I tested the new Dyson V8 Cyclone vacuum against the old V8, and these small upgrades make a big difference

Dyson recently brought out an upgraded version of its V8 cordless vacuum. That model originally came out in 2016, but it remains one of the brand’s top sellers (if I were to take a wild guess at why, it could be that it’s one of the few Dyson vacs that doesn’t require you to clear out your entire bank account to purchase it). The new version – the V8 Cyclone – looks very similar, but features a few notable upgrades.

I’ve been testing the two side by side, and have come to the conclusion that the Cyclone is one heck of a smart move from Dyson. It improves on the original in small ways that make a big difference in day-to-day use.

Dyson V8 and V8 Cyclone vacuum cleaners — Dyson V8 and V8 Cyclone look similar, but there are some big performance improvements in the new version (Image credit: Future)

The big game-changer is the battery life. The older V8 offers up to 40 minutes of cleaning per charge – less if you venture into Max mode. That’s a decent runtime, but not enough to clean a larger home in one go if you’re going to be thorough about it.

best Dyson vacuums on the market (the V16 and Gen5detect last up to 70 minutes), but it’s enough time for a meticulous clean without pausing to recharge. It also puts this vacuum more in line with most of the best cordless vacuums on the market.

Dyson V8 and V8 Cyclone vacuum cleaners

Both versions can be reconfigured for use as a handheld (Image credit: Future)

Another welcome upgrade is the addition of an extra power mode. The older V8 has Regular and Max modes, whereas the V8 Cyclone offers Low, Med and Max. Not only does it give you more control over your cleaning, but it’s particularly helpful if you have a lot of hard floors. Here, the lowest option will be plenty sucky enough to pull up dirt, and will help you eke out as much battery life as possible.

Dyson V8 and V8 Cyclone vacuum cleaners

The Cyclone (left) has three modes, so you can drop to Min mode for hard floors (Image credit: Future)

Finally, there has been a change in operation. The V8 Cyclone switches on and off using a one-press button, whereas the V8 uses a trigger, which you have to keep compressed the entire time you’re using it. The trigger is meant to help extend runtimes – because you never have the vacuum running when it doesn’t need to be – but I found it awkward and especially annoying for a longer cleaning session.

It should be said that there are drawbacks to the button operation, too. You need a hand free to switch the machine on and off, and it’s fiddlier if you’re just doing a quick cleanup. However, on balance, I much prefer it to a trigger.

Dyson V8 Cyclone cordless vacuum clearing dog hair from a carpeted panel

The V8 Cyclone packs a punch when it comes to cleaning power (Image credit: Future)

Dyson promises more powerful suction on the V8 Cyclone, and on my side-by-side tests, I could see a difference. The Cyclone ate through everything I put in front of it – including plenty of dog hair. However, it should be said that the original V8 is still a very capable vacuum, and its cleaning powers will be more than enough for most people’s needs.

Some minor complaints

It’s not all good news, though. I have minor niggles with some of Dyson’s design decisions. I think in the name of streamlining, the controls on the V8 Cyclone are slightly less usable than on the original V8.

On the Cyclone, the mode you’re in is indicated by a colored LED within the mode-switch button – it’s green for Low, blue for Medium, and red for High. You need to remember which color stands for what, and if you’re colorblind, you might need to rely on the sound of the motor instead.

In comparison, the older V8 has a labelled sider. There’s never any doubt as to which mode you’re in.

Controls on the V8 Cyclone (left) and on the V8 — With the slider, there’s no mistaking which suction mode you’re using (Image credit: Future)

Next, the battery indicator LEDs. The Dyson V8 Cyclone has one LED that blinks to show the machine is charging, while the LED in the mode-switch button flashes when it’s running out of juice; otherwise, there’s nothing to indicate the vacuum’s charge levels.

While cleaning – or even just picking up the vacuum to start a cleaning session – I have no idea if I have a whole house’s worth of cleaning left on the clock, or if it’s going to die before I’ve even finished the first room.

The original V8 has three indicator LEDs on each side of the battery (both sets show the same thing). The more that are illuminated, the more charge the machine has. It’s not a terribly detailed system, but it’s infinitely more helpful than what the Cyclone offers.

Dyson V9 Motorbar.)

If you go direct to Dyson, the original V8 currently costs $539.99 / £329.99 / AU$599. In the UK, there’s very little difference in the price of the new and old versions, making the Cyclone a bit of a no-brainer if both are being sold at full price.

Of course, the older V8 is likely to attract discounts in the UK and Australia, to make way for the upgraded version, which presumably will replace it entirely at some point.

Dyson V8 vs V8 Cyclone: specs

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Model:	V8 Cyclone	V8
Weight (no attachments):	3.6 lbs / 1.6kg	3.4 lbs / 1.5kg
Weight (with wand and main floorhead):	5.7 lbs / 2.6kg	5.5 lbs / 2.5kg
Bin size:	0.54L	0.53L
Total runtime:	60 mins	40 mins
Runtime in Max mode:	8 mins	6 mins 51 secs
Charge time:	4 hrs	5 hrs
Size (H x W x L):	45.7 x 8.3 x 9.8in / 116 x 21 x 25cm	49.5 x 8.7 x 9.8in / 125.7 x 22.1 x 24.9cm
Max suction:	150AW	115 AW (130AW for Absolute version)
Auto mode:	None	None
Modes:	Low, Med, Max	Regular, Boost
Floorheads:	Motorbar	Motorbar
Operation:	Button	Trigger