Dyson Gen5 Detect Cordless Vacuum

Pros

• Carpet — Medium-Pile Pickup ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 5.0
  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.
• Motor efficiency / runtime-per-watt (cordless) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 5.0
  In battery-efficiency style scoring (airflow on max paired with runtime), the Gen5 Detect is repeatedly credited for converting battery capacity into unusually strong usable airflow per minute, helping explain why it wins battery-life and performance awards despite its high power output.
• Crevice / Groove Pickup (Hard Floors) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.9
  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.
• Hard Floor — Fine Dust Pickup ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.8
  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.
• Filtration / Dust Containment ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 9 reviews 4.8
  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.
• Comparative performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.8
  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.
• Suction & Airflow ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 15 reviews 4.8
  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.
• Tool-change simplicity ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 10 reviews 4.8
  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.
• Hair Pickup — Carpets ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.7
  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.
• Debris illumination ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 12 reviews 4.7
  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.
• Carpet — Low-Pile Pickup ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.7
  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.
• Runtime (Measured, Default) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 14 reviews 4.7
  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.
• Pet-Ready Features ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.7
  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.
• Assembly and Setup ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.6
  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.
• Accessories & Tools ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 11 reviews 4.6
  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).
• Versatility ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.6
  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.
• Battery & Charging ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.5
  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.
• Hair‑Wrap / Tangle Resistance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.5
  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.
• AI, Smart & App / Automation ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.5
  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).
• Cordless convenience ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.5
  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.
• Hair Pickup — Hard Floors ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.5
  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.
• Controls & UI ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 11 reviews 4.5
  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.
• Overall opinion ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 15 reviews 4.4
  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.
• Filter-change indicator ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.4
  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).
• Stair Cleaning ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.4
  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.
• Build quality & durability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.4
  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.
• Maintenance requirements ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.3
  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.
• Carpet — High-Pile Pickup ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.3
  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.
• Aesthetic design & finish ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.2
  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.
• Hard Floor — Large Debris Intake ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.1
  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.
• Bin & Bag ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.0
  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.
• Edge & Baseboard Cleaning (Hard Floors) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.0
• Maneuverability & Handling ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 3.9
  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.
• Upholstery / Above-Floor Pickup ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 3.9
  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.
• Runtime (Measured, Boost/Turbo) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 3.8
  Boost/Max runtime is repeatedly described as short but intense, with many measurements clustering roughly from about 7 to low-teens minutes depending on head and conditions, making it best for targeted deep-clean bursts rather than whole-home cleaning in max power.
• Emptying & Mess Control ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 3.8
  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.
• Noise level ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 3.6
  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.
• Airflow blowback ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 3.6
  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.
• Support & Reliability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 3.6
• Ease of use ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 3.6
  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.