We are reader supported. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

Dyson V10 Total Clean vs Absolute (2021): Which Cordless Vacuum Should You Get?

The Dyson Cyclone V10 series marked a new era for the brand’s cordless stick vacuum cleaners. It introduced a more powerful Torque Drive cleaner head designed to work well on all surfaces along with a new in-line configuration for enhanced suction. With the V11 series already released, opting for a Cyclone V10 model can save you quite a bit while still netting you a topnotch cleaning appliance. Here’s a look between the Dyson Cyclone V10 Total Clean and the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute.

Dyson V10 Total Clean vs Absolute Cordless Vacuum Comparison Chart

ModelDyson Cyclone V10 Total CleanDyson Cyclone V10 Absolute
Dyson Cyclone V10 Total Clean - IronDyson Cyclone V10 Absolute - Copper
PriceCheck Price

at Walmart

Check Price

at Walmart

ColorIronCopper
Dimensions9.8″ x 10.1″ x 49.2″9.8″ x 10.1″ x 49.2″
Weight5.9 lbs5.9 lbs
Motor TypeV10V10
RuntimeUp to 60 minutesUp to 60 minutes
Suction Power150 AW150 AW
HEPA FilterYesYes
Bin Capacity0.76 L0.76 L
Cleaner HeadDirect DriveTorque Drive
Soft Roller HeadNoYes
Mini Motorized ToolYesYes
Combination ToolYesYes
Crevice ToolYesYes
Mini Soft Dusting BrushYesYes

Design

The Dyson Cyclone V10 Total Clean and Absolute have different primary cleaner heads and wand colors.

Dyson Cyclone V10 Total Clean vs Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner Design
Apart from those two things, the Dyson Cyclone V10 Total Clean (left) and V10 Absolute (right) share the same design.

Like previous generations of Dyson’s cordless stick vacuums, the Cyclone V10 models use different wand colors to set them apart. In this case, the Cyclone V10 Total Clean has an Iron extension tube while the Cyclone V10 Absolute sports a Copper one. However, the bigger difference between them is the primary cleaner heads they come included with.

The Dyson V10 Total Clean gets the Direct Drive cleaner head that’s been used in the previous V6 and V8 lines. In comparison, the Dyson V10 Absolute gets two: the newer Torque Drive cleaner head and a Soft Roller Brush head. This is essentially the difference between these two cordless vacuum cleaners and we’ll go over their impact on other aspects of this comparison.

Aside from that, the Dyson Cyclone V10 models share the same handheld body, which now has an in-line configuration that enhances suction and further simplifies maintenance. Operating the vacuum is still done via a trigger on the handle, and you can switch between the included accessories with quick-release buttons.

Cleaning Power

The Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute cleans more effectively than the V10 Total Clean.

Dyson Cyclone V10 Total Clean vs Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner Cleaning Power
You can expect deeper and more efficient cleans with the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute.

Though all of the Dyson Cyclone V10 models have the same V10 digital motor, in fact, the same handheld body, the V10 Absolute gets a big edge with its cleaner heads. Its Torque drive cleaner head improves pick-up on carpets with its upgraded bristles that dig out dirt effectively. On hardwood floors, the Soft Roller cleaner head is able to roll over larger debris more reliably too. Together, these two outperform the Direct Drive cleaner head of the V10 Total Clean.

Taking that aside, you’ll still enjoy amazing performance from any Cyclone V10 model, simply because of the enhancements made on its motor, air flow and battery capacity. The in-line configuration draws a straight path through the motor, bin and cyclone to push suction power by 20% more than the previous V8 series. Runtime has also been boosted significantly, with a max of up to 60 minutes of fade-free suction from the V8’s 40 minutes.

You also get more control over the suction power, and consequently battery life, with the three available power modes of the Cyclone V10. This lets you choose how strong the suction should be depending on what you’re cleaning. Also definitely worth mentioning is the sealed design and whole machine filtration of the V10, allowing it to trap microscopic particles such as allergen and pollen.

Handling

Both Dyson Cyclone V10 Total Clean and Absolute are lightweight and easy to use.

Dyson Cyclone V10 Total Clean vs Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner Handling
Whether you use it with the extension tube or as a handheld device, you can easily operate the Dyson Cyclone V10 with one hand.

As the V10 Total Clean and Absolute have the same handheld part, both are as easy to use and maintain as each other. Once you’ve charged it up to full for the first time out of the box, you’ll be able to pull on the trigger to start suction and release to stop. With the point and shoot design, you can direct exactly where you want the cleaner head or other attachments to clean.

Transforming between cordless stick and handheld vacuum modes is painless and quick. With the compact form of the handle you can take the Cyclone V10 into smaller spaces such as car interiors. Emptying the dust bin is also more hygienic and intuitive, as you can point the front end onto the trash can and pull on the mechanism to eject its contents.

Accessories

The Dyson Cyclone V10 Total Clean and Absolute include the same accessories.

Dyson Cyclone V10 Total Clean vs Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner Accessories
Pictured here is the Combination Tool, which can be adapted for numerous applications.

You’ll get four cleaning attachments to customize the Dyson Cyclone V10 for the task you’re undertaking. Use the crevice tool to reach into narrow spaces between furniture and the mini motorized tool to scrub out hair and other deep dirt from surfaces. The combination tool is a bit more flexible since it can both sweep and scoop at the flick of the switch, while the mini soft dusting brush is intended for more delicate surfaces.

Finally, you can set up the included docking station to make it easier to store away the V10 vacuum cleaner for charging while also keeping it within easy reach. It’s quite handy compared to simply storing the entire unit in a shelf or cupboard.

It’s worth mentioning that the Dyson Cyclone V10 Total Clean was previously released with a lot more specialized accessories such as an extension hose, mattress tool and up-top adaptor. That’s no longer the case though, but you can still purchase these attachments separately from Dyson and other retailers.

Verdict

The Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute is superior to the V10 Total Clean.

Since you get an upgraded Torque drive cleaner head along with an additional soft roller brush, the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute is clearly the better cordless vacuum cleaner. Typically, this will be offset by a higher price tag, but as of writing, you can get the V10 Absolute at just a marginally higher cost than the V10 Total Clean. As such, we fully recommend getting it as long as it’s available with such a hefty discount.

If you don’t need the extra cleaning power afforded by the soft roller brush on hardwood floors, the Dyson Cyclone V10 Total Clean is an acceptable choice. You’ll get even better value if you can snap it up with bigger savings on online retailers like Amazon. It’s just as effective at clearing most surface types and offers the same runtime too.

FAQs

๐Ÿ“Œ Which is better at cleaning, the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute or the V10 Total Clean?

When it comes to cleaning, the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute has the advantage over the V10 Total Clean. The V10 Absolute’s cleaning heads are more versatile compared to the V10 Total Clean, with great pickup of debris on both carpeted and hardwood floors.

๐Ÿ“Œ What’s the difference between the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute or the V10 Total Clean vacuums?

The V10 Absolute and V10 Total are basically variants of Dyson’s Cyclone V10 vacuums, and come with the same underlying technology. The main difference between the V10 Absolute and V10 Cyclone, however, is with their accompanying tools and the color of their tube body.

๐Ÿ“Œ Can I use the Dyson Cyclone V10 Total Clean on delicate surfaces?

The Dyson Cyclone V10 Total Clean comes with a Combination Tool that’s equipped with a dusting brush ideal for cleaning delicate surfaces.

๐Ÿ“Œ Is the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute noisy?

While most vacuums do produce high levels of noise when in use, the Dyson Cyclone V10 has been engineered to absorb vibrations and keep sound at a minimum.

RELATED  Best Cordless Stick Vacuums (2022): The Best 5 According To Reviews
Derick Bondoc

Managing Editor at Compare Before Buying. Writer and researcher passionate about gadgets, gaming and snacks.