Dyson V6 Vs Dyson DC59: The Ultimate Showdown

The Dyson V6 and DC59 have a lot in common. Yet after we tested each model, there are some clear differences.

We’re going to explore those differences in greater detail today as we reveal which vacuum is the better of the two. Each of them rate highly among users, but one of them is the clear winner.

We’ve looked at near-identical models before. But Dyson’s V6 and DC59 are on a different level. We tested both vacuums in multiple categories. Keep reading to see how they performed.

Dyson V6 Vs Dyson DC59 at a Glance

Before we get to the face-off, let’s have a quick gander at each unit’s strengths and weaknesses. To ensure total impartiality, both the V6 and DC59 went through identical testing with the same parameters.

Dyson V6 Advantages:

• HEPA filter
• Better attachments
• Easier filters

Dyson V6 Disadvantages:

• Small dust cup
• Max setting drains battery
• Have to empty often

Dyson DC59 Advantages:

• Direct Drive system
• Longer run-time
• Deeper cleaning

Dyson DC59 Disadvantages:

• Fading suction
• No HEPA filter
• Fewer attachments

Winner: Don’t want to read the full article? The editor’s choice is the Dyson V6.

What’s the Difference Between Them?

There is some slight color variation, but we’re going to have to look at what’s ‘under the hood’ to better determine these vacuums’ major differences. Let’s tackle each category one at a time so we get the best understanding of how each model performs.

Run-time

This is often the first thing buyers look at, so we figured we would start with it. Just looking at the numbers, the V6 has a total run-time of 20 minutes.

Comparatively, the DC59 comes in at 24 minutes. Now, it is important that you factor in power settings. Because this will greatly impact each model’s overall run-time.

For example, running the V6 at its maximum power setting can easily decrease the run-time down to 8 minutes.

In testing each unit, we found that we were able to sweep most of our home on a single charge. As long as they were both on low, we didn’t run into any issues. When we got to the bedroom where the carpet is much thicker, we were forced to switch over to max.

In doing this, we were able to successfully sweep the floor, but we had very little juice left afterward. As you’ll read in our ‘Suction’ category below, the V6 swept this room a little easier than the DC59.

As a side note, both models take the same amount of time to fully recharge their batteries. Factoring this data into our testing, we have to give this category to the DC59. It may struggle a little on thick carpeting, but it has a longer overall battery life.

Verdict: Dyson DC59

Suction

Both vacuums sport the same kind of motor. So you would be forgiven for assuming both models have the same suction power while they’re in action.

But during our testing, we found this to not be the case at all. Both perform well; there’s no question about that. But one of them has a minor variation in its overall performance.

We ran each model over the same floors that we use for all our vacuum cleaners. We started with the hardwood flooring in the kitchen. Both the V6 and the DC59 wiped the floor clean – literally and figuratively – in this area of testing.

Our kitchen shined like new. The only other time we got such great results was when we tested out dust mops on it. It took only a couple of passes for each model. It should be noted that we were running both vacuums on their lowest setting.

We then moved on to the living room. Its floor has rather low carpeting. We continued running both on low, getting great results with each pass. We made sure to thoroughly test out each model’s handheld mode, too. Jump down to ‘Attachments’ to get the full scoop on those.

The final test is our hardest one for vacuums: the bedroom. Carpeting is much thicker and most brands struggle picking up anything adequately. At this point, we had to kick each unit into high gear. On max setting, the V6 performed steadily, picking up debris without issue.

The DC59, on the other hand, had noticeable dips in power as it chugged along. We were surprised to see this since both models use the same motor. The V6 and DC59 appeared to collect the same amount of debris, but the DC59 took just a little more work due to its occasional drops in power.

Verdict: Dyson V6

Attachments

Pet hair accumulates often in the living room. The sofa and recliner are no stranger to it, either. This was the perfect opportunity to try each model’s handy attachments and handheld modes. Their motorized pet brushes are known for their great pickup, and we must say, we weren’t disappointed.

Both did quite well at picking up hair. Although they operate a little bit differently, we felt we got an equal amount of pickup from each tool.

Suction power remained steady on our vacuums with each attachment. On stairs, the handhelds performed splendidly. We were able to pick up debris without issue. We used the crevice attachments to get difficult corners and ceilings.

We tried out each model’s combination tool, getting great results, as well. It worked quite well on crevices, and flat surfaces were a breeze.

The major difference in attachments lies in the V6’s soft roller head. This handy tool allows you to clean delicate surfaces that scratch easily. We tried it out on our laminate bathroom flooring and were very pleased with the outcome.

The roller is extremely gentle and protects flooring just as well as it cleans. Thanks to the addition of this special attachment, the V6 takes this category.

Verdict: Dyson V6

Price

The Dyson V6 will cost you roughly the same as the DC59. It’s important that you weigh each model’s features and qualities to best gauge which one will benefit you the most.

For us, it comes down to either allergy relief or total run-time. Since they cost nearly the same, it has to come down to personal benefits. With the run-time being so similar, we’re giving this one to the V6.

Verdict: Dyson V6

Capacity

The DC59 sports a dust cup capacity of 0.12 gallons. The V6 is only slightly larger at 0.14 gallons. Neither is a whole lot to work with, so be prepared to make a lot of trips to the waste basket for dumping.

In terms of each dust cup’s ease of use, we could find no clear advantage for either vacuum. Both removed and reattached quite easily. And both are made of the same materials and weight about the same.

Strictly looking at the numbers, we have to give this category to the V6. You likely won’t be able to tell any difference with the naked eye, as we sure couldn’t.

Verdict: Dyson V6

Versatility

Both the DC59 and the V6 are highly versatile vacuums. They easily get under furniture like sofas and beds with little effort.

These vacuums are so lightweight, you’ll have no trouble carrying them from room to room or floor to floor. And with each model’s added attachments, you’ll be able to knock out different tasks much easier than traditional vacuum cleaners.

Adding to each machine’s versatility are the handheld mode. Both weigh about the same and make detailing a cinch.

We tested out the handhelds in our vehicles and found them both to be an enjoyable experience. The attachments allow you to get in between seats and underneath them with ease. From our time with cordless handheld vacuums over the years, we have never had such a tiny and lightweight unit offer so much power.

Combined with their high versatility, both the DC59 and V6 are perfectly portable vacuums. They make frustrating tasks like cleaning out your vehicle easier than it has any right to be.

Using the pet hair tool really helped out a lot, too. Our dust cups were full of hair and dirt by the time we were finished. It’s a testament to how well these attachments pick up hard-to-reach debris.

Ergonomically speaking, both vacuums feel the same. But due to the V6’s slightly lighter weight and better attachments, we have to rank it a little higher in terms of versatility.

Verdict: Dyson V6

Filter

If you’re one of the many who suffer from pesky allergies, you’ll want to pay close attention to this category. There is a major difference between the two that may make your ultimate buying decision much easier.

With the DC59, you get a standard filtration system. You can wash these filters, too, allowing you to get years and years of service out of them.

The V6 features the same benefits with washable filters, but with one huge advantage. These filters are HEPA-certified. This means they cut down on all kinds of dust particles and allergens. You’ll be breathing much cleaner air and have a lot less flare-ups.

Another big plus with the V6’s filter system is that it is a lot easier to access compared to the DC59. With the latter, you have to remove the dust cup just to get to the filter. This is eliminated on the V6. It’s one less step to go through, serving to speed up and simplify your vacuum’s maintenance.

Verdict: Dyson V6

Motorhead

We spoke briefly about this before, but it’s important that we touch on it in greater detail. The V6 and DC59 have completely different heads.

So different, in fact, that one performs better than the other. The DC59 sports a Motorhead with the Dyson Direct Drive. This cleaner head is able to pick up hair and other fine debris. It works to eliminate dust particles, too.

This head also cleans a bit better on flat surfaces. It’s able to get down deep into grooves, resulting in cleaner floors. It handles its own on thick carpeting, too. This helps to cut down on allergens, which somewhat makes up for its lack of a HEPA filter.

The V6 is less likely to suffer any decrease in power, as we noticed this when testing the suction of each model. Where the DC59 struggled on thick carpeting, the V6 maintained its suction throughout.

While we love the DC59’s ability to pick up fine debris, we think the V6’s combination of great components make it the better performer.

Verdict: Dyson V6

Weight

It isn’t much, but there is a very minor weight difference between the two models. Dyson’s V6 clocks in at a feathery 4.5 pounds. It is an absolute joy to use and won’t cause your back or body any strain. We had no trouble at all when carrying it from room to room. Its handheld mode is even lighter at around 3 pounds.

The DC59 is a bit heavier at 4.9 pounds. This is likely because of the addition of its powerful Motorhead. But again, the difference is negligible. The DC59’s handheld mode weighs the same as the V6’s at about 3 pounds.

Bottom line, you probably won’t be able to tell much of a difference. Both vacuums feel ultralight and are a welcomed change of pace compared to traditional models. But going by pure numbers, the V6 takes the lead.

Verdict: Dyson V6

Conclusion

It was a tight comparison, and while the DC59 is certainly a capable vacuum in its own right, the V6 came out on top. Thanks to a reusable HEPA filter and great all-around construction, we think you’ll be swept away by its performance.

Dyson raised the bar and set the standard with cordless stick vacuums. Clever craftsmanship and ingenuity have kept them at the top for years. And it doesn’t look like that’s going to be changing any time soon.

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