Dyson V12 vs V15: Which Cordless Vacuum is the Best?
By Naila Syifa
Updated August 2024
Dyson is a well-known name in cordless vacuum cleaners, offering powerful and efficient models that have become a staple in many households.
The Dyson V12 Detect Slim and Dyson V15 Detect are two of the brand's top-tier cordless vacuum models, each boasting impressive cleaning capabilities and innovative features.
Between the two, which one is the better choice for your needs? Let's find out by comparing the two vacuums across a few key aspects.
Key Takeaways
Dyson V12 is more lightweight and user-friendly with a single-button power control, but it has a smaller bin capacity and a less powerful suction compared to Dyson V15. While both can adapt their suction power to match the level of dirt, the Dyson V15 can also auto-adapt to the type of surface being cleaned, thanks to its Digital Motorbar which the V12 doesn't offer.
Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Smart & Effortless Cleaning
✓ Dyson Hyperdymium Motor
✓ 2.2kg Weight
✓ Dust Illumination
✓ LCD with Particle Count
Dyson V15 Detect
Powerful & Intelligent Cleaning
✓ Dyson Hyperdymium Motor
✓ 240 AW Suction
✓ Dust Illumination
✓ LCD with Particle Count
#1 Design & Display
Dyson V15 Detect
Dyson V12 Detect Slim is currently the lightest smart cordless vacuum in Dyson's lineup, weighing just 2.2 kg. In comparison, the Dyson V15 Detect is substantially heavier at 3.1 kg. A lightweight design gives the V12 an advantage in terms of maneuverability and ease of use, allowing for more comfortable and effortless cleaning sessions.
Dyson V12 Detect Slim is also easier to use as turning on the vacuum is done with a simple press of the power button. With Dyson V15 Detect, on the other hand, we need to continuously hold the trigger to keep the vacuum running. It can be tiring over longer cleaning sessions, so the V12 is the more effortless option between the two.
Dyson V12 Detect Slim
One downside of the V12 Detect Slim is its smaller bin capacity of 0.35 L, which is around half the size of the Dyson V15 Detect's 0.77 L bin. This is why Dyson recommends the V12 for smaller homes and apartments, as larger homes may require more frequent bin emptying with the V12.
One design element that both the V12 and V15 share in common is the LCD screen. It provides easy access to information like remaining runtime, cleaning modes, and maintenance alerts. Thanks to a piezo sensor that sizes and counts sucked-up particles, the LCD also displays the size and amount of dust and debris collected in real-time, providing helpful insights into the cleaning performance.
#2 Features
Dyson V12 Detect Slim
In terms of features, the Dyson V15 Detect offers more advantages. While both vacuums are powered by the Dyson Hyperdymium motor, the V15 generates a stronger suction power up to 240 AW, while the V12 maxes out at 150 AW.
Dyson V15 Detect is also equipped with 14 cyclones, which is more than the 11 cyclones in the Dyson V12 Detect Slim. Cyclones are one of the key components that impact the vacuum's cleaning performance as they generate centrifugal forces that trap fine dust and dirt from the airflow into the bin.
Another advantage the V15 Detect has relates to the cleaner head. Dyson V15 Detect comes with a Digital Motorbar, which uses DLS technology to auto-adjust suction power based on the floor type in Auto mode. Meanwhile, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim offers a standard Motorbar without DLS.
Fluffy Optic (left) and Digital Motorbar (right) of Dyson V15 Detect
However, both the V12 and V15 offer a Fluffy Optic cleaner head, which can generate a laser to illuminate the fine dust and debris on the floor. This cleaner head makes it easier to clean those hard-to-spot particles, ensuring no dirt or debris is missed.
Other features that the Dyson V12 Detect Slim and V15 Detect share in common include whole-machine filtration, 'point and shoot' hygienic bin emptying, and 3 cleaning modes with different power levels and runtime to suit different cleaning needs:
1. Eco mode. Eco mode offers the lowest power level yet the longest runtime, making it ideal for daily light cleaning tasks.
2. Auto/Medium mode. Auto mode relies on the piezo sensor to automatically adjust the suction power based on the dust concentration levels, ensuring efficient cleaning without wasting battery. When non-powered tools are attached, such as a crevice tool, Medium mode is displayed instead of Auto, providing a balance of power and runtime.
3. Boost mode. Boost mode provides the maximum suction power for tackling tough messes but at the cost of shorter runtime.
#3 Battery
Click-In Battery
Dyson V12 Detect Slim and V15 Detect have the same estimated runtime of 60 minutes in Eco mode, but they have different charging times.
The V12 charges more quickly at around 3.5 hours, while the V15 can take around 4.5 hours to fully charge. Even though the V12 has a faster charging time, it is still quite a long wait, which can be annoying if you need to quickly recharge the vacuum between cleaning sessions.
The good news is that both the V12 and V15 support a click-in battery. The click-in battery pack can be removed and replaced with a spare battery pack, while the depleted one is charging, allowing for continuous cleaning without interruption.
Dyson V12 vs V15
Final Thoughts
Dyson V15 Detect
Both the Dyson V12 and V15 are smart and reliable cordless vacuums, offering advanced capabilities to illuminate dust on the floor, count and categorize the particles picked up to display in the LCD, and auto-adjust suction power based on the detected dust concentration level for efficient cleaning.
Dyson V12 Detect Slim's main advantages lie in its lightweight design and user-friendly single-button power control, emphasizing ease of use and simplicity, making it a better fit for smaller homes and apartments.
Meanwhile, the Dyson V15 Detect is more suited for larger homes and those who desire a powerful suction and advanced cleaning performance, thanks to its stronger suction, more cyclones, and the Digital Motorbar with DLS technology.
If you like to read more about Dyson cordless vacuums, check out our other relevant guides here:
Dyson V10 vs V11
Dyson V10 vs V15
Dyson V11 vs V12
Dyson V11 vs V15
Don't miss out on tech
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest tech trends and guides on the best gadgets around.
Recommended reading
