Dyson's stick vacuum range has been reshuffled. Its stick vacuum page now leads with the V16 Piston Animal, the V10 Konical, the V8 Cyclone and the PencilVac, while the V15 Detect and Gen5detect are still sold at The Good Guys and Amazon. Neither Dyson's stick vacuum page nor The Good Guys lists the V11 or V12.
Going up the range, suction rises from 150 to 315 air watts, run time from 60 to 70 minutes, and the weight from 2.7kg to 3.5kg. The other differences are in the cleaner heads, the filtration and the bin.
The range at a glance
| Model | Suction | Run time | Bin | Weight | Filtration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V8 Cyclone | 150 AW | 60 min | 0.54L | 2.7kg | To 0.3 microns | $450–500 |
| V10 Konical | 150 AW | 60 min | 0.54L | 2.73kg | HEPA, to 0.1 microns | $700–800 |
| V15 Detect Absolute | 240 AW | 60 min | 0.77L | 3.1kg | To 0.3 microns | $1,100–1,200 |
| Gen5detect Absolute | 262 AW | 70 min | 0.77L | 3.5kg | HEPA, to 0.1 microns | $900–1,000 |
| V16 Piston Animal | 315 AW | 70 min | 1.35L, compacted | 3.5kg | To 0.1 microns | $1,000–1,100 |
| PencilVac Fluffycones | Not stated | 30 min | 0.08L | 1.8kg | To 0.3 microns | $800–900 |
All figures are Dyson's, except the PencilVac's bin size, which is from The Good Guys. Dyson tests suction in Boost mode with a full bin and quotes run time in Eco mode on hard floors, according to its stick vacuum page, so real run times on carpet in higher modes are shorter. Prices were checked at The Good Guys and Amazon on 27 September 2026.
V8 Cyclone
The V8 Cyclone is the current version of Dyson's entry stick, with 150 air watts, which Dyson says is 30 per cent more suction than the old V8, and up to 60 minutes of run time. It weighs 2.7kg, runs from a single button rather than a trigger, and has three power modes, according to Dyson. Its filtration captures particles down to 0.3 microns.
It has the smallest bin in the range at 0.54 litres, and no dust sensor, screen or light on the floor head.
What We Like:
- 2.7kg
- Button, not a trigger
- Lowest price in the range
What We Don't Like:
- Smallest bin
- No dust light or sensor
V10 Konical
The V10 Konical has the same 150 air watts and 60-minute run time as the V8 Cyclone, and adds a floor head with two conical brush bars that Dyson says de-tangle hair up to 25 inches (about 63cm) long, a blade of light that shows dust on hard floors, and HEPA filtration to 0.1 microns, according to Dyson. The battery clicks out, so a spare can be swapped in.
It costs noticeably more than the V8 Cyclone for the same suction and bin, so the extra money goes on the head and the filtration.
What We Like:
- Anti-tangle conical brushes
- Dust light on hard floors
- HEPA filtration
What We Don't Like:
- Same suction as the V8 Cyclone
- 0.54L bin
V15 Detect Absolute
The V15 Detect has 240 air watts, up to 60 minutes of run time and a 0.77 litre bin. It comes with Dyson's Fluffy Optic head, which lights up dust on hard floors, and a sensor that counts particles up to 15,000 times a second and shows them on an LCD screen, according to Dyson. It weighs 3.1kg.
At current prices it costs more than the Gen5detect, which has more suction, a longer run time and finer filtration. Owner reviews on Amazon are strongly positive about its cleaning and the dust light.
What We Like:
- Dust sensor and screen
- Fluffy Optic light
- Lighter than the Gen5 and V16
What We Don't Like:
- Costs more than the Gen5detect
- Filtration to 0.3 microns, not 0.1
Gen5detect Absolute
The Gen5detect has 262 air watts, up to 70 minutes of run time and whole-machine HEPA filtration that captures 99.99 per cent of particles down to 0.1 microns, according to Dyson. Like the V15 it has the Fluffy Optic head, a particle sensor and an LCD screen, and a 0.77 litre bin. It weighs 3.5kg.
Owner reviews praise its suction and the particle sensor. The complaints are about weight and value, and one owner reports getting about 40 minutes from the battery.
What We Like:
- More suction than the V15
- 70-minute run time
- HEPA to 0.1 microns
What We Don't Like:
- 3.5kg, heavy for a stick
- Some owners question the value
V16 Piston Animal
The V16 Piston Animal is the most powerful Dyson stick, with 315 air watts from a 900W motor and up to 70 minutes of run time. Its 1.35 litre bin compresses the dust, and Dyson says it holds 30 days' worth before it needs emptying. The All Floor Cones Sense head has two conical brush bars that de-tangle long hair and adjusts its suction and brush speed to the floor, according to Dyson. It weighs 3.5kg.
Owner reviews at The Good Guys are mostly positive; one owner says it is not worth the full price and advises waiting for a sale.
What We Like:
- 315 AW, the most in the range
- Bin compresses the dust
- Anti-tangle conical head
What We Don't Like:
- 3.5kg
- Priced at the top of the range
PencilVac Fluffycones
The PencilVac is a different kind of machine: Dyson calls it the slimmest hard floor vacuum, and it weighs 1.8kg with a 30-minute run time. Its Fluffycones head uses conical brushes to de-tangle hair, and it lights up dust on the floor.
It is made for hard floors, and The Good Guys lists its bin at 0.08 litres, so it suits a small apartment with hard floors rather than a carpeted house.
What We Like:
- 1.8kg, the lightest here
- Slim enough for tight gaps
- Dust light
What We Don't Like:
- Hard floors only
- Tiny 0.08L bin
Which Dyson suits which home
V8 Cyclone suits a smaller home and a smaller budget.
V10 Konical suits a household with long hair, for its anti-tangle head, and anyone who wants HEPA filtration without paying for the top of the range.
Gen5detect suits buyers who want the dust sensor and screen, and it is currently cheaper than the V15 Detect with more suction and a longer run time.
V16 Piston Animal suits large homes and pets, for the most suction and the compacting bin.
PencilVac suits a small home with hard floors throughout.
FAQs
Which Dyson stick vacuum is the most powerful?
The V16 Piston Animal, at 315 air watts, followed by the Gen5detect at 262 and the V15 Detect at 240.
What happened to the Dyson V11 and V12?
Neither appears on Dyson's stick vacuum page or in The Good Guys' range. The V8 and V10 have been updated as the V8 Cyclone and V10 Konical.
Is the Gen5detect better than the V15 Detect?
On paper, yes: 262 against 240 air watts, 70 against 60 minutes of run time, and HEPA filtration to 0.1 microns rather than 0.3. The Gen5detect is 400g heavier, and at current prices it is also the cheaper of the two.
