Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute vs. Animal vs. Motorhead Differences Comparison Review

Up until 2019, the Dyson Cyclone V10 was the most powerful cordless vacuum cleaner from Dyson. The V11, which is the most recent model debuted this year bringing with it a slightly higher suction power and a digital screen. However, it also came with a relatively higher price tag and additional weight to match.

These are the reasons why the Dyson V10 continues to be the most popular model in Dyson’s V-series lineup. This vacuum cleaner is notably cheaper and lighter compared to the V11. Even better, it still packs enough suction power to blow away most non-Dyson competitors in its price range.

In this Dyson Cyclone V10 review, we’ll compare this vacuum’s three variants: Absolute vs Animal vs Motorhead.

Dyson V10 Animal vs Absolute vs Motorhead: Specs and Features Comparison

	Dyson V10 Absolute	Dyson V10 Animal	Dyson V10 Motorhead
	Check Price on Amazon	Check Price on Amazon	Check Price on Amazon
Length	9.5’’	9.5’’	9.5’’
Width	49.2’’	49.2’’	48.85’’
Height	9.8’’	9.8’’	9.8’’
Weight	5.9 lbs	5.9 lbs	5.5 lbs
Motor technology	V10 digital motor	V10 digital motor	V10 digital motor
Cleaner head	Torque Drive, Soft/Fluffy Roller	Torque Drive	Direct Drive
Cyclone Technology	14 chambers	14 chambers	14 chambers
Power modes	3	3	3
Bin capacity	0.76 lbs	0.76 lbs	0.53 lbs
Filtration	HEPA filter	HEPA filter	HEPA filter
Battery size	2600mAh	2600mAh	2600mAh
Battery charging time	3.5 hours	3.5 hours	3.5 hours
Max runtime	~60 mins.	~60 mins.	~60 mins.
Display	No	No	No
Attachments included	Combination tool, crevice tool, mini motorized tool, mini soft dusting brush	Combination tool, crevice tool, mini soft dusting brush, mini motorized tool	Combination tool, crevice tool

Dyson Cyclone V10 Vacuum Cleaner Overview

The Dyson V10 was launched in March 2018. This model is a revamped version for the Dyson V8, which costs a couple of hundred dollars less. However, for the additional cost, the Dyson Cyclone V10 brings a considerably more powerful motor capable of hitting 125,000 RPMs (the V8 makes 108,000 RPMs).

The V10 also features a much larger in-hand bin capacity. Besides its increased size, this bin also boasts an improved ‘point and shoot’ emptying mechanism, which makes the entire process easy, mess-free, and hygienic.

Dyson Cyclone V10 3 Variants at a glance

If you are in the market for the Dyson V10 vacuum cleaner, you’ll be faced with 3 options;

• Dyson V10 Absolute
• Dyson V10 Animal
• Dyson Cyclone V10 Motorhead

All the 3 models of the V10 are quite popular among their users, although the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute has the upper hand. The Absolute and the Animal are slightly pricier than the Motorhead, but the 2 also bring more attachments to the table.

Also, the Absolute and the Animal are almost identical in design. However, they have slight differences in terms of accessories in that the Absolute has the coveted soft/roller cleaner that you won’t find with the Animal.

The Motorhead is relatively different from the Absolute and the Animal. This is a basic variant with a notably smaller bin and far much fewer accessories. However, the fact that it uses the same motor and suction technologies, battery size, and filtration system as its pricier siblings means that you are still getting quite a lot at its price.

Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute vs Animal vs Motorhead: Design Comparison

The V10 lineup is quite similar to other collections in Dyson’s V series in terms of design. For instance, it uses the same digital motor and cyclone technologies that this manufacturer has been using for its previous V models.

However, if you were to compare this vacuum cleaner to the V6, V7, and V8, which came before it, one significant difference that easily comes out is the configuration of the main components.

The V10 introduces Dyson’s new configuration, where the motor, cyclones, bin, and filter are aligned in a straight line. Besides giving the vacuum a much cleaner look, Dyson and most reviews say that it dramatically increases suction.

Similar to most of their siblings, the Dyson V10 cordless vacuum allows 2-in-1 hand operations. You can use it as a stick vacuum cleaner for general house cleaning or as a handheld model.

All the 3 variants of the Dyson V10 require you to keep holding the power trigger during operations.

One of the best design improvements with the V10, however, is the in-line bin with a point and shoot style. We find this emptying system much easier to use than the drop flap release that we saw with the V8 and V6.

Dyson is not only known for the advanced technologies that it uses for its products, but for the aesthetics front too. The Dyson V10 is not left out in this. It offers its 3 variations in different but superb color schemes;

• Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute– copper/blue/black wand and grey cyclones
• Dyson V10 Animal– purple-colored wand, purple cyclones
• Dyson V10 Motorhead– red wand, red cyclones

Dyson v10 Animal vs Absolute vs Motorhead: Size and Weight Comparison

The Dyson V10 cleaners are convertible models that can be used as stick vacuums or powerful handheld units. The Absolute and the animal both measure 49.2’’ (L) by 9.5’’ (H) by 9.8’’ (W). The Motorhead shares the same height and width, but it has a slightly smaller length at 48.85’’.

When these vacuums are used as handhelds, the length will depend on the attachment in place.

These vacuum cleaners are relatively lightweight and, therefore, easy to lift and maneuver. The Absolute and Animal are pretty much the same vacuum cleaner. So, we made a comparison of the Dyson V10 Absolute vs Motorhead.

The Motorhead is lighter at 5.5 lbs while the Absolute weighs 5.9 lbs. The 0.4-pound difference in weight is almost negligible, and we don’t think that it would make any considerable difference. It probably comes from the slightly smaller bin of the Dyson V10 Motorhead.

Dyson V10 Absolute Vs Animal: Comparing the Cleaner Heads

While these 3 vacuum cleaners are classified as V10, they differ slightly on the type of cleaner that they ship with;

• The Absolute actually comes with 2 heads; Torque Drive and Soft/fluffy roller.
• The Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal comes with the Torque Drive cleaner head.
• The Motorhead uses Dyson’s Direct Drive head.

Torque Drive Cleaner head– this head is designed to take all types of floors. However, it’s best used on carpets thanks to its stiff nylon bristles that are perfect for capturing dirt trapped deep down.

Soft/Fluffy roller– as the name suggests, this cleaner head does not agitate. This is what makes it perfect for hard floors like marbles, wood, and tiles. It primarily uses a soft rolling pad that sucks up dirt while offering a polishing effect.

Direct Drive head– this cleaner head is engineered purposely for carpet floors. It has red nylon bristles that agitate dust particles while the black carbon fibers reduce static for excellent suction.

Torque Drive Cleaner head vs Direct Drive head- which is best?

These 2 heads are specially designed for carpet floors, but they tend to shine differently depending on the type of carpet. When used on low pile carpet floors, the Direct Drive head of the Dyson Cyclone V10 Motorhead has the upper hand in terms of pickup. On the other hand, the Torque Drive Cleaner head is hard to beat when dealing with dirt settled in high pile carpets.

Dyson V10 Animal vs Motorhead vs Absolute: Battery Size and Charging Times

These 3 vacuum cleaners are fitted with the same battery pack. They use a set of 7 lithium Ion batteries with the following specs;

• 2600 mAh
• 25.2V
• 20.8A
• 66Wh

When fully depleted, the battery recharge time for the 3 Dyson Cyclone V10 vacuum cleaners is 3.5 hours. The pack has an LED light that blinks to indicate that the batteries are charging and goes off when they are fully recharged. There are also 3 lights to indicate the amount of power that you are left with.

One thing that we like about this battery pack is its non-fade technology. What this means is that the motor will be able to offer constant suction power throughout the battery life. Put in other words, the motor performance won’t decline as the batteries get depleted.

You’ll also find a couple of warning lights on the battery pack. One of these alerts you when there is a blockage while the other lights up when the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced. Mind you, the previous models of the V series didn’t have these lights, so it’s great seeing them on the V10.

The biggest complaint that we have regarding this battery pack is that it’s non-replaceable. Actually, the batteries are sealed and, therefore, not removable by the user. This means that if you like having a separate pack of charged batteries, that won’t be possible with the V10. Most Dyson stick vacuum cleaners, including the most recent addition- V11, don’t allow this versatility, anyway.

Dyson promises that this pack of lithium-ion batteries should hold up well over the 2-year warranty that the V10 comes with. Nonetheless, if they are intent at making their vacuum cleaners a replacement for the corded alternatives, then a replaceable battery pack is something that they need to consider.

Dyson V10 Cyclone Absolute vs Motorhead vs Animal: Suction Power and Cleaning Modes

The Dyson V10 vacuum cleaners are powered by a similar 525-watt digital motor with 3 cleaning modes. The suction mode is equal among the 3 vacuum cleaners. This also means that the battery runtime remains the same across all the cleaning modes as shown below;

The runtime ratings in the table above are Dyson’s estimates. However, in a real household setup, most users report that they have been able to get well over 10 minutes on the highest power setting and 40 minutes on medium power.

In most instances, you’ll be using the medium power setting, which most people report to be perfect for general cleaning.

Dyson V10 Motorhead vs Animal: Noise Levels

Vacuum cleaners are generally noisy, and the V10 Dyson models aren’t exceptional. As with any other motor-powered appliance, the noise level of any of these vacuums will vary depending on the operating mode; the low power is the quietest while the max power emits the most noise, as the table below shows.

The Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute and V10 Animal tend to create equal noise levels. The V10 Motorhead is a tad noisier, but then again, the difference is minuscule and almost unnoticeable unless you have a sensitive noise meter.

How does the Dyson Cyclone V10 Work?

Dyson vacuum cleaners, especially those in the V-series lineup, are often straightforward to use. Going through the reviews on Amazon, most homeowners have compared the V6 and V8 with the V10. In pretty much all scenarios, the V10 comes out as the clear winner in terms of usage. This is despite it being the biggest of the trio.

Our review team attributes this vacuum’s ease of use to its powerful motor and suction. The weight also feels nicely balanced between the cleaning head and the handle- a good thing when removing cobwebs and dust on your ceiling. This weight, coupled with the pivoting head, also adds to its excellent maneuverability.

Similar to most Dyson vacuum cleaners, you need to keep holding the power trigger throughout the cleaning cycle as there’s no option to lock it. This might be an issue depending on the size of the area that you need to clean. On the flip side, this design is another way of helping you save on power.

Switching between the different attachments is easy, too, and a ‘click’ will indicate when you’ve correctly attached a particular tool.

On this note, the ability to break it down from a stick to a handheld unit means that this might be the only vacuum cleaner that you’ll need for all your household cleaning chores.

Dyson V10 Motorhead Vs Animal: Filters

All vacuum cleaners suck in the air alongside debris of all sizes. As the large debris settles in the bin, the air, together with small PM 2.5 air pollutants in it, is forced out through an outlet on the opposite side. The tiny particles have to be removed from the air, though. Otherwise, these pollutants would only be recirculated around the room, where they would continue causing allergies and asthma.

The type of air filter fitted on the vacuum cleaner will significantly determine its efficiency in removing micro-pollutants from the air in your house.

True to Dyson’s tradition, the V10 vacuum cleaners are fitted with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters, which stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, are the most recommended thanks to their ability to capture up to 99% of pollutants down to 0.3 microns. This filter will capture and remove pet hair and dander, dust mites, and pollen.  

Also, these vacuum cleaners have tightly sealed seams to prevent pollutants from leaking into the room after being sucked.

Dyson V10 Animal Vs Absolute Vs Motorhead: Accessories Comparison

The most significant difference between the 3 Dyson v10 vacuum cleaners is on the toolsets. Here is what you’ll get with each model;

What does each of the attachments of the Dyson V10 vacuum cleaners do?

Wall mount docking station

As the name suggests, this piece of plastic offers a drop-in docking for the vacuum cleaner as you store or charge it. You’ll need to mount it wherever you deem appropriate and convenient. Ideally, this should be near a wall power outlet.

Wand

This is a removable tube that allows you to switch the vacuum cleaner from stick mode to a handheld depending on your needs.

Torque Drive cleaner head

You’ll find this cleaner head with the Dyson V10 Absolute and Animal only. This is an advanced cleaner head with a brushroll of stiff nylon bristles. While it’s marketed as a multi-surface cleaner, it tends to perform best on carpets.

Soft/Fluffy roller

This is a unique cleaner head fitted with a roller with soft woven nylon and carbon fiber filaments. What’s unique about this roller is its ability to capture both dust and debris. The fact that it does not use bristles makes it a perfect pick for most hard floors, including hardwood and marble. Without forgetting, you’ll find this cleaner head with the Dyson V10 Absolute only.

Mini motorized tool

The mini motorized tool is a fully powered head that allows you to access hard-to-reach areas. This attachment can be attached either to the wand for extended reach or directly to the vacuum cleaner. It’s ideal for removing hair and dander from pet beds and pulling dirt from upholstery and other confined spaces. This tool comes with the Dyson V10 Absolute and Animal alone.

Combination nozzle

This unit is standard in all Dyson Cyclone V10 vacuum cleaners. It is a 2-in-1 tool with a hard nozzle ideal for upholstery and a soft brush for dusting. You can choose between either of these tools using a grey button on the nozzle. Again, this can be used directly on the vacuum cleaner or the wand.

Crevice tool

This is a standard tool for all Dyson vacuum cleaners. It offers an extension when cleaning areas that other tools can’t reach easily, including between furniture, corners, windows, and entertainment cabinet gaps. When fitted directly onto the vacuum cleaner, you can also use it to dust the interiors of your vehicle.

Dusting brush

The dusting brush has softer bristles than you’d find on the combination tool. It’s best for cleaning delicate areas and gadgets, including computer and laptop keyboards.

Spotless Mag Verdict

So, what are the differences between Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute vs Animal vs Motorhead? These vacuum cleaners are all the same in the light of the fact that they use the same digital motor, battery pack, and cyclone technology.

However, a closer look reveals that the Dyson V10 Motorhead has slightly physical characteristics compared to the other 2 models. For instance, the Motorhead has a slightly smaller bin, which consequently makes it a tad shorter.

This is also the most affordable model of the 3 options- but it also lacks most of the tools that you might need for a thorough cleaning session.

Which model should you consider?

• If you have a mix of carpeted surfaces and hardwood floors, get the Dyson V10 Absolute.
• If most of your surfaces are carpeted, get the Dyson V10 Animal. This will save you a few dollars that you’d have spent on the hard surfaces cleaning head that makes the Dyson V10 Absolute pricier.
• If you are looking for an affordable Dyson V10 vacuum cleaner and don’t mind not having lots of accessories, the Motorhead fits the bill. This model is similar to the Absolute and Animal in terms of suction power and battery life, and its Direct Drive cleaner head has an impeccable performance on carpets.

Frequently Asked Questions