Dyson V10 vs V11 Comparison | Is The Newer Model Worth It?

The Dyson V10 and V11 are cordless versions of the stick vacuums from Dyson’s V-series. Both vacuums have a 60-minute running time and come with a variety of cleaning accessories.

The V11 features a click-in battery power system, an effective brushroll, and a higher suction (185 AW vs 145 AW).

A brushroll for multi-surface use driven by a digital motor with a speed of 125,000 RPM is used in both vacuums. These are two of the best cordless models on the market due to their design, powerful suction, and extended battery life.

The Dyson V10 and V11 were released in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

The Dyson V10 comes in 3 different versions: Absolute, Animal, and Motorhead. The Dyson V11 on the other hand comes in Animal, Torque Drive, and Outsize versions.

Dimensions

The size difference between Dyson V10 vs V11 seems to be insignificant. The main difference is that the V11 is around 0.75′′ taller and 0.5 lbs heavier compared to the V10.

Dyson V10 Dimensions

Weight: 5.9 lbs
Width: 9.8”
Depth: 10.1”
Height: 49.2”

Dyson V11 Dimensions

Weight: 6.6 lbs
Width: 9.8”
Depth: 10.3”
Height: 50.6”

Design Considerations

Let’s get into the differences in design.

Both the Dyson V11 and V10 have a similar design. They seem to be made using the same design assembly.

The Dyson V11 vs V10 are similar in terms of:

Extension wand
Dustbin (same size)
Digital motor (speed of 125,000 RPM)
Versatile cleaning head for multiple surfaces (High Torque for V11 and Torque Drive for V10)
HEPA filter
Tools and accessories

Both models use Dyson’s trigger switch. It activates the vacuum only when the button is pressed. This is intended to extend and maintain battery life.

The Dyson V11 and V10 are two-in-one vacuum cleaners. The vacuum can be used as a cordless version of the stick vacuum or as a handheld portable vacuum.

Dyson has included a quick-release mechanism for all the V-series attachments and tools since the launch of the Dyson V7. This system is used by the V11 and V10.

The most noticeable difference between the Dyson V11 vs V10 is the improved usability.

Dyson V11 vs V10 Cleaning

Both the models were put through our regular cleaning tests to see how well they work on various surfaces.

These tests were designed to evaluate the vacuum’s ability to clean a wide variety of debris, from big to small.

We conducted a variety of tests, using three different types of flooring. High-pile carpets, hardwood floors, and low-pile carpets are all included in our tests.

RELATED: Please see our full reviews of the Dyson V10 versus V8 and Dyson V8 versus V11 for more cleaning tests.

Cleaning High Pile Carpets

On high-pile carpets, the cleaning efficiency was outstanding. Both the V10 and the V11 removed most of the debris.

Cleaning Hardwood Floors

When it came to cleaning hardwood floors, the Dyson V10 and V11 were very similar.

Both models scored well on different types of debris, making them great choices for removing dry debris (of various sizes) from these floors.

Cleaning Low Pile Carpets

The V10 and V11 models performed similarly in the low pile carpet tests, with the V10 capturing most of all debris types and the V11 showing even better results.

Operational Tests

Dyson claims that both models have a 60-minute running time. Dyson’s estimates are from using the vacuum on the lowest setting of power and a non-motorized assembly.

The following are the complete run time results:

Dyson V10 (Torque Drive)

Eco Mode – 50 min
Normal Mode – 27 min
Maximum Mode – 6 min

Dyson V11 (High Torque)

Eco Mode – 83 min
Normal Mode – 48 min
Maximum Mode – 8 min

Digital Display

The V11 comes with a digital display at the rear of the motor. There are a few minor variations based on the V11 version you choose.

Torque Drive: The LCD screen displays the estimated battery life (in minutes), cleaning mode, as well as brief maintenance and performance videos.
Animal: The screen is LED and displays the cleaning mode as well as the estimated battery life (as an icon, not in minutes). The maintenance and performance videos are also not included in this version.
Outsize: The screen is LCD, and it’s similar to the Torque Drive.

An intelligent suction mode is also available on the Dyson V11 (in two of the versions). This helps the device to adjust its suction depending on the needs of the cleaning area.

Finally, both the V11 Animal and Torque Drive come with a click-in battery system. This makes potential battery replacements faster. It also allows you to have a backup battery available for extended run times.

Dyson V10 vs V11 Cleaning Mechanism

Both the V11 and V10 depend on Dyson’s proprietary cyclone cleaning mechanism for suction power, much like older Dyson V-series models. Both vacuums have a 15-cyclone configuration that is split into two tiers.

The cyclones on the V11 and V10 are built in line with the extension wand, unlike older models that had them perpendicular to the extension wand (in the form of a T). This results in a streamlined appearance and better suction capability according to Dyson.

The V10 Absolute comes with a fluffy head (soft roller), which is one of the most noticeable differences between the V10 and V11.

The following list shows which heads come with each version of the Dyson V11 vs V10 series.

Cleaning Heads

V10 Absolute – comes with Fluffy and Torque Drive head
V10 Animal – just comes with the Torque Drive head
V10 Motorhead – just comes with the Direct Drive head
V11 Torque Drive – just comes with the High Torque head
V11 Animal – just comes with the High Torque head
V11 Outsize – just comes with the High Torque XL head (25% bigger than the original)

The V11 and V10 can be used as a stick or handheld portable vacuums.

Switching between stick and handheld is as simple as pressing one button to remove the head (or wand if needed) and putting on the appropriate handheld attachment.

When cleaning upholstery or car interiors, you can also use the motorized heads with the wand removed for more suction.

Keep in mind that the cleaning head varies depending on the model you choose.

There are different cleaning heads for the Dyson V11 vs V10:

Direct Drive – provides 25% lower suction than Torque Drive and is only suitable for the V10 Motorhead.
Torque Drive – spiral brushroll for deep carpet cleaning while being gentle on hardwood floors; comes with the V10 Absolute and Animal.
High Torque – comparable to Torque Drive, but with smart suction.
High Torque XL – The basic configuration is the same as the High Torque, except it’s 25% wider (comes with the V11 Outsize)
Fluffy – only available on the V10 Absolute; however, can be purchased separately for the other models. It has a soft roller to gently clean hardwood while collecting large debris.

Besides the cleaning head, the other accessories used in both the V11 and the V10 are very similar.

Direct Drive Head

The V10 Motorhead has a unique cleaning head compared to the others.

In place of the Torque Drive, it has a Direct Drive cleaning head. The Dyson V8 and V7 come with this cleaning head as well. Dyson claims that the Direct Drive head extracts 25% less dirt and dust than the Torque Drive head.

Torque Drive Head

The Torque Drive head is included with the Dyson V10. This, along with the V11’s High Torque cleaning head, were major improvements over the V8’s Direct Drive cleaning head.

The Torque drive head has a spiral brushroll which agitates carpet fibers better while still being gentle on hardwood floors.

High Torque Head

The High Torque cleaning head is the V11’s main (and possibly only) brushroll. It looks a lot like the Torque Drive head that comes with the V10.

The most significant difference is that it employs intelligent suction, which automatically adjusts suction power based on various floor types. You can override it manually if you like, but for most people, it’s a useful function.

Fluffy Head

The Fluffy head is useful, especially for hard surface floors, and performs well in terms of cleaning and removing large debris. It only comes with the V10 Absolute and not with any of the V11 versions.

The V10 Absolute does an excellent job on hardwood floors and is one of the top choices for hardwood floor cleaning.

We feel that the V11 is quite lacking in this area. With all of the other great features that the Dyson V11 offers, it seems odd that Dyson would exclude this cleaning head from the kit.

This is apparent since the attachment system on the Dyson V11 vs V10 is nearly identical.

That being said, you can purchase a fluffy head for the V11 separately.

Included Accessories

When it comes to accessories, there isn’t enough distinction between the Dyson V10 vs V11. This is similar to most of the other categories we’ve looked at so far.

They have accessories that are almost identical and perform similar functions.

Accessories	Dyson V10	Dyson V11
Charger	Yes	Yes
Torque-Drive Brushroll	Animal/ Absolute models	No
Direct-Drive Brushroll	Motorhead model	No
Fluffy Brushroll	Absolute model	No
High Torque Brushroll	No	Animal /Torque Drive models
High Torque XL Brushroll	No	Outsize model
Wand	Yes	Yes
Wall Mount	Yes	Yes
Dusting Brush	Yes	Torque Drive/Outsize models
Stubborn Dirt Brush	No	Yes
Mini-Motorized Tool	Yes	Yes
Crevice Tool	Yes	Yes
Combination Tool	Yes	Yes

Please note that depending on your country and retailer SKUs, there could be model variations. For example, the V10 Motorhead costs less and comes with only the most basic accessories (combination and crevice tool).

Dyson Parts And Accessories

Here’s a short rundown of what each of the accessories does:

Charger – attaches to the handheld section of the vacuum and plugs into a wall outlet to charge the battery before cleaning cycles
Docking Station – attaches to the wall and helps you store your Dyson upright
Extension Wand – gives you the extra length you need to use as a stick vacuum or to reach a higher spot in a handheld setting
Soft Mini Dusting Brush – soft, close-knit bristles are ideal for cleaning fans, blinds, and furniture
Combination Tool – combines a dusting brush and crevice tool into one easy-to-use tool
Crevice Tool – is narrower and longer than the combination tool’s crevice tip; ideal for getting into cushions of couches or other difficult-to-reach areas
Mini Motorized Tool – motorized brushes rotate in opposite directions and are ideal for removing pet hair from upholstery without causing tangles

Both the V11 and V10 have the ability to reach high places.

Ease Of Use

We noticed a few inconsistencies between the V11 and the V10 in terms of usability.

Unpacking

Both vacuums come almost fully assembled, with the exception of some latches that needed to be released to get the desired configuration.

Having said that, the latches are quite simple to maneuver. You can quickly snap on and off various heads and cleaning accessories with the push of a single large red button. It’s an easy-to-use device that requires little effort to operate.

Setup

The V11 and V10 both have almost identical setups. If you want to hang your vacuum, you can use the docking station. You can also simply connect the handheld device to a wall outlet and charge it with the given adapter.

Regular Use

The V11 and V10 share many of the same systems when it comes to day-to-day use. They both come with a “trigger” function for turning on the vacuum, which is helpful in saving the battery.

The V11 and V10 are both great options for cleaning automobiles.

The V11 also has a digital display at the rear of the motor that displays useful information such as remaining run time, cleaning mode, and maintenance and performance videos (videos are available only on the Torque Drive model).

Clearing The Dust Bin

In both versions, clearing the dust bin is essentially the same. To clear the dust bin, both vacuums have a “point and shoot” form of release.

Hold the handheld vacuum above a trash can, point the device downward, and move the latch. This will forcefully open up the hatch and clear the debris from the bin.

Unlike previous models (such as the Dyson V6), there is no need to reach into the dust bin with your hand to remove stuck debris.

Cost Of Maintenance

The Dyson V11 and V10 have similar maintenance costs…almost none.

A number of factors contribute to the negligible maintenance costs:

Battery

Another aspect of vacuum maintenance that can drive up the costs is the battery. Although the battery present in similar models usually lasts about 3 to 5 years, replacing it can be expensive.

According to Dyson, the battery on the V10 will last 15 years.

Though Dyson has not explicitly stated that the V11 would have similar battery life, we believe it’s a fair assumption.

Since the battery life is so long, the cost of replacement is practically zero. This is particularly because most users will likely upgrade their vacuum before the time of replacement.

Battery Life

The batteries in the V11 and V10 both have a run time of about 60 minutes. But this varies based on the mode of cleaning and type of floor.

In our view, the V11 has an edge in this category. This is because it has a few design features that the V10 does not, which could extend the battery life.

Smart Suction Control – When there is a change in the flooring type, the V11 will automatically modify the suction. This way you don’t use more power for suction (or battery power) than is needed to remove the debris.
Battery Display – The V11 can also estimate the remaining time until the battery needs to be recharged. This allows you to prioritize the most critical areas and determine how much time is left to finish cleaning. This is displayed on the Torque Drive in minutes. On the Animal, it is a battery icon that shrinks in size as the battery runs out.
Click-In Battery – Finally, the Dyson V11 has a click-in battery system, while the battery in the Dyson V10 is permanently fixed. The V11’s click-in battery helps you to easily switch batteries in and out for extended run time.

HEPA Filter

Depending on the cost of each filter and the frequency of replacement, HEPA filters can easily increase the annual maintenance costs of any vacuum.

The V11 and V10 avoid this expense by using a lifetime HEPA filter that is washable. If you damage or lose your filter, Dyson still sells replacements.

To maintain these filters, simply wash them once a month in cold water and let them air dry for a day.

Ability To Maneuver

Since the V11 and V10 are nearly identical in terms of design, accessories, and size, their maneuverability is also quite similar.

It’s easy to get under furniture, turn tight corners, and clean difficult-to-reach areas.

This is somewhat due to the design of both vacuums. But it is also because of the fact that both models come with a large number of accessories that are simple to attach and remove.

Noise Level

When it comes to noise, the Dyson V10 is slightly louder than the Dyson V11, but not by much. The difference can be evident or insignificant depending on the V11’s cleaning mode.

Our results are listed below.

The noise level was measured from 3 feet away while each device was operating on the selected mode of cleaning.

Noise Based On Cleaning Mode

Dyson V10

Low – 75 decibels
Standard – 80 decibels
Max – 83 decibels

Dyson V11

Eco – 70 decibels
Auto – 75 decibels
Boost – 78 decibels

Dyson V10 vs V11 Specifications

Specifications	Dyson V10	Dyson V11
Type	Stick	Stick
Weight	5.9 lbs	6.6 lbs
Height	49.2”	50.6”
Width	9.8”	9.8”
Depth	10.1”	10.3”
Cordless	Yes	Yes
Bagless	Yes	Yes
Floor Type	All (indoor)	All (indoor)
Dust Bin Capacity	0.76 L	0.76 L
Warranty	2-Year Limited	2-Year Limited
Returns	Depends On Retailer	Depends On Retailer

Suction

The V11 has more suction capacity in its default setting than the Dyson V10. On max mode, the V11 can produce a suction power of 185 AW (Outsize model with 220 AW), while the V10 can only produce 140 AW.

If you need more suction power to clean your house effectively, the V11 is likely the better option.

Cleaning Performance

If cleaning efficiency is your primary concern, we think that the V10 offers better value for money. This model is less expensive than the Dyson V11, and it showed very similar results in our cleaning tests.

If you get the V10 Absolute, it also includes the Fluffy head. This can be useful in some situations like working with hard surfaces.

Technology

The V11 provides better value if you’re looking for the most technological improvements and usability. The V11’s digital display at the rear of the motor is a major improvement over the V10.

If you prefer state-of-the-art technology, the V11’s configuration and upgrades in this area will certainly impress you.

Value For Money

In terms of value, we believe that both models have benefits, and it’s difficult to tell whether one is certainly better compared to the other.

The Dyson V10 is less expensive on a dollar-for-dollar basis, but there are other considerations to take depending on your needs.

Quick Recap

In this analysis, we’ve highlighted a number of different aspects.

What are some of the distinguishing features? Take a look at the following:

Digital Display – The V11 has a digital display that shows cleaning mode, approximate run time, and maintenance or performance videos (videos only on the Outsize and Torque Drive models). A digital display is not available on the Dyson V10.
Suction Power – The Dyson V10 has a maximum suction of 140 AW, while the V11 has a maximum suction of 185 AW. It is the most suction power we’ve ever seen from a cordless stick vacuum.
Smart Suction – The V11 has the capability to automatically detect the required suction for a given floor type and adjust the motor appropriately. This saves the battery in situations where maximum suction isn’t needed. Smart suction is not available on the V10 vacuum.
Fluffy Head – The Dyson V10 Absolute includes a soft roller Fluffy head, which is ideal for removing debris (particularly large ones) from hard surfaces and hardwood floors. The Fluffy head is not included in the V11 model.
Click-In Battery – The Dyson V11’s battery has a click-in mechanism. This helps you to replace or upgrade the battery in the future, as well as add more batteries for extended run times.
Cleaning Area – The Dyson V11 Outsize uses an XL cleaning head that can cover a 25% wider cleaning area. It has the widest cleaning range of any Dyson V Series product available in the market.

Conclusion

The V10 is a fantastic vacuum with a number of cutting-edge features that other models completely lack.

The V10’s design and performance were so impressive that Dyson has stated that it’s done making corded vacuums.

It’s cordless, lightweight, and has powerful suction and cleaning efficiency.

The V11 was released in March of 2019. It has some technological advancements that make it stand out when compared to the previous Dyson versions, and definitely in comparison to most of the other vacuum cleaners.

The Dyson V10 is the one to use if you are looking for:

Fluffy head: The V10 Absolute is perhaps the only model that contains the Fluffy cleaning head. This is an excellent tool for cleaning hardwood floors.
Long run time: A run time of 60 minutes is long for any cordless stick vacuum. The run time will be reduced if you run on maximum mode, but it should still be adequate for most cleaning jobs.
Cheaper price: The V10’s price has been steadily declining since its launch in 2018. The Dyson V10 is great value for money if you are price-sensitive.

Go for the Dyson V11 if you want:

More suction: The V11 has more suction than the V10, reaching a maximum of 185 AW. The Dyson V10 has a maximum output of 140 AW.
Smart suction: The V11’s smart suction allows it to change suction power depending on the type of floor. Since you won’t be consuming battery power where it isn’t required, this feature can result in longer run times for the V11.
Digital display: The V11’s digital display screen is a rare feature, particularly one of this quality. The screen will show you how much battery life is left and allows you to easily change cleaning settings as required.

By Robin M

Robin remains an active participant in the skilled trades community. His hands-on involvement in projects, coupled with a genuine enthusiasm for helping others succeed in their home improvement pursuits, reflects his commitment to empowering readers with the knowledge they need to tackle projects confidently.