How to choose the best Dyson vacuum

Dyson vacuums are top of many a wish list, but with high prices and a large range of models, it can be hard to know which Dyson vacuum is the best value for money.

We've put together our top tips on finding the best Dyson for your home, so you don't end up spending more than is necessary. 

We run through what features to expect from a Dyson, the differences between models, and how the brand compares with rivals such as Shark.

To discover which brands hold their own against, or even beat Dyson in our tests, check out the best cordless vacuum cleaners

Dyson cordless vacuums compared

Wondering which Dyson vacuum to buy? Compare prices, running time and more in the table below.

Table last updated: April 2025

As the table above shows, prices of cordless Dyson vacuums vary considerably, ranging from around £300 to nearly double that. 

The same variation is also seen in battery life, with some models running for 14 minutes on full power (turbo), but others lasting just half of that before running out of juice. 

Battery life is an important consideration if you live in a larger home, where smaller vacuums will struggle to get round in one go and will need emptying more regularly.

Many of these models are also available direct from Dyson

For more buying advice and the latest savings, discover our best vacuum cleaner deals

Which is the best Dyson cordless vacuum?

Which? members can log in to see the top-performing Dysons according to our tests. 

If you're not yet a member, sign up for instant access to all our vacuum cleaner reviews and more.

These are the most popular Which?-tested vacuums on our website. But 'popular' doesn't mean 'good', so read all our cordless vacuum reviews to make sure you're getting the right product for your home.

*Dyson reviews that have received the most views on which.co.uk in the last three months. 

Dyson vacuum cleaner features

After ceasing production of corded vacuums in 2018, Dyson has pioneered some innovative cordless vacuum technologies and features. 

However, rivals such as Miele, Samsung and Shark have since developed advances of their own, including LED headlights and flexible cleaning tubes. Some even have self-emptying dust containers.

The features you can expect to find on most Dyson models include:  

• A lightweight handstick design
• Turbo and soft-roller floorheads, which you can swap depending on the surface you're vacuuming.
• A 'hygienic' dirt ejector, allowing you to empty the dust container without getting your hands grubby.
• Three power settings on models from the V10 onwards.

With more premium Dyson models, such as the V15 Detect, you also get:

• An LCD screen, which includes a to-the-minute battery countdown.
• A torque floorhead, which automatically adjusts the suction power depending on the floor type.
• Laser dust detection. 
• Acoustic dust sensing, which tells you how much dust you've sucked up and categorises it by size.
• A tangle-free brush bar.

Dyson vs Shark

In recent years, Shark has emerged as Dyson's most serious challenger.

By continuing to produce new corded vacuums, Shark has taken advantage of Dyson's decision to focus on cordless technology. Since 2018, Shark has rapidly increased its share of the corded market and it's become popular with our members.

Its plug-in range contains several innovative features that are missing from Dyson's, such as flexible cleaning tubes, LED headlights and tangle-free technology.

Shark also makes cordless vacuums that are often cheaper than cordless Dysons. Take a look at our Shark cordless vacuum cleaner reviews to see how they fare in our tests.

For more on this, head to our guide on Shark vs Dyson: which vacuum brand is best?

Dyson robot vacuum cleaners

Dyson has launched three robot vacuums to date: the 360 Eye, 360 Heurist and the upgraded 360 Vis Nav. 

On the whole, our tests have shown that, while convenient, robot vacs can't yet match their full-size competitors for cleaning power – so you'll still have to whizz round with a regular or handheld vacuum if you want to keep your home spotless.

However, technology is rapidly evolving, and it shouldn't take long for the robots to catch up.

If the idea of a robotic helper appeals to you, check out our best robot vacuum cleaners to see which models we recommend

Are Dyson vacuum cleaners reliable?

Nobody wants to pay out to repair or even replace their cordless vacuum cleaner after just a few years of owning it.

To see how Dyson vacuums are rated by real customers, check our guides to the most reliable vacuum cleaner brand, and the most reliable cordless vacuum cleaner brand. 

Also, if you fail to take good care of your Dyson, it won't last very long, either. 

To help you out, we've put together some advice below on looking after your Dyson.

How to clean a Dyson

Again, this depends on which model you own. But there are three areas that every Dyson owner should pay close attention to:

• Dust container It's important to regularly empty the dust container. But it's also worth wiping the inside of the container with a damp cloth after you've emptied it – this removes any stubborn deposits that could cause blockages in the future.
• Filters Most newer models have a single filter at the very top of the vacuum. They should be unscrewed and rinsed with warm water once a month – it's important to let them dry naturally, or they could become ineffective. Dyson recommends leaving them beside a fan or open window for at least 24 hours.
• Brush bar As anyone who's lived with a long-haired housemate or four-legged friends will confirm, tangled brush bars are a nightmare – they can cause suction power to deteriorate and lead to other mechanical faults. To keep on top of things, you should carefully cut away any hairs and fibres wrapped around the brush bar after each clean.

Why does my Dyson keep cutting out?

There are numerous reasons your Dyson could be cutting out, but not all are cause for concern:

• Charge If you own a cordless Dyson, it's possible that the battery has simply run out of charge – most cordless vacuums can't run for long on a single charge (especially if you're cleaning on full power), so, like a mobile phone, they may abruptly cut out and need recharging.
• Filters If the filter needs cleaning, the vacuum may grind to a halt – usually a warning light (or, on newer models, a warning message on the LCD screen) will show if this is the case. Just follow the steps above to get your Dyson working again.
• Battery If your vacuum is fully charged and it's still cutting out, there could be a fault with the battery. All lithium-ion batteries dwindle over time, but some are more temperamental than others. It's best to contact Dyson if you think the battery is faulty.

It's also possible that your Dyson could be afflicted by a separate mechanical fault. If you suspect this is the case, you should contact Dyson directly.

Why is my Dyson pulsing?

Pulsing may occur for similar reasons to those listed above. It's also possible that your Dyson is pulsing due to a blockage somewhere inside. 

To check whether this is the case, inspect the vacuum dust container, filter and floor head for signs of a build-up.

If you do find something and are unable to fix it yourself, contact Dyson directly. You may be advised to book a service, although you might be charged for this.

For more advice on caring for a vac, see our guide on how to maintain your vacuum cleaner

Does Dyson still make corded models?

Dyson is no longer producing new corded vacuums, hence why we have no Dyson corded vacuum cleaner reviews online any longer. 

Several of Dyson's plug-in models are still available on second-hand marketplaces. These corded models ride on a ball and castors instead of wheels, which allows them to pivot and change direction more easily. 

While this doesn't give you as much manoeuvrability as a top-of-the-range cordless vacuum, it sets them apart from most corded competitors.

Some models also have a built-in self-righting mechanism, enabling the vacuum to correct its own stance if it topples over.

In general, upright models are easier to store (because there's no trailing hose) and better at cleaning pet hair, but they can be tiring to push on carpets. On the other hand, cylinder vacuums are more manoeuvrable (particularly on stairs) and are often quieter, but they're not so good for covering large areas.

If you're in the market for a corded model, do check all our vacuum cleaner reviews as there could be a better model for your money