Dyson V8 Animal vs. Dyson V8 Absolute - Cordless Models Comparison
Dyson V8 Animal and Dyson V8 Absolute are two convertible, very powerful, cordless vacuum cleaners.
They can be used as lightweight stick vacuums and as powerful handhelds. With the broad range of available cleaning tools and attachments, they are capable of cleaning both floors and elevated surfaces - they are designed to be used as the main vacuum cleaners even in larger homes and apartments.
Updated: November 25, 2022.
Dyson V8 cordless vacuums follow the same design philosophy as previous Dyson V6 and Dyson V7 vacuums, and they are the basis for newer Dyson V10, Dyson V11, etc. Dyson vacuums.
Dyson Cordless Vacuums Comparison
The following table lists the most important features and specifications of some of the Dyson cordless vacuums:
| Model | Dyson V8 Absolute | Dyson V10 Absolute | Dyson V11 Torque Drive |
| Photo |  |
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| Max. Operating Time | 40 minutes | 60 minutes | 60+ minutes |
| Max. Power Mode Operating Time | 7 minutes | 8 minutes | 12 minutes |
| Max. Suction Power | 115 Air Watts | 150 Air Watts | 185 Air Wats |
| Post Motor Air Filter | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dirt Cup | 0.14 gal | 0.2 gal | 0.2 gal |
| Charging Time | 5 hours | 3.5 hours | 4.5 hours |
| Weight | 5.75 pounds | 5.9 pounds | 6.68 pounds |
| Dimensions | 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 |
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: dirt cup capacity is 0.11 gal (0.4 liters), maximum operating time using a 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: dirt cup capacity is increased to 0.14 gal (0.5 liters), the maximum operating time in the Normal mode is increased to 30 minutes, the 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: 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.
- Dyson V10: dirt cup capacity is increased to 0.2 gallons (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: dirt cup capacity is 0.2 gal (0.76 liters), and 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.
When it appeared on the market, Dyson V8 set new standards regarding cordless vacuums, and Dyson V10 and V11 did the same.
Although today, Dyson offers several newer models (V10, V11, V15), Dyson V8 was and still is a great cordless unit with true HEPA air filtration. Also, as new models appear on the market, Dyson V8 vacuums are cheaper and cheaper, which is great.
Dyson V8 Animal vs. Absolute - Features and Specifications
The only real difference among these models is in color and the available cleaner heads.
Dyson V8 Animal comes with a grayish wand and Direct Drive cleaner head.
Dyson V8 Absolute comes with a yellow-orange wand and two cleaner heads: Direct Drive cleaner head and Soft Roller cleaner head.
Both units also come with Mini Motorized Tool, Mini Soft Dusting Brush, Combination Tool, Crevice Tool, and wall-mounted Docking station.
The physical dimensions of the Dyson V8 are 9.8 x 49 x 8.8 inches (~24.9 x 124.5 x 22.4 cm).
Dyson V8 Absolute weight, in the cordless stick configuration with the Soft Roller cleaner head, is 5.75 pounds (~2.6 kg).
Dyson V8 Animal weight, in the cordless stick configuration with the Direct Drive cleaner head, is 5.63 pounds (~2.55 kg).
Both units are of lightweight design, and thanks to the swivel mechanism found in the cleaner heads, they easily maneuver around floor objects and obstacles. Also, due to the very low profile of the cleaner heads, both units are suitable for cleaning under most beds, sofas, furniture, etc.
Dyson V8 vacuums are powered using power fade-free lithium-ion batteries, requiring up to 5 hours to fully charge the fully discharged batteries.
However, lithium-ion batteries don't feature a memory effect, and they don't have to be fully discharged prior to being charged again - when you are done vacuuming, place your vacuum on the docking/charging station, and the battery will be charged automatically.
Also, what is very important for lithium batteries: when the battery is fully charged, the Dyson V8 vacuums can remain indefinitely connected to the charger (docking station) without the fear of overcharging the batteries.
Fully charged batteries store enough energy for up to 40 minutes of vacuuming using non-motorized cleaning tools. When the Direct Drive or Soft Roller cleaner heads are used, the maximum operating time is decreased to 20-25 minutes.
When the maximum suction (burst mode) is used, the operating time is shorter ('just' 7-8 minutes, depending on the cleaning tool attached), but the vacuum generates 115 Air Watts of suction, which is comparable with many corded sticks, upright and/or canister vacuums.
Air filtration is excellent: Dyson V8 vacuums feature 2 Tier Radial cyclones (for a total of 15 cyclones), which generate strong centrifugal forces and separate dirt and clean air.
Two mechanical air filters (one pre-motor air filter and one post-motor HEPA air filter) remove any remaining dirt particles from the airflow.
Whole machines are designed and manufactured to prevent any leakage of unfiltered air - Dyson V8 Animal and Absolute are true HEPA vacuums, being able to capture 99.97% of 0.3 microns or larger particles, including pollen, pet dander, dust, and other potential allergens.
Air filters are washable, decreasing maintenance costs. Before assembling them back into the unit, be sure that they are thoroughly dry - never operate these vacuums with wet filters or no filters at all. Such use can damage the units!
Note: Dyson V8 is simple to use and maintain a cordless vacuum, but nonetheless, before the very first use/charging, be sure to read the manual thoroughly.
Dirt cup capacity is 0.14 gal which is good for a vacuum cleaner of this size and class, but for the main vacuum cleaner in larger homes and apartments, it could be larger.
The dirt cup is transparent, allowing the user to see the amount and type of vacuumed dirt. Also, the dirt cup can be easily emptied directly into the trash can, using a bottom emptying system. Personally, empty the dirt cup after each use.
Dyson V8 Absolute vs V8 Animal - Cleaning Attachments
As said before, the main difference between these two models is the fact that Dyson V8 Absolute comes with a Direct Drive cleaner head and Soft Roller cleaner head, while Dyson V8 Animal comes with only a Direct Drive cleaner head.
Other cleaning tools and attachments include Mini Motorized Tool, Mini Soft Dusting Brush, a Combination Tool, a Crevice Tool, and a wall-mounted Docking station.
Direct Drive cleaner head features stiff nylon bristles that agitate deeply embedded dirt in the carpets and rugs, enabling the strong suction to pull the dirt away into the dirt cup. Direct Drive cleaner head can be used on non-sensitive bare floors too.
Soft Roller cleaner head features a brush bar that is wrapped in soft woven nylon, combined with anti-static carbon fiber filaments. Such a combination picks up both large debris and small particles of the bare floors, including sensitive wooden floors.
Mini Motorized Tool features a motorized brushroll that is used for picking up various dirt, including pet and human hair, fibers, lint, dust, etc. Mini Motorized Tool is used for cleaning car seats, stairs, sofas, upholstery, and similar surfaces that tolerate cleaning with such a cleaning tool.
Note: Direct Drive, Soft Roller, and Mini Motorized Tool are not maintenance-free cleaning tools. It is up to the user to periodically remove wrapped pet hair, lint, and fibers from the brushrolls.
Mini Soft Dusting Brush is used for dusting sensitive elevated surfaces, especially those surfaces that are too sensitive to be cleaned using Mini Motorized Tool.
Combination Tool is designed as a 2-in-1 cleaning tool, allowing the user to switch between tools as and when required quickly.
Crevice Tool is a long and narrow cleaning tool intended for cleaning narrow and tight areas, like edges, corners, between car seats, cushions, mattresses, and similar. Due to the narrow nozzle, the tool features strong suction even when used in Normal suction (lower power) mode.
Note: cleaning attachments can be used with or without a cleaning wand, allowing the user to clean hard-to-reach areas and surfaces.
Dyson manufactures other cleaning tools as well, and they can be ordered later if required. These tools include Quick Release Extension Hose, Stubborn Dirt Brush, Mattress Tool, etc.
Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuums Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Dyson V8 cordless vacuums:
What is the difference between the Dyson V8 Absolute and Animal? Which Dyson V8 is better Animal or Absolute?
The only difference between Dyson V8 Absolute and Dyson V8 Animal is in color and the fact that Dyson V8 Absolute also features Soft Roller Cleaner Head, which is optimized for vacuuming sensitive bare floors and bare floors in general.
Other cleaning tools and attachments are identical.
What is the difference between the Dyson V8 Origin and Animal? What comes with the Dyson V8 Origin?
The difference is in color and the list of cleaning tools and attachments.
Dyson V8 Origin features Direct Drive Cleaner Head, a Combination Tool, Docking Station, and a Charger.
Dyson V8 Animal features Direct Drive Cleaner Head, Mini Motorized Tool, Mini Soft Dusting Brush, a Combination Tool, a Crevice Tool, and a wall-mounted Docking station with a Charger.
Note: actual list of cleaning tools and attachments may change over time.
What is the difference between the Dyson V8 Motorhead and Animal?
The difference is in color and the list of cleaning tools and attachments.
Dyson V8 Motorhead features Direct Drive Cleaner Head, Combination Tool, Crevice Tool, Mini Soft Dusting Brush, and a wall-mounted Docking station with a Charger.
Dyson V8 Animal features Direct Drive Cleaner Head, Mini Motorized Tool, Mini Soft Dusting Brush, a Combination Tool, a Crevice Tool, and a wall-mounted Docking station with a Charger.
Does the Dyson V8 Animal work on hardwood floors?
Dyson V8 Animal doesn't feature Soft Roller Cleaner Head. But it comes with Direct Drive Cleaner Head that can also be used on bare floors with good results.
Also, before using Direct Drive Cleaner Head on sensitive wooden floors, test it on a smaller area.
So, if You have large areas of sensitive bare floors, consider buying the Dyson V8 Absolute model. If You already have Dyson V8 Animal, consider ordering Soft Roller Cleaner Head from online shops like Amazon or directly from Dyson - just be sure to write down exactly what model of Dyson cordless vacuum You have.
Which Dyson vacuum is the best? Which Dyson vacuum has the strongest suction?
At the moment, Dyson V15 Detect features the strongest suction of 230 Air Watts and is followed by Dyson V11 Outsize with 220 Air Watts.
Are these Dyson vacuums "the best" depends on the user's needs and requirements - if one doesn't need such strong vacuums, then the cheaper Dyson V8 is a better choice.
For more information and up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check the Dyson V11 Outsize and Dyson V15 Detect Amazon links (links open in the new windows).
For Short: Dyson V8 Animal and Dyson V8 Absolute are were and are still great cordless, convertible vacuums. They have versatile cleaning tools, strong suction, excellent air filtration, and are easy to use and maintain.
Since the Soft Roller cleaner head does an excellent job on bare floors, this tool justifies the price difference between the Absolute and Animal models - if you can, go for the Dyson V8 model.
On the other hand, if you don't have much bare floors, Dyson V8 Animal with only a Direct Drive cleaner head can do the same job at a cheaper price.
For more reviews and recommendations and the most up-to-date offers and prices, check Dyson V8 Animal and Dyson V8 Absolute Amazon links (links open in the new windows).