LG CordZero A9 vs. Dyson V8 Absolute

Perhaps the closest Dyson option to the LG in terms of form and functionality is the V8 Absolute.

I’m unsure if LG used it as a template for designing their first product, but it’s very close.

Both have similarly designed soft rollers and standard nozzles and utilize a vertically-aligned dustbin.

Nonetheless, there will be variances with power switches and how you empty the dustbins, which we’ll look at in this comparison.

I’ve put both products through grueling tests to determine which option is better, so let’s get into it.

An overview of the LG CordZero A9 and Dyson V8 Absolute

* If you click this link and purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost.

Introduction to the LG CordZero A9 and Dyson V8 Absolute

Of all LG and Dyson cordless stick vacuums,  the CordZero A9 and V8 Absolute are the closest in terms of features.

For example, both utilize the same vertically aligned dustbin, with Dyson having a (slightly) bigger capacity (0.54 vs. 0.399 liters).

Each model will offer distinct advantages; we’ll look at these in detail below.

If you haven’t checked my other comparisons between LG and Dyson, check the links below.

• LG CordZero vs. Dyson V10
• LG CordZero vs. Dyson V12
• LG CordZero vs. Dyson V15

Cheaper Dyson Option: Dyson V8 Absolute

Pros

• The full-sealed system didn’t leak during the fog test
• Above-average at cleaning surface debris
• Lots of tools out of the box (more than LG)
• The hygienic system makes it easy to empty
• More aftermarket parts availability
• Cheaper than LG
• Larger dustbin capacity

Cons

• Non-detachable battery
• No storage stand (consumers will need to purchase one separately)

The V8 Absolute is the last of Dyson’s previous generation stick vacuums with a vertically aligned dustbin.

It was once their flagship option, but its prices have decreased significantly with the subsequent V10, V11, Outsize, V15, V12, and Gen5 Detect releases.

This drop is excellent news for consumers who don’t want to spend a fortune on a cordless stick vacuum.

Being an older model has some downsides, like the lack of premium features in newer options like the V15 Detect.

Everything about the V8 is analog, from the power switch to toggling between suction settings.

It uses Dyson’s traditional trigger, a staple for all its products before the Omni Glide and Micro.

The V8 Absolute has two nozzles – a fluffy and standard brush roll for cleaning hard floors and carpets, respectively.

And its cleaning performance is above average for surface and embedded debris.

It’s not as good as Dyson’s higher-end options, but it has enough for daily cleaning tasks inside a tiny home, at least for surface dirt.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t have Dyson’s premium-level features like a detachable battery, laser slim roller, and such.

The non-detachable battery doesn’t mean you can’t remove it – it is detachable, but you’ll need to use a Philips screwdriver to unfasten three screws before detaching the battery.

So extending run time by purchasing extra batteries is out of the equation.

Also, the V8 run time in the max setting is only around seven minutes, which is needed to deep clean carpets.

LG’s battery will run further (up to 15 mins) – another drawback for the V8 Absolute.

One significant advantage it has over LG is the dustbin, which is easy to empty (thanks to the hygienic system) and fully sealed.

The Dyson V8 is a decent option, but consider its drawbacks and feature limitations when choosing between it and the LG CordZero A9.

Exceeding Expectations: LG CordZero A9

Pros

• Detachable batteries make it easier to extend the range
• Most sub-variants come with two batteries
• Storage stand can vertically store the vacuum plus attachments and charge the extra battery
• Above-average cleaning performance
• Runs longer in the max setting (15 vs. 7 mins)

Cons

• It doesn’t have a fully sealed dustbin
• Smaller dirt container than the Dyson V8 (0.399 vs. 0.54 liters)
• Fewer tools

While LG copied many of the V8’s features, it’s not a blatant ripoff.

There are helpful ones absent in Dyson I’ll enumerate below.

The most obvious is the storage stand that (also) doubles as a charging port for the extra battery.

I haven’t seen a Dyson cordless stick vacuum with this feature out of the box.

Yes, consumers can purchase third-party docks at an added expense, which isn’t ideal.

The next feature absent in the V8 is the detachable battery, and most CordZero A9 options have two, doubling the range to over 80 minutes.

Surprisingly, even with the smaller capacity, these LG batteries will run further at the max setting (15 mins vs. 7 mins), a bonus for carpet cleaning.

Like the Dyson V8, it has two nozzles for cleaning hard floors and carpets.

And it was above average at cleaning various debris types – surface and embedded, despite having less airflow.

Unfortunately, it has a smaller dustbin without any mechanism to push out dirt, though select variants (Kompressor) have the dust compactor feature to squeeze dirt inside the dustbin.

Combining all the features, run time, and cleaning performance, the LG CordZero A9 is a decent alternative to the V8 – albeit more expensive with Dyson’s price drop.

Ergonomic Comparison

There isn’t much variance between the LG CordZero A9 and the Dyson V8 with ergonomics.

Both are close in weight (6 vs. 5.8 lbs), with LG only 0.2 pounds heavier, and there isn’t much variance with handheld usability.

One factor that could sway your decision is the steering, where Dyson has the advantage with its sharper turning radius.

LG’s smaller battery gives it a slight advantage in its handheld mode, but it isn’t much.

Interface Comparison

Despite the similarities in form, their interfaces are different.

The Dyson V8 utilizes a simpler one with a slide switch above the motor for toggling between two suction settings and a trigger for powering the motor.

Underneath is a three-LED battery indicator, letting consumers know how much charge is left.

LG’s interface is more nuanced with the three-button layout for power and toggling between two suction settings.

Not having a trigger makes it more palatable to use for long stretches since you don’t need to squeeze anything.

Above the handle is a three-LED battery indicator to (again) inform users how much charge is left.

It’s not as precise as an LCD screen found in higher-end cordless vacuums, but it serves its function.

Run Time Comparison

Despite utilizing a smaller battery, the LG CordZero runs longer with the cleaning nozzle, exceeding 40 minutes.

The extra battery extends the range to over 80 minutes, (more than) doubling the V8’s run time.

LG runs further even with a smaller battery because it uses a smaller motor, evidenced by the lower airflow output.

However, the variance is minimal, so LG’s battery is

It (nearly) doubles Dyson’s range in the max setting per battery (15 vs. 7 mins).

Add the detachability of the battery makes it easy to extend the range.

The Dyson V8 battery isn’t built-in but not detachable, so purchasing an extra is not practical.

Airflow Comparison

One of the most significant surprises (at least for me) in this comparison is how close the airflow is for these products.

There’s only a 4.2% variance at the extension tube and a 1.7% variance at the nozzle.

So there’s not much difference between the LG CordZero and Dyson V8, and it shouldn’t be a deciding factor.

Cleaning Comparison

Another surprise is the cleaning test results, where the LG CordZero picked up a higher percentage on hard floors and carpets.

The only category Dyson won was the deep cleaning experiment, getting nearly three percentage points more than LG.

Again, the variance is negligible, as both will be efficient with debris pick-up.

When choosing between these cordless stick vacuum options, consumers should look at other factors like run time, steering, filtration, dustbin size, etc.

Which option is better on hard floors?

As I’ve said in other comparison articles, a barometer I use to determine hard floor performance is how much sand it picks up.

Between the LG CordZero A9 and Dyson V8 Absolute, LG picked up more (100% vs. 99.5%), which showed in the eye test.

The Dyson V8 Absolute is (also) above average, picking up 99.5% – an excellent score for a cordless vacuum.

Hair Wrap Comparison [Hard Floors]

The Dyson V8 Absolute did better at picking up hair, getting a higher percentage in every experiment between five and eleven inches.

• 5-inch strands: 100%
• 7-inch strands: 100%
• 9-inch strands: 100%
• 11-inch strands: 89%
• 12-inch strands: 63%

The LG CordZero A9 didn’t do as well, only picking up in the 80s with strands above seven inches, but I didn’t test it on twelve-inch strands.

• 5-inch strands: 98%
• 7-inch strands: 81%
• 9-inch strands: 86%
• 11-inch strands: 86%

Please note that both options don’t have an active ant-tangle system, so these rely on the roller to pick up hair.

Edge Cleaning Comparison

There isn’t much variance between LG and Dyson in this category. Both picked up efficiently in this area.

Here’s a before and after shot for the LG.

And Dyson V8 Absolute.

When I tested the V8 Absolute, I used pet litter in a different area, but the results were similar.

Pet litter is more challenging to clean than coffee grounds.

Which is better on carpets?

It’s a mixed bag for these vacuums. Based on tests, LG is better at picking up surface debris (99.95% vs. 97.29%), but the V8 Absolute was better at cleaning embedded sand (97.7% vs. 94.75%).

So which is better? We’ll have to examine the overall scope and how run time plays into this comparison.

The CordZero’s standard nozzle has a chunkier roller, giving it more surface area to pick up debris.

Also, it’s noticeably heavier with the bulkier steering mechanism that didn’t turn as sharply.

The added weight pushes the brush roll further down, enabling it to pick up more debris.

Its felt seal behind the brush seems better at funneling dirt toward the brush roll than the V8’s squeegee-type seal.

Hair Wrap Comparison[Carpets]

While the Dyson V8 was significantly better at cleaning hair on hard floors, the LG CordZero is better on carpets, thanks to the fatter brush roll.

It picked up in the 100s and high 90s across the board – impressive since it doesn’t have combs to untangle hair strands.

• 5-inch strands: 99%
• 7-inch: 100%
• 9-inch: 100%
• 11-inch: 99%

The Dyson V8 was excellent, up to nine-inch strands, but there was visible hair wrap with eleven and twelve-inch hair.

• 5-inch strands: 100%
• 7-inch strands: 100%
• 9-inch strands: 100%
• 11-inch strands: 83%
• 12-inch strands: 16%

Noise Comparison

For the noise test, I use a sound meter beside the vacuum to measure loudness, which is a factor, especially for extended usage.

Despite the even airflow level, the LG CordZero is the noisier option, maxing out at close to 80 decibels (79.4 to be exact), while the Dyson V8 is around seven decibels less noisy (73.2).

Related LG and Dyson Comparisons

• LG CordZero A9 vs. Dyson V10 Absolute
• LG CordZero A9 vs. Dyson V15 Detect
• Dyson V12 Detect vs. LG CordZero A9

Maintenance Comparison

Next, we’ll look at components consumers need to clean regularly to keep these vacuums functioning for years.

Upkeep is often overlooked for folks as their busy schedule drown out other tasks like cleaning their vacuums.

But this is critical in keeping these machines at their most efficient peak.

1. Brush roll: Remove the brush roll from the nozzle to untangle hair and wipe off dust accumulation. This step prevents unnecessary friction (and wear) on the bearings and belt driving the brush roll. Do this step on the primary and mini-turbo brush (if included).
2. Dustbin: Empty it after every cleaning cycle to prevent dirt from clogging the filter and dust mites from breeding inside.
3. Filter: Clean the filter monthly by washing it under running water. Please note that only the primary filter is washable, but the pleated ones aren’t since these use a paper element that degrades when soaked in liquid.
4. Battery: Avoid using the max setting for extended periods to preserve battery life.

Product Specifications

Where can I purchase these cordless stick vacuums?

Consumers can buy the LG CordZero A9 or Dyson V8 Absolute in online stores like Amazon. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.

• LG A9 CordZero on Amazon
• Dyson V8 on Amazon

Disclaimer: I will earn a commission if you purchase through the links above. But at no additional cost to you, it’s a win-win for us!

Which offers the better value?

Currently, the Dyson V8 Absolute is cheaper than the LG CordZero, and I like how well mine has held up for the past years of ownership.

If price is a significant deciding factor, then I’d lean toward the Dyson V8, given that both offer (almost) similar performance with surface and embedded dirt.

However, it’s hard to overlook other factors like how much hair it picks up, range, etc.

So I’ll enumerate the advantages of each one below to help you decide.

5 Reasons to Choose the LG CordZero A9

1. Runs further: Most LG CordZero A9 variants will have two detachable batteries, extending the range to over 80 minutes – more than doubling the V8 with the nozzle attached.
2. Better at surface debris pick-up: Even with the lower airflow (though only slightly), the CordZero was better at surface debris pick-up, yes, even sand.
3. Storage stand: It comes with a stand to store the vacuum and tools plus charge the extra battery – something absent in the Dyson V8.
4. Excellent at picking up hair (on carpets): LG’s chunkier brush roll enables it to pick up more hair than Dyson across the board.
5. No trigger switch: It’s less tiring because it doesn’t utilize a trigger, so there’s no need to squeeze anything.

5 Reasons to Choose the Dyson V8 Absolute

1. Larger dustbin: The V8 Absolute dustbin can hold 30% more dirt than LG.
2. Easier to empty: Dyson’s hygienic system is less messy and easier to empty since it has a mechanism to push dirt downward.
3. Fully sealed system: It didn’t leak during the fog test, which bodes well for allergy sufferers because it has a good enough seal to keep allergens inside the dustbin.
4. Better steering: The V8 Absolute has sharper steering, making it easier to maneuver around furniture.
5. (Slightly) better at deep cleaning carpets: It picked up nearly three percentage points more than the CordZero in the deep cleaning tests.

The Verdict: Very Close, Will Depend on Feature Needs

There isn’t much variance between the LG CordZero and Dyson V8 with cleaning performance, airflow, and other obvious spec considerations, so consumers need to check the features they prioritize.

LG may be a new player in this industry compared to the industry-standard Dyson, but it has some helpful features absent in the latter.

Some of these may sway your decision to go with it, like the storage stand, detachable battery, or its surprisingly good hair pick-up on carpets.

The Dyson V8 offers better filtration, steering, a larger dustbin, and more aftermarket support for parts.

Choosing one will depend on what you’ll prioritize.