The Dyson V11 is a cordless stick/handheld vacuum. It sits in the upper mid-range of Dyson's extensive lineup of V-series cordless stick vacuums, above the less powerful and older Dyson Cyclone V10 and Dyson V8, but slightly below the newer, more powerful Dyson V15 Detect as well as the Dyson Gen5detect. The V11 offers strong performance on a variety of surface types and features a surface detection system that enables it to automatically change its suction power mode to suit different floor types. However, it foregoes the particle sensor found in more recently released models.
Our Verdict
This vacuum is good for bare floors. It does a good job of clearing away a mix of debris types on hard surfaces. Although its build quality is just okay, with plastic components that feel a bit fragile, it's fairly easy to maintain. It also does a decent job of handling debris in cracks and crevices, like grout lines on a tile floor.
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Great performance on most floor types.
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Virtually no recurring costs.
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Fairly easy to maintain.
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Automatic power adjustment capability.
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Plastic design feels fragile.
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No mopping attachment for stains.
The Dyson V11 is very good for cleaning low-pile carpet. It offers consistently strong performance on this surface type, even if you might need to make an extra pass to clear away every last bit of debris. However, while it's easy to take apart and reassemble, its build quality is only okay, with somewhat fragile plastic construction. It can also easily get caught on lightweight tasseled rugs, forcing you to turn the vacuum off to free it.
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Great performance on most floor types.
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Virtually no recurring costs.
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Fairly easy to maintain.
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Automatic power adjustment capability.
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Plastic design feels fragile.
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Can get stuck on lightweight tasseled rugs.
The Dyson V11 is very good for cleaning high-pile carpet. It offers strong overall performance on this surface type, clearing away a mix of debris types within a single back-and-forth pass, though you might need to go over the same area again to collect everything. Unfortunately, it's a little heavy for a cordless stick vacuum, making it a hassle to maneuver.
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Great performance on most floor types.
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Virtually no recurring costs.
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Fairly easy to maintain.
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Automatic power adjustment capability.
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Plastic design feels fragile.
The Dyson V11 is excellent for cleaning pet hair. It does an outstanding job of picking up pet hairs on any surface type. Its brushroll is also easily removable, making cutting away any tangled hair a little easier. Its six-stage filtration system is also pretty effective in sealing in fine allergens like pet dander. It isn't unusually noisy either, which is good if your pet is sensitive to loud sounds. However, there's no dedicated pet-grooming tool or a mopping attachment to deal with dried-on stains, like mud or dirt your pet might track in.
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Virtually no recurring costs.
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Removable brushroll.
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Six-stage filtration system.
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Superb pet hair cleaning capability.
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No pet grooming brush.
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No mopping attachment for stains.
The Dyson V11 is excellent for cleaning stairs. It's portable, if somewhat heavy for a stick vacuum, and its cordless design means you don't have to worry about tripping over a power cord while climbing and descending staircases. While it performs well on all surface types, its plasticky body is a little fragile in places and could be damaged if you drop it.
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Great performance on most floor types.
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Good overall maneuverability.
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Automatic power adjustment capability.
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Plastic design feels fragile.
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Can feel a bit heavy in the hand after a while.
The Dyson V11 is great for cars. It's portable, though it can feel a little heavy in your hand when used for extended periods. Since it doesn't have a cord, you don't need to stay close to an electrical outlet or fiddle with an extension cord while cleaning your car. You can also reconfigure it as a handheld vacuum, and it comes with a crevice tool so you can get to those hard-to-clean places.
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Great performance on most floor types.
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Good overall maneuverability.
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Can feel a bit heavy in the hand after a while.
This vacuum isn't designed for workshop cleaning. It can't deal with liquid spills, and heavier debris like metal shavings could damage its cyclone and filters.
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Great performance on most floor types.
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No mopping attachment for stains.
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You can't use it to deal with liquid spills.
- 7.6 Bare Floor
- 7.9 Low-Pile Carpet
- 7.6 High-Pile Carpet
- 7.8 Pets
- 8.6 Stairs
- 8.2 Cars
- 5.6 Workshop
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Updated Nov 29, 2024:
We've added a link to the Shark PowerDetect Cordless in the Hard Floor Pick-Up section of the review to provide an alternative that delivers superior debris pickup on bare surfaces.
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Updated Nov 15, 2024:
Added the Miele Duoflex HX1 as an alternative that's better built in the Build Quality section.
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Updated Oct 29, 2024:
We've added a link to the RYOBI PCL720K in the Build Quality section of the review to provide a more sturdily-built alternative.
- Updated Aug 26, 2024: We've updated the scores in the Hard Floor Pick-Up, High-Pile Carpet Pick-Up, Low-Pile Carpet Pick-Up, and Pet-Hair Pick-Up tests to align with a broader data set. For more information about the reasoning for this update, you can look at our forum post.
- Updated Aug 15, 2024: We've added the V11 Origin model to the 'Differences Between Variants' section of the review.
- Updated May 10, 2024: Added Dyson V11 Plus variant to the 'Differences Between Variants' section of the review.
- Updated Apr 09, 2024: We've added text to this review for the new tests added in Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Apr 09, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3. We've overhauled our floor performance tests and added new 'Hard Floor Pick-Up,' 'High-Pile Carpet Pick-Up,' 'Low-Pile Carpet Pick-Up,' and 'Pet-Hair Pick-Up' tests. You can see the full changelog here.
- Updated Nov 14, 2023: Minor in-text adjustments to further clarify product information.
- Updated Oct 20, 2023: We've added text to this review for the new tests added in Test Bench 1.2.
- Updated Oct 20, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update builds on our previous 'Suction' test with a new 'Airflow' test that more accurately measures a vacuum's ability to generate air movement. If you'd like to see an in-depth look at the reasoning and methodology behind this change, you can see our full changelog here..
- Updated Nov 23, 2022: We've changed the full product name to 'Dyson V11' in order for the review to encompass all model variants.
- Updated Nov 18, 2022: We've updated the text in the review to account for the new tests and scoring methodology in Vacuums Test Bench 1.0 and Vacuums Test Bench 1.1.
- Updated Aug 25, 2022: This vacuum's suction force has been retested with a more accurate manometer. The test results for the 'Maximum Suction' and 'Normal Suction' fields have been updated. All relevant scores and text have been updated.
- Updated Aug 04, 2022: We've updated this review to Test Bench 1.1, which includes a broad range of new testing procedures to measure stain and water-clearing performance, suction power, crevice-cleaning performance, noise levels, and air filtration performance. We've also updated our debris and pet hair-pickup performance tests as well as our method of scoring user maintenance requirements, recurring costs, dirt compartment sizing, and the overall score breakdown for the 'Workshop' usage section.
- Updated Jul 29, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
- Updated Jul 21, 2022: We've retested the 'Stains' section for this vacuum. The score for that field and all relevant text has been updated.
- Updated Mar 18, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Feb 23, 2021: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
- Updated Aug 24, 2020: We've retested the dirt compartment's volume. We've also retested this vacuum's performance on bare floors, as well as on low and high-pile carpet.
- Updated Jul 06, 2020: Updated the scoring for maneuverability.
- Updated Jul 06, 2020: Review published.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
There are four variants of the Dyson V11, though they're very similar and differ only slightly in terms of included attachments. We tested the Animal model.
| Model Name | Tools Included | Color | Notes |
| V11 Origin | Motorbar floorhead, Hair screw tool, crevice tool, soft bristle brush, | Nickel/Blue | |
| V11 Animal | Torque Drive floorhead, mini turbo brush, combination tool, crevice tool, stiff bristle brush | Nickel/Purple | |
| V11 Plus | Motorbar floorhead, combination tool, crevice tool, soft bristle brush, Fabric and Mattress tool, Low-Reach Adaptor, mini turbo brush | Purple/Nickel | |
| V11 Torque Drive | Torque Drive floorhead, mini turbo brush, combination tool, crevice tool, soft-bristle brush, stiff bristle brush | Nickel/Copper, Nickel/Blue | Has an LED screen that displays the remaining runtime in real time |
| V11 Absolute | Torque Drive floorhead, soft roller floorhead, mini turbo brush, combination tool, crevice tool, soft-bristle brush, stiff bristle brush | Nickel/Copper, Nickel/Blue | Not available in the US market |
If you encounter another variant of this vacuum, let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Vacuums
The Dyson V11 is a cordless stick vacuum. It's heavier than the older Dyson V8 but compensates with better performance across most surfaces, a longer battery life, and an automatic power adjustment feature. However, it lags behind newer, pricier Dyson models like the Dyson V15 Detect or Dyson Gen5detect regarding raw suction power.
If you want to see more options, check out our lists of the best cordless vacuums, the best hardwood vacuums, and the best lightweight vacuums.
The Dyson V11 is better overall than the Dyson V8. It offers superior performance on most surface types thanks to its more powerful suction motor, higher-capacity battery, larger dustbin, and automatic power adjustment system. That said, the V8 is lighter.
The Dyson V15 Detect is a better vacuum than the Dyson V11. They're similar in build quality, battery performance, and maneuverability, but the V15 is a little lighter, delivers superior cleaning performance on all surface types, and has a built-in particle sensor. Conversely, the V11 is less demanding in terms of maintenance requirements.
The Dyson V11 is a little more versatile than the Dyson Outsize. The V11 is easier to maintain and maneuver, slightly more portable, and delivers superior performance on low-pile carpet. Meanwhile, the Outsize has a larger dirt compartment that doesn't need to be emptied as often and has a longer total runtime thanks to its extra battery. It also comes with a larger selection of tools and accessories.
The Dyson V11 is ultimately better than the Dyson Cyclone V10. The V11 has an automatic power adjustment system as well as a more powerful suction motor, though this doesn't necessarily correlate to a drastic improvement in real-world performance.
The Dyson V11 outclasses the Dyson V7. The V11 has a far more powerful motor, a larger dustbin, and a higher-capacity battery that allows for longer runtime. That said, the V7 is a little lighter.
The Dyson V12 Detect Slim is a little better than the Dyson V11, though they each have advantages. The V12 performs better on bare floors with its soft roller head, clears more pet hair on upholstered surfaces, charges faster while offering similar battery life, and has a lighter construction that's easier to maneuver. Its particle counter could also be handy if you suffer from allergies and want to know about the concentration of fine particles in your home. However, the V11 does a better job cleaning low-pile carpeting and features a larger dustbin that won't need emptying as often.
The Dyson V11 and Samsung Jet 75 each have their strengths, meaning one might suit you better than the other, depending on your needs. The Dyson lasts slightly longer on a single battery, comes with a wider assortment of attachments, has a telescopic wand, and has an automatic power adjustment feature that lets it increase its suction power to match the surface you're cleaning. Conversely, the Samsung feels sturdier, performs better on high-pile carpet, and is fully compatible with a self-emptying base station, which is somewhat pricey and does incur high recurring costs but also makes it even easier to maintain. Pricier variants of the Samsung also come with two batteries, giving it a longer overall runtime.
The Samsung Jet 90 Complete and the Dyson V11 are similar vacuums, but the Dyson is better for most uses. The Dyson deals with debris more effectively on bare floors and carpets, though the Samsung is compatible with a specialized mopping attachment.
The Dyson V11 is better than the Samsung Bespoke Jet. The Samsung feels better built, weighs less, comes with two batteries that can be charged at once, giving it a longer overall runtime, and delivers better overall performance on all surface types. Its Cleaning Station accessory allows you to quickly empty its dustbin without creating a plume of dust. That said, the Dyson pulls ahead where it counts, delivering superior debris pickup performance on bare floors as well as low-pile carpet.
The Dyson V11 is better than the Samsung Jet 60, though the Samsung is a good alternative for the price. The Dyson is a little easier to maintain, incurs virtually no recurring costs, has a telescopic wand, lasts longer on a single charge, does a better job dealing with pet hair on upholstery, and performs better on bare floors and low-pile carpets. However, the Samsung charges much faster, weighs considerably less, and makes slightly less noise.
The Miele Triflex HX1 is superior to the Dyson V11. The Miele feels better made, is easier to maintain, and performs better on bare floors and low-pile carpets. It also feels lighter in your hand and is more maneuverable. Conversely, the Dyson has a longer maximum battery life, more tools and brushes, a bigger dirt compartment, and slightly better performance on high-pile carpets.
The Dyson V11 and Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight each have their advantages, meaning that one may suit you better than the other, depending on your needs. The Dyson has fewer parts that require regular maintenance, has a rack station and an onboard tool clip, and has a motorized turbo brush. It also does a better job of clearing debris on low-pile carpet. Conversely, the Shark performs better on bare floors and high-pile carpet, is a little easier to maneuver thanks to its flexible wand, feels more sturdily built, has a larger dustbin, and charges faster while offering similar overall battery life.
The Dyson V11 is a better vacuum than the Dyson Omni-glide. The V11 delivers excellent performance on bare floors and does a very good job on carpets. It comes with a bigger variety of tools and brushes, and its dirt compartment can hold more debris. On the other hand, the Omni-glide is much lighter and recharges more quickly, although its performance on bare floors is mediocre.
The Dyson V11 is a better overall vacuum than the Shark Rocket Corded. The Dyson stores easier, has a bigger dirt compartment, and is cordless, so you can go anywhere with it. It can also adjust its power level to better suit the mess, and it comes with several tools that help to clean more specific objects like blinds, which is nice. On the other hand, the Shark is corded, so you never have to worry about running out of battery life or recharging it.
The Dyson V11 and LG CordZero A9 each have their advantages, so one may suit you better than the other, depending on your needs. The Dyson has fewer parts that require regular maintenance, incurs virtually no recurring costs, has a larger dustbin, and has a surface-type adjustment feature. It also performs better on bare floors and high-pile carpet. Conversely, the LG weighs less, and you can buy a bundle with a second battery that effectively doubles its runtime.
The Dyson V11 is a better vacuum than the Tineco PURE ONE S11. The Dyson is more effective for picking up debris on hard floors and carpeted surfaces. However, the Tineco is a superior option for quick cleaning sessions, as it weighs considerably less and is a little bit quieter. Conversely, the Dyson is heavier but has a more potent suction motor that allows for better debris-pickup performance on carpets.
The Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean/Origin is a better vacuum for cleaning floors, while the Dyson V11 is more versatile. The Ball Animal 2 is an upright vacuum with outstanding performance on bare floors and carpets. It also has a bigger dirt compartment and a pet grooming tool. The V11 is a cordless stick vacuum, so you're not limited by a cord in terms of its range. You can also use it as a handheld vacuum, which is helpful for vacuuming stairs or inside cars.
The Shark Rocket Pet Pro and the Dyson V11 are similarly performing stick/handheld vacuums. The Shark feels better built, it's significantly more maneuverable, and it has a better performance on bare floors and low-pile carpet. The Dyson, on the other hand, is easier to maintain, has a bigger dirt compartment, and more tools. It also has better performance on high-pile carpet.
The Dyson V11 is better than the Shark Cordless Pet Plus. The Dyson takes up less room, has a much longer battery life, has a wider array of attachments, has a substantially more powerful suction motor, and is easier to maneuver. However, the Shark has a higher-capacity dustbin and feels a little bit sturdier.
The Miele Duoflex HX1 and the Dyson V11 have different strengths. The Dyson offers superior performance on every surface type and has a larger dust container, so you'll have to empty it less frequently. Unlike the Miele, there are also no recurring costs. That said, the Miele is much better built, offers superior battery life, and depending on the variant, can be more versatile thanks to the inclusion of an extension hose and extendable, flexible crevice tool.
The Dyson V11 is ultimately a stronger performer than the RYOBI PCL720K. The Dyson delivers much better debris pickup performance across a variety of surfaces, and it's packed with a wider array of features. Its surface detection system allows it to automatically change its suction power setting depending on the surface you're cleaning, and its multi-stage filtration system does a much better job of locking in particles compared to the RYOBI. The Dyson is also lighter, quieter, and can be bundled with more tools. On the other hand, the RYOBI feels considerably more solidly-built.
The Dyson V11 and Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless are fairly evenly matched overall, and you may prefer one over the other depending on your needs. The Dyson is easier to maintain, has a longer maximum battery life, and performs better on low and high-pile carpet. Meanwhile, the Shark feels better made, is more maneuverable and cleans more debris on bare floors. It also charges substantially faster.
The Dyson V11 is better than the Wyze Cordless Vacuum for most uses, though the Wyze is still a good budget-friendly option. The Dyson has a more powerful motor, an automatic power adjustment system, a bigger dustbin, and a longer battery life. Meanwhile, the Wyze is notably lighter, and its less powerful motor makes it easier to maneuver on really plush carpets.
The Samsung Jet 70 is better than the Dyson V11. The Samsung is notably lighter, charges much faster, makes a little less noise, and delivers better performance on bare floors as well as low and high-pile carpets. However, the Dyson has a surface detection system that allows it to automatically increase its suction power depending on the floor type that you're on. It also has a longer battery life and is more effective in dealing with pet hair on upholstered furniture.
The Dyson V11 is better than the Tineco PURE ONE X for most uses. The Dyson has less demanding maintenance requirements, incurs virtually no recurring costs, has a bigger dustbin, is easier to maneuver, and performs notably better on low and high-pile carpets. Conversely, the Tineco is lighter, charges faster, and clears more debris on bare floors.
The Shark APEX UpLight and the Dyson V11 are similar stick vacuums. The Shark has better performance on bare floors and low-pile carpet, while the Dyson is slightly better on high-pile carpet. The Shark has a better build quality, and the Dyson is more versatile as it's a cordless vacuum, but that means you have to worry about its battery life, which doesn't last very long on the max power settings.
The Dyson V11 and Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away are cordless vacuums that are differently designed, meaning one might suit you better, depending on your needs. The Dyson is a stick vacuum that has fewer parts needing regular cleaning, is easier to store, and weighs less. Meanwhile, the Shark is a cordless upright that delivers better performance on all surface types, does a better job dealing with debris in cracks, feels lighter in your hand, charges faster, and has a larger dirt compartment.
The Dyson V11 is better overall than the Dyson Micro 1.5kg. The Micro is lighter and more portable, but it's not suited for carpets, so it's less versatile. Meanwhile, the V11 has a larger dirt compartment and longer maximum battery life, and though it's not quite as effective as the Micro on bare floors, it still does an excellent job on this surface type.
The Dyson V11 is better than the Roborock H7. The Dyson feels slightly more robust, has fewer parts needing periodic cleaning, has a removable battery, delivers better performance on low-pile carpets, and does a better job clearing debris in cracks thanks to its stronger suction force. Meanwhile, the Roborock is lighter, has a longer battery life, and can be used as a bagged vacuum, making it easier to dispose of any accumulated debris.
The Dyson V11 is better overall than the Roborock H6 Adapt, though they perform similarly. While the Roborock is more effective on high-pile carpet, the Dyson is slightly better on low-pile carpet and bare floors, particularly at picking up bulky debris like cereal. They're both easy to maneuver and reconfigure into handheld vacuums. The Dyson is slightly less portable but has a slightly larger dirt compartment. On the other hand, the Roborock has better overall battery life.
The Dyson V11 is better than the Shark ION F80 Cord-Free MultiFLEX for most uses. It performs better on carpet as it sucks up a decent amount of debris on both low-pile and high-pile carpet. This means it's also better suited to clean cars and comes with more tools. The Shark has a wand that can bend 90 degrees so it has better maneuverability, and the batteries on the Shark are also better.
Test Results
This vacuum's build quality is just okay. It looks very similar to other Dyson models like the Dyson V15 Detect and has a fairly premium appearance. However, aside from the lightweight metal wand, it's almost entirely made of plastic that doesn't feel extremely sturdy. Parts made of clear plastic feel particularly fragile and could shatter if you drop them or knock against something hard—if you're searching for something more sturdily built, the RYOBI PCL720K is a good choice. Alternatively, for a more premium option consider the Miele Duoflex HX1.
On the upside, the controls are easily accessible on top of the vacuum. There's also a grippy rubber strip near the top of the handle, which helps prevent it from sliding and falling over when you lean it against a wall. An indicator light on the vacuum's body will turn on if there's a blockage or if a filter isn't seated correctly in its housing.
Out-of-the-box assembly is quick and easy, and it has a button you can push to quickly unclip a tool or brush.
User maintenance for this vacuum is pretty simple. There aren't many parts that need regular cleaning, and they're all easy to access.
- Dirt compartment: You need to remove the wand before you empty the dirt compartment, which you can detach by pressing the red release latch. You can empty it over a garbage can or wipe it with a damp cloth if necessary.
- HEPA filter: The post-motor filter can be twisted free of its housing at the back of the vacuum. Wash once a month or when the filter indicator lights up. Ensure it's left to dry completely before reinserting it in the vacuum.
- Lint screen: You can clean the lint screen after you remove the dirt compartment from the main body of the vacuum. No specific maintenance interval is given, but you should remove dust and debris as needed.
- Brushroll: You can remove the brushroll by twisting the cover on the side of the floorhead with a flat object like a coin. Hair tends to wrap around the main brushroll and needs to be removed occasionally by hand or with scissors.
Like many bagless vacuums, the Dyson V11 incurs virtually no recurring costs. The filter is also expected to last the lifetime of your product as long as it's cleaned regularly. If any parts break or need replacement, you can purchase them directly on Dyson's website; you can find a replacement here.
This vacuum is impressively easy to store. Its tall, narrow design helps it fit tight spaces like a small broom closet. It comes with a wand-mounted tool clip, on which you can mount two included tools, putting them within easy reach while using the vacuum. It also has a wall-mount docking station with a couple of extra spots to store more tools.
The Dyson V11 has an adequately sized dirt compartment. It uses the same overall design as the Dyson V15 Detect; its horizontal orientation makes it easy to empty, but it isn't the largest dustbin on the market. If you want a Dyson stick vacuum with a larger dustbin and don't mind using something bigger and more unwieldy, the Dyson Outsize is a solid alternative.
- Dyson V11 Animal vacuum
- Dirt compartment
- Lint/dust screen
- Filter
- Main vacuum head
- Wand
- Vacuum User Guide
- Various tools and brushes
- Dusting brush
- Upholstery brush
- Turbo brush
- Crevice tool
- Tool holder
- Docking station
- Installation manual
- 4 screws
- Charger
Since it's a cordless vacuum, its range is limited only by the remaining battery life and the room left within its dustbin.
This vacuum is pretty portable. While it feels heavier in the hand than most cordless stick vacuums we've tested, including alternatives like the LG CordZero A9, it's still substantially lighter than most traditional corded upright vacuums.
This vacuum's battery performance is okay. If you use it in its handheld configuration in the 'Eco' setting, it can provide well over an hour of continuous use, which is quite long by the standards of other cordless stick vacuums. However, the battery can be depleted in less than 10 minutes when used as a stick vacuum in 'Boost' mode, so you need to work quickly when cleaning stubborn messes. Runtime in its default 'Auto' mode can vary pretty drastically between extremes since the vacuum will automatically adjust its suction power depending on the surface you're cleaning. The LED display screen on the Animal variant shows you an estimate of the battery's charge status with a trio of indicator lights. However, you'll have to step up to the pricier Torque Drive model if you want a more informative LCD that shows a real-time countdown of remaining runtime, which is very similar to the screen found on the Dyson V15 Detect or Dyson Gen5detect. Unfortunately, this vacuum doesn't have a second battery that you can charge and swap in to extend its overall runtime. If you don't want to worry about battery life, check out a corded stick/handheld vacuum like the Shark Rocket Corded.
This vacuum has a few features to make your cleaning experience easier. Like the Dyson V15 Detect, using it in its 'Auto' power model allows it to adjust its power level automatically to match the surface you're cleaning. There are also manually selectable 'Eco' and 'Boost' modes for conserving power when dealing with lightweight debris or stubborn messes, respectively. You can also adjust the main vacuum head's suction to accommodate different surface types, but you have to do it manually via a small slider on the head. Unlike the Wyze Cordless Vacuum, its main floorhead doesn't have a headlight to help you see in darker areas.
The Animal variant of the Dyson V11 comes with a few different tools and brushes to help you get the job done. Its upholstery tool also has a slide-on soft-bristle brush, so you can use it for cleaning fabric surfaces or dealing with lightweight debris on delicate surfaces. There's also a miniature turbo brush tool that you can use to clean furniture or stairs, not to mention a crevice tool for dealing with debris in tight spots, and a hard-bristle brush for more stubborn messes. Although there isn't technically an extension wand, you can attach any tool to the end of the main wand for added reach.
You can reconfigure this vacuum as a handheld by detaching the wand.
This vacuum delivers good performance on hard floors when paired with its Torque Drive multi-surface floorhead. It's quite effective at clearing away fine debris like sand. It also does a good job of dealing with medium- and large-sized debris like rice or cereal, but it tends to push a small amount of this kind of debris around. If you want a cordless vacuum that performs a little better on this surface type, the Shark PowerDetect Cordless is worth a look.
This vacuum delivers decent performance on high-pile carpet. It does a fantastic job of dealing with bulky material like cereal and clears the majority of medium-sized material like rice, but it'll take another pass or two to clear away finer debris like sand that's been embedded into this surface type.
Performance on low-pile carpet is good. This vacuum can clear away the majority of large debris like sand and medium-sized material like rice within a single pass, though a few pulverized chunks of larger material might be left behind. However, you'll need to make an extra pass to fully clear away finer material worked into carpet fibers.
This vacuum does a fantastic job of dealing with pet hair on low-pile carpet. It can clear away long and short strands of hair within a single back-and-forth pass, with only a tiny amount of hair remaining.
This vacuum has good suction power. The manufacturer advertises the suction motor as offering 185AW of suction power, which is a little ways off from the newer Dyson V15 Detect, which produces a maximum of 230AW of power. The V15 also has a fluffy brushroll that generates a tighter seal against flat surfaces.
The Dyson V11 has decent airflow performance. It's a little ways off of the newer Dyson Gen5detect in this respect, but still far from a slouch, especially for a cordless vacuum. It's powerful enough to suck up most kinds of large and heavy debris without too much effort.
This vacuum isn't too loud. It makes a slightly less high-pitched noise than the Dyson V8, which won't be especially noticeable if you run the vacuum in an enclosed room.
This vacuum has good maneuverability. Used in its stick configuration, it feels a little heavy in your hand, but its relatively sleek design and smoothly rotating floorhead make it easy to pivot around obstructions. However, the top of the handle is a bit bulky, so you need to crouch down to clean under low furniture like couches and coffee tables. The handheld configuration makes it very easy to clean furniture. However, unlike the Miele Triflex HX1, it has no automatic brushroll shutoff feature, so it can easily get stuck on hazards like rug tassels. Thankfully, you won't have any issues on a thicker rug or around cables.
When used with its turbo brush attachment, the Dyson V11 does a good job of handling pet hair on upholstered surfaces. It clears long strands of hair without too much difficulty but leaves some shorter strands on the very edges of the path of its tool.
The Dyson V11 has good air filtration performance. Like most of Dyson's other vacuums, the manufacturer advertises it as able to trap 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, which does align with HEPA standards.
The Dyson V11 does a decent job cleaning debris in cracks and crevices. When used in its 'Auto' power mode with its floorhead's suction gate left open, it easily clears away debris in shallower cracks, but some can still be left behind in deeper crevices. If you want the best crevice-cleaning performance, run the vacuum in its most powerful 'Boost' mode with its crevice tool. Alternatively, consider purchasing a compatible fluffy brushroll for improved debris pickup on hard floors and in crevices.
