Vacuum cleaners are a cornerstone of maintaining a clean home, and so it's worth spending money on a decent model. Two of the most well-known names in the high-end price bracket are Dyson and Kirby, and both offer powerful suction. However, that's pretty much where the similarities end.
Kirby is a very traditional brand of vacuum cleaner, and hasn't fundamentally changed its designs in decades. In contrast, Dyson is all about harnessing technology to make its vacuums smaller, lighter and easier to maneuver.
So the simple answer, if you're on the fence between Dyson vs Kirby, is that if you want something that looks sleek, feels modern and is super-flexible, you'll probably want a Dyson. If, however, you prefer something with a more familiar 20th-century design, which is big, solid and durable, you'll want a Kirby.
But what if you don't care, and just want the best vacuum cleaner overall? Well, that's a trickier one, because they both have a lot to offer, just in different ways. So keep reading, and we'll give you the details you need to decide.
Dyson vs Kirby: brand overview
Founded in 1991, Dyson is a British company famed for its sleek, high-tech vacuums. These use a distinctive bagless cyclone technology, which enables them to maintain strong suction without clogging.
The best Dyson vacuums are very maneuverable, cordless, and include advanced features such laser dust detection and automated suction adjustment. They're normally sold online or in large chain stores.
In contrast, Kirby is an American brand that dates back to 1914 and has a reputation for traditional, corded vacuums that last for decades. While heavy and cumbersome, these appliances are known for their raw suction power and ability to deep clean carpets, making them popular among those who prioritize heavy-duty performance over convenience.
Kirby vacuums are typically sold through direct, in-home demonstrations, although they can also be found online, especially second-hand models on sites like eBay.
Dyson vs Kirby: suction & performance
Despite their comparatively light weight, Dyson vacuums are known for offering powerful suction thanks to their cyclone technology; particularly the newest models such as the Gen5detect and V15 Detect. That said, most Dysons are cordless, so they won't typically deliver as much raw power as some corded options. (There are exceptions, though, such as the corded Dyson Ball Animal 3).
Kirby vacuums are all corded and boast powerful motors. For this reason, they're famed for their ability to clean thick, dirty carpets deeply, although the payoff is that they're significantly heavier than Dysons.
Kirby vacuums also come with a wide range of attachments that extend their functionality, including carpet shampooers. In contrast, Dyson as a brand puts more emphasis on streamlined, lightweight design, and so wants to avoid weighing you down with extra gadgets. There is one Dyson vacuum that can handle wet cleaning as well as vacuuming (the V15s Detect Submarine) but in general, these are geared just towards vacuuming.
Dyson vs Kirby: ease of use
Dyson vacuums are typically pretty lightweight and extremely easy to maneuver. Their compact design and cordless functionality make them a great choice for quick cleanups and reaching tight spaces.
In contrast, Kirby vacuums are heavy and bulky due to their robust build and metal components. Their attachments also require more effort to assemble and operate compared to Dyson’s quick-click systems.
On the other hand, because Kirby vacuums are corded, you won't have the problem of running out of battery, as with Dyson's cordless models. (For more on this, read our article What are the disadvantages of a cordless vacuum?)
Dyson vs Kirby: standout models
Dyson’s vacuums have earned a loyal following for their design, tech smarts and convenience, and there's plenty of variety to choose from, from corded to cordless models and even robot vacuums.
Our top pick overall is the Dyson V11, which at time of writing has a list price of $569.99. While it’s not Dyson’s most advanced model (that honor belongs to the Gen5Detect), it strikes a great balance between performance and price that makes it a solid all-rounder that'll suit most people. (See how it compares to the models either side of it in the lineup in our Dyson V11 vs V8 or Dyson V11 vs V15 Detect face-offs.)
The V11 combines a cordless design with a powerful motor that adjusts suction power based on the floor type. The LCD display adds a high-tech flair, providing real-time information such as remaining battery life and the current power mode. Its battery can last up to 60 minutes in Eco mode. And its powerful suction and ability to convert into a handheld vacuum make it a versatile option for everything from carpets to tight spaces.
The standout model in the Kirby lineup, meanwhile, is the Kirby Avalir 2, which at time of writing costs $699 on Amazon. Built primarily from metal components, it features a multi-surface shampoo system that lets it transition between vacuuming and carpet shampooing, making it highly versatile.
The Avalir 2 excels in deep carpet cleaning, thanks to its powerful motor and airflow-based suction system, and is designed to last for decades. While heavy and somewhat bulky, it's aimed at those who need a vacuum that can tackle deep, embedded dirt that lighter models struggle to reach.
Dyson vs Kirby: how to choose
So how do you choose? Ultimately, whether you value Dyson’s tech-savvy approach or Kirby’s no-nonsense durability, both brands offer high-quality vacuums that will keep your home spotless. Which means deciding between them is less about facts and figures, and more about your attitude to life.
Do you miss a time when things were 'made to last'? Do you prefer the idea of a salesperson coming to your house, rather than impersonally buying something online? And are you suspicious of new technology, and prefer old-fashioned looking devices that are simple to you, particularly ones that feel solid and powerful? Then Kirby is for you.
If, however, you like the idea of new tech that makes chores easier, you enjoy buying products that feel more 2024 than 1954, and want a vacuum that's flexible and easy to get into small spaces, then Dyson will be the obvious choice.
