# Dyson V8 vs V11: is the upgrade worth it?

Source: https://wandandfloor.co.uk/blog/dyson-v8-vs-v11
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Wand and Floor

**In short:** The V11 is worth it if you have a medium or large home or lots of carpet: it runs up to 60 minutes against the V8's 40, has a 0.76 litre bin against 0.54, three power levels and an LCD screen that shows remaining runtime. The V8 is lighter and cheaper and suits smaller homes. The V10 sits between them, with the V11's runtime and bin but no screen.

The V8, V10 and V11 are three generations of Dyson cordless stick that are all still widely sold, often at very different prices. The V8 arrived around 2016, the V10 around 2018 and the V11 around 2019. Each step added runtime, bin capacity or smarter controls. This comparison uses the Amazon UK listings for the V8 Origin, V8 Advanced, V10 Animal and V11 to set out the facts, then explains which upgrade is worth paying for depending on the size of your home and your floors.

## V8, V10 and V11 compared

Figures come from the current Amazon UK listings. The V11 listing is thin, so we only use the facts it states clearly, plus Dyson's widely published suction figure. The V11 listing's weight is clearly wrong, so we leave it out; check Dyson's site for the weight of the edition you are considering.

| Feature | V8 Origin | V10 Animal | V11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Launched (approx.) | Around 2016 (V8 range) | Around 2018 | Around 2019 |
| Suction | 115 AW (130 AW on V8 Advanced) | Not stated as AW in listing | Dyson quoted 185 AW |
| Runtime (max) | Up to 40 min | Up to 60 min | Up to 60 min |
| Power modes | 2 (Eco, MAX) | 3 | 3 |
| Bin | 0.54 L | 0.76 L | 0.76 L |
| Weight (listing) | 2.6 kg | 2.66 kg | Check Dyson's spec |
| Screen | No | No | LCD screen |
| Main floor head | De-tangling Motorbar | Torque drive head | Varies by edition |
| Filtration (listing) | Washable filter | Whole-machine filtration, HEPA type | HEPA filter |

Dyson V8 Origin, V10 Animal and V11

## Runtime and power modes

Runtime is the biggest practical gap. The V8 listings give up to 40 minutes, while the V10 Animal and V11 give up to 60 minutes. These are maximums in the lowest mode, usually with a non-motorised tool, so real runtime with the main motorised head is shorter on all three. Even so, the extra battery capacity in the V10 and V11 usually means you can clean a three bedroom house in one go, where a V8 may need a recharge.

The V8 has two modes, Eco and MAX. The V10 has three, selected on a switch on the machine. The V11 also has three power levels, and on editions with the High Torque head it offers an Auto mode that adjusts suction to the floor type. Our [runtime planner](https://wandandfloor.co.uk/tools/runtime-planner) helps you estimate how far each runtime goes in your home.

## The V11 screen and smarter controls

The V11 was the first of these three to add an LCD screen. It shows the selected power mode and the remaining runtime in minutes, and it can show maintenance reminders such as a blocked or dirty filter. That sounds minor, but knowing you have eight minutes left lets you finish the hallway rather than running out halfway across the lounge.

The V8 and V10 have no screen. They show battery level with simple lights, so you only get a rough idea of what is left. If you clean a larger home in one session, the V11 screen is a genuine convenience. If you clean in short bursts, it matters less.

## Bin size, design and weight

The V8 bin holds 0.54 litres; the V10 and V11 hold 0.76 litres. The V10 introduced Dyson's in-line design, where the cyclone and bin sit in a straight line with the wand. That layout is why the V10 and V11 bins are larger, and it also makes them a little longer and heavier in the hand.

The V8 Origin listing gives 2.6 kg and the V10 Animal 2.66 kg. Those figures are close, but the V10 and V11 carry more of their mass at the handle end with the bigger bin and battery. For quick daily tidies and for people who find heavier sticks tiring, the V8 feels more nimble. For larger homes, the bigger bin saves trips to the dustbin.

[See lighter cordless vacuums](https://wandandfloor.co.uk/best/best-lightweight-cordless-vacuums)

## Floor heads and pet hair

The V8 Origin listing includes a De-tangling Motorbar head, which uses a comb to clear hair from the brush bar as you clean. The V10 Animal listing describes a Torque drive head that drives bristles deep into carpet, plus a mini motorised tool for upholstery and pet hair. V11 editions have been sold with the Torque drive head or the High Torque head with automatic adjustment, depending on the version.

For homes with long-haired pets or long human hair, the de-tangling heads on newer V8 and V11 editions reduce the job of cutting hair off the brush bar. Check what head is in the box rather than relying on the model number. Our [Dyson cleaner heads explainer](https://wandandfloor.co.uk/blog/dyson-cleaner-heads-explained) covers which head suits which floor, and our [pet hair guide](https://wandandfloor.co.uk/best/best-cordless-vacuums-for-pet-hair) lists the strongest options.

## Where the V10 fits: V8 or V10?

The V10 is the middle option. It has the same up to 60 minute runtime and 0.76 litre bin as the V11, three power modes and a Torque drive head on the Animal edition. What it lacks is the screen and the automatic floor sensing on V11 editions with the High Torque head. The V10 Animal listing gives a charge time of 210 minutes.

If you are choosing between a V8 and a V10, the V10 is the better machine for medium and larger homes thanks to the longer runtime and bigger bin. The V8 stays the better choice where weight and price matter most. If a V10 and V11 are close in price, the V11's screen and Auto mode tip the balance.

Note: Older Dysons bought used or on clearance may have tired batteries. Use only the Dyson charger or a compatible one for your model, stop using any battery that is swollen, damaged or smells of burning, and recycle old packs at a battery recycling point, never in household waste.

## Frequently asked questions

**Is the Dyson V11 really worth it over the V8?** For medium and large homes, yes. The extra runtime, bigger bin, third power level and the screen make longer cleans easier. In a small flat with mainly hard floors, a V8 covers the job for less money.

**Is the Dyson V8 or V10 better?** The V10 has a longer quoted runtime, a larger bin and three power modes, so it is the better cleaner for bigger homes. The V8 is a little lighter and usually cheaper, which suits small homes and quick jobs.

**Do V8 tools fit the V10 and V11?** Dyson has used the same click-on connection on many models from the V7 onwards, so many tools cross over. Not every head fits every machine, so check Dyson's compatibility guide before buying extras.

**Does the V11 have a removable battery?** It depends on the version. Some V11 editions use a battery fixed with screws and later editions use a click-in battery. Check Dyson's specification for the exact model.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://wandandfloor.co.uk/best/dyson-cordless-vacuums-compared
- https://wandandfloor.co.uk/best/best-cordless-vacuums-under-300
- https://wandandfloor.co.uk/best/best-long-runtime-cordless-vacuums