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Dyson Humdinger Vacuum Review

Tested using Methodology v1.2
Reviewed Sep 02, 2021 at 09:37 am
Latest change: Test bench update Dec 14, 2023 at 11:24 am
Dyson Humdinger Picture
8.0
Bare Floor
7.8
Low-Pile Carpet
7.9
High-Pile Carpet
7.5
Pets
8.9
Stairs
8.2
Cars
5.2
Workshop

The Dyson Humdinger is a remarkably lightweight cordless handheld vacuum. It's incredibly portable and easy to use, and it comes with a few different attachments that make it easy to switch from spot cleaning to cleaning furniture on the fly. It delivers fantastic performance on bare floors, excellent performance on high-pile carpet, and decent performance on low-pile carpet. It's also easy to maintain and has virtually no recurring costs. However, it has a very small dirt compartment and limited battery life, though this depends heavily on usage habits.

Our Verdict

8.0 Bare Floor

The Dyson Humdinger is excellent for cleaning bare floors. It does a fantastic job picking up pet hair and smaller debris like rice, and it does a great job with bulkier material like cereal. It's easy to maintain with virtually no recurring costs and feels decently well-built. However, it has a very small dirt compartment that needs frequent emptying.

Pros
  • Incredible bare floor performance.
  • No recurring costs.
  • Easy to maintain.
  • Incredibly lightweight.
Cons
  • Very small dirt compartment.
  • Limited battery life.
7.8 Low-Pile Carpet

The Dyson Humdinger is good for low-pile carpets. It struggles a bit with larger material like sand, which can get caught in the crevices of its turbo brush. That said, it does a fantastic job with pet hair and fine debris like baking soda. However, it has a very small dirt compartment and a disappointing battery life.

Pros
  • No recurring costs.
  • Easy to maintain.
  • Incredibly lightweight.
  • Picks up a decent amount of debris overall on low-pile carpet.
Cons
  • Very small dirt compartment.
  • Limited battery life.
  • Larger debris can get stuck in the crevices of its turbo brush.
7.9 High-Pile Carpet

The Dyson Humdinger is great for high-pile carpets. It cleans pet hair easily and does a great job with both large and small debris, though material like sand can get caught in the crevices of its turbo brush. It's easy to maintain and has no recurring costs, but its dirt compartment is very small, so you need to empty it frequently when cleaning larger messes.

Pros
  • No recurring costs.
  • Easy to maintain.
  • Incredibly lightweight.
  • Excellent high-pile carpet performance.
Cons
  • Very small dirt compartment.
  • Limited battery life.
  • Larger debris can get stuck in the crevices of its turbo brush.
7.5 Pets

The Dyson Humdinger is an excellent choice for pets. It sucks up pet hair without issue on bare floors and high-pile carpets and does a great job cleaning it from low-pile carpets. It has a motorized turbo brush to clean pet hair from fabrics and upholstery, and you can remove its brushroll to clear any hair wraps. It's also easy to maintain with virtually no recurring costs.

Pros
  • No recurring costs.
  • Easy to maintain.
  • Incredibly lightweight.
  • Cleans pet hair well on all surface types.
Cons
  • Very small dirt compartment.
  • Limited battery life.
8.9 Stairs

The Dyson Humdinger is fantastic for cleaning stairs. It's incredibly light and portable, making it easy to carry up and down stairs. However, its dirt compartment is very small, and it's more suited to spot cleaning. It does a fantastic job on bare floors but struggles more with carpets.

Pros
  • No recurring costs.
  • Easy to maintain.
  • Incredibly lightweight.
Cons
  • Very small dirt compartment.
  • Limited battery life.
8.2 Cars

The Dyson Humdinger is a great option for cleaning cars. It's incredibly small and lightweight, making it easy to maneuver inside a car. It has a few tools to help, including a turbo brush to deep clean fabrics and a crevice tool for tight spots. It's also easy to maintain, but it has a very small dirt compartment and limited battery life.

Pros
  • No recurring costs.
  • Easy to maintain.
  • Incredibly lightweight.
Cons
  • Very small dirt compartment.
  • Limited battery life.
5.2 Workshop

Pros
  • No recurring costs.
  • Easy to maintain.
  • Incredibly lightweight.
Cons
  • Very small dirt compartment.
  • Limited battery life.
  • 8.0 Bare Floor
  • 7.8 Low-Pile Carpet
  • 7.9 High-Pile Carpet
  • 7.5 Pets
  • 8.9 Stairs
  • 8.2 Cars
  • 5.2 Workshop
  1. Updated Dec 14, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update builds on our previous 'Suction' test with a new 'Airflow' test that more accurately measures a vacuum's ability to generate air movement. If you'd like to see an in-depth look at the reasoning and methodology behind this change, you can see our full changelog here..
  2. Updated Oct 11, 2022: This vacuum's suction force has been retested with a more accurate manometer. The test results for the 'Maximum Suction' and 'Normal Suction' fields have been updated. All relevant scores and text have been updated.
  3. Updated Jul 28, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
  4. Updated Apr 27, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
  5. Updated Sep 02, 2021: Review published.
  6. Updated Aug 27, 2021: Early access published.
  7. Updated Aug 20, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
  8. Updated Aug 18, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  9. Updated Aug 10, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Dyson Humdinger comes in one color variant: 'Nickel'. You can see our unit's label here

Let us know if you come across another variant, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Vacuums

The Dyson Humdinger is a cordless handheld vacuum that stands out due to its exceptionally lightweight design. Like other handheld vacuums, it's more suited to spot cleaning and does a superb job cleaning pet hair and bulky debris. However, it has a very small dirt compartment because of its portable design, which means you have to empty it more frequently.

For other options, check out our recommendations for the best handheld vacuums, the best vacuums for pet hair, and the best vacuums.

Shark WANDVAC

The Dyson Humdinger is slightly better than the Shark WANDVAC. The Dyson has fewer parts that require regular maintenance, is equipped with a larger dustbin, has a suction power adjustment feature, and comes with a motorized turbo brush. It also performs better on bare floors and high-pile carpet. Meanwhile, the Shark is a little lighter, feels better built, and does a better job clearing pet hair and fine debris like baking soda from low-pile carpet.

Eureka Mighty Mite

The Dyson Humdinger and the Eureka Mighty Mite are different vacuums, each better suited to different uses. The Dyson is a cordless handheld vacuum that's great for spot cleaning small messes or cleaning hard-to-reach areas. Meanwhile, the Eureka is a corded canister vacuum, so it's not limited by battery life and has a much larger dirt compartment, making it better for cleaning larger spaces. That said, the Eureka has more recurring costs than the Dyson since it uses disposable dirtbags.

Dyson V15 Detect

The Dyson V15 Detect is more versatile than the Dyson Humdinger, though they're meant for different uses. The V15 is a stick vacuum that you can reconfigure into a handheld vacuum, so it's better suited to cleaning larger spaces. Meanwhile, the Humdinger is a remarkably lightweight handheld vacuum that's more suited to quick spot cleaning. The V15 has more parts to maintain but has a notably larger dirt compartment. It also performs better overall on all surface types than the Humdinger.

HoLife HM036E

The HoLife HM036E and the Dyson Humdinger perform quite similarly overall. The HoLife performs a bit better on bare floors and low-pile carpets and has longer battery life. Its dirt compartment is slightly larger, too. On the other hand, the Dyson performs better on high-pile carpets and has fewer recurring costs.

Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ [CH951, CH964AMZ]

The Dyson Humdinger and the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ are both great cordless handheld vacuums. The Shark feels better built, has a larger dirt compartment, and performs slightly better overall on all surface types. The Dyson has a HEPA filter to reduce allergens and has virtually no recurring costs.

+ Show more

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
7.0
Design
Build Quality
Vacuum Type
Handheld

The Dyson Humdinger feels decently put together. It's made of plastic, with parts that clip together easily and well-placed controls on the top of the vacuum. That said, it doesn't feel the most sturdy, particularly the clear plastic dirt compartment, which looks as if it could crack if dropped and has a flimsy lid.

7.5
Design
User Maintenance

This vacuum has a few parts that need regular maintenance, but they're easy to access.

  • Dirt compartment: To empty the dirt compartment, you need to remove the attached brush or tool, which is a bit inconvenient. You can also unclip it from the body for cleaning, as needed.
  • Motorized head: You can unlock the motorized brush head by using a coin to remove the side cover and access its brushroll, which you can slide out to clean any debris or hair wraps.
  • HEPA filter: You can remove the HEPA filter by unlocking it from the top of the vacuum. You can gently tap it against the side of a dustbin to remove light buildup, but you should wash it with cold water about once a month.

All parts you clean with water should be left to dry completely for at least 24 hours before putting them back in the vacuum.

10
Design
Recurring Cost
Bag Part Number No bag
Filter Part Number 971178-01
HEPA Filter Part Number 971178-01

This vacuum has virtually no recurring costs as long as its parts are well-maintained. You can buy a replacement filter from Dyson's website if needed.

7.6
Design
Storing
Height
15.35" (39.0 cm)
Width
5.71" (14.5 cm)
Depth
8.66" (22.0 cm)
Cord Storing
Not Needed
On-Board Tool Storage
No
Vacuum Rack/Station
Yes

The Dyson Humdinger has good storing capability. It comes with a rack station that can be mounted on a wall. There's no onboard tool storage on the vacuum itself, but you can store the tools on the rack station. When mounted on the station, the vacuum's total dimensions are:

  • Height: 49.5 cm
  • Width: 14.5 cm
  • Depth: 24.0 cm

5.1
Design
Dirt Compartment
Bagless
Yes
Volume
0.02 gal (0.08 L)
Full Indicator
Yes
Bag Included
No Bag Needed

The Dyson Humdinger has a very small dirt compartment, which requires frequent emptying. On the upside, it's made of clear plastic and has a max fill line, so you know when to empty it.

Design
In The Box

  • Dyson Humdinger vacuum body
  • Dirt compartment
  • HEPA filter
  • Mini motorized brush
  • Crevice tool with soft bristle brush
  • 'Worktop' tool
  • Wall rack mount (2 pieces)
  • Screws for wall rack mount
  • Charging cable
  • User guide

10
Design
Range
Cordless
Yes
Cord Length
N/A
Hose Length
N/A
Minimum Wand Length
0.89 ft (0.27 m)
Maximum Wand Length
1.48 ft (0.45 m)
Total Range
N/A

The Dyson Humdinger's range is limited only by its remaining battery life and the room left in its dirt compartment.

9.1
Design
Portability
Total Weight
2.70 lbs (1.23 kg)
Weight In Hand
1.43 lbs (0.65 kg)
Carrying handle
Yes

The Dyson Humdinger is exceptionally portable. While it's advertised to weigh 2.1 lbs, it only weighs about that much (2.06 lbs) without any tools or attachments. With its turbo brush, it weighs 2.7 lbs, which is still remarkably lightweight and easy to carry around for extended periods.

5.8
Design
Battery
Minimum Battery Life
9 min
Maximum Battery Life
28 min
Recharge Time
162 min
Recharge Dock
No
Battery Life Indicator
Yes
Removable Batteries
No

Battery life is disappointing. On its 'MAX' suction power mode with the turbo brush attached, it lasts approximately nine minutes. On 'Eco' mode without tools, its battery lasts about 28 minutes, longer than the advertised 20 minutes. That said, battery life can vary drastically depending on power mode, attachments, and overall usage habits. Thankfully, it has a battery life indicator to let you know when to charge it.

Design
Quality Of Life Features
Rotating Head
No
Power Adjustment
Yes
Self-Propelled
No
Headlights
No
Easy On/Off
Yes
Head Surface Type Adjustment
None

The Dyson Humdinger has a couple of quality-of-life features. There's an On/Off switch and 'MAX' suction switch, and both are within easy reach near the handle.

Design
Tools And Brushes
Brushroll
Yes
Brushroll On/Off
No
Removable Brushroll
Yes
Turbo Brush
Yes
Crevice Tool
Yes
Upholstery Tool
Yes
Soft Bristle Brush
Yes
Hard Bristle Brush
No
Extension Wand
No
Ceiling Fan Tool
No
Pet Grooming Tool
No

This vacuum comes with a few tools and brushes. There's a turbo brush to help clean fabric-lined surfaces, a combination crevice tool and soft bristle brush for tight spots and dusting, and a 'worktop' tool for hard surfaces and tabletops.

Design
Alternative Configuration
Blower Mode
No

You can extend this vacuum's reach by reconfiguring it with the crevice tool.

Performance
9.2
Performance
Bare Floor Performance (Hardwood, Laminate, Tiles)
Setting Used "MAX"
Large Debris at 0 gal (0L) 94%
Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L) N/A
Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L) N/A
Small Debris at 0 gal (0L) 100%
Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L) N/A
Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L) N/A

The Dyson Humdinger performs incredibly well on bare floors when using its 'worktop' tool. It clears pet hair and small debris like rice without issue and does a great job with bulkier debris like cereal. We also tested it using the turbo brush, and it performs significantly worse and sends most debris scattering.

7.3
Performance
Low-Pile Carpet Performance
Setting Used "MAX"
Large Debris at 0 gal (0L) 73%
Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L) N/A
Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L) N/A
Small Debris at 0 gal (0L) 66%
Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L) N/A
Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L) N/A

The Dyson Humdinger picks up a decent amount of debris on low-pile carpet. While it picks up pet hair easily and does a good job cleaning fine debris like baking soda, it struggles more with larger debris like sand. The force of the vacuum sends the sand into the crevices of the vacuum's motorized brush, as you can see here and here.

8.2
Performance
High-Pile Carpet Performance
Setting Used "MAX"
Large Debris at 0 gal (0L) 71%
Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L) N/A
Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L) N/A
Small Debris at 0 gal (0L) 68%
Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L) N/A
Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L) N/A

The Dyson Humdinger performs excellently on high-pile carpet. It cleans pet hair without issue and does a great job with fine debris like baking soda. It sucks up most large debris as well, but material like sand can get caught in the crevices of its turbo brush, as seen here and here.

9.5
Performance
Pet Hair Floor Performance
Bare Floor
100%
Low-Pile Carpet
90%
High-Pile Carpet
100%
6.7
Performance
Suction
Maximum Hose Suction
46.5 inHâ‚‚O (11.58 kPa)
Maximum Head Suction
3.5 inHâ‚‚O (0.86 kPa)
Normal Head Suction
1.9 inHâ‚‚O (0.47 kPa)
Setting Used For Normal "On", (Mini Motorized Tool)
Hose Diameter
N/A
4.8
Performance
Airflow
Maximum Hose Airflow
28.5 CFM (0.8 mÂł/min)
8.2
Performance
Noise
Bare Floor
73.5 dBA
Low-Pile Carpet
77.8 dBA
7.0
Performance
Maneuverability

The Dyson Humdinger has decent maneuverability. It's very lightweight and easy to use, with conveniently located controls and an ergonomic handle. It's also very easy to switch out tools on the fly, and you can easily clean furniture or around various obstacles. However, it's not well-suited to cleaning large areas or floors.

7.5
Performance
Pet Hair Furniture Performance
Sofa Pickup Post Test
Performance
Air Quality
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
Yes
6.5
Performance
Cracks
Wood Cracks Post Test
1.0
Performance
Stains
Stain Pickup Post Test
0
Performance
Water
Wet Compatible
No
Water Pickup Post Test
Automation
0
Automation
Physical Automation
Automatic Recharging
No
Automatic Bag Emptying
No
Pathing Algorithm
No Pathing Algorithm
Physical Boundary Markers
No
Scheduled Start Buttons
No
Cycle Control Buttons
No
Navigation Control Buttons
No
0
Automation
Companion App Automation
App Name
No App
iOS Availability
No
Android Availability
No
Software Boundary Markers (No Go Zones)
No
App Scheduled Start
No
App Cycle Control
No
Navigation Control within App
No