Is it worth it?
In the crowded world of cordless stick vacuums, the Dyson V8 stands out by promising powerful suction, HEPA filtration and pet-friendly tools in a lightweight package. If you juggle carpets, hardwood floors and upholstery — especially with pets shedding or kids dropping crumbs — this review will walk you through real-world tests to help you decide whether the V8 deserves a spot in your cleaning arsenal.
We spent weeks living with the V8, from unpacking to daily cleanups and deep-pile carpet challenges. Spoiler alert: if you need more than 40 minutes of runtime or a larger dustbin, you may want to look elsewhere; otherwise, read on for detailed observations and recommendations.
Specifications
| Brand | Dyson |
| Model | V8 |
| Battery | 40 minutes |
| Power | 500 watts |
| Weight | 5.6 lbs |
| Filtration | HEPA |
| Charge time | 5 hours |
| Noise | 80 dB. |
| User Score | 4.7 ⭐ (8 reviews) |
| Price | approx. 350$ Check 🛒 |
Key Features
Motorbar Cleaner Head
This powered brush bar, Dyson’s flagship tool, combines stiff nylon bristles and anti-tangle fins to deep-clean carpets and hard floors at once. It rotates at high speed to dislodge embedded dust, while the anti-tangle design keeps pet hair from wrapping around the axle.
In practice, this means you can glide from tile to wool rug without swapping heads. The all-in-one action saves time, and it’s particularly effective on loop-pile carpets where other vacuums bog down.
Hair Screw Tool
Featuring a conical bristle spiral, this attachment draws long strands of pet and human hair deep into the bin without jams. It’s engineered to feed hair away from the bristles and into the vacuum’s core.
For pet owners or long-haired households, it eliminates the classic brush-bar wrap problem. Used on upholstery, it effortlessly removes embedded hair from dog beds and car seats.
Two Power Modes
The V8 offers standard and MAX modes. Standard balances suction and runtime for everyday cleaning, while MAX unleashes full motor speed for stubborn dirt. Switching is a single trigger press.
This design lets you conserve battery during routine tasks, then call on extra power for ground-in messes. I used standard mode for floors and MAX for high-traffic rugs, optimizing cleaning without guessing.
Whole-Machine Filtration
Dyson’s sealed HEPA system traps 99.99% of particles down to 0.3 microns, including pollen and pet dander. Every component is sealed end-to-end, so all expelled air is cleaner than room air.
Allergy sufferers notice a real difference: after cleaning, surfaces stay dust-free longer and air feels fresher. It’s especially reassuring for families with respiratory sensitivities.
Convertible Design
With a click, the stick transforms into a handheld vacuum for stairs, car detailing or above-floor chores. Attach any tool to the handheld body without missing a beat.
This flexibility means you’re never hunting for a separate handheld unit. I cleaned ceiling corners, vents and car interiors using the same machine, saving storage space and setup time.
Firsthand Experience
Unboxing felt premium and efficient. The V8 arrived partially charged – enough to test the Motorbar™ cleaner head right away. At under six pounds, it felt notably lighter than my old upright. Docking it on the wall mount was straightforward; I appreciated Dyson’s clear instructions and solid mounting hardware.
On first use across tile, hardwood and low-pile carpet, transitions were seamless. The Motorbar™ head spun at consistent speed, grabbing fine dust and larger debris without stalling. In “Power” mode, suction was more than adequate for daily touch-ups; I only switched to “MAX” on stubborn carpet fringes.
After a week of daily use in a two-dog household, pet hair remained the V8’s forte. The hair-screw tool zipped through tangled fur on dog beds and sofa crevices in seconds. I noticed my partner’s asthma attacks decreased, confirming the HEPA system’s effect in capturing allergens.
Battery life held up close to Dyson’s 40-minute claim in standard mode; I averaged 35 minutes cleaning three rooms. In MAX mode, runtime dropped to around seven minutes — enough for a quick spot-treatment. Recharging took roughly five hours, so I left it docked overnight and never ran out mid-task.
Maintenance was pleasantly low-effort. Emptying the bin is a single, hygienic lever motion with no dust cloud. The washable filter, after three weeks, still looked nearly white following Dyson’s recommended rinse-and-air-dry routine. No clogging issues, thanks to wide open intake pathways.
Pros and Cons
Customer Reviews
Customer feedback clusters around powerful suction, ease of use and pet hair performance — with a few caveats on battery life and missing parts. Here’s a snapshot of opinions from verified buyers:
I love how it glides across carpets and hardwood without losing suction
Sturdy build and powerful suction, but battery life could be longer.
A magic wand for dog hair on stairs and carpets, though I had to troubleshoot a clog at first.
Lightweight and versatile, perfect for daily quick clean-ups, especially with pets and kids around.
Missing the advertised hair screw tool, returned the set in frustration.
Comparison
Compared to the Dyson V10, the V8 offers slightly less suction power and a shorter runtime, but it’s noticeably lighter and more affordable. If you don’t need marathon-length cleaning sessions, the V8 hits a sweet spot between performance and portability.
Against its predecessor, the V7, the V8 delivers stronger suction, a larger bin and improved HEPA filtration. Runtime jumps from 30 to 40 minutes in standard mode, making the upgrade worthwhile for many users.
In the broader market of cordless vacuums, brands like Shark and Tineco offer similar runtimes and attachments at a lower price, but often compromise on filtration or tangle-free cleaning. The V8’s sealed HEPA system and hair-screw tool set it apart for pet-heavy homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does the battery last on a full charge?
- About 35–40 minutes in standard mode and 7–10 minutes in MAX mode.
- Can I wash the filter?
- Yes, Dyson recommends rinsing the filter at least once a month under cold water and air-drying for 24 hours.
- Is it suitable for pet hair?
- Absolutely, the Motorbar™ head and hair-screw tool excel at picking up long pet hair without tangles.
- Does it stand on its own when un-docked?
- No, it needs to be mounted or laid flat to prevent tipping.
Conclusion
The Dyson V8 stands out for its balanced mix of power, weight and versatility, making it ideal for pet owners and busy households that need a nimble yet effective cleaner. However, if you require longer MAX mode sessions or a larger dustbin, you might explore higher-end Dyson models or competing brands with greater capacity.
Priced in the mid-range for premium stick vacuums, the V8 delivers solid HEPA filtration and reliable performance for its class. Check current deals — you may find bundles with extra batteries or accessories that boost its already strong value proposition.