I've been using a Dyson cordless vacuum for 9 months — here's what I like (and what I don't)
I've been using the Dyson V11 Advanced since I reviewed it towards the end of last year, and it's since become an indispensable part of my cleaning regimen. The benefits I pointed out in my review — like the simple setup and robust design — mean I continue to reach for it when I need to spend 20 or 30 minutes vacuuming. Even the battery life has held up reasonably well.
However, when you're several months into using a product, you're much better able to appreciate shortcomings, or you come to use those 'nice-to-have' elements you maybe glossed over at the beginning. I would still heartily recommend the Dyson V11 to anyone, but I can offer a bit more context about it now that I'm a little ways down the road.
If you're after a powerful cordless stick vacuum, the V11 is a solid choice. With its lightweight design, it's easy to maneuver around the home. The LCD screen displays three cleaning modes (Eco, Med, and Boost) as well as maintenance alerts, and remaining run time. There's up to 60 minutes of battery life while the vacuum head has an anti-tangle brush to tackle stubborn pet (or human) hair. It's not the best Dyson, but it certainly isn't the worst.
Anyone in the U.K. can also pick up a discount on this vacuum but, unfortunately, it's not as much of a saving as in the United States. Amazon U.K. is currently offering a 3% discount on the V11 that saves you a tenner.
You're never going to run out of power when your vacuum is attached to an outlet, but the annoyance of having to thread a cable around furniture or through doors means I prefer the portability of a cordless vacuum.
The small LCD screen keeps things extremely simple. You get a readout of your power mode (Eco, Boost and Auto) as well as a battery countdown timer that lets you know how much of the 60-minute battery life you have remaining. That latter part is extremely useful as I'm not very good at remembering to keep the battery charged. Therefore, I can grab the vacuum, toggle it to the required setting depending on how much charge is left, and focus my cleaning because I know how long I have left on the clock.
Nearly a year on from first using the V11 Advanced, the battery life has remained constant when I do remember to charge it. You can get up to 60 minutes of charge when in 'Eco' mode, and I've never needed to go beyond this. Furthermore, although you can purchase extra batteries directly from Dyson, I haven't needed to augment my current power supply. That's because if I know I'm going to be cleaning for the next hour, I'll likely reach for my upright vacuum.
It turns out there's a rather divisive issue when it comes to Dyson's cordless vacuums, and that's the fact you constantly need to keep your finger on the trigger to activate the motor. The second you let up, the thing switches off. My upright vacuum has an on/off button, which, to my mind, is a far better solution.
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It's probably one of the reasons I don't use the V11 Advanced for long periods of cleaning — I don't want to spend 30 minutes with my finger clamped over a trigger. Furthermore, it also makes it difficult when you've got a different attachment bolted on and you need to try and work the vacuum into an awkward space. You can't reposition your hand around it because you're keeping one finger always on the trigger.
The fact that there's not even a toggle button or a settings option (believe me, I've looked) letting the vacuum keep the trigger held for you seems like an oversight to me. Even all these months later, it's still the one element of this vacuum that I feel lets it down.
Adding a battery-powered cordless stick vacuum to your cleaning closet is a no-brainer in my opinion. As long as you're not going to make it your main cleaning tool. I look at it as something like a trusty sidekick to a proper upright vacuum that handles the lion's share of the cleaning.
If I'm doing a weekend cleaning blitz, then nothing stands in the way of one of the best vacuum cleaners. But if you need to clean up a quick mess at a moment's notice during the week, the cordless vacuum will let you get the job done with no fuss. Providing you've kept the battery charged.
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The Verge
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- The Verge
Even the lowly canister vacuum now wants access to your Wi-Fi network
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New York Post
3 hours ago
- New York Post
The 5 best Dyson Airwrap alternatives we tested that don't cost $600
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Let's be honest — we all want Dyson hair tools, but we don't all want to sell a kidney to afford them. The sleek design, the cutting-edge technology, the promise of salon-level results at home, it's almost enough to justify the eye-watering price tag. Almost. Whether it's the Airwrap's dreamy curls or the Supersonic's quick-dry wizardry, Dyson has cemented itself as the gold standard of haircare gadgets. But, here's the thing: the beauty industry has been taking notes. What's emerged is a growing army of lookalike tools that promise the glam without the financial panic attack. Now, I know what you're thinking: lookalike can be hit or miss. For every magical $50 tool that transforms your hair into a Pinterest board, there's another that smells like burnt plastic and leaves your strands looking like a science experiment gone wrong. 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Best Overall: Shark FlexStyle Amazon Pros: Significantly more affordable than the Dyson Airwrap Comparable styling versatility to the Dyson Airwrap Lighter and easier to maneuver than the Dyson Airwrap Cons: Louder, with a high-pitched noise, compared to the Dyson Airwrap, though not a dealbreaker Not as powerful heat retention and speed settings, yet yields an extremely similar result Let's get one thing straight: the Shark FlexStyle isn't just 'the affordable version of the Dyson Airwrap.' That's selling it short. What Shark has done is take everything people love about Dyson's ultra-bougie hair tool — the curls, the volume, the shine — and delivered it in a way that feels a lot more down-to-earth. It's the beauty world's equivalent of a high-low fashion moment: think runway vibes on a Zara budget. Chic, smart, and surprisingly powerful, the FlexStyle isn't trying to be a competitor; it's starting its own movement. Using the FlexStyle feels like unboxing your first grown-up beauty gadget, sans the intimidation. It starts as a hair dryer (and a solid one at that), but a quick twist transforms it into a multi-styler ready to do basically everything short of paying your rent. If you want beachy waves, pop on the auto-wrap curlers. If sleek, frizz-free strands are more your speed, the smoothing brush has your back. More volume? The oval brush is your new best friend. Before and after using the Shark FlexStyle. Victoria Giardina For curly haired gals, there's also a diffuser. Everything clicks into place easily, and the controls are simple enough that you won't need a YouTube deep dive to figure it out. Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the Dyson Airwrap. I totally get it, Dyson walked so Shark could sprint. The Airwrap is beautiful, futuristic and yes, basically vacuum-sucks hair and turns it into perfect curls. 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Bottom line: if the Dyson Airwrap is a beauty influencer at fashion week, the Shark FlexStyle is your effortlessly cool friend who always has good hair and knows how to find designer lookalikes at Attachments: 2 Auto-Wrap Curlers (left and right), 1 Curl-Defining Diffuser, 1 Styling Concentrator (rotatable), 1 Oval Brush, 1 Paddle Brush, Storage/Carry Case | Wattage: 1,300 watts | Number of Settings: 3 adjustable levels | Cool Shot Button: Yes Best Budget: wavytalk 5-in-1 Curling Iron Set Amazon Pros: Affordable price point — the most affordable without compromising quality Comes with five interchangeable barrels, allowing you to customize your style Lightweight and ergonomic to use Cons: Doesn't include a Cool Shot button Limited heat power compared to the Dyson Airwrap If you're anything like me, your bathroom cabinet is probably overflowing with curling irons, flat irons and maybe even that one crimper you thought you'd use again but never did. 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This is probably the most difficult alternative to compare, as it's nearly identical to the Dyson. However, I'd care less about the Dyson acclaim and try this dryer out, because it was one that grabbed my attention right away for its impressive, professional end result. Supersonic versus AirLight kind of comes down to your hair personality. If you want classic, proven luxury and a 'set it and forget it' experience, Dyson's still a no-brainer. But if you're someone who geeks out over customization, values repairability and wants to dry your hair with actual light (yes, that's a thing now), then the AirLight Pro is where the magic's at. Either way, your old drugstore dryer is about to feel *really* insecure. Writer's note: We understand this model is close in price with the already expensive Dyson Supersonic, but it's the closest model tested. For a more affordable option, consider the Shark SpeedStyle ($206) that the Post Wanted team reviewed. Attachments: 2 Auto-Detect Magnetic Attachments (a smooth-finishing concentrator and a diffuser) | Wattage: 1,875 watts | Number of Settings: 3 heat levels and 3 airflow speeds | Cool Shot Button: Yes Most like the Dyson Airstrait: Drybar All-Inclusive 8-in-1 Multi-Styler Amazon Pros: Comes with four attachments (curling iron, flat iron, round brush, and concentrator), offering multiple styling options in one tool User-friendly design Yields salon-quality results Cons: More attachments and slightly heavier compared to the lightweight Dyson Airstrait, which may tire your arm during longer styling sessions Not as sleek for straightening purposes, but it does straighten hair to your preference well Finding the perfect all-in-one hair tool that can effortlessly smooth, curl, volumize and give you that just-stepped-out-of-the-salon glow can feel like an impossible quest. Enter the Drybar All-Inclusive 8-in-1 Multi-Styler: a sleek, sunshine-yellow powerhouse that comes equipped with four versatile attachments: a round brush, curling iron, flat iron, and concentrator. This tool is designed to take your hair from damp to dazzling while minimizing heat damage, making it the ultimate multitasking beauty companion. As a years-long fan of the brand's Double Shot Blow Dryer Brush ($155), I knew this was the tool I had to rigorously review next. It's an impressive tool for its user-friendly design and straightforward performance. Each attachment performs exactly as you'd expect, which I appreciate; the curling barrel creates soft, effortless waves, the round brush lifts and smooths with salon-worthy precision and the ceramic coatings reduce frizz for a polished finish. The innovative 'air + active heat' system speeds up styling without subjecting my strands to excessive heat, ensuring my locks remain healthy and vibrant. Before and after using the Drybar 8-in-1 Multi-Styler. Victoria Giardina Now, in comparison to the Dyson Airstrait, we're transparently not comparing apples to apples here. However, this is one of the only Dyson lookalikes that comes with a clamp-style curling iron, which can arguably create the same sleek look as the Airstrait. Unlike traditional flat irons, the Airstrait is designed to detangle and straighten as you brush through your hair, giving a smooth, sleek finish with less direct heat contact. It's lightweight, easy to hold, and perfect for quick touch-ups or a natural, polished look without the fuss of styling attachments. While the Dyson Airstrait is fantastic for smooth, sleek hair with minimal effort, it's more limited in styling versatility compared to the Drybar Multi-Styler. The Drybar offers curling, straightening, volumizing and precision drying — all in one tool with interchangeable attachments. The Airstrait is laser-focused on straightening and smoothing, which makes it perfect for people who want one tool that excels at sleek hair but might leave curl lovers reaching for something else. Price-wise, the Drybar Multi-Styler lands at $299, offering a lot of styling power for the investment. The Dyson Airstrait is pricier, usually retailing closer to $400, reflecting its premium design and advanced technology. But if your priority is quick, sleek straightening with a lightweight brush, the Airstrait justifies that price tag with its ease of use and Dyson's signature engineering. Meanwhile, the Drybar gives you a full suite of styling options without needing multiple tools cluttering your countertop. Results-wise, if you want sleek, straight hair fast, the Dyson Airstrait is a dream: smooth, shiny and naturally styled with less heat damage than traditional irons. But if your style goals include soft curls, voluminous blowouts, or the ability to switch up your look on the daily, the Drybar Multi-Styler offers that versatility in spades. It delivers salon-worthy volume and shine, plus the flexibility to adapt to your mood or event without having to switch devices. In the end, it comes down to what you need from your tool. The Dyson Airstrait is perfect if your hair goal is sleek, straight, and polished with minimal effort. The Drybar All-Inclusive 8-in-1 Multi-Styler is your go-to if you want a versatile, all-in-one styling powerhouse that can curl, straighten, volumize and dry. That said, it gives me that luxe, salon-fresh look too. Victoria Giardina Attachments: Round Brush, Curling Iron Barrel, Flat Iron Plates, Concentrator Nozzle | Number of Settings: 2 heat levels | Cool Shot Button: Yes Best for Travel: T3 Aire 360 Multi-Styler & Blowout System Amazon Pros: Gives an effortless blowout with one hand Leaves hair shiny, smooth, and bouncy Lightweight and easy to maneuver Cons: Brush heads are large (not great for super short hair) Not ideal for tight curls or coils without prep Looking for a hair tool that feels like your very own glam squad in a box? The T3 Aire 360 Multi-Styler & Blowout System might just be your new best friend. It brings that luxe salon vibe right to your bathroom counter, delivering everything from bouncy blowouts to dreamy curls, without making your wallet wince like the Dyson Airwrap often does. This beauty strikes the perfect balance between powerful performance and smart affordability, so you can get stunning styles without the sticker shock. What's seriously impressive is how versatile this system is. With four attachments — an oval brush, a drying concentrator and two ceramic curling barrels — it covers all the bases for your styling needs. The ceramic barrels heat evenly up to 237 degrees Fahrenheit, giving you consistent warmth that styles your hair beautifully while protecting it from damage. Plus, with three heat and speed settings, you get full control to tailor your look exactly how you want it. 'I don't say this lightly: the T3 Aire 360 saved me from my own laziness,' Kendall Cornish, associate commerce editor, shared. 'I can't blow-dry my hair with a round brush to save my life — my wrists are weak, my attention span is weaker — but this thing makes it idiot-proof. It smooths, lifts and shines in one motion, no arm contortions or salon appointments required.' Kendall Cornish And let's talk about the design because, honestly, it's a stunner. That soft pearlescent pink finish paired with chic gold accents makes it feel like a high-end accessory on your vanity. But don't let the glam fool you; this tool is surprisingly lightweight and ergonomically designed, so styling feels effortless, not exhausting. It's clear that T3 nailed both style and comfort here. 'The airflow is strong without being hot enough to fry my strands and somehow, I walk away looking like I care about my appearance without trying too hard,' Cornish added. 'I'm obsessed. I use it on clean hair, slept-on hair, post-pilates ponytail dents — she never lets me down.' Now, how does it stack up against the Dyson Airwrap? While the Airwrap is known for its innovative tech and fan following, it can sometimes struggle with thicker or coarser hair. The T3 Aire 360, on the other hand, receives rave reviews for smoothing and volumizing all hair types, including those tricky thick strands. 'The long handle can get the back of my hair, which I really struggle with since my hair is so long, so I really love how much control I feel with the extended length of the handle,' Michelle Moezam, senior commerce social media marketing manager, shared after spending some time with the T3, too. And with a fraction of the price, it's a win-win for anyone looking to get polished, salon-worthy results without the hassle. Attachments: SoftAire Drying Concentrator, Oval Brush, Two 1.35-inch Ceramic Curling Barrels (left and right) | Number of Settings: 3 heat levels and 3 speed settings | Cool Shot Button: Yes, activated by a long press on the heat button How We Tested Victoria Giardina Ahead, find the detailed criteria we followed when reviewing the best hair tools that measure up to Dyson: Performance: We evaluated how effectively each device dried and styled hair compared to the Dyson model. We evaluated how effectively each device dried and styled hair compared to the Dyson model. Heat Control: We tested the consistency and safety of temperature settings to prevent hair damage. We tested the consistency and safety of temperature settings to prevent hair damage. Ergonomics: We assessed the weight, grip and ease of handling during use. We assessed the weight, grip and ease of handling during use. Noise Level: We measured the sound output to determine if the device operated quietly. We measured the sound output to determine if the device operated quietly. Durability: We checked the build quality and longevity after repeated use. This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
Tom's Guide
4 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I've been using a Dyson cordless vacuum for 9 months — here's what I like (and what I don't)
If you're weighing up whether or not to invest in one of the best vacuum cleaners, then I have both good and bad news for cordless fans. The good news is stick vacuums are supremely convenient and very easy to use for light cleaning. The bad news is they're never going to replace a traditional upright vacuum if you have a lot of floor space to get through and need a certain amount of suction power. I've been using the Dyson V11 Advanced since I reviewed it towards the end of last year, and it's since become an indispensable part of my cleaning regimen. The benefits I pointed out in my review — like the simple setup and robust design — mean I continue to reach for it when I need to spend 20 or 30 minutes vacuuming. Even the battery life has held up reasonably well. However, when you're several months into using a product, you're much better able to appreciate shortcomings, or you come to use those 'nice-to-have' elements you maybe glossed over at the beginning. I would still heartily recommend the Dyson V11 to anyone, but I can offer a bit more context about it now that I'm a little ways down the road. If you're after a powerful cordless stick vacuum, the V11 is a solid choice. With its lightweight design, it's easy to maneuver around the home. The LCD screen displays three cleaning modes (Eco, Med, and Boost) as well as maintenance alerts, and remaining run time. There's up to 60 minutes of battery life while the vacuum head has an anti-tangle brush to tackle stubborn pet (or human) hair. It's not the best Dyson, but it certainly isn't the worst. Anyone in the U.K. can also pick up a discount on this vacuum but, unfortunately, it's not as much of a saving as in the United States. Amazon U.K. is currently offering a 3% discount on the V11 that saves you a tenner. You're never going to run out of power when your vacuum is attached to an outlet, but the annoyance of having to thread a cable around furniture or through doors means I prefer the portability of a cordless vacuum. The small LCD screen keeps things extremely simple. You get a readout of your power mode (Eco, Boost and Auto) as well as a battery countdown timer that lets you know how much of the 60-minute battery life you have remaining. That latter part is extremely useful as I'm not very good at remembering to keep the battery charged. Therefore, I can grab the vacuum, toggle it to the required setting depending on how much charge is left, and focus my cleaning because I know how long I have left on the clock. Nearly a year on from first using the V11 Advanced, the battery life has remained constant when I do remember to charge it. You can get up to 60 minutes of charge when in 'Eco' mode, and I've never needed to go beyond this. Furthermore, although you can purchase extra batteries directly from Dyson, I haven't needed to augment my current power supply. That's because if I know I'm going to be cleaning for the next hour, I'll likely reach for my upright vacuum. It turns out there's a rather divisive issue when it comes to Dyson's cordless vacuums, and that's the fact you constantly need to keep your finger on the trigger to activate the motor. The second you let up, the thing switches off. My upright vacuum has an on/off button, which, to my mind, is a far better solution. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. It's probably one of the reasons I don't use the V11 Advanced for long periods of cleaning — I don't want to spend 30 minutes with my finger clamped over a trigger. Furthermore, it also makes it difficult when you've got a different attachment bolted on and you need to try and work the vacuum into an awkward space. You can't reposition your hand around it because you're keeping one finger always on the trigger. The fact that there's not even a toggle button or a settings option (believe me, I've looked) letting the vacuum keep the trigger held for you seems like an oversight to me. Even all these months later, it's still the one element of this vacuum that I feel lets it down. Adding a battery-powered cordless stick vacuum to your cleaning closet is a no-brainer in my opinion. As long as you're not going to make it your main cleaning tool. I look at it as something like a trusty sidekick to a proper upright vacuum that handles the lion's share of the cleaning. If I'm doing a weekend cleaning blitz, then nothing stands in the way of one of the best vacuum cleaners. But if you need to clean up a quick mess at a moment's notice during the week, the cordless vacuum will let you get the job done with no fuss. Providing you've kept the battery charged. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
