Dyson V11 Torque Drive vs Absolute (2021): How Are These Cordless Vacuums Different?

Finding out the difference between the Dyson V11 Torque Drive and the Dyson V11 Absolute isn’t easy since Dyson doesn’t make it clear. Well, the most important thing you should know is availability, as the Torque Drive is available in more countries than the Absolute. Aside from that, both versions are nearly identical though. Here’s a detailed comparison of these highly-rated cordless vacuum cleaners from Dyson.

Navigation

Dyson V11 Torque Drive vs Absolute Cordless Vacuum Comparison Chart
Design
Cleaning Power
Handling
Accessories
Verdict

Dyson V11 Torque Drive vs Absolute Cordless Vacuum Comparison Chart

Design

The Dyson V11 Torque Drive and Absolute are virtually identical.

If you went through the comparison chart above, you’ll realize that the Dyson V11 Torque Drive and Absolute are essentially the same except for very minor differences. For some reason, Dyson gave the V11 Absolute a different name when it released it outside of the UK, Canada and other select countries. If you’re in the US, retailers will only offer the Torque Drive.

As such, both V11 versions have the same modular design from top to bottom. The only distinctive difference between them is that the V11 Torque Drive is available in Copper and Black wand colors while the Absolute can be purchased with a Gold wand color. You’ll get numerous different tools to turn the vacuum into a specialist tool for cleaning different parts of the house.

At the top of the main body is an LCD screen which shows the actual remaining runtime. This automatically varies depending on the current cleaning mode. It’s very helpful in knowing exactly how much time you’ve got left before needing to recharge. You can also watch mini guides on how to use and maintain the device.

Cleaning Power

The Dyson V11 Torque Drive and Absolute have similar cleaning performance.

Dyson already reached new heights with its V10 vacuum cleaners, but they’ve outdone themselves with their new V11 digital motor. It can go up to 185 AW suction power at its highest setting, and its in-line configuration draws air in a straight line to maximize filtration and suction effectiveness. There’s no denying that the Dyson V11 series is currently at the top-end of cordless vacuum cleaners today.

Now the only difference between the V11 Torque Drive and Absolute in this category is that the latter comes with a Soft Roller Brush head in addition to the High Torque Drive cleaning head. This soft roller is intended for use on hardwood floors, essentially making messes easier to clean up. Dyson may have felt that it was unnecessary for the international version, since the multi-surface Torque Drive motorhead does just as well on any floor type.

Runtime is further improved on the Dyson V11, not only because of its larger batteries, but also because of the Dynamic Load Sensor system that’s integrated into the motor. On Auto mode, this detects what surface type you’re cleaning and adjusts suction power appropriately, reducing power consumption whenever it’s not needed. You can also switch to Eco mode to save even more juice.

Handling

Both Dyson V11 cordless vacuum cleaners are simple and easy to use.

There is no complicated setup needed to get the Dyson V11 vacuum cleaner up and running. You’ll only have to charge it up to full and attach the cleaning head or accessory you’ll be using. Once it’s ready, you simply press on the trigger to get suction and release it to stop. It’s quite intuitive especially for first-time Dyson adopters.

The same point-and-shoot operation is used when emptying the bin. No messy and un-hygienic steps involved, you can keep the collected dirt and debris smoothly transferred into your trash bin. Note that the Dyson V11 is a bit heavier than other cordless vacuums though, due to the batteries and improved motor.

With its modular design, you can adapt the Dyson V11 vacuum cleaners with the included attachments pretty easily. You can reach ceilings and into narrow spaces as well as scrub carpets and scoop up messes. This makes cleaning any part of the house, or even your car, be as least stressful on your body as it can be.

Accessories

The Dyson V11 Absolute comes with a soft roller brush in addition to all of the accessories included with the V11 Torque Drive.

As mentioned, there’s a whole list of attachments included with the Dyson V11 vacuum cleaners, and they’re the same between these two models. You get a mini motorized tool, crevice tool, stubborn dirt brush tool and a combination tool which greatly enhance the flexibility of the V11 cordless stick vacuum. They let you scrub embedded dirt from carpets and rugs, reach up high into closet tops and ceilings and even squeak into tight spaces under the bed or between furniture.

However, the Dyson V11 Absolute gives extra value by including a soft roller brush head in addition to the primary high torque motorhead. This specialized brush sweeps hard surfaces a bit better, though its exclusion from the V11 Torque Drive package is by no means a big loss.

Rounding out the accessories are the wand storage clip and the docking station, both of which might be understated in terms of wow factor but you’ll quickly love how useful they are in making the Dyson V11 easy to store and manage.

Verdict

The Dyson V11 Torque Drive and Absolute are essentially the same.