run time, but when we ran our own tests, we found that the V15 consistently had longer performance times, on all 3 available cleaning modes.

The crevice tool on the V8 is attached by a quick release button
The tools attach by a quick release button

There are a number of different factors that can affect battery life. Some of these include:

  1. Flooring type
  2. Suction level
  3. Cleaning mode
  4. Debris type
  5. Attachments

#7. Configuration

Dyson V12

In-Line

Dyson V15

In-Line

Another similarity between these two models is the in-line configuration. Prior to the release of the V10, Dyson V-series vacuums had a more traditional configuration (see vacuum at the top of the image below).

Both the V12 and the V15 have an in-line configuration where the cleaning head, extension wand, and dust bin are all in a straight line. This change allows for stronger suction, a new way to empty the dust bin, and a large digital display on the back of the unit.

Dyson in-line configuration vacuum comparison

#8. Dust Bin Capacity

Dyson V12

0.38 L

Dyson V15

0.77 L

Dyson V12 Detect Slim open dustbin
Dyson V12 Detect Slim open dustbin

The dustbin on the V15 is larger and can hold about 1.75 cups of additional debris compared to the smaller dustbin of the V12.

#9. On / Off Control

Control is a fairly big difference between the V12 and V15. On the V12, the control is powered by an on / off button on the top of the vacuum. But on the V15, the vacuum is powered by a red trigger.

Dyson V12 Detect Slim power button
Dyson V12 Detect Slim power button

Holding the trigger down powers the vacuum and anytime you let it go, the vacuum turns off.

The benefit of the trigger is that you only use exactly how much battery you need. But the benefit of the button is that you can turn it on and not have to worry about it again. It will continue to run until you turn it off.

Size & Dimensions

Dyson V12

  • Length: 49.1″
  • Width: 9.8″
  • Height: 9.9″
  • Weight: 5.2 lbs.

Dyson V15

  • Length: 49.6″
  • Width: 9.8″
  • Height: 10.3″
  • Weight: 6.8 lbs.

The V12 and V15 are pretty comparable in size, with the V12 being slightly more low-profile and over 1.5 lbs. lighter.

Accessories & Parts

The exact list of parts and accessories can vary depending on exactly which sub-model you go with.

There are two versions of the Dyson V12:

The only difference is the included accessories. The Absolute comes with everything that the Detect Slim has, but also has three additional tools—the fabric and mattress too, up-top adapter, and a mini soft dusting brush.

There are three versions of the Dyson V15:

The model we reviewed in this comparison is the V15 Detect. The Detect+ has a few different accessories and a HEPA filter. The Detect Absolute has the most amount of accessories.

Dyson V12 Detect Slim

Dyson V12 Detect Slim unboxed

Includes:

  • Wand (with wand clip)
  • Motorbar cleaning head
  • Laser Slim Fluffy cleaning head
  • Hair screw tool
  • Combination tool
  • Crevice tool
  • Wall Mount
  • Click-in Battery
  • Charger

Dyson V15 Detect

Dyson V15 tools, accessories, & attachments

Includes:

  • Wand (with wand clip)
  • 2.0 High Torque cleaning head
  • Laser Slim Fluffy cleaning head
  • Hair screw tool
  • Combination tool
  • Crevice tool
  • Soft dusting brush
  • Stubborn dirt brush
  • Wall Mount
  • Click-in Battery
  • Charger

NOTE: The Absolute versions of the V12 and the V15 will include added bonuses and other tool attachments not found in the regular versions.

Tools & Attachments Explained

Here’s a rundown of common parts and accessories:

Wand

Dyson wand for stick vacuums

The wand is the longest part of the vacuum and provides extended reach in handheld mode or brings the vacuum to a comfortable height for running as a stick vac.

*Included on all V12 and V15 models

High Torque 2.0

Dyson V15 High Torque head

The second version of the High Torque cleaning head has good performance and includes polycarbonate teeth to help prevent hair tangles.

*Included on the V15 only

Motorbar

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Motorbar logo

This is essentially the same cleaning head as the High Torque, although it is given a different name.

*Included on the V12 only

Laser Slim Fluffy

Dyson V15 Fluffy soft cleaning head

The Laser Fluffy cleaning head has a low-profile brushroll, a green laser light, and the washable brush separates from the housing for easy maintenance.

*Included on all V12 and V15 models

Hair Screw Tool

Dyson V15 Hair Screw tool

Both the V12 and V15 include a Hair Screw tool. This tool uses a tapered screw design to pull hair into the system and prevent tangles.

*Included on all V12 and V15 models

Combination Tool

Dyson V11 combination brush

Both the V12 and V15 models have this combination tool. This add-in has a wide-mouth crevice tool as well as a soft dusting brush combined into a single tool.

*Included on all V12 and V15 models

Crevice Tool

Dyson V15 crevice tool

The traditional crevice tool is a bit narrower and with a longer neck for getting into more hard-to-reach spaces.

*Included on all V12 and V15 models

Dusting Brush

Dyson V15 dusting brush

A soft dusting brush comes standard with the V15. As the name suggests, this tool is good for dusting hard surfaces or more delicate objects.

*Included on the V12 Detect Slim Absolute and V15 Detect only

Dirt Brush

Dyson V15 Stubborn dirt brush

The stubborn dirt brush has much stiffer bristles than the dusting brush and is useful to break apart stubborn dirt from dense carpet fibers or ground-in debris.

*Included on the V15 only

Wall Mount

Dyson wall mount
Dyson wall mount

The wall mounts for the V12 and V15 are also similar. Basically, this installs onto a wall and allows you to hang the vacuum for storage. You can also clip in 2 tools to the bottom.

*Included on all V12 and V15 models

Click-In Battery

Click-in battery for the Dyson V11

The V12 and V12 both come with a click-in battery which makes it easier to charge the vacuum.

*Included on all V12 and V15 models

Charger

Dyson V15 charger

The charger is an optional way to charge the V12 and V15. It is designed to plug into the click-in battery directly or into the body of the unit. This is an option if you prefer to not remove the battery.

*Included on all V12 and V15 models

Fabric & Mattress Tool

fabric and mattress tool dyson

The fabric and mattress tool is only included with the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute. It is designed to better clean fabric, upholstery, or bedding.

*Included on the V15 Absolute only

Up-Top Adapter

Dyson up-top adapter

The up-top adapter is only included with the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute. This tool allows you to attach other cleaning tools to the head of the adapter and clean the tops of surfaces that you can’t see.

*Included on the V12 Absolute only

👍 Usability

The usability of the V12 and the V15 is basically identical between both models. Out of the box, it only takes about 5 minutes before you’re ready to start cleaning.

Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

  1. Unbox the vacuum and all parts.
  2. Charge the battery prior to first use.
  3. Assemble the vacuum into the desired configuration.

For handheld use, you attach cleaning tools directly to the body of the vacuum. You can also use the extension wand if you want to clean hard-to-reach spaces.

For stick vacuum use, attach the extension wand and then select a cleaning head.

Which cleaning head do I need?

  • For hardwood cleaning, opt for the laser slim fluffy cleaning head.
  • For carpet or area rugs, use the High Torque cleaning head (V15) or the Motorbar cleaning head (V12).

Which model is more user-friendly?

Concerning usability, both the V12 and the V15 are basically identical. They both have particle detection, 2 cleaning heads, a handful of tool attachments, and a digital display.

If you really want to slice the grain, the V15 could probably edge out the V12 by a small margin. The V15 has a hair longer run time as well as having a larger dustbin so you don’t have to empty it as often.

V12: On/Off Button

Dyson V12 Detect Slim power button

V15: Trigger

Dyson V15 handheld mode

I will also mention again here that the V12 has an on/off button and the V15 has a continuous-hold trigger. Depending on personal preferences, you may find one or the other to be more user-friendly.

🔧 Maintenance

Maintenance for the V12 and the V15 is basically the same. This short list of tasks includes:

  1. Empty the dust bin
  2. Wash the filter (about once per month)
  3. Charge the battery
  4. Clear the brushroll of any clogs or tangles
  5. Wash the Fluffy cleaning head
  6. Replace the battery as needed

#1. Empty the dust bin

varies based on model

Emptying the V15 dust bin

#2. Wash the filter

wash about once a month

Washable HEPA filter

#3. Charge the battery

takes about 4.5 hours

Click-in battery on the Dyson V15

#4. Clear the brushroll

of any hair or tangled debris

Dyson V15 High Torque cleaner head hair removal tests

#5. Wash the brushroll

on soft roller heads only

Dyson soft roller brush cleaning head

#6. Replace battery

as needed

Dyson V Cylone Motor

📰 Specifications

SpecsDyson V12Dyson V15
TypeStickStick
ManufacturerDysonDyson
ModelV12V15
Length49.1"49.6"
Width9.8"9.8"
Depth9.9"10.3"
Weight5.2 lbs.6.8 lbs.
Floor TypeAll (indoor)All (indoor)
Dustbin Capacity0.38 L0.77 L
Click In BatteryYesYes
Run TimeUp to 60 minsUp to 60 mins
CordlessYesYes
BaglessYesYes
ReturnsVaries by retailerVaries by retailer
Warranty2 Year limited2 Year limited
PriceCheck PriceCheck Price
ReviewRead ReviewRead Review

🥇 Which Dyson is Best?

Both the V12 and the V15 have very similar features. Think of it almost like a big brother (V15) and little brother (V12) kind of Dyson relationship.

Dyson V12 Detect

Dyson V Detect Tn

Read Review

Dyson V15 Detect

Dyson V Animal Cordless Stick

Read Review

Should you buy the Dyson V12?

I would recommend the Dyson V12 to people who:

  • Want a lightweight model: If you want a lightweight Dyson, but don’t want to sacrifice the high-tech features (like particulate detection or the advanced digital display), then the V12 is a good pick.
  • Excellent cleaning performance: Despite its lower suction levels, the cleaning performance of the V12 is still fantastic. The only area where it kind of struggled was cleaning small debris from high pile carpet (kind of to be expected, honestly).

Click here to check out the Dyson V12 price.

Should you buy the Dyson V15 Detect?

I would recommend the Dyson V15 Detect to people who:

  • Want a larger dust bin: The dust bin of the V15 Detect is twice the size of the dustbin on the V12. To hold more debris and empty the bin less frequently, the V15 could be the better choice.
  • Want longer battery life: The difference isn’t huge, but technically the V15 does offer a slightly longer battery life compared to the V12 Detect.

Click here to check the Dyson V15 price.

🔰 Dyson Comparisons

Looking for more in-depth side-by-side Dyson comparisons? See our complete list below:

Also see our Best Dyson vacuums guide for a broader overview of Dyson vacuums and popular models.

The Last Word

Well, that’s all we’ve got for today. Both the V12 and the V15 offer an advanced stick vacuum with advanced particle detection and an onboard digital display.

The V12 is basically a slightly smaller version of the V15 with a smaller dustbin, a lighter body, and an on / off button instead of the classic Dyson trigger.

Depending on what exactly you’re looking for, either of these models would be high-end vacuums with excellent performance.

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.