Dyson just lately introduced out an upgraded model of its V8 cordless vacuum. That mannequin initially got here out in 2016, but it surely stays one of many model’s prime sellers (if I had been to take a wild guess at why, it might be that it is one of many few Dyson vacs that does not require you to filter out your whole checking account to buy it). The brand new model – the V8 Cyclone – appears to be like very comparable, however options a number of notable upgrades.
I have been testing the 2 aspect by aspect, and have come to the conclusion that the Cyclone is one heck of a wise transfer from Dyson. It improves on the unique in small ways in which make an enormous distinction in day-to-day use.
The massive game-changer is the battery life. The older V8 provides as much as 40 minutes of cleansing per cost – much less for those who enterprise into Max mode. That is a good runtime, however not sufficient to scrub a bigger residence in a single go if you are going to be thorough about it.
When using the V8, it ran out of power on more than one occasion – especially if the machine wasn’t completely juiced up to begin with, or I’d had to use the Max mode for particularly tricky bits of dirt. It’s very frustrating, because charging is a lengthy process.
The V8 Cyclone’s battery lasts up to 60 minutes. That’s not quite up there with the newest and best Dyson vacuums available on the market (the V16 and Gen5detect last as long as 70 minutes), but it surely’s sufficient time for a meticulous clear with out pausing to recharge. It additionally places this vacuum extra in keeping with a lot of the best cordless vacuums available on the market.
One other welcome improve is the addition of an additional energy mode. The older V8 has Common and Max modes, whereas the V8 Cyclone provides Low, Med and Max. Not solely does it offer you extra management over your cleansing, but it surely’s notably useful when you’ve got quite a lot of onerous flooring. Right here, the bottom possibility might be lots sucky sufficient to tug up filth, and can assist you to eke out as a lot battery life as doable.
Lastly, there was a change in operation. The V8 Cyclone switches on and off utilizing a one-press button, whereas the V8 makes use of a set off, which you must preserve compressed the whole time you are utilizing it. The set off is supposed to assist lengthen runtimes – since you by no means have the vacuum operating when it would not must be – however I discovered it awkward and particularly annoying for an extended cleansing session.
It ought to be stated that there are drawbacks to the button operation, too. You want a hand free to change the machine on and off, and it is fiddlier for those who’re simply doing a fast cleanup. Nonetheless, on steadiness, I a lot want it to a set off.
Dyson guarantees extra highly effective suction on the V8 Cyclone, and on my side-by-side checks, I may see a distinction. The Cyclone ate by way of all the pieces I put in entrance of it – together with loads of canine hair. Nonetheless, it ought to be stated that the unique V8 remains to be a really succesful vacuum, and its cleansing powers might be greater than sufficient for most individuals’s wants.
Some minor complaints
It’s not all good news, though. I have minor niggles with some of Dyson’s design decisions. I think in the name of streamlining, the controls on the V8 Cyclone are slightly less usable than on the original V8.
On the Cyclone, the mode you’re in is indicated by a colored LED within the mode-switch button – it’s green for Low, blue for Medium, and red for High. You need to remember which color stands for what, and if you’re colorblind, you might need to rely on the sound of the motor instead.
In comparison, the older V8 has a labelled sider. There’s never any doubt as to which mode you’re in.
Next, the battery indicator LEDs. The Dyson V8 Cyclone has one LED that blinks to show the machine is charging, while the LED in the mode-switch button flashes when it’s running out of juice; otherwise, there’s nothing to indicate the vacuum’s charge levels.
While cleaning – or even just picking up the vacuum to start a cleaning session – I have no idea if I have a whole house’s worth of cleaning left on the clock, or if it’s going to die before I’ve even finished the first room.
The original V8 has three indicator LEDs on each side of the battery (both sets show the same thing). The more that are illuminated, the more charge the machine has. It’s not a terribly detailed system, but it’s infinitely more helpful than what the Cyclone offers.
Dyson V8 vs V8 Cyclone: price & availability
The V8 Cyclone was unveiled in September 2025 and went on sale in the UK and Australia shortly afterwards. At list price, it costs £349.99 / AU$649.
Dyson has a large presence in the US, but at time of writing, there’s no indication of if or when the V8 Cyclone might become available there. (However, in the US, a different affordable alternative to the older V8 has been released: the Dyson V9 Motorbar.)
Should you go direct to Dyson, the unique V8 at present prices $539.99 / £329.99 / AU$599. Within the UK, there’s little or no distinction within the worth of the brand new and previous variations, making the Cyclone a little bit of a no brainer if each are being bought at full worth.
After all, the older V8 is prone to appeal to reductions within the UK and Australia, to make means for the upgraded model, which presumably will substitute it fully in some unspecified time in the future.
Dyson V8 vs V8 Cyclone: specs
|
Mannequin: |
V8 Cyclone |
V8 |
|---|---|---|
|
Weight (no attachments): |
3.6 lbs / 1.6kg |
3.4 lbs / 1.5kg |
|
Weight (with wand and foremost floorhead): |
5.7 lbs / 2.6kg |
5.5 lbs / 2.5kg |
|
Bin dimension: |
0.54L |
0.53L |
|
Complete runtime: |
60 minutes |
40 minutes |
|
Runtime in Max mode: |
8 minutes |
6 minutes 51 secs |
|
Cost time: |
4Â hrs |
5 hrs |
|
Measurement (H x W x L): |
45.7 x 8.3 x 9.8in / 116 x 21 x 25cm |
49.5 x 8.7 x 9.8in / 125.7 x 22.1 x 24.9cm |
|
Max suction: |
150AW |
115 AW (130AW for Absolute model) |
|
Auto mode: |
None |
None |
|
Modes: |
Low, Med, Max |
Common, Increase |
|
Floorheads: |
Motorbar |
Motorbar |
|
Operation: |
Button |
Set off |
