We’ll be looking closely at the Dyson V6. Is it worth the price tag?
Currently, the V6 is the entry-level option of Dyson and the cheapest of all their offerings.
Scroll down and see how the V6 performs and if it is a worthy option as a stick vacuum for your needs.
Entry Level Dyson With High-End Performance
The Dyson V6 might be entry-level when it comes to the current pricing structure, but there’s nothing entry-level with the performance. There’s no question that the V6 is competent and versatile. It can run for up to 20 minutes on normal mode and 6 minutes at the highest power setting. There are around ten different V6 options available, and we’ll look at these closely in this review and what is best for your home.
Pros
- Provides versatility and cleaning performance at a lower price point than other Dyson cordless vacuums
- Decent suction and agitation will clean surface dirt well
Cons
- Small dust cup
- The non-hygienic bin can be messy to dispose
Of all the Dyson cord-free cleaners, the V6 is the most diverse with around ten options, which you’ll see below.
It provides a wide variety to choose from, whether you need something to clean the vehicle or pet hair.
Introduction to the Dyson V6: Design
The V6 is built on Dyson’s fundamental system of interchangeability. Before Dyson came along, there was nothing like it on the market.
Having a removable wand gives it the ability to be used in different configurations.
Instead of a traditional power switch, the V6 uses a trigger that engages the motor when you squeeze it.
At the back of the HEPA filter is a small switch that toggles the MAX mode.
The power will increase four-fold, but the run time decreases significantly.
Depending on the model, the V6 has two different cleaning heads – one for cleaning bare floors and another for carpets.
Both tools have ball contraptions at the bottom that allows it to swivel, improving maneuverability.
Difference Options: Dyson V6 Absolute vs. Animal vs. Motorhead vs. Fluffy vs. HEPA vs. Cord-Free vs. Trigger, etc.
Now let’s move on to the differences between these variants.
Let’s start with the obvious – the tools that come with it. Each of the ten variants come with a set of attachments for a specific purpose.
Dyson V6 Absolute
In terms of tools, the V6 Absolute has a complete set that will cover most of your cleaning needs at home.
It comes with the big two brush roll set. The first one is the soft roller cleaning brush that works great on bare floors.
The second tool is the direct-drive cleaner head that has bristles.
Both of these tools have a motor so that it will provide great agitation.
It makes it the most versatile of the bunch because of its capability of cleaning both bare floor and carpet.
In addition to these two motorized tools, it comes with a crevice tool, soft dusting brush, combination tool, and a docking station.
Lastly, of the V6 stick vacuums, this is the only variant that comes with a HEPA filter (don’t worry, this is washable, so you don’t have to replace it).
Bottom line
Dyson V6 MotorHead
If your home only has carpet flooring inside, then the V6 Motorhead is your best option.
It comes with a single motorized attachment. Dyson calls this the direct-drive cleaning head that has 150% more agitation compared to the V6 Cord-Free.
You won’t be able to turn off the brush roll so that I wouldn’t recommend this on bare floors. On carpet, agitation is a welcome sight.
If you’ve ever tried using a bristled brush on a big mess such as cereal or oats on the hardwood, it will create a bigger mess.
But on fine dirt like dust or stuff like powder, it should have no problem picking up trash.
You can still use this on hard floors for cleaning a small area of messes like dust, so yes, you can even use this on the hardwood, which is excellent because it’ll be cheaper than the V6 Absolute.
Here are the tools you’ll get with the MotorHead:
Notice that Amazon is selling both the V6 and the DC59 MotorHead, so what the heck is the difference?
The DC59 comes with the mini-motorized brush, and the V6 does not – this for a $90 premium.
Bottom line
Dyson V6 Animal
If you’re not familiar with the Dyson cordless product line, the V6 is the same as the DC59.
The V6 Animal is a MotorHead with more attachments. Both have the same direct-drive bristle brush, but the Animal has two extra tools – mini-motorized head and soft dusting brush.
Both are capable of cleaning upholstery and sensitive, easily scratched furniture.
Bottom line
Dyson V6 Cord-Free
Of the stick vacuums in the V6 line, this is one of the cheapest options available.
It has the least amount of tools, but still get the same performance, same motor minus the less versatility.
The beater bar that comes with this isn’t the same as the one in the MotorHead or Animal. It uses the same brush found in the DC59 that has less agitation.
Tools that come along with the cord fee:
Bottom line
Dyson V6 Fluffy
The V6 Fluffy will work best inside homes with hard floors thanks to the fluffy attachments, unlike the Animal and Motorhead versions that work best inside homes with carpet.
Instead of including the direct-drive cleaner head, this variant has the soft roller cleaner head that works exceptionally well on hard floor surfaces.
If you don’t know what the soft roller cleaner is all about then, you have to watch this short clip and see for yourself:
Notice that the fluffy tool does not have any bristles. Instead, it uses soft nylon material that “grabs” more substantial pieces of dirt and fine statically charged dust.
This new design is much more efficient than bristles on bare floors. It will need periodic washing, though.
Here are the tools that come with the Fluffy:
- A soft roller cleaning head
- Mini-motorized tool
- Upholstery tool
- Stiff brush
- Combination tool
- Crevice tool
The toolset you see above is exclusive for Amazon only. You will not see this set elsewhere. It’s a bit pricey, but you’ll get a lot of value.
Bottom line
Dyson V6 Trigger
Dyson calls this the most powerful handheld vacuum, and I wouldn’t disagree with them.
The V6 Trigger is a barebones handheld that comes with the combination tool and crevice tool that will help clean areas above the eye level like vents.
It is one of the cheapest of all the V6 variants, but it has the least number of attachments.
Speaking of affordable vacuums, I’ve got a list of the best vacuums below $100. These vacuums don’t cost a lot but still perform decently.
Take note that only the Dyson V6 and V7 variants are available in a handheld configuration, the other models such as the V8, V10, and V11 only are available as a full-sized stick vacuum that transforms to a handheld.
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Dyson V6 Top Dog
Like the name says, V6 Top Dog is an option for pet owners looking for a handheld that will help them clean pet hair off upholstery and litter off baseboards.
This variant comes with a crevice tool, a stiff brush tool, and the mini-motorized brush.
All of which are capable of picking up pet hair on upholstery, carpeted stairs, or tight crevices.
There are two versions – the standard Top Dog and the HEPA version that comes with a HEPA filter. Folks with allergies should opt for the latter.
Bottom line
Dyson V6 Car + Boat
Having a vehicle myself, I admit that it is hard to find a vacuum with good enough suction and good enough quality to handle the rigors of cleaning an automobile.
I owned a cheap vacuum that had decent power. The problem was quality control. Most of it was made from cheap plastic. Over time because of wear and tear, these plastic parts will harden and crack within the first two years.
So I had to use duck tape to keep the tools from falling apart.
The V6 Car + Boat does not have this problem because all its tool has a locking mechanism that securely fastens it.
This variant, in particular, is designed for cleaning the vehicle’s interior.
And it comes with one important tool that makes it all possible.
That is a flexible hose that allows it to reach in tight areas like the dashboard and underneath seats.
All non-motorized tools are compatible with the hose, so this is great inside the vehicle or home.
Bottom line
Dyson V6 Mattress
I have a 4-year-old, and he has eczema that he hasn’t completely outgrown.
It’s getting better with treatment and keeping the environment clean.
I did some research, and one of the causes of this or trigger factors are bed bugs. And if you take a microscope and look on the mattress, it has millions of them. These microscopic creatures multiply fast because it feeds on dead skin that we shed daily.
One of the ways of keeping their population in check is to use a vacuum cleaner to suck up all the excess dead skin and bed bugs.
People who have a few grand to spare should have a look at the Rainbow vacuum, but that machine weighs a ton.
For folks who want a lightweight, albeit less efficient option for cleaning up bed bugs, they should have a look at the V6 Mattress.
It comes with a mini-motorized tool called the mattress tool. This tool agitates and cleans bed bugs using a stiff brush.
Of all the five handheld V6 variants, only this has HEPA filtration.
Bottom line
Dyson V6 Baby + Child
The last but not the least variant is for parents who have newborn babies and want to keep their homes as clean as possible.
Here are the tools that come along with this.
The main tools would be the wide nozzle tool would be best utilized on the bed sheet or direct on the mattress. It has a felt-like material on the upper and lower portions of the inlet that agitate and remove allergens.
This variant is available in Dyson.co.jp and Amazon.
Bottom line
How the Dyson V6 cleans?
At the heart of this vacuum cleaner is a V6 digital motor that spins at 110,000 rpm. The motor will produce up to 100 air watts of power in its highest setting.
Helping with keeping the motor as efficient as possible are 15 cyclones that spin fine dust particles, so it does not clog up the filter.
One thing good about the Dyson is that the filter does not clog up as quickly as other brands. These cyclones are a big reason why.
The V6 can be used as a stick or handheld vacuum thanks to the removable wand.
With the extension wand off, it is useful as a handheld vacuum. There are optional hose tools available that help in cleaning the car’s interior.
Cleaning Performance
First, let’s look at how the Dyson V6 cleans using the differing cleaning heads, such as the direct-drive head and soft roller tool.
Overall, there are three tools available, depending on the variant.
Let’s look at them one by one.
The first would be the first generation direct-drive cleaning head found in the V6 Cord-Free. It is a similar tool found in the older Dyson DC44 series cordless vacuum.
The dirt scattered on the carpet (medium pile to be exact) is a combination of oats, rice, and dust.
While this tool was able to pick up the majority of the surface dirt, it did leave some dust and rice under the carpet strands.
The result is still impressive, considering that this tool has less power than the newer and larger direct-drive head.
In the maximum setting, it did manage to pick up the smaller particles of dirt. The downside to using the higher setting is it shortens the run time down to 6 minutes.
The next tool we will look at is the soft roller cleaning attachment specifically made by Dyson for hard surfaces.
This tool is available with the V6 Absolute and Fluffy options.
One significant advantage of this tool is its ability to scoop up big piles of dirt.
Usually, a traditional cleaning head will plow this pile of dirt forward.
Not so with the soft roller head as it pulls in the dirt.
It was able to pick up all of the dirt on the tile floor.
Next up, the direct-drive cleaning that has more agitation that allows it to perform better on the carpet.
Watch this video to see how it does cleaning a big pile of pet hair on the carpet.
After a single pass, the V6 was able to pick up most of the pet hair. There was hair that wrapped around the brush, but it was quite easy to pull it out without even using scissors.
Dyson designed its floor tool such that it is easy to remove, so take it off to remove hair that wraps around it.
Is the V6 Easy to Use?
There’s no need for a manual to use the V6 even with assembly.
Out of the box, all the attachments are separate, and the process of putting it together does not require special tools.
The vacuum and floor tools all come in fully assembled, all you have to do is insert the accessories into the proper slot, and it’s ready to go.
Each tool will lock into place, so there’s no risk of it detaching during use.
Once you have the configuration you want, squeeze the trigger and the vacuum motor runs.
Removing tools is straightforward with the quick-release button.
For more power, press on the “MAX” button at the back of the motor.
Maintenance Costs
There are three main areas to look for the upkeep of the Dyson V6. These include the filters, battery, and floor cleaning tools.
The V6 has two filters that need cleaning once a month – the primary filter and a post-motor HEPA filter.
The V6 filters are lifetime filters that should last a long time when washed regularly. Just in case it breaks or you need extra filters to prevent any downtime, replacement filters are available at varying prices.
Another thing to look at is the battery. The battery should last for at least two years, and if it breaks during the warranty period, Dyson should replace it free of charge.
Just in case it fails after the warranty, you can purchase a replacement battery ranging between $30 and $50 depending on the capacity and brand. Replacing the V6 battery is just a 5-minute job with simple tools.
There are options available that exceed the amperage of the OEM V6 battery and will run longer.
How long it runs is up in the air, but these batteries are cheap enough that if it lasts two or three years, it’s an excellent deal.
To summarize here’s the regular maintenance that the V6 needs:
- Wash both filters once a month: Washing both filters is an essential step in keeping the V6 performing at peak level. Dyson recommends washing it under running water (no need to soap it) and let it air dry for 24 hours.
- Brush roll maintenance: Hair and dust will wrap around the brushes and axles. Make sure to regularly check the floor tools and mini-turbo brush to maintain optimal performance.
- Battery: There isn’t a specific time table on how long the battery will last. It depends on conditions such as weather, humidity, care, etc. The minimum it should last is two years.
Dyson V6 Comparison: Similarities
First up let’s look at the similarities of all these variants and to help you navigate, click through these links:
Same motor and filtration
First, let’s compare the similarities across this product line.
All variants have the same motor and cyclonic filtration.
Some of the V6 options have a sealed system, meaning it keeps allergens inside the bin from seeping through the motor.
If this is an important feature, make sure to choose the model with the post-motor HEPA.
However, some options will have HEPA filtrations, and others will not.
V6 options that come with a post-motor HEPA filter:
- V6 Absolute
- Top Dog HEPA
- Mattress
V6 options with no post-motor HEPA filter:
- V6 Animal
- MotorHead
- Cord-Free
- Trigger
- Top Dog
- Baby + Child
- Car + Boat
Run time
Having the same motor means that all variants will have the same run time. Around 20 minutes when you use non-motorized attachments like the crevice tool, brush tool, etc.
Run time will drop if you use any of the motorized tools, such as the soft roller head. These tools use extra current, hence the run time drop but in just a few minutes.
These tools have their motors that consume additional current.
Trigger-like switch
In typical Dyson fashion, all of these vacuums have a trigger mechanism that works like a gun.
To engage the motor, squeeze the trigger.
Dyson said that this design is what works best because it’ll only turn on the motor on demand. But the downside would be the strain it puts on the hand and wrist.
Try to squeeze the trigger for 5 minutes straight; you’ll know what I mean.
It helps extend run time.
Though it has had its share of complaints from consumers, a majority still like this design because it does allow them to maximize run time.
Dyson will change this design if an overwhelmingly large number of consumers ask them to change this.
Dyson changed two things in the V8 that their customers have been complaining about for some time.
These include the hard to empty bin and run time. This change by itself proves that Dyson does listen.
Two speeds
All V6 variants come with a “Max” feature that unleashes the full power of the motor—turning it on triples the suction from 28 to 100 air watts.
The extra power comes at the expense of run time. With the max feature, the V6 can only run for about 6 minutes.
Dirt Bin
Before the Dyson V8 or V7 came out, all of their cordless vacuums utilized the same trap door design. This feature relies heavily on gravity to empty.
It’s not a problem when cleaning stuff like oats because it’s heavier than dust or hair.
But for debris like dust, it becomes a headache because it will stick on plastic and metal surfaces.
So what happens is, only the heavy stuff falls, but lighter things like dust bunnies will require fully disassembling the whole bin to get out.
The Dyson V7 address this issue thanks to the new bin design from the V8.
This variant is cheaper than the V8 because it doesn’t use the V8’s motor, and it’s a slight upgrade from the V6.
The Dyson V7 is an excellent alternative to the V6 for the hygienic dust cup, but North American consumers won’t have the option to purchase the Absolute that comes with the Fluffy head.
Dyson V6 Tools
You can extend the functionality of the V6 with the tools available on Amazon. Let’s say you have a V6 Mattress and need something for the vehicle interior. There’s no need to buy the Car + Boat model.
Buying a handheld toolkit that includes the flexible hose in Amazon is more than enough for the task.
Which is Best for Hard Floor?
For homes with only hard floor surfaces, it would be overkill to buy the Dyson V6 Absolute. There’s no need for the direct-drive head that has the bristled brush.
The best option for these homes would be the V6 Fluffy that has the soft roller tool that works great on hard surfaces.
This tool will not scratch hardwood because it made from a fabric-like material but with a rigid backbone that will take the abuse of daily use.
It’s not the cheapest variant at just a little over $300, but it does include the mini turbo brush, bare floor brush tool, crevice and combination tool that’ll cover all your needs.
How about Carpet?
The Dyson V6 Motorhead or Animal is an excellent option inside homes that have mostly carpet flooring. Choosing between the two will depend if there are pets or not.
For pet owners, the Animal would be the better option because it comes with the mini-motorized brush (or turbo brush) that’ll clean pet hair on upholstery.
However, emptying the V6 dust cup with lots of pet hair will be tedious. Another option for folks who want the hygienic bin is the V7 Motorhead; that’s cheaper!
It performs better and runs longer than the V6 with an easier to empty the dirt bin.
Does the Dyson V6 Offer Good Value?
With newer options available, the Dyson V6’s prices have dropped significantly.
This drop helps increase the appeal of the V6, and it has pretty good value if you base it on performance alone.
I would suggest that you spend a little bit more on the Animal or Absolute options if you can afford it because their cleaning heads are much better than the Cord-Free alternative.
But some issues come in when choosing the V6 and other options such as the Dyson V7 or V8.
The first and most significant issue for me would be the dust cup, the V6 design tedious and messy to clean. If you clean a lot of dust, this can be a big issue.
The next issue is the run time. In my opinion, the 20-minute figure isn’t long enough as a standalone vacuum cleaner.
But for spot cleaning or tackling high traffic areas, it is more than enough.
It comes with a two-year warranty and a 30-day return policy, decent but not as long as other brands like the Shark.
The Verdict: Who Should by the Dyson V6?
The Dyson V6 offers a versatile product that has two-in-one functionality that has a strong enough suction giving it the ability to clean different surfaces.
It is one of the lightest options in the Dyson cordless options at just 4.5 pounds. So this vacuum is an excellent option if you want something light.
Cleaning performance isn’t an issue as this vacuum will clean surface dirt thoroughly. However, it won’t do as well as the V8 or V10 when it comes to deep cleaning.
There are also some issues with the dirt bin that can be messy to empty, and the 20-minute run time that some folks say is too short.
If you don’t mind these issues and will to pay the $$$ for it, then the V6 is a great mid-priced option.
I would recommend the Dyson V6 if you’re looking for these features:
- Lightweight and mobility: The Dyson V6 is one of the lightest options available at just 4.5 pounds.
- Usable in different configurations: You can use the V6 as a handheld or stick vacuum, and this versatility gives it the ability to clean the whole home.
- Multiple tools: Depending on the variant, you’ll get different devices like the crevice tool, dusting brush, motorized floor tools, and more.
- Two cleaning modes: The V6 has two power modes – normal and max. It gives you the option to deep clean carpet in short bursts with the max setting or cleaning surface dirt on more extensive areas in the default setting.
