Dyson V15S Submarine vs V15 Detect Comparison

Dyson recently released its first wet-dry cordless vacuum, the V15S Submarine. In this comparison, we’ll examine how it differs from the V15 Detect.

Overview of the Dyson V15S Submarine and V15 Detect

* If you click on any of the links above and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost.

Similarities of the Dyson V15S Submarine and V15 Detect

There are many similarities between the Dyson V15S Submarine and V15 Detect, starting with its design.

1. Same Base Vacuum

The V15S Submarine and V15 Detect use the same base motor, the V15. One difference between these models is that the V15S Submarine has an extra connector to accommodate the V15S Submarine nozzle.

I tried using the Submarine nozzle on a standard V15, and this happened.

You’ll get the same base vacuum with the trigger, filter, LCD screen display, and detachable battery.

The only difference is that the V15S comes with a wet-dry nozzle.

2. Floor Nozzles

Like the V15 Detect, the V15S Submarine has two nozzles – the laser slim roller and digital motorbar nozzle for cleaning hard floors and carpets.

These tools are highly efficient at picking up debris, especially the laser slim roller, which uses the same brighter green laser first introduced in the Gen5 Detect.

The difference is noticeable compared to the first generation of V15 Detect.

Fortunately, newer V15 releases will have the Gen5 Detect laser slim roller.

One way to make sure is to check whether the nozzle has a switch.

If it does, then it’s most likely an older version that isn’t as bright.

The standard nozzles are similar with the upgraded brush, combs, and two adjustable gates.

These are excellent at picking up debris on carpets, especially hair with the above-average power, agitation, and combs that detangle hair.

3. Interchangeable Tools

One of the main selling points of a Dyson stick vacuum product is its versatility, thanks to its interchangeable tools.

What you’ll get from the V15 Detect and V15S Submarine will be the same except for the Submarine nozzle, which is a V15S-specific tool.

4. Sealed Filtration

Since both products use a sealed system, neither leaked during the fog test, which is one way to evaluate how a vacuum holds dirt inside a dustbin.

This is one way to test if a vacuum will leak allergens, which is a no-no for allergy sufferers.

Differences Between the Dyson V15S Submarine and V15 Detect

The only difference between the V15S Submarine and V15 Detect is that the V15S Submarine has a wet-dry nozzle called the “Submarine” designed for cleaning spills.

Unlike a traditional wet-dry cordless vacuum, the V15S is more compact, but as this video summarizes, this compact frame has downsides.

Ergonomics

The Dyson V15S Submarine and V15 Detect have similar ergonomic feel since these vacuums use the same tools. Again, the only difference is the Submarine nozzle, which is only available in the V15S, and steers like a Dyson V8 soft roller since it uses the same steering mechanism.

Both will maneuver around furniture without any issues, and the slim frames help it reach underneath furniture.

Interface

There isn’t any difference between the V15 Detect and V15S interfaces. Both use the same interactive LCD screen that shows various data like run time status, how much debris is picked up through the Piezo sensor, power setting, and error messages.

The only difference is that the V15S shows this graphic when you attach the Submarine nozzle.

Run Time Comparison

The Dyson V15S Submarine and V15 Detect use the same battery, so I expected similar results.

However, there is a variance with the auto setting, with the V15 Detect nearly doubling the V15S Submarine output.

Note that when I tested in auto mode, the V15S sensor triggered higher suction, which reduced the run time.

The results in the auto setting were different, but the V15S was actually better in the auto and max settings on carpets.

Airflow Comparison

Since the V15S Submarine and V15 Detect use the same V15 base vacuum motor, the airflow results should be similar.

However, the results show that the V15 Detect had higher airflow, especially when using the digital motorbar nozzle.

Nonetheless, the V15’s higher airflow doesn’t give it an advantage over the V15S Submarine since both performed well at vacuuming carpet with the digital motorbar nozzle’s above-average agitation.

It’s not a deciding factor on hard floors since the slim roller attachment is efficient at picking up debris.

Cleaning Comparison

There wasn’t much variance between the cleaning performance results between these Dyson stick vacuums, which isn’t a surprise given that these are basically the same product.

Both were excellent at the surface and embedded dirt, picking up a very high percentage.

Which Option Is Better On Hard Floors?

Again, both are excellent on hard floors, with the V15S having the extra functionality of mopping floors, which we’ll look at later in this comparison.

Both picked up a high percentage of sand on this surface, and the difference was minuscule enough to declare one a winner.

Edge Cleaning

The V15S Submarine and V15 Detect were excellent at cleaning the edges, picking up everything in a few passes.

Here’s the result for the V15S Submarine.

And the V15 Detect.

Hair Wrap [on Hard Floors]

I tested the V15S Submarine and V15 Detect how it fares cleaning difference hair lengths and check the results below.

First, the V15S Submarine.

• 5-inch hair: 99%
• 7-inch hair: 100%
• 9-inch hair: 81%
• 11-inch hair: 89%
• 12-inch hair: 100%

Next, let’s look at the V15 Detect results.

• 5-inch strands:  100%
• 7-inch strands: 100%
• 9-inch strands: 100%
• 11-inch strands: 100%
• 12-inch strands: 80.6%

While the V15 Detect got better results, it isn’t immune to getting tangles.

Since it doesn’t have an active anti-tangle system (or a comb) and has a gap on the sides, hair will wrap around the axles.

So, it’s not a maintenance-free tool.

Which Option is better on Carpets?

There’s no variance between these Dyson products during the cleaning tests. Both got 100% on the surface and embedded debris (deep cleaning experiment).

The V15S Submarine and V15 Detect use similarly styled nozzles with stiff bristles that are excellent at agitating carpet.

Both scored 100% in the deep cleaning test, in which I rubbed 100 grams of sand on a mid-pile carpet.

Hair Wrap [on Carpets

Next, we’ll look at the results on carpet with five, seven, nine, eleven, and twelve-inch hair, and here are the results.

First, for the V15S Submarine.

• 5-inch hair: 99%
• 7-inch hair: 100%
• 9-inch hair: 100%
• 11-inch hair: 100%
• 12-inch hair: 97%

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

There isn’t much difference between the results of the V15S Submarine and V15 Detect at cleaning hair.

Both are excellent at cleaning long strands thanks to the above-average airflow and combs that help untangle strands that wrap on the brush.

There are little variances in the results, but these are minimal, and both will do well at picking up hair on carpet.

One advantage of the digital motor bar nozzle is that there’s no gap on the sides, so consumers don’t have to worry about hair wrapping on the axles and the tediousness of cleaning it.

Noise Comparison

The noise test results are close. The V15S Submarine is a few decibels noisier in the boost setting, but both are over 80 decibels, which is considered loud.

Maintenance Comparison

The V15S and V15 Detect will require similar maintenance, like cleaning the filter, nozzles, and dustbin.

The only difference is that you’ll need to clean the V15S Submarine nozzle after every mopping cycle because it doesn’t have a self-cleaning cycle like other traditional wet-dry vacuums.

Product Specifications

Where Can You Purchase These Stick Vacuums?

Consumers can purchase these Dyson stick vacuums in online stores like Amazon. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.

• Dyson V15 Detect on Amazon and Walmart
• Dyson V15S Submarine on Amazon and Walmart

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 Offers Better Value?

After testing the V15S Submarine extensively, particularly its wet-dry nozzle, the V15 Detect is the better option.

The only reason you’d get the V15S Submarine is because of its wet-dry vacuuming capability, which is subpar at best.

I tried liking this product because I could sell more and make more money through commissions, but I cannot recommend it because it’s simply not worth the extra.

Save your money. You could buy the V15 Detect and a cheaper standard wet-dry vacuum, still spend less than the V15S, and get better results.

The Verdict

Given the V15S Submarine’s premium price point, it’s hard to justify recommending it, primarily if it doesn’t deliver on the most critical aspect – mopping floors.

The compact design and steering are excellent in theory, but until you use them, they fail miserably.

The lack of a dirt water container, and the small open-top tray behind the roller is a recipe[e for a messy disaster as you’ve seen in my review.

There’s no question that the V15S Submarine vacuums excellently, but that’s not the sole reason for spending close to four-figures. 

Consumers buy it because it should mop as well, which doesn’t, hence the my decision.