I’m not a clean freak by any means, but there’s something deeply satisfying about walking on a freshly vacuumed floor. Plus, as one of two roommates who shed hair like sheepdogs, I’ve become obsessed with finding a heavy-suction vac (that’s compact enough to fit in my tiny apartment’s closet). Enter the Dyson V15 Detect—a vacuum that promises to suck up dirt and hair with the convenience of a slim, cordless build. It’s blown up on TikTok with thousands of users raving over its tech—yet at a price point could make you think twice. So of course, as a home editor who reviews buzzy items for a living, I had to find out if the V15 was truly worth the investment. Below, find my full review. (Spoiler alert: My floors have never looked better.)
Is the Dyson V15 Detect Worth the Splurge? Here’s My Honest Review
Once you go dyson, you don’t go back
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Published Aug 21, 2024
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Sydney Meister for PureWow
What Makes the Dyson V15 Detect Stand Out?
Let me start by saying that the Dyson V15 is like the Swiss Army knife of vacuums—it does everything, and it does it well. The obvious stand-out feature is the laser-guided cleaning technology, where the vacuum head is equipped with a green light that illuminates dust and debris. You might think your floors are clean, but one pass with this vacuum and I guarantee you’ll have a dirt epiphany (it’s satisfying yet slightly terrifying—especially if you haven’t cleaned in a while). It also helps that the laser automatically illuminates in all its cleaning modes: Eco, Auto and Boost. Eco mode is perfect for everyday cleaning, conserving battery life while still delivering powerful suction. Auto mode, enhanced by Dyson DLS™ (Dynamic Load Sensor) technology, intelligently adapts power and suction depending on the floor type—whether it’s carpet, hardwood or tile. And when you need maximum power, Boost mode steps up the suction to tackle the most stubborn dirt.
Another feature that sets this guy apart is its HEPA filtration system, which captures 99.99 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Essentially, what this means is that the vacuum can literally think for you. Its piezo sensor adjusts the suction power based on the debris detected—and the LCD screen provides real-time information on the size and amount of particles being picked up, along with battery life and maintenance alerts. It also comes equipped with seven attachments, including a washable Fluffy Optic cleaner head and washable filters (so you won't have to buy replacement parts down the line). Bonus: the bin is easy to empty with a point-and-shoot mechanism—and it holds a surprising amount of dust and debris, given its compact 0.2-gallon capacity.
How I Put The Dyson V15 to The Test
Dyson
- Suction Power: 20/20
- Maneuverability: 19/20
- Functionality: 20/20
- Design/Compactness: 19/20
- Value: 18/20
Total: 96/100
To put the V15 to the test, I used it on both hardwood floors and carpets in my apartment. I wanted to see how well it could handle built-up debris, so I refrained from cleaning for five days (OK, maybe I am a clean freak). When I finally powered this guy up, I went over my hardwood floors three times with the Fluffy Optic cleaner head. I also made sure to keep watch of the LCD screen to see how much dust and debris had accumulated.
Then, for the carpet, I relied heavily on the digital motorbar cleaner head, testing it on a low-pile rug in my living room (four passes total). I also used the vacuum in Auto mode, allowing the Dyson DLS™ technology to adjust the suction power based on the carpet’s resistance. From there, I tested the versatility of the V15 as a handheld vacuum in tight spaces (with the combination of the Hair Screw Tool and the Light Pipe Crevice Tool). After testing, I used the following criteria for my review: suction power, how easily the vacuum maneuvered around furniture, whether it was easy to switch between attachments and how long the battery lasted.
How Did It Perform on Different Surfaces?
Thanks to its lightweight build and convenient cordless design, the V15 is a life-saver for your arms and back. It weighs just under 7 pounds, so it’s easy to maneuver—whether you’re cleaning under furniture or carrying it up the stairs. The cordless design also means you’re not tethered to an outlet, allowing you to clean anywhere without unplugging and re-plugging. And again, it can transform into a handheld vacuum, which made it easy to switch from floor mode to handheld mode with a simple click. This made it especially easy to swap its seven specialized attachments (more on those below).
Vacuuming On Hardwood Floors
Dyson
The digital motorbar cleaner head and the hair screw tool have become go-to attachments when cleaning my hardwood floors. The motorbar head, with its ability to automatically adjust suction, makes quick work of the dust and debris scattered across the floor. This tool's design also prevents hair from tangling, which was a huge relief given the long, dark hair that me and my roommate shed constantly. The hair screw tool also helped with this, especially in areas where hair tends to accumulate (like under chairs and sofas). It features an anti-tangle conical brush bar, which ensures that every strand is picked up and stored in the bin without wrapping around the brush.
And let’s not forget the light pipe crevice tool and reach-under tool—which make it easy to reach nooks and crannies where dust loves to hide. The LED lights on the crevice tool illuminate hidden dirt, and the reach-under tool is great at getting under the couch without breaking my back. It’s also worth mentioning that the mini soft dusting brush will be gentle enough for anyone with delicate reclaimed oak floors—it does a thorough clean without any risk of scratches. As evidenced by the photos above, the combination of these tools left my hardwood floors spotless and hair-free.
Vacuuming On Carpets
Dyson
When it came time to tackle my flatwoven area rug—which gets disgusting without frequent cleaning—I was skeptical. Yet, as I started vacuuming, I could feel the motorhead adjusting itself to the carpet’s texture. This is thanks to Dyson's DLS™ technology, which monitors the brush bar resistance 360 times a second and automatically adapts the suction power. The before photo shows how my carpet was covered with dust, hair, and debris. But after just three passes, the after photo shows a noticeable difference—the carpet looked almost brand new, with all the hair and dirt lifted out of the fibers.
How Long Does the Battery Last?
Battery life is always a concern with cordless vacuums, but the V15 lives up to its 60-minute promise. Even during deep cleaning sessions, I’ve never had the battery poop out mid-clean—and the LCD screen displays the remaining battery life in real-time (so you’re never caught off guard). The only caveat is that recharging the battery takes about 4.5 hours, so you’ll want to plug it in overnight if you’re planning a deep clean the next day.
How Does the V15 Compare to Other Dyson Models?
When comparing the V15 Detect to other Dyson models, it’s clear that this one stands out. The laser dust illumination and intelligent suction adjustment are features that make it more advanced than earlier models, like the V8 or V10. Otherwise, in terms of battery life and power, the V15 is on par with the Dyson Outsize models—but is more compact and easier to handle. That said, it’s more expensive than other models, but the added technology and versatility make it worth the investment.
The Bottom Line
Long story short? I’d say the V15 is worth every penny if you’re looking to invest in a powerful cordless vacuum. Its laser-guided cleaning head, intelligent suction adjustment and HEPA filtration system set it apart from other vacuums on the market—and it outperformed when it came to hair shed and battery life. Not to mention that it comes with a two-year warranty, plus lifetime Dyson support for replacements and troubleshooting.
The PureWow100 is a scale our editors use to vet new products and services, so you know what’s worth the spend—and what’s total hype. Learn more about our process here.
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