Dyson Gen5Detect vs Gen5Outsize Cordless Vacuum Comparison

Dyson’s back with not one, but two new flagships — the Gen5 Detect and the Gen5 Outsize.

Both pack Dyson’s latest technology, but they’re built for very different users.

The Gen5 Outsize is designed for those who require upright-level capacity without the cord, while the Gen5 Detect retains the sleek, familiar frame of the V15 Detect.

So which one’s the smarter buy — the heavy hitter or the agile all-rounder? Let’s find out.

An Overview of the Dyson Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize

Disclosure: Cordless Vacuum Guide is reader-supported. That means if you click through our links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Think of it as your way of buying us a coffee for testing yet another vacuum (so you don’t have to).

Similarities Between the Dyson Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize

Despite their size difference, these two Dyson cordless vacuums share more in common than you might think.

1. Similar Tools

The Dyson Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize come with similar tools, including the torque screw tool, combination tool, and a redesigned crevice tool tucked inside the extension tube.

The Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize (at least the standard models on Amazon) have the same tools, including the combination tool, torque screw tool, and the redesigned two-in-one crevice tool tucked inside the extension tube.

2. LCD Display

The Dyson Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize use the same screen (and screen dimension) and button placement.

Another similarity between the Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize is the LCDs. Both use the same horizontally aligned bars that show how much of each debris type it picked up in real time.

One upgrade Dyson added is the text information that explains what each bar represents, which helps consumers understand what debris is being picked up.

Related: Dyson V12 vs. V15 vs. Gen5 Detect

3. HEPA Filter

These are filters of the Dyson Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize. Both use a HEPA rated filter.

These Dyson products feature a new HEPA-rated filter that provides 0.1-micron filtration, surpassing the standard filter. Please note that this upgrade has also been applied to other variants, such as the Dyson V15 and V8.

4. Fluffy Optic Nozzle

A snapshot of the Fluffy optic nozzles of the Dyson Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize.

Despite the size variance, the Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize utilize the same fluffy optic nozzle and feature a twice-brighter green laser, similar to the older V15 Detect.

This technology is another game-changing feature that helps consumers track dust inside their homes efficiently and maximize run time since it reveals dirt that an LED-equipped stick vacuum cannot.

5. Hygienic System

Since the Dyson V8 was released, all models have a hygienic system—a mechanism that helps push debris out of the dustbin.

It works for most debris types, except for extremely long hair strands, so it’s a heads-up, especially for pet owners, since hair is highly static and will stick to the inner walls.

6. Battery

Lastly, there is the detachable 2500 mAh lithium-ion battery, which is physically larger than the V15 version but has a lower milliamp rating.

The lower rating affects the runtime in the eco setting compared to the V15, but these models will run longer in the auto and max settings (more details in the runtime section).

One difference is that the Gen5 Outsize features two batteries, whereas the Gen5 Detect has only one.

It also has two chargers, enabling consumers to charge two batteries simultaneously.

Differences Between the Dyson Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize

Next, we’ll examine the differences, starting with the most obvious, the size difference.

1. Size

The Dyson Gen5 Outsize (left) is noticeably bulkier than the Gen5 Detect (right), and the size increase is aimed to improve dirt capacity.

There’s a considerable size difference between the standard Gen5 and Gen5 Outsize. All of it is focused on increasing the dustbin volume.

The Gen5 Outsize (more than) doubles the Gen5 volume at 1.89 liters, enabling it to hold more dirt without emptying it.

2. Dustbin Capacity

An overhead photo of the Dyson Gen5 Detect (top) and Gen5 Outsize (bottom). The latter has a longer body, more than doubling its receptacle capacity.

This overhead shot is a picture (pun intended) of the size difference, mainly with the dustbin container.

The Gen5 Outsize more than doubles the capacity of the Gen5 dustbin (1.89 vs 0.77 liters), allowing it to hold more dirt.

3. Digital MotorBar Nozzle

Another variance is the digital motorbar nozzle (Dyson’s fancy term for its latest standard brush roll).

The Gen5 and Gen5 Outsize have the same design, but the Outsize version is wider by almost three inches (12.8″, to be exact).

This broader design gives it more footprint and picks up more dirt per pass.

4. Weight

One factor that will sway your decision is the weight difference. The Gen5 Detect weighs 4 pounds and 15.7 ounces, while the Gen5 Outsize is almost a pound heavier at 5 pounds and 11.3 ounces without any tools.

This metric is crucial since it represents the weight of the handheld device.

One pound doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a significant amount for a cordless stick vacuum, considering most of its weight is concentrated on top.

Ergonomic Comparison

The weight difference is a key factor in distinguishing between the Dyson Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize.

As I’ve said, since most of its weight is on top, every ounce will matter for these products.

And this weight is more significant in its handheld configuration, where the Gen5 Detect offers better usability.

Interface Comparison

There’s no difference between the displays of the Gen5 and Gen5 Outsize. Both have the latest interface with horizontal bars and the run-time status below it.

Another similarity is the button placement – the red power and gray mode toggle switches.

Run Time Comparison

I tested the run time of these vacuums by running them until they shut off from full charge, and here are the results.

While the Gen5 Detect was slightly better in the lowest setting, the Gen5 Outsize wins this category since it runs longer in both the auto setting and the max setting on carpets.

The clincher, for me, is the second battery and charger, which doubles the range and allows consumers to charge two batteries simultaneously.

Airflow Comparison

I used an anemometer to measure airflow, which is a good indicator (usually) of cleaning performance.

There is little variance between the Gen5 and Gen5 Outsize in the eco and auto settings, but a notable 10% difference exists in the boost (or max) setting.

This variance isn’t significant for premium cordless stick vacuums, as both excel at picking up debris.

Cleaning Comparison

I tested the Gen5 and Gen5 Outsize on various debris types, including Quaker oats, quinoa, pet litter, coffee grounds, and sand – here are the results.

Both were highly efficient at picking up debris, especially the Gen5 Outsize, which got a perfect 100% in all the experiments. This is notable since the older Outsize model also achieved the same feat.

One reason (I think) is the high suction at the boost setting that I used in spurts during the tests.

The wider 12.6″ nozzle is also a factor since it covers more ground per pass.

Which Option is Better on Hard Floors?

While the Gen5 and Gen5 Outsize are efficient, the latter achieved 100% pick up across the board on this surface, even with the hard-to-clean sand.

Here’s the before-and-after shot for the Gen5 Outsize.

And the Gen5 Detect.

The Dyson Gen5 Detect picked up most of the sand on hard floors.

It picked up debris proficiently, even in the auto setting, and didn’t scatter as much debris forward.

Edge Cleaning

One thing that’s consistent with these products is their efficiency at picking up dirt in this area.

Both needed only a few passes to pick up everything. First, here’s a before-and-after shot for the Gen5 Outsize.

And the Gen5 Detect.

Hair Wrap [on Hard Floors]

The Dyson Gen5 Detect was better on this surface, picking up a higher percentage than the Gen5 Outsize.

It got 100% in five, seven, and nine-inch hair. However, hair wrapping on the axles is one issue that plagues both options.

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

You don’t see any visible hair on the roller, as most of it is located on the axles.

The Gen5 Outsize was worse.

• 5-inch strands: 100%
• 7-inch strands: 66%
• 9-inch strands: 100%
• 11-inch strands: 100%
• 12-inch strands: 92%

It was perfect in the five-, nine-, and eleven-inch hair but struggled with seven-inch strands.

Again, the issue remains – hair wrapping on the axles. If hair gets anywhere close, it is almost sure to wrap, so it’s a heads-up.

Which is Better on Carpets?

Again, the Gen5 Outsize is the better option on this surface, as it achieved higher averages – essentially a perfect score.

It was superb on the surface and embedded dirt, getting 100% on all the tests.

The wider nozzle helps vacuum more debris per pass, thus making it more efficient.

Hair Wrap [on Carpets]

While the Gen5 Detect was better on hard floors, getting a higher percentage, both options were excellent on this surface.

The high airflow, combined with the chunky brush with protrusions and combs, helps it resist tangles.

Here are the after shots of the Dyson Gen5 Detect after testing it on five-, seven-, nine-, eleven-, and twelve-inch hair.

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

These photos demonstrate that the Gen5 Detect is proficient at detecting even the finest hair strands. Please note that I used more than 1 gram of hair in some of the tests, and there’s no massive chunk of hair wrapping on the brush.

Here are the results for the Gen5 Outsize.

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

The Gen5 Outsize was equally efficient, getting a 100% score on all the tests. Again, these are from a high quantity of hair (1+ grams), you won’t have to deal with daily.

These are excellent alternatives if you have any pets and need a cordless vacuum to clean hair on carpet or upholstery.

Noise Comparison

I’ll admit — I assumed the Gen5 Outsize would be the louder of the two, given its size. Turns out, I was wrong.

It’s actually quieter across all settings, both by the numbers and by the good old-fashioned ear test.

Not too surprising, though — the Gen5 Detect runs at a higher air watt rating (262 vs. 250), which helps explain the difference.

Must Read If You Own a Dyson

Just bought a Dyson or thinking about getting one? You’ll want to bookmark these. From cleaning hacks to maintenance guides, these articles will help you get the most out of your Dyson — and maybe even keep it from dying an early death.

• Before you buy a Dyson, Read This! Common Issues You May Not Know About
• 6 Dyson Cordless Vacuums That Run For Over an Hour
• Dyson Maintenance

Product Specifications

Where Can You Purchase These Dyson Products?

You can find both the Dyson Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize at major online retailers like Amazon. I’ve included links below so you can check the latest prices — and maybe catch a deal before it disappears.

• Dyson Gen5 Detect on Amazon
• Dyson Gen5 Outsize on Amazon

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 is Better?

Deciding between the Gen5 Detect and Outsize depends on whether you need the extra capacity and battery.

The Gen5 Detect is the better ergonomic alternative, as it’s lighter and offers improved usability. In contrast, the Gen5 Outsize has a greater capacity and range, thanks to its two batteries.

5 Reasons to Choose the Dyson Gen5 Detect

1. Cheaper option: The standard Gen5 is a few hundred dollars cheaper.
2. Lighter: There’s close to a one-pound difference between the Gen5 and Gen5 Outsize, which is significant for a cordless stick vacuum.
3. Better handheld usability: The lighter frame makes it the better option if you use it extensively above floors.
4. Efficient debris pick up: It was highly efficient at cleaning surface and embedded dirt.
5. Minimal hair tangles: Pet owners should consider the Gen5 Detect because it picked up a high percentage of hair, especially on carpets and upholstery.

4 Reasons to Choose the Dyson Gen5 Outsize

1. More capacity: The Gen5 Outsize (more than) doubles the Gen5 Detect dustbin volume at 1.89 liters.
2. Longer run time: Its second battery doubles the Gen5 Detect run time.
3. Excellent cleaning performance: This variant scored perfectly in the cleaning tests (Quaker oats, sand, quinoa, pet litter, and coffee grounds).
4. Less noisy: It was noticeably quieter in all the noise experiments using both nozzles.

The Verdict: Do You Value Capacity Or Ergonomics?

The Dyson Gen5 Outsize and Gen5 Detect are similar products but target different consumers.

Both are excellent at vacuuming dirt, including long strands of hair, on various surfaces (such as carpets and hard floors), so cleaning performance shouldn’t be your primary deciding factor.

However, the run time, capacity, and price should be.

The Dyson Gen5 Outsize is more expensive because it features a larger dustbin and includes a second battery and charger, which contribute to the additional costs.

If you don’t need the extra capacity, go for the Gen5 Detect and purchase the second battery separately.

However, if dustbin volume is a high priority and you don’t mind the extra weight or cost for the cordless convenience, the Gen5 Outsize is an excellent option.