Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute Long-Term Test: Technological Innovation or Expensive Risk?

The new Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute – The best cordless vacuum on the market?

With the Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute, Dyson already presented a cordless vacuum cleaner in 2023 that was supposed to set new standards in both technology and design. In our 12-month long-term test, we examined the high expectations of the Gen5 Detect and compared them to the competition on the market. The following test report illuminates all aspects of this premium vacuum cleaner – from suction power to build quality, based on our own impressions, external test reports and user opinions.

The most important test results of the Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute summarized

Overall, the Dyson GEN5 Detect proved to be a solid vacuum cleaner in our test over several months, picking up dust and crumbs, small leaves and more without problems on both hard floors and carpets. The automatic suction power adjustment works well and quickly. The illumination of the floor brush is truly helpful, especially during the dark season. The integrated handheld vacuum and additional accessories are really practical and quickly ready for use. Overall, the main unit is somewhat large and not exactly light, which at least isn't a problem when placing it on the floor.
The cleaning is also hygienic and rarely leaves anything behind. The dust container is large, but not oversized (for that there's the Dyson Outsize). For our 100 m² living space, one battery charge in ECO mode and the dust container are sufficient. In turbo mode, the vacuum runs out of steam relatively quickly, which is however a general problem of current top cordless vacuums with high suction power. It's also quite loud at full power. The charging time is somewhat long, but a replacement battery can be easily added without screws.

I see the biggest disadvantage in the price, because for a good 500 euros I can get, for example, an equally powerful [url="https://www.produck.de/quack/4420/tineco-pure-one-s15-pro-im-test-mit-blaettern-sand-und-haar",name="Tineco",title="Tineco Test"]. For the Dyson price, everything must be perfect to justify the purchase. And this isn't always the case regarding materials and customer service. Therefore, for me, the Dyson GEN5 Detect is indeed a worthwhile and recommendable purchase, but I would wait for offers that can regularly be found especially at Media Markt / Saturn or on Dyson's manufacturer website (e.g., as part of the [url="https://www.dyson.de",name="best price guarantee",title=""]). From a price of about 600 euros, the device is quite a solid investment.

In summary, the following points can be identified as pros and cons:

Notable Features

• Laser dust detection: Excellent for hard floors to make finest particles visible.
• Piezoelectric sensor: Analyzes and displays dust amount in real-time on the display.
• Washable filters: Sustainable construction through reusable parts.
• Replaceable battery: Enables longer use with optional spare battery.

Looking beyond the horizon

The Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute has been tested by various testing institutes, including Stiftung Warentest. While some testers praise the innovative technology and high suction power, serious weaknesses emerged in other areas.

Stiftung Warentest – Critical Results

In January 2024, Stiftung Warentest rated the Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute with the grade "Poor (5.0)". The reason for this rating was primarily a serious deficiency in durability. During testing, the battery contact points on the housing melted, raising potentially dangerous safety issues. Dyson disputed this rating, referring to the broad acceptance of the model worldwide, but the criticism remains a serious factor as it concerns safety-relevant components.

In our test, we couldn't identify any problems so far. The device works as powerfully as on the first day after 12 months. All parts still seem stable. It's therefore unfortunate that the Stiftung Warentest result gives users an uncertain feeling, whether justified or not. It's hoped that Dyson has taken the rating seriously and that material defects no longer occur in ongoing production.

User Opinions – Amazon Reviews Overview

The customer opinions on Amazon paint a differentiated picture. Positive reviews highlight the suction power, innovative accessories, design, user-friendliness and easy cleaning.

Criticized, however, are build quality issues (loose parts, simple plastic), inadequate customer service and poor spare parts supply, long charging times as well as the high price compared to competition. Particularly the inadequate customer support was strongly negatively rated in several reviews. This aligns with the observation that Dyson's support is often described as hard to reach.

In the following video you can get an impression of vacuuming with the Dyson Gen5:

Detailed Test Report: The Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute in Cleaning Test

The Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute was developed to ensure optimal cleaning on both hard floors and carpets. In practice, both strengths and weaknesses emerge that can be decisive for purchase depending on the area of application.

Cleaning performance on different floor types

The Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute excels especially on hard floors. The Slim Fluffy floor brush, equipped with a green laser, makes even the finest dust particles visible. This significantly facilitates cleaning of hard-to-see dirt and ensures thorough cleaning results. Allergy sufferers particularly benefit from this technology, as they can ensure that even invisible particles are captured.

On carpets, the Digital Motorbar™ floor brush proves to be powerful. It effectively removes dirt and pet hair, with the automatic suction power adjustment making a positive difference. In external test reports, I read that pet hair sometimes got stuck in the brush. Our dog has a coat length of about 5-8 cm. Here I had no problems. My wife's hair length is more noteworthy. But even here the anti-tangle protection proved effective. Longer hair rarely got tangled in the brush. Wife and dog may therefore continue to wear their hair open.

Automatic dust detection

An outstanding feature is the piezoelectric sensor that analyzes particle sizes and quantities in real-time. The Dyson automatically adjusts suction power to the amount of dust, saving energy while maximizing cleaning performance. This technology provides noticeable added value, especially in rooms with changing floor coverings or heavily frequented areas. This shows in the range, as the vacuum reduces power to what's necessary. The degree of contamination is visualized on the display, providing good user feedback, practically a small sense of achievement every time.

Minor weaknesses in practical use

While the laser technology and automatic dust detection are impressive, the Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute also shows weaknesses that many of its competitors also have:

• Dust whirling: When using the short nozzle, the air outlet can cause dust to be distributed around the room.
• Larger objects like leaves are sometimes pushed ahead rather than being sucked up.

Essential Data of the Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute at a Glance

The Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute impresses at first glance with its comprehensive equipment and advanced technology. Here's a detailed overview of the technical specifications:

Design, Build Quality and Handling

The Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute relies on a modern and high-quality design that should reflect the manufacturer's technical innovation power. The choice of materials and build quality of the device play a central role. With its color options – Nickel/Purple and Night Blue/Copper – the vacuum cleaner visually stands out from the competition, which is currently more minimalist, and conveys a premium impression.

The housing consists of robust plastics that make a durable impression. Some users nevertheless report quality defects, particularly in the connections between individual components. These are said to sometimes feel wobbly, which can tarnish the impression of high quality. With intensive use, some devices also develop squeaking or other noises that don't meet expected standards. In our test, this wasn't the case. While the plastic doesn't feel particularly high-quality, everything sat firmly and seemed solidly built.

Handling with dimensions and weight

The ergonomic design of the handle ensures comfortable handling, making it easy to maneuver around furniture and tight areas. A button on top turns the device on and selects suction modes (Eco, Auto and Boost). The GEN5 runs without having to pull a lever, as known from older models, which makes handling easier.

The guidance of the device is smooth and the floor brush proves to be agile and maneuverable. With a height of 1,276 mm, a length of 276 mm and a width of 250 mm, it's a compact cordless vacuum cleaner suitable for cleaning in small apartments as well as larger households and easy to store. The wall mount included in the scope of delivery enables uncomplicated storage of the device with accessories. However, the device doesn't have a standing function.

However, the weight of 3.5 kilograms (including floor brush) is at the upper end for a device in this category. This can lead to fatigue symptoms during longer cleaning tasks, even without floor brush for overhead work. Especially compared to lighter models, this is a point to consider before purchase. Compared to lighter competing models like the Tineco Pure One S15 or other Dyson models like the V12 Slim Absolute, "this clearly carries weight".

Praiseworthy and innovative is the integrated dust nozzle. When you remove the long suction tube, a crevice and dust nozzle is hidden behind it, which can be used to dust furniture, for example. The big advantage is that you always have the small part with you and can thus flexibly switch between floor, furniture surfaces, ceiling work and vacuuming in niches. A tremendous advantage from my perspective!

Display

A central feature of the Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute is the integrated LCD display that provides various real-time information. The display is strategically positioned on the upper area of the handle and thus easily visible during cleaning. It shows, among other things, battery level, currently used suction mode and remaining runtime.

Particularly innovative is the display of particle size and quantity that the vacuum cleaner captures via the built-in piezoelectric sensor. The presentation of this data occurs in the form of diagrams that are updated in real-time. This function enables the user to visually track cleaning progress and specifically see when an area is completely cleaned. For technology enthusiasts, this function is a unique selling point that sets the Gen5 Detect apart from many other cordless vacuum cleaners.

The control of the display is automatic and requires no manual operation, which increases user-friendliness. Some users will question the purpose of the particle display, as it offers little added value in everyday life when cleaning focuses on visible dirt.

Another point is that the display isn't customizable, for example to focus on battery life or suction power. However, this limitation doesn't diminish the overall benefit of the display, which was integrated as an informative and innovative element in the Gen5 Detect.

Battery: Runtime and Charging Duration

The Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute is equipped with a replaceable click-in battery. The battery life of the Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute varies depending on the selected suction mode. In Eco mode, the vacuum cleaner achieves a runtime of up to 70 minutes, which is ideal especially for larger areas and longer cleaning sessions. In Auto mode, which automatically adjusts suction power to the amount of dust collected, runtime is somewhat lower but depends heavily on conditions. Boost mode, which provides maximum suction power, significantly reduces operating time and allows only a few minutes (about 15 in testing) of intensive use. This mode is therefore primarily suitable for spot cleaning and particularly stubborn dirt.

Charging duration

The complete charging of the battery takes about 4.5 hours, which is relatively long compared to other cordless vacuum cleaners. The lack of a fast charging function, as increasingly found, remains to be criticized.

However, the advantage of the click-in system becomes apparent: Users can purchase a second battery separately to double runtime by replacement and bridge charging time. However, Dyson doesn't include a spare battery in the standard scope of delivery, which would be justified for a premium device in this price class.

Noise Level

The Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute operates in a moderate noise range, with noise development strongly depending on the selected suction mode. Overall, the device sounds pleasantly even and without high or shrill tones compared to older models. This improvement is due to the revised motor and cyclone technology, where the cyclones in the GEN5 form a line with the dust container, thus minimizing turbulence.

Noise level in different modes

In Eco mode, the Dyson is comparatively quiet and well-suited for everyday cleaning, especially in households with small children or pets that could be disturbed by loud noises. The Auto mode, which adjusts suction power according to dirt level, produces varying noise levels but remains in an acceptable range.

In Boost mode, the noise level increases considerably, which can be perceived as disturbing during extended use. However, this mode is intended for short, intensive cleaning tasks and shouldn't be used permanently. As such, it was never a problem for me. In sound-sensitive apartments, it could be more of an issue.

Scope of Delivery

The Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute comes with a comprehensive accessory set that offers versatile cleaning possibilities. At first glance, this might not seem like much. However, part of the nozzles are hidden in the suction tube, so less is more here.

All attachments are solidly built and can be changed easily and quickly in everyday use.

Accessories in detail

Slim Fluffy floor brush with laser dust detection: This brush is specifically designed for hard floors and equipped with a laser that makes even the finest dust visible. Especially on dark floors, it enables precise cleaning and highlights dust particles that would otherwise remain invisible.

Digital Motorbar™ floor brush: A versatile brush for carpets and hard floors. It automatically adjusts suction power to floor type and is ideal for removing pet hair. The integrated anti-tangle technology reduces the risk of blocked brushes from hair.

Hair tool: Specifically developed to remove hair from upholstery, mattresses or other textiles. This tool is particularly suitable for households with pets.

Combination tool: A flexible attachment for cleaning surfaces, furniture or delicate objects. It combines a brush with a crevice tool, making it versatile.

Integrated dust and crevice tool: Suitable for hard-to-reach corners and cracks. This tool is narrow and precise to thoroughly clean even tight spaces.

Charger: For charging the click-in battery.

Wall mount: A practical storage solution for the vacuum cleaner and its accessories. The wall mount holds the device securely and saves space, especially in small apartments.

Cleaning the Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute

Dust container emptying

The Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute features thoughtful cleaning features. The point-and-shoot emptying system allows hygienic emptying of the dust container without direct contact with dirt. With a single motion, collected dust is transported into the trash bin. This function is particularly advantageous for allergy sufferers, as dust exposure during emptying is minimized.

Despite the innovative mechanism, there are occasional difficulties, particularly when emptying hair or larger dirt particles, i.e., when things stick together. These can get stuck in the first chamber of the dust container and require manual removal, which diminishes comfort. The container with a capacity of 0.77 liters is sufficient for most applications but needs more frequent emptying in larger households or intensive use. I usually do this after each major vacuuming session to prevent odor formation.

Filter maintenance

The Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute uses a HEPA filter system that captures 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns. This filter system is washable and reusable, reducing ongoing costs. Filter cleaning is straightforward: they're simply cleaned under running water and must then dry completely before being reinstalled. However, the filters must be completely dry, which can take several hours. A replacement filter therefore makes sense.

Floor brush maintenance

The Slim Fluffy floor brush and Digital Motorbar™ floor brush are equipped with removable rollers that can also be washed. This reduces long-term maintenance costs and ensures consistently high performance. The anti-tangle technology works well and rarely left hair in the brush.

Important Questions about the Dyson GEN5 Summarized

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  How heavy is the Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute?

  The Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute weighs 3.5 kilograms with floor brush. While many users find the weight acceptable, some report that it's perceived as tiring during longer cleaning tasks, especially overhead (though without floor brush then).

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  Is the Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute suitable for households with pets?

  Yes, the vacuum cleaner is equipped with a Digital Motorbar™ floor brush and a special hair tool designed for removing pet hair. In testing, pet hair removal worked very reliably.

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  Is the battery replaceable?

  The battery is a removable click-in battery that's easy to replace. This offers the possibility to use a spare battery to extend runtime. However, a second battery isn't included in the scope of delivery and must be purchased separately.

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  How long does the battery last, and how long does charging take?

  In Eco mode, maximum runtime is up to 70 minutes. In Boost mode, this runtime reduces to just a few minutes (about 15 min). Complete battery charging takes about 4.5 hours. There's no fast charging function.

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  Is the Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute loud?

  Noise level varies depending on suction mode. In Eco mode it's comparatively quiet, in Boost mode significantly louder. The sound is pleasant, without shrill or squeaking noises.

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  Can the Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute also pick up larger particles?

  Yes, however it sometimes pushes larger objects like leaves ahead instead of directly sucking them up. This is mainly a problem on carpets.

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  What floor types can the Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute clean?

  The vacuum cleaner is suitable for both hard floors and carpets. The Slim Fluffy floor brush with laser is specifically optimized for hard floors, while the Digital Motorbar™ floor brush represents a universal solution for various floor coverings.

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  How good is spare parts supply?

  Some users have indicated that spare parts for Dyson products aren't always immediately available. This applies particularly to accessories and components that are used more frequently, such as brush rollers or filters.

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  Is the Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute worth its money?

  This depends on individual needs. Users who value innovative technology, strong suction power and comprehensive accessories will find a powerful device in the Gen5 Detect Absolute. For others, the high price and some weaknesses in build quality as well as customer service could be hindering.

Our Conclusion on the Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute

The Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute positions itself as a premium cordless vacuum cleaner that features innovative technology and powerful capabilities. In our practical test and user experiences, a differentiated picture emerges that shows many strengths but also some weaknesses.

The strengths of the Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute

Among the outstanding properties of the Gen5 Detect are excellent suction performance and innovative functions like laser dust detection and the piezoelectric sensor for particle measurement. These technologies make it an excellent choice for households seeking thorough cleaning on hard floors and carpets. The versatile accessories significantly expand the device's range of use and offer tailored solutions for different cleaning tasks. The replaceable battery and washable HEPA filter system also contribute to longevity and reduce long-term costs.

The device's weaknesses

On the other hand, there are criticisms such as the comparatively high weight and long charging time. Additionally, build quality in some areas isn't at the level expected for a device in this price class. Spare parts procurement can also become problematic, potentially limiting long-term use.

Price-performance ratio

At a price from 650 euros, the Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute belongs to the most expensive cordless vacuum cleaners on the market. For this amount, you get a device that's technically convincing but not across the board. Buyers should therefore carefully consider whether the innovative functions and strong performance justify the high price and possibly wait for offers that can regularly be found.

Who is the Dyson Gen5 Detect Absolute suitable for?

The Gen5 Detect Absolute is ideal for households that value powerful cleaning with innovative technology. Allergy sufferers and pet owners particularly benefit from thorough filtration and specialized tools. For users seeking a light, more affordable device or who might regularly need spare parts through intensive use, the Dyson GEN5 Detect is less suitable from my perspective. Buyers should therefore carefully weigh their individual requirements before deciding on this device. For my part, I'm very satisfied with the purchase!