Dyson Gen5 Detect vs. V15 Detect

Dyson recently unveiled its latest cordless vacuum, the Gen5 series, namely the Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize, with some eye-opening upgrades that help users clean their homes more efficiently.

But these upgrades come at a significant price premium. How does the Gen5 Detect compare to the V15 Detect? Are these upgrades worth the few hundred dollars you’ll need to spend?

I’ve tested these vacuums extensively to find out.

An Overview of the Dyson Gen5 Detect and V15 Detect

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Introduction to the Dyson Gen5 Detect and V15 Detect

Dyson continues to push the boundaries of cordless vacuum technology with the new Gen5 series, introducing several new features that help consumers clean their homes more proficiently.

However, are these upgrades worth the added cost?

To help you decide, let’s look at the data gathered from the various experiments.

Ground Breaking Cordless Technology: Dyson Gen5 Detect

Pros

• 24% more suction than the V15 Detect (unsealed test)
• Extended run time in the auto and boost settings
• HEPA filtration
• No more trigger
• The new fluffy optic nozzle is twice as bright as the V15 Detect laser slim head
• Capable of deep cleaning carpet (even in the auto setting)
• A superb alternative for cleaning long hair (especially on upholster and carpet)

Cons

• Smaller rated battery capacity (2500 mAh vs. 3600 mAh)
• Expensive
• Noisy (almost 90 decibels)
• Heavier body

Dyson takes the V15 Detect features a step further with the Gen5 Detect.

It has the latest digital motor, redesigned in-house, with more power and efficiency, and can handle 20% more power.

The suction test supports this claim since the Gen5 Detect had 22% more in the unsealed test and 14% more in the sealed experiment.

However, this improvement didn’t translate to higher airflow, as the Gen5 Detect had less, except for the boost setting (at the wand).

Watch this video for my full review of the Dyson Gen5 Detect on YouTube.

These results are reflected in the cleaning test scores as there isn’t very little difference with the numbers.

One potential deciding factor is the new fluffy laser nozzle that’s twice as bright as the V15 Detect, revealing even more dust particles.

Another reason to consider the Gen5 Detect is the push-button switch since Dyson did away with the trigger, thus improving ergonomics.

So, whether to upgrade to the Gen5 Detect will depend on how high you’ll value these upgrades – if these are necessary.

Premium Features at a Discounted Cost: Dyson V15 Detect

Pros

• Huge price drop with the Gen5 release
• Excellent at cleaning long hair
• Runs for over 84 minutes in the eco setting
• Tracks dust efficiently with its laser slim roller
• More tools than the Gen5 Detect
• Lighter frame (slightly better ergonomics)

Cons

• Trigger can be tiring to use
• Still pricey
• Noisy, especially in the max setting

The Gen5 Detect’s release has brought the V15 Detect price down significantly, which is excellent news for consumers.

However, the price drop doesn’t change the V15 Detect’s performance, which is a significant jump over the V11 (at least in the max setting).

Watch this video to see my detailed review on YouTube.

Despite the Gen5’s release, the V15 still is one of the best-performing cordless vacuums, especially on carpet.

It’s the first Dyson cordless vacuum with the Piezo sensor that measures debris size and shows how much of each type is picked up through a screen behind the motor.

However, it uses the same trigger as older Dyson products, so it can be tiring to use for extended periods.

Nonetheless, the price drop from the Gen5 Detect release makes it a more compelling option, given its efficient cleaning performance and range.

Similarities of the Dyson Gen5 Detect and V15 Detect

First, we’ll examine the similarities between these premium Dyson cordless vacuums.

1. Horizontal Dustbin Configuration

The most obvious similarity is the dustbin alignment since the Gen5 and V15 Detect utilize the same horizontal configuration Dyson started using when it unveiled the V10.

There’s no variance in the dirt volume since both have a 0.77 liter capacity.

Both have the same red lever to push debris out when emptying.

2. Detachable Battery

The Dyson Gen5 and V15 Detect have detachable batteries, making them easy to replace since there are no bolts to unfasten.

Do you need a longer run time? Purchase an extra battery, or opt for the Gen5 Outsize with two batteries.

3. Floor Specific Nozzles

Another similarity between the Gen5 and V15 Detect is both come with floor-specific cleaner heads for vacuuming hard floors and carpets.

Each model has its name (e.g., laser slim roller, fluffy optic, etc.), but these are just fancy terms for the soft roller and standard nozzles.

Dyson started using the slim roller attachment in the V15 Detect, which I like since it will fit under low clearance areas better than the older, chunky, fluffy roller.

Differences Between the Dyson Gen5 Detect and V15 Detect

1. Screen Design

While the Gen5 and V15 Detect have interactive screens, their designs vary.

One difference is the bar orientation. The Gen5 Detect was aligned horizontally and showed a text description of what each size represented, which is a nice touch.

The V15 Detect screen shows vertical bar graphs with the corresponding debris sizes and the amount of debris picked up.

2. Filter

The Dyson Gen5 Detect uses a larger HEPA filter that can capture (up to) 0.1 microns, while the V15 Detect uses a standard filter with a 0.3 micron rating.

Both have sealed dustbins that didn’t leak during the fog test, proving these cordless vacuums have a good enough seal to keep particles inside.

3. Power Switch

Dyson is slowly replacing the trigger with a push-button switch. The first model with this feature I saw was the Omni-Glide, then the Micro 1.5KG and V12 Detect.

This trend continues with the Gen5 Detect, with the red button above the screen. There’s no button to squeeze a trigger to use the vacuum, which was the case for the V15 Detect.

4. Laser Brightness

Dyson pioneered the green laser in the V15 Detect, and it’s (and still is) one of the best tools I’ve used for tracking dust.

Update: Mar 6, 2024: I’ve gotten a comment in one of my YouTube reviews.

I did some digging, and it turns out that newer Dyson V15 releases come with the Gen5 laser nozzle with the twice-as-bright laser, making the V15 Detect a more enticing option. If you’re purchasing it locally, double-check with the merchant to see if the V15 comes with it.

I could verify that the V15S Submarine has the newer tool, so consider that variant if you need the mopping feature.

However, the Gen5 takes it a step further since it’s twice as bright, revealing even more particles invisible to the naked eye.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison. You can see how much more illumination the Gen5 Detect nozzle emits.

5. Tools

One downside with the Gen5 Detect is it has fewer tools than the V15 – only three above-floor tools aside from the cleaning heads.

1. Fluffy Optic cleaner head
2. Digital Motorbar cleaner head
3. Combination tool
4. Torque screw tool
5. Extension tube
6. Two-in-one crevice/brush tool (stored in extension tube)
7. Charger
8. Dyson Gen5 Detect unit

However, it has a new two-in-one crevice tool neatly tucked inside the extension tube, giving consumers easier access.

The V15 Detect has more tools – three more above-floor tools than the Gen5 Detect.

1. High torque cleaning head
2. Slim roller attachment
3. Wall mountable dock
4. Extension tube
5. Crevice tool
6. Hair screw tool
7. Wand clip
8. Flexible extension hose
9. Soft dusting brush
10. Combination tool
11. Charger

Ergonomic Comparison

The Dyson V15 Detect wins this category because of the Gen5 Detect’s added weight with its heavier battery.

The Gen5 Detect unit weighs 4 pounds and 15.7 ounces, a few ounces heavier than the V15 Detect, which weighs 4 pounds and 8.4 ounces.

Even if 7.5 ounces doesn’t sound like a lot, it matters for cordless vacuums, especially if you’re using these machines for vacuuming upholstery.

Interface Comparison

There are subtle differences between the Dyson Gen5 Detect and V15 Detect screen (or interface – it’s just a fancy term).

Dyson tweaked the design, showing horizontal bar graphs instead of vertical graphs on the V15.

Another add-on is it shows a text description of what each size represents.

Run Time Comparison

Before testing the Gen5 Detect, I hoped it would break the 90-minute barrier since Dyson increased the claimed run time to 70 minutes.

Historically, it had outperformed the 60-minute claim by more than 20 minutes, which was the case for the V15 Detect, but that wasn’t the case for the Gen5 Detect.

It only lasted (a little) over 80 minutes in eco mode using the soft roller tool – a 4-minute drop from the V15 Detect.

Nonetheless, I like the Gen5 Detect better since it runs longer in the auto setting – over 46 minutes on hard floors and 22 minutes on carpets.

The latter is almost three minutes more than the V15 Detect, allowing consumers to clean a larger area without recharging.

It also runs longer in the boost (or max) setting, but the difference isn’t as much as in auto.

Airflow/Suction Power Comparison

I tested the Gen5 and V15 Detect’s airflow and suction to check if Dyson’s claims were accurate.

They were right with the suction part since the Gen5 Detect was better in the sealed and unsealed tests.

• Unsealed: 28″ of water lift
• Sealed: 75″ of water lift

It’s a twenty-two and fourteen percent increase over the V15 Detect.

• Unsealed: 22″ of water lift
• Sealed: 65″ of water lift

However, the increased suction didn’t translate to high airflow, as the V15 Detect got higher results in nearly all the tests (except one).

This was a disappointment for me since Dyson advertised this to be their most powerful cordless vacuum.

But that didn’t translate with the cleaning experiments we’ll examine below.

Cleaning Comparison

The cleaning results for these cordless vacuums are (really) close – somewhat validating the airflow experiments.

Both were excellent in every facet of cleaning, on surface and embedded dirt, showing the efficiency of the nozzles.

Which is Better on Hard Floors?

There’s a slight variance with the Gen5 and V15 when vacuuming this surface.

However, I’d give the slight edge to the V15 since it was better at cleaning sand, getting a 99.8% average compared to the Gen5’s 99.56% score.

The higher airflow in the lowest setting could be why the Gen5 picked up less.

Nonetheless, these vacuums were efficient, getting most of the sand with minimal passes.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend either for cleaning this debris type.

Hair Wrap [on Hard Floors]

Another strength of the Gen5 and V15 Detect is both are excellent at cleaning hair, even long strands on hard floors.

The Gen5 Detect scored better, picking up a higher percentage in the twelve-inch experiment.

Nothing wrapped on the roller in all the experiments.

• 5-inch hair: 100%
• 7-inch hair: 100%
• 9-inch hair: 100%
• 11-inch hair: 97%
• 12-inch hair: 86%

The V15 Detect was also above average, but you can see hair wrapped on the roller in the twelve-inch test.

• 5-inch: 100%
• 7-inch: 100%
• 9-inch: 100%
• 11-inch: 100%
• 12-inch: 80.6%

The V15 was (actually) better in the eleven-inch test, getting a 100% score, but the 80.6% and the hair wrapped on the roller isn’t ideal.

One issue with both cordless vacuums is hair wrapping on the axles.

Here’s hair on the Gen5 axle where the motor sits.

And hair on the V15 nozzle on the opposite side.

Edge Cleaning Comparison

The Gen5 and V15 were excellent at cleaning this area efficiently, needing only a few passes to pick up every crumb of coffee grounds I scattered.

Here’s a before and after shot for the V15.

And the Gen5 Detect.

Which Option is Better on Carpets?

Again, it’s very close, but the edge goes to the V15 since it picked up more surface dirt (100% vs. 99.9%).

The Gen5 and V15 got 100% in the deep cleaning tests and were excellent at cleaning embedded sand, even in the auto setting.

However, the Gen5 Detect wasn’t perfect, getting 100% in two tests and 99.1% in the other, which is pretty darn good for a cordless vacuum.

Hair Wrap [on Carpet]

This is where it gets fun for the Gen5 and V15 – superb hair pick up on this surface, thanks to the combs and high airflow.

Both got a perfect 100% in all the experiments.

Here’s the Gen5 Detect results.

• 5-inch hair: 100%
• 7-inch hair: 100%
• 9-inch hair: 100%
• 11-inch hair: 100%
• 12-inch hair: 100%

And the V15 Detect results.

• 5-inch hair: 100%
• 7-inch hair: 100%
• 9-inch hair: 100%
• 11-inch hair: 100%
• 12-inch hair: 100%

You can see very minimal amounts of hair on the brush. I counted these as 100% because I scattered more than 1 gram of hair, and these strands will be picked up in the subsequent passes.

If you need to clean pet hair on carpet, I won’t hesitate to recommend these vacuums.

One issue with these is hair will stick on the inner wall, which is a common issue even with other brands.

Noise Comparison

One casualty of the increased Gen5 Detect suction is the higher noise levels.

I used a sound meter to measure noise using both nozzles, and here are the results.

The Gen5 Detect is even noisier than the V15, eclipsing the 70-decibel mark in nearly all the experiments except one (and was nearly 70 in that one test).

It was even louder using the standard nozzle, exceeding 80 decibels in two tests. So that’s the cost of a more powerful motor.

Product Specifications

Where Can I Purchase These Cordless Vacuums?

The Dyson Gen5 and V15 Detect are available in online stores like Amazon. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.

• Dyson Gen5 Detect on Amazon
• Dyson V15 Detect on Amazon and Walmart

Disclaimer: I will earn a commission if you click on any of the links above, but at no extra cost, so it’s a win-win for us!

Which Option Offers the Better Value?

Despite Dyson’s upgrades in the Gen5 Detect, its high cost will be a huge stumbling block for consumers considering it.

You must need (or want) the new features to consider spending over $800 for a cordless vacuum.

The V15 Detect offers the same efficient cleaning performance for much less without the added convenience of a push-button switch or the brighter laser.

5 Reasons to Consider the Dyson Gen5 Detect

1. Brighter laser: The Gen5 Detect’s fluffy laser nozzle is twice as bright as the V15 laser slim roller, revealing more dust particles.
2. No more trigger: Another change is the absence of the trigger, which is replaced by a push button switch. Therefore, squeezing it won’t be a requirement to use this vacuum.
3. HEPA filter: Do you have allergies? The Gen5 Detect now has a HEPA filter with a 0.1-micron rating.
4. New crevice tool: There’s no need to carry an extra tool when cleaning upholstery since the new two-in-one crevice attachment is stored inside the extension tube.
5. Extended run time: This cordless vacuum will run further in the auto setting (over 46 minutes on hard floors and over 22 minutes on carpet).

4 Reasons to Consider the Dyson V15 Detect

1. Cheaper: The Gen5 release makes the V15 Detect price closer to the mid-level range. Not yet, but close to it.
2. Efficient cleaning: Even with the Gen5 Detect’s improved suction, the V15 Detect got higher averages in the cleaning experiments.
3. Lighter: It has a (slightly) lighter frame, giving it better ergonomics in its handheld configuration.
4. More tools: You’ll get more tools out of the box while spending less.

The Verdict: The V15 Detect Offers Better Value

Unfortunately, the upgrades in the Gen5 Detect didn’t translate to better cleaning performance, as the V15 Detect got higher averages.

This was my ultimate deciding factor between these premium-level cordless stick vacuums.

The V15’s higher airflow is a factor in why it got higher cleaning test scores, but it was close.

Therefore, it’s hard for me to recommend a costlier alternative if the older model picks up more dirt unless you want (or need) the new features.

Do you need the brighter, fluffy nozzle? Or the push-button switch? Or the HEPA filtration?

If the answer is yes, then strongly consider the Dyson Gen5 Detect.