When it comes to finding a suitable cordless stick vacuum, you will come across many brands and models. Two models that will catch your attention are the Dyson V6 Absolute and the Dyson V6 Animal. Both are products from the Dyson brand and have their fair share of strengths and weaknesses.

Dyson V6 Absolute vs. Animal: The biggest difference between the Dyson V6 Absolute and the Dyson V6 Animal lies in the HEPA filtration. While both models are excellent cordless stick vacuums, the V6 Absolute is equipped with HEPA filtration to capture allergens, while the V6 Animal is not.

With that said, there is more to the Dyson V6 Absolute vs. Animal comparison than it meets the eye. Both models definitely have their pros and cons. In this post, we are going to compare the Dyson V6 Absolute and Animal in the hopes to help you find the right one between two cordless stick vacuums for your home. 

Quick Overview

Before going into the comparison, let’s talk about the warranty. Both the V6 Absolute and Animal vacuums are covered by a 2-year warranty. The warranty covers all labor and parts necessary to ensure your vacuum is in proper operating condition during the warranty period, at no extra costs to you.

The Dyson V6 Absolute is a lightweight stick vacuum, designed for balanced floor and ceiling cleaning. Developed especially for hard floors, like hardwood and tile, the soft roller cleaner head is engineered to remove both large debris and fine dust simultaneously. Additionally, it comes equipped with HEPA filtration.

The Dyson V6 Animal is also a lightweight stick vacuum, designed to clean after pet hair and allergens. With 75% more brush bar power compared to other Dyson V6 vacuums, it is ideal for deep carpet cleaning, but also underneath stairs, and up high. It is advertised as one of the most powerful lightweight cordless vacuum. 

Moreover, both vacuums are very similar, and can be considered siblings. Both the V6 Absolute and V6 Animal come with a docking station that stores and charges the machine, so it is always ready for use. Additionally, both are easily convertible to a handheld vacuum to provide excellent all-around cleaning.

Both Dyson V6 models can run up to 20 minutes at a time, depending on usage. Now that you’ve had the chance to know both Dyson V6 models a bit better, let’s talk about the comparison. To help you select the right one, we will compare the two stick vacuums based on three important user-friendly categories:

1. Suction Power
2. Filtration Effectiveness
3. Value for Price

When it comes to choosing the right cordless stick vacuum for your home, the three above criterias are arguably the most important things to consider. We will do our best to provide an easy-to-understand comparison for each model, to help beginners choose the right one. With that said, let’s get started.

1. Suction Power

Dyson V6 Absolute

The Dyson V6 Absolute is powered by the Dyson digital motor V6. It includes a soft roller cleaner (for cleaning hard floors and surfaces) and a direct-drive cleaner head, which has 75% more brush bar power (compared to other V6 models) to drive bristles deep into carpet, thus removing more dirt.

Dyson V6 Animal

Similarly, the Dyson V6 Animal is also powered by the Dyson digital motor V6. In addition to its direct-drive cleaner head, it comes with a mini motorized tool that is effective in removing pet hair and dirt in hard-to-reach places, such as in-around furniture, car seats, and tight spaces. It can also clean computer keyboards. 

WINNER: While both deliver powerful suction, the Dyson V6 Animal tops the V6 Absolute. It is marketed as the most powerful vacuum in its class, that is both lightweight and cordless for a reason. Its huge selection of brush heads deliver effective cleaning in tight spaces, including the smallest of surfaces.

2. Filtration Effectiveness

Dyson V6 Absolute

The Dyson V6 Absolute is designed to trap allergens and expel clean air, due to its efficient post-motor filter. It delivers whole machine HEPA filtration, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.03 microns. Additionally, its 2 Tier Radial cyclones generate high forces, flinging dust particles out of the air and into the bin.

Dyson V6 Absolute Video:

Dyson V6 Animal

In terms of filtration effectiveness, the V6 Animal offers the same technology as the V6 Absolute. However, the V6 Animal does not have HEPA filtration. If you are an asthma or allergy sufferer, we don’t recommend you buying the Dyson V6 Animal because of the lack of HEPA filtration system. 

Dyson V6 Animal Video:

WINNER: When it comes to filtration effectiveness, the V6 Absolute is the clear-cut winner. The reason is pretty straightforward. The V6 Absolute is equipped with HEPA filtration, while the V6 Animal is not. With its patented 2 Tier Radial cyclones, the V6 Absolute is certified asthma and allergy-friendly.

3. Value for Price

Dyson V6 Absolute

In terms of value for its price, the Dyson V6 Absolute is simply excellent. it can easily transform from a stick vacuum into a handheld. Both options do a great job in terms of convenience and maneuverability. Additionally, it comes with multiple accessories including several brush heads for complete cleaning.

Dyson V6 Animal

Alternatively, the Dyson V6 Animal also provides excellent value. It is pretty much the same in terms of features with the V6 Absolute, including a 20-minute run time and an easily convertible model. However, the V6 Animal is inferior to the V6 Absolute because of the lack of HEPA filtration and soft roller cleaner head. 

WINNER: The Dyson V6 Absolute provides more value for its price. The reason is very clear, as the V6 Absolute is equipped with a HEPA filtration system, while the V6 Animal is not. It also comes with additional brush heads for a more complete cleaning. And to top it all off, it comes at a cheaper price than the V6 Animal.

Final Verdict

WINNER: Dyson V6 Absolute

While both Dyson models cater to different audiences, we recommend the Dyson V6 Absolute over the Animal. Personally, we prefer to have HEPA filtration because it captures 99.97% of dust particles, resulting in a cleaner air. Hopefully, our Dyson V6 Absolute vs. Animal comparison is informative for you.

You may also want to read:

• Why are Dyson vacuums so expensive?
• Best upright vacuum cleaners
• How to clean a Dyson vacuum cleaner