Dyson V11 vs V12 cordless vacuum: which is right for you?

Deciphering the differences between the Dyson V11 vs V12 can be confusing, as these are similar vacuums with quite similar feature sets. Here, we'll run you through the basics on both models, and pick out the most important features to help you make a buying decision.

The V11 was released in 2019 and is a successor to the earlier Cyclone V10. Like all Dysons, and many of the best cordless vacuums, it comes in various iterations – there's the Advanced and Extra and there were more when it was initially released. You can read more in our full Dyson V11 review.

The V12 Detect Slim is newer, lighter and thinner than the V11 and boasts a power button rather than the trigger that's on older models. It also includes the Fluffy Optic cleaning head with a laser that highlights dirt – find out more in our Dyson V12 Detect Slim review. It actually launched at the same time as the Dyson V15 Detect, which was that's year's flagship model; Dyson made much less fuss about the V12. 

Overall, the V11 will be best for most people, and the main reason for that is its bigger bin. It's also older and therefore cheaper. It doesn't come with the Fluffy Optic cleaning head, however, nor does it have a power button, so which is the best Dyson vacuum for you will depend on your priorities. Here are more details on both...

Dyson V11 vs V12: price & value for money

Dyson doesn't make it easy to compare vacuums because it has various iterations of each model, such as the Absolute, Animal and Extra. Below are the prices of the V11 and V12 available via Dyson at the time of writing, but do check which version you're looking at and what's included before you buy.

US

In terms of the V11, in the US there's only one vacuum in stock on Dyson's site – the V11 Extra, which retails at $599.99 but is currently on offer for $449.99.

The US has the V12 Detect Slim for $649.99 (discounted to $449.99), the V12 Detect Slim Absolute, which costs $649.99. There's also the V12 Detect Slim Extra, which has been discontinued.

UK

In the UK, the Dyson site has two V11s available, the standard Dyson V11, which sells for £429.99, and the Dyson V11 Total Clean, which costs £499.99. There are more options, like the Advanced, Animal and Absolute, but they're currently out of stock.

There are two versions of the V12 Detect Slim Absolute in the UK: a gold version that sells for £499.99, and a yellow version with extra accessories and an RRP of £549.99.

Australia

In Australia, the only V11 in stock on Dyson's site is the Dyson V11 Advanced (AU$1,199 down to $788).

In terms of the V12, the only one available is the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Complete (now that's a mouthful), which costs $1,299, reduced from $1,399.

At those prices, both models are in the premium price bracket, with the V11 at the lower end of that scale and coming in cheaper.

As there are now newer Dysons available, it is worth keeping an eye out for Dyson deals – particularly around the Black Friday sales.

• Winner: V11 – The older vacuum is usually cheaper though keep an eye out for deals on both models.

Dyson V11 vs V12: design

The biggest difference between the design of the V11 and V12 vacuums is the power button, which was introduced with the V12. This means that you no longer have to hold the trigger while you're cleaning, as with the V11 and older models. This is great news for anyone who has wrist/hand pain but is not ideal for anyone who likes being able to operate their vacuum with just one hand.

Both models have the same Dyson Hyperdymium motor, which spins at up to 125,000rpm. There are 11 radial cyclones on the V12 compared to 14 on the V11, which could translate to poorer suction, although Dyson says that the 11 root cyclones of the V12 generate forces of up to 100,000g, compared to the "more than 79,000g" of the V11. We found suction to be excellent in both models.

Elsewhere, the bin on the V12 is just 0.09 gallons / 0.35 liters while it's 0.2 gallons / 0.75 liters on the V11. That means the V12 will do fine for a one bedroom apartment, but you'll have to empty it more frequently if you have a bigger home. The V11 gives you over double that capacity. We also found that the mechanism to empty the bin is not as hygienic in the V12 model – our reviewer had to stick their fingers in it to pull out hair and fluff.

In terms of weight, the V11 standard version is heavier at 6.6lbs / 3kg compared to the V12 Detect Slim, which weighs 5.2lbs / 2.2kg. The V12 is slightly shorter than the V11, at 49.4in / 125cm, compared to the V11's 49.65in / 126cm. So overall, as the name suggests, the V12 Detect Slim is the thinner and lighter model.

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Both models get you an LCD screen that show you how long the battery has left, the mode you're in and alert you of any blockages. With the V12, the display also tells you how big the dust particles you're sucking up are, which you may or may not find useful.

• Winner: V11 – It's the smaller bin size that means the V12 misses out here, although some may appreciate the power button in the newer model

Dyson V11 vs V12: performance

Dyson says that both the V11 and V12 have 60 minutes of battery life in Eco mode, the lowest of its three settings (Eco, Auto, Boost). While it's in Auto mode, the battery life depends on the floor type/how much suction is needed and our reviewers found that both the V11 and V12 lasted around 40 minutes in this mode. There is a difference in charging time, however, with the V11 taking 4.5 hours from zero to full, compared to 3.5 hours for the V12.

Both reviewers found that the Dysons were able to effectively deal with a range of spillages and were impressed by overall suction – which doesn't decrease as battery life runs out.

The tools included vary by region and model, but our reviewer loved the soft roller cleaner for hard floors, the High Torque cleaner head and the mini motorized tool on the V11. With the V12, you get the newer Fluffy Optic (an upgrade from the V12's original Laser Slim Fluffy cleaning head), which shows up dirt with a laser. Our reviewer also liked the High Torque cleaner and the Hair Screw Tool (both available in V11), though the latter does have a tendency to suck up charging cables. Also note that if the Fluffy Optic cleaning head is a deal breaker, you can buy it separately for the V11, though check availability in your region.

• Winner: V12 – The charging time plus addition of the Fluffy Optic cleaning head just wins it for the V12, although you can buy this attachment for the V11.

Dyson V11 vs V12 specs

Should you buy the Dyson V11 or V12?

Buy the V11 if...

Buy the V12 if...