Dyson Gen5Detect vs Gen5Outsize Cordless Vacuum Comparison

This article will compare Dyson’s latest releases – the Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize.

These models have Dyson’s latest technology, but these have different target consumers.

The Gen5 Outsize is designed for folks looking for a cordless vacuum with an upright capacity, while the Gen5 Detect retains almost the exact dimensions as the previous flagship, the V15 Detect.

Which option is better? We’ll find out in this article.

An Overview of the Dyson Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize

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Similarities Between the Dyson Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize

Despite the size difference, there are a lot of similarities between these Dyson cordless vacuums.

1. Similar Tools

The Dyson Gen5 Detect and Gen5 5 Outsize come with similar tools, namely the torque screw tool, combination tool, and the 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 too, 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 of what each bar represents, which helps consumers understand what debris is 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 have the new HEPA-rated filter that provides a 0.1-micron filtration, better than the standard filter. Please note that this upgrade has also trickled down to other variants like 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 use the same fluffy optic nozzle with the same twice-as-bright green laser as 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 Dyson released the Dyson V8, all models have a hygienic system – a mechanism that helps push debris out of the dustbin.

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

6. Battery

Lastly is the detachable 2500 mAh lithium-ion battery that is physically larger than the V15 version but has a small milliamp rating.

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

One difference is that the Gen5 Outsize has two batteries, while the Gen5 Detect only has 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 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 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 handheld weight.

One pound doesn’t sound much, but it’s a lot for a cordless stick vacuum since most of it is on top.

Ergonomic Comparison

The weight difference is a deciding factor 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 of a factor in its handheld configuration, where the Gen5 Detect has 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 better in the lowest setting by a smidge, the Gen5 Outsize wins this category since it runs longer in the auto setting and the max setting on carpets.

The clincher, for me, is the second battery and charger, doubling the range and allowing consumers to charge two batteries simultaneously.

Airflow Comparison

I used an anemometer to check airflow, which is a good barometer (usually) for cleaning performance.

There isn’t much variance between the Gen5 and Gen5 Outsize in the eco and auto settings, but there is around a 10% difference in the boost (or max) setting.

This variance isn’t much for premium cordless stick vacuums since both are excellent at picking up debris.

Cleaning Comparison

I tested the Gen5 and Gen5 Outsize on different debris types like 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 got 100% across the board on this surface, even with 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 since most of it is 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 certain to wrap, so it’s a heads-up.

Which is Better on Carpets?

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

It was superb on 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 show that the Gen5 Detect is proficient at picking up even long 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

One misconception I had before testing these products is that the Gen5 Outsize was noisier, but that’s not the case.

It was noticeably quieter in all the settings with the numbers and the ear-test.

These results aren’t surprising given that the Gen5 Detect has a higher air watt rating (262 vs. 250).

Product Specifications

Where Can You Purchase These Dyson Products?

Consumers can purchase the Dyson Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.

• 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 since it’s lighter, offering better usability, while the Gen5 Outsize has more capacity and range, thanks to the 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, even long strands of hair on various surfaces (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 since it uses a larger dustbin and has a second battery and charger, factoring into 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.