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I’ve reached the age where I genuinely get excited about stick vacuums. Their compact, lightweight design makes them perfect for keeping up with my toddler’s constant tornado of food crumbs, tiny bits of torn construction paper, and hair tumbleweeds. Instead of dragging a bulky canister vacuum out of the closet for quick clean-ups, I can simply grab the stick vacuum from its charging station and start cleaning in seconds.
While there are plenty of stick vacuums out there to consider, Dyson continues to dominate the high-end market. I’ve been using the Dyson V8 Animal+ for the past several years, and it’s served me well, but finding a model with a bit more oomph has been on my mind. That’s why I was eager to test out the more powerful Dyson V15 Detect Absolute. This model is a huge upgrade in terms of features, as it includes an LCD screen that displays real-time cleaning data, an intelligent suction system that automatically adjusts power, and a laser cleaning head that makes every spec of dust visible.
After a few weeks of daily use, I’m convinced the upgrade is worth the premium price. The laser feature has been a game-changer for vacuuming my laminate floors, revealing dust I didn’t know was there, while the extended runtime means I can clean throughout the day without recharging. For a parent constantly battling the mess of family life, the V15 Detect Absolute is an essential part of keeping my home clean.
How I Tested
The moment the V15 Detect Absolute arrived, I put it to work. Over the last two weeks, I used it to tackle every little mess I could find, from crumbs of food on our couch to dust bunnies under furniture. I tested all three power modes (Eco, Auto, and Boost) across multiple surfaces, including hardwood, tile, area rugs, bedding, couch cushions, baseboards, and the interior of my car.
I evaluated the vacuum’s maneuverability around furniture and in tight spaces, monitored battery life and charging times, and thoroughly tested special features like the laser and suction power. I also assessed how intuitive it was to switch between the various attachments, empty the dust bin, and perform routine maintenance.
Key Specs
| Weight | 6.83 lb |
|---|---|
| Suction Power | 240w |
| Battery Life | Up to 60 min. |
| Charge time | 4.5 hrs. |
| Bin volume | 0.2 gal. |
| Size | 49.6 x 10.5 x 9.8 in. |
Stick vacuums don’t get much easier to use.
There's no struggling with attachments when you're using the V15 Detect Absolute, and that's not for a lack of included attachments. In fact, the vacuum comes equipped with a hair screw tool, digital motorbar cleaner head, and the aforementioned laser-equipped cleaner head, but unlike some other vacuums, switching out attachments is a cinch. Simply press the release button, align the attachment you want, and push it in until you hear a click. It's as easy as that, and in fact, in the case of the dusting and crevice tool, it's even easier. Just press a button on the wand and the tool slides into position, ready for quick spot cleans.
An LCD screen on the rear of the vacuum shows the remaining runtime, cleaning mode, and even a real-time count of the particles being collected. It’s a surprisingly satisfying feature—I loved having that immediate feedback, knowing that I’m getting dust off my floors. I live in Arizona, where everything is covered in a permanent layer of dust, and watching those particle numbers climb was both horrifying and gratifying.
Added weight comes with a purpose.
Dyson stick vacuums are known for their balance of power, usability, features, and distinctive futuristic design. (A Dyson vacuum announces itself as a Dyson vacuum immediately.) Like other Dyson models, the V15 Detect Absolute has a power-tool-style grip and a trigger power button that’s responsive, though it requires continuous pressure. While the trigger design helps conserve battery life, I would have liked an option to keep the vacuum on continuously because finger fatigue can set in the longer you hold the trigger down.
One of the elements that struck me most about the V15 was its size compared to my older V8 Animal+. The V15 Detect Absolute’s canister and battery are significantly larger, and at 6.83 pounds, it’s a noticeably heavier vacuum, especially when cleaning overhead. To be fair, that's not something I do often, but cleaning overhead fan blades got tiring rather fast. That said, the vacuum houses a more powerful motor for improved performance, so the extra weight has a purpose. The V15 Detect Absolute also features a click-in battery system, which is a welcome upgrade from the integrated battery in my V8. The system makes it easy to replace or swap batteries on the fly.
The V15 Detect Absolute has a whole-machine HEPA filtration system that captures 99.99 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns (which for context is approximately 1/75,000-inch, and yes, you read that right). There’s also a sensor that continuously measures the size and amount of dust particles and automatically increases suction power when needed. This feature worked exactly as advertised during my testing—you can feel and hear the motor ramping up when vacuuming extra dirty areas. Thanks to the more powerful motor, I rarely had to go over the same spot twice.
Emptying the bin is incredibly easy. Simply hold the vacuum over your trash, slide the red lever down, and watch your collection of debris eject. The transparent bin lets you see when it needs emptying, with a marked line indicating the maximum fill level.
The laser cleaner head reveals every last speck of dust.
The V15 offers a premium design and powerful features, but how well does it actually clean? As I mentioned, my toddler is a bit like the Tasmanian Devil, so this vacuum had its work cut out for it. There’s always a mix of food, dust, and who-knows-what on our floors, but the V15 had no trouble keeping up. Big Cheez-It crumbs on the laminate? Not a problem. Cheerios wedged between our couch cushions? The crevice tool handled them with ease. It’s almost like this model was made specifically for my household.
Dyson rates the V15 Detect Absolute's battery life at up to 60 minutes, which will vary depending on factors like the power mode, messiness, and floor type. In testing, I found it lasted around 35 to 45 minutes on Auto/Medium mode. Eco mode can stretch it a bit more, though it doesn’t clean quite as well. Still, I was able to vacuum my home’s floors, couch, nightstands, and overhead fans with battery life to spare. After all these years, my V8’s battery has degraded to the point where it lasts 15 minutes if I’m lucky.
I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve become obsessed with the laser cleaner head, relying on it to reveal every last spec of dust, hair, and debris that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. It’s shocking how much is always lingering around every corner. Weirdly, it has transformed the chore of vacuuming into a game, making sure I capture every remaining particle. It also holds me accountable: If I don’t vacuum a certain area, the laser immediately exposes where I got lazy.
I don’t have a dog, so I can’t speak to how well this vacuum cleans fur, but the hair screw tool vacuumed up my hair, my wife’s, and my toddler’s no problem. The attachment features an anti-tangle conical brush bar, which is designed to prevent hair from wrapping around the roller. This made cleaning up long strands quick and hassle-free, and I never had to stop to cut tangled hair out of the brush.
Final Thoughts
I’m officially saying goodbye to my V8 Animal+. The V15 Detect Absolute isn’t Dyson’s most advanced stick vacuum, nor is it the cheapest, but it strikes an impressive balance of power, convenience, and versatility. It’s easy to use, handles daily messes with a fuss, and comes with plenty of attachments for different needs. If you’re looking for a reliable cordless vacuum that can keep up with a busy household—and you don’t mind the premium price—the V15 Detect Absolute is an excellent all-around choice.
Brandon Russell is a freelance writer covering gear and technology. He started his journey as a news writer at a small newspaper and later began reviewing smartphones, movies, and video games. In his free time, he enjoys the slower, more intentional experience of using a 35mm film camera and making short videos about movies he grew up watching.
Amber is a Reviews Editor with bylines on Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Best Products sites. Specializing in kitchen gadgets, small appliances, lifestyle, and consumer tech, she brings hands-on testing and a detail-oriented approach to every review. In her free time you can likely find her trading trinkets at an EDM festival, searching for hidden gems at thrift stores, or cuddling with her two cats.
