Compare Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Wet Dry Vacuum vs Dyson V12 Detect Slim Vacuum

The bundle is repeatedly praised for including multiple floorheads and specialty tools, but several reviews say the docking/storage options do not neatly accommodate everything.

Most packages include two full-size heads plus crevice/combination tools and the Hair Screw Tool; reviewers consistently call the accessory set high quality and genuinely useful.

Most reviewers like the premium Dyson look and finish, but a few call out plasticky feel on the Submarine head or aesthetic mismatches with some docking accessories.

Reviews often compliment the premium Dyson look and polished plastics, though some note the finish can scuff, chip, or peel over time.

The particle sensor and Auto mode are widely praised for adjusting power and visualizing what is being picked up; a few users also relied on the Dyson app/manual for fuller guidance.

A minor but real complaint appears about airflow blowing back toward the user when cleaning under very low furniture.

On area rugs, it generally cleans well, but light debris on thicker rugs can be pushed around unless you adjust technique or settings.

On some area rugs and runners, the Motorbar can feel too grabby or trip, so users often switch to Eco mode or use the fluffy head for smoother gliding.

Most reviewers find initial assembly straightforward, but several say the Submarine instructions are too visual or confusing and may require looking up the full manual or app.

Setup is mostly snap-together and quick out of the box; installing the wall dock is optional but adds convenience and stability.

Some reviews mention alerts or shutoff behavior when airflow is obstructed or performance cannot be maintained, which helps protect the vacuum but can interrupt a job.

Some users report the Motorbar can stop spinning on certain rugs or when it grabs bulky items, requiring a quick reset—protective, but interruptive.

Battery performance is a strong point overall, with long Eco/low runtimes and a removable battery; charging is often cited around 4.5 hours and Boost/Turbo drains quickly.

Battery is removable and typically takes about 4–4.5 hours to charge. Runtime is ample for small homes but can fall short for multi-level deep cleans unless you add a spare.

The bagless bin size is described as adequate and the emptying mechanism is mostly hygienic, though hair and clumps can occasionally stick and require a quick manual pull.

The bin is notably small (around 0.1 gal/0.38 L). That keeps weight down but forces frequent emptying—especially in larger homes or heavy pet-hair cleanups.

The main vacuum feels sturdy and well-built in most reviews, while the Submarine head and some docking solutions get more mixed feedback (plasticky feel or leakage concerns).

Build quality feels tight and premium in most reviews, but a few note small annoyances like finish wear or parts that can feel finicky during emptying or disassembly.

High-pile carpet results are more mixed: some reviews report strong pickup while lab testing shows lower scores and higher push resistance on thick carpet.

High-pile carpet and shag are more challenging: performance can be decent but less consistent, and strong suction can cause sticking or slow progress.

Low-pile carpet performance is typically excellent, with strong pickup even on embedded debris and hair.

Low-pile carpets are handled well for everyday debris, though fine powders can require extra passes or higher power.

Medium-pile carpet performance is generally strong for surface debris and pet hair, but deeper extraction is still behind the most powerful cordless Dysons.

Clogging is not a constant problem, but some reviewers report blockages with large debris (like pine needles) or residue buildup that needs manual clearing and head cleaning.

The compact bin and airflow path can fill quickly and trigger clog warnings in heavy-duty use, so it works best as a maintenance vacuum rather than a post-renovation workhorse.

Compared with other cordless vacuums and most mop-vacs, it is usually rated superior at dry vacuuming; the wet function is seen as convenient but not best-in-class versus dedicated wet cleaners.

Often positioned as a lighter, slightly less powerful alternative to the V15/Gen5 and a premium step up from older entry Dysons; it also compares well with non-Dyson sticks on usability.

The LCD and mode controls are well-liked for showing runtime and particle info, but many reviews criticize the trigger-hold design for comfort during longer cleans.

The single power button eliminates trigger fatigue and the LCD shows mode, remaining time, particle data, and alerts. A few users still prefer triggers for one-handed on/off control.

The vacuum converts into a handheld easily, which reviewers like for furniture, stairs, and quick spot cleaning.

It converts to a handheld with a button press and is repeatedly described as easier for above-floor cleaning than heavier cordless models.

Cordless convenience is consistently highlighted, especially for quick daily cleanups and moving between rooms without a cord.

Cordless design is a major win for quick daily cleanups and room-to-room use, especially in apartments and smaller homes.

Dedicated crevice tools are effective for edges and tight spots, but the built-in/integrated crevice solution and the Submarine head can be less effective in deep grooves or corners.

Crevice and groove pickup is above average; several tests show strong usable suction for pulling debris from cracks and grout.

Dyson's cyclone-based design is credited with maintaining strong suction and solid overall dust handling.

The slim cyclone design supports strong everyday suction, but some reviews note it is less aggressive than higher-end Dyson cyclone setups, contributing to weaker deep-carpet performance versus flagship models.

The laser illumination is one of the most praised features, repeatedly described as revealing hidden dust and improving confidence on hard floors.

The green laser illumination on the hard-floor head is widely described as a game-changing feature for spotting fine dust, hair, and debris—especially under furniture and in dim rooms.

Multiple reviews note the lack of a clear dirty-water level indicator, making it harder to tell when the dirty compartment needs emptying.

The Submarine roller can remove dried-on stains, but results vary: some tests show quick removal while others needed multiple passes and more water on older, set-in messes.

The light, balanced feel makes it easy to steer, carry, and use on stairs. Minor handling complaints include Laser head caster quirks and occasional rug resistance.

Overall usability is rated good thanks to strong cleaning and smart feedback, but trigger ergonomics, weight, and post-mop cleanup are recurring drawbacks.

Most reviews call it user friendly thanks to low weight, button power, and intuitive controls. The main usability downsides are small-bin interruptions and occasional rug-related stoppages.

Edge pickup during vacuuming is often excellent, while edge performance in mop mode is more mixed and can miss right along walls.

Edge cleaning is repeatedly called out as a strength, often clearing close to walls without needing a crevice tool, though stubborn powder at edges can take extra passes.

The ejector-style emptying system reduces contact with dust, though occasional clumps or hair can stay behind and need a quick manual assist.

Point-and-shoot emptying is generally clean and easy, but the small bin can pack tightly and occasionally needs manual clearing of clumps.

Maintenance alerts for the filter are appreciated, including prompts to wash or service filters during ownership.

Filtration and dust containment are consistently rated strong, with a sealed system and good particle control; HEPA-level filtration is mentioned more often for certain versions or upgrades.

Multiple testers describe the system as well sealed with HEPA-level filtration, helping keep fine dust and allergens contained rather than recirculated.

Floors usually dry quickly after Submarine passes, often described as only slightly damp and drying in minutes.

The two-head approach works: Laser Slim Fluffy excels on hard floors while Motorbar handles carpets and hair. Tradeoffs include head-swapping and Motorbar sensitivity on some rugs.

Fresh spill cleanup is generally quick for small liquid-only messes, but larger spills or liquid mixed with solids can overwhelm the Submarine head.

Carpet hair pickup is generally very strong, with reviewers pulling out visible hair and lint from rugs and carpeting.

Carpet hair pickup is a strong point, with many reports of removing embedded pet fur in a couple of passes.

Hair pickup on hard floors is consistently strong with the dry heads, while the wet head is best treated as a mop rather than a hair-collection tool.

Hair pickup on hard floors varies by head: Motorbar tends to lift hair effectively, while the fluffy head can sometimes push longer strands around depending on floor texture.

Anti-tangle performance is usually a strength (especially with the hair screw tool), but longer hair can still wrap on the main brush bar in some situations.

De-tangling features reduce hair wrap significantly, though some long hair can still collect on roller ends or axles and needs periodic cleanup.

Hard-floor fine dust pickup is consistently excellent, helped by the laser illumination and soft roller design for revealing and collecting powdery debris.

With the Laser Slim Fluffy head, fine dust pickup on hard floors is excellent and highly visual, often revealing and removing particles you would otherwise miss.

Dry vacuum heads handle larger debris well, but the Submarine wet head struggles with bigger pieces (like cereal) and can push debris around rather than capture it.

Large debris pickup is strong overall, though some note the Motorbar can push or miss bigger bits on hard floors compared with using the fluffy head.

Reviewers view the concept as innovative: a flagship stick vacuum paired with a wet roller head, though several also describe the wet system as first-generation with compromises.

Kid appeal is mentioned in passing: the laser and on-screen feedback can make cleaning feel more engaging for families.

Maintenance is a key tradeoff: standard vacuum upkeep is manageable, but the Submarine head adds regular rinsing, drying, and occasional messy dirty-water emptying.

Expect frequent bin emptying and periodic filter/roller cleaning. Most find maintenance straightforward, though some testers call it finicky due to the compact bin and occasional clogs.

Handling is generally strong thanks to swivel articulation and the ability to get under furniture, but some reviewers still find it heavy in-hand over longer sessions.

Mopping is best described as maintenance-level: good for routine hard-floor refreshes and small spills, but it does not vacuum while mopping and struggles more with solids, edges, and large wet messes.

Noise is generally acceptable: mop mode is often described as quiet, while Boost/Turbo vacuuming gets noticeably loud.

Noise is generally moderate on Eco/Auto and noticeably louder on Boost. Measured dB varies by tester, but most agree it is manageable for a cordless stick vacuum.

Tool storage is a consistent frustration: you get many tools, but there is limited onboard or dock capacity to keep everything together.

The wand clip can carry small tools like the crevice and combination attachments, but onboard storage is limited and does not accommodate the full-size heads.

Ongoing costs are usually moderate (filters and occasional roller replacement), but the Submarine roller can add a replacement/consumable consideration over time.

No bags are needed and filters are washable, but adding an extra click-in battery can raise ownership costs if you need longer runtime.

Longer-term reports describe strong cleaning performance after years of near-daily use, but cosmetic wear (paint chips or rubber coating peel) can show if stored roughly.

Overall sentiment is very positive: owners love the laser-guided hard-floor cleaning and lightweight ergonomics, with the small bin and carpet/rug quirks as the main drawbacks.

Packaging is described as protective and well-organized, with at least one review praising the recyclable materials and secure packing.

Several reviews highlight organized, mostly recyclable packaging with minimal plastic, making unboxing and setup straightforward.

Reviewers with pets praise the dry-vac tools for hair and kibble, but note the Submarine mop head is not meant to pick up solid pet food while wet cleaning.

Reviewers with pets praise the Motorbar and Hair Screw Tool for pulling fur from rugs, furniture, and pet beds; heavy shedders may still prefer a larger-bin model.

Price is a common pain point: many call it expensive and best justified only if you will use both the top-tier vacuuming and occasional mopping.

Consistently judged expensive at MSRP, but many consider it a strong buy when discounted because it delivers high-end Dyson features in a lighter chassis.

Default/Eco runtimes are often around an hour or more depending on mode, with Auto mode shortening runtime when it ramps up power. Boost/Turbo runtime is consistently short, commonly under 10 minutes in testing.

Measured Eco/Auto runtimes commonly land around 30–50 minutes with a powered head, varying with floor type and how aggressively Auto boosts suction. Boost mode is best for quick spot cleans; many tests show roughly 7–20 minutes depending on the head used.

Reviews repeatedly call out that there is no automated self-cleaning cycle or wash/dry base for the mop head, so post-mop cleanup is manual.

Several reviews mention the Submarine head feels self-propelled, making wet passes easier and faster.

The liquid system is simple and water-based; some reviews mention you can use a mild detergent, but there is typically only one wet mode and limited control over water flow.

With the handheld conversion and tools, stairs are generally easy to clean, especially on hard stair treads and edges.

Low weight and strong handheld accessories make stairs and vertical surfaces easier than with upright-style vacuums.

It stores like a typical Dyson stick via a wall dock, but it is not truly freestanding and alternative docks can be bulky; the extra heads/tools also add storage complexity.

Storage is compact, but it is not reliably freestanding; several reviewers recommend using the wall dock to prevent tipping.

Streaking is mixed: some report a streak-free shine, while others saw streaks or dirty-water drips, especially if the roller is paused mid-flow or the dirty channel gets too full.

Across reviews, dry vacuuming is the standout: very strong suction and pickup on both hard floors and most carpets, though the high suction can make the head harder to push on thicker carpet.

Across tests and long-term use, suction feels strong for its size and cleans surface debris extremely well, though it trails larger Dysons for deep carpet extraction.

For heavy-duty mopping or frequent large wet messes, reviews suggest it is not ideal; it is better as a light, regular maintenance mop paired with strong vacuuming.

It is often framed as a good fit for apartments or smaller homes that only want one cleaning device, since it can replace a separate vacuum plus a basic mop.

Repeatedly recommended for studios, apartments, and smaller homes because it is light, compact, and fast for daily touch-ups.

Support is mentioned less often, but Dyson customer service is described as a plus where it comes up.

Reviews cite Dyson’s two-year warranty and established service network; reliability is generally viewed as good, with most concerns centered on wear and maintenance rather than failures.

The soft rollers and floorheads are generally seen as gentle on hard floors, and at least one reviewer specifically noted reduced worry about scratching tiles.

Dry heads and tools click on quickly, but swapping between vacuum and mop heads is required for wet cleaning and some users find the Submarine setup a bit fiddly.

Attachments click in with a quick release and most users find swaps easy, but getting best results often means switching between the Laser Slim Fluffy and Motorbar heads.

Under-furniture reach is a recurring positive due to head articulation and the ability to lay flatter, though one review notes the vent can blow air toward your face in tight spaces.

The slim head and ability to lay nearly flat make it easy to reach under couches and low furniture, with the laser helping spot dust in dark areas.

Motorized tools for upholstery and above-floor tasks perform well, especially for pet hair and furniture cleaning.

The Hair Screw Tool and other attachments are widely praised for pulling hair from couches, beds, stairs, and car interiors, making handheld cleaning a standout strength.

Versatility is a core theme: multiple heads let it cover hard floors, carpets, above-floor cleaning, and basic mopping, but wet cleaning requires a separate pass and head swap.

The clean-water tank is small (often cited around 300 mL), so it suits maintenance mopping more than big jobs; the dirty-water compartment can be messy and may leak if overfilled or tilted.

Weight is frequently noted: it is manageable for many as a stick vacuum, but the handheld configuration and long sessions can feel heavy or fatiguing for some users.

At about 5.2 lb, it is consistently described as one of the lightest premium stick vacs and easier to carry, lift, and use in handheld mode.

At least one review reports acceptable cleaning on a delicate wool rug, suggesting it can be used carefully on wool surfaces.