It’s no secret that Dyson vacuums have a cachet many brands envy. From the very first model I tested in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab many years ago, I knew the brand had something special. Dyson invests heavily in technology and was the first to introduce cyclonic suction to better separate heavy and fine debris in a vacuum's cup and filter for less clogging and better pick-up. And, now, that's a technology many other brands employ.
The V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner debuted another Dyson innovation that has subsequently been rolled out to other models. Read on to learn more about the laser beam fluffy roller attachment and why I think it's such a vacuuming game changer.
The best stick vacuum cleaners are fast becoming the go-to choice for whole-home cleaning thanks to longer running batteries, multiple cleaning modes and attachments that address special needs like pet hair removal or gentle cleaning of delicate hardwood floors. When we test stick vacuums, we assess not only cleaning performance on various surfaces but also whether the model is easy to use. If you have to fight with a vacuum to remove and replace the dust cup, change the attachments or convert it to a handheld vacuum, it's not convenient to use, so who needs it?
Here's why I think the Dyson V15 Detect wins on all accounts and is a worthwhile purchase.
Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
At a glance:
- Run time: Up to 60 minutes on Eco
- Weight: ~ 7 lbs.
- Attachments: Fluffy Optic cleaner head with laser, digital motor cleaner head, hair screw tool, combination wide nozzle/brush tool, crevice tool, wand clip
- Cleaning modes: Eco, Auto, Boost
- Special features: Laser beam shines on floors to reveal hidden dirt; suction adjusts to surface being cleaned; LCD display shows particles picked up, battery life and performance alerts
- Filter: Washable
- Warranty: Full two-year warranty
Why I like it
✔️ Great cleaning
I first tested the Dyson V15 Detect when it was submitted for a previous Good Housekeeping Cleaning Award. It was quickly clear that we had a winner. The V15 Detect exhibited strong suction and great pick-up no matter the surface I was cleaning. While I like its Auto setting that senses the airflow and adjusts the suction to the surface being cleaned, I'm a bit of a control freak when it comes to cleaning and like to be able to override preset settings to select what I think is best for what I need. This vacuum allows me to do just that with its Eco and Max modes: I could clean light throw rugs without sucking them in and remove more dirt from deeper-pile carpets using the settings I preferred. Just be aware that the more you bump up the power, the shorter your run time will be, but that is true for every battery-operated vacuum cleaner.
✔️ Easy to use
Like all Dyson cordless vacuums, the V15 Detect is easy to reconfigure to a handheld vacuum, and the attachments are easy to swap on and off when you need them. It doesn't stand up on its own (ugh!), so wall mounting is best for storage. The battery is removable for charging, which I prefer over models that need to charge while still fully assembled. Removing, emptying, cleaning and replacing the dust cup is simple and convenient, though the filter doesn't fully disassemble for cleaning like on many others we've tested.
✔️ Standout features
First and foremost, I was blown away by the laser beam on this vacuum's fluffy roller head. Personally, I prefer a dedicated fluffy roller attachment for cleaning my hardwood floors over the combination nozzles many vacuums have now. The V15 Detect kicks this roller up a notch with a laser beam that shines on the floor in front of the nozzle to illuminate dirt that's invisible in normal light. I couldn't believe the dust and specks that were lurking in the corners of my stair treads; they became oh-so visible when this light shined on them! It was nice to be able to nab them and know I was getting a deeper clean.
I also like the clear, easy-to-read LCD display on the back of this vacuum. It showed the cleaning mode, the percent of battery life and run time that were left and even the type and size of particles I was picking up. That might be a bit more than I actually needed (or wanted!) to know, but it was nice to have an indicator that the vacuum was working as promised. The button on the display felt a bit small at first, but that was a minor issue I soon adapted to.
Finally, this, like many Dyson stick vacuums, includes an innovative hair-screw-tool attachment that works great to remove pet and other hair from upholstery, car seats and more without tangling. It's perfect for pet owners or anyone who wants to give furniture, mattresses or other above-the-floor fabrics a deeper clean.
How the V15 Detect compares to the V12 Detect
The V12 Detect Slim is worth a look: It's smaller and lighter than the V15 Detect, and it offers similar performance for a slightly lower cost. In our latest test, it, too, exhibited the amazing suction we see on all Dyson vacuums and aced our performance evaluations. It weighs in at only about five pounds, meaning it's a great option for those who want to avoid heavy lifting or feel more comfortable using a slimmer profile vacuum.
Unlike the V15, the V12 has a dedicated on/off button, which we love. No more holding down a trigger to keep it running which many complain — and I agree — is tiresome.
How we test stick vacuum cleaners
In our most recent category test of 23 stick vacuums, we gathered and assessed over 500 data points to calculate the highest overall scorers and select the top models to recommend.
When we evaluate any vacuum, including stick vacuums, we base our tests on ASTM International standard test methods. As a member of this voluntary standards-making organization's F11 Vacuum Cleaner Committee, I meet twice yearly with engineers and experts from the industry to discuss, develop and update the vacuum cleaner testing methods we all use. A major part of my Good Housekeeping role on this committee is to make sure these standards are relevant to how everyday consumers actually use vacuum cleaners.
Our stick vacuum testing includes performance evaluations for how well each picks up large debris and gritty soil from bare floors and pet hair from carpets. We test how it cleans along edges and record its battery run time. We also assess any special features and how easy each model is to use. We may even solicit consumer feedback to incorporate with our Lab results.
The takeaway: Is the Dyson V15 Detect worth it?
In a word, yes! It's a high-performing vacuum that offers lots of innovative and helpful extras. And because Dyson continues to innovate and incorporate many of the V15 Detect's features on newer models, you may be able to find it on sale — especially during special events like Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day. If your floors are mostly wood, tile or other hard surfaces — or even if you have a mix of carpeting and bare floors — the Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a worthwhile investment.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
