Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute, V10 Animal, and V10 Motorhead Cordless Vacuums
Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute, Animal, and Motorhead cordless vacuums are a group of high-end, convertible 2-in-1, bagless, stick vacuums. Thanks to their design, they quickly transform into handheld vacuums and back.
Dyson Cyclone V10 cordless vacuums follow similar design philosophy found in previous Dyson V8 Cordless vacuums, but with improved air pathways, stronger suction, more cleaning modes, etc.
Published: August 28, 2019.
Dyson Cyclone V10 Motorhead, Animal and Absolute Models Comparison
At the moment of writing this article, there were three Dyson Cyclone V10 cordless vacuums: Motorhead, Animal, and Absolute.
Their main difference is obviously color, but they also differ in the list of available attachments.
While Animal and Absolute models are essentially the same vacuums, the Motorhead model is also a more compact and somewhat lighter model, featuring a smaller dirt bin.
The following chart lists the most important features and specifications of the Dyson Cyclone V10 cordless vacuums:
| Model | Dyson Cyclone V10 Motorhead | Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal | Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute |
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| Dimensions | 10.1 x 48.85 x 9.5 inches | 10.1 x 49.2 x 9.5 inches | 10.1 x 49.2 x 9.5 inches |
| Stick Vacuum Mode Weight | 5.5 lbs | 5.9 lbs | 5.9 lbs |
| Dirt Bin Size | 0.54 liters | 0.76 liters | 0.76 liters |
| Maximum Power | 525 Watts | 525 Watts | 525 Watts |
| Maximum Suction | 150 Air Watts | 150 Air Watts | 150 Air Watts |
| HEPA Air Filtration | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Washable Air Filter | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Detachable Battery | No | No | No |
| Combination Tool | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crevice Tool | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mini Soft Dusting Brush | No | Yes | Yes |
| Mini Motorized Tool | No | Yes | Yes |
| Direct Drive Cleaner Head | Yes | No | No |
| Torque Drive Cleaner Head | No | Yes | Yes |
| Soft Roller Cleaner Head | No | No | Yes |
| Wall Mount & Charger | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Link | Dyson Cyclone V10 Motorhead | Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal | Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute |
Note: Amazon links open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.
Dyson V10 Cyclone models are convertible vacuums, designed to be used as lightweight stick and powerful handheld vacuums. All cleaning tools and accessories are detachable using no tools - note that all cleaning tools and accessories must 'click' when being attached to the unit, forming a strong connection.
Vacuum controls are on the handle, allowing the user to turn the unit on and off and to set the required suction power.
Dyson Cyclone V10 comes with three suction modes, labeled as Suction Mode I, Suction Mode II, and Max mode.
When non-motorized cleaning tools are used, operating times on the single battery charge are:
- Suction Mode I: 60 minutes,
- Suction Mode II: 23 minutes,
- Max Suction Mode: 8 minutes.
Obviously, when powered tools are used, operating time is shorter. For example:
- when Torque Drive Cleaner Head is used in Suction Mode I, maximum operating time is ~35 minutes (instead of 60 minutes),
- when Soft Roller Cleaner Head is used in Suction Mode I, maximum operating time is ~40 minutes (instead of 60 minutes), etc.
When Dyson Cyclone V10 is used in Maximum Suction Mode its operating time is shortest - 'just' 8 minutes when non-motorized tools are used.
But, in Maximum Suction Mode, Dyson V10 develops 150 Air Watts of suction and that is easily comparable with large, corded vacuums, except perhaps the strongest ones - for example, Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor Canister Vacuum is a corded unit developing impressive 250 Air Watts of suction.
Dyson Cyclone V10 vacuums are powered using Dyson Digital V10 Motors, spinning at 125.000 rpm (almost 2100 rotations per second) ensuring strong suction and smooth airflow.
The whole unit is designed to decrease the noise, however, when the unit is used in Maximum Suction Mode, Dyson V10 is anything but a whisper-quiet cordless unit. But, considering its 525 Watt motor, noise is more than acceptable.
Air filtration is based on the G-force generated inside its 14 cyclones. Maximum G-force is up to 79.000g, helping the unit separate vacuumed dirt from the clean air.
Final air filtration is done via a washable HEPA air filter.
Dyson Cyclone V10 features 'true' HEPA air filtration - unit is able to capture at least 99.97% of 0.3 microns or larger particles, expelling out practically the clean air, which is very important for people not only with health issues or pets and kids but also for all other people not wanting vacuumed particles being returned into the vacuumed area.
Depending on the use, the HEPA air filter should be washed/rinsed using cold water on a monthly basis. After washing, it should be air-dried for at least 24 hours, or until completely dry.
Note: Never, but really never operate the unit with wet/moist filter or with no air filter at all. Such use can damage the unit and void its 2-year warranty. Dyson Cyclone V10 is simple to use and maintain vacuum, but just in case, when it arrives, be sure to thoroughly read the manual.
The dirt bin is translucent, allowing the user to see the vacuumed dirt. Dirt bin could be larger, especially one found at Motorhead model - dirt bin is comparable in size with dirt bins on other similar convertible cordless units, but Dyson Cyclone V10, despite being cordless, is designed (and priced) as the main vacuum cleaner even for large homes and apartments.
The dirt bin comes with bottom dirt emptying system, helping the user to quickly empty the dirt into the trashcan without ever touching the dirt.
Note: Never overfill the dirt bin (lower than Max Fill Line!) since the cyclonic dirt separation system requires some empty space for proper operation.
Dyson Cyclone V10 Battery Replacement
Dyson Cyclone V10 features 7-cells, 25.2 volts lithium nickel-cobalt-aluminum battery, offering fade-free power and a large number of charging and discharging cycles.
Dyson Cyclone V10 lithium battery is sealed and it should NOT be opened by the user! Also, it should be charged only with the battery charger specifically intended for this battery!
However, the Dyson Cyclone V10 battery is not detachable from the unit. According to Dyson, the battery is able to withstand much more than 2 years covered by the unit's warranty. Nonetheless, a detachable battery would be nice to have, since some users like to have one spare battery ready to use when the first battery is fully discharged - and this can happen easily when the unit is used in Maximum Suction Mode.
So, if you have issues with your Dyson V10 battery, especially during the warranty period, the only recommended course of action is to contact Dyson to check the battery.
The wall mount is used for both storing and charging the unit. A smart battery charger is designed to charge an empty battery and to keep it charged, with no need to detach the charger from the unit when the battery is fully charged.
The battery status indicator is easily visible by the user and informs the user of the current condition of the battery, regardless if the battery is being charged or the unit is being used (battery is being discharged).
A fully discharged battery can be fully charged in ~3.5 hours, which is a rather fast charging time. Again, another spare, fully charged battery would be a nice option to have!
Dyson Cyclone V10 Cleaning Tools and Attachments
Dyson Cyclone V10 comes with different cleaning tools and attachments, suitable for cleaning surfaces from the floor to the ceiling.
All cleaning heads and cleaning tools may be attached to the cleaning wand or directly to the handheld unit, allowing great flexibility when vacuuming various surfaces.
Cleaning head features a full swivel mechanism and low profile, and in combination with low weight, ensures great maneuverability over various floor types and vacuuming under most beds and sofas.
When being used as stick vacuums for vacuuming floors, Dyson V10 may use three different cleaner heads:
Direct-Drive Cleaner Head
Direct Drive Cleaner Head comes only with the Dyson Cyclone V10 Motorhead vacuum and is intended for vacuuming various floor surfaces, commonly found at homes and apartments.
Direct Drive Cleaner Head features a direct-drive brushroll with two types of bristles, optimized for vacuuming carpets and area rugs. But, it can be also used for vacuuming/dusting large areas of bare floors.
However, Direct Drive Cleaner Head features a rather low frontal opening and can have issues when vacuuming, for example, dry pet food and similar dirt.
Torque Drive Cleaner Head
Torque Drive Cleaner Head also features a direct-drive brushroll with two types of bristles for thorough cleaning of bare floors and carpeted areas.
However, Torque Drive Cleaner Head also features adjustable openings at the front of the cleaner head, allowing it to clean even larger debris like dry pet food and similar.
Torque Drive Cleaner Head is available with Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal and Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute vacuums.
Soft Roller Cleaner Head
Soft Roller Cleaner Head comes only with the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute model.
Soft Roller Cleaner Head features a large front opening allowing it to clean, without scattering around, large debris like pet food, rice, and even pasta with ease.
Soft Roller Cleaner Head combines soft woven nylon bristles and anti-static carbon fiber bristle and is intended for vacuuming the various hard floors.
Also, when compared with other cleaner heads, Soft Roller Cleaner Head is very gentle and recommended even for sensitive and delicate wooden floors.
None of the three cleaner heads is maintenance-free cleaner head - cleaner heads feature transparent cover, allowing the user to check brushroll conditions and to clean them when required from a tangled pet and human hair, lint, fibers, and similar dirt.
Other cleaning tools that come with Dyson Cyclone V10 include:
Combination Tool
Combination Tool is designed as a 2-in-1 cleaning tool, combining a Brush cleaning tool and a Debris cleaning tool.
When the brush is extended, a Combination cleaning tool is used for general cleaning of dry dirt. When the brush is retracted, the Debris tool with a relatively wide nozzle is exposed. Debris tool is used for vacuuming large dry dirt, like pet food, crumbs, and similar.
Crevice Tool
Crevice Tool is a long and narrow cleaning tool intended for vacuuming narrow areas, gaps, crevices (hence the name), edges, corners, and similar.
Mini Soft Dusting Brush
Mini Soft Dusting Brush is used for dusting sensitive surfaces. As the brush glides over the vacuumed surface, its bristles agitate the dirt which is then removed by the strong suction.
Mini Motorized Tool
Mini Motorized Tool features a small rotating brushroll, helping the tool to pick up deeply embedded hair and other stubborn dirt from upholstery, car seats, smaller carpets and area rugs, carpeted stairs, pet beds, and similar.
Mini Motorized Tool is not a maintenance-free tool - it is up to the user to periodically clean the brushroll from the tangled hair and lint.
If required, there are other cleaning tools and even cleaning kits and sets that can be ordered later.
Dyson Cordless Vacuums Comparison
Dyson manufactures several cordless vacuums, all featuring lithium-ion batteries and similar designs.
The following chart lists the most important features and specifications of the recent Dyson's cordless vacuums:
| Model | Dyson V6 Absolute | Dyson V7 Absolute | Dyson V8 Absolute | Dyson V10 Absolute | Dyson V11 Torque Drive |
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| Max. Operating Time | 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 40 minutes | 60 minutes | 60+ minutes |
| Max. Power Mode Operating Time | 6 minutes | 6 minutes | 7 minutes | 8 minutes | 12 minutes |
| Max. Suction Power | 100 Air Watts | 100 Air Watts | 115 Air Watts | 150 Air Watts | 185 Air Wats |
| Post Motor Air Filter | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dirt Cup | 0.11 gal | 0.14 gal | 0.14 gal | 0.2 gal | 0.2 gal |
| Charging Time | 3.5 hours | 4 hours | 5 hours | 3.5 hours | 4.5 hours |
| Weight | 5.1 pounds | 5.3 pounds | 5.75 pounds | 5.9 pounds | 6.68 pounds |
| Dimensions | 9.8 x 47.5 x 8.2 inches | 9.8 x 49 x 8.8 inches | 9.8 x 49 x 8.8 inches | 10.1 x 49.2 x 9.5 inches | 10.28 x 50.63 x 9.84 inches |
| Amazon Link | Dyson V6 Absolute | Dyson V7 Absolute | Dyson V8 Absolute | Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute | Dyson V11 Torque Drive |
Note: Amazon links open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.
Dyson V8, V7 and V8 are very similar units, while V10 and V11 come with different air pathways, leading to improved efficiency.
The most important differences between Dyson's vacuums are:
- Dyson V6 Absolute: dirt cup capacity is 0.11 gal (0.4 liters), maximum operating time using non-motorized cleaning tool is 20 minutes, maximum operating time using Max suction mode is 6 minutes, and the maximum suction is 100 Air Watts.
- Dyson V7 Absolute: dirt cup capacity is increased to 0.14 gal (0.5 liters), maximum operating time in the Normal mode is increased to 30 minutes, maximum operating time using Max suction mode (so-called Burst mode) is 6 minutes, and the maximum suction strength is 100 Air Watts.
- Dyson V8 Absolute: dirt cup capacity is 0.14 gal (0.5 liters), maximum operating time in the Normal mode is increased to 40 minutes, maximum operating time using Max suction mode is 7 minutes, and the maximum suction strength is 115 Air Watts. For more information, check our Dyson V8 Animal vs Dyson V8 Absolute - Models Comparison article.
- Dyson V10 Absolute: dirt cup capacity is increased to 0.2 gal (0.76 liters), it features three suction modes with an operating time of up to 60 minutes (lowest power), 23 minutes (medium-power), and 8 minutes (burst mode), with maximum suction of 150 Air Watts.
- Dyson V11 Torque Drive: dirt cup capacity is 0.2 gal (0.76 liters), it features an operating time of 60+ minutes (Eco mode) and 12 minutes (Boost mode), with maximum suction of 185 Air Watts. Also, the unit features the so-called Auto/Medium suction mode. For more information, check our Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner - Torque Drive and Animal Models article.
Dyson V8 vs V10 Absolute
Dyson V8 Absolute and Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute feature a slightly different design, with Dyson Cyclone V10 having more streamlined air flow, leading to improved efficiency.
Maximum operating time using non-powered cleaning tools of the Dyson V10 is longer (60 minutes vs 40 minutes) and so is the operating time using maximum suction mode (8 vs 7 minutes).
However, Dyson V10 also features a medium suction mode (Suction Mode II), while Dyson V8 comes with 'only' two suction modes.
The maximum suction of the Dyson V10 is also improved (150 vs 115 Air Watts), it has a larger dirt bin (0.2 vs 0.14 gal) and it is charged faster (3.5 vs 5 hours).
However, Dyson V10 is a slightly heavier unit (5.9 vs 5.75 pounds), but additional features IMHO justify weight increase.
The list of the cleaning attachments is very similar.
Dyson V8 Absolute features Direct Drive Cleaner Head, Soft Roller Cleaner Head, Mini Motorized Tool, Mini Soft Dusting Brush, Combination Tool, and Crevice Tool.
Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute comes with the same list of cleaning tools, except that instead of the Direct Drive Cleaner Head (which comes with Dyson V10 Motorhead), V10 Absolute comes with the improved Torque Drive Cleaner Head.
Which one to buy, Dyson V8 or V10? Well, Dyson V10 is a newer and improved model, but also it is a slightly more expensive unit. When it appeared on the market, Dyson V8 was a top-of-the-line cordless vacuum cleaner and it is still one of the best cordless units on the market. If the price difference is not large, I would personally go for Dyson V10 - it is an improved model with stronger suction, better cleaning tools, a larger dirt bin, three suction modes, etc.
For more up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute Amazon link (link opens in the new window).