Dyson V7 Vs. V8 Comparison - Cordless Vacuum Guide

Comparisons → Dyson V7 vs. V8 Cordless Vacuum Guide independently tests and reviews every product we recommend — no brand strings attached. If you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Curious how we keep things honest? Check out our Editorial Guidelines. Dyson V7 vs. V8 Comparison Tested and written by Garrick Dee500+ hours of vacuum testing since 2017· Updated: November 6, 2025 Quick Comparison: V7 vs V8 - Spec & Test Overview

Test	Dyson V7	Dyson V8	Category Avg.
Suction [Unsealed] (" of water lift)	10.00	15.00	12.50
Suction [Sealed] (" of water lift)	39.00	48.00	43.50
Airflow [Low] (CFM)	26.28	26.00	26.14
Airflow [Mid] (CFM)
Airflow [High] (CFM)	37.92	36.95	37.44
Cleaning [Overall] (%)	93.80	97.79	95.80
Sand on Hard Floor (%)	99.20	99.50	99.35
Deep Cleaning (%)	94.93	97.70	96.32
Hair Pickup (%)	88.16	85.10	86.63
Run Time [Low] (mins)	32:43	41:00	36:52
Run Time [Mid] (mins)	0:00	0:00	0:00
Run Time [High] (mins)	5:45	7:23	6:34
Noise [Low] (dB)	64.10	62.80	63.45
Noise [Mid] (dB)	-0.01	-0.01
Noise [High] (dB)	73.90	73.17	73.54
Fog Test	Heavy Leaks	Passed
Adaptive Suction	No	No
LED Headlights	No	No
Battery	2100 mAh	2800 mAh
Recharge (hrs)	3.5 hrs	5 hrs
Dustbin Capacity	0.53 liters	0.54
Weight	5.45 lbs	5.75 lbs
Warranty	2 yrs	2 yrs

Water Lift: Measures suction power in inches of water using a water lift gauge (+ Y-gauge). The higher the number, the stronger the vacuum’s raw suction.

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): Measures airflow, or how much air the vacuum moves per minute. A higher CFM generally indicates stronger suction and better cleaning performance.

dB (Decibels):: Represents the vacuum’s noise level. A lower dB value means quieter operation.

Hair Pick-Up:: The average amount of hair collected from both hard floors and carpets during tests.

Cleaning Performance: The overall average of debris (including Quaker Oats, Quinoa, Coffee Grounds, Pet Litter, and Sand) picked up across hard floors, as well as low- and mid-pile carpets.

Sand on Hard Floor: The average amount of sand removed from a bare floor surface during testing.

Fog Test: An experiment that checks the vacuum’s seal and filtration system by introducing fog into the dustbin. A properly sealed vacuum should keep the fog contained inside.

LED Headlights: Lights on the cleaning nozzle that illuminate dust and debris, making dirt easier to see in dark areas like under furniture.

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Dyson V7 Detect on Amazon

Dyson V7 Detect on Walmart

Dyson V8 Detect on Amazon

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While the V10 and V11 are outstanding products, Dyson has hidden gems lower in the totem pole.

Two of them are the Dyson V7 and V8, which we’ll look at closely in this comparison.

These two variants are in the middle to high-end range, depending on which option you select.

Let’s examine the similarities and differences between the V7 and V8. Are these worthy alternatives to the more expensive variants, such as the V10 Absolute, V11 Torque Drive, and Outsize?

Scroll down to find out.

Introduction to the Dyson V7 vs. V8

The Dyson V8 was once Dyson’s flagship option, chosen as the “best” cordless vacuum in numerous publications. This Dyson cordless was the first to feature a hygienic system and represented a considerable upgrade over the V6’s trap-door design.

The V7 came out soon after the V8. I believe Dyson did this to address the needs of the more budget-conscious homeowner looking for a less expensive alternative to the V8.

It has a smaller battery than the V8, so it doesn’t run as long. However, cleaning performance isn’t far off, especially on carpet.

Related: Please check my comparison between the Dyson V7 and V11.

I have the V7 MotorHead with only the standard MotorHead attachment that works best on carpets.

Note: If the Dyson V7 or V8 is too expensive, consider Tineco cordless stick vacuums. I’ve written an in-depth comparison of Dyson and Tineco; please check the link for more details.

Dyson V7: Lighter, Better at Cleaning Smaller Spaces

One thing I like about the Dyson V7 is its compact frame. Even if the size difference in the spec sheet isn’t significant, the V7 feels much lighter than the V8.

Of course, there are trade-offs to consider. First is the run time. Since the V7 has a smaller capacity battery, it won’t run as long as the V8.

I tested it with the MotorHead tool, and it ran for only 27 minutes—4 minutes less than the V8.

The V7 has several different sub-models; please check the V7 review for more details.

All V7 options have the same motor and battery. The difference would be the tools and a post-motor HEPA filter.

Choosing the sub-model will be dependent on the type of flooring you have at home.

For example, homes with hard floors will benefit from the V7 Fluffy, as the Soft Roller attachment works best on this surface type.

For wall-to-wall carpeting, the MotorHead would be the better choice. In homes with mixed surfaces, the V7 Absolute is an excellent alternative.

Dyson V8: More Power, Better Inside Larger Homes

The Dyson V8 has a larger battery and motor than the V7, enabling it to run further and deep clean better for longer stretches.

I have the Absolute variant with the Fluffy and Direct Drive head, which provides more versatility than the V7 MotorHead.

The Absolute version can clean hard floors and carpets, thanks to its Fluffy and Direct Drive attachments.

It will run for up to 41 minutes with non-powered tools and up to 31 minutes with the Direct Drive attachment, so the range is decent.

Interface comparison

The Dyson V7 and V8 are very similar in design, with the same interface.

Each uses a slide switch to toggle between the default and max settings.

You can use the V8 tools in V7. Yes, their tools are interchangeable, just an FYI.

The first difference in design is size. As you’ll see in the photo above, the V8 is slightly bigger.

Another difference is the battery status. The V8 has three LED indicators that inform users when the battery reaches the 33% mark.

The V7 only has a single LED indicator, so it’s impossible to gauge how much battery life is remaining.

Dyson V7 vs. V8 Power/Airflow Comparison

I use an anemometer to measure the airflow passing through these areas—the wand and cleaning nozzle. It’s an excellent barometer to check how a vacuum performs. Models with high airflow tend to do better at picking up debris on carpet.

Here are the results.

Airflow	Low	Max
Dyson V7
Wand	29.64 CFM	49.68 CFM
Cleaning head	26.28 CFM	37.92 CFM
Dyson V8
Wand	31.34 CFM	54.24 CFM
Cleaning head	26 CFM	36.95 CFM

The difference is only minimal in the default setting. You’ll notice in the chart that the V7 has almost as much airflow at the wand and nozzle.

However, the gap widens in the max setting – as much as 8.77% difference at the wand in favor of the V8. Strangely, the V7 has 2% more airflow at the cleaning nozzle.

The results in the airflow test are consistent with the cleaning experiments as the V7 does surprisingly better on carpets, which we’ll go into next.

Cleaning performance comparison of the Dyson V7 vs. V8

Now to the meat of this comparison, the cleaning tests. First, let me share the results with you.

Model	Dyson V7	Dyson V8
Overall	93.8%	98.21%
Hard Floors (Surface Test)	81.75%	99.66%
Sand on Hard Floor	99.2%	99.5%
Carpet (Surface Test)	99.97%	97.29%
Deep Cleaning	94.93%	97.7%

From the table, you’ll see that the V7’s hard-floor performance is in the low 90s. The low score with the Quaker oats test skews it. Aside from that, it did well in other trials.

However, the V8’s soft roller attachment is superior to the MotorHead, as it’s more efficient and sweeps up most of the debris on the initial pass.

Which is better on hard floors?

If you’re only comparing the V8 Absolute and V7 MotorHead, the nod goes to the V8 since it has the Fluffy attachment.

However, that won’t be the case if you’re getting the V7 Absolute or the Fluffy with the Soft Roller tool.

I prefer the Fluffy attachment because it has better padding, which significantly reduces the risk of scuffing hardwood surfaces.

Sand on hardwood comparison of Dyson V7 vs. V8

Predictably, the V8 Absolute did better in the sand on hard floor test with a 99.5% score.

Note that this is the average of two Fluffy and Direct Drive attachment trials.

• Dyson V8 Absolute: 99.5%
• Dyson V7 MotorHead: 99.2%

However, the V7 isn’t far behind, with a 99.2% score.

The V7 picked up most of it in the forward pass with the default setting.

Though a portion was left behind after the first pass, some debris sticks to the “Ball” steering, which can scratch the surface. So it’s something to contemplate if your home has soft, easily scratched hardwood.

Edge cleaning comparison

There isn’t much difference between the V7 and V8 cleaning edges. All vacuums could pick up most of the debris on the sides and the quarter-inch crevice.

Here’s the result of the V7 cleaning edges.

Conversely, the Fluffy tool was the most efficient, picking up the most with the least splattering behind the brush.

Testing the V8 cleaning edges with the (top) direct-drive and (bottom) soft roller tool.

Remember that rollers are much better than traditional beater bars when cleaning hard surfaces.

Carpet cleaning comparison Dyson V7 vs. V8

Next, we’ll move on to how the Dyson V7 and V8 performed on carpets.

Model	Dyson V7	Dyson V8
Carpet (Surface Test)	99.97%	97.29%
Deep Cleaning	94.93%	97.7%

One surprise from the tests was the V7 MotorHead outdoing the V8 Absolute, at least with surface debris.

It picked up an average of 99.97%, a few percentage points higher than the V8 at 97.29%.

The results back the airflow test scores, where the V7 logged higher marks than the V8 in the max setting using the main cleaning head.

It was one of the biggest surprises thus far in this comparison.

However, in the deep cleaning test, the V8 was able to pick up more with a 97.7% score versus the V7’s 94.93%.

Large debris comparison

The presence of the Fluffy tool makes the V8 Absolute better at sweeping large debris like Fruit Loops and Cheerios. In contrast, the V7’s MotorHead attachment will not pick up these types of rubbish.

It also didn’t do well with cleaning a pile of Quaker oats on hard floors.

The V7 did better on carpets, picking up this pile of Quaker oats, Cheerios, Fruit loops without any snags.

Likewise, the V8 can also pick up large and extra-large stuff on carpets. So both are even in this category.

Hair wrap comparison

I conducted comprehensive tests on the Dyson V7 and V8 with five, seven, nine, eleven, and twelve-inch hair strands.

The goal is to see which option is better at preventing hair wrapping on the brush roll, which few reviews address.

Here are before and after shots for the Dyson V7 MotorHead.

• 5-inch strands: 100% inside bin; 0% on the brush
• 7-inch strands: 100% inside bin; 0% on the brush
• 9-inch strands: 100% inside bin; 0% on the brush
• 11-inch strands: 88% inside bin; 12% on the brush
• 12-inch strands: 88% inside bin; 12% on the brush

The V7 was surprisingly good at resisting hair tangles on hard floors, picking up close to 90% even on longer eleven and twelve-inch strands.

These scores are higher than the V8’s results on hard floors, which we’ll look at below.

• 5-inch strands: 100% inside bin; 0% on the brush
• 7-inch strands: 100% inside bin; 0% on the brush
• 9-inch strands: 100% inside bin; 0% on the brush
• 11-inch strands: 89% inside bin; 11% on the brush
• 12-inch strands: 63% inside bin; 37% on the brush

The V8 Absolute’s soft roller brush was excellent, between five and nine inches, but there’s noticeable hair wrap on longer eleven and twelve-inch strands.

More so than the V7 with twelve-inch hair.

However, on carpet, the V8 did better with long hair strands.

Let’s look at the before-and-after photos from the Dyson V7 hair wrap tests.

Nothing wrapped with five and seven-inch hair, but its limit is nine-inch strands.

One reason could be the thinner brush roll.

Here are the results for the Dyson V8.

It did noticeably better with nothing wrapping after the nine-inch test, but the limit is eleven and twelve-inch hair.

Tools out of the box

The V8 Absolute comes with more tools out of the box, totaling 8, including the two nozzles. It has a mini turbo brush and the soft dusting brush, absent in the V7.

1. Fluffy tool
2. Direct drive tool
3. Mini turbo brush
4. Soft dusting brush
5. Combination tool
6. Crevice tool
7. Docking station
8. Extension wand

The V7 Motorhead has fewer tools, with only the combination and crevice tool and the main nozzle.

1. MotorHead
2. Crevice tool
3. Combination tool
4. Extension wand
5. Docking station

The V8 will be a better choice for pets, as it features a mini turbo brush that is more effective at tackling pet hair on fabric upholstery.

Are the Dyson V7 and V8 attachments interchangeable?

Yes, the tools for the V7 fit with the V8, and vice versa. If you can’t find a specific device from the V7 selection, then a V8 tool will be compatible with it.

Most tools in the Dyson cord-free product line are interchangeable except for the V6 and the Outsize.

Run time comparison of Dyson V7 vs. V8

The V8’s larger battery enables it to run further than the V7.

Check the table below for the run time test results.

Battery	Low	Max
Dyson V7
Non-powered	32:43 mins.	5:45 mins.
Cleaning head	27:58 mins.	7:07 mins.
Dyson V8
Non-powered	41 mins.	7:23 mins.
Cleaning head	31:33 mins.	8:31 mins.

The V8 will run for up to 41 minutes with the crevice tool. And up to 33 minutes using the Direct Drive attachment.

In contrast, the V7 can only last for 32 minutes with the crevice tool and 27 minutes with the cleaning head.

So the V8 is a better option if you’re looking to clean a larger home.

Can you replace the batteries in the Dyson V7 and V8?

One misconception many have is you cannot replace a Dyson cordless battery.

That isn’t true even if the V7 and V8 don’t have a clip-on battery; the battery can be replaced with a Philips screwdriver.

The exact process applies to the V7 as it has a similar bolt placement.

Dust bin comparison

The V7 and V8 have identical dust bins. Both use the same hygienic system with a red lever to release dirt into a trash container.

Emptying contents won’t differ much.

However, the V8’s capacity is slightly larger at 0.54 liters versus the 0.53 liters of the V7.

Filter comparison

The Dyson V8 Absolute has two filters – one pre-motor filter in the middle of the cyclones, plus a HEPA filter behind the motor.

In contrast, the V7 MotorHead has only one filter—the pre-motor filter, with the same placement as the V8.

The HEPA filter provides additional filtration, keeping fine allergens from escaping. If this is a priority, then the V8 is the better alternative.

I did a fog test with both vacuums, and the V8 didn’t leak smoke. In contrast, the V7 spewed smoke at the exhaust – a clear sign that allergens would seep through.

Noise comparison

I used a sound meter from a few feet away, with the cleaning head attached, to measure noise.

Here are the results.

Model	Dyson V7	Dyson V8
Low	64.1 dB	62.8 dB
Max	73.9 dB	73.2 dB

Surprisingly, the Dyson V7 recorded higher decibel levels in both the low and high settings.

Ergonomics comparison

Both vacuums score high marks with ergonomics. I like how the primary floor nozzles of each model can make sharp turns and avoid furniture. The compact design helps immensely in cramped spaces.

Between the two, the V7 is the more nimble option. The smaller battery frees up the excess weight and gives it a lighter steering feel, particularly in carpets.

Inside smaller homes with lots of carpets, the V7 is ideal. It won’t clean embedded stuff as well as the V8, but it’s less straining on the arm.

Maintenance comparison

Upkeep for both the V7 and V8 are similar.

You’ll need to clean the filters at least once a month.

Keep in mind that Dyson cord-free vacuums come with a lifetime filter. So there’s no need to replace it for the lifetime of the vacuum.

Nonetheless, to prevent downtime, I would suggest purchasing at least an extra set of filters so you have something to use while the filters dry.

Amazon offers many options—you can choose an OEM replacement or an original. My preference would be to go for a Dyson filter for longevity.

Availability of Parts

Dyson’s popularity bodes well for the availability of its parts. There are a plethora of options to choose from, with components from batteries to filters. Even harder to find are parts like battery bolts, available on sites like Amazon and eBay.

Related Dyson Comparisons

Learn more about how each Dyson cordless model compares to its variants, where I’ll explain the pros and cons and which variant is the better option for specific circumstances.

• Dyson V6 vs. V7
• Dyson V6 vs. V8
• Dyson V6 vs. V10
• Dyson V7 vs. V10
• Dyson V7 vs. V11
• Dyson V8 vs. V10
• Dyson V8 vs. V11
• Dyson V10 vs. V11
• Dyson V10 vs. V11 Torque Drive vs. V11 Outsize vs. V15 Detect
• Dyson Omni Glide vs. Micro 1.5KG

Spec comparison

Dyson V7	Dyson V8
Type	Cordless Stick	Cordless Stick
Run time	up to 33 mins	up to 41 mins
Recharge	3.5 hours	5 hours
Dirt capacity	0.53 liters	0.54 liters
Weight	5.45 pounds	5.8 pounds
Length	49"	49"
Cleaning Path	9.8"	9.8"
Power	49.68 CFM	54.24 CFM
Bagless	Yes	Yes
Warranty	2 yrs	2 yrs
Price	Check Price	Check Price

Where can I buy the Dyson V7 and V8?

These vacuums are available for purchase online from retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. Please check the links below for the current pricing.

• Dyson V7 MotorHead on Amazon and Walmart.
• V7 Fluffy on Amazon and Walmart.
• Dyson V8 Absolute on Amazon and Walmart.

For bargain hunters, eBay is another great place to buy Dyson products.

• Dyson V8 on eBay.
• Dyson V7 on eBay.

Disclaimer: If you purchase through any of the links above, I will earn a commission, which will not incur any additional cost to you, so it’s a win-win for both of us!

Which offers the better value?

The Dyson V8 offers several advantages over the V7. First, it runs longer thanks to its larger-capacity Li-ion battery.

It ran for up to 41 minutes with the crevice tool and 33 minutes with the Direct Drive attachment in my tests.

Second, it does a better job of picking up embedded sand from carpets.

Third, the Fluffy attachment enables it to clean hard floors better than the V7’s MotorHead tool.

Nonetheless, the V7 performed better overall than the V8 in carpet surface-cleaning tests.

I’m not sure if it’s a fluke, but I’m sharing the results of the experiments nonetheless.

5 Reasons to choose the Dyson V8 Absolute

1. Better on hard floors: The Fluffy attachment of the V8 Absolute is superior to the V7’s MotorHead brush. It’s more efficient and isn’t as prone to scratching the surface.
2. Runs longer: The larger capacity battery allows the V8 to run further. So it’s a better alternative for bigger homes.
3. More tools: It comes with more attachments than the V7 Motorhead.
4. Deep cleans better: Based on my tests, the V8 picks up embedded dirt better than the V7.
5. Better at resisting tangles: The chunkier brush in the Direct Drive head resists tangles better than the thinner brush of the MotorHead.

4 Reasons to choose the Dyson V7 MotorHead

1. Lighter: The V7 is the lighter option, so it doesn’t feel heavy on the wrist.
2. Better Ergonomics: The V7’s slightly more compact design makes it more ergonomic. The steering is more responsive on carpets, where the smaller brush has less drag.
3. More airflow: One of the surprises is that the V7 has more airflow than the V8, at least in the maximum setting, using the primary cleaning nozzle.
4. Cleans surface dirt better on carpets: The V7 scored 100% in seven of the eight tests and was a few percentage points better than the V8.

The Verdict: Is the Dyson V8 better than the V7?

On paper, the Dyson V8 appears to be a superior product to the V7. It features enhanced suction, a larger battery, and additional tools.

However, the V7 performed better at cleaning carpets on the surface. It’s one of the most surprising findings from the experiments I did.

The V7 Motorhead is a viable option in smaller homes with lots of carpets, where runtime won’t be a factor.

There’s also the option of getting the V7 Fluffy for people who live in homes with hard surfaces and don’t want to spend more for the higher-end V8.

The V8 Absolute is the better all-around option suited for bigger homes with a mix of hard floors and carpets.

It’s the more expensive option, but that’s the tradeoff for getting a cordless vacuum with more tools and a bigger battery.

About the author: Garrick, the visionary behind Cordless Vacuum Guide, brings over a decade of hands-on expertise in cordless vacuum testing to his insightful reviews showcased on this platform. Beyond his passion for empowering consumers with informed choices, he cherishes precious moments with his family, exploring global cuisines and exploring different horizons with his beloved wife and son. Follow him on Youtube, Tiktok, Facebook, and Instagram.

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