What the heck is the Dyson V9 vacuum and is it worth buying?

Writing about vacuum cleaners is a major part of my job. I've tested almost every Dyson vacuum in the current lineup and know exactly how they all compare. Or so I thought. Browsing the Dyson US site, I came across a model I hadn't seen before: the Dyson V9 Motorbar. What's more, it seems to be attracting some major discounts.

So what is the V9, how does it fit into the current lineup, and is it worth buying with that current discount? Let's investigate...

According to my Dyson US contact, the V9 came out in June 2025. That name is based on where it sits in the cordless vacuum lineup – between the Dyson V8 and the Dyson V11. Based on specs, the best Dyson vacuum you can buy right now is the V16 Piston Animal, which joined the range in September 2025. Before that, the top model was the Gen5detect (I don't have time to get into the illogical Dyson vacuum naming scheme here).

From that, it seems like Dyson has introduced the V9 as a less feature-packed, more affordable option in the lineup. It has the same configuration used in newer Dyson vacuums, where the wand, dust cup, and motor are all stacked in a straight line, to maximize suction efficiency. It also has an LCD screen to report information.

Is the Dyson V9 Motorbar good value?

At list price, the V9 Motorbar is $599.99, which I'd say is pretty steep based on the design and specs. However, since I first spotted this model, I've seen some major discounts – it's been $349.99 and even as cheap as $269.99. At that price, it looks like a steal.

However, it's always worth factoring in the models that sit either side (the Dyson V8 and the Dyson V11), and what discounts are available on those models, before you make your buying decision.

How does the V9 compare to other Dyson vacs?

The Dyson V9 Motorbar is lighter than the V8 and has a much smaller dust cup. The maximum suction power is a little lower, too (I was surprised at this), and while the runtimes are the same, the V9's battery will recharge much faster than the V8's. However, to look at the V9 is the more modern of the two vacuums: it has the efficient in-line configuration found in newer Dyson vacuums, and an LCD screen to convey information.

There's a Submarine version of the V9 – i.e. one with a mopping floorhead that can be swapped in, which could be a big benefit of this model. Currently, the only 2-in-1 option in the lineup is the V15s Detect Submarine, which is relatively expensive.

Based on specs, the V11 is a more powerful option, offering longer runtimes and stronger suction. The dust cup is much bigger than on the V9, and the whole machine is heavier too.

Interestingly, the V9 isn't the only more affordable vacuum to be added to the Dyson lineup in recent months. In September 2025, Dyson also unveiled the V8 Cyclone, as an upgraded version of its V8 model (which is apparently still the brand's bestseller, despite being around a decade old now). The V9 Motorbar is currently available in the US but not the UK, whereas it's the other way around with the V8 Cyclone.

Of course, which model will suit you will depend on your needs. If you don't need masses of power and your priority is something lightweight, the V9 would make an excellent choice. However, if you have a big home and lots of dust to bust, it'll be worth opting for the more powerful, larger V11.