Dyson V15 vs. Outsize

If you’d rather watch than read we’ve got our full Dyson V15 vs. Outsize video comparison below:

🧪 Performance

The performance of any cordless stick vacuum plays a huge part in the overall success or failure of the product. To assess the full performance of the V15 Detect and Outsize, we break it down into three factors:

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

Cleaning Performance

These cleaning tests are designed to test a vacuum’s full range of cleaning performance, from large debris to small. We perform a total of 12 debris tests, using four different flooring types and four types of debris.

The following scores are a reflection of the total percentage of debris removed in our tests by weight.

Test	V15	Outsize
Hardwood	100%	99%
Low Pile Carpet	99%	99%
High Pile Carpet	99%	100%

We test on engineered hardwoods, low pile carpet, and high pile carpet. The scores below indicate an average score across all flooring types, by each model.

Overall Cleaning Scores

On each of those floor types, we test rice, dry cereal, kitty litter, and sugar.

• Rice 
• Dry Cereal 
• Kitty Litter 
• Sugar

Dyson V15 Cleaning Performance

The Dyson V15 Detect has nearly flawless performance on all floor types, ranging between 99-100% of debris collected.

These tests were completed with the V15 using a mix of the soft Fluffy roller cleaning head and the High Torque cleaning head.

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

One note, let’s talk about cleaning on carpet. On the carpet, we noticed that the suction power was a little too intense, causing it to pull carpet fibers and make it difficult to get on top of large debris.

We were able to remedy this by alternating between Boost mode and Eco mode, which showed better performance than just using Boost alone. At least for some debris types.

Dyson Outsize Cleaning Performance

We haven’t been able to personally test the cleaning performance of the Dyson Outsize, but we have tested the Dyson V11 Outsize.

The V11 Outsize is functionally identical to the Outsize. Differences come down to attachments. As a result, we are confident in the following data.

On all three flooring types, cleaning performance was between 99-100% against all debris types.

Again, we’ve got to make the note about super suction on carpet, like the V15. When only using Boost mode, suction was too high, but when alternating between Boost and Eco, the performance was nearly flawless.

MORE: Click here to see full cleaning tests of the Dyson V11 Outsize.

Motor Performance

Both the V15 and the Outsize have strong motors, which spin at up to 125,000 RPM.

More RPM (revolutions per minute) equates to stronger suction, consistent suction, and improved cleaning performance.

While the motor performance is the same in terms of RPMs, the Dyson V15 is able to generate slightly more suction power than the Dyson Outsize. The V15 creates a maximum of 230 AW of suction power, while the Dyson Outsize creates 220 AW.

Run Time Performance

When it comes to run time, the Outsize takes the lead with nearly twice the run time as the V15. Exact run time are listed below.

Within these run time estimates, there are some variations. Both the V15 and the Outsize run in three different modes:

1. Eco – longest run time, lightest suction
2. Auto – balance of suction and run time
3. Boost – shortest run time, strongest suction

We ran in-house tests to get a better idea of the exact run time and here is an outline of our results:

All in all, the results were pretty consistent between the V15 and the Outsize. However, the Outsize does have a notably longer run time in Eco mode and is a couple minutes shorter on Boost.

Bear in mind, these tests are only a single battery. Since Outsize includes 2 batteries you can effectively double those run times.

NOTE: These run time tests were completed using all available suction levels and using the primary multi-surface cleaning head. Also, the results for the Outsize were taken from the V11 Outsize results since these vacuums have nearly identical specs.

Click-in Battery

In addition, both the V15 and the Outsize have a click-in battery that snaps into the base of the handheld portion of the vacuum.

The click-in battery was a new advancement on the Dyson V11 and including it on the V15 and Outsize can make it easier to charge the vacuum and swap between two batteries.

The V15 comes with 1 battery included and the potential to purchase additional batteries later. These are not yet available for purchase. The Outsize (and the Outsize Absolute+) already come with 2 batteries.

How do they clean?

Both the V15 and Dyson Outsize use a similar cyclone system, although the exact sizing is a little different.

The V15 uses a two-tier, 14-cyclone system, while the Outsize uses an 18-cyclone system.

The 18-cyclone system on the Outsize includes more cyclones and has a larger body, but more cyclones don’t equal more suction. On the contrary, the V15 actually has more suction than the Outsize (by 10AW).

🧬 Design

The Dyson V15 and Outsize have a similar design and feel, but with one big difference—the size.

If you’re looking for a larger dust bin capacity, wider cleaning path, and stronger suction, the Dyson Outsize is a better choice.

Here’s a more complete list of the similarities between the V15 and Outsize:

Similarities include:

• Quick-release attachment system
• Trigger on/off system
• 3 Modes: Eco, Auto, and Boost
• Assortment of tools and attachments
• Washable filter
• Click-in battery

Differences include:

• Digital display
• Piezo sensor
• Cleaning heads
• Cleaning path width
• Suction power
• Run time

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

#1. Digital Display

The Dyson V15 and Outsize have digital displays on the back of the handheld. They can both communicate estimated run time, current cleaning mode, and any maintenance alerts.

The Outsize basically stops here, as far as features go.

The V15 has the added benefit of also displaying colorful bar charts with particle data. These graphs separate collected debris into four different groups ranging in size and list the particle count at the top of each bar.

#2. Piezo Sensor

The upgraded digital display on the V15 is made possible by an internal piezo sensor that detects particulate size.

This sensor can detect even the smallest change in particle size or density.

As changes are detected, it can send signals to the cleaning head, which automatically adjusts the suction power to accommodate the variable debris types.

The Dyson Outsize does not have a Piezo sensor and therefore cannot detect particle size or quantities.

#3. Cleaning Heads

RELATED: Want the Outsize vacuum, but also the Laser Slim Fluffy head? Check out the Dyson Outsize Absolute+.

What is the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaning head?

The Laser Slim Fluffy cleaning head uses a soft roller, designed primarily for hard surface flooring. There is an optional LED light that can shine down on the floor and make it easier to see debris on the floor.

This cleaning head is only on the newest Dyson models, like the V15 Detect and the Dyson Outsize Absolute+. The standard Dyson Outsize does not include this cleaning head.

What is the High Torque cleaning head?

The High Torque cleaning head is a multi-surface cleaning head that is designed for cleaning all floor types but is especially effective on carpets.

Three are two types of High Torque cleaning heads represented in this comparison:

• High Torque 2.0: standard width; included with the Dyson V15
• High Torque XL: extra-wide width; included with the Dyson Outsize

The V15 includes an upgraded cleaning head over the V11 and other previous Dyson models. This newer head includes polycarbonate teeth, which are designed to function as an anti-tangle comb.

This head is the same width as the standard cleaning head.

For comparison, here’s quick side by-side of the standard width High Torque cleaning head and the wider width XL High Torque cleaning head.

As you can see, the wider one on the right is about 25% wider than the original and this is the head that comes with the Dyson Outsize.

The wider width allows for a wider cleaning path and shorter cleaning runs.

#4. Suction Power

Suction power between the V15 vs Outsize is nearly identical. Although the V15 technically has 10AW more power, the argument could certainly be made that more power (at this level) doesn’t always lead to better performance.

In the case of one being better than the other, I would call suction power a tie. Both models have more than enough.

Size & Dimensions

Specifically considering the size of these two models, the length and depth is nearly exact as well.

The Outsize is slightly heavier and feels a little larger in-hand compared to the V15 due to its larger dust bin and additional cyclones.

That being said, if you primarily plan to use this vacuum as a stick vacuum, you honestly probably won’t notice the 1 pound of extra weight much.

Accessories & Parts

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

There is currently only one version of the Dyson V15:

• Dyson V15 Detect

The Dyson Outsize is offered in a couple of different models:

• Dyson V11 Outsize (includes more basic attachments)
• Dyson Outsize (includes upgraded attachments)
• Dyson Outsize Absolute+ (includes the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaning head)

Tools & Attachments Explained

Here’s a rundown of common parts and accessories:

👍 Usability

Let’s talk usability for a minute. What makes a stick vacuum easy to use? Are there certain features to look for? I think so.

Here are the 10 most important usability features across all Dyson models.

#1. 2-in-1 Design: Both the V15 and Outsize are functional 2-in-1 vacuums that can be used as a cordless stick vacuum or portable handheld vacuum.

#2. Quick Release Attachments: The V15 and Outsize also use the same design for easing attaching or swapping tools and accessories. There is a simple red button—just push and release.

#3. Laser Slim Fluffy Brushroll: The Dyson V15 has the cleaning head with the laser light (for improved particle visibility) and the Outsize does not.

You’ll need to upgrade to the Outsize Absolute+ if you want this cleaning head in the Outsize model.

#4. Click-In Battery: A click-in battery is standard on the V15 and Outsize. Since the Outsize comes with 2 batteries and the V15 only has one, that is why the run time is different. Both batteries easily snap into the base of the handheld below the dust bin.

In addition, both batteries have a capacity of 3,600 mAh and a 4.5 hour charge time between uses.

#5. Point & Shoot Dust Bin: These Dysons also use similar techniques for emptying the dust bin. Sliding a lever on the side of the dust bin opens the lid to the dust bin and allows debris to be pushed out.

#6. XL Dust Bin Capacity: The Outsize has a larger dust bin capacity, maxing out at 1.89 liters while the V15 has a cap of 0.77 liters.

This is over twice the capacity on the Outsize compared to the V15.

#7. Particle Sensors: The Dyson V15 Detect has an onboard Piezo sensor that can detect particle size and quantity as it cleans. These results are reported back to the digital display for easy-to-read data.

The Dyson Outsize does not have this sensor and therefore cannot detect particle size or data.

#8. Digital Display: Because the Outsize skips out on the Piezo sensor, that also means that the digital display is more basic and it doesn’t have the colored particle data bars.

Both models show the current cleaning mode, estimated remaining run time, and any active maintenance alerts.

#9. Washable Filters: There is a washable filter on the V15 and the Outsize. Dyson recommends washing once a month in cold water and allowing it to air dry for up to 24 hours before using.

These filters are designed to last the entire life of the vacuum, as long as they aren’t damaged.

#10. Washable Brushroll: Between the High Torque brushroll and the Laser Slim Fluffy, the Fluffy is the only cleaning head with the washable brushroll.

🔧 Maintenance

The maintenance on the V15 and Outsize is similar between both models and the tasks are relatively simple / quick to do.

For maintenance alerts, you can rely on the notification system on the digital display for each vacuum.

But aside from alerts, here is a quick list of routine maintenance tasks:

• Empty the dust bin
• Wash the filter (about once per month)
• Charge the battery
• Clear the brushroll of any clogs or tangles
• Wash the Fluffy cleaning head (V15 Detect only)
• Replace the battery as needed

📰 Specifications

🥇 Which Dyson is Best?

In summary, which Dyson is the best purchase—the Dyson V15 or the Dyson Outsize?

Should you buy the Dyson V15 Detect?

I would recommend the Dyson V15 Detect to people who:

• Want particulate data: Between the V15 and the Outsize, the V15 is the only one of the two models that can offer info about particulate data, thanks to the onboard Piezo sensor.
• Advanced digital display: With the addition of the Piezo sensor also comes the more advanced digital display on the back of the handheld. If you want more details on exactly what you’re cleaning, the technology of the V15 is certainly hard to beat.
• Fluffy cleaning head: The V15 also comes with the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaning head which has a washable brushroll, soft rollers, and an onboard LED light for better visibility of floor-based particles.

Click here to check the Dyson V15 price.

Should you buy the Dyson Outsize?

I would recommend the Dyson Outsize to people who:

• Want a wider cleaning path: The cleaning path of the Dyson Outsize is 25% wider than the V15 (or really any non-Outsize models). The wider path means that you can clean the same amount of space in less time.
• Need longer run time: There are also two batteries included with the Outsize, each of which has a 60-minute run time for a combined 120-minute run time between the two. If you like the idea of being able to swap out batteries without skipping a beat, the Outsize is a solid choice.
• Don’t need the Fluffy cleaning head: While the tools are accessories are largely the same between these two models, the V15 does have the advantage of including the Fluffy cleaning head. If this tool isn’t important to you, the High Torque XL cleaning head could likely meet your needs for most multi-floor cleaning jobs.

Click here to check out the Dyson Outsize price.

🔰 Dyson Comparisons

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

• Dyson V15 vs V11
• Dyson V6 vs. V7 vs. V8 vs. V10 vs. V11
• Dyson V11 Torque Drive vs. Outsize vs. Animal vs. Outsize Origin
• Dyson V10 vs. V11
• Dyson V8 vs. V11
• Dyson V7 vs. V11
• Dyson V6 vs. V10
• Dyson V7 vs. V10
• Dyson V8 vs. V10
• Dyson V6 vs. V7
• Dyson V6 vs. V8
• Dyson V7 vs. V8
• Dyson V6 vs. V8
• Dyson Animal 2 vs. Multi Floor 2

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

ChangeLog

April 13, 2021 – Initial comparison published.