Compare Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones vs Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Wet Dry Vacuum

Accessory coverage is limited; most reviews mention one combi-crevice or dusting attachment, useful for light detail work but not a full tool set.

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.

Reviewers praise the unusual, premium-looking, slim design, describing it as stylish, futuristic, and visually distinctive.

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 features are modest: app pairing can show maintenance information or updates, but several reviewers found the app forced or redundant.

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.

Airflow blowback during emptying is reported as minimal in one hands-on review because debris pours downward from the slim bin.

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

Area rug handling is limited: flat or thin rugs may get surface pickup, but plush or normal rugs are a poor match.

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

Setup is a clear strength: reviewers repeatedly describe assembly as quick, minimal, straightforward, or very easy.

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.

Automatic shutoff behavior appears when the head catches or jams, especially around rugs or when pressure is applied on soft surfaces.

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.

Bin-full or emptying notification support appears through the app, which can tell the user when it is time to empty the bin.

Battery and charging are convenient because the battery is removable or swappable, but runtime and charge performance are only moderate.

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 bin is a defining tradeoff: reviewers like the compression idea, but many note the very small capacity and cleaning practicality limits.

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 evidence is mixed, ranging from excellent and high-quality impressions to concerns about flimsy plastic on the floorhead.

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 poor, with one reviewer saying the vacuum is not ideal for medium or high-pile carpet.

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 and thin rug performance is limited to surface debris; reviewers do not trust it for deep cleaning.

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

Medium-pile carpet pickup is poor; reviewers repeatedly say the soft Fluffycones head is not designed to agitate carpet and may stall.

Clogging prevention is weak when the mess is large or dusty; reviews mention flour blockages, high-volume dust struggles, and obstruction alerts.

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.

Comparative performance is mixed to negative: the PencilVac is easier in some daily use, but V8 and V12 comparisons often favor stronger vacuums.

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 are simple, with buttons and battery readouts, but reviewers noted the unusual grip and lack of automatic suction adjustment.

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 PencilVac does not convert well into a normal handheld; reviewers repeatedly describe above-floor handheld-style use as awkward.

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

Cordless grab-and-go convenience is a strong benefit in household use, especially for quick kitchen, bathroom, and daily touch-up cleaning.

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

Cord management is only lightly supported, but the dock can wrap excess cable for tidier storage.

Crevice and groove performance is mixed to weak, with dedicated crevice pickup underperforming and floor cracks needing more suction.

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.

Debris illumination is one of the strongest features, with dual green lasers repeatedly praised for revealing hidden dust and hair.

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 is strong for quick cleans because the vacuum is light, simple, and frequently described as pleasant to grab and use.

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

Edge and baseboard cleaning is mixed: side-on edge pickup can be strong, but the pointed head makes front-on edges harder.

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

Emptying and mess control are sharply split: some reviewers praise hygienic plunger-style emptying, while others report leaks or difficult cleaning.

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

Filter-change or maintenance indication is app-based, with one review saying the MyDyson app monitors filter maintenance.

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

Filtration and dust containment are a strength overall, with several reviews citing sealed filtration, 99.99% particle capture, and low dust release.

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.

The Fluffycones floorhead is innovative and maneuverable, though its pointed geometry creates edge-cleaning tradeoffs.

Floorhead seal on hard floors is supported by continuous contact claims, though other reviews note the pointed head can hurt edge coverage.

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

Hair-removal channel issues appear with longer or thicker hair, which can be ejected, balled up, or require manual pickup.

Hair pickup on carpets is weak where tested; long threads and longer hairs were not reliably removed from low-pile carpet.

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

Hair pickup on hard floors is generally good for visible hair, though thick bundles can exceed what the small system can collect.

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-wrap resistance is usually strong, with several reviewers reporting little or no tangling around the cones.

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.

Fine dust pickup on hard floors is usually excellent, though one lab test with flour found blockages and poor results.

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 intake is inconsistent: some tests found strong pickup, while others found cereal, lentils, kibble, or heavier debris caused problems.

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.

Headlights and LEDs are strongly praised, especially because illumination works from both the front and rear of the floorhead.

Innovation is widely recognized; reviewers call the slim form, compact motor, Fluffycones head, and design direction highly unusual.

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-friendliness has one strong household report, where the lightweight design and visible LEDs made children eager to help clean.

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

The low-profile design helps it lie close to flat and reach under furniture.

Maintenance is generally manageable for quick cleaning, but filter washing, bin cleaning, and occasional tool cleaning still matter.

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

Maneuverability is the most consistent strength, with reviewers praising its light feel, swivel, glide, and ability to move in multiple directions.

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 reported as typical or moderate for a cordless vacuum, with measured levels around the mid-60s to mid-70s decibel range.

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

Onboard or dock-based tool storage is useful, with the crevice tool stored on the stand or docking station.

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

Ownership costs are a caveat because spare or replacement batteries are mentioned as costly or harder to source than older Dyson batteries.

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

Durability concerns are limited but serious where raised, with one reviewer questioning whether the slim, clog-prone design will last long term.

Overall opinions are split but clear: reviewers like the experience and engineering, while negative takes focus on value and narrow usefulness.

Packaging impressions are mixed: one review liked recyclable, compact packaging, while another objected to plastic wrapping.

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

Pet-hair evidence is mixed: it can pick up visible pet hair on hard floors, but reviewers flagged missing pet tools and occasional hairballs.

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.

Value is divisive: some reviewers think the price is justified by convenience and design, while many call it expensive for its narrow use case.

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.

Privacy controls are a concern in one review because the app requested permanent location access without a clear reason.

Runtime is the main operating limit, with many reviewers citing 30 minutes at best and much shorter boost or real-world runtimes.

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.

Scratch resistance is supported by the soft roller design, which reviewers say is suitable for hard floors without risking scratches.

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.

A self-propelling or floating sensation is described in hard-floor use, making the head feel easier to guide.

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

Software support exists through the MyDyson app, but review evidence frames it as limited to updates and maintenance alerts.

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 can be easy because of the low weight, though broader above-floor limitations mean it is not a full stair-detailing replacement.

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

Storage impressions are mixed: the slim magnetic dock is convenient and tidy, but several reviewers say it can be flimsy or not space-saving.

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.

Stuck resistance is weak on rugs and carpet-like surfaces, where one reviewer found the vacuum could jam or shut down under pressure.

Reviewers consistently describe suction and airflow as much lower than larger Dyson stick vacuums, but often adequate for loose hard-floor debris.

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.

Heavy-duty suitability is low; reviewers repeatedly say this is for light, frequent maintenance rather than big homes or deep cleaning.

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.

Small-space suitability is strong because the vacuum targets small hard-floor apartments, flats, and compact daily cleaning routines.

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.

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

Surface safety is supported by hard-floor contact evidence, with soft rollers maintaining contact without aggressive agitation.

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.

Tool changes are generally simple, though one negative review found deeper disassembly and cleaning of the floorhead less reassuring.

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 pickup is a major advantage because the PencilVac lies flat and reaches low spaces that bulkier vacuums miss.

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.

Above-floor pickup is context-dependent: it can reach high or tight areas, but the long non-handheld form makes close-up work awkward.

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

Versatility is limited because reviewers repeatedly frame the PencilVac as a hard-floor touch-up cleaner rather than a whole-home all-rounder.

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 a clear strength, with reviewers repeatedly emphasizing its sub-four-pound or 1.8kg feel and ergonomic lightness.

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.