How to choose the right Dyson vacuum for you

If you've been hesitating about buying a Dyson vacuum, we get it. While the brand is synonymous with stick vacuums, their models don't come cheap. While some of the older ones are more affordable, it's hard to get a read on their quality when the newer models have so many features.

We're here to help you cut through the noise and choose the right Dyson for you based on budget but also needs.

Start here...

Dyson V7 Advanced Origin

Just $337 on The Good Guys$599 on Dyson

This is our recommendation for an introductory Dyson vacuum. First introduced to the market in 2017, it's much cheaper than some of its companions on the Dyson roster of stick vacuums. It's also often on sale.

Best for:

• Those with a smaller budget
• Those living in apartments or smaller homes, as 40 minutes of battery life is just the right amount for spot clean-ups and smaller spaces
• A smaller family – and probably one without pets that shed copious amounts of hair. You'll likely need something with a bit more oomph to keep that under control

Best features:

• The digital motor V8 spins up to 107,000rpm, creating powerful suction for quick and efficient cleaning
• One click can take it to a handheld vacuum and back again, allowing you to clean smaller spaces like beneath desks and benches, and the inside of your car
• While some Dyson models come with a bevy of accessories, the V7 Advanced Origin has three – the Motorbar cleaner head, the combination tool (which has a brush and a wide nozzle), and a charger
• The collected dirt and debris can be released with the pull of a lever, so you don't have to touch the contents of the vacuum
• 40 minutes of fade-free power makes it perfect for quick touch-ups and bigger cleans of smaller places

Pet-owner friendly

Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Cordless Vacuum

$1449 on Dyson$1449 on The Good Guys$1349 on Amazon

A more recent model, the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute came out in 2021. Featuring much more up-to-date technology than the V7, it's perfect for those happy to spend a bit more money (although, it can still be found on sale if you know where to look).

One of the best things about the V15 Detect Absolute is the LED light system. The Fluffy Optic cleaner head reveals two times more microscopic particles, and the sensor can size and count them, meaning suction power is automatically increased when necessary. So, not only can you see the dirt, you can trust it's being cleaned effectively.

Best for:

• The V15 has the power you'll need for bigger cleaning jobs, so we recommend this one for bigger homes with bigger families
• This is the perfect Dyson for pet owners, with the anti-tangle hair screw tool being engineered to remove pet and human hair easily

Best features:

• The LCD screen on the V15 shows what's been sucked up in real time so you can be very diligent with your cleaning
• The V15 is powered by a Dyson Hyerdymium motor, which spins at up to 125,000rpm and generates powerful suction
• 60 minutes of fade-free power gives you ample time to clean all the rooms in your living space, plus your car if you need it
• It comes with two vacuum heads, a combination tool, a hair screw tool, and a crevice tool – there'll be no space you won't be able to clean

The 'more than just a vacuum' Dyson

Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Absolute

$1497 on Dyson$1497 on The Good Guys

For those who need something that helps clean up bigger messes (parents of young children, we're looking at you), the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Absolute is our final pick. A wet and dry vacuum that was released last year, it can complete your mopping and vacuuming – super convenient! The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Absolute will be your best bet for keeping a clean home.

Best for:

• Families and bigger homes
• Anyone who wants a model that can do more than just vacuum

Best features:

• The specially designed Submarine wet roller head removes spills and stains from hard floors, an immediate upgrade on vacuum-only Dyson models
• The full-width roller is evenly hydrated by the model, ensuring no spot is missed
• A separate wash tray stops the contaminated water transferring back to your floors
• It can also function as a vacuum for quick cleanups, or days when mopping isn't required
• It has the same sensor that can recognise and count dust particles, and show you what has been picked up on the LCD screen
• It has the same 60-minute runtime as the V15 Detect

The 'hands off' Dyson

Dyson 360 Vis Nav Robot Vacuum

$1999 on Dyson$1999 on Myer$1995 on The Good Guys

For those who want hands-off cleaning that they can schedule themselves, the Dyson 360 VisNav Robot Vacuum is worth every cent. The first robot vacuum to solve a common problem – it's D-shaped to ensure all edges and corners of the home can be thoroughly cleaned.

Best for:

• Busy individuals who need to be able to schedule their cleaning
• Those who value a clean home but not the effort of keeping one

Best features:

• Six sensors help with obstacle avoidance, and dual-link suspension prevents the vacuum from getting stuck
• The design of the vacuum is small enough to clean under furniture
• An LED light ring helps the vacuum navigate in low light
• You can customise your cleaning schedule with the MyDyson smart home app
• It features a fully-sealed HEPA filtration system that traps and seals 99.99 per cent of dust particles

The most powerful Dyson

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Vacuum

Now just $877 on Dyson

The Dyson V12 Detect Slim Vacuum has some serious upgrades on previous Dyson vacuums. It's Dyson's lightest vacuum – engineered to be ergonomic and easy to use around the home.

Best for: 

• Those who need the most power a vacuum has to offer

Best features:

• The V12 Detect Slim Vacuum is Dyson's lightest cordless vacuum at 24 per cent lighter than the Dyson V15
• A single power button, so you can turn it on with one touch, rather than holding down a trigger as with most Dyson models
• 30 per cent more power than previous models
• 60 minutes of run time, and an LED screen to keep you across battery life
• The Fluffy Optic cleaner head has an illuminating feature that helps reveal hidden debris. It also has a low-profile so it can get under furniture and into difficult spots

READ MORE: Is a $2800 robot vacuum worth it? We gave it a try