5 Best Lightweight Dyson Vacuum Cleaners to Buy in 2025

The Dyson V8 delivers a masterclass in balanced engineering—lightweight agility meets fade-free suction that punches above its weight. At just under 5.8 lbs, it’s incredibly easy to maneuver, making it perfect for daily cleanups across hardwood, tile, and low-pile carpets. Its Motorbar cleaner head actively de-tangles pet hair, solving one of the most frustrating pain points for pet owners, while the 40-minute runtime in standard mode ensures most homes can be cleaned on a single charge. This is the kind of vacuum that transforms cleaning from a chore into a seamless routine.

In real-world use, the Dyson V8 shines in versatility. Switching to MAX mode unleashes intense suction for deep-cleaning rugs or tackling post-renovation messes, though battery life drops to around 7 minutes—best reserved for spot jobs. The included Hair screw tool is a game-changer, effortlessly pulling embedded pet hair from upholstery and car seats. We tested it on stairs, under furniture, and in tight corners, and its convertible handheld design proved invaluable. However, the bin capacity (0.17 gallons) fills quickly when dealing with large debris or fine dust, requiring frequent emptying—a minor trade-off for its slim, agile build.

Compared to the V8 Plus and V8 Extra, the base V8 holds its own as the best overall lightweight option without unnecessary frills. While it lacks the wall dock of the Plus model or the expanded accessory kit of the Extra, it includes everything most users need for whole-home cleaning. It’s ideal for apartments, small to medium homes, and anyone prioritizing ease of use and consistent performance. Against the more powerful V11 Origin, it trades some suction and runtime for a significantly lighter frame and simpler operation—making it the smarter pick for quick, frequent cleanups.

The Dyson V8 Plus steps up as the best value upgrade in the V8 lineup, blending essential performance with thoughtful extras that enhance daily usability. Still tipping the scales at just 5.8 lbs, it retains the lightweight agility that makes the V8 series a favorite for quick cleanups. What sets it apart is the inclusion of a wall dock and charger, transforming it from a standalone tool into a seamlessly integrated part of your home. This small addition keeps the vacuum charged, organized, and always ready—eliminating the “where did I leave it?” frustration common with cordless models.

Performance-wise, it’s identical to the base V8: 40 minutes of fade-free power, two suction modes, and the same Motorbar cleaner head that de-tangles hair with ease. We found it especially effective on mixed flooring—transitioning smoothly from hardwood to area rugs without manual adjustments. The Hair screw tool continues to impress, lifting pet hair from car interiors and furniture in seconds. However, like its sibling, the bin capacity remains modest, and heavy-duty cleaning sessions demand multiple emptying cycles. It’s not built for marathon cleans, but for consistent, targeted use, it’s spot-on.

When compared to the V8 Extra, the Plus model strikes a sweet spot—offering more utility than the base V8 without the premium price tag of the Extra’s expanded kit. It’s a smarter investment than the base model if you value long-term convenience and organization. Against the V11 Origin, it sacrifices runtime and an LCD display but wins on simplicity and weight, making it better suited for users who want reliability without complexity. For most households, this is the ideal balance of function, form, and value.

The Dyson V8 Extra is the accessory powerhouse of the V8 family, engineered for users who demand maximum versatility from a lightweight cordless vacuum. Weighing the same 5.8 lbs as other V8 models, it stays agile while packing a staggering 9-engineered attachments, including the extension hose that adds up to 24 inches of reach. This turns the vacuum into a precision cleaning system—perfect for reaching under sofas, above cabinets, or deep into car interiors. If your home has lots of nooks, stairs, or pets, this model is built for you.

In testing, the Motorbar cleaner head maintained strong suction across all floor types, effortlessly pulling debris from carpets and hardwood alike. The Anti-tangle Hair screw tool lived up to its name, removing clumps of pet hair without clogging—a major win for multi-pet households. With 40 minutes of fade-free runtime, it handles full-home cleans, though we still recommend emptying the bin midway for larger spaces. The lack of an LCD screen or smart features keeps it focused on mechanical excellence rather than digital flair—ideal for users who want no-nonsense, high-utility performance.

Compared to the V8 Plus, the Extra justifies its higher cost with significantly expanded tool versatility, especially the extension hose and extra accessories. While the V11 Origin offers more power and runtime, it’s heavier and pricier—making the V8 Extra a smarter choice for those prioritizing maneuverability and reach over brute strength. It’s the best pick for pet owners, car detailers, or anyone with a cluttered, multi-level home. For cleaning flexibility in a lightweight frame, nothing in the Dyson lineup matches its breadth.

The Dyson Car+Boat is a portable powerhouse, redefining what a handheld vacuum can do with industry-leading suction in a compact, ultra-light package. At just 2.5 lbs, it’s effortless to carry and maneuver, yet delivers up to 50 minutes of fade-free power—the longest runtime in Dyson’s handheld lineup. Whether tackling crumbs in a minivan, dust in a boat cabin, or pet hair in tight spaces, this vacuum doesn’t just clean; it deep cleans with authority. Its Crevice tool reaches 7 inches into narrow gaps, making it indispensable for car vents, seat tracks, and dashboard crevices.

In real-world testing, the Mini Motorized tool proved exceptional at extracting embedded pet hair and allergens from fabric surfaces, outperforming many full-sized vacuums on upholstery. The Combination tool offers quick switching between wide suction and soft brushing—ideal for dashboards or delicate surfaces. We used it in a dusty SUV and a weekend boat, and it handled both with ease, maintaining strong suction throughout. However, its standalone design means no floor head, so it’s not a whole-home solution—best used as a targeted cleaning companion rather than a primary vacuum.

Compared to the V8 models, the Car+Boat sacrifices floor versatility but wins in specialized portability and runtime. It’s lighter and more focused than any convertible Dyson, making it the best portable option for vehicle owners, RVers, or parents with car seats. Against other handhelds, it sets the benchmark for suction power and filtration, with Dyson’s whole-machine HEPA filtration ensuring cleaner air output. If your cleaning needs center on cars, boats, or small spaces, this is the ultimate compact tool—lightweight, relentless, and purpose-built.

The Dyson V11 Origin stands as the pinnacle of cordless power and intelligence, delivering 60% more suction than the V8 and an impressive 60-minute runtime—making it the best choice for large homes and deep-cleaning enthusiasts. Despite its enhanced performance, it remains surprisingly lightweight for its class, though noticeably heavier than the V8 models at around 7 lbs. The LCD screen is a game-changer, showing real-time battery life, mode selection, and maintenance alerts—turning cleaning into a data-driven task. For users who want precision, power, and feedback, this vacuum delivers on all fronts.

In testing, the Motorbar cleaner head handled high-pile carpets with ease, lifting embedded dirt that lesser vacuums leave behind. Boost mode unleashes maximum suction for deep-cleaning rugs or post-pet messes, while Auto mode intelligently adjusts power based on floor type. The Hair screw tool and Crevice tool performed flawlessly, and the larger bin reduced emptying frequency. However, the added weight makes overhead cleaning more tiring, and MAX mode drains the battery in under 10 minutes—best used sparingly. It’s a high-performance machine that demands some physical effort in return.

Compared to the V8 series, the V11 Origin is in a different league—offering superior suction, runtime, and smart features, but at the cost of simplicity and weight. It’s the ideal upgrade for users with large, carpeted homes or those who demand maximum cleaning efficiency. Against the Car+Boat, it’s clearly a full-home solution, not a portable specialist. While it’s the most expensive model listed, it justifies the investment with long-term performance, intelligence, and filtration—making it the best overall for power and runtime in Dyson’s lightweight cordless range.