Dyson V8 vs. V12

Dyson vacuums come in all shapes and sizes, featuring proprietary technologies for thorough cleaning.

Some models can detect microscopic dust, remove stubborn dirt, or suck pet hair out of carpets without getting tangled. The challenge lies in finding one that meets your needs. 

Today we’re going to share our experience with the Dyson V8 vs. V12, two cordless stick vacuums launched six years apart. Both models have a sleek design, strong suction power, and specialized motors, but they’re not created equal. 

Let’s see how the two compare and what to expect from each. 

Table of Contents

• 🧪 Performance
• 🧬 Design
• 👍 Usability
• 🔧 Maintenance
• 📰 Specifications
• 🥇 Which Dyson is Best?

🧪 Performance

The performance of a vacuum cleaner is multifaceted and depends on several factors, not just the suction power. The design, motor power, dustbin capacity, filtration technology, and accessories all come into play.

For example, a good filtration system can capture the smallest particles, including pet dander, pollen, and dust. A powerful motor, on the other hand, can generate more suction, making it easier to clean your home.

Given these aspects, we focus on three areas when testing the performance of a Dyson vacuum:

• Cleaning Performance: How well it can remove four types of debris from three different floor types
• Motor Performance: How strong the suction is
• Run Time Performance: How long you can use the vacuum on a single charge

With that in mind, we’ve put the Dyson V8 Absolute and the V12 to the test. Let’s see the results.

Cleaning Performance

WINNER: Dyson V12 

Our team has tested each vacuum against four types of debris on three types of flooring, as shown below:

Model	Overall	Hardwoods	Low Carpet	High Carpet
Dyson V8 Absolute	95%	89%	99%	98%
Dyson V12 Detect	98.6%	99.5%	98.5%	97.8%

We also wanted to see how these stick vacuums could handle different types of debris, including:

• Dry cereal
• Rice
• Kitty litter
• Granulated sugar 

The Dyson V12 removed 98.6% of the debris, whereas the V8 removed 95%. However, the latter did a slightly better job on high-pile carpets.

Overall Cleaning Scores

Now let’s run through the test results for each vacuum. 

Dyson V8 Cleaning Performance

The Dyson V8 performed well against most types of debris, except for the cereal spilled on hardwood floors. For some reason, it pushed the cereal forward instead of sucking it in. 

However, we didn’t encounter this issue on other surfaces. The V8 removed 99% of the cereal on low- and high-pile carpets, plus most of the sugar, rice, and kitty litter on the testing lane. 

All in all, its cleaning performance is strong across the board. The motorized brushroll picked up both large and small particles without getting clogged. 

MORE: Click here to see full cleaning tests of the Dyson V8. 

Dyson V12 Cleaning Performance

The Dyson V12 has higher suction power than the V8, so we expected it to perform well in our tests. 

As shown below, it removed 99.5% of the debris on hardwood floors, including dry cereal. It also did a fantastic job on low-pile carpets but struggled a bit with the sugar on high-pile carpets.

We also tested its ability to remove pet hair and long hairs, and the results were up to par. The V12 cleared 95% of the pet hair and 100% of the long hair on carpets with minimal effort. 

Its cleaning performance was similar to that of the V8. Both vacuums did an excellent job, but each was more or less effective at removing certain types of debris, such as sugar or dry cereal. 

MORE: Check out our guide to see the full test results for the Dyson V12. 

Motor Performance

WINNER: Dyson V12 

The V12 is powered by Dyson’s Hyperdymium motor, which can reach up to 125,000 rotations per minute (RPM). As a result, it generates around 150 AW of suction power, depending on the cleaning mode. 

By comparison, the V8 features a digital motor that spins at up to 110,000 RPM and generates 115 AW of suction power. 

Both vacuums are powerful enough to remove most types of debris, but the V12 is slightly more advanced. 

Model	Max RPMs	Max Suction
Dyson V8 Absolute	110,000 RPM	115 AW
Dyson V12 Detect	125,000 RPM	150 AW

Run Time Performance

WINNER: Dyson V12 

The Dyson V8 can run for up to 40 minutes in standard suction mode, which should be enough time to clean a two-bedroom apartment. A full charge takes around 5 hours. 

The V12 provides up to 60 minutes of battery life in standard mode. If you run out of battery power, you’ll have to wait about 4-4.5 hours for a full charge. 

A significant advantage of the V12 is the click-in battery. Thanks to this feature, you can swap the battery for a spare one if you run out of power while vacuuming. 

The battery on the Dyson V8 is fixed with screws and should be replaced every two years or so.

What about other cleaning modes?

Battery life depends largely on the power mode used. The higher the suction, the faster the battery will drain. 

The Dyson V8 has two power modes, whereas the V12 features three cleaning modes. Each setting provides varying suction levels, as shown below:

• Normal/Auto Mode: The suction power is automatically adjusted for each type of flooring 
• Max/Boost Mode: Highest suction level, shortest battery life
• Eco Mode: Lowest suction level, longest battery life

You can use the Dyson V8 in standard or max mode. The V12 also comes with an Eco Power Mode, which uses less energy. 

Now let’s see how each power mode affects the battery life:

Model	Normal/Auto Mode	Max/Boost	Eco
Dyson V8 Absolute	31:40 min	8:20 min	N/A
Dyson V12 Detect	33:29 min	7:28 min	51:22 min

Based on our test results, both vacuums have a similar runtime in standard mode. However, the V12 can also be used in Eco mode to save battery life. 

🧬 Design

When you first see the two vacuums, you’ll notice that the V12 Detect Slim is lighter and sleeker than the V8. Moreover, its dustbin is positioned differently and has a smaller capacity. 

These stick vacuums were released six years apart, so we expected them to look and function differently. However, the V8 Absolute is by no means outdated. On the contrary, it delivers excellent performance and has a modern design. 

• V8 U.S. Launch Date: 2016
• V12 U.S. Launch Date: 2022

Similarities include:

• 2-in-1 stick/handheld vacuum 
• Quick-release attachment system
• Whole-machine filtration
• Hygienic bin emptying
• Washable filters
• Compact design 

Differences include:

#	Feature	Dyson V8 Absolute	Dyson V12 Detect
1	Digital display	No	Yes
2	Piezo sensor	No	Yes
3	Cleaning heads	Motorbar head + Fluffy	Motorbar head + Laser Slim Fluffy
4	Max suction	115 AW	150 AW
5	Click-in battery	No	No
6	Dustbin capacity	0.54 L	0.38 L
7	Configuration	Traditional	In-line
8	On/off control	Trigger (continuous hold)	Button (press ON/OFF)
9	Motor	Dyson Digital motor	Dyson Hyperdymium motor

#1. Digital Display

The Dyson V8 Detect Slim features an LCD screen where you can check the battery life, suction power, and other data, including:

• Cleaning mode
• Maintenance alerts
• Particle size and type

A notable feature is its ability to detect the particles sucked up during cleaning. You can see their size, type, and volume, and then use this data to measure the results of your vacuuming routine.

#2. Piezo Sensor

The vacuum’s ability to detect particle data is due to a piezo sensor. This feature also allows the V12 to automatically adjust the suction based on the amount of dirt and dust. 

#3. Cleaning Heads

Both vacuums include the Motorbar head plus a cleaning head for hard floors. 

The V8 comes with the Fluffy cleaner head, a soft roller capable of removing fine dust and large debris. This cleaning tool is powered by the vacuum’s motor, which allows for greater suction. Plus, it has no hard plastic or metal brushes, protecting the floor from scratches and scuffs. 

The Dyson V12 features a more advanced version of the Fluffy head, which uses laser lights to detect microparticles on hard floors. We’re talking about the Laser Slim Fluffy, a simple yet powerful cleaning tool. 

As far as the Motorbar goes, you can use it on both carpets and hard floors. It consists of a rotating brush, 43 detangling vanes, and other features for multi-surface cleaning. Like the Fluffy cleaner head, this tool is powered by the vacuum’s motor and can suck up most types of debris. 

#4. Suction Power

The Dyson V12 is equipped with the Hyperdymium motor, generating up to 150 AW of suction power. By comparison, the V8 can produce a maximum suction power of 115 AW. 

• Dyson V8: 115 AW
• Dyson V12: 150 AW

These numbers are pretty far apart, but the difference in suction performance between the two vacuums isn’t that big. 

TIP: Upgrade to the Dyson V15 Detect for 230 AW of suction power.

#5. Click-in Battery

A significant advantage of the Dyson V12 is the click-in battery. The vacuum will work up to one hour in standard mode, but you can use a spare battery for an extra 60 minutes of runtime (depending on the power mode). 

#6. Dustbin Capacity

Another difference between these stick vacuums lies in the dustbin capacity. 

The V8 comes with a large dustbin that can hold up to 0.54 liters of debris, whereas the V12 has a 0.38-liter dustbin. Therefore, the latter is better suited for smaller homes and requires more frequent emptying.

#7. Configuration

The Dyson V10, V11, and V12 have the motor, dustbin, extension wand, and other pieces aligned in a straight line. 

This configuration creates a more efficient airflow path and improves suction power. At the same time, it allows for a more compact design, making the vacuum easier to maneuver in tight spaces. 

#8. On/Off Control

On the V12, you’ll press a button to turn the device on or off. The Dyson V8, on the other hand, requires holding down the trigger while vacuuming. 

Both systems have advantages and drawbacks. For example, a continuous-hold trigger allows more efficient use of the battery, but it’s not as convenient as an on/off button. 

However, the control system in itself does not affect the vacuum’s performance.

#9. Motor

Last, the Dyson V12 features a more advanced motor that spins at up to 125,000 RPM. The motor on the V8 spins at up to 110,000 RPM and, therefore, generates less suction power. 

But again, both vacuums showed similar performance in our tests. The V12 is slightly more efficient, but we wouldn’t say there’s a huge difference between the two.

Size & Dimensions

As shown above, the Dyson V12 is 0.3 pounds lighter and has a more compact design than the V8. The latter is heavier because of its large dustbin. 

Accessories & Parts

The Dyson V8 includes a larger number of tools and accessories than the V12, but many of them overlap. Also, it’s worth mentioning that both vacuums have several versions, and each includes a different accessory set. 

That said, here’s what you’ll get with each model.

Tools & Attachments Explained

Here’s a rundown of common parts and accessories:

👍 Usability

Dyson stick vacuums, including the V8 and the V12, are easy to use and take minutes to assemble. Simply follow the steps below:

1. Unbox the vacuum and its accessories
2. Charge the battery fully 
3. Assemble the device 
4. Attach the cleaner head or other accessories to the extension wand 

Note that both the Dyson V8 and the V12 can be used in handheld mode, too. If you go this route, attach the cleaning tools directly to the vacuum body. 

Apart from that, the Dyson V12 is slightly easier to maneuver due to its sleek design. The V8, on the other hand, includes a larger dustbin and a wider variety of tools, adding to the convenience factor.

🔧 Maintenance

Both stick vacuums require some maintenance to function optimally. Simply follow these guidelines to keep your device in good working order and prevent wear and tear:

• Empty and wash the dustbin every few weeks
• Wash the filters at least once a month
• Charge the battery as needed and replace it every two years (V8)
• Keep the brushroll free of debris and tangles

📰 Specifications

🥇 Which Dyson is Best?

When it comes to the Dyson V8 vs. V12, it’s quite difficult to choose a winner. Both vacuums are compact, efficient, and easy to maneuver, offering good value for the money. 

The V12 Detect Slim is more advanced overall, but the V8 seems more convenient because of its large dustbin and wide selection of accessories. Apart from that, we would be inclined to choose the V12 due to its long runtime, click-in battery, and other features, such as the piezo sensor and laser lights. 

Should you buy the Dyson V8? 

I would recommend the Dyson V8 to customers who:

• Prefer a bigger dustbin: This cordless stick vacuum has a large dustbin that requires less frequent emptying than the one included with the V12. Therefore, it may be a better choice for those who prioritize convenience. 
• Want a larger variety of cleaning tools: The Dyson V8 includes two cleaning heads and five tools for vacuuming stubborn dirt, pet hair, allergens, and other debris. It also comes with a special tool for cleaning upholstery, mattresses, and other delicate surfaces. 
• Have a smaller budget: Launched in 2016, the V8 has a lower price tag than newer vacuums, such as the V12. But even so, it still delivers excellent performance and includes pretty much everything you need for thorough cleaning.

Click here to check out the Dyson V8 price. 

Should you buy the Dyson V12?

The Dyson V12 Detect Slim can be a good choice for people who:

• Want a vacuum with high suction power: The V12 delivers a maximum suction power of 150 AW, making cleaning a breeze. Plus, it’s powered by the Dyson Hyperdymium motor and has a piezo sensor that allows it to detect and remove the finest particles. 
• Live in a big house or apartment: This stick vacuum from Dyson can run for up to one hour on a single charge. Plus, you can use a spare battery to get an extra 60 minutes of runtime. 
• Have pets at home: The Dyson V12 removed 95% of the pet hair on our testing lane without getting clogged. It also includes a special brush for picking up long hair and pet hair. 
• Prefer a more advanced vacuum: The V12 uses laser technology to detect microparticles on hard floors. Moreover, it displays particle data on a modern LCD screen so you can track the results of your vacuuming efforts.

Click here to check out the Dyson V12 price.

Make sure you also check out our guide to the best Dyson vacuums to see how the V8 and the V12 compare against other models.