Dyson V12 Detect vs. Omni-Glide

Next up in my Dyson cordless vacuum comparison series is looking in-depth at the V12 Detect and Omni-Glide.

Both are part of Dyson’s next-generation cordless stick vacuums, focusing more on ergonomics than cleaning performance.

The Omni-Glide was Dyson’s first with a specialty nozzle having 360-degree steering, which is also an industry-first, while the V12 Detect is the first “full-sized” Dyson stick vacuum with a push-button switch.

And with the pending release of the Gen5 Detect, it seems that Dyson has been leaning towards buttons over triggers for better usability.

So, which of these Dyson options is better? I’ve put both through a grueling series of tests to find out.

An Overview of the Dyson V12 Detect and Omni-Glide

Introduction to the Dyson V12 Detect and Omni-Glide

The Dyson V12 Detect and Omni-Glide were the two zags in Dyson’s product development history when I thought they only focused on cleaning performances at the expense of everything else that also mattered (yes, that’s ergonomics).

Prioritizing Ergonomics: Dyson V12 Detect

Pros

• Lighter with better ergonomics than Dyson’s full-sized stick vacuums [V10, V11, Outsize, and V15 Detect]
• Some sub-variants come with two batteries, extending the run time to over 120 minutes
• Push button switch offers better usability than a trigger
• It has the latest Dyson technology without the premium cost
• Laser slim roller accentuates dust better than any LED-equipped cordless stick vacuum

Cons

• This option is still expensive
• Smallish dustbin capacity (only 0.35 liters)
• It doesn’t clean embedded dirt as well as Dyson’s other full-sized options

I mentioned in the Dyson cordless vacuum comparison video that the V12 Detect was the ultimate zag because of the features Dyson put into it.

Before it was unveiled, I thought Dyson focused strictly on cleaning performance at the expense of ergonomics, but the V12 Detect proved otherwise.

The downsized frame and push-button switch make it more ergonomic than the V10, V11, Outsize, and V15 Detect.

The size variance between the V12 Detect and V11 Torque Drive is seen in the photo below.

One advantage of the V12 series over the bigger and more potent V15 is the lower cost since it uses a smaller motor and dustbin.

However, it lacks suction and airflow and won’t pick up embedded stuff on carpets.

I don’t recommend this solely for cleaning carpets as an upright vacuum replacement.

This model is built for hard floors and the occasional carpet cleaning chores inside tiny to medium-sized homes with its ergonomic-biased frame.

Best-in-Class-Steering: Dyson Omni Glide

Pros

• The first-of-its-kind 360-degree steering
• Its tubular design enables it to reach deep under furniture
• Excellent for cleaning tight areas with its narrow nozzle
• The unique steering mechanics allow it to clean bare floor stairs efficiently
• Great for cleaning hard floors with its dual roller nozzle

Cons

• Tiny dustbin capacity (0.18 liters)
• Not usable on carpets or rugs
• Much shorter run time than the V12 Detect (63 vs. 23 mins)

When Dyson introduced the Omni Glide, I didn’t know what to make of it from the advertorials.

Its dual roller nozzle was the first thing I noticed, but it was by design since it was meant to clean debris in any direction. Hence, the name Omni Glide.

This model is one of Dyson’s two hard-floor-only stick vacuums and the Micro 1.5KG without any standard nozzle.

The primary selling point of this cordless vacuum is its 360-degree steering, thanks to the four caster wheels underneath the nozzle, an industry first.

Plus, the narrow profile enables it to fit in tight quarters better than, let’s say, a Dyson V8.

Since it utilizes a soft roller nozzle, it will pick up efficiently on hard floors, but the rollers won’t spin on carpets, even rugs.

So it’s not usable on these surfaces.

Another Kryptonite for this twin roller nozzle is hair, as loads of it will wrap on the axles, which is tedious to clean.

Again, the Dyson Omni Glide is purpose-built for cleaning hard floors inside tiny homes with a narrow, tubular frame and lightweight design.

Its narrow and tubular profile helps it fit under low-clearance furniture better than a traditional Dyson stick vacuum.

The 360-degree steering is also excellent for cleaning stairs.

If these areas are trouble spots inside your home, consider the Dyson Omni-Glide.

Similarities Between the Dyson V12 Detect and Omni Glide

Next, we’ll look at the similarities of these Dyson lightweight stick vacuums.

1. Detachable Battery

The Dyson Omni Glide and V12 Detect have detachable batteries, making it easier to extend run time by purchasing an extra battery.

It’s a nice add-on, especially for the Omni Glide, since it has a much shorter range, whereas the Micro 1.5KG doesn’t have this feature.

One advantage of the V12 Detect, at least for select variants, is it comes with two batteries and chargers.

2. Push-Button Switch

The Omni Glide was one of Dyson’s first cordless vacuums to utilize a push-button switch, which Dyson didn’t implement until recently.

This feature is a welcome sight to long-time Dyson customers because it’s something they’ve been clamoring for years to add, and finally, they acquiesced.

The V12 Detect is the first Dyson full-sized stick vacuum with this feature, and it comes in a big red switch.

Not having a trigger helps with ergonomics since there’s no need to squeeze anything.

3. 2-in-1 Versatility

The last similarity between these products is their usability in various configurations.

Consumers can use the V12 Detect and Omni Glide as a handheld or stick vacuum. But the former has more configuration options since it has more tools out of the box.

Also, the V12’s design makes it ergonomically better as a handheld because it has better weight distribution than the Omni Glide’s wand-type handheld.

Differences Between the Dyson 12 Detect and Omni Glide

Let’s look at the differences between the V12 Detect and Omni Glide, starting with the size variance.

1. Size

The most significant variance is size – look at this side-by-side photo.

The Omni Glide has a sleek, tubular frame with a wand-type handle similar to a broom, while the V12 Detect looks more like a traditional Dyson stick vacuum.

Both utilize the same horizontally aligned dustbin with a fully-sealed system.

2. Dustbin Capacity

Piggy-backing from the first point, the following variance is the dustbin volume disparity.

The Dyson V12 Detect (nearly) doubles the Omni Glide capacity at 0.35 liters versus 0.18 liters.

3. Nozzle

Another difference is the nozzle design, with the V12 Detect using the laser slim roller and the Omni Glide using the twin roller nozzle.

The V12’s soft roller is similar to the V15 Detect, but with a smaller connecting port, but it fires a green laser, helping consumers track dust better than any stick vacuum I’ve tested.

The Omni Glide nozzle doesn’t have the green laser, but it has 360-degree steering – a first of its kind.

Unfortunately, the Omni Glide doesn’t have any standard nozzle, so I don’t recommend it on carpets.

4. Tools

Another variance is the tools out of the box. The V12 Detect comes with the latest attachments Dyson has, like the laser slim roller, torque screw tool, and light pipe crevice tool, while the Omni Glide, outside the twin roller nozzle, has a more standard toolset.

5. Handle Orientation

The V12 Detect’s handle is under the dustbin, giving it better weight distribution than the Omni Glide’s handle at the rear, which isn’t as ergonomic in its handheld configuration.

Between the two, the V12 Detect is better even with the heavier body because the handle is in a more natural location for handheld use.

6. Connecting Ports

Unfortunately, the Dyson V12 Detect and Omni Glide don’t have the same ports, so their tools aren’t interchangeable.

The Omni Glide has a smaller port than the V12, and the V12’s port differs from the V7 to the V15 ports, making it a different category than the other options.

Ergonomic Comparison

It’s a mixed bag with ergonomics. While the Omni Glide was excellent in stick vacuum mode because of its lighter frame, the V12 Detect is better in handheld mode.

The V12’s handle placement underneath the dustbin provides better weight distribution against the Omni Glide’s rear placement, but that’s tiring to use above floors because of the uneven weight distribution.

Interface Comparison

The V12 takes the point in this category since it has an interactive screen, showing consumers data like run time and debris quantity and size picked up through the Piezo sensor.

The red button underneath toggles between the three different power settings – low, auto, and boost. The Omni Glide’s interface is basic, with only two switches – one for power and another to engage the max setting.

Battery and Run Time Comparison

Despite using the same 2500 mAh lithium-ion battery, there’s a significant variance in the run time of the V12 Detect and Omni Glide.

The V12 easily wins this category running almost three times longer than the Omni Glide per battery. Factoring in the two batteries, that number goes up to over 120 minutes, making it the better option inside larger homes.

Airflow Comparison

Another advantage of the V12 Detect is the higher airflow with its larger motor.

It has a whopping 59% more airflow at the nozzle and wand, making it a better option, at least on carpets.

However, the cleaning performance on hard floors doesn’t vary much because the soft roller attachment is quite efficient on this surface.

Cleaning Comparison

As I’ve said in the previous section, the Omni Glide and V12 Detect are close in debris pick-up on hard floors, but it’s a different story on carpets.

The Omni Glide may have a higher average, but that’s only factoring in the hard floor results.

If I added the carpet scores, they would be much lower.

Which option is better on hard floors?

Even with the efficiency of the Omni Glide’s nozzle, I’d give the edge to the V12 Detect for a few reasons.

First, it picked up more sand on hard floors with a (near perfect) 99.9% score compared to the Omni Glide’s 99.5%.

Even with the eye test, you’ll see how much it picks up.

Let’s look at the before and after shots of the V12 Detect.

And Omni Glide.

Another reason why the V12 is better is because of the laser slim roller.

Dust pops with the green laser flashing, and despite some disputes, my position remains the same – it’s the best at accentuating dust particles.

The Omni Glide doesn’t have a green laser, so there’s no way of tracking dust without an external light source.

Hair Wrap Comparison on Hard Floors

There’s no comparison between the Dyson V12 Detect and Omni Glide. The laser green roller and higher airflow, helps it pick up more hair than the Omni Glide’s dual roller nozzle.

• 5-inch strands: 96%
• 7-inch strands: 100%
• 9-inch strands: 92.5%
• 11-inch strands: 98%
• 13-inch strands: 100%

It picked up between the low 90s and 100s in experiments between five and thirteen inches, which is impressive considering the laser slim roller doesn’t have an active anti-tangle system.

However, one issue with this tool is hair wrapping on the axle because there’s a gap.

But compared to the Omni Glide, it’s a better alternative for cleaning long hair strands on hard floors.

The Omni Glide dual roller nozzle does not like cleaning hair, regardless of length.

It only picked up 26% of five-inch strands (1 gram worth), most wrapped on the axle.

Edge Cleaning Comparison

There isn’t much variance with edge cleaning between these stick vacuums.

First, let’s look at the before and after photos.

The V12 Detect was efficient at debris pick-up in this area.

And the Omni Glide was also proficient, picking up all the coffee grounds scattered in this area.

Which option is better on carpet?

On carpets, it’s no contest. The V12’s higher airflow and standard brush roll make it the superior option on surface and embedded debris.

The Omni Glide rollers didn’t even spin on carpet, while the V12 Detect picked up in the high 90s on surface debris and 94.1% on embedded sand.

Hair Wrap Comparison on Carpet

Again, it’s no contest as the Dyson V12 Detect picked up a high percentage, between five and nine inches, but struggled with eleven-inch hair, while the Omni Glide roller isn’t usable on this surface.

• 5-inch strands: 96%
• 7-inch strands: 100%
• 9-inch strands: 92.5%
• 11-inch strands: 30%

The V12 picked up well between five and nine inches, but struggled with eleven-inch hair (check the photo above).

Another advantage of the V12 Detect is the torque screw tool that inhales long hair without wrapping on the brush.

Even with this much hair, I didn’t see one single strand wrapping on the brush – impressive.

Noise Comparison

Despite the airflow disparity, there isn’t much variance in noise levels between the Omni Glide and V12 Detect.

The Omni Glide is the noisier option at the lower setting (72 vs. 70.1 decibels), while the V12 was louder in the boost (or max) setting at over 80 decibels (vs. the Omni Glide’s 76 dB).

Given the airflow variance, the noise difference is minimal, and I’ll give the Dyson V12 the nod in this category.

Maintenance Comparison

As with any cordless stick vacuum, regular maintenance is needed to keep these machines functioning at peak efficiency for years.

I’ll enumerate the components you need to clean and the suggested intervals.

1. Primary brush roll: Check and clean once weekly to remove any hair or dust accumulation on the brush or axles to prevent unnecessary friction.
2. Dustbin: Empty the contents after every cleaning run to prevent dirt from clogging the filter and degrading performance.
3. Filter: Dyson recommends cleaning the filter monthly under running water, but avoid soaking the pleated component because it uses a paper element that degrades when repeatedly soaked in liquid.
4. Mini-turbo brush: The V12 torque screw tool’s ability to resist tangles make it (virtually) maintenance-free, aside from the occasional wipe-down to remove dust buildup. If you’ve purchased the Omni Glide with the mini turbo brush, check once a week to remove any hair wrapping on the brush and axle.
5. Battery: Avoid using the boost (or max) setting for extended periods, as doing so will overheat the battery and shorten its service life.

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

Product Specifications

Where can I buy the Dyson Omni Glide and V12 Detect?

These cordless stick vacuums are available in online stores like Amazon. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.

• Dyson V12 Detect on Amazon
• Dyson Omni Glide on Amazon

Disclaimer: I’ll earn a commission if you purchase through any of the links above, but at no extra cost, so it’s a win for us!

Which offers the better value?

With the current pricing, the Dyson V12 Detect is the better option because it possesses Dyson’s latest technology, like the laser slim roller and Piezo sensor. Some sub-variants have two batteries plus chargers.

The Omni Glide is excellent if you can purchase it at a massive discount during the sale season, but I can’t justify its high cost given its limitations outside hard surfaces.

Its 360-degree steering will be beneficial inside tiny homes, but the twin roller nozzle will struggle with cleaning hair.

5 Reasons to Choose the Dyson V12 Detect

1. Dyson’s latest tech for less: The V12 Detect is equipped with Dyson’s latest technology without the ultra-premium cost.
2. Track dust efficiently: The bright green laser emitted from the laser slim roller is excellent at accentuating almost invisible dust.
3. More extended range: Some V12 options come with two batteries, extending the run time to over 120 minutes.
4. Larger dustbin: It nearly doubles the Omni Glide capacity at 0.35 liters. Not huge, but sufficient inside tiny homes.
5. Better at cleaning carpets: The V12 comes with a standard nozzle and higher airflow, so it’s much better at cleaning carpets, though not as good as the V15.

3 Reasons to Choose the Dyson Omni Glide

1. 360-degree steering: It’s perhaps the Omni Glide’s most significant advantage over the V12 Detect, helping it easily maneuver around tight areas.
2. Reaches deep under furniture: The sleek frame and 360-degree steering help it clean areas under furniture better than the V12 Detect.
3. Excellent for vacuuming stairs: If cleaning stairs is a priority, the Omni Glide is the better option since it can move side-to-side easily.

The Verdict: The Dyson V12 Detect Offers Better Value But Assess Your Needs

With its feature set and price, there’s no doubt that the V12 Detect offers a better value-for-money package than the Omni Glide.

However, the Omni Glide has a few specific advantages, primarily connected to its 360-steering and sleek body.

It’s the only cordless stick vacuum with this feature helping consumers reach deep under furniture and clean stairs more easily than with the V12.

If these are deciding factors, definitely consider the Omni Glide. Otherwise, I’d recommend the V12 since it has all the latest technology.