When I first bought the Dyson V8 Plus, I wasn’t sure it would live up to the hype. It looked sleek and modern, but could it really handle pet hair, deep carpet cleaning, and daily messes? Now that I’ve used it for a while, I can confidently say it’s made a noticeable difference in how I clean.
But I’m not the only one who feels this way. I’ve read dozens of reviews, and while there are a few mixed opinions, most owners seem genuinely impressed. Here’s my honest breakdown based on both personal use and other real users’ experiences.
First Impressions: Light, Easy, and Surprisingly Strong
Right out of the box, I loved how lightweight and compact it felt. It’s cordless, so I didn’t have to worry about switching plugs or dragging a bulky canister from room to room.
One buyer mentioned:
“Vacuuming is now a quick and painless every-other-day chore that not only leaves my house cleaner than it ever has been but also emits nice clean smelling cool ionizer air.”
I noticed the same thing. It doesn’t just clean, it leaves a freshness behind that my older vacuums never did.
Pet Owners Take Note: This Thing Works
I live with cats, and the fur situation is very real. Before the Dyson, I’d spend so much time lint rolling couches or going over the same rug repeatedly. Not anymore.
Another reviewer summed it up perfectly:
“Picks up an indescribable amount of hair and fur from my 3 kitties. Over the moon happy!”
I get it. I’m seeing cleaner carpets, less hair on furniture, and fewer allergy flare-ups. Even the attachments are well-designed for hard-to-reach areas like stairs and upholstery.
A Few Drawbacks to Keep in Mind
No product is perfect, and the V8 Plus does have its issues. First, you have to hold the trigger down while vacuuming. It’s not a huge problem, but during longer cleaning sessions, my hand does get a bit tired.
Another buyer shared:
“You have to hold the button down which is a tad annoying but I got used to it fast.”
Also, emptying the dustbin feels a bit cheap. The plastic latch works fine, but it doesn’t feel particularly sturdy. I’m always careful when opening it.
And as someone pointed out:
“The latch for emptying the can is terrifying and feels like it’s going to break off every time I use it.”
So far, mine has held up well, but it’s something to be cautious about.
Battery Life: Not Bad, but Not Great on Max
In standard mode, I get around 35–40 minutes of use, which is enough for my apartment. But if you use Max mode (which boosts suction for deep cleaning), expect around 7–10 minutes tops.
One user wrote:
“Just don’t vacuum on high power, kills the battery instantly then takes forever to charge.”
That’s true. I only use Max for spot-cleaning rugs or picking up debris in corners. For everyday use, standard mode does the job.
Learning Curve: Read the Manual
I had a moment where the vacuum started pulsing on and off. I thought it was broken, but it turned out there was a clog in the wand. Once I figured that out and cleaned the filters, it worked like new again.
Another user had the same experience:
“Only when I downloaded the manual did I discover the simple solution… Then the Dyson worked like magic.”
If you’re new to Dyson, definitely take a few minutes to read the care instructions. It helps.
Who It’s Best For
If you live in a small to medium home, have pets, and like to do quick cleanups often instead of one long deep clean, this vacuum is ideal. It’s easy to store, easy to grab, and does a solid job. If you need to vacuum large areas in one go, want longer battery life on max power, or prefer a vacuum that locks into ‘on’ mode, you might want to explore other models. Not sure which vacuum is best for your space and lifestyle? Check out our Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide, where we break down key features like suction power, filtration types, battery life, and more to help you make the right decision.
Final Thoughts: Worth It?
Would I recommend the Dyson V8 Plus? Definitely. It’s not perfect, but it delivers where it counts: power, convenience, and efficiency. For pet hair, everyday dirt, and quick refreshes, it’s become my go-to tool. I’ve even recommended it to friends and family, especially those in smaller homes or apartments. Want more options before you decide? Browse our list of the Best Vacuum Cleaners, featuring top picks across all budgets and cleaning needs, including models for hardwood, thick carpet, and pet-heavy homes.
