When looking at the different Dyson V7 models, specifically the differences between the other V7s and the V7 Motorhead, is there really enough difference to warrant an upgrade?
We think not, but we’ll let you decide!
Buying a cordless vacuum is no small purchase, with the costs getting incrementally greater with every model. But, what kind is best suited to you, and are the upgrades worth the extra price bump?
Dyson is notorious for re-releasing its models with very small differentials, and the V7 series is no exception. Despite there being more than 5 different models of V7, the hardware is basically the same across the board.
There are slight differences between the accessories and minor functionality differences, but for the most part, they are pretty indistinguishable.
The most important thing to bear in mind is that there is no such model that is ‘just’ called the V7. The models are all called The Absolute, Motorhead, Allergy, Animal, and Fluffy.
First, we’ll go through a rundown of the different V7 models, what the general specs of the V7 series are, and whether or not there is any marked difference between them.
Let’s get into it!
Rundown Of The Different Dyson V7 Models
To begin, let’s look at the different models of the V7 that were released onto the market.
There are many iterations, but we’ll stick to the most popular models within the series. They are:
- Dyson V7 Absolute
- Dyson V7 Fluffy
- Dyson V7 Motorhead
- Dyson V7 Allergy
- Dyson V7 Animal
Dyson vacuums are notoriously expensive so it’s only fitting that when you make the purchase you want to make sure that you’re getting the right tool for the job.
One of the biggest criticisms against Dyson is the fact that they have so many different models available for each series and they don’t do a great job of showing what those differences actually are.
With all of these Dyson V7 varieties coming out in 2017 or thereabouts, they all have the same basis. In regards to the different V7 models, the main difference is the accessories that come with your Dyson.
- The Dyson V7 Motorhead is the most basic version of the V7. So if you’re referring to a Dyson V7, that is the model that you’ll be looking at.
Is There Any Noticeable Difference?
- All of the Dyson V7 models have the same motor, and as such, they all offer very similar airflow.
- The construction of the Dyson V7 has the same battery and so they all offer the same runtime.
- All of the Dyson V7 models also have the same dustbin and so they all have the same maximum dustbin capacity.
- All of the Dyson V7 models also come with two power modes- a low power mode and a high power mode.
- All of the Dyson V7s come with the same wall-mountable docking station.
Now onto the differences!
Dyson V7 Floor Heads
All but the Fluffy V7 are equipped with the same multi-floor cleaner head optimized for use on both carpet and hard floors.
V7 Fluffy
The one model that does not come with this head is the V7 fluffy which only comes with a soft roller cleaner head that is intended for use only on hard floors.
V7 Absolute
The V7 Absolute comes with both the multi-floor head and the soft roller head.
Dyson V7 Filtration
The Animal, Allergy, and Fluffy come with a HEPA filter.
V7 Absolute
This model does not include a HEPA filter.
V7 Motorhead
The Motorhead also does not include a HEPA filter.
Dyson V7 Tools
This is the only noticeable difference between the models. Though bear in mind that many of these tools are also available for purchase online if your particular model doesn’t come with something you’d like.
Below is a list of the tools provided in the box with each V7 model:
V7 Animal
- Mini motorized tool
- Mini soft dusting brush
- Combination Tool
- Crevice Tool
V7 Absolute
- Mini motorized tool
- Mini soft dusting brush
- Combination Tool
- Crevice Tool
V7 Fluffy
- Mini motorized tool
- Mini soft dusting brush
V7 Motorhead
- Combination Tool
- Crevice Tool
V7 Allergy
- No tools
In terms of general recommendation, the main difference here is the HEPA filters, so if you are in the market for a V7, definitely try to get one that has this.
The V7 Absolute and the V7 Motorhead both do not have the HEPA filter, so we recommend you go for either the Allergy, Fluffy, or Animal.
The Allergy and the Animal are both suited to multi-floor cleaning because they are the two models that come with both a HEPA filter and a multi-floor cleaning head.
The Allergy and Animal are both identical apart from the tools they come with and the color, so if you can find either of these, you should go with whichever one you can find cheaper, or go for the Animal if you want the extra tools in your arsenal.
The Fluffy is great if your home has purely hard floors. The Fluffy head attachment is really good for hard floors but will not be able to clean carpet at all, so it really depends on your house.
How Does The Dyson V7 Range Perform?
Considering the V7 range is a good couple of years old now and there are plenty of new Dyson models to choose from, it still holds up well.
In terms of functionality, it’s one of the best small vacuum cleaners on the market for the price, and most competitors still use the Dyson V7 as a basis from which they model their designs.
If you currently have a Dyson V7 and it’s still working up to standard, we don’t see any reason for you to change this up as it’s still a pretty great vacuum.
The performance of the Dyson V7 is obviously lower than the newer models such as the v8 and the V10 but that doesn’t mean that this is a poor-performing vacuum in general.
You should go for a Dyson V7 if you want the following:
- An older model Dyson that still works really well.
- A lightweight stick vacuum as the Dyson V7 only weighs 5.45 lb.
- A stick vacuum that offers 30 minutes run time when fully charged.
- A 2-in-1 vacuum that can be used both as a stick and in handheld configurations.
Final Thoughts
Apart from accessories that you can buy separately if need be, the main difference in the V7 models is the HEPA filter.
If you’re looking to buy a Dyson V7, we really recommend that you go for the absolute or the animal as they have both the HEPA filter included and the multi-surface functionality that comes with the roller.
This gives you the power to go both on carpets and hardwood successfully.
Whilst the V7 Motorhead is still a good choice, the HEPA filter is definitely a really big bonus and you should go for a V7 model with one included if possible.
As the V7 was released a good few years ago now, you should be able to pick one up at a reasonable price and it will still beat most generic brands in terms of quality and longevity.