Dyson cordless stick vacuums have become something of a status symbol, with new machines being unleashed almost as frequently as iPhones. But true innovations and improvements are rare. (Finally ditching the much-hated trigger-style control for a button was a change that actually mattered, albeit an industry standard on even the cheapest sticks.)
We’ve tested numerous Dyson stick vacs over the years, and we recommend them for their excellent combination of power, agility, and fun and useful features. The best Dyson cordless stick vacs—like our pick, the V12 Detect Slim—make cleaning almost a pleasure.
One of Dyson’s latest stick vacs, the Gen5detect, came out in 2023 with a torrent of superlatives: It has the fastest and most efficient motor, longest run time, and most powerful suction of any other Dyson stick vacuum. With its peacock-hue design, it’s also flashier than ever. But is it worth the upgrade—and the nearly $1,000 price tag?
I tested the beefed-up Gen5detect for a week, comparing it against the V12 Detect Slim. I found the Gen5detect to be a great cleaner with a couple of meaningful upgrades. But it also felt clunkier and less versatile. Here’s what to know if you’re considering one.
