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Dyson V8 Vacuum Review

Tested using Methodology v1.2
Review updated Nov 09, 2023 at 02:51 pm
Dyson V8 Picture
8.1
Bare Floor
8.1
Low-Pile Carpet
7.8
High-Pile Carpet
7.8
Pets
8.8
Stairs
8.2
Cars
5.7
Workshop

The Dyson V8 is a cordless stick/handheld vacuum. On release, it replaced the Dyson V7 and features a more powerful suction motor and longer-lasting battery. Unlike newer, pricier models like the Dyson V12 Detect Slim, it lacks a particle sensor and can't automatically adjust its suction power. However, it still performs quite well across a wide range of surfaces.

Our Verdict

8.1 Bare Floor

The Dyson V8 is a great option for cleaning bare floors. It's easy to maneuver and has no issue picking up pet hair or small debris. It does a good job sucking up bulky debris, but its spinning brushroll can sometimes scatter larger material. It also has quite a few parts that need regular maintenance, but they're pretty easy to access for the most part, and recurring costs are minimal.

Pros
  • Picks up pet hair on all surface types.
  • Virtually no recurring costs.
  • Good maneuverability.
  • Superb performance on bare floors.
Cons
  • Only okay build quality.
  • Small dirt compartment.
8.1 Low-Pile Carpet

The Dyson V8 is great for low-pile carpet. It easily picks up pet hair but struggles a bit more with fine and large debris. It also maintains consistent suction even as its dirt compartment fills up. However, its build quality is just okay, and its plastic dirt compartment feels a bit fragile. While it has many parts that need to be cleaned periodically, they're easy to access, and ownership costs are minimal.

Pros
  • Picks up pet hair on all surface types.
  • Picks up most small and large debris.
  • Virtually no recurring costs.
Cons
  • Only okay build quality.
  • Small dirt compartment.
7.8 High-Pile Carpet

This vacuum is very good for high-pile carpets. While it easily cleans pet hair, you may need to go over an area more than once to pick up fine debris. Its floorhead can also easily get caught on thicker rugs and carpets. It's somewhat easy to maintain, but many parts need regular cleaning, and overall, it feels a little cheaply built.

Pros
  • Picks up pet hair on all surface types.
  • Picks up a good amount of small and large debris.
  • Virtually no recurring costs.
Cons
  • Only okay build quality.
  • Small dirt compartment.
7.8 Pets

The Dyson V8 is a superb choice for cleaning up after pets. It easily cleans pet hair from any surface type and has a removable brushroll, making it easier to cut away any tangled hair. It's not the most sturdy-feeling vacuum, but it comes with a turbo brush, which helps clean pet hair from fabric-covered furniture, and it has an allergen-trapping HEPA filter.

Pros
  • Picks up pet hair on all surface types.
  • Virtually no recurring costs.
Cons
  • Only okay build quality.
8.8 Stairs

The Dyson V8 is fantastic for cleaning stairs. It's lightweight and cordless, so you don't need to worry about tripping over a power cord, and it performs well on all surface types. You can easily reconfigure it into a handheld vacuum for corners and tight spots. However, it has a plasticky build quality, with some parts that feel quite fragile.

Pros
  • Virtually no recurring costs.
  • You can reconfigure it as a handheld vacuum.
Cons
  • Only okay build quality.
8.2 Cars

This vacuum is excellent for cleaning cars. It does an excellent job of clearing debris from low-pile carpets. Its cordless design makes it easy to clean cars away from a power outlet. You can also reconfigure it into a handheld vacuum and use a fairly wide variety of attachments, including a crevice tool for narrow areas and a turbo brush for dislodging dirt from fabric-covered furniture. However, it doesn't feel especially sturdily built, and battery life is a little on the short side. It also lacks onboard storage for all its tools.

Pros
  • Virtually no recurring costs.
  • You can reconfigure it as a handheld vacuum.
Cons
  • Only okay build quality.
5.7 Workshop

The Dyson V8 is poor for workshop cleaning, but this isn't what it's designed for. While it does a fantastic job of handling household debris on bare floors, it can't be used to deal with liquid spills and is likely to be damaged when sucking up heavier debris like metal shavings.

Pros
  • Virtually no recurring costs.
Cons
  • Not meant for liquid spills.
  • Mediocre real-world suction.
  • 8.1 Bare Floor
  • 8.1 Low-Pile Carpet
  • 7.8 High-Pile Carpet
  • 7.8 Pets
  • 8.8 Stairs
  • 8.2 Cars
  • 5.7 Workshop
  1. Updated Nov 09, 2023: Minor in-text adjustments to further clarify product information.
  2. Updated Oct 20, 2023: We've added text to this review for the new tests added in Test Bench 1.2.
  3. Updated Oct 20, 2023: We've updated the Differences Between Variants to account for the new attachment set included with updated iterations of this vacuum. We've also updated the 'User Maintenance', 'In The Box', 'Tools and Brushes', 'Pet Hair Floor Performance', 'Pet Hair Furniture Performance' to reflect this new information.
  4. Updated Oct 20, 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..
  5. Updated Jun 06, 2023: We've added a comparison to the Shark Cordless Pro in the 'Pet Hair Furniture Performance' box to provide an alternative that's more effective in clearing away pet hair on furniture.
  6. Updated May 29, 2023: Added link to the Shark Pet/Rocket Pro Cordless in the 'Battery' section to provide an alternative that recharges faster.
  7. Updated Mar 09, 2023: Added link to Tineco S10 in 'Noise
  8. Updated Nov 24, 2022: We've changed the full product name to 'Dyson V8' in order for the review to encompass all model variants.
  9. Updated Nov 22, 2022: We've corrected an input error in the 'Storing | Depth' field in the 'Storing' section.
  10. Updated Nov 16, 2022: Updated the text of the review for improved clarity and accuracy.
  11. Updated Oct 25, 2022: Added a link to the Shark Cordless Pet Plus vacuum review in the 'Build Quality' section to provide an alternative with superior build quality.
  12. Updated Aug 10, 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.
  13. Updated Aug 03, 2022: We've updated this review to Test Bench 1.1, which includes a broad range of new testing procedures to measure stain and water-clearing performance, suction power, crevice-cleaning performance, noise levels, and air filtration performance. We've also updated our debris and pet hair-pickup performance tests as well as our method of scoring user maintenance requirements, recurring costs, dirt compartment sizing, and suitability for the 'Workshop' usage section.
  14. Updated Jul 29, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
  15. Updated Mar 18, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
  16. Updated Nov 18, 2021: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
  17. Updated Aug 18, 2021: Corrected input error in the 'Depth' field of the 'Storing' section.
  18. Updated Feb 24, 2021: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
  19. Updated Aug 05, 2020: Review published.
  20. Updated Jul 24, 2020: Early access published.
  21. Updated Jul 20, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
  22. Updated Jul 20, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

In the North American market, three different variants of the Dyson V8 are available: the Origin, the Animal, and the Absolute. We tested the 'Animal' variant, and you can see its label here. The only difference between the three is in the included attachments. It's also worth mentioning that all trim levels of the V8 were slightly updated and come with a slightly different set of attachments, which we've included below.

Model Name Tools Included Accent Color Notes
V8 Origin Motorbar cleaner head, Combination Tool Purple/Red, Purple  
V8 Animal Direct Drive cleaner head, Mini Motorized Tool, Mini Soft Dusting Brush, Combination Tool, Crevice Tool Purple  
V8 Animal (Updated) Motorbar cleaner head, Hair Screw tool, Combination Tool, Crevice Tool Purple  
V8 Absolute

Fluffy cleaner head, Direct Drive cleaner head, Mini Motorized Tool, Mini Soft Dusting Brush, Combination Tool, Crevice Tool

Yellow  
V8 Absolute (Updated) Fluffy cleaner head, Motorbar cleaner head, Hair Screw tool, Combination Tool, Crevice Tool Teal  

 Let us know if you come across a Dyson V8 that's different from ours, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Vacuums

The Dyson V8 is a stick/handheld vacuum. It falls behind newer Dyson stick vacuums like the Dyson V15 Detect regarding feature set, battery life, and overall suction power. However, it delivers similarly strong debris-clearing performance on a variety of surfaces.

If you're looking for more options, check out our recommendations for the best cordless stick vacuums, the best lightweight vacuums, and the best car vacuums.

Dyson V11

The Dyson V11 is better overall than the Dyson V8. It offers superior performance on most surface types thanks to its more powerful suction motor, has a higher-capacity battery, and features a larger dustbin, not to mention an automatic power adjustment system. That said, the V8 is lighter.

Dyson V7

The Dyson V8 is simply better overall than the Dyson V7. The V8 performs far better on bare floors and carpets by virtue of a more powerful motor. It also has a longer maximum runtime and has a battery life indicator to let you know roughly how much charge is left. The Animal variant of the V8 also comes with a unique 180-degree brush, which is good for cleaning hard-to-reach places.

Dyson V15 Detect

The Dyson V15 Detect is slightly better overall than the Dyson V8. The V15 has a slightly bigger dirt compartment, a surface-type adjustment feature, lasts longer on a single charge, and clears debris more effectively on all surface types. Meanwhile, the V8 is easier to pick up and carry and has fewer parts that require regular maintenance.

Samsung Jet 60

The Dyson V8 and Samsung Jet 60 each have advantages, and one might suit you better than the other, depending on your needs. The Dyson performs better on bare floors and low-pile carpet and does a better job of dealing with pet hair on furniture. Meanwhile, the Samsung charges much faster while offering similar overall battery life, has a larger dirt compartment, and performs better on high-pile carpet.

Dyson Outsize

The Dyson V8 is slightly better than the Dyson Outsize. The V8 has fewer parts that require regular maintenance, is notably lighter and easier to maneuver, and delivers better performance on low-pile carpet. Meanwhile, the Outsize has a larger dirt compartment that won't need emptying as often, comes with more tools and accessories, including a wand clip, and performs better on high-pile carpet. It also comes with a second battery, allowing you to quickly swap one out if you run out of charge and virtually doubling the vacuum's total runtime.

Shark Rocket Corded

The Dyson V8 is a better stick/handheld vacuum for cleaning low- and high-pile carpets than the Shark Rocket Corded. The Dyson has a HEPA filter, is easier to store, and, most importantly, is cordless, so its range is limited only by the remaining charge. You can also adjust its power level, which is nice. However, the Shark performs better on bare floors, and it's easier to maintain.

Dyson Omni-glide

The Dyson V8 is a better vacuum than the Dyson Omni-glide. The V8 delivers significantly better performance on bare surfaces, and its dirt compartment is much bigger. On the other hand, the Omni-glide is much more maneuverable and is easier to maintain. However, while it easily clears smaller debris like rice from bare surfaces, its overall performance on that surface type is mediocre. It's also not intended for cleaning carpets.

Tineco PURE ONE S11

The Tineco PURE ONE S11 and Dyson V8 are somewhat evenly-matched cordless stick vacuums, though the Tineco is slightly better overall. The Tineco has a built-in dirt sensor that allows for automatic suction power adjustment, a more effective miniature turbo brush attachment, and a larger dirt compartment. It also makes slightly less noise while running and performs better on bare floors and high-pile carpet. Meanwhile, the Dyson delivers significantly better performance on low-pile carpet and is even easier to maneuver.

Shark Cordless Pro [IZ562H, UZ565H]

The Dyson V8 and Shark Cordless Pro each have their advantages. The Shark feels better built, is easier to maintain, and has a much higher-capacity dustbin. There are a few extra convenience features not found on the Dyson, like an automatic power adjustment system and an odor-neutralizing cartridge. It also charges faster while offering similar overall battery life. However, the Dyson is lighter, easier to maneuver, and has a broader assortment of tools.

Dyson V12 Detect Slim

The Dyson V12 Detect Slim is better than the Dyson V8. The V12 offers vastly improved battery performance, with a longer runtime and a much shorter recharge time. It also performs better on bare floors and is more effective in dealing with debris in cracks and crevices when used with its Laser Slim floorhead. It weighs a little less, making it even easier to maneuver. The V12 also has an automatic power adjustment feature, which allows it to increase its suction mode on carpeting or when it detects a significant concentration of debris. That said, the V8 has a larger dirt compartment with over twice the capacity.

Samsung Jet 75

The Samsung Jet 75 is better than the Dyson V8. The Jet 75 feels better built, is easier to maintain, especially if you buy it with the Clean Station self-emptying dock, has a larger dirt compartment, and comes with two batteries, each of which charges faster than the Dyson. The Samsung vacuum also has a more powerful suction motor, resulting in superior deep-cleaning performance. On the other hand, the Dyson comes with a wider array of attachments and weighs a little less.

Samsung Jet 90 Complete

The Dyson V8 and Samsung Jet 90 Complete are fairly evenly-matched overall, but one may still be a better fit for your needs. The Dyson has fewer parts that need regular cleaning, incurs virtually no recurring costs, and does a better job sucking up fine debris like baking soda on low-pile carpet. Meanwhile, the Samsung charges faster and has a longer max battery life, though that can vary in the real world. It also comes with two swappable brushrolls, one meant for bare floors and the other for carpets, and outperforms the Dyson on both bare floors and high-pile carpet. The Samsung also has a bigger dirt compartment which doesn't need emptying as often.

LG CordZero A9 [A916, A916BM]

The Dyson V8 is slightly better than the LG CordZero A9. The Dyson incurs virtually no recurring costs, has fewer parts that require regular maintenance, weighs a little less, and performs better on low-pile carpet. Meanwhile, higher-end LG variants come with a second battery, giving them a much longer total runtime. The LG also clears more debris on high-pile carpet.

Shark Pet/Rocket Pro Cordless [IX141, UZ155, WZ240]

The Dyson V8 is better than the Shark Pet/Rocket Pro Cordless. The Dyson is easier to maintain, incurs virtually zero recurring costs, weighs less, is more maneuverable, has a wider array of attachments, and has a more powerful suction motor. Conversely, the Shark has a bigger dustbin and offers a similar 40-minute battery life while recharging in less time.

Dyson Cyclone V10

The Dyson V8 and the Dyson Cyclone V10 are very similar stick/handheld vacuums with a few minor differences. The V8 is a bit lighter and easier to maintain. However, the V10 has a higher-capacity dustbin. While the V10 also has a more powerful suction motor, the two vacuums are ultimately very evenly matched in terms of debris pickup in the real world.

Wyze Cordless Vacuum

The Dyson V8 and the Wyze Cordless Vacuum each have their advantages, so one may suit you better than the other, depending on your needs. The Dyson comes with more tools and brushes in the box and delivers better performance on bare floors and low-pile carpet. Meanwhile, the Wyze has a longer battery life and performs better on high-pile carpets. Its main floorhead also has headlights to help you see what you're cleaning under chairs or couches.

Shark Rocket Pet Pro

The Dyson V8 and the Shark Rocket Pet Pro are similarly performing vacuums. The Dyson is more portable, and it comes with more tools and brushes, including a unique 180-degree extension tool that's designed to help you clean hard-to-reach areas. The Shark is better at cleaning bare floors, feels slightly better built, has a shorter charge time, and is significantly more maneuverable.

Tineco PURE ONE X

The Dyson V8 is better than the Tineco PURE ONE X. The Dyson has less demanding maintenance requirements, incurs virtually no recurring costs, has a larger-capacity dustbin, is easier to maneuver, and delivers significantly better performance on low and high-pile carpets. It also uses a removable, replaceable battery, though the Tineco charges faster and has a longer runtime. The Tineco also has an automatic suction power adjustment feature.

Miele Triflex HX1

The Dyson V8 and Miele Triflex HX1 each have advantages, meaning one may suit you better than the other, depending on your needs. The Dyson incurs virtually no recurring costs, has a bigger dustbin, comes with more tools and brushes, and is a little more effective on low-pile carpet. Conversely, the Miele has a more configurable three-in-one design that allows you to use it as a handheld, stick, or upright vacuum. It also feels better built, is easier to maintain, can be maneuvered with less difficulty, and has an automatic surface type adjustment feature that allows it to speed up, slow down, or even stop the brushroll if it detects that something is tangled in it.

Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight [IZ662H, IZ682H]

The Dyson V8 and the Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight are both cordless stick vacuums that offer similar performance. The Shark is a little lighter and easier to maneuver and has a larger dirt compartment. It also performs a bit better on high-pile carpets. That said, the Dyson comes with more accessories and tools and performs better on low-pile carpets.

Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless [IZ440H, IZ462H, IZ483H]

The Dyson V8 is slightly more versatile than the Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless. The Dyson is significantly lighter, comes with more accessories, and performs better on low and high-pile carpet. The Shark is better built, more maneuverable, and charges much faster, though its overall battery life is quite similar.

Roborock H7

The Dyson V8 is better than the Roborock H7. The Dyson feels slightly sturdier, has fewer parts that need regular cleaning, delivers better performance on bare floors and low-pile carpet, and exerts a stronger suction force at its floorhead, resulting in superior crack-cleaning performance. However, the Roborock does have better battery performance. While its battery pack isn't removable, the Roborock can run for more than twice as long in its most energy-efficient mode and charges much faster. You can also use the Roborock as a bagged vacuum.

Samsung Jet 70

The Samsung Jet 70 is a little bit better than the Dyson V8. The Samsung has fewer parts that need regular cleaning, has a larger dustbin, makes less noise, and performs noticeably better on high-pile carpet. It also charges considerably faster than the Dyson while offering similar overall battery life. Meanwhile, the Dyson weighs less and feels lighter in your hand, comes with a handy 180-degree pivot extender, and does a better job of dealing with pet hair on upholstered furniture.

Shark Cordless Pet Plus [IZ361H, IZ362H, IZ363HT, UZ365H]

The Dyson V8 is better than the Shark Cordless Pet Plus for most uses. The Dyson takes up less room while in use, weighs a lot less, is easier to maneuver, comes with a wider array of attachments, and exerts a stronger suction force at its floorhead, enabling it to clear away debris in cracks and crevices with less effort. On the other hand, the Shark has a larger dustbin, charges a lot faster, and feels sturdier.

Samsung Bespoke Jet

The Samsung Bespoke Jet is better than the Dyson V8, though the Dyson isn't a bad alternative if you're looking to spend less. The Samsung is sturdier, easier to maintain, can be used for much longer thanks to its two included batteries, and performs better on high-pile carpet. The Samsung vacuum's Cleaning Station also allows you to empty its dustbin quickly and hygienically. However, the Dyson is more maneuverable, smaller, does a better job dealing with debris in cracks and crevices, and incurs virtually no recurring costs.

Tineco S10

The Dyson V8 and Tineco S10 each have strengths. The Dyson feels marginally better built, weighs slightly less, can be bundled with a wider array of attachments, and is easier to maneuver. Meanwhile, the Tineco has an automatic power adjustment system, a larger dustbin, and a quieter suction motor.

Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet

The Dyson V8 is better for more uses than the Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet. The Dyson is a cordless stick vacuum that incurs minimal recurring costs, is easier to maneuver, performs better on bare floors and low-pile carpets, has an onboard allergen-trapping HEPA filter, and delivers superior crack-cleaning performance. It can also be configured as a handheld vacuum to help clear messes in tight corners and comes with a wide variety of tools. Conversely, the Hoover is a cordless upright with a larger dustbin and sturdier construction. Its 4.0 Ah battery pack also takes much less time to recharge while supplying a similar runtime.

Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away

The Dyson V8 and Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away are differently-designed cordless vacuums. The Dyson is a cordless stick vacuum that's easier to maneuver, has fewer parts needing regular cleaning, comes with a miniature turbo brush, and delivers slightly better performance on low-pile carpet. Meanwhile, the Shark is a more sturdily-built cordless upright vacuum with a bigger dirt compartment, a longer battery life, and slightly better performance on bare floors and high-pile carpet. Its secondary soft roller in its floorhead also helps it do a better job of collecting debris in cracks and crevices.

BISSELL Adapt Ion Pet/XRT

The Dyson V8 is better overall than the BISSELL Adapt Ion. While the BISSELL is more lightweight and maneuverable, the Dyson has a bigger dirt compartment, longer battery life with a shorter recharge time, performs better on all surface types, and comes with more tools and accessories.

Tineco PWRHERO 11

The Dyson V8 is slightly better than the Tineco PWRHERO 11. The Dyson incurs virtually no ownership costs, comes with a wider assortment of attachments, including a turbo brush that does a great job of handling pet hair on fabric furniture, and is easier to maneuver. On the other hand, the Tineco weighs a little less, has a larger dustbin, and makes a little less noise.

Dyson Micro 1.5kg

The Dyson V8 is better overall than the Dyson Micro 1.5kg. While the Micro is lighter and more portable, it's not meant for use on carpets, making the V8 considerably more versatile. The V8 also has a larger dirt compartment, requiring less frequent emptying.

Shark WANDVAC System [WS620, WS632, WS642]

The Dyson V8 is a better vacuum than the Shark WANDVAC System for most uses. The Dyson has a bigger dirt compartment and has an allergen-trapping HEPA filter. It also has a significantly better performance on bare floors. Nevertheless, the Shark is more effective at clearing debris like sand from high-pile carpets.

Shark Vertex UltraLight Corded

The Dyson V8 and Shark Vertex UltraLight Corded have different advantages. The cordless Dyson is lighter, has an effectively unlimited range, and lower recurring costs. It also delivers slightly better performance on all surface types. However, the Shark feels better built and has a slightly more spacious dirt compartment. Its corded design yields a practically indefinite runtime with no need to wait for a battery to recharge.

JASHEN V16

The Dyson V8 is a better vacuum for most scenarios than the JASHEN V16. The Dyson delivers stronger performance on all surface types, especially with large debris. It's also lighter and easier to carry around, and more maneuverable too. However, the JASHEN has a longer minimum battery life and recharges slightly faster.

Shark ION F80 Cord-Free MultiFLEX

The Dyson V8 is a much better stick/handheld vacuum for those with pets than the Shark ION F80 Cord-Free MultiFLEX. The Dyson has an anti-allergy filter (HEPA), pretty much no recurring costs, it comes with more tools and brushes, and it's lighter. It can clean up pet hair on all surface types too. However, the Shark is more maneuverable, it has better performance on bare floors and has a significantly better battery performance.

Roborock H6 Adapt

The Dyson V8 and the Roborock H6 Adapt are very similar vacuums. They're both easy to maneuver and have similarly sized dirt compartments. Both are versatile across different surface types, but the Dyson performs a little better on bare floors and low-pile carpets, while the Roborock is a bit better on high-pile carpets. The Roborock has more quality-of-life features, including an LED display and a carpet detection feature, but it can also struggle with bulky debris like cereal.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
6.5
Design
Build Quality
Vacuum Type
Stick/Handheld

This vacuum feels fairly well-built. It looks premium, but besides its lightweight metal wand, it's entirely made of plastic and doesn't feel especially sturdy. The dirt compartment is made of see-through plastic and feels particularly fragile. Check out the Shark Cordless Pet Plus if you want something sturdier. On the plus side, it's really easy to assemble and take apart since its parts clip together.

7.0
Design
User Maintenance

This vacuum is somewhat easy to maintain. Several parts need regular maintenance, but they're easy to access.

  • Dirt compartment: You can open the dirt compartment by pressing the red release valve at the top of the vacuum's body. It's fairly small and needs frequent emptying. Unfortunately, while it's very easy to dismount from the body or to open up and empty, debris can spread while you're shaking it over a trash bin.
  • Pre-filter: You can pull out the pre-filter from the top of the vacuum. It needs to be washed once a month with cold water.
  • Post filter (HEPA): You can twist the HEPA filter off the back of the vacuum. It also needs to be washed once a month with cold water.
  • Lint screen: Depending on your usage, you need to brush off any debris on the lint screen inside the dirt compartment, as necessary.
  • Motorized floorhead: You can unlock the brushroll from the floorhead by twisting the brushroll cover with a flat object, like a coin, and then pulling it free. When necessary, you should clear away any stuck-on debris or tangled hair. Removing hair by hand is somewhat difficult, so you might find it easier to use a pair of scissors instead. It's worth mentioning that newer versions of the V8 are bundled with the same Motorbar floorhead as the Dyson V12 Detect Slim, which has built-in plastic vanes that do a great job of trapping pet hair, making it easier to maintain compared to the older model.
  • Turbo brush: You can remove the brushroll in the miniature turbo brush just like the brushroll in the floorhead. You should remove debris and tangled hair from the turbo brush when necessary. Newer versions of the V8 come with a conical turbo brush attachment that doesn't get tangled as easily.

You should allow any part you wash with water to dry thoroughly for at least 24 hours before being reinstalled in the vacuum.

10
Design
Recurring Cost
Bag Part Number No bag
Filter Part Number 965661-01
HEPA Filter Part Number 967478-01

This vacuum incurs virtually no recurring costs. Like other Dyson vacuums like the Dyson V11 and Dyson V7, it uses a bagless design, so you don't need to worry about buying dirtbags. You won't have to replace the filters as long as they're properly maintained. However, if needed, you can find a replacement pre-filter here and a replacement HEPA filter here.

6.8
Design
Storing
Height
45.08" (114.5 cm)
Width
9.84" (25.0 cm)
Depth
9.50" (24.1 cm)
Cord Storing
Not Needed
On-Board Tool Storage
No
Vacuum Rack/Station
Yes

This vacuum isn't too hard to store. It has a wall rack station that holds it upright when it's not in use. However, the rack station only has onboard storage for two tools.

6.9
Design
Dirt Compartment
Bagless
Yes
Volume
0.09 gal (0.35 L)
Full Indicator
Yes
Bag Included
No Bag Needed

This vacuum has a reasonably-sized dirt compartment. It's on the smaller side for a cordless stick vacuum, with alternatives like the Samsung Jet 70 having larger dustbins that are mounted horizontally, in line with the vacuum's wand. The Dyson vacuum's dustbin is made of clear plastic and has a clearly visible max fill indicator, so you can easily see when it needs emptying. If you don't mind the bulkier form factor of an upright and could use a cordless vacuum with an even larger dustbin, consider the Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet.

Design
In The Box

  • Dyson V8 Animal vacuum
    • Dirt compartment
    • Lint/dust screen
    • Cyclone
    • Direct Drive vacuum head (Not included with V8 Origin, V8 Animal (Updated), or V8 Absolute (Updated) variants)
    • Wand
    • Pre-motor filter
    • Post-motor (HEPA) filter
    • Vacuum User Guide
  • Various tools and brushes
    • Brushroll
    • Soft dusting brush (Not included with V8 Origin, V8 Animal (Updated), or V8 Absolute (Updated) variants)
    • Upholstery and hard bristle brush tool
    • Turbo brush (Not included with V8 Origin, V8 Animal (Updated), or V8 Absolute (Updated) variants)
    • Crevice tool (Not included with V8 Origin variant)
    • Tool holder
    • 180 degree pivot extender tool (Not included with V8 Origin, V8 Animal (Updated), or V8 Absolute (Updated) variants)
  • Docking station
    • Installation manual
    • Screws
    • Charger

The following attachment is exclusive to the V8 Absolute and V8 Absolute (Updated) variants

  • Fluffy Cleaner head

The following attachments are exclusive to the V8 Origin, V8 Absolute (Updated) and V8 Animal (Updated) models

  • Motorbar vacuum head
  • Hair Screw Tool

10
Design
Range
Cordless
Yes
Cord Length
N/A
Hose Length
N/A
Minimum Wand Length
0.98 ft (0.30 m)
Maximum Wand Length
3.38 ft (1.03 m)
Total Range
N/A

Since this is a cordless vacuum, its range is limited only by battery life and the room left in its dirt compartment. If you don't want to worry about keeping a battery charged, consider a comparable corded stick/handheld vacuum like the Shark Vertex UltraLight Corded.

8.2
Design
Portability
Total Weight
5.58 lbs (2.53 kg)
Weight In Hand
3.06 lbs (1.39 kg)
Carrying handle
Yes

The Dyson V8 is very portable. This vacuum is lighter than more powerful Dyson models like the Dyson V11 and doesn't feel very heavy in your hand. Its handle makes it easy to carry from room to room or upstairs.

6.6
Design
Battery
Minimum Battery Life
8 min
Maximum Battery Life
41 min
Recharge Time
242 min
Recharge Dock
Yes
Battery Life Indicator
Yes
Removable Batteries
Yes

The Dyson V8's battery performance is alright. The battery depletes in less than 10 minutes if you set the vacuum to its 'MAX' suction setting. Using the standard suction power setting provides just over 40 minutes of continuous use, which will be enough to get you through a few rooms, depending on your usage habits. Still, its maximum runtime falls short of that of most newer Dyson vacuums, and it also takes a lot longer to recharge than alternatives that offer a similar runtime, like the Shark Pet/Rocket Pro Cordless.

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

The Dyson V8 doesn't have too many extra quality-of-life features. It has a rotating head, which helps it maneuver around obstacles. You can manually choose between two suction power settings: the default 'Powerful Suction' mode and the high-power 'MAX' mode for cleaning stubborn debris. Consider the Tineco PURE ONE S11 if you're looking for a cordless stick vacuum with more bells and whistles, as it can automatically increase its suction power in an area with a large concentration of debris.

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
Yes
Extension Wand
Yes
Ceiling Fan Tool
No
Pet Grooming Tool
No

The Animal variant of the Dyson V8 comes with a few tools and brushes. There's a combination tool with a retractable soft-bristle brush and a wide nozzle for use on upholstery. Unlike alternatives like the Shark Rocket Pet Pro, it also comes with a unique 180-degree extension tool to help clean hard-to-reach places. You can clip all the tools to the wand or the vacuum body itself when using it in its handheld configuration. The updated versions of the V8 Animal and V8 Absolute come with a similar attachment set, albeit with no separate soft-bristle brush, and a newer iteration of Dyson's turbo brush, which has a cone-shaped brushroll that better resists hair wraps.

Design
Alternative Configuration
Blower Mode
No

You can reconfigure the Dyson V8 as a handheld vacuum by removing its wand and floorhead.

Performance
9.3
Performance
Bare Floor Performance (Hardwood, Laminate, Tiles)
Setting Used "MAX"
Large Debris at 0 gal (0L) 97%
Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) 96%
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) 99%
Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) 99%
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

This vacuum has fantastic performance on bare floors. It can easily pick up small debris like rice. While it also cleans up large debris like cereal, unfortunately, some can get launched to the sides or backward by the vacuum's spinning brushroll.

8.4
Performance
Low-Pile Carpet Performance
Setting Used "MAX"
Large Debris at 0 gal (0L) 84%
Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) 86%
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) 85%
Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) 84%
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

This vacuum is excellent for low-pile carpet. It picks up both small and large debris consistently, even as the dirt compartment fills. However, small debris like sand can get stuck in the half-spherical wheels of its floorhead.

7.6
Performance
High-Pile Carpet Performance
Setting Used "MAX"
Large Debris at 0 gal (0L) 58%
Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) 59%
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) 67%
Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) 63%
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

This vacuum performs well on high-pile carpets. It clears away the majority of larger debris like sand and finer material like baking soda but is still likely to require another pass to collect everything. Like on low-pile carpets, some material can get stuck within its floorhead wheels. On the plus side, the vacuum doesn't lose much in the way of suction as its dirt compartment fills up. If you want a vacuum that performs even better on high-pile carpets, check out the Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away.

10
Performance
Pet Hair Floor Performance
Bare Floor
100%
Low-Pile Carpet
100%
High-Pile Carpet
100%

This vacuum does a fantastic job of cleaning pet hair. It easily handles this kind of debris on bare floors as well as low and high-pile carpet. Its brushroll is a little tangle-prone, and you might find it easier to cut away tangled hair with scissors rather than by hand. Do consider that newer versions of the V8 come bundled with Dyson's Motorbar floorhead, the same one included with the Dyson V12 Detect Slim, which has built-in vanes that do a great job of trapping hair before it can get wrapped around the roller.

6.8
Performance
Suction
Maximum Hose Suction
46.7 inHâ‚‚O (11.64 kPa)
Maximum Head Suction
3.3 inHâ‚‚O (0.83 kPa)
Normal Head Suction
1.5 inHâ‚‚O (0.38 kPa)
Setting Used For Normal "Powerful suction"
Hose Diameter
1.3" (3.2 cm)

This vacuum delivers okay suction power. The manufacturer advertises its suction motor as producing 115 AW of power, which falls some way short of the current entry-level Dyson stick model, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim. As such, it doesn't do as well when drawing away debris embedded deep within carpet fibers or cracks and crevices. That difference in performance is also borne out when observing suction measured from its hose.

7.0
Performance
Airflow
Maximum Hose Airflow
54.4 CFM (1.5 m³/min)

The Dyson V8's airflow performance is satisfactory. It isn't quite as effective as newer, pricier, and more powerful models for generating air movement, but it still does well enough to clear away most kinds of solid debris.

8.4
Performance
Noise
Bare Floor
72.7 dBA
Low-Pile Carpet
71.5 dBA

This vacuum is pretty quiet. It makes a somewhat high-pitched noise when running that's sufficient to mask the sound of nearby conversation, but using it in an enclosed room does help block out most of the noise. Regardless, if you're looking for a quieter cordless stick vacuum, the Tineco S10 is a solid alternative.

7.5
Performance
Maneuverability

The Dyson V8 has good maneuverability. Its slim size, lightweight plastic construction, and rotating head make maneuvering in tight areas and around obstacles easy. It comes with tools and brushes that help clean furniture, stairs, or other tight spots but lacks onboard storage, which is a little inconvenient. Also, you may need to crouch down to properly clean under low furniture like couches and coffee tables. The vacuum also tends to get stuck on rug tassels. Fortunately, it can push electric cords out of the way without much trouble.

7.5
Performance
Pet Hair Furniture Performance
Sofa Pickup Post Test

This vacuum does a good job of handling pet hair on upholstered surfaces with its turbo brush attachment. It clears long strands of hair without difficulty but leaves behind some shorter strands on its first pass. The Hair Screw tool bundled with newer versions of the V8 does a better job of clearing away pet hair on this surface type.

Performance
Air Quality
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
Yes

Thanks to its whole machine filtration system, this vacuum does a good job of sealing in fine airborne particles.

7.0
Performance
Cracks
Wood Cracks Post Test

The Dyson V8 does a decent job cleaning debris in cracks and crevices. It doesn't have too much trouble cleaning debris from shallower cracks. However, it uses a less powerful suction motor than the Dyson V12 Detect Slim, so it isn't quite as effective in lifting away debris sunken into deeper crevices. If you're set on the V8 but want slightly better crack-cleaning performance on bare floors, you could consider the Absolute variant, which comes bundled with a fluffy cleaner head that will slightly improve its ability to pick up debris in areas like grout lines on a tile floor.

3.0
Performance
Stains
Stain Pickup Post Test

This vacuum does a terrible job of scrubbing away stains when used with its default floorhead, though that isn't overly surprising given that it lacks any mopping capability.

0
Performance
Water
Wet Compatible
No
Water Pickup Post Test

You can't use this vacuum to clear away liquids.

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

This vacuum has no automation capabilities.

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

There's no companion app.