The Dyson line of cordless vacuum cleaners might be confusing for those new to the brand. Their latest line, the Dyson V11 series, are offered in several variants, such as the Dyson V11 Absolute and the Dyson V11 Animal. Before we discuss all of the differences between the two, we should note that the Dyson V11 Absolute is only available in select countries, which include the UK and Canada, and not in the US.
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Dyson V11 Absolute vs Animal Cordless Vacuum Comparison Chart
| Model | Dyson V11 Absolute | Dyson V11 Animal |
 |  | |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Color | Blue or Gold | Purple |
| Dimensions | 10.28″ x 50.63″ x 9.84″ | 10.28″ x 49.65″ x 9.84″ |
| Weight | 6.68 lbs | 6.68 lbs |
| Digital Display | LCD | LED |
| Motor Type | V11 | V11 |
| Runtime | Up to 60 minutes | Up to 60 minutes |
| Suction Power | 185 AW | 185 AW |
| Runtime Countdown | Yes | No |
| Bin Capacity | 0.76 L | 0.76 L |
| Torque Drive Head | High Torque | Direct Drive |
| Soft Roller Brush | Yes | No |
| Mini Motorized Tool | Yes | Yes |
| Combination Tool | Yes | Yes |
| Crevice Tool | Yes | Yes |
| Stubborn Dirt Brush | Yes | Yes |
| Mini Soft Dusting Brush | Yes | No |
Design
The Dyson V11 Absolute and Animal have very similar designs with minor differences.
One of the difficulties in differentiating between Dyson V11 models is that they all sport the same designs. The UK company only uses wand colors to distinguish between each one; in this case, the V11 Absolute is available in either Blue or Gold while the V11 Animal comes in Purple. Aside from that detail, both cordless vacuum cleaners are practically the same.
That is, until you look at their primary cleaner head. The Dyson V11 Absolute gets two cleaning heads: the High Torque Drive Motorhead and the Soft Roller Brush. Meanwhile the V11 Animal only has the Direct Drive Head. We’ll discuss the differences between these in the Cleaning Power section.
Comparing the very top of the handheld unit will show that the V11 Absolute has a full color LCD screen while the V11 Animal has a simpler LED display. Both of these show remaining battery life, but the V11 Absolute actually shows a runtime countdown depending on the current cleaning mode. Moreover, it can also show animated tutorials to guide users on how to operate and maintain the device.
One of the reasons that the Dyson V11 continues to be popular is its flexibility. You can transform it to a handheld cleaner by removing the wand extension and cleaning head. There are also several accessories included in the box that can help you reach more difficult areas and manage other cleaning tasks better.
Cleaning Power
The Dyson V11 Absolute can outperform the V11 Animal on certain surfaces.
While both Dyson V11 variants are listed with 185 AW suction power, the inclusion of both a High Torque Drive head and a Soft Roller Brush enhances the overall performance of the Absolute model. Dyson claims that the Torque Drive Motorhead is up to 25% better than the Animal’s Direct Drive in terms of cleaning power.
Aside from that, the V11 Absolute and Animal cordless vacuum cleaners are both impressive compared to those of other brands. The Dyson digital motor V11 is the brand’s most powerful to date. They have a new Dynamic Load Sensor (DLS) tech that auto-adjusts the motor’s speed whenever you move between different types of surfaces. This further saves battery as well.
You can choose from three cleaning settings, Eco, Auto and Boost. Eco Mode saves the most battery life while Boost Mode is best for cleaning up difficult areas with stubborn dirt. The motor generates 14 concentric cyclones that efficiently filters microscopic particles into the bin. Whatever you’re cleaning, you definitely won’t be disappointed by either V11 Absolute or Animal.
Handling
Both Dyson V11 cordless stick vacuums are easy to use.
You’ll only need to fully charge the Dyson V11 Absolute and Animal once you take it out of the box before you can start cleaning with it. There are no complex steps involved, and using the vacuum cleaner only requires pressing on the trigger to scoop up dirt. With the cleaning wand extension you can vacuum floors and reach ceilings without straining your posture.
An often-overlooked aspect of cordless stick vacuums is bin emptying, but it’s nicely improved on the Dyson V11 series. It uses a point and shoot system so you can simply direct the front end onto a disposal container and press the latch to empty it smoothly.
With its upgraded motor, the Dyson V11 will feel noticeably heavier than previous generations. You might feel your arms getting tired after cleaning ceilings and other high places for an extended amount of time. Still, there’s no beating the versatility of Dyson’s cordless vacuums, as being able to use it without the wand lets you clean smaller spaces such as car interiors.
Accessories
The Dyson V11 Absolute includes a soft dusting brush tool and soft roller brush in addition to all of the accessories included with the V11 Animal.
Dyson’s modular approach to their V series of stick vacuum cleaners lets you modify the main body with different attachments that can be more suitable depending on what you’re doing. Both the V11 Absolute and Animal come included with several accessories such as a mini motorized tool, combination tool, stubborn dirt brush and crevice tool.
In addition to those, the V11 Absolute also gets a mini soft dusting brush, which is intended for use on sensitive surfaces. Combined with the Soft Roller Brush head, you get a bit more flexibility with it than with the V11 Animal. Both also come with a wand storage clip, which lets you attach often-used tools onto the stick extension itself, and a docking station, so you can put away the device more easily.
Verdict
The Dyson V11 Absolute is better value compared to the Dyson V11 Animal.
Dyson V11 Absolute
Dyson V11 Animal
There should be no question that the Dyson V11 Absolute is the superior cordless stick vacuum cleaner, with enhanced cleaning heads, full color display and extra accessory. The only hurdle is it’s only available in select countries and the US is not one of them. If it’s available where you are and you can get it with savings, you’re getting one of the best, if not the best, cord-free vacuums you can buy today.
Don’t be disappointed if the V11 Absolute isn’t sold in your country however, as the Dyson V11 Animal is impressive by itself and easily beats other sticks from competing brands. You get powerful suction in a versatile device, and the included attachments will help a lot in getting your cleaning done quickly and easily.