Dyson V11 vs V15 Detect

V10, V11 and V15 Detect at a glance

Suction figures below are the ones Dyson has published for each generation. Listing weights for these models vary between editions and some listings are clearly wrong, so check Dyson's own spec page for the edition you are buying.

Suction and the Auto mode

On Dyson's own figures the V15 Detect produces 230 AW of suction against 185 AW for the V11. In daily use the gap is smaller than the numbers suggest, because most cleaning happens in Eco or Auto rather than Boost. Both machines can be bought with a High Torque head that measures brush bar resistance and raises or lowers power as you move from hard floor to carpet.

Where the V15 pulls ahead is that its Auto mode also reacts to the particle sensor. When the sensor counts more dust passing through, it raises suction for a moment. The V11 only reacts to the floor type. If your floors are mostly carpet, the V11's Auto mode does most of what you need. Our suction explainer covers why air watts are only part of the story.

Laser head and particle sensor

The laser on the V15's Fluffy Optic head projects a thin line of light across hard floors, so fine dust and hair stand out. On wood, laminate and tiles this changes how you clean: you see what you missed and go back over it. On carpet it adds little, as pile hides the effect.

The piezo sensor counts and sizes particles and shows a running tally on the screen. Some people find this useful for spotting dirtier rooms, others ignore it after a week. If you have mostly carpet, both features matter less and the V11 makes more sense. Our Detect features explainer goes into more detail.

Hard floor cordless picks →

Runtime, bin and weight

Runtime and bin size are the same on paper: up to 60 minutes in Eco with a non-motorised tool, and a 0.76 litre bin. With the main motorised head in Auto, expect a good deal less on both, typically enough for a three bedroom house in one go. Weight is close too. Both are heavier in the hand than a V8 or V12 because the battery and bin sit in line with the wand.

If runtime is your main worry, a swappable battery or a longer runtime model may suit you better than either. Our runtime planner estimates whether one charge covers your home.

Which one should you buy?

Choose the V15 Detect if you have a lot of hard floor, care about seeing fine dust, or want the newest Dyson tools such as the hair screw tool for upholstery and pet beds. Choose the V11 if your home is mostly carpeted and you want a big bin, long runtime and a screen without paying for the laser. Choose the V10 if price matters most and you can live without a screen.

Edition names matter. Absolute, Animal and Extra versions of the same model differ in the heads and tools in the box. Our Dyson cordless comparison lists the current editions side by side.

Compare current Dyson models →

Frequently asked questions

Is the V15 much more powerful than the V11? Dyson quotes 230 AW for the V15 Detect and 185 AW for the V11. Most cleaning happens in lower modes, so the difference is most noticeable in Boost on deep carpet.

Do the V11 and V15 use the same bin? Both have a 0.76 litre bin and the same in-line layout. Accessories often fit both, but check Dyson's compatibility list before buying spares.

Is the V10 still worth buying? It has the same runtime and bin as the V11 but no screen and no automatic mode. If you find one well priced, it is still a capable carpet cleaner.

Which is better for pet hair? Both clean pet hair well with a de-tangling or High Torque head. The V15's hair screw tool is handy for sofas and pet beds.