In this comparison, I break down two of the most popular vacuum brands: Bissell and Dyson.
You’ll learn how Bissell and Dyson upright, canister, cordless stick, and handheld vacuums compare in terms of:
- Options
- Power
- Ease of use
- Features
- Price
Plus, I’ll reveal what the experts are saying about these two brands.
So, if you’re shopping for a new vacuum and can’t decide between Bissell and Dyson, keep reading.
Use the links below to navigate the comparison:
- Bissell vs. Dyson: Quick Summary
- Upright Vacuums
- Canister Vacuums
- Cordless Stick Vacuums
- Handheld Vacuums
- What Others Are Saying About Bissell and Dyson Vacuums
- Bottom Line: Should You Buy a Bissell or Dyson Vacuum?
Bissell vs. Dyson: Quick Summary
If you only have a minute and just want a quick comparison of Bissell vs. Dyson vacuums, here’s what you need to know.
Price: The most notable difference between Bissell and Dyson vacuums is the price. Regardless of the type, Dyson vacuums are significantly more expensive than Bissell vacuums. If you’re looking to spend a modest amount on a vacuum, you might want to cross Dyson off the list. You can check out the current prices on Amazon (Bissell, Dyson).
Power: Power is difficult to measure because both brands use different metrics. Some believe the vacuum industry does this purposefully, so consumers can’t easily compare.
The bottom line—Dyson vacuums are known to be the most powerful vacuums you can buy. If you don’t believe me, look at any Dyson vacuum on Amazon and search the reviews for the term “suction power.” Almost all the reviews you’ll read will be praising the incredible suction powerful and cleaning ability.
Are Bissell vacuums powerful enough? In most cases, yes. But, if you’re looking for the most powerful vacuum, Dyson is the way to go.
Features: Besides their superior power, Dyson vacuums are more expensive than Bissell vacuums because they come with more convenient features. For example:
- The Dyson Ball Animal 2 upright vacuum can detect surfaces (carpet or hardwood) and automatically adjusts for precision cleaning.
- The Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor canister vacuum comes with Self-Pick-Up Technology to pick itself up when it gets knocked over.
- The Dyson V11 cordless stick vacuum has a powerful battery that lasts sixty minutes, which is more than twice as long as most Bissell cordless stick vacuums.
Bottom Line: Both brands make powerful and reliable vacuums, but they are geared towards different customers. Dyson vacuums are at the high end of the market, with tons of premium features, superior power, and a very high price tag. Bissell vacuums are reliable and affordable, but they fall short in terms of power and features.
Keep reading to get the full rundown of how Bissell and Dyson vacuums stack up or learn more by checking out these brands on Amazon (Bissell, Dyson).
Bissell vs. Dyson: Upright Vacuums
Upright vacuums are known for powerful suction and are best suited for cleaning carpet of different piles (thickness). Simply push, pull, and swivel an upright vacuum over the area you want to clean and you’ll have a clean floor in minutes.
Bissell currently has 21 upright vacuum models, while Dyson manufactures four. While that’s a huge contrast in product offerings, all you need is one that fits your budget and needs.
Keep reading to learn how Bissell and Dyson upright vacuums compare, head to head.
Differences Between Bissell and Dyson Upright Vacuums
Let’s break down each brand in terms of product offerings, power, ease of use, features, and price as we explore Bissell vs. Dyson upright vacuums.
Product Offerings: If you like variety, Bissell has you covered with 21 upright vacuums. Dyson has four models, each designed to combine multiple functions.
The most popular models from each brand are the Dyson Ball Animal 2 and the Bissell CleanView with One Pass. Both offer cyclonic suction and easy-to-empty dirt bins instead of bags.
If you don’t want to sift through the specs of all 25 upright vacuums, these are the two to consider. I’m going to dive deeper into how they compare in the next section.
Power: With Dyson and Bissell upright vacuums, you’ll get plenty of power.
Power is measured by factors like input power (watts or amps), voltage, sealed suction (also known as water lift), airwatts, and airflow.
When you’re shopping for an upright vacuum and comparing Bissell and Dyson, it’s important to note that each brand describes power in different terms. Bissell measures power in amps, and Dyson measures it in airwatts.
The Bissell CleanView with One Pass boasts 12-amps, and the Dyson Ball Animal 2 exhibits 250 airwatts of power.
The main question you want to be answered: will it be powerful enough to clean your floor?
Absolutely! These are two industry-recognized powerful vacuum brands. Dyson claims to have the strongest suction of any vacuum on the market, based on testing.
Since both brands offer models with dirt bins and cyclonic suction, if you ever experience a loss of suction, empty the dirt bin and select the proper suction settings.
Ease of Use: Bissell uprights tend to be heavier than Dyson, but not significantly. Both brands have generous lengths for power cords with Bissell averaging 25 to 30 feet in length and 30+ feet for Dyson.
While some Bissell models have swivel heads, all Dyson uprights feature a ball that allows for easy maneuvering.
Both brands have some models with retractable cords (automatic rewind), eliminating the need to wrap the cord around the unit when not in use.
Features: Both brands have extension wands and hoses for added reach and easy cleaning. These features are great if you have a pet that sheds constantly. In fact, Bissell has more than a dozen models specially designed for tackling pet hair.
While Dyson is the pioneer of cyclonic-style vacuums, both brands use this technology. Dyson models use Radial Root Technology for uprights, which is a proprietary multi-cyclonic configuration.
Bissell and Dyson both have advanced filtration and use multi-cyclonic technology in their upright vacuums, which means dirt is fanned into a chamber and separated from the air. The dirt falls into a bin and is filtered to remove allergens.
Specifically, the Bissell CleanView with OnePass uses an innovative brush roll that digs deep into the carpet to lift more debris at one time instead of rolling over the same area repeatedly.
The Dyson Ball Animal 2 features a cleaner head that detects surfaces and automatically adjusts for precision cleaning and a tangle-free turbine tool designed to handle pet hair with ease.
Price: One of the most significant differences between Dyson and Bissell vacuums is the price. Dyson models are more expensive than Bissell. To view current prices, check out the Bissell CleanView with OnePass and the Dyson Ball Animal 2 on Amazon. You can also search Amazon for Dyson and Bissell to view the prices of their entire collections.
To view more details about these models side by side, please refer to the chart in the next section.
Top Bissell and Dyson Upright Vacuums Compared
Want more details? Here’s a side-by-side comparison of two popular upright vacuums for each brand: Bissell CleanView with OnePass vs. Dyson Ball Animal 2.
| Bissell CleanView with OnePass | Dyson Ball Animal 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dirt Bin Capacity (liters) | 2.2 | 2.08 |
| Attachments Included | TurboBrush Tool, Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Extension Wand | Combination Tool, Stair Tool, Tangle-free Turbine Tool |
| Height (inches) | 44 | 42.13 |
| Width (inches) | 13.5 | 15.35 |
| Depth (inches) | 12.5 | 13.39 |
| Weight (lbs.) | 19.5 | 17.35 |
| Power Cord Length (feet) | 25 | 35.1 |
| Automatic Cord Rewind | No | No |
| Swivel Head | No | Yes |
| Key Features | Multi-Cyclonic Technology, OnePass Brush Roller, Multi-Level Filtration for allergen reduction, Easy Empty Dirt Bin | Radial Root Cyclone Technology, Ball Technology, Motorized Brush Bar, Active Base Plate Technology, Whole Machine Filtration, Hygienic Push-Button Dirt Release |
| Warranty | 2-Year Limited Warranty | 5-Year Limited Warranty |
| Price | $ (view on Amazon) | $$$$ (view on Amazon) |
Bissell vs. Dyson: Canister Vacuums
Canister vacuums are great for cleaning bare floors and low pile carpets. The suction flows through a wand and draws all of the dirt and dust into a canister. Because the wand is nimbler than an upright, it can tackle tighter spaces and areas like steps and under furniture.
Bissell offers 12 canister models compared to Dyson’s one.
As we explore Bissell and Dyson canister vacuums, let’s take a look at what each brand has to offer and then dive into the details of two specific models: Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic and Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor.
Differences Between Bissell and Dyson Canister Vacuums
Product Offerings: Bissell offers 12 canister vacuums compared to just one by Dyson. Bissell also offers wet/dry canister vacuums in addition to regular canisters for multi-surface floors. Dyson may have fewer products to choose from, but it’s offering is impressive.
Power: Both brands can get the job done, but exact comparisons are difficult because each company uses different power measurements. Bissell refers to amps, and Dyson uses airwatts when explaining suction power.
For example, the Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic runs on 9.2 amps of power and the Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor Canister Vacuum has a suction power of 250 airwatts.
But what do these differences in power measurements mean? The important thing to know is that vacuums by both brands produce excellent power. Dyson is known for superior suction power, but Bissell also holds an excellent reputation for cleaning floors.
Ease of Use: In most cases, the heavier the vacuum, the harder it is to maneuver. Bissell canister vacuums have a range of weights from easy to pick up 12-pound models up to options weighing more than 25 pounds. Dyson’s canister vacuum weighs in at nearly 17 pounds and 21 feet of cord.
Bissell canisters offer models with retractable cords up to 30 feet long, giving it an edge over Dyson in terms of how much area you can cover without unplugging the unit. Both companies offer easy to use dust bins, but Bissell also has bagged versions.
Features: Both brands offer exceptional multi-surface cleaning performance, but each has some distinct features worth mentioning.
One cool feature of the Dyson canister is its ability to right itself when it gets knocked over. To see this technology in action, check out this video. I also love that the handle and wand can rotate in a 360-degree range of motion combined with a lengthy cord of 35 feet.
Bissell has features that allow you to adjust suction power on delicate surfaces, and some models have rubber wheels to protect floors from scratches and marks.
Price: Side-by-side, Bissell is a high-quality budget alternative to Dyson. View current prices on Amazon for the Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic and the Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor. To view more details about these models, please refer to the chart in the next section.
Top Bissell and Dyson Canister Vacuums Compared
The following chart puts two popular canister vacuums for Bissell and Dyson side by side: Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic vs. Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor.
| Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic | Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor | |
|---|---|---|
| Dirt Bin Capacity (liters) | 2 | 1.78 |
| Attachments Included | Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Metal Telescoping Wand | Turbine Head, Combination Tool, Stair Tool |
| Height (inches) | 15 | 14.5 |
| Width (inches) | 19.2 | 19.9 |
| Depth (inches) | 12.9 | 10.25 |
| Weight (lbs.) | 16.3 | 16.9 |
| Power Cord Length (feet) | 18 | 21 |
| Automatic Cord Rewind | Yes | Yes |
| Swivel Head | Yes | No |
| Key Features | Multi-Cyclonic Technology, Multi-Level Filtration, Multi-Surface Cleaning, Easy Empty Dirt Tank | Radial Root Cyclone Technology, Ball Technology, Self-Pick-up Technology, Multi-Surface Cleaning, Articulation Handle and Wand, Whole Machine Filtration, Hygienic Push-Button Dirt Release |
| Warranty | 2-Year Limited Warranty | 5-Year Limited Warranty |
| Price | $$ (view on Amazon) | $$$ (view on Amazon) |
Bissell vs. Dyson: Cordless Stick Vacuums
Cordless stick vacuums are much like uprights in that they have a tall profile, yet they are streamlined, lightweight, and most are battery-powered. They are perfect for quick cleanup and small messes, as they have limited dirt bin capacity.
Bissell has nine cordless stick vacuums, and Dyson offers four models. In this section, I’ll make specific references to the Bissell ICONpet Cordless Vacuum and the Dyson V11, two popular models for each brand.
Differences Between Bissell and Dyson Cordless Stick Vacuums
Product Offerings: Bissell offers nine stick vacuums, half of which are cordless. Dyson has four cordless stick models: Dyson v7, Dyson v8, Dyson Cyclone V10, and Dyson V11.
Power: Dyson claims that its V11 cordless stick vacuum has twice the suction of any cordless vacuum based on testing. Their cordless stick vacuums run between 30 and 120 minutes on a single charge, allowing you to cover a larger surface area than Bissell cordless vacuums, which have 15 to 40 minutes of battery runtime.
The Bissell ICONpet Cordless Vacuum runs on a 22-volt lithium-ion battery, while the Dyson v11 runs on a 25-volt 7-cell lithium-ion battery.
If you look at the reviews on Amazon for the Bissell ICONpet and Dyson V11 and search for “suction power,” you’ll notice something interesting. The common theme among Bissell customers is that it lacks suction power, and the common theme among Dyson customers is that it’s the best suction power they’ve ever experienced in a stick vacuum.
Ease of Use: Some Bissell cordless stick vacuums weigh less than one pound and swivel effortlessly, making them an excellent choice for small, quick jobs, or if you live in a studio apartment. In general, both brands are lightweight, with models weighing less than 10 pounds. Some of Bissell’s stick vacuums have cords, limiting use to areas with outlets while all Dyson models are cord-free.
Features: Both brands feature cyclonic technology, a more hygienic approach to capturing dirt, dust, and allergens, but Dyson’s is more advanced. Its Radial Root technology generates centrifugal forces up to 79,000 g to ensure ultimate suction.
The Bissell PowerEdge Pet Hard Floor Vacuum, one of their popular models, features a V-shaped cleaning foot with rubber squeegees that allow the vacuum to clean in corners and tight spaces.
The Dyson V11 boasts a wealth of features. First, it comes with a Dynamic Load Sensor (DLS) that automatically adjusts power based on the surface detected. Next, it has a 125,000 rpm motor to enhance power. Lastly, its advanced filtration traps 99.99% of dust and bacteria as small as 0.3 microns.
Price: Bissell cordless stick and corded stick vacuums are less expensive than Dyson’s cordless stick models. Please visit Amazon to see current pricing for the Bissell ICONpet Cordless Vacuum and the Dyson V11. Keep reading to compare these two popular models, side-by-side.
Top Bissell and Dyson Cordless Stick Vacuums Compared
Take a look at the following chart, which compares two popular Bissell and Dyson cordless stick and stick models: Bissell ICONpet vs. Dyson V11.
| Bissell ICONpet | Dyson V11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dirt Bin Capacity (liters) | .4 | .76 |
| Attachments Included | LED Crevice Dusting Brush Combination Tool, Motorized Brush Roll Tool | High Torque XL Cleaner Head, Mini Motorized Tool, Combination Tool, Crevice Tool, Stubborn Dirt Brush, Wand Storage Clip, Docking Station, Charger, Mini Soft Dusting Brush |
| Height (inches) | 43.3 | 49.65 |
| Width (inches) | 11.3 | 10.28 |
| Depth (inches) | 10.6 | 9.84 |
| Weight (lbs.) | 7.5 | 6.68 |
| Battery Type | 22-volt lithium-ion | 25-volt 7-cell lithium-ion |
| Battery Runtime (minutes) | 25 | 60 |
| Swivel Head | Yes | Yes |
| Key Features | LED Lights and Specialized Pet Attachment | Radial Root Technology, Hyperdymium Motor, Whole Machine Filtration, Automatic-Adjust Intelligent Suction, Multiple Power Modes, Battery Runtime Indicator, Point and Shoot Hygienic Dust Bin, Wall-Mounted Charging Dock, Handheld Convertible |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty | 2-Year Limited Warranty |
| Price | $$ (view on Amazon) | $$$$$ (view on Amazon) |
Bissell vs. Dyson: Handheld Vacuums
Handheld vacuums have been around since the late 1970s. But as technology has advanced, so have these vacuums. Today, many handheld vacuums are cordless, though not all.
These vacuums are ideal for light surface cleaning, such as sucking up crumbs on car seats, although many now have the power to clean up some major messes.
Bissell offers seven handheld vacuums, while Dyson makes two models.
Let’s get into the details about how Dyson and Bissell handheld vacuums compare.
Differences Between Bissell and Dyson Handheld Vacuums
Product Offerings: Bissell has seven handheld models and designed for small jobs around the house. Dyson has two handheld vacs, the V7 models (one of which has additional tools to clean car and boat interiors).
Power: Both Dyson cordless models offer 30 minutes of powerful suction on a single charge, utilizing 2 Tier Radial Cyclone Technology (uses 15 cyclones in two tiers) and a 107,000-rpm motor.
Bissell cordless models offer good suction with a range of 15 to 20 minutes of cleaning time on a single charge. Keep in mind; some Bissell handheld vacuums are corded.
Ease of Use: Cordless models make it easy to take vacuuming power anywhere. Both brands are lightweight and versatile enough for many light cleaning scenarios.
Some of the Bissell models include LED lights making it easier to clean darker areas such as car trunks. Dyson models have a motorized brush bar that can remove hair and ground-in dirt in car interiors, car seats, and pet beds with ease.
Features: Dyson gives you two power modes to choose from to maximize cleaning time. Bissell has less cleaning time per charge than Dyson, but I like that it has triple filtration on such a small model and a motorized brush tool attachment for deeper cleaning.
Price: As with all other types of vacuums, Bissell handheld vacuums are less expensive than Dyson. You can view current prices for the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, and the Dyson V7 Trigger on Amazon. In the next section, I compare these two popular models, side-by-side.
Top Bissell and Dyson Upright Handheld Vacuums Compared
Below is a side-by-side comparison of Bissell and Dyson’s top handheld vacuums: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser vs. Dyson V7 Trigger.
| Bissell Pet Hair Eraser | Dyson V7 Trigger | |
|---|---|---|
| Dirt Bin Capacity (liters) | .7 | .6 |
| Attachments Included | 4-Inch Tool, Crevice Tool | Mini Motorhead Tool, Combination Tool, Crevice Tool |
| Height (inches) | 5 | 5.17 |
| Width (inches) | 4.5 | 8.11 |
| Depth (inches) | 16 | 12.45 |
| Weight (lbs.) | 4.6 | 3.77 |
| Battery Type | 14-volt lithium-ion | 22-volt lithium-ion |
| Battery Runtime (minutes) | 15 | 30 |
| Swivel Head | No | No |
| Key Features | Removable Motorized Brush | V7 Motor, 2-Tier Radial Cyclone Technology, Hygienic Push-Button Dirt Release, Dual Power Modes |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty | 2-Year Limited Warranty |
| Price | $ (view on Amazon) | $$$ (view on Amazon) |
What Others Are Saying about Bissell and Dyson Vacuums
Bissell and Dyson are both respected vacuum brands and boast accolades worth mentioning. Here’s a sample of the acclaim these brands have received:
Bissell
Good Housekeeping: Best Vacuum for Pet Hair
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lift-Off Bagless Upright Vacuum received high praise in the Good Housekeeping “Best of 2020” list for its ability to clean up stubborn pet hair successfully, even in hard to reach places. (see full review)
Good Housekeeping: Best Basic Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
The Bissell AirRam Cordless Vacuum is a Good Housekeeping pick due to its long battery life (37 minutes in lab tests), quietness, and ease of use. (see full review)
The WireCutter: Best Budget Pick for Bare Floors
The Wirecutter named the Bissell FeatherWeight 2033 as the best vacuum cleaner if you are looking for an affordable option for bare floors and flat rugs. (see full review)
The Strategist: Best Vacuum Cleaners on Amazon 2020
Several Bissell vacuums earned high marks from Amazon reviewers for pricing, ease of use, and suction, including (see full review):
- Bissell Featherweight 2033
- Bissell Zing Canister Bagless Vacuum
- Bissell CleanView Upright Bagless Vacuum
- Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum
Forbes Magazine: Best Vacuums 2020
The Bissell CleanView earned its place as one of the best budget vacuums of 2020, and the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Pro was awarded the best vacuum for allergy prevention. (see full review)
Dyson
Certified by the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
Dyson has several models, such as the Dyson Ball Animal 2, certified by the AAFA, a non-profit organization that serves people who suffer from asthma and allergies. (see full article)
Good Housekeeping: Best Cordless Vacuum Cleaner for Large Homes
The Dyson V11 Outsize Vacuum won high marks for its extra-wide cleaning head and oversized dustbin. Also, of note are the three power modes that allow for the perfect suction for any flooring type. (see full review)
Good Housekeeping: Best Combination Vacuum Cleaner
The Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum was praised for its ability to tackle embedded dirt in carpets. Despite its slim design and lack of a cord, it rivaled full-sized upright models. (see full review)
The Wirecutter: The Best Cordless Stick Vacuum, 2020
The Dyson V7 Motorhead is the Wirecutter pick for cord-free convenience and its performance on rugs. The upgraded pick is the Dyson V8 Absolute, which features a longer battery runtime, more suction power, and additional included attachments. (see full review)
The Strategist: Best Vacuum Cleaners on Amazon 2020
The Dyson V11 Animal Cordless Vacuum was recognized by Amazon reviewers as the best cordless stick vacuum. Reviewers were impressed by its suction power, battery runtime, dust bin capacity, and ease of emptying the bin. (see full review)
Forbes Magazine: Best Vacuums 2020
The Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 is celebrated for its self-adjusting cleaner head that adjusts suction power based on the surface detected. The wand is easily released for cleaning harder to reach areas, and the dust bin has push-button emptying capability. (see full review)
Bottom Line: Should You Buy a Bissell or Dyson Vacuum?
Now that you’ve learned about several models from both brands, it’s time to answer the pressing question: which vacuum is right for you?
First, consider why you need the vacuum cleaner. Are you looking for a model to keep hardwood floors clean? Do you need help with cleaning up pet hair around the house? Are you living in a compact apartment or a large, multi-level home?
Once you determine your needs, prioritize what is important in terms of price, power, ease of cleaning, air quality concerns, and versatility of use. These assessments will lead you to the right choice.
Dyson is one of the most expensive vacuum brands, but they are also pioneers of innovative vacuum cleaner designs and cyclonic technology. You will pay more, but you will also get more power, longevity, and cleaning features.
Bissell is a more affordable choice, but it might not perform as well or have the longevity of a comparable Dyson model.
The bottom line is that Dyson vacuums are proven high performers, and I recommend Dyson if it fits your budget. Again, you’ll get good results with Bissell, but you may not be as impressed with its performance compared to Dyson.
Check out more reviews and pricing for Bissell and Dyson on Amazon so you can make the best choice for your home or office.
If you found this comparison helpful, you should also check out:
- 4 Cheaper Alternatives to Dyson Vacuums
- 15 Pros and Cons of Robot Vacuums: Are They Worth It?
- Bissell CrossWave Cordless Max vs. Pet Pro: 11 Differences
- The Ultimate House Cleaning Checklist (Printable)
- How to Deep Clean Hardwood Floors: 5 Simple Steps
- Bissell CrossWave Models Compared (With Chart)
- Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner (The Ultimate Review)
- Canister vs. Upright: Which Type of Vacuum Is Best for You?
- Bona vs. Swiffer: Which Floor Mop Is The Best?
- Top 4 Best Vacuums for Hardwood Floors and Area Rugs (With Pictures)
- How to Deep Clean Tile Floors: 6 Simple Steps
- Do Robot Vacuums Damage Hardwood Floors? (How to Prevent It)
- Is a Central Vacuum System Worth It? (Pros & Cons)
