Dyson 2026 Vacuum Comparison: Which Model Is Best?
Wired tested five Dyson cordless vacuums, finding the Gen5Detect as the top performer, with the V10 Konical surprising as a budget-friendly option.
New Models on the Market
Dyson released three new cordless vacuum models in 2026: the V16 Piston Animal, V10 Konical, and V8 Cyclone. They join the existing V15 Detect and Gen5Detect, offering a wide range of choices. Prices range from $400 to $980.
Test Results
Wired conducted five tests: sand, cereal, cat litter, handheld mode, and carpet/rug tests. Each test evaluated suction power and cleaning effectiveness.
Sand Test: The V10 Konical performed best, while the V8 Cyclone failed completely on a thin rug. The Gen5Detect and V16 Piston Animal worked but struggled with strong suction lifting the rug.
Cereal Test: All models handled crushed Cheerios well, but the Gen5Detect left no pieces flying, while others scattered 1–3 pieces.
Cat Litter Test: The Gen5Detect left the cleanest floor; the V16 was close but pushed some litter forward. The V10 needed two passes; the V8 pushed litter into a pile.
Handheld Test: The V16 and Gen5Detect excelled on stairs, with strong suction and built-in crevice tools. The V15 Detect felt like it glided rather than suctioned.
Carpet/Rug Test: The Gen5Detect and V10 Konical were top performers; the V15's trigger button was inconvenient for long sessions.
Overall Winner
Wired scored each model on a 1–4 scale across tests. The Gen5Detect scored 19 points (near perfect), the V16 Piston Animal 17, and the V10 Konical third. The Gen5Detect is recommended as the best overall, while the V10 Konical ($500) offers great value.
