If you want to be able to clean up around the house in a jiffy, it would be wise to invest in a trusty upright vacuum cleaner. Dyson, one of the most respected brands in the industry, has two popular upright models you can consider: the older DC41 and its successor, the DC65. While both are powerhouses, it’s worth making the distinction between the two. After all, Dyson is by no means cheap so it’s important that you choose the right model for your household. To help you out, here’s an in-depth comparison that factors in their design, performance, and ease of use.
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Dyson DC41 vs DC65 Comparison Chart
Model | Dyson DC41 | Dyson DC65 |
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Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Vacuum Type | Upright bagless | Upright bagless |
Suitable Surfaces | Carpets and hard floors | Carpets and hard floors |
Suction Power | 235 AW | 245 AW |
Reconfigured Brush Bar | No | Yes |
Ball Technology | Yes | Yes |
Self-Adjusting Cleaner Head | Yes | Yes |
Radial Root Cyclone Technology | Yes | Yes |
Bin Capacity | 2.1 liters | 2.1 liters |
Cord Length | 35 feet | 35 feet |
Warranty | 5 years for parts and labor | 5 years for parts and labor |
Dimensions | 44.4″ x 13.4″ x 15.4″ | 42.4″ x 13.4″ x 15.4″ |
Weight | 17.1 lbs | 17.35 lbs |
Design and Versions
The DC41 and DC65 share similar designs and come in three different versions.

The DC65 is considered the more advanced version of the DC41 but nevertheless, they share very similar looks. Both are designed with an impressive 14-meter reach, allowing even those with short arms to get into all the nooks and crannies of their house. This is complemented by a long 35-foot cable. They’re also equipped with large 2.1-liter bins that you can easily release with a simple press of a button. As for size, they’re roughly the same in dimensions, both built to clean medium to large houses.
Both the DC41 and the DC65 are offered in three versions. There’s the multi-floor version which comes with a standard set of cleaning accessories, including the stair tool and combination tool. As for the animal version, it has the inclusions of the multi-floor version along with a tangle-free turbine tool for cleaning up pet hair. The DC65 animal also comes with a soft dusting brush tool. Lastly, the premium version gives you an entire arsenal of tools and attachments, allowing you to vacuum practically every surface in your home.
Cleaning Performance
The DC65 outshines the DC41 when it comes to suction power and cleaning performance.

When it comes to performance, the DC65 definitely proves that it’s the more capable upright vacuum. Because Dyson has equipped it with practically every single one of its latest technological advancements, the DC65 has double the suction power of other top-rated, non-Dyson vacuum models. Compared to the DC41, which is already a powerhouse in its own right, the DC65 is able to outperform too. It has a suction capacity of 245 air watts while its predecessor makes do with 235 air watts.
Aside from its impressive suction power, the DC65 is also fitted with a reconfigured motorized brush which is able to drive the bristles down into the floor with 25% more power. This means that even the most stubborn of dirt and debris truly don’t stand a chance. Combine the unparalleled suction capacity and updated brush with the DC65’s self-adjusting cleaner head and you’ve got yourself one spick and span home.
The DC65 does have a couple of things in common with the DC41 though. For starters, they’re both integrated with a HEPA filter system which traps 99.9% of allergens and dust so that they don’t get released into the air while you’re vacuuming. Also, these two models are protected by a 5-year warranty for parts and labor.
Ease of Use
The DC65 is easier to use thanks to upgrades in technology.

The DC41 may be slightly lighter than the DC65 but the latter makes up for the added weight with its new Dyson ball mechanism. Thanks to this technological advancement, you’ll find it much easier to manuever the DC65 around your home compared to the DC41. Don’t get us wrong though. These two upright vacuums are a dream to clean with compared to the more traditional four-wheeled models which you need to keep dragging around as you vacuum around the house. It’s just that the DC65 makes the experience a little bit more enjoyable.
While both the DC41 and the DC65 make use of a radial root cyclone system, the latter was given the updated, higher-performing version. This means that with the DC65, you can capture more dirt and allergens with less vacuum strokes. Also, this upgrade prevents the suction from losing its power. So not only can you can navigate around your home sans any difficulty, but you also get to clean with greater efficiency with the DC65.
Verdict
The DC65 is the better vacuum but will set you back a hundred dollars more.
Without a doubt, the Dyson DC65 trumps the DC41. It’s the obvious winner of this comparison, given that Dyson gave it all the better parts. It has a much more powerful suction capacity, an updated brush, an improved ball mechanism, and a newer cyclone system, resulting in a much more effective and efficient cleaning experience. Do note, however, that you need to shell out about a hundred dollars more for the DC65. We think the higher price tag is worth it though given all the improvements. That said, the DC41 is by no means a bad upright vacuum. It’s powerful in its own right and might be the better pick for those who are on a tight budget.
FAQs
The Dyson DC41 is offered in three different versions, namely the multi-floor, animal, and premium versions. These versions come with various cleaning tools and attachments.
Despite being slightly heavier, the Dyson DC65 is easier to use than the DC41. Because of its upgraded cyclone system and improved ball mechanism, you can collect more dirt, dust, and allergens with less strokes.
Yes, it is. While it may be more expensive than the DC41 and other vacuum models out there, its suction power, cleaning performance, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment.
If you have an additional hundred bucks to spare, definitely go for the Dyson DC65. But if you prefer to save, it’s best to choose the DC41.
Last update on 2020-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API