Dyson V7 vs. V8: Differences Between Them

There’s a reason why Dyson is a household brand. The brand is known for its powerful vacuum cleaners, especially if you’re looking to purchase a new cleaning tool for your home or office. With so many different models, it can be overwhelming and confusing to decide on the best cleaner.

Among the top popular models are the Dyson V7 and the Dyson V8. The two cordless stick vacuums are similar in many ways but also differ in various aspects like their weight, suction power, run time, battery specifications, etc. They’ve spent years improving their product line and adding new cleaning innovations to help your house look even better, although you may see their V7 and V8 and wonder: what’s the difference?

When you’re wondering which version of the Dyson you should buy, take a look here to help you make your choice.

Summary of Differences: Dyson V7 vs. V8

So, what’s the actual difference between Dyson v7 vs v8? They’re both Dysons, so you know that they’re good, but the primary difference comes down to the suction power and battery life. The Dyson V8 has a more powerful motor, which can generate 115 AW of suction. By comparison, the Dyson V7 only has 100 AW of suction. The V8 can also run for up to 40 minutes vs. the 30 minutes of the V7.

Truthfully, the differences are not so great that you’d be buying a bad vacuum if you picked up the Dyson V7, but if you’re looking for something with more suction power that can clean for longer, the V8 does end up being a little better.

Comparing Design

Both the Dyson V7 and Dyson V8 are fairly similar in design, including a wand, a cleaning head, and a handheld base. They all do different things, but these three pieces are mostly identical between the two vacuums.

On the body of the vacuum, there will be a trigger for suction, and both options can be used either in handheld mode or as a stick vacuum. As stick vacuums, you can use them to clean both carpets and hard flooring. It helps that both V7 and V8 are cordless, but can still maintain suction. With the trigger design, all you need to do is hold a button for it to begin working, whether you have the Dyson V7 vs V8. Just use the “no-touch” dirt emptying system on both of them when you’re done with your cleaning.

In terms of the coloring, you’ll be able to tell the difference between the two of them just by looking. Dyson specifically made them in different colors to prevent confusion, even though they include many of the same features.

Cleaning Prowess

Both vacuums use the patented cyclone design that Dyson is known for, where the cyclone is on top of the dust bin. This helps with the suction power, along with the cleaning heads. The V7 and V8 can add a soft-roller cleaning head on top of them to work with different types of flooring. When you pull the trigger to start cleaning, the brushroll will spin, which will move dirt and debris around to the vacuum can suck it up.

The main difference here is that the V8’s head is a little larger in terms of height, which is what allows this vacuum to pick up larger debris. Of course, you know that the V8 has a little more cleaning power as compared to the V7, which a superior suction to it. This means that you will have more power for longer, and will be capable of sucking up a little more than the V7.

In terms of suction power, the Dyson V8 vacuum cleaner also includes something called “boost” mode that will allow you to remove more dust and dirt over time. There’s the more powerful direct-drive cleaner head too, which is made to drive deeper into carpets.

That being said, the Dyson V7 isn’t weak though. It works more powerfully than previous versions of the Dyson, and still does suck up a significant amount of dirt.

Comparing Size of Dyson V7 & V8

Let’s talk about the size of the vacuums now, which matters most when you’re looking for a place to store your vacuum in between cleanings.

The Dyson V7 vacuum cleaner is 49 inches tall, and about 9.8 inches wide. It weighs about 5 and a half pounds, which means that it’s easy to lift and carry around with you.

For the most part, the size of the V8 is about the same. The only real difference is the weight, since the Dyson V8 weighs almost 6 pounds. In the long run though, an extra pound won’t make much difference neither in how you’re able to use the vacuum, or the overall maneuverability. They should store the same as well, so don’t let a lack of storage space impact which version you choose.

Accessories

For the most part, both versions of the vacuums have similar accessories. The Dyson V7 vacuum cleaner includes both a combination tool and a crevice tool, both of which can be found on the Dyson V8 as well. They also each have their own docking stations for charging the vacuum and storing accessories.

You can expect a soft roller head and a direct drive cleaner head in whatever version of vacuum you buy. You just need to check that the model you’re buying has the cleaning head, since you’ll need the soft roller head for hard surfaces and for handling larger debris with ease. By contrast, the direct drive head is perfect for any indoor floor type (hard floors). This is a great option for dirt and debris that are embedded, since they’ll be easier to suck up.

Each vacuum also includes a wand to help you get into smaller spaces, along with a charger and soft dusting brush to keep even more delicate surfaces of your home looking great. If you have a pet, you’ll also enjoy using the mini motorized brushroll, which is perfect for lifting pet hair off of surfaces.

Maneuverability Differences

When it comes down to it, the v7 and v8 are more or less equally maneuverable. There’s one main difference, and that’s weight. Granted, it’s not a large difference in weight, but it’s about all there is. As you might guess, the Dyson v8, as a newer model, weighs slightly more.

Really it’s only half a pound, so you may not even notice the difference. Other than that, they’re both vacuums that are pretty easy to move around. The stick assembly allows the vacuums to reach low angles, nearly flat, and reach tough spots.

Comparing Battery Life

While the Dyson v7 vs Dyson v8 Absolute are similar in maneuverability, the battery life is a big difference between the two. A lot of cordless vacuums are meant to be used for less run time than a regular, corded, upright vacuum. Even with that considered, an extra ten minutes run time here or there makes a big difference. The motorized floor tool cuts down on the battery life run time for both, so that’s the best threshold to compare each on.

The Dyson v8 Absolute lithium ion battery lasts for up to 40 minutes, even with the motorized tool being used. The Dyson v7 on the other hand, lasts just up to 30 minutes which is a downside. When compared to the Dyson v8, Dyson v7 absolute might last for less minutes but it’s still an ideal vacuum cleaner if you have a smaller budget and it also has a quick charging feature. You only need to charge it for 3.5 hours before the first use.

The lithium ion battery on the Dyson v7 absolute is also cheaper making it easy to replace and is only used while the Dyson v7 is cleaning. For smaller homes, it may not be an issue. But, if you want to take care of a larger mess, the extra 10 minutes using the Dyson v8 can make a real difference.

Suction Power

Both the Dyson v7 and Dyson v8 have good motors, and that means they both have good maximum suction power. Compared to earlier models, like the v6, the v7 has a motor that packs in 75% more power. Even that upgrade is a significant difference, though nobody’s complaining about the motors on previous models, either.

Even so, as the newer model, the Dyson v8 has the more powerful motor of the two. To date, it has the strongest motor of any Dyson vacuum. By default, that means it has stronger maximum suction and cleans deeper than the v7. The boost setting also allows very deep cleaning to get all kinds of debris up, even if it’s ground into the carpet.

Filtration Differences

Not many people think about the filter in their vacuum. If you, or someone in the home, has respiratory issues or allergies, the filter makes a big difference. HEPA filters trap those miniscule particles and allergens and keep them contained. These high efficiency filters may not be necessary for every home, but they’re always good to have.

Depending on the model, the vacuums might include a HEPA filter, but they also may not. Two out of three v7 vacuums don’t have one (the Absolute and Motorhead don’t). However the v7 Animal does. As far as the other models go, you’ll get a reusable, washable filter. While it doesn’t need to be replaced, it isn’t as effective as the Dyson v8 filters. Dyson v7 animal vs v8 animal:

The Dyson v8 has a more advanced filtration system overall. Not only that, both Dyson v8 vacuums do come with HEPA filters. So, whether you choose the Animal or the Absolute, you get a better filtration system, and the HEPA filter.

Pricing

As you would assume, newer models cost more than older ones. The Dyson v7 vs v8 are no different. As the newest vacuum, the Dyson v8 is pricier. While the v7 does have a lower price, the Dyson V7 might not be as low as you’d anticipate, considering it isn’t the latest model. Currently, the Dyson V7 can be considered as the most affordable product between the two vacuums. The V7 will enable you to clean your hard floors with 100 AW.

But, while Dyson models are known for their excellent vacuum cleaning capabilities, they do come with a hefty initial investment. The good thing is that the V7 has 75% more brush power than the previous Dyson V6 categorizing it as an upgraded option worth considering. Considering the more recent release of the v8, you can expect the v7 Dyson to get a lower price tag as time goes on.

Again, depending on the specific V7 Dyson model, you’ll see different prices. However, unless the HEPA filter is the ‘must have’ feature for you, it’s likely you can find a decent deal on at least one of the v7 vacuums.

Yes, the v8 is pricier than the older v7, but not as much as you might expect. That may be simply because the price of the v7 hasn’t dropped, but it’s not an extravagant difference. If battery duration, filtration, and overall max power are the most important factors in your decision, it could be worth spending the extra money.

Buy the V7 If…

There are plenty of reasons to choose the previous Dyson model, the v7, even if it isn’t the newest. As we mentioned, the price difference between the V7 Vs V8 isn’t startling, but it might be enough to sway your choice. Not only that, there are more different models available in the v7 series. As time goes on, you’ll be able to have more choice, while also making a more budget friendly purchase.

The Dyson v7 is a reliable, efficient vacuum, and stands out among other brands and models. The overall power, suction, maneuverability, and features are comparable to the newest release, with a few compromises. It’s an awesome vacuum cleaner for the cleaning of carpets. The design of the direct drive cleaning head allows the pushing of the nylon bristles into the carpet enabling it to pick up any form of dirt from sugar, rice, cereal, and even kitty litter. The soft roller cleaner head allows the collection of dust and debris.

Smaller households are often fine without the extra ten minutes of battery. Likewise, homes without high traffic, children, or pets probably won’t have a problem with a little less battery. If that sounds like your home, or you just use the v7 for ‘in between cleaning,’ you can save yourself some money by sacrificing a little battery life.

Buy the V8 if…

As the newest Dyson vacuum, the v8 comes with upgrades that you would expect. Yes, the V8 runs for about ten minutes longer, boasts a more powerful motor, more efficient filter, and better suction. That said, those extras add onto the overall V8 price tag.

If you need to do more cleaning with a cordless vacuum, the v8 might be a good fit for you. All in all, you can clean for longer. That’s because not only does the V8 battery last longer, but the Dyson V8 Absolute dust cup is also bigger, and doesn’t need to be emptied as often (which also makes it lower maintenance).

If you need strong suction power, the v8 is the best choice. When looking at v8 Dyson vs. v7 Dyson suction power, they have a slightly different suction power. The v7s’ suction power of 100 AW is 15 AW less than that of the v8. While this isn’t a huge difference, it still displays the v7 as a weaker opponent to other vacuums with a higher suction power.

The v8 excels when it comes to cleaning ability since it can effectively clean both surfaces and hard floors. The presence of the V8 upgraded motor with the high suction power makes it ideal for hard floors. On the other hand, the Dyson V7 Absolute works great for carpets, but not for hardwood floors. V8 can pick up all the dust and debris in one shot while with the v8 you need to go over the areas multiple times.

When you have to turn to your stick vacuum to clean up larger, unexpected messes, the added battery duration can be a gamechanger. It’s no secret that busy homes need more cleaning, even if it’s just ‘in between cleaning.’ If you have a busy, high traffic home, the v8 is equipped with the cleaning efficiency and battery power to deal with it. Another point to note is the V8 filter. While one of the v7 models comes with a HEPA filter, most don’t. If you have an allergy sufferer, or pets in the home, the v8’s upgraded filtration system might be worth the extra investment on its own.

About the Dyson V7

The Dyson v7 is the model in between the newest, the v8, and the older version, the v6. The V7 is more similar to the v8 than the v6, although you won’t have to spend as much to get it.

Many of the features between the Dyson v7 and v8 are surprisingly similar, and they function much the same too. The v7 packs in longer run time than the v6, but the v8 has more than any of them. Both the Dyson v7 and v8 work as stick vacuums, or convert to handheld vacuums.

More similarities between the two include a high powered ‘boost’ mode, easy dust cup emptying (just press a button), and motorized cleaning accessory. The v8 doesn’t have as many different models as the v7 (at least, not yet), although the v7 has three main models available.

The different v7 models include the V7 Absolute (also sometimes called the Total Clean), the Dyson V7 Motorhead, and the V7 Animal. Let’s look at the basics of each model, and upgraded versions of each:

• Trigger: This is the least expensive v7 option, and while it doesn’t convert to a stick vacuum (it’s only handheld), it still has good power.
• Dyson V7 Motorhead: The V7 Motorhead may be the entry level v7 model, but it packs in a much stronger motor than its predecessor, the v6.
• V7 Motorhead Extra: Just above the basic, entry level v7, is the V7 Motorhead Extra. It’s a lot like the regular version, but it includes extra brushes for ground in messes and soft surfaces.
• Dyson V7 Animal: This v7 Animal model was designed for homes with pets. It’s similar to the Motorhead, but has more accessories. The biggest difference is the motorized cleaning tool, designed to get pet hair off soft surfaces as well as carpet.
• V7 Absolute (Total Clean): This is the priciest of the v7 models, but it’s also equipped with the most cleaning power, and tools. It comes with the same motorized accessory as the Dyson V8 Animal, and a special soft dusting brush. Out of all v7s, this one is the best for hardwood floors, since it comes with a soft cleaner that won’t damage hard floors. The soft roller is great for cleaning hard floors.

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Conclusion

IIt’s never easy to choose a new vacuum, but both the v7 and v8 are good cordless vacuums. After the comparison between the two cordless vacuum cleaners and their cleaning abilities on bare hard floors and carpet, the main differences come down to details. While the Dyson v8 is pricier, it also has longer run time, improved filtration, and a stronger motor. Still, the most expensive option isn’t necessarily the best fit for every home. People without allergies, pets, or high traffic areas are likely to be just as happy with the Dyson v7 (and saving some money too!). Either vacuum is a solid choice, but your household, cleaning needs, and ultimately, your budget, will help guide your decision.