Dyson V15 vs. V11

🧪 Performance

Right out of the gate, let’s talk about performance. This is arguably one of the most important aspects of the success or failure of any vacuum cleaner we review.

When evaluating the performance of any vacuum that comes through our doors, we look at a combination of 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.

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 excelled on all three floor types, collecting between 99-100% of the debris we tested. By any standard, these are fantastic results.

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

In some cases (ie, carpet), the suction power of the V15 was a little too intense to get on top of debris with the High Torque head. Switching to a lower suction mode and/or opening the front seal gates helped the overall performance in those cases.

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

This model has the added benefit of being about to communicate information about the small particles as it cleans.

New technology like an onboard Piezo sensor and laser light integrated into the cleaning head are both new features to the V15 and share a lot of valuable information about each cleaning cycle while it’s in progress.

Dyson V11 Cleaning Performance

The Dyson V11 had similar results to the V15 with complete success on hardwoods, low pile carpet, and high pile carpet.

I will add that we ran all cleaning tests for the V11 with the High Torque cleaning head.

Even on hardwood floors, the High Torque cleaner head was able to get over the top of cereal and avoid flinging lighter debris all over the lane.

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

Motor Performance

Both the V15 and the V11 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.

The motors on the V15 and V11 are capable of generating a maximum suction power of 230 AW and 185 AW, respectively.

Run Time Performance

Both the V15 and V11 have long run times compared to many other cordless vacuum models. There are three different cleaning modes you can run for each vacuum:

1. Eco
2. Auto
3. Boost

Eco mode uses the least amount of suction and therefore has the longest run time.

Boost, on the other hand, uses the most amount of suction and should be reserved for high traffic areas only or specific spot cleaning zones, as the run time is significantly shorter.

These run time tests were completed using all available suction levels and using the primary multi-surface cleaning head.

How do they clean?

Both the V15 and V11 use the classic Dyson cyclone design to create fade-free suction power.

The V11 and V15 models both use a two-tier, 14-cyclone system.

RELATED: Want more cyclones? Check out the Dyson Outsize for an XL 18-cyclone system.

🧬 Design

The Dyson V15 and V11 feel similar as far as the overall design goes. They are both 2-in-1 cordless vacuums for flexible cleaning runs.

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
• 60-minute run time
• Dust bin capacity

Differences include:

• Digital display
• Piezo sensor
• Cleaning heads
• Suction power

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

#1. Digital Display

Both the Dyson V15 and the Dyson 11 come with digital displays designed into the back of the handheld part of each vacuum. Each display can show estimated remaining run time, current cleaning mode, and maintenance alerts.

What’s different on the V15?

The V15 has the added benefit of also being able to communicate information about the particle size of debris as it cleans.

It organizes the data into a colored bar system, which provides a different color for each different size of the particle and lists the complete count at the top of the bar.

#2. Piezo Sensor

The digital display on the V15 is able to provide such detailed information about the debris because of an on-board Piezo sensor. This sensor can detect even the smallst 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.

#3. Cleaning Heads

What is the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaning head?

This cleaning head is only on the newest Dyson models, like the V15 Detect and the Dyson Outsize Absolute+.

It’s low-profile and uses soft rollers to capture debris of all sizes. This head also has a green LED light that shines on the floor at an angle to help reveal even the smallest debris types.

The more debris you can see, the more debris you can clean.

What is the High Torque Drive 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.

While the V15 and V11 have similar High Torque cleaning heads, it’s important to note that they are not identical.

• High Torque 1.0: more basic, included with the V11
• High Torque 2.0: includes polycarbonate teeth, which are designed to function as an anti-tangle comb, included with the V15

Here is a pic of the 1.0 cleaning head that comes with the Dyson V11.

And here is a pic of the 2.0 cleaning head that comes with the Dyson V15.

You can see a slight variation in the bristles as well as the polycarbonate teeth located towards the top of the brushroll.

#4. Suction Power

The V15 has more suction power at 230 AW (in Boost mode) while the V11 maxes out at 185 AW. While the V15 is technically stronger, I would say that the extra power may not be all that necessary for most users.

When used on carpet, 230 AW is arguabley “too much” suction and the V15 had some trouble getting on top of larger debris.

The V11 still had a nearly flawless performance on all floor types and didn’t struggle with excessive suction.

Size & Dimensions

Size-wise, the V11 is slightly taller and a tiny bit lighter, but all other dimensions are identical. I would call this section a tie.

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 V11 is offered in two different models:

• Dyson V11 Torque Drive
• Dyson V11 Animal

Tools & Attachments Explained

Here’s a rundown of common parts and accessories:

👍 Usability

The overall usability of the Dyson V15 and V11 are similar, but there are a few key differences to note.

What increases the overall usability of a Dyson?

We break it down into a checklist of features. Here are the 10 most important usability features across all Dyson models.

2-in-1 Design: Both models can be used as a cordless stick vacuum or portable handheld vacuum.

Quick Release Attachments: The V15 and V11 also have simple attachment techniques for all tools and accessories.

Laser Slim Fluffy Brushroll: The Dyson V15 has the cleaning head with the laser light (for improved particle visibility) and the V11 does not.

This feature can be turned on or off and it has been verified by Dyson that using or not using this light has no noticeable effect on overall run time.

Click-In Battery: Both the V15 and V11 use a click-in battery that snaps into the base of the handheld.

This can be a convenient feature for swapping between two batteries while one charges.

RELATED: Looking for a more compact battery? Check out the Dyson Omni-Glide, where the battery is designed right into the handle.

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.

Particle Sensors: The Dyson V15 Detect has an onboard Piezo sensor that can detect particle size and quantity in real time.

As your needs change when cleaning, it can automatically adjust suction power and brushroll height for optimal performance.

Digital Display: I mentioned this above, but there are also subtle differences in the digital display of the V15 and the V11.

The V15 includes particle information while the V11 does not. Both models show the current cleaning mode, estimated remaining run time, and any active maintenance alerts.

NOTE: The Dyson V11 Animal does NOT include the LCD screen. Instead, it includes simpler LED light indicators.

Washable Filters: Both the V15 and V11 use a washable filter. Dyson recommends washing once a month in cold water and allowing it to air dry for up to 24 hours before using again

As long as it’s not damaged the washable filter is good for the life of the vacuum.

Washable Brushroll: If a washable brushroll is an important feature, you’ll want to go with the Dyson V15, which includes the Laser Slim Fluffy brushroll.

The High Torque cleaning heads on either model (V15 or V11) is not washable.

🔧 Maintenance

Maintenance tasks for both the V15 Detect and all V11 models are similar and pretty basic.

The short list includes:

• 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

Battery

The click-in battery is a convenient feature with these Dysons. Both the V15 and the V11 use a 3,600 mah battery with a 4.5 hour charge time.

As mentioned above, the exact run time will range depending on what cleaning mode you’re in, but with both of these models, the batteries are rated to last about an hour.

📰 Specifications

🥇 Which Dyson is Best?

Alright, so all things considered, should you buy the Dyson V15 Detect or the Dyson V11?

Should you buy the Dyson V15 Detect?

I would recommend the Dyson V15 Detect to people who:

• Want particulate data: The onboard Piezo sensor detects size and particle count for debris on the floor. This information is then translated to the cleaning head and the vacuum can make adjustments to the cleaning head to better suit changing conditions.
• Advanced digital display: The particulate data is also displayed on the back of the digital display using a colored bar chart. If you want to know exactly what you’re cleaning, this is a cool feature.
• Laser brushroll: The Fluffy brushroll on the V15 is designed to include a laser light, which makes it easier to see small particles on the floor. This brushroll is also washable which can mean easier maintenance.

Click here to check the Dyson V15 price.

Should you buy the Dyson V11?

I would recommend the Dyson V11 to people who:

• Want a good value: With the launch of the V15, the V11 price of the V11 will likely start going down. It skips some of the fancier features like particle sensors and laser light, but the cleaning performance is still spot on.
• Excellent cleaning performance: Despite its lack of V15 bells and whistles, the cleaning performance is still top-notch, between 99-100% average on all floor types.
• Don’t need the Fluffy cleaning head: One of the biggest misses for the V11 (in my opinion) is that it doesn’t include the Fluffy cleaning head. This head can be useful when cleaning hard surface flooring, but if you mainly have carpet, you likely won’t even miss that this head isn’t included.

Click here to check out the Dyson V11 price.

🔰 Dyson Comparisons

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

• 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.

The Last Word

That’s it!

Got a question, comment, or need help deciding which model is best for you? Please drop us a comment down below.

We’re always happy to help.

ChangeLog

April 8, 2021 – Initial comparison published.