Dyson V8 vs V11 cordless vacuum: which should you buy?

Comparing Dysons isn't always easy, and knowing whether to buy older models such as the V8 vs V11 can be particularly tricky. Neither have the bells and whistles of newer models, so what's the difference between them? Here, we'll run you through both models and tell you all you need to know to make a purchasing decision.

The V8 was released in 2016. Though this is an older Dyson, in our Dyson V8 review we note that it's still sleekly designed, with plenty of power, and therefore deserves a place on our best Dyson vacuums list. As it is older, it's usually cheaper than newer models, so is a particularly good one to look at if you're on a budget.

The V11 came on to the market in 2019 and is a successor to the earlier Cyclone V10. Its design is improved compared to the V8, and new features include a handy LCD screen that gives you information as you clean. Saying that, it's a few years old now so doesn't have some of the features of the best cordless vacuums. You can read more in our full Dyson V11 review, and see how it differs from its successor in our Dyson V11 vs V15 comparison.

Overall, the V11 wins in two out of our three categories. It's more powerful and better designed, with better battery life and a bigger bin. However, if price is your number one priority and you're not fussed about having an older vacuum, then the V8 is still an excellent machine. Just be aware that sometimes the Dyson Cyclone V10 or V11 may not be that much more expensive, and it may be worth paying a little bit more to get a newer model.

Dyson V8 vs V11: price & value for money

Comparing Dyson vacuums isn't always straightforward, because Dyson offers various iterations of each model, including the Absolute, Total Clean, Animal and Extra. Below are the prices of the versions of the V8 and the V11 available on Dyson's site at the time of writing, but make sure you check which version you're getting and what it includes before you make a purchase.

US

In the States, the Dyson site has the V8 for $469.99, often discounted to $349.99. It also has the Dyson V8 Absolute for $519.99 – sometimes discounted to $349.99 – and the V8 Origin Plus for $419.99.

In terms of the V11, in the US there's only one vacuum in stock on Dyson's site – the V11 Extra, which retails at $599.99 but can often be bought for $469.99.

UK

In the UK, the Dyson site has two versions of the V8 available: the standard V8 and the V8 Absolute. The standard model costs £329.99 but can often be had for £249.99, and the Absolute costs £399.99 but is regularly available at £299.99.

If you're after the V11, the Dyson site offers the standard Dyson V11 for £429.99, and the Dyson V11 Total Clean, which costs £499.99.

Australia

In Australia, the Dyson site has the Dyson V8 for AU$799 (often reduced to AU$499), the Dyson V8 Extra (AU$799, regularly available for AU$439) and the V8 Origin Extra (AU$649, sometimes discounted to AU$448).

In Australia, the only V11 in stock on Dyson's site is the Dyson V11 Advanced (AU$1,199, often reduced to AU$799).

That puts the V8 in TechRadar's mid-range price bracket and the V11 in our premium price bracket. Note that as there are now newer Dysons available, Dyson deals may be available on the Dyson site and beyond – particularly around the Black Friday sales. This may mean that the V8 and V11 are actually quite similar in price, so it's worth shopping around before you buy. Although the V8 is generally cheaper, there may be times that a discounted V11 is better value than the V8 as you get more features for your money.

• Winner: V8 – The older vacuum is cheaper though there are often deals available on both models.

Dyson V8 vs V11: design

The V8 and the V11 don't look dramatically different to each other, but while the design of the V8 works perfectly well, it lacks some of the features of newer models like the V11. The V11 and later models have the motor, bin and cyclone array in one straight line for maximum suction, while the V8 lacks this configuration.

Both vacuums use a trigger button, which you need to hold continuously while you clean – Dyson has now switched to a power button so opt for a V12 or another later model if you want this feature. The trigger is a little annoying, but most people won't find it too much of a problem.

The V8 has a HEPA filter encased in purple plastic, with air vents on the sides, below that there's a toggle to switch between two suction powers: Standard and Max. Note that all newer models have at least three suction settings, the V11 has Eco, Auto and Boost, with Auto mode automatically detecting the floor type and responding accordingly. The V11 also has a button rather than a toggle to switch modes, as well as a handy LCD screen that shows you which mode you're in, how much battery you have left and information about blockages.

The V8 weighs 5.58lb / 1.58kg whereas the V11 standard version is heavier at 6.6lbs / 3kg. They are very similar heights, with the V8 at 49.45in / 125cm and the V11 at 49.65in / 126cm. The V8 also has a smaller bin than the V11, at just 0.14 gallons / 0.54 liters as opposed to 0.2 gallons / 0.75 liters. In practice this means you'll have to empty the V8's bin more often, which may be annoying depending on how big your space is. Both the V8 and V11 bins are easy to empty.

Another thing the V8 lacks when compared with newer models is that there's no way to attach tools to the main body of the vacuum when you're not using them; later models, including the V11, have handy clips.

• Winner: V11 – With its bigger bin, superior design and three suction modes, the newer model wins here.

Dyson V8 vs V11: performance

As the V8 is an older model, it doesn't have the suction power of newer models like the V11. Saying that, it is still plenty powerful enough for most people's needs, and our reviewer was very impressed by its cleaning prowess. The motorized direct-drive head was fantastic on carpets, and the Soft Roller (or Fluffy) tool did a great job on hard floors.

The V11 also impressed in our tests, where it was able to effectively pick up a range of spillages including oats and talcum powder, and was also effective at cleaning up pet hair. There were occasional blockages, but these were easy to fix thanks to the automatic alerts.

In terms of battery life, the V11 is the winner: it lasts 60 minutes in Eco mode, 12 minutes in Boost and our tester got 41 minutes out of it in Auto mode. This was enough for our tester to clean a four bedroom house, and the LCD screen shows up how much battery is left, adjusting according to which attachment is connected (as some drain the battery more than others). Charge time is fairly long, at four hours and 30 minutes from flat to full.

The V8 has an even longer five-hour charging time, and only lasts 40 minutes, or just seven minutes in Max setting. In practice, the Standard setting is enough for more clean-ups, and the V8 should last long enough to clean an average one-bedroom apartment.

• Winner: V11 – The newer model is more powerful, with a longer battery life and shorter charging time.

Dyson V8 vs V11 specs

Should you buy the Dyson V8 or V11?

Buy the V8 if...

Buy the V11 if...