Next up in my series on Dyson’s cordless stick vacuums is a look at the Dyson V8 vs V12. After using both, I can confidently declare that the Dyson V12 is superior to the Dyson V8.
I am inclined to choose the Dyson V12 as it has significant improvement in the battery and a more quickly recharge time. It also has better cleaning performance thanks to higher suction power and three power modes. Its automatic power adjustment feature allows it to increase its suction according to the type of floor you are cleaning.
Although it has less suction power than the winner, the Dyson V8 nevertheless does a great job of cleaning. You may find the Dyson V8 to be a better bargain because it has a more reasonable price. It also has a larger dustbin that requires less frequent emptying.
Dyson V8 vs V12: Comparison Chart
Dyson V8 vs V12: Differences
The Dyson V12 beats the V8 by a score of 3-1. The V12 has better cleaning performance, a longer run time, but charges more quickly. But its dustbin is somewhat small, so it may need to be emptied more than once while cleaning.
Cleaning Performance
The Winner: Dyson V12
Motor Performance
The V12 is powered by a Dyson Hyperdymium motor that can spin at speeds of up to 125,000 RPM. Thus, it produces about 150 AW of suction power, albeit this varies with the cleaning mode.
The V8’s digital motor can reach speeds of up to 110,000 RPM and 115 AW of suction power for comparison.
Both vacuums have enough suction power to pick up all kinds of debris at any size, but the V12 performs a little bit better.
Suction Mode
The Dyson V8 has two power modes, whereas the V12 has three cleaning modes. The suction strength will vary between settings.
The V8 does a pretty solid job in its Max setting of picking up all the stuff you want it to. Regular mode is not really that great by comparison. It just doesn’t pull up dirt and dust the way that you want a vacuum to do.
The V12 has four different suction modes. In the Auto mode, it can detect the type of floor you are cleaning and automatically adjust suction to suit. That’s trying to maximize your battery life.
But if you want to control it, of course, there are three separate power stages to choose from. You can expect “Eco” mode to work like the V8’s regular mode. There’s the Medium mode, which is going to be more like the V8’s Max suction mode. And then there’s Boost mode, which is the maximum suction power of this vacuum. I think for most jobs, you could keep it at Medium mode and then go full Boost mode for some extra tough patches in your carpet.
I’m just going to say it V12 wins on performance.
Dustbin
The Winner: Dyson V8
Dustbin Capacity
The Dyson V12 has a 0.38-liter dustbin, which I’m assuming helps reduce the vacuum’s total size and weight. For my one-bed apartment, this meant that I needed to empty it more frequently, or more specifically, every time I completed one pass over the floors.
The V8 model includes a bigger dustbin with a capacity of up to 0.54 liters. Therefore, fewer emptyings are required.
Emptying The Dustbin
The dustbin is emptied in a different way for each model.
To empty the dust bin on a Dyson V8, pull the red lever that is placed behind the cyclones until the base of the dustbin opens and the dust falls out.
Even though the Dyson V12’s emptying system is improved to that of the V8, the dustbin remains connected to the wand and the motor, making emptying it a bit more hassle than with previous models. To begin, press the red button above the wand to free it from the bin and remove it.
To empty the dust container, pull the lever that is located on the side of the vacuum rather than the top. The dustbin will then be propelled forward, opening its lid and releasing everything inside.
Design & Convenience
The Winner: Dyson V12
Overall Design
The V12 Detect Slim is noticeably slimmer and lighter than the V8 at first glance. It also features a smaller dustbin and a different layout.
The V8’s extension wand, handheld motor, and dust container all connect at right angles to one another, forming a “T” shape. Regarding the V12, the dustbin receptacle is rotated 90 degrees, making a more in-line assembly.
The configuration of the Dyson V12 makes the airflow path more efficient and increases its suction power. At the same time, it paves the way for a design that is more compact, which makes it easier to maneuver the vacuum in small spaces.
Battery Life
The V8 promises up to 40 minutes of battery life. However, that’s in regular suction mode with optimal settings. Actual run time will vary based on power mode, dust level, floor types, and attachments used. Crank up the vacuum to maximum power and start vacuuming a thick carpet, and you’re likely to see the 2800-milliamp battery deplete in as little as 10 minutes. I mean, in my test, while open in Max mode, the battery ran out in about 20.
Recharge time will take about 5.5 hours with an empty battery, so you might want to stock up on extra batteries if you’re planning a deep clean.
Comparatively, the V12 promises as much as 60 minutes of battery life with its 2500-milliamp battery. You could see a bit more if you’re on “Eco” and vacuuming lightly, but you could also see as little as 10 minutes if you’re really going into that “Boost” mode.
Additionally, Dyson V12’s battery may be removed without any hassle thanks to the click-in design. That’s fantastic! Therefore, if you need more than 60 minutes of use, you can buy a spare one and have it ready to go in cases. As a result, having a large home is no longer a barrier to switching to cordless devices, as battery life is no longer an issue.
As compared to the Dyson V12, the V8’s battery doesn’t seem all that impressive or futuristic, it’s fixed in place using screws, and it needs to be replaced every couple of years.
When it comes to battery, the Dyson V12 is the clear winner.
On/Off Control
When using the V8, I had to maintain constant finger pressure on the trigger. Such control is a blessing and a curse. It improves battery life but is less user-friendly than a simple on/off switch. That, though, has been driving me completely insane. I might suffer some finger strain if I have to continue pressing that trigger for a long amount of time while cleaning.
The Dyson V12 only required a single push of its power button to get started. With this simple action, I was able to switch hands without stopping the vacuum. Because of this, I was able to clean for much longer without experiencing any hand tiredness.
Utilities
The Winner: Dyson V12
Digital Screen
The Dyson V12 features an LCD screen. I think this is an extremely helpful feature which is very rare on cordless vacuums. I can check the battery life, suction power, and other data, including:
- Cleaning mode
- Maintenance alerts
- Particle size and type
One unique function is that it detects the dirt and dust that it has just vacuumed up. You can examine the size, type, and volume to determine the efficacy of your vacuuming efforts.
The V8 version lacks advanced features like touchscreens and video alerts. The remaining battery life is indicated by a little light; however, it isn’t really noticeable.
Piezo Sensor
A piezo sensor allows the vacuum to collect particle data. This function also enables the V12 to automatically modify its suction in response to the level of debris it encounters. Incredibly useful!
Inadequately, the Dyson V8 vacuum lacks this feature.
Laser-Illumination Technology
The Dyson V12’s Dyson Laser Slim Fluffy cleaning head is, without a doubt, my favorite feature. I would clean the floors of my apartment with the regular cleaner head, the Motorbar, and then switch to the Laser Slim Fluffy. Although some may find it tiresome to switch out the attachments, I found that this one fits under my dresser and sofa and was well worth the effort.
The best part was that with the flip of a button on its head, the Laser Slim Fluffy would shine a green laser that would illuminate every speck of dust and pet hair that resided on my hardwood floors, which I had previously been oblivious to.
This laser is just awesome. I was fooled into thinking my floors were clean after a standard vacuuming. The green beam revealed fur accumulating around my table legs, under my bed, and in the corners of the room, as well as a tapestry of hairs on my parquet floors and walls. Sucking up all that dust and dander was satisfying.
This is only included with the Dyson V12. Dyson V8 does not have this feature.
Quick Rundown Of Dyson V12
- Dyson’s lightest intelligent cordless vacuum. Reveals invisible dust..Special feature: compact
- 30% more power.¹ 60 minutes of run time.²
- Power button operated for continuous cleaning.
- 24% lighter than the Dyson V15. Engineered to be ergonomic, effortless, and easy to use. Converts to a handheld vacuum for cleaning cars, stairs, and upholstery.
- Intelligently adapts power based on debris detected. LCD screen shows total picked-up particles on-screen as you clean.³ Also displays power mode, maintenance alerts, and remaining run time to the second.
Quick Rundown Of Dyson V8
- Cord free. Hassle free. Powerful suction, refer user manual for instructions
- Up to 40 minute's run time when using a non-motorized tool. Suction power (Max mode): 115 AW
- Lightweight and versatile, for easy home cleaning. Instant release trigger means battery power is only used while it’s cleaning. Requires charging for 4 hours minimum before first use
- Up to 30 minutes of fade free power with the soft roller cleaner head
- Direct drive cleaner head. Up to 8 minutes of fade free power (in Max mode). Drives stiff nylon bristles into carpets to capture deep down dirt
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References:
- Dyson V12: https://www.dyson.com/vacuum-cleaners/cordless/v12
- Dyson V8: https://www.dyson.com/vacuum-cleaners/cordless/v8
Victor K. Giles is a leading consultant and expert in vacuum cleaner technology with over a decade of experience. As a mechanical engineering graduate in the University of Michigan, he specializes in product development, design optimization, and performance analysis. Victor collaborates with manufacturers and educates consumers, making her a sought-after guest speaker at industry events. His work has been featured in renowned publications, and he shares his expertise on his blog, “The Vacuum Teria”. Victor’s passion for cleaner, healthier living spaces drives his to help clients choose the best vacuum solutions for their needs.