In this article, we’ll compare the Dyson V11 Torque Drive and Gen5 Detect to see which option is better.
I’ve conducted grueling tests to determine which model offers the better bang for your buck.
Overview of the Dyson V11 Torque Drive and Gen5 Detect
Airflow: 66.65 CFM 📝 Dust bin size: 0.77 liters 📝 Sand on hard floor: 99.4% 📝 Deep Cleaning: 100% 📝 Weight: 6.68 lbs. 📝 Run time: up to 74 mins. 📝 Recharge: 3 hrs. 📝 Battery: 3600 mAh Li-ion 📝 Noise: 78.5 dB
Airflow: 76.49 CFM 📝 Dust bin size: 0.77 liters 📝 Sand on hard floor: 99.56% 📝 Deep Cleaning: N/A 📝 Run time: 80:13 mins. 📝 Recharge: 4.5 hrs. 📝 Battery: 2500 mAh Li-ion 📝 Weight: 7.72 lbs 📝 Noise: 87 dB
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Jump to: Similarities, Differences, Ergonomics, Interface, Run Time, Airflow, Cleaning, Noise, Product Specifications, Where to Buy, Which is Better, Verdict
Similarities of the Dyson V11 and Gen5 Detect
Next, we’ll explore the similarities of the Dyson V11 and Gen5 Detect.
1. Horizontally Aligned Dustbin
The first similarity is the horizontally aligned dustbin Dyson first implemented in the V10 Absolute.
Both have the same capacity of 0.77 liters and have the same trombone-style hygienic system to push dirt out.
2. LCD Screen
The Dyson V11 and Gen5 Detect have LCD screens that show users different information about the vacuum, namely the run time status, power setting, and error codes.
One difference is that the Gen5 Detect has the Piezo sensor readout that shows how many of the four debris types it has picked up.
It’s similar to the V15 Detect, but the Gen5’s version is realigned horizontally compared to the V15’s vertical alignment.
Differences between the Dyson V11 and Gen5 Detect
1. Battery
The first difference between the Dyson V11 and Gen5 Detect is the battery – its detachability to be specific.
The Gen5 Detect has a detachable battery that can be removed by pushing the red lever, while select V11 models have a screw-in battery, which requires removing three bolts.
2. Cleaning Heads
The Dyson Gen5 Detect has two nozzles – the laser slim roller and a standard cleaning head.
Dyson released the upgraded laser slim roller in the Gen5 series, which features a twice-as-bright green laser that helps illuminate more debris that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye.
Newer V15 releases will have this upgraded laser slim roller. One way to know if it’s the newer release is to check if the cleaning head has a switch.
You’ll see in the photo above that the newer fluffy optic nozzle doesn’t have a switch.
The Dyson V11 only comes with one nozzle, the Torque Drive head meant for vacuuming carpet.
Technically, you can use it to clean hard floors since it can pick up larger debris piles with adjustable gates.
However, it won’t be as efficient since it will need more airflow to pick up the same dirt as a soft roller head.
3. Battery
The next difference is the battery, or its detachability, to be specific. Earlier V11 models have a screw-on battery, meaning you’ll need to remove three bolts to remove it.
This means consumers can’t purchase an extra battery to extend run time.
Newer V11 releases have a detachable battery. If you’re considering the V11, I suggest getting the version with the click-on battery so it’s easy to remove.
4. Tool Design
Another difference is the tool design. The V11 uses Dyson’s older version, which attaches the tool directly to the handheld unit.
Dyson tweaked the Gen5 Detect crevice and combination attachment. So, instead of being a separate tool, they’ve integrated it into the extension tube.
Fortunately, the Gen5 Detect is backward compatible with the older tools.
One tool that isn’t built-in is the hair screw tool, which was introduced in the V15 and is included with all Gen5 options.
Ergonomics
Since the V11 and Gen5 Detect share the same Dyson horizontal framework, their ergonomics aren’t much different.
One advantage of the V11 is it’s lighter than the Gen5, at least a few ounces.
Interface
Dyson first introduced the interactive LCD screen in the V11 Torque Drive, showing the run time status and power settings.
Since the V11 release, the Dyson has added the Piezo sensor readout that shows how much of four debris sizes it has picked up in real-time.
The Gen5 Detect is the latest with this technology – this time with the realigned horizontal configuration.
Run Time Comparison
| Model | Eco | Mid/Auto | Boost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dyson V11 | |||
| Hard Floor | 74:58 mins | 46:11 mins. | 7:14 mins |
| Carpet | 57:16 mins | 18:33 mins | 9:46 mins |
| Dyson Gen5 Detect | |||
| Hard Floor | 80:13 mins | 46:35 mins | 14:44 mins |
| Carpet | 47:33 mins | 22:12 mins | 11:53 mins |
Since it comes with Dyson’s latest battery technology, the Gen5 Detect lasted longer in most of the run time experiments, where I leave the vacuums on until battery runs out.
The V11 was better in one test, lasting around 10 minutes longer on carpet in the lowest setting.
However, the Gen5’s most significant advantage is its detachable batteries, allowing users to extend run time by purchasing extra batteries.
The V11, at least the older models, have the screw-in battery, so it’s limited.
Airflow Comparison
| Model | Eco | Mid/Auto | Boost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dyson Gen5 Detect | |||
| Wand | 34.29 CFM | 43.45 CFM | 76.49 CFM |
| Cleaning Head | 28.76 CFM | 34.55 CFM | 62.82 CFM |
| Dyson V11 | |||
| Wand | 34.55 CFM | 41.91 CFM | 66.13 CFM |
| Cleaning Head | 28.52 CFM | 31.94 CFM | 53.58 CFM |
There’s little variance between the Dyson V11 and Gen5 Detect when it comes to airflow.
The difference between the V11 and Gen5 Detect is only a few CFM in the lowest and auto setting.
However, the Dyson Gen5 Detect beats the V11 in the max power setting.
Cleaning Comparison
| Model | Dyson V11 | Dyson Gen5 Outsize |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 99.66% | 99.84% |
| Hard Floors (Surface Test) | 99.72% | 99.9% |
| Sand on Hard Floor | 99.4% | 99.56% |
| Carpet (Surface Test) | 99.26% | 99.9% |
| Deep Cleaning | 100% | 100% |
Based on the cleaning experiments, the Dyson Gen5 Detect was better, but the difference is less than one percent.
The Gen5 was better in all the surface tests, highlighting the slim roller’s efficiency on this surface.
Surprisingly, the V11 held its own in the cleaning tests, picking up in the high 99s in most tests.
Which option is better on hard floors?
The Dyson Gen5 Detect was better on this surface since it has the laser slim roller, which is more proficient than the standard roller.
It picked up a higher percentage in the sand on hard floor test (99.56% vs. 99.4%) – one barometer I use to determine if a cordless vacuum is good on this surface.
While the Dyson V11 was decent, I needed to use the max setting to achieve this high score.
Hair Wrap [on Hard Floors]
The Dyson Gen5 Detect with its higher airflow had better results on this surface, picking up more hair even with strands over nine-inches.
- 5-inch hair: 100%
- 7-inch hair: 100%
- 9-inch hair: 100%
- 11-inch hair: 97%
- 12-inch hair: 86%
One issue with the Gen5 is hair wrapping on the axles since there’s a noticeable gap.
The Dyson V11 wasn’t as good, getting a lower percentage with longer strands, which surprised me since it has a thicker brush.
- 5-inch strands: 100%
- 7-inch strands: 100%
- 9-inch strands: 80%
- 13-inch strands: 19%
Which option is better on carpet?
The Dyson Gen5 Detect was the better option on this surface, at least with surface dirt, since it picked up a higher percentage.
Both were excellent in the deep cleaning experiment, picking up 100% in the deep cleaning test, where I rubbed 100 grams of sand on mid-pile carpet.
Hair Wrap [on Carpet]
Again, the Dyson Gen5 Detect is better at cleaning hair on this surface since it has the combs above the brush, helping untangle longer strands of hair from wrapping on the brush.
- 5-inch hair: 100%
- 7-inch hair: 100%
- 9-inch hair: 100%
- 11-inch hair: 100%
- 12-inch hair: 100%
The V11 was decent with five and seven-inch hair but struggled with hair wrapping on the brush in the nine and eleven-inch test.
- 5-inch strands: 100%
- 7-inch strands: 100%
- 9-inch strands: 85%
- 11-inch strands: 61%
Noise Comparison
| Model | Dyson V11 | Dyson Gen5 Detect |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 66.5 dB | 71.4 dB |
| Auto/Mid | 68.7 dB | 82.9 dB |
| Max | 78.9 dB | 87 dB |
The Dyson Gen5 Detect, with its more powerful motor, is the noisier option, exceeding 70 decibels in the two lower settings and over 80 decibels in the max power setting.
There’s no other way around it; all high-airflow Dyson cordless stick vacuums will be noisy.
Product Specifications
Where to Purchase the Dyson V11 and Gen5 Detect?
Consumers can purchase the Dyson V11 and Gen5 Detect in online stores like Amazon and Walmart. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.
Disclaimer: I will earn a commission if you purchase through any of the links above. But at no additional cost to you, it’s a win-win for us!
Which Option Offer Better Value?
The Dyson V11 may be cheaper, but the Gen5 Detect offers better value, factoring in the sale season if you can get it at the right price.
4 Reasons to Choose the Dyson V11 Torque Drive
- Cheaper option: Being an older model, the V11 will be cheaper.
- Decent option on carpet: Go with the V11 if your home only has carpet.
- Lighter: The V11 frame is a few ounces lighter than the Gen5 Detect and will feel lighter in its handheld configuration.
- Above-average cleaning performance: Despite being an older model, the V11 held its own in the cleaning experiments.
4 Reasons to Choose the Dyson Gen5 Detect
- Newer tech: Consumers will enjoy the latest technology from Dyson.
- Better at tracking dust: The Gen5 laser slim roller helps users track dust with its bright green laser.
- Superior hair cleaning: Regardless of the surface, the Gen5 Detect was better in the hair wrap experiments.
- Runs longer: The Gen5 Detect uses Dyson’s latest battery technology to run further, and its detachability makes it easy to extend the range by purchasing an extra battery.
The Verdict: How Much Are You Willing to Spend?
So, the question for consumers is how much they are willing to spend to enjoy Dyson’s latest technology.
I’d only recommend the Dyson V11 over the Gen5 Detect if you need something specifically to vacuum carpets.
Other than that, the Gen5 beats the V11 in every other category.
Though it held its own in the cleaning experiments, the Gen5 Detect laser slim roller was more efficient on hard floors
