Dyson V7 Vs. V8 Comparison - Cordless Vacuum Guide

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 explore how the V7 and V8 are similar and different. Are these worthy alternatives to the more expensive variants like the V10 Absolute, V11 Torque Drive, and Outsize?

Scroll down to find out.

A Quick Overview of the Dyson V7 vs. V8

Dyson V7 MotorHead

• Airflow: 49.68 CFM
• Dust bin size: 0.53 liters
• Sand on hard floor: 99.2%
• Deep Cleaning: 94.93%
• Weight: 5.45 lbs.
• Run time: up to 32 mins.
• Recharge: 3.5 hrs.
• Battery: 2100 mAh Li-ion
• Noise: 73.9 dB

Buy Now from Amazon

Dyson V8 Absolute

• Airflow: 54.24 CFM
• Dust bin size: 0.54 liters
• Sand on hard floor: 99.5%
• Deep Cleaning: 97.7%
• Weight: 5.8 lbs.
• Run time: up to 41 mins.
• Recharge: 5 hrs.
• Battery: 2800 mAh Li-ion
• Noise: 73.2 dB

Buy Now from Amazon

* If you click this link and purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost.

[toc]

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 have a hygienic system and was 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 between Dyson and Tineco; please check the link to learn more.

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 tradeoffs to take into consideration. 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 since the Soft Roller attachment works best on this type of surface.

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 carpet as it has the 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 terms of design – both having the same interface.

Each utilizes a slide switch for toggling between the default and max settings.

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

The first difference when it comes to design is the 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 informing users when the battery is at the 33% level mark.

While 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 that passes 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