Today we will be looking at two of Dyson’s cheaper offerings to cordless vacuum cleaners – the Dyson V6 and V7.
Right now, the Dyson V6 is the cheapest option and has the broadest range of options depending on the tool you need.
The Dyson V7 is a slight upgrade over the Dyson V6 with improvements with the dust cup, longer run time, and more.
How are these two Dyson cordless vacuum cleaners different? Is the V7 better than the V6?
To find out, please continue reading!
Dyson V6
Introduction to the Dyson V6 and V7
Of all the Dyson cord-free stick vacuum cleaners, the V6 and V7 are the closest in specs. These two variants share the same motor and battery, so that the performance will be similar.
What’s different is the dust cup. The V7 has the same hygienic design as the V8 that makes it easier to dispose of dirt.
Dyson V6 Overview
The Dyson V6 was once the top-of-the-line Dyson cordless and the most expensive. With the subsequent release of the V7, V8, V10, and V11, it is now entry-level.
But make no mistake, there’s nothing entry-level about the performance of this vacuum cleaner.
It has the least amount of run time and suction power of all the Dyson cordless cleaners, but the design of its cleaning heads make up for the deficiency.
Cleaning performance will vary on bare floors and carpets, depending on the variant you select. The top-spec V6 Absolute has both the soft roller and direct drive attachments that will work great on hard floors and carpet, respectively.
The soft roller head, in particular, works well on stuff like cheerios or pet litter on hard surfaces without pushing it forward. On carpet, the direct drive cleaning head will do a very decent job picking up stuff like pet hair, rice, and kitty litter.
It won’t be as good as the Dyson V8 or V10, but performance doesn’t lag too far behind.
Two significant issues with the V6 would be the dust cup and run time.
Many consumers have complained about how difficult it is to empty everything without getting their hands dirty.
Run time is at the low end at just 24 minutes max – that’s without any of the motorized tools.
Pros
- One of the cheapest Dyson cordless options
- It still offers above-average cleaning performance versus its competitors.
- A wide array of tools available at your disposal depending on what V6 model you choose
- Great filtration
Cons
- Emptying the dust cup is a messy process.
- Short run time
Bottom line
Dyson V7 Overview
Here’s an interesting fact, the V7 wasn’t the variant that Dyson released after the V6. It was the V8.
If you’re asking why nobody knows except maybe the marketing people in Dyson, but one thing is for sure, the V7 solves some of the issues that plague the Dyson V6.
The V7 is a Hybrid of the V6 and V8. It has the dustcup and max switch of the V8 with a slight upgrade in the motor and battery.
Run time is up to a more respectable 30 minutes, but that’s with the non-motorized tools like the brush tool.
The dust cup is also much easier to empty with a pull of a lever.
Pros
- Better dust cup design that’s easier to empty
- Longer run time
Cons
- The product line does not have as many tool options as the V6.
- Dyson does not offer the variant with the Fluffy attachment in the United States.
Bottom line
Similarities Between the Dyson V6 vs. V7
At first glance, you would think that the Dyson V6 and V7 were the same products. That’s why Dyson uses different color combinations to let help differentiate each model.
Let’s look at the similarities of the Dyson V6 and V7:
- Interchangeable tools: Both these models have tools to use with the wand or direct on the vacuum. This feature allows a lot of options in the way you want to use it.
- Lightweight: These cordless vacuum cleaners weigh less than 7 pounds even with the motorized tool attached. The weight difference between the two is minimal (around one pound).
- Warranty: All Dyson cord-free products come with a 2-year warranty
Design Differences Between the Dyson V6 vs. V7
There are subtle design differences between these two products.
Each variant has a different color combination.
For the sake of this article, I’ll compare the Dyson V6 Absolute and the V7 MotorHead.
The V6 Absolute has a red and gray combination with hints of blue, while the V7 MotorHead has a Fuchsia (this includes the cyclonic filter cover) and gray combo.
Here’s a rundown of the differences between these two:
- Dust cup: The V6 still utilizes the old trap door design first seen in the DC-series. The V7 has a better system with a mechanism that will push the dirt down. It is the same design as you’ll see in the Dyson V8.
- Max switch: The V6 uses a button while the V7 utilizes a slide switch toggle between normal and max.
- Run time: The Dyson V7 has a longer run time of 30 minutes versus the 24 of the V6.
Aside from the aesthetic and usability differences, let’s look at the product range.
The Dyson V6 has more than ten options, and the V7 has four different variants.
Bear in mind that the differences between these models would be the tools you’ll get out of the box.
All V7 and V7 product ranges have the same motor, battery, filter, and cleaning performance, respectively.
Here’s a rundown of the Dyson V6 options (ten of them):
- Dyson V6 Absolute: This variant is the most expensive option of the bunch. It comes with the most number of tools giving making it one of the most versatile options available. It comes with a soft roller and direct drive tool that works great on any surface inside your home.
- Dyson V6 Animal: Comes with the same attachments as the V6 Absolute but minus the soft roller tool. This model is an excellent option if your home has more carpet than hard floors or you want to save some cash.
- Dyson V6 MotorHead: The V6 MotorHead is a cheaper version of the Animal. Both have the same direct-drive head, but this variant does not have the mini-turbo brush. It’s a good option if you don’t have pets and a tool capable of cleaning the carpet.
- Dyson V6 Fluffy: This variant is an excellent option for variant hard floor surfaces like tile, hardwood, or marble as it has a couple of tools for cleaning these surfaces. It also has the standard above-the-floor tools like the combination and crevice plus the mini-turbo brush, which is excellent for pet hair.
- Dyson V6 Trigger: It’s the handheld version of the V6 great for cleaning upholstery and furniture. Attach the optional hose attachment, and this becomes an excellent vacuum for your vehicle.
- Dyson V6 Top Dog: Similar to the V6 Trigger, but this variant has the HEPA filter.
- Dyson V6 Car + Boat: This variant has the same tools as the Trigger, but this option has the flexible hose that tremendously increases the range and reach.
- Dyson V6 Cord-Free: The most basic of all the V6 stick vacuums with the least attachments. It has the older direct-drive cleaning head that has less agitation than the Animal and MotorHead.
- Dyson V6 Mattress: Great option if you want to clean the mattress as it comes with the mini-turbo brush, and it has a HEPA filter.
- Dyson V6 Top Dog: An option for pet owners looking for a tool cleaning pet hair. It comes with a mini-turbo brush and a HEPA filter.
The Dyson V7 has fewer options – four in total:
- Dyson V7 Absolute: This variant comes with the most tools: the soft roller and direct drive head, making it a great option on hard floors and carpet. It is also the most expensive option.
- Dyson V7 Animal: Has the same attachments as the V7 Absolute, but it does not have the soft roller tool that makes it a better option on the carpet.
- Dyson V7 MotorHead: The least expensive stick vacuum option in the V7 line, but it has lesser tools and only has the direct-drive cleaning head.
- Dyson V7 HEPA: This variant is the same as the MotorHead but with a HEPA filter.
- Dyson V7 Trigger: The handheld version of the V7 series with the same tools as the V6 Trigger.
How the Dyson V6 and V7 clean?
There are a lot of similarities between the Dyson V6 and V7 in the way it cleans dirt.
Cleaning head: Depending on the variant you choose, you’ll either get the direct drive or the soft roller cleaning head. The former combines soft carbon fiber and stiff nylon bristles to pick up debris of various sizes on the carpet.
The soft roller cleaning head is the tool you want to use to pick up dirt on hard floor surfaces.
Its unique design of this tool makes it effective at cleaning even large piles of dirt on hard floors with minimal plowing.
You’ll have two options for the V6 direct-drive head – first would be getting the older version found in earlier DC59 variants that’s smaller but cheaper. It has less agitation, so that it won’t perform as well.
The second option is the bigger version that will pick up better on carpet but selecting this option will cost more $$$.
Cyclonic Filtration: One of the Dyson cordless vacuum’s unique features is the cyclonic filtration that sits on top of the dust cup. This one feature is what separates a Dyson from other brands. Dyson calls these radial cyclones, and its job is to keep dirt away from the filter to maintain suction as dirt piles up inside the bin.
Versatile 2-in-1 setup: Both variants belong to Dyson’s cordless vacuum line that offers a lot of versatility and cleaning performance. The versatility part comes from the removable wand and interchangeable tools that make this usable a handheld or stick vacuum.
Cleaning Performance
The difference in the performance of the Dyson V6 and V7 isn’t a lot.
I’ve seen tests done at other blogs that say the V6 did not perform well on the hard floor as the V7.
But here’s the thing, the tool that they used on the V6 is the older version direct-drive cleaning head that won’t work on hard surfaces. It isn’t an apple to apple comparison.
Of course, the soft roller head will do better.
So here’s what I’ll do, I’ll show you some clips from YouTube to see how each tool performs and a particular surface.
Dyson V6 Cleaning Test
The Dyson V6 has two separate tools that will clean carpets and hard floors thoroughly. Dyson calls this the soft roller and the direct drive tools.
Take note that the direct drive attachment in the V6 is the older version, so it doesn’t have as much agitation.
But it still does an exceptional job of cleaning pet hair, dust, and all sorts of debris on carpet.
Here’s the V6’s soft roller cleaning head tool in action cleaning rolled oats and some dirt.
One of these tools’ strengths is its ability to pick up large chunks of dirt without plowing it forward. It doesn’t rely so much on airflow as a standard brush roll, making it ideal on hard surfaces.
Dyson V7 Cleaning Test
The V7 also has the direct-drive cleaning head and the soft roller tool or the fluffy.
Let’s look at how each one cleaning with the clips below.
In just a single back and forth pass, the V7 MotorHead could pick up a majority of the debris that includes rolled oats, dust, and powder.
I like big mess tests like this because it pushes the vacuum’s limits, and you will see if there are any flaws with the design.
According to Dyson, the V7 direct-drive cleaning head has 75% more brush bar power than the V6 cord-free.
Now let’s look at the soft roller cleaning head of the Dyson V7.
The dirt on the floor isn’t much, but the soft roller head could pick up pretty much every crumb of it.
In terms of performance, there isn’t much difference between these two models. As you’ve seen in the videos and clips, performance is very close and should not be a determining factor in selecting which one you’ll choose.
What are the accessories/tools that come with the Dyson V6 and V7?
The Dyson V6 and V7 will come with various tools or attachments depending on the model you choose.
If you opt for the stick version, it will come with either the soft roller or the direct-drive cleaning head. When you select the “Absolute” version of the V6 or V7, both tools will come.
Floor cleaning tools
- Soft roller cleaning head or the “Fluffy”: The design of this tool is unique in that it doesn’t have any bristles. Instead, it uses a solid cylindrical frame with a cloth exterior that works best on hard surfaces. This tool will pick up large or small debris well.
- Direct drive cleaning head: This tool is the more standard beater bar (with its motor) that contains stiff and soft bristles that will work well on any surface. It’s the tool you want if your home has a lot of carpets.
Other tools for cleaning above the floor
- Crevice tool: As the name implies, this tool works well in reaching tight spots like areas between sofa cushions.
- Combination tool: This tool has two functions. With the brush tool down, you can use this to clean dust from keyboards or vents. When you pull the brush tool up, it reveals a tool that you can use on upholstery.
- Dusting brush: This tool has slightly softer bristles that make it a great tool to use on more delicate surfaces like lampshades or curtains.
- Mini turbo brush: A smaller version of the primary cleaning head that comes with a motorized brush. This tool will work great at cleaning hair and dust on fabric upholstery or mattresses.
Dyson V6 vs. V7 Dimension Comparison
There isn’t much difference between the overall size of the Dyson V6 and V7.
The Dyson V6 is slightly shorter than the V7. It measures 47.5″ long while the V7 is 49″ long.
The Dyson V6 is also lighter but not by much weighing 5.1 pounds versus the V7’s 5.45 pounds. So the weight difference isn’t significant.
In terms of the width of the cleaning head, both variants measure the same at 9.8″.
More Dyson Cord-Free Comparisons
Want to learn more about the different Dyson cordless products? Click on any of the links below learn how it compares with one another and with other brands:
- Comparing all Dyson cordless vacuums
- Dyson V6 vs. V8
- Dyson V6 vs. V10
- Dyson V7 vs. V10
- Dyson V7 vs. V8
- Dyson V7 vs. V11
- Dyson V8 vs. V10
- Dyson V8 vs. V11
- Dyson V10 vs. V11
Dyson versus other brands
Usability of the Dyson V6 vs. V7
Ergonomics: Both these variants use the trigger switch that you’ll see in all Dyson cordless vacuums. It’s a subjective matter; some like it because it helps them maximize run time, while others don’t like it because it strains their risk. But even with the extension wand and tools, using these vacuums above your head isn’t as tiring as a more top-heavy Shark vacuum.
Assembly: Attaching and removing tools is easy thanks to the high-quality locking mechanism that seamlessly makes the process. Out of the box, you will not need a manual to use this as the tools can only be attached in a specific direction. You don’t need to worry if you’re connecting it backward or not. It’s pretty self-explanatory.
Versatility: You can use this vacuum either as a handheld or stick vacuum thanks to the 2-in-1 design. Remove the wand, and this vacuum works great as a hand vacuum excellent for quick cleanups. Attach the wand, and you’ll have a high-end stick vacuum that will perform well on a variety of surfaces.
Emptying the Dust Cup
The Dyson V6 and V7 visually have the same looking dust cup, but how you empty it is different.
With the V6, you push a red lever at the back of the bin to release a lock that holds the trap door in place.
In theory, this design works, but it has its limitations. One of which is dust and hair that can accumulate and stick on the mesh filter in the middle.
V6 owners have complained that it is impossible to clean the whole bin without disassembling it. The good news is disassembly is easy. However, the bad news is that it is messy.
Dyson heard the complaints and upgraded the dust cup with the V8, and this bin is on the Dyson V7.
The new design solves that issue for debris sticking on the mesh filter. When you pull the lever, the dust cup’s outer shell goes down with a shroud pushing the dirt down.
The new system is more hygienic and easier to dispose of dirt.
Maintenance costs of the V6 vs. V7
We’ll look at three critical areas to clean on both variants.
Dust cup: Make sure to empty the bin if dirt goes past the max fill line. In the V6, this could be tougher, as you’ll need to disassemble the container to give it a thorough cleaning. Dyson says that the primary filter should be cleaned under running water once a month. Make sure that the filter is dry before putting it back on the vacuum.
Battery: The lithium-ion battery inside the V6 and V7 will last past Dyson’s two-year warranty period. If it for some reason fails, Dyson will replace it free of charge. Replacement batteries are also available on Amazon if the battery fails post-warranty. There are many options available; you can even get a higher capacity battery that will run longer.
Filters: The Dyson V6 and V7 have two filters – the primary filter plus a post-motor HEPA filter. One good thing about it is these are lifetime filters meaning you don’t need to replace it. Just remember to wash both parts regularly to clean it.
How long will the Dyson V6 and V7 battery run?
Despite having the smaller capacity battery, the Dyson V7 has a longer run time at 30 minutes, which is 6 minutes more than the V6’s run time of 20 minutes.
But that number goes down to 6 minutes if you turn on the max mode.
Dyson V6 | Dyson V7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2,200 mAh | 2,100 mAh |
| Recharge time | 3.5 hrs. | 3.5 hrs. |
| Official Run Time | ||
| Low Power All Tools | up to 20 mins. | up to 30 mins. |
| Low Power w/ Motorized Tool | 16 mins. | 20 mins. |
| Max Power All Tools | 6 mins. | 6 mins. |
| Tested Run Time | ||
| Low Power All Tools | 16 mins. 40 secs. | 23 mins. 28 secs. |
| Max Power All Tools | 6 mins. 26 secs. | 6 mins. 22 secs. |
Dyson V6 vs. V7 Specifications
Dyson V6 vs. V7: Which Will Offer Better Value?
Dyson V6 Value
Don’t let the entry-level tag fool you; the Dyson V6 still offers excellent performance despite its age. In the cleaning tests, I’ve seen the V6 performs almost as well as the V7. There isn’t much of a difference at all. The most significant selling point for me would be the price as even the top of the line V6 is one of the more affordable Dyson cordless vacuums you can buy.
There are two significant issues with the V6 – shorter run time and a dirt bin that is quite messy to empty.
If you don’t mind these issues, then the V6 is excellent value.
Dyson V7 Value
When you look at the overall features, the Dyson V7 is the better product than the V6, but not by much.
It takes the two most significant weaknesses of the V6 and improves upon it with the upgraded bin and longer run time.
There isn’t much of a difference between the V7 and V6 regarding cleaning performance on various surfaces. Both are equally capable of cleaning on multiple surfaces.
However, because of these upgrades, you’ll have to pay a higher price for the V7. The question is, are you willing to?
The Verdict
The Dyson V6 and V7 are similar products that possess the same qualities – great, versatile cordless vacuums that can clean nearly every part of your home.
Both will perform as well. The difference, if there’s any, is negligible. If you compare these two side-by-side using the same tools, results will almost be identical.
There are two differences between the Dyson V6 and V7: the dust bin design and run time. The V7 has a better bin design and will run longer.
Dyson V7 Is The Better Version Of The V6
Between these two vacuums, the Dyson V7 is the better product. It addresses the two issues that plague the V6. The V7 has a better bin that’s more hygienic to empty and will run longer. But the Dyson V6 is the cheaper option and will perform almost as well as the V7.
So the question is you willing to spend more on the V7?
If you don’t mind the limitations of the V6, then you can save some $$$ and still get a very capable and versatile vacuum that will clean your home.
You should buy the Dyson V6 if you.
- Don’t mind the limitations: This cordless vacuum will only run for 20 minutes, which is plenty for most spot-cleaning tasks. While easy to use, the bin design can be frustrating to empty because you’ll have to disassemble it to empty the contents.
- Want something cheaper: You can get a top of the line V6 Absolute with all the tools for less than a V7 Absolute.
- Need a versatile vacuum: The Dyson V6 is a capable and versatile machine that will perform equally well as the V7.
You should buy the Dyson V7 if you.
- Want a vacuum that’s easier to empty: The upgraded bin of the V7 is easier to empty. When you pull up the red lever on top, the container goes down with the shroud pushing the dirt down.
- Need a longer run time: The Dyson V7 will run around 10 minutes longer than the Dyson V6. If you live in a bigger home, the V7 is a better option.
- Don’t mind spending a bit more: The V7 is a bit more expensive than the V6 but not by much.
