Last Updated On June 10th, 2020
If you’re thinking of purchasing a cordless vacuum cleaner for your home, then a Dyson is, for many, the natural choice. However, as technology adapts and changes at an ever-quickening pace, the rapid introduction of new models can leave some of us baffled. Today, we will be comparing the Dyson V7 vs V8.
Rather than spending hours trying to figure out the difference between Dyson V7 and V8 from the complicated marketing hype, we’ve done the hard work for you! Review our handy comparative article that highlights differences and similarities between the Dyson V7 and V8.
So, is it worth spending more for the V8? Or is the V7 a better choice? Let’s review the differences between the Dyson V7 vs V8 in our head-to-head comparison and find out which one makes the best Dyson cordless vacuum buy.
Dyson V7 vs V8 Compared
Introducing The Dyson V7
The Dyson V7 is a tool that has been designed for use as both a stick vacuum and a handheld cordless vacuum cleaner. This cordless vacuum is a direct improvement upon the Dyson V6, yet it is extremely similar to the V8 in many ways. It features most of Dyson’s flagship technology including advanced cyclonic filtration, good suction power and absolute superior cleaning performance even on hard floors, a docking station, and a wide range of accessories. Its battery life and charging capacities are an improvement on earlier cordless vacuums, as is its hygienic No-Touch emptying system. Additionally, it comes in three models, the Motorhead, the Animal and the Total Clean.
Introducing The Dyson V8
The Dyson V8 is a step-up in performance from the Dyson V6 and the V7, providing greater suction power, improved batteries, and runtime. The V8 also has a docking station and can be used on hard floors. It uses the same No-Touch emptying system, too. Externally, at least, it seems to be pretty much at par with most of the V7 specifications. This is what makes it so confusing for would-be purchasers. While there is a price gap and the V7 is marketed as a more affordable model, depending upon the model that you choose, the gap in price can be quite minimal. This tool is available in three models, the V8 Animal, the Animal Extra and the Absolute.
Dyson V7 vs V8 Features
So that you can decide whether the Dyson V7 or the V8 vacuum is the right choice for your needs, we’ve broken down their performance into distinct categories. Read on to find out the differences between the Dyson V7 and V8 and how each of these aspects is important in making your decision.
1. External Design
The V7 is very similar in external design to the V8. In fact, there are barely any differences in terms of looks between the two. Both Dyson vacuums can be used as a handheld or a cordless stick vacuum and they both make use of Dyson’s trigger for suction. This helps to conserve battery power as you only push on the trigger when needed. This Dyson cordless vacuum is especially useful to quickly clean your floor or the stairs. This puts them at neck and neck.
The V7 also uses the V8’s popular emptying mechanism, designed so that you don’t have to get your hands dirty, as was often the case with the Dyson V6. So, comparing the V7 vs the V8 in terms of ease of emptying, both use identical Dirt Ejector systems so there is no difference between the two.
When it comes down to weight, it’s fair to say that both of these Dysons are extremely lightweight and you won’t struggle hard to handle them. However, at 2.3 kg for the Dyson V7 and 2.61kg for the Dyson V8, the V7 is slightly lighter.
The Head-to-Head Winner
The Dyson V7. While it is hard to see any difference between the Dyson V7 and the V8 in terms of looks, the V7 vacuum cleaner is slightly favourable thanks to its lower weight. However, as both cordless vacuums are so close, you shouldn’t base your choice on this aspect alone. Let’s review more aspects that you need to consider.
2. Suction Power
Unlike their looks, when it comes down to their suction power, there’s quite a substantial difference when comparing the Dyson V7 vs the V8. While both of these pieces of cleaning equipment use Dyson’s patented radial cyclone design to make your floor clean, the V8 has a more powerful motor than the V7.
According to Dyson, the V7 is 75% more powerful than their V6 model, while the V8 is 150% more powerful than the Dyson V6. While this doesn’t mean that the V7 is not a powerful engine, it does make the V8 a better deeper cleaning performance option.
So, if you have a lot of carpets, pets or children, then the V8 could make cleaning the dust in your house easier and faster. With better suction power, you’re less likely to have to pass over the same area twice, getting a greater area cleaned from your charge and saving time.
The Head-to-Head Winner
In terms of suction power, the Dyson V8 is the clear winner, thanks to its V8 engine that has more power. But the competition isn’t over yet, there are plenty more deciding factors that could make either the V7 or the V8 the better overall model. However, if your home does tend to be a bit of a dust magnet, you may want to place extra importance on suction strength.
3. Battery Power
Battery life and capacity are some of the most important aspects of any cordless vacuum. Without a sufficient battery life, you won’t manage to get your whole home clean and if your battery takes ages to recharge then it’s less likely to be ready for when you need it.
When you’re deciding on whether to purchase the Dyson V7 or V8, it’s important to consider your needs, how dirty your home tends to be, how often you need to vacuum and the size of your home. Small homes that tend to get less dirty are less likely to be affected by lesser battery performance than large family homes.
The V7 is at 2,100 mAh, which equates to a runtime of approximately 30 minutes max when used without any motorised floor tools. Its charge time is a reasonable 3.5 hours, making it pretty handy if you need to use it again later on in the day.
The V8 is larger at 2,800 mAh. Naturally, a larger capacity means longer of runtime and you can use the V8 for longer than 30 minutes compared to the V7, for a maximum of 40 minutes runtime without using any motorised attachments. Ten minutes cleaning can equate to a whole extra room or more, so if you have a larger house, it could well be worth it to review and consider the V8 over the V7 on battery life alone. However, bear in mind that a longer battery capacity also means a longer charging time. The Dyson V8 takes 5 hours to fully charge up.
When you review the pros and cons of the Dyson animal V7 vs V8, you really need to think hard about how often you expect to be using your purchase and for how long. The short charging time of the V7 makes it a good tool for spontaneous quick cleaning bursts, whereas the longer charging time of the V8, with its superior runtime makes it more suitable for longer, planned cleaning sessions.
In either case, remember that using any boost modes or motorised cleaning heads will significantly reduce the battery runtime in both Dyson vacuums. So if you expect to be having to use these options significantly, the faster charge time of the V7 does make it a little more appealing.
The Head-to-Head Winner
Overall, given its superior battery capacity, the Dyson V8 is the winner here. Although the charge time is significantly longer, when comparing 20 minutes vs 40 minutes, the extra 10 minutes of power really can make the difference between a fully cleaned home and a partially cleaned one. However, for small households, you may find that the 30 minutes of the V7 vacuum cleaner makes a preferable choice due to its faster charging time.
4. Manoeuvrability
Comparing V7 vs V8 in terms of manoeuvrability, both perform almost identically. Whether you’re using them in handheld or stick vacuum mode to clean the floor, they are easy to move around. Both vacuums can make sharp turns of 90 degrees and can lie almost flat before their heads lift off the ground. Whether you’re cleaning around heavy, angular furniture, under the beds or the coffee table, there is no difference between the Dyson V7 and V8 in terms of their manoeuvrability.
The only real difference we can find is that being slightly lighter, the V7 can be easier to use in portable mode over longer periods, although the battery won’t last quite as long. However, in terms of getting your vacuum into corners and under furniture, both models perform pretty much the same.
The Head-to-Head Winner
The Dyson V7, but only by a whisker. Thanks to its slightly lighter weight you may find the V7 easier to manoeuvre around your home, especially in portable mode. However, when talking about twisting and making hard turns into nooks and crannies while you clean the floor, as well as general ease of movement, there really isn’t any noticeable difference between the Dyson V7 and V8.
5. Waste Bin Design and the Amount of Dust It Can Hold
When you’re looking for a new cordless vacuum, it’s important to pay attention to the amount of dust it can hold and the emptying mechanism of its waste bin. You don’t want to opt for a model with too small of a bin for your needs, forcing you to stop cleaning to have to go downstairs and empty the bin at regular intervals. The emptying system is also important as some models are less effective than others.
The V7 features pretty much the same design and emptying system as the V8. In both models, you simply pull the tab located on top of the dustbin flap while holding it over your waste bin. This is a vast improvement on older vacuums such as the Dyson V6 where you had to occasionally put your hand inside the dustbin to remove statically charged debris.
The No-Touch dirt system used in both the Dyson V7 and the V8 forces the dust out with an internal collar that pushes out, rather than relying upon gravity alone.
In terms of max capacity, the V7 can hold 0.4-litres, whereas the V8 is superior as it can hold 0.54-litres. Of course, this alone is not of the utmost importance. However, when you have a large home to clean, any increase in dust bin size is welcome and can save you quite a bit of time over the course of a year. A larger one is also handy for longer, less frequent cleaning sessions than daily once-overs in relatively small, clean surroundings.
The Head-to-Head Winner
The Dyson V8. The V8’s superior waste capacity makes this vacuum the clear winner in this aspect. While it may not amount to much on paper, eventually, it will go a long way to reducing the frequency of trips you make to empty the bin and thereby giving you greater time-saving convenience.
6. Filtration
Filtration is an important, often overlooked aspect when choosing a vacuum cleaner. When possible, you should try to purchase the best available filtration system to ensure that a maximum amount of dust is removed from your home. Poor filtration systems will release dust and microscopic dirt particles back into the air that you will then breathe it. If you suffer from allergies or have young children or anyone with respiratory problems, then a high-performance filtration system is a must.
Thankfully, Dyson vacuum cleaners are renowned for their powerful filtration qualities. The V7 filters dirt and dust through Dyson’s two-tier radial cyclone filtration system. Dyson filters are designed to be washable and to last. However, replacements are also readily available. Like all Dyson models, the V7 effectively removes even tiny particles from the air before expelling it from your vacuum cleaner for absolute superior cleaning results. Each Dyson washable filter can be used for a lifetime although, they can be replaced if needed.
The V8 comes with lifetime use, washable HEPA filters as standard. HEPA filters ensure that a high proportion of minuscule particles are removed from the air which is ejected from your vacuum cleaner. The V8 benefits from a highly effective fully sealed filtration unit that traps over 99% of particles as small as 0.3 micrometres.
So when it comes down to effective and efficient dust removal, the Dyson V8 not only has more strength to remove dirt and dust, it also prevents tiny particles from passing through its system and polluting the air you breathe. Used over the course of several weeks and months, this can make a huge difference to the air quality in your home, especially if you have plenty of carpets and soft furnishings.
The Head-to-Head Winner
Once again, the Dyson V8 is the winner here. The V8’s superior HEPA washable filter makes this vacuum the better choice for a truly clean home and the better option for anyone suffering from allergies or respiratory problems as well as sensitive household members such as babies, small children and elderly relatives.
7. Accessories, Tools and Other Options
The wide, ever-expanding range of Dyson vacuum cleaners is further broadened by the huge array of different tools and options available for each vacuum. To start with, let’s review and take a look at what you get with each vacuum, followed by any possible extra options that may influence your decision when comparing the V7 vs the V8
The Dyson V7 is available in three options, the v7 models are the Motorhead, the Animal and the Total Clean.
The Motorhead includes the following:
- Docking station
- Charger (to charge your Dyson with or without the cleaning station)
- Crevice tool
- Direct drive motorhead (suitable for pet hair removal and ground-in dirt)
- Combination tool (brush and wide nozzle)
The Dyson V7 Animal includes the above accessories plus:
- Quick-release mini-motorhead tool (for cleaning tight spaces and upholstery)
- Quick-release soft dusting brush (For delicate surfaces)
The V7 Total Clean includes all of the above accessories plus:
- Soft roller cleaner head (for superior cleaning performance on a hard floor)
The Dyson V8 is available in three v8 models, the Animal, the Animal Extra or the Dyson v8 Absolute.
The Animal contains the following:
- Docking station
- Charger
- Crevice tool
- Direct drive cleaner head (for ground-in dirt)
- Mini motorized tool (dirt and hair in tight spaces)
- Combination tool (nozzle and brush)
- Mini soft dusting brush
In addition to the above, the V8 Animal Extra includes:
- Quick-release stubborn dirt brush
The Dyson V8 Absolute includes the seven accessories mentioned plus:
- Soft roller cleaner head (for hard floor)
If you have pets and are looking to compare the Dyson Animal V7 vs the V8, you will find that in terms of tools and accessories, both the V7 and the V8 offer a pet hair cleaning head with each of their packages. Both also have models that include a soft roller cleaning head for hard floors. As the V7 also offers a larger version of the mini motorhead, it might make sense for you to purchase this cordless vacuum if you tend to have a lot of pet hair over huge areas of your home.
The Head-to-Head Winner
The Dyson V7. While you do get plenty of accessories included with the V8, the V7 gives you more cleaning head options with its choice of three different packages. We also like the choice of being able to pay less if you feel that you don’t really require all of those vacuum cleaner accessories.
Whereas the options for the V8 don’t really offer as much variation. If you have pets, you may prefer the inclusion of both a large and small motorized head with the Animal V7.
8. Value for Money
Just like when you buy carpet cleaners or steam mops, cordless vacuums are an investment. Budget and value for money are some of the most important things to consider. The new Dyson V7 was introduced as more of a value option which costs less than the V8. In bringing out the new V7, Dyson was presumably looking to improve on some of the less successful aspects of the V6, without the higher price tag of the V8.
However, if you were to choose the most complete V7 option, you wouldn’t have to pay that much extra for a V8, which almost defies the V7’s conception as a more affordable model.
The Head-to-Head Winner
Our winner is the Dyson V8. While the V7 does cost less, if you take the Dyson Total Clean V7 vs the Animal V8, you’re not left with as huge a difference in price as you would expect. Both stick vacuums also offer a similar number of vacuum cleaner accessories.
So, as seen in our review, the V8 is the superior model with higher specifications. It makes sense to spend a little extra for better cleaning results if you want to purchase the full range of accessories.
Summary: Dyson V7 vs V8
Still deciding after our breakdown of both the Dyson V7 vs V8 vacuum cleaners? Let’s review their strengths vs the areas where they could improve.
Here are the V7’s strong points:
- Effective cleaning
- Large direct drive motorhead tool with all three models
- Lightweight
- 5 hours charging time
However, the V7 performs less well in these areas:
- Lower battery life
- Shorter runtime
- Smaller waste bin
- Less suction power
Next, let’s take a look at how the V8 lines up, with its main strengths:
- Longer runtime
- Larger waste bin
- More suction power
- Superior filtration
These are the areas where the V8 could improve:
- Weight
- Long charging time
- No large motorised brush on v8 models
Overall Winner: Dyson V8
Taking into account each item’s strengths vs its weaknesses, on the whole, the best one to buy is the Dyson V8. Of course, everyone has different needs and there are circumstances where it could make more sense to purchase a V7, we’ll look at those shortly. However, in the vast majority of circumstances, the V8 is by far the better option.
Let’s review why the Dyson V8 is our winner. In our experience, the main issues with cordless vacuum cleaners are their short battery life and small waste containers. In comparing the Dyson V7 vs V8, it is clear that with the V8, Dyson has gone the extra mile in trying to address these inherent problems.
With its superior runtime, combined with enhanced suction, it makes more sense to purchase the V8. With 40 minutes of more powerful cleaning time, that means fewer minutes spent going back over the same areas as would be necessary with a less powerful vacuum cleaner. For this reason alone the V8 is our top choice.
If you have a small house with minimal cleaning needs, yes, you may find that the V7 more than suffices for your needs. However, when it comes down to cleaning, less is more, so why not opt for the more powerful vacuum and spend fewer minutes getting your house clean and more time on doing other more fun stuff.
While the V7 does cost less than the V8, if you are looking at an option with a lot of accessories like a soft roller cleaning head for hard floors or crevice tool, then the price difference is, on the whole, pretty negligible. Spend a little extra cash on the V8 and over the course of the year, you’ll be able to spend fewer minutes cleaning with a more powerful cordless vacuum that allows you to clean your entire house in one go.