Dyson v6 vs Dyson v7 – Full Review and Comparison [2023]

Dyson vacuum cleaners are a popular choice among many household owners thanks to their reliability and affordability. Their V-series includes a wide range of products that all have unique features and specifications. Today, we will focus on two very popular models – Dyson v6 vs Dyson v7.

Of course, there’s much more to each vacuum cleaner. To learn a more specific description of the differences between vacuum cleaners, read the section below. 

Dyson v6 vs Dyson v7 – Main Differences

Starting from the design, both vacuum cleaners look very similar. In fact, they would be identical if not for the fact that colors are different. This is the way in which Dyson differentiates the vacuum cleaners, to not cause any confusion. After all, the design of the vacuum cleaners V-series is rather similar.

One thing that needs to be addressed is that Dyson offers different models of v6 and v7 versions. However, all the functional components between the models are the same, meaning, all v6 models have the same battery, same motor, same dustbin, same size, etc. Correspondingly all the models of the v7 version have the same functional components. The difference between models is in attachments, filters, and cleaning heads. Models of each version will be compared in the latter part of the article.

There’s a small detail in the design that may be worth mentioning – it’s dust cup doors. Dyson v6 uses an old trap door design which is fine, however, the Dyson v7 offers a newer, better system that pushes the dirt down.

Another feature that needs to be brought up is the max mode toggle. In the Dyson v6, you can change the cleaning mode by pushing and holding a button, while in the Dyson v7, you flip a switch. 

The battery is probably one of the most important differences between the two versions, as there’s a 10-minute difference. Dyson v6 can operate for 20 minutes while Dyson v7 allows you to clean for up to 30 minutes. Depending on the size of your household, it may be important information that can help you decide which option fits better for you.

When it comes to size, the Dyson v6 is 1.5” shorter than the Dyson v7, which shouldn’t be a problem. The v6 version is also a little lighter, coming in at 5.1 lb., compared to the 5.45 lb. of the v7. Aside from the height and weight, the measurements are the same.

The Dyson v6 is also a little louder coming in at around 76 dB, compared to the 70 dB of the Dyson v7. This difference shouldn’t be too noticeable, however, the results may vary depending on the acoustics of your household.

Finally, we have a difference in the overall cleaning performance. In our tests, Dyson v6 did better on hardwood floors, however, struggled on low and high-pile carpets. The v7 version did the complete opposite, struggling on hardwood floors and cleaning flawlessly the carpeted areas.

Dyson v6 vs Dyson v7 – Similarities

While there’s a gap of two years between the official launch of those two models, there are still a lot of similarities to be found. To start off, the design of both vacuum cleaners is almost identical, to the point where people wonder whether they are the same vacuums. The only thing easily sets apart those two machines is the color.

Both vacuums also use similar technology and accessories used for cleaning all the dirt and debris. The cleaning performance is also similar, probably due to the alike construction. The weight and size of the vacuum cleaners are almost the same, which is good as both models seem very maneuverable.

The last similarity that needs to be mentioned is the warranty – In both vacuum cleaners, you can expect to get a 2-year warranty. In fact, this applies to all cordless Dyson products besides the ones on the retired machines list. 

Dyson v6 Overview

Dyson v6 is a great entryway to the V-series considering its affordable price and high performance. That being said, this vacuum cleaner has some weak spots that need to be acknowledged before you make the purchase.

Pros

• One of the cheapest vacuum cleaners in the V-series
• Offers great cleaning performance on hardwood floors
• High-performing filtration system
• A wide range of accessories

Cons

• Shorter run time, compared to Dyson v7
• Old trap door design in the dustbin
• Slightly worse on carpeted areas

Different Dyson v6 models

There couple of different models when it comes to Dyson v6, to make the buying process easier for you, here are all of them listed:

• Dyson v6 Absolute – The most expensive out of all v6 models available on the market, mainly due to the number of accessories. It has every single attachment along with a multi-surface brush roll cleaning head and soft roller brush cleaning head. 
• Dyson v6 Animal – This model includes everything the Dyson v6 Absolute has, excluding the fluffy soft roller head.
• Dyson v6 Motorhead – This is a cheaper version that includes the fewest accessories out of all models, and no HEPA filter. That being said, it has a multi-surface cleaning head.
• Dyson v6 Fluffy – The main component of the Fluffy model is the soft roller cleaning head. This tool can be used for hard floor types and larger debris.
• Dyson v6 Trigger – This is the handheld version of the Dyson v6, that can be used for cleaning tight spaces and upholstery. Many people also use this model for cleaning their cars, due to its lightweight and portability.
• Dyson v6 Top Dog – This variant is very similar to the Trigger model, however, it comes with HEPA filters that are very useful for pet owners.
• Dyson v6 Car + Boat – This model has the same features and accessories as the Trigger, however, it comes with a flexible hose that tremendously increases the range and reach of the vacuum cleaner.
• Dyson v6 Cord-Free – It’s one of the most basic options available, as it has the old direct-drive cleaning head which has much less agitation than the Animal or Motorhead.
• Dyson v6 Mattress – This is an ideal option for cleaning upholstery, as it comes with a mini-turbo brush and HEPA filters.

Dyson v7 Overview

Dyson v7 is a more up-to-date version of the V-series, that manages to solve a few problems that were present in the older models. That being said, it’s not a perfect vacuum cleaner, and it comes with some limitations.

Pros

• Better dust cup door design
• 10 minutes longer run time
• Does great on carpeted areas

Cons

• Fewer accessories available
• No fluffy attachment available in the US
• Slightly worse cleaning performance on hardwood floors

Different Dyson v7 models

Just like the Dyson v6, the v7 version offers a wide range of models for different types of customers. Here are all the models available on the market as of today:

• Dyson V7 Absolute – This model includes more parts and accessories than any other v7 option available on the market. It includes not only a multi-surface brush roll cleaning head but also a soft roller brush cleaning head. 
• Dyson V7 Trigger – A handheld version of the Dyson v7, it comes with the same tools as the Dyson v6 Trigger.
• Dyson V7 MotorHead – It’s a less expensive model that includes basic accessories. However, it does not come with a HEPA filter, it only includes a multi-surface brush roll cleaning head.
• Dyson V7 HEPA – This option is basically the same as the Motorhead, except it comes with a HEPA filter.
• Dyson V7 Animal – This model comes with everything that’s included in the Absolute version, excluding the soft roller brush cleaning head.

Dyson v6 vs Dyson v7 – Comparison

When you first look at Dyson v6 and Dyson v7 both products look very similar. That’s why Dyson uses different color combinations for each version of their vacuums in the V-series. However, there are small changes that can make the cleaning experience much different, and we will discuss all of the below.

Design

The design of the vacuum cleaners is very similar, some may even say that they are identical. While the vacuums may look like this, there are small differences in the design. The first one, and the easiest to notice, is the color of the vacuums. We won’t be taking colors into consideration in this article, as different models of v6 and v7 come in different colors, and it would be confusing.

One small difference in the design that needs to be mentioned is the dust cup doors – In the Dyson v6 those don’t work very well, and can easily get your hands dirty. However, the problem has been solved in the newer v7 model, thanks to the system that pushes the dirt down.

Another small difference in the design is the max mode toggle. In the Dyson v6, to switch the cleaning mode, you need to push a button. This feature was replaced by a toggle switch in the Dyson v7, which is a much more comfortable option in our opinion.

2-in-1 Feature

The 2-in-1 design is present in both Dyson v6 and Dyson v7 and allows for using the vacuum cleaner either as a stick or handheld machine. This makes the cleaning process much easier, allowing for tackling all those hard-to-reach places. Many people also use this function to clean the car upholstery and furniture or for quick clean-ups. 

What’s also worth mentioning, the 2-in-1 design is actually available in all vacuum cleaners from the Dyson V-series.

Cleaning Performance

Cleaning performance is one of the most, if not the most important factor when it comes to comparing vacuum cleaners. However, it’s worth noting that the results vary depending on the type of flooring. Below you can see how the vacuums did on different types of floors.

Hardwood Floors

From our tests, both vacuums did well when vacuuming hardwood floors, although, Dyson v7 struggled more with small particles. The debris was flossing around while the Dyson v6 vacuumed most of it perfectly fine. Aside from this little hurdle, the cleaning performance on this type of floor type was very similar.

If you plan on vacuuming a lot of hardwood floors, you need to know that the performance may vary depending on the attachment used. The devices were tested for a standard cleaning head, and we do believe the soft roller head could potentially result in a different outcome.

Low Pile Carpets

The performance on low-pile carpets can be quite unexpected, as the Dyson v6 did even better than on hardwood floors. That being said, it still didn’t get all of the small debris out of the carpet. Dyson v7 which wasn’t doing too well on the hardwood floors takes advantage here, cleaning all of the debris out almost instantly.

High Pile Carpets

Cleaning high-pile carpets is always the biggest challenge for those types of vacuum cleaners. That being said, both of them did only a little worse than on low-pile carpets. Dyson v7 once again was the winner in this competition cleaning most of the dirt from the carpet.

Available accessories

Cleaning accessories that are available for each product can be quite confusing, especially for people who didn’t own a Dyson vacuum before. If you don’t know how to use them, and what their names mean, we highly recommend reading the detailed description below.

Direct Drive Cleaning Head

Direct Drive is a standard cleaning head from Dyson that is designed for cleaning all types of surfaces. From what we find, this head does best when cleaning carpets, although, you can easily clean hardwood floors. The mechanism operates by utilizing a motor that spins the brush roll.

Soft “Fluffy” Cleaning Head

A fluffy cleaning head is a second option from the Dyson that was created for hardwood floors. The fluffy and soft texture was created to prevent any scratches to the hard floors, as well as to pick up dirt particles in all sizes.

Wand

The wand can be used as a standard part of your Dyson vacuum, as well as an extension for other cleaning attachments. It’s a perfect solution when you want to add some reach to your dusting brush or a crevice tool.

Charger

The charger plugs directly into the rear of your Dyson vacuum to charge the battery. 

Wall Mount Docking Station

A docking station can be mounted to a wall or any other vertical surface for easy reach. To be honest with you, we love this solution because we know how difficult storing your Dyson attachments can be. If you are not sure where to put your Dyson vacuum cleaner, we highly recommend mounting this docking station to a wall.

Crevice Tool

The crevice tool not only gives you extra reach but also allows you to concentrate more suction on a small particular spot. This comes in handy when you try to clean up small parts of debris that won’t come out of the carpet. We also sometimes use the crevice tool to clean the upholstery or tight spaces.

Combination Tool

The combination tool is a 2-in-one attachment that can serve for cleaning multiple surfaces, including fabrics and upholstery. Alternatively, it can act as a dusting brush.

Dusting Brush

A stand-alone dusting brush can be used for cleaning more delicate surfaces that are more challenging. Once again, it can be used for multiple surfaces, including upholstery.

Mini Motorized Brushroll

It’s a small version of the regular brush roll that can come in handy on spots that are hard to clean. If you find a particularly dirty carpeted area or spot on your sofa, this brush roll can work great. Alternatively, people with pets can benefit from this tool, especially when cleaning your pet’s bed.

Size & Weight

Both vacuums come in very similar dimensions, however, there’s a small difference in height and weight. The Dyson v6 is a little shorter option that comes at around 47.5”, which is 1.5” shorter than the Dyson v7, which is 49” tall.

The v6 version is also a little lighter compared to the Dyson v7, weighing around 5.1 lb. The Dyson v7 on the other hand, weighs 5.45 lb., making this cleaning tool a little bulkier option.

However, after our tests, we don’t notice any significant change in performance and maneuverability based on the size and weight. Both vacuums are easy to navigate and utilize, even in tight spaces. Aside from the small difference in height and weight, the size of the vacuums is the same.

Usability

Usability can be measured in multiple ways, however, we will stick to only a couple of factors that play the biggest role in our experience.

• Suction power: Although the cleaning performance varies a little between the vacuum cleaners, we think it mainly correlates to the brush roll. The suction power seems to be rather similar in both Dyson v7 and v6 models.
• Airflow and filtration: Airflow and filtration will change depending on the model of v6 and v7 you choose, as some don’t come with HEPA filters. This can be something to consider as a vacuum without one can let through small dirt particles. HEPA filters are also handy for all pet owners and people with allergies. 
• Ergonomics: Both Dyson vacuums are very similar in construction, therefore, there isn’t a lot to say about the differences in ergonomics. We find both vacuum cleaners to fit well in hand, and easy to maneuver. The cleaning process doesn’t become tiring even after the whole 30 minutes of battery life.
• Assembly: The assembly of attachments is easy on both vacuum cleaners, thanks to the high-quality locking system. Many people don’t require any tutorial and manuals to attach the extensions, due to intuitive design.
• Versatility: Both vacuums are very versatile thanks to the wide range of attachments. The smart 2-in-1 design allows for both quick cleanups and long cleaning sessions. Simply attaching or detaching the wand changes the vacuum from a handy and small cleaning tool to an effective and powerful vacuum cleaner.
• Noise and capacity: While the capacity of the dustbin is the same in both vacuum cleaners coming in at 0.4 L., the noise differs a little – The Dyson v6 is a little louder, producing around 76 dB while the Dyson v7 produces 70 dB. This difference isn’t noticeable, however, this can vary depending on the acoustics of your household.

To sum up, the setup process is very simple, consisting of connecting required elements together. This shouldn’t be a problem for most people and can be done in a couple of minutes. After snapping in the desired pieces, and charging the vacuum, you are good to go.

Using both vacuum cleaners daily is simple – all you have to do to power the vacuum is squeeze the trigger located on the handle of the unit. The motor only operates when the trigger is pulled, preventing the battery from running out of power too quickly.

After you are done with vacuuming, you will need to empty the dustbin. This process differs between the vacuums, as in Dyson v6 there’s a red lever that can be pushed to release the debris. The Dyson v7, on the other hand, has a level on the top of the dustbin. This solution is a little bit more sanitary, as your hands won’t be near the bacteria and germs.

Maneuverability

Using those two vacuum cleaners doesn’t differ too much, due to similarity in weight and size. Both cleaners are rather portable and easy to operate on all surfaces. Both vacuum cleaners have the ability to lie down on the floor completely, making both options ideal for cleaning under all types of furniture.

Additionally, both vacuums are capable of making 90 degrees turns, which help with cleaning along the edges. 

Battery life

Dyson v7 has a smaller battery (2100 mAh), however, it has a longer runtime that oscillates at around 30 minutes. The Dyson v6 on the other hand, has a bigger battery with 2200 mAh capacity but is only capable of running for 20 minutes.

The battery is not interchangeable between the Dyson v6 and Dyson v7, even though both models look very similar. Therefore, it’s not possible to switch it up in case one of the vacuum cleaners breaks.

The battery should last you at least through the whole period of the warranty. That being said, they are capable of lasting even up to 5 years. If the battery dies within the warranty time frame, you can replace it at no additional cost after consulting Dyson.

Noise level

When comparing the noise levels with professional tools, it’s clear that the Dyson v6 is a little louder than its competitor. The noise measured from around 3 feet is oscillating around 76dB while the noise of Dyson v7 in the same setting oscillates at around 70 dB. That being said, the difference in noise is not easily noticeable but this may vary depending on the acoustics of your household.

Maintenance

Maintenance is a vital process of caring for every household tool, especially electrical ones. By maintenance, we understand all processes related to cleaning, refreshing, and replacing parts of your vacuum cleaner. In some vacuums, all those things are simplified allowing for easy and quick care.

Some of the most common tasks that need to be taken in almost every vacuum are emptying the dustbin, washing or replacing the filters, and replacing the battery after it dies.

Emptying the dustbin

The dustbin should be emptied after every big cleaning cycle, or ideally, after every cleaning cycle. Waiting too long will put unnecessary pressure on the motor of the vacuum, making the vacuuming harder. This can lead to overheating and damage to small electrical components inside the Dyson.

Washing the filters

Filters in your vacuum cleaner should be washed after a few cleaning cycles, or when necessary. Replacing the filters is only needed when those get damaged or worn out, which doesn’t happen too often. People usually recommend replacing all filters from 3-6 months, although, it will depend on the frequency of cleaning.

Maintenance costs

Maintenance costs will be very similar for both vacuum cleaners, as they come from the same manufacturer – Dyson. Considering regular filter replacement and long battery life, the maintenance costs should oscillate at around $17-$18 per year.

Value for money

This may be one of the most important factors when considering which vacuum cleaner to choose. To quickly summarize this aspect, the Dyson v6 offers great value for money with strong cleaning performance, comparable to high-end models. This vacuum does better on hardwood floors when compared to the v7 version, and similarly on low and high-pile carpets. However, the Dyson v7 is a newer model that has a longer battery lifetime, which can make it way better for some buyers. Both vacuums offer the same 2-year warranty and come at various prices depending on the retailer.

We also need to acknowledge the fact, that Dyson vacuum cleaners are among the most pricey ones on the market. To learn more on why are Dyson vacuums so expensive, we recommend reading our article on this topic.

FAQ

Is Dyson V7 compatible with V6?

The parts between Dyson v6 and Dyson v7 are not interchangeable. The parts which are designed for Dyson v7 will only be compatible with the v7 version. The Dyson v6 comes with different systems and features, meaning you won’t be able to freely replace the cleaning head, rollers, or other accessories between those vacuums. 

Do Dyson V6 and V7 use the same battery?

While both models may look and feel very similar, accessories and batteries are not interchangeable. Although a design like this would be very convenient, this task is impossible to achieve considering the difference in runtime and cleaning performance. Each vacuum requires a different amount of power to function properly.

How old is a Dyson V6?

Dyson v6 was launched in 2015, making this vacuum cleaner one of the oldest choices coming from the brand. That being said, to this day it’s a great entryway vacuum that is powerful, lightweight, and very affordable in comparison to other versions.

How old is a Dyson V7?

Dyson v7 is a vacuum cleaner that was heavily based on the look of the Dyson 8, a vacuum cleaner that was designed before the v7 version was created. The vacuum cleaner got launched in 2017, making this model 2 years younger than its competitor – the Dyson v6. 

Has the Dyson V6 been discontinued?

Dyson v6 is still supported by the brand – This can be confirmed by visiting Dyson’s list of retired machines. Dyson won’t provide support or replacement parts for models listed there. Fortunately, Dyson v6 is not on this list. The vacuum can be easily purchased by visiting either the official manufacturer or making an order on Amazon.

Is the Dyson V7 loud?

Dyson v7 is not a loud vacuum cleaner, in fact, it’s a little below the average noise of a vacuum cleaner. From our tests, we find that the Dyson v7 produces around 70dB from around 3 feet, which is 6 dB less than the Dyson v6. The average noise for vacuum cleaners nowadays is around 75dB to 85 dB.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Dyson v6 and Dyson v7 are very good vacuum cleaners that should work well for most households. That being said, there are some differences that are necessary to point out, and those can help you make the final decision.

Summary:

To sum up, Dyson v7 being a newer model, offers a little longer runtime. The Dyson v6 on the other hand, provides a slightly better cleaning performance and is more budget-friendly. This leads to a final conclusion, if you are all about the cleaning performance and price-to-value ratio go with Dyson v6. However, if you own a bigger household, and you want to have a longer runtime, Dyson v7 is a way to go.