Dyson vs Tineco: which makes the better vacuum cleaners? | TechRadar

Both vacuum cleaner brands have a lot to offer. We explore which one is right for you

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Looking for the best vacuum cleaner you can get for your budget? Then Dyson and Tineco are probably two names you've seen come up again and again. But while both of these well-known companies offer innovative and high-quality cleaning devices, they're very different in terms of their product ranges, target audiences and pricing strategies. So which one is right for you?

To answer that question, this article delves into the world of Dyson vs Tineco, explains what each company has to offer, and explores which brand of vacuum cleaner might suit you better.

Dyson, founded in 1991 by British inventor James Dyson, has become synonymous with high-end vacuum cleaners and other household appliances. The company's focus on cutting-edge technology and sleek design has earned it a reputation for pushing at the boundaries of what a vacuum cleaner can offer.

More specifically, Dyson is known for making some of the best cordless vacuums around. These have a reputation for being streamlined, cordless and flexible, while still offering powerful suction thanks to their unique motors. You will, however, pay for this in terms of higher prices than most rival vacuum cleaners.

Tineco, in contrast, is a relative newcomer to the scene. Founded in 1998, this Chinese company has quickly made a name for itself by offering feature-rich cleaning solutions at more accessible prices than Dyson's. Tineco's priorities seem to be centered on providing smart, multifunctional cleaning devices that cater to the evolving needs of modern households.

Dyson's vacuum range is primarily focused on cordless stick vacuums with a handful of upright models. Although there are exceptions, such as the corded Dyson Ball Animal, the company is making a firm move away from corded vacuums and betting big on battery-powered technology.

Some of the best Dyson vacuums include the V11, V15 Detect, and the top-of-the-line Gen5detect. The company has one robot vacuum (the Dyson 360 Vis Nav) and in 2024 launched its first dedicated hard floor cleaner, the Dyson WashG1.

Tineco also offers cordless stick vacuums and more traditional vacuum styles, but where this brand has really carved out a niche is in the wet-dry vacuum market. This is best demonstrated by its Floor One series, exemplified by the Tineco S7 Pro and Tineco S5 Pro, which combines vacuuming and mopping functions in a single device.

This focus on multifunctionality extends to their Pure One range, such as the Tineco Pure One Station and Pure One S11, which boasts smart features such as dirt detection, auto-adjusting suction power and self-emptying bins.

Dyson positions itself firmly in the premium segment of the market. Its vacuums often come with hefty price tags, justified by the company's reputation for quality and engineering innovation. For example, at Dyson.com, the Dyson Gen5detect currently costs $1.049.99 / £649.99 / AU$1,549 and the Dyson V15 Detect costs $749.99 / £649.99 / AU$1,449.

Tineco, while not super-cheap, generally offers more affordable options. Entry-level models start at around $200-$300 (the Tineco Pure One X Pet vacuum, for instance, is just $229 / £299 / AU$475.00. At the other end of the scale, premium offerings are pricier, but still more affordable than Dyson's top-end models. For example, the Tineco Floor One S7 Pro reaches $699.99 / $599.99 / AU$1,299.

Both Dyson and Tineco pride themselves on technological innovation, but they're focused on very different areas.

Dyson's vacuums are known for their powerful suction capabilities, which is achieved through their patented cyclone technology. Recent models like the Gen5detect also monitor the amount and type of particles they're sucking up, and provide the information in real time via an LCD screen. They also have laser LEDs built into their hard floorheads, to illuminate microscopic particles you might otherwise miss. Dyson also emphasizes battery life and ergonomic design in its cordless models.

Tineco's focus, conversely, is on combining multiple cleaning functions in one device, and its vacuums are known for their smart features and multi-functionality. For instance, the iLoop smart sensor technology in the Pure One series (including the Tineco Pure One S11 smart vacuum) detects dust levels and adjusts suction power accordingly (Dyson's newer vacuums can also do this). Meanwhile its wet-dry models, such as the Floor One S7 Pro, offer features such as self-cleaning brushrolls, voice prompts, and LED displays showing water levels and battery status.

Dyson has a strong presence throughout the world. Its products are widely available through retailers and the company's own online and physical stores.

Tineco's availability, meanwhile, varies more by region. While the brand has a solid presence in the US, availability in other markets is more limited. However, its products can still be bought easily from its own websites in the US, UK and Australia.

The choice between Dyson and Tineco comes down a combination of your budget and what you're looking for in a vacuum cleaner.

Dyson's high-tech cordless stick vacuums are particularly well-suited for homes with a mix of carpets and hard floors, and for anyone who wants the convenience of a streamlined, flexible device that can get into nooks and crannies without quickly running out of battery power. And while this will come at a premium price, if you clean often and value your time, you may consider that well worth it.

Tineco, on the other hand, may be the better choice if you live in a home with predominantly hard floors and are seeking a high-end wet-dry vacuum. Alternatively, if you're on a tight budget, its mid-range cordless models offer some impressive capabilities at surprisingly affordable prices.

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Tom May is a freelance writer and editor specialising in tech, design and sleep products. Over the years he's tested a number of mattresses, duvets and pillows, and as a back pain sufferer, has a keen interest in finding ones that offer maximum support. Plus, in running a successful Airbnb business, sleep hygiene and providing the right bedding for guests has become a big part of his day-to-day life. He is author of Great TED Talks: Creativity, published by Pavilion Books.

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