Dyson doesn’t follow chronological order when naming its stick vacuum models. Sometimes it skips numbers, sometimes it introduces lower numbers instead of higher ones in newer models. For example, Dyson launched the V15 immediately after the V11, and the V12 after the V15. In the broadest sense, that number seems to get progressively bigger with each release – the V11 is newer than the V10, and the V10 is newer than the V8. But Dyson’s naming system is so mysterious that even we can’t predict what subsequent models will be.
Dyson also has a lot of sub-models, as its naming scheme isn’t confusing enough. Each one includes a varying number of tool attachments and attachments. Each model (V7, V8, V10, V11, V15, etc.) seems to introduce a new sub-model, so the list keeps growing, and then there are discontinued sub-models that show up on the website as old stock, often on sale.
detection Not exactly a sub-model, but part of the V15 Detect and V12 Detect Slim names. It refers to a laser detection system that customizes suction by measuring particle size and counting.
absolute Usually the King of the Hill version with the most accessories. We can’t list them all because they vary depending on the parent model, but expect a variety of brush nozzles, crevice attachments, and motorized roller heads to scrub away tough grit from hard floors and thick-pile carpets.
allergy In the past, this meant it had an upgraded filter that captured 99.99% of bacteria and dust, so the air it expelled was cleaner than the regular model, but after the V7, all Dyson vacuums started including upgraded filters. It’s basically a legacy name now and isn’t used on newer models yet.
Motorhead It sounds fancy, but it’s a low-end model that comes with an electric head, some basic brushes, and a crevice tool, and that’s about it. This is mainly a legacy issue from the V7 era. Dyson has also found other names for the base sub-models.
origin, fluffy, and animal Comes with relatively few accessories. Fluffy and Animal don’t have any unique attachments, especially useful for cleaning up after a pet; it just becomes shorthand for “base model with fewer attachments.” The same goes for Origin, although its name makes more sense.
Dyson is no exception, combining sub-model names. The more names Dyson gives a model, the more accessories it comes with. For example, V8 Animal Pro is equipped with more features than Animal, but Animal Pro+ is equipped with even more features.