Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum Review: The Best Yet?
Welcome to our review of the Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum. While older versions of the V11 like the Torque Drive and Animal models have been around for a while, Dyson has recently updated the V11 with new hardware and features. Some upgrades have been added, but there are also a few downgrades aimed at making the V11 more affordable. We bought one and tested it extensively over the last few weeks to see if it’s still worth the investment in 2025. Let’s dive into the pros and cons to see if the Dyson V11 is a good buy.
Two Versions: Dyson V11 and V11 Extra
The new V11 comes in two versions: the regular Dyson V11 and the V11 Extra. While they are similarly priced, the main difference is the number of attachments. For example, the V11 Extra comes with a hose extension tool, which I personally find very useful for a variety of tasks. However, if you prefer the color of the regular V11, you can still purchase the hose tool separately. Aside from that, the two versions are nearly identical in performance and design.
Key Design Changes
The V11 has undergone some design changes compared to the previous V11 Torque Drive. A major difference is the motorized floorhead, now called the “Motorbar,” which replaces the Torque Drive head. The new Motorbar features Dyson’s anti-hair tangle technology, and while the adjustable gates from the previous model are gone, it does have a fixed gate design, which is common in modern cordless vacuums. Additionally, automatic suction adjustment has been removed in this model.
Pros of the Dyson V11
Performance
The Dyson V11 performs exceptionally well in all of our tests. It ranked in the top 10 for airflow out of 90+ cordless vacuums tested. Its suction power is excellent, particularly for handheld tasks like upholstery cleaning, where strong suction makes a big difference. The V11 performed very well in tests of both sealed and unsealed suction, showing its versatility across different surfaces.Battery Life
The V11 uses a 3600 mAh removable battery, the same as the Dyson V15, and it offers excellent battery life. On its three power settings—Eco, Medium, and Max—its battery life is above average, making it suitable for longer cleaning sessions. The battery performance remains solid even under heavy load.Display Screen
The V11 features a real-time display on the back of the handle that shows how much battery life remains. This makes it easy to see when it’s time to recharge.Filtration
Dyson’s sealed HEPA filtration system ensures that dust stays inside the vacuum and doesn’t get released into the air. This is a standout feature, especially for people with allergies or asthma.Hair Removal Technology
The anti-hair wrap feature on the Motorbar is incredible. Small combs integrated into the brush housing actively remove hair as you vacuum, a real game-changer for pet owners.Attachments
Both the regular V11 and the V11 Extra come with a variety of high-quality attachments, such as a motorized brush, crevice tool, and combination brush. The V11 Extra also includes an extension hose, which is incredibly useful for cleaning high or hard-to-reach places.Price
Though the Dyson V11 is still quite expensive, it offers good value compared to previous Dyson models, especially with the price drop in the new version. For the features it offers, it remains competitive with other premium cordless vacuums.
Cons of the Dyson V11
Weight
The handle weight is on the heavier side, making it less comfortable for above-floor cleaning tasks. If you’re using the V11 for tasks like cleaning shelves or upholstery, the extra weight might be noticeable, but the included hose extension tool helps alleviate this issue.Lack of Auto Suction Adjustment
Unlike previous V11 models, this new version lacks the automatic suction adjustment feature. While this might help with battery life and performance optimization, it’s a feature that many users, including myself, will miss. That said, the V11’s exceptional battery life allows it to maintain consistent performance even without automatic adjustment.Dustbin Design
The dustbin is slightly above average in size, but it still requires removing the wand to empty it. This is a minor inconvenience, but it’s worth mentioning as this design has been consistent across Dyson’s cordless models since the V8.
Conclusion
Is the Dyson V11 worth it in 2024? Considering its strong performance, battery life, top-tier filtration system, and valuable features like the hair removal technology and a useful set of attachments, the Dyson V11 is still an excellent choice. While the removal of some features like auto suction adjustment may disappoint some, the overall package remains solid, especially with the competitive price. If you’re looking for a high-performance cordless vacuum, the Dyson V11 is a strong contender.