Dyson vs Bissell (2022): Comparing Popular Vacuum Cleaner Brands

When it comes to traditional vacuum cleaners (i.e., not robot vacuums), Dyson and Bissell are two names that are hard to miss. Each one has built a reputation for manufacturing reliable vacuums with technologies to make the ordeal of house cleaning easier. However, they aren’t the same on a lot of fronts, including features, options, price and ease of use.

On one hand, Dyson is pricier, but it does cram plenty of innovations into its vacuums and provide long warranties. On the other hand, Bissell has a wider range of models that cater to just about any budget, and its products are more affordable. That’s summing things up, but there’s more to it than that.

Dyson vs Bissell Comparison Chart

Performance

Dyson vacuums usually have a stronger suction power than Bissell’s.

It’s hard to make clear-cut comparisons in terms of suction power here because of the number of models and types of vacuum. To make things worse, both use distinct metrics, where Dyson makes measurements in airwatts, while Bissell measures in amps or voltage.

At any rate, vacuums from both brands have excellent suction power, but Dyson’s models typically deliver a higher output. That said, Bissell counterparts are technically weaker, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get the job done.

For their cordless variants, battery life is an important consideration, particularly for their handheld and cordless stick vacuums. The Dyson V7 Trigger and Bissell Pet Hair Eraser are their top-rated handheld models, promising a runtime of up to 30 and 15 minutes, respectively. As for their highly reviewed cordless sticks, the Dyson V11 boasts up to 60 minutes, while the Bissell ICONpet goes up to 25 minutes. The takeaway here is a Dyson can usually last longer on a single charge.

Now bin capacity varies not only depending on the model and brand but also the vacuum type. Upright and canister vacuums have the largest bins, while sticks and handhelds have smaller capacities because of their form factor. However, there are outliers like the Dyson V11 Outsize cordless stick that’s equipped with a 0.50-gallon bin, which punches above its weight in this regard.

Features

Dyson vacuums have better features, standing out with technologies like Ball and Radial Root Cyclone.

Some of the features that make a Dyson include the company’s Ball technology for maneuverability and a thorough filtration system. It also pioneered cyclonic technology that separates dust from air to ensure suction power, resulting in a cleaner way to trap allergens, dust and dirt. Bissell uses excellent filtration systems and cyclonic technology as well, but the consensus is Dyson has got it beat on the latter.

Now both have vacuum cleaners with easy-to-empty bins (read: bagless) and cordless stick models. In other words, their products have the features you’d expect from a modern vacuum, though Bissell still has variants with bags.

Options

Bissell has more vacuum cleaners than Dyson.

Dyson doesn’t have as many models as Bissell. One advantage to that is it’s easier to pick which vacuum to get in that sense. However, the wider selection that Bissell has means it can accommodate the budget and needs of a bigger audience.

For example, Dyson has four stick vacuums, while Bissell has 10. Now on the lowest end of the spectrum is the Bissell FeatherWeight Lightweight Stick Vacuum. It may not have fancy features, but it works and it’s dirt cheap, perfect for those who are just looking for a simple vacuum without spending too much. Taking things up a couple of notches is Bissell’s ICONpet series with features like tangle-free brush rolls and specialized pet tools.

Ease of Use

Bissell vacuums tend to be heavier than Dyson’s.

Dyson’s aforementioned Ball technology really helps in making its upright and canister vacuums easier to maneuver. Bissell doesn’t exactly have an equivalent, but some of its vacuums do have swivel heads, so there’s that. In addition, Dyson models are usually lighter than Bissell’s, and everybody knows how big a deal weight is when it comes to vacuuming.

Most of the corded variants of both brands feature retractable cords, so they’re pretty easy to put away. Or in other words, there’s no need to wrap them around the machine itself. Speaking of, Bissell has some models with cords that can go up to 30-feet long, beating most if not all of Dyson’s similar offerings. That basically means you can cover more area without having to unplug them.

Price

Dyson vacuums are more expensive than Bissell’s by a mile.

When it comes to cost, buyers will need to fork over a lot more dough for a Dyson vacuum cleaner. The prices of most of Bissell’s vacuums don’t even come close to Dyson’s, making them a whole lot more affordable in contrast.

However, Dyson usually offers longer warranties than Bissell (more on that in a bit), and the longer the warranty, the better—no matter how you spin it.

Warranty

Dyson’s vacuums come with longer warranties than Bissell’s.

Dyson and Bissell offer different warranties and return policies depending on the product. According to Dyson, cordless vacuums come with a two-year warranty and corded variants with a five-year warranty. It also gives a 30-day money-back guarantee on its machines or 90 days for certain models like the V11.

Bissell’s warranty ranges from one to two years, and its return policy gives customers 30 days for a full refund. Other products have a 60-day return policy, such as the ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner, ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Deluxe Carpet Cleaner and CrossWave Cordless Max Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vac.

Verdict

Dyson is the better pick if money’s no object.

Put simply, Dyson makes high-end vacuums that last long with innovative features. The trade-off is they’re more expensive than your usual vacuum cleaner. Bissell makes affordable yet reliable vacuums that come with a few features here and there, but they aren’t as advanced. At that, each one is really targeted at different customers.

Still, it’s hard to go wrong with either brand. Dyson is the obvious choice for those who aren’t strapped for cash looking for premium features. Meanwhile, Bissell is geared toward those who simply want a dependable vacuum cleaner that won’t break the bank.

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