One of the most significant pain points for cordless vacuum owners is run time. Nothing kills cleaning momentum faster than watching your vacuum die halfway through the job — especially when you’ve only got one room left.
To take the guesswork out of it, I tested several Dyson cordless vacuums to find out which ones can actually go the distance — over an hour on a single charge.
All tests were conducted using the lowest power setting with either a soft roller or a non-powered tool to maximize battery life. Of course, expect shorter runtimes on carpet — friction is a battery’s worst enemy.
Here’s the ranked list, starting with the close contenders and ending with the longest-lasting Dyson of them all.
Disclaimer: These results are based on tests from a full charge to empty — so think of them as a best-case scenario. Over time, battery wear and user habits (like leaving it on max all the time) will shorten run time. Use these numbers as a reference, not a guarantee. Make sure to read the detailed review to see the complete results.
7. Dyson V10 — 59+ Minutes
While not technically over an hour, the Dyson V10 came very close to the one-hour mark. It lasted just over 59 minutes in my test, making it a solid option if you don’t mind skimming that one-minute margin.
One downside of this model is that it lacks a detachable battery, so once the battery runs out, you can’t use the vacuum while it’s recharging.
6. Dyson V12 Detect — 63 Minutes
The V12 Detect clocked in at 63 minutes using the Laser Slim nozzle. Some V12 Detect variants come with two detachable batteries, which can potentially provide over two hours of total runtime. It’s an excellent choice for small to medium-sized homes.
5. Dyson V11 Torque Drive — ~75 Minutes
The V11 Torque Drive lasted nearly 75 minutes using the Torque Drive nozzle on hard floors. However, this nozzle is best suited for carpet, thanks to its bristled attachment.
The V11 model, at least those sold in North America, doesn’t have a soft roller attachment.
4. Dyson Gen5 Outsize — ~80 Minutes
With the Laser Slim roller attached, the Gen5 Outsize ran for nearly 80 minutes. Even more impressive: if you buy a version that includes two batteries, you can get up to 160 minutes of continuous cleaning.
3. Dyson Gen5 Detect — 80 Minutes, 13 Seconds
Slightly edging out the Gen5 Outsize, the Gen5 Detect lasted 80 minutes and 13 seconds using the Laser Slim roller.
2. Dyson V15 Detect — 84 Minutes, 19 Seconds
The V15 Detect outperformed both Gen5 models, running 84 minutes and 19 seconds with the Laser Slim roller. It remains one of Dyson’s most popular models, thanks to its strong suction, intelligent display, and extended battery life.
1. Dyson Outsize (First Generation) — 85+ Minutes
Topping the list is the original Dyson Outsize. With the standard nozzle attached, it lasted over 85 minutes in my test, making it the longest-lasting Dyson cordless vacuum in this roundup.
Again, the 85-minute figure is one hard floor. If you’re using it on carpet, the time decreases to 64 minutes on the lowest setting, which is still over an hour but 20 minutes shorter.
Final Thoughts
If battery life is a top priority, any of these Dyson models will give you excellent run time, especially when paired with a soft roller or used on hard flooring. For larger homes, consider models with dual battery options to double your cleaning time without needing to recharge.
Please let me know in the comments which Dyson vacuum you’re using and how long it lasts in your real-world use.
