Along with a comparison of Dyson V8 Absolute vs Animal, the Absolute model of the Dyson V8 will be the subject of our analysis for this article.
Are you a Dyson fan who wants to get more information regarding the V8 model?
Does Dyson step it up a notch with this model? Is it considered a superior vacuum compared to the Dyson V6? You should have all the details by the end of this article.
Continue reading to see if the V8 model is the vacuum cleaner for you.
Who Should Purchase The Dyson V8?
The V8 is a solid vacuum with one of the best battery lives we’ve seen in a cordless version of the stick vacuum.
This Dyson vacuum cleaner comes with a variety of included accessories and cleaning configurations, making it one of the most powerful vacuum cleaners on the market.
If you want a vacuum with the following features, we suggest the Dyson V8:
- Heavy suction – The suction of the Dyson V8 is incredibly strong on most indoor areas, and if the regular mode isn’t strong enough, users can switch to max mode, which greatly increases suction strength.
- Long run time for a cordless vacuum – The V8 has a run time of about 40 minutes after charging completely, which is one of the best we’ve seen for a cordless vacuum. But, when the mode is switched to the Max setting, the run time decreases to about 7 minutes.
- Not price sensitive – The Dyson V8 is not a cheap vacuum, despite being a good performer in most areas. Since Dyson is no exception to higher prices, you’ll want to make sure you’re okay with spending a bit more on the V8 model.
- A 2-in-1 device – The V8 Absolute works as a stick or handheld device by simply removing the wand from the main vacuum.
Design Considerations
The Dyson V8 is equipped with a handheld bottom that attaches to a wand, like the majority of Dyson stick vacuums.
The V8 vacuum has a power lever, dust bin, release button for the dustbin, HEPA filter, and a power switch on the main handheld section.
The Dyson V8 Absolute‘s trigger is located on the handle, enabling users to comfortably hold on to the vacuum while still being able to press the trigger.
The dust bin releasing feature is located on the handle’s top section. The dustbin’s base opens up as it is pulled upwards.
The stick and the unit’s base have a couple of link points that allow users to switch between the stick and a smaller cleaning device.
The color scheme is represented as Iron / Nickel when fully set up as a stick version.
To put it another way, the Dyson V8 has a color scheme of lighter gray with bursts of purple and red along the vacuum’s surface. The V-series has a modern and sharp look thanks to these accents.
Specifications Of The Dyson V8
The following is a comprehensive list of the V8 Absolute‘s main features and specifications:
| Specifications | |
| Model | V8 |
| Manufacturer | Dyson |
| Type | Stick |
| Weight | 5.75 lbs |
| Length | 49.2″ |
| Width | 8.8″ |
| Cordless | Yes |
| Bagless | Yes |
| Floor Type | All (indoor) |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 0.54 L |
| Warranty | 2-Year limited |
| Returns | Varies by retailer |
Battery Life
The vacuum was subject to a regular evaluation of battery capacity, run time and replacement cost.
- Charging period – 5 hrs
- Battery – 2800 mAh
- Cost of replacement – Check Here
- Run time – 10 to 40 minutes, based on the cleaning setting
The Dyson V8 comes with one of the best battery life ratings we’ve seen so far (excluding some robot vacuums). Only the Dyson V10 outlasts it with a 60-minute run time on a five-hour charge (V8 has a 40-minute run time).
In 1-2 years, the battery may need to be replaced.
RELATED: Check out our analysis of V10 vs V11 here.
Stick Vacuum
One of Dyson’s most efficient stick vacuums is the Dyson V8. The combination of different cleaning heads for the floors, a forty-minute run time, and the usage of a HEPA filter results in an all-rounded stick vacuum. This V8 model can also be converted into an effective handheld vacuum, which allows users to go for a variety of cleaning styles.
Advantages
- This vacuum is really good for operating around the house.
- The V8 will run for up to forty minutes.
Drawbacks
- On a hardwood floor, this Dyson struggles with big debris.
- The V8 is priced a bit higher than some of the other models.
Cleaning Mechanism
Depending on the tool connected to the vacuum, the V8 model cleans in a number of ways. The cleaning heads included with the V8 when used as a stick vacuum give two separate cleaning styles:
- Smooth roller cleaning – The smoother cleaner head will roll over large debris from hard floors and suck it up instead of flinging it around. Since this brush has no bristles, the debris gets rolled over and is sucked up.
- Cleaning with a motorized brushroll – The brushroll device agitates and lifts debris and dirt from a carpeted floor. This tool works on both hard and soft areas, but it works best on carpeted surfaces.
Both devices use the same amount of suction force, but the agitation mechanisms are different.
Many other cleaning devices allow a slightly different type of cleaning, but when used with the vacuum, they are easy to understand.
The V8 collects debris /dirt and filters it using a HEPA filter and a 2-tier radial cyclone mechanism. This procedure results in the effective filtering and storage of dirt and debris.
Included Accessories
The Dyson V8 Absolute includes a range of cleaning equipment and accessories, including the following:
- Soft mini dusting brush
- Cleaner head with a soft roller
- Crevice nozzle
- Docking station
- Combination tool
- Mini and full-size motorized brushroll
A quick-release button clasp secures all the included tools in the vacuum. To put it another way, they “pop in” and “pop out” at the touch of a button.
The V8 can be upgraded with a variety of other Dyson cleaning equipment and accessories.
Accessories For The Dyson V8
- Charger
- Wall mount
- Wand
- Motorized brushroll
- Cleaning equipment
Dyson V8 Absolute vs Animal
The V8 Absolute and Animal are two variations of the V8.
The Dyson V8 Absolute and Animal models are similar in function. The motor, the suction, the dust bin, and the battery are all identical.
That being said, there are some notable differences that might favor one over the other depending on your requirements.
The following are the main differences between the Dyson V8 Absolute vs Animal:
| Dyson V8 Absolute | Dyson V8 Animal | |
| Run time | 40 mins | 40 mins |
| Suction | 115 AW | 115 AW |
| Digital motor | Yes | Yes |
| Power Modes | 2 | 2 |
| Weight | 5.75 lbs | 5.63 lbs |
| Dust Bin | 0.54 L | 0.54 L |
| HEPA filtration | Yes | Yes |
| Fluffy cleaning head | Yes | No |
| Direct Drive cleaning head | Yes | Yes |
| Docking station | Yes | Yes |
| Mini motorized brushroll | Yes | Yes |
| Crevice tool | Yes | Yes |
| Mini dusting brush | Yes | No |
| Combination tool | Yes | Yes |
Dyson V8 Absolute vs Animal
With the exception of the additional accessories/floor cleaners and color schemes, the Dyson V8 Absolute and Animal are almost identical.
The Dyson V8 Absolute has the same functions and features as the Dyson V8 Animal, but it costs a little more.
Both these Dyson models have the 2-tier radial cyclone mechanism and a HEPA filter and can operate for up to 40 minutes when completely charged.
The main difference between the Dyson V8 Absolute vs Animal, despite their common names, is whether you want the soft roller cleaning head tool.
If that’s the case, the Dyson V8 Absolute would be the better option. If not, the Dyson V8 Animal is a good choice.
Size Of The Vacuum
The V8 vacuum measures 49 inches long, 8.8 inches wide, and 9.8 inches high. In addition, when fully assembled, the device weighs 5.75 pounds.
- Length: 49′′
- Width: 8.8′′
- Height: 9.8”
- Weight: 5.75 lbs
Cleaning Experiments
The Dyson V8 vacuum cleaning tests below are conducted to demonstrate how well it works on various surfaces when picking up various types of debris.
We put the carpet to the test on 3 floor types: high pile carpet, hardwood floors, and low pile carpet.
We found out that it performs the best on the low carpet followed by high carpet and hardwood.
Cleaning High Pile Carpets
Another great performer was the high pile carpet. Cleaning performance was nearly perfect for different items that were tested. The rice test had the lowest performance. Aside from that, each piece of debris was collected to a greater degree.
Cleaning Hardwood Floors
Except for cereal, the Dyson V8 performed well on hardwood floors. Rice, pet hair, cat litter, and sugar were cleaned very well.
While performing the test, the V8 pushed the cereal waste forward rather than rolling over it completely, resulting in less getting sucked up.
Cleaning Low Pile Carpet
As we progressed to the low-carpet cleaning, the Dyson V8 gave even better results. This time, all forms of debris were cleaned to a higher standard.
The motorized brushroll on this Dyson vacuum picked up debris without dragging it around on the low-pile carpet.
The resistance between the carpet and the debris prevented any movement, making it easy for the V8 to collect them.
The Ability To Maneuver
One of the V8’s strong suits is maneuverability. The vacuum cleaner is easy to operate thanks to its lightweight nature and easy-to-turn cleaning heads.
Unlike other upright vacuum cleaners, the V8 can turn very easily, making it much easier to maneuver around areas and other obstacles.
- Battery – 2800 mAh
- Weight – 5.75 lbs
- Turning angle – 90°
- Height – 49”
The maneuverability of the Dyson V8 increases when it is converted into a handheld vacuum.
Users will not have to struggle using the wand and will be able to easily work on harder-to-reach spaces. Although you lose the wand’s reach, you get more control because the device is now smaller.
It’s as simple as aiming and pointing at the mess using the crevice tool.
All the included tools are also simple to use, contributing to one of this Dyson vacuum’s most impressive features: maneuverability.
Ease Of Use
The V8 vacuum is one of the most user-friendly cordless vacuums we’ve tried. To get the work started, there is no real setup needed. Simply take the machine out of the box. Charge it up and get going with it.
The configuration process is largely dictated by the cleaning setup you choose to use: stick or handheld.
Regardless, the process is straightforward. You’ll be able to get rolling once you’ve attached the tool you want to use.
On the Dyson V8, a fast-release button secures the crevice tool.
Attaching tools to the end of the wand when operating the V8 vacuum as a stick is an option.
After that, you can start cleaning by pulling the trigger located at the handle to start the motor.
The handheld configuration uses the same powering-up process. Pull the lever after removing the wand and adding a cleaning piece to it.
Users can also choose between 2 different cleaning modes: max or normal. Max mode provides a greater level of suction power, but it can also drain the battery much more quickly.
Noise Level
The vacuum cleaner was put through a regular noise test. A sound meter was used to gauge noise in decibel levels about 3 feet apart from the Dyson V8 for this test. The sound level was noticed to be 75 decibels.
Costs Of Maintenance
The table below shows the approximate frequency with which you can replace the Dyson V8 parts and components. However, your personal experiences can differ.
| Part | Replacement Frequency | Replacement Cost |
| Battery | 24 months | Check Price |
| Filter | If Lost/Damaged | Check Price |
| HEPA filter | If Lost/Damaged | Check Price |
It’s not difficult to keep the V8 in good working order. The battery, central filter, and HEPA filter are the three things to pay attention to.
If you have allergies or would like to make sure that the air is clear after vacuuming, the HEPA filter is perhaps the most important piece of the device. Both filters are washable for reuse.
Be sure to wash all filters using cold water once a month and let them air dry for a day.
Lift up the red tab located at the top section of the Dyson V8 to open the dust bin flap.
Finally, the battery is self-explanatory. It needs to be replaced when it doesn’t work. With a two-year warranty, we’d expect that the battery would last that long, or Dyson would most likely repair it under the terms of the warranty.
There are many 3rd-party batteries available, hence the price of this component can vary depending on which company’s battery you choose.
When your warranty is still valid, the annual cost of maintenance for the V8 would be $0 per year. When the warranty runs out, annual expenses will be about $32, which will cover the expense of changing the battery in two years.
Is The V8 Worth It?
While the Dyson V8 vacuum cleaner is a good buy, it isn’t the best we’ve seen. Although the performance is great, maneuverability is top-notch, and maintenance is minimal, the device is on the pricier side.
However, you always pay for what you get and the other vacuum cleaners available at a cheaper price may not work at a similar standard.
The V8 can be considered a great deal if you’re a major Dyson fan and are not price-sensitive.
With the purchase of the V8, Dyson does deliver a two-year limited warranty, including a money-back guarantee within 30 days.
Conclusion
The Dyson V8 vacuum is a cordless device with a 40-minute run time, has various power modes, can operate as a stick and handheld vacuum, and comes with a variety of cleaning tools.
Considering the Dyson V8 Absolute vs Animal features, both versions are quite similar besides the additional accessories/floor cleaners and color schemes.
This vacuum is a great performer on all indoor surfaces and is useful for many purposes. The only downside is the cost. If you want to own a Dyson V8 vacuum, you’ll need to make sure that you have the budget for it.
You might also be interested in checking out the comparison guide for Bria vs Pur.