Dyson cordless models by year

Dyson cordless timeline at a glance

The years below are approximate UK timings for each model family. Many models have been reissued in later editions, such as the V8 Origin and V8 Advanced, which carry the V8 name but are newer machines with updated figures. Always check the specification of the exact edition.

The early models: V6, V7 and V8

The V6 family was Dyson's mainstream cordless stick in the mid 2010s. It used a fixed battery and a trigger, with a shorter runtime than later models, and some editions brought the soft roller head for hard floors. V6 machines are now old, and any battery still fitted is likely to have lost much of its capacity.

The V8 arrived around 2016 and quickly became one of Dyson's best known models. It brought a longer runtime of up to 40 minutes in its lowest mode, quieter running and push lever bin emptying. The V7 followed around 2017 as a lower cost model below the V8. The V8 name is still in use: the V8 Origin listing gives 115 AW, up to 40 minutes, a 0.54 litre bin and a De-tangling Motorbar head, while the V8 Advanced listing gives 130 AW. These are updated machines, so a new V8 today is not the same as a 2016 one.

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The V10 and V11: longer runtime and a screen

The V10, which arrived around 2018, changed the layout. The cyclone and bin sit in line with the wand, which allowed a larger 0.76 litre bin. The V10 Animal listing gives up to 60 minutes, three cleaning modes and a Torque drive head. The jump from 40 to 60 minutes made it practical to clean a whole house on one charge.

The V11, around 2019, kept the 60 minute quoted runtime and 0.76 litre bin and added an LCD screen that shows the power mode and remaining runtime in minutes. Editions with the High Torque head added an Auto mode that adjusts suction to the floor type. Our V8 vs V11 comparison covers these three generations side by side.

The Detect era: V15, V12 and Gen5

The V15 Detect, around 2021, added the Detect features. A piezo sensor sizes and counts dust particles and raises suction when needed, the LCD screen shows the counts, and many editions include the Laser Slim Fluffy head that lights up fine dust on hard floors. The V15 also uses a click-in battery that you can swap without tools. The V15 Detect Animal listing gives up to 60 minutes and a 0.76 litre bin.

The V12 Detect Slim followed as a lighter version with the same sensor and screen ideas but a smaller bin and narrower heads. It appeared in some markets around 2021 and in the UK around 2022. The Gen5 Detect arrived around 2024. Dyson quotes 280 AW and up to 70 minutes for it, and it replaced the trigger with a push button. See our Gen5 vs V15 comparison and our V12 vs V15 comparison for detail.

What about a Dyson V16?

People often search for a Dyson V16 to compare with the V15. After the V15, Dyson's flagship stick in the UK moved to the Gen5 name rather than continuing the V numbers in a simple sequence. We do not describe a V16 here because we cannot confirm a UK specification for one. If Dyson has released or does release a model with that name, check Dyson's own site for its details before comparing it with anything.

For a like for like upgrade from the V15 Detect today, the Gen5 Detect is the model to compare. Our Dyson range guide lists the models currently on sale.

Buying a discounted or used Dyson: what to check

A large discount on an older model can be good value, because the cleaning basics have not changed much since the V10. The main risks with older or used machines are a tired battery, a worn brush bar and missing tools. Use the checklist below before you buy.

1. 1

   Confirm the exact model and edition from the label or listing, not just the name on the box.

2. 2

   Check whether the battery is click-in or fixed with screws, and whether replacement batteries are still easy to get.

3. 3

   For a used machine, ask how long it runs in its lowest mode on a full charge, and compare that with the quoted figure.

4. 4

   Inspect the brush bar for wear and wrapped hair, and the filter for damage.

5. 5

   Check which heads and tools are included, and whether they fit other Dysons you own.

6. 6

   Buy new from a seller that provides the full Dyson warranty, and register the machine with Dyson.

Note:On a used Dyson, do not charge or use a battery that is swollen, cracked or smells of burning. Use the Dyson charger or a compatible one for that model, and take old batteries to a battery recycling point, never household waste.

Frequently asked questions

What year did the Dyson V15 come out? The V15 Detect launched around 2021. Later editions and bundles have followed, so check the specification of the exact version you are buying.

When was the Dyson V8 released? The original V8 arrived around 2016. Current models such as the V8 Origin and V8 Advanced carry the V8 name but are updated editions with their own figures.

Is there a Dyson V16? We cannot confirm a UK specification for a model called the V16, so we do not describe one. After the V15, Dyson's UK flagship stick became the Gen5 Detect. Check Dyson's site for the current range.

Is an older Dyson still worth buying? Often, yes, if the price is right and the battery is healthy. A V10 or V11 still offers a quoted 60 minute runtime and a 0.76 litre bin. Avoid used machines with unknown battery history.