Which Dyson vacuum is best? A running guide comparing cordless Dyson vacuums in 2025.

Read my full review of the Dyson V12 Detect Slim.

The Dyson V12 Detect Slim is genuinely a solid vacuum for just about any household. But as the lightest Dyson vacuum out right now, the V12 Detect Slim speaks to those who want the least physically demanding vacuum possible. Its compactness also makes it easy to store in a small space, including under a couch or hanging on the wall.

The Fluffy Optic laser head included with the Dyson V12 Detect Slim makes a world of difference over cheaper mid-range Dysons like the V11 — if you’re hyper aware of all of the hair and dust that accumulates on a daily basis, the V12 Detect Slim is the cheapest way to get the thoroughness of the laser.

The lite (like diet but also like lightweight) version of Dyson’s laser-equipped vacuums isn’t Dyson’s cheapest or highest-end offering. Rather, the V12 Detect Slim incorporates Dyson’s best features — the game-changing laser that highlights dust and hair that your eyes would never pick up on, digital display and automatic boost, and powerful, precise attachments — for over $100 less than the V15 Detect (even more if you find it on sale).

The V12 Detect Slim offers all of this while shaving over a pound off the V15 Detect, making it the most lightweight and compact Dyson available. The result is a smaller dust bin and battery, which are better suited for apartments and one-floor homes. But the dust bin on this Dyson vacuum is still the point-and-shoot kind that makes emptying into the trash easy.