Dyson V8
There are multiple Dyson versions and variations of the V8 vacuum cleaner. The main difference comes down to the type of accessories and the color you prefer. That’s the key distinction across the V8 lineup and series. One of the models we tested was the V8 Absolute.
The Dyson V8 is a lightweight cordless vacuum designed for different types of cleaning across carpets and hard floors. It’s got great suction power and up to 40 minutes of battery life. The Dyson V8 Absolute comes with a lot of attachments, which include a soft roller cleaner head for hard floors and a direct-drive head for deeper carpet cleaning. it’s ideal for everyday use and capturing fine dust and allergens.
PROS:
- Washable HEPA filters are easy to maintain
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Strong performance on carpets and hard floors
- Above-average rated power and airflow (CFM)
- Solid build quality with smooth pivoting brush heads
CONS:
- No LED lights on any of the brush heads
- Battery requires tools to remove and is not easily swappable
- Doesn’t stand upright on its own
Feature Specifications
| Feature | Dyson V8 Absolute |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.8 lb (2.6 kg) |
| Suction Power | 115 Air Watts (Max) |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.53 L |
| Battery Life | Up to 40 minutes (14 mins below average) |
| Noise Level | 91 dB (on Max setting) |
| HEPA Filtration | Yes (Washable HEPA + pre-filter) |
| Accessories | Multiple included; anti-tangle tool, soft roller, crevice tool, etc. |
| LED Lights | No |
| Self-Standing | No (requires wall mount or resting position) |
| Battery Type | Non-removable without tools |
| Price (USD) | ~$350 (varies by retailer and deals) |
Accessories and Brush Tools
It has metal construction. Multiple cleaning accessories. Got a multi-purpose upholstery and brush tool, a crevice tool, and their anti-tangle screw. Really unique brush design to help detangle and keep hairs from catching. One of the coolest accessories I’ve seen. It even has a leveling adjustment.
There are two brush rollers. The first roller is a soft one. It adjusts up and down, left and right, with nice pivoting. Then the second roller, bristles on this one. Lock and unlock on the side if you ever need access or want to replace it. Unique wheel design, hair removal built into it.
From the front, that’s where the main body connects with the accessories. Side profile shows the dustbin and trigger. On the other side, the dustbin has a max indicator so you know when it’s full. From the back, you’ll see the filter and battery.
Underneath, more product info. Battery shows 2415 milliamp hours, 22.2 volts, and 53.2 watt hours. Charging port is on the side.
Dyson V8 Setup
The setup is simple and straightforward. Just pick and choose how you want to use the vacuum. Want to use it in handheld mode? Grab the accessory you want, snap it in place, and you’re all set. Want to use it as a full cordless vacuum? Same thing: line it up, snap it in, and grab the brush roller or any other attachment. Now the vacuum is ready for cleaning.
Need to use it with the extension while still in handheld mode? No problem. You get the idea; just pick the components you need and snap them together. You can even use it like that, handheld with an extension. Lots of ways to customize and configure it depending on your cleaning needs. Let’s charge it up and try it out.
Real-World Cleaning Performance
After finishing the first full clean. The dustbin was completely packed, stuffed to the max with hair, dirt, and dust. Seriously gross.
I’ve got several brush heads and accessories to test. I started with what I’m calling the main brush roller. It’s built with hair removal vein tech. But honestly, there was still a lot of hair tangled up in there. Definitely something to keep an eye on and clean regularly. I’ve got three long-haired people in the house plus a dog, so yeah, the longer the hair, the more it tangles. Most of it was collecting along the edge by the bristles. The soft roller brush looked brand new. I didn’t see any tangles or hair caught in it. It handled everything really well.
Now for my favorite accessory, the anti-tangle screw tool. This thing is so cool. I really wish they used this same design on the main brush roller. That would be a game-changer. A couple of hairs were stuck right at the end, but once the vacuum was powered back on, they got sucked right in. The design works; the hair spins down the spiral and gets pulled straight into the vacuum. It’s smart, simple, and actually works. When you compare it to the regular brush, it’s a night-and-day difference. No issues with the soft roller. It stayed clean.
Then I emptied the dustbin. Tried not to make a mess. It emptied super smoothly. This was just one full pass around the house. The amount of dirt and hair it picked up was wild. Hair, dust, stickers, a piece of toilet paper, a random bead, bits of a Christmas tree. We’ve got a real tree inside, plus crumbs and everything else you’d expect from a house with kids and pets. Gross, but also satisfying.
Filter Check and Hair Test
Next, I checked the filters. The one on the back looked the same as before, like new. No change at all. The other one looked the same too. Still clean. I wouldn’t even bother washing them yet after just one use.
I tested the anti-tangle screw tool again with some long strands of hair, around 6 to 8 inches. Vacuumed them up; nothing got tangled. Maybe a piece or two didn’t fully get sucked in yet, but the brush was completely clear. Tried another piece and got the same result. Still clean.
Performance and Cleaning Metrics
A closer look at how the Dyson V8 Absolute compares in real-world performance, from suction power and battery life to cleaning results and noise levels.
Battery Life, Dustbin, and Suction Power
Battery life is where the V8 starts to slip a bit; it runs about 40 minutes, which is 14 minutes less than the average. Dustbin capacity is also slightly below average at 0.53 liters, meaning you’ll be emptying it more often. Suction power comes in at 115 air watts, while the average is 138. So it’s trailing behind a bit on paper.
Max Suction Test Results
We tried running our max suction test, but the V8 shut off automatically due to resistance from the testing tool. That means we couldn’t get a conclusive number. The brief reading showed a value slightly below average, but honestly, based on actual use, I’d say it performs above average.
Rated Power and CFM
Despite lower air watts, the V8 redeems itself with a rated power of 425 watts, well above the 340-watt average. It also managed 2 CFM above average in airflow testing, which shows it’s got solid internal power.
Carpet Deep Cleaning Results
Loudness Level
On max suction while cleaning carpet, it peaked at 91 dB. That’s a bit louder than the 86 dB average, but honestly, it doesn’t sound noticeably louder in daily use.
Weight
At 5.8 lbs, the V8 is a touch lighter than the average 6.1 lbs. It feels balanced in the hand and not too heavy to use for extended periods.
Drawbacks
Unfortunately, the Dyson V8 doesn’t have a self-emptying feature. Once you’ve used one of those, it’s hard to go back. About 18% of vacuums I’ve tested now include it. it’s a total game-changer.
This vacuum also has no LED lights on any brush heads, which feels outdated. A basic white LED would have been a big help. Dyson does offer green LEDs on other models, which highlight dirt better, but not here.
The V8 can’t stand upright by itself. You’ll have to lay it down or rest it against something between cleaning. The wall mount works if you use it, but around the house, it’s not self-standing.
One feature I love in other vacuums is a 90-degree elbow accessory for hard-to-reach places. The V8 doesn’t have that. It’d be awesome if Dyson included it, even if it meant dropping a less useful tool. Just don’t take away that anti-tangle screw tool.
Dyson V8 Absolute vs. Animal
I’ve used both the Dyson V8 Absolute and the V8 Animal in my home, and honestly, they clean about the same. The motor, battery life, and suction are pretty much identical. The biggest difference comes down to the tools. The Absolute includes the soft roller head, which works really well on hard floors, along with a few extra attachments. The Animal skips the soft roller and is more focused on carpets and pet hair.
In my testing, both handled daily messes easily, but the Absolute gave me more flexibility. The soft roller picked up fine dust on my wood floors without kicking it around. If your house is mostly carpet and you just want something for pet hair, the Animal will do the job. But if you want to clean different surfaces and like having more attachments, the Absolute is the better pick.
Final Thoughts on the Dyson V8
First off, I’m genuinely impressed with everything included. The accessory set is fantastic, especially the anti-tangle screw tool. It’s such a smart design, and I really wish Dyson would use the same idea on the main brush roller. It makes a big difference with hair tangles.
The filters are washable, which is a win. Easy to rinse, reuse, and replace when needed. And when it comes to actual cleaning, the V8 performs. It gives a deep clean, and the HEPA filters really do their job. You’re not just blowing fine dust and allergens back into the air; they stay trapped inside, which is huge for anyone with allergies or pets.
But it’s not perfect. The lack of LED lights is a big miss, especially at this price point. That’s something I’d expect even on entry-level cordless vacuums these days. The battery is also technically removable, but not easily. You’ll need a screwdriver, which isn’t ideal. Swapping batteries should be quick and tool-free, especially if you plan to buy extras.
Another thing I found frustrating is there’s no trigger lock. You have to keep holding it down the whole time, and there’s no way to lock it in place. Suction settings are controlled by a basic toggle on top. It works, but there’s no auto mode, no display, and no real-time feedback about dust levels or battery life. You don’t get any of the “smart” features that are becoming more common.
At the end of the day, the Dyson V8 Absolute is a good cordless stick vacuum. It’s simple, reliable, and backed by great cleaning power and a solid accessory kit. Still, there are a few areas where it lacks.