Compare Dyson Gen5 Detect Cordless Vacuum vs Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Wet Dry Vacuum

The Gen5 Detect is repeatedly praised for a premium, practical tool bundle, typically including the Fluffy Optic head for hard floors, the Digital Motorbar head for multi-surface use, the Hair Screw tool for upholstery, plus additional combo tools and a wall dock for storage and charging (exact bundles can vary by retailer/variant).

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.

Design impressions are consistently premium, with Dyson’s signature tech-forward look and solid feel, though many reviewers also describe the body as bulkier than lighter cordless competitors.

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.

Smart behavior is repeatedly tied to built-in sensors: Auto mode can detect dirt levels and sometimes floor changes to adjust suction in real time, improving cleaning confidence and helping runtime by using high power only when needed (without relying on an app ecosystem).

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 recurring performance quirk is blowback or scattering of lighter debris (like sugar or small litter) during certain pickup scenarios, where the vacuum’s strong airflow can move debris around until you slow down, reposition, adjust head gates/vents, or make extra passes.

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.

Across reviews, setup is described as fast and straightforward (often taking only a minute or a few minutes), with clearly fitting parts and flexible charging options via direct plug-in or the included wall dock for charging and storage.

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.

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.

Battery performance is a major strength, with many sources citing up to ~70 minutes in Eco/low power and strong runtimes even in Auto depending on head and floor type; the pack is described as removable/swappable and charging is typically via wall dock or direct plug-in, with recharge times commonly cited around roughly 3 to 4.5 hours.

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.

The Gen5 Detect uses a bagless bin that reviewers commonly describe as about 0.2 gallons (around 0.75–0.77L / ~750 mL), which is typical for premium stick vacs but smaller than uprights and notably smaller than the Gen5 Outsize variant.

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.

Build quality is generally described as robust and premium, but a recurring caution is minor flex around the built-in crevice-tool/wand area and occasional durability concerns about specific floorhead parts (like a wheel) even if the main body feels solid.

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).

High-pile carpet performance is generally above average and can lift impressive amounts of embedded fine grit, but several test-driven reviews note the head can get pulled down into plush carpet (reducing clearance for larger debris) and may require slower passes, vent/gate adjustments, or occasional brushroll intervention on thick rugs.

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.

Low-pile carpet pickup is consistently reported as excellent (often mid-to-high 90% removal in objective tests), with the main caveat being that very light debris can be pushed or blown aside in certain situations until you make an extra pass or adjust head airflow/gates.

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

Medium-pile carpet deep-clean performance is repeatedly reported as exceptional in test-driven reviews, including perfect or near-perfect embedded-sand results, though several reviewers note it can feel hard to push until gates/vents are adjusted.

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.

In comparative reviews and award roundups, the Gen5 Detect is repeatedly positioned near the top (including winning performance and battery categories in some test ecosystems), while value-focused comparisons often point shoppers toward cheaper alternatives like the Dyson V15 or strong non-Dyson competitors if cost and weight matter more than having the newest flagship.

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.

Controls and feedback are a highlight: an on/off button replaces Dyson’s older trigger, and the LCD provides battery countdowns, mode info, and real-time particulate/dirty-floor feedback; multiple sources also mention on-screen maintenance prompts as part of the experience.

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

The Gen5 Detect is repeatedly positioned as a high-end cordless experience with strong runtime and a dock-based charging/storage setup, but the convenience comes with the trade-off of a heavier, more top-heavy feel than many rivals.

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

Crevice and groove pickup is frequently cited as best-in-class in test-driven coverage, with perfect or near-perfect crevice performance reported and strong ability to pull debris from tight gaps and channels.

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.

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

Dyson’s Fluffy Optic-style laser head on the Gen5 Detect is repeatedly described as extremely bright and effective at revealing otherwise invisible dust (often even in well-lit rooms), encouraging more thorough cleaning and sometimes making users realize their floors were dirtier than expected.

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

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.

Ease-of-use feedback is strongly positive around the on/off button (no trigger fatigue), Auto mode, the laser head, and the built-in crevice/dusting tool for quick transitions, but many users still report fatigue from the heavy, top-heavy feel and carpet push resistance during longer sessions.

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

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

Emptying uses Dyson’s point-and-shoot style lever that ejects debris and includes a wiping action, which many find quick and relatively hygienic, but multiple reviewers note it can still be dustier than sealed auto-empty stations and may be messier for allergy sufferers if emptied indoors.

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

Multiple reviews note that the LCD interface includes maintenance messaging, such as notifying the user when the filter needs attention (washing/replacement guidance varies by source and phrasing).

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

Reviewers and test outlets consistently frame the Gen5 Detect as a sealed HEPA cordless vacuum with excellent dust containment, frequently citing top-tier filtration results and Dyson’s claims of capturing extremely fine particles, making it a strong option for allergy-conscious homes.

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.

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

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 repeatedly described as excellent (including near-total pet-hair removal in some tests), though a few reviews note occasional leftover clumps on thicker carpet that are typically resolved with an extra slower pass.

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

On hard floors, reviewers commonly describe reliable hair pickup with the floorheads, aided by the detangling design so hair is more likely to be directed into the bin than wrapped around the roller during typical cleaning.

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.

The Digital Motorbar’s detangling features earn strong marks for reducing hair wrap in testing, but some Dyson-focused coverage notes that very long hair can still collect around axle/gap areas, so occasional brush/roller checks may be needed depending on household hair length.

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.

On hard floors, the Gen5 Detect is repeatedly described as exceptionally effective on fine dust, with the Fluffy Optic laser exposing particles that are easy to miss and multiple tests reporting near-perfect pickup that leaves floors noticeably cleaner.

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

Large-debris pickup on hard floors is generally strong, but several reviews note scatter or plowing with certain items (like kernels, rice, or pieces that get pushed aside), meaning slower forward passes or placing the head directly over debris can be needed for a fully clean sweep.

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.

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 generally straightforward thanks to washable filtration and cleanable rollers, plus tool/bin disassembly for periodic cleaning; several reviewers note the display can prompt filter care, and some call out that washing the filter requires ample drying time before reinstalling.

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

Handling reviews are mixed: the vacuum can maneuver well on hard floors and reach under furniture, and the heads include features (like adjustable gates/vents) that reduce carpet drag, but the strong suction can make it harder to push on many carpets and some users notice plowing or resistance depending on direction and debris type.

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 in a typical high-performance cordless range, with measured results commonly landing around high-60s dB on Eco, mid-70s dB on Auto/Medium, and high-70s to low/mid-80s dB on Boost/Max, though some Dyson-focused testing notes the Gen5 can get especially loud at higher settings.

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

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

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

Across all reviews, the Gen5 Detect is framed as a top-performing, tech-packed cordless vacuum with standout battery life/efficiency, strong filtration, and the laser head’s visibility benefits, but its heavy/top-heavy ergonomics, occasional edge/large-debris quirks, and very high price mean it best fits buyers who prioritize peak Dyson tech over value or lightweight comfort.

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

For pet households, reviewers repeatedly highlight strong suction paired with the detangling Digital Motorbar head and the Hair Screw tool, which together reduce clogs and make it easier to lift fur from carpets, stairs, upholstery, and pet beds.

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.

Price and value are the most consistent drawbacks: many sources characterize the Gen5 Detect as a near-$1,000 flagship that can be hard to justify versus cheaper models with similar practical cleaning, though sales, refurbished purchases, and buyers who prioritize the newest Dyson tech often view it as worth the splurge.

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.

Real-world low-power runtime is consistently positioned as a class leader, commonly cited around ~70–75 minutes on Eco depending on head and floor type, with Auto runtimes often in the mid range; multiple comparative tests also credit it as a battery-life award winner versus other cordless models.

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.

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.

Stair cleaning is regularly described as strong thanks to the motorized tools (especially the Hair Screw / mini motor tool), with the main limitation being the unit’s top-heavy feel during longer handheld sessions rather than a lack of cleaning ability.

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

Several reviews note it is top-heavy and generally not designed to stand upright on its own, so most owners will rely on the included wall dock for stable storage and charging rather than parking it freestanding mid-clean.

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.

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 lab-style testing and reviewer comparisons, the Gen5 Detect is consistently described as an airflow and suction standout (often cited around 262 AW), delivering elite deep-cleaning power that can translate into outstanding pickup but also higher push resistance on carpet.

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.

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.

Reviewers often frame the Gen5 Detect as a great fit for small-to-medium homes where its power and runtime feel abundant, but note its bulk and wrist-heavy handheld feel can be less ideal for very tight tasks like detailed car interiors or narrow gaps.

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.

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

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.

Multiple reviewers call the wand’s integrated crevice/dusting tool a major workflow upgrade: you press a button (or buttons) and immediately switch into detail cleaning without hunting for a separate attachment, then slide it back when finished.

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.

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.

With the Hair Screw / mini motorized tool and strong suction, above-floor cleaning (sofas, pet beds, car seats, shelves) is often described as very effective, but many reviewers caution that handheld use can feel awkward or tiring because so much weight sits in the handle/wrist.

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

With two primary floorheads, a fast handheld transition, and specialty tools (notably for hair and upholstery), reviewers broadly describe the Gen5 Detect as highly versatile across hard floors, multiple carpet types, stairs, and above-floor cleaning, with comfort limited most by weight in handheld use.

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.

Multiple sources highlight that the Gen5 Detect is heavier and more top-heavy than many cordless rivals (often cited around 7.7 lb overall and roughly a 5 lb handle), which can be felt most in handheld mode and on carpets where suction creates more resistance.

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