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Fast Comparability: Dyson V9 vs V12 – Spec & Take a look at Overview
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On this comparability, I take a deep dive into the Dyson V9 MotorBar and the Dyson V12 Detect—two of Dyson’s lightest full-sized cordless stick vacuums, designed for very totally different consumers.
The large query is easy: is the V12 Detect value the additional price, or does the V9 MotorBar ship every part most individuals really need for much less cash?
As an alternative of leaning on spec sheets or advertising and marketing buzzwords, this comparability focuses on real-world testing. After spending hours testing each vacuums, measuring suction, airflow, runtime, noise, and cleansing efficiency throughout a number of surfaces.
I break down the place every mannequin shines, the place it falls brief, and which one makes extra sense in your residence.
Introduction to the Dyson V9 MotorBar and V12 Detect
The Dyson V9 Motorbar and V12 Detect are two of Dyson’s lightest cordless stick vacuums, providing full-sized cleansing efficiency with sufficient energy and the fitting instruments to deal with each carpet and onerous flooring.
Whereas Dyson additionally presents lighter fashions such because the Omni-Glide and Micro 1.5KG, the V9 delivers higher carpet agitation because of its devoted MotorBar nozzle, making it a extra versatile possibility for combined flooring.
Cheaper Possibility: Dyson V9 Motorbar
Execs
- The vacuum physique weighs just a bit over 2 kilos
- Above-average cleansing efficiency on onerous flooring and carpets
- Respectable run time for a light-weight stick vacuum (near 50 minutes with out the nozzle)
- Glorious at cleansing hair
Cons
- No comfortable curler nozzle
- Small dustbin
- It has much less airflow and suction, that means it doesn’t deep clear in addition to the V12 Detect
The V9 MotorBar is the extra inexpensive possibility, but it surely presents fewer tech options and a shorter runtime than the V12 Detect.
It additionally lacks the V12’s Piezo sensor, which offers real-time suggestions on how a lot of every particles kind is being picked up.
That mentioned, the V9’s vacuum unit is roughly a pound lighter, giving it noticeably higher ergonomics in handheld mode.
When mixed with the included hair screw software, the V9 turns into a superb selection for cleansing hair in smaller properties.
Higher Expertise: Dyson V12 Detect
Execs
- Runs longer than the Dyson V9 (over 60 minutes with the nozzle)
- Extra attachments and instruments out of the field
- It comes with the laser slim curler that reveals nearly invisible mud
- Extra expertise
Cons
- Dearer
- Barely heavier
The V12 Detect was Dyson’s first light-weight cordless vacuum to supply full-sized cleansing efficiency, delivering roughly 95% of the cleansing functionality of heavier, extra highly effective fashions.
It was additionally one of many first Dyson fashions I reviewed to characteristic a push-button energy change positioned on prime of the physique—an ergonomically ultimate placement in comparison with trigger-style designs.
When it comes to options, the V12 Detect carefully mirrors the heavier V15 Detect, providing each a Piezo sensor and a slim laser curler, however in a extra compact body tailor-made for smaller properties. That mentioned, the value hole between the V12 and V15 is comparatively small in comparison with the bigger bounce between the V12 and the V9.
Efficiency-wise, the V12 Detect clearly outpaces the V9. It delivers extra energy and considerably longer runtime—over 60 minutes with the nozzle connected, in comparison with simply 38 minutes on the V9.
Similarities Between The Dyson V9 and V12
Subsequent, we’ll break down the important thing similarities between the Dyson V9 and V12.
1. Light-weight Body
The primary similarity is their light-weight design, which makes each fashions well-suited to smaller properties. Whereas the V9 is lighter general, the V12 Detect isn’t far behind, weighing solely about one pound extra.
2. Dustbin Alignment and Capability
One other key similarity between the Dyson V9 MotorBar and V12 Detect is the horizontally aligned dustbin with Dyson’s hygienic ejection system. Each fashions share the identical 0.35-liter dustbin capability.
Regardless that the V9 seems smaller, it retains the identical dustbin capability because the V12 Detect.
3. Removable Battery
Each of those light-weight Dyson stick vacuums characteristic a removable battery, permitting you to increase runtime by swapping in a spare and making battery alternative a lot simpler if it degrades over time.
4. Sealed Filtration System
I examined the filtration programs of each the Dyson V9 and V12 Detect utilizing a fog machine, and each handed with no seen leaks.
Variations Between The Dyson V9 and V12 Detect
Subsequent, we’ll break down the important thing variations between the Dyson V9 MotorBar and the V12 Detect.
1. Ground Nozzles
The primary main distinction comes all the way down to nozzle choice and design. The Dyson V12 Detect contains two ground heads out of the field: the Laser Slim Curler for onerous flooring and a normal brush head much like the V8, however with out anti-tangle combs.
The V9 MotorBar, then again, ships with only one ground head—the MotorBar nozzle. It options built-in combs above the comb roll to assist untangle lengthy hair and scale back wrap throughout cleansing.
2. LCD Display screen
One other key distinction is the LCD show. The Dyson V12 Detect makes use of a display screen much like the V15 Detect, displaying real-time suggestions on how a lot particles is being picked up and the remaining runtime.
The Dyson V9 MotorBar, against this, lacks this characteristic and makes use of a extra fundamental, V11-style LCD that shows solely remaining battery time.
3. Physique Weight
Whereas each the Dyson V9 MotorBar and V12 Detect are thought of light-weight fashions, the V9 is roughly one pound lighter, giving it a noticeable benefit in handheld ergonomics.
4. Instruments
The V12 Detect undoubtedly wins with regards to included equipment. My unit even got here with two batteries, so that you’re getting so much for the cash.
- Dyson V12 unit
- Motorbar cleaner head
- Laser slim fluffy
- Hair screw software
- Gentle pipe crevice software
- Mini comfortable dusting brush
- Stiff bristled brush
- Mixture software
- Below-bed attachment
- Additional battery
- Extension wand
- Two battery chargers
The V9, then again, is extra barebones—I solely acquired three instruments with the model I purchased.
- Hair screw software
- Crevice software
- Mixture software
5. Energy Swap
One other distinction is the ability management design.
The Dyson V9 MotorBar makes use of a trigger-style change much like the V11, that means you have to maintain it all the way down to maintain the vacuum working.
The V12 Detect, then again, contains a top-mounted push-button, which is much less fatiguing throughout longer cleansing classes.
That mentioned, the set off presents a power-on-demand really feel that some customers might favor for fast bursts of cleansing. In the end, this comes down to private choice.
Ergonomic Comparability
From an ergonomics standpoint, the Dyson V9 MotorBar has the sting because of its lighter weight.
At multiple pound lighter than the V12 Detect (with out instruments connected), it’s much less tiring to make use of—particularly in handheld mode or throughout fast cleanups.
That mentioned, the V12 Detect does provide one ergonomic benefit: its push-button energy change.
Not like the V9’s set off, the V12 doesn’t require steady squeezing for energy, making it extra snug throughout longer cleansing classes.
Steering is one other space the place the V12 pulls forward on onerous flooring. Its laser slim curler glides and pivots extra easily than the V9’s normal MotorBar nozzle. On carpet, nonetheless, each vacuums steer equally.
Interface Comparability
Whereas each the Dyson V9 MotorBar and V12 Detect characteristic LCD screens, what they show may be very totally different.
The V12 Detect, because the extra premium mannequin, features a Piezo sensor readout that exhibits real-time suggestions on how a lot of every of the 4 particles varieties is being picked up.
The V9, by comparability, makes use of a less complicated interface that shows solely the remaining runtime and the present energy setting.
Run Time Comparability
The Dyson V12 Detect clearly wins on runtime, delivering over 60 minutes with the nozzle connected—practically double the V9’s runtime. If you are going to buy a bundle with two batteries, the entire runtime can vary from roughly 2x to just about 4x that of the V9.
Dyson charges the V9 MotorBar for as much as 40 minutes, and in testing, it exceeded that declare when used with out the nozzle, working near 50 minutes. With the nozzle connected, nonetheless, runtime drops to round 38 minutes, reinforcing that the V9 is finest fitted to smaller properties and shorter cleansing classes.
Airflow Comparability
As soon as once more, the Dyson V12 Detect outperforms the V9 MotorBar in airflow throughout all energy settings, because of its bigger motor and battery.
On the highest energy degree, the V12 delivers over 23% extra airflow on the wand and over 24% extra on the nozzle. This airflow benefit interprets instantly to raised pickup of embedded dust on carpet and extra environment friendly protection of bigger areas.
Cleansing Comparability
Regardless of its decrease airflow, the Dyson V9 MotorBar held its personal in opposition to the V12 Detect within the cleansing exams. Efficiency variations have been minimal—particularly for surface-level dust, the place the hole between the 2 was lower than 1%.
Which Possibility Is Higher On Arduous Flooring?
Regardless that the scores are shut, the Dyson V12 Detect comes out forward because of its Laser Slim Curler, which is considerably extra environment friendly than the V9’s MotorBar nozzle on this floor.
An added good thing about the Laser Slim Curler is the intense inexperienced laser, which makes positive mud that’s usually invisible a lot simpler to see.
This helps customers vacuum extra effectively by clearly displaying which areas nonetheless want consideration and which have already been cleaned.
Each the Dyson V9 MotorBar and V12 Detect achieved 99.9% sand pickup on onerous flooring, however they did so in several methods.
The V9 required the mid energy setting to hit this rating, whereas the V12 achieved practically full pickup utilizing Eco mode.
Hair Wrap on Arduous Flooring Experiment
Subsequent, I examined how effectively every vacuum dealt with one gram of hair scattered throughout lengths starting from 5 to 12 inches.
Listed below are the outcomes for the Dyson V9 MotorBar, adopted by the outcomes for the Dyson V12 Detect.
Dyson V9 Outcomes
- 5-inch hair: 100%
- 7-inch hair: 100%
- 9-inch hair: 100%
- 11-inch hair: 97%
- 12-inch hair: 98%
The Dyson V9 MotorBar carried out practically completely on this check, reaching an nearly flawless hair pickup rating on onerous flooring.
A giant purpose for this result’s the combs positioned behind the comb roll, which assist elevate and information hair into the nozzle as an alternative of letting it wrap.
That mentioned, even with robust outcomes, the MotorBar nozzle nonetheless isn’t as environment friendly on onerous flooring as a devoted soft-roller head. For hair pickup particularly, nonetheless, it performs very effectively.
Dyson V12 Detect Outcomes
- 5-inch strands: 96%
- 7-inch strands: 100%
- 9-inch strands: 92.5%
- 11-inch strands: 98%
- 13-inch strands: 100%
The Dyson V12 Detect additionally delivered robust hair pickup on this floor. In one of many exams, nonetheless, pickup dropped to 92% as a result of hair wrapped across the axle.
This situation isn’t distinctive to the V12 Detect—it’s a recognized limitation of the Laser Slim Curler, the place gaps at each axle ends can enable hair to wrap.
Edge Cleansing Comparability
To check edge-cleaning efficiency, I scattered espresso grounds alongside the perimeters and measured how effectively and shortly the Dyson V9 MotorBar and V12 Detect picked them up.
Listed below are the before-and-after photographs and the Dyson V9.
And the Dyson V12 Detect.
Whereas each vacuums cleaned successfully on this check, the V12 Detect got here out forward because of its Laser Slim Curler.
It picked up practically each espresso floor on the lowest energy setting, whereas the V9 MotorBar required the mid energy setting to realize comparable outcomes.
Which Possibility Is Higher for Carpet?
The Dyson V9 MotorBar and V12 Detect delivered very comparable ends in carpet-cleaning exams. Floor-level pickup was practically equivalent between the 2 fashions, with each hovering round 99.45%.
The distinction grew to become extra noticeable within the deep-cleaning check, the place the V12 Detect outperformed the V9 by 4 share factors (94.1% vs 90.15%)—a transparent reflection of the V12’s greater airflow and stronger capability to elevate embedded particles.
Hair Wrap on Carpet Experiments
Subsequent, we’ll have a look at the hair wrap check on carpet, the place I measured how successfully the Dyson V9 Motorbar and V12 Detect picked up hair on this floor.
Dyson V9 Outcomes
- 5-inch hair: 100%
- 7-inch hair: 100%
- 9-inch hair: 100%
- 11-inch hair: 49%
The Dyson V9 MotorBar delivered wonderful outcomes with hair lengths as much as 9 inches, however efficiency dropped with 11-inch strands, the place pickup fell to 49%.
That mentioned, this outcome continues to be cheap, as most households received’t be coping with hair anyplace close to this size until they’ve a long-haired pet that sheds closely.
Dyson V12 Detect Outcomes
- 5-inch strands: 96%
- 7-inch strands: 100%
- 9-inch strands: 92.5%
- 11-inch strands: 30%
The Dyson V12 Detect carried out worse than the V9 on this check. Some hair wrapped across the brush throughout the nine-inch trial, and the wrap elevated additional within the 11-inch check, the place pickup dropped to 30%.
Noise Comparability
Considerably surprisingly, the Dyson V9 MotorBar was the louder vacuum throughout all energy settings. That is probably as a result of MotorBar nozzle, which tends to vibrate greater than the Laser Slim Curler, leading to greater noise ranges.
Product Specs
The place Can I Buy These Dyson Cordless Vacuums?
The Dyson V9 Motorbar and V12 Detect can be found in on-line shops like Amazon and Walmart. Verify the hyperlinks beneath for the newest pricing info.
Disclaimer: I’ll earn a fee if you happen to click on on any of the hyperlinks above, however at no additional price, so it’s a win-win for us!
Which Possibility Gives Higher Worth?
Based mostly on each testing and day-to-day usability, the Dyson V12 Detect presents higher general worth for the cash—at the very least for my wants.
It’s a cordless vacuum that excels on onerous flooring, offers longer runtime, and doesn’t require frequent recharging, which makes it a greater match for my small residence.
Whereas the Dyson V9 MotorBar is the extra inexpensive possibility, you get noticeably much less. It contains solely three above-floor instruments and a single ground head that performs higher on carpet than on onerous flooring.
If your property has extra carpet than onerous flooring, the V9 continues to be a straightforward advice. However for properties with principally naked flooring, the V12 Detect is the higher selection.
4 Causes to Select the Dyson V9 Motorbar
- Cheaper: The Dyson V9 is the cheaper light-weight cordless possibility.
- Glorious at cleansing hair: The combs on the Motorbar brush helps untangle hair.
- Above-average on carpets: Regardless of the shortage of airflow, it cleans floor dust on carpet in addition to the V12.
- Lighter: It’s greater than a pound lighter than the Dyson V12 Detect.
4 Causes to Select the Dyson V12 Detect
- Runs longer: It’ll run for over 60 minutes with the laser slim nozzle.
- Higher on onerous flooring: The laser slim curler is extra environment friendly and helps customers monitor mud on naked ground.
- Higher expertise: It presents extra expertise for the cash you’ll spend just like the Piezo sensor readout, bigger motor, and laser slim curler.
- Extra instruments: Consumer will get extra instruments out of the field.
The Verdict: The V12 Detect Is The Higher Possibility
Whereas the Dyson V9 MotorBar is the cheaper possibility upfront, the V12 Detect delivers higher general worth for what you’re paying.
The principle situation with the V9 is the absence of a comfortable curler head, which is a deal breaker for me. The usual MotorBar nozzle merely isn’t as environment friendly on onerous flooring.
If Dyson included a comfortable curler, then it could be a no brainer.
To be clear, the V9 can clear onerous flooring—but it surely does so much less effectively.
The added vibration from the Motorbar head and the necessity to use greater energy settings make the expertise much less nice and shorten battery lifespan.
Over time, that elevated pressure can imply earlier battery alternative, which offsets a lot of the short-term financial savings.
The V12 Detect is the extra versatile vacuum general, dealing with each carpet and onerous flooring effectively with out compromise.
If finances is a priority, the most effective transfer is to attend for a sale, however between the 2, the V12 Detect is the extra full and future-proof possibility.
Garrick, the visionary behind Cordless Vacuum Information, brings over a decade of hands-on experience in cordless vacuum testing to his insightful evaluations showcased on this platform. Past his ardour for empowering customers with knowledgeable selections, he cherishes valuable moments together with his household, exploring international cuisines and exploring totally different horizons together with his beloved spouse and son. Comply with him on Youtube, Tiktok, Fb, and Instagram.
