Both are excellent; V11 delivers stronger deep-cleaning, V12 is lighter and smarter.

Saturday chores taught me this fast. The Dyson V11 cut through carpet mess like a champ, while the Dyson V12 felt featherlight and showed me dust I didn’t know was there. If you’re weighing the dyson v11 vs v12, both are excellent, but one favors power and the other favors convenience. I tested both in real rooms, with real pet hair and crumbs. Here’s what I learned so you can choose with confidence.

Is Dyson V11 Good?

If you want deep-cleaning muscle for bigger spaces or lots of carpet, the answer is yes. The Dyson V11 is best for homes with medium to high traffic, heavier rugs, and pets. It has strong suction, a bigger bin, and an LCD that helps you manage runtime. It feels like a full-size vacuum that happens to be cordless.

In my hallway, it pulled sand out of a dense runner the V12 struggled with. On a shed-heavy week, the V11 left our living room rug looking brushed and revived. I also liked how the head adjusted power when moving from rugs to tile. In the dyson v11 vs v12 debate, the V11 wins raw pull.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Strong, consistent suction for deep carpet cleaning (especially in Boost).
• LCD with live runtime and maintenance tips.
• Auto-adjusting cleaner head for different floor types.
• Larger bin for fewer trips to the trash.
• Whole-machine filtration with washable filter.

What I Like

• Power that lifts embedded grit from thick rugs.
• Helpful battery readout; no guessing.
• Sturdy build that feels premium and durable.
• Fewer emptying breaks thanks to the larger bin.
• Great with pet hair using the mini motorized tool.
• Auto mode balances power and runtime well.

What Could Be Better

• Heavier in hand; wrist gets tired on long sessions.
• Trigger hold can be tiring for some users.
• No laser dust illumination on hard floors.
• Louder in Boost compared to the V12.

My Recommendation

Choose the V11 if you have more carpet, bigger rooms, or lots of pet hair. It’s strong value when you want deep cleaning that still runs cord-free.

Best For	Why
Carpet-heavy homes	Higher peak suction digs out embedded dirt.
Pet owners	Great hair pickup with motorized tools.
Larger spaces	Bigger bin and strong Auto mode for long runs.

Is Dyson V12 Detect Slim Good?

If you want a lighter, smarter daily cleaner, yes. The Dyson V12 Detect Slim shines in small to medium homes, apartments, and spaces with lots of hard floors. The laser head makes dust obvious, the piezo sensor counts particles, and the push button beats holding a trigger. In dyson v11 vs v12 terms, this is the nimble one.

I use the V12 in the kitchen and study. The green laser reveals flour dust and crumbs so I do not miss spots. The lighter weight helps on stairs and shelves. My wrist thanks me on longer cleans. It is the vacuum I grab every day for quick, satisfying passes.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Laser Slim Fluffy head shows dust on hard floors.
• Piezo sensor with on-screen particle counts.
• Push-button power; no trigger to hold.
• Lightweight build for easy handling and above-floor use.
• Whole-machine filtration and a hair-screw tool for pet hair.

What I Like

• The laser makes cleaning almost game-like and precise.
• Very light; stairs and shelves are easy.
• Quieter feel and smoother glide on hard floors.
• Great for quick daily cleanups and spot jobs.
• Detailed LCD info helps me clean smarter.
• Push-button on/off is easier on my hand.

What Could Be Better

• Smaller bin means more frequent emptying.
• Less oomph on deep, thick carpets compared to V11.
• Laser head is best on hard floors, not plush rugs.

My Recommendation

Pick the V12 if you want lighter weight, laser precision on hard floors, and smart data. It’s great for everyday use and smaller homes.

Best For	Why
Hard-floor homes	Laser reveals fine dust you would miss.
Small to medium spaces	Lightweight and easy to store and carry.
Quick daily cleans	Push-button power and nimble handling.

dyson v11 vs v12: Side-by-Side Test

I ran both across carpets, tile, and wood over several weeks. This direct dyson v11 vs v12 comparison focuses on what you will feel day to day: power, handling, runtime, tools, filtration, noise, and value.

Suction & Deep-Cleaning Power: Which Lifts More?

Both clean well, but they specialize. The V11 favors deep carpet cleaning. The V12 shines on hard floors and light rugs.

Feature	Dyson V11	Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Peak suction feel	Higher; great for thick carpets	Strong, but lower peak than V11
Carpet lift	Excellent embedded dirt removal	Good on low/medium pile
Hard floor pickup	Very good	Excellent with laser head
Pet hair	Excellent with motorized tools	Excellent with hair-screw tool

Rating: V11 – 9/10 | V12 – 8/10

Edge: V11, for deeper carpet cleaning and higher pull.

Weight & Handling: Which Is Easier to Use?

Here, the dyson v11 vs v12 split is clear. The V12 is lighter and friendlier for long sessions.

Feature	Dyson V11	Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Weight in hand	Heavier feel	Notably lighter
Power control	Hold-to-run trigger	Push-button on/off
Maneuverability	Good, more momentum	Excellent, nimble
Above-floor use	Can tire the wrist	Comfortable overhead

Rating: V11 – 7.5/10 | V12 – 9.5/10

Edge: V12, for lighter weight and easier control.

Battery & Runtime: How Long Do They Last?

Both claim up to 60 minutes in low-power modes. Real life varies by floor, tool, and mode.

Feature	Dyson V11	Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Rated runtime	Up to ~60 minutes	Up to ~60 minutes
Battery swap	Varies by version	Often swappable
LCD runtime info	Yes, clear countdown	Yes, plus particle data
Auto power management	Excellent on mixed floors	Excellent with sensor input

Rating: V11 – 8.5/10 | V12 – 8.5/10

Edge: Tie; both last well if you balance modes and tools.

Tools & Cleaning Heads: What Do You Get?

Kits vary by model, but the dyson v11 vs v12 differences are consistent.

Feature	Dyson V11	Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Main cleaner head	High Torque-style for carpets	Laser Slim Fluffy for hard floors
Laser illumination	No	Yes, green laser
Mini motorized tool	Yes (varies by set)	Yes, hair-screw tool
General attachments	Combo, crevice, dusting	Combo, crevice, dusting

Rating: V11 – 8/10 | V12 – 9/10

Edge: V12, for the laser head and modern hair-screw tool.

Filtration & Bin: How Clean and Convenient?

Both filter very well. The bin sizes differ.

Feature	Dyson V11	Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Filtration	Whole-machine, washable	Whole-machine, washable
Bin capacity	Larger (fewer empties)	Smaller
Emptying	Point-and-shoot, clean	Point-and-shoot, clean
Allergy visibility	Standard LCD	Particle counts on LCD

Rating: V11 – 8.5/10 | V12 – 9/10

Edge: V12 for data; V11 for capacity. Overall nod to V12 for insight.

Noise & Maintenance: Which Is Kinder to Ears and Time?

Both need filter washes. Both benefit from clearing hair from tools.

Feature	Dyson V11	Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Noise in Eco/Auto	Moderate	Slightly quieter
Noise in Boost	Loud	Loud, but softer tone
Filter care	Rinse and dry fully	Rinse and dry fully
Hair wrap handling	Good with the right tool	Excellent with hair-screw tool

Rating: V11 – 8/10 | V12 – 8.5/10

Edge: V12, for quieter feel and hair-screw efficiency.

Tech & Display: Which Feels Smarter?

The dyson v11 vs v12 screen story differs. Both show runtime; one shows more.

Feature	Dyson V11	Dyson V12 Detect Slim
LCD info	Runtime and alerts	Runtime plus particle counts
Dust detection	Power auto-adjust on head	Piezo sensor + laser
User control	Trigger-based	Push-button
Feedback while cleaning	Good	Excellent, very informative

Rating: V11 – 8/10 | V12 – 9.5/10

Edge: V12, for laser + particle data and easier on/off.

Value for Money: Which Feels Like the Better Buy?

Prices vary by sale and bundle, so think about your floors first.

Factor	Dyson V11	Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Typical price range	Often less than V12 bundles	Often priced higher
What you get	Power and bin size	Laser, lighter body, smart data
Cost-to-benefit	Great for carpet-heavy homes	Great for hard floors and daily use
Longevity feel	Sturdy workhorse	Modern, efficient all-rounder

Rating: V11 – 9/10 | V12 – 8.5/10

Edge: V11, if you value raw power per dollar; V12 if you value tech and ease.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

Choose the Dyson V11 if you have more carpet, pets, or larger rooms. It is the muscle in the dyson v11 vs v12 match. You get stronger deep-cleaning and a bigger bin, which pays off in busy homes.

Pick the Dyson V12 Detect Slim if you want light weight, laser precision on hard floors, and a push-button. In daily life, it is easier to use and more informative. For many small to medium homes, the V12 is the better fit.

FAQs Of dyson v11 vs v12

What is the biggest difference in dyson v11 vs v12?

The V11 has stronger deep-clean power and a larger bin. The V12 is lighter, adds a laser, and shows particle counts.

Which is better for carpets in dyson v11 vs v12?

The Dyson V11. It pulls more embedded dirt from thicker carpets.

Which is better for hard floors in dyson v11 vs v12?

The Dyson V12 Detect Slim. The laser head shows fine dust and picks it up well.

Is the V12 easier to use than the V11?

Yes. It is lighter and uses a push-button instead of a trigger. That helps on stairs and long sessions.

Does either have better filtration in dyson v11 vs v12?

Both offer strong whole-machine filtration with washable filters. The V12 adds particle counts, which helps you see what you captured.

Note: Runtime, batteries, and included tools can vary by version or bundle. Always check the listing. The dyson v11 vs v12 choice should match your floors and habits.