The Dyson V10 changed the way we view cordless vacuum cleaners, so what more could the V11 possibly bring to the table? The answer; quite a lot. There are a few similarities between these two cordless wonders, but also a lot of differences.
So, when we look at the Dyson V10 Vs Dyson V11, what are we seeing? We tested both these models side-by-side and highlight the winner in each of our hands-on tests to help you decide if the Dyson V11 is worth the extra spend and which model is perfect for your home.
The Dyson V10
The Dyson V10 has three models in the range; V10 Absolute, Animal, and Total Clean. It is the first Dyson cordless to have a new design with a bigger bin capacity, and while it seemed a little big and clunky at first, it actually doesn’t handle much differently from previous V series models.
Unlike older models (like the Dyson V6), you don’t have to risk reaching your hand into the dust bin in order to pull out debris.
Pros
- Long battery life and quick charge time
- Large bin capacity
- Superb filtration system
- Great tools and features
Cons
- Cannot swap the battery out
- Bin emptying can be a little stiff
The Dyson V11
The Dyson V11 is the latest model from Dyson, and perhaps the most technologically advanced vacuum that they have launched.
It keeps the new build sported by the Dyson V10 absolute, but with some noticeable differences that might just be the deciding factor between them.
Pros
- Long battery life and quick charge time
- Large bin capacity
- Superb filtration system
- Great tools and features
Cons
- Cannot swap the battery out
- Bin emptying can be a little stiff
| Model | V10 Absolute, Total Clean, Animal | V11 Absolute & Animal |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Dyson | Dyson |
| Detachable Handheld | Yes | Yes |
| Length | 125 cm | 128.5 cm |
| Width | 24 cm | 25 cm |
| Weight | 2.65 kg | 3.05 kg |
| Floor Type | Multi-Surface | Multi-Surface |
| Pet Owners | Yes | Yes |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 0.76 L | 0.76 L |
| Cordless | Yes | Yes |
| Bagless | Yes | Yes |
| Returns | Free 35 Days via Dyson.co.uk | Free 35 Days via Dyson.co.uk |
| Warranty | 1-Year limited | 1-Year limited |
Dyson V10 vs V11 Side-by-Side Test Results
This is the fun part, where we take a look at each vacuum cleaner and test each of the key areas.
Things like battery life, cleaning power, and how effective they are on different floor types.
We go into all the details, bringing you facts and figures that will show you just how effective ( or not) each vacuum cleaner is
Dyson V10 vs V11 Battery Life/Run-Time
How we test on Run-Time
In order to get some precise results, we whipped out the stopwatch and got ready for action.
Holding the trigger down continuously, we allowed it to run from a full charge down to empty on each of the three power settings.
The results we got are while using the Direct Drive head, which is motorised. Generally speaking, you get a slightly longer battery life when you are using the non-motorised attachments (like the crevice tool or a soft dusting brush).
| Model (Mode) | Runtime (Mins) |
|---|---|
| V11 (Eco) | 55 Mins |
| V11 (Medium) | 45 Mins |
| V11 (High/Boost) | 13 Mins |
| Model (Mode) | Runtime (Mins) |
|---|---|
| V10 (Eco) | 40 Mins |
| V10 (Medium) | 20 Mins |
| V10 (High/Boost) | 7 Mins |
The Dyson V10 started the long battery trend, and the runtime for this model is stated by Dyson as lasting for a whole hour. Now, this is true as long as you are not using any of the motorised heads.
When using the main floorhead, as we did in our tests we got 40 mins on eco down to just 7 mins in boost mode, though generally speaking, you would use in standard(medium) for most tasks where we achieved a 20 min run-time.
On the other side of the coin, you have the Dyson V11. This does nearly live up to the impressive 60 minutes advertised run-time (eco-setting); even with a motorised head.
In the standard-setting we had it running for a very impressive 45 minutes, which more than doubled that of the Dyson V10.
Winner: Dyson V11
Dyson V10 and V11 Charge Time
| V10 | V11 |
|---|---|
| 3.5 Hours | 4.5 Hours |
The Dyson V11, however, increased this time period. As the battery life lasts even longer, it takes 4.5 hours to fully charge.
This is a long time, but you also get a lot more out of the machine. This also links in with the new battery design found in both the Dyson V11 vs V10.
Unlike previous V series vacuum cleaners, the battery life cannot be removed and switched out.
However, Dyson claims they have been able to create a battery that will last 15 years without losing charge. Only time will tell if this is true, but it’s looking good so far.
Winner: Dyson v10
Dyson V10 and V11 Cleaning Power
Certainly one of the most important parts as we look at how well the Dyson V10 and V11 actually clean.
The Dyson V10 was incredibly impressive when it first launched, and it still holds its own today.
It boasts an improved suction power of 30% when compared to the previous V series models, as well as the ability to clean floors to a standard that just about rivals a corded machine.
The Dyson V11 goes a step further, and while it matches the Dyson V10 in some regards there are others where it takes the lead.
One of these is the fact that the suction power is 32% more powerful than the Dyson V10.
This is pretty amazing, and it is also able to deep clean carpets. In fact, our tests showed that it could officially replace your corded vacuum cleaner.
How we tested on Airflow on the Dyson V10 and V11
The first test we performed was for airflow. Airflow is as important as suction power, so these figures are very important.
We used the full machine (wand and floorhead attached) because this is the most common configuration.
In the table below, you will see the cleaning performance figures are measured in CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute). This is also known as Airflow.
| V10 | V11 | |
| Air Flow ( Low Setting) | 15 CFM | 23 CFM |
| Air Flow (Auto/Medium Setting) | 21 CFM | 27 CFM |
| Air Flow ( High/Boost Setting) | 34 CFM | 48.5 CFM |
As you can see the Dyson V11 is again dominant in the airflow department, especially in the boost mode.
Winner: Dyson v11
Both the Dyson V10 and V11 contain cyclonic technology, with 14 cyclones installed in the machine to keep everything running smoothly.
This also means that the dirt and large debris that is sucked up by the vacuum cleaner will be directed straight to the bin as opposed to being sprayed; keeping it all contained and clean.
Types of Dyson V10 Vs V11 Cleaning Heads
This tech also creates what is known as fade-free suction power. This is where the power and suction of the machine do not lessen as the bin fills up or the cord free vacuum runs low on charge, which means low power.
Now, this is where the two vacuums differ a little; cleaning heads. While both models have the option to come with the Fluffy floorhead (depending on the type you choose; such as a soft roller brush).
The Dyson V10 does not have an option for the Torque Drive cleaning head that the Dyson V11 Torque drive cleaning uses. Instead, it comes with the Direct Drive cleaning head. What’s the difference though?
The Direct Drive floorhead that comes with the Dyson V10 has two rows of brushes on the bar inside the head; one firm and one soft roller head.
These have been designed to work on both hard floors and carpets, providing a deep clean and a gentle touch in one, both leading to the best cleaning performance.
As it is a motorised cleaning head, it does take up more battery life than some of the other accessories, but it’s also effective and easy to use.
The Dyson V11 Torque Drive floorhead is a new and exciting release that only comes with the Dyson V11 Absolute (the Dyson V11 Animal comes with the Drive cleaning head).
It features similar hard and soft roller bristles, but the front of the cleaning head also has gates on it that can be raised up or down according to the kind of large debris you are cleaning and the suction required (for example, cheerios have the gates up).
Aside from that, the V11 Torque Drive cleaning head is also able to automatically detect the floor type you are cleaning, adjusting the suction power levels accordingly as soon as you switch surfaces.
It’s absolutely flawless in this regard, and certainly one of the most useful features the Dyson V11 has.
At the end of all this, you then have the soft roller Fluffy floorhead. This comes with the Dyson V10 Absolute and Total Clean, as well as the Dyson V11 Absolute.
Designed for hard floors, it is exceptionally gentle while also thoroughly clearing debris from the area.
This is a cleaning head you can learn a little more about in the hard floors cleaning section.
Read Here : Bosch Athlet vs Dyson Comparison
So, why don’t we take a quick look at how the V10 and V11 work around the home?
Dyson V10 and V11 on Carpets
This is an area where cordless vacuums usually struggle because they have not been designed with enough power for deep cleaning carpets.
Both the Dyson V10 and V11 are able to do this, but which of them does it better is what we need to look at next.
The Direct floorhead found on the Dyson V10 models (and V11 Animal) works grime and dirt out of the carpet quite quickly and effectively.
The suction power is very strong, but not so much that you need to work harder in order to push the cordless vacuum (a nice balance).
The Dyson V11 Absolute is very much the same with regards to the handling and cleaning power on carpets.
However, the V11 Torque Drive cleaning head is able to reach further down and collect even more dirt and hair than the V10 Absolute (the table in the next section can show you more).
It takes deep cleaning carpet to another level, and certainly does a superb job of leaving your carpets spotless.
How we test on Low-Pile Carpet
For this, we weighed exactly 100g of household large debris; all of which varied in terms of size and texture. A few examples of these representing materials are chilli flakes, cheerios, loose black tea, and flaxseed.
We spread our mixture across a 1.5m strip before a 10 second pass over cleaning performance. Once this was done, we weighed the contents of the cordless vacuum bin to see what percentage was collected.
| V10 | V11 | |
| Low Setting | 95% | 97% |
| Auto Setting | 98.5% | 99% |
| Boost Setting | 99.5% | 99.5% |
Both models had pretty amazing results here to be honest, of course, the V11 edged it but for the price difference, the V10 comes a very close second.
Winner: Dyson v11 (Only Just)
Hard Floors. The Direct cleaning head is great on all floor types, and it certainly does a good job on hard floors.
In fact, it is the most effective cleaning head for crevice tools and was able to collect everything from the gaps after one pass – which applies to both the Dyson V10 and V11.
However, the Dyson V10 Absolute and Total Clean, and the Dyson V11 Absolute, all come with the Fluffy cleaning head.
Now, the thing here is that both cordless vacuums have exactly the same attachments, especially for a hard floor. Therefore the results don’t differ between the two.
Even so, let’s take a look at what the soft roller Fluffy cleaning head had to offer.
It is so gentle when you run it over hard floors, which is what makes it ideal for those really delicate wood surfaces as well as laminate, tiles and vinyl.
Despite this gentle touch, it remains tough on dust and dirt..
Dyson V10 and V11 Hardwood Floor Test Results
Just like with the carpet test, we used the same conditions on hard floors to see what the results were. The hard floors we decided to use was hardwood laminate as it is the most commonly found in the UK.
| V10 | V11 | |
| Low Setting | 100% | 100% |
| Auto Setting | 100% | 100% |
| Boost Setting | 100% | 100% |
As you can see, the results are not only impressive but also identical between both the Dyson V10 and V11. As a note, this was while using the Fluffy head
Winner: Dyson v10 and v11
Dyson V10 and V11 on Stairs
Both the Dyson V10 vs V11 are able to transform into a handheld vacuum cleaner so that you can make things easier, and they each come with a mini motorised brush.
This cleaning tool works a lot like the Direct floorhead, but in a more compact version so that you can reach areas like stairs, furniture, and car interiors.
It’s an effective and powerful cleaning tool, with no real difference between the v10 vs v11 dyson cordless vacuum.
Winner: Dyson v11 and v10
Dyson V10 vs V11 Pet Hair Tests
Many of us have furry friends in our homes, but the hair they leave behind can get a bit much after a while. Lets see how the V10 and V11 faired in our side-by-side comparison.
To give you clear results, we combed a load of dog hair (100g) into a five foot section of low-medium pile carpet.
Once that was done, we went over it with the Direct Drive head for 20 seconds on boost cleaning mode.
It had great pickup, although you will see that the Dyson V11 performed better overall in all three power settings.
There was no visible pet hair left at the end either, and we ran a window blade through the carpet afterwards to check for any hidden and embedded hair that may have been missed.
| V10 | V11 | |
| Pet Hair Pickup (Eco/Low) | 89% | 90% |
| Pet Hair Pickup (Auto/Medium) | 98% | 98% |
| Pet Hair Pickup (Boost/High) | 99% | 99.9% |
As you can see, the tests revealed that the auto and boost modes are excellent, and this is especially true considering the amount of hair that got rubbed into the carpet.
The eco setting performed quite poorly for both the V10 and V11, but this isn’t a power setting you should use for carpets anyway as it is not nearly as effective.
Winner: Dyson v11
Dyson V10 and V11 Filtration
Both the V10 and V11 have the same filtration system, so there is nothing to compare or argue here (although you may be interested in the results table in the next section).
They both use HEPA filter, something which can be found on pretty much every Dyson vacuum cleaner except for the V7 range.
However, a HEPA filter system that catches particles as small as 0.03 microns is nothing without a sealed system.
The sealed system is where you ensure that no air escapes from the machine as it is pushed through the hepa filter.
A shocking number of cordless vacuums have very poor sealing, and this is not good for those with asthma and allergies that need the cleaner air.
Thankfully, both the V10 and V11 have fully sealed systems that keep the dirt in the filter and the air lovely and clear.
How we do Filtration Test
When we tested this using a particle test meter, whereby we test the air environment before the test and then after we have sucked up dust for 15 seconds (special international approved dust from DMT). You can see our findings below.
| V10 | V11 | |
| Air Particle Test ( Our rating %) | 99.5% | 100% |
All of this is great news for those with asthma and allergies, as there is no need for them to worry about the quality of the air when they are cleaning especially in the boost cleaning mode.
Winner: Dyson v11
Dyson V10 and V11 Noise levels
The great news is that both Dyson vacuum cleaners are quite comfortably below the EU maximum of 80db.
In fact, they are some of the quietest stick vacuums that we have had the pleasure of working with. However, there is a winner in this section for the quietest running.
The V10 started the trend off strong, with a boost cleaning mode that stayed in the very low 70s, and an eco mode that was in the low 60s.
However, the V11 took this a step further and developed a machine that is even quieter. It may only be by a few notches, but the difference is notable.
Either way you look at it, both the V10 and V11 are much quieter than previous V series models
How we do Noise Test
Using a decibel meter that was set three feet away from the cordless vacuum cleaner, we tested the volume of it while running.
As a note, this test was performed with both the wand and main floorhead attached for the most accurate results.
| V10 | V11 | |
| Low Setting | 63.2Db | 63.6 Db |
| Auto Setting | 71.4Db | 68.4 Db |
| Boost Setting | 72.5Db | 71.2 Db |
Winner: Dyson v11
Dyson V10 and Dyson V11 Tech Features
There are some stark differences between the two here, let’s start with the V10.
This model has a bit of an upgrade from past V models from Dyson vacuum cleaners because the LED indicator light on the handle changed from having one bar to three on the digital display screen.
This shows you roughly how much battery life is left, and will also slowly light up while charging so you can keep an eye on the power levels.
In addition to this, an extra light was added to the handle to let you know when the filter needs to be cleaned.
It will also light up if there is a blockage in the main airway of the cord free vacuum. This is good for keeping an eye on the overall maintenance of the machine.
The Dyson V11 got futuristic on us, and it has provided us with some great tech. We’ll start with the Animal because it is a little different here.
On the butt of the main floorhead where the filter is, you have an LED screen that has the three-bar battery indicator to show you roughly how much is left.
You also have a button that you can press to switch between power settings, and an alert for a filter cleaning or a blockage. It’s basic, but handy.
The Dyson V11 Absolute knocks the ball out of the park, and it really ups the game. It features an LCD screen with the same button that lets you choose between settings.
However, the LCD display will also show you exactly how much time you have left on each cleaning mode in the form of a countdown screen.
This is really useful for when you are zooming around the house and trying to make the most of cleaning.
It doesn’t end there. The Dyson V11 Absolute also has a filter and blockage display, but with a twist.
The screen will show you an actual video clip of where the problem could be and how you are able to fix it.
So, for the filter it will show you where the filter is and how to remove it. For the blockage, it shows a number of different potential areas and how to access them to address the problem. I probably got a little too excited over this, but it’s pretty awesome.
Dyson V10 and Dyson V11 Size/Weight
Both the V10 and V11 have different designs from their predecessors. They are a little bulkier, a little bigger, and also pretty nicely laid out.
In this regard, there is very little difference between them, which is why we are going to take a look at the size and weight of each stick vacuum cleaner.
| V10 | V11 | |
| Length | 125 cm | 128.5cm |
| Width | 24cm | 25cm |
The Dyson V11 is heavier than the V10, and it can be quite noticeable at first. With the larger battery life and slightly longer size, it is hard to keep new models below 3kg.
While this is something most people can get used to as they clean, if you have arthritis, you might have a difficult time getting the hang of the Dyson V11.
How we do Weight Test
To check out the weight ourselves, we took it apart and put it back together so that you can see exactly how much it weighs.
In the table below, you will find the figures for the handheld unit as well as the full unit (wand and floorhead attached) for balanced results based on what you are likely to use in your own home.
| V10 | V11 | |
| Weight ( Full Unit with Floorhead) | 2.65 Kg | 3.05 Kg |
| Weight (Hand Unit Only) | 1.7 Kg | 2 Kg |
Winner: Dyson v10
V10 vs V11 Accessories
There are some differences in the tools that come with each vacuum. This table will be able to show you everything that comes with the V10 and V11, as well as any model restrictions that might accompany them.
| Dyson v10 | Dyson V11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Torque Floorhead | No | Yes (AbsoluteOnly) |
| Tool Clip | No | Yes |
| Direct Drive Floorhead | Yes | Yes (Animal Only) |
| Fluffy Floorhead | Yes (Absolute/Total Clean) | Yes (Absolute Only) |
| Mini Motorised Tool | Yes | Yes |
| Combination Tool | Yes | Yes |
| Stubborn Dirt Brush | Yes | Yes |
| Crevice Tool | Yes | Yes |
| Mattress Tool | Yes (Total Clean Only) | No |
| Up-Top Adaptor | Yes (Total Clean Only) | No |
| Docking Station | Yes | Yes |
Winner: Dyson v10
Why does the V10 win here? Well, while both have an equal number of tools, there are some that just make the V10 a little better.
I like the Torque Drive cleaning head more than the Direct Drive, but I also wish that we could have had the mattress tool and up-top adaptor with the Dyson V11 models.
They are exceptionally handy to have, and once you try them you will wonder how you coped before.
The Dyson v10 vs v11 are 2-in-1 multifunction vacuums. You can change the way you use your vacuum to a portable handheld vacuum or a full-sized cordless stick vacuum.
When Buy the Dyson V10?
So, when should you buy the Dyson V10? Which situation makes it the best choice for you and your home. Here are my key points.
- If you live in a flat or small home, the run-time in the standard cleaning mode of 20 minutes is adequate time to get the job done.
- If you have a majority of hard floors, the soft roller head brush (fluffy) really is great on these type of delicate surfaces and the Dyson V11 doesn’t come with this.
- Price – The price can be a key factor for a lot of us, so if budget rules for you, then of course the V10 wins the day.
Check out the latest price for the V10 range here or visit our Dyson deals page to compare all the best online retailers to see what offers are available.
When Buy the Dyson V11?
The Dyson V11 is the winner for most of the sections in this guide, and that’s because it is packed with new tech and enhanced cleaning power ( and a lumpier price tag)
Here are my reasons why you should pick the Dyson V11 over the V10
- If you live in a larger home or heavy traffic the extra 20 minutes in standard mode runtime that the Dyson V11 has over the V10 makes this model a no-brainer.
- If you have pets and kids and have a lot of carpet areas that need a bit more than a flick over with the stick vacuum, the extra power from the increased Air Flow the Dyson V11 will be a huge help.
- Tech – If you love a bit of tech, then the LCD display and gadgetry along with the auto-adjusting V11 Torque Drive cleaning head will leave you very impressed.
Check out the latest price for the Dyson V11 range here or visit our Dyson deals page to compare all the best online retailers to see what offers are available. Take a look at our Samsung power stick review.
Last Updated on January 27, 2022 by Gemma Tyler
Gemma Tyler is a freelance journalist with 15 years of experience writing for consumer publications. She has tested and reviewed a wide range of household items from vacuum cleaners to washing machines and dehumidifiers to steam irons. Her attention to detail and exhaustive testing certainly makes her an expert in her field.
