Dyson Micro 1.5KG vs V8

In this comparison, we’ll examine two Dyson variants from different eras: the 1.5KG Micro and the V8 Absolute.

These two models represent Dyson’s product development in various stages.

The V8 was Dyson’s first with the hygienic system, simplifying the process of dirt disposal.

In comparison, the Micro 1.5KG is a downsized hard floor stick vacuum that prioritizes weight reduction over bells and whistles.

So which option is better? I’ve put these two through a grueling series of tests to find out.

Airflow tests were done using an anemometer on the extension tube and nozzle.

I used 100 grams of sand for the hard floor test to measure how well it picks up sand. I did this experiment twice to get a more accurate result.

Introduction to the Dyson Micro 1.5KG and V8 Absolute

Dyson cordless vacuum products have evolved through the years. The Dyson V8 was a significant upgrade over the V6 and its first with a hygienic system.

Fast forward five years, Dyson unveiled the Micro 1.5KG, their second hard floor vacuum after the Omni Glide.

It utilizes a similar form factor, but with a horizontally aligned dustbin, you’ll see next-generation Dyson cordless vacuums.

Dyson focused on weight reduction with the Micro, thus, removing all the electronic gadgetry found in the V11 and V15 options.

Mid-Priced All-Around Option: Dyson V8 Absolute

Pros

• Decent all-around option on hard floors and carpet
• Above-average deep cleaning performance
• Lightweight steering (esp the soft roller)
• The hygienic dustbin is easy to empty
• Fully-sealed system

Cons

• Still expensive
• The battery isn’t detachable

The Dyson V8 was launched in 2016 and fixed the issues plaguing the V6, particularly with dirt disposal.

This variant is Dyson’s first cordless vacuum with a hygienic system, helping consumers dispose of debris without touching it.

Dyson also improved its battery technology and nozzles, which perform better than those of the older V6.

The larger capacity battery helps it run longer (up to 41 minutes with suction-only tools). And the larger motor does a decent job of deep cleaning the carpet.

There are various variants of the V8, aside from the Absolute model.

These include the following:

• V8 Fluffy
• V8 MotorHead
• V8 Animal+

Please note that these models have the same motor and battery, so cleaning performance should be similar.

The difference between these options is the attachments and filter inclusions.

Lightweight Hard Floor Vacuum: Dyson Micro 1.5KG

Pros

• Extremely lightweight design
• Excellent performance on hard floors
• Great around tight areas
• Easy to empty
• Better as a handheld option than the V8 because of its weight

Cons

• Not very good at cleaning embedded dirt on carpet
• Lacks tools for above-floor cleaning
• Small dustbin

The Micro 1.5KG is a slight detour for Dyson.

Ever since the V11 came out, Dyson products have become increasingly technologically advanced, from the V11’s interactive LCD screen to the V15’s green LED-equipped nozzle and piezo sensor.

But with the Micro, there’s none of the high-tech stuff.

Everything is basic. There are no screens or advanced sensors.

Dyson stripped everything out to make it as light as possible.

It has one feature that many consumers have clamored for years: a push-button switch.

The 1.5KG Dyson used in its branding is this product’s actual weight.

I weighed it without any attachments, and it weighs 2 pounds and 0.9 ounces, which is the lightest I’ve tested.

And that’s Micro’s biggest selling point, its lightweight frame.

Add the narrow nozzle and steering, one of the best steering stick vacuums available (outside the Omni Glide).

Similarities of the Dyson Micro 1.5KG and V8

1. Form Factor

The Micro and V8 share a similar form factor, despite their apparent size difference.

Both feature the traditional Dyson stick vacuum frame, with the motor and dustbin positioned close to the handle.

2. Hygienic System

These vacuums employ Dyson’s hygienic system, where consumers use a level to push dirt out of the dustbin.

It’s a highly effective design and one of my favorite features of Dyson products.

3. Versatility [Interchangeable Tools]

Another similarity is the interchangeable tools and versatility.

The Dyson Micro and V8 are versatile options that consumers can use as either a stick vacuum or a handheld vacuum.

4. Sealed-System

Both utilize a sealed dustbin that didn’t leak during the fog test. Therefore, there’s a high probability that allergens will remain inside the dustbin and not escape.

Differences between the Dyson Micro 1.5KG and V8

Next, let’s examine the differences between these products, and there are several notable ones.

1. Power Switch

The V8 utilizes Dyson’s trademark trigger switch, which consumers either love or hate.

For years, Dyson has remained steadfast about using this feature, as it helps maximize run time.

However, that changed when the Omni-Glide was unveiled, followed by the Micro, as both utilized a push-button switch.

There are two buttons for the Micro: one for the default and a second for the max setting.

This feature, combined with the lightweight frame, makes this the best handheld in terms of ergonomics.

2. Weight and Size

The next difference is the variance in size and weight.

The Dyson V8 is obviously larger and heavier by a few pounds (5.8 vs. 3.3 lbs).

Dyson strictly focused on weight reduction with the Micro as it has a smaller battery, dustbin, and tools, whereas the V8 uses standard Dyson attachments.

Again, the weight reduction means the Micro will be better ergonomically and have a lighter steering feel.

3. Dustbin Alignment

Dyson adapted the horizontal dustbin configuration with the Micro, which maximizes airflow since it’s in a straight line.

The Dyson V8 employs the horizontal alignment characteristic of older variants.

One advantage of the V8 is that there’s no need to detach the tube to empty it, whereas you’ll need to detach the Micro’s wand.

4. Attachments

The Dyson V8 Absolute comes with more attachments than the Micro,  but that would depend on where you purchase these products.

Nonetheless, the Absolute variant will have more and is the only option with the standard nozzle for vacuuming carpet.

It’s something absent in the Micro.

5. Surfaces It Can Clean

Since the Micro doesn’t have a standard nozzle, it won’t clean carpet efficiently.

Sure, it can pick up surface debris, but it won’t clean embedded dirt since the nozzle doesn’t have a brush attachment.

The Dyson V8 (depending on the variant you choose) can clean both hard floors and carpets.

As I’ve mentioned, the V8 Absolute comes with a soft roller and direct drive attachments, allowing it to clean both surfaces efficiently.

6. Battery Capacity

The Dyson V8 has a slightly larger battery than the Micro (2800 mAh vs. 2500), enabling it to run longer (41 minutes vs. 27 minutes).

Since these products don’t have detachable batteries, there’s no way to extend the range.

Egonomics Comparison

The clear winner between these two is the Micro, with a remarkably light handle weight of just 0.85 kg (or 1.87 lbs).

In comparison, the Dyson V8 is heavier, weighing 1.61 kg (or 3.54 lbs).

The Micro is the more ergonomic option, taking into account the push-button switch.

Its feather-lite steering is one of the best, and the more compact nozzle will fit in tighter zones.

Interface Comparison

Aside from the dustbin alignment and power switch, these vacuums are similar.

There are no LCD screens, nothing fancy.

The filter placement is also similar behind the motor.

Battery and Run Time Comparison

The Dyson V8 will run longer thanks to its larger 2800 mAh battery capacity and will last up to 41 minutes in my tests (with non-powered tools).

However, that number decreases to 31 minutes with the main nozzle, which is still longer than the Micro’s 27 minutes.

Nonetheless, what impresses me is that the milliamp downgrade (only 300 mAh) isn’t significant considering the size difference.

So thumbs up to Dyson for improving their battery technology.

Airflow Comparison

Next, we’ll examine how these vacuums compare in terms of airflow, using an anemometer.

The Dyson V8, with its larger motor, had more airflow, maxing out at 54 CFM, nearly doubling the Micro’s output of 32 CFM.

However, the Micro doesn’t need night airflow since it’s designed primarily as a hard floor vacuum.

Its soft roller attachment has enough agitation to pick up debris on hard surfaces, and the cleaning tests show that it has more than enough power for the task.

Additionally, the Max setting isn’t necessary on hard floors, but for the V8, it’s essential for deep cleaning carpets.

Cleaning Performance Comparison

Overall, the Dyson V8 had a higher average, but Micro’s low deep cleaning score skews that.

Comparing the hard floor results, it’s very close. The Micro did better in several categories like the sand on hard floor test and carpet surface debris test, which was a surprise!

Clearly, the V15 Detect is better suited for carpeting since it has more power and an upgraded nozzle.

But my point is that the Micro more than held its own with hard floor cleaning.

Which is better on hard floors?

The sand on hard floor test is one barometer I use to determine which cordless vacuum is better on hard floors.

However, for these two products, the difference is too close, being less than a percentage point (99.7% vs. 99.5%).

Here’s a look at the Dyson V8’s before-and-after photos.

And the Micro’s result.

One surprise for me is that the Micro did better!

Additionally, considering the averages, both are pretty close, so cleaning performance shouldn’t be a deciding factor.

Consumers will have to consider peripheral factors, such as bin size, price, and other features, to decide on the better option.

Edge Cleaning Comparison

There isn’t much difference between edge cleaning, as both did really well cleaning this area.

Check the photos below to see the result of the Dyson V8.

And Dyson Micro.

You’ll notice I used different debris for this experiment: pet litter for the V8 and coffee grounds for the Micro.

Regardless, these results show that the Micro and V8 can clean edges.

Hair Wrap Comparison

The Dyson Micro and V8 performed well in hair wrap tests, particularly for five- and seven-inch hair.

Both did well with shorter five-inch strands, as hardly anything wrapped on them.

Here’s how the Micro’s soft roller looks after the five-inch test.

• 5-inch: 96% inside the dustbin; 4% on the roller
• 7-inch: 88% inside the dustbin; 12% on the roller

and the seven-inch test.

There was no visible hair on the roller after the seven-inch test, but it wrapped on the axle.

I did more comprehensive tests with the V8 on five to twelve-inch hair strands.

• 5-inch strands: 100% inside bin; 0% on the brush
• 7-inch strands: 100% inside bin; 0% on the brush
• 9-inch strands: 100% inside bin; 0% on the brush
• 11-inch strands: 89% inside bin; 11% on the brush
• 12-inch strands: 63% inside bin; 37% on the brush

One advantage of the V8 is it can pick up hair on carpet since it has the standard brush roll.

• 5-inch strands: 100% inside bin; 0% on the brush
• 7-inch strands: 100% inside bin; 0% on the brush
• 9-inch strands: 100% inside bin; 0% on the brush
• 11-inch strands: 83% inside bin; 17% on the brush
• 12-inch strands: 16% inside bin; 84% on the brush

The Dyson V8 performed well on five-, seven-, and nine-inch hair, but its limit is nine-inch strands.

The Micro can’t clean hair on this surface since it only has a soft roller nozzle.

Another advantage of the V8 for cleaning hair is the dustbin size. 

Which is better on carpet?

Surprisingly, the Dyson Micro did well and picked up a higher percentage on carpet than the V8 (98.17% vs. 97.29%).

But it cannot clean embedded dirt on carpet as well as the V8 (97.7% vs. 75%).

Still, the 75% score is decent, but not something I’d recommend.

If carpet cleaning is a top priority, the V8 is the better alternative.

Attachments Comparison

The attachments you receive will depend on the variant you purchase or the source.

Consumers who purchase the Dyson V8 Absolute on Amazon will get these tools.

1. Fluffy tool
2. Direct drive tool
3. Mini turbo brush
4. Soft dusting brush
5. Combination tool
6. Crevice tool
7. Docking station
8. Extension wand

It’s the most expensive V8 option, but it offers the most tools.

The Dyson Micro won’t have as many tools out of the box, but it’s enough for most tasks.

1. Dyson Micro vacuum
2. Extension wand
3. Combination tool
4. Mini turbo brush
5. Charger
6. Wall mount
7. Micro roller

Dustbin and Filter Comparison

The Dyson V8 has a significant advantage with dirt volume (0.54 vs. 0.18 liters), which means it’s better suited for larger homes.

Both have a hygienic system, so it shouldn’t be a huge factor.

And Dyson utilizes a sealed system for both, which means allergens won’t leak out.

This is confirmed as neither leaked during the fog test.

The filter placement is at the back of the robot, but these aren’t interchangeable.

One difference is that the Dyson V8 has a second filter sitting between the cyclones, while the Micro doesn’t.

The cyclones do a good enough job at keeping dust away, so there’s no need to clean it often.

Noise Comparison

Surprisingly, the Dyson V8, with its larger motor, is the quieter option in both settings.

It maxed out at 73.2 decibels, almost 7 decibels less than the Micro’s 78.5 decibels.

Maintenance Comparison

Dyson cordless vacuums are reliable workhorses that can last for years if properly maintained.

For the V8 and Micro, the process will be the same. You can check my article here to see a detailed guide on cleaning the V8.

Here are the basics and components that need upkeep.

1. Cleaning nozzle: The first and most critical component is the cleaning nozzle. Hair and gunk will accumulate on the roller, brush, and axles. Clean these areas at least once a month to minimize unnecessary friction.
2. Dustbin: Empty the dustbin after every cleaning chore. This prevents dust mites from breeding and helps maintain performance.
3. Filter: Dyson calls their filters “lifetime” filters, which means it’s washable. There’s no need to replace them. However, these use paper, which degrades every time water touches it. The best recourse is purchasing extra filters to maintain filtration and performance.
4. Other tools: There’s not much needed with maintenance for attachments other than removing hair and dust buildup.
5. Cyclones: Dyson doesn’t have documentation about cleaning cycles, but dust will accumulate in these areas over time. There’s a risk of the buildup clogging the narrow openings, thus affecting performance. The only way to clean it is by fully disassembling the cyclone assembly, which requires special tools (Torx and a lot of patience). I’ve detailed the steps for the Dyson V8 and will do the same with the Micro in the future.

Are the Dyson Micro 1.5KG and V8 Tools Interchangeable?

Unfortunately, the Micro and V8 connecting ports are different, so their tools aren’t interchangeable.

But the V8 accessories are interchangeable with other V-series options (except the V6), and the Micro tools are switchable with the Omni Glide.

Can you replace the battery of the Dyson Micro and V8?

Yes, the batteries for both vacuums are replaceable but not detachable, meaning you’ll need to unfasten a few bolts to remove them.

There are numerous replacement options for the Dyson V8, and if the trend continues, replacement options for the Micro will likely become abundant.

More Dyson Comparison Articles

• Dyson V6 vs. V8
• Dyson V6 vs. V10
• Dyson V7 vs. V8
• Dyson V7 vs. V10
• Dyson V7 vs. V12
• Dyson V8 vs. V10
• Dyson V8 vs. V12
• Dyson V8 vs. V15
• Dyson V10 vs. V11
• Dyson V10 vs. V12
• Dyson V10 vs. V15
• Dyson V11 vs. V12
• Dyson V12 vs. Micro 1.5KG
• Dyson V12 vs. Omni Glide
• Dyson V12 vs. V15
• Dyson V12 vs. Outsize
• Dyson V15 vs. Outsize vs. V11 vs. V10
• Dyson Micro vs. Omni Glide
• Dyson Micro vs. V15 Detect
• Best Dyson Vacuum [Detailed Guide]

Dyson Versus Other Brands

• Tineco A11 vs. Dyson V15 Detect
• Tineco Pure One S12 vs. Dyson V15 Detect
• LG CordZero A9 vs. Dyson V12
• LG CordZero A9 vs. Dyson V8
• LG CordZero A9 vs. Dyson V10
• LG CordZero A9 vs. Dyson V15
• Miele Triflex HX1 vs. Dyson V15
• Miele Triflex HX1 vs. Dyson V12
• Shark vs. Dyson
• Shark ION P50 vs. Dyson V10 vs. V11

Spec Comparison

Where can I buy the Dyson Micro and V8?

Consumers can purchase the Dyson V8 and Micro in online stores like Amazon and Dyson. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.

• Dyson V8 Absolute on Amazon and Walmart
  

Disclaimer: If you purchase through any of the links above, I  will earn a commission without any additional cost to you, so it’s a win-win for both of us!

Which Option Offers Better Value?

Both products offer considerable value, but choosing one will ultimately be a matter of personal preference.

The Dyson V8 has more tools, but it’s the more expensive option, while the Dyson Micro has better ergonomics thanks to its lightweight frame.

I’ll outline the reasons why you should consider each variant to help you make an informed decision.

3 Reasons to choose the Dyson V8

1. Longer run time: The Dyson V8 runs (slightly) longer with the main nozzle, but not by much.
2. Better on carpet: The V8’s direct-drive attachment is better suited for cleaning carpet.
3. Larger dustbin: This model triples the Micro’s capacity and is better suited for larger homes.

Reasons to choose the Dyson Micro 1.5KG

1. Better ergonomic option: The Micro’s lightweight frame makes it better than the V8 for steering around furniture, especially in tight spots.
2. Best handheld option: Its lightweight frame makes it easily the best handheld option of any cordless vacuum I’ve tested.
3. Excellent in small spaces: The narrow cleaning nozzle and lightweight steering make it superior to the V8 in cleaning small spaces.
4. Better hard floor alternative: The Dyson Micro is a better option inside homes with only hard surfaces, despite the close scores. It’s lightweight, steers better, and less tiring on your wrist.

The Verdict: It’s a Matter of Preference

Choosing between the Dyson Micro and V8 will boil down to your preference.

Do you need the V8’s larger dustbin and carpet cleaning ability?

Or do you need something lightweight?

Answering those questions will determine your final answer.

My preference would be the Dyson Micro because it’s lightweight, and moving it around my small townhome is much easier than the V8’s larger nozzle.